Ukraine Highlights $6 Billion Need to Maintain Weapons Production Timeline
On August 8, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Serhiy Boiev met with Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Gediminas Navickas, during which the parties discussed Ukraine's financial needs for 2025–2026, The Gaze reports, referring to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
“Early planning of defense industry financing, as well as arms supplies and other assistance, remains an important issue for Ukraine,” said Serhiy Boiev.
The Deputy Minister of Defense also noted that Ukraine currently needs about $6 billion to ensure arms production by early 2026.
The parties also discussed the distribution of funding for the production of FPV drones, long-range weapons, and interceptor drones, and analyzed Ukraine's security assistance needs for 2026.
Serhiy Boiev emphasized that despite international efforts to end the war, Russia continues its aggression and is increasing its arms production, so Ukraine must be prepared and actively strengthen its partnerships with allies.
During the meeting, special attention was paid to further steps within the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) initiative aimed at integrating Ukraine into the European defense-industrial space.
It is worth recalling that the SAFE Initiative, approved by the EU Council in May 2025, is a new financial instrument that provides long-term concessional loans of up to €150 billion to support member states in strengthening their defense capabilities and developing the European defense industry.
Ultimately, the parties discussed the identification of participating countries and projects for financing, and the EU representative confirmed its readiness for long-term support and cooperation in the defense sector.
As The Gaze wrote earlier, although Ukraine cannot directly receive loans under the SAFE initiative, its full association with the program allows it to participate in defense projects as an industrial partner in cooperation with EU countries.