In a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is visiting kyiv, the Ukrainian president said that of the total expenditure, about 60 percent was provided by the United States and the European Union. “The 2024 war cost Ukraine, in terms of providing defense forces, more than $100 billion, of which $40 billion is the national contribution, $35 billion from the United States, and $25 billion from Europe,” Zelensky said.
In this regard, he stressed that it is important for his nation not to lose the common alliance between Washington and Brussels in support of Ukraine.
As part of the meeting between Zelensky and Starmer, the dignitaries signed a bilateral partnership agreement, under which London will provide at least $3.6 billion in annual military assistance to kyiv for as long as necessary.
In this regard, the Ukrainian leader added that, together with funds from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets, they expect to receive London aid this year totaling $6.6 billion.
kyiv is actively looking for ways to cover its budget deficit, while Western partners insistently recommend that the Ukrainian authorities find more sources to increase its self-financing capacity.
In the midst of this conflict that creates millions of dollars in debt for the Slavic nation on a daily basis, on November 28 of last year, Zelensky enacted a significant tax increase, which directly affects the civilian population.
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