Zelenskyy: Ukraine cannot independently fund 800,000-strong military, partner assistance needed
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine cannot independently finance its Armed Forces at a strength of 800,000 personnel and is therefore considering partial funding with support from its international partners.
Source: Zelenskyy during an online briefing with journalists on Saturday 20 December
Quote from Zelenskyy: "No, Ukraine is not capable of financing such an army (numbering 800,000 troops – ed.), we don't have enough financial resources. That is why I'm conducting this dialogue with world leaders. I consider partial funding of our army through our partners as a security guarantee for us. Because the Armed Forces of Ukraine are, first and foremost, our number one security guarantee."
Details: Zelenskyy said that Ukraine will need time to "stabilise" its post-war economy and fund the military. "For now, we need partner assistance," he added.
Background:
- Zelenskyy stated at a press conference in Munich that until Ukraine joins NATO, it needs a 1,500,000-strong military to be able to resist Russia.
- In January, Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces consisted of 880,000 soldiers defending the entire country.
- Zelenskyy also stated that as long as Ukraine is not a NATO member, external funding is required for an 800,000-strong military as part of security guarantees.
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