Ukraine approves record defense budget amid intensified strikes

Ukraine's parliament has approved a record defense budget, allocating an additional 1.56 trillion hryvnias (approximately 30 billion euros) for defense and security needs. This brings the total defense budget for the current year to a historic high of 4.37 trillion hryvnias, equivalent to about 84 billion euros, according to Reuters. The vote passed with 242 votes, exceeding the required majority of 226. This significant financial commitment follows Ukraine's recent intensification of strikes deep within Russian territory and its pursuit of incremental gains on the front lines of the ongoing conflict. The substantial budget increase became feasible following the European Union's approval of a 90 billion euro loan package for Ukraine. The first disbursement of 3.2 billion euros from this loan is expected to be transferred to Ukraine this month. Kyiv remains heavily reliant on international support to finance its national budget, underscoring the critical role of foreign aid in sustaining its defense efforts and overall economic stability.