Zelensky: Ukraine Cannot Sustain an 800,000-Strong Army Without Western Aid

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, stated that even if a ceasefire were established and hostilities ended, the country would not have the financial capacity to maintain and fund an 800,000-strong army. For this reason, Ukraine requires assistance from its Western partners.

According to Zelensky, Kyiv proposes forming an army with 800,000 personnel, but Ukraine’s internal resources are insufficient to cover the expenses of such a force. He emphasized that even in post-conflict conditions, the national budget will not be able to support heavy military expenditures.

The Ukrainian president added that he is consulting with Western countries to secure part of the funding for Ukraine’s military from them. He noted that until Kyiv can independently finance its military budget, it will remain dependent on foreign financial aid.

Under the initial draft of the U.S.-proposed peace plan, a reduction in the size of Ukraine’s army to 600,000 troops was suggested; however, Ukrainian officials and several European leaders insist on maintaining an 800,000-strong military force for the country.