Zelenskyy will appeal to the EU for assistance in increasing the salaries of military personnel

This was stated by Volodymyr Zelenskyy to journalists in Kyiv, according to  Bloomberg.

"Previously, Europeans refused to provide financing for salaries of our military personnel, only for weapons. However, our military themselves can be the weapon that protects everyone," Zelenskyy noted.

The publication notes that the government seeks to attract more volunteers by offering substantial payments to those who sign military contracts. However, increasing soldiers’ pay will place additional strain on Ukraine’s state budget, which last year exceeded 20% of the gross domestic product due to significant military expenditures.

Ukraine relies on tens of billions of dollars in aid from foreign partners, who have so far rejected the idea of directly covering military expenses.

Despite the requirements of the International Monetary Fund, which provides Ukraine with a credit program of about $16 billion to reduce the deficit, the government does not yet plan to raise taxes.

According to Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliya Svyrydenko, as of today, international donors have guaranteed only about half of the $75 billion Ukraine needs to cover the budget over the next two years.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine requires $25 billion annually for the production of drones, electronic warfare means, and missiles, which will increase the budget deficit to $65 billion next year.

According to the president, he has started discussions on this issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as with representatives of the United States.

"This is a very complex topic," Zelenskyy emphasized.