Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi said the country's total war costs will reach $155 billion this year, according to The Straits Times and Reuters, as the government struggles to close a funding gap it says is needed to sustain combat operations.
Sources differ on the size and timing of the funding gap. The Straits Times and Reuters reported a $27 billion gap tied to ensuring operations can continue at the start of 2027, while Euronews reported Ukraine is pushing for 'bold action' on Russian assets to plug a $78 billion shortfall in 2027. Separately, according to Bloomberg, the IMF predicts Ukraine will face a $54 billion funding gap by 2029.
Euronews reported that Ukrainian officials are pressing allies for decisive steps involving frozen Russian assets to help cover the shortfall, according to Euronews.
Newsmax reported the $155 billion war cost figure as applying to 2026, differing from the Straits Times and Reuters framing of the cost as this year's total.
How each side covered it
Left
- Bloomberg reported an IMF prediction that Ukraine will face a $54 billion funding gap by 2029.
“Ukraine to Have $54 Billion Funding Gap by 2029, IMF Predicts” — Bloomberg
Center
- The Straits Times and Reuters reported Ukraine's total war costs will reach $155 billion this year.
- The Straits Times and Reuters reported a $27 billion funding gap tied to sustaining combat operations into 2027.
- Euronews reported a $78 billion shortfall in 2027 and Ukraine's push for action on Russian assets.
“Ukraine struggling to cover funding gap as war costs surge” — Reuters
Right
- Newsmax reported Ukraine's war costs at $155 billion, framed in connection with 2026.
“Ukraine PM: War Costs for 2026 Hit $155 Billion” — Newsmax
Questions readers ask
What did Ukraine's prime minister say about war costs?
Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi said Ukraine's total war costs will reach $155 billion, according to The Straits Times and Reuters, though Newsmax reported this figure in connection with 2026.
How big is Ukraine's funding gap?
Sources differ: The Straits Times and Reuters reported a $27 billion gap tied to operations into 2027, Euronews reported a $78 billion shortfall for 2027, and Bloomberg reported the IMF's prediction of a $54 billion gap by 2029.
Why is Ukraine focused on Russian assets?
According to Euronews, Ukraine is pushing allies for 'bold action' on frozen Russian assets to help plug its funding shortfall.
What do different outlets emphasize about this story?
Center outlets emphasized the scale of war costs and funding gaps along with calls to use Russian assets, while left-leaning coverage focused on the IMF's longer-term funding projection and right-leaning coverage focused on the overall cost figure.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- BloombergLeft-leaningUkraine to Have $54 Billion Funding Gap by 2029, IMF Predicts
- EuronewsCenterUkraine pushes for 'bold action' on Russian assets to plug $78bn shortfall in 2027
- ReutersCenterUkraine struggling to cover funding gap as war costs surge
- The Straits TimesCenterEU tells Ukraine to focus on reforms to unlock funding, as Kyiv faces mammoth budget hole
- NewsmaxRight-leaningUkraine PM: War Costs for 2026 Hit $155 Billion