Today, on 28 November, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Law of Ukraine “On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2024” No. 3460-IX.

The priority focus is on the articles related to the national security and defence of Ukraine. Almost half of all expenditures are allocated for these purposes: over UAH 1.6 trn, or 22.1% of GDP.

It is in line with the decision of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine dated 9 October 2023 “On Proposals to the Draft Law of Ukraine “On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2024” on Articles Related to Ensuring National Security and Defence of Ukraine”, enacted by the Decree of President of Ukraine No. 682 dated 9 October 2023.

In particular, this decision of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine set the Government the task of ensuring an increase in expenditures the on national security and defence of Ukraine in 2024, taking into account the military and political situation, as well as the requirements of budget legislation. Thus, both this year and in 2024, the approved expenditures will be increased to meet the urgent needs of the security and defence sector bodies related to the implementation of measures to repel the armed aggression of russia against Ukraine.

In addition, the Council’s decision instructed the Government to take measures in accordance with the established procedure to ensure timely and full funding in 2024 for the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and other bodies of security and defence sector of Ukraine for payment to military personnel, rank and file and police officers. Ensuring the proper maintenance of the personnel of the security and defence forces and the implementation of social guarantees are important areas that are under constant control of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.