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Ukraine Proposes Joint Defense Funding to EU Partners as Part of Security Integration Plan

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Ukraine Proposes Joint Defense Funding to EU Partners as Part of Security Integration Plan
Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko spoke at a joint press conference with Canadian counterpart François-Philippe Champagne during the G7 finance meeting in Banff, Alberta. (Source: Getty Images)

Ukraine has called on its European partners to co-finance the Armed Forces of Ukraine as part of a broader effort to strengthen regional security and integrate Ukraine into Europe’s defense architecture.

The proposal was announced by Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko following a G7 financial meeting in Canada on May 22, where Ukraine’s 2026 budgetary needs were a key focus of discussion.

“Our proposal is for partner countries to participate in funding the Ukrainian Armed Forces, thereby integrating Ukraine’s military into Europe’s defense architecture,” Marchenko said.

“The cost of supporting Ukraine’s armed forces for European security would represent only a small fraction of the EU’s GDP. This expense could be shared among countries willing to join the initiative and included in their defense spending calculations in line with their NATO commitments.”

Marchenko noted that European nations are already seeking to bolster their defense capabilities amid rising security threats, including efforts to increase military personnel.

“However, building such capacity will take years and require substantial resources,” he added. “Integrating the Ukrainian Armed Forces offers an effective solution with economic benefits for partner countries.”

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held his first in-person meeting with Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney in Rome, where the leaders discussed joint efforts to increase pressure on Russia, enhance security assistance, and advance international diplomatic efforts to end the war.

According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, the talks focused in particular on strengthening sanctions against Russia, including secondary sanctions targeting energy exports and the shadow tanker fleet used to circumvent existing restrictions.

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