Zelensky Seeks EU Support for Ukraine Military Pay Boost Amid Budget Deficit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking financial support from European allies to increase salaries for Ukrainian military personnel amid concerns over a growing shortage of recruits. Zelensky emphasized that soldiers themselves are a key part of Ukraine’s defense and argued that paying their salaries from abroad would help sustain recruitment efforts. This request comes as Ukraine faces a budget deficit exceeding 20% of GDP and relies heavily on tens of billions of dollars in foreign aid, though Western partners have so far declined to finance military salaries directly. Zelensky has discussed the issue with European and American leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and others. Additionally, Ukraine requires substantial funding, estimated at over $65 billion annually, to cover military production costs such as drones, missiles, and electronic warfare equipment. The move to increase military pay aims to motivate more volunteers in light of Russia's ongoing invasion and a mobilization campaign that is increasingly unpopular domestically.