KYIV: President Volodymyr Zelensky called on lawmakers to pass key legislation next week to avert a funding crisis, help Ukraine fight the war against Russia, and enact key reforms required for European Union accession.
Due to lagging reforms and slow legislative progress in late 2025 and early 2026, Ukraine missed deadlines to unlock billions from its key lenders, economists said.
With the need for external financing standing at $52 billion this year - equivalent to around a quarter of annual economic output - the budget situation is desperate.
“I have a list of key draft laws that are critical for securing funding,” Zelensky said in remarks released on Friday.
They range from strengthening the court system to reforming energy sector procedures.
“I believe that members of parliament from all parties must understand the importance of these bills for Ukraine’s budget,” said Zelensky, who has a majority in parliament but relations have soured.
David Arakhamia, head of the ruling Servant of the People faction, said lawmakers planned to meet on Monday to discuss the legislation with the key ministers. Voting is planned for April 7 and 8.
Ukraine depends on Western financial support as it fights a bigger and better-equipped enemy. Since the 2022 invasion, Kyiv has received about $174 billion in economic aid.
