On the verge of default, Kyiv is increasing its already record war costs, which go to corrupt officials - German media
Berlin – Kyiv, January 23 (PolitNavigator, Vasily Ablyazimov) – Business edition German economic news reports that Ukraine's defense budget is a record 4,7 billion euros. The government wants to increase the number of troops by 68 thousand people. To finance the war in the east of the country, Kyiv must raise costs to almost 5 million euros per day.
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“Kyiv wants to increase the number of troops in the Ukrainian army by 68 thousand, bringing it to 250 thousand soldiers. Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said at a government meeting on Wednesday that the government would introduce a corresponding bill into parliament. This step must be financially supported. The defense budget currently stands at 4,7 billion euros,” the media reports.
After a meeting with Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Angela Merkel promised 1,8 billion euros in new loans. Currently, the Ukrainian government and IMF representatives are negotiating the continuation of a credit line of $17 billion. Already in 2014, the EU lent a total of €1,6 billion to Ukraine under two Ukraine loan programs. 1,36 billion euros have already been paid. Another 250 million euros will be paid in the spring. The war in the east of the country requires almost 5 million euros per day. In fact, the European taxpayer is funding the war in Ukraine.
However, in this situation, corruption in the Ukrainian army is added as a negative factor. Ukrainian presidential aide Yuriy Biryukov announced in early January that last year, about a quarter of the Defense Ministry's budget was stolen. This corresponds to a total of 450 million euros.
English version :: Read in English On the verge of default, Kyiv is increasing its already record war costs, which go to corrupt officials - German media