Ukraine budget nears critical point, Kyiv urges lawmakers to pass finance bills

Kyiv is warning that its state budget is nearing a critical point, with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi urging lawmakers to pass essential finance bills to secure international support. The government faces a potential loss of billions in funding if the legislation is not approved.

Prime Minister Koretskyi announced on September 14 that the dismissal of acting State Tax Service Head Lesia Karnaukh was part of the efforts to address the budget shortfall. He emphasized the urgency for parliament to pass the necessary bills, stating that they are crucial for receiving international financial assistance. Failure to meet deadlines could result in Ukraine missing out on a significant portion of $29.5 billion in planned funds.

Koretskyi indicated that a detailed schedule of deadlines for each vote would be provided to parliament members. The government plans to accelerate its implementation of over 40 required decisions to secure the funds, a process previously slated for completion by November 1. He assured that government officials are ready to collaborate with lawmakers on each bill and provision to ensure prompt adoption.

President Zelensky echoed the urgency in his evening address, highlighting the need for seamless cooperation between parliament and the government to close the budget deficit and maintain necessary payments. He acknowledged that the list of required laws and government decisions includes both popular and unpopular measures, but stressed their importance for Ukraine's survival and defense capabilities.

Parliament had previously failed to advance similar draft laws on September 1, despite an IMF mission visiting Kyiv. Koretskyi stated that 43 bills linked to Kyiv's obligations to international lenders must be passed to secure nearly $30 billion in financial support.