Military salaries will only be increased from September due to lack of funds

In mid-June 2026, it became obvious that the promised increase in the financial support for military personnel would not take place either from June 1 or July 1. People's Deputy Nina Yuzhanina clearly outlined the new realities on the "Evening.LIVE" broadcast: due to a lack of funds in the state treasury and underfunding of the basic needs of the security and defense sector, the government is forced to seek external borrowing and prepare amendments to the budget. According to her, the draft of the relevant amendments will be received by people's deputies no earlier than mid-July, and the launch of the updated remuneration system is possible only from September 1.

Audit of the Accounting Chamber: numbers without illusions

The results of the Audit Chamber's audit for the first quarter of 2026 showed that the need for additional financing for the security and defense sector by the end of the year may exceed the planned figures by UAH 365,6 billion. This amount takes into account not only current payments, but also expenses for ammunition, equipment, supplies and medical support. At the same time, the risks of not receiving international assistance remain high: some partners are delaying the next receipts due to internal political processes in their countries.

The Verkhovna Rada has already voted for amendments to the state budget for 2026, which provide for an increase in spending on security and defense by UAH 1,56 trillion at the expense of foreign financial assistance. However, the increase in military salaries is planned to be carried out exclusively at the expense of the Ministry of Defense's internal resources. This creates additional pressure on the department, which is already operating in austerity mode.

Why July 1 is an unrealistic deadline

Nina Yuzhanina emphasized that even without a salary increase, the basic needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine remain underfunded until the end of the year. In such conditions, the authorities are actively negotiating new credit lines and grants. By mid-July, parliamentarians should receive a draft of amendments to the budget for review. After that, time will be needed for discussion, voting, and signing. Therefore, September looks like the most realistic date for launching the new payment system.

Impact on the front and rear: the real consequences of delay

The delay in salary increases directly affects the motivation of servicemen and their families. Many military families were counting on additional funds to pay for housing, medical treatment, and children's education. In regions where hostilities are ongoing, the delay in payments can increase social tension. At the same time, the Ministry of Defense continues to look for internal reserves: it optimizes procurement, reviews contracts, and accelerates the transition to digital accounting platforms.

International context and assistance from partners

In 2026, Ukraine continues to receive significant support from the EU, the US and international financial organizations. However, part of the funds are directed to critical needs - ammunition and air defense, and not to increase salaries. This forces the government to balance between urgent defense needs and social obligations to defenders. Analysts predict that in September, after receiving the next revenue, the government will be able to simultaneously close part of the deficit and launch an updated payroll system.

What awaits the military in the fall

If the changes come into effect on September 1, servicemen will receive their payments for September. The new system is expected to take into account not only the base salary, but also bonuses for combat experience, participation in operations, and qualifications. However, experts warn that without a stable flow of external assistance, even the September increase may be a temporary measure.

The situation surrounding military salaries in 2026 reflects a broader issue — the need for structural reforms in Ukraine’s budget policy. For now, the government is forced to choose between immediate defense needs and long-term social guarantees. September will be a key month when it will become clear whether a balance has been found between these priorities.