Zelensky: Ukraine needs to cover deficit of $65 billion per year

MOSCOW. July 25 (Interfax) - Ukraine needs to cover the deficit of $40 billion per year, and defense manufacturing requires $25 billion, therefore, $65 billion is needed, Ukrainian media outlets said, citing Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.

"Ukraine needs to cover the deficit of 40 billion per year. Ukrainian drone manufacturing requires 25 billion per year. It makes up 65 now, if all that is covered," Ukrainian media outlets quoted Zelensky as telling reporters on Thursday.

He said he started working on it with European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the United States, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.