Member of Parliament, Secretary of the Defense Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Colonel of the Security Service of Ukraine Roman Kostenko commented on the increase in expenditures for parliamentary activities in the context of the absence of changes to military salaries. In a broadcast on Channel 24, he noted that funding for deputies has been increased, but this is not personal payments. This money is intended for parliamentary needs, which has caused outrage in society, especially against the backdrop of the open question of raising salaries for military personnel.
It is worth recalling that the Verkhovna Rada recently approved the budget for 2026, which does not provide for an increase in military salaries. Yana Zinkevich, a member of parliament from the "European Solidarity" party and commander of the medical battalion "Hospitallers," called this decision a "crime." She expressed her outrage regarding the increase in deputies' payments during wartime, claiming that it is immoral.
Why is there a lack of funds for the military?
Roman Kostenko noted that the military budget is already fully allocated, and in order to find funds for salary increases, it will be necessary to look beyond the defense budget. He added that increasing military salaries by 10,000 hryvnias would require about 100 billion hryvnias, which is not available within the existing budget.
Prospects for Women's Mobilization
In an interview with "Telegraph," Zinkevich also shared her opinion on the possibility of women's mobilization, stating that this issue will sooner or later come up. She personally supports such an initiative but emphasizes that this topic requires a balanced approach, considering the age and family circumstances of women.
The member of parliament emphasized the importance of conducting reforms and mobilization rules, expressing support for the territorial recruitment centers and social support system. However, she noted the necessity to eliminate deficiencies and abuses that provoke discontent in society.
Funding for Army Needs
Yana Zinkevich also pointed out the financial constraints that should motivate draft dodgers to serve in the military. She stressed that it is crucial to ensure the necessary finances to increase military salaries in the future and to reduce expenditures in other areas that are not priorities under the current conditions.
Thus, the increase in expenditures for parliamentarians during wartime has caused wide public resonance and questions regarding the priorities of state funding.
