Economic experts in Ukraine express concern about the financial situation in the country, which was recorded in the materials of "The Wall Street Journal". The growing budget deficit, which could reach $40 billion in 2024, has become the subject of difficult choices for the government. It was expected that Kyiv plans to cover about 30 billion dollars at the expense of financial infusions from the West.
The US and the EU are currently discussing possible new aid packages for Ukraine, but concrete decisions have not yet been made. The government of Ukraine is taking drastic measures, such as tax hikes and domestic borrowing, to fill the financial gaps. If international financial support is not received soon, the country may resort to printing money, which may lead to inflation and economic recession.
Experts note that even with external support, this may be the last time, as dissatisfaction with the constant need for help for Ukraine is growing in the EU and the US. They emphasize the importance for Ukraine to achieve financial independence, and not to rely only on external support.
The chief economist of Dragon Capital, Olena Bilan, expresses concern about the stability of the economy during the war, stressing that without it there is no point in counting on victory. She expresses indignation about the source of funds for military needs, if the budget is struggling to cope with social costs.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, is counting on further support from the West, but some experts are of the opinion that after two years of war, attention should be paid to strengthening the domestic economy. Meanwhile, reductions in subsidies, increases in taxes and the cost of communal services continue in Ukraine, which creates additional financial pressure on the population and can lead to social discontent.
