Ukraine can fight until at least mid-2025 without U.S. aid – finance minister

The minister said this in an interview with El País, responding to a question about the potential cessation of U.S. aid, Ukrinform reports citing Suspilne Novyny.

Marchenko acknowledged that such a scenario would present a significant challenge for Ukraine. He stressed the importance of Kyiv having a strategy to establish favorable conditions for cooperation with the U.S. new administration.

“It is in Ukraine’s natural interest to build trust for cooperation. I believe this should be a priority strategy for both Ukraine and Europe,” the minister said.

However, he emphasized that circumstances could change and that Ukraine must “use this time wisely and be prepared to negotiate with the new administration” to manage this uncertainty.

“I think we have enough funds, enough weapons, and sufficient missile and artillery supplies to resist at least until the first half of 2025. We will allocate enough budget funding to purchase ammunition and the necessary military equipment in 2025,” Marchenko noted.

The minister also highlighted that Ukraine is currently receiving the needed weaponry from the U.S.

“This means that at least for the first half of the year and beyond, we will be well-armed to counter this aggression. Ukraine must use this time very wisely to conduct essential negotiations with our key allies in the U.S.,” he said.

As reported, on December 2, the U.S. government announced a new $725 million security assistance package for Ukraine, including HIMARS missiles, artillery shells, drones, Stinger systems, and other weaponry.

On December 8, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump stated in an interview on Meet the Press that Ukraine would likely receive less support under his administration.

According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Finance, thanks to amendments to the Tax Code and the G7’s ERA program worth $50 billion, Ukraine will fully finance its defense needs in 2025, totaling ₴2.2 trillion (26.3% of GDP).