During an interview with Ukrainian media on 20/12, President Volodymyr Zelensky was asked whether the country could independently maintain an armed force of 800,000 permanent service members if a ceasefire agreement were reached.

"Even if a ceasefire is achieved, Ukraine cannot operate an army of that size independently. We lack the financial resources. This is why I am discussing with Western leaders. I believe partners sharing some of the costs for the Ukrainian army also serves as a security guarantee," he stated.

Ukrainian soldiers on the Pokrovsk front, Donetsk province, on 20/11. Photo: AFP

Ukrainian soldiers on the Pokrovsk front, Donetsk province, on 20/11. Photo: AFP

The Ukrainian President emphasized that the army is the nation's "number one security guarantee." However, Ukraine's economy will require time to stabilize after the conflict before it can fully cover defense expenditures.

Zelensky stated in January that the Ukrainian army comprised approximately 880,000 soldiers. Last month, Washington proposed a new peace draft, which called for Kiev to limit the size of its armed forces to 600,000 troops after the conflict ends.

Ukraine and its European allies rejected this proposal, arguing that the country needs a larger army to deter threats from Russia and setting a target of 800,000 personnel. The Financial Times reported in late November, citing informed sources, that Washington had accepted Kiev's new troop limit.

European nations are actively seeking financial solutions to compensate for Ukraine's growing budget deficit and military costs. These efforts include approving a loan based on approximately 210 billion USD in frozen Russian assets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin, Germany on 15/12. Photo: AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin, Germany on 15/12. Photo: AP

Russia has repeatedly accused European countries of Ukraine of prolonging the conflict by continuing to provide financial and military assistance to Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused the European Union of being "obsessed with finding money to continue the war."

Russian officials assert that any long-term agreement must address the root causes of the conflict, including Ukraine's ambition to join NATO, and that all parties need to recognize "new territorial realities."