ABU DHABI, — Ukraine is seeking at least 10 years of financial support from Western partners to maintain an 800,000-strong army after the war with Russia ends. The proposal aims to ensure that Kyiv can defend itself against any future Russian military offensive.
According to a senior Ukrainian official cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP), long-term funding is considered essential to Ukraine's future security. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously said that the country's war-damaged economy cannot independently sustain a military of this size.
Funding and Military Strength
The proposed 800,000-person force was supported in principle by European leaders during discussions in December 2025. Ukraine now wants to turn that understanding into a concrete, decade-long financial commitment.
Some late-2026 estimates put Ukraine's current military strength at 880,000 to 900,000 personnel. Zelenskyy has also discussed moving towards a contract-based military after the war, with higher salaries to retain personnel.
The proposal contrasts with Russia's 2022 demands to limit Ukraine's military to 85,000 personnel. Kyiv has consistently rejected restrictions on its armed forces.
Abu Dhabi Peace Negotiations
The funding demand is part of November 10-11 trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States. The negotiations are mediated by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Ukraine's delegation is led by Rustem Umerov. Before meeting Russian representatives, the Ukrainian team held discussions with US officials and European and NATO military representatives, including Alexus Grynkewich and NATO Chief of Staff Jeffrey van Leuven.
Following the preliminary meetings, European countries, the United States and NATO reaffirmed their shared commitment to a strong post-war European security framework.
Other Issues Under Discussion
The negotiations also cover wider European security arrangements. A Russian delegation source said Moscow wants to address the continent's overall security framework, beyond reaching a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Other discussion points include protecting energy infrastructure, stabilising the Black Sea region and arranging a large-scale prisoner exchange involving potentially 1,000 to 1,500 captives from each side.
Ukraine's proposed 10-year funding arrangement is intended to support its own defence capabilities rather than depend on foreign troops stationed in the country. However, no funding amount, contributing countries or financial mechanism has been announced, and no formal agreement has been reached as of November 11, 2026.
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