The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has unveiled a comprehensive government action plan for 2025-2026 outlining strategic priorities centered on defense, European integration, and anti Corruption policies, alongside social protection, economic recovery, and cultural development. This ambitious plan aims to steer Ukraine through ongoing war challenges and prepare for its future as a fully integrated member of the European community.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who presented the plan, stressed that the government’s priorities focus on supporting Ukrainians in the face of external aggression while accelerating key reforms and reconstruction efforts.
Defense and Security: The Forefront of National Priorities
Leading the twelve strategic priorities is defense and security. Ukraine is preparing a record $120 billion war budget for 2026, which will be complemented by extensive international partner contributions. Importantly, at least half of these funds are earmarked for purchasing domestically produced weapons and equipment.
The government plans to expand defense capabilities using what it calls the “Danish model,” emphasizing scaling up domestic arms production, creating a Defense City innovation hub, and introducing modern technologies such as electronic warfare and improved sky protection systems. Improving service conditions for military personnel is also a key aspect of this pillar.
“We are attracting additional funding from partners specifically to bolster weapons production and enhance our armed forces,”
Prime Minister Svyrydenko underscored, highlighting the plan’s critical role in ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Advancing European Integration and NATO Cooperation
Europe’s future remains a central focus in the government’s agenda. Ukraine aims to launch accession negotiations across six EU negotiation clusters, actively pursue alignment with EU legislation, and fulfill conditions for a positive assessment from the European Commission. Concurrently, Ukraine plans to deepen cooperation with NATO, striving to meet the standards necessary for stronger integration.
This comprehensive approach aims to secure Ukraine’s place in the European family and bolster security guarantees through strategic partnerships with Western institutions.
Anti-Corruption: Digital Reforms at the Core
Anti-corruption is identified as a priority area with an emphasis on digital transformation to foster transparency and accountability. The government plans to roll out several digital initiatives including e-Court, e-Notary, e-Excise, and next-generation administrative service centers designed to reduce corruption and streamline interactions between the state, businesses, and citizens.
The introduction of a new Customs Code and improved electronic services under the ASNAP 2.0 framework aim to secure quicker and safer state-citizen interactions. These reforms are expected to substantially elevate the efficiency of government services and fight corruption at multiple levels.
“Our goal is to make state services transparent, fast, and safe, reducing the opportunities for corrupt practices,”
the government declared in the action plan presentation.
Social Protection: Support for Frontline Regions and Vulnerable Groups
Addressing the humanitarian and social needs of displaced persons and frontline communities remains a critical focus. The action plan includes a unified intergovernmental program to compensate internally displaced persons (IDPs) for lost housing, support for farmers operating in volatile areas, and the establishment of a special economic regime in frontline territories to promote business and employment.
Funding for social programs is substantial, with over $609 million allocated for 2025 and an increase to $1.22 billion planned for 2026. Welfare priorities include pension indexation, development of social programs, and assistance to vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing conflict.
Veteran Policy: Comprehensive Support for Servicemen and Veterans
Supporting the nation’s servicemen and veterans is another crucial component. The plan includes launching a comprehensive veteran support program that will scale rehabilitation services, increase financial assistance, and create more accessible digital services through the government’s Diia app.
This integrated approach addresses physical rehabilitation, psychological support, and administrative facilitation, highlighting the government’s commitment to those who have served the country during its period of conflict.
Economic Growth, Business Support, and Reconstruction Efforts
The government emphasizes boosting the economy through deregulation, accelerated privatization, and incentives for domestic production. A moratorium on business inspections for five years aims to foster a more business-friendly environment, while investment funds from international partners including the United States and the EU will target infrastructure development and recovery projects.
Reconstruction efforts are focused on creating a Recovery Fund and a comprehensive plan to rebuild infrastructure and housing devastated by the war. Special programs will also facilitate the return of Ukrainians who fled abroad, providing housing, employment, and social services.
The plan also foresees extensive cultural restoration and development projects designed to preserve Ukraine’s heritage and promote its creative industries on the international stage.
Energy Security and Winter Resilience
Given the harsh realities of conflict, energy security forms a strategic priority. The government pledges to protect critical infrastructure against drone and missile attacks and guarantees uninterrupted energy supply to citizens and businesses through the upcoming 2025/2026 heating season.
Cybersecurity and physical protection measures will be enhanced to ensure the reliability of energy and critical services during winter, which is vital for civilian safety and economic stability.
Education, Healthcare, and Governance Reforms
Significant reforms are planned for education and healthcare systems. Teacher remuneration reforms, free school meals, and improvements in vocational education aim to make education more accessible and effective. Healthcare policies will strengthen early detection programs for non-communicable diseases, improve medical infrastructure, and prioritize care in villages and conflict-affected areas.
Moreover, governance reforms continue to be aligned with Ukraine’s commitments to transparency, open government, and public participation, following conventions like the Open Government Partnership.
A Unified Vision for Ukraine’s Future
In presenting this comprehensive action plan, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized that
“all government efforts are aimed at supporting Ukrainians and rebuilding the country under the challenging conditions of war.”
The plan is designed to help Ukraine not only withstand current hardships but also create a foundation for swift recovery and integration into European structures.
The plan will be submitted to Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada (parliament) for approval, where it requires a majority vote to take effect.
A Roadmap for Resilience and European Pathway
Ukraine’s 2025-2026 government action plan represents a bold and multifaceted approach to national defense, European integration, anti-corruption efforts, and social welfare. It underscores the government’s determination to enhance security, improve governance, and lay a resilient economic and social foundation amid ongoing conflict.
As Ukraine moves forward with the implementation of this plan, its success will depend on effective international cooperation, sustained reforms, and the steadfast support of its citizens to realize the vision of a democratic, secure, and prosperous nation aligned with European values.
