Highlights of the week: draft state budget for 2026 and tax increase for banks

The Verkhovna Rada Budget Committee has approved the draft state budget of Ukraine for 2026 and recommends its adoption in the first reading, as reported by the committee chairwoman Roksolana Pidlasa. This draft budget is important for the stability of the country's financial system against the backdrop of a protracted war and an unstable economic situation.

Source Minfin

One of the key aspects of the discussion was the Tax Committee's proposal to increase the tax for financial institutions from 25% to 50%, which could bring in about UAH 15-23 billion in 2026. This decision is driven by the need to secure additional funding against the backdrop of Ukraine's planned external financing needs, which amount to approximately $60 billion for 2026-2027 due to the continuation of hostilities.

Ukrainians are also actively interested in the issue of savings amid global financial risks caused by trade conflicts, particularly between the US and China, which are affecting the currency market. The situation on the financial markets and changes in tax policy could significantly affect the population's investment and savings strategies.