Ukrainian journalist questions local budget transfers in 2027 spending plan

Economic journalist Serhiy Liamets has questioned Ukraine’s proposed spending priorities for 2027, pointing to transfers from local budgets alongside increased funding for the Cabinet Secretariat’s economic and financial department. UNIAN reported his criticism on October 21.

According to figures Liamets cited, the draft envisages about 21.95 billion hryvnias in transfers from local budgets to the state budget. About 19.2 billion would come from municipal budgets and 2.7 billion from regional budgets. He said the proposal covers 218 municipalities, including 152 rural and settlement communities.

UNIAN reported that funding for the Secretariat department would rise by 6 billion hryvnias to 20.3 billion, an increase of about 42%. Liamets urged the government to explain its priorities, citing local obligations to maintain heating networks, water services and hospitals ahead of winter.

The figures concern budget proposals. UNIAN’s report did not establish that the spending had been approved or that money transferred from local budgets would go directly to the department.