Ukraine’s war outlook worsens as Kyiv confronts budget and weapons shortfalls

Ukraine’s war outlook worsens as Kyiv confronts budget and weapons shortfalls - The Washington Post

Accessibility statement

Democracy Dies in Darkness

Save and subscribe

Sign in

Democracy Dies in Darkness

WorldEuropeAfricaAmericasAsiaMiddle East

WorldEuropeAfricaAmericasAsiaMiddle East

Ukraine’s war outlook worsens as Kyiv confronts budget and weapons shortfalls

Amid constant Russian drone and missile attacks, two shortfalls are raising the greatest alarm: a lack of air defense interceptors and an unexpected $27 billion defense budget gap.

September 14, 2026 at 7:16 a.m. EDT

Today at 7:16 a.m. EDT

10 min

*U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, left, next to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaks during a joint news conference following their talks in Kyiv on Sept. 6. (Genya Savilov/AFP/Getty Images)*

By

Francesca Ebel

and

Ellen Francis

KYIV — Ukraine’s war prospects have grown notably bleaker in recent weeks, with Kyiv overwhelmed by Russian air power and facing an acute cash crunch, a swirl of corruption allegations, new internal political divisions and growing exhaustion among its international supporters — even as the Trump administration is now pushing to revive long-stalled peace negotiations

---

* Jonathan Edwards and Travis Andrews Kennedy Center could close as early as Tuesday, warns of bankruptcy, documents show September 13, 2026
* Travis Andrews ‘Musk’ film is almost four hours long, engrossing and terrifying. What to know. September 13, 2026
* Column Carolyn Hax Carolyn Hax: Should they move to avoid daughter’s stalker ex? September 14, 2026
* Lindsey Bever 5 things dermatologists want you to stop doing to your skin September 13, 2026
* Opinion Editorial Board Safety net spending has surged. Where’s the money going? 2 hours ago
* Column Netana Markovitz, MD I’m a doctor. Here’s why I wouldn’t get a full-body MRI scan. 3 hours ago

Newsletter

As news breaks

World News Alerts

Breaking news email alerts for major happenings around the world.

Company

* About The Post
* Newsroom Policies & Standards
* WP Creative Group
* Workforce Demographics
* Careers
* Media & Community Relations
* Accessibility Statement

Sections

* Trending
* Politics
* Elections
* Opinions
* U.S. News
* World
* Style
* Sports
* Business
* Climate
* Well+Being
* D.C., Md., & Va.
* Obituaries
* Weather
* Arts & Entertainment
* Recipes

Get The Post

* WP Intelligence
* Enterprise Subscriptions
* Manage Your Subscription
* Become a Subscriber
* Gift Subscriptions
* Mobile & Apps
* Newsletters & Alerts
* Washington Post Live
* Reprints & Permissions
* Post Store
* Books & E-Books
* Print Archives (Subscribers Only)
* Today’s Paper
* Public Notices
* Crosswords & Games
* Download on iOS
* Download on Android

Contact Us

* Contact the Newsroom
* Contact Customer Care
* Contact the Opinions Team
* Advertise
* Licensing & Syndication
* Request a Correction
* Send a News Tip
* Report a Vulnerability

Terms of Use

* Digital Products Terms of Sale
* Print Products Terms of Sale
* Terms of Service
* Privacy Policy
* Cookie Settings
* Submissions & Discussion Policy
* RSS Terms of Service
* Sitemap
* Ad Choices
* Your Privacy Choices

washingtonpost.com © 1996-2026 The Washington Post

* WP Intelligence
* Ask The Post AI
* WP Creative Group
* Workforce Demographics
* Careers
* Media & Community Relations
* Accessibility Statement

* Trending
* Politics
* Elections
* Opinions
* U.S. News
* World
* Style
* Sports
* Business
* Climate
* Well+Being
* D.C., Md., & Va.
* Obituaries
* Weather
* Arts & Entertainment
* Recipes

* WP Intelligence
* Enterprise Subscriptions
* Manage Your Subscription
* Become a Subscriber
* Gift Subscriptions
* Mobile & Apps
* Newsletters & Alerts
* Washington Post Live
* Reprints & Permissions
* Post Store
* Books & E-Books
* Print Archives (Subscribers Only)
* Today’s Paper
* Public Notices
* Crosswords & Games
* Download on iOS
* Download on Android

* Contact the Newsroom
* Contact Customer Care
* Contact the Opinions Team
* Advertise
* Licensing & Syndication
* Request a Correction
* Send a News Tip
* Report a Vulnerability
* Download the Washington Post App

* About The Post
* Policies & Standards
* Digital Products Terms of Sale
* Print Products Terms of Sale
* Terms of Service
* Privacy Policy
* Cookie Settings
* Submissions & Discussion Policy
* RSS Terms of Service
* Sitemap
* Ad Choices
* Your Privacy Choices

* washingtonpost.com
* © 1996-2026 The Washington Post

5.62.0

!pixel