Parliament is looking for mechanisms to avoid budget losses and corruption risks
Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed that considering bills on zero customs clearance of vehicles for defenders is possible only if budget revenues are balanced. The authorities aim to prevent the creation of new corruption schemes and capital flight during the war. This was reported by Ukrinform, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The issue of preferential vehicle imports for combatants and veterans requires careful scrutiny before being presented to the parliamentary session hall. According to Ruslan Stefanchuk, the current financial model of the Ukrainian budget, where 70% of revenue comes from international financial aid, limits the scope for introducing new tax exemptions without evaluating the consequences.
Balancing aid and budget revenue
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasized that any benefit must be accompanied by calculations to compensate for losses to the state treasury. The Verkhovna Rada has already adopted a number of decisions to abolish duties on drones and other equipment for the defense forces, but it is now vital to prevent uncontrolled reduction in revenue.
The Speaker also pointed to a significant risk of dishonest schemes appearing under the guise of good intentions. As an example, he cited situations with the distribution of land plots, which in the past often turned into tools for further illicit asset accumulation.
Legislative initiatives regarding customs clearance
Currently, the relevant bills No. 15194 and No. 15195 are registered in parliament, authored by Member of Parliament Maryan Zablotskyi and other legislative initiators. The documents, submitted in April 2026, provide for changes to tax and customs legislation, but they have not yet been considered in the Verkhovna Rada session hall.
Some veterans, including Vasyl Radkovskyi, have expressed the view that liberalizing import rules for vehicles would not only fail to decrease revenue but would stimulate activity that generates income through other taxes. However, the parliamentary leadership’s stance remains cautious: financial stability of the state during a prolonged military conflict remains the priority.
Stefanchuk emphasized that populist decisions could harm the country’s ability to resist the enemy. Parliament will continue working to find a format that meets the needs of the military while minimizing opportunities for abuse and losses to the state budget of Ukraine.
Photo: Ukrinform
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