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

The Washington Post ^ | September 13, 2026 | Francesca Ebel, Ellen Francis

[MinorityRepublican]

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.

Amid the constant Russian drone and missile attacks, two shortfalls are raising the greatest alarm: a lack of air defense interceptors and an unexpected $27 billion budget gap that Ukrainian officials say must be filled by year’s end.

President Donald Trump on Sunday added new pressure, urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to stop targeting Russian oil refineries because of rising global diesel prices — effectively demanding that Ukraine refrain from one of its most effective strategies in defending against Russia’s invasion.

“Mr. Zelensky has to do one thing,” Trump said while in Ireland to watch the Irish Open golf tournament. “He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia. We spoke to Mr. Zelensky about it. There are plenty of other targets. Don’t hit diesel fuel, because that’s hurting, that’s hurting the world.”

Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, after U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv the previous weekend. Trump’s comments about diesel reflected his concern about gasoline prices in the United States, where diesel prices have hit record highs in recent days.

[The Louiswu]

So it’s now a war about oil.

[existentially_kuffer]

Hey, even EU is not buy weapons for ukraine?

[House Atreides]

“… an unexpected $27 billion budget gap…”
********************************************

It is SO, SO UNEXPECTED that Zelensky would be back saying….. GIBS ME MO’ BILLIONS.

[Tench_Coxe]

Actually, its: “You give me money”.

[mikey_hates_everything]

and an unexpected $27 billion budget gap that Ukrainian officials say must be filled by year’s end.

”Filled” by whom? Us? Our own budget deficits aren’t enough?

[A strike]

We don’t owe Ukraine Schiff ..

[A strike]

We don’t owe Ukraine shiite ..

[EnderWiggin1970]

Where’s adorno? He needs to prop up Zeeper morale by announcing that Russia is on the brink of collapse and Ukraine is winning. :-)

[delta7]

Where’s adorno? He needs to prop up Zeeper morale by announcing that Russia is on the brink of collapse and Ukraine is winning
———————————-

Where’s adorno? He needs to prop up Zeeper morale by announcing that Russia is on the brink of collapse and Ukraine is winning, will remove Russia from the Donbas and Crimea and start marching on Moscow any day now.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Country is importing Indians now to replace the men who died in war.

[canuck_conservative]

You BorisBots have been saying for 4 1/2 years that Ukraine is on the brink of collapse

LOL

No one takes this Russian propaganda seriously anymore ... Ukraine will be fine

That monster Pootin will kick it first, then the War will end, and Europe will finally have Peace

[tlozo]

Ukraine Launches ‘Vivaldi’ Counteroffensive in Donetsk as Russian Forces Face Setbacks Near Lyman

In brief: Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps has launched the ‘Vivaldi’ offensive in Donetsk, targeting Russian infiltration tactics. Biletsky reported territorial gains and heavy Russian losses, while Russian milbloggers acknowledge setbacks and OSINT analysts estimate Russia lost 200-240 sq. km (77-93 sq. miles).

After 4 months of the Lyman counter-attack, Ukraine 🇺🇦 3rd Army Corps managed to cut Russian 🇷🇺 salient north of Lyman and liberate more than 200 km2 This is one of the most important victory for Ukraine in 2026 which will delay the offensive on northern Donbas

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/84556

[tlozo]

Trump...Don’t hit diesel fuel, because that’s hurting, that’s hurting the world.”

Before the Iran War, while Ukraine was attacking Russian refineries, the average price of regular diesel was $3.76 It has now surged past $6.00

So no, the current high price of gasoline and diesel is NOT because of Ukraine, its because the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed.

Before the conflict in late February, the national average price for a gallon of diesel in the U.S. was about $3.76, according to AAA

[Bosco127]

Let them lean on their European friends

[rxh4n1]

“200 km2”

“bring the war within measurable distance of its end—victory—greatest victory in human history—victory, victory, victory!’

It’s pitiful, 77 square miles.

[rxh4n1]

First, the New York Times, now the Washington Post, Democrat organs. Are the Democrats getting ready to ditch the Ukraine?

[tlozo]

“200 km2”

It’s pitiful, 77 square m

That 77 square miles retaken by Ukraine is more than Russia captures monthly. (Russia captured 32 sq miles in July, 5 in June, 54 in May and 75 in April)

https://infogram.com/wrc-monthly-deepstate-july-2026-1h984wvgglmoz2

[adorno]

Where’s adorno? He needs to prop up Zeeper morale by announcing that Russia is on the brink of collapse and Ukraine is winning.

Glad to see I'm so popular with you and that you miss me so much.

However, the budget crunch is understandable when Ukraine is having to derail so much of whatever they have, to the war effort.

But, there's hope on the horizon, because, Russia's budget crunch is a lot bigger than Ukraine's. Russian can't even afford the bribes anymore that they had been using to hire help from 128 different countries. Those foreign troops are not going to fight for Russia free of charge.

And the Russian people are also being crushed by the war and want Putin to cease and desist. They can't take it any more.

[EnderWiggin1970]

ROFL, you never disappoint!! :-D