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In a letter to the head of government, Hili stated that the country has entered a “new era of threats” that requires not only a review of defense policy but also a significant increase in investment in the armed forces, Meduza reports. According to him, the government and the Ministry of Finance have failed to provide the resources necessary to strengthen national security.
“The proposed financial agreement on defense investments falls significantly short of the level the country needs in the current dangerous situation,” the minister noted.
Hilly warned that without additional funding, the Defense Ministry would have to make decisions that could negatively impact the army’s combat readiness, increase risks for service members during operations, and weaken national security.
The 66-year-old politician took over as head of the Ministry of Defense in July 2024, succeeding Grant Sheps in the role. During his tenure, he has consistently spoken out in support of Ukraine, visited Kyiv on multiple occasions, and urged Western allies to maintain military aid.
The defense minister’s resignation could intensify pressure on the Starmer government, which is facing growing demands to increase military spending amid a deteriorating international situation.
