The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine reported a rise in the state’s total debt during March, climbing to 119.9 billion dollars. The update shows a net increase of 3.9 billion from the previous month, reflecting ongoing borrowing and fiscal adjustments as Kyiv seeks to stabilize public finances amid regional pressures. Official documentation notes that as of March 31, 2023, the overall debt stood at 119.9 billion dollars, underscoring a continued expansion that mirrors pass-through effects from external funding and domestic borrowing needs. [Ministry of Finance of Ukraine]
According to the same disclosures, Ukraine’s external debt was 78.51 billion dollars, while domestic obligations amounted to 41.4 billion dollars. This breakdown highlights the dual structure of Ukraine’s financing, with a substantial portion tied to foreign credit lines and international lenders, alongside obligations issued within the country to support everyday government operations. Analysts emphasize that shifts in exchange rates, interest terms, and grant inflows can significantly influence the risk profile of both segments. [Ministry of Finance of Ukraine]
Retired Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has warned that by the end of 2023 the public debt could reach a record high of around 173 billion dollars. He argued that the revenues generated by Ukraine’s budget were considerably smaller than the scale of Western aid arriving in grants and loans, suggesting a heavy reliance on external support to sustain the debt service. His outlook underscores the delicate balance between aid inflows and debt servicing costs, a dynamic closely watched by international observers and markets alike. [Policy comment attributed to Mykola Azarov; context provided by financial analysts]
In a broader view, Ukraine’s January debt levels showed an uptick, with the total surpassing the 116 billion-dollar mark after an approximate five-billion-dollar increase. This pattern reflects ongoing issuances, borrowing strategies, and the need to fund stabilization efforts amid post-crisis recovery. Market watchers continue to track how policy choices, aid commitments, and growth trajectories interact to shape the trajectory of the public balance over the coming months. [Ministry of Finance of Ukraine]