Olga Zykova discussed strengthening OECD Development Assistance Committee cooperation with Ukraine in the areas of development and humanitarian support in Paris

Deputy Minister of Finance Olga Zykova took part in a meeting of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) in Paris and held bilateral meetings with Committee Chair Carsten Staur and OECD Director for Development Pilar Garrido.

The event brought together representatives of 30 DAC member countries. The parties discussed the state of Ukraine’s financial system and cooperation in development and humanitarian assistance.

Olga Zykova presented to DAC members an overview of Ukraine’s financial situation and key budgetary needs for 2026-2027.

Ukraine projects real GDP growth at 2.4%. The largest expenditure item in the 2026 draft budget remains the security and defense sector – over USD 61 billion (more than 60% of the State Budget or 27.2% of GDP).

Social and humanitarian expenditures are expected to be financed through international support. Ukraine is actively negotiating with partners and, in particular, awaits the European Commission’s decision on the Reparations Loan.

The Deputy Minister of Finance emphasized the Government’s commitment to transparency in the use of budget resources and international assistance. She highlighted the substantial growth of the state’s own revenues:

“In 2025, domestic revenues increased by 25% compared to 2024 and exceeded the plan by 8.2%. This growth was made possible by improved administration, reduced shadow economy, and higher contributions from state-owned enterprises,” noted Olga Zykova.

The Ministry of Finance also continues to harmonize Ukrainian legislation with OECD standards in combating tax evasion, enhancing transparency, and improving information exchange. Ukraine is already a member of the international system for exchanging information on bank accounts under the CRS. The Government is now actively working toward joining the international exchange of information on income generated through digital platforms. To that end, the Ministry of Finance has prepared the necessary legislative amendments, which are currently awaiting consideration by the Parliament of Ukraine.

In June 2023, the OECD Council approved the OECD Program for Ukraine. Its implementation plan through 2027 includes 129 tasks, including accession to 24 OECD bodies. The Ministry of Finance is directly responsible for 18 tasks, 14 of which focus on implementing specific tax recommendations.

Work is now underway on the tax policy review, and the Government is expected to soon approve Ukraine’s participation in the OECD Committee on Fiscal Affairs. On 19 September 2025, the OECD Council already endorsed the relevant invitation.

Together with the OECD, the parties have coordinated the launch of a new project to develop a methodology for strategic planning of regional policy for 2028-2034, aligned with EU and OECD practices. At the same time, Ukraine is updating its regional development strategies through 2027 and the related implementation plans.

The parties also discussed opportunities to mobilize support for strengthening Ukraine’s energy sector, which in recent months has suffered systematic attacks by russia.

Ukraine is one of the largest recipients of Official Development Assistance (ODA) provided by the 33 members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee. Its volume has increased significantly since the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion.

The main goal of the DAC is to support development and coherent policies that foster sustainable development in developing countries, including inclusive and sustainable economic growth, greater equality within and between countries, poverty reduction, and improved living standards. Its long-term vision is that no country should depend on external assistance in the future.