# Now Zelensky hits out at Labour’s ‘delay’ in ramping up defence spending as Chancellor prepares to kick decisions on meeting NATO targets until next autumn

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/now-zelensky-hits-out-at-labours-delay-in-ramping-up-defence-spending-as-chancellor-prepares-to-kick-decisions-on-meeting-nato-targets-until-next-autumn/
- Published: 2026-10-28T10:16:35+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-28T11:38:17+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16245163/Now-Zelensky-hits-Labours-delay-ramping-defence-spending-Chancellor-prepares-kick-decisions-meeting-NATO-targets-autumn.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Geopolitics, Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- Zelensky urges the UK to prioritise defence spending.
- Plans to meet NATO targets are expected next autumn.
- He also calls for stronger European defences.

## Summary

Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised the UK Government for delaying plans to increase defence spending, saying defence should be Chancellor John Healey’s top priority given the threat from Russia. His comments come as Healey prepares his first Budget, but the Government is not expected to explain how it will meet NATO spending goals until next autumn.

The Budget is reportedly expected to provide an initial boost towards spending 3 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030, partly through investment in defence companies via the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank. The longer-term aim is 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2035; using borrowing for the investment could draw criticism from those who favour cuts elsewhere. Zelensky also called for stronger European military and air defences and urged allies to speak more directly to Donald Trump about his approach to Russia and Ukraine.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.