From March 1 pensions will be increased by 11%.  Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated during a Government meeting on February 24. According to the Prime Minister, such indexation is the commitment of the Government to Ukrainian pensioners.

"We understand that during the coronavirus crisis it is of utmost importance to support the most vulnerable groups. Therefore, the Government has found the appropriate instruments and funds to increase pensions already from March 1," the Head of Government said.

Apart from that, according to the Prime Minister, the Cabinet of Ministers has submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a draft law stipulating for capturing the annual indexation date on March 1.

"We want to ensure automatic indexation of pensions. Just as we are now implementing an initiative under which pensions will be granted automatically, without additional appeals. Our developed draft law also encapsulates the provision under which the indexation of pensions from March 1 will be carried out for all categories of retirees without exception, including scientists and servicemen," the Prime Minister stressed.

Denys Shmyhal recalled that last year the Government for the first time had set a monthly pension payment of UAH 500 to pensioners over the age of 80. The Head of Government also stressed that this year retirees aged over 75 would receive additional payments.

"All these steps are part of the strategy of the President of Ukraine to fight poverty and raise social standards in the country. And it is also the fulfillment of the priority task facing our Government to ensure a decent level of benefits for retirees, doctors and teachers," the Prime Minister underlined.