Oleksii Kuleba: Government launches a series of programmes to help people through the autumn-winter season with warmth and access to essential services

On 15 November, the Winter Support programme launches – a comprehensive package that unites more than ten government initiatives to assist Ukrainians during the winter period. It includes financial aid programmes, fixed tariffs on energy resources, energy efficiency measures, and special support for frontline regions and internally displaced persons.

Winter Support is a presidential initiative implemented by the Government. The aim is to provide additional support to Ukrainians, particularly vulnerable population groups, during the winter period when expenses increase.

The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development coordinates three key social initiatives within the winter package – 3,000 Kilometres Across Ukraine, energy efficiency programmes, and the block of enhanced support for frontline regions.

“The Government is launching a series of programmes to help people get through the autumn-winter season in warmth and with access to essential services. A special focus is on frontline communities – where the situation is the most difficult. For example, the enhanced aid package and the 3,000 Kilometres Across Ukraine programme will primarily operate in these regions,” noted Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development.

3,000 Kilometres Across Ukraine: a social programme for travel during off-peak periods

The programme enables free travel on Ukrzaliznytsia for a total distance of up to 3,000 km during off-peak months – January-February and October-November (starting next year).

The pilot launch of the programme will take place in December 2025 – initially it will operate on routes in frontline regions.

Every Ukrainian will be able to obtain up to 4 free tickets via the UZ app. Trains available under the programme will be marked with a special label.

Enhanced support for residents of frontline regions

This is one of the key priorities of the Ministry of Development and the Government, as these territories suffer the most from shelling, power outages, and infrastructure destruction. The programme provides for:

• Electricity compensation: 100 kWh per person or up to 300 kWh per household monthly. The payment is automatically credited to recipients of housing subsidies or benefits.
• Protection in the housing and communal services sector:
• no fines or penalties for non-payment in combat zones;
• prohibition on disconnecting utility services due to debts;
• prohibition on collecting debts from IDPs and people who have documented absence from their housing or damage to property.
• Solid fuel assistance: one-off payment of UAH 19,400 (payments ongoing).

Energy efficiency programmes

The state is expanding opportunities to improve energy efficiency for households, businesses, and apartment blocks.

• Under the Energy Independence for Private Homeowners programme, the state compensates interest on loans for installing solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems.
• Homeowner associations can receive grants from the Energy Efficiency Fund – up to 70% for energy modernisation and up to 100% for restoring buildings damaged as a result of the war.
• The Decarbonisation Fund also provides preferential loans for energy efficiency projects, renewable energy, and building modernisation.

Financial assistance to citizens

The government programme provides for:

• UAH 1,000 for all citizens residing in Ukraine – to cover basic expenses at the start of winter.
• UAH 6,500 for vulnerable categories – Ukrainians who have been particularly affected by the war or are in difficult life circumstances.

Ukrposhta will ensure the delivery and use of payments throughout Ukraine, including in frontline regions.

More details about all Winter Support programmes: https://zyma.gov.ua/