Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko presents new government winter support programmes
Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko held a briefing with Ukrainian and foreign media, where she and the ministers answered questions regarding the winter support package.
The Government is launching three new programmes aimed at assisting citizens, vulnerable groups, and supporting transport infrastructure amid the full-scale invasion.
1. One-off payment of UAH 1,000 for every citizen
This is a one-off payment for all Ukrainians – adults and children living in Ukraine. The funds can be spent on basic needs, including utility bills, medicines, books, or donated to the Armed Forces. A full list of permitted expenses will be announced later.
“Last year, more than 14 million Ukrainians benefited from a similar programme: 58% used it for utility bills, 22% for mobile top-ups, and 4% for meals. Medicines and books were also among the priority categories,” noted the Head of Government, adding that details of this year’s programme will be announced by 15 November.
2. Targeted assistance of UAH 6,500 for vulnerable categories
A separate programme for those most in need: orphans, children under guardianship, children with disabilities in foster families, internally displaced children, IDPs with disabilities, and elderly people living alone. The funds can be spent on medicines, clothing, and footwear.
Payments will be made to the Diia.Card or to a current account with a special spending regime.
The programme has a budget of UAH 4.3 billion and is expected to reach 660,000 people.
3. UZ-3000 programme: free rail travel up to 3,000 km
The state has begun co-financing passenger services of Ukrzaliznytsia, as the actual cost of tickets is 3–4 times higher than the price paid by passengers.
“Previously, this imbalance was offset by profits from freight transport, but due to active combat operations, freight volumes are decreasing, and this resource is no longer sufficient,” noted Yulia Svyrydenko.
The Government is allocating funds to support Ukrzaliznytsia in covering part of the deficit, enabling the launch of the social programme UZ-3000. It offers free travel across Ukraine for distances up to 3,000 km on low-demand days, when 200–250,000 seats remain unsold.
The UZ-3000 programme is:
- a way to balance passenger demand and supply;
- an opportunity to ease pressure on the railway during peak periods;
- a step towards the rational use of budget funds – more people will benefit from state resources.
Importantly, the initiative does not create additional strain on the state budget. Ukrzaliznytsia will be able to introduce its own compensation mechanisms, including more flexible pricing in the premium segment, similar to airline tickets.
“These three new programmes are part of the Government’s comprehensive winter support policy for citizens during this challenging season. Our task is to ensure the functioning of the state and to support people, the economy, and critical infrastructure amid the full-scale invasion,” concluded the Prime Minister.
