On the eve of winter, the state is launching a large-scale programme of winter support for Ukrainians, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said during a Government meeting on 5 November.

“One of its key elements is subsidies. 2.8 million Ukrainian families will receive housing subsidies and benefits. The Pension Fund has already recalculated their amount for this heating season. In the budget for 2025, we have provided UAH 42 billion for these needs,” the Prime Minister said.

According to Denys Shmyhal, the Government has simplified the mechanism for granting housing and utility benefits to the military. A programme of subsidies for rented housing will be launched for IDPs in mid-January next year.

“This option will be available to families who spend more than 30% of their total income on rent,” the Prime Minister said.

According to the Head of Government, about 500,000 households will receive payments for the purchase of solid fuel, in particular firewood and coal, this winter. These funds in the amount of up to UAH 21,000 per family are already being paid in the frontline regions.

“We understand that the winter will be difficult, so we are encouraging people to be energy resilient. In particular, to install alternative sources of power and generation: solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage. At the same time, people should not lose their right to a housing subsidy,” said Denys Shmyhal.

To this end, the Cabinet of Ministers has instructed the Ministry of Social Policy to develop and submit a relevant draft decision to the Government. According to Denys Shmyhal, it will be based on a simple rule – if the cost of installed energy equipment does not exceed UAH 150,000, the family will retain the subsidy.

“Also, the Ministry of Social Policy should develop a mechanism under which the amount of the subsidy for electricity will not be reduced, even in the event of power outages,” the Prime Minister stressed.

According to him, this approach is part of the winter support programme for citizens.