At the initiative of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a special program has been developed to support both small and medium-sized businesses affected by the coronavirus-inflicted crisis and to encourage vaccination against COVID-19. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during the Question Time for the Government in the Verkhovna Rada on November 19.

"All fully vaccinated Ukrainian citizens who have the appropriate COVID certificates in Diia app will be allocated UAH 1,000 on virtual cards. The program will start operation on December 19 this year and will run for 12 months," the Prime Minister said.

According to the Prime Minister, the program is aimed at supporting the five areas of business that have suffered the most from the coronavirus-inflicted crisis and that experience a risk of job loss. In particular, these are the creative industries and the sphere of domestic transportation. In total, the program will be available to almost 6,000 businesses.

"First of all, the program will support these businesses. And people will have an opportunity to use 1 thousand hryvnias through the Diia to get additional services. It is important that these funds will not be taxed and will not be taken into account when calculating the subsidy," stressed Denys Shmyhal.

Separately, the Head of Government emphasized that the possibility of using these funds by certain categories of citizens, including pensioners or villagers, is currently being considered.

"At the time of launching the program, these details will also be announced and presented to the public. We will take into account the specific proposals of MPs and citizens of Ukraine," said Denys Shmyhal.

According to the Prime Minister, UAH 3 billion will be allocated for the support program this year, and UAH 3 billion will be allocated next year with the possibility of further expansion of funding.