Yulia Svyrydenko: Government approves measures to strengthen defence, support citizens, and advance education, infrastructure and ecology

The Government has adopted a series of key decisions in the areas of defence, education, infrastructure, and ecology. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko following the Cabinet meeting on 10 September.

In particular, she noted that the work of military medical commissions has been streamlined, ensuring a unified standard of medical examinations for all Defence Forces.

“The rules for military medical assessments, previously applied to the Armed Forces, will now extend to the Security Service of Ukraine, the Foreign Intelligence Service, the State Border Guard Service, the National Guard, and the State Guard Administration. All will use a single Schedule of Diseases to determine fitness for service. Medical examinations for personnel of these bodies will be conducted in their own medical facilities or, where unavailable, in civilian hospitals under contract,” the Prime Minister explained.

Additionally, the process for medical and military medical assessments has been simplified, including remote options, for military personnel and victims receiving long-term treatment abroad (12 months or more) who are unable to undergo assessments in Ukraine.

The meeting also expanded the categories eligible for submitting claims for war-related damages. Soon, applications will not only cover the death or disappearance of loved ones, harm to health, or property loss, but also forced displacement abroad, deportation of children and adults, loss of housing, employment, or businesses. Claims for compensation for damages, losses, or harm caused by russian aggression against Ukraine can still be submitted through the Diia app.

Yulia Svyrydenko announced that the Government also approved reconstruction projects worth UAH 1 billion.

“In 2025, we are adding 39 new projects to the Ukraine Recovery Programme III, focusing on water supply, sewage, and hospital restoration. The total funding of UAH 1 billion will be reallocated from already approved projects, requiring no additional state budget expenditure,” the Prime Minister emphasised.

Another significant decision concerned the protection of critical infrastructure in communities. Local budgets will now be allowed to allocate additional funding not only for building shelters and restoring damaged essential infrastructure in de-occupied and affected areas but also for safeguarding critical infrastructure facilities.

Additionally, the conditions for paying annual bonuses for diligent work to teachers have been updated, ensuring that all pedagogical staff across all institutions, regardless of their administrative affiliation, receive the payment. Local authorities have also been granted the right to establish additional types and amounts of allowances for educators beyond those set by government decisions.

“A 20% salary supplement has been established for preschool educators-methodologists involved in organising inclusive education,” Yulia Svyrydenko highlighted.

The Prime Minister noted that the Government approved the procedure for maintaining the Unified Register of Integrated Environmental Permits, which will be part of the EcoSystem administered by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture.

“Businesses will gain a single ‘digital window’ for documentation, authorities will have paperless electronic procedures, and the public will have open access to environmental data,” she stressed.

The Cabinet of Ministers also simplified the process for lorry drivers to obtain licences to operate vehicles with trailers.

“During martial law, drivers with a Category C licence who have completed retraining and passed a practical exam can now operate Category CE vehicles without the requirement of one year’s experience. Amendments have been made to the Regulation on the Issuance of Driver’s Licences and Admission of Citizens to Operate Vehicles,” Yulia Svyrydenko stated.