Ukrainian cash aid stirs debate amid ongoing conflict
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced that starting in early December, every citizen will receive 1,000 hryvnias from the state, which converts to approximately $24. This initiative is intended to help with, among other things, paying bills. The idea has sparked controversy in the country, which is defending itself against the Russian invasion.
12:11 PM EST, November 7, 2024
Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal has been sharply criticized not only by residents of Ukrainian cities but also by the opposition, which is preparing for elections, even though it is unclear when they will take place.
The citizens' support program, introduced by the Ukrainian president at the end of October, is currently the leader's most loudly criticized initiative. The opposition argues that this money should be allocated to the military.
"These are not new support packages from partners. These are funds we have not spent and must spend by the end of the year," explains Ukraine's Deputy Minister Oleksii Sobolev.
The politician emphasizes that these funds come from donors and, due to a "legal condition," they cannot be spent on the military, even on drones, as some military officials suggest.
Up to $1 billion for Ukrainians
The state's assistance will be a one-time payment. Upon application submission, each individual, regardless of age, will receive 1,000 hryvnias, or approximately $24.
This means that a three-person family can receive 3,000 hryvnias, and a five-person family in Ukraine can receive up to 5,000 hryvnias or approximately $121 in support. Altogether, this plan will cost the state budget 30-40 billion hryvnias, or close to $1 billion, depending on how many Ukrainian citizens apply.
The portal states that Ukrainian citizens will be able to use this money to pay bills, purchase food or medicine, and also buy train tickets or Ukrainian books. Nonetheless, some suggest that even if Kyiv cannot spend it on defense, there are better ways to utilize it.
"In our country, there are many internally displaced people. These are people who have lost everything. Support for them is more important than handing out thousands of hryvnias to those who do not complain about a lack of money." says Ukrainian financial expert Serhii Fursa.
The portal adds that similar programs were implemented before 2022 when the Russians began their second invasion of Ukraine after 2014.
