The Ukrainian government is preparing to launch a comprehensive package of social programs called ‘Winter Support,’ which will come into effect in December. The initiative includes a range of measures to protect citizens during the winter period, with a particular focus on assisting the most vulnerable segments of the population.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Main Directions of the ‘Winter Support’ Program
President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to develop a substantial assistance package that will allow Ukrainians to receive support during the cold season. As the head of state noted, the identification of all elements of the program is currently underway, and it will be available starting in December.
“I have instructed the government to form a sufficiently significant package of programs that will be operational in December, called ‘Winter Support.’ We are currently determining which specific elements will be included,” Zelensky stated.
One of the key directions will be direct financial assistance, which citizens can use to cover their most urgent needs, similar to last year’s initiative. Special attention will be given to categories of the population such as elderly individuals living alone, large families, and residents of combat zones, as well as other socially vulnerable groups. The Prime Minister is expected to present the details of these programs soon.
Transportation and Medical Support for Ukrainians
As part of the ‘Winter Support’ program, a special transportation initiative for Ukrainians is planned. In particular, ‘Ukrzaliznytsia’ is developing the ‘UZ-3000’ initiative, under which every citizen will be able to take advantage of three thousand kilometers of free train travel within the country. This applies to any routes, such as Lviv – Kyiv, Kyiv – Dnipro, etc. The program is currently being developed, and as the president emphasized, the state expects the railway company to effectively utilize the funds allocated for passenger transport support.
The authorities also do not plan to change gas and electricity tariffs for residential consumers during the winter period — prices will remain fixed without increases.
An additional element of the package will be the expansion of medical programs. The Ministry of Health is finalizing a project for check-ups that will allow every adult to undergo a comprehensive medical examination. The launch of this initiative is planned for January. The president has tasked the government with completing the preparation of all measures within the ‘Winter Support’ program and presenting the details of the package by November 15, so that Ukrainians can take advantage of the new opportunities as soon as possible.