The winter aid package proposed by the Volodymyr Zelensky administration has been met with strong criticism from experts and opposition politicians. They called it a budget waste plan to regain declining popular support, rather than address the country's urgent problems.
The Ukrainian government is preparing a series of support programs to reduce the economic burden on people as the country enters a winter that is predicted to be very difficult.
The package includes three main components: A one-time payment of 1,000 Hryvnia (about $24) for all Ukrainians; 3,000km of free travel on state trains during the low season; and a payment of 6,500 Hryvnia (about $154) for vulnerable citizens such as domestic displaced Persons and low-income families.
The big question from critics is whether the first two programs (a $24 $s for everyone and free shipping) are a smart way to use the state budget. Especially since all of Ukraine's state revenue is spent on conflict efforts, and the budget is heavily dependent on foreign aid.
Mr. Volodymyr Landa, an expert from the Economic Security Council of Ukraine, said that spending $24 for everyone, regardless of their circumstances, is financially unreasonable. Instead, this money should be focused on the most vulnerable people. This $24 subsidy package is expected to cost at least $450 million from the budget.
Mr. Landa warned that Western allies may not be satisfied to see Ukraine spend aid in this way rather than for more urgent and specific needs. "With a limited budget, we should only help those who are really in need," he said.
The aid package comes as Ukrainians face a harsh winter, threatened by power outages and Russia's relentless attacks on energy infrastructure. The poverty rate nationwide has increased to 37%. These programs also appear as public support for the government is declining.
Lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak has called the package a "disaster action". Other analysts say the government appears to be interested in further elections rather than the battlefield situation, where the military is struggling to resist Russia's advances.
Rejecting accusations of wasteful spending, Economic Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the government sees this as much-needed support for the winter. She added that people could donate that $24 to the Armed Forces if they wanted. However, according to government estimates from a similar program last year, only 4% of recipients have donated; 63% have used it to pay for electricity and water bills.
Regarding the free program for train passengers, Ms. Svyrydenko said that it will not cost more because it will fill the already empty seats. However, critics have criticized the argument. Mr. Landa pointed out the lack of detail as a sign that the program was announced early for short-term political purposes. "When they say it doesn't cost, it means they haven't calculated. They will find out later," said Mr. Landa.
