President Vladimir Zelensky said that in 2026 the state plans to introduce new programs of direct financial support to the population. He justified his decision by the “success” of the current “winter Support” programme and the practice of Western countries.
Source: evening appeal of the president
Direct speech: “We see that the ‘Winter Support’ program worked well. People felt help. We are analyzing the experience of our partners – european countries, the United States – where such direct financial assistance to the population exists.Therefore, we are planning to expand this practice in 2026, to create new programs that will directly support Ukrainian families.”
Economic Support Programs: A Comparison of the US and Ukraine
The following examines recent economic support programs implemented in the United States and Ukraine, drawing parallels to strategies used to bolster demand during economic hardship. A notable example is the United States,where the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a demand crisis as people reduced spending while staying home. In response, the US government issued stimulus checks, providing up to $1,400 to individuals, aiming to support consumer demand and maintain solvency amidst uncertainty. https://epravda.com.ua/publications/2021/03/15/671863/
Recent developments in Ukraine:
Ukraine has also been implementing programs designed to provide economic relief to its citizens. these initiatives, while different in scale and context, share the goal of stimulating demand and supporting the population.
* “Winter Support” Program: Applications for 1,000 Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) within the “Winter Support” program began on November 15th. This program provides financial assistance to citizens during the colder months. https://epravda.com.ua/biznes/zimova-pidtrimka-poklala-diyu-ale-pivmilyona-ukrajinciv-zayavki-vzhe-podali-814225/
* Expansion of Retail Participation: The number of stores accepting payments through both the “Winter Support” and “National Cashback” programs has increased to over 1,780, with ten retail chains currently participating.This expansion aims to make the programs more accessible to a wider range of consumers. https://epravda.com.ua/biznes/do-zimovoji-pidtrimki-priyednalisya-shche-p-yat-torgovelnih-merezh-815606/
* Past US Proposals: In early November, former US President Donald Trump proposed a plan to distribute dividends from customs revenues – at least $2,000 – to Americans (excluding high-income earners). While this specific proposal did not fully materialize in the same form, it reflects a similar approach to direct financial assistance as seen in the stimulus checks.
Comparison and Context:
Both the US and Ukrainian programs demonstrate a recognition of the importance of direct financial support in mitigating economic hardship and stimulating demand. The US response during the COVID-19 pandemic was large-scale,reflecting the severity of the economic disruption. Ukraine’s programs, while smaller in scale, are tailored to its specific economic context and challenges. These initiatives aim to provide a safety net for citizens and encourage spending, contributing to overall economic stability.
Keep reading