Zelensky's hryvnia handout: Relief or misstep amid crisis?
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 CAD 34. This 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.
Volodymyr Zelensky's idea has been sharply criticized not only by residents of Ukrainian cities but also by the opposition, which is already preparing for elections, even though it is unclear when they will take place, notes the portal ukrayina.pl.
The portal reports that the citizens' support program, commissioned by the Ukrainian president at the end of October, is currently the most loudly criticized idea of the leader. 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 also emphasizes that these funds come from donors and due to a "legal condition," they cannot be spent on the military, even on drones, as the military also suggests.
Up to CAD 1.4 billion for Ukrainians
The portal Ukrayina.pl informs that the state's assistance will be a one-time payment. 1,000 hryvnias, or approximately CAD 34, will be paid regardless of age and upon application submission.
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 CAD 165 in support. Altogether, this plan will cost the state budget 30-40 billion hryvnias, or close to CAD 1.3 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 defence, there is a better way 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, quoted by ukrayina.pl.
The portal adds that similar programs were implemented before 2022 when the Russians began their second invasion of Ukraine after 2014.
