Zelenskyy announces new direct support programs for 2026
New direct support programs for Ukrainian citizens will be implemented in 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.
"Already almost 18 million have applied for winter support - tomorrow we can reach that number. It is important that the application is filed by Christmas - this is the last day for filing applications for this year's winter support. The funds can be used until June, that is, each of these almost 18 million Ukrainians will have time to use the program. And we see that such forms of support really work - direct support, and not only in our country. America, Europe, other parts of the world are forming their direct support programs in one way or another. We will provide new ones for next year," Zelenskyy said in an evening video address on Tuesday.
As reported, from November 15 to December 24, the government launched the opportunity for each citizen to submit an application in the Diia application or at an Ukrposhta branch to receive assistance of UAH 1,000 under the "Winter Support" program.
The funds can be used until June 30, 2026. The assistance can be spent on utilities, medicines, Ukrainian-made products, postal services, books, charity and donated to the Defense Forces. At the same time, the assistance cannot be used to purchase excisable goods, and it is also prohibited to withdraw cash from a special account.
More than 414,000 applications have been submitted for the payment of UAH 6,500 as part of "Winter Support" for vulnerable categories of citizens, the acceptance of applications for the program has been completed.