Scale of Ukrainian Deputy Funds
A study by the 'Chestno' (Honestly) movement reveals that the total sum of deputy funds in Ukraine's regional councils has surpassed 300 million hryvnias. Spending on constituent support has increased in nearly all regions, with direct material aid being the primary expense. The report raises concerns, noting that most councils lack systematic reporting on how these funds are used. These funds are discretionary budgets allocated to local deputies, often with minimal oversight.
Substantial Growth in Regional Allocations
Specific regions show dramatic increases. In Zhytomyr, the per-deputy fund tripled from 90,000 hryvnias in 2024 to 246,000 in 2025. The Ivano-Frankivsk region saw a 2.5-fold rise from 60,000 to 150,000 hryvnias, while Ternopil recorded a 51% growth. The Kyiv regional council ranks second in per-deputy funding, but Dnipropetrovsk council holds the largest overall budget at over 119 million hryvniats.
Each deputy in Dnipropetrovsk could manage more than 1 million hryvnias, a 37% increase from the previous year. The largest share of these funds is allocated for targeted assistance, with material support remaining the key expenditure. While deputies in Dnipropetrovsk and Chernihiv councils could direct money to other purposes, some councils state that deputies are not obligated to provide detailed reports on spending.
The 'Chestno' study warns that these trends create risks of political promotion funded by taxpayers, which can erode public trust in local government. This comes at a time when Ukraine is emphasizing governance reforms as part of its broader democratic development.
These findings underscore the critical need for systematic reporting and transparency in managing deputy funds, as rising expenditures may alarm voters. In the absence of clear spending accounts, it is vital for local councils to implement financial controls to prevent misuse and strengthen citizen confidence in public authorities.
As regional councils increase their allocations for voter assistance, it is essential to consider the broader implications of such funding on public trust and governance. For a more in-depth look at how Ukrainian city councils are also directing substantial budgets towards citizen support and military aid, explore this detailed report on the growing financial commitments by local governments towards community welfare and defense.