'Winter Support' Program Expands Its Reach
Ukraine's Ministry of Economy announced on January 22 that four new retail chains have joined the 'Winter Support' and 'National Cashback' financial aid programs, broadening access for citizens. The new participants are ATB, Tavria V (including Kosmos and Pure), Dyvotsin, and LotOK. This expansion will allow a greater number of Ukrainians to utilize this state assistance for essential purchases. These programs are part of a broader social safety net to help households cope with economic pressures.
It is prohibited to use 'Winter Support' funds to purchase excisable goods like alcohol and tobacco. Future plans include adding the Epicentr and Rukavychka retail networks, which will further extend the program's availability. Products can currently be purchased with 'Winter Support' funds at nearly 3,000 stores nationwide. Other existing program partners include:
- Auchan
- VARUS
- NOVUS
- Fozzy Group networks (Silpo, Fora, THRASH!)
Citizens can also use the funds for online purchases on the ROZETKA and MAUDAU platforms. A key condition is that the 1,000 hryvnias provided under 'Winter Support' must be spent by June 30, 2026, with any unspent amount returning to the state budget. The payment has been received by over 17.8 million Ukrainians, including 3.5 million children, with more than 11.6 billion hryvnias already spent. Data indicates nearly 80% of the funds are used for utility bills. The application period for new recipients is now closed.
Significance of the Program
The expansion of the 'Winter Support' program highlights the Ukrainian government's active efforts to provide financial aid to its population amidst ongoing economic challenges. Given the vast number of recipients and the high spending activity, the initiative plays a crucial role in supporting household budgets, particularly in the context of high utility costs. The plans for further retail network expansion signal the government's intent to increase access to this aid, which could positively impact the broader economic situation in the country.