Minimum Subsistence 2026: Why Millions of Ukrainians Face Poverty

The official minimum subsistence in Ukraine for 2026 significantly lags behind the real needs of citizens. Experts claim that the actual minimum subsistence is almost four times higher than the government's indicators, creating a threat of rising poverty in the country.

"This is below the projected inflation! The real needs, according to calculations, are almost four times higher, increasing the risks of rising poverty"

This is reported by social policy expert Andriy Pavlovskyi in an article for ZN.UA.

Indicators of Minimum Subsistence

According to the draft state budget for 2026, the minimum subsistence for working individuals will be 3328 hryvnias (73 dollars), for non-working individuals – 2595 hryvnias (57 dollars), for children under six years old – 2823 hryvnias (62 dollars). The increase compared to the current year is only 9 percent.

"The real minimum subsistence, according to experts, is four times higher: for working individuals – at least 12 thousand UAH, for retirees – 8 thousand"

This situation leads to a catastrophic rise in poverty in the country. According to the World Bank, already 25 percent of Ukrainians are below the poverty line. Pavlovskyi warns that by 2026, this figure may reach 35 percent.

Deterioration of Situation in Regions

The situation can become especially critical in regions near the front line, where prices are 20-30 percent higher. "In regions near the front, where prices are 20-30% higher, this becomes a death sentence for the elderly. This means millions of Ukrainians are at risk of falling below the poverty line, especially in regions close to the front," notes the expert.

The government predicts inflation at 10.4 percent, however, the author warns that considering the devaluation of the hryvnia, the growth of raw material prices and utility tariffs, the real inflation may reach 15-20 percent, making the promised growth in social standards illusory.

The minimum subsistence in Ukraine for 2026 significantly lags behind the real needs of citizens, creating a threat of rising poverty in the country. Experts emphasize the need to adjust these indicators to avoid a social crisis and deepen the sense of poverty in Ukrainian society.