Poverty in Ukraine may reach 35%: who will be affected by the social crisis

According to hvylya.net: Ukraine is preparing for a social crisis due to underestimated social standards

According to social policy expert Andriy Pavlovsky, Ukraine may witness even greater problems in the area of poverty. A quarter of the population is already below the poverty line, but next year this figure could rise to 35%. The reason is incorrectly set social standards that do not match the real living expenses of citizens.

The minimum subsistence level is insufficient by four times

The official minimum subsistence level proposed by the government for 2026 is four times lower than the real needs of the population. As Pavlovsky points out, the real costs for working-age individuals and pensioners are at least UAH 12,000 and UAH 8,000 respectively. Meanwhile, the proposed increase in the minimum subsistence level of 9% is insufficient to cope even with the predicted inflation of 10.4%.

The World Bank warns of the threat of poverty

According to the World Bank, a quarter of the Ukrainian population already lives in poverty, and this figure could rise to 35%. The situation is especially difficult in regions that have been most affected by the war, where prices are 20-30% higher, putting the lives of elderly people at risk.

The illusion of growth in social standards

According to Pavlovsky's analysis, the 9% increase in social standards could turn into a real decrease due to the expected inflation of 15-20%. Paradoxically, the planned increase in the minimum subsistence level could only worsen the financial situation of Ukrainians, especially in regions that have experienced the war.

The country faces a real threat of a social crisis due to underestimated social standards that do not match the real expenses of citizens. The government's minimum subsistence level is insufficient by four times compared to the actual needs of the population, which could lead to an increase in poverty and a deterioration of the financial situation of citizens, especially in regions affected by the war.