Yulia Tymoshenko Calls for Pension Hike to Match Living Wage in Ukraine

Tymoshenko's Push for Higher Pensions

According to Главком: Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the 'Batkivshchyna' (Fatherland) party, has issued a demand to raise the minimum pension to match the official subsistence level. She argues that current payments to retirees are insufficient for survival, specifically calling for the minimum pension to be set at no less than 6,400 hryvnias.

As of 2026, the basic minimum pension is set at 2,595 hryvnias per month, which is significantly below the subsistence minimum of 6,400 hryvnias. While this basic rate is already in effect from January 1, 2026, the minimum for individuals aged 65 and over with a full work record is at least 3,458.80 hryvnias monthly. This latter amount represents just 40% of the current minimum wage, which stands at 8,647 hryvnias.

'Batkivshchyna' Party's Proposed Actions

Tymoshenko stated that her party will demand amendments to the 2026 state budget to address this issue. She also noted that the pension indexation carried out in March of this year was approximately 12.1%.

“Who gave the right to violate the law and pay pensions to the elderly on which it is impossible to survive?” – Yulia Tymoshenko

Furthermore, the party plans to launch a petition drive to appeal directly to the President to resolve the problem of low pensions. “We will insist on justice,” she added. This call comes amid ongoing economic pressures in Ukraine, where pension reform remains a contentious political issue.

Tymoshenko's statement reflects growing public concern over social payment levels in Ukraine. Raising minimum pensions to the subsistence level could be a crucial step in improving retirees' lives, as many face severe financial hardship. The planned petition and budget amendment demands signal a ramping up of political pressure on this front, which may influence future government decisions and public debate.