I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians.
Today, our winter support program has been launched. And in the first two hours of intake, there have already been half a million applications for 1,000 hryvnias per Ukrainian in need of support – for both adults and children, making a real difference for a family. The funds can be used not only this year, but also next year, until June, to pay utility bills, buy medicines, Ukrainian goods, Ukrainian books, and, of course, this money can be donated to volunteers and foundations supporting our Ukrainian army.
The key is to submit the application through Diia or Ukrposhta, and to do it before Christmas, by December 24. The money should arrive within ten days of the application being submitted. Funding for the program is secured. And last year, over 14 million Ukrainians benefited from winter support, so this year, we also expect the program to have a large-scale impact. The Government of Ukraine will carry out the program in full. If additional support or extra funding is needed, we will provide it.
I want to thank the Diia team. This morning was challenging when hundreds of thousands of applications came in during the very first hour, but the system is holding up: applications are being registered, and there is plenty of time for everyone to sign up. The funds will be provided and transferred to the National Cashback card, and all of this can be arranged according to each person’s preference. I am grateful to all Ukrainian banks that are explaining the terms and assisting people.
I have instructed government officials to give Ukrainians the clearest and most complete details of the program and to ensure that everyone who applies can receive the funds for themselves and for their children. Receiving this money does not affect subsidies: winter support is an additional form of assistance.
There will also be other winter support elements. Electricity and gas prices for households have already been fixed for the winter. We will ensure financing for gas imports. We are increasing equipment reserves for repairs after Russian strikes, and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is to present all of this to the public, all key details. I thank everyone working for Ukraine, working for Ukrainians. I thank all those who are helping.
Glory to Ukraine!