The Government is launching the practical implementation of the Programme for Supporting Frontline Regions, which was initiated by the President of Ukraine and developed by the Government team in collaboration with communities.

‘Last week, we presented the concept of the Programme to the communities. Today, we are launching the first elements of the programme to help improve living conditions, create stable jobs, make housing more affordable and provide quality services for people in these regions,’ said Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration, Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.

The first package of decisions covers the following five key areas:

Security

• Construction of bomb shelters and other protective structures in schools, kindergartens, cultural centres and public spaces in communities where there is a constant threat of shelling.
• Priority is given to facilities where children spend time every day, ensuring that learning and leisure activities can take place safely.

People

• A one-time payment of UAH 19,400 to each family that heats their home independently to help with the purchase of solid fuel, such as firewood, coal or pellets.
• Monthly compensation for the cost of 100 kW of electricity per family member in frontline communities during the winter period.
• Free hot meals for primary school students across the country and for secondary school students in frontline and border regions.

Housing

• The YeOselia programme covers 70% of the initial mortgage deposit and 70% of monthly payments in the first year, as well as UAH 40,000 towards registration costs. It offers the opportunity to purchase housing on the resale market that is up to 20 years old, with an interest rate of 3–7% per annum.
• Expansion of the eRecovery programme: an additional UAH 1.6 billion has been allocated to compensate for housing that has been damaged or destroyed. More than 1,000 families will receive payments.

Local economy

• Critically important enterprises will be able to reserve between 75% and 100% of their subject-to-mobilisation employees in order to maintain production.
• Farmers will receive UAH 1,000 for every hectare of farmland located in combat zones.
• Grants for orchards and greenhouses of up to UAH 400,000 per hectare, with compensation of up to 80% of expenses.

Healthcare

• A 20% bonus for medical institutions in rural and remote communities for providing primary care.
• Increased payment rates for emergency medical care so that ambulance teams can operate consistently even in high-risk areas.

‘The Government is also working on a second package that will include new tools for businesses, additional support for hospitals and increased salaries and pensions for those who keep communities going in the toughest conditions,’ added Oleksii Kuleba.