The price of survival: how the war turned the lives of Ukrainians into a struggle for every hryvnia

The war broke into the lives of Ukrainians, destroying homes, taking away familiar things, leaving jobs. It has affected every aspect of life, turning even everyday shopping into challenges. Foods are getting more expensive, utility bills are getting higher and higher, and wages are stagnating or disappearing along with jobs. All this forces millions of people to choose between basic needs and minimum joys. Today, most Ukrainians are on the verge of survival. Products that should be on the table have turned into a real shortage. How does the war, destroying the economy, force Ukrainians to look for new ways of survival? The answer to this question lies in the realities that the country faces every day.

Biting prices

When the war began, many Ukrainians thought that the worst was sirens, shelling and occupation. But war goes much deeper, touching every aspect of life, including how much we spend on bread, gasoline, or heat. Rising prices and constant inflation have become an invisible front on which Ukrainians fight every day.

A comparison of prices over the past two years shows how hard the war hit wallets. By data According to the State Statistics Service, inflation for 2022 amounted to 26.6%, and in 2023 – another 12.1%. The numbers don’t seem catastrophic, but they reflect the daily challenges for ordinary people. Thus, the consumer price index (CPI) was:

• in 2022 – 126.6%;
• in 2023 – 105.6%;
• in 2024 -108.4%.

Experts predict a much higher figure of 110%, as food prices tend to rise at the end of the year.

For the majority of Ukrainians, especially for pensioners, the most significant expenses are food, drinks and housing and communal services.

Thus, the CPI for various groups of goods in the period from 2022 to 2024 changed as follows:

• food products and non-alcoholic beverages -150.8% (increased by 1.51 times);
• alcoholic beverages and tobacco products – 147.4% (increased by 1.47 times);
• clothing and footwear – 97.7% (increased by 0.98 times);
• housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels – 141.8% (increased by 1.42 times);

As we can see from the above data, prices for bread, pasta, meat and meat products, fish and fish products, milk, hard and soft cheese, eggs, butter, sunflower oil, other edible animal fats, fruits , vegetables, sugar and soft drinks have a tendency of constant growth during the war years. So, in 2024, in just 10 months, the price of butter increased by 21%, fruits – by 18%, vegetables – by 26%. Tobacco products increased by 17%. The fee for residential and commercial housing increased by almost 19%, as the electricity tariff for the population increased 2.6 times, from UAH 1.68 to UAH 4.32 per kWh. In general, since the beginning of the war all household expenses on food as of October 2024 increased by 1.5 times, and on utilities – by 1.4 times. Although, for example, the mayor of Kharkiv at the beginning of the war assured all Kharkiv residents that there was no need to pay for communal services until the end of the war. But it did not happen as expected.

Therefore, the year 2024 remains no less difficult for the country, its population and economy compared to 2022. Prices for basic goods have increased by 50-100%. For example, a kilogram of potatoes cost 8-10 hryvnias before the war, now it costs 18-22 hryvnias. The price of chicken eggs almost tripled: from 20-25 to 70 hryvnias per dozen. Even bread, this basic product, has risen in price by an average of 30-50%. Electricity, gas, heating have become a financial burden. For many families, paying for heat now eats up half of the monthly income. Destroyed oil depots and logistics routes have caused shortages, raising gasoline prices by 30-50%.

It should be noted that the structure of consumption differs for different segments of the population. So, for example, families with children also have additional expenses for education and upbringing of children. They need to buy clothes for children twice as often, because they are growing. Pensioners do not have such expenses, but they have to spend on medicine. There is also a difference in nutrition. Wealthy families buy more meat, fish and fruit. And low-income people are satisfied with bread, pasta and potatoes.

According to the results of the survey of the living conditions of the population conducted by the State Statistics Service, it was established that in 2021, households spent an average of 47% of their income on food. A similar study conducted in 2023-2024 by the Ministry of Social Policy, the Institute of Demography and Social Research named after M. Ptukha of NASU and a group of foreign organizations, showed that this share has increased significantly to 52%. The data confirm the fact that due to the war, the share of the poor in terms of income in Ukraine increased 1.7 times – from 20.6 to 35.5%

Why is everything getting more expensive?

According to World Bank estimates, the Ukrainian economy will shrink by 29% in 2022. The rise in prices in Ukraine is the result of a number of factors that interact with each other, creating a complex and sometimes shocking effect for the population.

It is obvious that the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine caused serious damage to infrastructure, factories, and energy. The destruction of enterprises and the occupation of resource-rich territories led to a shortage of goods and an increase in production costs. The energy crisis added its contribution: without stable electricity, everything becomes more expensive – from bread to transport. The government is forced to spend huge amounts on defense, funding the army and rebuilding critical infrastructure. This puts pressure on the budget, and money printing, although partially controlled, fuels inflation.

We should not forget the fact that Ukraine is an import-dependent country. When the hryvnia weakens, import prices soar. Gasoline, medicines, equipment – everything becomes more expensive due to the high exchange rate, which is especially noticeable during periods of instability. The loss of ports, restrictions on exports, particularly grain, are not only losses for the state budget, but also an increase in prices on the domestic market. Global trends, such as rising prices of fuel or raw materials, only add fuel to the fire.

The situation with setting prices is also difficult. An unregulated market and low competition in some industries create the perfect environment for businesses to raise prices for no real reason. This is especially noticeable in the agricultural sector or the drug market. Psychological pressure also has a significant impact. After all, instability forces people who have a certain amount of wealth to buy products and fuel, which additionally heats up the market. Demand and panic work in the hands of those who can manipulate prices.

The state of wages and pensions of Ukrainians

According to the State Statistics Service, in January 2022, the average salary was UAH 14,577. But it is better to compare this figure with the changing weather forecast than to perceive it as a constant and specific indicator. So, for example, in the Volyn, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kirovohrad, Ternopil, Kherson, and Chernihiv regions wages are 19–21% lower than the average. And in the capital it is 46% higher. At the end of 2023, the average salary was UAH 17,442, i.e. it increased by 17.5%, and in the first half of 2024 it was increased to UAH 19,927. Therefore, when compared with 2022, the average salary in Ukraine has increased by 1.34 times (34%). But with the increase in the cost of food products and housing and communal services by 1.5 and 1.4 times, respectively, such an increase does not improve the living conditions of Ukrainians.

For data Pension Fund, as of January 1, 2022, the average pension in Ukraine was UAH 3,991.53. As of October 1, 2024, the average pension amounted to UAH 5,851.86, that is, it increased 1,466 times, or by 47%. If the pensioners are even less able to cope with the housing payment, which has increased by 42%, then with the purchase of food products, the price of which has increased by almost 51%, pensioners should start seriously saving and denying themselves everything. In addition, for data PFU, almost 62% of pensioners receive a pension of less than UAH 5,000. Only 26% of pensioners receive a pension from UAH 5,000 to UAH 10,000. Therefore, it can be concluded that due to the increase in prices, 72-75% of Ukrainian pensioners were impoverished during the war and found themselves on the verge of survival.

Working Ukrainians were not lucky at all – their average salary during the war increased, according to official statistics, by only 34%, which means that it does not cover any needs. IDPs should be mentioned separately. By data survey of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 60% of displaced persons spend half of their income on housing rent. On average, it is 8,500 hryvnias with utilities. It is obvious that people simply do not have enough money to meet the minimum necessities of life.

Thanks to a survey within the framework of the social project “Helping families with children affected by the war to prepare for cold weather”, it was established that the vast majority of IDP families with children are in a difficult financial situation, live in housing for which they have to spend significant money to rent premises, which in turn is reflected in their ability to provide conditions to meet the needs of the family. In accordance with by the results of this survey, 82% of IDP families do not have the opportunity to independently provide for their needs in educational services. As of March 1, 2024, the promised payments have already stopped being accrued to the majority of IDPs. And in 2025, the government did not plan to increase aid for IDPs at all. Many displaced persons complain about the difficulty of obtaining assistance due to the confusing bureaucratic system. The state announced many initiatives and projects. But all of them need to find serious funding and still remain only initiatives on paper. While people need a roof over their head immediately. Declared amounts of aid often do not correspond to real needs.

Without a stable source of income and access to normal living conditions, many IDPs live in poverty. This causes a negative impact on the economy, as the number of people who need social assistance is increasing, instead of actively participating in the reconstruction of the country.

It is worth noting that today’s figures of the minimum living standards in Ukraine do not take into account the real needs of people in the conditions of current prices. These are simply numbers to which various payment options are attached. For example, wage indexation, the minimum amount of old-age pension, the maximum amount of unemployment benefits, etc.

Ukrainians have always found ways to adapt to the crisis, but now this adaptation resembles an economic extreme. Villagers returned to growing vegetables and fruits in order not to spend money at the market. But where hostilities are taking place, running a household is simply impossible. Those who have lost their jobs are looking for income in freelancing or learning new professions. According to surveys, 75% of Ukrainians are forced to resort to savings and reduce spending on clothes, entertainment and even medical treatment.

It is certain that officials, sitting in comfortable offices, will never be able to understand the needs of the population. That is why the living wage is so far from real figures. Perhaps it is worth using the experience of developed countries to really meet the needs of European society, and not to observe how ordinary Ukrainians survive every day.

Living wage in developed countries

A living wage exists in many foreign countries, but its concept and calculation varies considerably from country to country. In most countries, this concept is used to define the level of income necessary to meet basic human needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, medical services, and transportation.

In the USA, the living wage is defined as the federal poverty level (FPL). It is used to assess whether a person or family is entitled to social assistance. The amount depends on the number of family members and the state of residence. For example, in 2024, the FPL for a single person is approximately $14,580 per year.

In Germany, the subsistence minimum is determined through the so-called Existenzminimum. This is the amount that allows a person to provide basic needs. In 2024, for an adult, it is about €12,800 per year before tax.

In France, the concept of Revenu de Solidarité Active (RSA) is used – the minimum amount that the poor receive. It is about €607 per month for one person.

In Great Britain, the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) is established, a social standard that includes all basic expenses. On average, this is £20,000 a year for a family with two children.

The living wage in Canada is determined by the Market Basket Measure (MBM) method. This is a calculation of the cost of goods and services necessary for a basic standard of living. For a family of four in big cities like Toronto, MBM can exceed CAD 45,000 per year.

In Japan, the living wage is calculated for social benefits and depends on the region. In Tokyo, the amount for one person is about ¥160,000 ($1,100) per month.

In Australia, the living wage is calculated for social assistance, including the basic pension. In 2024, the living wage for one person is around AU$23,000 per year.

As we can see, although there is a living wage in many countries, its level depends on economic development, cost of living and social standards. In more developed countries, this amount allows not only to survive, but also to ensure a decent standard of living. In developing countries, the subsistence level often remains much lower, indicating deeper economic problems.

Of course, Ukrainians have learned to survive where others would have given up. The war took away peace, but not the ability to fight – even for every hryvnia. Daily challenges have become the new normal: bills mount, incomes disappear, but people continue to find ways to stay afloat. However, this struggle cannot last forever, the price of survival paid by every Ukrainian is too high.