Ukrainian refugees who will receive “a thousand from Zelensky” must return it: Shmyhal
Ukrainian refugees, who ended up abroad due to a full-scale war, are forced to adapt to new living conditions far from home. For many of them, government programs that help overcome financial difficulties are an important support. However, recently there have been certain controversial points related to the provision of such assistance, which cause concern among citizens. In particular, this concerns the “Winter is Support” program, which provides for the payment of one thousand hryvnias per person, but with conditions that may have serious consequences for those who are currently outside Ukraine.
Shmyhal’s statement
Ukrainians living abroad should be careful when applying for state aid under the “Winter is Support” program. This initiative, aimed at supporting citizens during the winter period, provides for the payment of one thousand hryvnias to every Ukrainian. However, those who apply outside of Ukraine will be required to return the funds received.
About this reported Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during the Yedyni Novosti telethon. According to him, citizens, applying through the state application “Action”, confirm their presence in Ukraine on the basis of a personal declaration. At the same time, the state conducts additional checks of information through official registers and geolocation data. If it turns out that the applicant was outside Ukraine, he will have to return the funds.
“There will be a minimal number of people who can abuse this program. But after that we will conduct an audit. In case of violations, such persons will be forced to return the funds received. We urge citizens not to abuse state assistance.” Shmyhal emphasized.
“Winter is Support” program
The “Winter is Support” program was initiated by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and started on December 1. As part of it, every Ukrainian should receive a thousand hryvnias for a special card that can be opened in the Action application. Funds are allowed to be spent on utilities, Ukrainian goods and services, “Ukrzaliznytsia” tickets, medicine, books, cultural services, as well as donations to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Although this program is intended to be a significant help for Ukrainians who remain in the country and need financial support, its terms raise questions among those who have gone abroad because of the war. Many refugees still remain citizens of Ukraine and hope for state assistance. However, the fact of the possible return of funds received for false applications can become an additional burden for these people.
On the other hand, the state emphasizes the importance of honest use of resources and seeks to avoid abuse. The government calls on Ukrainians to be responsible when applying for payments and to remember that these funds are intended for those who really need support during the winter period. Therefore, citizens who are abroad should carefully consider their actions in order not to fall under sanctions and avoid the need to return the funds received.
Thus, the “Winter is Support” program is an important tool for helping Ukrainians, but its implementation requires a careful approach from both the government and citizens. Support should be directed to those who need it most, while ensuring transparency and fairness in the distribution of resources.
