This is reported by RBK-Ukraine, referencing the Telegram channel of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The information is also provided by Kontrakty.UA.
According to Shmyhal, the priority of the budget remains the protection of the state.
In particular, 2.23 trillion hryvnias will be allocated for the funding of security and defense forces, as well as the purchase and production of weapons, drones, and equipment.
Additionally, 420.9 billion hryvnias will be directed towards social protection, 217 billion hryvnias for healthcare, and 199 billion hryvnias for education.
"The government clearly understands that we will navigate the next financial year confidently. We have cooperation among branches of power and strong support from our partners," Shmyhal wrote.
It is worth noting that the budget for 2025 includes a deficit of 1 trillion 640.6 billion hryvnias (with revenues of 2 trillion 339 billion hryvnias and expenditures of 3 trillion 941 billion hryvnias). The deficit will be covered through international assistance.
The main priority remains defense and security. Approximately 2.22 trillion hryvnias are planned for these expenses. Social expenditures are expected to be reduced to 419 billion hryvnias (down by 50 billion). There will be no increase in the minimum wage or the subsistence minimum next year.
Regarding forecasts for the duration of the war, the 2025 budget has abandoned them. However, it emphasizes that ongoing hostilities are a significant source of risks and a cause of economic destruction.
Dollar exchange rate and economic indicators
The budget for 2025 anticipates a rise in the dollar exchange rate to 45.0 hryvnias. If hostilities cease, the exchange rate may stabilize at a lower level.
Real GDP is forecasted to grow by 2.7% (slowing compared to the current and previous years). Inflation is expected to accelerate to 9.5% due to rising raw material prices, increasing wages, and the gradual devaluation of the hryvnia.
What will salaries be
There will be no increase in the minimum wage. From January 1, 2025, it will remain at 8,000 hryvnias per month (48 hryvnias per hour).
At the same time, the average salary is expected to rise to 24,389 hryvnias. This is driven by the need to retain staff and attract new personnel amid labor shortages.
What about pensions and subsidies
The budget law includes provisions for pension reform. By July 1, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers must submit bills to establish unified approaches for recalculating pensions granted under "special" laws. It should be noted that pension indexing will occur from March 1, 2025.
For subsidies and benefits for housing and communal services, as well as for the purchase of solid and liquid fuel for heating and liquefied gas, 42.3 billion hryvnias are allocated. The number of subsidy recipients is expected to decrease by 400,000.
We remind you that a detailed analysis can be found in the article by RBK-Ukraine "Budget-2025: what was approved by the deputies and what Ukrainians will live with next year."
The Cabinet of Ministers has also decided to extend the "Winter Support" program to children from low-income families and families of internally displaced persons. One-time assistance for each child will amount to 6,500 hryvnias and will be available in December.