🇺🇦🏛️ The session began with a tribute to 48 months of Ukraine’s heroic resistance against the full-scale military aggression of the Russian Federation. Members of Parliament observed a moment of silence in honor of the defenders, medics, rescuers, and volunteers who gave their lives in the line of duty.
It was emphasized that thanks to the self-sacrifice of soldiers and the work of energy specialists, utility workers, and rescue services, the state retains resilience even under the most challenging conditions.
Social Policy in Wartime: Systemic Approach over Ad Hoc Solutions
In accordance with Article 229 of the Rules of Procedure of the Verkhovna Rada, the topic of the Q&A Session was the state of national social policy — including pensions, child protection, support for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and those affected by the Chornobyl disaster.
The Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine, Denys Ulyuen, was invited to deliver a report and answer questions.
In his address, he stressed that Ukraine’s social policy is gradually moving from reactive measures to systemic transformation aimed at resilience, fairness, and post-war recovery. He noted that reforms are complex and not always comfortable, but their goal is to resolve long-standing imbalances without shifting the burden to future generations.
Pension System: Stability and Fairness
The first key focus was pension reform.
The Minister reported that in 2026, the Pension Fund began the year with its first approved deficit-free budget in many years — over 1.2–1.3 trillion UAH. This ensures stable payments for over 10 million pensioners.
From 1 March 2026, pensions will be indexed by 12.1%. However, the average pension (around 6,500 UAH) remains insufficient for a decent standard of living, with over 4.3 million citizens receiving less than 6,000 UAH.
Pensioner Identification and Budget Protection
The Minister explained the procedure of physical identification of pensioners, in place since 2004, as an international practice to prevent fraud and misuse of funds, including international aid.
Due to wartime conditions, identification mechanisms were expanded to include:
digital signature authentication;
video conferences via consulates;
Pension Fund service centers.
Support for Pensioners from Occupied Territories
Citizens residing in temporarily occupied territories or who relocated to government-controlled areas receive pensions upon verification that they do not obtain payments from the Russian Federation.
The combined pressure of identification, energy constraints, and severe weather created additional strain. The Government responded by:
resuming payments for those who missed the application deadline;
extending service center hours;
filling 2,500 vacancies;
increasing staff salaries.
As of February 2026, payments were restored to over 67,000 pensioners.
New Pension Model
The Ministry is finalizing a draft law which provides for:
a guaranteed minimum pension of at least 6,000 UAH;
a fair link between contributions and benefits;
the introduction of professional pensions;
voluntary savings plans;
additional payments to military personnel for combat experience.
Child Support: Families over Institutions
The second strategic focus was policies for orphans, children with disabilities, and children deprived of parental care.
As of 1 January 2026, more than 59,000 such children are registered, with over 56,000 in family-based care.
In 2025, the state purchased housing for 124 family-type orphanages, totaling 712 million UAH. Starting in 2026, foster parent payments were increased, and support for youth under 23 was expanded.
A new “Family Home” service is being launched in 12 regions as an alternative to institutional care.
Resolving Payment Issues
Temporary difficulties affected approximately 4.5% of foster families. To address this, weekly monitoring and interagency coordination have been implemented.
Support for Children with Disabilities
Key priorities include:
expansion of early intervention programs (35 teams in 11 regions);
access to modern prosthetics, including bionic prostheses;
provision of portable power stations for children reliant on electricity (over 7,400 applications verified).
Support for Families with Children
As of 1 February 2026, updated social programs include:
assistance for over 65,000 families with infants;
more than 2,000 through the “eNursery” program;
253 families receiving increased birth support payments.
Applications are now simplified via local councils and administrative service centers, particularly for IDPs.
New Strategy for Internally Displaced Persons
A dedicated section addressed IDP policy.
The Minister highlighted the transition from emergency aid to comprehensive support: evacuation, housing, employment, integration, and social services.
The new strategy includes:
creation of a unified coordination platform;
synchronization of relocation and return policies;
standardization of funding mechanisms;
a digital “IDP Roadmap” via a dedicated portal.
The main goal is integration into community life rather than mere maintenance.
In 2026, 1.5 billion UAH has been allocated for temporary housing. In 2025, nearly half a billion UAH financed recreation programs for IDP and military children. A network of specialized spaces is being developed in 12–14 regions.
Balancing Humanity and Responsibility
In conclusion, the Minister emphasized that modern social policy must combine:
protection of the most vulnerable,
financial discipline,
transparency,
long-term development.
Pension reform, child protection, IDP support, and community development are addressed as an integrated policy of national social resilience.
The Government Q&A Session on 13 February 2026 highlighted that Ukraine’s social policy is shifting from crisis response to strategic management.
Priorities remain:
dignified aging,
child protection,
IDP integration,
family support,
responsible resource management.
Amid the challenges of war, social policy is not only a tool of assistance but also a foundation of trust between the state and citizens — a pillar of national resilience and the basis for Ukraine’s future recovery.
