“The Government of Ukraine is introducing a new financial initiative aimed at strengthening social protection and financial incentives for energy workers working as part of emergency recovery teams in the winter of 2026. On January 12, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yulia Svyridenko officially announced the development of a special program of additional payments. The main goal of the decision is to support specialists who”, — write on: ua.news
The Government of Ukraine is introducing a new financial initiative aimed at strengthening social protection and financial incentives for energy workers working as part of emergency recovery teams in the winter of 2026.
On January 12, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yulia Svyridenko officially announced the development of a special program of additional payments. The main purpose of the decision is to support specialists who ensure the vital activity of the country in a 24/7 mode, often risking their lives during repair work on objects that are under Russian fire or in areas with critically low temperatures.
Only those employees who are directly involved in field teams and are involved in the restoration of networks, substations and generation after hits or accidents will receive additional payments.
The government plans to establish monthly wage increases, the amount of which will depend on the intensity of work and the complexity of conditions in a specific region, especially in front-line areas.
The program is designed for the entire winter season – until the end of March 2026, when the load on the power system is at its peak and working conditions are the most difficult.
The Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance were instructed to submit the final payment mechanism for approval by the Cabinet of Ministers within a week.
The introduction of additional incentives is a response to the colossal burden placed on the shoulders of technical personnel after the last massive attacks on energy infrastructure. An increase in wages should not only compensate for the risks, but also help retain qualified personnel in the industry, where there is a shortage due to mobilization processes and the departure of specialists abroad. Yuliya Svyridenko emphasized that state support is the least the country can do for people whose “titanic work” allows millions of Ukrainians to have light and heat in frost conditions below -15°C.
In parallel with this program, the government continues the implementation of the “Winter Support” package, which includes fixed tariffs for the population, assistance for the purchase of fuel for residents of the frontline areas, and the “UZ-3000” program for free rail travel. Thus, the state tries to balance the support of both consumers and those who ensure the stable operation of critical services during the most difficult period of the year.
Meanwhile, the Pension Fund of Ukraine reports on the system of monthly compensation payments effective in 2025 for the elderly and veterans. The size of these allowances depends on the pensioner’s age or special status, but there are certain restrictions on the total level of income.
As a reminder, from January 1, 2026, pensions in Ukraine may stop being paid to certain categories of citizens.
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