Ukrainian Refugees Abroad Will Not Receive Payments Under President Zelensky’s “єPідтримка” Program
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the launch of a new program called “єPідтримка” (eSupport) aimed at providing financial assistance to Ukrainian citizens who have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict in the country. However, according to a report by the Ukrainian news agency “RBK-Ukraine”, Ukrainian refugees currently residing abroad will not be eligible to receive these payments.
The “єPідтримка” program was introduced as part of Zelensky’s efforts to improve the living conditions of those affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The program was set to provide monthly payments of up to 8,000 hryvnias (approximately $300) to individuals who have been forced to leave their homes and relocate within Ukraine, as well as to those who have been forced to flee the country.
However, the news agency “RBK-Ukraine” reported that the program will not include Ukrainian refugees who are currently living outside of the country. This decision has sparked outrage among the Ukrainian diaspora, who have been vocal about their disappointment and frustration with the government’s lack of support for those who have been forced to leave their homes.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are currently over 1.4 million registered Ukrainian refugees living abroad, with the majority of them residing in neighboring countries such as Russia, Belarus, and Poland. These individuals have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has claimed over 13,000 lives and displaced millions of people since 2014.
The exclusion of Ukrainian refugees abroad from the “єPідтримка” program has been met with criticism from various human rights organizations and activists. They argue that these individuals are among the most vulnerable and in need of financial assistance, as they have been forced to leave their homes and start a new life in a foreign country.
In response to the backlash, the Ukrainian government has stated that the “єPідтримка” program is primarily aimed at providing support to those who have been internally displaced within Ukraine. They also claim that the decision to exclude Ukrainian refugees abroad was made due to budget constraints and the need to prioritize those who are currently living within the country.
However, many have questioned the government’s reasoning, pointing out that the exclusion of Ukrainian refugees abroad goes against the principles of inclusivity and support for all citizens affected by the conflict. They argue that the government should be doing more to assist all Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to flee their homes, regardless of their current location.
The decision to exclude Ukrainian refugees abroad from the “єPідтримка” program is a disappointing one, especially for those who have been eagerly awaiting this much-needed financial assistance. It is also a missed opportunity for the Ukrainian government to show its support for all its citizens affected by the conflict, regardless of their current location.
In conclusion, while the “єPідтримка” program may provide much-needed relief for some Ukrainian citizens, it is clear that more needs to be done to support all those affected by the ongoing conflict. The exclusion of Ukrainian refugees abroad from this program is a step in the wrong direction and goes against the values of inclusivity and support for all citizens. It is hoped that the government will reconsider its decision and provide assistance to all Ukrainian citizens in need, regardless of their current location.
