The Ukrainian Red Cross allocates more than UAH 223 million for winter assistance to residents of frontline communities
With U.S. support, the Ukrainian Red Cross has transferred UAH 223,813,000 to the Humanitarian Account of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine to support the winter assistance programme for vulnerable groups during the 2026–2027 heating season. The funds will be used to provide one-off cash assistance to households from the most vulnerable groups living in frontline areas.
The assistance will be provided through the state winter assistance programme following the adoption of the relevant decision by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
“Preparing for winter is always about acting ahead of time. For people living in frontline communities, timely financial assistance means being able to prepare for the cold, purchase essential fuel, pay utility bills or cover other urgent needs. That is why the Ukrainian Red Cross has allocated more than UAH 223 million to the state winter assistance programme. We believe that combining humanitarian resources with government assistance mechanisms enables us to support people more quickly and effectively where the need is greatest,” said Maksym Dotsenko, President of the Ukrainian Red Cross.
The funds will be used to finance the Winter Assistance programme, which provides a one-off payment of UAH 19,400 per household. Families will be able to decide how best to use the funds — from purchasing fuel or warm clothing to paying utility bills or covering other expenses related to preparing for winter. Payments will be made through the Pension Fund of Ukraine using existing state payment mechanisms, enabling assistance to reach people as quickly as possible.
“This contribution provides significant financial support to Ukrainian families ahead of winter, but it also demonstrates trust in government assistance mechanisms. We have created a tool that enables international and humanitarian organisations to support people through Ukraine’s social protection system — quickly, transparently and effectively. Solutions like these help strengthen the capacity of the state for the future,” said Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.
The Humanitarian Response and Resilience Account uses existing state registers and digital infrastructure to identify beneficiaries and deliver assistance. This helps prevent duplication of humanitarian assistance, reduces administrative costs and, at the same time, strengthens state institutions.
This approach allows existing government infrastructure to be used to provide assistance quickly and in a targeted manner to those who need it most. It also promotes the efficient use of resources and helps avoid duplication of assistance.
For the Ukrainian Red Cross, it is important not only to respond to people’s humanitarian needs but also to support the capacity of the state social protection system. Joint efforts help strengthen assistance mechanisms and ensure a more coordinated response to the consequences of the war, particularly in preparation for the winter season.