Investigations related to illegal payments are already underway, and authorities are holding violators accountable. At the same time, the government is reviewing existing social assistance mechanisms to better serve those who have truly been affected.
Minister of Social Policy Oksana Zholnovych recently spoke about these initiatives at a press conference. She emphasized that the main goal of these changes is to restore justice and enhance financial support. By eliminating manipulations with benefits, Ukraine aims to protect the rights of those who have genuinely suffered from the Chernobyl disaster.
After the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in 1986, individuals living in the exclusion zone were granted pension supplements. However, in the following years, fraudulent schemes emerged that allowed ineligible individuals to receive these benefits through counterfeit documents.
Some of these illegal payments reportedly amounted to three minimum wage levels, with fraudsters exploiting legal loopholes and securing false registration through the courts.
To address these violations, the Ministry of Social Policy has implemented key countermeasures:
Law enforcement agencies have initiated investigations into known fraudulent schemes, and criminal cases have already been opened against participants.
The authorities are also examining the role of judges who may have facilitated the acquisition of these illegal benefits, ensuring that all responsible parties face legal consequences.
In addition to combating fraud, the government is implementing reforms aimed at strengthening social support for legitimate Chernobyl victims:
Increased assistance for liquidators — special measures will be introduced to support Chernobyl disaster liquidators who do not have disabilities, as they currently represent one of the most vulnerable groups.
Additional payments for affected residents — individuals who lived in the exclusion zone from 1986 to 1993 and did not relocate will receive additional financial assistance tied to the minimum subsistence level.
Legislative amendments — the government plans to introduce legal changes in 2025 to close loopholes and ensure that assistance reaches legitimate recipients.
Minister Zholnovych stressed that these reforms are essential to protect the rights of those who have genuinely suffered due to the Chernobyl disaster. By enhancing oversight and updating legislation, Ukraine aims to prevent further misallocation of state resources and provide more effective protection for survivors of the catastrophe.