In the conditions of a full-scale war with Russia, Ukrainians witnessed the government's thoughtless decisions related to budget expenditures. Among the many items of expenses, housing rental compensation for people's deputies stands out, for which 64.5 million hryvnias were spent from March 2022 to April 2024.
This raises serious questions about the expediency and transparency of the use of budget funds.
160 People's Deputies have already benefited from housing rent compensation in Kyiv, which is 40% of the entire deputies' corps. While the country is at war, the cost of renting a house is causing public displeasure, especially when large sums are involved.
Journalists analyzed the declarations of people's elected officials and found that some of them, having significant financial assets abroad, still take compensation.
For example, deputy Oleg Voronko received 237 thousand hryvnias in compensation for 2022, while his personal savings amount to almost 1.5 million dollars and more than 1 million euros.
During the two years of the war, Yevhen Yakovenko received more than half a million hryvnias for rent, and his savings amount to 950,000 dollars and 830,000 euros. Other deputies also do not hesitate to ask for compensation, while having considerable wealth and assets.
Some people's deputies rent housing at a price that exceeds their salary. For example, Vladlen Neklyudov rents an apartment in a prestigious district of Kyiv, the cost of which is from 65,000 hryvnias per month, while his salary does not reach 57,000 hryvnias. Even more telling is the story of deputy Yevhen Petrunyak, who during the war received 486,000 hryvnias in compensation, but did not indicate the rented accommodation in his declaration.
Criticism from society is growing. Many believe that such costs are unacceptable in the conditions of war, and demand a review of the compensation system. Experts, such as Oleksandr Salizhenko, editor-in-chief of Ruhu Chesno, are sure that it is necessary to clearly regulate the compensation process, taking into account the interests of those who really need help.
