Odessa has allocated 75 million for prosthetics for veterans

In Odesa, a proposal was made to revise the veteran support program, which has a budget of 1.13 billion hryvnias. The largest expenditures were allocated for monthly payments, assistance to the families of the fallen, medical treatment, and prosthetics; however, funding for some of the measures has not yet been specified.

The Center for Public Investigations analyzed the changes to the city program and determined how the budget funds will be allocated. 

The Executive Committee of the Odesa City Council has prepared a draft of amendments to the “Odesa Veteran” program for 2024–2029. The final decision is to be made by the Odesa City Council.

Four types of monthly payments account for nearly half of the program’s budget. Specifically, 309.9 million hryvnias have been allocated for people with war-related disabilities, and another 232.6 million for the families of fallen defenders.

Separately, 120.1 million hryvnias have been allocated for prosthetics, medical treatment, and health resort rehabilitation, and 114.9 million for assistance with home repairs and household needs. 70.6 million hryvnias were allocated for the operations of the “Veteran Hub” municipal institution.

Funding for the program will grow unevenly. While 138.2 million hryvnias are projected for 2024, the amount is expected to reach 231.7 million in 2027. In 2028, expenditures are planned to be reduced to 207.6 million, and in 2029—increased to 217.1 million hryvnias.

At the same time, the document does not explain the reasons for the changes in funding for prosthetics or the reduction of certain payments in 2028. Additionally, eight programs—including social support for veterans and free legal aid—were not assigned specific funding amounts.

A total of 148.4 million hryvnias was allocated for financial assistance to people in difficult life situations and for prosthetics in general. However, the number of beneficiaries and the amount of payments for these areas were not specified, which makes it difficult to assess the planned expenditures.

In July, during an executive committee meeting, the appointment of Andriy Makovetskyias the official responsible for veterans’ policy in Odesa sparked a debate. Veterans demanded explanations regarding his experience and plans, while city officials urged that he be given time to prepare the program.

Анна Літман