Co-chair of the “European Solidarity” faction, Iryna Herashchenko, stated during a speech in the Verkhovna Rada that the authorities must focus on supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the army. She emphasized that the main priorities of the 2026 budget should be the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the protection of displaced people.
Source: PRYAMYI
According to the deputy, a meeting with hundreds of IDPs revealed a critical situation: people who moved to Ukrainian-controlled territories due to their pro-Ukrainian stance were left without work, housing, or even basic social benefits.
Herashchenko stressed that the situation forces some Ukrainians either to leave the country or return to occupied territories, where at least they have a roof over their heads. “This is a nightmare that the authorities are forcing millions of citizens into,” she said.
The politician also highlighted problems with IDP payments, funding for evacuated universities, and the reduction of social support in the 2026 budget. The most vulnerable remain the elderly, who risk losing temporary shelters.
“There should be no billion-level salaries for officials and advisors in the budget. The priority is security, defense, and the protection of the pro-Ukrainian population,” Herashchenko stated.
She also pointed out issues in the army: shortages of ammunition and drones, whose provision largely falls on volunteers and charitable foundations. The deputy called on the authorities to move toward professional and responsible work in the field of defense.