Ukraine might be unable to index pensions in 2024 if no int'l financial support provided - minister

MOSCOW. Dec 28 (Interfax) - Ukraine might be unable to adjust retirement pensions to inflation in 2024 if it stops receiving international financial assistance, Social Policy Minister Oksana Zholnovich said.

Speaking on a national TV marathon on Thursday, Zholnovich said there should be no problems with the payment of pensions next year, Ukrainian media reported.

"If there are such risks [the absence of international financial support], perhaps we might be unable to speak about indexing [pensions], but basic pensions will be paid, and we'll find the necessary funding for that from internal Ukrainian resources," Zholnovich said.

The funds for increasing all government allowances and adjusting them to inflation in 2024 have been budgeted for, and Ukraine should hopefully find the necessary resources for that, she said.

"I believe we'll be able to handle those challenges. I wouldn't like to scare pensioners ahead of time that they might not receive their pensions and might not have them increased by the level of inflation, as is required by law. We are prepared to do that for the time being," she said.

As for social allowances, such as support for low-income individuals, internally displaced persons, and other disadvantaged groups, these expenditures are financed by Ukraine's foreign partners, she said.

The Social Policy Ministry and the World Bank have agreed upon the allocation of nearly $2 billion, which would be enough to cover basic social expenditures in the first months of 2024, Zholnovich said.