Cabinet approves winter readiness, economic support measures for Kherson, Mykolaiv regions

Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko announced this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

According to her, the enemy has changed tactics in using drones to strike critical infrastructure in southern regions, which requires an appropriate response and strengthened protection as part of preparations for the upcoming winter under regional resilience plans.

The government instructed the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development to work out additional engineering and technical solutions to protect critical components of wastewater treatment facilities and water supply systems, including the Mykolaiv water pipeline. The pipeline, launched in autumn 2025, provides fresh water to hundreds of thousands of residents. Security measures were incorporated into its design from the construction stage, and further protection is now a priority for the region, Svyrydenko said.

She also stressed that over the past four years, debts of district heating companies, including those in frontline regions, to the Naftogaz Group have more than doubled – from about UAH 60 billion to nearly UAH 150 billion.

"The government has instructed the development of mechanisms to compensate for tariff differences. We are considering several sources: state budget funds, assistance from the EU and international partners, as well as dividends from other state-owned companies," she said.

Svyrydenko added that the resilience of frontline communities depends on the operation of local businesses. Therefore, the government has tasked ministries with preparing changes to support programs for entrepreneurs in frontline areas. These include affordable "5-7-9%" loans, grants, state guarantees, and war-risk insurance.

The Cabinet also instructed to support in the Verkhovna Rada a draft law on taxation of agricultural producers in frontline territories, as well as to prepare expanded compensation for Ukrainian agricultural machinery and support for irrigation systems in these regions.

Additionally, the government plans to temporarily exempt employers in combat zones from contributions to employment support funds for persons with disabilities.

Photo credit: Yuliia Svyrydenko / Telegram