Utilities, salaries, and innovations in train ticket sales: what will change in Ukraine from 1 August

Starting in August, Ukrainians will see new mechanisms in finance, healthcare, transport, and tariff control. The main goal of all these changes is to make the system more transparent and services more accessible and convenient. Find out what changes Ukrainians can expect

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On 1 August 2025, a number of changes will come into force in Ukraine, affecting several areas of life, from finance and healthcare to utilities and rail transport. Let's take a look at the key changes.

Salary indexation and new reporting requirements

For public sector employees (teachers, doctors, social service workers and government employees), salaries will be indexed by approximately 2.5%. This measure will partially offset price increases and inflation, although it does not constitute a full income increase.

The rules for reporting on the wage fund have also changed. Employers are now required to take into account not only full-time employees, but also those who work remotely, are on leave or have flexible working hours. Work with privileged categories and people with disabilities is monitored separately.

Expansion of the ‘Affordable Medicines’ programme

Since August, the list of diseases and medicines that can be obtained free of charge or with partial payment has been expanded in the ‘Affordable Medicines’ programme.

Medicines for the treatment of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, epilepsy, as well as antidepressants and drugs for anxiety disorders have been added to the existing list.

Medicines will be obtained through an e-prescription issued by a family doctor and dispensed at pharmacies participating in the programme.

Utility rates

Despite expectations of a rate review, rates will remain stable until the end of 2025:

▪️ Gas — 7.96 UAH/m³ (this rate applies to 98% of consumers).

▪️ Electricity — 4.32 UAH/kWh.

For those who have dual-rate meters, the night-time tariff (from 23:00 to 07:00) remains at 2.16 UAH/kWh, which saves 100–150 UAH per month.

Moratorium on price increases:

▪️ gas — until the end of 2025,

▪️ electricity — at least until October 2025.

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New rules for selling and returning Ukrzaliznytsia tickets

From 1 August, identity verification via DiIa.Signature will be mandatory for purchasing and returning tickets for a number of trains. This innovation is aimed at combating fraud during mass ticket purchases and resales.

List of trains affected by the innovation:

▪️ No. 105/106 Odessa – Kyiv

▪️ No. 91/92 Lviv – Kyiv

▪️ No. 29/30 Kyiv – Uzhhorod

▪️ No. 12 Lviv – Odesa

▪️ No. 27/28 Kyiv – Chop

In addition, the new rules also apply to international routes to Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova. Tickets for these flights can now only be purchased online after identity verification.

Remember that you can quickly and easily buy train tickets on the Visit Ukraine portal. The convenient interface of our booking service allows you to compare prices and choose the most suitable option for your trip in just a few clicks.

Penalties for entrepreneurs for cash register violations

The grace period for sole proprietors on the simplified system ends in August. Now, full penalties will be imposed for violations of cash register rules:

▪️ 100% of the cost of goods or services sold — for the first violation;

▪️ 150% — for a repeat violation.

Violations include failure to issue a receipt, sales without fiscalisation, or the use of uncertified cash registers.

Launch of the Open Banking system

Another important innovation in August is the launch of the open banking system. Banks and financial services will now be able to exchange data on customer accounts and transactions, provided the customer agrees.

Open Banking will allow you to:

▪️ manage accounts at different banks through a single app,

▪️ receive personalised offers for loans and services,

▪️ change banks more easily without losing your transaction history.

This is a step towards more transparent and convenient financial services in Ukraine.

Reminder! The European Parliament has finally approved the gradual introduction of the EES control system at the EU's external borders. Find out how border crossings will change for Ukrainians and when the new rules will come into force.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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