‘It’s easier to print money than not to pay’: Oleksiy Kushch on pensions

Diana Shevchenko
Diana Shevchenko Journalist
‘It’s easier to print money than not to pay’: Oleksiy Kushch on pensions
Ukraine will not stop paying pensions, stock photo
Ukraine will not stop paying pensions, even if EU aid is delayed. According to an expert, it would be more advantageous for the state to issue more hryvnia than to allow social payments to cease entirely

Financial analyst Oleksiy Kushch spoke about this on the News.LIVE programme ‘The World at a Crossroads’

Oleksiy Kushch is convinced that failing to pay pensions is economic suicide, as it will destroy domestic effective demand.

“It would be more cost-effective to print money for pensions than simply not to pay them out. Printing money will lead to inflation, but at least it will save the economy for a while,” the analyst explained.

Forecast: ‘Everything at 100’

The issuance of the hryvnia will inevitably hit people’s wallets. According to Kushch, Ukrainians should prepare for a ‘everything at 100’ price format:

  • Eggs, buckwheat and fuel could reach the 100-hryvnia mark.

  • Discount stores will change their pricing format due to rapid inflation.

Global context

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the analyst predicts an increase in the activity of private military companies there, but advises Ukraine to focus on resolving its own financial problems.

Share tittle
Economy
Restrictions on petrol sales have been introduced in Moscow and St Petersburg
Economy
  • Important

Restrictions on petrol sales have been introduced in Moscow and St Petersburg

Petrol stations in Moscow and St Petersburg are introducing limits on the sale of petrol and diesel. The companies attribute these measures to market conditions and supply difficulties.

03.06.2026
Ukraine is entering the new season with substantial wheat stocks and a positive harvest forecast
Economy

Ukraine is entering the new season with substantial wheat stocks and a positive harvest forecast

The Ukrainian wheat market is starting the 2026/27 season with substantial carryover stocks and favourable forecasts for the upcoming harvest. Towards the end of the current marketing year, export activity picked up significantly, boosting market sentiment and trade expectations.

03.06.2026
Ukraine to receive equipment from Latvia to restore its thermal power plant – Svyrydenko
Economy

Ukraine to receive equipment from Latvia to restore its thermal power plant – Svyrydenko

The Head of the Government, Yulia Svyrydenko, noted that energy facilities remain one of the main targets of Russian attacks, particularly the latest one on 2 June.

03.06.2026
The tax authorities have uncovered a scheme to funnel nearly 200 billion hryvnias abroad via a network of high-risk companies
Economy

The tax authorities have uncovered a scheme to funnel nearly 200 billion hryvnias abroad via a network of high-risk companies

The State Tax Service has announced that it has uncovered evidence of a large-scale scheme to transfer funds abroad via more than 2,300 companies. The total value of foreign trade transactions carried out by these entities exceeded 198 billion hryvnias.

03.06.2026
Journalists have uncovered questionable assets belonging to the head of the Kyiv Regional Directorate of the State Security Service, who was appointed by Tsivinsky
Economy

Journalists have uncovered questionable assets belonging to the head of the Kyiv Regional Directorate of the State Security Service, who was appointed by Tsivinsky

Roman Lysakovsky, whom Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi recently appointed as acting head of the Kyiv regional office of the Economic Security Bureau, stated in his latest declaration that his wife—a dentist and owner of a dental practice in Ternopil—earned just over 60,000 UAH over the course of the year. However, she recently sold this practice, which was a successful business.

02.06.2026
Society
Ani Lorak's concerts in Russia have been cancelled following accusations that she supports the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Society

Ani Lorak's concerts in Russia have been cancelled following accusations that she supports the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Ani Lorak’s concerts in cities across the Far East have been cancelled in Russia following accusations that she allegedly supports the Ukrainian military.

03.06.2026
The 50+ mobilisation in June 2026: the home front or the front line
Society

The 50+ mobilisation in June 2026: the home front or the front line

Men over the age of 50 who are liable for military service may be called up in Ukraine if they are fit for service and do not have a deferment or exemption.

03.06.2026
Sweden wants to ban social media for children under the age of 15
Society

Sweden wants to ban social media for children under the age of 15

Sweden may join the ranks of countries that restrict children’s access to social media. A government commission is proposing to introduce a minimum age of 15 for using social media, and the relevant legislation could come into force as early as 1 January 2028.

03.06.2026
Epiphanius, Onuphrius or the Pope: which church leader do Ukrainians trust?
Society

Epiphanius, Onuphrius or the Pope: which church leader do Ukrainians trust?

Most Ukrainians are not very familiar with the country’s religious leaders – but among those they do know, Metropolitan Epiphanius enjoys the highest level of trust. Kirill, Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, has no trust at all in Ukraine.

03.06.2026
The ECHR has banned the automatic detention of journalists during protests
Society

The ECHR has banned the automatic detention of journalists during protests

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the authorities cannot automatically detain a journalist during a protest simply because they have refused to comply with a police order to leave the scene.

03.06.2026
Social Issues
Social protection for Heroes of Ukraine: what benefits are provided for by law?
Society

Social protection for Heroes of Ukraine: what benefits are provided for by law?

Citizens who have been awarded the title of ‘Hero of Ukraine’, as well as their family members, are entitled to a range of benefits and privileges. Under the law, these entitlements relate to improved housing conditions and the payment of utility bills

26.04.2026
In Ukraine, one in three young people smokes every day – smoking cigarettes reduces brain volume
Society

In Ukraine, one in three young people smokes every day – smoking cigarettes reduces brain volume

A new study has revealed a link between the use of tobacco and cannabis and a reduced volume in certain areas of the brain. Against this backdrop, daily smoking rates remain high among young people in Ukraine, where e-cigarettes are particularly widespread.

02.04.2026
The process of transferring property to children has been simplified in Ukraine: which transactions now require no consent from the guardianship authorities
Society

The process of transferring property to children has been simplified in Ukraine: which transactions now require no consent from the guardianship authorities

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has abolished the requirement to obtain permission from child welfare authorities for transactions that improve the financial situation of minors. Parents will now be able to transfer property to their children much more quickly, which will significantly streamline the bureaucratic procedures.

26.03.2026
‘Dii’ has allowed employees to renew their bookings in advance
Society

‘Dii’ has allowed employees to renew their bookings in advance

The “Dія” portal now offers the option to renew the registration of employees who have not breached military registration rules in advance. The new system allows applications to be submitted before the current registration expires, without interrupting the employee’s status.

20.03.2026
‘Dii’ is preparing an online divorce service: when will it be launched?
Society

‘Dii’ is preparing an online divorce service: when will it be launched?

The divorce service via “Diyu” could become available within the next few months. The Ministry of Digital Transformation has stated that the regulatory framework has already been approved, the technical development is in its final stages, and the first couples will be able to test the service in late spring.

19.03.2026