Top-ups via code, petrol containing alcohol and rising water prices: what’s in store for Ukrainians in July

New rules for topping up cards via terminals

From 26 June, the rules for topping up bank cards in Ukraine are changing – NBU Resolution No. 67 has come into force. Now, when topping up a bank card with cash via a self-service terminal, you will need to enter your phone number and confirm the transaction using a one-off code sent via SMS or a phone call. Without such confirmation, the money simply will not be credited to your account.

The rule applies to all amounts – both small top-ups and large payments. The National Bank explains that this is primarily to strengthen control over financial transactions.

However, there are exceptions: confirmation is not required when paying taxes, fines, utility bills or transport tickets, nor when topping up a mobile phone by up to 500 UAH per month.

New payments to military personnel will be made in July

In fact, the new payment system for military personnel has been in operation since 1 June, but the first payments under this system will be made in July. This is set out in Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 768 of 12 June 2026. A detailed explanation, including all the figures, has been published on the Ministry of Defence’s official website.

All military personnel, regardless of branch of service, have been granted a rear-area allowance of 10,000 UAH per month. Accordingly, the minimum pay in rear areas now stands at 30,000 UAH.

For the performance of combat duties, a scale based on zones applies:

• participation in combat operations on the front line – 100,000 UAH per month;
• to a platoon strongpoint – 170,000 UAH;
• at a company strongpoint – 70,000 UAH (proportional to time spent).

Separate daily allowances are provided for participation in active operations: 20,000 UAH for retaking positions deep within the defence line and 40,000 UAH for participation in assault operations.

The total amount of combat allowances is capped at 460,000 UAH per month. Any amount exceeding this limit is not included in the basic calculation and is classified as additional payments – basic provisions, contractual assistance and specific bonuses: 100,000 UAH for taking an enemy prisoner and 15,000 UAH for a confirmed kill in close combat, supported by video evidence.

Petrol stations are switching to petrol blended with ethanol

From 1 July, petrol at all Ukrainian petrol stations must comply with the E10 standard – containing between 7% and 10% bioethanol. In this way, the country is gradually bringing its fuel market into line with European standards.

That said, the familiar A-95 and A-92 grades are likely to remain, but signs at the pumps will now include details of the fuel’s composition. Furthermore, experts estimate that this will not lead to a significant rise in prices.

For most cars manufactured after the 2000s, the transition will go smoothly; however, owners of older vehicles are advised to check compatibility with the manufacturer or at a service centre in advance.

Fuel cashback 

The state fuel cashback scheme has effectively come to an end: payments ceased on 31 May 2026. Previously accumulated funds can only be used until 30 June, after which any unspent balance will automatically be returned to the budget.

The cashback can be spent on utility bills, medicines, books, Ukrainian goods, charitable donations and support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Meanwhile, the ‘National Cashback’ scheme, which provides compensation for Ukrainian goods, will continue to operate as normal.

Housing vouchers for IDPs can be used towards a mortgage

From 17 July, changes will come into force allowing IDPs with combatant status or a war-related disability to use a housing voucher – worth up to 2 million hryvnias – not only for the direct purchase of a home, but also for the initial deposit under the ‘eOselya’ programme.

Also from this date, the preferential interest rate of 3 per cent per annum under the “єОселя” programme will be available to veterans, combatants, people with war-related disabilities and the families of fallen defenders. For all other categories, the standard rate applies – 7 per cent per annum for the first 10 years of the contract.

However, the full implementation of the scheme depends on the adoption of Bill No. 15335 by the Verkhovna Rada, and the actual possibility of using vouchers as a deposit is not expected until September 2026 at the earliest.

New rules for sending parcels to the EU

From 1 July, all 27 EU countries will begin to phase in new customs rules for international shipments.

The changes apply to commercial parcels (regardless of the value of the goods) and personal gifts worth more than €45 – a mandatory fee of €3 will be introduced for these, and VAT and national logistics charges may also apply.

Ukrposhta has already connected to the international IPC system to automatically calculate and pay all these charges on behalf of senders. However, during the first 1–2 months, whilst some countries are still configuring their systems, there may be instances where the recipient will have to pay the duty upon receipt of the parcel.

Pension recalculation for certain categories of Ukrainians

From 1 July, the next phase of pension recalculation will begin in Ukraine; however, this does not mean a general increase for all pensioners.

The recalculation applies to pensioners whose personal circumstances have changed. For example, upon reaching the age of 80, the fixed pension payment is automatically doubled. If a pension falls below the subsistence minimum, the state will provide a top-up to bring it up to the required level.

The Pension Fund notes that all such recalculations are carried out automatically and do not require the submission of any applications.

Water charges will rise, but not everywhere

At national level, water tariffs have not yet been revised. However, from 1 June, the authority to approve them has been transferred from the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) to local authorities, so decisions on possible increases will now be taken by the water companies themselves in each region.

The companies attribute these increases to rising costs for electricity, chemicals, network repairs and wages during the war.

Tariffs for electricity, gas, heating and hot water will remain unchanged in July – a wartime moratorium is in place, or previously fixed annual rates apply.

The ‘Affordable Medicines’ programme is being expanded once again

From July 2026, 51 international non-proprietary names (INNs) of medicines for:

• controlling blood pressure;
• treating heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias;
• preventing blood clots and lowering cholesterol levels;
• patients who have suffered a heart attack or are at increased risk of stroke.

To obtain medicines free of charge or with a partial co-payment, you need to ask your doctor for an e-prescription and then visit any pharmacy displaying the ‘Affordable Medicines Available Here’ sticker.

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