Ukrainian MP Serhii Kozyr criticized the government’s handling of internally displaced persons (IDPs) during his speech in the Verkhovna Rada on October 14, raising concerns about housing assistance, social benefits for displaced children, and support for residents of frontline regions.
The lawmaker emphasized that critical problems remain unresolved despite repeated discussions with government officials and changes in ministerial leadership.
One of the issues highlighted by Kozyr was Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 332, which regulates living assistance payments for internally displaced persons.
According to the MP, existing eligibility rules create unequal treatment among displaced children. Factors such as online education and parental income may affect whether families receive assistance.
“Some children are recognized as eligible under the resolution, while others are not simply because they study online,” Kozyr stated.
He also addressed difficulties faced by residents whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks.
According to Kozyr, people in Beryslav, Kherson, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and other frontline areas are struggling to obtain the documents required for assistance because remote property damage assessment mechanisms are not functioning effectively.
The MP questioned how civilian drones could safely inspect damaged buildings in active combat zones.
“How can a civilian drone carry out a remote inspection in a combat zone? This is completely disconnected from reality,” he said.
Another major concern was the use of state budget funds allocated to housing displaced Ukrainians.
Kozyr recalled that UAH 500 million had been allocated in the 2026 state budget to purchase houses in rural communities. However, he said that the government had failed to establish the necessary procedures for spending the money.
He warned that the funds could remain unused despite the urgent need for housing.
“A thousand people are waiting for homes. A thousand people are waiting for the chance to move in and get through this winter under normal conditions,” the lawmaker emphasized.
Kozyr also announced that he and fellow MPs had submitted numerous budget amendments aimed at establishing long-term housing solutions for displaced people.
Among the proposals is a program called “Peer to Peer,” intended to help significantly reduce housing waiting lists over the next five to seven years.
The MP also referred to a new law concerning internally displaced persons scheduled to take effect on October 22. He urged the government to prepare the necessary implementing regulations, particularly those establishing a comprehensive assessment of IDPs’ needs.
According to Kozyr, Ukraine needs a systematic approach to identifying how many displaced people require housing and other forms of assistance.
“What was supposed to be a temporary solution has become endless,” he concluded.
