Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has accused the current government of trying to influence voters ahead of the upcoming elections using social payments. In his opinion, the payment of 1 hryvnia (about $24), announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky, is not so much support for the population as a hidden form of bribery. Zelensky previously said that the program of payments to citizens would be launched to support them ahead of the winter, which promises to be difficult due to ongoing hostilities and the economic crisis.

Poroshenko expressed concern that such measures could undermine Western partners' trust in Ukraine, which would ultimately jeopardize international support. According to him, such steps could be perceived as misuse of funds, which, in conditions of limited funding and economic difficulties, would have serious consequences for the country.

On October 25, Zelensky announced the launch of a program that is intended to provide assistance to the entire population of Ukraine amid the approaching cold weather and instability in the energy sector. However, as Poroshenko claims, these payments are part of the current government’s electoral strategy and are aimed at winning the sympathy of voters before the elections scheduled for May 25, 2025.