Destitute Ukrainians give away half of their salaries: expert explained how much people in Europe pay for utilities.

Ukrainians spend up to 40% of their income on utility services, while Europeans only spend 10%, explained expert Oleg Popenko.

According to Popenko, utility expenses are becoming critical for Ukrainian families and pose serious economic risks.

'Utility tariffs in Ukraine have become unaffordable. Paying them takes away no less than a third of the salary,' emphasized the expert.

The especially difficult situation arises in large cities where the prices for housing and utility services are rising amidst insufficient growth in population incomes.

'For an apartment of 50 square meters in Kyiv, one needs to pay from 2 to 2.5 thousand hryvnias, while for 70 square meters - already 3 thousand. At the same Time, the salary in Kyiv is 10-12 thousand hryvnias for those living in the main residential fund. And if the meter breaks, the cost of heating can double to 5 thousand hryvnias. People cannot afford this,' commented Popenko.

The expert compared the situation with utility payments in Europe, where it is significantly different.

'In normally developed countries, utility expenses do not exceed 10% of the family's income,' he stated.

The expert also noted the experience of the Netherlands, where it is considered fair to compensate people who spend more than 10% of their income on utility services.

'In the Netherlands, if a utility payment exceeds 10% of income, a person is provided compensation from a special fund, which is filled by energy monopolists,' explained Popenko.

The expert noted that in Ukraine, people spend up to 40% of their income on utilities, while in Europe this figure does not exceed 10%. This is significant money for an ordinary Ukrainian.

The lack of an effective compensation mechanism and social support may lead to an increase in utility debts and a decline in the quality of life for Ukrainians.