Ukraine's poverty rate down – social policy minister

The poverty reduced due to the increase in social standards. In particular, the minimum wage doubled to UAH 3,200 (US$144) from January 1.

"The reason was both an increase in social standards and an average salary rise," Reva said at a press conference on December 28.

Read alsoUkraine's national budget sees $198 mln in surplus in 11 monthsAccording to the minister, the payroll budget for the year increased by 36.1%, or by UAH 211 billion ($7.5 billion), to UAH 796.3 billion ($28.5 billion).