Actor Volodymyr Horyanskyi has complained about the size of his Ukrainian state pension, warning that monthly payments from the government are hard to live on.
The 67-year-old star of television series Velyki Vuyky and Suvenyr z Odesy made the comments during an appearance on the show Naodyntsi z Hlamurom. He said it was upsetting that retirees in Ukraine end up destitute after spending their entire lives working for modest salaries.
Horyanskyi said he did not even want to state the exact figure he receives each month, calling the situation a terrible thing. He explained that although he receives a 40 per cent supplement to his pension because he holds the title of People's Artist of Ukraine, the sum remains inadequate.
For retirees who spent their careers without official state honours, Horyanskyi described the financial situation as a complete horror. He questioned how elderly citizens are expected to survive if they do not have children to support them or opportunities to earn extra income.
Pension Struggles for Ukrainian Artists
The actor noted that he continues to work to maintain a comfortable standard of living. He added that he stays in shape and retains plenty of energy and strength to keep working, asking what kind of pension he would have to rely on if he stopped.
The title of People's Artist of Ukraine is a high state honour awarded to performing artists for outstanding achievements in theatre, film, and music. Holders of the title are legally entitled to pension bonuses, but widespread inflation and economic strain have left many veteran performers struggling financially.
Horyanskyi is not the first prominent Ukrainian performer to raise concerns over retirement payouts. Fellow actor and People's Artist of Ukraine Nina Naboka previously complained about the small size of her state pension, adding that she saw no point in fighting for an increase in her monthly payments.
