Ukrainians: Changes from May 1
- KYIV, Ukraine – Several notable changes impacting various aspects of life in Ukraine are slated to take effect in May 2025.
- The Ukrainian Cabinet of ministers has approved a resolution to increase scholarships for cadets in military educational institutions.
- The main session of the National Multi-subject Test (NMT) will be held from May 14 to June 25.
Ukraine: Key Changes Taking Effect in May 2025
KYIV, Ukraine – Several notable changes impacting various aspects of life in Ukraine are slated to take effect in May 2025. These include adjustments to military training, education, traffic regulations, fuel standards, and social benefits.
Increased Scholarships for Military Cadets
The Ukrainian Cabinet of ministers has approved a resolution to increase scholarships for cadets in military educational institutions. Starting May 1, scholarships will rise to 8,000 hryvnias. Cadets on their final year who demonstrate exceptional academic performance will receive 20,000 hryvnias, the same amount paid during practical training.
National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) Schedule
The main session of the National Multi-subject Test (NMT) will be held from May 14 to June 25. Registered participants can access invitations with specific test details (date, time, and location) via their personal online accounts after May 4. This information will not be publicly released for security reasons.
An additional NMT session is scheduled from July 14 to 25 for those who miss the main session due to valid reasons. Registration for the additional session will be open from May 9 to May 14, with the possibility to modify registration data until May 19.
The NMT includes mandatory tests in Ukrainian language, mathematics, and history of Ukraine, plus one elective subject. All tests will be administered in a single day,divided into two stages.
Shorter Basic Military Training
Effective May 1, the duration of basic combined arms training for individuals previously classified as “limited suitable” for military service will be reduced. The training period will decrease from 45 to 30 days, featuring reduced physical activity and instruction in separate training groups. These individuals will primarily serve in rear units, including support, security, logistics, communications, medical, educational institutions, and Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCCs).
Military Medical Examinations
Ukraine abolished the “limited suitable” category for military service last year. Individuals previously holding this classification must undergo a new military medical examination by June 5, 2025. May represents the final full month to complete this examination. Referrals can be obtained through the “Reserve+” application or directly from the TCC.
Following the examination, individuals will be classified as either “suitable” or “unsuitable” for military service, with specific service conditions outlined.
“Reserve+” App Updates
Starting May 8, the “Reserve+” application will include two new deferral categories:
- Temporary unsuitability for military service (valid for 6 to 12 months).
- Citizens whose spouses are currently serving and have a child under 18.
The Ministry of Defense plans to introduce a feature in the summer allowing payment of fines for military registration violations through the app, offering a 50% discount.
Traffic Light Standards Revised
A new national standard (DSTU) for traffic lights takes effect on May 1,introducing several changes:
- The green light will shift to an emerald shade.
- Solid green arrows will be replaced by chevron-shaped signals (green on a black background) for improved visibility.
- Combined cycling traffic lights will be introduced.
- Countdown timers will be installed on all traffic lights (pedestrian, vehicle, and bicycle).
- Audible signals and push-button activation will be added for accessibility.
The Patrol Police Department clarified that these changes will only apply to new traffic lights installed during future reconstruction and road construction projects, not to existing traffic lights.
Bioethanol Mandate for Gasoline
As of May 1, 2025, all Ukrainian gas stations are required to blend gasoline with at least 5% bioethanol, a plant-derived alcohol (e.g., from corn) that reduces harmful emissions.This practice is common in Europe, and many Ukrainian drivers already use imported fuel containing bioethanol.
While bioethanol blends are currently more expensive, experts anticipate that falling global oil prices may offset the cost, possibly leading to a price decrease of 3-5 hryvnia per liter.
Communal Tariffs Frozen
The moratorium on raising communal tariffs remains in effect due to martial law. For the fourth consecutive year, consumers will pay fixed prices for heating, hot water, and gas, established before the full-scale invasion. Prime Minister denis Shmygal has reaffirmed the continuation of these tariffs.
Naftogaz customers will continue to pay 7.96 UAH per cubic meter for gas under the “fixed” tariff plan,guaranteed until at least April 30,2026.
Electricity Tariffs
The current electricity tariff for households is 4.32 UAH per kWh. The government has extended this fixed price until the end of October 2025.
A preferential nighttime tariff (23:00 to 07:00) of 2.16 UAH per kWh remains in place for users with two-zone meters.
However, the reduced tariff of 2.64 UAH per kWh for the first 2000 kWh used monthly by households with electric heating has been discontinued as of May 1, 2025. All households will now pay the standard rate of 4.32 UAH per kWh.
Subsidy Recalculations
In May,subsidies for housing and communal services will be recalculated for the new,unheated season (May 1 to October 1). The process is automatic for existing subsidy recipients.
Households must notify the Pension Fund of any changes in family composition or property status within 30 days to avoid losing their subsidy. Subsidies can also be canceled due to outstanding debts for communal services.
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are eligible for state assistance with rental housing, with program rules adjusted in April to benefit IDPs.
Pension Allowances
While mass pension indexation occurred in March, and recalculations for working pensioners took place in april, May does not bring further increases. However, pensioners may be eligible for age-related allowances:
- 570 UAH for individuals aged 80 and over.
- 456 UAH for individuals aged 75 and over.
- 300 UAH for individuals aged 70 and over.
These payments are automatically applied monthly upon reaching the specified age, provided the pension amount does not exceed 10,340.35 UAH.
Checkpoint Restrictions
The Shehyni checkpoint will be partially closed to cars until May 10.
Ukraine: Key Changes Taking Effect in May 2025
Hear’s a breakdown of significant changes in Ukraine scheduled for May 2025,covering military service,education,traffic regulations,fuel standards,and social benefits.
Increased Scholarships for Military Cadets
What’s changing for military cadets?
Starting May 1, military cadet scholarships will increase to 8,000 Ukrainian hryvnias. Final-year cadets with remarkable academic performance will recieve 20,000 hryvnias.
National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) Schedule
When is the NMT?
The main session of the National Multi-subject Test (NMT) will be held from May 14 to June 25. Invitations with specific test details will be available in personal online accounts after May 4.
What if I miss the main NMT session?
An additional NMT session is scheduled from July 14 to 25 for those with valid reasons for missing the main session.Registration for the additional session is open from may 9 to May 14, with changes allowed until May 19.
What subjects are included in the NMT?
The NMT includes mandatory tests in Ukrainian language, mathematics, and history of ukraine, plus one elective subject.
Shorter basic Military Training
Who is affected by the change in military training duration?
Individuals previously classified as “limited suitable” for military service will have their basic combined arms training reduced from 45 to 30 days, starting may 1.
Where will these individuals primarily serve?
They will primarily serve in rear units, including support, security, logistics, communications, medical, educational institutions, and Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCCs).
Military Medical Examinations
What happened to the “limited suitable” category?
Ukraine abolished the “limited suitable” category for military service last year.
When do I need to undergo a new medical examination?
Individuals previously classified as “limited suitable” must undergo a new military medical examination by June 5, 2025.Referrals can be obtained through the “Reserve+” application or directly from the TCC.
How will I be classified after the examination?
Following the examination, you will be classified as either “suitable” or “unsuitable” for military service.
“Reserve+” App Updates
What new features are coming to the “Reserve+” app?
Starting May 8, the “Reserve+” app will include two new deferral categories:
- Temporary unsuitability for military service (valid for 6 to 12 months).
- Citizens whose spouses are currently serving and have a child under 18.
Is there a discount for paying fines?
the Ministry of Defence plans to introduce a feature in the summer allowing payment of fines for military registration violations through the app,with a 50% discount. However, this is for later in the summer, not yet in May.
Traffic Light Standards Revised
What changes are being made to traffic lights?
A new national standard (DSTU) for traffic lights takes effect on may 1, introducing these changes:
- The green light will shift to an emerald shade.
- Solid green arrows will be replaced by chevron-shaped signals (green on a black background) for improved visibility.
- Combined cycling traffic lights will be introduced.
- Countdown timers will be installed on all traffic lights (pedestrian, vehicle, and bicycle).
- Audible signals and push-button activation will be added for accessibility.
Will existing traffic lights be updated?
No. These changes will only apply to new traffic lights installed during future reconstruction and road construction projects.
Bioethanol Mandate for Gasoline
What is the new fuel standard?
As of May 1, 2025, all Ukrainian gas stations are required to blend gasoline with at least 5% bioethanol.
Why is bioethanol being added to gasoline?
Bioethanol is a plant-derived alcohol (e.g., from corn) that reduces harmful emissions.
Will fuel prices change?
Experts anticipate that falling global oil prices may offset the cost, possibly leading to a price decrease of 3-5 hryvnia per liter.
Communal Tariffs Frozen
Are communal tariffs increasing?
No, the moratorium on raising communal tariffs remains in effect due to martial law.
What tariffs are frozen?
Consumers will pay fixed prices for heating,hot water,and gas,established before the full-scale invasion.
What is the gas price for Naftogaz customers?
Naftogaz customers will continue to pay 7.96 UAH per cubic meter for gas under the “fixed” tariff plan,guaranteed until at least April 30,2026.
Electricity Tariffs
What is the current electricity tariff?
The current electricity tariff for households is 4.32 UAH per kWh and has been extended to the end of October 2025.
Are there any preferential tariffs?
A preferential nighttime tariff (23:00 to 07:00) of 2.16 UAH per kWh remains in place for users with two-zone meters.
Which tariff has been discontinued?
The reduced tariff of 2.64 UAH per kWh for the first 2000 kWh used monthly by households with electric heating has been discontinued as of May 1, 2025. all households will now pay the standard rate of 4.32 UAH per kWh.
Subsidy Recalculations
When will subsidies be recalculated?
In May, subsidies for housing and communal services will be recalculated for the new, unheated season (May 1 to October 1).
Is the process automatic?
Yes,the process is automatic for existing subsidy recipients.
How do I keep my subsidy?
Households must notify the Pension Fund of any changes in family composition or property status within 30 days to avoid losing their subsidy. Subsidies can also be canceled due to outstanding debts for communal services.
What about internally displaced persons (IDPs)?
IDPs are eligible for state assistance with rental housing, with program rules adjusted in April to benefit IDPs.
Pension Allowances
Will pensions increase in May?
While the source document does not indicate additional pension increases in May, pensioners might potentially be eligible for age-related allowances.
What are the age-related allowances?
- 570 UAH for individuals aged 80 and over.
- 456 UAH for individuals aged 75 and over.
- 300 UAH for individuals aged 70 and over.
How are these payments applied?
These payments are automatically applied monthly upon reaching the specified age, provided the pension amount does not exceed 10,340.35 UAH.
Checkpoint Restrictions
Are there any checkpoint restrictions?
Yes,the Shehyni checkpoint will be partially closed to cars until May 10.
Summary of Key May 2025 Changes:
| Change | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| cadet Scholarships | Increased to 8,000 UAH (final year cadets with excellent performance 20,000 UAH) | Increased financial support for military cadets. |
| NMT | Main session held May 14 – June 25; additional session July 14-25. | Schedule for university entrance exams. |
| Military Training | Training for those previously ‘limited suitable’ shortened from 45 to 30 days. | Changes to military service for certain individuals. |
| Medical Exams | Deadline for completing medical examination is June 5, 2025. | Clarification of remaining obligations from previous reclassification. |
| Reserve+ App | App will include two new deferral categories. | Provides more options for deferment. |
| Traffic Lights | New standards,including emerald lights,chevron arrows,and timers,for new installations only. | Enhancements to traffic safety and visibility. |
| Bioethanol in Gasoline | Mandate to blend gasoline with at least 5% bioethanol. | Environmental benefits and potential price changes. |
| Communal Tariffs | Moratorium on raising communal tariffs continues. | Stabilization of essential utility costs. |
| Electricity Tariffs | Standard electricity rate remains at 4.32 UAH/kWh. Discounted rate for electric heating discontinued. | Changes to electricity pricing affecting various household types. |
| Subsidies | Recalculation of housing subsidies. Notification of status changes within 30 days. | Adjustment of state assistance for housing and communal services. |
| Pension Allowances | Age-related allowances for eligible pensioners. | Potential increases for certain pensioners. |
| Checkpoint restrictions | Shehyni checkpoint (cars) partially closed until May 10. | limited accessibility at a major border crossing. |