The pockets of Ukrainians are emptying: an expert revealed the colossal lag behind European incomes.

Energy expert Oleg Popenko published an analysis in which he shows the significant difference between the incomes of Ukrainian citizens and those of European countries after paying taxes and utility bills.

According to Popenko's data, in European countries people keep from 7,100 euros in Turkey to 34,800 euros in Luxembourg each year after paying all mandatory payments. In Ukraine, the average annual salary in 2024 is 17,487 hryvnias, which equals only 3,589 euros after taxes.

'This is TWO times less than the lower limit in Turkey, and nearly 5 times less than in Poland,' the expert noted.

Even more concerning is the fact that these figures reflect only a 'very average number.' About 70% of Ukrainians earn much less - at the level of 3,450 euros per year.

Moreover, the average utility payments in Ukraine are approximately 3,000 hryvnias per month, which amounts to about 800 euros per year. With the transition to European utility tariffs, especially for gas and electricity, Ukrainians will have no money left in their pockets.

In comparison to other countries, Popenko noted that it is not worth comparing Ukraine to Balkan countries, as they have low utility costs due to favorable climates. Even compared to residents of the Baltic countries, who complain about high tariffs, Ukrainians have 4 times more money left after paying taxes.

In summary, there is a significant gap between the incomes of citizens in Ukraine and those in Europe after paying taxes and utility payments. The average salary in the country at the end of 2024 is 17,487 hryvnias per year. However, about 70% of Ukrainians receive significantly lower salaries - only 3,450 euros per year. Additionally, utility payments in Ukraine are approximately 3,000 hryvnias per month. If they switch to European tariffs, it will be hard for Ukrainians to survive, as they will not be able to save any money.