Ukraine to enhance social protection for conflict-affected youth

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a bill into law that grants social benefits to young people who are affected by conflicts in eastern regions, the presidential press service said Thursday.

Under the new law, the Ukrainian government will allocate funds for educational and housing needs of young people who live near the contact line in eastern Ukraine and in areas beyond Kiev's control, according to a statement on the presidential website.

The government will settle school and university bills and offer financial grants for daily expenses. Temporary accommodation will also be provided for those who don't own a house.

The initiative is aimed at cultivating pro-Kiev support among young people who live in conflict-ridden areas. Endi