Mechanisms for Strengthening Economic Security of Ukrainian Citizens in the Conditions of Socio-Political Crisis and External Challenges

Abstract

The article outlines systemic threats, substantiates the need and highlights mechanisms for strengthening the economic security of the citizens of Ukraine in the context of exacerbation of socio-political crisis and external challenges. The existing in inconsistency of basic social standards in Ukraine and their institutional provision with real conditions and needs of citizens causes inadequate state guarantee of its beneficiaries (citizens) rights to life, earnings, housing, health care and, in general, - to self-reproduction and development. Given the aggravation of socio-political and socio-economic crises, deepened by hostilities in eastern Ukraine, the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, ensuring economic security of citizens, especially vulnerable groups - migrants, large and young families, the elderly is highly important. The main reason for the high level of vulnerability of socio-economic rights of citizens is the imperfection of state and regional policy, inefficient management of state resources, which leads to their privatization or hidden unfair redistribution of shadow schemes in favor of political elites. As a result, this fact has led to excessive stratification of the population in terms of income, when about 80% of the total population of Ukraine receives a monthly income below the real subsistence level, the spread of poverty among workers. The analysis shows that the reforms in Ukraine are carried out without proper forecasting and assessment of the expected effectiveness, taking into account the key performance indicators (KRI) to ensure the economic security of the main beneficiary of the state - a citizen of Ukraine. Further reform of the socio-economic sphere requires the introduction of institutional changes with the obligatory priority of economic security of the citizens.