Ukrainians have spent over USD 2 million under the eBook program

In the first six months of 2025, Ukrainians spent over USD 2 million (UAH 91 million) on books under the eBook state program.

Women made up 64.9% of those who activated and used funds through the program, while men represented 35.1%.

Representatives of the Ukrainian Book Institute noted that the largest share of spending went to online bookstores and made up 62.18% of the total amount, which equals UAH ₴56,912,213.33. At the same time, 277 physical bookstores across Ukraine received UAH ₴34,613,193.85 (or 37.82% of the program’s expenditures).

Since March 2025, the program has reached a steady pace: around 3,000 new applications each week. Around 20.12% of program participants received funds on their card but did not use the opportunity to buy any book. The Institute suggests that this could be for various reasons, including a lack of awareness about the time restriction — the funds must be spent within three months of being credited.

Young Ukrainians who turn 18 years old in 2024 or 2025 will be eligible to receive UAH ₴908 (around USD $22) to buy books online. Money can be spent on books in Ukrainian from publishers who have joined the program. The list of bookstores and publishers can be found on the website of the Ukrainian Book Institute.

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Copy editing: Joy Tataryn