Prominent Ukrainian actor and television presenter Mykola Lutsenko, who has been the beloved face of weather forecasts for decades, recently gave a candid interview to RBC-Ukraine. In the sweeping conversation, the 75-year-old TV legend opened up about his current financial situation, the harsh realities of living on a pension during wartime, and the severe impact of inflation on the savings of older generations.
According to Lutsenko, when he officially retired in 2014, his pension payouts were quite substantial. Earning around 26,000 UAH, his pension was close to the maximum state limit allowed in Ukraine at the time. However, more than a decade of economic fluctuations and a full-scale war have drastically altered the value of his income.
“My pension has shrunk by half. It is inflation. When I retired in 2014, I had a very good pension, closer to the maximum,” he shared.
While Lutsenko chose not to disclose the exact amount he receives today, he emphasized that this financial squeeze is a common reality for millions of Ukrainians. The purchasing power of the national currency has dropped, making it increasingly difficult for pensioners to afford basic necessities.
Despite these personal economic setbacks, the veteran broadcaster expressed deep understanding and gratitude toward the state’s efforts. He pointed out that the Ukrainian government continues to fulfill its social obligations, ensuring timely pension payments and even conducting annual indexations, despite the ongoing war and massive budgetary pressures.
Lutsenko also shed light on his primary expenses, noting that healthcare takes the biggest toll on his budget. At 75, he has already undergone complicated surgeries on his heart and legs, which required significant financial resources. This reality, he says, underscores the absolute necessity of maintaining a financial safety net.
“At my age, a financial cushion is mandatory. Life is unpredictable. I have had cases where an ambulance took me in the middle of the night due to a heart attack or a stroke,” he explained.
Reflecting on past hardships, the presenter recalled the severe economic crisis of the 1990s, when wages were delayed for months. He admitted there were days when he didn’t even have money for a subway token, surviving only through his mother’s modest pension and the kindness of strangers.
Today, showing incredible resilience, Mykola Lutsenko continues to work. He has recently made a comeback to television, reviving his iconic weather segment on the ICTV2 channel. His enduring optimism serves as an inspiring example of how to navigate life’s toughest storms with dignity.