Opening statement by Prime Minister of Ukraine Arsenii Yatseniuk at a session of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, March 28, 2014

We have now only one issue on the agenda. The issue concerns social protection of families perished during the dramatic events in Ukraine, when the Ukrainians fought and won their freedom, independence and sovereignty. And I would ask that we commemorate all before the anniversary with a moment of silence.

Dear friends, it is proposed to execute part of our debt that we have before the families of those Ukrainian who died in the fight and put their lives and help families, children, widows, parents of those people who died.

First. I propose to the Ukrainian government to adopt the decision on immediate payment of a hundredfold minimum living wage to each family of the deceased - 104 families. I ask the Minister of Finance to ensure these payments.

Second. I also appeal to members of the Government to support the proposal for the establishment from April 1 of a surcharge of UAH 5 thousand to every child, every widow, parents of each family which was dependent on the deceased and the killed. And no matter from which side - one or other. It is our responsibility to these families. It is our duty to these children. And so I ask the Government to take appropriate decisions and provide appropriate payment.

Please, vote for the relevant draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Decision has been made unanimously.

I’m immediately signing the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers. Please, ensure its implementation.