Energy and economic blockade was not in the interests of Ukraine, as it jeopardized the rapid economic growth. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman on opening a Government meeting on Thursday.

"The blockade was not in the interests of Ukraine, it had worked to the disadvantage of the country", stressed Volodymyr Groysman.

The Prime Minister noted that among the objectives of the initiators of the blockade had been, in particular, the release of all hostages.

"We are aware that all mechanisms have been applied to ensure each prisoner, hostage be released. But we all know that only one office in Russia is eligible to adopt this decision, why is the blockade? It is obvious that those responsible for setting the goal understood well that it was unreal. But if we analyze the harm it caused to the State, it is obvious that primarily it inflicted damage on the Ukrainian economy at the very moment when we got a serious chance to provide rapid economic upturn", emphasized Volodymyr Groysman.

The Head of Government highlighted that as soon as Ukraine begins the process of recovery “there appears someone who creates a method to stop Ukraine, to distract from the development, from problem solving".

He emphasized that the Government was engaged in minimizing the negative impact of the blockade in energy and economy sectors.

Moreover, Volodymyr Groysman commended the Government's endeavors towards achieving energy independence from the first day after it had assumed office. By now Ukraine hasn’t consumed Russian gas for over 500 days.

"The objective that we have set to ourselves – reaching energy independence - will be accomplished. Unless someone had hampered us, we would have achieved that faster", he urged.