The coal-train blockade staged in January this year in Donbas has entailed a 1% growth loss to the economy of Ukraine, though the Government will find correct ways out to strengthen the economy and prolong the ascending trend. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman in his communication with the staff of PJSC “MK”Azovstal”. The visit to the metallurgical enterprise took place in the framework of a working trip of the Prime Minister to Donetsk region.

Volodymyr Groysman stressed that the mining and metallurgical complex makes up a third of Ukraine's GDP and employs over 300 thousand workers.

"However, the blockade has had negative impact on the development of the entire enterprise. Through the blockade, we have lost 1% of economic growth", said Volodymyr Groysman.

He reminded that the 4th quarter of 2016 saw a 4.7% growth following months of decline. And it gave serious grounds to hope for future success of the economy. However, the blockade brought changes to the economic and industrial life, did its "anti-Ukrainian trick."

"But nobody gave up. Therefore, the Government's objective is to shape the environment for a strong economy. Decent jobs, decent wages, competitive product – these are the challenges we are facing. And we will elaborate ways to ensure sustainable economic upturn. Every profit will be reinvested in improving of social standards and carrying out the country’s overhaul – they will be invested in infrastructure, transformations in education, healthcare," summed up the Prime Minister.