Ministers have been working in Donetsk region for a week to look into the problematic issues. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clearly emphasised that it was their direct responsibility to visit the frontline regions. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during an offsite Government meeting in Donetsk region.

According to him, a number of important decisions have already been made and relevant instructions have been given to ministries and agencies.

“To strengthen defence capability and critical logistics, the Government has already allocated almost UAH 2.4 billion to restore roads in the frontline areas. This is important for the needs of our military, for humanitarian supplies, and for the evacuation of the wounded,” said Denys Shmyhal.

In addition, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Energy and other ministries and agencies have been instructed to work out the issue of metering and payments for electricity consumed by military units in Donetsk region. The same will apply to other frontline regions.

“We pay special attention to fortifications. I instruct the Ministry of Defence to immediately inform the Government about the financing of this construction in accordance with the approved schedule,” the Prime Minister said.

According to Denys Shmyhal, since the beginning of the year, the state has allocated UAH 38 billion for the construction of defensive lines: “We need to use these funds as quickly and efficiently as possible, because the lives of our soldiers and our defence capability depend on it.”

Another important area is the veterans’ policy. The Head of Government noted that Single Veterans’ Windows are being opened at the Administrative Service Centres for consultations and services. The Veteran’s Assistant project is also ongoing. There are already 30 specialists in Donetsk region and another 34 people are being trained.

“This is a comprehensive support for our defenders in the transition from military service to civilian life. Today, the Government will determine the mechanism for providing a subvention from the state budget to the local level to finance the work of these specialists,” said Denys Shmyhal.

In total, UAH 3.2 billion of state funds have been allocated for the Veteran’s Assistant project.