Parliament ratifies Framework Agreement with EBRD on the operation of the International Chornobyl Cooperation Account

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has ratified a Framework Agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on the operation of the International Chornobyl Cooperation Account.

"The Agreement with the EBRD is a chance to restore the Exclusion Zone after the barbarism of the russian occupiers: purchase of lost equipment, purchase of the latest firefighting equipment, updating the fire prevention and control system. All that will make the working conditions of more than 2,300 Chornobyl workers better," said Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Ruslan Strilets.

According to him, this is a truly revolutionary decision - Ukraine will have an opportunity to receive assistance from partner countries, the number of which is growing. "We already have 18 contributing countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, etc. The Fund already has EUR 14 million on its account. We are waiting for the official registration of these contributions. The EBRD, as the administrator of the Account, will provide more accurate data at the next meeting of the Assembly of Depositors of the Account on 2 July this year.

"I am grateful to Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his strong advocacy for the restoration of the Exclusion Zone. I am grateful to Oleh Bondarenko, Head of the Eco Committee, and Oleksandr Merezhko, Head of the Foreign Policy Committee, for prompt consideration of the draft law at all stages of its adoption. This decision demonstrates the enormous support of the world and our readiness to cooperate. We must now demonstrate what Ukraine can do with this support. Keep up on working," stressed Ruslan Strilets.