The Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In particular, there were participating in a meeting Chargé d'Affaires of the United States in Ukraine Kristina Kvien, USAID Mission to Ukraine and Belarus Director James Hope, USAID Deputy Mission Director Susan Kutor and Secretary of the US Embassy in Ukraine Kim Kim I.

Denys Shmyhal congratulated the newly appointed Head of the USAID Mission in Ukraine and Belarus Mr. James Hope, thanked for the comprehensive and consistent support of Ukraine by the U.S. Government, and expressed hope for further cooperation in projects aimed at economic and social development of Ukraine.

The Head of Government also told that the Government continues to take all necessary measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, in particular on the eve of the start of the school year.

While discussing the energy sector issues, the Prime Minister noted that the Government is negotiating the implementation of the project of fair transformation of coal regions.

"This is an important area because we understand that coal generation is reaching its limits in terms of environment and productivity. Of the thirty-three mines, twenty are unprofitable and inefficient. We understand that the problems of the coal regions will have to be solved comprehensively because sooner or later the mines will start to close. In total, there are 60 so-called monocities in Ukraine, which depend on one mine or one enterprise. We need to solve the problems of such settlements now so that in 5-10 years we do not get socio-demographic catastrophes in these regions, "said the Prime Minister.

Apart from that, the Head of Government spoke about the consistent continuation of decentralization reform, noting that it is one of the most successful and socially supported reforms. Denys Shmyhal expressed hope that the PULSE (Policy for Ukraine Local Self-Governance) and DOBRE (Decentralization Offering Better Results and Efficiency) projects, which are nearing completion, will continue their activities after the local elections aimed to strengthen and consolidate the reform in the newly formed communities.

"The next stage is that we will need the newly formed communities and districts to learn as soon as possible how to live effectively in the new environment, in particular, how to reform regional state administrations. Therefore, we will be grateful for further support for these reforms," the Prime Minister stressed.

For his part, USAID Mission Director James Hope said he supports the continuation of programs to promote decentralization reform. According to him, this year Ukraine is implementing dozens of different programs and projects related to energy, economics, healthcare and other important areas.