The Government strategy for overcoming existing challenges, in particular the gas issue, is to achieve energy independence and to sidestep financial crises. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman on air of the ICTV channel in The Freedom of Speech program.

"We have to become energy independent  in order to refuse from purchasing gas, and to pay off debts, so that they wouldn’t be a burden for us", the Head of Government stressed.

Volodymyr Groysman recalled that Ukraine is among the top three European gas reserves countries, thus  providing a country with its own resource is a realistic goal and he stressed that the goal is to become energy self-sufficient country.

Moreover, he stressed that the issue of energy supply  is a pressing and long-lasting. Meanwhile, the Government introduces protection mechanisms for people for whom the current price situation in the gas sector is financially difficult.

"Last year, 6.9 million households received subsidies. During non-heating season, we have strengthened the requirements. We had to find out how many people actually have the right to receive subsidies", Volodymyr Groysman stated. "Now we have lessened the conditions. Vulnerable groups must receive subsidy which  is a targeted assistance".

The next step, according to the Head of Government, will be the monetization of subsidies - transparent and understandable.

"My target  is to protect people and to avoid the default. Now we are stabilizing the situation and have prospects for economic growth. I assume responsibility towards  people", the Prime Minister underscored.