Distinguished colleagues! Fellow Ukrainians!
We commence a regular session of the Government.
First of all, on the situation with the liquidation of the consequences of the russian terror attack on the Kakhovka HPP.
As of this morning, the average water level in the Kherson region was 80 cm. Five settlements on the right bank of the region are still flooded. Active work is underway to pump out water, dispose of debris and clear mines. The buildings will soon be reconnected to electricity and gas supply where possible.
More than 3,700 people, including 474 children, have been evacuated from the disaster area on the right bank. Unfortunately, 17 people have died and more than 30 are missing.
Our sincere condolences go out to their families and friends. And sincere gratitude to all those who are helping to overcome the consequences of the disaster caused by russia. To those who are directly involved in the rescue efforts. To those who support the affected regions. This is another important front where we must act together to defeat the enemy.
I would like to remind you that the Government has already allocated almost UAH 2.5 billion to provide drinking water to the south of Ukraine. In addition, UAH 980 million from the Armed Aggression Consequences Elimination Fund will be used to pay compensation to people whose homes were either damaged or destroyed as a result of this tragedy. Another UAH 560 million will be used for one-time payments to the victims.
Today, by a separate order, we are establishing the procedure for paying this one-time financial assistance in the amount of UAH 5,000 to people living in the flooded areas in Kherson and Mykolaiv regions.
We also improve the state environmental monitoring system. The State Environmental Inspectorate will carry out monitoring in response to environmental emergencies. This will help us to effectively respond to the unprecedented challenges that Ukraine has faced after the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam blast.
Moreover, we adopt a procedure for household waste management under martial law in communities where military operations have been or are ongoing. It will also apply to emergency response. We set out an algorithm for arranging temporary waste storage sites with the relevant environmental, fire safety and security requirements. In this way, we will protect our towns and villages from littering.
At today's meeting of the Government, we are also to endorse a key decision aimed at the macro-financial stability of the state. We are approving the updated Letter of Intent and Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies with the IMF. The documents set out Ukraine's commitments that we are already implementing and will continue to implement in the future. These include improving the business climate, strengthening the rule of law, and fighting corruption. We expect to receive the next tranche from the Fund in the amount of USD 900 million in the near future.
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A major international conference on Ukraine's recovery will soon begin in London. This is a continuation of the movement towards a large-scale reconstruction that we started a year ago in Lugano. Our goal is to mobilise as much international support as possible and to establish mechanisms to ensure that this assistance is delivered in a timely and rhythmic manner.
We are talking about both rapid recovery - what is needed here and now - and long-term reconstruction. Let me remind you that the World Bank estimates that Ukraine needs USD 14.1 billion for the so-called Rapid Recovery in 2023. After the russian terror attack on the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, the figures will obviously increase. We are already working on an accurate assessment of the damage caused by the aggressor.
During the conference in London, we will focus on three main aspects.
The first is rapid recovery. This includes energy, critical and social infrastructure, especially the restoration of housing. We need to mobilise the resources needed for reconstruction. The conference will include a meeting of the Interagency Donor Coordination Platform of Ukraine, the so-called 'Financial Ramstein'. We hope for effective solutions.
The second is attracting private investment. We will present the most promising areas for investment and take an important step in insuring military and political risks for investors.
The third aspect is regions. We want to intensify horizontal ties between Ukrainian communities and international partners to implement recovery projects. More than 200 projects have already been launched, and we want to see many more.
As a result of the conference in London, we expect to sign a number of important agreements, memorandums and declarations that will accelerate our recovery and development.
Thank you for your attention! Glory to Ukraine!