Address by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at the Government session
Distinguished colleagues, fellow Ukrainians.
We begin our regular Cabinet session.
Almost three years ago, Ukraine joined the European energy grid.
This landmark event was one of the major successes on the path to our energy independence.
In December 2023, Ukraine finally became a member of the Energy EU. Today, our power system is fully synchronised with the European system.
Earlier this winter, we agreed to increase the maximum capacity for importing electricity from Europe from 1.7 GW to 2.1 GW.
This has become an important part of our resilience.
We have survived. The heating season is not yet over, but we can say that Ukraine has confidently passed this winter.
The Ukrainian power system is now operating stably and integrally despite the enemy's constant attacks.
I thank the power engineers for their incredible work.
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Strengthening our power system does not stop for a minute. Repairs, protection, decentralisation of the power system, production of new equipment and its import, search for financing and investments for restoration. We do all this on a daily basis.
Decentralisation of the power system also remains a priority.
Over the past 9 months, banks have already disbursed more than UAH 14 billion in loans to restore energy infrastructure and build new small power facilities.
In addition, more than 6,000 loans have been issued to individuals for the installation of alternative energy sources and other household energy needs.
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According to the World Bank's recent RDNA4 estimate, the needs for energy recovery alone amount to about USD 68 billion.
Therefore, one of the priorities for our Government this year is to work on creating a mechanism for the confiscation of frozen russian assets. These assets should become the main source of our recovery.
Ukraine will seek full confiscation. While this process is ongoing, we continue to receive proceeds through the frozen assets.
Last week Ukraine received GBP 752 million from the UK and we directed the funding for our defence.
Yesterday we obtained CAD 2.5 billion from our allies from Canada. These funds are secured by the proceeds from russian assets as well. We shall direct this resource for the priority needs of the budget.
The work on the confiscation of assets is underway both abroad and in Ukraine.
Tens of billions of hryvnias received from sanctioned persons, russian banks and companies are channeled by the Government to restore and defend the country.
Today we approve a decision under which the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) will sell court-confiscated bonds worth almost UAH 1.8 billion. The proceeds will be transferred to the budget and directed to the Ukraine Recovery Fund.
This year the Government allocates tens of billions of hryvnias to rebuild the state.
This week we have endorsed a decision to allocate another UAH 2 billion for the housing programme for internally displaced persons. Thanks to these resources, more than 1,300 Ukrainian IDP families will have an opportunity to purchase new housing.
The healthcare sector remains our focus. Today we allocate UAH 207 million of a grant from the World Bank for the project to transform the healthcare sector in Ukraine.
These resources will be used to invest in improving the capacity of our healthcare system, digitalisation tools and more efficient management.
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Also this week, Ukrainian farmers started active sowing of early spring crops. Already 15 regions have sown 83,000 hectares of spring grains and legumes. In total, we plan to plant 5.7 million hectares of spring grains and legumes in 2025.
I thank everyone who works to strengthen Ukraine.
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And finally.
Today we mark the Day of the Ukrainian Volunteer.
I would like to thank everyone who has stood up to defend their homeland. We are grateful to each and every one of them for their courage and dedication.
We bow our heads in memory of all the volunteer heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine.
Your feat will be remembered forever.
Glory to Ukraine!
