• Українською
  • Statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at Government session
    Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 30 July 2024 13:17

    Dear colleagues! Fellow Ukrainians!

    We are starting a regular meeting of the Government.

    The number one issue is energy.

    The situation in the energy sector has stabilised due to the early completion of repairs at two nuclear power units and a drop in air temperature.

    However, we continue to prepare for the autumn and winter period and develop alternative generation sources.

    We have already launched programmes to support the development of distributed generation. There are first examples of lending to businesses and individuals to strengthen energy resilience.

    We observe a steady demand for concessional lending from both small and medium-sized entrepreneurs and households.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law abolishing import duties and VAT for energy equipment. The law came into force on 27 July.

    Now, citizens and businesses can import power generators, inverters, batteries, charging stations, etc. on a preferential basis.

    We need to understand that the power deficit in the system remains. The enemy is constantly attacking our critical infrastructure. Therefore, we must prepare as much as possible for the next winter.

    ***

    Another area of energy strengthening is attracting assistance from partners.

    The Ministry of Energy has set up a group to coordinate international assistance. The Ukraine Energy Support Fund has already accumulated more than EUR 550 million in contributions.

    Every week we receive specific assistance from various countries, international organisations and institutions.

    We are working with our ENTSO-E partners to increase Ukraine’s electricity import capacity before the onset of winter.

    We are also preparing the frontline areas for the winter period.

    During the Government’s offsite meetings, we put the issue of timber harvesting under control. Today, by a separate resolution, we are opening up wider opportunities for this. Residents of the frontline communities will be able to harvest firewood for their household needs free of charge without harming our forests.

    ***

    Another problem in the frontline regions is water supply.

    For the 9 regions most affected by the hostilities, we are adopting the framework Concept of the State Programme of Integrated Water Supply. We will develop the programme itself as soon as possible.

    Our goal is to provide people and businesses with sufficient water, modernise engineering systems, and diversify water supply sources.

    ***

    Another critical element of our sustainability is finance and attracting support from partners.

    We are grateful to the European Union for starting to use the proceeds of russia’s frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine’s defence.

    We expect that the G7 countries will promptly develop technical procedures for the transfer of USD 50 billion from russian assets to Ukraine.

    This is an important resource for 2025 to cover critical budget expenditures.

    Ukraine continues to insist on the complete confiscation of russian funds in the West. The aggressor must pay for its crimes in the truest sense of the word. This is the only way the international community will create effective safeguards against wars of aggression.

    We are also implementing the principle of “russia will pay” through the international compensation mechanism, in particular through the Register of Damage for Ukraine.

    Last week, the option of submitting applications to the Register was opened for owners of damaged or destroyed housing whose property is under occupation or in the war zone.

    This can be done, in particular, by people who have not used the eVidnovlennia programme.

    The rules for filing applications for 12 more categories of victims of russian aggression have already been approved. These algorithms will soon start working.

    ***

    Logistics in the western direction is another priority of the Government.

    We are consistently modernising the border infrastructure.

    On the border with Poland, in accordance with the security agreement, we will expand road traffic. In particular, we will open another checkpoint, Nyzhankovychi–Malhowice.

    On the border with Moldova, with the support of USAID and the European Union, we continue to systematically upgrade checkpoints.

    Today, we are making a decision to establish a joint Ukrainian-Moldovan commission to build a bridge across the Dniester in the area of Yampil-Cosăuţi.

    This will be a key link in the transport corridor between Kyiv and Chișinău.

    The eCherha system is scalable and already operates at 28 checkpoints.

    Almost 1.4 million trucks and 100,000 buses have used it. This is an additional convenience and speed in crossing the state border.

    ***

    We are strengthening the resilience of our country, because this is the only way to win.

    I am grateful to everyone who keeps the rear.

    I am grateful to the business that drives the economy forward.

    I am grateful to the Ukrainian defenders who defend our country every day.

    Thank you for your attention! Glory to Ukraine!

    Statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at Government session Statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at Government session Statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at Government session Statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at Government session Statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at Government session Statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at Government session Statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at Government session Statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at Government session