Today, October 13, the Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko during the working visit to the USA held a meeting with the Minister of State for International Development of the United Kingdom Vicky Ford.

Deputy Minister of Finance Olga Zykova and Deputy Minister of Finance for European Integration Yuriy Draganchuk also took part in the meeting.

The parties discussed the economic situation in Ukraine, energy security, and recovery after the victory in the war.

Sergii Marchenko outlined the state of the economy and the consequences of full-scale aggression.

"The economic consequences of the war are catastrophic. The Ukrainian economy will shrink by more than 30% by the end of the year. However, despite all the challenges, we are demonstrating a gradual recovery. Tax and customs revenues are increasing, businesses are recovering their operations, some temporarily displaced Ukrainians are returning home", said the Minister of Finance of Ukraine.

The parties also discussed the financial policy for 2023. Sergii Marchenko noted that taking into account the probable continuation of hostilities, the Government plans to increase the financing of the security and defense sector at the level of 17.8% of GDP. The real GDP growth forecast is estimated at 4.6%, inflation - about 30%.

During the discussion on the restoration of Ukraine, Sergii Marchenko noted that Russian frozen assets should be directed to the reconstruction of the country.

UK Minister of State for International Development Vicky Ford assured of constant support for Ukraine.