On 12 July, the Government of Ukraine held an offsite meeting in Kharkiv dedicated to the issues of Kharkiv region.

“Ministerial teams have been in the region all week to discuss challenges and tasks. There are a lot of challenges. These include the heating season, the economic situation in the region, security, medical services, infrastructure and many other issues,” said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

According to him, since the beginning of the year, the Government has allocated an additional UAH 12.1 billion to Kharkiv region. Almost UAH 6 billion was allocated for the construction of fortifications. UAH 1.7 billion was allocated to restore people’s homes, medical and educational institutions.

Denys Shmyhal emphasised that one of the region’s challenges was preparing for the heating season. In June, an additional UAH 2.5 billion was allocated for the heating season, including UAH 2.0 billion specifically for the city of Kharkiv. During the meeting, the Government allocated an additional UAH 1.9 billion to restore heat supply in Kharkiv.

“These funds are part of a grant from the World Bank. The necessary equipment will be purchased and works will be carried out to ensure that city residents have heat in their homes in winter. Work is also underway to strengthen the protection of energy facilities and restore the operation of thermal power plants,” the Head of Government noted.

According to Denys Shmyhal, to support the regional economy, in April the Government decided to reduce the tax burden on entrepreneurs who continue to operate in Kharkiv region.

“Under the eRobota programme for Kharkiv and Kharkiv region, we have doubled the amount of grants to UAH 500,000. This applies to the Vlasna Sprava component. We have also improved conditions for Kharkiv entrepreneurs under the 5-7-9 affordable loan programme. The limit has been increased to UAH 150 million and the term to 10 years. Almost UAH 2 billion of concessional loans have been issued to farmers in the region under this programme since the beginning of the year,” the Prime Minister stressed.