Ukraine will return the occupied territories, sooner or later, and restore its territorial integrity, including through economic growth and raising the standard of living. This was stated by Volodymyr Groysman, Prime Minister of Ukraine, in an interview with the Norwegian largest printed newspaper Aftenposten (The Evening Post).

"Donbas will be Ukrainian again. The question is only when? We, definitely, want it to happen as soon as possible, and it will happen", said Volodymyr Groysman. "Crimea is Ukraine, we will return it back. This is just a matter of time. The Soviet Union used to be extremely strong, but all empires collapse sooner or later. Our mission is to create a strong economy and a high standard of living, and eventually, the occupied territories will return, because those people will put their mind to live in Ukraine."

The Head of Government stressed that currently, Ukraine is undergoing a revival process amid constant aggression and after serious economic losses caused by active hostilities in 2014-2015.

"We have brought about much deeper transformations than those having been carried out over the past 25 years", the Head of Government said.

Background

On January 28, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Norway. The Head of Government held talks with the top officials, and together with the Prime Minister of Norway took part in the work of the Ukrainian-Norwegian business forum. On the outcomes of the forum, there were signed previous contracts to the tune of about $1.5 billion. The prime ministers also signed a joint statement on intensifying cooperation in the energy sector, especially in the context of the development of the green energy sector, nuclear safety and energy efficiency.

In the course of political negotiations, the parties focused on the assessment of Russia's aggressive actions in Donbas, the situation in the Azov Sea and the return of the captured Ukrainian sailors. In the comments to Ukrainian journalists, the Head of Government emphasized that pressure on the Russian Federation should be intensified. "We must make it respond to international statements. The seizure of seafarers is a violation of all international laws. Could this happen anywhere in democratic countries? All this demands a response of the entire world, and we are grateful to the international community for making decisions on restoring justice for Ukraine", said Volodymyr Groysman.