Heroic people of Ukraine!

During the three weeks of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the whole world have witnessed that Russia is a terrorist country, while Ukraine is a country of indomitable and brave people who are ready to fight to the bitter end for their land.

Russia is falling into international isolation, and the whole civilized world is uniting around Ukraine. That's why we will definitely win!

All that we have to do now is to bring our victory closer. To work as a single team and a united front. Everyone doing his or her job. The more effort we pursue to win now, the sooner that victory will come.

Our Government has clearly determined as one of the topmost priorities of our work now is to build a strong economic rear for our victory.

In the last week, we have intensified changes in the economic model along a number of key areas in order to support Ukrainian businesses and simplify at most their activities in times of war.

First. Food security issues. We cannot allow Ukrainians to be left without food, so the state will directly buy essential social products from Ukrainian producers. Starting tomorrow, these products will be distributed free of charge to people in those cities that are already under the siege or on the confrontation line.

How will we implement that? We have compiled a list of key social products: from cereals and grains to canned food and oil. The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development forms a list of cities destinations for these products to be delivered on a daily basis.

Local military administrations will apply for the amount of such products to cover the needs of each of such cities.

The Ukrzaliznytsia [Ukrainian Railways company] purchases products and delivers them to the regions in cooperation with the Humanitarian Headquarters.

As for delivery to the temporarily occupied settlements, we will involve international humanitarian organizations.

I would like to reiterate that the distribution of relevant products will be free of charge for the people. The Government has already alotted UAH 18 billion to Ukrzaliznytsia to ensure the implementation of this and other objectives.

Nobody will be left alone in trouble.

The relevant program will also encourage the development of Ukraine's domestic food production, while the food industry is now becoming one of the key sectors of the economy.

The second issue. As the President of Ukraine has already announced, we are in fact abolishing the vast majority of permits, except for those related to the country's security.

Against the background of the martial law effect, businesses switch to a declarative principle of operation. It means one submits documents through the Diia portal and, without waiting for the decision of the government body, starts working.

Permits will remain for literally several activities, such as handling hazardous waste, drug production, and nuclear energy issues.

Earlier, the Government abolished all inspections that could complicate business activities. Now the maximum freedom of business is a necessary condition for the formation of a strong economy in our country.

The third issue. Interest-free business lending and easier access to financial resources.

The Government is lifting all restrictions pertaining to the Affordable Loans at 5-7-9 program. Any Ukrainian business that needs support will be able to get a loan on favorable terms.

From now on, the maximum loan amount will be increased to UAH 60 million. At the time of martial law and one month after its completion, the interest rate on loans will be 0%. Currently, the state will pay interest for those who want to make business.

After martial law period is over, the interest rate on this program will not exceed 5%. Restrictions regarding the business plan or workplaces, or any other, are also removed.

Fourth. The Government has adopted a decision to simplify all customs procedures as much as possible. We aim to create the fastest customs service in the world.

No paperwork at customs.

Abolishing VAT, customs tax and duties immediately after the adoption and entry into force of amendments to the Customs and Tax Codes.

On a declarative basis only.

Anyone who wants to abide by the general system pays only VAT, and such clearance procedure should take no more than 15 minutes.

Those who just want to import goods to Ukraine without any customs clearance procedure just fill out the customs declaration in advance and enter.

The cargoes will travel across the border without any obstacles.

The resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers has already been endorsed. We expect that the Verkhovna Rada will shortly exempt all goods imported to Ukraine today from customs tax and VAT.

Together with the tax incentives already supported by the Verkhovna Rada, the aforesaid measures create extremely powerful incentives to support existing businesses and even to open new enterprises.

Therefore, we hold the line. We are working for the sake of victory. We believe in Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Glory to Ukrainians! Glory to Ukraine!