Ukraine plans to start large-scale demining program ASAP, PM says

Among the priorities of Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers is to start a large-scale program of demining the country’s territory as soon as possible.

That’s according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who reported the news in his weekly economic summary, Ukrinform reports.

"Because of Russian terrorists, Ukraine has become one of the world’s most mine-contaminated countries. Among the government's priorities is to start a large-scale demining program as soon as possible. We are creating the State Center for Humanitarian Demining; about 320,000 explosive objects have already been neutralized. We are updating standards, setting priorities, and creating a market for demining services," the statement reads.

Shmyhal also recalled that "Ukrainians have already submitted 23,000 applications within the framework of the eRobota grant program. Some 3,500 new businesses have been launched. This is a good result that shows that the program is in demand. We will expand it. We are adding three new types of grants for our veterans. We also expanded the geography of the program to eight more regions."

"We are approaching free roaming and developing a digital one. We have approved a document that will allow Ukraine to conclude a free roaming agreement with the European Union as early as this year," prime minister said.

Also, according to Shmyhal, "we started testing the service, thanks to which Ukrainians can sign European contracts and documents with the help of Diia.Pidpis-EU. It will be used in EU countries as an advanced electronic signature."

"The Safety Concept for educational institutions has been adopted. The document provides for the active development of convenient shelters, new approaches to fire safety, school security with the involvement of relevant police units, new approaches to access regime, video surveillance, and inclusiveness. This year, UAH 1.5 billion worth of subventions have already been allocated to the regions for setting up safe shelters in schools," Shmyhal added.

He also recalled that "this week, Ukraine received the first $2.7 billion from the IMF within the multi-year facility worth $15.6 billion. We direct funds to social support, education, and healthcare. An agreement was also signed to provide Ukraine with a US$2.5 billion grant for the second time this year. The funds will come through the World Bank trust fund."

"International support will allow the government to maintain macro-financial stability and finance priority budget expenditures," Shmyhal said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers agreed to the proposal put forward by the State Emergency Service on the creation of a budgetary institution "Center for Humanitarian Demining."