PM Shmyhal: Ukraine needs weapons to prevent genocide against Ukrainian people

“This week, Russia launched its ninth large-scale attack on the Ukrainian energy system and heat supply facilities. Thanks to the heroic actions of the air defense forces, 60 enemy missiles were destroyed. But there were destructions and civilian casualties,” Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal posted on Facebook, summing up the results of the week.

The PM called on Ukraine’s partners to act in order to prevent the genocide against the Ukrainian people. “We need weapons to protect people, infrastructure and critical facilities. Strong and adequate sanctions should be imposed for each attack. This is a matter of Ukraine's survival," the Prime Minister stressed.

Shmyhal also noted that Ukraine received resources for reconstruction to the tune of about EUR 1.5 billion following the Solidarity Conference, the Economic Stability Forum and a series of meetings in Paris.

"In order to implement the six steps of President Zelensky on the sustainable passage of winter, announced in Paris, the Government instructed the relevant ministries and departments to ensure the implementation of these steps and the sustainable operation of critical energy infrastructure during the heating season," Shmyhal wrote.

In addition, Ukraine receives assistance in the form of funds and equipment from partners, including another tranche of 500 million euros from the European Union within the framework of a large program of 5 billion euros. These are resources for social payments and support for financial stability.

In addition, Ukraine received a EUR 100 million loan on preferential terms from the French Development Agency to finance priority government expenditures.

Ukraine also received a grant of 200 million euros from the German state bank KfW within the framework of the Program to Support the Sustainability of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

According to the Prime Minister, Germany announced a contribution of 30 million euros to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. Norway announced the provision of NOK 1 billion to repair critical infrastructure.

Shmyhal also added that France handed over almost 73 tonnes of energy equipment to Ukrainian companies, and $13 million worth of it came from the USA.

This week, in addition to the decision to provide Ukraine with 30 million LED lamps, the European Union agreed on two more important decisions.

First, providing Ukraine with 18 billion euros in macro-financial assistance for 2023. This will make it possible to cover the budget deficit in the coming year and successfully finance non-defense expenditures.

Second, the EU agreed on the 9th package of sanctions against Russia. It deals with finance, technology and media. Almost 200 individuals and organizations involved in Russian aggression are subject to sanctions.

Shmyhal thanked the European partners for their comprehensive support for Ukraine.

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