Address by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal

Heroic people of Ukraine!

Today is the 48th day of fighting of the Ukrainian people against the aggressor and the occupier. Struggles for our freedom. Struggles for our state. Struggles for the opportunity to live on our land.

Due to the doughtiness of the Ukrainian military, four regions have been completely liberated, and the country and the economy can function now to ensure our victory. On

the economic, informational, and diplomatic front, we are exerting every effort to help the Ukrainian army defeat its enemies.

After the start of the full-scale war, the Government identified 9 key areas of work. We adapt our policies and strategies. We are retrofitting the rules to restart the economy and provide social support to the people.

• The army is a key priority, so last week an additional UAH 33 billion was allocated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and an additional UAH 1.5 billion to the Security Service of Ukraine. UAH 19 billion will be spent on weapons. UAH 7 billion for the repair of equipment and weapons. UAH 5 billion - for the purchase of real property and personal protective equipment for the military. UAH 1.3 billion for operational support.

• Also met with the leadership of the European Union in Kyiv. We have received a questionnaire that we have to fill out in order to obtain the status of a candidate for EU membership. They started working on it. We expect that Ukraine will be able to receive such a status no later than June this year.

• Formalized the decision on a full embargo on imports of goods from Russia. After the full-blown invasion, the flow of goods was halted, and it was important to officially consolidate it.

• We support our people in the liberated territories. A sum worth UAH 1 billion has been allocated for the priority reconstruction of infrastructure in the liberated cities and villages of Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy and Zhytomyr regions. We constantly send humanitarian aid, free things, medicines. In addition, today at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers decided to allocate an additional UAH 490 million for basic rehabilitation and normal operation of road infrastructure, including in the liberated areas.

• We continue to distribute free food packages in frontline cities. The state buys products mainly from Ukrainian producers to load them with orders. For most items purchased from 30 to 80% of all necessary.

• We support IDPs. 1 million people have already officially registered. They continued to apply for the monthly payment program until April 30. Separately today, a decision was made to allocate UAH 200 million to employers who hire workers from the number of IDPs. We are talking about the payment of UAH 6,500 for each new employee. More than 5,000 employers have already asked for compensation for the employment of displaced persons.

• Successfully completed the heating season. 9 billion cubic meters of gas in storage. 1 million tons of coal in warehouses. We begin preparations for the next heating season.

• In all regions, except Luhansk, a sowing campaign was launched. We help farmers. They have already been provided with preferential financing for UAH 3.5 billion. At today's meeting of the Government, a decision was made to simplify the registration of agricultural machinery as much as possible. Hence to ensure the ongoing process of sowing and fieldwork.

• An additional UAH 2.3 billion has been allocated today for the 5-7-9 program. We also reformatted this program. Now every entrepreneur can get a loan at 0% in the amount of up to UAH 60 million. Interest before the bank will be paid by the state. Restarting and restoring business is a necessary condition for the stability of our economy, so we help.

• Finally, the business relocation program. More than 250 state-supported production facilities have already been relocated to other areas. Of these, 121 companies are already fully operational in the new location, others - are in the process of relocation. Another 430 productions are waiting their turn.

We are grateful to everyone who continues to work.

Who pays taxes. Who supports Ukrainian business. Who helps our military.

Together we are strong, and only together will we defeat our enemies.

Glory to Ukrainians! Glory to Ukraine!