The US will allocate Ukraine another $ 220 million for reform

US Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday met with Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman, who arrived in Washington on a working visit. Prior to that, the Ukrainian Prime Minister held meetings in the US Congress.

The two politicians greeted each other in a friendly manner, and Joe Biden spoke warmly of the head of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers: “He has a difficult job and he has already taken many important steps.” The US Vice President also assured the Prime Minister of Ukraine of Washington’s support for the reforms being carried out in Ukraine.

Volodymyr Groysman, according to the press service of the Government of Ukraine, told Joe Biden about the last steps on the path of reforms: the introduction of gas market prices, deregulation and the appointment of heads of state-owned enterprises, and the beginning of public service reform.

"In the near future, Ukraine will change inside, and this change will be noted on the standard of living of citizens ... The government understands that Ukraine’s success, first of all, is needed by itself, and highly appreciates the support that the United States provides for Ukraine to be successful ", - said the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

According to Groysman, together with Joe Biden, they also discussed the situation in the Donbas and the state of implementation of the Minsk agreements. The Ukrainian Prime Minister stated the need to maintain sanctions against the Russian Federation.

US financial assistance to Ukrainian reforms

After the meeting, the press service of the vice-president of the United States circulated a message stating that the White House "plans to provide 220 millions of new aid to Ukraine this year to support economic, political and energy reforms."

According to the report, “this aid package will support Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, strengthen the foundations for sustainable economic growth, and also allow responding to humanitarian needs.”

These funds, according to the publication of the White House, will be used to accelerate customs reform, including through the provision of legal, regulatory, infrastructure and electronic customs support; creation of a new customs control center and assistance in implementing reforms in the field of hiring, selecting, checking, training and equipping new customs officers, based on a successful patrol police model.

Assistance will be aimed at “fighting corruption by supporting reforms in key sectors of the judicial system, including the implementation of the constitutional amendments adopted by the Verkhovna Rada 2 June and the reform program of Prosecutor General Yury Lutsenko, as well as through the expansion of our partnership with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office , support for independent media and civil society. ”

The United States also intends to support decentralization reform by helping to improve the quality of services provided, increasing citizen participation and raising their awareness of the benefits of reforms.

It is planned to expand support for energy security through programs that create transparent and honest gas and electricity markets in accordance with European Union standards, diversify energy sources, and increase energy efficiency.

The White House report notes that 9 Jun. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) approved the allocation of up to $ 62,5 million as financial support for two private equity funds that will invest in Ukraine in a number of sectors, including agribusiness, health, infrastructure, retail consumer goods and real estate.

“The United States will continue to work closely with the Ukrainian government to help ensure that the practical experience of the US industry is taken into account in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to identify priorities and implement reforms that will improve the business climate and attract private capital,” he said. message.

New tools - part of a large help package.

Initiatives and new commitments announced by the White House on Wednesday are part of a package of more than $ 1,3 billion worth, which the US government promised to provide Ukraine with 2014 for promoting reforms, strengthening democratic institutions and civil society, stimulating economic growth, strengthening its defense and assistance Ukraine in the implementation of a more secure monitoring and protection of its borders and the protection of its territorial integrity.

Photo: depositphotos.com

This support includes more than $ 112 million in the form of humanitarian aid provided so far to civilians affected by the conflict in Ukraine. These funds were used to build temporary shelters, purchase basic necessities, take measures to protect children and the elderly, repair the water supply infrastructure, and help in creating short-term jobs for internally displaced persons.

The US government also allocated $ 2 billion in credit guarantees to Ukraine and signed the June 3 agreement, which will allow issuing a third loan guarantee of up to $ 1 billion in the coming months if certain conditions are met and the Congress notification process is completed. These loan guarantees will help Ukraine stabilize its economy and protect the most vulnerable segments of the population from the consequences of the necessary economic adjustment.

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