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Ukrainian President Zelensky at a press conference in Latvia (January 11)
Photo: Roman Koksarov / dpa
Despite the war against the Russian invaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky does not want to lose sight of expanding his country's economy. During visits to the Dnipro, Cherkasy and Kropyvnytsky regions, he spoke with representatives of the regional authorities not only about strengthening the military, but also about important economic issues, Zelensky reported on Monday in his evening video address. "The state must support the recovery of Ukrainian production," he said.
One of the top priorities in Ukraine is to provide the best possible support to entrepreneurs in contributing to economic growth and job creation. "Last year we laid the foundation for Ukraine's economic stability," said Zelensky. The maritime corridor for exports is working and the energy sector is better protected against Russian attacks. In addition, Kiev has reached agreements with foreign partners on long-term support for Ukraine and financial programs.
Last year ended with economic growth of more than five percent for Ukraine. “And this year the momentum should be maintained,” demanded Zelensky. To do this, Ukraine needs “transparent, clean, legal relations between state institutions and the economy, and the economy must work in a clean, legal environment – in a “white” way.” The latter was to be understood as a clear announcement for the continued fight against corruption in the country.
After the death of two NGO employees: Access to Kherson temporarily blocked for foreigners
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian authorities have temporarily blocked access to the large city of Kherson and its surroundings in the south of the country for foreigners. The trigger was the death of two French employees of a non-governmental organization as a result of Russian attacks. The access ban applies to both members of diplomatic missions and employees of international aid organizations, the regional military administration announced on Telegram on Monday. "No one can guarantee security in time of war, but we must clearly identify the presence of people in places of active hostilities."
The two Frenchmen were killed in a Russian artillery attack in the town of Beryslaw on Thursday. Three other French citizens and a Ukrainian were injured.
At least four people were killed in Kherson on Monday as a result of Russian artillery fire. Another was injured, the regional administration announced via Telegram. The city, which is only separated from Russian positions by the Dnieper River, was shelled several times throughout the day. As a rule, the information provided by the warring parties can hardly be verified independently.
Ukraine has been resisting the Russian invasion for almost two years. Kherson, which once had almost 300,000 inhabitants, was occupied by Russian troops for several months in 2022. Since the Russian withdrawal across the Dnieper River, the city has been under artillery fire almost daily.
EU is preparing new sanctions on Russia
On the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine on February 24th, a new package of sanctions against Russia is being prepared in the EU. According to information from the dpa, it provides for a significant expansion of the list of people and institutions whose assets in the EU must be frozen.
In addition, other companies that contribute to Russia's military and technological strengthening or to the development of its defense and security sector should also be sanctioned. No more military-use goods and technologies will be allowed to be sold to them from the EU.
According to dpa information, top officials of the EU Commission presented the concrete proposals for what is now the 13th sanctions package to representatives of the member states at the weekend. According to the plans, significantly more than 200 people and companies could be affected by the additional punitive measures.
aka/dpa