Zelensky: Rada failed laws on which billions in aid depend
On September 1, the Verkhovna Rada did not support a number of bills, the adoption of which is necessary for Ukraine to receive international financing. Three failed decisions could have opened access to more than $4 billion in aid from partners, and two more bills are related to the International Monetary Fund program.
This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky in his evening address.
It is not about $30 billion directly from the IMF. According to the head of state, about $30 billion of international support in general, which Ukraine expects to receive this year, depends on the fulfillment of obligations by the government and the Verkhovna Rada.
Zelensky said that about half of this amount — about $15 billion — depends on decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers. The government must adopt 44 necessary acts and promises to complete this work by November 1.
Another about $15 billion is related to decisions of the Verkhovna Rada and the adoption of specific laws agreed with international partners.
"Today in the Verkhovna Rada, three laws were failed that could have given Ukraine more than 4 billion dollars. Two more laws — also failed — from the IMF program," — stated Zelensky.
The President emphasized that international financing is needed not by individual political forces, but by the state — to ensure defense, social spending, salaries, and the operation of the energy system.
According to him, some of the necessary decisions may be difficult and unpopular, but Ukraine has taken on relevant obligations to partners and must fulfill them.
"Thirty billion dollars this year fully depend on the government and parliamentarians," — stated Zelensky.
He addressed separately the deputies who support Ukraine's European integration, calling on them to support the laws needed to fulfill arrangements with the European Union.
Zelensky also urged parliamentarians not to be guided by possible elections and political ratings during the war, but to focus on financing defense and the functioning of the state.
Earlier on September 1, Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi stated in the Verkhovna Rada that Ukraine expects to receive about $29.5 billion from international partners by the end of the year if the agreed conditions are met. Besides 44 government decisions, 26 necessary bills have already been submitted to parliament, and another 17 the Cabinet of Ministers must prepare and register.
Separately, Ukraine is seeking financing to cover the additional defense budget need of about $27 billion. Zelensky emphasized that negotiations on these funds are underway with partners, but receiving additional aid also depends on Kyiv fulfilling previously taken obligations.
Based on materials: Volodymyr Zelensky, Office of the President of Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
