President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced an economic patriotism program that would free businesses from the tax burden and reduce the number of inspections, he said in a video message on February 22.
“Reducing the tax burden on business and limiting inspections are incentives for attracting public funds to business and the banking system. Reducing VAT (value added tax. – Ed.) on gasoline and diesel – this will reduce prices at gas stations. Our goal is economic independence. Especially in the energy sector,” the Ukrainian leader said in a video posted on his Telegram channel.
Zelensky added that the reason for this decision was the need to support the country while “warriors protect us.” According to him, citizens need to invest in the Ukrainian economy, earn money for the effective functioning of the “powerful army” of the country.
“A patriot is one who fights with the enemy for his land. And the one who invests in it with money, creating jobs on it. Therefore, we are launching a program of economic patriotism,” he said.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has repeatedly turned to Western partners for financial support. On February 13, during a telephone conversation, Zelensky asked his American colleague Joe Biden for additional financial and military assistance, as this would show Russia “the West’s support for Ukraine.”
On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the LPR and the DPR. Also, the Russian leader and the heads of both republics Leonid Pasechnik and Denis Pushilin signed agreements on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance.
The situation on the line of contact in Donbass escalated on February 17. The DPR and LPR reported heavy shelling by Ukrainian security forces, including with heavy weapons. At the same time, Kiev announced the shelling of the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Since 2014, the Ukrainian authorities have been conducting a military operation against the inhabitants of Donbass, who refused to recognize the results of the coup d’état and the new government in Ukraine. At the same time, Kiev blames Moscow for the current situation. Russia has repeatedly stated that it is not a party to the intra-Ukrainian conflict. The issues of its settlement are being discussed in the Minsk and Normandy formats.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
