The state of the Ukrainian economy is quite acceptable for wartime. Some financial measures are even better than expected, state Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk as he opened the last session of this government on Wednesday.
“The fall of the economy was predicted at 10%. We can say that the prognoses are somewhat better. We expect 7% now. It is still a falling economy, which is falling because of Russian aggression, unbelievable budget losses to support the Armed Forces, which has been partially destroyed by Russian terrorists. However, we managed to gather 5% more revenue to the state budget than in 2013,” stated Yatseniuk.
At the same time, according to the government, state budget deficit in 2014 will constitute 4% of the GDP. About 11,8 billion UAH are needed to restore the east of the country. The losses Ukraine suffers from the annexation of Crimea constitute 1,8 trillion UAH, and they are growing constantly. Russia is the one who has to compensate, Yatseniuk noted.
Deem Russia a terrorism sponsor
“The government of Ukraine filed three plaints to the European Human Rights Court against Russia. We demand compensation of billions, or rather, trillions, worth of damage Russia has caused Ukraine. In the International UN Court Ukraine has started proceedings against Russia for violating the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. The Russian Federation finances terrorism in Ukraine. The Russian Federation supports terrorism in Ukraine and the Russian Federation violates the anti-terrorism convention,” emphasized the Prime Minister.
Political expert Anatoly Oktysiuk thinks that it was necessary to plead with international organizations and EU countries to deem ‘LNR’ and ‘DNR’ terrorist organizations, and Russia – a country which supports terrorism, back in March. He calls the plains regarding Russia’s compensation political actions.
“Such plains are even dangerous, this may legalize the annexation of Crimea in a way. If Russia compensates the damages regarding Crimea, it will say that as it had already compensated the damages, the territory is legally under Russia’s jurisdiction. As to the compensation of damages in Donbas – we have to obligate Russia. However, even if a decision is made y international structures, it will not be binding for Russia. It easily foregoes international norms and protocols.”
At the same time, according to the expert, Russia has a huge lobby in the UN. So he is doubtful Russia will be considered a sponsor of terrorism in Ukraine.
On November 26, the last session of this government was held. Earlier President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko asked the members of coalition agreements to support Arseniy Yatseniuk as a candidate for the post of Prime Minister.
Western countries and Ukraine accuse Russia of supporting pro-Russian separatists with military means. Moscow denies these accusations.
