Zelensky to meet top Ukrainian businessmen, unveil “patriotic” economic policy
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with Ukraine’s 50 biggest business owners to discuss a so-called “patriotic” economic stimulus package, the president announced in a video address made on Feb. 22.
Zelensky outlined the key points of the new policy, which is to include:
· Additional domestic manufacturing incentives
· Government support for some industries
· Reduced fiscal and oversight pressure on the private sector
· Additional investment and domestic banking incentives
· Lower petrol and diesel VAT
“Tomorrow I’m holding a meeting with the top 50 big businesses,” said Zelensky.
“All of them must remain in Ukraine; their companies are on our Ukrainian land, defended by our soldiers, and so business (interests) must also protect our economy and finances.”
Earlier reports by Ukrainian media stated that some of Ukraine’s wealthiest citizens and oligarchs had left the country due to fears of an impending Russian invasion. Zelensky urged them all to return on Feb. 14
On Feb. 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s recognition of the non-government-controlled areas of Ukrainian Donbas as independent “republics,” and immediately ordered Russian troops into the area.
According to Zelensky, this move signifies Moscow “unilaterally abandoning” the peace process as outlined by the Minsk Agreement of 2014. In response, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has proposed severing diplomatic ties with Russia.
Germany said that Russia “has dealt a heavy blow to the peace process,” and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that he was halting the certification process for the Nord Stream-2 pipeline, rendering it unable to begin operations.
The United States and the UK also announced a range of sanctions against Russian banks, bonds, and individuals.
On Feb. 22, the upper house of the Russian parliament granted Putin the permission to use the Russian military abroad.
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