Financial Transparency of the Country and Sanctions Decisions: The Head of State Held a Meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

On Tuesday, February 4, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, chaired by President Volodymyr Zelensky, held a meeting to discuss a range of economic issues and the strengthening of sanctions.

Among the top priorities were supporting citizens and Ukrainian businesses. Specifically, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko reported on the implementation of state programs aimed at supporting the population and business representatives. These include programs such as “eSupport,” “eHousing,” “Made in Ukraine,” “National Cashback,” as well as initiatives to support teachers and provide free meals for Ukrainian children in schools.

In particular, nearly 13 billion UAH have been paid to Ukrainian families who applied under the “eSupport” program. Additionally, there are already over 5 million participants in the National Cashback program.

“We are working to expand all effective forms of support, and this will be done—I have given the relevant instructions to the government. Importantly, we are already prepared for the spring with pension indexation, which will take effect on March 1,” - said the President.

Particular attention during the meeting was given to financial stability and discipline. President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed the government to address the imbalance between imports and exports.

“It is necessary to create significantly more opportunities for production in Ukraine and to support all forms of economic activity within the country. Just as we are already attracting foreign investments into arms manufacturing, government officials must also focus on other sectors,”- emphasized the Head of State.

The discussion also covered the involvement of partners, particularly from Europe, to create safe conditions for economic activities — such as humanitarian demining, clearing agricultural lands of mines, and strengthening the air defense of Ukrainian cities.

In addition, the Head of the State Tax Service, Ruslan Kravchenko, and the Head of the State Financial Monitoring Service, Filip Pronin, reported on ensuring financial transparency in the country. Specifically, they addressed the dismantling of shadow financial schemes used by oligarchs, officials, and members of parliament to conceal funds.

“The relevant materials have already been handed over to law enforcement agencies. Investigations must be objective, regardless of who is violating the law. The National Security and Defense Council has also approved decisions regarding sanctions. The lists will be published soon. There will be several strict sanction packages,” - the President concluded.