Ukrainians provided with food, no shortage expected – Zelensky

“Ukrainians are provided with food, there will be no shortage, and there is no need for additional export restrictions,” the president said at a traditional conference call on the fight against the spread of coronavirus, during which he was informed about the state of activity and directions of work of economic sectors especially important for the country during the coronavirus epidemic, the president’s press service reported.

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In particular, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that pursuant to the president’s instructions, the government has been actively developing programs to support various categories of socially disadvantaged population during quarantine and will present the first results in the coming days.

“The state should take care of the poorest. It is our direct duty. These are unemployed, elderly, single mothers, children without parents. Every day, as we count, someone in the country is waiting for help. In addition, we must make these amendments to the budget. Therefore, I ask you not to pay attention to the weekend and to develop these programs as soon as possible,” Zelensky stressed, addressing the officials.

At the request of the president, the government has also negotiated with owners and managers of gas stations about unfounded increases in fuel prices, and in the next few days prices will decrease.

In addition, the sides raised the issue of developing a step-by-step algorithm for reorientation and launching Ukrainian production of reusable protective suits. To this end, they discussed production capacities, raw material purchasing opportunities, certification of Ukrainian companies and cooperation with foreign manufacturers in Ukraine.