Ukrainian PM Praises Economy, Pledges To Raise Pensions, Wages
By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service
KYIV -- Ukraine’s prime minister has said the country’s economic situation has improved and the government intends to increase pensions and wages.
In an exclusive interview with RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service on November 16, Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman said Ukraine's economy has now grown for three consecutive quarters.
Hroysman also noted that the Fitch ratings agency had raised Ukraine's rating on November 12, meaning that the country is no longer "in a pre-default situation."
As a result, the government will raise pensions by 10 percent in December and double the minimum wage beginning in January.
"We got this growth thanks to the work of Ukrainian citizens," Hroysman said. "In this difficult period, the people have demonstrated patience through such painful transformations. Now I believe, and it is my deep conviction, that the worst is behind us. We have to go forward and build a qualitatively new country."
Here is today's map of the security situation in eastern Ukraine, according to the National Security and Defense Council:
