President Zelensky reveals how to use $2.9 billion from Gazprom (Russia)

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. Photo: TASS

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has proposed that the government spend $2.9 billion that Ukrainian energy corporation Naftogaz received from Russian energy corporation Gazprom on infrastructure projects and medical development, the press service of the Ukrainian leader said.

"We will add funds to road construction - this is the top priority in terms of infrastructure. In addition, we will focus on other areas such as healthcare and energy efficiency. One of the plans is to build more than 200 medical admission offices across Ukraine," President Zelensky said at a meeting with ministers.

President Zelensky asked the Cabinet to urgently prepare relevant analytical documents within 2 weeks to realize key projects.

On December 30, 2019, Ukraine and Russia signed a package of agreements on gas transit for the period 2020-2024 with the possibility of extending the transit for another 10 years. The agreement also stipulates the completion of the requirements of the Stockholm Arbitration Court and the mutual legality of the two Energy Corporations Gazprom and Naftogaz. Accordingly, implementing the decision of the Arbitration Court, Gazprom paid Ukraine 2.9 billion USD at the end of 2019.