Photo from UNIAN
The aggressor state, which is Russia, must give back the occupied territories and pay reparations.
Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Vladyslav Krykliy has assured Ukrainians that the future restoration of the war-torn parts of Donbas that are now occupied by Russian-controlled forces will become their burden.
Speaking at a TV panel show on 1+1 channel on Thursday, Oct 31, Krykliy said: "Ukrainians will not pay for a non-controlled territory – they definitely won't. This is a priori impossible."
"Let the aggressor state give back these territories first, pay reparations, and then we will think how we will invest and restore the territory," the minister added.
Read alsoMillions in infrastructure investments pledged in Ukraine's Donbas – RFE/RL
Krykliy says the government has intentions to restore only the territories that are now under government control. To this end, the Cabinet plans to attract investors. The minister claims that some large companies have already expressed readiness to invest, including in infrastructure projects.
"In the meantime, our task is to ensure communication with citizens who believe in Ukraine's success. We are equipping checkpoints, we need to offer better services, and this issue concerns not only the east of Ukraine, but also the annexed Crimea," said Krykliy.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has named three stages of returning the areas of Donbas, now occupied by Russian-controlled forces, to Ukraine. This is ceasefire, reconciliation, and safe reintegration of the occupied territories, the president told a Unity Forum in Mariupol on Oct 30.