Volodymyr Zelensky / REUTERS
Ukraine has amended the national budget for 2020 with regard to coronavirus-related developments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has singed bill No. 553-IX into law to amend the 2020 national budget of Ukraine; the bill was passed by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, at a special plenary meeting on April 13.
"Amendments to the national budget for the current year have been made to optimize spending related to external and internal challenges associated with the coronavirus epidemic and the global economic crisis," the President's Office said on April 18.
In particular, the document envisages the establishment of a fund with UAH 64.7 billion (US$2.4 billion) to be allocated for top-priority areas in fighting COVID-19.
In addition, the amended national budget provides for UAH 15.8 billion (US$583.5 million) in additional payments to healthcare workers, who are tackling the epidemic. In total, the Health Ministry's spending increased by UAH 16.4 billion (US$605.6 million).
The document also envisages the allocation of UAH 10.6 billion (US$391.4 million) for lump sum payments to pensioners. The Social Policy Ministry's expenses will increase by UAH 19.5 billion (US$720.1 million).
In total, additional UAH 3 billion (US$110.8 million) in emergency spending is earmarked in the reserve fund.
Budgets for road construction and repairs have remained unchanged. Therefore, a large-scale construction program related to overhauls and construction of roads, which improves the country's infrastructure and creates new jobs, will continue. In particular, almost UAH 70 billion (US$2.6 billion) in budget funds has been allocated for road infrastructure.
At the same time, the national budget foresees no cuts in funding of the country's defense and security, as well as agricultural sector.