Ukraine's draft budget balanced and absolutely realistic - Groysman

"The draft state budget for 2019 is balanced and absolutely realistic. We have laid down in it the foundations for economic growth, which means more work for Ukrainians, higher wages and fair pensions," he said.

At the same time, Groysman said that all systemic changes in the country that had been started earlier would be continued. In particular, the issue concerns strengthening security and defense capability. "We will modernize military equipment and develop new models, raise the salaries of the military," he said.

Another priority is the construction and repair of roads, Groysman said. "I have repeatedly stated that Ukrainians will drive on new, high-quality roads," he added.

As for the reform of medicine, according to the prime minister, Ukraine is changing primary healthcare and switching to the reform of the ambulance service. Money is also envisaged for free diagnostics for Ukrainians, he added.

With regard to the education reform, Groysman noted: "We continue to change the philosophy of learning so that children develop their best qualities at school, feel comfortable and receive modern education. We are equipping schools with high-quality comfortable furniture, new didactic materials. The next step is to reform vocational education."

In addition, the head of government said that local authorities would receive additional money in their budgets as part of the decentralization reform, "so that there could be more opportunities in the regions to change the infrastructure, implement social projects and change the quality of life of people."

op