Ukrzaliznytsia remains under Ukraine's full control - Honcharuk

He wrote this on his Facebook page.

"I will dispel all the rumors around this issue. Now our team is holding talks with the German side about further cooperation in operational activities, in the provision of consulting services by the German railway. In any case, this cooperation will definitely help improve the efficiency and quality of rail transportation in Ukraine," Honcharuk said.

According to him, the issue concerns only a strategic partnership, rather than the sale or concession of Ukrzaliznytsia.

"The Ukrainian railway remains under the full control of the state, and that's for sure," Honcharuk said.

"Cooperation with Deutsche Bahn is a positive signal to European business about Ukraine. Ukrainians need to get a modern, comfortable and safe railway!" Honcharuk said.

Ukrzaliznytsia said earlier that the company's supervisory board had become aware of the signing of an agreement of intent between the government of Ukraine and Germany's railway operator Deutsche Bahn on further cooperation in the development of Ukrzaliznytsia. Ukrzaliznytsia stressed that the signing of this document was an initiative and a prerogative of the government of Ukraine.

The company said that as soon as the supervisory board receives more information, the issue will be considered.

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, in the presence of Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii signed an agreement of intent between the Ukrainian Infrastructure Ministry and Deutsche Bahn AG on further cooperation in the transport sector and the development of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia.

Honcharuk said at the Ukrainian Breakfast in Davos on January 23 that the Ukrainian side wants "to give Ukrainian railways for management by Germans for ten years". He noted that although political decisions had already been taken, details had yet to be agreed and official documents had yet to be signed.

op