President outlines priority tasks for Donbas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this while presenting new head of Donetsk Regional State Administration Pavlo Kyrylenko in Kramatorsk on Friday, the press service of the head of state reported.

“The whole world is closely watching the developments in Donbas. During my meetings abroad, I raise this issue as a priority. Most importantly, the whole Ukraine is watching Donbas. We have to show everyone, especially Ukrainians in the occupied territories, that we are one country,” Zelensky stressed.

According to him, the top priority is to cease fire. Everything possible is done for that, including the intensification of negotiations of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk. In particular, the disengagement of forces near Stanytsia Luhanska has already been launched.

The head of state emphasized the importance of providing high-quality water supply in Donetsk region. The president said that he had discussed that issue with the prime minister. In addition, the restoration of Kramatorsk airport and repayment of salary arrears at mines are among the priorities.

Zelensky noted that social and humanitarian issues in Donbas could be solved right now, without looking for the guilty or justifying the problems with the war.

“We must end the war and restore Donbas simultaneously,” he stressed.

The president informed that a large business forum would be held in September to raise funds to help Donbas. Investors from various countries were invited to take part in it.

In turn, Pavlo Kyrylenko thanked the president for his trust and stressed that all tasks would be fulfilled.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Oleksandr Kuts as head of Donetsk Regional State Administration, and appointed Pavlo Kyrylenko to this post.

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