Zelensky rejects reports of suspending salaries for soldiers, state workers

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday rejected reports that the government may suspend the payment of salaries for soldiers and state workers because of a blocked European Union loan.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, has blocked an EU loan of 90 billion euros ($115 billion) ahead of a national election in April.

The first 45 billion euros was meant to be disbursed this year but Zelensky said urgent spending was still going ahead.

“Today, salaries are being paid, the army is funded, and pensions are being disbursed. Everything is paid. I believe we are doing a rather good job,” Zelensky told a Kyiv press conference.

His government desperately needs the EU funds however, with 60 billion euros allotted to the military for 2026-27 as it confronts Russia’s invasion.

The Bloomberg news agency said Friday that Ukraine does not have enough funds to cover government expenses until June.

On top of the EU loan, Ukraine’s parliament has not yet voted the necessary measures to secure an International Monetary Fund aid injection and because a NATO appeal to but arms for Ukraine has not had the anticipated response.

Zelensky said the blocking of the EU loan would pose a “greater risk” for preparations for the next winter

Russia has staged massive attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving millions without power for long stretches in the just-finished winter.

Zelensky said money was needed to prepare the power system for any new winter onslaught.

“We are getting to work, but this does not constitute a large-scale deployment, as the funds are not yet available,” Zelensky said.

“This delay therefore poses a risk for the winter. Various initiatives have been undertaken to seek funding.”

AFP

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