KHARKIV – The continuation of trade blockade on the demarcation line in Donbas in the short term could lead to the halt of Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said.
“In the short term this will lead to a halt of metallurgical enterprises because coal and other components for the steel industry, even in foreign countries, are not sufficient to ensure the potential of Ukraine,” Groysman said at a briefing in Kharkiv.
He noted the steel industry plays a significant role in the economy and problems in the sector might lead to serious social and economic consequences.
“If the Ukrainian steel industry, which generates 12 percent of GDP and 20 percent of foreign exchange earnings in the country, stops, this would undermine the exchange rate of the national currency, the complex, which employs 300,000 people, will halt operations. And this is contributions to local budgets, wages to people. This could lead to very negative consequences,” Groysman said.
He stressed “the enemies of Ukraine, including external,” are interested in such a scenario of development in the country.
