Ukrainian authorities plan to cut five ministries amid budget pressure

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Mar 2024 19:06

The reduction is expected to impact those overseeing social affairs.

Ukrainians and their supporters carry a huge Ukrainian flag during a rally at the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 (AP)

Ukrainian news website New Voice (NV) reported on Saturday, citing sources from the presidential office, that Ukrainian authorities intend to eliminate at least five ministries from the current 19 due to budgetary constraints.

The reduction is expected to impact those overseeing social affairs, with the news outlet noting that some of their responsibilities will be shifted directly to the prime minister's office.

The prospect of replacing the prime minister himself is reportedly not under consideration, as stated by the presidential office, which expressed satisfaction with his performance, according to NV.

Last week, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal revealed plans to reduce one-third of all ministries and their staff, though specifics were not provided. In an earlier statement in March, Shmyhal mentioned that Kiev aims to secure $37 billion from foreign donors in 2024 to address the budget shortfall.

A recent report by the New York Times suggested that relations between the US and the UK were beginning to show signs of "wear and tear" as efforts to push back Russian forces are waning and some US officials expressing high levels of frustration with regard to the Ukrainian leadership.

Ukraine, for its part, is "increasingly disheartened that American political paralysis has resulted in shortages of ammunition for troops on the front," according to the report. For several months, US President Joe Biden's administration has been unable to overcome Republican lawmakers' opposition and pass a $60 billion assistance plan for Ukraine.

On Friday, Congress passed a $467.5 billion spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown. The bill is intended to fund various government agencies and programs, but it does not mention Ukraine as a specific recipient of funding.

Controversial Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene threatened to call for House Speaker Mike Johnson's removal if the bill included funds for Ukraine.