Communities have warned the government about the risks posed by the suspension of budget payments

In Ukraine, some of the communities’ budget payments have been frozen since September 9. The Association of Ukrainian Cities stated that this is complicating preparations for the heating season and the completion of critically important work.

This includes, in particular, the purchase of fuel for vehicles used to provide medical care and to address the aftermath of shelling. Communities are also unable to pay for some of the work and equipment needed for medical, educational, and social institutions.

 According to the Association of Ukrainian Cities, the blocking of payments is creating problems with preparations for winter, the establishment of “Points of Resilience,” and the repair of damaged infrastructure and energy facilities.

The Association has appealed to Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi, urging him to immediately unblock the payments. It also requests that the imposition of fines on communities for late payments be halted and that officials whom the AMU considers to be involved in the blocking of payments be held accountable.

Source: Association of Ukrainian Cities

The Cabinet of Ministers is asking the Verkhovna Rada to hold an additional plenary session on October 12, although lawmakers are scheduled to return to the chamber on October 13 following the recess. The government wants parliament to pass bills more quickly, as Ukraine’s receipt of international financing depends on them—in particular, an EU tranche of approximately $4.3 billion (€3.7 billion). The government itself plans to fulfill its part of the commitments by October 15.