President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
A key issue was the UN's role in combating the coronavirus pandemic in the world and supporting Ukraine. The President thanked the Secretary-General for his efforts in responding to the crisis. In particular, the Head of State emphasized that Ukraine supports the UN Global Humanitarian Response Plan aimed at providing assistance in counteracting COVID-19, due to which our country will be able to receive financial support.
"It is important for Ukraine to receive financial support under this Plan in the amount of USD 165 million," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The interlocutors also discussed the possibilities of assisting Ukraine in the fight against the pandemic.
"We urge you to help involve the WHO capacities to coordinate the cooperation of Ukrainian virologists working on the coronavirus vaccine with foreign partners in order to consolidate relevant international efforts," the President of Ukraine emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew the attention of the UN Secretary-General to the attempts to use the coronavirus crisis for political purposes, in particular to artificially link the issue of lifting sanctions to the measures required to combat coronavirus.
"Sanctions are an important tool aimed to restore respect for international law, and in no way impair the ability of individual states to protect their citizens against COVID-19," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
He also assured that Ukraine supports the call for the wide-ranging humanitarian corridors aimed to provide humanitarian assistance without any obstacles to those who need it most.
The parties separately discussed the continuation of reforms and negotiations with international partners in this regard.
“We are in constant dialogue with the International Monetary Fund. We are confident that in the coming weeks we will reach a full understanding and sign a memorandum on the expanded program. In parallel, we are negotiating with the World Bank and other partners on financing in these difficult times. We need money to support SMEs and our economy,” the President said.
The interlocutors discussed the security situation in Donbas. The President responded positively to the UN Secretary-General's call for an immediate global ceasefire, noting that Ukraine was one of the first countries to support it. The President called on the UN to start preparing an efficient United Nations plan for attracting investment to restore Donbas after its de-occupation. Special attention was paid to the issue of the release of illegally detained Ukrainians in Donbas, Crimea and Russia.
The interlocutors agreed to continue dialogue, inter alia, on the visit of the UN Secretary-General to Ukraine after the situation with the pandemic is stabilized.