Dual Citizenship and Transport During Lockdown: Key Points From Shmyhal's Press Conference

The prime minister said nearly 25% of Ukraine's adult population has been vaccinated.

On September 14, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal held a press conference at which he raised the topics of dual citizenship, vaccination and transport operations during lockdown. Here are the key points from the press conference. 

Vaccination

Shmyhal said that 4.8 million citizens in Ukraine have already been fully vaccinated. 

Denys Shmyhal
Prime Minister of Ukraine

We have vaccinated nearly 25% of the adult population. As of Tuesday morning, 11 million shots have been administered in Ukraine, more than 5 million people have been vaccinated, and 4.8 million of them have received two doses. We are changing the parameters of work in the "red" and "yellow" zones. In the "yellow" zone, businesses will be able to operate if staff and visitors are vaccinated with at least one dose. In the "red" zone, the same applies, but two doses are required for 100% of staff and for visitors. We must protect people and not let businesses die. 

According to him, Ukraine currently has 10 million doses of stock of four different types of coronavirus vaccines. The prime minister recalled that about 1 million Ukrainians are vaccinated every week. 

Transport operations

The prime minister said that transport is not planned to be closed during the tightening of quarantine restrictions. 

Denys Shmyhal
Prime Minister of Ukraine

We do not plan to close (public transport — ed.) for now. Adaptive quarantine remains adaptive, just as it was. 

The same vaccination requirements that apply to workers in other sectors will apply to staff of transport companies. For passengers, a mask regime and social distancing will apply. 

Shmyhal explained: "Requiring certificates in public transport is impractical." 

To recall, on September 13 the Cabinet of Ministers introduced "yellow" and "green" COVID certificates and suggested that businesses decide for themselves whether to operate without restrictions only for vaccinated clients or to provide services to everyone without exception with restrictions. 

In the "yellow" quarantine zone, businesses will be able to operate if at least 80% of their employees have "yellow" or "green" certificates, and in the "red" zone, if 100% of employees have a "green" COVID certificate, meaning they are all fully vaccinated. 

Dual citizenship

The prime minister supports introducing dual citizenship, but not with the aggressor country, Russia. 

Denys Shmyhal
Prime Minister of Ukraine

I will give my personal opinion. Dual citizenship is a sign of civilized countries. In many civilized countries, it is a normal practice. Of course, it must be an open, transparent and clear matter. Dual citizenship with an aggressor country is not permitted. My position is that dual citizenship should exist. It will strengthen us. 

He recalled that a huge number of Ukrainians live abroad, and many of them would like to have a Ukrainian passport while holding citizenship of other countries. According to Shmyhal, several bills on this issue are currently under consideration by parliament. 

Possible changes in the government

Shmyhal said he has no complaints about the personnel of the current government. 

The prime minister was asked whether personnel changes could be expected in the near future, since this issue is being actively discussed in the political environment. The talk is that several ministers may leave their posts at once. The prime minister answered questions evasively. 

Denys Shmyhal
Prime Minister of Ukraine

Let's live and see... Autumn is starting, a (new — ed.) season. I have no complaints about the Cabinet. Today's Cabinet is technocratic: ministers spend a lot of time at their workplaces, not on talk shows. I would like the government to work perfectly... But those who do not work do not make mistakes. 

The prime minister was also asked how he assesses the current power vertical, when all decisions are made in the Office of the President. He said that he considers the current model of work of the legislative and executive branches effective. 

According to him, "coordination between the Office of the Head of State, parliament and the government makes it possible to work more efficiently: no time is wasted on disputes." Shmyhal noted that he is proud to belong to the team of President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

EU loan

Ukraine expects €600 million, the second tranche of EU macro-financial assistance, in November 2021 after a signal from the IMF. 

Denys Shmyhal
Prime Minister of Ukraine

As for macro-financial assistance, we have received a positive signal. The European Commission is now waiting for a signal from the IMF. The date for providing this tranche has been extended. We expect to receive these €600 million also this autumn, approximately in November. 

Ukraine received the first tranche of €600 million on behalf of the European Commission in December 2020 under the macro-financial assistance program related to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The first payment was made without any specific conditions being fulfilled by Ukraine. The disbursement of the second tranche was made conditional on the fulfillment of eight specific measures set out in the memorandum, including measures in the areas of public finance management, fighting corruption, improving the business environment and managing state-owned enterprises.