In November 2014, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree, essentially imposing an economic blockade in southeastern Ukraine. The decree, in particular, stipulated the suspension of operation of state institutions and banks on the territories beyond the control of Kiev forces. The move left residents of Donbass without pensions and other social benefits.
"We are ready to restore the banking sector in Donetsk and Lugansk," Yatsenyuk said in an interview with TV channel "Ukrayina" without providing any details regarding the issue.
Both UN refugee agency and the Organization for Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have repeatedly voiced concerns over the cessation of social welfare payments in areas controlled by independence supporters in southeastern Ukraine, saying it brought the region on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe.