Kiev Wants EU to Pay for Restoration of Donbass

Ukraine relies on financial aid from the European Union to restore the infrastructure in Donbass ruined during the military operation in the region, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Andrey Pivovarsky said.

The damage in the region has topped $1 billion, according to the minister.

"If the damage is assessed monetarily it is much more than $1 billion. This is a fact," the minister said as quoted by Ukrinform.

He added that he had discussed with the European Commission whether it was possible to begin restoration works in Donbass.

"Now, we can’t do anything there. Only preparation and planning are possible. I reported to the European Commission on the possible damage in the region and in the border area so our colleagues could start considering an aid package," Pivovarsky underscored.

He noted that no concrete aid measures have been discussed.

In April 2014, Kiev launched a military offensive in Donbass against the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. According to latest UN data, nearly 7,900 people have been killed in the operation.

In September 2014, the Minsk talks resulted in a series of agreements to de-escalate the conflict.

On August 26, the Minsk group held talks during which the sides agreed on a ceasefire in Donbass beginning September 1. On September 13, during his meeting with former British Prime Minister, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that the ceasefire has been observed in Donbass since late-August.