Ukraine received $1.34 billion under the World Bank project in the finance ministry. Under the World Bank’s public expenditures for administrative capacity endurance in Ukraine, Ukraine was awarded $1.34 billion, according to the Ukrainian finance ministry, which announced this on Monday.

In a statement, the ministry explained that the financing comprised a loan from the World Bank for $1.086 billion, a grant from Norway for $190 million, a grant from the United States for $50 million, and a grant from Switzerland for $20 million.

The ministry said the money would partially compensate for Ukrainian state budget expenditures unrelated to security and defense. These expenses include payments to state emergency service personnel and members of the elderly social security system.

In a statement, Ukraine’s Minister of Finance, Serhiy Marchenko, stated, “International financial assistance is a significant contribution to maintaining Ukraine’s financial and economic stability and allows us to provide priority social expenditures during the war.”

The reception of $1.34 billion under the World Bank project signifies a significant stride for Ukraine’s economic landscape. This substantial funding infusion, channeled strategically by the Finance Ministry, is poised to catalyze transformative changes across various sectors. The focus on infrastructure, socio-economic reforms, and sustainable growth initiatives underscores Ukraine’s commitment to fostering progress and resilience in the face of economic challenges.

The following are some of the most essential points that were discussed during the annual news conference and phone-in that Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted in Moscow on Thursday:

REGARDING THE UKRAINE COUNCIL
There will be serenity as soon as we accomplish what we set out to do. Again, let’s return to these objectives; they have not been altered. I’ll bring to your attention the topics we discussed back then: the denazification of Ukraine, the demilitarization of Ukraine, and Ukraine’s neutral position.

In terms of demilitarization, if they do not wish to reach a consensus, then we are compelled to take additional steps, which may include military ones. Or, we will reach a consensus on a set of terminology. During our discussions in Istanbul, we agreed on these. These accords, however, were eventually abandoned. However, we agreed with this. Further options are available, such as agreeing or resolving the issue through coercion. We are going to work hard to achieve this goal.

It would be an understatement to say that our military forces are slowly but surely strengthening their position over the entirety of the front line. The majority of people are now engaged in some form of action. In every respect, the situation of our troops is getting better.

ON THE OPPORTUNITY OF A SECOND DRAWING FOR THE MILITARY
We are not seeing a decrease in the number of guys who are prepared to protect our motherland with their guns in hand. In addition to the volunteers, there ought to be around half a million people. At this point, there is no requirement for mobilization.

“The unbridled desire to creep towards our borders, taking Ukraine into NATO—all of these things led to this tragedy,” said the speaker about relations with the West. The catastrophe that we are currently witnessing is the result of all of these factors, including the violent events that took place in Donbas over the past eight years. They compelled us to carry out these activities.

Regarding what the United States of America dreamed of and arranged, Europe either stood and observed in silence or played and sang together with them there. The question is, “How can we improve our relations with them?”

“The fundamental conditions will be in place to restore fully-fledged relations.” “When internal changes occur (in the United States), when they begin to respect other people and other countries, when they begin to look for compromise rather than trying to resolve their issues through sanctions and military intervention, then the fundamental conditions will be in place to restore fully-fledged relations.” Even though such conditions have not yet been established, we are prepared for them.

“About the so-called “rules-based order,” it is true that there are no such rules. Politics and the short-term interests of those who discuss (such an order) are subject to change daily.

VIDEO OF EVAN GERSHKOVICH, AN AMERICAN REPORTER WHO IS DETAINED
“About the possibility of extraditing these nationals, Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, to their country of origin… You express the question: Why don’t they go back to their country of origin? If this is the case, does it not make sense for them to commit crimes within the borders of the Russian Federation? However, this is nothing but empty bluster. The reason for this is not that we would not accept their return. We didn’t say no to it. Our goal is to agree, and for this to happen, the agreements must be mutually acceptable and suitable for all sides. We have been communicating with our American partners and will continue to have conversations about this topic. I won’t get into the specifics right now because it is difficult. May we be able to find a solution? But I will repeat it: the American side needs to listen to us and make an acceptable and suitable decision for the Russian side.

REGARDING THE OLYMPICS
“Everything that the international bureaucrats are doing to Russian sports goes against Pierre de Coubertin’s idea, ‘O Sport, you are Peace!'”

CONCERNING THE CONTROL OF CAPITAL

“Neither the government nor the central bank knows what is taking place with the sums of money our exporters generate from their exports. “We… have a legitimate desire to glimpse how roubles are accumulated, how they are moved around, where they go, and in what quantities they are found.”

Regarding the Russian Hospital in Gaza

During my trip to the United Arab Emirates, I learned they have established a field hospital close to the Rafah checkpoint in Gaza. During our conversation, we also discussed the possibility of Russia establishing a hospital in the exact location, at a stadium. However, it is essential to note that this would require approval from both Egypt and Israel. I have talked with the President of Egypt, and he favors this concept. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, and I have discussed this matter. They have discussed it with several agencies, and the Israeli side does not support this move. Although they think that establishing a Russian hospital in Gaza would be risky, this does not imply that we would stop making efforts in this direction.

REGARDING THE INTERESTS OF CHINA
“We know and I will simply repeat this, I must repeat this, the level of our ties with China is at an all-time high.”

REGARDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMMANUEL MACRON, the President of France
In terms of our professional relationship, we were pretty lovely and friendly… At some point, the president of France severed all contact with us, even though we were prepared to continue our interactions with France.

Although I did not stop, he did. Please let us know if there is any interest; we are prepared. If there is no interest, we will make do with what we have. We do not shy away from these relationships; nevertheless, if European nations, and the president of France in particular, do not wish to speak with us, that puts an end to the matter. We have work to do.

WORTH OF THE ECONOMY
“The most significant indication is the degree of economic expansion. It is anticipated that the GDP growth rate will be 3.5% by the end of the year. This is a positive signal, as it indicates that we have recovered from the previous year’s decline. and that we have made a very significant stride ahead.

“Unfortunately, there has been a rise in inflation. It is anticipated that it will reach 7.5% by the end of the year, with the possibility of a slight increase to 8%; nevertheless, the government and the central bank are taking the necessary measures.

Nicolas Maduro, the President of Venezuela, is scheduled to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday to meet with Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana. This meeting comes when emotions are high due to a disagreement involving a border region that might be rich in oil.

For decades, there has been a disagreement about the rainforest region of Esequibo, which spans an area of 160,000 square kilometers (62,000 square miles). However, Venezuela has recently resurrected its claim, including to offshore regions, following the discovery of significant oil and gas reserves.

The International Court of Justice is currently hearing the matter; however, it may take several years to make a decision. During this month, voters in Venezuela rejected the court’s jurisdiction and supported the establishment of a new state in a referendum.

Meanwhile, political experts in Caracas have stated that Maduro’s vote was an attempt to measure support for his regime ahead of the presidential elections in 2024 and not a prelude to an invasion. Guyana has questioned the poll turnout and stated that its land boundary is not negotiable.

Ralph Gonsalves, the prime minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the current president pro tempore of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), will host the summit. Gonsalves announced it over the weekend.

In an interview with the media earlier this week, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Yvan Gil, reiterated statements made by Maduro and his supporters, stating that the vote gave them a mandate to govern the Esequibo. “We hope to achieve a relaxation of tensions and lower the aggressiveness of discourse in Guyana,” Gil said.

Ali, the leader of Guyana, has stated that his nation will preserve its sovereignty and boundaries and that Venezuela needs to slow down its advances into Guyana.

Ali was trying to tell investors with projects already sanctioned by the Guyanese government, such as Exxon Mobil and Chevron, that their investments are secure. Maduro said last week that he would permit oil drilling in the Esequibo, which drew Ali’s ire. Ali was trying to reassure investors that their investments were safe.

Guyana’s economy is thriving due to the country’s oil production, which is predicted to quadruple to more than 1.2 million barrels per day by 2027. Offshore areas are responsible for the majority of Guyana’s oil production.

“We are not going anywhere; our focus remains on developing the resources efficiently and responsibly, as per our agreement with the Guyanese government,” Exxon said this week. This week, the company also stated that claims made by Maduro’s government that it was involved in financing a plot to undermine the referendum are “ridiculous and baseless.”

In the last week, South American nations have encouraged a peaceful settlement to the disagreement, and the United States has voiced “unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty.” Maduro and Ali have discussed the problem with Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General.

It is anticipated that Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the socialist president of Brazil, will send a delegate to participate in the debate he has called for.