Italy plans to allocate EUR 110 million in financial assistance to support the population and economy of Ukraine in areas that will be agreed with the Ukrainian authorities, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio said during a briefing in the Senate of the Italian Parliament.
“We also intend to help the International Committee of the Red Cross in the humanitarian sphere,” he added, commenting on the results of his visit to Kyiv last week.
Based on the results of the work of metallurgical enterprises in January of this year, Ukraine increased steel production by 0.7% compared to the same period in 2021, being 13th in the ranking of 64 countries – the world’s main producers of this product, compiled by the World Manufacturers Association steel (Worldsteel).
According to Worldsteel data released on Tuesday, in January 2022, a decrease in steel production was recorded by January 2021 in most countries of the top ten, except for India, the United States, Russia and Iran.
The top ten steel-producing countries in January was as follows: China (81.685 million tonnes, a decrease of 11.2% compared to January 2021), India (10.781 million tonnes, an increase of 4.7%), Japan (7.758 million tonnes, 2.1% less), the United States (7.266 million tonnes, 4.2% more), Russian Federation (6.570 million tonnes, 3.3% more), South Korea (5.980 million tonnes, 1.1% less), Germany (3.259 million tonnes, 1.4% less), Turkey (3.161 million tonnes, 7.8% less), Brazil (2.883 million tonnes, 4.8% less) and Iran (2.8 million tonnes, 20.3% more).
This is followed by Taiwan (China, 2.040 million tonnes, an increase of 2.2%), Vietnam (1.875 million tonnes, a decrease of 4.1%), Ukraine (1.851 million tonnes, 0.7% more), Mexico (1.520 million tonnes, 2.5% less) and Italy (1.5 million tonnes, 20.8% less).
In general, in January of this year, steel production decreased by 6.1% compared to the same period last year, to 155.030 million tonnes.
Banks of Ukraine in January 2022 saw UAH 7.1 billion of net profit, which is 76% more than in the same period of 2020 (UAH 4.1 billion), the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has reported.
“Revenue of banks in January grew by 34%, to UAH 24.9 billion, expenses – by 23%, to UAH 17.8 billion,” the regulator said.
The European Business Association (EBA) conducted an express survey of 53 executives of the association’s member companies, during which 90% reported continuing to work as usual.
“According to the results of the express survey conducted by the association last night (on the eve of Russia’s decision), about 90% of company executives reported that they continue to work as usual. Of these, about 70% of companies already have plans B for emergency situations. At the same time, 15% report readiness for relocation, but remain in Ukraine and continue to follow the course of events,” the association said in a release on Tuesday.
“Only 3% of business leaders reported going abroad, another 11% – about the departure of their families, however, some did this at the request of the head offices of the companies,” the EBA said.
“The self-possession and strength of our companies, which continue to work and believe in a better future for Ukraine, is extremely impressive. Responsible business has always been an active participant in important events in the country, takes care of its employees and their families, supports the army and society. Business believes in Ukraine! Therefore we hope that the state will also declare its support by preventing pressure on transparent business,” the press service said, citing EBA Executive Director Anna Derevyanko.
The EBA offices in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro and Kharkiv also continue to operate as usual, the EBA added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (MFA) is withdrawing Charge d’Affaires for Ukraine in Russia Vasyl Pokotylo for consultations due to the recognition by Russia of the independence of certain regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions that are not controlled by the Ukrainian government.
“Due to the adoption by the Russian leadership of unlawful decisions to recognize the ‘independence’ of the quasi-formations created by it in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine the so-called ‘Luhansk People’s Republic’ and ‘Donetsk People’s Republic,’ Charge d’Affaires of Ukraine in Russia Vasyl Pokotylo was summoned to Ukraine for consultations,” the MFA press service said on Tuesday.
The German Foreign Ministry issued an updated information bulletin on Saturday, which urges citizens not to visit Ukraine unnecessarily.
“It is recommended to refrain from trips to Ukraine. German nationals are urgently requested to leave the country now,” the document says.
It is noted that “tension between Russia and Ukraine” due to the massive presence of Russian military forces near the Ukrainian border “is growing again.”
“A military confrontation is possible at any time,” the bulletin says.
