Danilo Hetmantsev on Budgetary Strategy and the Path to Peace
In a recent interview, Danilo Hetmantsev, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy, detailed his views on securing peace by 2026 and identifying budget revenue sources for vital social programs. He also criticized former Verkhovna Rada Chairman Dmytro Razumkov, arguing that populists in parliament focus on self-promotion rather than solving social issues. These remarks come as Ukraine balances wartime economic pressures with the need to fund domestic welfare initiatives.
Hetmantsev highlighted that Ukraine has lost over 1 trillion hryvnias in tax revenue due to shadow schemes. He pointed to Razumkov as an example, stating:
'I once had a good relationship with Dmytro; we were even friends. Unfortunately, he exemplifies how someone who was the second-highest official in the state, capable of driving any reform, can rapidly devolve into a petty lobbyist for narrow tobacco interests and a critic of anything that moves.' Danilo Hetmantsev
Regarding budget funding, Hetmantsev noted that money for social programs could be secured through:
- Legalizing the tobacco market;
- Implementing a tax on Google;
- Enforcing anti-offshore legislation;
- Expanding fiscal receipt systems.
'Instead, my team and I clearly point out that the funds for social programs are "buried" in the legalization of tobacco and in the solutions for plugging tax loopholes that have come from our committee,' he emphasized.
Ukraine's Prospects for Peace
Furthermore, Hetmantsev stressed that peace negotiations have gained momentum and expressed hope that achieved results would not be undone in 2026. 'For us today, the most important issue is peace. Last year we made progress on this path... I believe peace this year for Ukraine is the most probable forecast today,' he concluded. His comments reflect the dual challenge of stabilizing the economy while pursuing an end to the ongoing conflict.
In summary, Hetmantsev underscores the necessity of addressing social problems through efficient budget allocation and highlights the critical importance of achieving peace in the near future. These statements not only mirror the urgent challenges facing Ukraine but also indicate a drive to find constructive solutions for economic stabilization and improving citizens' lives amid prolonged conflict. Hetmantsev's position is likely to feature prominently in upcoming political debates on reform and social policy.