President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso commented on the new state program of Ukraine with free railway transportation UZ-3000. According to her, this initiative will not improve the situation at Ukrzaliznytsya.. She stated this in an interview with EP.

“This decision will not improve our financial situation,” she said..

She recalled the need for action to improve the financial situation.

“I believe that it is important to discuss the medium-term plan with Ukrzaliznytsia regarding how this situation will develop in the future and how they can improve their financial situation,” she explained.

As a lender to Ukrzaliznytsia, the EBRD considers freight tariffs and passenger fees to be key elements in balancing the company's financial performance.

“Instead of cross-financing, sometimes it is useful to move to price restoration, when clients pay for services, but they can receive targeted support from the budget, we are talking specifically about the most vulnerable segments of the population. This could be a more effective solution,” suggested the EBRD President.

She also recalled that Ukrzaliznytsia must repay loans, in particular from the EBRD.

"

[see_also ids\u003d"

Let us remind you that Ukrzaliznytsia joined the “winter support” initiative, which was announced by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in early November. The goal of the UZ-3000 program is to give Ukrainians the opportunity to travel by train for free for a distance of up to 3,000 kilometers. Thanks to this, people will be able to visit relatives, meet with defenders or spend time with children in holiday camps.