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very depressed today because of the war. We will learn more information — then we will be able to comment in more detail," he said, as cited by Hromadske.
Akhmetov defended his ownership of media, arguing that he actively contributed to the promotion of free speech in the country. Detractors argue that he has used his control over major newspapers and TV stations for political ends and specifically to attack Zelenskiy and criticise the oligarch law in particular.
“During the course of more than 20 years, beginning in 2000, we and the journalists together have built a media holding that is based on the principles of freedom of speech, truth and professionalism,” Akhmetov said.
It includes 10 terrestrial and satellite TV channels, online resources, print media and a modern media production ecosystem. We have invested more than $1.5bn in our media business. However, the most valuable investment is that of each of 4,000 journalists and employees of our media team. Owing to your great work, Ukraine and Ukraine 24 became the top Ukrainian TV channels ranked by share of viewing, and millions of football fans had gathered before TV screens to watch our Football channels. This is why the decision to exit the media business is so hard for me.”
2.3 International creditors grant Ukraine's request to freeze bond repayments until the end of this year
Ukraine’s bond holders have agreed to freeze all payments on its obligations through to the end of this year, with an option of expending the freeze until the end of 2023, it was announced on July 20.
It is estimated that the debt freeze could save Ukraine around $5bn over the deferral period. The delay comes just in time for Ukraine to put off around $1.2bn of debt payments due at the start of September.
The decision will take pressure off the Ukrainian budget as Ukraine is running out of money as the West dithers over transferring a total of $18bn in budget support financial aid.
The request was quickly backed on July 20 by Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Britain, and the United States, which announced their coordinated suspension of debt service shortly after Ukraine made its request.
"We, the Group of Creditors of Ukraine, express solidarity with and support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked and illegal war of aggression," the six countries said in a statement.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen welcomed the decision and urged
13 UKRAINE Country Report XXXX 2018 www.intellinews.com