Rinat Akhmetov
(Photo: Konstantin Sazonchik / TASS)
Rinat Akhmetov, the richest businessman in Ukraine, called for the unity of government, business, and citizens and announced that his holding System Capital Management (SCM) would pay ahead of schedule taxes in the amount of 1 billion hryvnia (about $35 million at the current rate) to the budget.
“I have repeatedly said and repeat again that our common goal is a strong, peaceful, independent, integral Ukraine within the borders recognized by international law. Everyone in their area must do everything to strengthen the country, ”Interfax-Ukraine quotes him as saying.
Akhmetov added that “now more than ever, Ukraine needs the stability of public finances.” “Business should help the state in this. SCM’s business will pay taxes in advance — in the amount of UAH 1 billion,” the businessman promised.
“I would like to emphasize that no matter how terrible scenarios scare us, SCM Group enterprises will carry out all the investments that we talked about in our plans for 2022. Including in Mariupol,” he assured.
Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced the launch of a program of “economic patriotism” in the country. He called on citizens not only to protect the country, but also to invest in its economy, increase the number of jobs, announced a reduction in the tax burden on businesses and a reduction in inspections.
“Reducing the tax burden on businesses and limiting inspections. These are incentives for attracting public funds to business and the banking system. Reduced VAT (Value Added Tax) on gasoline and diesel. This will reduce prices at gas stations,” Zelensky said.