According to Reuters, Ukraine’s economy expanded by 5.3% in 2023 after experiencing a 28.8% contraction in the first year of Russia’s full-scale invasion. This growth rate was slightly higher than the 5% figure provided by Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko earlier in the year. The country’s statistics service had not been releasing full data during the war, making Thursday’s announcement the first time they had provided an annual gross domestic product figure since the invasion began.
The statistics service did not offer any specifics on the factors driving this growth in their brief statement. Ukrainian officials are aiming for a 4.6% economic expansion this year and acknowledge the economy’s heavy reliance on financial assistance from Western countries. However, crucial aid from the United States has faced delays in Congress due to opposition from Republicans.
Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko expressed optimism that the U.S. aid package would be approved in April during a televised interview. He noted that while there may be unexpected challenges, he believed there were strong reasons to be hopeful for the approval of the assistance. Ukraine’s economy continues to face challenges but shows signs of resilience and potential growth despite the difficulties caused by the ongoing conflict.