Tax Pressure on Ukrainians Could Increase Significantly if Order to Withdraw from Donbas is Signed – Experts
Experts warn that the tax burden on every Ukrainian citizen may increase dramatically if an order to withdraw from Donbas is signed. This statement was made by Serhiy Yahodynskyi, a political expert and vice-rector of the European University, during a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Thursday.
In the event that an order for withdrawal from Donbas is signed, the tax pressure on each Ukrainian citizen could rise significantly. This statement was made by Serhiy Yahodynskyi, vice-rector of the European University and a political expert, during a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Thursday. He raised a critical question: who will finance this withdrawal?
Yahodynskyi emphasized that citizens who support the idea of withdrawal must be prepared for substantial financial costs. 'Prepare for the fact that after the President of Ukraine signs the order for troops to withdraw, we are not talking about territorial alienation... prepare for the fact that the tax pressure on each Ukrainian will increase significantly. We will pay not 5 percent military tax, but 25. We will pay VAT not at 20 percent, but at 30 percent,' the expert noted.
He also expressed thoughts on Ukraine's desire for peace and open borders, but raised the question of how to achieve this without jeopardizing the welfare of citizens. 'We want a free life, we want to have fun, we want to dance, sing, launch fireworks, and travel,' Yahodynskyi added, underscoring the importance of maintaining stability in the country.
The expert also pointed out that Donbas plays a crucial role in Ukraine's economy. 'This is essentially a contract where Ukraine pays but receives nothing in return. The check for this contract is empty; there is nothing in it,' he remarked, indicating that the region is the only guarantee of the country's survival amid war.
Yahodynskyi further noted that Donbas is vital for Ukraine's defense capabilities, as it contains resources such as metal, lithium, and rare earth elements used in microchips for drones. 'The question is, which of our partners today offered us compensation for this material, even if only for money?' he asked, highlighting the importance of resources for defense.
Political expert and candidate of philosophical sciences Oleksandra Reshmedilova also shared her views on the matter, emphasizing the close connection between the industry dependent on Donbas and the country's defense. 'If we understand that our defense capabilities need to be constantly replenished, then the question is, where will we get all this from?' she noted at the press conference.
Thus, experts point to serious economic and social consequences that may arise if an order to withdraw from Donbas is signed, urging caution and thoughtful decisions in this complex situation.