**Ukraine’s Government and Parliament Update**
The Ukrainian government and parliament are taking steps to implement reforms and meet international commitments.
**Ukrposhta Plans to Launch a Bank**
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the transfer of shares in First Investment Bank to the Community Development Ministry. The bank will be owned by Ukrposhta, the state postal operator, and is expected to launch by 2025. The new bank will focus on providing basic financial services to rural communities and addressing financial inclusion gaps.
**Parliament to Resume Legislative Work**
Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, will hold a session on February 4 to formally open its new legislative term. However, no decisions are expected at this meeting. The first plenary week is scheduled to begin on February 11, and lawmakers will debate and vote on key legislation, including two structural benchmarks under Ukraine’s IMF memorandum.
**Ukraine Meets Milestone under EU Program**
President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed into law a bill that introduces a system for monitoring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions. This fulfills one of the key requirements under Ukraine’s financial assistance plan within the Ukraine Facility program.
**Defense Minister Backed Amid Procurement Dispute**
President Zelensky has voiced support for Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in an ongoing dispute with the Defense Procurement Agency. The president’s comments follow concerns raised by Ukraine’s international partners, including G7 ambassadors, who urged Kyiv to resolve the situation at the DPA and adhere to good governance principles.
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