As the Ukrainian people and government continue their fight to establish a truly democratic state through reforms, the reinforcement of the justice system, and the rule of law, it is crucial to maintain and intensify efforts against corruption, the shadow economy, and organized crime. These efforts are essential to ensure the long-term security and prosperity of Ukraine.

We acknowledge the ongoing struggle faced by the State of Ukraine, with a crucial part of this struggle being the fight against organized crime. After a significant reduction in the illicit trade of cigarettes from 19.1% at the beginning of the year to 14.6% in July, illegal cigarette producers have resumed their operations, threatening to undermine the progress made.

We have witnessed organized crime groups using force against law enforcement agencies in Ukraine during their investigative actions. The Ukrainian government has demonstrated sufficient institutional capacity, adequate legislative measures, and competent law enforcement to tackle the shadow economy. Yet, the political will to continue this fight can only be sustained with the unwavering support of the international community.

We cannot emphasize enough how much we value international support in this endeavour. To ensure that the people of Ukraine prevail in their fight for a secure and democratic future, it is imperative to align international efforts to support the continued determination and efforts of the Government and people of Ukraine.

We call on the G7 members and the IMF to mobilize all political instruments and, together with Ukraine, make every effort to combat the most serious forms of organized crime, illicit trafficking, and corruption in the illicit cigarette market.

Furthermore, we urge the G7 and the IMF to support the President and the Government of Ukraine in their ongoing efforts to combat illicit tobacco production. Your support is vital to sustaining the momentum and ensuring that the gains made are not lost. Together, we can help Ukraine build a strong and resilient society based on the rule of law, ensuring a comprehensive, just, and durable peace for its people.