Ukraine says consumption, defence sector to fuel growth

FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian military engineer with the callsign Lynx inspects a freshly dug trench that his unit built as part of a system of new fortifications near the front lines outside Kupiansk, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, December 28, 2023. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine's economy grew by 5% in 2023 and will expand by 4.6% this year as a result of higher domestic consumption and expected growth in its defence industry, the country's Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on Thursday.

Svyrydenko reiterated the forecast for continued growth this year, saying that officials would focus on reforms to make the Ukrainian economy more independent and self-reliant.