Ukrainian govt planning to launch English studies program

MOSCOW. Nov 1 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian government is planning to launch a comprehensive and affordable program for studying the English language, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said.

"The open [program] for everyone, regardless of their financial situation or place of residence, and with an individual approach and an open access to educational resources," Ukrainian media quoted Shmygal as saying on a social network after presenting the national program to promote English in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has already submitted a bill formalizing the status of English as a language of international communication in Ukraine to the Verkhovna Rada, Shmygal said.

"Ukrainians speaking English have advantages on the labor market now. They are higher salary, more career opportunities, the ability to develop faster and get a new profession if necessary," he said.

Ukrainians create competitive products and services, and English would be a driver of their promotion and a key to self-fulfillment of thousands of people, he said.