There should be no concerns about the payment of wages, the availability of cash in ATMs for residents of Crimea, the financial system is working stably. Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers – Minister of Finance of the Republic of Crimea Irina Kiviko, reported this to the Head of the Republic of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov.
"The wages that fall on the payment dates in February have been paid, the budget sector has received everything, all social benefits have been received. Starting tomorrow, we will start payments that are planned for March," Irina Kiviko said.
She also stressed that the sanctions would not affect the financial system of the Republic of Crimea in any way, since the republic's enterprises were already under sanctions and banks operating in Crimea had long been on the US sanctions lists.
"Therefore, the financial system of Crimea is working, the Russian system for transmitting financial messages is also working. It completely replaces SWIFT in our banks that operate on the territory of the Republic of Crimea," Irina Kiviko said.
She said that she had talked with the heads of all banks that operate in the Republic of Crimea.
"No interruptions in the work of banks are expected, there is cash in all banks. All banks are fully secured. They deliver cash machines to ATMs, replenish them several times during the day," the Deputy Prime Minister stressed. Irina Kiviko asked the Crimeans not to arrange a rush demand with the withdrawal of cash, there is no shortage.
"People withdraw more in a day than they used to withdraw money in a month. There is no shortage of cash. Don't worry. All our banks are working stably," she stressed.
Also, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Crimean banks will not revise credit rates on previously concluded credit agreements of individuals. "So don't worry about it too," Irina Kiviko said.
She recommended Crimeans not to take drastic steps to exchange rubles for foreign currency. "I recommend that Crimeans, due to the fluctuation of the national currency, do nothing now. Don't run anywhere, stay calm. Our country is big and strong. The banking and financial system are stable. Everything will be fine, don't panic. Since we live in Russia, our national currency is the ruble, so there is no point in changing it to dollars," she said.
Irina Kiviko noted that the Crimean government remains open for business.
"Everyone is interested in maintaining the stable operation of the economy and all enterprises of the construction industry, and trade. Therefore, please, we are open for dialogue: if someone does not have a dialogue between the bank and the company, you can work with me, the Minister of Economic Development. Tomorrow we will hold a meeting with the entire business community. Let's find out what help is needed. We are ready to work with everyone individually," the Deputy Prime Minister stressed.