Ukraine’s Minister of Transportation and Communications Josyp Vinsky said this week that state-owned railway operator Ukrzaliznytsya has paid off 50% of its debt to Kryukiv Wagon (KVBZ). Vinsky said that the remainder of the outstanding amount would be paid in 1Q09. According to Vinsky, Ukrzaliznytsya plans to purchase 170 new passenger railcars from Kryukiv Wagon in 2009; it ordered 180 in 2008. On Nov. 21, 2008, Kryukiv Wagon said it was owed UAH 200 mln (about USD 26 mln) from Ukrzaliznytsya.