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IDS Ukraine Group has initiated its own solar power generation. A 1.4 MW solar power plant is now operational at the Myrhorod Mineral Water Plant, generating up to 600 kWh even in cloudy weather. This launch is part of IDS Ukraine’s long-term strategy to advance its electricity generation. In 2024-2025, the company plans to invest €530,000 to build additional energy generation capacity. Previously, the group invested €460,000 in purchasing a diesel generator for the Myrhorod plant, achieving a total generation

Despite geopolitical instability, long-term economic forecasts for Ukrainian businesses have improved. The optimism index rose from 0.11 to 0.15 points, based on a monthly survey of business leaders by the IER. This increase is mainly attributed to a reduction in the percentage of companies planning to scale back operations (now just 1.4%) and a rise in those anticipating favorable changes (from 14% to 16%). However, medium-term expectations (for the next six months) have slightly declined, with uncertainty about the overall

In response to Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire, Europeans are set to impose a tough 17th package of EU sanctions. However, it may be weaker than expected. The package has already received approval from EU ambassadors. Hungary and Slovakia, which rely on Russian energy imports, have supported the package due to its relative weakness. The decision will further restrict Moscow’s access to battlefield technology and blacklist 189 additional Russian shadow fleet vessels. The new sanctions package is expected

The EU aims to impose higher tariffs on Ukrainian products entering its market after June 5, when the current duty-free trade arrangement will end. The Ukrainian government estimates that reverting to pre-war trade conditions could lead to a loss of about €3.5B in annual revenue. While the EU has a free trade agreement with Ukraine, it had temporarily suspended tariffs on Ukrainian goods after Russia’s invasion in 2022. Brussels plans to implement “transitional measures” after June 5 until a permanent

According to regional manager Alfonso Garcia Mora, since the full-scale Russian invasion the IFC, part of the World Bank Group, has ramped up its investment in Ukraine by nearly 300%. To date, $2.2B has been invested in Ukraine, which includes $1.2B in the banking sector, $500M in agriculture, and $300M in infrastructure. Additionally, the IFC granted a $53.87M loan to Galnaftogaz for the development of a 147 MW wind farm in Volyn. Furthermore, officials from Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy and

Since 2022, elite properties in Ukraine have undergone significant changes. The severe downturn at the onset of the war resulted in stagnation for several years. However, last year marked the first signs of revitalization in the premium market, with renewed demand in Kyiv and Lviv. For the first time during the war, a Ukrainian developer has launched a new project in Kyiv’s premium segment – The One by the DIM group of companies. “In a few months, we have sold

The construction of shopping malls is actively progressing in Ukraine. After 2022, 56 shopping malls have been launched or restored with almost one million square meters of retail space. By 2025, it is planned to put into operation about 250,000 square meters, which equates to 14 new shopping centers. In 2026, approximately 280,000 to 290,000 square meters are expected, said Maksym Gavryushyn, the head of the Ukrainian Council of Shopping Centers. The greatest activity, according to him, is observed in

In his infamous 2021 essay, “On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians”, published just 7 months before the full-scale invasion, President Putin insisted that the “true sovereignty of Ukraine is possible only in partnership with Russia.” While not only objectively false historically, considering the centuries in which much of modern Ukraine has existed outside Moscow’s orbit, Ukrainians are well aware that “partnership” with Russia is simply a euphemism for subjugation. So when Putin ordered the invasion in February 2022,

According to the President’s Office, on May 15 in Istanbul President Zelenskyy will only meet with Vladimir Putin and not anyone else from the Russian side. “Only Putin can make a decision on whether to continue the war or stop it,” they noted. The Kremlin has not yet disclosed who will represent Russia at these talks. Zelenskyy anticipates that Putin will show willingness for a ceasefire, which he believes would facilitate discussions on all other aspects of ending the war.

European leaders’ attempts to compel the US to impose new sanctions on Russia were thwarted by US President Donald Trump’s intervention, as he publicly called on Ukraine to “immediately” start peace talks with Russia, effectively forcing President Zelenskyy to agree to the Kremlin’s proposed meeting in Istanbul. Diplomats say the Ukrainian president did not have the political space to refuse, fearing a loss of Trump’s support. Leaders of the coalition of the willing arrived in Kyiv on May 10 to

Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated that the US is in talks with European countries about sending troops to Ukraine, west of the Dnipro River, as a condition for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. “A force west of the Dnipro River, which means it is outside the contact zone,” the official clarified. He emphasized that the US aims to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine, and only then move on to territorial issues. Meanwhile, according to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw

According to industry sources, the subsoil agreement forged by US President Donald Trump with Ukraine is unlikely to generate substantial returns for at least a decade, and it will necessitate considerable private investment to kickstart new projects. “It could take 10-15 years,” stated Eric Rasmussen, former head of the EBRD’s natural resources department. Peter Bryant, chairman of the Clareo strategy consulting firm, remarked that the agreement “does little to reduce supply chain risks over the next 10 years, as it

Ukraine’s real GDP growth in 2025 could accelerate to 3.5-5.5% if Ukraine and Russia reach an agreement on a long-term ceasefire. If the war continues, Ukraine’s economic growth will slow to 2.5%, according to the Dragon Capital team. The company has downgraded its forecast by 0.5 percentage points in both the long-term ceasefire scenario and the continued war scenario. Annual inflation is also expected to begin declining in June-July due to ongoing weakening of fundamental pressures and a high comparison

European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius indicated that part of funds designated for the ReArm Europe initiative will be allocated to providing military assistance to Ukraine. The ReArm Europe plan encompasses two key components: €650B from the anticipated increase in defense budgets across EU nations, and €150B in loans intended for defense acquisitions. “Only member states can take out loans within the framework of the €150B instrument, but they can use these funds for joint procurement with Ukraine, particularly procurement

The EU is exploring methods to prevent Hungary from disrupting the initiation of EU accession discussions with Ukraine, Bloomberg reports. While unanimity is necessary to commence and conclude EU accession talks, it is not legally required to open or close individual chapters of the process. During a closed-door discussion last week, some EU countries urged the European Commission to consider options for opening the first chapter of the negotiations, despite Budapest’s objections. According to sources, Budapest is attempting to hinder

This marks the first release of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) grain export forecast for the 2025/26 marketing year, projecting wheat exports to reach 16.5 million tons, while corn exports are anticipated to hit 24 million tons. Although Ukraine’s wheat harvest is expected to slightly decline to 23 million tons, the USDA predicts an increase in corn production to 30.5 million tons. This year’s total forage crop harvest is projected at 37.04 million tons, with exports climbing to 27.58

Cold storage facilities in Ukraine have suffered significantly during the war, and today there is particularly high demand for temperature-controlled premises, reports CBRE. The shortage of cold storage facilities was acutely felt even before the war, when their share constituted about 15% of total warehouse space in the Kyiv region. However, with the onset of the full-scale invasion, the situation changed dramatically: Approximately 21% of the existing premises were destroyed, with cold storage facilities making up 17% of that total.

Since 1991, Ukraine has experienced a steady decline in the birth rate. In 1990-1991, 657,200 and 630,800 children were born, respectively; by 2024, this number has dropped to only 176,100. This indicates a decrease in the birth rate of more than 70%. Between 1990 and 2001, the birth rate in Ukraine nearly halved, with 376,500 children born in 2001. A brief period of growth followed, as the birth rate increased each year, reaching 512,500 in 2009. However, starting in 2012,

President Zelenskyy stated that he is ready to personally meet with Vladimir Putin in Turkey. He anticipates a ceasefire from Russia and will personally wait for Putin in Istanbul on May 15. According to unofficial data, Zelenskyy will travel to Turkey for talks even if Russia refuses to participate in the ceasefire that was proposed to begin on May 12. In response to Zelenskyy’s statement, the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, noted: “A ceasefire by Russia first, then

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Russia of “playing games” related to peace negotiations and called for increased pressure on Moscow, which attacked Ukraine again on the night of May 12. “We must put pressure on Russia to really want peace, to sit down at the table and talk to Ukraine. If they continue to bomb Ukraine constantly, if there is no ceasefire, then there can be no talks under fire,” she stressed. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised