Economy
Gold prices have fallen to a two-month low: what happened
Gold prices have fallen to their lowest level since the end of March. The market is under pressure from expectations of tighter monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve, inflationary risks stemming from the war with Iran, and uncertainty surrounding potential agreements between the US and Iran.
Ground-based drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces exempt from VAT: Parliament passes law
The Verkhovna Rada has passed Bill No. 15259, which exempts the supply of ground-based robotic systems to the Defence Forces from VAT. The bill was passed by 294 MPs.
The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated 10.8 billion hryvnias to the front line and the Ukrainian defence industry
The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated an additional 10.84 billion hryvnias to support the Armed Forces and develop Ukraine’s defence industry. The bulk of the funds will be used to procure, modernise and repair weapons and military equipment.
Russia has seen a sharp drop in petroleum product output following attacks on oil refineries
In April, production of petroleum products in Russia fell sharply following attacks by Ukrainian drones on oil refining infrastructure. Output of coke and petroleum products fell by almost 10% year-on-year.
The government has allocated 3 billion hryvnias for boiler houses in Kyiv and the regions
The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated 3 billion hryvnias from the state budget’s reserve fund to purchase additional modular boiler units for Kyiv and the regions. The decision was taken as part of preparations to help communities cope with the upcoming heating season, following Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.
Turkey has significantly reduced its imports of Russian Urals crude and replaced it with Kazakh crude
In May, Turkey will cut its imports of Russian Urals crude from Baltic and Black Sea ports to their lowest level in nearly a year and a half. The market has been affected by rising prices and increased demand from Asian buyers.
The Rada did not back the proposal to introduce VAT on parcels worth up to €150 ahead of the IMF mission
The Verkhovna Rada did not support the amendments to Bill No. 12360 regarding the introduction of VAT on international parcels worth up to €150.
Bankrupt companies must repay over 617 million hryvnias to the Ministry of Defence
The directors and beneficiaries of bankrupt companies must repay the Ministry of Defence more than 617 million hryvnias for contracts with the Defence Forces that were not fulfilled.
Temu and AliExpress may automatically charge a 20% VAT to buyers in Ukraine
Ukraine is preparing a new tax scheme for imported parcels worth up to €150, which could change the rules for shopping on international marketplaces.
The minimum wage in 2026 could rise to 11,183 UAH from July
Bill No. 15224-5 has been tabled in the Verkhovna Rada, proposing to increase the minimum wage, the minimum old-age pension and the subsistence level in 2026.
The Economic Security Bureau is unaware of the specific hardware and software system for which MPs are requesting 81 million hryvnias from the budget
The Economic Security Bureau was unable to explain exactly which hardware and software system the agency requires 81 million hryvnias for. The Bureau’s management had previously approached MPs with a request for funding to purchase it.
Changes to small-scale privatisation: leased property will be sold at auction
The Cabinet of Ministers has amended the rules on small-scale privatisation: leased state and municipal property will now only be sold via open online auctions following renovation or modernisation.
