Economy
China and Kazakhstan plan to expand transport links to Europe, bypassing Russia
China plans to increase freight transport with Europe via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. The corridor runs through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey without passing through Russian territory.
The fuel cashback scheme has ended: you can use your accumulated funds until 30 June
The fuel cashback scheme ended on 31 May 2026. Since 20 March, almost 2.3 million Ukrainians have taken advantage of the scheme. Any cashback remaining after 30 June will be returned to the state budget.
Tax invoices under suspension: the number of decisions rose by 13% in April
In April 2026, the number of blocked tax invoices and adjustment calculations rose by 13%, although the total number of documents submitted for registration increased by only 2%.
Bread prices in Ukraine could rise by 25%, and some food items by as much as 50%: the reasons explained
In 2026, the price of bread in Ukraine could rise by 25%. The main factor affecting the price is not the cost of grain, but production costs. Furthermore, prices for certain categories of food products could rise by up to 50%.
Winter under fire: the government steps up protection of the energy sector and heating
The government is continuing to prepare the regions for the coming heating season. The main focus is on protecting critical infrastructure, installing modular boiler houses, and launching distributed generation and backup power supplies for heating and water supply facilities. Source quote
The World Bank has approved an $880 million social support project for Ukraine
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved the US$880 million SPIRIT project to modernise Ukraine’s social protection system. The programme will benefit over a million people from vulnerable groups.
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.
