Economy
Financial institutions have started using ‘Diyu’ to issue loans
Non-bank financial institutions can now use the services of the ‘Diya’ app to identify and verify customers when granting loans. The new mechanism allows data to be retrieved from government registers with the user’s consent, which should improve the quality of creditworthiness assessments and enhance the security of financial transactions.
The EBRD has estimated the cost of restoring the Chernobyl shelter at €500 million
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has stated that at least €500 million will be required to restore the New Safe Confinement at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant following the damage caused by a drone strike in 2025.
The Rada has approved the draft law on taxing income from digital platforms
On 8 April, the Verkhovna Rada gave its initial approval to draft law No. 15111-d on the taxation of income earned through digital platforms such as Glovo, Uklon, Bolt and Uber. The bill provides for the automatic exchange of information regarding such income and a new mechanism for its taxation.
More than 800 ships are stranded in the Persian Gulf — Bloomberg
Among the vessels blocked in the Persian Gulf are 426 oil tankers, dozens of gas carriers and hundreds of cargo ships.
Diesel is now 97 hryvnias per litre: how prices at petrol stations changed on 8 April
The price of diesel fuel is rising rapidly. The sharpest price increase has been recorded at a popular petrol station – an extra 2.10 UAH per litre. The cost of Euro diesel and branded products has also gone up at other chains.
Industrial visa-free travel with the EU is now a step closer: Parliament has passed the law
On 7 April, the Verkhovna Rada adopted European integration bill No. 12221, which harmonises the areas of accreditation and technical regulation with EU law. This represents one of the key steps towards the future DCFTA, but the ‘industrial visa-free regime’ for Ukrainian goods has not yet come into effect.
Despite record budget losses caused by the illegal cigarette market, the Economic Security Bureau has not initiated a single investigation into the smuggling of excise goods
Over the years of the war, the budget has lost over 90 billion hryvnias due to the proliferation of illicit tobacco products. However, the Economic Security Bureau’s track record in this area is disappointing: not a single criminal case has been brought for the smuggling of excise goods, and nearly 18% of the cigarette market remains in the black market.
Kysilevsky reported losses of 2.8 billion from purchases from non-residents
Over the past four years, direct losses incurred by state-owned enterprises due to exchange rate fluctuations during public procurement from non-residents have amounted to 2.8 billion hryvnias. This was stated by Dmytro Kysilevskyi, Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Development, citing a study of procurement by the nine largest public contracting authorities.
Global markets rose as oil prices fell following the agreement between the US and Iran
Global stock markets rose sharply, whilst oil prices fell following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran. Investors reacted to the easing of tensions in the Middle East.
The Rada has extended the military levy for three years following the lifting of martial law
On 7 April, the Verkhovna Rada adopted Bill No. 15110 at its second reading and in its entirety, extending the military levy for a further three years following the termination or lifting of martial law. The bill was passed by 257 MPs.
Plans are afoot in Kyiv to increase fares on the metro and public transport: the Kyiv City State Administration is preparing a decision
Plans are underway in Kyiv to review public transport fares — the Departments of Economy and Transport have been tasked with preparing the relevant calculations.
The budget has lost out on over 90 billion hryvnias due to illicit tobacco
Over the years of full-scale war, Ukraine’s state budget has lost over 90 billion hryvnias due to the proliferation of illicit tobacco products. In 2024, following a reduction in the ‘tobacco shadow’ by the end of 2025, the situation deteriorated once again.
