Economy
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.
The IMF is set to downgrade its global economic forecast due to the conflict in the Middle East
The Fund may expand certain lending programmes, whilst cautioning national governments against state handouts that could further exacerbate inflationary pressures.
The housing scheme does not address the scale of the housing crisis in Ukraine
By early 2026, the housing crisis in Ukraine had reached a critical stage. The author argues that the current mortgage scheme fails to address either the scale of the destruction or the real needs of the people and the economy.
ARMA will put “Morshynska” up for auction again following 12 technical complaints
ARMA plans to put the assets of the IDS Ukraine group, known for the “Morshynska” and “Mirgorodska” brands, up for auction again, after the initial selection of an administrator was blocked by 12 identical technical complaints.
Ukraine will export wheat flour to China
Ukraine has signed an intergovernmental agreement with China, which officially opens up the market of the People’s Republic of China to exports of Ukrainian wheat flour.
Pensions could be increased by 1,038 UAH: what documentation is required
Pensioners aged 80 and over may receive a pension supplement of 1,038 hryvnias, but only if several conditions are met simultaneously. The key criterion for such an increase is a medical certificate confirming the need for constant care from a third party.
