Economy
Law enforcement officers have uncovered a fraud scheme at Ukrgazvydobuvannya involving losses of over 295 million hryvnias
The Security Service of Ukraine, the Economic Security Bureau and the Office of the Prosecutor General have uncovered an illegal scheme in the natural gas extraction sector. According to the investigation, the state has suffered losses amounting to over 295 million hryvnias.
In Russia, a six-day, 12-hour working week is being proposed amid rising costs and corruption scandals
Following a meeting with Vladimir Putin, Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska called for a switch to a 12-hour working day, six days a week. The article links this initiative to the costs incurred by big business in supporting state needs and an attempt to offset these costs through the use of cheaper labour.
Russia's industrial sector is accelerating its decline in early 2026
At the start of 2026, Russian industry is showing signs of stagnation, despite official figures indicating growth. Estimates from the think tank point to a decline in production and a worsening situation in key sectors.
The American Dream or European customs duties: why cars cost 30–60% less across the Atlantic
Vehicle prices in the US market remain significantly lower than in European countries. Experts cite radically different taxation systems and the structure of domestic markets as the main factors behind this difference
‘It’s easier to print money than not to pay’: Oleksiy Kushch on pensions
Ukraine will not stop paying pensions, even if EU aid is delayed. According to an expert, it would be more advantageous for the state to issue more hryvnia than to allow social payments to cease entirely
The energy sector under double pressure: Olga Buslavets on the state of the market and new PSO regulations
This week, the market remains influenced by two key factors: regulatory changes and security risks. Continued shelling is causing power shortages, whilst the updated regulatory framework is shifting the balance in the gas and electricity markets
Support for farmers in frontline areas: compensation for machinery, crops and livestock
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a package of measures to support agricultural producers operating in frontline and de-occupied regions. The programmes include compensation for Ukrainian agricultural machinery, the restoration of irrigation systems, and direct payments for lost crops and livestock maintenance
The 2026 fruit season: the threat of frost and why Ukrainian orchards are under threat
Ukrainian gardeners are bracing themselves for a challenging season. Following a harsh winter reminiscent of the anomalies of 15 years ago, the trees have been faced with an unusually early spring. Whilst orchards in Zakarpattia are already in bloom, farmers in Bukovyna and Vinnytsia are anxiously awaiting the return of frosts, which could completely destroy the stone fruit crop
‘Energy Ramstein’: how Ukraine raised over €600 million for electricity
Ukraine has launched a new framework for international coordination, enabling it to secure vital equipment and funding for the restoration of its power grid. Thanks to a coalition of over 40 countries and the Energy Support Fund, the country has received over €600 million and thousands of tonnes of humanitarian aid
Easter 2026: a basket for 2,300 UAH and lard for 950 UAH
This year’s Easter basket has gone up by 14%. Whilst prices for meat and eggs are hitting record highs, religious scholars point out that a lavish basket is not a requirement for the church
Trump is restoring Alcatraz: $152 million has been allocated in the US budget
The Donald Trump administration has officially launched a move to restore the legendary Alcatraz to its former status as an operational prison. The 2027 budget request allocates $152 million to transform the San Francisco tourist attraction into a modern high-security facility
“Cosmetic facade renovation”: Expert Criticizes the Restart of the ESBU Due to Questionable Appointments and a Lack of Changes for Businesses
The reform of the Economic Security Bureau, on which international partners and Ukrainian businesses had pinned their hopes, is increasingly beginning to resemble a ‘sham’. Instead of a genuine overhaul of the agency, under the leadership of Oleksandr Tsivinsky, all that is happening is a change of signage and a ‘European-style facelift’ of the old corruption schemes.
