Economy
European countries have increased pressure on Russia`s shadow fleet in the Baltic and North Seas
Fourteen European countries issued a joint warning to tankers linked to Russia`s shadow fleet, stating their readiness to respond more harshly to violations of maritime and safety rules.
Most banks forecast growth in business lending in early 2026
Demand for loans from businesses and individuals grew throughout 2025, and banks expect this trend to continue in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from the National Bank of Ukraine.
The EU and India have signed one of the largest trade agreements in the world
After nearly 20 years of negotiations, the European Union and India have agreed on a free trade area that will cover around two billion people and provide for a large-scale reduction in customs duties on almost all goods.
Europe is embarking on a large-scale rearmament programme amid threats from Russia and the risk of a rift with the US
EU countries are rapidly increasing defence production and spending, but it will take years and around one trillion dollars of investment for Europe to achieve full military independence.
Ukraine to receive €85 million grant through EBRD for gas purchases
Funds from European partners will be used to cover the gas deficit during the heating season and to support the stability of the energy system amid Russian attacks.
Russia is losing its status as a key player in the South Caucasus due to a new transit project
The new Armenian-American infrastructure corridor TRIPP is shifting the balance of power in the region, pushing Russia away from its role as the main mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan and integrating the South Caucasus into alternative global routes.
The EU has finally approved a complete phase-out of Russian gas by 2027
The European Union has taken another step towards energy independence by approving regulations on the phased ban on Russian gas imports. The decision was made despite objections from some countries and provides for strict deadlines, penalties and mandatory diversification of supplies.
ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih plans to shut down its blooming mill in the second quarter of 2026
The metallurgical plant in Kryvyi Rih is preparing for the forced shutdown of one of its key divisions due to the loss of part of the EU market and a sharp increase in the cost of electricity. The decision is linked to the launch of the CBAM mechanism without exceptions for Ukraine.
Mortgage at 3 per cent for 25 years: the state is preparing an affordable housing programme worth over one trillion hryvnias
Ukraine has announced a large-scale programme of preferential mortgage lending through the National Development Agency. It provides loans at 3 per cent per annum in hryvnia for socially vulnerable groups and is expected to cover at least one million families.
In Russia, the war is expected to lead to mass closures of small and medium-sized businesses
Russian financial analysts warn of the threat of a large-scale decline in entrepreneurial activity. Against the backdrop of a budget crisis caused by the war and increasing tax pressure, up to a third of small and medium-sized businesses may cease operations.
The Cabinet of Ministers has introduced one-time assistance and preferential loans for businesses to purchase energy equipment
The government has approved a support package for small and medium-sized businesses, which provides for direct payments and zero-interest loans to compensate for energy independence costs amid emergency power cuts.
DTEK CEO held talks with investors and partners in Davos on restoring Ukraine's energy system
At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, DTEK held a series of meetings with international financial institutions, government officials and leading energy companies, focusing on emergency support and long-term investments in Ukraine's decentralised energy sector.
