Politics & Economics

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has caused a reset of the global arms market. The frenzied demand for high-precision, highly technological weapon products has fueled a shortage of production capacities around the world. Ukraine was among the Top Ten of the world’s largest arms exporters until 2014, with annual sales exceeding USD 1 billion and a long list of orders placed and confirmed for future supplies over 5-6 years. By varying estimates up and down, Ukrainian defense industries have the potential to put out at least USD 40 billion worth of products annually. Meanwhile, government financial…

Currently, according to the expert estimates, Russians have no technological capabilities to launch the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk during a presentation of the Government’s Action Plan, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. “According to the estimates of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and our experts, there are currently no technological capabilities [to connect Zaporizhzhia NPP to Russia’s energy system – Ed.]. The plant does not generate electricity and continues to be powered from Ukraine’s energy system,” Grynchuk told. She mentioned that the fires that were recorded during…

In September 2025, the first meeting of the Board of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund will take place, where Ukraine is planning to present its first investment projects to the American side. The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Economy, Environment and Agriculture Minister Oleksii Sobolev during a presentation of the Government’s Action Plan, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. “This September, the first meeting of the Fund’s Board will take place, which we are very actively preparing now. The first technical decisions on launching the Fund will be announced there. There are already agreements with the United States on filling it…

Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal has announced the launch of an online platform designed to centralize information and services for domestic arms and military equipment manufacturers. He made the announcement on Telegram, according to Ukrinform. “All essential information and services for our arms and military equipment manufacturers are now available in one place,” Shmyhal stated. The platform, accessible at zbroya.gov.ua, was developed under the directive of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It consolidates key state resources, including lending programs, opportunities for product testing and codification, a digital component library, details on educational initiatives, and job listings. Read also: Shmyhal, Canadian ambassador…

Hidden unemployment in Russia's civilian sector is rapidly increasing amid an economic crisis. Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS) said this in a statement, Ukrinform reports. "The Russian economy, now in deep systemic crisis, is being disguised by propaganda with 'positive' indicators. A key factor has been the sharp decline in purchasing power due to high interest rates," the agency said. According to the intelligence service, the civilian sector is stagnating: companies are sending workers on unpaid leave or reducing them to part-time schedules, driving up hidden unemployment. Industries from coal and rail to the automotive sector are seeking government support.…

The second package of support for frontline communities will prioritize expanding business opportunities and enhancing social assistance for local residents. Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories announced the initiative on Ukrainian television, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. “We’re currently working on the second support package,” Kuleba said. “It will focus more on business development, hospital support, increased salaries for teachers and social workers, and higher pensions in frontline communities.” Kuleba emphasized that expanding the program will allow it to become a long-term initiative. Overall, the government plans to support frontline regions…

Since August 16, 2023, more than 5,000 ships have navigated the Ukrainian maritime corridor, with agricultural products accounting for 80% of the cargo. This was announced on television by Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister of Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba, according to Ukrinform. “Over this period of time (since August 16, 2023 – ed.), over 5,000 vessels have passed through the corridor, transporting hundreds of millions of tonnes of cargo. Of that, 80% consists of agricultural products,” Kuleba stated. He emphasized that thanks to the continued operation of Ukrainian ports, domestic products are now reaching more than…

Over the past three years, the Chernihiv region’s gross agricultural production has regained 95% of its pre-war levels. The relevant statement was made by Chernihiv Regional Military Administration Head Viacheslav Chaus on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to Chaus, last year’s grain harvest hit a record high of 5 million tonnes in the Chernihiv region, which is 26% higher compared to 2022. More than 80% of the Chernihiv region’s total exports are provided by the agro-industrial sector. Primarily, local producers export vegetable products. In monetary terms, this exceeded USD 800 million in 2024. In contrast to 2022, tax payments from…

The Norwegian government announced on Friday that it will provide Ukraine with 1 billion kroner ($98.29 million) to import natural gas and ensure sufficient supplies ahead of the winter season. That is according to Devdiscourse.com, Ukrinform reports. With energy supplies threatened due to ongoing geopolitical challenges, Norway's gesture is a crucial lifeline for Ukraine, aiming to mitigate energy shortages in the upcoming cold season. "This move underscores Norway's commitment to aid Ukraine during its pressing energy demands, which have become more severe post the geopolitical strains faced by the region," the statement said. The Norwegian government's website notes that the…

Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc discussed potential Canadian support for Ukraine’s production of long-range drones. Shmyhal wrote this in a post on Telegram, as reported by Ukrinform. During the meeting, Shmyhal expressed gratitude for Canada’s steadfast support since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The discussion focused on expanding cooperation in the defense sector, with Canada already contributing through the “Danish model”—a highly effective framework for supporting. The two sides also explored new initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukrainian forces. According to Shmyhal, Canada is preparing a contribution to the PURL initiative, which facilitates…