Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Zelensky will wait for Putin in Turkey on May 15

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will arrive in Turkey on Thursday, May 15, for Russian-Ukrainian talks proposed by Vladimir Putin, and will wait there personally for Putin.

“I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey on Thursday. In person. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for reasons why they cannot come,” he wrote on social media on Sunday evening.

“We are waiting for a ceasefire starting tomorrow – a complete and lasting one, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. There is no point in prolonging the killings,” Zelensky also stressed.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump called on Ukraine to immediately agree to talks in Istanbul on May 15.

“Russian President Putin does not want a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine, but wants to meet on Thursday in Turkey to discuss a possible end to the bloody carnage. Ukraine must agree to this immediately,” Trump wrote on social media on Sunday.

He added that at least they would be able to determine whether an agreement was possible, and if not, European leaders and the US would know where things stood and could act accordingly.

“I am beginning to doubt that Ukraine will agree to a deal with Putin, who is too busy celebrating victory in World War II, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America. Have the meeting, IMMEDIATELY!!!” he wrote.

Croatia’s construction market in January–April 2025 and forecast for end of year

In the first four months of 2025, Croatia’s construction sector showed moderate growth amid a slowdown in overall economic growth and changes in legislation. Despite the existing challenges, investments in infrastructure and renewable energy sources are supporting the positive dynamics of the industry.

Key indicators for January–April 2025

Growth in construction output: In February 2025, the volume of construction work increased by 8.7% compared to the same period last year.

New construction orders: In the first half of 2024, the value of new construction orders rose by 14.9% year-on-year, laying the foundation for activity in early 2025.

Gross value added: According to data from December 2024, gross value added in construction reached a record €1,450.5 million. Factors influencing the market

Infrastructure investment: Support from the European Investment Bank, including a €400 million loan, is helping to develop transport and energy infrastructure.

Development of renewable energy sources: The construction of solar and geothermal power plants, such as the 150 MW SE Promina project, is stimulating demand for construction services.

Legislative changes: The introduction of new property taxes and restrictions on short-term rentals create uncertainty for investors and may hold back growth in some market segments.

Forecast for the end of 2025

Expected growth: Croatia’s construction industry is projected to grow by an average of 2.4% in real terms in 2025, with growth supported by investments in infrastructure and energy.

Risks and challenges: A slowdown in economic growth, particularly in Germany, could negatively affect Croatian tourism and, consequently, the construction sector. Thus, despite the existing challenges, the Croatian construction market is showing resilience in 2025, supported by public and private investment in key infrastructure projects.

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Italy’s economy in 2025: January–April results and forecast for end of year

Italy’s economy in 2025 is showing moderate growth amid structural problems and external economic challenges. Despite positive trends at the beginning of the year, the outlook for the rest of the year remains uncertain.

Key macroeconomic indicators for 2025

GDP growth: According to the European Commission’s forecast, GDP is expected to increase by 1.0% in 2025.

Inflation: Inflation is expected to rise moderately to 2.3%.

Unemployment rate: Unemployment is expected to fall to 7.7%.

Budget deficit: The deficit is projected to narrow to 3.3% of GDP.

Public debt: Public debt is expected to rise to 137.8% of GDP by 2026.

Economic dynamics in January-April 2025

Industrial production: In March 2025, industrial production increased by 0.1% compared to February, which is below the expected growth of 0.5%. In annual terms, production fell by 1.8%, continuing the downward trend for 26 months.

GDP growth in Q1: Italy’s economy grew by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, slightly exceeding analysts’ expectations. Factors supporting the economy

Domestic demand: Private consumption is expected to strengthen, becoming the main driver of economic growth in 2025.

Fiscal policy: The Italian government has approved a budget for 2025 that includes tax breaks for families and deficit reduction, which should stimulate economic activity.

Risks and challenges

External factors: Potential trade tensions, particularly with the US, could negatively affect exports and overall economic growth.

Structural problems: High public debt and the need for structural reforms remain key challenges for the Italian economy.

Forecast for the end of 2025

GDP growth: Growth of around 1.0% is expected, with domestic demand remaining the main driver.

Inflation: Inflation is expected to remain at 2.3%, in line with the European Central Bank’s target.

Unemployment: The unemployment rate is projected to decline to 7.7%, reflecting a gradual improvement in the labor market.

Thus, despite the existing challenges, Italy’s economy is showing signs of stabilization in 2025, supported by domestic demand and government support measures. However, further structural reforms and the effective use of available resources are necessary to ensure sustainable growth.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/italy-economy-in-2025-results-for-january-april-and-forecast-for-the-end-of-the-year/

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Frosts expected in some regions of Ukraine at night

The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center warns of frosts in western and northern regions, as well as in Vinnytsia and Zhytomyr regions, on Monday night.

“On the night of May 12, in the western, northern, and Vinnytsia regions, there will be frost on the ground (hazard level I, yellow), and in the western and Zhytomyr regions and in the air, frost will be 0-3° (hazard level II, orange),” the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center said in a statement.

It is noted that frosts will damage flowering fruit trees.

Currently, photos of snow-covered Carpathian Mountains, in particular Yablunytsia in Ivano-Frankivsk region, are being posted online. It snowed in the morning on Mount Pop Ivan Chernogorsky, with about 5 cm of snow falling during the day.

Ukrainians’ attitude toward Brazil: balance between neutrality and positivity

According to a survey conducted by Active Group in cooperation with the Experts Club think tank, Ukrainians’ attitude toward Brazil is mostly positive or neutral.

51.8% of respondents chose a neutral position, while 33.3% expressed a positive attitude (of which 26.9% said “mostly positive” and 6.4% said “completely positive”). A negative attitude was recorded in 9.3% of respondents, of which 8.0% were “mostly negative” and 1.3% were “completely negative.”

“Brazil is associated with vibrant cultural events, football, and natural wonders, which creates a generally positive image. However, geographical distance and weak interaction at the intergovernmental level lead to a significant proportion of neutral perceptions,” comments Maksim Urakin, candidate of economic sciences and founder of the Experts Club information and analytical center.

Ukrainians mostly maintain a neutral or positive attitude toward Brazil. At the same time, a significant proportion of respondents were unable to give an assessment, which indicates the potential for forming a stable image of the country in the mass consciousness.

The presentation of the study is available at the link.

 

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Ukrainians’ attitude towards Bolivia: overwhelming neutrality amid limited awareness

According to the results of a sociological survey conducted by Active Group in cooperation with the Experts Club think tank, Ukrainians are mostly neutral towards Bolivia.

70.5% of respondents chose a neutral position, while 13.6% expressed a positive attitude (of which 9.5% said “mostly positive” and 4.1% said “completely positive”). Bolivia is viewed negatively by 4.9% of respondents, while 11.0% were undecided.

“These results indicate that Bolivia remains a ‘blank spot’ on the world map for Ukrainians. The lack of vivid associations or regular presence in international news shapes a predominantly neutral or indifferent attitude,” said Oleksandr Pozniy, co-founder of Active Group.

Ukrainians’ neutral attitude toward Bolivia dominates, indicating limited awareness of the country among the general public. A positive attitude was recorded in more than 13% of respondents, while a negative attitude was minimal.

The presentation of the study is available at the link.

 

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