US President Donald Trump has signed a new presidential proclamation that expands and tightens restrictions on foreign nationals entering the country, bringing the number of countries subject to full or partial bans to 39, according to the text of the document and explanations from the White House.
According to the proclamation, the previously existing restrictions on the entry of citizens of 12 “high-risk” countries remain in full force: Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Entry into the US for citizens of these countries in immigration and most non-immigration visa categories is suspended, except for individual exceptions and humanitarian cases provided for by law and the document.
A complete ban on entry also applies to citizens of five additional countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria—as well as to individuals traveling on travel documents issued or certified by the Palestinian Authority. The decision is justified by high visa overstays (cases of exceeding the permitted period of stay), security concerns, and the unwillingness of the authorities of these countries to accept deported citizens.
Separately, the proclamation moves Laos and Sierra Leone from partial restrictions to a de facto total ban: entry into the US for citizens of these countries under both immigrant and major non-immigrant visa categories (B-1/B-2, F, M, J) is suspended.
At the same time, the document eases restrictions for Turkmenistan: against the backdrop of “significant progress” in cooperation with Washington, restrictions on the issuance of non-immigrant visas to citizens of this country are being lifted, but the ban on immigrant entry remains in place.
In addition, partial restrictions are being introduced for 15 countries: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. For citizens of these countries, entry into the US as immigrants and as holders of B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas will be restricted, and the validity of other categories of visas issued by US consulates is expected to be reduced “to the extent permitted by law.” The reasons cited are high rates of visa violations, the existence of “citizenship for investment” programs without residency requirements, and problems with returning illegal migrants to their home countries.
Partial restrictions remain in place for a number of countries that already appeared in previous versions of the high-risk migration regime, in particular Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela, according to White House documents.
The US administration emphasizes that the goal of the updated system is to “increase security and immigration control” and to encourage foreign countries to strengthen data exchange, reduce visa violations, and more actively accept deported citizens. The document provides for the possibility of revising the list of countries and the nature of restrictions based on the results of regular assessments by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security.
According to observers, the Trump administration’s next step in the field of migration may be to further tighten checks on applicants from “at-risk” countries, expanding the practice of targeted restrictions on certain visa categories (including work and student visas), and attempting to link the easing of restrictions to agreements on security and cooperation on the return of illegal migrants. At the same time, experts expect legal disputes over the new measures to intensify and be challenged in federal courts, as has been the case in previous years.
https://expertsclub.eu/tramp-posylyuye-migraczijnu-polityku-chogo-ochikuvaty-dali/
The state-owned Oschadbank has signed a series of loan agreements with companies belonging to the Kernel Group for a total amount of $77 million, which, according to the bank, is the largest amount of lending to private businesses among Ukrainian banks in 2025.
“The development of Ukraine’s agricultural export potential is an important aspect of strengthening the state’s economy. This is the main focus of Kernel’s business and one of Oschadbank’s priorities,” said Yuriy Katsion, deputy chairman of Oschadbank’s board responsible for corporate business, on Facebook.
According to a press release from the bank, almost half of the lending volume may be directed toward investment needs: these are non-revolving credit lines of $36.7 million with a term of seven years.
It is noted that the funds may also be used to upgrade the fleet of agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure uninterrupted cultivation of agricultural land, as well as to finance and refinance capital expenditures related to the reconstruction of the Transbalkterminal grain terminal (Chornomorsk), which was damaged as a result of a Russian missile attack in 2023.
Another feature of the agreement is the borrower’s right to draw down the entire credit limit of $77 million during the term of the agreement to replenish working capital, provided that the limits provided for investment lending are reduced, the bank said.
It is specified that the replenishment of working capital may be carried out by the group’s companies, in particular, for the purchase of grain, fertilizers, plant protection products, fuels and lubricants, other goods, works, and services.
Before the war, Kernel was the world’s leading producer of sunflower oil (about 7% of global production) and its exporter (about 12%). It is one of the largest producers and sellers of bottled oil in Ukraine. In addition, it is engaged in the cultivation and sale of agricultural products.
In fiscal year 2025 (FY, July 2024 – June 2025), Kernel earned $238 million in net profit, which is 42% more than in FY 2024. Kernel’s consolidated revenue in FY2025 reached $4.115 billion, an increase of 15% compared to the previous fiscal year.
The company’s debt obligations at the end of September amounted to $726 million, including bank credit lines of $104.5 million, compared to $146.7 million at the beginning of the year.
As reported, in October 2025, Oschadbank’s corporate segment loan portfolio grew by 2.6%, or UAH 26.9 billion, to UAH 970.1 billion. Hryvnia loans to businesses added 1.7%, or UAH 11.5 billion, reaching UAH 689.7 billion, while foreign currency loans increased by 4.2%, or $267 million, to $6.68 billion.
According to the NBU, at the beginning of November this year, Oschadbank, with total assets of UAH 456.23 billion, ranked second among 60 banks in terms of this indicator.
Low-cost airline Wizz Air has officially resumed operations at Suceava “Ștefan cel Mare” International Airport in north-eastern Romania, which is the closest international airport to Ukraine.
According to the airline’s statement, two Airbus A321neo aircraft are based in Suceava, and more than 130,000 seats have been added for the 2025/26 winter season. Starting this week, Wizz Air is launching seven new routes from Suceava to Bologna, Milan-Bergamo, Venice, Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, Birmingham, Larnaca and Brussels-Charleroi, and from January 2026, it will increase the frequency of flights to Dortmund to four times a week.
With the new destinations, Wizz Air now offers 13 routes from Suceava to six European countries – in addition to the cities mentioned above, there are flights to Vienna, Rome, London, Memmingen and Milan Malpensa.
The airline positions Suceava as the closest international airport for Ukrainian passengers: the airport is located near the border, and there are numerous bus services from Chernivtsi, with the journey usually taking 2-3 hours, sometimes up to 1.5 hours with minimal queues at the Porubne-Siret checkpoint. Ticket prices start at around 400 UAH.
According to industry experts, the development of the base in Suceava expands the range of cheap flights to EU countries for Ukrainian residents while Ukrainian airports remain closed to regular flights due to the full-scale war.
The total area of residential buildings for which construction permits (new construction) were issued in January-September 2025 increased by 48.4% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 4 million 396.7 thousand square meters, according to the State Statistics Service (Gosstat).
According to the statistics agency, in January-September 2025, the total area of new construction of apartment buildings increased by 51.1% compared to last year, to 4.23 million square meters. The number of apartments in apartment buildings declared at the start of construction increased by 54.1% to 47,600.
Most of the new housing in the first nine months was registered in the Kyiv region: the total area of new housing construction amounted to 2 million 305.1 thousand square meters (21.2 thousand apartments), which is 142% more than in the first half of last year.
Significant volumes of new housing in the specified period were also registered in the Lviv region – 816,500 square meters (10,900 apartments), which is 63.6% more than in January-September 2024, as well as in Ivano-Frankivsk – 344,200 square meters (+8.2%, 5,500 apartments), Zakarpattia region – 368.7 thousand square meters (+26.1%, 4.7 thousand apartments), Poltava region – 160.3 thousand square meters (2.1 thousand apartments), Vinnytsia region – 167,100 square meters (-29.2%, 3,900 apartments) and Volyn region – 176,300 square meters (+25.3%, 4,000 apartments).
In Kyiv, in January-September 2025, the total area of new construction of housing amounted to 449,600 square meters (5,200 apartments), which is 36% more than last year.
The State Statistics Service reminds that the figures do not include territories temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation and parts of territories where hostilities are ongoing (or have been ongoing).
As reported, the total area of new housing construction in Ukraine in 2024 decreased by 7.2% compared to 2023, to 3.9 million square meters, while in 2023 it was 4.2 million square meters, in 2022 – 6.67 million square meters, and 12.7 million square meters in 2021.
On December 11, 2025, the UKRAINIAN SPECIAL BUILDING AWARDS IBUILD 2025 ceremony, organized by the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine, took place at the Hilton Kyiv Hotel. The event brought together leading representatives of the construction industry, developers, investors, architects, government officials and the professional community.
The ceremony honored projects that set new standards for modern residential construction, combine the quality of architectural solutions, functionality, comfort of living, and a responsible approach to implementation in wartime.
Lesniy Kvartal, 16, received the award for Residential Complex of the Year 2025.
The project is being implemented by MTDK Stroitelne Misto LLC and is an example of a balanced approach to residential development focused on the needs of modern residents and long-term value for the urban environment.
House 16 in the Lesniy Kvartal residential complex is distinguished by well-thought-out planning solutions, modern architecture, integration into the natural environment and attention to the quality of construction at all stages of implementation. The project demonstrates that even in a difficult period for the country, Ukrainian developers and builders continue to create housing that meets high professional and consumer standards.
Receiving the Residential Complex of the Year 2025 award was a recognition of the work of the team of MTDC Budivelne Misto LLC, as well as a confirmation of the project’s relevance and competitiveness in the Ukrainian residential real estate market.
Alliance Novobud is a Ukrainian development company that has been operating in the residential and commercial real estate market for over 18 years. It was founded in the mid-2000s. Its core business is the construction of multi-storey residential complexes of comfort and business class, as well as related social and commercial infrastructure.
The company is one of the top 20 developers in Kyiv and Kyiv region in terms of the number of commissioned housing (according to the specialized portals Anbud and LUN). The total volume of completed projects is estimated at more than 800 thousand square meters of housing. Another 300 thousand square meters are under construction and preparation.
Alliance Novobud positions itself as a developer focused on quality and meeting deadlines. The company regularly publishes reports on construction dynamics, which increases the level of transparency and trust.
In the period of 2022-2025, despite the war and economic difficulties, the company continued active construction, which makes it stand out among its competitors.
The company’s strategy envisages the development of mixed residential neighborhoods with the integration of schools, kindergartens, retail space and recreational areas.
alliance_novobud, ukrainian_special_building_awards_ibuild_2025
On December 11, 2025, the Hilton Kyiv Hotel hosted the UKRAINIAN SPECIAL BUILDING AWARDS IBUILD 2025 charity evening organized by the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine.
The event brought together more than 250 guests – representatives of government, business, construction industry leaders, as well as Ukrainian and international companies and funds.
The ceremony honored companies that demonstrate resilience, responsibility and professionalism even in the face of a full-scale war, continue to implement projects, adapt to the challenges of the times and contribute to the restoration of Ukraine.
Alliance Novobud received the Developer of the Year 2025 award, confirming this status for the fourth time in a row.
This award is another confirmation of the company’s systematic work, stability of business processes, and responsible approach to the development of residential projects that shape the modern urban environment.
This award is of particular importance to our company. It testifies not only to the architectural or investment component of the projects, but also to transparency, legal reliability, and responsibility to investors and partners. To be recognized as the Developer of the Year for the fourth time in a row is a high appreciation of the daily work of the entire Alliance Novobud team and at the same time a great responsibility that we recognize,” commented Anna Bogush, Director of the Legal Department of Alliance Novobud.
Alliance Novobud continues to implement residential projects in accordance with modern standards of quality, safety and legality, strengthening market confidence and contributing to the sustainable development of Ukrainian cities.
Alliance Novobud is a Ukrainian development company that has been operating in the residential and commercial real estate market for over 18 years. It was founded in the mid-2000s. Its core business is the construction of multi-storey residential complexes of comfort and business class, as well as related social and commercial infrastructure.
The company is one of the top 20 developers in Kyiv and Kyiv region in terms of the number of commissioned housing (according to the specialized portals Anbud and LUN). The total volume of completed projects is estimated at more than 800 thousand square meters of housing. Another 300 thousand square meters are under construction and preparation.
Alliance Novobud positions itself as a developer focused on quality and meeting deadlines. The company regularly publishes reports on construction dynamics, which increases the level of transparency and trust.
In the period of 2022-2025, despite the war and economic difficulties, the company continued active construction, which makes it stand out among its competitors.
The company’s strategy envisages the development of mixed residential neighborhoods with the integration of schools, kindergartens, retail space and recreational areas.
alliance_novobud, developer_of_the_year_2025, ukrainian_special_building_awards_ibuild_2025
