Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

CMO of Alliance Novobud Iryna Mikhalova spoke at Realty Summit 2025 in Odesa

Realty Summit 2025, one of the key platforms for discussing the state and prospects of the Ukrainian real estate market, brought together leading industry players in Odesa this year. At the invitation of DIM.RIA, CMO of Alliance Novobud, Iryna Mikhaleva, joined a discussion panel on current market challenges and effective formats of cooperation between developers and realtors.

During the blitz, the speakers shared their views on the current state of the primary real estate market, demand for new buildings in 2024-2025, key trends and challenges for developers. The participants also discussed financial instruments for buyers, including the implementation of the eOselya program, mortgage lending terms and accreditation of developers in banks.

A separate discussion block was devoted to cooperation between developers and realtors, an important component of modern sales. Iryna Mikhalova shared Alliance Novobud’s experience in building partnerships with agencies and individual market professionals, described cooperation models that have already proven their effectiveness, and outlined the benefits for both parties.

“Today’s real estate market requires flexible solutions and open dialog. Events such as Realty Summit bring together experts who are ready to share practical cases and look for answers to the challenges we face every day,” said Iryna Mikhaleva.

 

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Ukraine’s judicial system is introducing new technologies, but delays in consideration of cases remain – Barristers

Since the beginning of 2025, Ukraine’s judicial system has shown some progress in the introduction of new technologies, but there are delays in the consideration of cases and the enforcement of court decisions, according to Vitaliy Chayun, a lawyer at the Barristers law firm.

“The war has affected all aspects of the functioning of the courts, from the physical safety of judges to citizens’ access to justice. Despite this, the courts continue to operate, adapting to the conditions of martial law and the requirements of European integration reforms. In the first half of 2025, the judicial system showed some progress in the implementation of new technologies and reforms, but faced a number of problems, such as delays in the consideration of cases and difficulties in the enforcement of court decisions,” he told the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

Chayun recalled that in 2024, 5.3 million cases were submitted to courts of all instances and jurisdictions, of which 4.4 million were considered by the courts.
“Approximately one million cases remain unresolved. This indicates a significant burden on the judicial system, especially given the conditions of martial law and staff shortages. It can be assumed that the number of cases in 2025 will remain high, given the growth in 2024 and the continuation of martial law,” he said.

Chayun noted that in the first half of 2025, Ukraine’s judicial system “continues to adapt to the conditions of war and reform in preparation for EU accession,” and among the main trends in the work of the judicial system is the introduction of remote court hearings, which allow hearings to be held without the physical presence of participants.

“This is especially important in wartime, when many citizens are internally displaced persons or live in combat zones. Given these challenges, the development of remote court proceedings is becoming a priority task, the implementation of which will ensure the effectiveness of court proceedings and procedural economy,” he said.

In addition, Chayun drew attention to the problem of filling judicial vacancies: in 2025, it is planned to appoint 1,800 judges to local courts, 550 to appellate courts, and 25 to the High Anti-Corruption Court. However, due to the length of the appointment procedures, “the judiciary has been ‘bled dry’ for many years.”

Chae also noted the processes of modernizing court IT systems and creating new specialized courts.
Commenting on the length of proceedings in Ukrainian courts, the lawyer pointed out that they “remain one of the key problems.” “Cases can be delayed for years due to a lack of funding for basic needs such as stamps, envelopes, and stationery necessary to send correspondence to parties to the proceedings,” he said.

According to Chayun, the delays affect “all types of cases, including economic cases, which are often complex due to the large number of documents and parties involved.” He recalled that between January and April 2025, 59,400 cases were pending in courts of various instances against the State Tax Service for a total amount of UAH 413.8 billion. At the same time, 6,900 cases worth UAH 78.7 billion were considered, of which 2,300 cases (including non-property disputes) worth UAH 44.4 billion were in favor of the State Tax Service, and 4,600 cases worth UAH 34.3 billion were in favor of taxpayers.

“Although there is no accurate data on the timing of economic cases in the first half of 2025, delays persist due to court overload and limited funding. It is expected that filling judicial vacancies and modernizing IT systems in the future will help speed up the consideration of cases, but in the first half of 2025, no significant improvements were achieved, and the shortage of personnel in the judicial system only exacerbates negative trends,” the lawyer emphasized.

He also drew attention to a number of problems with the enforcement of court decisions. “The enforcement of court decisions remains one of the most acute problems of the judicial system, as more than half of court decisions remain unenforced. In 2025, a new law on the digitization of enforcement proceedings and the implementation of a strategy to improve the work of the enforcement service are planned to be adopted. This demonstrates the state’s recognition of the existing problems in this area. However, during 2025, problems with the enforcement of court decisions are likely to persist due to the insufficient effectiveness of the enforcement service and a lack of resources,” the lawyer said.

“The Ukrainian judicial system showed gradual progress in implementing reforms in the first half of 2025, but delays in the consideration of cases, limited access to justice due to financial and technical problems, and difficulties in enforcing court decisions remain significant challenges. Lawyers are forced to adapt to these conditions, which requires additional efforts to protect their clients’ rights. Further reforms and support from the state and international partners are critical to ensuring effective and fair justice in Ukraine,” he concluded.

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In June, Ukraine resumed net electricity exports for first time in year and half

In June 2025, Ukraine exported 14.5% more electricity than it imported, which happened for the first time since October 2023, according to the Ukrainian energy and climate think tank DiXi Group, citing Energy Map.

“In June, electricity exports exceeded imports by 14.5%. This happened for the first time since 2023: the last time sales exceeded purchases was in October of the year before last,” DiXi Group said in a Facebook post.

A total of 233.4 thousand MWh were exported in June, which is 2.6 times higher than in May.

More than half of exports went to Hungary – 52.4% or 122.3 thousand MWh.

Another 16.6% (38.7 thousand MWh) went to Romania, 15.9% (37.2 thousand MWh) to Slovakia, 14.7% (34.2 thousand MWh) to Moldova, and 0.4% (0.9 thousand MWh) to Poland.

Exports were carried out daily, gradually reaching a peak on June 27 – 15.8 thousand MWh per day.

DiXi Group experts note that it was on that day that supplies to Poland resumed after a break of more than three months.

Imports increased by 5% compared to May, reaching 203.9 thousand MWh, of which 43% (87.7 thousand MWh) came from Hungary, 24% (48.8 thousand MWh) came from Slovakia, 14.7% (30,000 MWh) from Poland, 12.4% (25,300 MWh) from Romania, and 5.9% (12,000 MWh) from Moldova.

“With imports compared to exports, everything was the opposite: from high figures, the largest of which, 13.7 thousand MWh, fell on June 9, they moved to lower ones. On June 16, the lowest amount was purchased, namely 1.5 thousand MWh. Supplies fell by 6-25% from all countries except Slovakia and Hungary, where they increased by 35% and 13%, respectively,” explains DiXi Group.

Analysts note that in June last year, a record 858.4 thousand MWh were imported, which is more than four times higher than the corresponding result for 2025.

As reported, in May 2025, Ukraine reduced electricity exports by 41% compared to April, to 89.1 thousand MWh, while increasing imports by 4%, to 194.1 thousand MWh.

 

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Imports from Serbia to Kosovo doubled to €110 mln in first half of year

According to Serbian Economist, trade between Central Serbia and Kosovo is growing rapidly, with Serbian goods actively returning to the region’s markets. According to the Kosovo Business Alliance, imports from Central Serbia in the first six months of 2025 reached €110.53 million, compared to €50.64 million in the same period of 2024 — an increase of 118%.

An analysis of the sector shows that consumer goods and food products, including non-alcoholic beverages, foodstuffs, as well as construction materials, agricultural machinery, and mineral fertilizers, have risen in price and expanded their market presence. These categories traditionally form the basis of trade between Serbian suppliers and Kosovar consumers.

According to experts, the return of Serbian goods became possible after the easing of import barriers, including the lifting of the total ban and the introduction of post-border controls at the Merdare checkpoint.

Experts note that the restoration of access to convenient logistics and price attractiveness strengthens Central Serbia’s position in the Kosovo market.

The Kosovo Business Alliance, an association of companies trading in the region, analytically monitors trade flows and violations. Since 2023, Kosovo has gradually eased import restrictions on Serbian goods, including through the Merda checkpoint, which has led to a revival of trade.

Imports of Serbian goods are rapidly recovering in the Kosovo and Metohija market, sending not only an economic but also a political signal — a thaw in trade relations.

Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1156

 

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Kametstal plant has completed first stage of reconstruction of its continuous casting machine

The Kametstal plant, part of the Metinvest mining and metallurgical group (Kamenskoye, Dnipropetrovsk region), has completed the first stage of reconstruction of continuous casting machine No. 1 in the converter shop, upgrading key electrical equipment and the automated control system.

According to a press release, CCSS-1 is the plant’s leading machine, performing important tasks in the production of commercial steel billets, including those of enhanced quality. It was here that casting using stop mechanisms was mastered, and a team of specialists is systematically expanding the CCSS product range for customers in the domestic and European markets.

To improve the reliability of key equipment, a phased reconstruction of the LMP No. 1 began this year. The first stage was completed in June, which included an investment project to replace important electrical equipment and automated process control systems.

Hot testing of the continuous casting machine No. 1, taking into account the operation of the new equipment, has already been completed. However, work continues under the supervision of Primetals Technologies, a partner in the investment project, and all requests from the technical staff aimed at improving the software are being implemented in the operating mode. At the same time, the company is training electrical service and automated process control specialists to operate the modern equipment efficiently.

“Our goal is to upgrade the key equipment of the MLF-1 in line with modern standards, but the difficult conditions of wartime do not allow us to implement all our ambitious plans at once. Therefore, with the support of the Metinvest Group, we are reconstructing the first machine step by step, and thanks to the teamwork of all departments and services of the converter shop and specialists from the capital construction and investment department, we have successfully completed the tasks of the first stage,” said Alexander Degtyarenko, lead engineer for the converter shop reconstruction, whose words are quoted in the press release.

He noted that efforts are focused primarily on minimizing downtime associated with malfunctioning outdated electrical equipment.

“Modern software that provides online technological information improves the capabilities of electrical repair personnel by expanding the scope of diagnostics and also partially increases the accuracy of continuous casting, which is one of the main tasks we will perform at each stage of the reconstruction of the MLZ-1,” he said.

Primetals Technologies, headquartered in London, is a global leader in the development of engineering, plant construction, and services for the metallurgical industry.
Kametstal is part of the Metinvest Group.

KNUBA presented best of 300 architectural solutions for development of Medvynska community (projects)

KNUBA presented the best of 300 architectural concepts for the Medvynska community in the Kyiv region, ranging from the renovation of existing buildings to visions for future public spaces. The work was carried out by students under the guidance of Tetyana Ladan, associate professor at the Department of Fundamentals of Architecture and Architectural Design at KNUBA. This was announced by Rector Oleksii Dniprov.

“Each of the concepts presented is part of a comprehensive spatial strategy, executed in a unified style and logic. I am convinced that these projects can be implemented in practice. This confirms one of our key missions – to participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine in cooperation with communities,” said Oleksii Dniprov.

He added that the projects were the result of a partnership between the university and the community, which was formalized in a memorandum.

The conceptual projects presented relate to both new architectural solutions and the transformation of existing facilities. Some of them were presented in VR format.

“300 conceptual projects are a significant contribution to the development of the Medvyn community’s development strategy and spatial planning. I am grateful to the students, teachers, and everyone who participated in this process. The Medvyn community is open to change, and we are ready to move forward together,” said Ignatius Sergienko, head of the Medvyn community.

Below are five concepts that reflect the implementation of the community’s urgent needs.

Modular medical facility in the village of Medvyn – the “Beehive” concept

The concept provides for a convenient modular layout with compact rooms for doctor consultations, physiotherapy procedures, and a day hospital. An X-ray room, laboratories, and other necessary facilities are also provided.

The penthouses have mezzanines and skylights in the pyramid roofs. The rooms also have open terraces with pergolas for sun protection.

The roof has space for a café-restaurant, connected to open terraces and therapeutic gardens.

The residential blocks are designed for 1 or 2 visitors and can be used to accommodate doctors invited to consult with community residents.

The basement can accommodate 50 people and can be converted into a multipurpose space that can also be used as a shelter. The site has parking and convenient access to emergency medical services.

Modular outpatient clinic on Oleksandra Vasylenka Street in the village of Medvyn

1 – new general family medicine clinic, 2 – renovation of the old clinic into a rehabilitation center, 3 – Sunday school, 4 – visitor parking, 5 – ambulance parking.

Authors: architects, associate professors at KNUBA – Tetiana Ladan, Iryna Novosad, with the participation of Vladyslava Shevtsova, a student at the Department of Fundamentals of Architecture and Architectural Design.

Reconstruction of a school in the village of Shcherbashyntsi into a rehabilitation center – the “P’yatitsvit” concept

The concept involves insulating the facades, redesigning the premises for residential use, and dividing the master plan into five zones, like five petals: a playground, an area for active games (volleyball, tennis), a quiet area for elderly people to relax with tables for board games, a cherry orchard, barrier-free vegetable gardens accessible to people in wheelchairs. An amphitheater, a hairdresser’s, gazebos, and an apiary complete the cozy ecosystem for restoring strength and energy.

Schematic plan of the school’s reconstruction into a rehabilitation center at 1 Kvitneva Street in the village of Shcherbashyntsi

1 – rehabilitation center, 2 – hairdresser, 3 – parking lot, 4 – turning area for vehicles, 5 – symbolic place, 6 – gazebo, 7 – barrier-free vegetable gardens, 8 – young cherry orchard, 9 – volleyball and tennis court, 10 – playground, 11 – flower garden, 12 – sports ground with exercise equipment; 13 – common area, 14 – place for walking animals, 15 – amphitheater, 16 – old tree garden, 17 – area with tables for board games, 18 – apiary.

Authors: Tetiana Ladan, student of the Department of Theory of Architecture and Architectural Design, Artem Tmenov.

Stele at the entrance to the village of Huta and transport stops – concept “Perekotypole”

The stele attracts tourists to a quest – “find the letters of the alphabet.” The structure is kinetic, and the movement mechanism is powered by a solar panel.

Authors: Tetiana Ladan, student of the Department of Architectural Environment Design Anton Fesik.

The letters “Г”, “У”, ‘Т’, and “А” form the basis of the three-dimensional composition of the village bus stops. Uniform designs were used, which, with partial replacement of elements or reversal, can look like different objects. Lighting is powered by solar energy, and there is a possibility to charge gadgets. The roofs of the stops are proposed to be used for green gardens and the installation of solar panels.

Transport stops in the village of Huta

1 – kinetic stele at the entrance to the village of Huta, 2 – stop in the shape of the letter “G”, 3 – stop in the shape of the letter “U”, 4 – stop in the shape of the letter ‘T’, 5 – stop in the shape of the letter “A”, 6 – string transport track

Authors: Tetiana Ladan, students of the Department of Architectural Design of Civil Buildings and Structures Maria Korf, Polina Lomachuk, Viktoria Yermolaieva, Yelyzaveta Chepurna, student of the Department of Fundamentals of Architecture and Architectural Design Ksenia Taran.

Recreation area, festival venue, and health complex in the village of Medvyn – concept “Parade of Planets”

Near the Medvyn House of Culture, there are plans to build a terrace, a wave-shaped ramp, a terrace park with an alley of fountains, an open-air amphitheater, a playground, and a footbridge.

Recreation area on Shevchenko Street in the village of Medvyn

1 – cultural center, 2 – municipality, 3 – observation terrace, 4 – playground, 5 – footbridge, 6 – terrace park with an alley of fountains, 7 – amphitheater, 8 – skate park

Authors: Tetiana Ladan, student of the Department of Theory of Architecture and Architectural Design Alona Starostenko.

Below the relief, there is a fairground, a park for festivals and sports venues, a motel or themed houses on the slopes, integrated into the landscape with observation terraces.

Festival area on Shevchenko Street in the village of Medvyn

1 – main alley, 2 – house-note for musicians, 3 – creative house for artists, 4 – house-shuttlecock for coaches, 5 – gazebo, 6 – mini stadium, 7 – sports grounds, 8 – fountain, 9 – motel, 10 – shopping arcade, 11 – stage

Authors: Tetiana Ladan, students of the Department of Urban Planning – Polina Nechai, Yelyzaveta Voloshchuk.

The concept also includes the creation of a health complex in the village of Medvina, with a waterfall, a water channel with bridges, a spa complex, resort terrace houses with swimming pools and sports grounds, which can be reached along the channel by winding ramps.

Health complex in the direction of Mount Totokha and the Totokhavud tourist complex in the village of Medvina

1 – resort house, 2 – spa complex, 3 – sports area, 4 – water canal, 5 – park area, 6 – waterfall, 7 – parking, 8 – shelter.

Authors: Tetiana Ladan, students of the Department of Urban Planning Anastasia Haidaienko, Eva Kazakova, Vladislav Yakunin, Oleksandra Rozumna.

Tourist complex in the village of Medvini – the “Totohavud” concept

A location for festivals, fairs, and other events. Located near a local landmark – Totohava Mountain. The pavilions consist of lightweight modular structures that blend harmoniously into the natural environment.

There is a utility area, public restrooms, an open-air cinema, venues for special events, a pavilion-café, photo zones, a water canal, and parking. The pavilions are designed to resemble male and female silhouettes performing folk rituals such as round dances, spring songs, and haymaking.

Zoning of the territory near Mount Totokha:

1 – utility area, 2 – public restroom area, 3 – open-air cinema area, 4 – area for special events, 5 – area for food and souvenir pavilions, 6 – café pavilions, 7 – photo zones and recreation areas, 8 – water channel area, 9 – parking area, 10 – Mount Totokha area.

Authors: Tetiana Ladan, students of the Department of Architectural Environment Design Dmytro Ryabets, Nataliia Demchenko, with the participation of Aliona Starostenko, a student of the Department of Theory of Architecture and Architectural Design.

Information and graphic materials for the publication were kindly provided by the authors’ teams led by Tetiana Ladan.