The general meeting of shareholders of JSC Concern Galnaftogaz has decided to allocate most of its net profit for 2024 to dividend payments, according to the SMIDA information disclosure system.
According to the report, the total amount of dividends payable for last year is UAH 1.26 billion. The dividend per share is UAH 0.064. The payment period is from May 26 to October 30, 2025 (inclusive).
In accordance with this decision, on May 8, the board of directors of the concern decided to set May 23 as the date for compiling the list of persons entitled to receive dividends.
As reported, at the end of 2024, JSC Concern Galnaftogaz received UAH 1.424 billion in net profit. “Our company pays dividends from one business and reinvests the funds in the creation of new infrastructure and jobs in Ukraine in others. We are talking about our projects in renewable energy – we are building a 147 MW wind farm, with plans for a second phase with a larger capacity of 190 MW; a biofuel production plant is also under construction, and we are developing the agricultural sector. Investments in alternative energy alone amount to over €600 million. These projects are being implemented despite all the military risks, which demonstrates our company’s long-term business motivation within the country,” commented Vasyl Danylyak, CEO of the OKKO group of companies.
Vitaliy Antonov, a shareholder of GNG RETAIL LIMITED registered in Cyprus, who owns 99.22619% of its shares, initiated the distribution of profits at the shareholders’ meeting on April 30, 2025, as follows: UAH 1.26 billion for dividends and UAH 165.67 million to be left undistributed at the disposal of the joint-stock company.
Another draft resolution of the meeting on the distribution of profits provided for leaving it undistributed at the disposal of the joint-stock company.
Galnaftogaz manages one of the largest OKKO fuel station chains, which has over 400 complexes with a network of catering establishments. The concern also includes other businesses.
In June 2024, the EBRD and OKKO signed a EUR60 million loan agreement at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin for the construction of a new bioethanol plant in the Ternopil region with a capacity of 83,000 tons per year. It is planned to be built in two years. The products will be sold on foreign and domestic markets.
Recently, Vasyl Danylyak, CEO of the OKKO group of companies, announced that its 20 MW energy storage facility (ESF), which was completed at the end of 2024, could start providing energy balancing services to NEC Ukrenergo next month.
He also noted that the group is diversifying its business and, as part of this diversification, is developing a number of projects in renewable energy.
According to Danylyak, active preparations are underway for the construction of a 147 MW wind farm in the Volyn region, with financing provided by a number of international financial institutions. The company plans to complete the first phase of the wind farm by the end of this year, with full capacity expected to be reached by the end of the first quarter of next year.
Danylyak also announced further plans to implement a larger project in the Volyn region – a 190 MW wind farm, which has been under development for the past two years. Its cost is estimated at EUR 300 million, while the 147 MW wind farm is estimated at EUR 240 million.
According to him, the company is working with various financial institutions to raise funds for this project.
The largest Ukrainian companies are gradually restoring their staff
OpenDataBot has compiled a ranking of the largest employers in 2025 based on data from the State Statistics Service and financial reports of companies. Ukrzaliznytsia has remained the stable and undisputed leader for several years in a row. Despite some turbulence and staff cuts, the company currently employs over 178,000 people. Six companies from the list hired new people last year. Two newcomers also broke into the list of the largest employers.
Ukrzaliznytsia has been Ukraine’s largest employer for four years in a row, with 178,616 employees. However, the company lost more than 9,000 employees over the year, with its workforce shrinking by almost 5%. In total, the company’s workforce has decreased by 54,000 employees since the start of the full-scale war.
ATB-Market came in second with 46,084 employees. Over the year, the company grew by almost 2,000 employees. The top three is rounded out by Gas Distribution Networks of Ukraine with 37,714 employees. Over the past year, the company managed to increase its staff by 4,200 employees.
ATB notes that despite all the difficulties, the company created about 2,000 new jobs last year alone. This was achieved thanks to ATB’s dynamic development strategy, with the planned opening of new stores, the expansion of distribution centers, and the modernization of other enterprise facilities. This not only gave an economic boost to certain regions, but also provided thousands of Ukrainian families with a stable source of income. ATB’s personnel policy is aimed at developing what is known as human capital, which the company traditionally considers its most valuable resource and the key to its success.
The top ten employers also include retail chains, logistics companies, energy giants, and state-owned enterprises. Among them are the well-known Ukrposhta (31,739 employees), Silpo (31,366), Nova Poshta (27,509), Energoatom (27,352), Lisy Ukrainy (23,717), Ukrnafta (18,926), and Ukrgazvydobuvannya (17,317).
It is worth noting that Gas Distribution Networks of Ukraine and Lisy Ukrainy broke into the top ten for the first time.
Only four companies reduced their staff last year. The leader, Ukrzaliznytsia, suffered the greatest losses. Ukrposhta also reduced its workforce by more than 3,000, Energoatom by 1,800, and Forests of Ukraine by 20% (more than 6,000 jobs).
At the same time, other companies are expanding. The largest increase was seen in Ukraine’s gas distribution networks: +12.5%. Silpo (+4.9%), ATB (+4.5%), Nova Poshta (+4.5%), Ukrnafta (+3.2%), and Ukrgazvydobuvannya (+2.9%) also actively increased their teams.
It is worth noting that there are companies that did not make it to the top but have seen good growth in the number of employees. For example, the Aurora chain of stores has quadrupled its staff during the full-scale war, from 3,000 to over 12,000 employees. And every year, their numbers are growing.
Aurora says that its team is its main asset. The chain does not have an HR department, but instead has a Human Capital Department. It is very important to treat employees as “capital” and not as a “resource.” The company’s approach is based on the idea that employees feel needed, that their opinions are valued, and that their ideas are heard — so they can make decisions or influence them. This is the key to everyone’s engagement and motivation.
NovaPay, part of the Nova Poshta group, is also growing rapidly: +7.5% in staff numbers in 2024. The same is true for the EVA chain of stores: +2% per year.
McDonald’s grew by only 0.2% and has not yet returned to its pre-war staffing levels, like most companies.
The company notes that McDonald’s is a business where people come first, and it is thanks to this approach that they continue to grow in Ukraine, despite any difficulties, supporting a team of 10,000 employees. The company cares about their well-being, indexes salaries annually, offers health insurance, and provides financial assistance to employees affected by the war. In addition, McDonald’s continues to pay salaries to all mobilized employees.
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.
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.
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.
