Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Lithium reserves in Ukraine: over 760 thousand tons at Polokhivske deposit

According to recent geological exploration data, lithium reserves at the Polokhivske deposit (Kirovohrad region) exceed 760 thousand tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (760 LCE kt), and Ukraine has significant potential for its extraction, said Ksenia Orynchak, Executive Director of the National Association of Extractive Industries of Ukraine (NADPU), in a commentary to Interfax-Ukraine.

“According to the latest geological exploration data for the Polokhivske deposit, the reserves exceed 760 thousand tons of lithium carbonate equivalent,” she said.

According to her, this deposit, which belongs to Ukrlithium mining, is one of the largest in Europe.

Orynchak reminded that there are four explored lithium deposits in Ukraine. Polokhivske is the only explored one where the owner holds a mining license. The others are Dobra (also in Kirovohrad region), Shevchenkivske (Donetsk region) and Kruta Balka (Zaporizhzhia region), the latter two located in the temporarily occupied territories.

“It is a fact that Ukraine has significant lithium mining potential. According to reputable studies, we are among the top three countries in terms of reserves, along with the Czech Republic and Serbia. (…) Ukraine is very favorably located geopolitically for the European Union,” the NAPRU head said.

Orynchak also disagreed with the opinion of Yegor Perelygin, Chairman of the Board of UMCC-Titanium – United Mining and Chemical Company JSC, who recently criticized the prospects for the development of Ukrainian lithium deposits due to low world prices for lithium, its surplus, high production and processing costs, and the need for significant investment in the face of high risks in Ukraine.

Earlier, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine estimated that the country has about 500 thousand tons of lithium.

“Ukrnafta” produced 1.05 mln tons of oil for 9 months of 2024

In January-September 2024, PJSC Ukrnafta produced 1.05 million tons of oil and condensate, while JSC Ukrgasvydobuvannya produced almost 0.37 million tons, according to the consolidated financial statements of the group published on the website of Naftogaz,
According to the document, the country’s private companies produced about 0.19 million tons of oil and condensate during the reporting period.
At the same time, the volume of diesel fuel imports to Ukraine in the first nine months of this year increased by 7.3% compared to January-September 2023, and its total value amounted to $4.36 billion.
The report also confirms the Group’s previously announced production volume of 11 bcm of gas for the first nine months of 2024 and the production forecast for the current year of about 14.7 bcm of commercial gas.
As reported, in 2022 Ukrnafta produced 1.37 mln tons of oil and condensate (-9% compared to 2021), in 2023 – 1.41 mln tons (+3% compared to 2022).

Winter rapeseed became record crop of Agrotrade in 2024

Winter rapeseed became the most productive crop in the Agrotrade agricultural holding in the season of 2024, the overall results of threshing which exceeded the planned by 5%, and the highest figure was in the fields of the company’s second cluster in Sumy region – by more than 10%, the press service of the agricultural holding reported in a Facebook message.
According to the report, the harvest of winter wheat, corn and sunflower was 100% in line with the forecast.
The highest winter wheat yields were obtained in the borderlands of Sumy region, which is almost 18% higher than planned, despite the constant shelling of the region, which forced the company to work with limited equipment operating hours. The fifth cluster of the company, which operates in Chernihiv region, produced the best corn yield, which is 10% higher than the plan.
“In general, our cultivation technologies have been developed in conjunction with the coordinated work of our agricultural team, and this gives us good results. For example, this year we made almost no changes to corn because we use time-tested hybrids. We only slightly increased insecticide protection, which increased the yield. At the same time, we changed our approach to sunflower, increasing the segment of the crop that is highly resistant to broomrape. With winter rapeseed, everything is standard: we have long ago identified the best hybrids and protection options, and the crop’s fertilization system is also stable. In addition, we prepared for the early harvest in advance – we have all the necessary equipment and everything we need, and the lack of precipitation allowed us to continue working, which also had a positive impact,” said Oleksandr Ovsyannik, Director of Agrotrade’s Agricultural Department.
The agroholding added that they are already preparing for the new season by contracting fertilizers, seeds and machinery for spring field work.
As reported, in 2024, Agrotrade allocated 15.5 thou hectares for winter wheat, 12.5 thou hectares for sunflower, 11.1 thou hectares for winter rapeseed, 6.5 thou hectares for corn, over 8 thou hectares for soybeans, and 3.7 thou hectares for spring wheat.
The Agrotrade Group is a vertically integrated holding company with a full agro-industrial cycle (production, processing, storage and trade of agricultural products). It cultivates over 70 thousand hectares of land in Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava and Kharkiv regions. Its main crops are sunflower, corn, winter wheat, soybeans and rapeseed. It has its own network of elevators with a simultaneous storage capacity of 570 thousand tons.
The group also produces hybrid seeds of corn and sunflower, barley, and winter wheat. In 2014, a seed plant with a capacity of 20 thousand tons of seeds per year was built on the basis of Kolos seed farm (Kharkiv region). In 2018, Agrotrade launched its own brand Agroseeds on the market.
The founder of Agrotrade is Vsevolod Kozhemiako.

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“Ukrzaliznytsia” produces new hospital cars for evacuation of wounded

In cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrzaliznytsia JSC has produced several more medical evacuation cars equipped as a real mobile hospital, the press service of the Armed Forces Medical Command reports.
“Qualified and timely assistance at all stages of medical evacuation saves our defenders who need it every day,” said Major General Anatoliy Kazmirchuk, Commander of the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
He expressed gratitude to all involved for their cooperation in providing quality medical care.
As noted, trains with such cars are used to evacuate seriously wounded servicemen.

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“Nova Poshta” has set new record – 2.24 mln shipments per day

Nova Poshta, the leader of express shipments in Ukraine, broke the record of 2023 by processing 2.24 million parcels per day on December 23.
The previous record was set by the company on December 18, 2023, when its branches processed 2.012 million parcels in one day.
“Nova Poshta broke the record by accepting an incredible two million two hundred thousand parcels for shipment in one day! What do these figures mean? The fact that the business continues to work, to support and develop the economy of Ukraine,” the company’s co-owner Volodymyr Popereshnyuk wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
He noted that the record was set by all those who use Nova Poshta services, including entrepreneurs whose goods are delivered by the company, despite constant rocket attacks, deteriorating business conditions, tax increases, and regulatory pressure.
Nova Poshta clarified that the parcels contained mostly clothing, household goods, and decorative cosmetics.

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Apartment prices in Serbia in 2025: new realities and prospects

Serbia continues to attract both local and foreign investors due to its stable real estate market and attractive living conditions. In 2024, housing prices remain one of the most discussed topics due to high demand and limited supply, especially in the capital city of Belgrade.

Housing prices in Belgrade continue to rise. In popular central areas such as Vračar, the Old Town and New Belgrade, the cost per square meter ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 euros. In the less prestigious and more remote areas, prices range from 1,500 to 2,800 euros per square meter, making them more affordable for young families and those looking for budget options.

In Novi Sad and Nis, other major cities in Serbia, the cost of housing remains stable: a square meter costs an average of 1,400-1,800 euros, and in some suburbs prices can drop to 900-1,000 euros.

Serbia remains an attractive destination for citizens of many countries. Convenient location, a simplified process of obtaining a residence permit and an affordable cost of living – all this attracts new buyers to the real estate market. There is a shortage of housing in Belgrade, especially in prestigious areas. This stimulates the growth of prices for secondary housing and increases the cost of apartments under construction. Improved transport accessibility, construction of new schools and shopping centers make certain areas more popular, which also contributes to price growth.

Vera Egorova-Tolstaja, an expert at the Belgrade real estate agency Vidovstan, notes that in 2025 the real estate market in Serbia will continue to show growth, although the pace may slow down. According to her, the main forecasts include moderate price growth, an increase in new construction and continued high interest in Serbian real estate from foreign buyers. According to the expert, increased competition between construction companies will lead to more affordable options in the economy class segment.

For those planning to buy a home in 2025, it is important to consider the following recommendations. First, set a budget and take into account all additional costs: taxes, notary services, and agent commissions. Second, research the market and compare prices in different neighborhoods. Third, seek professional help: the services of realtors or legal advisors will help you avoid mistakes. Finally, consider new buildings, as buying a home under construction can be a profitable investment.

The real estate market in Serbia in 2025 is showing steady growth, remaining attractive to investors and new residents of the country. Despite rising prices, Serbia offers a variety of housing options suitable for different categories of buyers. If you are planning a relocation or investment, now is a good time to choose a property while the market is still in the process of forming new opportunities.

Source: https://news.relocation.rs/tseny-na-kvartiry-v-serbii-v-2025-godu-novye/