In its May report, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued its first forecast for wheat and corn exports from Ukraine in the 2026/2026 marketing year (MY) – 13 million tons and 23 million tons, respectively, which is 0.5 million tons and 1 million tons more than in the current MY.
According to USDA estimates, Ukraine’s wheat harvest in the next MY will decline to 23 million tons from 24.1 million tons last year, but ending stocks for the year will increase by only 0.9 million tons—to 4.53 million tons—while this year they are expected to rise by 2.9 million tons.
As for the corn harvest, USDA analysts forecast it at 30 million tons this year, compared to 30.9 million tons last year. The increase in exports is also expected to result from a decrease in ending stocks by 0.19 million tons, while this marketing year they are projected to increase by 1.91 million tons.
Taking other crops into account, the U.S. Department of Agriculture expects this year’s forage grain harvest to decrease to 36.08 million tons from 37.22 million tons last year, but an increase in its exports next marketing year to 25.19 million tons from 24.30 million tons this marketing year, also due to carryover stocks accumulated this year.
As reported, the Ministry of Economy forecasts a grain harvest of approximately 60.4 million tons in 2026, which is only 1%, or 0.64 million tons, less than last year. According to preliminary estimates by the Ministry of Economy, the harvest of major crops may amount to: wheat – about 22.4 million tons, barley – about 4.7 million tons, and corn – about 31.6 million tons.
According to the State Statistics Service, the wheat harvest in 2025 increased by 3.6% to 23.34 million tons, corn by 14.6% to 30.9 million tons, while the barley harvest decreased by 2.4% to 5.2 million tons.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects this year’s wheat harvest to decrease to 819.06 million tons and its exports to 211.70 million tons, down from 843.84 million tons and 222.68 million tons, respectively, last year.
The USDA’s first forecast for global corn production this year is 1,295.38 million tons, with exports for the 2026/27 marketing year at 206.91 million tons, while last year’s harvest was 1,312.68 million tons, and exports for the 2025-26 marketing year are expected to reach 213.59 million tons.
JSC “NAEK ”Energoatom” is implementing agreements with Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB regarding the localization of production of components used in fuel assemblies.
“Atomenergomash (AEM) has received the necessary materials to manufacture the first batch of fuel assembly tails for the VVER-1000. The production time for the batch is four months,” Energoatom reported on Wednesday.
The components manufactured at Ukrainian facilities will be used in the production of fuel for Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
“The launch of our own production of fuel assembly components is an important step in achieving Ukraine’s strategic goal of strengthening energy security and establishing energy independence. In addition, the qualification process is underway for another fuel assembly component—fuel cassette heads“, noted Pavlo Kovtonyuk, head of ”Energoatom.”
The company noted that Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB has recognized Energoatom’s subsidiary, VP “Atomenergomash,” as a qualified and approved supplier of nuclear fuel components (fuel assemblies) for VVER reactors. Atomenergomash’s quality system complies with Westinghouse standards.
DTEK Energy’s machine builders manufactured and repaired 640 units of mining equipment between January and April of this year, including five new roadheaders and longwall shearers and three electric motors, according to a company press release.
During this period, they also produced over 600,000 spare parts and components.
As previously reported, over the first four months of last year, 1,136 units of mining equipment (including three new longwall shearers) and 735,000 spare parts and components were manufactured and repaired.
“The stability of the power grid, especially during the most severe winters like the one we recently experienced, is built through proactive daily work. Our machine builders are already manufacturing and repairing the equipment, components, and spare parts necessary for the more reliable operation of Ukraine’s coal mining industry. This contributes to the reliability of the mines, the power grid, and readiness for the challenges of the coming season,” DTEK Energy CEO Oleksandr Fomenko is quoted as saying in the press release.
In turn, one of the company’s machine-building assets—Korum Druzhkivka Machine-Building Plant (Dnipro)—reported on Facebook that in January–April it manufactured 88 GSO units and 294,900 components and spare parts, as well as repaired one KPD roadheader. Last year during this period, 106 GSO units were manufactured, two KPD roadheaders were refurbished, and over 286,000 components were produced.
DTEK Energy ensures a closed-loop coal-to-electricity production cycle. Installed capacity in thermal power generation is 13.3 GW (as of January 2022). A complete production cycle has been established in coal mining: coal extraction and enrichment, machine building, and maintenance of mining equipment.
As noted in the report, according to preliminary data, in January–April 2026, DTEK Energy invested approximately UAH 5 billion in preparations for summer consumption peaks and the upcoming heating season.
“The company allocated the bulk of the funds to a repair campaign and restoration work following enemy attacks, as well as to ensuring more reliable operation of thermal power generation and coal enterprises,” the press release states.
The company’s investments in repairs and restoration of thermal power plants, as well as in supporting the operations of mines and machine-building plants since the start of the full-scale invasion (2022–April 2026), have already exceeded UAH 49 billion.
The DTEK Group is the largest private investor in Ukraine’s energy sector, employing 55,000 people and having invested over EUR 12 billion since 2005. It is wholly owned by SCM Holdings. The ultimate beneficiary and sole shareholder is Rinat Akhmetov.
The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has announced the inclusion of the transnational “Precucuteni-Ariusud-Cucuteni-Trypillia” Cultural Complex on UNESCO’s Tentative List.
“It comprises 15 archaeological sites located across eight regions of Ukraine, as well as 36 in Romania and 20 in the Republic of Moldova. The next step is the preparation of a complete nomination dossier for submission to UNESCO with the aim of including these sites on the World Heritage List,” the ministry’s statement reads.
It is noted that the included Ukrainian sites represent archaeological monuments that reflect the high level of development of settlements, planning, and material culture of the Eneolithic era on the territory of modern Ukraine.
As reported, on September 18, 2025, the ministries of culture of Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the preparation and promotion of a joint nomination dossier. The document formalized the three countries’ intention to jointly prepare and submit the transnational serial site “Precucuten-Ariusud-Cucuteni-Trypillia Cultural Complex” to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The focus of summer vacations in Ukraine in 2026 has shifted toward mountain resorts and city tours, with budgets increasing by 25–40% compared to the previous vacation season, according to the analytics department of Ribas Hotels Group.
“Today, Ukrainians need rest and a safe place to recharge more than ever. And although access to international travel is currently limited, there are many places in Ukraine where you can relax on a variety of budgets,” noted Yelyzaveta Voloshyna, the company’s head of B2C sales and marketing.
At this stage, opportunities for seaside vacations are concentrated in the Odesa region.
The advantages of seaside resorts near Odesa include: a more peaceful vacation compared to the city, a family-friendly atmosphere in coastal villages, and lower costs compared to other leisure options. “But, unfortunately, choosing a seaside destination has its downsides, including security concerns and closed beaches, as well as underdeveloped infrastructure and a limited number of hotels where the price matches the quality,” Voloshina noted.
In recent years, demand for short getaways in cities and suburbs has been growing. Among the advantages is a developed infrastructure, which allows you to change your leisure plans on any given day if you wish. For example, in Odesa, with its officially open beaches, you can choose a day at the beach, a food tour, or exploring historical sites. There is also a wide range of vacation options to choose from, ranging from budget to premium. Most importantly, cities offer more accommodation options. The only downside to such a vacation in Odesa is the large number of people during the season.
At the same time, according to a study conducted by the company, mountain resorts lead the way in vacation plans. The pros of this type of vacation include: a greater share of modern amenities, safety, health benefits, a variety of activities, and many excursions. The cons include unstable weather, overcrowding, and high costs for lodging and attractions during peak season.
Regardless of the destination chosen, the “base” of the vacation budget will include four types of expenses. The largest share of the cost—40 to 50% of the vacation budget—will go toward accommodation. In high-end hotels, this share may be even higher, as the cost includes not just a bed, but also amenities: a spa, pools, and service.
According to Ribas Hotels Group estimates, this year the budget for accommodation in country estates or simple apartments is 800–1,500 UAH/night. For mid-range aparthotels and 3-star hotels, the cost is 1,800–3,500 UAH/night. Accommodation in hotels with a spa, pool, and excellent service will cost even more: 3,500–6,000 UAH per night. And a stay at a premium hotel will cost around 6,000–12,000+ UAH per night. For comparison: in 2025, guesthouses and basic apartments could be found for 600–1,200 UAH/night, 3-star hotels for 1,200 to 2,600 UAH/night, and hotels with a spa and pool in the range of 3,000–5,000 UAH/night.
In other words, in 2026, each segment became more expensive by an average of several hundred hryvnias per night (by 25–40%). The reason is the consistently high demand for domestic travel amid limited opportunities to travel abroad, as well as rising hotel operating costs: the cost of electricity for businesses in 2026 is 11.50–12.50 UAH per kWh, compared to 10.4 UAH in 2025; fuel prices have risen by 13.2% annually, according to the State Statistics Service.
Food and beverage costs rank second in terms of expenses, accounting for 20–30% of the total. This includes both main meals and “ambience” costs: coffee with a view, an evening cocktail, and regional cuisine. The food budget is typically calculated as 200–400 UAH per person for breakfast, 300–600 UAH for lunch, and 400–800 UAH for dinner.
“Thus, the average daily cost per person ranges from a minimum of 500–700 UAH to a comfortable 1,500–2,000 UAH,” said Voloshyna.
British mobile operator Vodafone Group reported a pre-tax profit in fiscal year 2026, compared to a loss a year earlier, with revenue increasing by 8%.
According to the company’s statement, pre-tax profit for the fiscal year ended March 31 was €1.86 billion, compared to a loss of €1.48 billion a year earlier, when it wrote down the value of assets in Germany and Romania by €4.5 billion.
Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, including lease payments (EBITDAaL), rose 4% last year to €11.35 billion. Organic growth was 4.5%.
Vodafone’s annual revenue rose to €40.46 billion from €37.45 billion a year earlier.
Organic growth in service revenue—a key performance indicator for Vodafone—was 5.4%, with increases recorded in all regions except Germany (-0.2%). In the rest of Europe and Turkey, service revenue increased by 0.5% on an organic basis, in the UK by 0.3%, and in Africa by 12.9%.
The consensus forecast of analysts, compiled by Vodafone itself, projected annual revenue of €40.42 billion and adjusted EBITDAaL of €11.48 billion.
The company forecasts that in fiscal 2027, adjusted EBITDAaL will be €11.9–12.2 billion, and free cash flow excluding one-time items will be €2.6–2.9 billion.
In total, the company returned €3.1 billion to shareholders in the past fiscal year.
Vodafone shares are down 3.5% during Tuesday’s trading. Since the start of this year, their value has risen by 17.5%.
