The OKKO gas station chain is investing over $120 million to open 20 new 3.0-format gas stations and renovate another 60 existing ones by 2029, according to OKKO Group CEO Vasyl Danyliak.
“We are probably the company that has carried out the most renovations during the full-scale war… We not only quickly restored damaged gas stations, but also launched a program back in the fall of 2022 to upgrade and rebuild our stations; over the years, we have renovated more than 200 facilities. But we see how requirements are changing—that’s why we developed the 3.0 format,” Danilyak told reporters during a press tour on Wednesday.
The first complex of this format was built and opened in Irpin, and the second was renovated to the 3.0 format in Hatne. The next step is the construction of a flagship highway complex in Zvyagel.
According to Danylyak, investments in the construction of the gas station in Irpin amounted to approximately $3 million; highway complexes in the new format are estimated to cost $4–5 million, while the renovation of existing highway stations will cost about $2 million. By 2029, the company plans to invest over $120 million in the development of the 3.0 format, specifically to build 20 new stations and renovate about 60, thereby covering approximately 20% of the network.
The new format emphasizes technology, the digitalization of the customer journey (OKKO PAY, OKKO Drive, the Smart Kitchen system), expanded food service, energy independence, and the development of infrastructure for electric vehicles, as well as simple navigation, accessibility, and modern design. In particular, the gas stations now feature OKKO Work Spaces—rooms for phone calls and online meetings, an all-season terrace, children’s play areas, and more.
In addition to the rooftop solar power plant, solar panels have also been installed as a canopy over the charging stations. In total, a 69 kW solar power plant has been installed at the Irpin gas station, and a 48 kW plant in Hatne, with plans to expand to 100 kW. During peak generation periods, these systems can cover up to 50% of the complex’s own electricity consumption. Combined with generators and backup power, this allows the gas stations to remain operational even during power outages. By the end of 2026, solar power plants will be operating at more than 300 gas stations in the network, with a total capacity exceeding 6 MW.
According to Danylyak, the company also plans to install solar power plants near gas stations “where it is possible to lease land.” In particular, this has already been done in Kalynivka, and such a mini-solar power plant will soon be installed in Ivankiv.
OKKO has been developing its electric vehicle initiatives since 2014, when it became the first gas station chain in Ukraine to begin building a systematic charging infrastructure. Today, this includes approximately 100 Ultra Fast Chargers at 63 locations. In the new format at gas stations, the charging area is located under a separate canopy with solar panels, separated from the fueling lanes.
“Together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the company is preparing a $10 million financing program to expand its network of high-speed charging stations,” Danilyak said.
According to Vasyl Dmytriv, OKKO’s vice president of marketing and development, the company now competes not only with gas stations but also with fast-food chains, restaurants, and stores. OKKO 3.0 features a full-fledged dining area offering Ukrainian, European, and Asian cuisines, plus a section for ready-to-eat meals: soups, main courses and side dishes, salads, burgers, pizza, WOK dishes, and pasta. The key difference of the new format is the open kitchen. Thanks to the expanded kitchen infrastructure, the company can now operate multiple culinary concepts simultaneously—including preparing dishes “to order.” OKKO remains Ukraine’s No. 1 coffee chain by sales: in 2025, customers purchased nearly 34 million cups. In the new gas station format, the coffee area has been expanded; specifically, the location in Hatne offers over 150 coffee options.
electromobility, gas station, INVESTMENT, Даниляк, ОККО, СЕС
Issue No. 2 – June 2026
Analysis of the Current Situation on Ukraine’s Foreign Exchange Market
In June, the hryvnia continued to trend toward devaluation, but by the end of the month, the official exchange rate had not exceeded 45 UAH per dollar, remaining at 44.85 UAH/USD. However, on the cash foreign exchange market, banks and currency exchange offices have been setting selling rates significantly higher than the official rate—45.05–45.30 UAH/USD—for over two weeks now.
On Ukraine’s interbank foreign exchange market, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) remains the primary seller, covering importers’ requests primarily thanks to international aid tranches. The National Bank expects that the upcoming receipt of international aid under the Ukraine Support Loan program and progress in negotiations with the IMF regarding the EFF program will significantly strengthen its ability to maintain the stability of the foreign exchange market. In fact, market expectations currently suggest that a managed devaluation of the hryvnia will take place over the next three months, though the pace will not be rapid. Meanwhile, one of the factors supporting the hryvnia is the situation on the international market, particularly the drop in oil prices on the global market. This should stabilize oil traders’ pricing policies and somewhat weaken demand for foreign currency.
Global Context
In June, international markets were awaiting the Federal Reserve Committee’s decision on the key interest rate. Forecasts indicated that the rate would remain unchanged. Following the Federal Reserve Committee’s meeting, this is exactly what happened—the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3.5% to 3.75%. The Fed’s statement noted that economic activity is expanding at a steady pace, despite heightened uncertainty, which is partly driven by the conflict in the Middle East. “Growth in labor productivity and capital investment remains strong. Job growth is keeping pace with labor force growth, and the unemployment rate has remained virtually unchanged. Inflation remains elevated relative to the Committee’s 2% target, partly reflecting supply shocks that have led to price increases in certain sectors, particularly in energy,” the Fed explained in justifying its decision to keep rates unchanged.
The situation in the Middle East is having a significant impact on the markets, as uncertainty regarding the future course of the conflict between the U.S. and Iran is leading to increased volatility in both the oil and capital markets. In June, markets were buoyed by hopes for a swift end to the war and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. On June 17, the U.S. and Iran signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that included “an immediate and definitive cessation of military operations on all fronts.” In effect, Iran agreed to make “every effort to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels free of charge for 60 days.” However, by the end of June, attacks resumed from both Iran and the U.S. First, an Iranian missile struck a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, after which the U.S. launched a series of strikes against Iran, hitting several targets—a move the U.S. Central Command described as a direct response to “ongoing aggression” against commercial shipping. Iran later retaliated with strikes on U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. It is currently unclear whether the ceasefire allegedly agreed upon by the U.S. and Iran will actually hold. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for oil and gas shipments, and therefore the ability to transport oil through it affects oil prices.
Global oil prices are constantly influenced by the situation in the Middle East. In early June, the price of Brent crude reached $97 per barrel, but it then declined daily throughout the rest of the month. However, after attacks resumed in late June, prices began to rise again (reaching $74 per barrel on June 29), as traders assessed the fragile ceasefire in the Persian Gulf.
The U.S. dollar exchange rate also reacts sharply to international news and global uncertainty. However, there is noticeable optimism here—over the month, the DXY index showed a 2.23% appreciation of the dollar. While the EUR/USD exchange rate stood at around 1.1611 dollars per euro in mid-June, by the end of June it had fallen to 1.1407 dollars per euro. This trend can be explained by the increasing likelihood of a Fed rate hike in 2026, as well as optimism regarding the U.S. economic outlook.
Domestic Ukrainian Context
Demand for foreign currency remained consistently high in June, and to prevent the hryvnia from further devaluation, the National Bank had to increase its foreign currency sales, meaning that interventions rose. Over the 26 days of June, the NBU sold more than $4.63 billion on the market; by comparison, in May, the amount of foreign currency sold by the NBU on the interbank market was $3.03 billion. Consequently, pressure on the hryvnia is intensifying due to both large volumes of various imports (including fuel and electrical equipment) and the strengthening of the dollar on the international market.
As of June 30, the official exchange rate stood at 44.85 UAH/USD, having strengthened compared to June 11, when it reached 44.97 UAH/USD, but having weakened compared to early June, when it was 44.27 UAH/USD.
Inflows of international aid are expected to replenish international reserves, thereby allowing the NBU to maintain its flexible exchange rate policy by increasing currency sales on the interbank market while preventing the hryvnia from depreciating rapidly. At the end of June, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the allocation of the first tranche of macroeconomic assistance to Ukraine—3.2 billion euros from a 90-billion-euro loan. This 3.2 billion euros is the first of three tranches of macro-financial assistance planned for 2026. In total, Ukraine is set to receive 8.35 billion euros under this loan this year; the second tranche, amounting to approximately 3.7 billion, is expected in the fall, and the third tranche, totaling about 1.45 billion euros, is scheduled to be disbursed at the end of the year.
There is already positive news regarding the tranches under Ukraine’s loan program with the IMF. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko met in June with IMF First Deputy Managing Director Dan Katz, where the parties discussed the results of the first review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program and agreed on the next steps in their cooperation. According to her, the IMF Executive Board plans to approve the next tranche for Ukraine, amounting to $690 million, by mid-July.
U.S. Dollar Exchange Rate: Trends and Analysis
In June, the hryvnia managed to stabilize and avoid crossing the psychological threshold of 45 UAH per dollar; however, as previously mentioned, this is primarily due to increased interventions by the National Bank, which exceeded $4.63 billion over the four weeks of June.
As of the end of June, the official exchange rate stood at 44.85 UAH/USD, whereas at the beginning of the month it was 44.27 UAH/USD. On the interbank foreign exchange market on June 29, trading took place at a rate of 44.84–44.88 UAH/USD.
In the cash market, the dollar is already trading above the 45 UAH per dollar mark, and the exchange rate in the retail market differs quite significantly from the official rate. While at the beginning of June the buying rate was within the range of 43.85–44.05 UAH/USD and the selling rate was 44.4–44.6 UAH/USD, on the last day of June the buying rate was 44.5–44.8 UAH/USD and the selling rate was 45.05–45.30 UAH/USD. The spreads between the buying and selling rates on the cash market widened to 0.5–0.75 UAH/USD in June.
Key influencing factors:
· Demand for foreign currency on the interbank market continues to grow, and the hryvnia is depreciating. The NBU is covering importers’ requests through currency interventions, the volume of which increased significantly in June—to over 4.63 billion USD
· There are no significant fluctuations in the cash market, but the market has crossed a psychological threshold. Expectations of further devaluation persist, and banks and currency exchange offices are selling the dollar at a rate of 45.05–45.30 UAH/USD.
· International factors: The U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum, but the parties to the conflict subsequently resumed military operations. This is putting pressure on oil prices, which are rising. Meanwhile, the dollar is being supported by expectations that the Fed will raise rates after all.
· Market sentiment: On the international market, all attention is currently focused on U.S. labor market statistics and inflation data, which could form the basis for the Fed’s July rate review. In Ukraine, amid trade imbalances and a lack of sufficient foreign currency supplies from exporters to meet market demand, the NBU remains the main market maker; demand for foreign currency is rising, and expectations of devaluation are intensifying.
Forecast
· Short term (1–2 weeks): base range of 44.80–45.25 UAH/USD, with likely short-term fluctuations toward a stronger hryvnia.
· Medium term (2–3 months): 45.10–45.60 UAH/USD. The dollar’s strengthening on the global market increases the likelihood of a rapid appreciation of the U.S. currency in the Ukrainian market as well. The future trajectory of the euro/dollar pair depends on the Fed’s decisions regarding changes to the key interest rate and the situation in the Middle East.
· Long term (6+ months): In the baseline scenario, no changes are expected—the hryvnia will depreciate, however, the extent of the devaluation depends on a number of factors, including dollar exchange rate fluctuations on the international market, the government budget deficit, the NBU’s monetary policy, the level of international aid, the volume of international reserves, and the country’s need for new multibillion-volume energy imports. By the end of 2026, the exchange rate could reach 46.50 UAH/$.
Euro Exchange Rate: Trends and Analysis
In June, the euro fell against the hryvnia on the domestic market amid fluctuations in the international currency market, where the dollar regained ground. Thus, while the month began with an official exchange rate of 51.55 UAH/EUR, as of June 30, the official euro exchange rate stood at 51.16 UAH/EUR.
The cash market followed the trends in the global market, resulting in a noticeable strengthening of the hryvnia against the euro in the domestic retail segment. While in early June the buying rate ranged from 50.85 to 51.3 UAH/EUR and the selling rate from 51.75 to 51.90 UAH/EUR, as of June 30, the buying rate for the euro was already 50.50–50.90 UAH/EUR, and the selling rate was 51.40–51.60 UAH/EUR. The spreads between the buying and selling rates for the euro remained virtually unchanged in June, ranging from 0.55 to 0.85 UAH/EUR.
Key influencing factors:
· The euro has weakened noticeably on the international market, driven by the strengthening of the dollar amid expectations of a possible Fed rate hike. In June, the euro lost ground against the backdrop of expectations that the Fed would raise rates, which is forecast to occur in late July.
· Investors are opting for the dollar as they anticipate a Fed rate hike. Interest in the euro is waning, as forecasts suggest that higher rates will boost the value of U.S. bonds, making dollar-denominated Treasury securities a more attractive investment vehicle.
· Moderate demand for the euro is evident in Ukraine’s cash market. Banks and currency exchange offices are not experiencing a shortage of euro cash.
Forecast:
· Short term (2–4 weeks): On the Ukrainian market, the euro may remain within the range of 51.20–51.50 UAH/€.
· Medium term (2–4 months): if the dollar continues to strengthen on the international market and the euro depreciates against the dollar, the euro may fluctuate in Ukraine within the range of 51.15–51.65 UAH/€.
· Long term (6+ months): The euro exchange rate may remain within the range of 51.80–53.50 UAH/€. The key influencing factors remain the situation in the Middle East, the Fed’s upcoming decisions on key interest rate changes, inflation rates in the U.S. and the EU, and whether the ECB will decide to make another rate change in 2026.
Recommendations for Businesses and Investors
July will not bring stability—exchange rate fluctuations in the euro/dollar pair are likely to intensify. This will require flexibility in investment plans, but also close attention to international news and factors affecting the exchange rates of major currencies.
The dollar is regaining ground, while the euro is losing it. The dollar is currently being supported by high inflation linked to the energy shock, as well as the agreement between the U.S. and Iran and optimism that the parties to the conflict will adhere to its terms. For investors, this means confidently investing in the dollar.
The Fed may adjust interest rates in 2026. Rising inflation in the U.S. has deprived the Fed of the opportunity to cut rates, and markets are now fully pricing in a possible rate hike by October. This will continue to support the U.S. dollar and put pressure on the euro. For investors, this means a willingness to focus on the dollar, but at the same time a need to diversify assets by allocating a portion of investments to the euro.
The conflict between the U.S. and Iran remains unresolved. Since the matter is not yet settled and operations in the Middle East continue, the dollar remains under pressure from the global situation. For investors, this means the need to consider several scenarios and have flexible options for exiting certain assets in order to reallocate funds to others.
Investment liquidity is at the heart of the strategy. The rather unexpected fluctuations in the euro/dollar pair—where the dollar managed to strengthen rapidly, while the euro has suffered significant losses—only underscore the need to build a portfolio that takes all factors into account, while keeping the most liquid currencies—the dollar and the euro—at the core of the strategy, although it makes sense to reduce the euro’s share in the portfolio to 15–20%.
Investment security is a key factor when choosing a strategy. Against the backdrop of the hryvnia’s prolonged depreciation trend, it is advisable to use the hryvnia for specific transactions and day-to-day expenses, but to avoid establishing long-term investment plans in the national currency.
Investors’ sharp shift toward the dollar in the global market leaves no doubt: investing in the dollar is an extremely reliable source of profit. Currently, all data point to robust growth in the U.S. economy, so the U.S. dollar remains the most liquid currency, and investors should maintain at least 60% of their currency portfolio in dollars.
Diversifying your currency portfolio—through liquid currencies.
The euro’s pullback to 51.16 UAH/USD presents new opportunities to add the euro to your portfolio in line with your chosen individual strategy. However, this is also an opportunity to acquire some other liquid currencies, particularly British pounds and Swiss francs.
Keep an eye on decisions by the U.S. and EU central banks, as well as on inflation and labor market data in the U.S. and the European Union. Over the coming month, this information will be of paramount importance to investors, as it will directly influence potential interest rate changes by central banks.
A strong or weak dollar—that’s the key question for the next six months. The dollar’s exchange rate will be most influenced by the implementation of the agreement between the U.S. and Iran, inflation trends in the U.S., and changes to the Fed’s benchmark rate. A rate cut could provide support for the euro.
Key news to watch. It is essential to monitor developments related to oil prices, the U.S.-Iran agreement and its practical implementation, as well as U.S. labor market and inflation data. The most important signal for adjusting strategy will be the Fed’s announcement regarding a change in the benchmark interest rate. The upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in late July will indicate the potential future trajectory of the euro/dollar pair. In Ukraine, the main factors influencing the foreign exchange market will be the state of international reserves, the receipt of loan tranches and aid from partners, the situation in the energy sector, and possible developments on the front lines.
This material was prepared by analysts at KYT Group, an international multi-service FinTech platform, and reflects their expert, analytical, and professional judgment. The information presented in this review is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation for action.
The company and its analysts make no representations and assume no liability for any consequences arising from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is,” without any additional guarantees of completeness, obligations regarding timeliness, or updates or additions.
Users of this material should independently assess risks and make informed decisions based on their own evaluation and analysis of the situation using various available sources that they personally deem sufficiently reliable. We recommend consulting with an independent financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
REFERENCE
KYT Group is an international, multi-service, marketplace-style FinTech platform that provides financial companies with access to services for promoting their offerings, as well as advertising and consulting services.
Ukrainian companies that enter foreign markets, work with international corporations, investors, banks or participate in tenders are increasingly facing the need to have a business identifier that is understandable to the world. One such tool is the D-U-N-S Number — a unique nine-digit company number in the global Dun & Bradstreet system.
The D-U-N-S Number is used to identify a legal entity, compare data about a company, verify its corporate profile and its links with other market participants. For a foreign partner, the presence of such an identifier simplifies the initial verification of a counterparty and reduces the number of manual procedures.
For Ukrainian exporters, manufacturers, service providers, technology companies and enterprises planning to attract international financing, the D-U-N-S Number can become part of a broader infrastructure of trust. It does not replace financial reporting, audit or compliance, but it helps a company be visible in global business systems.
“For Ukrainian business, after the start of the full-scale war, the issue of trust became no less important than the issue of price or quality. A foreign partner needs to quickly understand whom they are dealing with. The D-U-N-S Number gives a company the opportunity to be recognizable in the international environment and reduces the barrier of first contact,” said Maksym Urakin, Director of Development and Marketing at Interfax-Ukraine, Head of the D&B-Interfax-Ukraine business unit, PhD in Economics.
According to him, for Ukraine’s recovery it is important that Ukrainian companies not only receive assistance, but also enter into international rules for working with data, transparency and counterparty verification.
Dun & Bradstreet is an international company in the field of business data and analytics, founded in 1841. The company provides tools for business identification, counterparty verification, assessment of credit and commercial risks, compliance and supply chain analysis. One of D&B’s key tools is the D-U-N-S Number — a unique nine-digit company identifier used in international business practice. In Ukraine, D&B’s interests are represented by the Interfax-Ukraine agency. The partnership is aimed at expanding Ukrainian companies’ access to international business data, supporting exports, attracting financing and integrating into global supply chains. Interfax-Ukraine is an independent Ukrainian news agency that has been operating since 1992.
The “Chervona Zirka” Chemical and Pharmaceutical Plant (Kharkiv) produced goods worth 546.883 M UAH in 2025 and sold goods worth 526.744 M UAH.
According to a report published on the company’s website, the cost of goods sold in 2025 amounted to 213.733 million UAH.
The company reported that 96.4% of its output consisted of pharmaceutical products in the form of tablets, capsules, ointments, and tinctures.
Meanwhile, production of perfumes and cosmetics, which accounted for 2.9% of total sales, amounted to 15.121 million UAH.
“Despite the difficult times our country is facing, the company operated as usual in two shifts, with production capacity utilized at 67%. Currently, the company has increased its production and sales volumes compared to the pre-war period. Sales of finished products were primarily conducted on a credit basis, sometimes with payment terms of up to 60 days or on a prepayment basis. Sales volumes for the reporting year amounted to approximately 44 million UAH per month. “The share of the Ukrainian market is up to 2%; there were no exports in 2025,” the company’s report states.
“Chervona Zirka Chemical and Pharmaceutical Plant is a Ukrainian manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, therapeutic cosmetics, and dietary supplements.
According to data from the OpenDataBot system, the company’s net profit for 2024 was 24.063 million UAH, which is 64% more than in 2023.
The company’s ultimate beneficiary is Olena Galkina.
KHARKIV, MANUFACTURING, MEDICATION, PHARMACEUTICALS, Червона зірка
The Varus supermarket chain will open its first store in Vinnytsia on July 3, according to the company’s press office.
The new store is located in the PetroCenter shopping mall (70 Kotsyubynskoho Ave.). It offers everything needed for daily and family shopping: fresh meat and fish, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, and delicacies. The store will feature a VARUS CAFE serving coffee and pizza, a bakery section, a WOK station, self-checkout lanes, and Scan&Go for quick purchases. Customers can also order items on VARUS.UA for pickup at this store at a convenient time.
According to the Ukrainian Council of Shopping Centers, this store is opening on the site of the former “EKO Market” supermarket, which was the chain’s last location in the city.
Varus is a national supermarket chain represented in Ukraine’s grocery retail market by the company “Omega.” The first store opened in 2003 in Dnipro. In 2025, seven new stores were opened. Currently, the total number stands at 119 supermarkets in various cities across Ukraine.
The chain operates in several formats: traditional supermarkets, To Go stores, and the Varus.ua online store.
According to the company, its network’s turnover in 2025 increased by 19.5% to 28.8 billion UAH. Tax payments to budgets at all levels totaled 1.99 billion UAH, which is 13.45% more than in 2024.
According to Opendatabot data, the owner of Omega LLC is the Cypriot company “Viant Enterprises Limited.” Valeria Kiptika and Ruslan Shostak are listed as the ultimate beneficiaries.