Scientists from the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA), together with partners, have begun implementing an international project to create new concrete mixtures using waste, in particular, destroyed structures, for construction using 3D printing and traditional methods, according to the KNUCA press service.
The release states that as part of the project “Development of new approaches and construction materials for the restoration of Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure with consideration for environmental sustainability,” researchers are developing a concrete mixture with the addition of materials resulting from the destruction of buildings and other industrial and agricultural waste.
The restoration of housing in Ukraine requires the introduction of universal rapid construction technologies that allow for the construction of sustainable and affordable buildings even in conditions of limited resources. Due to the war, many buildings in Ukraine have been destroyed. The remains of concrete structures can be effectively recycled and used for the construction of new housing. Compared to traditional construction methods, 3D printing of buildings can ensure faster construction rates, significantly less use of human resources, and savings in materials and energy.
The project is co-funded by the US Office of Naval Research and the US National Science Foundation (NSF). The research is being conducted as part of the multilateral partnership initiative ” International Multilateral Partnership for Ensuring the Sustainability of the Education and Science System in Ukraine (IMPRESS-U),” initiated by the Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) of the US National Science Foundation with the involvement of researchers from Stony Brook University in the US and the Jan and Jędrzej Śniadecki University of Technology in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
The project will last two years. At KNUBA, the implementation of this project is entrusted to teachers, graduate students, and students of the Faculty of Construction and Technology, in particular, the Department of Building Materials and the Department of Building Structures and Products Technology.
Proposals for establishing marketing rules in the retail pharmaceutical market submitted by pharmaceutical manufacturers were not taken into account when developing the rules for marketing medicines. Instead, the interests of the pharmacy business were taken into account when preparing the draft rules, according to domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The “rules of the game” in the pharmaceutical market are not set by the state, but by five non-public business groups of pharmacy chains that control over 70% of the market. The draft resolution on marketing dated May 14, 2025, proposed by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, provides for a ban on the provision of marketing services for prescription drugs and, at the same time, limits the income of pharmacies from marketing services to 12% of the total sales of drugs (including prescription drugs),” – according to a statement by the Association of Drug Manufacturers of Ukraine (ADMU) and the Association of Employers in the Medical and Microbiological Industry, sent to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.
Manufacturers emphasize that the proposed model contradicts the law and is clearly a blatant manipulation not in the interests of consumers and will lead to a 75% increase in retail prices of over-the-counter drugs to the distributor’s price.
Since over-the-counter drugs account for only 37% of the market, according to the associations, the percentage of the marketing payment in the price of an over-the-counter drug will exceed 40% of the manufacturer’s wholesale price. This is in addition to the 35% retail markup allowed by Ukrainian law. The real increase in the price of an over-the-counter drug at the pharmacy level for the consumer will be 75% of the distributor’s price, manufacturers emphasize.
“When the Ministry of Health of Ukraine approves a model of 12% marketing payment without specifying services, the result is not reform, but a 40% burden on the price of an over-the-counter drug. This is not a market mechanism, but a regressive tax on the poor: those who buy drugs without compensation pay the most,” the associations emphasize.
Manufacturers also note that the draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on drug marketing in this version of the Ministry of Health does not specify the list of permitted marketing services aimed at consumers at the point of sale, as proposed by many participants in the public discussion, but instead introduces an unjustified payment in the form of a fixed percentage of the total volume of medicines sold by pharmacies.
“This approach is more like a ‘shelf space fee’ for manufacturers. Such a payment, without a fixed list of clear, transparent services based on the European model defined at the legislative level, has nothing to do with the manufacturer’s marketing activities and is in fact a form of systematic racketeering,” the manufacturers believe.
Domestic manufacturers emphasize that during the preparation of the draft order on the provision of marketing services, all discussions boiled down to the need to develop compensation for the decline in the profitability of the pharmacy business that existed before the state limited retail markups to 35%. “All meetings boiled down to discussions about the profitability of pharmacies. Patient needs were never discussed. This is an institutional mistake,” the associations say.
Domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers emphasize that the pharmacy market is oversaturated and degraded, with the number of pharmacies in Ukraine 2-3 times higher than European standards, and in large cities, there are three pharmacies “door to door” at almost every intersection. This number of pharmacies does not correspond to the actual number of pharmacists, as a result of which many pharmacies employ people without the appropriate education.
“Consumers and patients are being forced to buy unnecessary drugs from manufacturers who have agreed to pay marketing fees, while other manufacturers are simply being removed from the shelves. The “rules of the game” in the pharmaceutical market are set not by the state, but by five non-public business groups of pharmacy chains that control over 70% of the market. This is not a market — it is corporate dictatorship in the absence of state arbitration,” emphasize the leaders of the domestic pharmaceutical industry.
The associations note that today, a dirty information campaign has been launched against those manufacturers who have spoken out in favor of transparent pricing and in support of the Ukrainian president’s initiative, who have reduced the prices of their basic medicines by 30%. The medicines of these manufacturers have been effectively removed from the shelves of pharmacies belonging to the monopoly cartel.
These are the top five pharmacy chains in the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market. Pharmaceutical manufacturers remind us that in support of the initiative of the President of Ukraine and the government to ensure the availability of medicines, 32 leading domestic manufacturers of medicines have reduced the retail prices of the 303 most commonly used medicines
sold and available in pharmacies in Ukraine by 30% compared to the wholesale (list) prices in January 2025.
Domestic manufacturers note that 37% of the Ukrainian pharmacy market consists of over-the-counter drugs, most of which are purchased monthly by the same people.
“Today, vulnerable groups of citizens—the elderly, patients with chronic diseases, and residents of rural areas—were the first to feel the effects of opaque pharmacy policy. Manufacturers who reduced prices by 30% on more than 300 medicines were effectively “kicked out” of pharmacies. Their drugs disappeared from the shelves, leaving consumers with more expensive alternatives. This is not a market, this is discrimination against patients as the weakest link,” the manufacturers say.
Manufacturers insist on the adoption of the draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on the provision of marketing and other services related to the sale of medicines to end consumers, published by the Ministry of Health on May 26, 2025, which limits marketing expenses depending on whether the medicine is available without a prescription or with one.
“The adoption of this draft will return the logic of the reform to its original meaning—protecting patients, rather than balancing the business interests of pharmacies and manufacturers. The focus is not on profits, but on health,” the manufacturers emphasized.
Source: https://interfax.com.ua/news/pharmacy/1076084.html?utm_source=telegram
On Sunday, June 1, in the southeastern part of Ukraine, and during the day in Transcarpathia and Prykarpattia, moderate, in some places in the central, Odesa, and Mykolaiv regions, short-term rains, in some places thunderstorms, according to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center.
The rest of the territory will be dry.
The wind will be westerly and northwesterly, 5-10 m/s.
The temperature at night will be 11-16°, during the day 22-27°. In the Carpathians, the temperature at night will be 5-10°, during the day 15-20°.
In Kyiv, no precipitation, northwesterly wind, 5-10 m/s. Temperature at night 14-16°, during the day 23-25°.
According to the Boris Sreznevsky Central Geophysical Observatory, the highest daytime temperature in Kyiv on June 1 was recorded in 1979 and 2011 and amounted to 31.7°, the lowest nighttime temperature was 4.1° in 1904.
On Monday, June 2, there will be short-term rains and thunderstorms in Zakarpattia at night and in western, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia regions and in Crimea during the day. The rest of the territory will be dry.
The wind will be variable, 3-8 m/s.
The temperature at night will be 11-16°, during the day 22-27°. In the Carpathians, the temperature at night will be 6-11°, during the day 18-23°.
In Kyiv, there will be no precipitation, with winds of 3-8 m/s. The temperature at night will be 14-16°, during the day 25-27°.
US President Donald Trump has announced that tariffs on steel imports to the US will be increased by 50%, which is twice the current rate, CNN reports.
“We are going to increase tariffs on steel in the United States by 25%, from 25% to 50%,” he said during a speech at a US Steel plant near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Trump added that he was considering a 40% tariff, but industry leaders told him they wanted a 50% tariff.
“At 25%, they can somehow get around this fence. At 50%, nobody will get around this fence,” the US president added.
He later wrote that tariffs on steel and aluminum would be increased to 50% starting Wednesday, June 4.
“I am honored to raise tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50% starting Wednesday, June 4. Our steel and aluminum industries are reborn like never before. This will be another big boost of great news for our great steel and aluminum workers. Let’s make America great again!” he wrote.
Earlier, the Experts Club analytical center released a global analysis of steel production by the world’s leading countries. For more details, follow the link: https://youtube.com/shorts/VgUU9MEMosE?si=EZIE-o9jE0w2O9Z_
On May 30, 2025, the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance announced its decision not to pay $665 million to holders of GDP warrants — financial instruments issued in 2015 as part of debt restructuring. This was the first default on these obligations since their creation.
What are GDP warrants?
GDP warrants are securities whose payments depend on the growth rate of the economy. If Ukraine’s GDP exceeds certain thresholds, investors receive additional payments. In 2023, the country’s economy grew by 5.3%, which triggered the obligation to pay about $665 million in June 2025.
Reasons for default
The Ukrainian government had previously imposed a moratorium on payments on GDP warrants from May 31, 2024. Attempts to restructure these obligations were unsuccessful: negotiations with major warrant holders, including large hedge funds, ended without agreement in April 2025. Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko called these instruments “outdated” and stressed the need to revise them.
Consequences and risks
Credit rating: Moody’s has affirmed Ukraine’s rating at “Ca,” indicating a high risk of default.
Investor reaction: Despite the default, cross-default provisions were removed in 2024, limiting the spread of the consequences to other debt obligations.
International support: Ukraine continues to receive financial assistance from Western partners and the IMF, but the default may complicate future financing negotiations.
Outlook
Ukraine is seeking a complete restructuring of GDP warrants, including the possibility of exchanging them for other instruments or changing the terms of payment after 2028. However, the lack of agreement with investors and the ongoing war with Russia create uncertainty about the country’s future economic recovery.
Thus, the default on GDP warrants reflects Ukraine’s difficult financial situation and highlights the need to review the terms of its debt obligations amid ongoing conflict and economic difficulties.
On Tuesday, official events were held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kyiv to mark the 107th anniversary of the proclamation of independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Among the guests were representatives of the Verkhovna Rada, the government, the diplomatic corps, and expert and business circles of Ukraine.
Greeting those present, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Ukraine Seymur Mardaliev called May 28 “a day that marks the birth of an independent nation rich in history, culture, and resilience.” In his speech, he drew a historical parallel between the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic of 1918 and the modern state:
“Exactly 107 years ago, on May 28, 1918, with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was founded — the first parliamentary democracy in the entire Muslim East. The ADR was created on the principles of freedom, equality, and national self-determination. It was not only a bold manifestation of our people’s right to statehood, but also an innovative example of democratic governance in the East,” he said.
The ambassador emphasized that although the ADR existed for only 23 months, it left a deep mark on the history of Azerbaijan.
“This experience of independent statehood became an important part of national identity when Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991 and proudly proclaimed itself the successor to the ADR. The Azerbaijani tricolor, national anthem, and coat of arms reflect the legacy of this historic republic,” Seymour Mardaliev emphasized.
He highlighted the successes in the field of clean energy, mentioning the launch of the Southern Gas Corridor, the development of the Black Sea submarine cable project, and the national “green growth” strategy, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050.
“Today, under the wise and far-sighted leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is a sovereign, democratic country that is successfully implementing the ideals of the ADR through effective governance, dynamic human capital development, and active foreign policy. We are experiencing the most successful period in our history,” the ambassador emphasized.
Speaking about the partnership with Ukraine, Mardaliev emphasized the strategic nature of bilateral relations. He also mentioned the recent political consultations between the two countries, including the visit of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga to Azerbaijan.
“Azerbaijan and Ukraine have traditionally strong ties based on mutual respect, trust, and support for each other’s territorial integrity. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Azerbaijan has been actively providing humanitarian aid, which has already reached a total of US$42 million. And we are ready to continue our support. Azerbaijan supplies energy equipment, finances the reconstruction of social infrastructure facilities in Irpin, and provides fuel for emergency services through SOCAR Ukraine. In February this year, President Aliyev signed a decree on additional aid to Ukraine in the amount of US$1 million. We also support humanitarian demining, in particular by supplying equipment and training specialists,” he said.
In his speech, Mardaliev also touched upon Azerbaijan’s achievements in the environmental sphere and at the global level:
“Azerbaijan has voluntarily committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050, and Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur are being transformed into green energy zones. We are actively working on transregional energy projects, in particular the Black Sea submarine cable project, which will allow us to export ‘green’ energy to Europe,” he said.
Special attention was paid to the issues of recovery and peace in the South Caucasus. The speech included messages about Baku’s desire for lasting peace in the region. In particular, Mardaliev noted the achievements in direct negotiations with Armenia, emphasizing the need to conclude a peace agreement.
“We have begun unprecedented restoration work in the liberated territories and at the same time strive to achieve a just and lasting peace with Armenia. Azerbaijan clearly states: it is time to turn de facto peace into de jure peace. We want to live in peace as two sovereign states within internationally recognized borders,” the ambassador emphasized.
At the end of his speech, Mardaliev called for unity and thanked the Ukrainian side for its partnership.
“Dear friends, I am sincerely grateful to each of you for being with us today, for supporting Azerbaijani-Ukrainian ties and deepening the friendship between our countries. Together we are stronger. Glory to Azerbaijan! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Azerbaijani-Ukrainian friendship!” he concluded.
On May 28, 1918, the independence of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) was proclaimed in Tbilisi — the first secular republic in the Muslim East. The ADR existed until April 1920, when Bolshevik troops established control over its territory. In 1991, after the collapse of the USSR, Azerbaijan regained its independence. May 28 is celebrated annually as the main national holiday — Independence Day.
AZERBAIJAN, CAUCASUS, INTERNATIONAL_RELATIONS, SEYMOUR_MARDALIEV, UKRAINE
