Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Dneprovsky Rifle Plant increased revenue by 29% in 2024

In 2024, Dneprovsky Rifle Plant JSC (DnSZ, Dnipro) increased its consolidated net income by 29.3% compared to 2023, to UAH 2 billion 380 million.

According to the company’s consolidated financial report published on its website, net profit amounted to UAH 540.41 million (in line with previously published preliminary data), which is 5.2% more than in 2023.
The plant received UAH 647.75 million in profit from operating activities, up 5%, and gross profit increased by 11.6% to UAH 906.6 million.

Equity capital at the beginning of this year amounted to UAH 2 billion 474 million.
Over the year, the company reduced long-term liabilities by 22.3% to UAH 132.14 million, while current liabilities grew slightly (by 3.6%) to UAH 385.2 million.

DnSZ specializes in the production and sale of track superstructure elements: switches, blind crossings of various brands, and leveling devices. The products are sold mainly in Ukraine and exported to more than eight countries.

According to the report, as of the end of 2024, 20.154% of DnSZ shares are owned by Johnen Capital Limited (Cyprus), 5% is owned by Dnipro City Council member Zahid Krasnov, his sons Ruslan and Artem own 10% and 11.228% of shares, respectively, and another 18.2959% is owned by Israeli citizen Victoria Korban (sister of businessman Gennadiy Korban – IF-U).

Among the shareholders who own more than 5% of the shares of DnSZ JSC are also the Chairman of the Board Sergiy Taranenko (almost 10%), Iryna Taranenko (8.658%), and CFO Valery Kryachko (7.3%).
As of December 31, 2024, the company owned 100% of the capital of its subsidiary Dnipro S&C Trade (Switzerland).

In 2024, DnSZ’s unconsolidated profit increased by 6.7% to UAH 544.2 million, with revenue growing by 31% to UAH 2 billion 346 million.
The number of employees of the plant amounted to 622 people (6 more than in 2023).

As reported, the general meeting of shareholders of DnSZ JSC was scheduled for March 26, where, in particular, it was planned to distribute the net profit received – to allocate UAH 420 million to pay dividends at the rate of UAH 1.65 thousand per share. The minutes of the meeting have not yet been made public.

Milk prices in Ukraine continue to decline

Milk prices in Ukraine continue to decline, as of March 25, the average purchase price of extra milk was 16.35 UAH/kg (excluding VAT), which is 0.45 UAH less than a month ago, according to the Association of Milk Producers (AMP).

According to the report, premium milk costs an average of 16.15 UAH/kg (excluding VAT), which is 0.50 UAH less than last month, and first-class milk costs 15.65 UAH/kg (excluding VAT, 0.35 UAH lower).
Accordingly, the weighted average price of the three grades is 16.20 UAH/kg (excluding VAT), which is 0.40 UAH less than a month ago.

“Purchase prices in Ukraine continued to move downward in the second half of March. However, the surplus of raw milk on the market, which puts pressure on purchase prices, decreased compared to the first half of March due to an increase in dairy exports from Ukraine and a certain increase in domestic consumption,” said AVM analyst Giorgi Kukhaleishvili.

He added that Ukrainian consumers are used to high prices for dairy products. Dairy processing plants stimulate consumption of dairy products in Ukraine by offering promotional discounts on their products in retail chains. The profitability of skimmed milk powder and butter production has improved, but deteriorated in the case of cheese and casein.

The industry association predicts that as of April 1, there may be a slight decrease in the price of raw milk in Ukraine by 0.2-0.3 UAH/kg.
In terms of euros, raw milk prices in Ukraine are higher than in New Zealand and South America, which actively export their dairy products to Asia and Africa and compete with Ukrainian and European exporters.

The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary and Slovakia and the likelihood of the disease spreading to Poland and Austria create prospects for further declines in purchase prices. Dairy processing companies in Poland and Austria export significant volumes of dairy products and, in the event of quarantine, they may switch to the production of long-term storage products, including butter or milk powder.

“These products are the key items of Ukrainian dairy exports. The accumulation of butter and milk powder in warehouses in Europe may lead to lower prices for similar products and raw milk in Ukraine. There is also a risk of foot-and-mouth disease spreading to Ukraine from neighboring countries, which could lead to significant losses for the dairy industry,” the AMP warned.

The association suggests that the abolition of the EU’s preferential customs regime for Ukrainian agricultural products, including dairy products, on June 5, 2025, may be a factor in reducing raw milk prices in Ukraine. The reinstatement of duties is likely to reduce the volume of dairy exports from Ukraine even to third countries, as they are shipped through the seaports of Poland and Romania.

“Most likely, the surplus of raw milk in Ukraine will increase, and purchase prices will go down in the event of a similar scenario,” the industry association summarized.

Central Asia – European Union: Toward Strategic Partnership

On April 3-4, the first-ever summit meeting between the EU and Central Asian countries will take place in Samarkand. This landmark event will open a new page in relations between the regions, marking a transition to a qualitatively new level of multilateral cooperation.

Since the emergence of newly independent states in Central Asia, the EU has been working to establish bilateral partnerships with them. Since 1991, the development of the EU’s strategy in Central Asia has gone through several important stages, which were driven by changes in the system of international relations, the dynamics of European integration, and the role of Central Asia in global politics.

The first large-scale program of cooperation was the Technical Assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States (TACIS, 1991-2006), which supported the countries of the region in political and economic reforms, transition to a market economy and strengthening the rule of law. More than 3,000 projects were implemented under this initiative, totaling more than €7 billion. The key achievement of TACIS was the conclusion of Partnership and Cooperation Agreements with the countries of Central Asia.

Another important milestone was the adoption of the first EU Strategy for Central Asia in 2007. This period was marked by the beginning of the perception of Central Asia as a single region. A mechanism of annual meetings at the level of foreign ministers was created.

The policy of neighborhood and regional partnership implemented by the Republic of Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Mirziyoyev made a significant contribution to the rethinking of the strategy. As a result of joint efforts, a completely new political atmosphere has emerged in Central Asia. In a few years, many problems that had been accumulating for decades were resolved. As a result, the region is becoming a space for mutually beneficial cooperation and sustainable development.

In other words, Central Asia is no longer just a bridge between the East and the West, as it was traditionally perceived, but an independent actor in international relations.

Central Asian states are interested in attracting European investments, technologies and innovations for sustainable development. The EU is actively cooperating with the regions in politics, security, trade, investment, and cultural and humanitarian relations, strengthening the legal framework for cooperation. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have already signed partnership agreements with the EU, and Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are preparing to sign theirs. In October 2023, a Joint Roadmap was adopted to deepen ties between the EU and Central Asia.

In recent years, Brussels has been building relations with five Central Asian states under Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreements. To date, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have already signed such agreements with the EU. In March 2024, Turkmenistan signed a protocol to the Agreement, and Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are finalizing preparations for signing the document.

An additional impetus to the development of cooperation was given by the adoption in October 2023 of the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia.

The European Union remains the largest investor in Central Asia, accounting for more than 40% of foreign direct investment over the past ten years (over €100 billion).

One of the areas of strategic partnership is the development and processing of mineral resources. In the context of diversification of supplies of critical materials, Central Asian countries are playing an increasingly important role in the global market. The signed Memoranda of Understanding with Kazakhstan (2022) and Uzbekistan (2024) allow European companies to intensify cooperation with the region’s countries in high-tech areas.

Among the infrastructure projects aimed at developing the region’s logistics potential, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project plays a special role.

A new impetus to the development of cooperation was given by the results of the first investment and transport forum of Central Asia and the EU, held in January 2024 in Brussels. During the event, it was announced that 10 billion euros would be allocated to modernize the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route connecting Asia and Europe.

Another important area of partnership with the EU is the digital integration of Central Asia into the global economy. In March of this year, during the regional visit of EU Commissioner J. Sikela, the TEI Digital Connectivity project was launched to develop satellite communications, expand broadband Internet access, support digital innovation, and improve cybersecurity.

The fight against climate change and the transition to sustainable development remain a key aspect of cooperation, with the main initiatives being the SECCA project under the Team Europe strategy, the CAWEP Water and Energy Program, and Green Central Asia.

The EU remains not only an important trade, economic, and investment partner for the region, but also a key benchmark in the field of sustainable development, digital transformation, and environmental programs.

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“Lvivelectrotrans” announced tender for insurance services with budget of 12.5 million UAH

Lviv municipal enterprise “Lvivelectrotrans” on March 31 announced a tender for compulsory insurance of civil liability of owners of land vehicles (trolleybuses) and carrier’s liability insurance, according to the system of electronic public procurement Prozorro.

The lot for voluntary insurance of liability to third parties in economic activities by legal entities or individuals – entrepreneurs and voluntary insurance of property is also specified.

The expected cost of purchasing the services is UAH 12.501 mln.

The deadline for submission of documents is April 8.

 

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Ukrnafta’s net profit for 2024 amounted to UAH 16.4 bln

Ukrnafta’s net profit for 2024 amounted to UAH 16.38 billion, the company’s CEO Sergiy Koretsky said on Facebook on Tuesday.

“Now it is official (…) Crowe Erfolg has completed an independent international audit of Ukrnafta. Every figure is confirmed by official reporting,” he wrote.

According to the CEO, for the second year in a row, the company has demonstrated an increase in oil and gas production, growth in sales of petroleum products and an increase in market share in the filling station segment.

“Ukrnafta is the largest oil producer in Ukraine and the operator of the national network of filling stations. In March 2024, the company took over the management of Glusco assets and operates 546 filling stations – 462 owned and 84 managed.

The company is implementing a comprehensive program to restore operations and update the format of its filling stations. Since February 2023, the company has been issuing its own fuel coupons and NAFTAKarta cards, which are sold to legal entities and individuals through Ukrnafta-Postach LLC.

Ukrnafta’s largest shareholder is Naftogaz of Ukraine with a 50%+1 share.

In November 2022, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine decided to transfer to the state a share of corporate rights of the company owned by private owners, which is currently managed by the Ministry of Defense.

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Embassy of Ireland in Ukraine organized special screening of Mrs. Robinson, film about first woman president of Ireland

On March 27, 2025, under the patronage of the Embassy of Ireland in Ukraine and in cooperation with Project Dandelion, a global campaign for climate justice led by women, a special screening of the film Mrs. Robinson about the first woman President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, took place in Kyiv.

The screening was attended by numerous distinguished guests: heads of diplomatic missions of foreign countries accredited in Ukraine, representatives of the government, including Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Andriy Najos, members of the Verkhovna Rada, educators and representatives of the Irish community in Kyiv.

Before the session began, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ireland to Ukraine, Jonathan Conlon, addressed the audience and briefly outlined the main achievements of the first female President of Ireland, Mary Robinson (1990-1997), a head of state who was and remains extremely popular with the people.

A reformist lawyer and senator at the beginning of her career, Mary Robinson provoked an electoral earthquake by winning the Irish presidential election in 1990.
Later, as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002), she built a strong legacy and fought fearlessly for human rights around the world.

She subsequently became Chair of the Council of Elders (2018-2024), an independent group of world leaders founded by Nelson Mandela who work for peace, justice and human rights.

She is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Barack Obama.
For half a century, Mary Robinson has been a passionate advocate for gender equality, women’s participation in peacebuilding, human dignity and climate justice.

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