The private agricultural enterprise (PAE) “Agroprodservice” (village of Nastasiv, Ternopil district) has begun construction of a feed mill with a capacity of 400,000 tons of feed per year in the “Western Ukrainian Industrial Hub” industrial park (village of Ostrov, Ternopil region) with an investment of 1.5 billion UAH, reported Dmytro Kysilevsky, deputy chairman of the parliamentary committee on economic development (Servant of the People faction).
“… construction of a new feed mill with an elevator complex has begun. The facility, with a production capacity of 400,000 tons of compound feed per year, is scheduled to begin operations in 2027. Land preparation work is currently underway at the site,” the deputy wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
Kisilevsky noted that the new feed mill with an elevator complex will occupy an area of 5 hectares, and this land is part of a new plot that was incorporated into the industrial park after it ran out of available space. In December 2025, the “Western Ukrainian Industrial Hub” expanded its area from 10.6 hectares to 55 hectares. The old plot is fully developed with industrial facilities covering 71,000 square meters.
According to the deputy head of the committee, to import equipment, “Agroprodservice” plans to take advantage of the zero duty and VAT rates on production equipment provided by law for industrial park participants.
In addition, the “Western Ukrainian Industrial Hub” is preparing an application for state co-financing of industrial park infrastructure development. To meet the needs of the new plant, the company plans to secure funding to connect 10 MW of additional electrical capacity, Kysilevsky reported.
ChAP “Agroprodservice,” established in 1999, is a diversified agricultural holding operating in the Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk regions. It cultivates approximately 45,000–50,000 hectares of land and owns grain storage facilities with a capacity of 200,000 tons, as well as seed and feed mills. The holding is among the top five largest pork producers in Ukraine (60,000 head) and also maintains a herd of 16,000 head of cattle and 600,000 head of poultry.
In 2025, the agricultural holding invested UAH 45 million in the launch of the “Babushka Marusya” food products plant at the “Western Ukrainian Industrial Hub” industrial park. The enterprise specializes in the production of canned vegetables, pickles, and semi-finished products, with a design capacity of 650 tons of products per year. Additionally, the “Nasha Ptitsa” (chicken processing) and “Ternopil Meat Processing Plant” divisions operate within the hub.
According to data from YouControl, the ultimate beneficiaries of Agroservice are Tetyana Chaikivska (70%) and Andriy Baran (30%). Until 2020, the business was owned by the company’s founder; it is now owned by Ivan Chaikivsky, secretary of the Verkhovna Rada’s Agrarian Committee.
In 2025, the company increased its net profit by 9.3% to UAH 1.60998 billion, with revenue growing by 23.9% to UAH 5.27487 billion.
A new project, LemoCard, has entered the crypto-financial services market, offering users a multi-card service for payments using cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, the project’s organizers told Open4Business.
The project was created by Swiss and Canadian companies as an alternative to traditional banking amid the implementation of new European MiCA regulations for the crypto market.
The service allows users to top up their balance with cryptocurrency, after which the funds are automatically converted into fiat currency for payments. Thus, customers can use digital assets for everyday payments, paying in retail chains with regular euros or hryvnias.
The platform operates 24/7. It also offers round-the-clock customer support in five languages.
You can set up a virtual account in just a few minutes via Telegram, the official web version of the service, or the mobile apps for iOS and Android.
To fully use the wallet, users must complete the standard KYC identity verification process. This is a mandatory step for financial services that handle payment cards and cryptocurrency transactions.
Currently, the service offers two Mastercard cards in euros. LemoCard also supports direct SEPA transfers between European accounts within the system. The developers plan to add Visa cards in US dollars in the near future.
One of the service’s drawbacks is the 2.5% fee for topping up the card with cryptocurrency converted to euros. The project claims that competitors often offset lower fees with hidden charges.
LemoCard is compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing users to make contactless payments with the cards. Additionally, users can request a physical card to be mailed to them.
The service also features an affiliate program with a two-tier reward system. Users can earn 0.25% of the financial turnover generated by their referrals and the users they invite.
The launch of LemoCard demonstrates that the market for crypto cards and crypto financial services continues to evolve, despite increased regulation in Europe. For users, such products provide a way to link cryptocurrency assets to the familiar payment infrastructure of Mastercard and Visa.
Uzbekistan plans to implement a number of large-scale infrastructure projects in the fields of road and air transport, aimed at improving regional connectivity, developing logistics, and increasing the country’s transit potential.
One of the key projects will be the construction of the alternative “Tashkent–Samarkand” highway. The new 282-km road will pass through the Tashkent, Sirdarya, Jizzakh, and Samarkand regions. This first-class highway, featuring a concrete pavement and six lanes, will allow speeds of up to 150 km/h.
The project includes the construction of 12 interchanges, 91 bridges, 16 overpasses, 60 underpasses, and over 250 drainage structures. There are also plans to implement an intelligent transportation system, build terminals, roadside service facilities, and weigh stations. The goal is to accelerate negotiations with potential investors and begin construction as soon as possible.
At the same time, the modernization of aviation infrastructure is underway. Currently, seven international airports are being reconstructed, and in recent years, new airports have opened in Muynak, Kokand, Zama, Shakhrisabz, Saryasi, and Soh districts. The total number of airports in Uzbekistan has reached 18.
Particular attention is being paid to the development of the Navoi International Airport as a major logistics hub. By 2030, the number of flights here is planned to increase 2.3-fold—to 7,000 per year. Passenger traffic is expected to reach 150,000 people, and cargo traffic—45,000 tons annually. A “free port” economic zone is also planned on the airport grounds, focused on providing technical and commercial services to aircraft.
The project to build the “New Tashkent” International Airport has also been reviewed. The new aviation complex will be able to serve up to 20 million passengers per year. The project involves the construction of a terminal with an area of over 208,000 square meters, the construction of two runways, each four kilometers long, and the creation of 169 aircraft parking bays. Preparatory work and negotiations with design and contracting organizations are currently underway.
Another priority will be the development of a system to supply civil aviation with jet fuel. By 2030, jet fuel production is planned to reach 600,000 tons per year, and storage capacity is to be increased from 49,000 to 80,000 tons. New fuel complexes will be built at the airports in Navoi, Andijan, Bukhara, Urgench, and New Tashkent.
A phased transition to international standards for aircraft storage and refueling is also planned, along with the full digitization of fuel complex management and stricter monitoring of compliance with technical requirements.
Ukrainian men of conscription age who are already under temporary protection in European Union countries should not lose their status under the current scheme. Any restrictions currently under discussion within the EU are likely to apply primarily to new applicants, should the temporary protection scheme be extended or amended after March 2027.
The discussion began following reports in the European media that some EU countries are considering restricting access to extended temporary protection for Ukrainian men of conscription or mobilisation age. This does not refer to the immediate withdrawal of status from those already in the EU, but to the possible parameters of the future regime once the current period of temporary protection expires.
The current temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU has been extended until 4 March 2027. This mechanism was first activated in March 2022 and allows Ukrainians to live, work, and access education, healthcare and social support in EU countries without going through the standard asylum procedure.
The European Commission has previously emphasised that the current rules on temporary protection apply to all Ukrainians eligible for this status, with no specific exception for men of conscription age. Any potential changes must be discussed by EU member states and will require a separate political and legal decision.
According to Eurostat, as of the end of March 2026, 4.33 million people from Ukraine were under temporary protection in EU countries.
Germany remained the largest host country – around 1.275 million people, or 29.4% of all recipients of temporary protection in the EU. Poland was in second place – 961,400 people, or 22.2%, and the Czech Republic in third – 379,800, or 8.8%.
The composition of Ukrainians under temporary protection remains predominantly women and children. According to Eurostat, adult women accounted for 43.3% of all beneficiaries of temporary protection, minors for 30.1%, and adult men for 26.6%.
In absolute terms, this means that approximately 1.87 million adult women, around 1.30 million children and approximately 1.15 million adult men were under temporary protection in the EU.
A rough estimate suggests there are between 0.9 and 1.1 million Ukrainian men of working age and potentially conscriptionable age under temporary protection in the EU. This is an indicative estimate, not official statistics on those liable for military service.
The discussion of possible restrictions is linked to two parallel processes. On the one hand, the EU is seeking a long-term model for the millions of Ukrainians who have been under temporary protection for over four years. On the other hand, Ukraine has an acute need for human resources for defence and economic recovery.
At the same time, any changes within the EU will be legally sensitive. Restricting access to protection on the basis of gender, age or conscription status could spark debates about discrimination, human rights, the national powers of states and the alignment of EU policy with Ukraine.
Thus, the current status of Ukrainians in the EU will remain in place until at least March 2027. The question of whether there will be new restrictions for men of conscription age after that date is still under discussion and has not yet been decided.
Italy has been, is, and will remain by Ukraine’s side in its struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and a European future, stated the Italian Ambassador to Ukraine during a reception marking the 80th anniversary of Italy’s independence.
The event took place in Kyiv at the Parkovy Exhibition and Convention Center and was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian government, the diplomatic corps, the Italian community, the business sector, and embassy partners.
At the beginning of his speech, the ambassador called on those present to observe a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in a war they did not choose.
The diplomat recalled that 80 years ago, Italians were emerging from fascism, war, and occupation and had to answer a fundamental question: what kind of country they wanted to be after what they had endured.
“They understood in the most concrete way what is lost when freedom is taken away. And it was from this understanding, not from an abstract idea, that our Republic was born,” said the ambassador.
He emphasized that the Italian Constitution rejects war, and in 1946, women voted for the first time—not as a concession, but as a fundamental act in the creation of a new state.
“For Italians in 1946, freedom was not a gift—it was an achievement won at the cost of sacrifice,” the diplomat noted.
According to him, today’s Ukraine reminds Italy of its own historical experience.
“Like our grandfathers and fathers, you are going through a moment when freedom ceases to be just a word and becomes a choice. A daily, concrete, and costly choice. A choice that is reaffirmed day after day, under bombs, with a sense of dignity that those who are not here can hardly even imagine,” the ambassador said.
He emphasized that Ukraine is defending not only itself but also principles that are important for all of Europe.
“Ukraine is not only defending itself; it is fighting for what concerns us all: for the principle that brute force cannot be an argument. For the fact that sovereignty is not up for debate. For the fact that a people has the right to choose its own future,” the diplomat stated.
The ambassador emphasized that these very principles form the foundation of the Italian Republic, which is why Italy has supported Ukraine from the very first day of Russian aggression.
“Italy has stood by you from the very first day of Russian aggression—not out of generosity, but out of consistency and deep commitment to our values,” he said.
The diplomat assured that Italy will continue to support Ukraine on the political, economic, military, and humanitarian levels, and will also make efforts to ensure that Ukraine takes its rightful place in the European Union.
He thanked Ukrainian partners for their cooperation and friendship, the Italian community in Ukraine for representing Italy with dignity, Italian government officials in Ukraine for their work, and the sponsors who made the celebrations possible.
The ambassador also noted that in the evening, the Independence Monument on Independence Square in Kyiv is illuminated in the colors of the Italian tricolor.
“That column, reminiscent of the columns the ancient Romans erected in memory of great feats, is illuminated tonight in our colors. As a sign of great respect, but above all as a recognition of the deep commonality of our values,” he said.
The diplomat dedicated a separate part of his speech to Leon Ginzburg, who was born in Odesa and became one of the most prominent intellectuals of anti-fascist Italy.
“In one person, he was both Ukrainian and Italian. In one person, he embodied everything we are talking about tonight,” the ambassador noted.
He quoted Ginzburg’s words: “You have your wings. I don’t know exactly how big they are, but you have them. Try to take flight. You won’t fall. And even if you do fall, you will learn to fly as you fall.”
“Ukraine has already spread its wings. The world knows this. Italy is and will remain by its side as Ukraine flies toward the peaceful and prosperous future it deserves,” the ambassador said.
Italy recognized Ukraine’s independence on December 28, 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on January 29, 1992. According to the Italian Embassy, the Italian Embassy in Kyiv was opened that same year, and since the early 2000s has been located on Yaroslaviv Val Street. The Embassy of Ukraine in the Italian Republic was established in Rome in 1993.
PJSC “Novoselivsky Mining and Processing Plant” (NGZK, Kharkiv Oblast) will allocate UAH 2.125 million from its 2025 net profit for dividend payments.
According to the company’s report in the NSSMC’s disclosure system, this decision was adopted by the company’s annual general meeting of shareholders, held remotely on April 28 of this year.
“It was decided to allocate a portion of the 2025 net profit in the amount of UAH 2.125 million to pay dividends to the company’s shareholders in cash. The dividend per share amounts to UAH 0.05 (before deduction of taxes to be withheld and paid in accordance with the law),” the statement reads.
It is specified that on June 2, 2026, by a decision of the company’s supervisory board, it was established that the payment of dividends based on the results of 2025 shall be carried out in accordance with the decision of the general meeting of shareholders, which was held remotely, by paying the full amount of dividends in full through the Ukrainian depository system in accordance with the procedure established by law to shareholders included in the list of persons entitled to receive dividends, compiled as of June 17, 2026, during the period from June 23 to October 28, 2026.
According to the company’s interim report, available to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, NGZK incurred a net loss of UAH 4.441 million in January–March of this year, whereas in the same period last year there was a net profit of UAH 3.677 million; revenue from ordinary activities for this period amounted to UAH 36.067 million (UAH 47.396 million). Retained earnings as of the end of March 2026 stood at UAH 99.851 million.
According to the annual report, NGZK increased its net profit to UAH 20.170 million in 2025 from UAH 18.938 million in 2024. At the same time, revenue from ordinary activities for this period increased compared to 2024 to UAH 190.631 million from UAH 168.553 million.
In 2024, NGZK increased its net profit by 6.1% compared to 2023—to UAH 18.938 million, while net revenue grew by 11.6% to UAH 168.553 million.
The Novoselivsky Mining and Processing Plant was established in 2000. It is engaged in the extraction of sand, gravel, and clay.
According to the State Register of Enterprises for the first quarter of 2026, Silica Holding LLC (Ukraine) owns 94.8205% of the company.
The authorized capital is UAH 21.25 million.
