The Czech government is seeking support from other European Union countries for a new ammunition initiative after implementing a similar initiative in 2024, German N-TV reports.
“This is a matter of political will, and if many EU member states rejoin our initiative, we can achieve a lot for Ukraine,” Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in an interview with the German news network (RND).
“We are currently looking at how we can finance the new ammunition initiative, and then we will see how many rounds of ammunition we can get for this money,” the Czech foreign minister added.
As reported, Defense Minister Jana Černohová announced the second project to purchase ammunition for Ukraine under the working title Initiative 2025 back in July last year. Deník N reported at the time that five companies would participate in the project: Czechoslovak Group, STV Group, Omnipol with Ompo Holding, Colt CZ Group SE, owned by Česká zbrojovka, and the DSS arms company.
Under the previous Czech ammunition initiative, Ukraine was provided with approximately half a million pieces of artillery ammunition. A total of 18 countries joined the initiative.
Mezhyrychinsky GOK LLC (Irshansk, Zhytomyr region), a mining company and part of Group DF’s titanium business, has launched an enrichment plant to produce ilmenite concentrate (TiO2).
According to the company, the plant has reached its design capacity of 20-25 tons of ilmenite concentrate per hour, or 12-15 thousand tons per month.
“The team has managed to restore the enterprise’s performance, and the concentrator has been restarted after a downtime. We have restored the lost sales markets and business ties with partners: we have already signed good contracts with European partners and are working on their fulfillment. In addition, we are rebuilding our team,” said Dmitry Golik, director of Mezhirichny GOK.
According to him, the company’s launch was delayed, among other things, due to staffing problems caused by the mobilization of employees – today every eighth employee of Mezhirichny GOK serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Thanks to the efforts of its specialists, the company is once again becoming an international player, has restored all the broken logistics links and is operating efficiently, gradually increasing production volumes. This will benefit not only partners and businesses, but also local communities and the national budget. In addition, this is an important step towards increasing the country’s exports and strengthening the entire industry,” Golik emphasized.
The press release explains that the reopening of the concentrator was made possible thanks to the significant support of local government and local authorities. The launch made it possible to employ 100% of the staff and restore the previous level of salaries.
The GOK employs about 400 people, including 50 who serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Mezhyrichensky GOK remains the mainstay of two towns in Zhytomyr region – Irshansk and Nova Borova and the united territorial communities of the same name.
In 2023, Mezhyrichny GOK mined only 500 thousand tons of ilmenite ore and produced 22.1 thousand tons of ilmenite concentrate. In 2024 (January-February), the company produced 520 thousand tons of ilmenite ore. The GOK’s production capacity is capable of mining 4 million tons of ilmenite ore per year and producing 180 thousand tons of ilmenite concentrate per year.
Mezhyrichensky GOK consists of two complexes: an ilmenite ore mining/blister concentrate production facility and an enrichment plant that produces ilmenite concentrate. The company’s main product is titanium dioxide (sulfate ilmenite concentrate) and operates exclusively in the chemical titanium segment, which cannot be used in the military and industrial industry due to its chemical properties. It is a raw material for the production of pigments used in the paint and varnish industry, paper, plastics and construction materials.
“Our strategic plan is to reach pre-war production capacity, but everything will depend on the global price environment. The European economy is recovering, so we expect an increase in consumption of ilmenite concentrate. Positive signals are now emerging for global players. After the war, the global market will recover from the recession even faster in 2025-2026 and grow faster. This will definitely have a positive impact on our business,” the CEO emphasized.
Earlier, Group DF’s press service reported that the forced shutdown and almost a year of downtime at the plant in 2023-2024 were due to the illegal decision of the State Service of Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine (Derzhgeonadr) No. 178 of March 27, 2023. At that time, the State Service of Geology and Subsoil issued an order to suspend the special permit, citing the new law on subsoil use. Subsequently, Group DF’s lawyers managed to appeal this decision and prove its illegality.
On November 16, 2023, pursuant to the decision of the Zhytomyr District Administrative Court of July 27, 2023 and the decision of the Seventh Administrative Court of Appeal of November 7, 2023, the State Service of Geology and Mineral Resources renewed the license. The restart of the factory became possible after the renewal of the special permit for subsoil use No. 2694 (Order of the State Service of Geology and Mineral Resources No. 591 of November 16, 2023).
In 2022, local taxes and paid rent for subsoil use amounted to over UAH 185 million. In 2023, due to the forced downtime, this figure decreased to UAH 85 million, and the staff was transferred to 2/3 of the previous salary level. In 2024, the company paid UAH 78 million in taxes at various levels.
As a result of a number of illegal decisions and the company’s downtime, the company estimates the damage caused to the state at least UAH 126 million.
In 2017-2019, Group DF invested over $7 million in the enrichment plant at Mezhirichny GOK, and the plant was commissioned in early 2019.
Group DF’s titanium mining business comprises two operating mining and processing plants – Mezhirichinsky GOK and Valky Ilmenite (both in Zhytomyr region) and two plants under construction – Stremigorodsky GOK (Zhytomyr region) and Motronovsky GOK (Dnipropetrovs’k region). The maximum design capacity of Mezhyrichny GOK is 180 thousand tons of ilmenite concentrate per year, while Valky Ilmenite’s capacity is 65 thousand tons.
Issue #2 – January 2025
The purpose of this review is to provide an analysis of the current situation on the Ukrainian currency market and a forecast of the hryvnia exchange rate against key currencies based on the latest data. We analyze current conditions, key influencing factors, and likely scenarios.
Analysis of the current situation
The hryvnia exchange rate has stabilized in the Ukrainian currency market after the traditional seasonal increase in demand for the currency in December. As of the end of January, the US dollar on the cash market has rolled back after peaking in the middle of the month to the level of UAH 41.8-42.3/$, while the euro continued to grow to UAH 43.57-44.32/€. This is generally within our previous forecast, although in some places higher rates were recorded, which did not reflect the general market trend.
The increase in the NBU’s key policy rate to 14.5% signals the regulator’s attempts to curb inflationary and devaluation expectations of businesses and households. At the same time, the NBU revised its own inflation forecast upward to 8.4%, which may offset its stabilization measures.
An important factor in market stability remains the record volume of cash imports by banks. In December, banks imported USD 1.58 billion, which helped meet high demand and reduce the risk of speculative pressure on the exchange rate. In total, USD 15.9 billion was imported in 2024, which indicates a high level of dollarization of the Ukrainian economy and savings of households and businesses.
The steady deepening of dollarization and the overall currencyization of the economy indicates a low level of confidence among economic agents in statements about currency stability. At the same time, however, there are no factors that would create noticeable distortions in the FX market or a stir that could upset the balance.
The external context also plays an important role, and at the same time, it remains highly dynamic – there are regular reports that can significantly affect the ratio of key currencies, and thus their dynamics in the Ukrainian market. Some of the most notable recent events:
– The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates by 25 basis points, which will affect the attractiveness of the euro for investors.
– Stagnation in the eurozone economy remains an important driver of the euro’s weakening.
– The US Federal Reserve is still maintaining a tight monetary policy, which supports the dollar.
– Potential “exchange rate wars” between the US and the EU could affect global currency markets.
Dollar exchange rate forecast
Short-term forecast
The hryvnia exchange rate against the dollar is expected to enter the range of 41.5-42 UAH/$ in the coming weeks. Demand for currency from businesses and households remains the main driver of exchange rate fluctuations. The NBU’s consistently high foreign exchange reserves, which allow it to quickly manage the market situation, act as a deterrent.
The current spread between the USD buying and selling rates is UAH 0.45, which indicates the stability of the foreign exchange market. Changes in this indicator may signal changes in the supply and demand balance.
Medium-term outlook
In the first half of 2025, the exchange rate is likely to gradually move to 44 UAH/$.
– The risk to the hryvnia will increase if the population continues to actively buy up foreign currency amid high devaluation expectations.
– A possible Fed rate decision in the second quarter of 2025 will have a direct impact on the dollar.
Euro exchange rate forecast
Short-term outlook
The euro is likely to move towards the level of 43.8-44.8 UAH/€.
– The ECB’s rate cut to 2.75% makes the euro less attractive to investors.
– The stable average spread between buying and selling the euro at UAH 0.525 indicates that there are no prerequisites for sharp changes in the euro exchange rate.
Medium-term outlook
Further euro depreciation is possible if:
– Eurozone stagnation deepens due to weak economic activity.
– Further cuts in ECB rates, which will make the euro less competitive against the dollar.
If the ECB continues its policy of gradual easing, the hryvnia exchange rate against the euro may remain more stable than against the dollar.
Key factors influencing the foreign exchange market
1. The NBU’s monetary policy – raising the key policy rate affects liquidity and restrains inflation.
2. Demand for foreign currency – households and businesses continue to buy foreign currency, which is the main internal driver of devaluation and a key factor of pressure on the hryvnia exchange rate.
An exclusive from the KYT Group analyst team for our newsletter recipients: how Ukrainians’ preference for different currencies is changing.
As one of the largest foreign exchange market operators , KYT Group presents its own cross-section of the share of transactions in different currencies that we observed in our network covering approximately 30 major cities of Ukraine, where almost one hundred currency exchange offices operate.
Below is a comparison of the percentage of transactions in different currencies in KYT Group’s FEAs.
Now let’s make a brief analysis of the available data that can be considered representative:
1. Decrease in the share of the US dollar (USD) from 78.71% to 74.07%. Despite this, the US dollar remains the dominant currency of transactions, but its share has decreased, which may indicate an increase in the role of the euro and other currencies in the foreign exchange market.
2. An increase in the share of the euro (EUR) from 20.80% to 25.15%. There has been an increase in the use of the euro, which may be a result of large emigration of economically active Ukrainians to the euro area, more active foreign trade with the EU, changes in business payment preferences, or diversification of household savings.
3. A significant increase in the Polish zloty (PLN) from 0.36% to 0.56%. This may be due to the activity of labor migrants, deepening business ties between the countries, and the growth of financial flows between Ukraine and Poland.
4. An increase in transactions with the British pound (GBP) from 0.08% to 0.15%. This is likely to be a sign of growing interest in British assets or an increase in the share of cross-border settlements between Ukrainians and some economic agents with the UK.
5. The Swiss franc (CHF) increased slightly from 0.03% to 0.04%, indicating a consistently low demand for this currency in the Ukrainian financial segment.
6. The share of other currencies (among which we most often record the forint, Czech koruna, Romanian and Moldovan lei) increased from 0.02% to 0.03%, indicating a slight increase in the use of alternative currencies in settlements or cross-border transactions.
Overall conclusion
The US dollar retains its leadership, but its share is declining, while the euro and Polish zloty are becoming more popular. This may indicate a reorientation of financial flows to the EU, as well as attempts by businesses and individuals to diversify their currency transactions.
This material was prepared by the company’s analysts and reflects their expert, analytical professional judgment. The information presented in this review is for informational purposes only and cannot be considered 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 of timeliness or updates or additions.
Users of this material should make their own risk assessments and informed decisions based on their own assessment and analysis of the situation from various available sources that they consider to be sufficiently qualified. We recommend that you consult an independent financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
REFERENCE
KYT Group is an international multi-service product FinTech company that has been successfully operating in the non-banking financial services market for 16 years. The company’s flagship business is currency exchange. KYT Group is one of the largest operators in this segment of the Ukrainian financial market, is among the largest taxpayers, and is one of the industry leaders in terms of asset growth and equity.
More than 90 branches in 16 major cities of Ukraine are located in convenient locations for customers and have modern equipment for the convenience, security and confidentiality of each transaction.
The company’s activities comply with the regulatory requirements of the NBU. KYT Group adheres to EU standards, having a branch in Poland and planning cross-border expansion to European countries.
Parallel has expanded its network with a new filling station on Obukhivske highway near Kyiv.
“The filling station offers all types of high-quality fuel from European manufacturers that meet the highest quality standards. All modern services are available for the convenience of drivers,” the company said in a press release.
According to the network, despite the challenges posed by the full-scale war, temporary occupation of some territories and infrastructure damage caused by shelling, Parallel continues to rebuild and develop its network as part of the company’s long-term strategy.
In particular, the company plans to expand its network both by opening new filling stations and by increasing the number of partner complexes operating under the Parallel brand.
“Due to the Russian aggression, we lost about 80% of our filling stations, but we are rebuilding and developing the network, because a working business means paid taxes and support for the country’s economy,” said Parallel owner and CEO Alexander Dubinin.Before the war, the Parallel branded network included 132 filling stations. As a result of the full-scale invasion, the company lost or suspended most of its facilities.
Currently, the company operates 32 filling stations in Dnipropetrovs’k, Odesa, Chernihiv, Kyiv and the government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhya regions.
“Parallel is regularly ranked among Ukraine’s top 10 fuel importers
Alterra Group has invested $8.5 million in the expansion of the Joule logistics center (Kyiv region, Svyatopetrivske) from 8 to 20 thousand square meters, the company’s press service toldInterfax-Ukraine.
According to Alterra Group’s commercial director Gennadiy Grinenko, the expansion is due to the growing demand for rental space in the facility, with zero vacancy in the first stages. According to the survey, entrepreneurs are increasingly looking for ready-made commercial premises instead of building their own warehouses.
Nine new businesses, companies that combine innovation, social responsibility and a focus on sustainable development, have become residents of the first stages of Joule. Farmak’s pharmaceutical business is among the residents. The expansion of the facility will attract more such residents and create at least 50 new jobs.
“Our experience proves that the more progressive businesses there are in the complex, the more ideas, innovations and collaborations they produce. For example, this happened with our logistics center PORT, where residents actively cooperate with each other. Such an ecosystem not only saves time and money for residents, but also creates a business community where everyone strengthens each other,” says Hrynenko.
Another change in Joule is that it has become more accessible to small businesses. Previously, companies could rent or buy premises ranging from 500 to 6 thousand square meters. Now, the minimum area has been reduced to 200 square meters.
“This makes it possible to get all the necessary infrastructure ready, including access to autonomous heating and lighting, even for businesses that have just started their development,” explained Hrynenko.
Alterra Group is a Ukrainian company specializing in the development and management of commercial real estate on a turnkey basis. The company’s portfolio includes 43 properties with a total area of 175 thousand square meters. These include warehouse and industrial complexes, business centers, shopping and entertainment centers.
A reception organized by the Embassy of India in Ukraine in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Republic Day was held in the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv.
The event brought together representatives of the Ukrainian government, diplomatic corps, Indian diaspora and the public. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Yevhen Perebyinis was the main guest of the event.
“On January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, marking the transition of our country to a sovereign, independent, democratic, secular republic. We are proud of the ideals of justice, freedom, equality and fraternity,” said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Ukraine Ravi Shankar.
In his speech, the diplomat emphasized the significance of Republic Day for the Indian people, stressing that in 75 years India has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which is preparing to become the third largest.
“Bold reforms, investments in infrastructure and innovations such as quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and space exploration make our country a key player in global processes. Another priority is the biotechnology industry, in particular the Genome project. It is also worth mentioning the latest achievement – docking in space, which has brought the country into the top four world leaders in the industry,” the ambassador said.
Shankar devoted a significant part of his speech to Ukrainian-Indian relations. He recalled the historic visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kyiv in August 2024, which became a “landmark” for bilateral cooperation:
“We seek to transform our relationship from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership. Special attention is paid to humanitarian support for Ukraine. In particular, India has donated mobile hospitals “BHISHM Cubes”, which are now helping to quickly treat the wounded and save precious lives on the front line, and has decided to finance the project “Renovation and modernization of the surgical department of the Zbarazh Central Hospital in Ternopil region worth $1.5 million,” the ambassador said.
He emphasized that India supports a comprehensive, just peace in accordance with international law.
The Ambassador praised the growing interest of Ukrainians in Indian culture, language and traditions. He thanked Ukrainian students who study Hindi and emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges. “The program signed last year opens up new opportunities for academic scholarships, international projects, and preserving our common heritage,” Shankar said.
At the end of the event, guests enjoyed traditional Indian food and music. The event highlighted past achievements and optimistic prospects for cooperation between India and Ukraine in the coming decades.
India recognized Ukraine’s independence on December 26, 1991. On January 17, 1992, diplomatic relations between Ukraine and India were established. Republic Day is a national holiday of India that celebrates the adoption of the Constitution of India and the country’s transition from a British dominion to a republic on January 26, 1950.
Source: https://interfax.com.ua
