Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

KSG Agro has increased its profit by 21%

Agroholding KSG Agro posted $1.04 million in net profit in the first half of 2023, up 21.2% from the same period last year.

According to the company’s report on the Warsaw Stock Exchange on Tuesday, its EBITDA fell 27% to $1.61 million.

It is stated that KSG Agro’s revenue in January-June this year increased 23% year-on-year to $7.41 million, while gross profit decreased 13% to $1.79 million and operating profit decreased 37% to $0.94 million.

“The group continues to execute its simple strategy of focusing on three winter crops, two spring crops and single breed hogs,” the document notes.

It is specified that in the first half of 2023 KSG Agro exported 4.2 thousand tons of grain crops (wheat, corn, barley) mainly to Asia and Africa within the existing grain corridor through the ports of Odessa and Odessa region.

KSG Agro conducted sunflower sowing on the area of 7.3 thousand hectares at the end of May – beginning of June and during the growing season is engaged in chemical and mechanical tillage with mechanical cultivators and rotary harrows.

“The harvest is in good condition. The sowing campaign went on as planned, without major interruptions due to fighting,” the company said in a statement. According to it, harvesting of winter crops has been completed: barley yield was 3 tons/ha, rape – 2.5 tons/ha, wheat – 5 tons/ha.

The agricultural holding recalled that in June, the Kakhov dam on the Dnieper River was destroyed, which led to flooding of a number of regions downstream and drying up of several irrigation canals upstream. Although the group was partially dependent on water supplies from the canals, these supplies were not essential to the group’s operations. KSG Agro has switched to alternative water sources and does not foresee water shortages in the near future. None of the agro holding companies are located downstream of the dam and have not been affected by flooding.

KSG Agro, a vertically integrated holding company, is involved in pig farming, as well as the production, storage, processing and marketing of grains and oilseeds. Its land bank is about 21 thousand hectares in Dnepropetrovsk and Kherson regions.

According to the agroholding, it is among the top 5 pork producers in Ukraine.

Last year KSG Agro, due to the full-scale war started by Russia, ended 2022 with a net loss of $1.68 mln compared to $17.71 mln net profit in 2021, its EBITDA decreased 5.5 times to $1.79 mln, and its revenue decreased by 47.3% to $16.2 mln.

In the first quarter of this year, the agribusiness holding company earned $1.53 million in net income, down 17% from the same period last year. Its EBITDA increased by 23% to $1.87 mln, while revenue grew by 45% to $5.12 mln.

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Fighting erupted in Libyan capital Tripoli previous night

Clashes between local paramilitary units erupted in the Libyan capital Tripoli the night before, with thousands of city residents unable to get out of the fighting zone, the Associated Press (AP) reported Tuesday.

According to AP, the 444th Brigade of the Metropolitan Military District, which reports to the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, and the Special Deterrence Force, a special operations unit of the military police, were involved in the fighting. The conflict occurred after some reports said that the commander of the 444th Brigade was detained at Tripoli airport the previous day.

For its part, Libya’s Health Ministry has called on the conflict to allow ambulances and emergency services into the city’s most violence-hit neighborhoods, especially in the south.

However, the number of possible victims is still unclear, notes AP.

There are reports that a significant number of airplanes left Tripoli airport the day before. Arriving flights are being diverted to Misrata.

The agency recalls that the current outburst of violence was preceded by several months of relative calm in the country.

For a long time, Libya has had two bodies of executive power in parallel: the UN-backed PNA in Tripoli, in the west of the country, and the interim cabinet in the east of the country, which was supported by the army of Khalifa Haftar. According to Western media, Haftar was aided by Russia, France, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. The government in Tripoli, in turn, was sided by Turkey, Qatar, and Italy.

In October 2021 in Geneva, representatives of the warring parties signed a permanent ceasefire agreement. Presidential elections in Libya, the first since the overthrow and assassination of Muammar Gaddafi, were scheduled for December 24, 2021, but in the end the vote did not take place. This was due to disagreements over electoral laws, which have not been overcome to date.

In early July, Haftar threatened that if the Libyan authorities do not create conditions for a fair distribution of oil revenues by the fall, otherwise the Libyan National Army (LNA) may retaliate.

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Verkhovyna Resort: relaxation among nature and beauty in the Uzh River Valley

Anyone who has been here at least once will definitely want to come back again.

Zakarpattia is a picturesque region in southwestern Ukraine. Anyone who has visited it once will definitely want to come back again, because it is rich in thermal springs, attractions, opportunities for winter and summer sports and recreation. And the thermal waters of Zakarpattia have been known for several centuries, and it is thanks to them that the region has become such a popular resort, where thousands of guests come every year to improve their health.

The Carpathian Mountains are adorned by the small but cozy village of Kamianytsia, which is located in the valley of the Uzh River at an altitude of 100 meters above sea level. The village is surrounded by the slopes of the Vyhorlat-Hutyn and Uzhhorod-Khust volcanic ranges. Volcanic lava can be seen on the Antalovetska Polyana mountain and the Eagle’s Nest rocks and in the area of the Nevytskyi Castle. The history of the castle dates back to the twelfth century, and you can get to it in a matter of minutes by crossing a pedestrian suspension bridge and walking up the path.

People come here from all over Ukraine and many neighboring countries not only to get treatment, but also to relax and enjoy the nature of the picturesque Carpathians. This is a land rich in legends, natural and architectural monuments.

Kamianytsia is worth a visit, especially if you want to relax your body and soul, away from the bustle of the city. Even a few days spent here will recharge you with the energy of the mountains for a long time, help you find harmony and peace. You can climb into the mountains and have a picnic against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes. Or take a walk by the Uzh River, listening to its soothing murmur. And in the evening, enjoy a cup of tea made from fragrant herbs while admiring the stars.

For lovers of active recreation, Kamianytsia will offer hiking, rafting, horseback riding, and a breezy ride through the hills on ATVs. In winter, there is also something to do here besides hiking and skiing, once you get here.

One of the pearls of Kamianytsia is the Verkhovyna Resort Medical & Wellness complex, located on top of a mountain 260 meters above sea level, just 15 km from Uzhhorod.

The symbiosis of a five-star hotel, a medical center, a SPA complex, swimming pools, conference rooms, restaurants, bars, panoramic terraces and other opportunities for recreation and relaxation at Verkhovyna Resort Medical & Wellness guarantees guests bright moments, unforgettable impressions and the best service. And the surrounding forest, crystal clear air and mountain water have healing powers.

Verkhovyna Resort Medical & Wellness offers accommodation in 77 spacious rooms, which are thoughtfully furnished for the most comfortable stay during the period of rest and recovery. The unique design of the rooms is a synergy of history, modern trends, aesthetics and functionality.

You can stay either in the Presidential Suite, which will satisfy even the most demanding guests, or in a spacious two-room suite for a comfortable stay with the whole family. And for those who like forest landscapes combined with a comfortable rest for body and soul, a standard room is perfect.

Spa and swimming pool

The unique world of saunas in the SPA Gallery offers complete relaxation, recovery and rest in exclusively designed and equipped in accordance with the latest trends in SPA rooms, a swimming pool, a relaxation area with anatomical loungers, and a phyto-bar. An unrivaled team of wellness professionals will create an individualized program that you will definitely enjoy.

Pool Palace allows you to enjoy swimming in comfort at any time of the year.

In summer, the Pool Palace has an outdoor Infinity pool: you can choose to sunbathe on the panoramic terrace, have a meal and relax at the Sky bar.

The main swimming pool impresses with its size, stylish design and panoramic views of the forest opening from the huge windows. A feeling of complete unity with nature and maximum comfort.

The pool is suitable for both relaxing swimming and training.

Sports

For guests who do not want to part with sports for a minute, equipment for all types of exercise is available.

Regular or occasional sports activities in the spacious gym with panoramic windows and a terrace will make your stay even more enjoyable. The hotel has everything you need to stay in shape, work on muscle mass and rehabilitation.

Restaurant service

Verkhovyna Resort offers the most delicious European and local cuisine, the best world drinks and desserts. Two luxurious restaurants, three bars and a VIP lounge will enchant you with their interior, atmosphere and unforgettable flavors.

An entertainment center with bowling and billiards and lounge areas will make your evening even more sincere and unforgettable.

Verkhovyna Resort Medical & Wellness is the first and only five-star hotel in Zakarpattia. All this became possible thanks to the unique architecture, comfortable rooms, painstaking work of people who created the exclusive design of the premises and territory, as well as an incredible team that daily keeps the bar high and provides quality services that exceed expectations and ensure an unforgettable vacation for each guest.

Book a room at the hotel

+38 (050) 202-10-99

+38 (0312) 65-83-43

+38 (050) 202 10 75

ADONIS network has treated more than 135 thousand patients in 6 months

In January-June 2023, the ADONIS network of medical clinics received more than 135 thousand patients, which is 34% more than in the same period in 2022.

ADONIS Marketing Director Olena Starovoitenko told Interfax-Ukraine that in the first half of 2023, the network had 364,974 patient visits.

Starovoitenko noted that in the first half of the year, obstetrics and gynecology, therapy, massage, diagnostics, and laboratory tests were still in the highest demand.

At the same time, according to Starovoitenko, in 2023, the demand for physical rehabilitation, neurology, and cardiology increased significantly, which mirrors the current situation in Ukraine.

At the same time, Starovoitenko noted that “currently, the priority of the ADONIS medical group of companies is to maintain and maximize capacity utilization in clinics in Kyiv and Kyiv region.”

“In the near future, the company does not consider regional development opportunities, we see our critical role in providing quality medical care at the existing locations,” she said.

Starovoitenko clarified that the medical center in Bucha has been providing assistance to the local population and free rehabilitation to military personnel injured during the hostilities for more than a year after the region’s de-occupation.

“This step was made possible thanks to the financial support of charitable foundations, social initiatives of Ukraine and with the support of international donors and volunteers,” Starovoitenko said.

ADONIS is a network of private medical centers for adults and children. The ADONIS private clinic was founded over 20 years ago. Its network includes 12 branches in Kyiv and the region, including two own maternity hospitals and a stem cell laboratory. In the clinic’s branches, doctors provide services in 66 medical areas.

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Is it possible to catch cold in summer?

What a question – of course, because there are characteristic “aggravating” summer factors, when the heat is replaced by a cool breeze or air conditioning, when you want water from the refrigerator (or not water, but ice cream :)), and no one has canceled the classic pathogens of SARS.

But there is something else that mimics the common cold.
It looks like a stuffy nose and rhinitis that occur in late summer. There may be itchy eyes or watery eyes, a sore throat, subfebrile fever, loss of concentration, and sometimes a dry, hacking cough. It sounds like a cold, doesn’t it?
But the symptoms last for several weeks or more. A person goes to the doctor and may hear that they need to be tested for… allergies.

August and September are characterized by pollinating weeds. There are many of them, but we usually hear about ragweed and wormwood most often (and for good reason, because they are classic representatives of the class).

You can see these representatives not only in the countryside, but also on city roadsides. Sensitized people experience allergy symptoms during their pollination, and sometimes cross-reactivity symptoms in the form of allergic reactions to certain foods (for example, sunflower seeds, watermelon, melon, and grapes, which are also in season now).

What should I do if I experience the above symptoms?
Of course, consult a doctor who will conduct an examination and prescribe additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.

If you notice the same symptoms for several years in a row and/or suspect a pollen allergy, ask your doctor what tests you should take.

In CSD LAB you can find the following tests:

Determination of Ig E antibodies to wormwood pollen extract (by ELISA and ImmunoCAP);
Determination of Ig E antibodies to ragweed pollen extract (ELISA and ImmunoCAP);
“Seasonal rhinitis” package (contains the determination of Ig E antibodies to wormwood, ragweed and other plant pollen);
Determination of Ig E antibodies to the main molecules of ragweed pollen (n Amb a 1), wormwood (n Art v 1, n Art v 3) and minor grass allergens (r Phl p 7 r Phl p 12 complex);
Also, the determination of Ig E antibodies to ragweed and wormwood pollen allergen components is included in multiplex allergy panels.

In addition, for a comprehensive health check, CSD LAB reduces prices for the most popular allergy tests until the end of summer:
– ALEX2 – allergy test (Total IgE + specific IgE to 295 allergens).
– FOX – allergy test (Food Xplorer, specific IgG to 286 food allergens).

Details of the campaign at

Important! It is worth remembering that even when choosing tests on your own, you should always seek a doctor’s examination to confirm the diagnosis, possibly a more detailed examination and determine further treatment tactics.

MPs propose partial decriminalization of pornography

Members of Parliament propose that the Verkhovna Rada decriminalize pornography in the part that does not pose a public danger.

“Criminal liability will remain exclusively for non-consensual porn (pornography, deep fake), extreme porn (violence, animal, necrophilia), porn with children and for children (we will also toughen it up). That’s it. For everything else, we are removing criminal liability from Articles 301 and 302. So that the imagination of law enforcement officers does not generate 1000+ cases a year,” said Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a member of the Voice faction and co-author of the bill, in his telegram channel on Tuesday.

At the same time, he emphasized that pimping, involvement in prostitution and human trafficking remain criminal offenses.

Zhelezniak also noted that the draft law would be published on the Verkhovna Rada’s website in three days, so he supplemented his post with the text of the document and its supporting documents.

Thus, according to the draft law, the distribution or sale of pornography without the consent of the person depicted in it, or the production of such products depicting a person who is not aware of such actions, will be punishable by a fine of one thousand to three thousand tax-free minimum incomes (NMIT), i.e. UAH 17,000-5,000, or arrest for up to six months, or restraint of liberty for up to three years.

The parliamentarians propose to punish the production, distribution or sale of extreme pornography with a fine of 3000 to 5000 tax-free minimum incomes (UAH 51000-85000) or restriction of liberty for a term of three to five years, or imprisonment for up to three years.

The penalty for the sale of pornography to a minor or its distribution among minors, as well as forcing a person to participate in the creation of pornography, is proposed to be a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 tax-free minimum incomes (UAH 85,000 to 17,000) or imprisonment for a term of three to seven years.

If the above actions are committed with the use of power, official or professional authority, the fine will be from 10,000 to 25,000 tax-free minimum incomes (UAH 170000-425,000), and imprisonment for a term of seven to ten years with or without deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years.

In addition, the authors of the legislative initiative propose to close legislative gaps by defining the concepts of “pornography” and “extreme pornography.”

Thus, the deputies propose to define pornography as any material objects, items, printed, audio, video products, messages and materials, media products, the content of which is an image of a person in a real or simulated sexually explicit image or engaged in real or simulated sexually explicit behavior, or any image of genitals for sexual purposes.

The drafters of the bill consider extreme pornography to be pornography that contains images of violent acts, sexual acts with an animal (zoophilia) or with the body of a deceased person (necrophilia).

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