The EU Advisory Mission to Ukraine (EUMM) has returned to the mission’s headquarters in Kyiv.
“Forced to evacuate from Kyiv, as well as from all field offices in Ukraine in connection with the full-scale Russian invasion on February 24, demonstrating its full support and commitment to Ukraine, the mission joins a number of EU member states and institutions and returns to Kyiv,” the mission reads. message on the EUMM website on Wednesday.
The mission noted that the first group of advisers, both international and Ukrainian, will conduct a needs assessment together with key partners of the mission. Based on this assessment, and in the event that security conditions remain favorable, the intention is to gradually increase the EUMM presence in Ukraine over the summer.
“As EUMM tasks are expanded to include advice on the investigation and prosecution of international and war crimes, this first core team deployed to Kyiv will consist, among others, of criminal investigation advisers who will work closely with the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine,” – explained in the ECMS.
The restaurant market in Kyiv has shrunk by half, since the beginning of the war at least a third of establishments have been closed, Olga Nasonova, co-founder of the National Restaurant Association of Ukraine, told Interfax-Ukraine.
“At best, half of the 500,000 active consumers of restaurant services have remained. This means that half of the market simply does not have its own audience, it does not exist now physically. Restaurant Kyiv today is a city of harsh contrasts. A dead desert with closed doors of cafes and restaurants is enlivened by oases of crowded establishments. At least a third of Kyiv restaurants are closed. It is not known when they will open,” Nasonova said.
According to her observations, only about 20% of open catering establishments show a good load. “From central Kyiv, these are Keds, Musafir, Milk Bar, Mimosa, Arugula, Naprosecco – I won’t mention everyone, but everyone who was downtrodden was doing well before the war,” says Nasonova .
In addition to such top establishments even before the war, according to her estimates, two formats have a chance to “survive”.
“Coffee shops and bakeries will hold out. Low average bill, small area. Chains such as Family Bakery, Lviv Croissants, Espressoholik, Aroma Kava” will be fine with them. Establishments with the concept of simple and hearty cuisine are in demand: “Musafir”, “Mama Manana” (Georgia), “Puzata Khata” … But exotic concepts are now in much less demand, it’s like pampering, or something. Sushi, ramen – it’s more about pampering yourself from time to time, “Nasonova said .
The expert also noted that the curfew practically stopped the work of bars in the capital.
“It’s hard to get used to drinking before 9 pm,” Nasonova said.
At the same time, kiosks with shawarma feel best of all.
“Simple and cheap food is the trend of the coming months, and single men are the main audience,” says the expert.
As for prices, since the beginning of the war, prices for the most democratic positions have already increased by about 10%.
“The (Kyiv) perepichka index is growing – already 30 hryvnias, at the end of 2021 it was 25 hryvnias. For economists, these figures speak volumes. Coffee prices began to rise from the beginning of the year, cappuccino in January was 32 hryvnias, in March it was already 35 hryvnias, in the center now UAH 38,” Nasonova said.
Established in 2021, the National Restaurant Association of Ukraine (NRAU) for May 2022 unites more than 50 members, 450 restaurants and cafes.
The Romanian Embassy in Ukraine has resumed work in Kyiv, Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu said.
“Very glad to announce that starting today the Romanian Embassy in Kyiv has resumed its activity on the ground. Romania fully stands with its partner Ukraine in its bold fight for freedom!” Aurescu wrote on Twitter on Saturday.
JSC Kyiv Electric Car Repair Plant, part of the structure of Ukrzaliznytsia, in January-March 2022 received a net loss of UAH 10.96 million against a net profit of UAH 2.61 million for the same period in 2021.
According to the interim financial report of the enterprise, published in the information disclosure system of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission, its net income in the first quarter decreased by 40.7% – to UAH 77.37 million.
The plant received a gross loss of UAH 3.37 million (against a profit of UAH 6.74 million a year earlier), almost UAH 10 million of loss was received from operating activities.
According to the plant, in the first quarter of this year, it sold five repaired electrical sections for UAH 75.63 million (in January-March 2021 – nine sections for UAH 118.5 million), two wheel sets and three electric machines (a year earlier – one pair and 108 electric machines).
Kyiv Electric Car Repair Plant was founded in 1868 as a workshop for the repair of steam locomotives and wagons. It specializes in the overhaul of electric trains for the railways of Ukraine, the repair of components and assemblies, electric machines, electric motors and wheelsets, the manufacture of spare parts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (MFA) strongly condemns the Russian Federation’s actions in disposing of grain that was illegally seized from Ukrainian farmers.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the Russian Federation’s actions in disposing of grain that was illegally seized from Ukrainian farmers. Russian occupants are stealing Ukrainian grain and either consuming it themselves or attempting to sell it on international markets. The plunder of food supplies from the territory of an independent sovereign state is one of the aspects of looting,” the MFA said in a comment posted on the website on Wednesday.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine warned consumer countries that grain consignments exported by Russia could contain stolen grain obtained as a result of Russian occupation authorities’ plundering. Any country that knowingly purchases stolen grain is considered to be complicit in the crime.”
According to existing information, the occupants have already seized at least 400-500 thousand tons of grain worth more than $100 million, according to the Ukrainian government. It is known that “almost all grain-laden ships departing from Sevastopol transport stolen Ukrainian commodities.”
“The criminal seizure, export and consumption of Ukrainian is another example of Russia’s destructive acts, which, in particular, contravene the fundamental principles of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) – achieving food security for all and overcoming hunger,” the ministry emphasizes.
In addition, “the aggressor state’s policy puts into doubt the relevance of its participation in FAO and other international organizations.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine demands that Russia stop illicit grain stealing, unblock Ukrainian ports, restore freedom of navigation, and allow trade ships to pass.
“We urge the international community to strengthen economic sanctions against Russia in order to stop its military aggression against Ukraine, to avert a humanitarian disaster and the world’s food security crisis,” the ministry said.
The Washington Post creates a new bureau in Kyiv , which will be headed by Isabel Khurshudyan.
Max Berak will be the chief correspondent of the Ukrainian bureau. This important step signals the publication’s long-term commitment to covering Russia’s war against Ukraine, as it will continue to be this year’s top story.
