How will the latest high-level talks shape Ukraine’s trajectory? What are the key takeaways, and what should diplomats, humanitarians, and businesses anticipate in the coming weeks? Join KI Insights for an exclusive spot briefing this Thursday, where we will break down the fallout and help you navigate the fast-evolving
An agreement on Ukraine’s natural resources collapsed after a heated argument in the Oval Office on Feb. 28 between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance, casting doubt on the deal’s future. Following weeks of tough negotiations, Kyiv and
Matthias Warnig, who led Nord Stream 2’s parent company on behalf of Kremlin-controlled gas giant Gazprom until 2023, is reportedly trying to establish contact with U.S. President Donald Trump's team through American businessmen.
"Our understanding is that they are most concerned about two things. The first thing is those oligarchs who are under U.S., EU, and U.K. sanctions because this is a real problem for them. And the second thing is what prevents Russia from making money — energy (sanctions)," said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the president's commissioner for sanctions.
The police searched the offices and production facilities of Arterium Corporation, Farmak Joint Stock Company, and Darnytsia Pharmaceutical Company, Ukrainska Pravda's source claimed.
"President Zelensky is coming to sign the deal tomorrow... I'm sure President Zelensky and President Trump will have a wide-ranging discussion. But as far as the deal, it is complete, it is on paper," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Fox Business.
Turkish imports of Russian oil plummeted in February in response to sweeping sanctions the U.S. and U.K. imposed on Russia's oil sector in January.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has lowered its 2025 growth forecast for Ukraine’s economy, now expecting 3.5% growth instead of the previously projected 4.7%.
As Kyiv and Washington celebrate agreeing to jointly develop Ukraine’s natural resources after weeks of tense negotiations, the deal still has a long way to go before the money starts flowing. Officials, experts, and those close to the deal say the current version of the agreement is an improvement
According to Ukrainian banking law, a foreign bank can only operate in Ukraine if it opens a local branch or obtains a banking license. This process must first be approved by the NBU, the bank said in the press release.
Editor’s note: This is issue 15 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly "Ukraine Reforms Tracker" covering events from Feb. 17–Feb. 23, 2025. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs. The Kyiv Independent is republishing with permission. Benchmarks
The following is the Feb. 25, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here. After weeks of back-and-forth, during which U.S. President Donald Trump lobbed insults at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy,
"We'll be announcing it very soon. It'll be 25% generally speaking, and that will be on cars and all other things," U.S. President Donald Trump said.
The package builds upon 20 million Australian dollars ($12.6 million) that the Australia-based charity, founded by Andrew and Nicola Forrest, has already provided for demining, food and energy security, and the protection of children.
"I will meet with President Trump," Zelensky said in his evening address on Feb. 26. "It is important for me and all of us in the world that America's assistance is not stopped."
While it does not contain any concrete security guarantees, the agreement states the U.S. government "supports Ukraine's efforts to obtain security guarantees needed to establish lasting peace."
"It's now confirmed, and we're going to be signing an agreement which will be a very big agreement," U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 26 during a White House cabinet meeting.
The company expects to finalize and announce the deal within the next two months, with most potential partners based in the U.S.
This figure includes not only direct damage but also indirect damage from disrupted logistics, increased fertilizer and fuel costs, expenses for land reclamation and demining, and occupied territories, Agriculture Minister Vitalii Koval said.
Trump said Zelensky would visit the White House on Feb. 28 to sign the deal, which gives Ukraine "military equipment and the right to fight on." He also said the U.S. was open to signing a minerals deal with Russia.
Key developments on Feb. 25: * Ukraine, US reach agreement on minerals deal * Russia's war objectives 'not yet achieved,' Kremlin's ambassador says * Reclaiming occupied territories possible but 'not easy' for Ukraine, Trump claims * Ukraine needs $524 billion for recovery, reconstruction after 3 years of Russia's full-scale war * Russia's Ryazan oil
According to the Financial Times, Ukraine secured more favorable terms and framed the deal as a way to strengthen ties with the U.S.
LATEST: Kyiv, Washington reach agreement on minerals deal. The media cycle around a natural resources deal between Washington and Kyiv has been nonstop as the two sides lock horns over an agreement that has escalated from speculative critical minerals to Ukraine’s fruitful oil and gas sector. The relationship between
The required reconstruction costs are 2.8 times higher than Ukraine's nominal GDP for 2024, according to a new report.
The EU paid 21.9 billion euros ($22.9 billion) for Russian fossil fuel imports in the third year of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, exceeding the 18.8 billion euros ($19.6 billion) in financial aid sent to Ukraine that year, according to a new report by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air published on Feb. 24.
Among the bombshells coming out of the Trump administration in its first month in office is the president’s demand that Ukraine pledge $500 billion worth of mineral resources to the United States in return for American support. U.S. President Donald Trump appears to see this as payback for
Losses from Russian attacks amount to "billions of dollars," according to Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.
"We are committed to completing this (deal) swiftly to proceed with its signature," Stefanishyna said on X. While praising the talks as "constructive," Deputy Prime Minister Stefanishyna did not provide any details on the deliberations or the content of the deal.
"Europe is here to strengthen Ukraine in this critical moment. I can announce that a new 3.5 billion euros ($3.7 billion) payment for Ukraine will arrive already in March," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
The new measures, announced on the third anniversary of the all-out war, target Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, banks, aluminum imports, and other sectors.
Australia has introduced the most extensive package of sanctions since the beginning of the all-out war, while New Zealand imposed restrictions on over 50 individuals and entities.
President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed back at the U.S.’ demand for a $500 billion deal for its natural resources, saying that the U.S.’s aid grants are not debts, during the Ukraine: Year 2025 forum in Kyiv on Feb. 23.
The Kyiv Independent’s Business Desk covers the biggest news in business, economics, and tech from Ukraine, as well as global developments that shape the economy of the region.
