Business Intelligence Update Ukraine , June 2025, with explanations of selected hot political, economic, and legal issues, is now available. T o read the Update , subscribe via contact@entrypointgroup.com

The National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications (NCCIR) has reported that Ukraine has completed its "homework" on legislative and regulatory approximation to EU roaming law. The next step is to submit the law to the European Commission for an official assessment of its compliance with EU law, NCCIR notes. In case of a positive outcome, the European Commission may initiate a decision on the reciprocal granting of internal market treatment for roaming between the EU and Ukraine, which will effectively mean full accession to the Roam Like At Home policy. In early 2024, Ukraine had approximately 55.64 million cellular mobile connections, equivalent to 148.7 per cent of the total population. This remarkable penetration highlights the importance of affordable and reliable mobile services to both consumers and businesses. Moreover, as of March 2025, over 4.26 million Ukrainian citizens were under temporary protection in the EU, with the majority residing in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. This substantial diaspora highlights the importance of seamless communication services across borders, facilitating both personal connections and business operations.  The move is more than just a technical change. It signals Ukraine’s continued alignment with EU standards and represents a commitment to a modern, competitive telecommunications market that supports economic integration. For companies, this enhances the ease of doing business, reduces costs for employees on international assignments, and strengthens cross-border collaboration with EU partners. While implementation will require regulatory harmonization and technical adjustments, the long-term benefits are clear: more affordable connectivity, stronger market competition, and deeper integration into the European economic sphere. For companies with operations in Ukraine or across the EU, this development is a strong signal that the barriers to cross-border business are lowering, creating a more seamless environment for growth and collaboration.

The EU’s “visa-free trade regime” with Ukraine—introduced in June 2022 to support the country during wartime—will expire on 5 June 2025. Known as the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), this policy suspended tariffs, quotas, and trade restrictions on Ukrainian exports. Its expiration could have a significant impact on Ukraine’s economy. Is a Compromise Possible? The European Commission states it is working on an alternative framework but hasn’t released any details. Ukraine is advocating for permanent trade liberalisation, and some signs of compromise are emerging, such as maintaining zero tariffs on Ukrainian steel after June. The restrictive policy towards Ukrainian agricultural exports seems rummy, as they account for less than 2% of the agricultural goods imported by EU countries. €2.9 Billion in Exports at Risk According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, reverting to pre-2022 trade rules could cost Ukrainian exporters up to €2.9 billion annually, primarily impacting corn, wheat, poultry, sugar, and honey. Agriculture accounts for over 50% of Ukraine’s exports to the EU, representing a significant increase from 28% in 2021. Deputy Economy Minister Taras Kachka stated, “The ATMs were a lifeline. Their removal could cut nearly 1% from Ukraine's GDP.” Ukrainian Exporters Already Losing Contracts Ukrainian producers report that EU importers are withdrawing from deals ahead of the policy’s expiration. Honey exports, for instance, could decline by 30–40% this year. MHP, Ukraine’s largest poultry exporter, views the end of the regime as a significant setback. The Bigger Picture looks grim This isn’t just about trade; it’s about Ukraine’s economic survival and deeper integration with Europe. While the Trump administration is guided by commercial and political considerations in improving relations with Russia, it limits Ukraine's prospects for achieving a lasting and fair peace. The EU, in turn, prioritises the commercial interests of a relatively small group of farmers and food producers, neglecting the rapid food inflation for Europeans and the opportunity to economically support its strategic partner at a relatively low cost.

Despite ongoing challenges, the price of agricultural land in Ukraine has nearly doubled over the past year, reaching an average of 86,655 UAH per hectare in April 2025. Some regions are experiencing even more dramatic growth, with average transactions in Khmelnytskyi leading the way, reaching up to 120,000 UAH per hectare. Vinnytsia, Ternopil, and Kyiv are also experiencing significant increases. In just 4 months of 2025, land prices have risen by 32 thousand hryvnias, which is more than in the previous 3 years combined. What's driving this surge? Limited land supply, inflation, currency fluctuations, and the perception of land as a safe haven for capital are all contributing factors. While most purchases are still for agricultural production, investors are increasingly seeing land as a way to protect their wealth against spiralling inflation. This remarkable growth highlights the resilience and potential of Ukraine's agricultural sector, as well as its favourable tax policies for agriculture. Experts predict that this trend will continue, potentially pushing the average price above 100,000 UAH per hectare by year's end. This might not be the ceiling. According to https://gatewaytosouthamerica-newsblog.com/the-market-for-farmland-in-argentina-is-proving-to-be-active-and-dynamic-with-stable-values/  , a good field in Argentina can easily sell for 15,000/16,000 US dollars per hectare. #Ukraine #Agriculture #LandPrices #Investment #Agribusiness #EconomicGrowth

Ukraine has long been celebrated for its fertile soil and agricultural exports. But in the shadow of grain fields and sunflower rows, another economic giant is growing—quieter, faster, and digital. Ukraine’s IT sector has emerged as one of the most dynamic in Eastern Europe, offering world-class software products, deep technical talent, and globally recognised brands. It’s time to look beyond agriculture and recognise Ukraine as a full-fledged technology leader. From Outsourcing to Innovation Hubs Ukraine’s service-based IT ecosystem has long powered global tech operations. Companies like SoftServe, Infopulse, N-iX, Sigma Software, and Intellias are trusted partners for Fortune 500 firms. These firms don’t just code—they architect complex fintech, automotive, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and more solutions. This strong outsourcing backbone is now being matched by an equally impressive ecosystem of product-based companies. Ukrainian Product Companies You Already Know Ukraine isn’t just writing code for others—it’s building globally used products: • Grammarly – The AI-powered writing assistant used by millions daily • GitLab – A top DevOps platform, co-founded by a Ukrainian • Reface – Viral face-swap app built on advanced AI • BetterMe – A leading fitness and wellness app with over 100M users • MacPaw – Maker of CleanMyMac and other global Mac software • Preply – Online language learning marketplace • People.ai , Reply, Ahrefs, Restream – SaaS tools now core to sales, SEO, and streaming strategies worldwide Whether it’s cybersecurity (like SOC Prime and AiSDR) or creative tools like Respeecher, Ukraine is delivering cutting-edge technology to the world stage. The Talent Engine Behind the Tech This success is no accident. Ukraine boasts: • Over 300,000 tech specialists • A strong emphasis on STEM education • Resilience and adaptability honed by crisis and conflict • Competitive pricing and high-quality engineering Even in wartime, Ukraine’s developers haven’t just stayed online—they’ve scaled. More Than a Moment—A Movement Ukraine’s digital economy accounted for ~4% of GDP in 2023, and that number is growing fast. The government’s Diia.City initiative and broad digital transformation efforts have opened the doors for both local innovation and foreign investment. Tech isn’t just a sideline anymore—it’s a national pillar. Conclusion: Invest in Ukraine’s Digital Future Ukraine is still an agri-titan. But it’s also a digital innovator, cybersecurity guardian, SaaS engine, and AI trailblazer. For international investors, tech buyers, and partners, the message is clear: Don’t just look at Ukraine’s land. Look at its code. Entrypoint helps organisations navigate and access Ukraine’s tech sector—from startup scouting to risk assessment and market entry. Let’s uncover the opportunities together.

Business Intelligence Update Ukraine, April 2025, with explainers on hot political, economic and legal issues, is out. To read the Update, subscribe via contact@entrypointgroup.com

Facing unprecedented challenges, Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience and innovation. As the nation fights and rebuilds, space technology is emerging as a critical asset in its recovery and development. Last week, the “Space for Ukraine” conference in Kyiv brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore how space technologies can support Ukraine’s reconstruction, economic revitalization, and security. Beyond the immediate challenges of war and reconstruction, Ukraine has the potential to emerge as a leader in space innovation. By fostering collaboration with global space organisations and aligning with the booming global space economy, Ukraine can develop a robust space industry that contributes to its long-term economic and technological advancement. The IT boom and the rise of a significant smart agriculture sector in the country are excellent examples of Ukraine’s transition to a post-industrial economy. The global space economy was valued at USD 418 billion  in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 788.7 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.7%. This growth is driven by advancements in satellite and rocket technologies, which have become more accessible and cost-effective. These innovations allow sectors such as logistics, transportation, retail, and disaster management to enhance their operations through real-time tracking, global communication, and weather forecasting.

When Finnish President Kyösti Kallio  was compelled to sign the harsh   Moscow Peace Treaty  in March 1940 , he quoted from the   Book of Zechariah : "May my hand, which is forced to sign such a paper, wither.” That summer, his right arm became paralysed, and he died following a stroke in December 1940 . After the Moscow Armistice in 1944 , Finland lost about 11% of its territory, over 1% of its population was killed, and 15% were relocated. After almost 11 years o f resistance to the Russian invasion and 3 years of full-scale aggression, Ukraine has survived and is holding on. The sharp turn in US policy by Donald Trump's Republican administration could offer a chance to suspend military action. But it will come with a bitter taste for Ukraine as Washington pushes to accept sacrifices prioritising renewed relations with Russia. According to the Ukrainian magazine Forbes,   since 2022 , Ukraine has lost: 22% of its economy and 11% of the territory (19% since 2014); 20% of agri-production and 65% of metallurgical facilities; 45% of electricity generation and 19% of IT exports (in real terms) and 15% of the Ukrainian population, which has relocated abroad. It is widely believed that the grit and courage of Finland’s resistance  convinced Stalin that incorporating Finland into the Soviet Union or transforming it into a Communist client state would be more trouble than it was worth. This led to Stalin’s eventual agreement to sign a peace treaty with Finland in 1944 in exchange for additional territory and a commitment from Helsinki to remain neutral. Thus, Finland became the only part of the former Russian Empire that was not reinstalled into the Soviet Union. Finland  developed as a prosperous Western democracy and was able to join the European Union and then NATO. It has long had one of the world’s highest per capita GDPs, scoring 100% on Freedom House’s Democracy  Index  (the US scores 84). Ukraine’s future after the war will be in the hands of its people. It would be for them to prove that the heroism and sacrifices of heroes who stopped Russian troops with the price of their lives weren't in vain.

Since the start of 2025, the composite Wig-Ukraine index of Ukrainian companies on the Warsaw Stock Exchange has risen by 65%.  The STOXX Europe 600, a broad measure of the European equity market, increased by 9%, while the key US stock indices, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite, declined by 2% and 5%, respectively. The price rise for Ukrainian and European assets primarily reflects expectations that the Russian war against Ukraine will soon end. The US economy is on the verge of significant rebalancing reform, and investors are frightened by uncertainty over the ‘readiness of China and the United States for war’ In 1907, British scientist Francis Galton made an intriguing discovery at the Cattle and Poultry Exhibition in the West of England. Eight hundred people purchased tickets for a contest to predict the weight of a bull. Many of the 800 participants were not knowledgeable about cattle. Surprisingly, the average valid estimate from the 787 participants was 1,198 pounds, which closely matched the actual weight of the bull, recorded at 1,197 pounds. When the crowd is neither rebellious nor blinded by groupthink, it demonstrates greater intelligence than the most exceptional individual. The stock markets always look ahead, and often, market expectations exceed those of opinion polls. If we believe in this, the denouement might be close.

Over 200,000 American military personnel are deployed overseas,  most of them in allied nations. The US spends over $60 billion annually on this forward posting,  not including combat operations. Empirical studies have shown that the United States military presence in third countries positively impacts hosts’ economic growth. A significant US military contingent usually brings stability and additional orders to the local economy . However, one crucial prerequisite, supported by the research, is that the host country must voluntarily allow military presence and bases . It is difficult to predict the arrangements and post-war dynamics following the eventual cessation of large-scale fighting resulting from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, it is evident that if Ukraine’s allies elect to bolster their military and economic presence in the country to ensure peace, this would be welcomed by the population and would benefit Ukraine’s economy. Support for NATO, effectively the US/EU/UK military alliance, rose among Ukrainians to nearly 80% in 2023  from about 30% in the mid-1990s. Notably, most nations that host Russian bases ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Russian_military_bases_abroad ) have problems with sustainable economic development, not to mention the presence of sound democratic rule. And the withdrawal of Russian troops often coincides with the acceleration of economic growth, like in Eastern Europe and Vietnam.