Digest of Economy & Markets, International Support, Politics & Culture

Welcome to our 16th edition of "Ukraine Through My Eyes"

Thank you for your continued interest in our newsletter and your invaluable feedback.

This week, in our "Topic of the Week" section, Tetiana Babych, PhD will dive into the reforms aimed at easing the business ecosystem in Ukraine, focusing on the eDozvil initiative and deregulation efforts to support entrepreneurs during martial law.

In this issue, we have compiled 17 topics that we believe will capture our audience's interest:

Economy and Markets

• Grain Market Dynamics: Prices for rapeseed and wheat are rising, exceeding global prices due to high demand and inflation.
• Labour Market Challenges: Ukraine needs an additional 4.5 million workers to ensure 7% GDP growth by 2030, addressing manpower scarcity.
• NBU's Simplified Foreign Investment Access: The NBU has approved amendments to attract foreign investments through local bonds and other debt instruments.
• Iron and Steel Production Rankings: Ukraine has risen to 13th place in iron production and 21st in steel production globally.
• Boeing and Antonov Collaboration: Boeing and Antonov have signed an agreement to produce unmanned systems for Ukraine's defense industry.

Local Development and Recovery

• Ukrainians Abroad Planning to Return: Many Ukrainians who left due to the war plan to return, driven by the desire for job security and safety.
• Uzhgorod Leads in Housing Rent Costs: Uzhgorod is the most expensive city in Ukraine for housing rent due to high demand.

International Support

• Rheinmetall's Ammunition Plant: Rheinmetall will build an ammunition factory in Ukraine, with production expected to start within 24 months.
• Japan's Investment Support: Japan and Ukraine signed an agreement to support private sector growth and investment, with 14 Japanese companies ready to invest.
• EU's Financial Support from Frozen Russian Assets: The EU has allocated 1.5 billion euros from frozen Russian assets to assist Ukraine's military and reconstruction needs.

Politics

• External Debt Restructuring Agreement: Ukraine has reached an agreement to restructure its sovereign debt, reducing its nominal value by 37%.
• Electronic Booking for Employees: The Diia portal now offers electronic booking for employees, reducing wait times for critical enterprises.
• Ukraine-China Negotiations: Ukrainian and Chinese foreign ministers held talks focusing on bilateral relations and the path to peace.
• WTO E-Commerce Agreement: Ukraine is among 90 WTO member countries that have agreed on rules for global digital trade.

Culture

• Veterans' Portraits at TSUM Kyiv: TSUM Kyiv is displaying portraits of veterans who have returned to civilian life after severe injuries, supporting their integration.

Please enjoy this edition! Your feedback is invaluable to us. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions.

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful start to the new week!

Слава Укра?н? - Разом сильн?ш? - до перемоги!

??? Yours sincerely, Markus Ciupek

Business Ecosystem: eDozvil and Deregulation as Part of the Reform for Entrepreneurs

Ukraine is building a country that is convenient for entrepreneurs. During the martial law period, the Ministry of Economy launched a crucial initiative allowing businesses to declare the beginning of specific activities instead of acquiring licenses and permissions, which are often exorbitant. This reform significantly helps Ukrainian businesses during the war, addressing the long-standing issue of an overregulated licensing system. A specialized interdepartmental panel analysis of the Ukrainian regulatory framework recommended that 34% of the 1,323 regulatory actions be canceled, and another 44% be streamlined.

It is vital for the government and licensing authorities to enact the appropriate by-laws within two months and publish the lists of declarations within 15 days. Such forward-thinking innovations should be safeguarded even during peacetime.

eDozvil is set to make business operations easier. Currently, paper books or Excel tables record a significant portion of licenses and permits, causing inconvenience. The new method will save entrepreneurs time and reduce the likelihood of corruption. Now, entrepreneurs won't need to stand in lines to submit requests and wait weeks for answers to receive data on licenses or permits.

Details:

Last week, the Verkhovna Rada supported Government Bill No. 7331, which transfers permits and licenses to a declarative principle. To start a business, it is enough to declare the relevant activity for free.

How it works:

• The declaration is equivalent to a permit, license, or other public service results.
• The declaration can be submitted anywhere in the country.
• The declaration is valid during martial law and until the end of the calendar year in which martial law is suspended or canceled (not less than three months from its termination or cancellation).
• Previously obtained permit documents do not need to be reissued, nor changes made to the declaration information.
• Planned checks on permit documents are suspended during martial law.

Exemptions: The declarative principle does not apply if the activity can lead to:

• A threat to national interests.
• Negative impact on critical infrastructure.
• Violation of normal living conditions.
• Negative impact on environmental safety.

Earlier this year, the government launched the "eDozvil" system for businesses, available within the comprehensive "e-Entrepreneur" service on the "Diia" portal. The system automatically checks documents uploaded by the user using a special algorithm. If the risk level is low, registration is automatic. If a risk is found, a state representative reviews the application and responds within 10 days.

With eDozvil, entrepreneurs will be able to:

• Submit applications for obtaining, restoring, suspending, or canceling licenses, expanding or narrowing business activities.
• Inform about changes in the documents and information attached to the application.
• Create and submit declarations of compliance with the requirements of legislation on labor protection.
• Receive information about the status or results of consideration of electronic documents.
• Pay for the provision of administrative services.
• Complain about the actions of the licensing authority regarding its violation of the requirements of legislation in the field of licensing.

According to the Law of Ukraine "On Licensing of Economic Activities Types," these areas cover 34 types of economic activity:

1. Banking activities, activities for the provision of financial services, and activities for the provision of money collection services to banks;
2. Activities in the field of television and radio broadcasting, which are licensed by the Law of Ukraine "On Television and Radio Broadcasting";
3. Activities in the field of electricity, which are licensed taking into account the features determined by the Law of Ukraine "On the Electricity Market," and activities in the field of nuclear energy use, which are licensed by the Law of Ukraine "On Permit Activity in the Field of Nuclear Energy Utilization";
4. Educational activities that are licensed taking into account the specifics defined by special laws in the field of education;
5. Production and sale of ethyl, cognac and fruit alcohol and grain distillates, bioethanol, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products and fuel, fuel storage, which is licensed by the Law of Ukraine "On the State Regulation of Production and Circulation of Ethyl Alcohol, Cognac and Fruit Alcohols, Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Products and Fuel";
6. Provision of services in the field of cryptographic protection of information (except for electronic digital signature services) and technical protection of information, according to the list determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
7. Construction of facilities that, according to the class of consequences (responsibility), are classified as facilities with medium (CC2) and significant (CC3) consequences, according to the list of types of work, determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine taking into account the features determined by the Law of Ukraine "On Regulation of City Planning Activity";
8. Production of medicinal products, wholesale and retail trade in medicinal products, import of medicinal products (except for active pharmaceutical ingredients), taking into account the features determined by the Law of Ukraine "On Medicinal Products";
9. Production and repair of non-military firearms and ammunition for them, edged weapons, pneumatic weapons with a caliber of more than 4.5 millimeters and a bullet speed of more than 100 meters per second, trade in non-military firearms and ammunition for them, melee weapons, pneumatic weapons with a caliber of over 4.5 millimeters and a bullet speed of over 100 meters per second, production of special means charged with tear and irritant substances, personal protection, active defense, and their sale;
10. Production of explosive materials for industrial use according to the list determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
11. Provision of services and performance of fire-fighting works according to the list determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
12. Production of highly hazardous chemicals, the list of which is determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, hazardous waste management. The storage (accumulation) by the business entity of hazardous waste generated by them is not subject to licensing if, within a year from the date of generation, hazardous waste is transferred to business entities that have the license to handle hazardous waste;
13. Practice of medicine;
14. Work on umbilical cord blood banking, other human tissues and cells according to the list approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine;
15. Veterinary practice;
16. Issuing and holding lotteries, taking into account the features determined by the Law of Ukraine "On State Lotteries in Ukraine";
17. Activities in the gambling market licensed in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On State Regulation of the Organization and Conduct of Gambling";
18. Tour operator activities;
19. Mediation in employment abroad;
20. Industrial capture of aquatic biological resources outside the jurisdiction of Ukraine;
21. Cultivation of plants included in Table I of the List of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors;
22. Activities related to the development, manufacture, supply of special technical means for lawful interception of communications from communication channels and other technical means of secretly obtaining information;
23. Activities related to the development, manufacture, supply of technical means of reconnaissance (the criteria for belonging to technical means of reconnaissance are determined by the intelligence agencies of Ukraine);
24. Transportation of passengers, dangerous goods and hazardous waste by river, sea, motor transport, rail, and air transport, international transportation of passengers and goods by motor transport;
25. Foreign economic activities by Article 16 of the Law of Ukraine "On Foreign Economic Activities";
26. Transportation of oil, oil products by main pipeline;
27. Activities at the natural gas market, which is licensed taking into account the features determined by the Law of Ukraine "On the Natural Gas Market";
28. Centralized water supply and centralized wastewater disposal;
29. Production of heat energy, transportation of heat energy by main and local (distribution) heat networks and supply of heat energy;
30. Security activities;
31. Household waste recycling;
32. Burial of household waste;
33. Production of veterinary medicines, wholesale and retail sale of veterinary medicines, import of veterinary medicines taking into account the features defined by the Law of Ukraine "On Veterinary Medicine";
34. Banking and testing of donated blood and blood components, regardless of their final purpose, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of donated blood and blood components intended for transfusion.

The grain market is experiencing a unique situation: the prices of rapeseed and wheat are growing and almost exceed global prices.

Wheat and rapeseed are in greater demand among traders. Ivan Dimov, the founder of DMV Group, stated that domestic pricing for these crops is nearly equal to or higher than those on the global market.

Because traders must fulfill obligations while ships are waiting, they must either purchase grain at a loss or hope that its price will increase. Most of these traders are global corporations. Since the currency rate rose by more than a hryvnia in the last week, inflation is also impacting the situation. This has led to an anomaly: normally, the price of grain drops during harvest and, consequently, for large quantities of grain; however, this time, the opposite is true, the speaker said.

Farmers are holding back on sales as a result of this circumstance, forcing dealers to increase their offers. Rapeseed costs a little more than ?23,000 per tonne right now ($550 with VAT). The price is outrageous when transshipment, logistics, and production pricing in Germany are taken into account. With wheat, it's a similar story. The price is rising in Ukraine but declining globally—it has recently decreased by $30 to $40.

Source: UBN, 23/07/2024

Ukraine Needs an Additional 4.5 Million Workers for Its GDP to Grow by 7%

One of the most important variables influencing the economy today and in the future will be the dynamics of its growth is Ukraine's demographic situation, namely the availability of labor resources. The war, internal migration, and the exodus of Ukrainians abroad have all contributed to the state's manpower scarcity and structural unemployment.

The formal labor market in 2021 had 11.5 million workers, according to the Ministry of Economy. This number dropped to nine million officially employed people in 2023.

Preliminary calculations show that Ukraine needs 4.5 million additional workers to ensure an annual GDP growth of 7% until 2030. To address the issue of structural unemployment, the state is also assisting individuals in adjusting to shifts in the demand for labor. This includes providing training programs and advanced training courses that enable individuals to acquire new skills that are in demand in the market.

To enhance the state of the labor market, the Ukrainian government is now updating its labor laws.

Source: UBN, 24/07/2024

The National Bank Has Simplified Access for Foreign Investors to Finance Ukraine's Reconstruction

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has approved amendments to the Regulation on Depository and Clearing Activity and Settlement of Securities Transactions by the National Bank of Ukraine, allowing foreign investors direct access to market debt instruments (excluding government securities) for rebuilding Ukraine.

Starting July 24, 2024, the NBU will be able to open accounts for foreign financial institutions and depositories that comply with Ukrainian legislation.

This will attract foreign investment in the recovery of the country through local loan bonds, infrastructure bonds, and other debt instruments.

The changes will also facilitate the implementation of plans to expand cooperation with the international depository Clearstream Banking Luxembourg.

Source: NBU, 23/07/2024

Ukraine Rose to 13th Place in Iron Production and 21st in Steel Production Rankings

Ukraine smelted 3.47 million tons of iron and 3.87 million tons of steel in the first half of 2024, marking an increase from the previous year, according to Worldsteel data and UNN reports.

The world's metallurgical enterprises produced 704.01 million tons of pig iron in January-June 2024, a 1.79% decrease from the same period in 2023. China produced the largest amount, with its metallurgists producing 435.62 million tons, down 3.60% from 451.89 million tons. Ukraine moved up from 14th to 13th position among 40 pig iron-producing countries.

Global steel production in January-June 2024 was 954.62 million tons, a 0.01% decrease from the same period in 2023. China's share in global steel production is 55.6%. Ukraine smelted 3.87 million tons of steel, up 136.96% compared to January-June 2023. In April, Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises increased iron production by 25%, steel by 33%, and rolled products by 30.5% compared to the same period last year.

Source: UBN, 23/07/2024

Boeing and Antonov Signed a Preliminary Agreement to Cooperate in Drone Production

Boeing Corporation and the Ukrainian company Antonov have signed a preliminary joint work agreement for the production of unmanned systems to support Ukraine's defense industry. The agreement covers training, logistical support, and maintenance of drones like Boeing's ScanEagle.

“We are happy to continue cooperating with the Antonov company to support Ukraine’s development and economic growth,” said the American leader in the global aerospace industry.

Antonov CEO Yevhen Gavrylov said the agreement opens up new opportunities for implementing the latest solutions and the possibility of future projects with Boeing in the aerospace and defense industry.

Additionally, Antonov will cooperate with the French company Turgis & Gaillard to produce the Aarok MALE combat drone at its facilities.

Source: UBN, 24/07/2024

The NBU Updated Its Forecast for Key Indicators in the Ukrainian Economy

Ukraine's GDP is expected to rise by 3.7% in 2024, according to the NBU (the April prediction was 3%). The first half of the year saw continuous economic development, but subsequent months have seen a slowdown because of Russia's extensive attacks on the energy industry. Nonetheless, companies in Ukraine have adjusted to the regular electricity shortages.

Additionally, the NBU revised downward its April prediction of an 8.2% rise in consumer prices to 8.5% in 2024. Inflation is predicted to be 5.0% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2025. Inflation started to rise again in May after a protracted drop, and in June it accelerated to 4.8% annually.

A decline in foreign currency exchange and a rise in demand for foreign currency are reported to be responsible for the recent increase in the dollar-hryvnia exchange rate. However, after reaching a peak, the dollar declined for the fourth day in a row. As of July 26, the official currency rate is 41.1977 hryvnias to the dollar.

Source: UBN, 26/07/2024

The Ministry of Energy is Rushing to Restore Energy Production Capacity

Ukrainian Minister of Energy German Galushchenko has announced that the country's energy repair campaign for 2024 will be larger than last year, aiming to restore 3.3 GW of destroyed generation. The campaign is working around the clock, focusing on infrastructure repair, distributed generation development, backup power generator provision, and energy infrastructure protection.

The average energy deficit is currently around three GW, with a volume of over six GW if all current needs and the heating season are summed up.

However, the power system's situation has improved due to lower consumption from more moderate temperatures and increased electricity production at solar power plants. Most of Ukraine's consumption is supplied through nuclear energy.

Source: UBN, 26/07/2024

Most Ukrainians Have Not Adapted to Life Abroad and Plan to Return Home

The majority of Ukrainians who left the country due to the war—64 percent of them—have not settled into their new nations, and many of them plan to go back to their own country. It is evident that the adaptation factor affects Ukrainians who plan to go back home: 55% of respondents made this observation. Sixty-two percent of those who want to return to Ukraine are unsure of the precise date they will return.

The Ukrainians who are most ready to return are those who work remotely for Ukrainian enterprises (70%) and those who are temporarily unemployed (68%). At least 60% of respondents said they feel comfortable personally in other countries, and an even greater percentage (65%) said they feel at ease about the safety of their kids, which is a major deterrent for them from going back.

Forty-one percent of respondents cite guaranteed permanent jobs as the primary motivation for returning, 36% say financial support in Ukraine is necessary for their return, and 33% mention the prospect of finding or arranging homes in safe areas of Ukraine. Twenty-seven percent of those surveyed said they would be prepared to go back if Ukraine's air defense is improved.

Source: UBN, 26/07/2024

Uzhgorod Has Become the Most Expensive Ukrainian City in Terms of Housing Rent

Ukraine's real estate portal "LUN" has reported that Uzhgorod is currently the most expensive city in terms of housing rent in the country, followed by Lviv and Kyiv. A one-room apartment in Uzhgorod costs an average of UAH 17,700 per month.

The average cost of renting a one-room apartment in Lviv is UAH 16,500 per month, while in Kyiv it is UAH 15,000 per month.

Chernivtsi is the fourth most expensive city, with an average rent of UAH 12,300 per month. Other cities with lower prices include Ivano-Frankivsk, Kropyvnytskyi, Poltava, Rivne, Cherkasy, Khmelnytskyi, and Ternopil. Odesa, which was once the most expensive city for rent, now ranks 14th with UAH 7,000 per month.

Low prices were observed in cities near front-line areas and those affected by military actions, such as Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson.

Source: LUN, 26/07/2024

Rheinmetall Received an Order from the Government of Ukraine to Build an Ammunition Plant

Rheinmetall has been awarded an order by the Ukrainian government to construct a factory for ammunition production in Ukraine. The order covers the entire technical equipment up to commissioning, with a total value estimated to be in the three-digit million euro range. The project is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2024 and be completed within several years.

Rheinmetall plans to start ammunition production in Ukraine within 24 months and will operate the plant with its Ukrainian joint venture partner.

In June, Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger and Ukraine's Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin signed an agreement on expanding strategic cooperation during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin. The company has also opened an armored tank plant in Western Ukraine, managed by a joint venture between Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian Defense Industry. Rheinmetall's first Lynx infantry fighting vehicle is due to be delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces by the end of this year, with local production to begin as soon as possible.

Source: Rheinmetall site, 24/07/2024

Ukraine and Japan Signed a Document to Support Investment Projects, and 14 Japanese Companies Are Ready to Invest in the Ukrainian Economy

The "Protocol of Discussions on the Project of Strengthening the Involvement of the Private Sector for the Reconstruction of Ukraine" was signed by Japan and Ukraine. The agreement calls for the growth of Ukraine's private sector and its industrial policy tools, as well as the provision of support by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for pilot investment projects carried out by Japanese companies in Ukraine. It is anticipated that proposals for more intensive courting of Japanese corporations to invest would be included. According to JICA, 14 Japanese businesses are prepared to consider making investments in the Ukrainian economy.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Economy emphasized that this document should lead to Japanese companies investing in Ukraine, financing the supply of Japanese equipment for joint projects, and providing expert assistance from JICA to make the country's private sector more appealing to investors. It should also attract investment from Japanese companies.

Source: UBN, 26/07/2024

The EU Transfers 1.5 Billion Euros from the Profit from Frozen Russian Assets to Ukraine

This was disclosed by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on the social network X (previously Twitter).

The proceeds will be used to assist military requirements and the recovery of Ukraine through the European Peace Fund (which will receive 90% of the funds) and the Ukraine Facility (10%).

According to the European Commission document, this guidance ensures that the funds are not given directly to Ukraine, but rather are used for improving military capability and reconstruction in compliance with the principles of sound financial management.

In June, the EU agreed to use part of the profits from frozen Russian assets for military aid to Ukraine. EUR 1.5 billion is the first part of these funds.

Source: Ursula von der Leyen, X, 26/07/2024

Ukraine Agreed on the Restructuring of External Debt

Ukraine has reached principled agreements with the Committee of Eurobond Owners of Ukraine to restructure sovereign debt securities issued on international capital markets. The agreement will allow existing Eurobonds to be exchanged for new Eurobonds, resulting in a 37% nominal reduction in the debt's value at the initial stage and a reduction in the net present value of the debt by around 60%.

The maturity of the Eurobonds will be extended, with the first repayment of USD 1.172 billion in 2029. New Eurobonds will be issued, with four series of Bonds A maturing in 2029, 2034, 2035, and 2036, and four series of Bonds B maturing in 2030, 2034, 2035, and 2036.

The agreements are supported by the Committee of Creditors of Ukraine and correspond to the target indicators of the IMF Extended Financing Mechanism program, which aims to achieve an 82% debt-to-GDP ratio by the end of 2028 and a 65% debt-to-GDP ratio by the end of 2033. Ukraine plans to implement the restructuring agreement as soon as possible, provided the necessary documentation is prepared.

Source: The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, 22/07/2024

Electronic Booking through Diia: Over 55,000 Employees Booked in a Week

The Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Digital Transformation in Ukraine have introduced electronic booking for employees, with 55,000 employees booked so far. The Diia portal allows users to book an employee, with an average booking time of 15 minutes. The system has shown significant demand, with 15,000 people booking on the first day alone. It is particularly beneficial for critical enterprises and those working for the Security and Defense Forces, as it reduces waiting times to 15 minutes.

The reservation algorithm on the Diia portal involves ministries, OVA, and other executive power bodies entering into the Unified List of Enterprises, Institutions, and Organizations that can book employees. The head of the company submits reservation lists on the Diia portal and certifies the application with an electronic signature. The system automatically checks if a person is officially employed and if their data is in the Register of Safeguards. If positive, the system transfers the conscript to a special military account for the duration of the reservation, making them considered booked.

Both online and paper formats are available for booking documents. Two reservation mechanisms operate simultaneously: through the Diia portal and according to lists approved by the Ministry of Defense and accepted by the Ministry of Economy. The company independently determines the mechanism for booking employees. The system's operation is continuously improving, and enterprises are added to the Unified List of Critically Important Enterprises.

Source: The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, 24/07/2024

Kuleba and Wang Yi Held Three-Hour Negotiations in China

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi held three-hour negotiations in Guangzhou.

Kuleba expressed his expectation of thorough and substantive discussions on bilateral relations, the international agenda, and the path to peace. He emphasized that a just peace in Ukraine aligns with China's strategic interests and its role as a global peace force. The main topic of the negotiations was exploring ways to stop Russia's aggression and China's possible role in establishing a stable peace.

Kuleba stressed that Russian aggression has destroyed peace and hindered development, with each new day of war bringing further violations of humanity and erosion of justice. He explained the logic of further steps in the implementation of the Peace Formula as a means to end Russian aggression. He stated that Ukraine is ready to conduct negotiations with Russia at a certain stage when Russia is prepared to negotiate in good faith.

This is the first visit by the head of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine to China since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by Russia and the first full-fledged visit since 2012.

Source: Reuters, 25/07/2024

Ukraine Among 90 WTO Member Countries to Agree on E-Commerce Rules

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reached an agreement with over 90 member countries on rules governing global digital trade, including the recognition of electronic signatures and protection against online fraud. E-commerce accounts for about 25% of all international trade and is growing at a faster rate than traditional commerce. The agreement could become the basis of global digital trade rules once integrated into the WTO legal framework. European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis believes the agreement will facilitate electronic transactions, drive innovation, and integrate developing countries into the digital economy.

The agreement is expected to benefit both consumers and businesses by simplifying cross-border electronic transactions, lowering barriers to digital trade, and promoting innovation in e-commerce. It also provides for the digitalization of customs documents and processes, reducing the need for businesses to physically sign contracts and send them worldwide. Additionally, the agreement obliges signatories to take legal measures to protect against Internet fraud.

The parties to the agreement can make it an official WTO agreement, but this will require consensus among all member countries. The United States considers the new text an "important step forward" but notes that it is still imperfect and requires additional work. The main trend of electronic sales is the integration of commerce into daily life, with the implementation of artificial intelligence in e-commerce, simplification of online payments, and social commerce being among the ways to implement this trend.

Source: European Commission, 26/07/2024

Portraits of Veterans Decorate the Shop Windows of the Central Shopping Centre Kyiv

The TSUM Kyiv department store has displayed portraits of veterans who have returned to civilian life after severe injuries and trials.

The project, initiated by PUMB and the Kyiv Medical Center, tells the stories of heroes through the lens of photographer Kostyantyn Liberov. Each photo tells a personal story about a Ukrainian soldier's path to a fulfilling life after returning from the war. The heroes include Vladimir Yeschenko, founder of the "We Will See Victory" charity foundation, Sergeii Khrapko, Hleb Stryzhko, Anastasia Savka, and Giorgii Raskalei.

The initiative is part of the larger "Live Towards" veterans' integration platform initiated by PUMB, which aims to support veterans in their return to civilian life.

The photos will be on display in the store window until August 15.

Source: Basilik, 25/07/2024