Volodymyr Shchelkunov, Chair the of ICC Ukraine:

— The fifth year of the full-scale war has demonstrated that Ukraine’s transport infrastructure is no longer merely a part of the economy, but one of the key elements of national security, state resilience, and the functioning of the country. Under the current conditions, the railway has become Ukraine’s main transport artery. Due to the closed airspace, constant risks to maritime logistics, and limited capacities of road transportation, the burden on Ukrzaliznytsia is unprecedented.

In fact, today the railway simultaneously performs several strategic functions. These include the evacuation of the population from frontline regions, transportation of military and humanitarian cargo, ensuring the operation of enterprises, supporting exports and imports, as well as maintaining the stability of the domestic economy. Under such conditions, any strikes on railway infrastructure have not only local consequences, but also affect the resilience of the state as a whole.

That is why the issue of international support for Ukraine’s transport infrastructure is extremely relevant and requires a systematic approach. We have already seen examples of effective international coordination in the defense sector within the “Ramstein” format. In my opinion, Ukraine and its international partners should create a similar permanent coordination mechanism to support critical infrastructure and logistics.

This concerns the establishment of a kind of “Infrastructure Ramstein” that would operate on a permanent basis and ensure оперативне response to challenges. Such a mechanism should unite the governments of partner states, international financial organizations, development banks, transport companies, manufacturers of machinery, energy equipment, and specialized international associations.

It is especially important that assistance should not be limited solely to financing. Ukraine needs fast and practical solutions. First and foremost, this includes the supply of locomotives, railcars, energy equipment, transformers, signaling systems, automation tools, specialized repair equipment, and spare parts. It is also critically important to create an international reserve of critical equipment for the rapid restoration of damaged facilities after missile strikes.

We must understand that today the speed of infrastructure restoration has become one of the factors of state resilience. While previously the reconstruction of certain facilities could take months, now it is literally a matter of hours or days. And this is precisely where international support can play a decisive role — through simplified mechanisms of supply, financing, and technical coordination.

In addition, international insurance of transportation and logistics risks is another important area. Due to wartime threats, many international companies face high insurance rates or are not prepared to operate in the region at all. Therefore, international guarantee mechanisms are needed to help maintain cargo flows, investments, and the participation of foreign businesses in the restoration of Ukraine’s infrastructure.

Equally important is the integration of Ukraine’s transport system into the European logistics network. The war has effectively accelerated processes that were previously considered long-term. Today, Ukraine is already becoming an integral part of European transport corridors. This concerns the development of border infrastructure, increasing the capacity of border crossings, modernization of railway tracks, digitalization of logistics, and harmonization of transport standards.

For the international community, it is important to realize that supporting Ukrainian logistics is not only assistance to Ukraine. It is a matter of the stability of global markets, food security, continuity of international trade, and the economic security of Europe. Ukrainian railways ensure critically important exports of agricultural products, metallurgy, raw materials, and humanitarian cargo. Entire regions of the world depend on the stability of these transportation routes.

I would also like to emphasize separately that international support must not be reactive, but strategic. It is necessary already now to form joint long-term programs for the modernization of Ukraine’s transport infrastructure, taking into account post-war reconstruction and Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union.

Today, Ukraine is demonstrating unique experience in operating a transport system under the conditions of a full-scale war. And this experience is also valuable for international partners. Therefore, cooperation should be built not only as assistance to Ukraine, but as a joint formation of a new model of resilient, secure, and modern transport infrastructure for the whole of Europe.

How to Turn the “Expensive and Complex” Stereotype into a Working Success Strategy?

On April 29, the International Chamber of Commerce Ukraine (ICC Ukraine) held a webinar dedicated to the specifics of entering the Swiss market—one of the world’s most stable and prestigious jurisdictions.

The keynote speaker of the event was Oksana Hunda, Vice Chair of ICC Ukraine and Head of the Ukrainian International Trade Hub in Switzerland. She shared practical experience on how to properly enter a country where a stable legal system is combined with favorable taxation.

During the event, participants analyzed in detail the algorithm for choosing a canton and building an optimal tax strategy, taking into account the differences between federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes. Special attention was paid to the banking sector: the expert dispelled illusions regarding opening accounts for companies and individuals, and explained the mechanics of legal fund transfers from Ukraine, separating facts from common myths.

The webinar became a platform for professional discussion among entrepreneurs, financiers, and lawyers planning to scale their businesses or seeking new vectors for investment development.

ICC Ukraine continues to support Ukrainian business on the path to international expansion by providing verified expertise and practical tools.

Video recording of the webinar is available at the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUjATO6DqtY

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The Ukrainian National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Ukraine) and the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.

The document was signed by Tetiana Savosko, Executive Director of ICC Ukraine, and Mykola Stetsenko, Chair of the Ukrainian Bar Association.

The Memorandum provides for the development of partnerships between the legal community, business, and the expert environment, as well as the coordination of efforts to support professional dialogue, foster international cooperation, and contribute to the creation of a favorable legal and investment climate in Ukraine.

The organizations agreed to establish an information partnership, hold joint professional and educational events, and develop platforms for professional exchange of experience.

“Signing this Memorandum with the Ukrainian Bar Association is first of all about strengthening expert capacity, combining professional potential, and creating fundamentally new opportunities for the development of the legal, business, and international environment. For ICC Ukraine, it is important to build strong expert platforms where the synergy of knowledge, practical experience, and international cooperation will contribute to raising professional standards, developing competencies, and shaping effective solutions for Ukraine,” said Tetiana Savosko.

“It is extremely important for the UBA to foster cooperation with communities that bring together the business sector, the expert community, and international partners. We have been collaborating with ICC Ukraine for a long time, and I am convinced that signing this memorandum will help strengthen professional dialogue and advance the development of a modern legal environment in Ukraine,” emphasized Mykola Stetsenko.

We believe that this synergy will open up new opportunities for our members and partners. Many exciting initiatives lie ahead!

April 23, 2026, in Ivano-Frankivsk, the Integration Forum “Paths and Financing for the Recovery of Territorial Communities: Strategy 2026” took place.

Funding for reconstruction, the development of social housing, and the role of developers and municipalities were discussed during the RECOVERY CONSTRUCTION FORUM UKRAINE 3.0, which took place on April 22.

The International Chamber of Commerce Ukraine is an information partner of the forum. Representing ICC Ukraine at the event were Svitlana Devochkina (Vice Chair for Ukraine’s Reconstruction) and Andriy Romanov (ICC Ukraine Banking Commission).

“Russia’s aggression continues to destroy Ukraine’s infrastructure and housing stock. In these circumstances, building a transparent and open construction market is a key prerequisite for development and European integration. At the same time, reconstruction cannot be limited to the public sector — the private sector plays a critically important role and has already demonstrated its resilience. Given growing needs and limited financing, it is essential to strengthen cooperation and create favorable conditions for business participation in recovery efforts,” emphasized Francesco Floris, First Counsellor and Trade Counsellor at the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, welcoming participants of the forum.

Opening remarks were also delivered by Oleksandr Chervak, CEO of the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine, and Olena Kononenko, Director of ReBuild Ukraine and Aquatherm exhibitions.

“The world is ready to invest; however, investors do not choose countries — they choose clear rules, speed, and trust. Our key tasks are to develop investment-ready projects, ensure transparent and predictable rules, and think at scale — at the level of systems, cities, and the economy. We are already competing globally for capital, and the question is how fast, clear, and reliable we can be. Reconstruction will happen — the question is who will deliver it and how,” noted Lev Partskhaladze, President of the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine, opening the first panel on financing, priorities, and implementation mechanisms for recovery projects.

The panel was co-moderated by Oleksandr Slobozhan, Executive Director of the Association of Ukrainian Cities.

From Financing to Implementation: Regulatory Framework

Olena Shuliak, Chair of the relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, outlined key legislative and regulatory prerequisites for moving from financing to implementation:

“Ukraine already has basic strategic and budgetary documents for recovery; however, a critical challenge remains the lack of up-to-date urban planning documentation, without which project implementation is impossible. The speed of preparation depends largely on the capacity of local governments. Despite postponing mandatory spatial development plans until 2028, progress remains slow. Effective reconstruction requires combining high-quality urban planning with the development of public-private partnership mechanisms.”

Nataliia Kozlovska presented the Ministry’s vision for modernizing construction regulation, improving permitting procedures, and introducing advanced project implementation tools:

“We are working on a comprehensive transformation of the construction sector — from regulation and permitting to project delivery tools. Particular attention is given to quality and the implementation of BIM technologies, which will enable businesses to work more effectively with public funds. We are also simplifying urban planning documentation and advancing reforms to make the rules clear and practical for the market.”

Financing Priorities and International Support

Kristina Mikulova, Head of the regional representation of the European Investment Bank (EIB), outlined the Bank’s approach to financing recovery projects:

She stressed the urgent need to prepare high-quality, investment-ready projects, as demand for financing significantly exceeds available resources. Priority sectors include social and critical infrastructure, particularly housing and water supply. Key financing conditions remain transparency, zero tolerance for corruption, financial sustainability, and expanded access to European programs.

Oleksandr Novytskyi highlighted key barriers at the start of construction and steps toward simplification and digitalization. The State Inspectorate of Architecture and Urban Planning of Ukraine is working to expand automated registrations and develop digital tools, including an AI assistant for verifying project documentation and identifying inconsistencies.

Oleksandr Kubrakov emphasized recovery priorities and conditions for attracting investment, noting the crucial role of the private sector. He highlighted the need for clear investment rules, transparent tariff policies, and expanded cooperation with international partners to mitigate risks.

Roman Komendant outlined approaches to project implementation, focusing on systemic infrastructure projects in logistics and water supply, supported by digital tools such as the DREAM ecosystem. He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and integrated, district-level reconstruction.

Serhii Korenev shared practical experience at the municipal level, including a master plan developed with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe focusing on water, energy, and waste management, with projects implemented in cooperation with international partners.

Housing Policy: From Compensation to New Stock

The second panel focused on housing policy and was moderated by Serhii Mamedov.

Ivan Parukh outlined approaches to stimulating demand, including housing vouchers and support programs.

Serhii Komnatnyi emphasized the importance of using international support not only for financing but also for knowledge transfer and institutional capacity building, including the development of social housing and regulated rental markets.

Andrii Tarasenko discussed scaling the “eOselia” mortgage program, noting growing demand and limited supply.

Serhii Zakharov presented a concept for affordable rental housing for internally displaced persons, including a flagship project in Bila Tserkva for over 1,100 families.

Dmytro Levytskyi outlined new approaches to social housing, emphasizing sustainability, inclusiveness, and financial viability, including a €100 million pilot project to build 1,500 apartments.

Business Access to Recovery Projects

The third panel, moderated by Denys Verhun and Ivan Slobodianyk, focused on practical tools for business participation in recovery projects.

Vitalii Petruk outlined key instruments supporting businesses in 2026, including the “Made in Ukraine” policy, localization, the “5–7–9%” financing program, and insurance and compensation mechanisms via the Export Credit Agency.

Mykola Ilinov highlighted program requirements and results, noting that total grants disbursed have reached UAH 4.7 billion.

Tetiana Korotka emphasized the growing number of business inquiries related to recovery projects and the importance of compliance, which is often underestimated by Ukrainian companies and limits their access to international contracts.

She stressed that effective participation requires a comprehensive approach, including strong infrastructure, access to financing, clear regulation, and reasonable participation costs.

Conclusions

Participation in Recovery Construction Forum 2026 confirmed that Ukraine’s recovery has moved from planning to active implementation. Direct dialogue with key stakeholders — including representatives of the government, Ukrainian cities, the EU, and the EIB — provided valuable insights into new initiatives, practical steps, programs, and financial instruments for restoring industrial capacity.

The forum proved to be an effective platform demonstrating that large-scale construction and modernization are already underway, while consolidated support from the government, municipalities, and international partners provides a solid foundation for remaining work, emphasized Andrii Romanov.

Organizers: Confederation of Builders of Ukraine and Premier Expo, an international exhibition operator

General Partner: Creator-Bud

Strategic Partner: XModule, Solidarity

Financial Partner: Globus Bank

Official Partners: Penetron Ukraine, Caparol Ukraine, TsGIP, Ruukki Ukraine

Media Partner: ICC Ukraine

Dispute Resolution in M&A Transactions INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 (8th edition)

Date: 21–22 May 2026

Location: Polish History Museum, Warsaw, Poland

Registration and details: www.disputeresolutionmaconference.com

The 8th edition of the Dispute Resolution in M&A Transactions INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE is a well-established biennial forum dedicated to the practical realities of post-transaction disputes. The conference brings together an international community of dispute resolution and transactional lawyers, arbitrators, in-house counsel and M&A professionals to discuss how M&A disputes are handled in arbitration and related proceedings.

The 2026 programme will focus on current developments in post-M&A disputes, evolving advocacy standards and decision-making in arbitration, as well as valuation and damages issues. It will also address the broader ecosystem surrounding arbitration, including the role of state courts, witness examination, document production, and cross-tradition friction points, as well as explore the broader geopolitical and legal implications of the Ukraine–United States mineral resources agreement.

The conference is organised by ICC Arbitration, ICC Poland, and GESSEL Attorneys at Law, with the support of leading international law firms and advisers, including Clifford Chance Poland, Dentons w Polsce, and Legora as Grand Partners, as well as Legora as Gala Dinner Partner, and BLSK Legal, CMS Poland, FORDATA Virtual Data Room, Freshfields, MGW Corporate Consulting Group, and Moore Polska as Partners.

Some conversations are simply worth being in.

The past two days have been particularly significant for us. ICC Ukraine, represented by Dmytro Khoruzhnyi, joined colleagues from across Europe and the ICC global headquarters in Paris at a meeting hosted in London by ICC United Kingdom, the Regional Coordinator of the ICC European Advisory Group.

Delegates from over 26 countries gathered around one table — and it was important for Ukraine to be among them. The event opened with a reception at the UK Parliament, setting the tone for the entire programme: a shared sense of purpose and the strength of the ICC global network.

From Ukraine to Armenia, from Scandinavia to Central and Eastern Europe, alongside partners from the G7 countries, discussions over the two days reinforced a simple but fundamental idea: in an increasingly unpredictable world, cooperation must matter more, not less.

As noted by the Chairman of ICC United Kingdom, Karan Bilimoria, the time has come to move forward together with clarity and confidence. Meanwhile, ICC Secretary General John W. H. Denton emphasized that business plays a crucial role in ensuring that trade remains open and continues to support growth, jobs, and stability.

For ICC Ukraine, these issues are far from abstract. Open trade, access to finance, and the digitalization of trade processes are essential for Ukraine’s economic recovery and its integration into the European market. We are grateful to our colleagues at ICC United Kingdom for the opportunity to bring the voice of Ukrainian business to the European agenda.

The focus of discussions was on practical action: moving from fragmentation to results, from ambition to solutions that truly work for companies of all sizes. Strengthening the trading system, advancing digital trade, and addressing the global trade finance gap were central themes — with a consistent message: progress begins with partnership.

We thank ICC United Kingdom for the excellent organization and all colleagues for the meaningful discussions. We look forward to continuing this work together.

On April 16, 2026, a key industry event for the financial sector — Forbes Banker 2026 — took place in Kyiv, bringing together leading bankers, business representatives, government officials, and experts.

ICC Ukraine was represented at the event by Secretary General Oleksii Kozhanov and Executive Director Tetiana Savosko.

Discussions focused on the strategic challenges facing the financial sector amid the prolonged war, rising tax pressure, and the need to build a resource base for Ukraine’s future recovery.

Balancing Fiscal Pressure and Economic Development

One of the key messages of the conference was the need to shift from short-term fiscal thinking to a long-term development strategy for the financial system.

Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, Andriy Pyshnyi, emphasized the systemic role of the banking sector as one of the largest taxpayers and a key driver of the economy.

At the same time, market participants stressed that excessive tax pressure — including a potential rate of up to 50% — could significantly limit banks’ ability to build capital and finance investment projects as early as 2027.

For the international business community represented by ICC, the predictability of tax policy remains a critical factor in attracting foreign investment.

Business Expectations: Speed, Trust, and Partnership

Conference participants highlighted a shift in business expectations toward banks:

• for mid-sized businesses — reliability and speed of decision-making remain key priorities;
• for large businesses — long-term partnerships and flexibility in financing approaches are essential.

Particular attention was paid to simplifying financial monitoring procedures and developing digital services, both crucial for integrating Ukrainian businesses into global markets.

These trends directly align with ICC’s priorities in facilitating international trade and developing efficient financial instruments.

Economic Drivers: Defense, Energy, and Consumption

The banking community identified key sectors that will drive demand for financing in 2026–2027:

• the defense industry (including Military Tech),energy,
• domestic consumption.

The growing importance of dual-use goods was also highlighted — a segment requiring new approaches to risk assessment and financing.

European Integration and Banking Sector Transformation

Another important topic was the adaptation of Ukrainian banks to European standards as a prerequisite for attracting strategic investors and integrating Ukraine into the EU financial space.

Digitalization, improving the efficiency of banking networks, and harmonizing regulatory procedures were identified as key directions for sector transformation.

ICC Ukraine Position

Participation of ICC Ukraine in Forbes Banker 2026 reaffirms the organization’s active role in shaping dialogue between business, the financial sector, and the government.

ICC Ukraine consistently supports:

• the creation of a predictable tax environment;
• improved access to finance for businesses;
• integration of the Ukrainian market into the global economy;
• strengthening institutional capacity for post-war recovery.

The participation of ICC Ukraine’s leadership in the event was an important part of this effort and contributed to strengthening engagement with key stakeholders in the financial market.

At St. Sophia Cathedral, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska met with orphaned children from Kyiv and the Kyiv region whose parents gave their lives for our country.

Volodymyr and Olena Zelenskyy spoke with the children and presented them with gifts on the occasion of Easter.

For the young Ukrainians at St. Sophia Cathedral, an excursion and a quest were organized, during which they searched for pysanky (Easter eggs) on the grounds of the national reserve. The children also sang vesnyanky and hayivky (traditional spring songs) and participated in a stained-glass making workshop.

“We want to congratulate you on all the holidays. We certainly wish you warmth, kindness, and light. You have such wonderful smiles—don’t lose them. And we wish you all victory,” the Head of State noted.

The event took place as part of the “Children of Our Defenders” charitable platform for socially responsible business, which has united nearly 90 business representatives and entrepreneurs with the state. With the support of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, the State Service of Ukraine for Children, and the International Chamber of Commerce of Ukraine, they care for orphaned children in various regions of Ukraine. Specifically, they organize excursions, entertainment events, and vacations in camps.

The President emphasized that during the war, it is vital for businesses and entrepreneurs to be socially responsible and support children whose parents gave their lives defending Ukraine from russian aggression.

Source: https://www.president.gov.ua/news/prezident-i-persha-ledi-privitali-z-velikodnem-ditej-zagibli-103801 (The President and the First Lady wished a Happy Easter to the children of fallen heroes)

“Children of Our Defenders” Platform: https://children.in.ua/pidtrymka/ (Support for the “Children of Our Defenders” Platform)

A High-Level Roundtable on Revitalising the Multilateral Trading System: Europe took place in Brussels—a high-level discussion organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in collaboration with Eurochambres. The event gathered leading representatives of international institutions, governments, European institutions, and the business community to discuss the future of the global trading system.

Ukraine’s participation in such events is about the state’s voice in shaping new rules for the global economy, integration into international trade processes, and advocating for its own economic interests in a complex geopolitical environment.

Among the key topics of discussion:

• the role of international institutions in the new geoeconomic reality

• the impact of global political changes on trade policy

• the future of the multilateral trading system after MC14

• the vision of the European Commission and the European Parliament regarding the development of global trade

Speakers of the event:

• Philippe Varin — Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

• John W.H. Denton AO — Secretary General of the ICC

• Ömer Bolat — Minister of Trade of Türkiye

• Vladimír Dlouhý — Chair of Eurochambres

• Maria Martin-Prat de Abreu — Deputy Director-General of DG Trade, European Commission

• Jörgen Warborn — Member of the European Parliament, Co-Chair of the Steering Group of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO

• Anna Jerzewska — Head of Trade and Borders, expert on international trade issues

• Julian Kassum — Deputy Secretary General of the ICC (Network)

Representing ICC Ukraine at the event was Daria Lazareva — Advisor to the Secretary General of ICC Ukraine on legal Ukrainian practice, Advisor at ETERNIX Law Firm, and member of the Committee on Business and Investor Protection of the UNBA.

We thank Eternix Law Firm for its active international engagement and support of ICC Ukraine’s activities—it is thanks to such participants that Ukrainian business is heard at the global level.