Ukraine News Updates - September 4, 2025
Ukraine Approves 2026 Investment Portfolio
Ukraine's Strategic Investment Council has approved the Unified Public Investment Portfolio for 2026, which features 89 projects and 60 programs across 11 sectors, including environment, energy, housing, and transport. The portfolio includes 75 continuing projects from 2025 and 74 new initiatives. Minister Oleksiy Sobolev emphasized enhanced transparency through the DREAM platform and improved public-private partnership opportunities. New evaluation criteria now consider strategic feasibility, financial justification, and socio-economic impact, strengthening public investment management reforms.
Ukraine Takes First Step on Cryptocurrency Taxation
Ukraine's parliament passed amendments to the Tax Code in the first reading, regulating virtual assets. The legislation proposes 18% income tax plus 5% military levy on cryptocurrency trading profits, with a preferential 5% rate during the first year. The bill, supported by 246 deputies, defines three categories of virtual assets and establishes that they cannot serve as official payment methods. The regulatory authority between the National Bank and Securities Commission remains undetermined, with potential changes expected before the second reading.
US Approves $300M Ukraine Equipment Sale
The US State Department approved over $300 million in equipment sales to Ukraine, including $179.1 million for support of the Patriot air defense system and related equipment. Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the Patriot systems' vital role in protecting Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure from Russian air attacks. Additionally, the US approved $150 million for Starlink satellite communication services and equipment. The sales support Ukraine's ongoing defense capabilities against continuous aerial threats.
Ukraine to Receive 3,350 ERAM Missiles
The US approved a $850 million sale of 3,350 Extended-Range Attack Munitions (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine, funded through European sources. These air-launched cruise missiles have a range of 460 kilometers, a 225-kilogram warhead, and an accuracy of 10 meters. Each F-16 can carry up to 12 missiles using special ejector racks, allowing coordinated strikes of 144 missiles from a 12-aircraft squadron.
BU Destroys 17 Russian Defense Systems
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) special forces destroyed 17 Russian air defense, electronic warfare, and radar systems within four days, valued at over $250 million domestically and 2.5 times higher for export. The targets included four Tor-M2 systems, three Pantsir complexes, two S-300s, one Buk-M3, and various radar systems. The strikes eliminate Russia's ability to detect targets and counter Ukrainian long-range drones, weakening occupier defense capabilities in rear areas.
Ukraine Launches World's First AI Government Assistant
Ukraine became the world's first country to provide government services through artificial intelligence. The "Diya.AI" assistant launched on the Diya portal can issue income certificates via chat, consult on services from business registration to "Baby Package," and suggest services based on specific situations like home damage reconstruction. Currently in open beta testing, Ukraine aims to enter the top three countries worldwide for AI integration in the public sector by 2030.
Ukrainian Film Competes in Two Oscar Categories
Director Mstyslav Chernov's documentary "2000 Meters to Andriivka" will compete for the Academy Award in two categories after winning at the DocAviv festival in Israel. Beyond representing Ukraine in "Best International Feature Film," it now qualifies for "Best Documentary Feature." Chernov noted 2025 as a golden year for Ukrainian documentaries, with at least 15 films at international festivals. Ukraine previously won its first Oscar in 2024 with Chernov's "20 Days in Mariupol.”