THIS WEEK IN UKRAINE
19 December 2024
Ukraine to Begin Production of Japanese Pickup Trucks
Ukraine will start producing Japanese pickup trucks via SKD (semi-knockdown) assembly, transitioning to CKD (completely knockdown) in the future. Announced by First Vice Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko at a JETRO business forum, this joint initiative with Japanese manufacturers signals growing industrial cooperation. Ukraine offers tax incentives, customs benefits, and war-risk insurance for investors, alongside strong engineering expertise. Svyrydenko urged Japanese businesses to expand operations in Ukraine and highlighted a $36 million Japanese contribution to the SURE Trust Fund, strengthening investment guarantees. She emphasized Japan's significant role, citing its €1.25 billion support via NEXI for Japanese companies investing in Ukraine.
Ukraine Receives €4.1 Billion in EU Aid
Ukraine has received €4.1 billion in macro-financial assistance from the EU under the €50 billion Ukraine Facility program. This funding supports macroeconomic stability, social needs, and reforms. Having met nine key indicators by Q3, Ukraine secured all 2024 tranches, totaling over €16 billion in EU budget support. The program, running until 2027, focuses on economic recovery, reforms, and strategic investments, with robust audit measures ensuring transparency and effective use of funds.
Ukrainian Tech at NATO Edge 24
At the NATO Edge 24 exhibition in the USA, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense showcased digital innovations enhancing military effectiveness. The Center for Innovation and Development of Defense Technologies presented the DELTA situational awareness system and the Avengers platform, which uses artificial intelligence to identify enemy equipment and analyze video data. They also demonstrated integration between DELTA and modern weaponry, including MAGURA naval drones, NEMESIS bomber drones, and VECTOR reconnaissance UAVs.
Ukraine to Seek NATO Certification for Military Education
In October 2025, NATO experts will audit Ukraine's military education system, paving the way for certification of professional military courses to NATO standards. This will enhance training quality and interoperability with NATO forces, allowing member state personnel to train in Ukraine. Under the NATO DEEP program, over 200 courses have been aligned, with participation growing by 450% in 2024, involving 15,000 trainees.
Ukraine Secures Free Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka
Japan will provide Ukraine with a free pavilion and financial support for Expo 2025 in Osaka, running from April 13 to October 13. The event will host 160+ countries and 28 million visitors under the theme "Designing Future Society." Ukraine aims to use Expo 2025 as a platform to showcase its economic resilience, innovative potential, and investment opportunities, positioning itself as a valuable partner for global investors despite the ongoing impacts of war.
Ukrainian Startup Jome Secures $9.8M Investment
Ukrainian PropTech startup, formerly NewHomesMate, now Jome, raised $9.8M in Series A funding, bringing total investments to $16.5M. Founded in 2018 by Bohdan Hnatkovskyi and Sofiia Vyshnevska, the platform operates in 16 U.S. cities, covering 90% of the new home market. With plans for 200-300% growth in 2025, Jome aims to solidify its presence in the U.S. real estate market.
Investing in Ukraine During Wartime: Challenges and Solutions
On December 16, a roundtable addressed tools for state support of investments in Ukraine during wartime. Stakeholders discussed challenges, streamlined processes, and government initiatives, including industrial parks, significant investment support, and public-private partnerships. Key focus areas included reducing bureaucracy, ensuring transparency, and fostering a war-resilient investment climate. Regular dialogues with international businesses are planned to sustain economic growth.