Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly “Ukraine Reforms Tracker” for Dec. 23-Dec. 31, 2024, covers events related to business, economics, and international financial programs. The newsletter highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament, including the launch of a competition for the head of the Bureau of Economic Security. A draft law outlines transparent procedures for the competition, with the deadline for applications set for Jan. 24, 2025. An IMF-related deadline requires the appointment of the new bureau head by the end of February.
The Ukrainian government submitted two critical draft laws to Parliament to meet IMF commitments. The first draft law proposes the establishment of a Higher Administrative Court to replace the dissolved Kyiv District Administrative Court, while the second seeks to repeal the controversial “Lozovyi amendments.” These bills aim to fulfill structural benchmarks outlined in the IMF program, with a deadline for adoption before the next IMF board meeting in February. Tax and customs exemptions have also been extended for defense-related imports, including drones, components, and materials used in ammunition production.
President Volodymyr Zelensky signed laws amending the Tax and Customs Codes to extend exemptions for defense-related imports into 2025. Additionally, Ukraine has advanced its OECD membership agenda by enacting new anti-corruption laws aligned with international standards. These laws introduce tax measures to combat bribery of foreign officials and adjust corporate liability for corruption offenses. The country’s journey toward OECD membership has been marked by significant strides in anti-corruption measures.
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers made personnel changes in economic oversight bodies on the last day of the year. Ruslan Kravchenko was appointed as the new head of the State Tax Service, while Filip Pronin became the head of the State Financial Monitoring Service. Both appointments were made without a competition selection process, allowed under martial law. Both appointees are reported to have close ties to Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office. The Finance Ministry reports that Ukrainians paid $24 billion in taxes in 2024, following a major tax increase bill signed by President Zelensky in November to address the budget deficit.
Overall, the digest from Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s “Ukraine Reforms Tracker” highlights key developments in Ukraine’s economic and governance landscape. By launching a competition for the head of the Bureau of Economic Security, submitting critical draft laws to meet IMF commitments, extending tax and customs exemptions for defense-related imports, and advancing OECD membership agenda through anti-corruption laws, Ukraine is making significant progress in economic reforms. The personnel changes in economic oversight bodies and the tax increase bill signed by President Zelensky further demonstrate the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s financial stability and governance mechanisms.
