The Ukrainian State-Owned Enterprises Weekly report covers events that occurred from March 23-29, 2024. The report highlights issues related to corporate governance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the energy sector. In one instance, the High Anti-Corruption Court arrests a suspect in absentia in a case involving Ukrzaliznytsia, where funds amounting to Hr 11.4 million were allegedly misappropriated. The report also discusses attacks on Ukrenergo’s energy infrastructure by Russian forces, resulting in damage to power plants and high-voltage power lines. This has led to emergency outages and the need for restoration work in affected regions.
In the energy sector, Russia has launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, leading to significant damage. Specific targets include hydroelectric power plants such as Kaniv and Dniester HPPs, with the intention to cause environmental disasters similar to the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP. The report also covers the impact of Russian attacks on the Dnipro HPP, where missiles caused damage to crucial infrastructure. Despite the attacks, efforts are being made to assess the damage and restore operations to ensure the supply of gas to Ukrainian consumers.
In an effort to increase energy independence, Naftogaz, Ukraine’s oil and gas giant, has achieved a significant milestone by operating its first heating system without any gas imports. Plans are underway to enhance gas storage capacities and reassure European traders of the safety of storing gas in Ukraine’s underground facilities. The report also discusses the rebranding of the Glusco chain by Ukrnafta, which includes petrol stations that were previously managed by Naftogaz Oil Trading. Furthermore, popular fashion brands like Zara are set to resume operations in Ukraine, signaling a gradual return to normalcy in the retail sector.
Additionally, the report highlights ongoing issues at the Polish-Ukrainian border, where Polish protesters have resumed blockades at the Uhryniv-Dolhobychuv crossing. This situation adds to the challenges faced by Ukraine, particularly in managing border crossings and ensuring smooth trade relations with neighboring countries. Overall, the report sheds light on the resilience of Ukraine’s state-owned enterprises in the face of various challenges, including corruption, infrastructure attacks, and border disruptions. Support for independent journalism is crucial in documenting these events and advocating for transparency and accountability in the country.
