The article discusses the current economic situation in Ukraine and the efforts being made to restore and develop the country’s critical infrastructure, particularly in the telecoms sector. Here are some key points:
1. **Post-war investment**: Developing telecoms is a prime target for post-war investment in Ukraine.
2. **European Investment Bank (EIB) involvement**: The EIB has signed agreements to mobilize close to 1 billion euros ($1.03 billion) in investments into Ukraine’s public and private sectors.
3. **Infrastructure restoration**: The EIB’s investment includes 420 million euros ($433 million) for the public sector to help restore critical infrastructure such as energy, heating, water supply, hospitals, schools, and social housing.
4. **Private sector financing**: The bank has also signed an agreement to mobilize close to 500 million euros ($515 million) in financing for small and medium-sized businesses throughout Ukraine, including in front-line regions.
5. **Stock market performance**: Ukrainian stocks on the Warsaw Stock Exchange have hit pre-war levels, indicating investor optimism about the country’s recovery.
6. **Nuclear power plant controversy**: The parliament has approved the purchase of two Russian-made reactors from Bulgaria for the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, despite criticism from some lawmakers and anti-corruption activists.
7. **Rare earths research collaboration**: France is working with Ukraine on rare mineral exploitation, and will send a 2-billion-euro tranche of Russian assets profits to Kyiv.
8. **Job cuts in the telecoms sector**: DVL Group, owner of Lifecell, plans to cut 15% of its IT staff following a merger.
Overall, the article highlights the efforts being made to support Ukraine’s economic recovery and development, particularly in critical infrastructure areas such as telecoms and energy.
