CMS has advised the European Investment Bank on a EUR 300 million loan agreement with Naftogaz Group, aimed at strengthening Ukraine's energy security. Aequo advised Naftogaz.

Sayenko Kharenko has advised Piraeus Bank on the reverse merger with its parent company Piraeus Financial Holdings. 

The transition to new rules for the labelling of alcoholic beverages has proven to be one of the most complex aspects of Ukraine’s implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. What initially appeared to be a “simple” step – abandoning the familiar names cognac and champagne – in fact involved a multi-layered process touching on matters of legislation, trade, customs procedures, competition, and international cooperation.

The Government of Ukraine has approved Resolution No. 1759 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, dated 26 December 2025, which enters into force on 30 December 2025 and establishes a new procedure for the provision of marketing and promotional services related to medicinal products at the retail level (pharmacies).

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen, working alongside Baker McKenzie, has advised Metinvest on its acquisition of a majority shareholding in ArcelorMittal Iasi.

Sayenko Kharenko has advised the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on a EUR 20 million financing package to support the procurement of modern trolleybuses and the upgrade of related public transport infrastructure in the city of Cherkasy, Ukraine.

Ukraine’s new Law on Public Private Partnership, which entered into force on October 31, 2025, arrives at a moment when international investors are watching the country with both interest and caution. As reconstruction needs continue to rise, Ukraine’s ability to attract foreign capital will depend heavily on whether the legal and economic environment feels predictable enough for long-term commitments. The updated PPP framework is designed to send precisely that message: Ukraine intends to create a modern, commercially oriented system capable of supporting complex infrastructure projects and blended financing models.

In response to the unprecedented attack and destruction caused by Russia to Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure in Autumn 2025 on 3 and 4 December 2025 the Ukrainian parliament passed Draft Law 14097, dated 1 October 2025, and Draft Law No. 14170, dated 30 October 2025 (the “Laws”), which extends the exemption from VAT and customs duties on energy-generating equipment import into Ukraine until 1 January 2029 (originally, this exemption lasted until 1 January 2026).

CMS has advised Hansen Ukrainian Mission on a European Bank for Reconstruction and Development loan facility of up to EUR 100 million to support the development of a rental housing platform in Ukraine.

In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. This time around, we asked: Would you ever hire a non-lawyer as a CEO/Managing Partner for your firm? Why/why not?

Ukraine is once again preparing to introduce a formal screening regime for FDI – a move that has reignited debate among investors, lawyers, and policymakers. In late September 2025, Parliament registered the first draft law on FDI screening, which quickly drew significant attention and mixed reactions. Just two weeks later, however, an alternative draft was submitted, offering a noticeably different, and potentially more balanced, vision for how Ukraine should monitor foreign investments.

Schoenherr has advised Vienna Insurance Group on the International Finance Corporation’s equity investment in two Ukrainian non-life insurance companies, USG and Kniazha, belonging to the VIG group.

On 28 November 2025 the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, by its Resolution no.1541, adopted a regulation introducing the first state mechanism for (i) partial compensation of the value of business property destroyed or damaged as a result of Russia’s armed aggression and (ii) partial compensation of insurance premiums under war-risk insurance policies (the “Regulation”). This Regulation enters into force on the day of its publication and the budget-funded compensation schemes provided for therein will apply from 1 January 2026.

Redcliffe Partners and Clifford Chance have advised the Kingspan Group on its acquisition of Mercor’s natural smoke exhaust and fire ventilation business in a transaction spanning Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. White & Case, and reportedly Avellum, advised Mercor.

Ukraine’s legal market continues to operate under the shadow of the war, where reconstruction planning and defense-sector expansion dominate nearly every strategic discussion, according to Baker McKenzie Partner Lina Nemchenko, who observes that both clients and law firms are positioning themselves for the post-war landscape.

Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers have approved new mechanism that will provide state support for businesses that have suffered losses as a result of hostilities or that have obtained war-risk insurance. Resolution No. 1541 of 28 November 2025 establishes programs (for damage and for war-risk insurance) to be launched on 1 January 2026 and administered by the Export Credit Agency (ECA). Businesses can participate in one or both programs.

On 3 December 2025, the European Commission designated the russian federation as a high-risk third country with strategic deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (“AML/CFT”) frameworks.

Integrites Co-founding Partner Ruslan Bernatsky has left the firm and will continue his career with IC Partners, an investment firm he established earlier in 2025. Following Bernatsky's departure, Integrites has announced it is rebranding to Impacta Law.