Sayenko Kharenko has advised the EBRD on its USD 30 million secured financing to Ukrainian agro-industrial holding Astarta.

Understanding procedures, stakeholders and milestones of Ukraine’s future recovery is essential for all parties planning to be involved in that process, including on the construction side. In this effort, the key messages currently available are as follows.

On 3 September 2023, Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on the Regulation of Activities of Separate Subdivisions of a Legal Entity Established in Accordance with the Laws of a Foreign State” No. 3257-IX, dated 14 July 2023 (“Law”), entered into force.

Sayenko Kharenko has successfully represented Philip Morris in a criminal case regarding the illegal use of its trademark by a group organizing the wholesale production and sale of counterfeit Bond Street cigarettes.

The Ilyashev & Partners law firm has assisted Italian non-governmental organization Fondazione Terre des Hommes Italia ONLUS in setting up its local branch in Ukraine, advising on corporate, tax, and employment matters.

Arzinger has successfully secured the release from custody of Oleksandr Dorohan – Director of the Together We Power! charitable organization – in criminal proceedings related to his activity.

Sayenko Kharenko has successfully defended the interests of Starlink in a dispute over the early termination of the Ukrainian trademark certificate.

On 11 August 2023, the government bill No.4482 adopted by the Ukrainian Parliament, which amends certain legislative acts of Ukraine regulating the activities of separate subdivisions of a legal entity established under the legislation of a foreign state, was sent for signing to the President of Ukraine ("Draft Law").

Sayenko Kharenko has advised the EBRD on its EUR 50 million loan to Ukrainian state-owned Ukreximbank, under the Resilience and Livelihoods Framework, to support companies and municipalities affected by Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Sayenko Kharenko has advised the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on its EUR 25 million loan to the city of Dnipro under the Resilience and Livelihoods Framework.

Sayenko Kharenko, working with Paul Hastings, has advised STG on the acquisition of Avid Technology. Sidley Austin reportedly advised the sellers.

On 9 August 2023, the Ukrainian Parliament passed an extensive set of amendments to the competition law. These currently await signature by the President and are expected to come into force on 1 January 2024, save for certain provisions that will become effective after martial law is lifted.

SDM Partners has announced the opening of a representative office in Lviv, focusing on Western Ukraine. Partner Andrii Kozhushko, who recently joined the firm from FM Logistic Ukraine, will lead the new office.

Hogan Lovells has advised an ad-hoc group of Naftogaz' 2026 note holders on the amendment and extension of its USD 500 million 7.625% 2026 eurobonds. Freshfields reportedly advised Naftogaz.

In July 2023, the Ukrainian parliament adopted several laws on changes to the Labour Code of Ukraine, which relate to maternity leaves, as well as list and dates of public holidays.

Avellum Managing Partner Mykola Stetsenko has been elected as the new President of the Ukrainian Bar Association.

Integrites has advised the Kovalska Group on a EUR 27 million long-term secured loan from Dutch Invest International to finance the construction of a new aerated concrete production plant in Rozvadiv, Ukraine. Redcliffe Partners, working with the Amsterdam office of Clifford Chance, advised the lender.

On 30 June 2023, Law of Ukraine No. 3220-IX On introduction of changes to certain laws of Ukraine as to recovery of energy safety and green transformation of the energy system of Ukraine (the Law) was adopted in the second hearing in its entirety.