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.

Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to the Bankruptcy Code of Ukraine on the Application of Bankruptcy Procedures during the Period of Martial Law” No. 3249-IX dated 13 July 2023 (“Law”) entered into force on 29 July 2023.

On 29 July 2023, Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on the Application of Sanctions” No. 3223-IX, dated 13 July 2023 (“Law”), enters into force.

Despite the ongoing challenges generated by the Russian invasion, the markets in Ukraine have seen surprising levels of activity, according to Rob Shantz, a Corporate and Compliance Partner with Redcliffe Partners. In the midst of it all, Shantz remains optimistic about the future, envisioning a busy legal market as Ukraine aligns more closely with the EU, leading to significant opportunities in the country's rebuilding efforts once the war is over.

Sayenko Kharenko, working with the London office of Herbert Smith Freehills, has advised the IFC on two EUR 20 million risk-sharing facilities for OTP Bank and OTP Leasing in Ukraine.

Asters has advised the Agrosem Group on a EUR 9.6 million financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to develop a grain transshipment complex.

Sayenko Kharenko has successfully represented Societe BIC in a dispute with the Ukrainian IP office regarding a three-dimensional mark.

In addition to the modernisation of corporate governance in joint stock companies (“JSCs”), the new version of the Law of Ukraine “On Joint Stock Companies” (“Law”) introduces partial amendments concerning corporate governance in limited liability companies (“LLCs”).

On 2 May 2023, the Ukrainian Parliament adopted Law “On Amendments to the Laws of Ukraine Regarding Improvements of Legal Regulation of Notarial and Registration Actions When Acquiring the Land Plots” No. 3065-IX (“Law”).