Daniil Menshykov
The authorities are preparing to reopen the skies, but without resolving aviation leasing issues, Ukrainian carriers may disappear. Their return should support the economy.
Ukrainian military forces struck a Russian Buk-M3, a base for attack UAVs, an electronic warfare station, telecommunications nodes and repair units.
The authorities are working on the safe resumption of civil flights without setting a timeline. The aviation industry faces the risk of leasing being taxed as royalties.
Against the backdrop of a severe budget deficit and the forced restriction of government spending, it is particularly important to preserve businesses that continue to operate and pay taxes. At the same time, the aviation industry, which despite the closed airspace paid almost UAH 27 billion in taxes and fees in 2022–2025, has come under pressure due to a new interpretation of aviation leasing taxation.
Ratcliffe failed to convince Putin to make concessions regarding Ukraine. After the visit, Russia intensified its strikes on civilian infrastructure.
The EU approved €6. 1 billion in defense funding for Ukraine, including air defense. Member states also promised additional resources, but provided no details.
Zelenskyy said that Ukraine’s defense industry needs to scale up the production of drones and long-range systems. The President called for creating protection against Russian ballistic missiles.
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi stated that the airports "Lviv" and "Boryspil" are ready for operation and can resume flights within a few weeks after security issues are resolved. At the same time, Ukrainian airlines complain about pressure from the BEB, which threatens the existence of the civil aviation industry due to a new interpretation of leasing taxation.
The Bureau of Economic Security is investigating cases against airlines, equating lease payments to royalties. Law enforcement officers ignore international conventions, existing court practice, as well as tax audits that found no violations.
The Ministry of Development has approved the composition of the group to prepare for the resumption of civilian flights. Experts will develop measures to protect critical infrastructure.
Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine Oleksiy Kuleba has nominated Ihor Zelinsky for the position of head of the State Aviation Service, seeking to avoid an open competition. This comes ahead of the planned resumption of competitions for key government positions in the summer.
President Zelenskyy announced the release of five Ukrainians and Belarusian political prisoners, including Maria Kalesnikava, thanks to agreements with America. He emphasized the importance of intensifying prisoner exchanges with Russia.