Business in Ukraine During Wartime: Risk or Strategic Advantage?
IT ClusterThe military situation in Ukraine deters some international partners from scaling their business operations in the country. To mitigate these risks and support entrepreneurs, on May 15, 2025, experts from the European Commission and Enterprise Europe Network Hub in Ukraine held a webinar to present commercial opportunities for doing business in an unstable market environment.
Tax System and Business Conditions During Wartime
Among the key speakers was Dmitriy Mikhailenko, Managing Partner at Crowe Mikhailenko. He outlined the specifics of Ukraine’s tax system, including corporate income tax, VAT, benefits for foreign investors, as well as wartime adjustments — such as temporary tax incentives and regulatory simplifications.
He also presented the guide «Doing Business in Ukraine», which offers clear advice for companies considering establishing a legal entity or subsidiary in Ukraine.
How International Business Operates and Grows in Ukraine During the War
Another speaker was Sviatoslav Belei, Managing Director of AUTODOC Ukraine — part of the German group Autodoc SE. He shared practical experience of operating in Ukraine during wartime and emphasized that the company not only maintained its presence in the Ukrainian market but continued to grow:
«We didn’t stop doing business when the full-scale invasion began, because we witnessed the incredible resilience, technical expertise, and efficiency of our team — even during war».
AUTODOC has been investing in Ukraine since 2017 and currently employs over 1,100 IT specialists in local offices, ensuring 24/7 platform operations across the EU. The company is a member of Kharkiv IT Cluster and a client of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), which supports its successful growth in international markets. In addition, AUTODOC benefits from state business support initiatives, including Diia City residency, the status of a critically important company for the economy, and participation in the White Business Club. According to Sviatoslav Belei, it was the cooperation with Diia City and the Ministry of Digital Transformation that provided a level of support unmatched in any of the 12 European countries where the company operates.
How Kharkiv IT Cluster Unlocks International Opportunities for Business
Both speakers are participants of the Enterprise Europe Network, and it was Kharkiv IT Cluster, the only representative of the tech sector in the Ukrainian EEN Consortium, initiated their participation in this event. Through involvement in international projects and support programs, Kharkiv IT Cluster helps businesses showcase their products to the European community and attract new partners.
Join Kharkiv IT Cluster and the Enterprise Europe Network to scale your business, gain expert support, and access new international opportunities — even in the most challenging times.
