Keynote by Kyrylo Budanov at the Business Wisdom Summit 2026
Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the President's Office, delivered a keynote address at the Business Wisdom Summit 2026 in Kyiv on April 15, 2026. He outlined the government's perspective on state-business relations during wartime, stressing that economic stability is a critical component of national resilience.
"Any major war is not just a contest of people and weapons, but of economic strength. Without a robust economy, the chances of success are virtually nonexistent,"Budanov stated, framing the economic front as vital to Ukraine's defense strategy.
Legislative Changes and Their Implications
During the summit, it was announced that Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has passed draft law No. 15111-d. This legislation amends the Tax Code to implement international automatic exchange of information for income earned through digital platforms and establishes a special taxation regime for such earnings. These new rules will specifically affect delivery services like Glovo and Bolt Food. The entirety of 2026 is designated as a preparatory period for IT system upgrades and business adaptation, with the new tax rules officially launching on January 1, 2027. This move aligns Ukraine with global efforts to tax the digital economy more effectively.
In a separate but related fiscal measure, the Verkhovna Rada also passed draft law No. 15110. This law extends the validity of the military levy for a period of three years following the end of the war. Budanov further emphasized the need for a supportive regulatory environment, calling for state backing of the business sector:
"If the state cannot help business, it should at least not hinder it. Business must be practically untouchable,"he asserted. These statements and legislative actions highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing wartime fiscal needs with the imperative of maintaining a functioning private sector.
The summit and the newly passed laws underscore the Ukrainian government's efforts to adapt economic policy to the realities of a prolonged conflict. The tax code changes could significantly reshape the digital economy and the business models of delivery platforms operating in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the extension of the military levy signals an anticipated need to fund defense-related expenditures well beyond the cessation of active hostilities, which may have long-term implications for the country's post-war economic recovery and fiscal landscape.
As Ukraine prepares for the implementation of these significant tax reforms, it is essential to understand the broader implications for major delivery platforms. The recent approval of new taxation rules for services like Glovo and Bolt Food highlights the government's commitment to aligning with international standards. For a deeper insight into these legislative changes and their impact on the digital economy, read more about the new tax regulations affecting delivery services.