In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. With 2024 behind us, we asked: Looking at transactional volumes for this year, would you say that 2024 was better or worse than what you originally expected it to be, and why?

In the midst of ongoing conflict, one solution is emerging that could be a crucial factor in attracting foreign investment to Ukraine: war risk insurance. Asters Senior Partner Armen Khachaturyan, Dentons Partner Adam Mycyk, Integrites Partner Igor Krasovskiy, and Redcliffe Partners Managing Partner Olexiy Soshenko discuss how this specialized insurance product is shaping the investment landscape.

Nestle South Eastern Europe Head of Legal & Compliance Natalia Lysa discusses her career, the rewards of working closely with business operations, and the challenges of navigating legal complexities during Ukraine’s war.

An in-depth look at Igor Lozenko of Sayenko Kharenko covering his career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer as well as a few insights about him as a manager at work and as a person outside the office.

The Russian aggression against Ukraine has reshaped the landscape of cross-border finance in the country. While the initial shockwaves of the conflict saw financing dry up almost entirely, with most support directed toward the government, a gradual but significant shift has occurred.

Integrites has advised Eurocape’s subsidiary on the development of a 100-megawatt wind park in the Lviv region, Ukraine, involving an investment of EUR 200 million.

On 1 March 2025, the Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on Ensuring the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Work" dated 15 January 2025 No. 4219-IX ("Law") came into force, aiming to create conditions for the exercise of the right to work for persons with disabilities.

Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine’s legal and investment landscape continues to evolve, with shifting trends in M&A, infrastructure, and technology-driven sectors, according to EY Law Partner Bogdan Malniev who also reports renewed interest in logistics, defense technology, and corporate governance reforms.

In the high-stakes world of M&A transactions, deal certainty is everything. Parties invest significant time, resources, and effort into negotiating agreements, yet even the most well-structured deals can fall apart due to logistical hurdles and trust issues.

On 21 February 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, by Resolution “On Amendments to the List of Activities Encouraged by the Creation of Diia City Legal Regime” No. 204 (the “Resolution”), expanded the list of eligible activities for Diia City residency.

Sayenko Kharenko has advised MHP on the specifics of applying autonomous trade measures, first introduced by the EU in June 2022 to support Ukraine’s economy. 

Sayenko Kharenko, working with Appleton Luff, has represented Promet Steel – part of Metinvest – in an anti-dumping investigation by Canadian authorities.

Asters has advised the International Finance Corporation on the restructuring of a USD 120 million loan facility provided to Nibulon. Baker Botts reportedly advised Nibulon.

Partner Igor Kalitventsev has left KPD Consulting.

Sayenko Kharenko has advised the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark on two secured term loan facilities to Ukrainian companies, amounting to approximately EUR 8.15 million.

In October-November 2024, we interviewed Ukrainian general counsels to understand current trends in engaging local counsels and use of legaltech in their day-to-day activity. Interviews were held to demonstrate to in-house lawyers, international law firms, and investors the most effective tools for selecting local counsel.

Asters has promoted Yuna Potomkina to Partner.

Avellum, working with Latham & Watkins, has advised Vodafone Ukraine on its consent solicitation regarding USD 500 million 6.20% loan participation notes due 2025. Sayenko Kharenko and Linklaters advised JP Morgan as the solicitation agent.