Katya Romashkan

#Ukraine's energy sector faces uncertainty following the dismissal of Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, CEO of the Ukrainian electricity grid operator, NPC UKRENERGO, and the subsequent resignation of two independent supervisory board members on 3rd September. The two board members have accused the government of political interference and constant pressure to bypass rules to appoint competent professionals. The board members rejected claims of improper management by the outgoing CEO, praising him for multiple achievements, including synchronising the Ukrainian electricity network with the continental ENTSO-E grid immediately after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, keeping a stable system despite multiple Russian attacks and making Ukrenergo a full ENTSO-E member. The departures come at a time when Ukraine faces its most difficult winter, as Russia has destroyed most of its generation capacity and transmission infrastructure. Market sources interviewed by ICIS have also raised concerns about Ukraine's ability to raise cash to repair and protect the infrastructure as well as retain the certification of Ukrenergo as an independent grid operator following the latest events at Ukrenergo.

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US-EU relations are more than the political rhetoric of the day. The largest trading and investment relationship in the world is critical for peace, security, prosperity, free markets and democratic values. The upcoming US election has many asking what the future holds - it must be of a strong US commitment to NATO, #Poland, #Ukraine, #freetrade, #innovation and democratic values and Europe committed to the same, while continuing its defense modernization and focus on regional security and opportunity for its diverse single market. TVP WORLD launched a new show to discuss these issues and many more from a Central Europe perspective. Pleased to participate in the launch edition of the discussion on Warsaw Debate and make the case that there will be no "divorce" between Europe and the United States. In my roles as Chairman of American Chamber of Commerce in Poland and as non-resident Senior Fellow at Atlantic Council I see first hand how vibrant and deep the relationship runs from investments, research, trade, military collaboration and shared values. #Poland #NATO #EU #elections #Ukraine #StrongerTogether

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We call on the Georgian government to transparently investigate all election irregularities, to repeal laws such as the so-called “Foreign Influence Law” that limit freedoms of assembly and expression, and to begin an immediate, inclusive dialogue with all political forces in Georgia about restoring election integrity. We call for all parties to strictly respect the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, which remain the foundation for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future.  https://lnkd.in/dKGMXAMU.

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Our latest R.Politik Weekly Digest, offering exclusive insights into Russian politics, is now released. This edition covers: • Putin in Kazakhstan: A closer look at strained and increasingly cold bilateral relations • Putin’s Statements on ‘Oreshnik’: Russia signals readiness for more precision strikes • Falling Ruble: This time, the outlook is particularly bleak • Profit Tax Increase for Transneft: The state corporation strongly objects to government measures The R.Politik Digest provides timely updates on Russian political developments. Designed as an affordable solution, it’s perfect for those seeking prompt, clear, and unbiased takeaways from the complexities of Russian reality. Our approach is pure, cold-blooded analysis—free from political judgments. Allow me to confidently state: there is nothing else on the market offering this level of quality and accessibility. Take a moment to explore what we have to offer. https://lnkd.in/eZ7e8Eqg

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120 days – roughly four months: That’s how much time Ukraine has until cold weather sets in, raising the pressure on Ukraine’s crippled power infrastructure. Maxim Timchenko is CEO of the country’s largest private energy operator, DTEK, which has lost power plants in recent russian attacks – part of a Russian offensive that has wiped out half of Ukraine’s power production. He tells Steven Beardsley (Deutsche Welle) how he’s now trying to scrape together every bit of generating capacity he can find, including from renewables. 👇 https://lnkd.in/g_An5sMY

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"The ongoing international emphasis on all things Russian goes hand in hand with a reluctance to transform growing interest in Ukraine into meaningful structural changes in how the country is perceived, reported on, and understood. Although there has been some improvement in knowledge about Ukraine since 2022, the move is essentially from having no understanding to having a superficial grasp. (...) To save time for Western editors, publishers, and curators, let me clarify what all of us perpetually frustrated Ukrainians want. We would appreciate it if they turned to actual Ukraine specialists when working on Ukraine-related themes. Not those who suddenly pivoted from specializing in Russia, or who feel entitled to speak authoritatively because they discovered a distant Ukrainian ancestor, or those who have only recently shown interest in Ukraine due to business opportunities in the country’s reconstruction. We would be grateful if they took the time to seek out experts who have been studying Ukraine long before it became fashionable, who understand the country in all its complexity, and who care enough to offer Ukrainians the basic dignity of having their names spelt correctly. I like to fantasise about a time when editors of top Western periodicals will choose to review books on Ukraine not simply because the country is at war and they feel obliged to cover it now and again, but because these books offer vital insights into democracy, the fight for freedom, or the importance of maintaining unity and a sense of humor in times of crisis. I hope for a day when galleries will host exhibitions of Ukrainian art, not just because it was rescued from a war zone, but because the artists involved provide fresh perspectives on the world." From the brilliant and poignant piece by Dr Olesya Khromeychuk, read in full here: https://lnkd.in/guM-VQ9m

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Lithuania's 2011 ratification of the Convention on Cluster Munitions was a remarkable act. It became the first and only Eastern European country sharing a land border with Russia to sign the accord. The country's ratification codified the idea that cluster munitions aren't needed to stop or slow an adversary's advance. This is why the Lithuanian government's proposal last week to withdraw from the Convention is a double-blow. Not only would an unprecedented withdrawal mean one less signatory, but it would also propagate the fear driving the country's reversal: that cluster munitions are still needed to stop a Russian advance. A proposition made, but not yet proven, by Ukraine. So, will the Convention now unravel, like too many other arms control agreements in the past five years? The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, Open Skies, and New START have all hit the ground. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is staggering. No. The Convention on Cluster Munitions is too entrenched in too many countries, few of which face a security predicament as urgent as Lithuania's. A withdrawal would be regrettable but not necessarily a sign of others to come. However, Lithuania's move does prompt pause to appreciate the incredible strength and success of the Convention after 15 years. The Convention on Cluster Munitions has become a model for other arms control initiatives and a testament to the work of so many stakeholders, both before and since it opened for signature in 2008: the campaigners, legislators, International Campaign to Ban Landmines - Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC), investors and companies 🙌 This isn't to downplay a bad precedent, or to assume the stigma created around cluster munitions is invulnerable. Norms need maintenance. But it is a moment to appreciate the staggering amount of effort and resources it takes to make and maintain robust arms control agreements. And to commit more. #clustermunitions #Lithuania

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In Kiev Oblast, the provincial government of Kiev region in Ukraine, looking for the needs of the people on the ground, face to face with the client, searching for alternatives at a time of brutal war. The conflict should not stop investments in infrastructure. People need to live, travel, have access to healthcare and education, electricity, heating, housing, bridges, roads, trains. There are guarantees available for those investing in Ukraine. We at Weaver Advisory want to reach out to investors in America , to finance projects that will help the lives of every person in this wonderful country. #infrastructurefinance #ukraine #standwithukraine #america #projectfinance

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Lithuania's economic recovery is accelerating, highlighting key growth sectors such as aviation, infrastructure constructions, and services. 📈 Explore more about Lithuania's economic potential and the opportunities ahead. 👇 More about it in Delfi Lietuva article; the link is in the comments. 👀 #FinoraBank #economyinsights #MSMEs #growth 

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A new government is emerging from parliamentary elections in Lithuania: https://lnkd.in/e6yANixk The country has had a strong performance against multiple shocks in recent years, achieving sustained income convergence to the upper echelons of the European Union. However, there are still significant structural challenges in Lithuania. Check out my recent paper (https://lnkd.in/eNk7xHcw) focusing on long-term pressures stemming from climate change and a shrinking and aging population on top on national security and higher costs of borrowing. #lithuania #baltics #eurozone #europeanunion #eu #europe #fiscalpolicy #demographics #defense #military #interestrates #healthcare #pensions #economics #macroeconomics #finance #imf

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Lithuania leftist opposition win election, eyes coalition: https://lnkd.in/epdUSafP Check out my recent research on long-term fiscal challenges in Lithuania: https://lnkd.in/eNk7xHcw #lithuania #baltics #europe #eurozone #euro #economics #macroeconomics #finance #publicpolicy #fiscalpolicy #imf

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In this week’s Barbershop Whispers, I discuss Georgian civil unrest and the barroom-like brawls in the Georgian Parliamentary Chambers over the proposed Russian-like Georgian Foreign Agents Law. Georgians rightly see the Kremlin’s fingerprints all over this law. However, the Kremlin’s role is much more subtle than it appears. Putin is a master of manipulation and reviving old Soviet ideas and labels. The Foreign Agent Law is an example of this, and it has been effective in eliminating independent media and real political opposition in Russia. This law appeals to egotistical and drunk-with-power politicians – it is an effective weapon of control. Georgians see the ruse and have made it clear they would rather align their economic and political future with Europe and not Russia. What has Russia brought to Georgia outside of war and occupation?   https://lnkd.in/eDtd2Vqg

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PrivatBank and Ukrgasbank Lead the Way in Joining EBRD’s Energy Security Support Facility Ukrgasbank and PrivatBank have become the first Ukrainian banks to participate in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) Energy Security Support Facility (ESSF), a key initiative aimed at enhancing access to financing for energy security projects in the country. The ESSF is designed to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience amidst the ongoing war and escalating Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. The EBRD is extending portfolio-risk-sharing facilities to both banks, with Ukrgasbank receiving €150 million and PrivatBank €175 million. These funds will be directed towards financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), medium-sized corporate clients, regional municipalities, and private households […] Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/g8wwhPbD #solarenergy #alternativeenergy #solarpv #pvsolar #photovoltaic #cleanenergy #cleantech #climatechange #ebrd #energysecurity #europe #smefinancing #ukraine #ukrgasbank

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Interviewed Harvey Sawikin co-founder of Firebird Management and lead manager of Firebird’s Eastern Europe and Russia funds. We discussed Bank of Georgia (listed in London with the ticker BGEO), Georgian politics and macro, as well as Emerging Markets in general. Links to Spotify and Apple Podcast can be found here: https://lnkd.in/e8NMiviu YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eAF6b56Q #bgeo #bankofgeorgia #investmentideas #emergingmarkets #georgia #easterneurope #valueinvesting

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My latest, for Foreign Affairs Magazine, written with Sam Winter-Levy and Lauri Myllyvirta, with help from Isaac Levi of Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). "Why Ukraine Should Keep Striking Russian Oil Refineries - Washington’s Fears About Energy Markets Are Misplaced". TLDR: Hitting refineries drives global oil prices down, not up, thereby doing what the West's sanctions and oil price cap are failing to do - namely reducing Russia's ability to wage its war of aggression without unduly harming the global economy. https://lnkd.in/g-kxAd-G

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