Ukraine is weathering a new wave of intense Russian aerial assaults. Missiles and drones have returned to city skies in record numbers, placing immense pressure on both military defenses and civilian morale. And yet, Ukrainian society continues to show remarkable resilience. Public sentiment reflects a dual reality: an openness to peace negotiations is growing—but only on conditions that preserve sovereignty, dignity, and Ukraine’s seat at the table.
Ukraine’s banking system has undergone substantial transformation in the past decade. While structural reforms have made progress, significant gaps still exist with EU standards—especially in digital compliance, NPL management, AML enforcement, and supervisory integration. With a focused roadmap and coordinated support, Ukraine can bridge these divides by 2028.
Since the onset of Russian aggression in 2014, Ukraine has witnessed a significant increase in its veteran population. These individuals, having served in various capacities, now face multifaceted challenges in reintegration, health, and societal recognition. This newsletter delves into the current state of Ukrainian war veterans, highlighting key statistics, challenges, and support mechanisms in place as of 2025.
As Ukraine continues to face the profound impacts of full-scale war, the internal security landscape has also undergone significant changes. Shifts in population, weakened state institutions, and the strain on law enforcement have created an evolving crime environment that affects both urban and rural communities. This issue of the SAM UKR Newsletter examines key crime trends across the country, the state of drug use and trafficking, and how the public perceives safety, justice, and institutional trust.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, civilians have borne an immense burden of suffering. Thousands have lost their lives, and many more have been left permanently disabled due to war-related injuries. The devastating consequences extend beyond physical harm, deeply affecting families, communities, and Ukraine’s future generations.
