MPs react to Zelensky’s signing of a tax hike policy
Source: Oleksiy Honcharenko/Telegram
On November 28, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky signed into law 4015-IX, a controversial piece of legislation that introduces a “historic” tax increase. The law, which has drawn sharp criticism, will come into effect on December 1.
Here are the key changes introduced:
- Military Tax Increase: The rate on all Ukrainian income jumps from 1.5% to 5% for 2024 and 2025.
- Sole Proprietors (known as FOPs):
- Group 3 FOPs will pay a 1% military tax on income.
- Groups 1, 2, and 4 will contribute an amount equal to 10% of the minimum wage.
- Corporate Tax Changes: Non-banking financial institutions face a new 25% profit tax rate.
- Personal Income Tax Reporting: Mandatory monthly tax forms.
- Bank Profits: A 50% tax on bank earnings remains for 2024.
The law’s critics didn’t hold back. Opposition MP Oleksiy Honcharenko called the tax hike a ‘shame’, arguing that revenues now can go on the one-off “one thousand hryvnias’ benefit Zelensky promised to pay to every Ukrainian, and expensive military contracts that once again can leave Ukranian troops with faulty mortar shells.
On October 6, the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine continued hearing case No. 990/80/25, in which the fifth President and leader of the party “European Solidarity”, Petro Poroshenko, seeks to have Presidential Decree No. 81/2025 from February 12, 2025 — enacting sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) — declared illegal and annulled. The plaintiff claims the document was falsified and that the sanctions are a tool of political persecution of the opposition, contrary to international norms. Government representatives deny the allegations and insist their actions were lawful. Journalists of Bukvy were present at the hearing.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).