Ukraine's economy grows 0.9% in April on retail and weapons output
Ukraine's Economy Ministry said the country's annual GDP growth picked up to 0.9% in April, with retail trade and weapons production cited as the main drivers. The figure shows that the wartime economy is still expanding, though only marginally, in the third year of the conflict with Russia.
Ukraine's Economy Ministry put estimated annual GDP growth at 0.9% in April. Officials said the main drivers were retail trade, reflecting domestic consumption, and defence-related industrial output, particularly weapons production.
Russian strikes on logistics, steel, aluminium and energy infrastructure continue to constrain capacity. At the same time, increased government spending and reconstruction outlays — underpinned by international financial assistance — are supporting demand in several sectors.
The figure lands at a moment when downside risks remain front and centre. The timing of European Union disbursements, the cadence of US military aid and the resilience of the power grid are likely to determine the trajectory of growth in the coming quarters. The ministry said it continues to review full-year forecasts.
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