Andreas Sophocleus, trust manager of Smart Holding and founder of the Kepaky charitable foundation, emphasizes that investors are ready to work in Ukraine, invest and create jobs even during the war. But they need something that no company can provide on its own — political and regulatory stability. And this must be implemented already, and not wait for better times.

As of January–September 2025, the Group’s companies paid 543 million UAH in taxes, which is 41% less than in the same period last year (915 million UAH). This reduction occurred, among other reasons, due to increased government pressure and the blocking of gas production assets of the publicly listed British company Enwell Energy.

Ukraine has gas, but cannot produce it. Not because of the war. Not because of missiles. Due to the decisions of state bodies.

Today, the Ukrainian energy sector lives between two realities: On the one hand, there is an urgent need for its own gas, on the other hand, there are legal norms that actually stop those who can provide this resource.

Ivan Gerasymovych, CEO of Smart-Holding, frankly told delo.ua about how the Group functions in unprecedented crisis caused by the war and the blocking of key businesses due to personal legal conflicts.

Another difficult night of attack on energy. The enemy is purposefully destroying Ukraine's gas infrastructure and the country is forced to buy gas abroad to pass the heating season. The difference in value between the foreign and domestic markets hits the economy. And Ukrainian gas remains in the bowels when Ukraine and Ukrainians desperately need it on the eve of winter.

Loading crushed stone is the final stage of a big job that begins in the quarry. And the need for high-quality material, both for civilian and defense needs, is growing every day.

Another rock explosion took place at the Smart Granit enterprise

"Every million cubic meters of our own gas is a contribution to the energy independence of the state" - Ivan Gerasymovych, CEO of Smart-Holding