Ukraine Report: 90% of Foreign Firms Staying Despite War

Despite entering the fourth year of full-scale war, 90% of foreign-invested companies in Ukraine have no plans to relocate, according to a new comprehensive security study by Sayenko Kharenko and SK Security.

The fifth annual "Assessment of Business Security in Ukraine” surveyed companies across all major economic sectors, revealing critical insights for international investors and businesses operating in or considering the Ukrainian market.

Key Insights for International Business:

Market Commitment Remains Strong
 90% of foreign companies and 76% of Ukrainian businesses are not planning to relocate, signalling sustained confidence despite the ongoing conflict.

Security Investment Surging
 Foreign businesses are rapidly professionalising operations: 70% now maintain dedicated security departments (up 15% from 2024). Overall, 72% of companies increased security budgets, with priorities on cybersecurity (65%), remote work infrastructure (54%), and physical protection (46%).

Critical Risk Landscape
 Top operational challenges for foreign investors:

• Personnel disruption: mobilisation (80%) and talent retention (72%)
• Institutional obstacles: corruption (48%) and inconsistent government actions (43%)
• Infrastructure risks: damage and destruction (42%)

Trust and Security Framework
 Ukrainian businesses place primary trust in the Armed Forces (90%) and private security providers (40%) rather than traditional institutions — a critical insight for structuring security and compliance frameworks.

Regulatory Reality Check
 62% rate the business climate as negative, with 82% reporting insufficient state support for business security. This transparency helps international partners set realistic expectations.

"Despite mobilisation, talent challenges, and infrastructure destruction, Ukrainian business continues operating and investing in security,” notes Sergiy Pogrebnoy, Partner at Sayenko Kharenko and Co-owner of SK Security. "This demonstrates strategic confidence in Ukraine’s future — vital information for investment decisions.”

Read the full study via the link.

The study was conducted by Sayenko Kharenko and SK Security with the Association of Corporate Security Professionals of Ukraine, Diia City. Association of Residents, and Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry – Рада Зброярів.

Information partners: American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, ASIS Ukraine, CEO Club Ukraine, Corporate Governance Professional Association, and Safe Ukraine 2030.