**Ukraine’s Drone Supply Chain in Crisis**
China has been restricting its exports of drone components to Ukraine, which is causing problems for the country‘s war efforts. These components are critical to building and maintaining drones used by Ukrainian troops. As a result, Ukraine is having to rely on domestic production to meet its needs.
According to Kollen Post from Kyiv Independent, China started restricting its exports of drone components in September. Recently, reports have shown that China has also begun curbing sales to American and European drone makers. This means that even more trouble is ahead for Ukraine’s war efforts.
In response to these challenges, Ukraine’s drone industry is shifting towards producing critical components domestically. And it seems they are getting better at building complex gadgets needed to keep drones in flight.
“We cannot rely on a Chinese supply chain,” says Denys Nikolayenko, who makes high-end thermal cameras for drones from his office in Kyiv.
**Egg Prices Soar**
The price of eggs in Ukraine has skyrocketed by 60% since October. A carton of 10 eggs now costs around Hr 50-75 (around $1.20-$1.80). This is the third year in a row that egg prices have increased, with the total rise being 101%.
According to Ukrainian media outlet NV, this price hike is due to a combination of factors including drought and frost, smaller harvests, higher feed prices, and increased electricity costs caused by Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy system.
Yuri Gaidai, senior economist at the Kyiv-based Center for Economic Strategy (CES), suspects that there may be other factors at play. “Perhaps, in addition to objective economic reasons, someone was trying to earn more,” he said. An investigation into egg prices is ongoing.
**Ukraine Looks Beyond Diesel Generators**
As Ukraine prepares for another winter with rolling blackouts and freezing temperatures, businesses are looking for alternative ways to keep their operations running smoothly. Instead of relying on diesel generators, some companies are turning to battery power supplies that can provide uninterrupted electricity during outages.
Nova Energy’s CEO, Andrii Lytvynenko, said his company is moving away from diesel generators and plans to equip around 1,000 branches with battery power supplies. The company already has around 4,000 generators in use, but the new technology offers a more reliable solution.
**Other Business News**
* Ukraine has approved the Droid TW robotics system for combat operation.
* Successful tests of a new Ukrainian missile are underway.
* Owners and top managers of a popular online casino in Ukraine have been suspected of collaborating with Russia.
* Ukraine and the EU have signed an agreement on a 35-billion-euro loan, covered by revenue from frozen Russian assets.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com