Findings from a study by Deloitte Ukraine and the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine
Most companies (58%) systematically implement business continuity plans (BCP), yet one in five continues to operate reactively. Despite significant operational disruptions, businesses are prioritizing continuous adaptation and refining their crisis management approaches to maintain stability in an environment of persistent uncertainty. These insights come from the joint study Ensuring Business Resilience in Ukraine, conducted by Deloitte Ukraine and the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.
The study is based on a survey of top executives from member companies of the Chamber, conducted in February 2026. The findings provide a comprehensive view of the challenges businesses face and the strategies they employ to address them, including how companies adapt to financial pressures, sustain employee productivity, and engage with communities to ensure operational resilience.
“Businesses operating in Ukraine demonstrated a high level of resilience during the autumn–winter period. This reflects systematic efforts to ensure continuity, as well as the exceptional perseverance and commitment of people. However, companies remain primarily focused on sustaining current operations, often at the expense of structured medium- and long-term planning. Implementing long-term business sustainability strategies, deepening community partnerships, and engaging in joint investment projects are critical today to support the sustainable recovery of Ukraine’s economy,” notes Olena Boichenko, Partner, Head of Consulting at Deloitte Ukraine.
Energy independence as a survival imperative
For most companies, energy challenges have shifted from critical risks to manageable operational processes. The report findings indicate that businesses were forced to undertake large-scale preparations for the winter season: nearly 60% allocated between 1% and 5% of total expenditures between September 2025 and January 2026 to safeguard business continuity. These funds were primarily directed toward energy autonomy (75%), employee support programs (38%), and security (25%).
Although the measures implemented enabled 56% of respondents to maintain key processes during prolonged power outages lasting more than three days (77% of which lasted over five days), only one in ten companies managed to fully avoid any negative impact on profitability.
“The survey results demonstrate that international and Ukrainian companies have not only survived but have adapted to operate effectively in an environment of constant uncertainty. Today, 58% of companies systematically implement business continuity plans, and the vast majority maintain strong financial discipline — 92% pay salaries on time, and 94% meet their obligations to partners and counterparties,” said Zarina Nazarko, Senior Advisor on Strategic Development at the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.
Production costs as the primary financial challenge
Around one-third of companies reported that power outages had a critical or significant impact on their financial performance. Rising production and service costs—combined with declining consumer purchasing power—have emerged as the dominant financial constraint. In response, companies are adopting more flexible management approaches: 64% are optimizing operating expenses, 42% are revising investment plans, and 34% are adjusting pricing strategies. Despite sustained pressure, financial discipline remains strong: 92% of companies maintain timely salary payments, and 94% continue to meet their obligations to partners and counterparties.
Notably, demand for external financing remains limited, with 43% of companies reporting no need to raise additional funds. This may be an unavoidable for companies, given that only 19% indicate they can secure external financing on acceptable terms.
Human capital: between resilience and burnout
The impact of the autumn–winter period on employee productivity remains mixed. While 45% of companies report no significant changes—potentially indicating a degree of adaptation—41% of respondents identify clear signs of strain, including uneven workload distribution, declining motivation, and slower work pace.
Against this backdrop, employee support programs have emerged as the second most significant area of resilience-related spending (38%), second only to investments in energy independence.
Dialogue with the state and communities: finding new points of contact
The study also highlights a gap in how businesses engage with government support mechanisms. As many as 94% of companies did not apply for state financial assistance. While most (77%) reported no need, a notable 17% required support but did not pursue it, citing complex procedures and limited awareness of available instruments.
Engagement with local authorities remains broadly active, with only 8% of respondents reporting no interaction. However, this engagement is largely transactional—focused on regulatory compliance and participation in humanitarian initiatives. There is untapped potential to deepen cooperation, particularly through joint investment projects. Businesses are increasingly calling for greater openness and predictability in their interactions with local authorities.
The cost of resilience
The current resilience of Ukrainian businesses is the result of difficult compromises. Resources that could otherwise be directed toward innovation and growth are being diverted to ensure basic survival—energy independence, workforce retention, and security. This resilience comes at a cost, reflected in slower long-term growth.
With the summer period and the next winter season ahead, businesses will once again face the need to commit significant resources to preparation. In this environment, companies are forced into constant adaptation, where each new disruption reshapes operating conditions in real time. However, pausing is not an option—businesses must commit to continuous effort and a relentless search for effective solutions. For more details on the findings and conclusions, please refer to the full report.
About Deloitte
Deloitte is a global network of professional services firms providing audit and consulting services. With a history spanning more than 175 years, Deloitte operates in over 150 countries and serves nearly 90% of the Fortune Global 500®.
Deloitte Ukraine is a part of the global network, delivering a full range of professional services to the local market. The firm supports Ukrainian and international companies across industries, helping them manage risks, drive transformation, and achieve sustainable growth. Leveraging deep local expertise with global capabilities, Deloitte Ukraine serves as a trusted advisor to businesses, public institutions, and investors in Ukraine.
About the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine
The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine is a leading international business association that has served more than 600 member companies in Ukraine since 1992, and provides a unified voice for American, international, and Ukrainian companies that have invested more than $50 billion in Ukraine and remain committed to the country even now, during the war. More information can be found at the link.
For more information, please visit the website.
