Ukraine's Zelenskyy announces second pro-business body to support companies during war

Following the outcry from a number of business owners over the arrest of a well-known banker, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday the establishment of a second body to support companies during times of war. During his weekly video speech, Zelenskyy stated that the All-Ukraine Economic Platform would assist companies in overcoming the obstacles caused by Russia’s nearly two-year-old invasion. Zelenskyy earlier this week announced the creation of the Council for the Support of Entrepreneurship, stating that its goals were to improve the economy and provide clarity on matters concerning law enforcement. Decrees creating both bodies were published on Friday. In his latest remarks, Zelenskyy said the platform would be a “new communication mechanism with entrepreneurs” and would encompass the “entire business community”. He said he was grateful to all entrepreneurs “who stay in the country and maintain their businesses and jobs”. The creation of the two entities followed a meeting with business leaders after the arrest last week of banker Ihor Mazepa, which Zelenskyy acknowledged had been “difficult”. The council was formed on the basis of a decision of the National Security and Defence Council, which sets defence policy. The council also pledged to alter provisions of the criminal code on the arrest and prosecution of business figures. Business owners objected to Mazepa’s detention on allegations he engaged in an illegal acquisition of land north of Kyiv to proceed with construction of luxury housing. Mazepa has since been released from pre-trial detention after posting reduced bail. Mazepa has pledged to appeal the court ruling ordering his detention and said the case against him was being pursued because of his criticism of law enforcement bodies. His company, Concorde Capital, has operated in Ukraine for some 20 years. His brother and company officials were also detained.