DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE: FOREIGN TRADE AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AS FACTORS OF STABILIZATION OF THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC SITUATION

The article aims to describe the financial and economic situation, indicators of foreign trade and investment provision of Ukraine after almost two years of Russian invasion. It has been investigated that the scale of destruction is huge — it includes significant damage to infrastructure (especially energy), buildings, structures, and company assets. Despite the enormous problems of the economy, it did not stop. In 2023, the GDP growth forecast was observed at the level of 2%. Effective actions of the authorities, including financial ones, ensured the functioning of the economy during the war. The article describes the dynamics of export-import operations over the past 10 years. A significant decrease of these indicators was established in connection with military actions. It is outlined that almost all industries were affected by the war. The volume of direct foreign investments in Ukraine for 2012–2022 is presented. It was established that with the beginning of military operations in the east of Ukraine, the investment attractiveness has significantly deteriorated. It has been proven that the implementation of reforms in the judiciary and the adoption of legislation on the protection of investor interests will be able to improve this situation. Proposed conditions for reforms on the way to European integration of Ukraine. The main directions and factors that will contribute to the adaptation of the domestic economy to the European one are outlined: new industrial agreements, trade agreements and agreements with new partners, adoption of legislation on the protection of investor rights, insurance of various risks, adaptation to the rules of the single European market, renewal of the transport and logistics infrastructure. The activation of foreign trade and the rapid development of investment activity should ensure the financial and economic recovery of Ukraine. Demining territories, freeing access to all ports, withdrawal of troops will enable investors to make decisions in favor of Ukraine. As a candidate for the EU, Ukraine will become an attractive country for investment.