KYIV, March 5 – The Business Activity Expectations Index (BAEI), calculated by the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) on a scale from zero to 100, in February, after four months of decline, rose by 6.5 points to 47.5 points, the NBU reported last week.

"High security risks, delayed external financing, logistical problems due to the blockade of Ukraine’s western border, sluggish investment demand, significant shortages of skilled workers, and a seasonal weakening of economic activity at the beginning of the year continued to restrain economic activity and negatively affect businesses' expectations," the regulator said.