Sayenko Kharenko, General Partner of the UBA, has acted as Ukrainian legal counsel to the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) on providing, through its Ukraine Sub-Fund (USF), the loan of EUR 15 million equivalent in Ukrainian hryvnia to Bank Lviv. The loans are dedicated to supporting the resilience and competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and contributing to the inclusive recovery. Additionally, the financing will be complemented by dedicated grants designed to ease access to finance for war-affected MSMEs, including newly established and relocated businesses. These grants address the lack of collateral and ongoing market distortions, and strengthen MSME viability and business continuity amid heightened risk exposure and unpredictability.

EFSE is an impact investment fund to drive economic development and prosperity in Southeast Europe and the Caucasus. Through its two sub-funds—the Regional Sub-Fund (RSF) and the Ukraine Sub-Fund (USF)—EFSE provides tailored financial solutions to foster entrepreneurship, strengthen financial inclusion, and support local economies.

Bank Lviv is a specialized provider of banking services to MSMEs and agricultural businesses, with a focus on tailor-made financing and committed customer care. Bank Lviv maintains its regional focus on Western Ukraine while further building its market position in an increasingly dynamic economic environment.

Sayenko Kharenko’s team included Igor Lozenko, Oles Trachuk, Yevhen Koval and Polina Savinska.