A building destroyed in the Ukraine capital Kyiv by Russian shelling. Source: Reuters
The Market Online - At The Bell

Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights

  • The World Bank sees Ukraine’s gross domestic product (GDP) likely plummeting 45.1 per cent this year as the country’s economic activity is savaged by the war with Russia
  • Meanwhile, Russia is expected to see its GDP sink by 11.2 per cent on the back of sanctions introduced from Western countries
  • An influx of refugees and higher commodity prices are tipped to drive down GDP growth in the Central Europe region to 3.5 per cent
  • The World Bank has made calls for financial support for Ukraine in order to keep its economy going
  • It has so far gathered $923 million in loans and grants for the country and is preparing an additional support package worth $2 billion

The World Bank has forecast Ukraine’s gross domestic product (GDP) will likely plummet 45.1 per cent this year as the country’s economic activity is savaged by Russia’s invasion.

The estimate excludes the destruction of infrastructure, which will likely damage future economic output, and does not take into account the outflow of refugees to other countries.

More than half of Ukraine’s businesses are expected to be closed, with others operating at significantly less capacity.

The Black Sea has been cut off from shipping, which has affected 90 per cent of grain exports and half of its total exports.

Russia’s GDP is also forecast to slump – by 11.2 per cent – on the back of sanctions introduced from Western countries.

The effects also flow on to the Eastern European region, according to the World Bank.

Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova were predicted to suffer for a combined 30.7 per cent GDP contraction.

An influx of refugees and higher commodity prices were expected to drive down GDP growth in the Central Europe region to 3.5 per cent.

The World Bank has made calls for financial support for Ukraine in order to keep its economy going.

It has already gathered $923 million in loans and grants for the country and is preparing an additional support package worth $2 billion.

More From The Market Online

Bullock: Hold call doesn’t rule out further tightening, if that’s required to beat inflation

Michele Bullock has made it very clear that the Reserve Bank is still strongly considering more rate hikes, especially if it’s the only

Reserve Bank holds rates at 4.35% as inflation battle drags on

The Reserve Bank has left the cash rate unchanged at 4.35%, warning inflation remains too high…
Global trade disruption concept with container ships blocked from entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime blockade and geopolitical tension affecting international supply chain and shipping routes.

Markets rally, ASX surges as US-Iran strike preliminary deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Australian shares rallied after the US and Iran confirmed a landmark ceasefire agreement, lifting miners, banks…
Close-up view of erupting molten lava, showcasing the intense heat and dynamic nature of volcanic activity.

Records up top, energy melt down, all eyes back on rech

Records on top. Regime turn underneath. Three U.S. indices closed at record highs into a holiday-shortened week. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index ripped +5.53%...