Talking Markets: European Retailers Rekindle Ukraine Operations as War Drags on

European retailers are gradually resuming their operations in Ukraine even as the war against Russia continues, overcoming logistical challenges and enticed by rising demand in parts of the country. Swedish clothing retailer H&M Hennes & Mauritz is set to start reopening its stores in Ukraine this month, following the footsteps of international companies like Danish jeweler Pandora and French cosmetics firm Yves Rocher, that have already resumed operations after putting them on hold at the beginning of the war. Other companies such as French food retailer Auchan kept their Ukrainian businesses running even after Russia launched its invasion in February 2022 and are now considering expanding them.