The role of international aid in forming strategic business sustainability during war

Abstract

This article examines the role of international technical and financial assistance in shaping the strategic resilience of Ukrainian business in the face of a full-scale invasion. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that the strategic resilience of enterprises, which includes flexibility, innovation, and financial stability, is a key determinant of the economic security of the state.
The analysis showed significant structural shifts in the Ukrainian economy, in particular, the growth of the share of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to 66.2% in the volume of output, which demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt after the initial shock of the war.
At the same time, the study of financial results revealed a polarization of economic results, as evidenced by the convergence of the growth rates of profits and losses of large and medium-sized enterprises in 2024. This tension is especially high in sectors sensitive to falling demand (art, IT, finance).
It is established that international financial support (in particular, the Ukraine Facility and ERA programs) is critical for maintaining macroeconomic stability, preventing a systemic solvency crisis and financing anti-crisis support programs. These mechanisms not only provide funds, but also stimulate structural reforms and European integration, which lays the foundation for long-term sustainability and recovery.
It is recommended to move to targeted support for the most vulnerable but strategically important sectors, strengthen technical assistance for MSMEs and accelerate the integration of donor funds with the domestic reform agenda to maximize the multiplier effect of assistance.