How companies operate during the war in Ukraine – a response from Gunder.

This was stated by the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, Andriy Gunder, during a panel discussion at the Ukrainian House in Davos, as reported by a correspondent from Novini.LIVE.

How Global Companies Operate During the War in Ukraine

"Even before the first Russian missile was launched at Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and Russian troops began their assault on Kyiv, American businesses were already engaged in battle. However, this was not a physical war with weapons, but rather digital attacks", Gunder stated.

He recalled that the major company Microsoft was already fighting against cyberattacks, which he believes is phenomenal. The president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine believes that Ukraine continues to stand strong because global companies possess new technologies, cybersecurity measures, uninterrupted internet service, and equipment that supports banking operations.

"Companies like Visa, MasterCard, and Citibank were prepared for war. We removed cash because we were told that nothing would work. However, everything continued to function seamlessly. And you all know companies like Amazon, AWS, Microsoft, and Google. If during World War II the safest place for critical infrastructure was underground, today it is in the 'cloud'. And that is why we have these uninterrupted services", Gunder emphasized.

At the same time, he cited the example of Elon Musk's company, which developed Starlink, noting that no soldier on the front line can do without it. Therefore, reliable communication is extremely important in modern times.

He also mentioned companies such as ABCDS, Bungay, Adm, Cargill, and Dreyfus. According to him, all of them continue to operate in the Black Sea, in ports, and with goods being exported from Ukraine, particularly sunflower oil, wheat, and corn. According to the official, the economy grew by 3.6% last year.

McDonald's in Ukraine During the War

Gunder is convinced that business in Ukraine during the war plays a significant role. It unites and provides assistance. Even amidst shelling and tough times, the country remains open for new partnerships.

"February is approaching, marking the fourth year of full-scale war, and we see that Ukraine is open for business. We see our participants," the statement reads.

The president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine reminded that on January 18, an enemy ballistic missile struck the McDonald's located near the Lukyanivska metro station in Kyiv. As is known, this was the first McDonald's in Ukraine, opened in 1997.

Fortunately, the staff and visitors managed to evacuate and take shelter. But, according to Gunder, the most important thing is that such establishments in Ukraine remain open. Throughout the war, the company has opened 22 new restaurants across the country and continues to do so.

Modern Technologies and War

"This war has changed the conduct of warfare at the regional level. We see innovations emerging, especially in the field of drones and in other sectors of security and defense. We have created an entirely new committee for security and defense issues", Gunder noted.

He is convinced that many new companies in the defense sector coming to Ukraine are exploring artificial intelligence, combining it with drone technologies, which represents the future of warfare.

"Ukraine on the front line has unparalleled experience and knowledge, and I believe this is a key sector we are observing. So, you know, my message is that Ukraine is open for business; American Business Today operates in Ukraine. American business plays a significant role in supporting Ukraine during this time," concluded the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.

Recall that on January 18, the McDonald's in Kyiv was damaged as a result of a Russian attack. This marks the fourth time during the full-scale war. Representatives of the popular chain promised to restore the restaurant despite the extensive damage.

We also reported that McDonald's is registering new trademarks in Russia.