LCF Law Group at ReBuild Ukraine: investments and energy sector recovery

Ivan Bondarchuk, Partner and Head of Energy&Projects at LCF Law Group, took part in a panel discussion at the 5th International Exhibition and Conference ReBuild Ukraine: Construction & Energy. As part of this event, LCF Law Group acted as a strategic partner of the conference “Energizing Recovery: Building a Stronger Ukrainian Energy Sector.”

ReBuild Ukraine is one of the most influential international platforms dedicated to Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. This year’s event brought together participants from more than 30 countries and has reaffirmed its status as one of the leading global platforms for discussing the post-war recovery of Ukraine’s energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors.
LCF Law Group served as a strategic partner of the conference “Energizing Recovery: Building a Stronger Ukrainian Energy Sector”, underscoring its prominent role in legal support for energy and investment projects.

Ivan was a speaker on the panel “The Future of Ukraine’s Energy Sector: Investment Prospects for Ukrainian and International Energy Companies.” Together with leading experts from Ukraine and Europe, he discussed key issues related to the recovery of the energy sector, investment risks, and opportunities for companies operating in the field of renewable energy and infrastructure.

New context for energy investments

In his speech, Ivan Bondarchuk emphasized that the conditions for implementing energy projects have changed significantly. Before the full-scale invasion, the project development framework was as clear as possible: international sponsors and investors sought to acquire projects at the ready-to-build stage, sign turnkey EPC contracts, and secure bank financing for construction.

In 2022, the reality changed. New military risks (destruction of power plants and grid infrastructure), logistical challenges (loss of port infrastructure and increased reliance on alternative road routes), personnel issues (mobilization), and project-related risks (reluctance of international contractors to operate in Ukraine) arose—challenges no developed country has faced in recent decades.

However, Ukraine’s infrastructure sector continues to move forward, and stakeholders are trying to develop new working models. Obviously, international sponsors remain cautious about large capital investments and launching new construction, but they are looking for high-quality projects to build portfolios and resume construction as soon as the military and political situation allows.

On the other hand, Ukrainian developers want to retain control of their assets and continue working rather than wait for the war to end. They are not willing to sell at symbolic prices or postpone project development indefinitely. At the same time, many of them have limited budgets and seek more predictability regarding future exits.

Additionally, new independent players and service providers have entered the market – specialists in logistics, environmental studies, equipment installation, and commissioning, among others. Previously operating under EPC contractors, many now act as independent stakeholders with their own expectations and commercial interests.

This new project configuration requires models that align the interests of domestic developers and international investors, increase predictability, and reduce risks on the way to the ultimate goal: attracting financing and constructing energy facilities.

Joint Development as an effective model

Ivan named joint development as one such tool. The model provides developers with predictable cooperation terms, financing of development costs, and clear exit mechanisms at the sale stage. At the same time, international partners gain control over technical parameters with limited on-the-ground involvement, an option to purchase the project once it reaches the construction stage, and reduced operational risks (local developers generally offer the flexibility necessary in a wartime context). As a result, joint development reduces project risks, simplifies future due diligence, and better prepares projects for international financing.

“Today, infrastructure and energy projects require not only financial investment but also new legal solutions. The wartime context changes the rules, and our task as legal advisors is to offer models that work both now and after victory. Joint development is one of the mechanisms that aligns the interests of Ukrainian developers and international investors,” noted Ivan Bondarchuk.

LCF’s legal expertise in the energy sector

During the discussion, it was reaffirmed that the legal component is essential to the sustainability of energy projects. LCF Law Group provides legal support across renewable energy and infrastructure projects, including structuring cooperation models, preparing and supporting agreements, legal due diligence, grid-connection matters, permitting and land issues, contracting, and M&A support.

The firm helps clients build legally sustainable models that account for wartime risks, technical constraints, and international investor expectations related to transparency, ESG, and compliance. This comprehensive approach ensures the stability of projects and increases their investment attractiveness.

LCF and its role in rebuilding Ukraine’s energy sector

LCF Law Group continues to play an active role in shaping Ukraine’s energy sector and supporting investment processes in post-war reconstruction. The team participates in specialized working groups, advises international institutions, and assists Ukrainian developers in implementing projects that strengthen the country’s energy independence. We will continue applying our expertise to create solutions that contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and sustainable development.