Reports suggest that the freeze on Kyivstar's shares may soon be lifted, as American investments are expected to flow into the company.

The arrest of a portion of the corporate rights of the company "Kyivstar" may be lifted soon. Instead of nationalization, the company is set to receive American investments. This information is reported by "Mediasat", referencing a publication from the Washington-based Capitol Intelligence Group (CI).

As noted by the journalists at "CI", a group of leading American investment funds has expressed interest in acquiring VEON. This Dutch holding company is the owner of the largest Ukrainian mobile operator, "Kyivstar".

Previously, a court imposed an arrest on all corporate rights in Ukraine belonging to Russian oligarchs Mikhail Friedman, Petr Aven, and Andrey Kosogov. However, VEON sold its Russian assets at the end of 2023 and completely exited the Russian market.

According to media reports, Mike Pompeo plays a crucial role in the process of attracting foreign investments — a significant player in Trump's team, former U.S. Secretary of State, and ex-CIA director. In November of last year, he took on the role of independent non-executive director of "Kyivstar".

"As an independent board member of VEON, Pompeo told reporters that he welcomes the proposal for the company's acquisition by American investment giants such as Blackstone, KKR, and Carlyle, and that the former controlling shareholder of VEON, sanctioned Russian oligarch Mikhail Friedman, has completely exited VEON," the publication states.

The publication Capitol Intelligence Group also claims that the acquisition of VEON by these investment funds is supported by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, the President of the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The article reminds us that alongside the arrest of a portion of "Kyivstar" shares, a similar case was initiated against Lifecell; however, in this seemingly identical situation, the Ukrainian government lifted the arrest on Lifecell's corporate rights. As a result, the company successfully changed ownership and was acquired by the French holding "NJJ Capital".

"We now have sufficient grounds to assume that Kyivstar is following the path of Lifecell. Once the value of VEON is agreed upon by all interested parties, the arrest of 47.85% of Kyivstar's corporate rights will be lifted. What does the sale of VEON to new owners mean for Ukraine and its citizens? The change in the shareholder composition will not affect Kyivstar subscribers or the operator itself," the journalists note.

Let us remind you that currently, the global digital operator VEON, which is the sole shareholder of "Kyivstar", is contesting the arrest of Kyivstar's corporate rights in court.

In its court submissions, VEON argues that Friedman, Aven, and Kosogov, who were subject to sanctions, do not own shares of VEON or Kyivstar.