VEON Ltd.
Annual Report 2020

Plain-text annual report

Annual Report 2020 VEON Ltd. Claude Debussylaan 88, 1082 MD Amsterdam The Financial Statements are approved by the Audit Committee on behalf of the Board on March 15, 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS Director's Report............................................................................................................................................ Information on the Company........................................................................................................................................... Directors and Senior Management and Employees........................................................................................................ Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions...................................................................................................... How We Manage Risks................................................................................................................................................... Risk factors...................................................................................................................................................................... Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.............................................................................................................. Additional Information...................................................................................................................................................... Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks......................................................................................... Declarations..................................................................................................................................................................... Consolidated Financial Statements.............................................................................................................. Company Financial Statements.................................................................................................................... Other Information........................................................................................................................................... Independent Auditor’s Report....................................................................................................................... 3 4 37 47 49 58 84 104 109 110 111 176 187 188 2 Directors’ Report INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY Overview VEON is a leading global provider of connectivity and internet services. Present in some of the world’s most dynamic markets, VEON provides more than 210 million customers with voice, fixed broadband, data and digital services. VEON currently offers services to customers in 9 countries: Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia. VEON’s reportable segments currently consist of the following seven segments: Russia, Pakistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. We provide services under the “Beeline,” “Kyivstar,” “banglalink,” “Jazz” and “Djezzy” brands. As of December 31, 2020, we had 43,639 employees. For a breakdown of total revenue by category of activity and geographic segments for each of the last three financial years, see — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. In September 2019, we announced a new strategy framework at the Group level including a commitment to boost long- term growth beyond traditional connectivity services. The strategy framework set out how VEON plans to drive value from three business pillars: its fundamental mobile and fixed line connectivity services and the drive of 4G adoption; a portfolio of new services built around digital technologies with the active involvement of big data and artificial intelligence; and future assets which seeks to identify, acquire and develop ‘’know-how” and technologies that open up adjacent growth opportunities. As part of our initiative to digitize our core telecommunications business, ensuring we address 4G penetration levels across the group is vital as 4G services remain a core enabler of our digital strategy. We intend to continue focusing on increasing our capital investment efficiency, including with respect to our IT, network, and distribution costs. We have secured network sharing agreements and intend to maintain our focus on achieving an asset-light business model in certain markets, where we own only the core assets needed to operate our business. For further information on our capital expenditures, see — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Future Liquidity and Capital Requirements. We anticipate that we will finance the investments with operational cash flow, cash on our balance sheet and external financing. For more information on our recent developments, see — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Key Developments During 2020. VEON Ltd. is an exempted company limited by shares registered under the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as amended (the “Companies Act”), on June 5, 2009, and our registered office is located at Victoria Place, 31 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM 10, Bermuda. Our headquarters are located at Claude Debussylaan 88, 1082 MD, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Our telephone number is +31 20 797 7200. VEON Ltd. is registered with the Dutch Trade Register (registration number 34374835) as a company formally registered abroad (formeel buitenlandse kapitaalvennootschap), as this term is referred to in the Dutch Companies Formally Registered Abroad Act (Wet op de formeel buitenlandse vennootschappen), which means that we are deemed a Dutch resident company for tax purposes in accordance with applicable Dutch tax regulations. Our website is www.veon.com. The information presented on our website is not part of this Annual Report. Our legal representative in the United States is Puglisi & Associates, 850 Library Ave, Suite 204, Newark, DE 19711 (+1 (302) 738 6680). Our agent for service of process in the United States is CT Corporation, 11 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10011 (+1 (212) 894 8400). In addition, the SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, which can be accessed over the internet at http://www.sec.gov. History Our predecessor PJSC VimpelCom (formerly OJSC “VimpelCom”) was founded in 1992. In 1996, VimpelCom listed on the New York Stock Exchange, where it remained listed until 2013 when VimpelCom moved its listing to the NASDAQ Global Select Market. In March 2017, VimpelCom rebranded to VEON and on April 4, 2017, VEON began trading its ordinary shares on Euronext Amsterdam. In the early 2000s, we began an expansion into the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) by acquiring local operators or entering into joint ventures with local partners, including, but not limited to, in Kazakhstan (2004), Ukraine (2005), Uzbekistan (2006), Armenia (2006) and Georgia (2006). In 2009 and 2010, PJSC VimpelCom and Ukrainian mobile operator, Kyivstar, combined, and we subsequently established our headquarters in Amsterdam. Our expansion efforts have included transactions involving operations outside of CIS. In 2011, we completed the acquisition of Wind Telecom S.p.A., an international provider of mobile and fixed-line telecommunications and internet services with operations in Italy, through Wind Telecom, and in Algeria, Bangladesh and Pakistan, through GTH (previously known as Orascom Telecom Holding S.A.E.). In November 2016, the group combined its Italian mobile telecommunications business with that of CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. in a joint venture company named Wind Tre. In July 2018, the group announced the sale of its 50% stake in Wind Tre to CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. which was completed in September 2018. In July 2019, VEON Holdings B.V. launched a mandatory tender offer (“MTO”) to purchase the shares of GTH, a subsidiary of VEON which consolidates the group’s operations in Algeria, Bangladesh and Pakistan. At the close of the MTO in August 2019, VEON held approximately 98.24% of GTH’s total outstanding shares. VEON subsequently embarked on a comprehensive restructuring of GTH, including a successful offer to acquire substantially all of GTH’s operating assets in Algeria, Pakistan and Bangladesh following the delisting of GTH from the Egyptian Exchange in September 2019. In late 2020, we sold our operating subsidiary in Armenia. 4 Recent Developments COVID-19 The global outbreak of COVID-19 and associated containment and mitigation measures implemented worldwide have had a sustained impact on our operations and financial performance. The second quarter saw the full impact on our operations of the lockdowns imposed across our markets in response to COVID-19. This resulted in material disruption to our retail operations following store closures, impacting gross connections and airtime sales. Restrictions on travel resulted in a significant decline in roaming revenues and the loss of migrant customers from our subscriber base, particularly in Russia. Although VEON’s operations remained impacted by lockdown measures throughout the second half of the year, all operations saw a recovery in the performance as our local businesses continue building resilience to the restrictions related to COVID-19. Demand for our data services remains strong, enabling us to continue to grow our data revenues. We also experienced a shift in data traffic from mobile to fixed networks as lockdowns encouraged remote working and home schooling alongside a greater use of devices through our domestic broadband services. An increase in demand for hard currencies, in part due to COVID-19, resulted in the devaluation of exchange rates in the countries in which VEON operates. As such, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the book value of assets and liabilities of our foreign operations, in U.S. dollar terms, decreased significantly, with a corresponding loss of US$623 million recorded against the foreign currency translation reserve in Other Comprehensive Income. Our management has taken appropriate measures to keep our personnel safe and secure. As of the date of these financial statements, other than as described above, we have not observed any particular material adverse impacts to our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The group liquidity is sufficient to fund the business operations for at least another 12 months. Partnership with MasterCard In May 2020, VEON announced a partnership between JazzCash and payment technology leader Mastercard that strengthens the payments ecosystem for merchants and customers in Pakistan. More than 7 million customers and merchants use JazzCash every month, making it Pakistan’s leading digital wallet. The partnership with Mastercard allows merchants to accept digital payments from customers, digitize their supply chain, and move to cashless operations. In a first for Pakistan, merchants and consumers who sign up for JazzCash wallet will be able to benefit from a wide range of Mastercard’s digital solutions and capabilities to pay for orders and services via all digital channels as well as make online payments in a fast, safe and convenient manner. JazzCash customers will also have access to Mastercard’s virtual and branded debit cards that can be used in 55,000 points of sale and ATMs in Pakistan, in addition to JazzCash merchants and e-commerce sites. Exercise of put option for 15% stake in Pakistan Operations In September 2020, the Dhabi Group exercised its put option to sell us its 15% shareholding in Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited ("PMCL"), the operating company of Pakistan’s leading mobile operator, Jazz. VEON updated the fair value of its put option liability following the completion of an independent valuation process which determined a fair value for the shareholding of US$273 million. Completion of the transfer remains subject to the conclusion of the contractual transfer mechanics with the Dhabi Group. Once completed, VEON will indirectly own 100% of PMCL. Beeline Kazakhstan signed Network Sharing Partnership In October 2020, VEON announced that its operating company in Kazakhstan, which provides services under the Beeline brand, entered into a network sharing partnership that unites the nation’s three mobile telecom providers in the delivery of high-speed internet to rural communities. The agreement brings Beeline together with Kcell and Tele2 in support of the nation’s 250+ project, which aims to extend high-speed internet to all villages with a population of 250 or more. Once complete, the project will see almost 1,000 rural settlements with a combined population of 600,000 offered 3G and 4G connections by all three operators. The 250+ initiative, the infrastructure deployment for which started immediately, enables rural residents to receive mobile services on competitive terms and select a service provider of their choice. In turn, each mobile operator will enjoy equal access to the shared network. VEON acquired strategic stake in ShopUp in Bangladesh In October 2020, VEON joined Sequoia Capital India and Flourish Ventures as investors in ShopUp, Bangladesh’s leading full- stack B2B commerce platform for small businesses, becoming ShopUp’s first strategic corporate investor. The investment of approximately US$8 million, in exchange for a 13.5% stake, is expected to enable VEON to support ShopUp’s fast-growing digital ecosystem for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which form a vital backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, as well as provide opportunities for developing mobile financial services for ShopUp’s users. 5 Agreement concluded for the sale of Armenian operations In October 2020, VEON concluded an agreement for the sale of CJSC “VEON Armenia”, VEON’s operating subsidiary in Armenia, to Team LLC for a consideration of US$51 million. Accordingly the net carrying value of assets amounting US$33 million were de-recognized along with reclassification of cumulative foreign currency translation reserve of US$96 million to profit and loss, resulting in the net loss of US$78 million. Beeline Russia completed coverage of all Moscow metro stations with 4G and expanded 4G coverage in Moscow In December 2020, VEON announced that Beeline Russia achieved 100% 4G coverage and enabled its customers to access high-speed internet at all stations of the Moscow metro, as well as in most of the adjacent tunnels. The milestone reflects Beeline’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of 4G connectivity and offers Beeline customers the ability to stay in touch, listen to music and stream content in good quality whilst underground. In January 2021, VEON announced that Beeline Russia completed a large-scale project to improve the quality and availability of mobile internet in Moscow. The project included the redistribution of the 2100 frequency range from 3G to 4G and an expansion in the frequency range used in the 4G network from 30 to 45 MHz. This has enabled an increase in the average speed of mobile internet by up to 30%, with peak speeds now reaching up to 350 Mbit/sec. Financing activities In January 2020, VEON Holdings B.V. ("VEON Holdings") issued US$300 million in senior unsecured notes due in 2025, to be consolidated and form a single series with the US$700 million 4.00% senior notes due in 2025 issued by VEON Holdings in October 2019. VEON Holdings used the net proceeds of the tap issuance to refinance certain existing outstanding debt, address upcoming debt maturities and for general corporate purposes. In April 2020, VEON Holdings announced the establishment of a US$ 6.5 billion (or the equivalent thereof in other currencies) Global Medium Term Note program for the issuance of bonds (the "MTN Program"). In connection with the establishment of the MTN Program, VEON prepared a base offering memorandum, which was approved by the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, in order to enable bonds issued under the MTN Program to be admitted to listing on the Official List of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and to trading on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. In June, September and November 2020, VEON Holdings issued senior unsecured notes of RUB20 billion (US$288 million), RUB10 billion (US$135 million) and US$1.25 billion, respectively, under the MTN Program, maturing in June 2025, September 2025 and November 2027, respectively. The use of proceeds of the Notes is being used to finance certain investments in subsidiaries, to refinance certain outstanding indebtedness of the Issuer, and for general corporate purposes. In April 2020, Banglalink extended the maturity of its US$300 million syndicated loan by an additional two years to 2022. Following this extension, VEON, via a wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired the loan from the original lenders, leading to an effective extinguishment of this debt for the VEON Group. In June 2020, VEON entered into a new RUB 100 billion (approximately US$1.5 billion) bilateral term loan agreement with Sberbank. The loan was used to refinance and extend the maturity of the existing loan between Sberbank and VEON Holdings, as well as to provide additional funds for general corporate purposes. In July 2020, VEON refinanced its existing RUB 30 billion (approximately US$422 million) bilateral term loan agreement with VTB Bank. This refinancing extended the maturity and reduced the cost of the existing loan between VTB Bank and VEON. In December 2020, VEON completed the optional early redemption of all of its outstanding US$600 million 3.95% Senior Notes due June 2021 (the "2021 Notes") pursuant to Condition 5.3 of the 2021 Notes. The 2021 Notes were redeemed in full at a redemption price equal to 101.00% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts due thereon. In December 2020, VEON’s operating company in Ukraine, Kyivstar, signed three bilateral unsecured loan agreements with Raiffeisen Bank Aval Joint Stock Company ("Raiffeisen"), Joint Stock Company Alfa-Bank ("Alfa-Bank") and Joint Stock Company OTP Bank ("OTP"), for an aggregate amount of UAH 4.1 billion (approximately US$146 million). The loan agreement with Raiffeisen has a 5-year term, and the loan agreements with Alfa-Bank and OTP have a 3-year term. Similarly, VEON’s subsidiary in Kazakhstan, KaR-Tel, has signed a bilateral unsecured loan agreement with Forte Bank JSC for KZT 10 billion (approximately US$25 million), which has a 3-year term. Both Kyivstar and KaR-Tel will continue to monitor the local debt markets for further borrowing opportunities, in line with VEON’s strategy to improve its capital structure via long-term borrowings in local currencies. Changes to Board of Directors and Senior Management On February 13, 2020, VEON announced the appointment of Sergi Herrero and Kaan Terzioğlu as co-Chief Executive Officers, effective from March 1, 2020. Ursula Burns, who was appointed as Chairman in July 2017 and CEO in December 2018, remained as VEON’s Chairman before stepping down on June 1, 2020. Gennady Gazin was appointed as Chairman of VEON on 1 June 2020. One of the co-CEOs chairs each VEON local board, with the exception of Algeria. The role of the boards is to foster growth, monitor progress and oversee operations in each of VEON’s operating companies. 6 On April 3, 2020, VEON announced the appointment of Alexander Torbakhov as Chief Executive Officer of Beeline Russia, effective from April 6, following Vasyl Latsanych stepping down from the role earlier in the year. On April 6, 2020, VEON announced the appointment of Serkan Okandan as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective from May 1, 2020. On April 28, 2020, VEON announced that Erwan Gelebart has been appointed as CEO for JazzCash effective May 18, 2020. On June 1, 2020 VEON announced the results of the elections conducted at its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Shareholders elected five new members to the company’s board of directors, Hans Holger Albrecht, Mariano De Beer, Peter Derby, Amos Genish and Stephen Pusey, as well as seven previously serving directors: Osama Bedier, Mikhail M. Fridman, Gennady Gazin, Andrei Gusev, Gunnar Holt, Robert Jan van de Kraats and Alexander Pertsovsky. Following the election of the directors, Gennady Gazin was appointed as Chairman of VEON’s board of directors, effective June 1, 2020. VEON appointed Yaroslav Glazunov and Leonid Boguslavsky on October 28, 2020 and January 15, 2021, respectively, to the company’s board of directors. Mr. Glazunov is a managing partner at Spencer Stuart International based in Moscow and has been in the global leadership advisory business for 20 years, focusing on CEO succession, efficiency and performance. Mr. Boguslavsky is the founder of RTP Global, an early-stage venture capital firm with a strong track record of investing in technology, and is considered a pioneer of IT and internet tech investment. VEON Co-CEO Kaan Terzioğlu Elected to Serve on GSMA Board of Directors On November 16, 2020, VEON announced that Kaan Terzioğlu was elected to the Board of Directors of the GSMA, the mobile industry’s leading global organization that brings together more than 750 operators and nearly 400 ecosystem companies. Kaan Terzioğlu’s appointment was confirmed among those of 26 industry leaders elected to the GSMA’s Board for a two-year term, each of whom will serve the mobile industry’s leading global body from January 2021 to December 2022. Appointment of Chief Internal Audit and Compliance Officer In October 2020, Joop Brakenhoff was appointed to the position of Chief Internal Audit & Compliance Officer. He reports to the co-CEOs and also has a reporting line to the Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee. VEON enters into a US$1,250 million multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement In March 2021, VEON entered into a new multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement (the "RCF") of US$1,250 million. The RCF replaces the revolving credit facility signed in February 2017, which is now cancelled. The RCF has an initial tenor of three years, with the company having the right to request two one-year extensions, subject to lender consent. International banks from Asia, Europe and the US have committed to the RCF. The new RCF caters for USD LIBOR cessation with the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York agreed as the replacement risk free rate with credit adjustment spreads agreed for interest periods with a one month, three month and six month tenor. SOFR will apply to interest periods commencing on and from October 31, 2021 (or earlier if USD LIBOR is no longer published or ceases to be representative prior to that date). The company will have the option to make each drawdown in either U.S. dollars or euro. VEON subsidiary Banglalink successfully acquires 9.4MHz in spectrum auction In March 2021, Banglalink, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary in Bangladesh, acquired 4.4MHz spectrum in the 1800MHz band and 5MHz spectrum in 2100MHz band following successful bids at an auction held by the BTRC. The newly acquired spectrum will see Banglalink increase its total spectrum holding from 30.6MHz to 40MHz. Banglalink will invest approximately BDT 10 billion (US$115) to purchase the spectrum. Appointment of CEO of Beeline Uzbekistan In March 2021, we announced the appointment of Andrzej Malinowski to the vacant position of CEO of Beeline Uzbekistan, with effect from March 15, 2021. Mr. Malinowski joins from Beeline Georgia, where he has held the position of CEO. Lasha Tabidze has been appointed as Mr. Malinowski’s successor at Beeline Georgia, who previously held the joint position of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer of Beeline Georgia. A candidate for the Beeline Uzbekistan role had been previously announced but Beeline Uzbekistan was unable to finalize the employment of this candidate. Shareholders trading on NASDAQ no longer subject to annual depository fee From January 1, 2021 holders of VEON American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") trading on NASDAQ will no longer be subject to any cash dividend fee or depository service fee of any kind. ADS holders will continue to be subject to the normal issuance and cancellation fees. No final dividend declared by the VEON for FY2020 The VEON Group will not be paying a dividend for FY2020. 7 Business overview Business Units and Reportable Segments VEON Ltd. is the holding company for a number of operating subsidiaries and holding companies in various jurisdictions. We currently operate and manage VEON on a geographical basis. These segments are based on the different economic environments and varied stages of development across the geographical markets we serve, each of which requires different investment and marketing strategies. Our reportable segments currently consist of the following seven segments: Russia, representing our “cornerstone” market; Pakistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, representing our “growth engines”; and Algeria and Bangladesh, representing our “frontier markets”. We also present our results of operations for “Other frontier markets” as well as “HQ and eliminations” separately, although these are not reportable segments. “Other frontier markets” represents our operations in Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Georgia. “HQ and eliminations” represents transactions related to management activities within the group in Amsterdam, London and Luxembourg and costs relating to centrally managed operations and reconciles the results of our reportable segments and our total revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. See — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Reportable Segments and Note 2 - Segment information to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. Subsidiaries The table below sets forth our significant subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020. The equity interest presented represents our ownership interest, direct and indirect. Our percentage ownership interest is identical to our voting power for each of the subsidiaries listed below. Name of significant subsidiary VEON Amsterdam B.V. VEON Holdings B.V. PJSC VimpelCom JSC “Kyivstar” LLP “KaR-Tel” LLC “Unitel” LLC “VEON Georgia” LLC “Sky Mobile” VEON Luxembourg Holdings S.à r.l. VEON Luxembourg Finance Holdings S.à r.l. VEON Luxembourg Finance S.A. Global Telecom Holding S.A.E Omnium Telecom Algérie S.p.A.* Optimum Telecom Algeria S.p.A.* Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited Banglalink Digital Communications Limited Country of incorporation Nature of subsidiary Percentage of ownership interest Netherlands Netherlands Russia Ukraine Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Georgia Kyrgyzstan Luxembourg Luxembourg Luxembourg Egypt Algeria Algeria Pakistan Bangladesh Holding Holding Operating Operating Operating Operating Operating Operating Holding Holding Holding Holding Holding Operating Operating Operating 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 75.0 % 100.0 % 80.0 % 50.1 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 99.6 % 45.4 % 45.4 % 85.0 % 100.0 % * The Group has concluded that it controls Omnium Telecom Algérie S.p.A and Optimum Telecom Algeria S.p.A, See Significant Accounting Judgments in Note 13 of the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. 8 VEON, through its operating companies, provides customers with mobile and fixed-line telecommunications services in certain markets, which are described more fully below. Our mobile and fixed-line businesses are dependent on interconnection services. The table below presents certain of the primary interconnection agreements that we have with mobile and fixed-line operators in Russia, Pakistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan: Russia Pakistan Algeria Bangladesh Ukraine Uzbekistan We have interconnection agreements with mobile and fixed-line operators in Russia. During 2020, we had the following MTRs in Russia: average cost per minute of national traffic at 0.9483 RUB (US$ 0.0131) and average price per minute of national traffic at 0.9827 RUB (US$ 0.0136), which were broadly stable as compared to average cost per minute at 0.9480 RUB (US$ 0.0147) and average price per minute of national traffic at 0.9861 RUB (US$ 0.0152) in 2019 and average cost per minute at 0.9258 RUB (US$ 0.0148) and average price per minute of national traffic at 0.9750 RUB (US$ 0.0156) in 2018. In the territories of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (“AJK”) and Gilgit-Baltistan, we have several interconnection agreements with mobile and fixed-line operators. Our MTRs in 2018 and 2019, were at PKR 0.9 (US$0.00739) and PKR 0.8 (US$0.0053), respectively, and in 2020 it was PKR 0.70 (US$0.00452). We have interconnection agreements with mobile, VoIP and fixed-line operators. For the 2016-2017 period, the evolution of MTRs was favorable to our business despite an asymmetry with our competitors. For the 2017-2018 period, our MTR remained stable and the asymmetry was reduced both in scope (with one competitor instead of two benefitting from the asymmetry) and in value (the gap between MTRs was reduced). In the reference interconnection offer approved for the 2018-2019 period, Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Communications Electroniques the (ARPCE) imposed symmetrical MTRs for all three operators for both voice and SMS (respectively DZD 0.95 for voice and DZD 1.5 for SMS). In the previous reference interconnect offer (2019-2020), the ARPCE returned to asymmetry for voice MTR (DZD 0.95, DZD 0.74, and DZD 0.67 for Ooredoo, Mobilis, and DJEZZY, respectively) while maintaining symmetry for SMS (DZD 1.5 ). In the last reference interconnection offer (2020-2021), symmetry was again applied for both voice (DZD 0.68 /min) and SMS (DZD 1.5). We have interconnection agreements with interconnection exchange (ICX) operators, international gateway (IGW) operators, mobile operators, internet protocol telephony service providers (IPTSPs) and fixed-line operators. The international termination rate was changed with effect from February 14, 2020, following which the minimum termination rates became US$ 0.006/min. Henceforth, IGW operators share 22.5% of international call termination revenue with mobile operators based on the minimum international call termination rate. The domestic termination rate was changed, with effect from August 14, 2018, to BDT 0.14/min or US$0.0017/min (terminating mobile operator gets BDT 0.10 (US$0.0012) and ICX gets BDT 0.04 (US$0.0005). We have interconnection agreements with various mobile and fixed-line operators. As of December 31, 2020, in Ukraine, the effective MTR was UAH 0.12/min (US$0.0043) as well as effective IMTR equaled US$ 0.048/min. We have interconnection agreements with various mobile and fixed-line operators. On September 5, 2017, the State Committee of Uzbekistan on Privatization, Demonopolization and Development of Competition (“State Committee of Uzbekistan”) issued an injunction requiring Unitel LLC to implement equal mobile termination rates for all national operators. Unitel LLC unsuccessfully challenged this injunction in Uzbek Courts. Our MTR for 2020 was UZS 0.05/ minute as established by the court decision. Kazakhstan We have interconnection agreements with mobile and fixed operators. Our MTR for 2020 for local mobile operators was 5.60 KZT/min.($0.0132, inclusive of VAT) and for fixed operators was 14.80 KZT/min ($0.0351, inclusive of VAT). 9 Description of Our Mobile Telecommunications Business The table below presents the primary mobile telecommunications services we offer to our customers and a breakdown of prepaid and postpaid subscriptions as of December 31, 2020. Mobile Service Description Russia Pakistan Algeria Bangladesh Ukraine Uzbekistan Kazakhstan Others(3) Value added and call completion services (1) National and international roaming services(2) Wireless Internet access Mobile financial services Mobile bundles _______________ Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes(4) Yes(5) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No/Yes(7) Yes(6) (1) content delivery channels. Value added services include messaging services, content/infotainment services, data access services, location based services, media, and (2) Access to both national and international roaming services allows our customers and customers of other mobile operators to receive and make international, local and long-distance calls while outside of their home network. (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) For a description of the mobile services we offer in Kyrgyzstan and Georgia, see “—Mobile Business in Others.” Includes 4G Includes Smart Money (payment method for services via mobile phone) Reflects mobile bundles provided in Kyrgyzstan. Reflects services offered in Kyrgyzstan. 10 Mobile Business in Russia In Russia, through our operating company PJSC VimpelCom and our “Beeline” brand, we primarily offer mobile telecommunications services to our customers under two types of payment plans: postpaid plans and prepaid plans. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 87.9% of our customers in Russia were on prepaid plans. The table below presents a description of the primary mobile telecommunications services we offer in Russia. • airtime charges from mobile postpaid and prepaid customers, including monthly contract fees for a predefined amount of voice traffic and roaming fees for airtime charges when customers travel abroad Voice • GPRS/EDGE; 3G/HSPA; 4G/LTE; special wireless “Plug&Play” USB modems Internet and Data Access Roaming • active roaming agreements with 706 GSM networks in 214 countries • GPRS roaming with 606 networks in 189 countries • 4G/LTE roaming with 325 networks in 133 countries • roaming agreements generally state that the host operator bills PJSC VimpelCom for roaming services; PJSC VimpelCom pays these charges and then bills the customer for these services on a monthly basis VAS • caller-ID; voicemail; call forwarding; conference calling; missed call notification (via text); call blocking and call waiting Messaging • SMS (consumer and corporate); MMS and voice messaging (allows customers to send pictures, audio and video to mobile phones and to e-mails); mobile instant messaging Content/infotainment • voice services (including referral services); content downloadable to telephone (including music, pictures, games and video); RBT; mobile cloud solutions; geo-positioning and compass service for fleet and assets management; and M2M control center solution for all M2M/IoT verticals, Smart TV services, including Beeline TV • Mobile payment; banking card; trusted payment; loans repayments; remittances; banks notification; and mobile insurance The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our mobile business in Russia. Unless noted otherwise, we plan to apply for renewal of these licenses prior to their expiration. Mobile financial services Services License Expiration Super-regional GSM (GSM900, GSM1800, GSM900/1800, UMTS 900 and 4G/LTE 1800 standards) Moscow, Central and Central Black Earth, North Caucasus, North-West, Siberia, Ural and Volga September 2022- April 2023 (various dates) GSM(1) (GSM900, GSM1800, GSM900/1800 and 4G/ LTE 1800 standards) Regions in the Far East super-region of Russia 2021 - 2025 (various dates) 3G(2) (UMTS/LTE) 4G(3) (LTE) 4G/LTE 2600 Orenburg region June 2025 Irkutsk region Nationwide(4) Nationwide(4) 32 districts of Russia 2021 (various dates) May 2022 July 2022 April 2026 (1) In total, our GSM licenses cover approximately 97% of Russia’s population. (2) PJSC VimpelCom holds one of three 3G licenses in Russia. (3) In July 2012, PJSC VimpelCom was awarded a mobile license, a data transmission license, a voice transmission license and a telematic license for the provision of 4G/LTE services in Russia. These licenses allow PJSC VimpelCom to provide services using radio-electronic devices in Russia via networks that use 4G/LTE standard equipment within any of the following frequency bands: 735-742.5/776-783.5 MHz; 813.5-821/854.5-862 MHz; and 2550-2560/2670-2680 MHz. Certain channels allocated to us in accordance with the licenses have restrictions on their use. To remove restrictions, we have to perform organizational technical measure field tests. The rollout of the 4G/LTE network is using a phased approach based on a pre-defined schedule pursuant to the requirements of the license. (4) This includes 83 regions of Russia, except for Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol. 11 PJSC VimpelCom must pay an annual fee for the use of radio frequency spectrum. These fees were RUB 3,952 million and RUB 3,946 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Under Federal Law No. 126 FZ “On Communication” and license terms, PJSC VimpelCom is required to make universal service fund contributions in the amount equal to 1.2% of corporate revenues from provided communications services. Universal service fund contributions were RUB 2,152 million and RUB 2,345 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. PJSC VimpelCom is also subject to certain other license fees on a case-by-case basis. LICENSE FEES Mobile bundles In 2020, we have kept our focus on product lines from a customer needs perspective, simplifying offers and maintaining competitive prices in combination with transparent conditions. In October 2020, a new product “Svyaz Z” was launched. There is no similar product in the market and the offering is based on conscious consumption – packages of internet, minutes and SMS are unlimited; there is no monthly subscription fee; and customers determine the level of internet, minutes and SMS service and related options they will consume. The tariff plan is managed within the MyBeeline app. We also continued to attract customers to our shared bundle product and сonvergence offers. Distribution In 2020, we sought to optimize the number of our stores by closing unprofitable locations. Compared to December 31, 2019, as of December 31, 2020 the number of owned retail monobrand stores was 2,284 compared to 2,849; the number of franchise stores was 1,666 compared to 1,678; the number of “Know How” stores was 94 compared to 134; and the total number of owned retail monobrand stores was 4,044 stores compared to 4,661. We continued on the same course as in 2019 to increase the efficiency of retail stores and have closed a total of 872 stores over the last two years, which include own offices and franchise. We have no immediate plans to close further retail stores and expect the rising trend of online sales to positively affect the overall market and enable a more balanced and cost-efficient distribution footprint with fewer retail points in the future. In 2020, we maintained high availability of live agents at call centers, simplified a number of service procedures and business processes, and endeavored to improve overall customer care, operational efficiency and customer experience. In addition, several initiatives have been launched to continue the transition of our customer care functions from traditional voice channels to digitalized text and self-service channels. Notably, we have launched a project focused on dynamic Interactive Voice Response (IVR) FTTB structures where these structures have been built according to the principles of simplifying communication by text, rejecting unpopular and ineffective parts, checking customer data and offering only relevant services. We also launched Digital Code, an identification method by which a client receives a one-time password to perform a service operation. More than 500 clients connected using Digital Code in December 2020 and January 2021. Furthermore, our mobile self-service application for iOS and Android was downloaded approximately 16.2 million times in 2020, and the monthly active base of the MyBeeline platform reached 11.5 million active customers per month as of December 2020. We continued to develop ChatBot, a software robot that converses in natural language and provides necessary information and answers client questions as a call center operator in our mobile application and website. Competition The following table shows our and our primary mobile competitors’ respective customer numbers in Russia as of December 31, 2020: Operator MTS MegaFon PJSC VimpelCom Tele2 Source: Omdia. Customers in Russia (in millions) 78.0 75.8 49.9 45.9 According to Omdia, there were approximately 249.6 million mobile customers in Russia as of December 31, 2020, compared to 253.5 million mobile customers as of December 31, 2019, representing a mobile penetration rate of approximately 174.7%, compared to approximately 177.2% as of December 31, 2019. 12 Mobile Business in Pakistan In Pakistan, customers continued to migrate to 4G/LTE following its launch in 2017. We operate in Pakistan through our operating company, PMCL and our brand, “Jazz,” which is the historic Mobilink brand together with the merged Warid brand. In 2020, PMCL provided 3G services in over 300 towns and cities and 4G/LTE services in 243 cities. In Pakistan, we offer our customers mobile telecommunications services under postpaid and prepaid plans. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 97.1% of our customers in Pakistan were on prepaid plans. The table below presents the primary mobile telecommunications services we offer in Pakistan. Voice • airtime charges from mobile postpaid and prepaid customers, including monthly contract fees for a predefined amount of voice traffic and roaming fees for airtime charges when customers travel abroad • GPRS, EDGE, 3G and 4G/LTE Internet and data access Roaming • active roaming agreements with 319 GSM networks in 148 countries • GPRS roaming with 246 networks in 116 countries • LTE roaming through 55 networks in 40 countries • CAMEL roaming through 125 networks in 70 countries • roaming agreements generally state that the host operator bills PMCL for the roaming services; PMCL pays these charges and then bills the customer for these services on a monthly basis • caller-ID; voicemail; call forwarding; missed call alert; credit balance; balance share; conference calling; call blocking and call waiting Messaging • SMS, MMS (which allows customers to send pictures, audio and video to mobile phones and to e-mail), and mobile instant messaging VAS • ecosystem of digital services: mobile TV, music and live audio streaming, video streaming, mobile magazine, sports (including cricket), mega deals, games Content/infotainment • mobile payment; banking card; trusted payment; banks notification; and mobile insurance Mobile financial services(1) (1) Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (“Mobilink Bank”), our wholly owned subsidiary, carries on a microfinance banking business and provides certain MFS, DFS and traditional banking services (including the granting of microfinance loans, provision of credit, payment and transfer services and a variety of other banking services) in Pakistan under license granted by the State Bank of Pakistan and is subject to regulation by the State Bank of Pakistan. In partnership with Jazz, Mobilink Bank offers mobile wallets and payment services under the brand “JazzCash”. The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our mobile business in Pakistan. Unless noted otherwise, we plan to apply for renewal of these licenses prior to their expiration. Services License(1)(3) Expiration 2G(4) 3G 4G/LTE (NGMS) Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide 2022 2019 (2) 2029 2032 2019 (2) (1) Warid (now merged with Jazz) acquired a 15-year technology neutral license in 2004 for US$291 million. US$145.5 million was paid upfront with the remainder paid in ten equal annual installments starting with a four-year grace period, with the last payment made May 2018. The same 2G license was amended in December 2014 by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (“PTA”) to allow Warid to provide 4G/LTE services in Pakistan. Additionally, the National Accountability Bureau is currently conducting an investigation into certain former PTA and other officials, and has requested information from Jazz concerning Warid’s 2014 license amendment while the investigation is ongoing. (2) The ex-Warid license renewal was due in May 2019. Pursuant to directions from the Islamabad High Court, the PTA issued a license renewal decision on July 22, 2019 requiring payment of US$40 million per MHz for 900 MHz spectrum and US$29.5 million per MHz for 1800 MHz spectrum, equating to an aggregate price of approximately US$450 million (excluding applicable taxes of approximately 13%). On August 17, 2019, Jazz appealed the PTA’s order to the Islamabad High Court. On August 21, 2019, the Islamabad High Court suspended the PTA’s order pending the outcome of the appeal and subject to Jazz making payment in the form of security (under protest) as per the options given in the PTA’s order. In September 2019 and May 2020, Jazz deposited approximately US$225 million and US$58 million, respectively, in order to maintain its appeal in the Islamabad High Court regarding the PTA’s underlying decision on the 13 license renewal. There were no specific terms and conditions attached to the deposit. The most recent hearing on this matter was concluded before the Islamabad High Court on March 1, 2021 and a judgment is now pending. (3) (4) In addition, PMCL and its subsidiaries have other licenses, including LDI, WLL, TTP, local loop licenses, licenses to provide non-voice communication services, and licenses to provide class VAS in Pakistan, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. The licensees must also pay annual fees (0.5%) to the PTA and make universal service fund contributions (1.5%) and/or research and development fund contributions (0.5%), as applicable, in a total amount equal to a percentage of the licensees’ annual gross revenues (less certain allowed deductions) for such services. In 2007, PMCL renewed its 2G license for a further term of 15 years. As of December 31, 2020, PMCL had paid its outstanding balance of US$14.5 million to the PTA for the renewal of its 2G license (paid on December 5, 2019). This amount had been payable in yearly installments of US$14.5 million, payable in December of each year, until December 2019. PMCL has two 15-year licenses for provision of cellular mobile 2G services in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. LICENSE FEES Under the terms of its 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE licenses, as well as its license for services in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, PMCL must pay annual fees to the PTA and make universal service fund contributions and/or research and development fund contributions, as applicable (not all of the foregoing are applicable to all licenses), in a total amount equal to 2.5% of PMCL’s annual gross revenues (less certain allowed deductions) for such services, in addition to spectrum administrative fees. PMCL’s total license fees (annual license fees plus revenue sharing) in Pakistan (excluding the yearly installments noted above) were US$23.7 million, US$24.7 million and US$26.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. PMCL’s total spectrum administrative fee payments, including for Warid’s spectrum, were US$2.1 million, US$1.6 million and US$1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Mobile bundles We continue to focus on a technology agnostic mobile internet portfolio, meaning same pricing across 2G, 3G and 4G/ LTE technologies. n Pakistan, we offer a portfolio of tariffs and products designed to cater to the needs of specific market segments, including mass-market customers, youth customers, personal contract customers, SOHOs (with one to three employees), SMEs (with four to 249 employees) and enterprises (with more than 249 employees). We offer corporate customers several postpaid plan bundles, which include on-net minutes, variable discounts for closed user groups and follow-up minutes based on bundle commitment. We also offer dedicated account management to large corporates and 24x7 business helpline for support. Distribution As of December 31, 2020, our sales channels in Pakistan included one company store, 21 business centers, a direct sales force of 183 employees looking after indirect sales channels, 407 exclusive franchise stores currently active and over 200,000 non-exclusive third-party retailers. For top-up, we offer prepaid scratch cards and electronic recharge options, which are distributed through the same channels. Jazz brand SIMs are sold through more than 43,101 retailers, supported by biometric verification devices. Competition The following table shows our and our competitors’ respective customer numbers in Pakistan as of December 31, 2020: Operator PMCL (“Jazz”) Telenor Pakistan Zong Ufone Source: The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority. Customers in Pakistan (in millions) 66.4 47.6 38.6 23.1 According to the PTA, there were approximately 175.6 million mobile customers in Pakistan as of December 31, 2020, compared to 165.4 million mobile customers in Pakistan as of December 31, 2019, representing a mobile penetration rate of approximately 82.3% compared to 78.2% as of December 31, 2019. 14 Mobile Business in Algeria We operate in Algeria through our operating company, Optimum, and our brand, “Djezzy.” Optimum provides 4G/LTE services in Algeria in 45 of 48 provinces across the country, including Algiers, and the largest provinces in terms of population. In Algeria, we generally offer our customers mobile telecommunications services under prepaid and postpaid plans. As of December 31, 2020, prepaid, postpaid and hybrid (a monthly fee with recharge possibility) represented approximately 86%, 3% and 11%, respectively, of the revenue generated by all our customers in Algeria. With respect to ownership of Omnium Telecom Algérie S.p.A. (“OTA”), GTH holds a controlling interest of 45.57% directly and indirectly through Oratel International Inc. Limited and Moga Holding Limited. The Algerian National Investment Fund holds 51% directly in OTA and a local minority shareholder, Cevital S.p.A., holds directly the remaining 3.43%. The establishment of this partnership in January 2015 strengthened OTA’s position and prospects, with greater opportunities for our operations in Algeria. VEON Ltd. exercises operational control over OTA and, as a result, fully consolidates OTA, which holds 99.99% of Optimum. In 2015, the operating company in Algeria changed from OTA to Optimum. Historical references to our operating company in Algeria have therefore been retained as OTA throughout this Annual Report. The table below presents the primary mobile telecommunications services we offer in Algeria. • airtime charges from mobile postpaid and prepaid customers, including monthly contract fees for a predefined amount of voice traffic and roaming fees for airtime charges when customers travel abroad Voice Internet and data access • GPRS, EDGE, 3G and 4G/LTE technology • data services available via pay-per-use and via a bundle • active roaming agreements with 466 GSM networks in 158 countries Roaming • GPRS roaming with 331 networks in 119 countries • 3G roaming with 271 networks in 112 countries • 4G/LTE roaming with 93 networks in 47 countries • GPRS, EDGE, 3G and 4G/LTE technology • roaming agreements generally state that the host operator bills OTA for roaming services; OTA pays these charges and then bills the customer for these services on a monthly basis • caller-ID; call forwarding; conference calling; call blocking; call waiting; beep call; verso+; collect SMS; VMS vocal message service; A2P; and short code third party services • SMS, MMS (which allows customers to send pictures, audio and video to mobile phones and to e-mail), and mobile instant messaging Messaging VAS • mobile message notification service offering packages with various types of content (sports, news, food, culture) (SMS SCOOP); ring back tunes (RBT); co-branding with VTC service app (Yassir); game portal; QUIZ game (Instawin) Content/infotainment • peer-to-peer credit transfer and credit loan Mobile financial services 15 The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our mobile business in Algeria. Unless noted otherwise, we plan to apply for renewal of these licenses prior to their expiration. Services 2G(1) VSAT(2) 3G(3) 4G/LTE(4) License Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide Expiration 2021 2024 2028 2031 (1) (2) (3) In 2001, OTA was awarded a 15-year license to operate a 2G telecommunications network for an aggregate fee of approximately US$737 million. The license expired in 2016 and was renewed for a five-year period at no additional cost (Decree 17-195 of June 11, 2017). In 2003, OTA acquired a VSAT data-voice license for an aggregate fee of US$2.05 million and renewed the license in 2014 for an additional period of five years, at no additional cost. This license expired in April 2019, and, a new license agreement was signed in September 2019 between Optimum, ARPCE and MPT, with publication of the executive decree finalizing the renewal on March 31, 2020. In 2013, OTA was awarded a 15-year license to operate a 3G telecommunications network for an aggregate fee of approximately US$38 million, which was paid in full in 2013. Under the terms of its 3G license, OTA is required to pay an additional annual revenue sharing fee of 1% based on 3G revenues less interconnection costs. (4) Under the terms of its 4G/LTE license, Optimum is required to pay an additional annual revenue sharing fee of 1% based on 4G/LTE revenues less interconnection costs. LICENSE FEES Under the terms of its 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE and VSAT licenses, OTA is required to pay contributions for the universal service and environmental protection fund (3% of revenues); management of the numbering plan (0.2% of revenues less interconnection costs); research, training and standardization (0.3% of revenues less interconnection costs); license fees for 3G and 4G licenses (1% of revenue less interconnection costs; and a new tax (0.5% of revenues excluding VSAT) introduced in the 2018 Finance Law. OTA’s total license fees in Algeria were US$59.9 million, US$65.1 million, and US$62.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, of which US$28.0 million, US$27.8 million, and US$28.1 million, respectively, was related to spectrum charges, and US$31.9 million, US$37.3 million(1), and US$34.5 million, respectively, was related mainly to contributions made to the Universal Services of Telecommunications fund and to the number plan management over the same periods. (1) Reflects a change of the universal services tax calculation rule, from a calculation base of 3% of total revenue less interconnection cost to a calculation base of 3% of total revenue, with retroactivity in 2018 (with an impact of US$2.2 million reported in 2019). Distribution As of December 31, 2020, we sell our mobile telecommunications services through our 87,429 shops, via both direct and indirect channels, of which 111 were monobrand shops rented, equipped, staffed and managed by Optimum and equipped with IT material and sales applications. Our seven exclusive national distributors cover all 48 wilayas (provinces) of Algeria and are distributing our products through over 87,318 points of sale, of which all are authorized to sell airtime and 15,809 are authorized to sell SIMs. As of December 31, 2020, we also had a pool of more than 87 agents in a call centers directly managed by Optimum providing customer care services, including retention, troubleshooting and handling of complaints. Competition Growth in Algeria’s mobile market is expected to slow, and attention is expected to shift to maintaining or improving ARPU, supported by data revenue growth after the commercial launch of 4G/LTE networks. The following table shows our and our competitors’ respective customer numbers in Algeria as of December 31, 2020: Operator Mobilis Optimum (“Djezzy”) Ooredoo Source: Omdia. Customers in Algeria (in millions) 18.7 14.1 12.3 According to Omdia, there were approximately 45.2 million mobile customers in Algeria as of December 31, 2020, compared to 45.7 million mobile customers as of December 31, 2019, representing a mobile penetration rate of approximately 105.1%, compared to 107.8% as of December 31, 2019. 16 Mobile Business in Bangladesh We operate through our operating company, Banglalink Digital Communications Limited (“BDCL”) with our brand “banglalink” in Bangladesh. On February 19, 2018, BDCL acquired a 4G/LTE license for US$1.2 million in order to launch a high- speed data network. Following the rollout of 4G/LTE network, BDCL’s data customers as well as data usage have grown rapidly, which contributed to an increase in BDCL’s data revenue and ARPU. The telecommunications market in Bangladesh is largely comprised of prepaid customers. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 94% of our customers were on prepaid plans. The table below presents the primary mobile telecommunications services we offer in Bangladesh. • voice telephony to postpaid and prepaid customers through voice packs and mixed bundles Voice • GPRS, EDGE, 3G and 4G/LTE technology • data services provided via pay-per-use and via bundles Internet and data access Roaming • active roaming agreements with 400 GSM networks in 145 countries • GPRS roaming with 301 networks in 115 countries • maritime roaming and in-flight roaming • roaming agreements generally state that the host operator bills BDCL for roaming services; BDCL pays these charges and subsequently bills the customer for these services on a monthly basis VAS • call forwarding; conference calling; call blocking; call waiting; caller line identification presentation; call me back; and voicemail missed call alert • SMS, MMS (which allows customers to send pictures, audio and video to mobile phones and to e-mail) and mobile instant messaging • news alert service; sports related content; job alerts; music streaming; mobile TV; content download; religious content; and RBT Content/infotainment Messaging • SMS and data network is provided to Bangladesh Post Office for their Mobile Money Order service Mobile financial services The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our mobile business in Bangladesh. Unless noted otherwise, we plan to apply for renewal of these licenses prior to their expiration. Services 2G(1) 3G(2) 4G/LTE(3) License Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide Expiration 2026 2028 2033 (1) (2) In November 1996, BDCL was awarded a 15-year GSM license to establish, operate and maintain a digital mobile telephone network to provide 2G services throughout Bangladesh. The license was renewed in November 2011 for a further 15-year term. In September 19, 2013, following a competitive auction process, BDCL was awarded a 15-year license to use 5 MHz of technology neutral spectrum in 2100MHz band and was also awarded a 3G license, for which it paid a total cost of BDT 8,677.4 million (inclusive of 5% VAT), including both a license acquisition fee and a spectrum assignment fee. (3) On February 19, 2018, BDCL acquired a 4G/LTE license for US$1.2 million. BDCL also acquired the right to use 10.6 MHz technology neutral of spectrum in 1800 MHz (5.6) and 2100 MHz (5) for US$323 million including VAT (33.34% of the fee has been considered as tariff value for 15% VAT). Banglalink also converted 15MHz of existing 2G spectrum for US$37.01 million. 17 LICENSE FEES Under the terms of its 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE mobile licenses, BDCL is required to pay to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (i) an annual license fee of BDT 50.0 million (US$0.6 million as of December 31, 2019) for each mobile license; (ii) 5.5% of BDCL’s annual audited gross revenue, as adjusted pursuant to the applicable guidelines; and (iii) 1% of its annual audited gross revenue (payable to Bangladesh’s social obligation fund), as adjusted pursuant to the applicable guidelines. The annual license fees are payable in advance of each year, and the annual revenue sharing fees are each payable on a quarterly basis and reconciled at the end of each year. BDCL’s total license fees (annual license fees plus revenue sharing) in Bangladesh were equivalent to US$ 36.8 million, US$36.9 million, and US$34.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. In addition to license fees, BDCL pays annual spectrum charges to the BTRC, calculated according to the size of BDCL’s network, its frequencies, the number of its customers and its bandwidth. The annual spectrum charges are payable on a quarterly basis and reconciled at the end of each year. BDCL’s annual spectrum charges were equivalent to US$10.3 million, US$11.8 million, and US$11.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Distribution As of December 31, 2020, our sales and distribution channels in Bangladesh included 85 monobrand stores, a direct sales force of 58 enterprise sales managers and 165 zonal sales managers (for mass market retail sales), 54,026 retail SIM outlets, 275,047 top-up selling outlets, online sales channels, and 4,340 key retail outlets. We provide a top-up service through mobile financial services, ATMs, recharge kiosks, international top-up services, SMS top-up and the banglalink online recharge system. We provide customer support through our contact center, which operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The contact center caters to a number of after-sales services to all customer segments with a special focus on a “self-care” app to empower customers and avoid customer reliance on call center agents. In order to stimulate data usage and smartphone penetration, we offer banglalink branded internet through reverse-bundle model via device partners’ channels. Competition The mobile telecommunications market in Bangladesh is highly competitive. The following table shows our and our competitors’ respective customer numbers in Bangladesh as of December 31, 2020. Operator Grameenphone Robi Axiata BDCL (“banglalink”) Teletalk Source: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. Customers in Bangladesh (in millions) 79.0 50.9 35.3 4.9 According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, the top three mobile operators, Grameenphone, Robi Axiata and Banglalink, collectively held approximately 97.1% of the mobile market which consisted of approximately 170.1 million customers as of December 31, 2020, compared to 165.6 million customers as of .December 31, 2019. According to Omdia, as of December 31, 2020, a mobile penetration rate comprised approximately 98.3% compared to 97.2% as of December 31, 2019 18 Mobile Business in Ukraine We operate in Ukraine with our operating company “Kyivstar” JSC and our brand, “Kyivstar.” The Ukrainian mobile market operates on a 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE basis. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 85% of our customers in Ukraine were on prepaid plans. Kyivstar secured 4G/LTE licenses and spectrum in two separate transactions in 2018. The table below presents the primary mobile telecommunications services we offer in Ukraine. Voice • airtime charges from mobile postpaid and prepaid customers, including monthly contract fees for a predefined amount of voice traffic and roaming fees for airtime charges when customers travel abroad • GPRS/EDGE, 3G and 4G/LTE Internet and data access Roaming • active roaming agreements for 495 networks in 189 countries • GPRS roaming on 432 networks in 167 countries • 3G roaming on 319 networks in 133 countries • 4G/LTE roaming on 100 networks in 67 countries Messaging • SMS;voice messaging and SMS services (including information services such as news, weather, entertainment chats and friend finder) Content/infotainment • voice services (including referral services); content downloadable to telephone (including music, pictures, games and video); mobile TV and RBT Mobile financial services • mobile payment; banking card; trusted payment; banks notification; mobile insurance; and Smart Money (payment method for services via mobile phone) The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our mobile business in Ukraine. Unless noted otherwise, we plan to apply for renewal of these licenses prior to their expiration. Services GSM900 and GSM1800(1) 3G(2) 4G/LTE(3) 4G/LTE(3) 4G/LTE(5) License Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide Expiration October 5, 2026(4) April 1, 2030 July 1, 2033 (1800 MHz) January 31, 2033 (2600 MHz) 25 Regions (excl. Crimea & Sevastopol) July 1, 2040 (900 MHz) (1) Licenses were received on October 5, 2011 for a term of 15 years each. (2) The license was issued on April 1, 2015 for a term of 15 years. Services provided in the 2100 MHz band. We have also obtained a range of national and regional radio frequency licenses for the use of radio frequency resources in the referred standards and in specified standards— radio-relay and WiMax. Our network coverage is (except the Anti-Terrorist Operation zone where Kyivstar is not able to use and control its network): 91.46% of the 2G network; 18.7% of the 3G network; 9,864 localities covered by 2G network; and 25,484 localities covered by 3G network. (3) Kyivstar secured 4G/LTE licenses and spectrum in two separate transactions in 2018. Following the auction held on January 31, 2018, Kyivstar acquired 15 MHz (paired) of contiguous frequency in the 2600 MHz band for UAH 0.9 billion (approximately US$32 million). In addition, on March 6, 2018, Kyivstar secured the following spectrum through auction in the 1800MHz band: 25MHz (paired) for UAH 1.325 billion (approximately US$47 million) and two lots of 5MHz (paired) for UAH 1.512 billion (approximately US$54 million). (4) The date is valid for licenses to provide telecommunications services. Due to the changes to legislation that came into force on December 24, 2019, extensions and renewals of these licenses will not be required in future. (5) The licenses for the radio frequency resource in 900 MHz re-issued (1 July 2020) as part of a government project on 900 MHz redistribution and refarming as a way to introduce 4G (LTE) into 900 MHz. As a result of this project, Kyivstar returned 12.5 MHz and received back on average across the country 11.9 MHz, out of which 6.2 MHz was provided with technological neutrality license conditions. In 2020, Kyivstar PJSC made spectrum and license payments as follows: annual fee for the use of radio frequency spectrum - UAH 976 million (paid to the State Budget); EMC and monitoring - UAH 255.2 million (paid to Ukrainian State Center of Radio Frequencies); and an extension of existing licenses and acquisition of new licenses including within the framework of refarming project for implementation of LTE-900 (13 licenses in all) on use of radio frequency spectrum - UAH 350,5 million (paid to the State Budget). LICENSE FEES 19 Mobile bundles Kyivstar offers bundles including combinations of voice, SMS, mobile data and OTT services. Distribution Kyivstar’s strategy is to maintain a leadership position by using the following distribution channels: distributors (37% of all connections), local chains (14%), national chains (8%), monobrand stores (23%), direct sales (12%) and active sales (7%). Competition The following table shows our and our primary mobile competitors’ respective customer numbers in Ukraine as of December 31, 2020: Operator Kyivstar “VF Ukraine” JSC “lifecell” LLC Source: Omdia Customers (in millions) 25.9 19.6 8.0 Kyivstar competes primarily with “VF Ukraine” JSC, operating under the Vodafone brand, which is 100% owned by Bakcell LLC (NEQSOL Holding international group of companies) and operates a GSM900/1800 and an LTE 1800/2600/900 network in Ukraine. Kyivstar also competes with “lifecell” LLC, which is 100% owned by Turkcell, as well as with Trimob LLC, a 100% affiliate company of Ukrtelecom to provide services under a 3G license, and with other small CDMA operators. According to Omdia, as of December 31, 2020, there were approximately 54.8 million customers in Ukraine, representing a mobile penetration rate of approximately 125.4% compared to 55.0 million customers and a mobile penetration rate of 125.3% as of December 31, 2019. 20 Mobile Business in Uzbekistan In Uzbekistan, we operate through our operating company, LLC “Unitel,” and our brand, “Beeline.” We offer our customers mobile telecommunications services under postpaid and prepaid plans. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 97.0% of our customers in Uzbekistan were on prepaid plans. Our 3G/HSPA services were commercially launched in 2008, and the majority of the network was constructed in 2010. Our 4G/LTE services were commercially launched in 2014. Unitel was the first mobile operator to provide 4G/LTE services. The table below presents the primary mobile telecommunications services we offer in Uzbekistan. • airtime charges from mobile postpaid and prepaid customers, including monthly contract fees for a predefined amount of voice traffic and roaming fees for airtime charges when customers travel abroad • GSM service is provided in 2G and 3G networks; call duration for one session is limited to 40 minutes Voice • GPRS/EDGE/3G/4G/LTE networks Internet and data access Roaming • active roaming agreements with 492 GSM networks in 186 countries • GPRS roaming with 399 networks in 163 countries • CAMEL roaming through 302 networks in 125 countries • roaming agreements generally state that the host operator bills us for roaming services; we pay these charges and then bill the customer for these services on a monthly basis • caller-ID; voicemail; call forwarding; conference calling; call blocking; and call waiting • the process of implementation of two-step verification for VAS subscriptions (the “double yes” program) began in December 2020 and is part of the transparency policy for all of Beeline users VAS • SMS and voice messaging Messaging Content/infotainment • Beeline Games (more than 1000 mobile games), Beeline Press (more than 200 periodicals), and partnership project with Bookmate (online service for books and audiobooks); Beeline Club 2.0 (loyalty program available via app, online, USSD. universal virtual discount and cashback card); virtual cashback; and My Beeline app • proprietary payment system “Beepul” (including card-to-card transfer); bank card payments; trusted payment; and M- Mobile financial services The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our mobile business in Uzbekistan. Unless noted otherwise, we plan to apply for renewal of these licenses prior to their expiration. Services GSM900/1800(1) 3G(1) 4G/LTE(1) International Communication Services License Data Transfer License Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide Inter-city communication services license Nationwide Expiration August 7, 2031 August 7, 2031 August 7, 2031 2026 Unlimited/Unlimited(2) 2026 TV broadcasting Nationwide 2023 (1) Requires annual license fee payments. (2) License for exploitation of the data transfer network does not have a fixed term, and the license for design, construction and service provision of data transfer network was renewed in June 2020 with an unlimited term. In 2020, Unitel LLC made payments for spectrum and licenses with the following split: the annual fee for use of radio frequency spectrum in the total amount of US$6,062,848 and renewal of existing licenses (7 licenses in total) in the total amount of US$2,992,720 paid to the state budget of Ministry for Development of Information Technologies and Communications. LICENSE FEES 21 Mobile bundles We offer bundled tariff plans, which may differ by types or volume of traffic, duration (daily, weekly, fortnightly, and monthly), and region or charge type. Currently, we provide data only bundles consisting of different types of traffic volume, charge and duration and integrated bundles consisting of traditional voice with SMS and data traffic, including digital services. Distribution In Uzbekistan, we offer a portfolio of tariffs and products for the prepaid system designed to cater to the needs of specific market segments, including mass-market customers, youth customers and high value contract customers. Further, we have the following four segments in our postpaid system: large accounts, business to government, SME and SOHO. As of December 31, 2020, our sales channels in Uzbekistan include 28 owned offices, 562 exclusive stores and 1,934 multibrand stores. Competition The following table shows our and our primary mobile competitors’ respective customers in Uzbekistan as of December 31, 2020: Operator LLC “Unitel” Ucell UzMobile (Uzbektelecom) UMS Perfectum Source: Omdia Customers (in millions) 6.8 5.0 4.2 2.8 0.4 According to Omdia, as of December 31, 2020, there were approximately 19.2 million mobile customers in Uzbekistan, representing a mobile penetration rate of approximately 60.4% compared to 22.6 million customers and a mobile penetration rate of 72.0% as of December 31, 2019. 22 Mobile Business in Kazakhstan In Kazakhstan, we operate as Beeline Kazakhstan, the country’s largest independent mobile operator. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 93.6% of our customers in Kazakhstan were on prepaid plans. The table below presents the primary mobile telecommunications services we offer in Kazakhstan. • Standard voice services • Prepaid and postpaid airtime charges from customers, including weekly and monthly contract fees for a predefined amount of voice traffic and roaming fees for airtime usage when customers travel abroad Voice • 3G and 4G/LTE service • technology neutral licenses Internet and data access Roaming • Voice roaming with 571 networks in 195 countries • 4G/LTE roaming with 251 networks in 94 countries • GPRS roaming with 486 networks in 156 countries • CAMEL roaming through 423 networks in 167 countries • roaming agreements generally state that the host operator bills us for roaming services; we pay these charges and then bill the customer for these services on a monthly basis • caller-ID; voicemail; call forwarding; call blocking; trusted payment; mobile transfer (transferring funds from the balance of VAS one subscriber to the balance of another) • SMS; display of Beeline account balance information Messaging Content/infotainment • Brand Content (including Yandex, ZVOOQ, Book.beeline.kz, Viktorina, RingBack Tone (RBT), Press, SeZim, Beeline.Music, NoStress, MySafety, Traditional, Engster, Fitness) • SMS inform, free phone (Voice CPA) Mobile financial services • mobile payments (including Kazeuromobile and Woopay payment organizations • mobile transfers (including Sim2Sim, Sim2Card, Sim2IBAN, Sim2ATM, Sim2post) • bank card payments • trusted payment • Google DCB The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our mobile business in Kazakhstan. Licenses (as of December 31, 2020) Expiration Mobile services (GSM900/1800, UMTS/WCDMA2100, 4G/ LTE800/1800) Unlimited term • • • License received on August 24, 1998. KaR-Tel has permission to use of spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz for mobile services and in 2.5-2.6 GHz, 3.3-3.5 GHz, and 5,5 GHz for wireless access to internet (WLL). Upfront payments in US$ are: 800 MHz (US$62,691,378) in 2016, 900 MHz (US$67,500,000) in 1998, 1800 MHz (US$10,958,904) for 4G in 2016, 2G (US$20,783,107) in 2008, and 2100 MHz (US$34,106,412) in 2010. LICENSE FEES Under the Kazakhstan tax code, in 2020 KaR-Tel was required to pay: (i) an annual fee for the use of radio frequency spectrum amounting to KZT 5,948,967,486 for mobile and KZT 193,909,866 for a wireless local loop (WLL); and (ii) a mobile services provision payment amounting to 1.3992% of corporate revenues from provided communications services, which totaled KZT 1,998,605,531. 23 Mobile bundles Our suite of integrated bundles is designed for active internet-users. We focus on data services, such as unlimited access to popular resources: social networks, instant messaging and video hosting. Our tariffs include many useful functions for free: exchange of minutes to GB and vice versa, the ability to share the rest of the packages with friends and family. We have added free access to mobile TV with popular movies and TV series to all tariffs. Our family option allows customers to join groups of up to 5 people and economize. In 2021, we will continue to develop internet services and mobile gaming. We will release a tariff constructor, where customers can customize a tariff according to their needs. All bundles work with a mixed payment system: they automatically switch to daily payment if the current balance is insufficient for full payment. The penetration of bundles into the active base is 87.5%. Distribution We distribute our products in the countries in Kazakhstan through owned monobranded stores, franchises and other distribution channels. As of December 31, 2020, we had 69 total stores in Kazakhstan (including 9,000 other points of sale and 466 electronics stores). Competition The following table shows our and our primary mobile competitors’ respective customers in Kazakhstan as of December 31, 2020: Operator Beeline Kazakhstan Kcell Tele2/Altel Customers (in millions) 9.54 8.01 6.7 Source: Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Statistics Committee, Agency for strategic planning and reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Beeline Kazakhstan data and Kcell Q4 2020 public disclosure. According to Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Statistics Committee and other data sources noted above, as of December 31, 2020, there were approximately 24.3 million mobile customers in Kazakhstan, representing a mobile penetration rate of approximately 129.0% compared to 25.7 million customers and a mobile penetration rate of 138% in 2019. 24 Mobile Business in Others In the countries in our “Others” category, we generally offer our customers mobile telecommunications services under prepaid and postpaid plans. The “Others” category represents our operations in Kyrgyzstan and Georgia. For information on reportable segments, see — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Reportable Segments. As of December 31, 2020, we had the following percentages of prepaid and postpaid customers: Payment Plan Kyrgyzstan Prepaid Postpaid Standard voice services 94.9% 5.1% Voice Georgia 100% — Prepaid and postpaid airtime charges from customers, including weekly and monthly contract fees for a predefined amount of voice traffic and roaming fees for airtime usage when customers travel abroad. 3G and 4G/LTE services in each of Kyrgyzstan and Georgia technology neutral licenses in each of Kyrgyzstan and Georgia Roaming Internet and Data Access • • • • Kyrgyzstan Georgia Voice: 434 networks in 130 countries GPRS: 279 networks in 102 countries 4G/LTE:108 networks in 58 countries CAMEL: 210 networks in 88 countries Voice: 242 networks in 93 countries GPRS: 218 networks in 83 countries CAMEL: 171 networks in 67 countries • roaming agreements generally state that the host operator bills for roaming services; we pay these charges and then bill the customer for these services (in some cases on a monthly basis) caller-ID; voicemail; call forwarding; conference calling; call blocking and call waiting SMS, MMS, voice messaging and mobile instant messaging Messaging Content/infotainment VAS SMS CPA, Voice CPA, RBT, voice services (including referral services), content downloadable to telephone (including music, pictures, games and video); access to radio or television broadcasting online or via mobile app balance transfer, trusted payment, mobile wallet Mobile financial services • • • • 25 The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our mobile business in Others. Unless noted otherwise, we plan to apply for renewal of these licenses prior to their expiration. Country Licenses (as of December 31, 2020) Expiration Kyrgyzstan Radio spectrum of 2600 MHz for the certain territory of Kyrgyzstan (technology neutral) 2530-2550MHz/2650-2670MHz February 2030 Radio spectrum of 800 MHz for the entire territory of Kyrgyzstan (technology neutral) 796-801MHz/837-842MHz September 2025 Radio spectrum of 800 MHz for the entire territory of Kyrgyzstan (technology neutral) 791-796MHz/832-837MHz Radio spectrum of 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz for the entire territory of Kyrgyzstan (technology neutral) National license for electric communication service activity National license for base station transmission National license for services on data traffic Radio spectrum for one site (transmission) Georgia GSM1800 10 MHz frequency GSM900 5.49 MHz frequency LTE 800 10 MHz frequency 10 MHz 3G frequency Wireless internet services December 2026 October 2024 Unlimited term December 2024 Unlimited term May 2023 February 2030 February 2030 February 2030 December 2031 We have promotional zero-zones for major local and international social networks in each of these countries to lower the entry barrier for new data users and stimulate consumption for existing ones. We also focus on smartphone penetration growth in each of these countries as the major source of effective demand for our mobile internet services. Distribution We distribute our products in the countries in our “Others” category through owned monobranded stores, franchises and other distribution channels. As of December 31, 2020, we had 76 stores in Kyrgyzstan (including 5969 other points of sale) and 28 stores in Georgia. Mobile customers and mobile penetration rate The table below presents our total number of customers and the total mobile penetration rate for all operators in each of the countries in our “Others” category as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Kyrgyzstan Georgia 2020 (millions of customers) 2.5 1.3 Mobile Penetration 123.6% 116% 2019 (millions of customers) 2.6 1.3 Mobile Penetration 124.7% 134.8% Source: Omdia; and the Georgian National Communications Commission. 26 Description of Our Fixed-line Telecommunications In Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, we offer voice, data and internet services to corporations, operators and consumers using a metropolitan overlay network in major cities and fixed-line telecommunications using inter-city fiber optic and satellite- based networks. In Kazakhstan, we offer a range of fixed-line business services for B2O, B2B and B2C segments. In Pakistan, we offer internet and value-added services over a wide range of access media, covering major cities of Pakistan. We do not offer fixed-line telecommunications services in Algeria, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan or Georgia. Fixed-line Business in Russia The table below presents a description of the fixed-line telecommunications services we offer in Russia. Services • network access and hardware and software solutions, including configuration and maintenance, SaaS and an integrated managed service • local access services by connecting the customers’ premises to our own fiber network, international and domestic long- distance services and VSAT services to customers located in remote areas • internet access to both corporate and consumer customers through backbone networks and private line channels • IP address services, the ability to rent leased channels with different high-speed capacities and remote access to corporate information, databases and applications. • managed Wi-Fi networks based on IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac wireless technology • virtual PSTN number, xDSL services, session initiation protocol (SIP) connection, financial information services, data center services, such as co-location, web hosting, audio conference and domain registration services • IPTV services (1.88 million customers), virtual PBX, certain Microsoft Office packages (including SaaS), web- videoconferencing services and sale, rental and technical support for telecommunications equipment • Pay TV (cable TV) (21,842 customers) • OTT TV (TVE) • FMC product services (1,534,131 customers) • carrier and operator services, including voice, internet and data transmission over our own networks and roaming services • MPLS-based IP VPN, local, domestic and international private lines, equipment and equipment maintenance (under interconnection agreements with international global data network operators • high-speed domestic and international channels to international and Russian operators to sell excess backbone network capacity • all major population centers Coverage 40 regions of Russia (189 cities covered by FTTB network), including FVNO projects (10 cities) Operations • operate a number of competitive local exchange carriers that operate fully digital overlay networks in a number of major Russian cities • FTTB and FMC • large multinational corporate groups • government clients • SMEs • high-end residential buildings in major cities Customers 27 Distribution We utilize a direct sales force in Moscow, operating both with fixed-line and mobile corporate customers and supported by specialists in technical sales support, marketing, customer service and end-user training. In addition, we employ a team of regional sales managers and a dedicated sales force in each of our regional branch offices, as well as having sales incentive plans with our regional partners. Competition Our fixed-line telecommunications business marketed as “Beeline Business” faces significant competition from other service providers and competes principally on the basis of convergent services and bundles, installation time, network quality, geographical network reach, customer service, range of services offered and price. The table below presents our competitors in the voice services, data services and fixed-line broadband markets in Russia. • Rostelecom • Rostelecom Voice Services • TransTelecom Data Services • TransTelecom Fixed-line Broadband • Rostelecom • MTS and its subsidiaries • Akado • ER-Telecom • OJSC “Multiregional TransitTelecom” • MegaFon • NetbyNet In terms of end-user internet penetration, the consumer internet access business in Russia is saturated and end-user internet penetration is high. Competition for customers in Russia is intense, with internet providers utilizing new marketing efforts (for example, aggressive price promotions) in order to retain existing customers and attract new ones. We expect competition to increase in the future due to wider market penetration, consolidation of the industry, the growth of current operators and the appearance of new technologies, products and services. 28 Licenses The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our fixed-line business in Russia and which expire in 2021. Unless noted otherwise, we plan to apply for renewal of these licenses prior to their expiration. Services Local Communications Services Leased Services Communications Circuits Local Communication Services Intra-zone Communication Services Telematic Services License Moscow Yekaterinburg Khabarovsk Krasnodar St. Petersburg Moscow Nizhny Novgorod Khabarovsk Novosibirsk Rostov Krasnodar Moscow St. Petersburg Krasnodar Moscow St. Petersburg Yekaterinburg Nizhny Novgorod Khabarovsk Novosibirsk Rostov Krasnodar Yekaterinburg Nizhny Novgorod Khabarovsk Novosibirsk Rostov Moscow Expiration August 30, 2021 February 16, 2026 October 31, 2021 October 1, 2021 June 8, 2021; July 5, 2021; October 4, 2021 July 5, 2021; November 9, 2021 July 5, 2021 July 5, 2021 July 5, 2021 July 5, 2021 July 5, 2021 September 21, 2021 September 21, 2021 February 16, 2026, December 12, 2021 October 24, 2021 October 24, 2021 February 16, 2026 February 16, 2026 February 16, 2026 February 16, 2026 February 16, 2026 May 06, 2021; September 14, 2021; November 17, 2021 May 6, 2021 May 6, 2021 May 6, 2021 May 6, 2021 May 6, 2021 April 26, 2021; May 06, 2021; November 21, 2021 Data Transmission Services License St. Petersburg May 06, 2021; November 21, 2021 Krasnodar Moscow September 14, 2021 March 15 2026; April 26, 2026 Communications Services for the Purposes Krasnodar August 27, 2021 29 Fixed-line Business in Pakistan The table below presents a description of the fixed-line telecommunications services we offer in Pakistan. Services • data, voice and VAS services over a wide range of access media, covering more than 225 locations, including all the major • data services being provided to the enterprise customers include: dedicated internet access, VPN (virtual private networking), cities leased lines & fixed telephony • domestic and international leased lines, domestic and international MPLS, and IP transit services through our access network1 • high-speed internet access (including fiber optic lines) • telephony • telephone communication services, based on modern digital fiber optic network • dedicated lines of data transmission • dedicated line access and fixed-line mobile convergence Coverage • wired and wireless access services include FTTx, PMP (point to multipoint), point-to-point radios, VSAT and Microwave links connecting more than 225 locations across Pakistan • long-haul fiber optic network covers more than 10,000 kilometers and, supplemented by wired and wireless networks Customers Operations • enterprise customers • domestic and international carriers • corporate and individual business customers Distribution We utilize a direct sales force in Pakistan for enterprise customers. This dedicated sales force has three channels dedicated to SMEs, large/key accounts and business-to-government. These channels are led by individual channel heads who further employ a team of regional sales managers in different regions, which are further supported by a sales force, including team leads and key account managers. There is also a centralized telesales executive team led by a manager who upsells through targeted campaigns. Competition In Pakistan, our fixed-line business faces significant competition from other providers of fixed-line corporate services, carrier and operator services and consumer internet services. The table below presents our competitors in the internet services, carrier and operator services and fixed-line broadband markets in Pakistan. • PTCL • Wateen • PTCL • Wateen Internet Services • Transworld • Cybernet Carrier and Operator Services • Transworld • Telenor Pakistan Fixed-line Broadband • Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, or “PTCL” • Multinet • Wateen • Cybernet • Nexlinx • Nayatel • World Call • Multinet • World Call • Supernet 30 Licenses The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our fixed-line business in Pakistan. Unless noted otherwise, we plan to apply for renewal of these licenses prior to their expiration. Services License Expiration Long Distance & International (“LDI”) Nationwide and International Local Loop (“LL”) (fixed line and/or wireless local loop with limited mobility) Regional Telecom Tower Provider (“TTP”) Nationwide 2024 2024 2032 Fixed-line Business in Ukraine The table below presents a description of the fixed-line telecommunications services we offer in Ukraine. Services • data • broadband services • corporate internet access • Fixed-line: VPN services, data center, contact center, voice, fixed-line telephony and a number of VAS • Internet access services: ADSL, symmetrical and Ethernet interfaces at speeds ranging from 256 kilobytes per second to 10 gigabytes per second • FMC • FTTB services tariffs for fixed-line broadband internet access targeted at different customer segments Coverage • provided services in 125 cities in Ukraine (excluding cities in Crimea and the ATO zone) • engaged in a project to install FTTB for fixed-line broadband services in approximately 42,779 residential buildings in 125 cities, providing over 59,288 access points Our joint carrier and operator services division in Ukraine provides local, international and intercity long- distance voice traffic transmission services to Ukrainian fixed-line and mobile operators on the basis of our proprietary domestic long-distance/ ILD network, as well as IP transit and data transmission services through our own domestic and international fiber optic backbone and IP/MPLS data transmission network. We derive most of our carrier and operator services revenue in Ukraine from voice call termination services to our own mobile network and voice transit to other local and international destinations. Distribution Our company emphasizes high customer service quality and reliability for its corporate large accounts while at the same time focusing on the development of its SME offerings. We sell to corporate customers through a direct sales force and various alternative distribution channels such as IT servicing organizations and business center owners, and to SME customers through dealerships, direct sales, own retail and agent networks. We use a customized pricing model for large accounts which includes service or tariff discounts, volume discounts, progressive discount schemes and volume lock pricing. We use standardized and campaign-based pricing for SME customers. Our residential marketing strategy is focused on attracting new customers. We offer several tariff plans, each one targeted at a different type of customer. Competition There is a high level of competition with more than 2000 internet service providers in Ukraine. According to NCCIR, the National Regulatory Authority, as of September 30, 2020, Kyivstar leads the fixed broadband market with 1.1 million customers, which corresponds to 15.3% market share. 31 • Ukrtelecom • Data Group • Farlep-Invest (Vega) Voice Services(1), Data Services(2) and Voice Services • Ukrtelecom • Volia Top 5 ISPs (market share)(3) Retail Internet Services • • Kyivstar (15.3%) Freenet (2.1%) • • Ukrtelecom (14.8%) Data Group (2.1%) (1) Voice services market for business customers only. (2) Data services for corporate market only. (3) Source: National Regulatory Authority - NCCIR Licenses • Volia (9.4%) Following recent legislative changes, including the changes to the Law “On Telecommunications” made in 2019 by the Ukrainian Parliament, state licensing of fixed-line telecommunications services is now abolished. Accordingly, our fixed-line business in Ukraine no longer requires licensing in order to operate. Licensing of radio frequency resource (RFR) use remains unchanged. Fixed-line Business in Uzbekistan The table below presents a description of the fixed-line telecommunications services we offer in Uzbekistan. Services(1) • fixed-line services, such as network access • internet and hardware and software solutions, including configuration and maintenance • high-speed internet access (including fiber optic lines and xDSL) • telephony • long distance and international long-distance telephony on prepaid cards • telephone communication services, through our copper cable network and our modern digital fiber optic network • dedicated lines of data transmission • dedicated line access and fixed-line mobile convergence Distribution One of our priorities in Uzbekistan is the development of information and communications technology, which supports economic development in Uzbekistan. Our strategy includes maintaining our current market position by retaining our large corporate client customer base. Competition There is a high level of competition in the capital city of Tashkent, but the fixed-line internet market in most of the other regions remains undeveloped. The table below presents our competitors in the fixed-line services market in Uzbekistan. Fixed-line Services • Uztelecom • East Telecom • Sarkor Telecom Licenses • Sharq Telecom • TPS • EVO The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our fixed-line business in Uzbekistan. Unless noted otherwise, we plan to apply for renewal of these licenses prior to their expiration. Services Fixed-line Data Long-distance International Expiration 2021 2021 2029 2029 License Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide Nationwide 32 Fixed-line Business in Kazakhstan The table below presents a description of the fixed-line telecommunications services we offer in Kazakhstan. Services • high-speed internet access • local, long distance and international voice services over IP • local, intercity and international leased channels and IP VPN services • cloud services, BeeTV, Internet of things (IoT) • integrated corporate networks (including integrated network voice, data and other services) • FMC product, including mobile bundles and video content from Amediateka and IVI, and additional sim-cards for family • ADSL, FTTB, Wi-Fi, WiMax, VSAT, GPON, WTTX Distribution We are focusing on customer base and revenue growth, which we aim to promote by expanding our transport infrastructure, developing unique products, strengthening our position in the market and enhancing our sales efforts and data services, and Fixed Virtual Network Operator (FVNO) activity. Competition The table below presents our competitors in the fixed-line telecommunications services market in Kazakhstan. Internet, Data Transmission and Traffic Termination Services • Kazakhtelecom • KazTransCom • Alma TV Licenses • TransTelecom (owned by Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway company) • Astel (a leader in the provision of satellite services) The table below presents a description of business licenses relevant to our fixed-line business in Kazakhstan. Unless noted otherwise, we plan to apply for renewal of these licenses prior to their expiration. Services Long-distance and International Nationwide License Expiration Unlimited 33 Regulatory The voice, data and connectivity services we provide may also expose us to sanctions and embargo laws and regulations of the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the jurisdictions in which we operate. In addition, as a global telecommunications company, we have roaming and interconnect arrangements with mobile and fixed-line operators located in the majority of countries throughout the world, including in countries that are the target of certain sanctions restrictions. For a discussion of the sanctions regimes we are subject to, including the risks related to such exposure, see Item 3.D. Risk Factors - Geopolitical Risks - " Violations of and changes to applicable sanctions and embargo laws may harm our business”. Seasonality Our mobile telecommunications business is subject to certain seasonal effects. Generally, revenue from our contract and prepaid tariff plans tends to increase during the December holiday season, and then decrease in January and February. Mobile revenue is also higher in the summer months, when roaming revenue increases significantly as customers tend to travel more during these months. Guest roaming revenue on our networks also tends to increase in the summer period. Our fixed-line telecommunications business is also subject to certain seasonal effects. Among the influencing factors is the number of working days in a given period, as well as periods of vacations. Generally, our revenue from our fixed-line telecommunications business is lower when there are fewer working days in a period or a greater number of customers are on vacation, such as during the December holiday season and in the summer months. In 2020, these trends were less pronounced due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the associated lockdown restrictions imposed by governments across the world. Roaming revenues were significantly lower as compared to normal years, while we saw a pick-up in usage of our fixed-line services due to work-from-home conditions and travel restrictions. However, going forward we expect the seasonal trends described above to continue. Information Technology We devote considerable resources to the maintenance, development and improvement of our IT systems. As part of our continuous IT innovation process, we engage with third parties in order to develop and implement IT technologies across our infrastructure. In June 2016 in partnership with Ericsson, we entered into a technology infrastructure agreement which was subsequently amended in July 2017 and February 2019. Under the current agreement, which reflects a reduction in scope from the prior agreements, Ericsson will upgrade our core IT systems with new digital business support systems (DBSS) using software from Ericsson and will manage the new systems under the managed services agreement. The new Ericsson DBSS system has already been launched in four of our operations: Georgia, Algeria, Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh. We are also in the process of implementing our cyber security strategy, which we believe will enable us to better identify potential threats that may impact our business and, consequently, may aid us in the implementation of the required security measures to address such threats. Intellectual Property We rely on a combination of trademarks, service marks and domain name registrations, copyright protection and contractual restrictions to establish and protect our technologies, brand name, logos, marketing designs and internet domain names. We have registered and applied to register certain trademarks and service marks in connection with our telecommunications and digital businesses in accordance with the laws of our operating companies. Our registered trademarks and service marks include our brand name, logos and certain advertising features. Our copyrights and know-how are principally in the area of computer software for service applications developed in connection with our mobile and fixed-line network platform, our internet platforms and non-connectivity service offerings and for the language and designs we use in marketing and advertising our communication services. For a discussion of the risks associated with new technology, see Risk Factors — Operational Risks — “Our intellectual property rights are costly and difficult to protect, and we cannot guarantee that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property rights will be adequate” and — Regulatory, Compliance and Legal Risks — “New intellectual property laws or regulations may require us to invest substantial resources in compliance or may be unclear.” 34 Property, Plants and Equipment Buildings The buildings housing our offices in Amsterdam and London are leased. Our global headquarters activities are hosted in Amsterdam, and we have subleased a portion of our Amsterdam office as of February 2020. Our London office at 15 Bonhill Street has been fully subleased since January 2019, and our London-based staff now utilize a space located at 13 Hannover Square, London W1S 1HN. Our subsidiaries, including those in Russia, Pakistan, and Ukraine, both own and lease property used for a variety of functions, including administrative offices, technical centers, data centers, warehouses, operating facilities, main switches for our networks and IT centers. We also own office buildings in some of our regional license areas and lease space on an as-needed basis. Telecommunications Equipment and Operations The primary elements of our material tangible fixed assets are our networks. Mobile network infrastructure Our mobile networks, which use mainly Ericsson, ZTE, Huawei, Nokia, and Cisco equipment, are integrated wireless networks of radio base station equipment, circuit and packet core equipment and digital wireless switches connected by fixed microwave transmission links, fiber optic cable links and leased lines. We select suppliers based mainly on compliance with technical and functional requirements and total cost. We enter into agreements for the location of base stations in the form of either leases or cooperation agreements that provide us with the use of certain spaces for our base stations and equipment. Under these leases or cooperation agreements, we typically have the right to use such property to place our towers and equipment shelters. We are also party to certain network managed services agreements to maintain our networks and infrastructure. We also enter into agreements with other operators for radio network sharing, where we either share the passive equipment, physical site and towers or combine the operation of the radio equipment with other operators. Network sharing brings not only substantial savings on site rentals and maintenance costs but also on investments in equipment for the rollout of new base stations. In Russia, we have agreements with MTS and MegaFon in different regions and for different technology combinations, respectively. Fixed-lined infrastructure Our infrastructure in Russia, Pakistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, where we provide fixed-line services, supports our mobile businesses as well as our fixed-line businesses. Our infrastructure in these markets include: a transport network designed and continually developed to carry voice, data and internet traffic of mobile network, FTTB and our fixed-line customers using fiber optics and microwave links; and a transport network based on our optical cable network utilizing DWDM, SDH and IP/MPLS equipment with all DWDM and SDH optical networks being fully ring-protected (except for secondary towns). For more information on our property, plants and equipment, see Note 11 — Property and Equipment to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. 35 Corporate Social Responsibility The Group Chief Strategy Officer oversees the corporate responsibility program and function, and the corporate responsibility team confers with our management in connection with executing its duties. We have a long-term corporate responsibility strategy, consisting of two main elements: maintaining the trust of our stakeholders by behaving in a responsible and sustainable manner, reflected in our “license to operate” initiatives, and by creating shared value in our communities through our products and services, reflected in our “license to grow” initiatives. We are committed to investing in the markets in which we operate and continue to seek opportunities to leverage our technology, commercial expertise and the commitment of our employees for the betterment of our communities. Our group Sustainability Report and group Integrated Annual Report meet Global Reporting Initiative standards at the “core” level, follow the guidance in the AA1000 Accountability Principles Standard and are influenced by International Integrated Reporting Council guidance. The group Sustainability Report and the group Integrated Annual Report have obtained a “limited” level of assurance in various “subject matters” to meet the requirements of the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (revised). For the AA1000 Principles, our assurance engagement was planned and performed to meet the requirements of a Type 1 “moderate level” of assurance as defined by AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS) 2008. As part of our reporting cycle, we assess the effectiveness of our corporate responsibility strategy and revise it when needed. Our approach to the identification, management and evaluation of corporate responsibility is guided by three main principles: • Stakeholders: By engaging with our stakeholders, we understand their concerns and expectations, and we follow a number of stakeholder-defined standards and guidelines; • Materiality: Using pre-defined criteria, we prioritize by assessing individual opportunities against our strategy and their importance to our stakeholders; and • Accountability: We are accountable to our stakeholders through the publication of our Integrated Annual Report. We also share periodic updates with internal stakeholders, including members of management, to inform them about key corporate responsibility-related developments and our corporate responsibility performance. In November 2019, we were recognized as among the most transparent companies in the Netherlands by the Dutch Transparency Benchmark (Transparantiebenchmark). More than 480 of the largest companies in the Netherlands were assessed for the Dutch Transparency Benchmark by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and VEON improved its ranking from 449 in 2011 to 32 in 2019. Furthermore, among technology-focused companies in the Netherlands, VEON ranked fourth. We are committed to mitigating the Group’s carbon footprint and the rollout network energy-efficiency measures, which will contribute to a low-carbon economy, as well as offer us the potential to reduce our operating costs over time. We continue to upgrade existing diesel- and petrol-powered units with more energy-efficient, hybrid and renewable-energy-powered network equipment and, where practical, increase the number of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) situated outside to reduce the energy use involved in keeping them cool. In some markets we share tower capacity with other operators, which has had a direct positive impact on our energy consumption and our environmental footprint. We keep abreast of local environmental legislation and strive to reduce the environmental impact of our operations through responsible use of natural resources and by reducing waste and emissions. VEON’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions decreased from 0.24 tonnes per terabyte in 2019 to 0.1 tonnes in 2020, a 58% decrease. The decrease was largely a result of a significant increase in data traffic carried across our networks during 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdowns, with the increased data load requiring a lesser increase in energy. Our operating companies continued to developing innovative solutions to reduce energy intensity, such as powering telephone exchange stations on solar energy, installing state-of the-art on-grid photovoltaic systems and carrying out trainings on renewable energy solutions to ensure stakeholders are aware of its carbon- and cost-saving benefits. Across our organization, we continued working on reducing the carbon footprint of our offices, with initiatives ranging from switching to LED lighting. 36 DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES Directors and Senior Management As of March 1, 2021, our directors, their respective ages, positions, dates of appointment and assessment of independence were as follows: Name Age Position First Appointed Independent Gennady Gazin Hans Holger Albrecht Osama Bedier Leonid Boguslavsky Peter Derby Mikhail M. Fridman Amos Genish Yaroslav Glazunov Andrei Gusev Gunnar Holt Robert Jan van de Kraats Alexander Pertsovsky Steve Pusey 56 57 45 69 60 56 60 41 48 66 60 52 59 Chairman of Board of Directors 2020 (as Chairman); 2015 (as member) Director Director Director Director Director Director Alternate Director (Alexander Pertsovsky) Director Director Director Director Director 2020 2018 2021 2020 2010 2020 2020 2014 2015 2018 2018 2020 x x x x x x x x x The board of directors consists of twelve members, nine of whom we deem to be independent. In analyzing the independence of the members of the board of directors for this purpose, we are guided by the NASDAQ listing rules, the rules promulgated by the SEC and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, as if those rules applied to us. All members of the board of directors are elected by our shareholders through a cumulative voting process. Nominations to the board of directors are managed by its nominating and corporate governance committee, which is led by Peter Derby, whom we deem to be an independent member of the board of directors. The nominating and corporate governance committee looks to ensure that the membership of the board of directors consists of individuals with sufficiently diverse and independent backgrounds. All members of the board of directors possess relevant industry experience and have additionally been selected to provide the requisite experience required of the committees of our board of directors. The members of our current board of directors, with the exception of Mr. Glazunov and Mr. Boguslavsky, were elected at the June 1, 2020 annual general meeting of shareholders in accordance with our bye-laws. Mr. Glazunov was appointed as an alternate director for Alexander Pertsovsky on October 27, 2020. Mr. Boguslavsky was appointed as a director on January 15, 2021 to fill the casual vacancy created when Mariano de Beer stepped down in December 2020. All members of our board of directors, including Mr. Glazunov and Mr. Boguslavsky, will serve until the next annual general meeting, unless any members are removed from office or their offices are vacated in accordance with our bye-laws. Alternate directors will be summoned to act as regular directors in a temporary or permanent manner in case of absence, vacancy or demise. On July 30, 2018, we amended and restated our bye-laws to, among other things, eliminate our two-tier board structure. As a result, we have a board of directors and a management advisory committee known as the group executive committee. Our bye-laws empower the board of directors to direct the management of the business and affairs of the group, and require that the board of directors approves important matters including, among others, the annual budget and audited accounts, organizational or reporting changes to the management structure, significant transactions and changes to share capital or other significant actions. Additionally, under Bermuda law, the board of directors has the right to require that any matter come to the board of directors for approval and any member of the board of directors may bring forward an item for the agenda of the board of directors, which helps to ensure that the board of directors provides appropriate oversight over group matters. The group executive committee is currently comprised of VEON Ltd.’s co-Chief Executive Officers, Group Chief Financial Officer, Group General Counsel, Group Chief Internal Audit & Compliance Officer, and the Chief Strategy Officer. The group executive committee is focused on the management of the business affairs of VEON Ltd. and its subsidiaries as a whole, including execution of the group’s competitive strategy, driving financial performance and overseeing and coordinating group- wide initiatives. On an annual basis, our group executive committee, audit and risk committee and board of directors define our risk profile for the categories of risk we encounter in operating our business, which are then integrated into our business through global policies and procedures. 37 As of March 1, 2021, the members of our group executive committee, their respective ages, positions and dates of appointment were as follows: Name Kaan Terzioğlu Sergi Herrero Serkan Okandan Scott Dresser Alex Kazbegi(1) Joop Brakenhoff Age 52 38 50 53 58 55 Position First Appointed Group Chief Executive Officer March 2020 (as co-CEO) Group Chief Executive Officer March 2020 (as co-CEO) Group Chief Financial Officer May 2020 Group General Counsel Group Chief Strategy Officer Group Chief Internal Audit & Compliance Officer September 2014 February 2019 July 2020 (1) Alex Kazbegi will be stepping down from his role as Group Chief Strategy Officer effective March 31, 2021. His replacement will be announced in due course. Board of Directors Gennady Gazin (Chairman of Board of Directors) has served as the Chairman of the VEON Ltd. Board of directors since June 2020 and a director of the company since June 2015 and we deem Mr. Gazin to be an independent director. Mr. Gazin is a member of VEON Ltd.’s nominating and corporate governance committee and its finance committee. Mr. Gazin has served as an Affiliate Partner at Lindsay Goldberg, a New York based private equity firm, since 2015; Chairman of the Board at Genesis Philanthropy Group since 2014; and a member of the advisory board of LetterOne Technology LLP since 2015 and DVO Private Equity since 2018. From 2007 to 2012, Mr. Gazin served as CEO of EastOne, an international investment advisory group. Prior to EastOne, Mr. Gazin worked at McKinsey & Company’s New York and Moscow offices for 14 years, during which time he was an active member of the Telecommunications practice and also served as the Senior Partner responsible for McKinsey’s CIS practice. Mr. Gazin started his professional career as a systems and telecommunications engineer at Bell Communications Research/Tellcordia and General Dynamics in the USA. Mr. Gazin received a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University in 1987, a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University in 1988 and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1993. Hans Holger Albrecht (Director) has been a director of VEON Ltd. since June 2020 and we deem Mr. Albrecht to be an independent director. Mr. Albrecht is a member of VEON Ltd.’s compensation and talent committee and digital committee. He has served as the Chairman of the supervisory board of Scout24 AG, a publicly listed operator of online marketplaces in several industries, since 2018. In addition, Mr. Albrecht has served as a member of the boards of directors of Norwegian mobile network operator Ice Group AS since 2015 and German cable provider Tele Columbus AG since 2019. Mr. Albrecht has also served as a member of the digital advisory board of German retail bank Deutsche Postbank since 2016. Mr. Albrecht has been the Chief Executive Officer of Deezer Group since 2015, a French online music streaming service. Mr. Albrecht was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Millicom International Cellular S.A., a telecom and media group offering digital services to over 50 million customers in Africa and Latin America, from 2012-2015, and Modern Times Group MTG AB, a publicly traded Swedish digital entertainment company, from 1998 to 2012. Mr. Albrecht holds a doctorate from Ruhr-Universitat Bochum in Germany and a master of law from the University of Freiburg. Osama Bedier (Director) has been a director of VEON Ltd. since July 2018 and we deem Mr. Bedier to be an independent director. Mr. Bedier is a member of VEON Ltd.’s digital committee. Mr. Bedier is the founder of Poynt, a credit card processing terminal developed and marketed for small businesses, which was acquired by GoDaddy in February 2021. Mr. Bedier now leads the Commerce Division of GoDaddy. Mr. Bedier also serves on the Board of RS2. Prior to founding Poynt, Mr. Bedier served as the Vice President of Payments at Google from 2011 to 2013, where he created Google Wallet. Prior to Google, Mr. Bedier spent nine years running product and engineering at PayPal. He has also held engineering leadership roles at eBay, Gateway Computers and AT&T Wireless. Leonid Boguslavsky (Director) has been a director of VEON Ltd. since January 2021 and we deem Mr. Boguslavsky to be an independent director. Mr. Boguslavsky is a member of VEON Ltd.’s digital committee. Mr. Boguslavsky is an entrepreneur, scientist and venture capitalist and founder of RTP Global (formerly known as ru-Net), which since 2000 has focused on investments in early-stage start-ups across the globe. He was a managing partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from 1997 to 2001. Mr. Boguslavsky has served as a Member of the Board of Directors of JSC “AC Rus Media” since 2019; Member of the Board of Directors of Sberbank PJSC since 2017; Member of the Board of Directors of Super League Holdings Pte. LTD (Singapore) since 2016; and Chairman of the Board of Ivi.ru LLC since 2012. Mr. Boguslavsky graduated from the Moscow Institute of Transport Engineering (MIIT) in 1973, majoring in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. Peter Derby (Director) has been a director of VEON Ltd. since June 2020 and we deem Mr. Derby to be an independent director. Mr. Derby is serving as the chairman of VEON Ltd.’s nominating and corporate governance committee and as a member of the audit and risk committee. He currently serves as Managing Partner of investment management company, Concinnity Advisors LP, which he founded in 2007. From 2018 to 2011, Mr. Derby was a portfolio manager at Diamondback Advisors NY, LLC. From 2003 to 2005, Mr. Derby served as the Managing Executive for Operations and Management for the U.S. SEC. In 1989, he participated in the founding of DialogBank, the first private Russian bank to receive an international banking license, where he served as Chairman of the Board from 1997 to 1998 and as President and CEO from 1991 to 1997. 38 Mr. Derby also founded the first Russian investment firm in 1991, Troika Dialog. He began his career in banking and finance with roles at Chase Manhattan Bank and later at National Westminster Bank. Mr. Derby received a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance and international finance from New York University in 1983. Mikhail M. Fridman (Director) has been a director of VEON Ltd. since April 2010 and we deem Mr. Fridman to be a non-independent director. Mr. Fridman was a member of the board of directors of OJSC VimpelCom from July 2001 until April 2010. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Alfa Group Consortium and a member of the board of directors of JSC Alfa-Bank since 1994, ABH Holdings S.A. since 2015, LetterOne Holdings SA since 2013, LetterOne Investment Holdings SA since 2015 and LetterOne Core Investments SARL since 2019. Mr. Fridman also has served as a member of the Supervisory Board of X5 RETAIL GROUP N.V. since 2006. He is a member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. From 1986 until 1988, Mr. Fridman served as an engineer at Elektrostal Metallurgical Works. Mr. Fridman graduated with honors from the Faculty of Non-Ferrous Metals of the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys in 1986 and in 1989, together with his partners, founded the Alfa Group Consortium. Amos Genish (Director) has served as a director of VEON Ltd. since June 2020 and we deem Mr. Genish to be an independent director. Mr. Genish is serving as chairman of VEON Ltd.’s telecommunications committee and is a member of its digital committee. currently serves on the board of representatives of music video and entertainment services distributor VEVO LLC, and has served as Chairman of the Board of Israeli on-demand mobility company Gett since 2019. He has also served as the Senior Partner and the Head of Digital Retail at Brazilian investment bank BTG Pactual since 2019. Previously, Mr. Genish served on the board of directors of the Brazilian publicly listed bank Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. from 2017 to 2019. Mr. Genish also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Italia from 2017 to 2018, the Chief Convergence Officer of French mass media conglomerate Vivendi in 2017, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Vivo division of telecommunications group Telefonica Brasil from 2015 to 2016. Mr. Genish co-founded and served as the Chief Executive Officer of Brazilian telecommunications company Global Village Telecom from 1999 to 2015. He started his career at KPMG in Israel. Mr. Genish received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from Tel Aviv University in 1986. Yaroslav Glazunov (Alternate Director for Alexander Pertsovsky) has been a director of VEON Ltd. since October 2020 and we deem Mr. Glazunov to be a non-independent director. Mr. Glazunov is serving as chairman of VEON Ltd.’s compensation and talent committee and is a member of its nominating and corporate governance committee. Mr. Glazunov joined Korn Ferry in January 2021 as a senior client partner. Prior to joining Korn Ferry, Mr. Glazunov was a managing partner at Spencer Stuart International and a partner at Heidrick & Struggles in Moscow. Mr. Glazunov has been in the leadership advisory global business for 20 years focusing on CEO succession, efficiency and performance and has worked with corporate boards and founders of companies in Europe, India and Russia. He holds a master's degree in management from Plekhanov University. He previously completed a leadership program at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France, and an executive program at Singularity University in Silicon Valley, California. Andrei Gusev (Director) has been a director of VEON Ltd. since April 2014 and we deem Mr. Gusev to be a non- independent director. Mr. Gusev is serving as chairman of VEON Ltd.’s finance committee and as a member of its nominating and corporate governance committee. Mr. Gusev is a senior partner at LetterOne Technology (UK) LLP, joining in 2014, and was a managing director at Altimo from 2013 to 2014. Mr. Gusev was Chief Executive Officer of X5 Retail Group N.V. from 2011 to 2012 and prior to that, from 2006 to 2010, served as its Director of Business Development and M&A. From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Gusev served as Managing Director of the Alfa Group with overall responsibility for investment planning. Prior to that, Mr. Gusev worked at Bain & Company and Deloitte Consulting. Mr. Gusev received an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 2000 and a diploma with honors from the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at Lomonosov Moscow State University in 1994. Gunnar Holt (Director) has been a director of VEON Ltd. since June 2015 and we deem Mr. Holt to be an independent director. Mr. Holt is serving as a member of VEON Ltd.’s audit and risk committee, finance committee and compensation and talent committee. Mr. Holt was a Senior Advisor at Telenor ASA from 2006 to 2017 and previously served as Group Finance Director. From 1995 to 1999, he worked at Aker ASA and Aker RGI ASA, serving as Executive Vice President and CFO. From 1986 to 1995, he held various leadership positions in the Aker Group, including Deputy President of Norwegian Contractors AS, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Aker Oil and Gas Technology AS, President of Aker Eiendom AS, and Finance and Accounting Director of Aker Norcem AS. From 1978 to 1986, he served as Executive Officer and Special Advisor in the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy. Mr. Holt holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree and Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Management Consultancy from Henley Management College, Brunel University, in the United Kingdom; an M.B.A. from the University of Queensland in Australia, and an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Wisconsin. He also received a Diplomøkonom from The Norwegian School of Management. Mr. Holt has served on a number of corporate boards. 39 Mr. Robert Jan van de Kraats (Director) RA (Chartered Accountant) has been a director of VEON Ltd. since July 2018 and we deem Mr. Jan van de Kraats to be an independent director. On February 16, 2021, Mr. Jan van de Kraats was appointed as director liaison for matters related to investor relations. He serves as the chairman of VEON Ltd.’s audit and risk committee. He was appointed as Chairman of the Board of TMF Group, a global provider of payroll, accounting, corporate secretarial and alternative investment services earlier this year. He has served as a non-executive director / supervisory board director with Royal Schiphol NV, an aviation company majority held by the Dutch state, since 2015 and OCI NV, a fertilizer and chemicals company, since 2014. In addition, he has served as an advisor to the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and privately held retailer SuitSupply. He previously served as the Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Executive Board of Randstad Holding NV from 2001 to 2018, serving as the Vice Chairman of the Executive Board from 2006 to 2018, and was responsible for finance, information technology, shared service centers, merger and investor relations business functions. During his tenure at Randstad he also served as COO and was operationally responsible for businesses located in Japan, India, China, Nordics, Argentina and Chile. He also previously served as a member of the Commission on Dutch Corporate Governance from 2013 to 2017, which designed a new corporate governance code for the Netherlands. He was a member of the supervisory boards of bank and insurance provider SNS Reaal from 2006 to 2013, financial services provider SRLEV NV, and information and telecommunication services provider Ordina NV from 2004 to 2012. In addition, he served on the management board of Dutch credit insurance company NCM Holding NV (now Atradius) from 1999 to 2001 as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for a business line. He began his career in 1979 with Deloitte Dijker van Dien (now part of PwC). In 2007, he founded the Barcode for Life Foundation, an organization that supports research into DNA analysis in order to improve the treatment of cancer. Mr. Alexander Pertsovsky (Director) has been a director of VEON Ltd. since July 2018 and we deem Mr. Pertsovsky to be a non-independent director. Mr. Pertsovsky is serving as a member of VEON Ltd.’s compensation and talent committee. Mr. Pertsovsky joined LetterOne Technology in London on January 1, 2018 from Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he serves as Vice Chairman since November 2020 and served as Managing Partner until October 2020. At Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Mr. Pertsovsky served as the Country Executive for Russia & CIS since February 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Pertsovsky was at Renaissance Capital, which he joined in 2002 and oversaw the institutional securities business and our activities in Russia. He became Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Capital in 2007. Mr. Pertsovsky holds an MS degree in Applied Mathematics from the Moscow Institute of Radio, Engineering and Automation. He also received an M.B.A. from Columbia University in 2002. Steve Pusey (Director) has been a director of VEON Ltd. since June 2020 and we deem Mr. Pusey to be an independent director. He serves as a member of VEON Ltd.’s telecommunications committee. Mr. Pusey has served on the boards of directors of publicly listed British multinational energy and services company Centrica PLC and publicly listed US cybersecurity company FireEye, Inc. since 2015. In addition, Mr. Pusey has also served on the board of directors of digital product engineering services provider GlobalLogic, Inc, since 2016, Accedian Networks, Inc., a US developer of network communication and application monitoring software and hardware, since 2017 and Canadian middleware manufacturer Solace Systems, Inc. since 2018. Mr. Pusey has served as a senior adviser to Bridge Growth Partners, an American private equity fund that invests in technology and financial services companies, since 2017. Mr. Pusey previously served on the board of directors of British global semiconductor and software design company ARM Holdings PLC from 2015 to 2016. In addition, Mr. Pusey served as the Group Chief Technology Officer of Vodafone Group PLC from 2006 to 2015. Mr. Pusey held positions of increasing seniority at Nortel Networks from 1982 to 2006, culminating in his appointment as President, Europe of Nortel Networks UK Ltd. in 2005. Mr. Pusey began his career as an apprentice at British Telecom Plc in 1977. Group executive committee Kaan Terzioğlu has served as Group co-Chief Executive Officer since March 2020. Previously, he served as a joint Chief Operating Officer of VEON Ltd. since November 2019, and as a member of the VEON Ltd. Board of Directors from June 2019 until November 2019. Mr. Terzioğlu was Turkcell’s Chief Executive Officer from April 2015 until March 2019. Mr. Terzioğlu is the recipient of the global 2019 Outstanding Contribution Award to Mobile Industry from the GSMA. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Digicel since July 2019, a Caribbean and Pacific telecommunications operator, since July 2019, and is currently on the board of the GSMA Foundation focusing on “Mobile Communications for Development” as well as several international institutions and organizations. He served on the GMSA board, the leading international mobile communication organization, for three consecutive terms and on the advisory board of the World Economic Forum Center for Fourth Industrial Revolution. Mr. Terzioğlu also served as a board member for “Turkey’s Car” Initiative and was the chairman of the Mobile Telecommunications Operators Association (m-TOD). From 2012 to 2015, Mr. Terzioğlu served as a member of the board of directors at Akbank, Aksigorta A.Ş., Teknosa Iç ve Diş Ticaret A.Ş. and Carrefoura A.Ş. From 1999 to 2012, he held global managerial roles at Cisco offices located in Brussels, London and San Jose. Mr. Terzioğlu began his professional life at Arthur Andersen Turkey, and later undertook several roles on information technologies at Arthur Andersen from 1990 to 1998 in the United States, Belgium and Turkey. Mr. Terzioğlu graduated from the Department of Business Administration at Boğaziçi University. 40 Sergi Herrero has served as Group co-Chief Executive Officer since March 2020. Previously he served as Chief Operating Officer of VEON Ventures since September 2019. Prior to joining VEON, Mr. Herrero was Facebook’s Global Director of Payments and Commerce Partnerships where he has overseen the launch and growth of payment and commerce capabilities for Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram. He also led the deployment of Charitable Giving, the scaling and optimization of the Facebook Ads payments business and drove the expansion of the platform's global marketplace. Before joining Facebook in 2014, he held several senior roles in technology, banking and consulting. Mr. Herrero was awarded an MSc in Telecommunications Management from Spain's Ramon Llull University, in addition to an earlier undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering. Serkan Okandan has served as VEON’s Group Chief Financial Officer since May 2020. Prior to joining VEON, Mr. Okandan had been Group CFO at the Etisalat Group since 2012, and prior to joining Etisalat Group, was Group CFO at Turkcell. During his twenty years at the Etisalat Group and Turkcell, telecommunications providers in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa, he held senior management and board positions of subsidiaries in Ukraine and Pakistan. Mr. Okandan is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Bosphorus University in Istanbul, Turkey. Scott Dresser has served as VEON’s General Counsel since September 2014. Prior to joining VEON, Mr. Dresser was most recently Vice President of Global Strategic Initiatives at BirdLife International, a global conservation organization. Between 2006 and 2012, Mr. Dresser was with Virgin Media in the UK, including serving as General Counsel, where he led its legal department and acted as principal liaison with Virgin Media’s Board of Directors, as well as being a member of its Executive Management Team. He also previously held positions in the United States at White Mountains RE Group (which is the operating company of White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd), in the role of Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel from 2005 to 2006. From 2002 to 2005, he served as Senior Advisor for Legal and Financial Affairs for the International Global Conservation Fund (an international environmental conservation organization), and prior to that, he was an attorney at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and at Lord Day & Lord, Barrett Smith. Mr. Dresser studied at Vanderbilt University School of Law and University of New Hampshire. He is currently a member of the Bar in New York and Connecticut where he was admitted in 1993. Mr. Dresser is on the advisory board of BirdLife International. Alex Kazbegi has served as VEON’s Chief Strategy Officer of VEON since February 2019. He will be stepping down from this role effective March 31, 2021. Prior to joining VEON, Mr. Kazbegi was Head of Research and was an equity analyst for Renaissance Capital since 2002. From 1995 to 2002, Mr. Kazbegi was an equity research analyst for Salomon Brothers (now Citi). Mr. Kazbegi received an MA from Tbilisi State University, Physics Faculty in 1984, and a PhD in Physics from Tbilisi State University (in a joint degree program with Moscow State University) in 1993. Mr. Kazbegi obtained an MBA from Tulane University in 1995. Joop Brakenhoff Joop Brakenhoff has served as VEON’s Group Chief Internal Audit & Compliance Officer since July 2020. Mr. Brakenhoff joined VEON in January 2019 and, until assuming his current role, served as VEON’s Head of Internal Audit. Prior to joining VEON, he was head of Global Audit at Heineken International from 2010 to 2018. From 2002 to 2010, Mr. Brakenhoff held senior audit roles at Royal Ahold, prior to which he was Chief Financial Officer of Burg Industries B.V. Mr. Brakenhoff started his career at KPMG in 1985 where he worked for nine years in a variety of audit roles. Mr. Brakenhoff is a graduate of NIVRA Amsterdam and is a certified public accountant (CPA). 41 Compensation In order to ensure alignment with the long-term interests of the company’s shareholders, the compensation and talent committee periodically evaluates the compensation of the company’s board of directors directors taking into account the competitive landscape, the compensation of directors at other comparable companies and recommendations regarding best practices. Following review by the nominating and corporate governance committee, both the compensation and talent committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee make recommendations to the board of directors on compensation of the board of directors. We incurred remuneration expense in respect of our directors and senior managers in an aggregate amount of approximately US$40 million for services provided during 2020. For more information regarding our director and senior management compensation, see Note 21 — Related Parties to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. To stimulate and reward leadership efforts that result in sustainable success, value growth cash-based multi-year incentive plan (“Incentive Plans”) were designed for members of our recognized leadership community. The participants in the Incentive Plans may receive cash payouts after the end of each relevant award performance period. Vesting is based on the attainment of certain Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”), such as absolute share price, total return per share or value growth of certain VEON businesses. Options may be exercised by the participant at any time during a defined exercise period, subject to the Company’s insider trading policy. The Company’s Short Term Incentive (“STI”) Scheme provides cash pay-outs to participating employees based on the achievement of established KPIs over the period of one calendar year. KPIs are set every year at the beginning of the year and evaluated in the first quarter of the next year. The KPIs are partially based on the financial and operational results (such as total operating revenue, EBITDA and equity free cash flow) of the Company, or the affiliated entity employing the employee, and partially based on individual targets that are agreed upon with the participant at the start of the performance period based on his or her specific role and activities. The weight of each KPI is decided on an individual basis. Pay-out of the STI award is scheduled in March of the year following the assessment year and is subject to continued active employment during the year of assessment (except in limited “good leaver” circumstances in which case there is a pro- rata reduction) and is also subject to a pro-rata reduction if the participant commenced employment after the start of the year of assessment. Pay-out of the STI award is dependent upon final approval by the compensation and talent committee. Pursuant to our bye-laws, we indemnify and hold harmless our directors and senior managers from and against all actions, costs, charges, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses in connection with any act done, concurred in or omitted in the execution of our business, or their duty, or supposed duty, or in their respective offices or trusts, to the extent authorized by law. We may also advance moneys to our directors and officers for costs, charges and expenses incurred by any of them in defending any civil or criminal proceedings. The foregoing indemnity will not apply (and any funds advanced will be required to be repaid) with respect to a director or officer if any allegation of fraud or dishonesty is proved against such director or officer. We have also entered into separate indemnification agreements with our directors and senior managers pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify each of them within substantially the same scope as provided in the bye-laws. We have obtained insurance on behalf of our senior managers and directors for liability arising out of their actions in their capacity as a senior manager or director. We do not have any pension, retirement or similar benefit plans available to our directors or senior managers. 42 Board Practices VEON Ltd. is governed by our board of directors, currently consisting of twelve directors. Our bye-laws provide that our board of directors consists of at least seven and no more than thirteen directors, as determined by the board of directors and subject to approval by a majority of the shareholders voting in person or by proxy at a general meeting. We have not entered into any service contracts with any of our current directors providing for benefits upon termination of service. The board of directors has delegated to the co-CEOs the power to manage the business and affairs of the company, subject to certain material business decisions reserved for the board of directors or shareholders, within the framework of our new governance model announced in the third quarter of 2020. The co-CEOs and their leadership team manage and operate the company on a day-to-day basis. The board of directors may appoint such other senior executives as the board may determine. Under the new governance model, our board of directors and the co-CEOs have delegated to each VEON operating company considerable authority to operate their businesses. A Group Authority Matrix and updated policy framework has also been implemented, establishing clear decision making parameters and other requirements. Specifically, each operating company is accountable for operating its own business subject to oversight by their respective operating company boards and our board of directors; and they are also obligated to operate in accordance with Group policy and controls framework. The new governance model forms the cornerstone of governance and delegation of authority across the Group. The board of directors has established a number of committees to support it in fulfilling its oversight and governance duties. These charters set out the purpose, membership, meeting requirement, authorities and responsibilities of the committees. On an annual basis, our group executive committee, audit and risk committee and board of directors define our risk profile for the categories of risk we encounter in operating our business, which are then integrated into our business through global policies and procedures. In the composition of our board of directors and senior executives, we are committed to diversity of nationality, age, education, gender and professional background. In March 2021, we implemented a diversity and inclusion policy to formalize our commitment to diversity and inclusion at the board of directors’ level and throughout the organization. Committees of the Board of Directors The committees of our board of directors consist of: an audit and risk committee, a compensation and talent committee, a finance committee, a nominating and corporate governance committee, a telecommunications committee and a digital committee. Our board of directors and committees meet at least quarterly. In 2020, our board of directors met 11 times, the audit and risk committee met 8 times, the compensation and talent committee met 11 times, the finance committee met 14 times, the nominating and corporate governance committee met 6 times, and telecommunications committee met 7 times, and the digital committee met 3 times. Each director who served on our board of directors during 2020 attended at least 94% of the meetings of the board of directors and committees on which he or she served that were held during his or her tenure on our board. Audit and risk committee The charter of our audit and risk committee provides that each committee member is required to satisfy the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder as in effect from time to time. The audit and risk committee is primarily responsible for the following: the integrity of the company’s financial statements and its financial reporting to any governmental or regulatory body and the public; the company’s audit process; the qualifications, engagement, compensation, independence and performance of the company’s independent auditors, their conduct of the annual audit of the company’s financial statements and their engagement to provide any other services; VEON Ltd.’s process for monitoring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as well as the company’s corporate compliance codes and related guidelines, including the Code of Conduct; the company’s systems of enterprise risk management and internal controls; and the company’s compliance program. The current members of our audit and risk committee, Robert Jan van de Kraats (chairman), Gunnar Holt and Peter Derby, are expected to serve until our next annual general meeting. Compensation and talent committee Our compensation and talent committee is responsible for assisting and advising the board of directors in discharging its responsibilities with respect to overseeing the performance, selection and compensation of the CEO and all other individuals whose appointment, reappointment or early termination of employment require Board approval under the company’s bye-laws (including the members of the company’s group executive committee and the chief executive officers of the company’s operating subsidiaries). Our compensation and talent committee also has overall responsibility for approving and evaluating company’s director, executive and employee compensation and benefit plans. The committee advises the board of directors in relation to the company’s overall culture and values program, including by periodically assessing the substance and effectiveness of the program and considering overall employee feedback and other measurements of effectiveness. In addition, the committee periodically evaluates the compensation of directors of the company (including the annual board retainer fee, any equity-related compensation or incentive plan participation and fees for service on the committees of the board of directors), taking into account the competitive landscape, the compensation of directors at other comparable companies and recommendations regarding best 43 practices. The committee formulates recommendations to the board of directors regarding such director compensation and any adjustments in compensation and/or incentives that the committee considers appropriate. Such recommendations are reviewed by the nominating and corporate governance committee of the board of directors, and both committees jointly deliver to the board such recommendations for consideration and approval. Finally, the compensation and talent committee evaluates the company’s programs, priorities, and progress for recruiting, staffing, developing talent, motivating and retaining competent CEO and senior executives (and potential successors) for present and future company needs, including succession planning. The current members of our compensation and talent committee, Yaroslav Glazunov (chairman), Gunnar Holt and Hans Holger Albrecht, are expected to serve until our next annual general meeting. Finance committee Our finance committee is responsible for assisting and advising the board of directors in discharging its responsibilities with respect to its oversight of the business plan of the company, management of the capital structure of the company and its subsidiaries and the execution of certain material transactions. In doing so, the committee reviews with company management and gives advice or makes recommendations to the board of directors in relation to mergers and acquisitions transactions and divestitures, financing transactions, the incurrence of indebtedness, finance policies, dividends, material litigation, arbitration or other proceedings, and certain material and outside of the ordinary course business contracts. The current members of our finance committee, Andrei Gusev (chairman), Gennady Gazin and Gunnar Holt, are expected to serve until our next annual general meeting. Nominating and corporate governance committee Our nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for identifying and recommending to the board individuals qualified to serve as members of the board of directors, making recommendations to the board of directors concerning committee structure, membership and operations, developing, advising the board of directors on the adoption of and periodically reviewing a set of corporate governance practices applicable to the conduct of the company’s business, and periodically conducting an evaluation of the board of directors and its committees. In addition, the committee reviews recommendations of the compensation and talent committee of the board of directors regarding adjustments in director compensation, and both committees jointly deliver to the board of directors such recommendations for consideration and approval. The current members of our nominating and corporate governance committee, Peter Derby (chairman), Gennady Gazin and Yaroslav Glazunov, are expected to serve until our next annual general meeting. Telecommunications committee Our telecommunications committee is responsible for oversight of the operations and business strategy of the company’s telecommunications business, including the operational and technological capabilities associated with that strategy. The current members of our telecommunications committee, Amos Genish (chairman), Andrei Gusev and Steve Pusey, are expected to serve until our next annual general meeting. Digital committee Our digital committee is responsible for advising on, and overseeing, the development of the company’s digital strategy and digital initiatives. The current members of our digital committee, Hans Holger Albrecht (chairman), Osama Bedier, Leonid Boguslavsky and Amos Genish, are expected to serve until our next annual general meeting. 44 Employees The following chart sets forth the number of our employees as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively: As of December 31, Russia Pakistan Algeria Bangladesh Ukraine Uzbekistan Kazakhstan(1) HQ Others Total 2020 26,453 4,539 2,747 1,137 3,628 1,604 2,521 187 824 2019 28,003 4,325 2,781 1,200 3,527 1,594 2,142 286 2,634 43,639 46,492 2018 28,570 4,424 2,866 1,120 2,754 1,563 — 507 4,328 46,132 (1) The number of employees in Kazakhstan for the year ended December 31, 2018 was included in “Others.” Subsequently, Kazakhstan became a reportable segment and so for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total number of employees in Kazakhstan is reported separately.. From time to time, we also employ external staff, who fulfill a position at the company for a temporary period. We do not consider these employees to constitute a significant percentage of our employee totals and have not included them above. The following chart sets forth the number of our employees as of December 31, 2020, according to geographic location and our estimates of main categories of activities: Category of activity(1) Executive and senior management Engineering, construction and information technology Sales, marketing and other commercial operations Finance, administration and legal Customer service Procurement and logistics Other support functions Russia Pakistan Algeria Bangladesh Ukraine Uzbekistan Kazakhstan As of December 31, 2020 20 21 12 8 15 2,393 785 764 352 1,354 15,131 2,734 1,182 1,961 5,253 660 1,035 514 253 70 162 356 335 67 31 552 124 35 25 41 902 430 760 65 102 21 420 383 132 367 32 249 12 1,161 935 218 83 46 66 Total 26,453 4,539 2,747 1,137 3,628 1,604 2,521 (1) A breakdown of employees by category of activity is not available for our HQ segment and our “Others” category. A joint works council has been established at our Amsterdam headquarters, and it has consultation or approval rights in relation to a limited number of decisions affecting our employees working at this location. For VEON Wholesale Services BV (“VWS”), a separate works council was established and addresses management decisions that may affect the VWS workforce. The works councils may utilize legal remedies that can impact the timing of implementation of decisions at our Amsterdam headquarters or within VWS that are subject to consultation or approval by the works councils. Our employees are represented by unions or operate collective bargaining arrangements in Algeria, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine. We consider relations with our employees to be generally good. In February 2016, BDCL experienced labor disruptions in connection with the implementation of our announced performance transformation program. Such disruptions have not had a significant impact on our operations. An application for the registration of a union within BDCL was rejected by the government authorities and subsequent litigation is ongoing. A consequent notification was made by UNI Global Union to the Dutch NCP and the NCP has issued a final statement. For a discussion of risks related to labor matters, see — Other Risks — “Our business may be adversely impacted by work stoppages and other labor matters.” 45 Share Ownership To our knowledge, as of March 1, 2021 other than Mikhail Fridman, none of our directors or senior managers beneficially owned more than 1.0% of any class of our capital stock. To our knowledge, Mr. Fridman has an indirect economic benefit in our shares held for the account of L1T VIP Holdings S.à r.l. (“L1T VIP Holdings”) and, thus, may be considered under the definition of “beneficial owner” for purposes of this Annual Report only, as a beneficial owner of the shares held for the account of L1T VIP Holdings. See — Major Shareholders And Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders. To our knowledge, as of March 1, 2021, Kaan Terzioğlu owned 600,000 of our ADSs. To our knowledge, as of March 1, 2021, none of the other board of director members held any Common Shares or ADSs. To our knowledge, as of March 1, 2021, none of our directors or senior managers held any options to acquire the company’s common shares. For more information regarding share ownership, including a description of applicable stock-based plans and options, see Note 21 — Related Parties to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. 46 MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Major Shareholders The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of VEON Ltd. as of March 1, 2021, by each person who is known by us to beneficially own 5.0% or more of our issued and outstanding shares. As of March 1, 2021, we had 1,756,731,135 issued and outstanding common shares. None of our shareholders has different voting rights. For a discussion of certain risks associated with our major shareholders, see — Risk Factors — Other Risks — “A disposition by our largest shareholder of its stake in VEON Ltd. or a change in control of VEON Ltd. could harm our business.” Name L1T VIP Holdings S.à r.l.(1) Stichting Administratiekantoor Mobile Telecommunications Investor (2) Number of VEON Ltd. Common Shares 840,625,001 Percent of VEON Ltd. Issued and Outstanding Shares 47.85 145,947,562 8.31 (1) (2) As reported on Schedule 13D, Amendment No. 20, filed on September 13, 2019, by L1T VIP Holdings S.à r.l. (“L1T”), Letterone Core Investments S.à r.l. (“LCIS”) and Letterone Investment Holdings S.A. (“LetterOne”) with the SEC, L1T is the direct beneficial owner of 840,625,001 common shares. LCIS is the sole shareholder of L1T, and LetterOne is the sole shareholder of LCIS and, in such capacity, each of L1T, LCIS and LetterOne may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the 840,625,001 common shares held for the account of L1T. Each of L1T, LCIS and LetterOne is a Luxembourg company, with its principal business to function as a holding company. As reported on Schedule 13G, filed on April 1, 2016, by Stichting with the SEC, Stichting is the direct beneficial owner of 145,947,562 of VEON Ltd.’s common shares. LetterOne is the holder of the depositary receipts issued by Stichting and is therefore entitled to the economic benefits (dividend payments, other distributions and sale proceeds) of such depositary receipts and, indirectly, of the 145,947,562 common shares represented by the depositary receipts. According to the conditions of administration entered into between Stichting and LetterOne (“Conditions of Administration”) in connection with the transfer of 145,947,562 ADSs from LetterOne to Stichting on March 29, 2016, Stichting has the power to vote and direct the voting of, and the power to dispose and direct the disposition of, the ADSs, in its sole discretion, in accordance with the Conditions of Administration and Stichting’s articles of association. Stichting is a foundation incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands. The common shares held by Stichting represent approximately 8.31% of VEON Ltd.’s issued and outstanding shares. Based on a review of our register of members maintained in Bermuda, as of March 1, 2021, a total of 1,228,276,403 common shares representing approximately 69.92% of VEON Ltd.’s issued and outstanding shares were held of record by BNY (Nominees) Limited in the United Kingdom as custodian of The Bank of New York Mellon for the purposes of our ADS program and a total of 515,226,176 common shares representing approximately 29.33% of VEON Ltd.’s issued and outstanding shares were held of record by Nederlands Centraal Instituut Voor Giraal Effectenverkeer B.V. and where ING Bank N.V. is acting as custodian of The Bank of New York Mellon, for the purposes of our ADS program, and a total of 13,228,556 common shares representing approximately 0.75% of VEON Ltd.’s issued and outstanding shares were held of record by Nederlands Centraal Instituut Voor Giraal Effectenverkeer B.V., for the purposes of our common shares listed and tradable on Euronext Amsterdam. As of March 1, 2021, 21 record holders of VEON Ltd.’s ADRs, holding an aggregate of 758,028,329 common shares (representing approximately 43.15% of VEON Ltd.’s issued and outstanding shares), were listed as having addresses in the United States. Changes in Percentage Ownership by Major Shareholders As reported on Schedule 13D, Amendment 43, filed on November 25, 2019 by Telenor East Holding II AS, Telenor Mobile Holding AS and Telenor ASA with the SEC, on November 22, 2019, Telenor East Holding sold 156,703,840 of VEON Ltd. common stock, in the form of ADSs, at a price per share of US$2.31, representing all of Telenor East Holding’s remaining interest in VEON Ltd. The sale resulted in net proceeds to Telenor East Holding of approximately US$362 million. This transaction represented approximately 8.9% of the total outstanding common stock and Telenor East Holding’s final exit from VEON Ltd. Please also see Schedule 13D, Amendment 38, filed on April 12, 2017 by Telenor East Holding II AS, Telenor Mobile Holding AS and Telenor ASA with the SEC, reporting a sale by Telenor East Holding II AS of 70,000,000 of ADSs in VEON Ltd. pursuant to an underwritten offering and Schedule 13D, Amendment 40, filed on September 25, 2017 by Telenor East Holding II AS, Telenor Mobile Holding AS, and Telenor ASA with the SEC, reporting a sale by Telenor East Holding II AS of 90,000,000 ADSs in VEON Ltd. pursuant to an underwritten offering. 47 Related Party Transactions In addition to the transactions described below, VEON Ltd. has also entered into transactions with related parties as part of its day to day operations. These mainly relate to ordinary course telecommunications operations, such as interconnection, roaming, retail and management advisory services, as well as development of new products and services. Their terms vary according to the nature of the services provided thereunder. VEON Ltd. and certain of its subsidiaries may, from time to time, also enter into general services agreements relating to the conduct of business and financing transactions within the VEON group. For more information on our related party transactions, see Note 21 — Related Parties to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Registration Rights Agreements The Registration Rights Agreement, as amended, between VEON Ltd., Telenor East and certain of its affiliates, Altimo Holdings & Investments Ltd. and Altimo Coöperatief U.A. requires us to use our best efforts to effect a registration under the Securities Act, if requested by one of the shareholders party to the Registration Rights Agreement, of our securities held by such party in order to facilitate the sale and distribution of such securities. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we have filed a registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Separately, in connection with the issuance of US$1,000,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 0.25% exchangeable bonds due 2019, exchangeable for VEON Ltd. ADSs (the “Telenor Exchangeable Bond”) by Telenor East Holding II AS, VEON Ltd. entered into a registration rights agreement, dated September 21, 2016 (the “New Registration Rights Agreement”) for the benefit of holders of the Telenor Exchangeable Bonds. Following Telenor’s divestment of its interest in VEON Ltd. ADSs in November 2019, the New Registration Rights Agreement is no longer effective. Major Shareholders and their Affiliates LetterOne From December 2010 until March 2018, VEON Ltd. was a party to a General Services Agreement with L1HS Corporate Advisor Limited, part of the LetterOne Group, under which L1HS Corporate Advisor Limited rendered to VEON Ltd. and its affiliates services related to telecommunications operations, including management advisory services, training, technical assistance and network maintenance, industry information research and consulting, implementation support for special projects and other services as mutually agreed by L1HS Corporate Advisor Limited and VEON Ltd. VEON Ltd. paid L1HS Corporate Advisor Limited annually US$1.5 million for the services. The agreement was terminated on December 12, 2017 with effect from March 12, 2018. From August 2013 until March 2018, VEON was also party to a Consultancy Deed with L1HS Corporate Advisor Limited, under which L1HS Corporate Advisor Limited provided additional consultancy services to VEON Ltd. for which VEON Ltd. paid US$3.5 million annually. The agreement was terminated on December 12, 2017 with effect from March 12, 2018. Board of Directors Compensation paid to the board of directors is disclosed in — Directors and Senior Management — Compensation. Mikhail M. Fridman, a director of VEON Ltd., serves as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Alfa Group Consortium and has been a member of the board of directors of JSC Alfa-Bank since 1994. In March 2020, VEON Holdings B.V., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of VEON Ltd., increased the size of its existing facility with JSC Alfa-Bank to RUB 30 billion (US$406 million as of December 31, 2020). The outstanding amount under the facility, originally entered into in 2017, was RUB 17.5 billion (US$304 million) as of December 31, 2017, RUB 17.5 billion (US$252 million) as of December 31, 2018, and RUB 17.5 billion (US$283 million) as of December 31, 2019. In June, September and November 2020, VEON Holdings B.V. issued senior unsecured notes of RUB20 billion (US$288 million), RUB10 billion (US$135 million) and US$1.25 billion, respectively, under the MTN Program, maturing in June 2025, September 2025 and November 2027, respectively. The Alfa Group participated in the aforementioned June issuance as an underwriter. In December 2020, VEON’s operating company in Ukraine, Kyivstar, signed a bilateral unsecured 3-year term loan agreement with Joint Stock Company Alfa-Bank for UAH 1,700 million, of which UAH 1,480 million (US$52 million) was outstanding at December 31, 2020. The Alfa Group also participates in our US$1.25 billion RCF, which we entered into on March 9, 2021, following their purchase of a 10% interest in the syndication. In January 2021, the company entered into an agreement with Alexander Pertsovsky, former member of the board of directors, under which he will provide certain consulting and advisory services relating to strategic transactions in Russia. Under the agreement, Mr. Pertsovsky receives a fixed annual fee of €240,000 in compensation for his services, as well as the potential for a discretionary success fee (subject to approval by our board of directors). The initial term of the agreement is one year, though either party may terminate the agreement for any reason upon 30 days written notice. Except as specified above, during 2020 and through the date of this Annual Report, none of our board of directors have been involved in any material related party transactions with us. 48 HOW WE MANAGE RISKS VEON has adopted the relevant criteria from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) – Integrated Framework (2017) as the foundation of our enterprise risk management approach. Through VEON’s ERM framework, our management aims to identify, assess, adequately manage, monitor and report risks that could jeopardize the achievement of our strategic objectives. A unified and consistent ERM framework is used throughout the organization. Strengthening our risk culture: three lines of defense The ‘three lines of defense’ approach provides a simple and effective way to enhance communications around risk management, governance and control by clarifying roles and responsibilities. VEON has adopted this model to provide reasonable assurance that risks to achieving important objectives are identified and mitigated. First line of defense VEON recognizes that the first line of defense consists of the business who own and are responsible and accountable for directly assessing, controlling and mitigating risks. Since 2016, targeted communication campaigns have been launched globally to foster risk and control awareness across the Group. To embed a culture aligned to our risk appetite and individual responsibilities in relation to risk management we embarked on a programme in 2019 which continued throughout 2020. This programme involved, an awareness campaign using sport, games and the idea of teamwork to highlight the importance of every individual’s contribution to effective risk management and a strong control environment was launched to reinforce accountability and ownership for risk management and the internal control environment. Second line of defense The second line of defense monitors and facilitates the implementation of effective risk management practices and internal controls by the first line. The second line comprises Group Internal Control, Group Enterprise Risk Management, Group Ethics and Compliance and Group Legal, amongst other Group functions. The second line supports the business functions in identifying what could go wrong and provides the methods, tools and guidance necessary to support the first line in managing their risks. Third line of defense The Group Internal Audit team comprises the third line of defense and is responsible for providing independent assurance to senior management on the effectiveness of the first and second lines of defense. The function conducts ad hoc financial, information technology, strategic and operational audits and special investigations. Throughout, Internal Audit conducts its activities in a manner based on a continuous evaluation of perceived business risks. To ensure strong oversight of and alignment between the three lines of defense, we established our each OpCo has established a Business Risk Committee and an OpCo Board. Each OpCos BRC, is chaired by the Group Chief Financial Officer, his nominee or the Group Chief Internal Audit & Compliance Officer. The purpose of each OpCo Business Risk Committee is to consider the overall risk profile of the Group and ensure risk informed decision making. The BRC oversees and aligns the activities of the Group’s various risk and assurance functions to coordinate and manage actions efficiently across the Group. Each of the OpCos are managed by way of OpCo Boards which comprises of the respective OpCo CEO and management team with the oversight by their respective Board of Directors. Each OpCo’s overall risk profile is presented to its OpCo Board regularly and at least once per quarter (accompanied by recommendations of its OpCo Business Risk Committee). This program is continuously monitored by OpCo management and the OpCo Boards, and tested by both OpCo and Group Internal Audit, with the Group Audit & Risk Committee providing ultimate oversight, with each OpCo Business Risk Committee providing active monitoring and engagement with the OpCos on all enterprise risks, control, compliance and assurance matters. 49 Defining our risk appetite Defining our risk appetite in line with the COSO Framework, the VEON Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework categorises risk into four risk categories: Strategic, Operational, Financial and Compliance. Our risk appetite is defined for each of the four risk categories by considering our business objectives, as well as potential threats to achieving these. On an annual basis, the VEON appetite statements for each category of risk are revised and approved by the VEON Executive Committee and presented to the Audit and Risk Committee. These statements, are then integrated into the business through our global policies and procedures and our risk management cycle. Risk Appetite Table Risk Management in Execution Effective risk management requires a continuous and iterative process and involves the following five steps: 1. Clarify objectives and identify risks: VEON’s strategy is developed with a comprehensive understanding of the strategic and inherent risks involved in doing business. We consider the potential effects of the business context on risk profile as well as possible ways of mitigating the risks we are exposed to. 2. Assess and prioritize risks: Risks identified as relevant for VEON are assessed in order to understand the severity of each risk to the ability to execute on VEON’s strategy and business objectives. The severity of risk is assessed at multiple levels of the business as it may not be the same across divisions, functions, and operating companies. 3. Respond to risk: The assessed severity of the risk is utilized by management to determine an appropriate risk response (Take, Treat, Transfer or Terminate) which may include implementing mitigations, taking into account the risk appetite. 50 4. Monitor, report and escalate: VEON’s Group Co-CEOs and Senior Management review significant risks assessed and prioritized based on the Group’s ERM framework. The Top Group risks are also reported to VEON’s Board of Directors, in particular with the Audit and Risk Committee (at least on a quarterly basis), to evaluate material Group risks. VEON’s management also monitors and evaluates risk through our Group Risk Ethics and Assurance Committee (REAC), which is chaired by the Group Chief Financial Officer and includes the Group Directors of each of the assurance departments. Group REAC oversees and aligns the activities of the Group’s various risk and assurance functions to coordinate and manage actions efficiently across the Group, which include: a. Advising senior management on matters concerning the risk, ethics and compliance, including an overall risk and assurance vision and strategy. b. Overseeing activities to develop and maintain a fit-for-purpose risk and assurance programme. c. Engaging with VEON’s senior management on important developments in the context of risk, ethics and compliance.. The Board of Directors maintains a number of committees, including the Audit and Risk Committee, which expressly refers to its role in overseeing VEON’s ERM framework in its charter. 5. Assure: On a quarterly basis, through the management certification process, local CEO and CFOs certify significant risks have been considered and appropriate measures have been taken to manage the identified risks in accordance with the Group’s ERM policies and procedures. Control framework VEON is publicly traded on a U.S. stock exchange and registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Thus, it must comply with Sarbanes Oxley Act (“SOX”). SOX Section 404 requires that management perform an assessment of the Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (“ICFR”) to confirm both the design and operational effectiveness of the controls. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of VEON Ltd.’s published consolidated financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles. The VEON ICFR Framework incorporates risk assessment as part of our scoping process, an assessment of the design effectiveness of the required controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of the key control activities and monitoring of our financial reporting at entity-wide and functional levels. VEON has established uniform governance, policies and control standards that apply to controlled subsidiaries. Our ICFR testing results are reported into our Board of Management, Group Risk, Ethics, and Assurance Committee (REAC), local Business & Risk Committee (BRC), local VEON Boards and our Audit and Risk Committee at least on a quarterly basis as part of our assurance model. For a more detailed overview of the Governance changes in 2020 see Director's Report section in these Financial statements. Local management is responsible for business operations of our subsidiaries, including risk mitigation and compliance with laws, regulations and internal requirements. We have created uniform governance and control standards for all our levels of operations. The standards apply to all our subsidiaries with the same expectation: that they conduct business in accordance with ethical principles, internal policies and procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. The standards are intended to define and guide conduct with respect to relevant compliance and ethics principles and rules, and to create awareness about when and where to ask for advice or report a compliance or ethics concern, which includes the use of VEON’s SpeakUp channels. The principles apply to all VEON employees in all operating businesses and headquarters. Employees receive annual Code of Conduct ("Code") training, which includes certification to comply with the Code. Our group-wide Code applies to all VEON employees, officers and directors, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer or controller. Our Code is available on our website at http://www.veon.com (information appearing on the website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. A Group Authority Matrix has been established and was updated in 2020, to ensure that all expenditures and decisions are approved by the appropriate levels of management, with more significant decisions requiring approval from senior management at the Group level. We have a Group-wide, quarterly management certification process in place, which requires the CEO and CFO at each of our reporting entities to certify compliance with the uniform governance and control standards established in VEON, including: • • • • • Compliance with our Code of Conduct and related Group policies and procedure Compliance with local laws and regulations Compliance with the VEON Accounting Manual Compliance with VEON’s principles, procedures and policies on ethics and compliance, fraud prevention and detection, accounting and internal control standards, and disclosure requirements Internal disclosure obligations • Material weaknesses and/or deficiencies, if applicable, in design and operation of internal controls over financial reporting have been reported 51 Key risks table for VEON and example of mitigation and 2020 developments Below is a summary of the key risks we face in operating our business and a discussion of certain mitigation efforts associated with these risks. For a more detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties relating to our business, see the Risk Factors Section of this Annual Report. The risks listed may not be exhaustive, and additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to VEON or that it currently deems immaterial, may also have or develop a material adverse effect on its business, operations, financial condition or performance, or other interests. Prioritization of Strategic, Operational and Financial risks are is based on EBITDA business impact’s thresholds and likelihood scales from 1 to 5. Once the identified risks are assessed and prioritized based on the above scales, the risk response strategy (take, treat, terminate, transfer) is decided and mitigating action plans are defined and/or updated, the outcome of the risk assessment information is captured in our Global GRC Tool. The risk response strategy is determined based on the business context, risk appetite, severity and prioritization. Further the risk response must also consider the anticipated costs and benefits commensurate with the severity and prioritization of the risk and address any obligations and expectations (e.g. industry standards, shareholder expectations, etc.). Prioritization of some compliance risks such as Non-compliance to Anti-bribery and corruption laws, and Non- compliance to International Sanction and export laws and regulations is performed qualitatively, due to their nature, based on external factors sourced from independent non-governmental reports (where possible) and Internal factors sourced from VEON’s business processes by the Local Ethics and Compliance and Legal teams. The sequence in which the risks and mitigating actions are presented below are not intended to be in any order of severity, chance or materiality. Legend (qualitatively assessed of net risk i.e. considering mitigating actions): Risk increased: é Risk decreased: ê Risk stable: = 52 Risk 1. Market Our business is subject to a variety of market-related risks across our geographies. These include: ê Foreign exchange-related risks since a significant proportion of our costs and liabilities are in US dollars and Russian rubles whereas our revenues are in a variety of local currencies. ê Competition since we operate in highly competitive markets which may impact our ability to attract and retain customers and achieve our financial targets. ê Keeping pace with technology since our future success will depend on our ability to keep pace with investments in current technologies and technological changes in our industry and deploying networks and services that these enable. '= Macroeconomic developments given that we operate in a variety of markets that may be subject to adverse economic, political and regulatory factors which may impact the operating environment for our services. é Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, or those relating to similar public health developments, which may impact our operations and those of our customers and suppliers, as well as the economies in which we operate. Examples of how we mitigate Some examples of 2020 developments During 2020 the Company used foreign exchange forwards to mitigate foreign currency translation risk related to the Company’s net investment in its Russian operating company. In April 2020, the Company established a USD 6.5 billion Medium-Term Note (MTN) programme that has since allowed us to increase the proportion of our Russian ruble-denominated borrowings to better match the ruble contribution to our revenues. • We continued to adapt our marketing strategies to local market conditions, notably in Russia where we simplified our product offers and maintained competitive prices in combination with increasing the transparency of our content policies conditions. • We continued to attract customers to our shared bundle product and convergence offers while deploying high-speed 4G networks across our markets to enhance the experience of our customers, • • We now have the capacity to launch 4G services in each of our operating markets. We have also acquired new spectrum to boost our network capacity, enhance spectral efficiency and enable the launch of new Radio Access Networks Technologies. The second quarter 2020 saw the full impact on our operations of the lockdowns imposed across our markets in response to COVID-19. Throughout the second half of the year, all operations saw a recovery in the performance as our local businesses continue building resilience to the restrictions related to COVID-19. Our management has taken appropriate measures to keep our personnel safe and secure. We have not observed any particular material adverse impacts to our business, financial condition, and results of operations, other than as described elsewhere in this report, and Group liquidity is sufficient to fund the business operations for at least another 12 months. • The Company hedges part of its exposure to fluctuations on the translation into US dollars of the revenues of its foreign operations by holding borrowings in foreign currencies and by the use of foreign exchange swaps and forwards. • We are monitoring and responding • • to technology developments and competitor activity that could have an impact on us achieving our goals. • We continue to engage in dialogue with local industry regulators to ensure we understand the requirements and challenges of local markets and adapt our services accordingly. • We are continuing to assess and take what we believe are the necessary steps to ensure the continuity of our operations and the safety of our employees during the COVID-19 pandemic 53 Examples of how we mitigate Some examples of 2020 developments • • • • The Company assessed the concentration of risk with respect to refinancing its debt and concluded it to be low based on liquidity in the markets the Company has access to, and its recent history of refinancing. Under its MTN programme, the Company took advantage of favorable capital market conditions three times during 2020 to refinance over USD 1.6 billion worth of debt at lower coupons and longer maturities. loan agreements The Company signed three bilateral in unsecured Ukraine for an aggregate amount of around USD 146 million. It also signed a bilateral unsecured loan agreement worth approximately USD 25 million in Kazakhstan. The Company additionally entered into entered into new bilateral loan agreements in Russia worth around USD 1.9 billion, which together extend the maturity and reduced the borrowing costs of local facilities. these Risk 2. Liquidity & Capital Our business requires considerable financial capital in order to invest in the growth opportunities we identify. This requires us to manage a number of risks relating to capital and liquidity. These include: = Liquidity risk since as a holding company, VEON Ltd. depends on the performance of its subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends, and may therefore be affected by changes in exchange controls and currency restrictions in the countries in which its subsidiaries operate = Banking and Financial Counterparty risk given that the Banking systems in many countries in which we operate remain underdeveloped and there are a limited number of creditworthy banks in these countries with which we can conduct business, and currency control requirements restrict activities in certain markets in which we have operations. = Debt service risks given that substantial amounts of indebtedness and higher Debt service obligations could materially impact our cash flow and affect our ability to raise additional capital. • = Access to capital since a significant rise in our indebtedness would imply higher Debt service obligations, which may not be fully covered by our cash flow and could hinder our ability to Access capital markets on acceptable terms. • We have a centralized treasury function whose job is to manage liquidity and funding requirements as well as our exposure to financial and market risks • • The Company monitors its risk to a shortage of funds using a recurring liquidity planning tool. The Company’s objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of bonds, bank overdrafts, bank loans and lease contracts. The Company’s policy is to create a balanced debt maturity profile and to use market opportunities to extend the maturity and reduce the cost of its borrowings as they arise. • We adopt a prudent approach to managing our balance sheet leverage increasing the level of our local currency borrowing and maintain borrowing headroom in our revolving credit facilities The primary objective of the Company’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains healthy capital ratios, so as to secure access to debt and capital markets at all times and maximize shareholder value. The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions. 54 Risk Examples of how we mitigate Some examples of 2020 developments · We remain committed to simplifying our business structure, which extends to our local partnerships. · We monitor and log our network and systems, and keep raising our employees’ security awareness through training, and operate a structured vulnerability scanning process within our security operations centers. · We maintain good bilateral relationships with the regulatory authorities in our operating markets in order to help us understand and adapt to their concerns and needs with respect to local regulation. · We conduct risk-based due diligence on our business partners and mitigate apparent risks through contractual requirements, representations, indemnities, warranties, etc. · We regularly monitor the media presence and reputations or our partners and respond accordingly · We reduce our reliance on single vendors to the extent possible. · Our new Governance, Risk and Compliance (“GRC”) framework sets out polices for key operational activities, detailing the minimum standards to which each OpCo must comply in areas such as employee behavior, financial conduct, procedures for Group contracting, cybersecurity and data privacy. These policies form part of the charter of our various Business Risk committees, People Committees and our OpCo Boards, setting common boundaries for behavior whilst encouraging freedom to operate within these to maximize business opportunity. · In May 2020, VEON announced a partnership between JazzCash and payment technology leader Mastercard that strengthens the payments ecosystem for merchants and customers in Pakistan. The partnership with Mastercard allows merchants to accept digital payments from customers, digitize their supply chain, and move to cashless operations. JazzCash customers will also have access to Mastercard’s virtual and branded debit cards that can be used in 55,000 points of sale and ATMs in Pakistan, in addition to JazzCash merchants and e-commerce sites. · In September 2020 the Dhabi Group exercised its put option to sell VEON its 15% shareholding in Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited ("PMCL"), the operating company of Pakistan’s leading mobile operator, Jazz. Once completed, VEON will own 100% of PMCL. · We are enhancing our cyber security strategy,with a greater emphasis on local identification and response to cyber threats, which we believe will enable us to better identify potential threats that may impact our business and, consequently, aid us in the implementation of the required security measures to address such threats. · As part of our initiative to digitize our core telecommunications business, we intend to continue focusing on increasing our capital investment efficiency, including with respect to our IT, network, and distribution costs. We have secured network sharing agreements and intend to maintain our focus on achieving an asset- light business model in certain markets, where we own only the core assets needed to operate our business. 3. Operational Ours is a complex business operating across ten markets at various levels of development and each with a variety of opportunities and challenges. These give rise to operational risks, which include: = Challenges in local implementation of our strategic initiatives, which could be affected by a variety of unforeseen issues, including (but not limited to) technological limitations, regulatory constraints and insufficient customer engagement. = Partnership risks given that we participate in strategic partnerships and joint ventures in a number of our markets, agreements around which may affect our ability to execute on our strategy and, where the consent of our partners is required, to withdraw funds and dividends from these entities. Partnerships could also give rise to reputational and indirect regulatory risks with respect to the behaviors and actions of our partners, as well as risks surrounding losing a partner with important insights in the local market. é Cyber-attacks and denials of service, to which telecoms providers are vulnerable given the open nature of their networks and services, which could result in financial, reputational and legal harm to our business should these succeed in disrupting our services and result in the leakage of customer data or of our intellectual property. = Supply chain risks since we depend on third parties for certain services and products important to our business and there may be unexpected disruptions to Supply chains due to a variety of factors, including regulatory (e.g. trade restrictions), natural disasters, war, pandemics and similar unforeseen events. = Spectrum and license rights given that the success of our operations depends on acquiring and maintaining Spectrum and licenses in each of our markets, most of which are granted for specified terms with no assurance that they will be renewed once expired, or at what price. = Interconnection agreements with other operators upon which the economic viability of our operations depend. a significant rise in these costs, or a decrease in the Interconnection rates we earn, could impact the Financial performance of our business, as could adverse local regulation of Mobile Termination rates (MTRs), which govern the rates at which carriers compensate each other for carrying calls that originate on one another’s networks. 55 Examples of how we mitigate Some examples of 2020 developments · Our Ethics & Compliance and Legal teams maintain oversight and expertise from HQ and rely on dedicated local teams with knowledge of the legal and regulatory requirements of each of our operating markets and supplement with external counsel when required. · We maintain a privacy program that includes data privacy controls such as privacy assessments, data breach response processes and individual rights processes, to ensure we comply with EU and local data privacy laws for the collection and processing of personal data for our services, human resource management and compliance processes. · We maintain appropriate know- your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) controls across our DFS products and services as required by local rules and international best practices. · We operate a policy of diverse sourcing with respect to equipment suppliers to ensure that we are not overly reliant on any single vendor should a supply disruption arise, including as a consequence of the imposition of sanctions and export controls laws. · A new governance model was introduced in the third-quarter of 2020, at the Group level,which sets the functional requirements, reporting standards and expected behaviors for OpCo Management. This defines clear objectives, roles and responsibilities, maintain minimum requirements in accordance with our GRC framework, and promotes transparent discussions about strategy, operations and business dilemmas. · Alongside our OpCo Business Risk Committees (BRCs), we believe these new arrangements ensure Group management is now much closer to our OpCo managers and key risks they face, and reinforces effective, informed decision making by the local OpCo Boards and VEON’s Board where appropriate. · With respect to sanctions and export controls, in May and August 2019, and August 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) added Huawei Technologies Company Ltd. and 152 of its affiliates (collectively, “Huawei”) to its “Entity List”, which prohibits companies globally from directly or indirectly exporting, reexporting or in-country transferring goods, software, and technology that is subject to the EAR to Huawei and from procuring such items from Huawei when they have reason to know of any underlying U.S. export control violations in connection with those items. Risk 4. Legal Our business is subject to a variety of laws and regulations, including: = Unethical or inappropriate behavior, which could result in fraud or a breach of regulation or legislation and could, in turn, expose VEON to significant penalties, criminal prosecution and damage to our brand and reputation. = regulation & compliance risks given that we operate in a highly regulated industry, operate in uncertain regulatory environments and are subject to a large number of laws and regulations, which change from time to time, vary between jurisdictions and can attract considerable costs with respect to regulatory compliance. = Unpredictable tax claims, decisions, audits & systems which could give rise to significant uncertainties and risks that could complicate our tax planning and business decisions. = Data privacy since we collect and process customer personal Data , we are subject to an increasing amount of Data privacy laws and regulations. in some cases these laws and regulations also bring restrictions on cross border transfers of personal Data and surveillance related requirements to store Data and contents of communication for minimum periods. the costs and operating consequences of these laws and regulations may affect the performance of our business. = Money Laundering rules which require anti-Money Laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) systems and controls due to our expansion of digital Financial services (DFS) offerings beyond our core telecommunications services. ê Sanctions and export controls risks since we may be subject to, depending on the transaction or business dealing, laws and regulations prescribed by various jurisdictions, including the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. Applicable requirements remain subject to change and may impact our ability to conduct business in certain countries and with certain parties with which we have services, supply or other business arrangements. 56 Risk Examples of how we mitigate Some examples of 2020 developments · We operate a policy of diverse sourcing with respect to equipment suppliers to ensure that we are not overly reliant on any single vendor should a supply disruption arise, including as a consequence of the imposition of sanctions and export controls laws. · We manage a diverse portfolio of emerging markets businesses, which helps ensure that in the event of a market underperforming for whatever reason its impact on the financial and operating performance of the Group as a whole is limited. · We act as long-term investors in the network infrastructure of our operating markets and ensure that our networks are adequately served, including through the provision of off-grid power where necessary. By helping to generate economic activity and prosperity within the communities we serve, we believe our operations can act as a positive catalyst for the broader development of the nations that host us. · In October 2020, VEON concluded an agreement for the sale of VEON’s operating subsidiary in Armenia. The sale of the Armenian operations is in line with VEON’s ambition to simplify the Group’s structure and enhance its operational focus on markets with attractive long-term growth opportunities. · With respect to infrastructure risks, on December 30, 2020, the Russian government decree “On licensing of activities in the field of communication services” introduced a new license requirements to ensure the implementation of requirements related to the stability, security and integrity of the internet. The new provisions came into force on January 1, 2021. The implementation and support of measures to comply with the legislation may lead to substantial investments in the future. 5. Geographical and Political Our geographic footprint subjects us to a variety of political factors and uncertainties which could have a bearing on our business operations. These include: ê Sanction and export controls risks since we may be subject to, depending on the transaction or business dealing, laws and regulations prescribed by various jurisdictions, including the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. Applicable requirements remain subject to change and may impact our ability to conduct business in certain countries and with certain parties with which we have services, supply or other business arrangements. = Emerging markets-related risks given that nine of our nine operating markets are in the developing world and are subject to a varying degree of political, economic and legal variability around issues such as foreign exchange policy, capital controls and rules on foreign investment. = Infrastructure risks given that the physical Infrastructure in some of our markets is in poor condition and may require significant investment by local governments or additional expenditures by us in order to sustain our operations and services. 57 Risk Factors The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or those we currently view to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, you should consider the interrelationship and compounding effects of two or more risks occurring simultaneously. The following summarizes the principal risks that could adversely affect our business, operations and financial results. Before purchasing our American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), you should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this Annual Report including, but not limited to, these risks. In addition to those risk factors, there may be additional risks and uncertainties of which management is not aware or focused on or that management currently deems immaterial. Our business, financial condition or results of operations or prospects could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks, causing the trading price of our securities to decline and you to lose all or part of your investment. • • • • • • • • • • risks relating to changes in political, economic and social conditions in each of the countries in which we operate and where laws are applicable to us (including as a result of armed conflict) such as any harm, reputational or otherwise, that may arise due to changing social norms, our business involvement in a particular jurisdiction or an otherwise unforeseen development in science or technology; in each of the countries in which we operate and where laws are applicable to us, risks relating to legislation, regulation, taxation and currency, including costs of compliance, currency and exchange controls, currency fluctuations, and abrupt changes to laws, regulations, decrees and decisions governing the telecommunications industry and taxation, laws on foreign investment, anti-corruption and anti-terror laws, economic sanctions, data privacy, anti-money laundering, antitrust, national security and lawful interception and their official interpretation by governmental and other regulatory bodies and courts; risks related to the impact of export controls, sanctions, international trade regulation, customs and technology regulation, on our ability, and the ability of important third-party suppliers to procure goods, software or technology necessary to provide services to our customers, particularly services related to the production and delivery of supplies, support services, software, and equipment sourced from these suppliers – for example, between April and July 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) imposed a Denial Order against ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) under the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) which prohibited transactions with ZTE during this time that involved goods, software or technology subject to the EAR and could have led to service degradation and disruption in certain markets, and in May and August 2019, and August 2020, BIS added Huawei Technologies Company Ltd. and 152 of its affiliates (collectively, “Huawei”) to its “Entity List”, which prohibits companies globally from directly or indirectly exporting, reexporting or in-country transferring goods, software, and technology that is subject to the EAR to Huawei and from procuring such items from Huawei when they have reason to know of any underlying U.S. export control violations in connection with those items; risks related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, such as adverse impacts on our financial performance resulting from lockdown restrictions, changes in customer trends and the broader macroeconomic impact of the pandemic on our countries of operation; risks relating to a failure to meet expectations regarding various strategic initiatives, including, but not limited to, changes to our portfolio of operating companies, product and technology offerings, development of networks and customer services; risks related to solvency and other cash flow issues, including our ability to raise the necessary additional capital and incur additional indebtedness, the ability of our subsidiaries to make dividend payments, our ability to develop additional sources of revenue and unforeseen disruptions in our revenue streams; risks that the adjudications by the various regulatory agencies or other parties with whom we are involved in legal challenges, license and regulatory disputes, tax disputes or appeals may not result in a final resolution in our favor or that we are unsuccessful in our defense of material litigation claims or are unable to settle such claims; risks relating to our company and its operations in each of the countries in which we operate and where laws are applicable to us, including demand for and market acceptance of our products and services, regulatory uncertainty regarding our licenses, frequency allocations and numbering capacity, constraints on our spectrum capacity, access to additional bands of spectrum required to meet demand for existing products and service offerings or additional spectrum required from new products and services and new technologies, availability of line capacity, fiber capacity, international gateway access, intellectual property rights protection, labor issues, interconnection agreements, equipment failures and competitive product and pricing pressures; risks related to developments from competition, unforeseen or otherwise, in each of the countries in which we operate and where laws are applicable to us, including our ability to keep pace with technological changes and evolving industry standards; risks related to the activities of our strategic shareholders, lenders, employees, joint venture partners, representatives, agents, suppliers, customers and other third parties; 58 • • • • risks associated with our existing and future transactions, including with respect to realizing the expected synergies of closed transactions, satisfying closing conditions for new transactions, obtaining regulatory approvals, implementing remedies, and assuming related liabilities; risks associated with data protection, data breaches, cyber-attacks or systems and network disruptions, or the perception of such attacks or failures in each of the countries in which we operate, including the costs associated with such events and the reputational harm that could arise therefrom; risks related to the ownership of our ADSs, including those associated with VEON Ltd.’s status as a Bermuda company and a foreign private issuer; and other risks and uncertainties as set forth in Item 3D. Risk Factors. For a more complete discussion of the material risks facing our business, see below. Market Risks We are exposed to foreign currency exchange loss and currency fluctuation and translation risks. A significant amount of our costs, expenditures and liabilities, including capital expenditures and borrowings, is denominated in U.S. dollars and Russian rubles, while a proportion of our revenue is denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars and Russian rubles. Thus, declining values of local currencies against the U.S. dollar could make it more difficult for us to repay or refinance our debt, make dividend payments, comply with covenants under our debt agreements or purchase equipment or services denominated in U.S. dollars, and may also impact our ability to support one jurisdiction with reserves from another jurisdiction. For example, the values of the Russian, Algerian, Ukrainian, Uzbek, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Kazakh currencies have experienced significant volatility in recent years in response to certain political and economic issues, and may continue to decline. Our existing and future hedging strategies may not adequately protect us from exchange rate risks. Our operating metrics, debt coverage metrics, as well as the value of our investments in U.S. dollar terms have been negatively impacted in recent years by foreign currency transactions and translations. Such future currency fluctuations and volatility may result in additional losses or otherwise negatively impact our results of operations despite our ongoing efforts to better match the currency mix of our debt and derivatives with the currencies of our operations. Our hedging strategies may further prove ineffective if, for example, exchange rates fluctuate in response to legislative or regulatory action by a government with respect to its currency, which could lead to adverse developments that harm our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. In addition, the countries in which we operate have historically experienced periods of high levels of inflation, including certain cases of hyperinflation. Our profit margins could be harmed if we are unable to sufficiently increase our prices to offset any significant future increase in the inflation rate, which may be difficult with our mass market and price-sensitive customer base. For more information about foreign currency translation and associated risks, see — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects, — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk and Note 17 — Financial Risk Management to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. We may be unable to develop additional revenue market share in markets where the potential for additional growth of our customer base is limited and customers may demand new services, technologies and increased access, which may require significant capital expenditures. Increasing competition, market saturation and technological development have led to the increased importance of data services and access to next generation technologies such as 4G/LTE in the markets in which we operate, including Russia, Commonwealth of Independent States (“CIS”) countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh and the provision of such technologies and services requires significant capital investment in spectrum and network presenting a risk that we cannot keep up with the demands of our customers. The mobile markets in Russia, Algeria, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia have each reached mobile penetration rates exceeding 100%, according to Omdia and publicly available government sources. As a result, we have become increasingly focused on revenue market share growth in each of these markets. The key components of this strategy are to increase data usage and improve customer loyalty. However, we cannot guarantee that these initiatives will be successful, particularly in markets where the potential for additional growth of our customer base is limited. Failure to develop additional revenue market share could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. For more information on the competition we face in our markets, see “— We operate in highly competitive markets, which we expect to only become more competitive, and as a result may have difficulty expanding our customer base or retaining existing customers.” For more information on our growth strategy, see — Information on the Company. Our revenue is often unpredictable, and our revenue sources are short-term in nature. Our primary source of revenue comes from prepaid mobile customers whom we do not require to enter into long-term contracts. Therefore, we cannot be certain these customers will continue to use our services in the future. Revenue from postpaid mobile customers represents a small percentage of our total operating revenue and the contracts that are required to be signed by such customers can be canceled with limited advance notice and without significant penalty. Because we incur costs based on our expectations of future revenue, the sudden loss of a large number of customers or a failure to accurately predict revenue could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. For example, following the outbreak of COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions imposed across our countries of operations, our revenue projections were 59 frustrated as material disruption to our retail operations resulted in store closures, impacting gross connections and airtime sales. Restrictions on travel resulted in a significant decline in roaming revenues and the loss of migrant customers from our subscriber base, particularly in Russia. The impact of such was only partially offset by increases in fixed line revenue, as lockdowns encouraged home working and schooling. For a description of the key trends and developments with respect to our business, including further discussion of the impact of COVID-19 on our operations and financial performance, see — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Key Developments During 2020. We operate in highly competitive markets, which we expect only to become more competitive, and as a result may have difficulty expanding our customer base or retaining existing customers. The markets in which we operate are highly competitive in nature, and we expect that competition will continue to increase. Our financial performance has been and will continue to be significantly determined by our success in adding, retaining and engaging our customers. As penetration rates increase in the markets in which we operate, we may have difficulty expanding our customer base. If customers find our connectivity and internet services not to be valuable, reliable or trustworthy or otherwise believe competitors in our markets can offer better services, we may have difficulty retaining customers. In addition, as new players enter our markets or existing competitors combine operations, maintaining our market positions will become even more difficult. For more information on the competition in our markets, see — Business Overview. Each of the items discussed immediately below regarding increased competition could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • we cannot assure you that our revenue will grow in the future, as competition puts pressure on prices; with the increasing pace of technological developments, including new digital technologies and regulatory changes impacting our industry, we cannot predict with certainty future business drivers and we cannot assure you that we will adapt to these changes at a competitive pace; we may be forced to utilize more aggressive marketing schemes to retain existing customers and attract new ones that may include lower tariffs, handset subsidies or increased dealer commissions; in more mature or saturated markets, there are limits on the extent to which we can continue to grow our customer base, and the continued growth of our business and results of operations will depend, in part, on our ability to extract greater revenue from our existing customers, including through the expansion of data services and the introduction of next generation technologies, which may prove difficult to accomplish; we may be unable to deliver better customer experience relative to our competitors or our competitors may reach customers more effectively through better use of digital and physical distribution channels, which may negatively impact our revenue and market share; as we expand the scope of our services, such as new networks, fixed-line residential and commercial broadband, Mobile Financial Services ("MFS") and Digital Financial Services ("DFS") offerings, streaming content and other services, we may encounter a greater number of competitors that provide similar services; the liberalization of the regulations in certain markets in which we operate could greatly increase competition; competitors may operate more cost-effectively or have other competitive advantages such as greater financial resources, market presence and network coverage, stronger brand name recognition, higher customer loyalty and goodwill, and more control over domestic transmission lines; competitors, particularly current and former state-controlled telecommunications service providers, may receive preferential treatment from the regulatory authorities and benefit from the resources of their shareholders; current or future relationships among our competitors and third parties may restrict our access to critical systems and resources; new competitors or alliances among competitors could rapidly acquire significant market share, and we may not be able to form similar relationships to capitalize on such opportunities; reduced demand for our core services of voice, messaging and data and the development of services by application developers (commonly referred to as OTT players) could significantly impact our future profitability; competition from OTT players offering similar functionality to us may increase, including digital providers offering VOIP calling, internet messaging and other digital services which compete with our telecommunications services; further our competitors may partner with such OTT players to provide integrated customer experiences, and we may be unable to implement offers, products and technology to compete with the offerings of our telecommunications competitors or to support our commercial partnerships; and our existing service offerings could become disadvantaged as compared to those offered by competitors who can offer bundled combinations of fixed-line, broadband, public Wi-Fi, TV and mobile. 60 We may be unable to keep pace with technological changes and evolving industry standards, which could harm our competitive position and, in turn, materially harm our business. The telecommunications industry is characterized by rapidly evolving technology, industry standards and service demands, which may vary by country or geographic region. Accordingly, our future success will depend on our ability to adapt to the changing technological landscape and the regulation of standards utilizing these technologies. It is possible that the technologies or equipment we utilize today will become obsolete or subject to competition from new technologies in the future for which we may be unable to obtain the appropriate license in a timely manner or at all. We may not be able to meet all of these challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner. For example, with respect to our mobile services, while we continue deploying mobile networks such as 4G/LTE, in some markets the industry is already well advanced in planning for the future deployment of 5G, which is expected to drive continued demand for data in the future. If our licenses and spectrum are not appropriate or sufficient to address changing technology, we may require additional or supplemental licenses and spectrum to implement 5G technology or to upgrade our existing 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE networks to remain competitive, and we may be unable to acquire such licenses and spectrum on reasonable terms or at all. We may need to incur significant capital expenditures to acquire licenses, spectrum or infrastructure to offer new services to our customers or improve our current services. In particular, the introduction of 5G services into our markets may draw additional entrants and require infrastructure capital expenditures for providers seeking to gain or maintain a competitive advantage. As new technologies are developed or upgraded, such as advanced 5G systems and next generation technologies, our equipment may need to be replaced or upgraded or we may need to rebuild our mobile network, in whole or in part. Technological change is also impacting the capabilities of the equipment our customers use, such as mobile handsets, and potential changes in this area may impact demand for our services in the future. Implementing new technologies requires substantial investment. However, there can be no guarantee that we will generate our expected return on any such investments. If we experience substantial problems keeping pace with technological changes and evolving industry standards, it may impair our success with the provision of related services, increase our costs or delay or decrease revenue and profits and therefore hinder recovery of any significant capital investments in such services, as well as our growth. The international economic environment could cause our business to decline. Our operations are subject to macro-economic and political risks that are outside of our control. The current macro- economic environment is volatile, and recent levels of instability in global markets has contributed to the challenging global economic environment in which we operate. As future developments are dependent upon a number of political and economic factors, we cannot accurately predict how long challenging conditions will exist or the extent to which the markets in which we operate may deteriorate. Unfavorable economic conditions may impact a significant number of our current and potential customers’ spending patterns, in terms of both the products they subscribe for and usage levels. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract new customers, more likely that customers will downgrade or disconnect their services and more difficult for us to maintain ARPUs at existing levels. A difficult international economic environment and any future downturns in the economies of markets in which we operate or may operate in the future, or such downturns in the international economic environment in general could also increase our costs (for example, by precipitating higher levels of taxation), prevent us from executing our strategies, hurt our liquidity, or impair our ability to take advantage of future opportunities, to respond to competitive pressures, to refinance existing indebtedness or to meet unexpected financial requirements, all of which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Our financial performance may be affected by ongoing issues in the European Union relating to risks of deflation, sovereign debt levels, the suitability and stability of the euro, including the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. Our financial performance may be affected by ongoing issues in the European Union relating to risks of deflation, sovereign debt levels, the suitability and stability of the euro, including the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union following the expiry of the transition period on December 31, 2020. As a result of the coronavirus or other similar outbreaks or adverse public health developments, our operations, and those of our customers and suppliers, may experience delays or disruptions, such as difficulty obtaining components and temporary suspension of operations. In addition, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent that coronavirus or any other epidemic or outbreak harms the economies in which we operate. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, share price and cost of capital. Our financial performance has also been affected since the COVID-19 outbreak and the restrictions imposed by governments across our countries of operation. Following the introduction of lockdown measures, we saw a significant impact on roaming revenues which largely disappeared in the second quarter of 2020, while the travel restrictions further saw a market reduction in the migrant workforce which is traditionally a source of a large subscriber base in Russia. Network traffic patterns were also impacted as people worked from home, and this required some adjustments to our network deployment plans. As a result of the continued outbreak of COVID-19 and restrictions imposed in our countries of operation, or other similar outbreaks or adverse public health developments, our operations, and those of our customers and suppliers, may experience delays or disruptions, such as difficulty obtaining components and temporary suspension of operations, and our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. International economic sanctions and export controls may also adversely affect our ability to operate. In anticipation of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, the United Kingdom created a new sanctions enforcement agency, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (“OFSI”). In October 2019, OFSI announced a fine against a telecommunications carrier for 61 violations of U.K. sanctions. Also, in the U.S., Congress enacted the Export Controls Act of 2018 (“ECA”) which aims to enhance protection of U.S. technology resources by imposing greater restrictions on the transfer to non-U.S. individuals and companies, particularly through exports to China, of certain key foundational and emerging technologies and cyber-security considered critical to U.S. national security. In recent months, the Department of Commerce has also broadened the scope of U.S. export controls measures to protect a wider range of national security interests, including telecommunications technology, against perceived challenges presented by China. In Russia, the impact of economic sanctions and the significant devaluation of the Russian ruble have negatively impacted the Russian economy and economic outlook, and may also negatively impact our ability to raise external financing. Our operations may also be adversely affected by potential future sanctions by the United States targeting Russia, fueled by broader foreign policy considerations. Throughout 2020, the United States launched stronger sanctions against Russia designed to address increased tensions in foreign conflicts (e.g., in Syria and Venezuela), proliferation of chemical and biological weapons, tensions related to alleged election interference and Russia’s impact on European energy security. The United States included sanctions from the Protecting Europe’s Energy Security Act of 2019 in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”), which threatens asset freezes against companies involved in building the Russian natural gas pipelines to Europe: North Stream 2 and TurkStream. In addition, the U.S. Congress has considered passing new laws that would impose sanctions on a range of Russian persons and entities, including banks, energy companies, defense companies and entities in the intelligence sector, state-owned enterprises, Russian energy projects and sovereign debt, oligarchs, and senior government officials. We could be materially adversely impacted by the imposition of further sanctions. Further confrontation in Ukraine and any escalation of tensions between Russia and the United States and/or the European Union related to the imposition of further sanctions, or continued uncertainty regarding the scope thereof, could have a prolonged adverse impact on the Russian economy. These impacts could be more severe than those experienced to date. In particular, should either the United States or the European Union expand their respective sanctions to include our suppliers or other counterparties, such an expansion could result in substantial legal and other compliance costs and risks on our business operations and could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. If further restrictions are levied on Russian banks, our existing and future Russian ruble loans could be blocked both in relation to our ability to draw them and our ability to service them and may require a change in our repayment terms. The sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union in connection with the Ukraine crisis so far have had an adverse effect on the Russian economy. Tensions between Russia, the European Union and the United States have further increased recently, and there can be no assurance that the governments of the European Union and United States or other countries will not impose further sanctions on Russia. For more on sanctions affecting Russia and how they may affect our operations, see Geopolitical Risks - “Our operations may be adversely affected by ongoing developments in Russia and Ukraine” and Exhibit 99.2 - Regulation of Telecommunications - Sanctions Regimes. Deterioration of macro-economic conditions in the countries in which we operate may also have certain accounting ramifications. A significant difference between the actual performance of our operating companies and the forecasted projections for revenue, Adjusted EBITDA or CAPEX could require us to write down the value of the goodwill, particularly in Russia and Algeria which have significant goodwill balances. In addition, the possible consequences of a financial and economic crisis related to, in particular, customer behavior, the reactions of our competitors in terms of offers and pricing or their responses to new entrants, regulatory adjustments in relation to reductions in consumer prices and our ability to adjust costs and investments in keeping with possible changes in revenue, may also adversely affect our forecasts and lead to a write-down of tangible and intangible assets, including goodwill. Also, significant adverse developments in our share price, and the resulting decrease in our market capitalization may also adversely impact our accounting presentation and lead to a write-down to our goodwill balances. A write-down recorded for tangible and intangible assets resulting in a lowering of their book values could impact certain covenants and provisions under our debt agreements, which could result in a deterioration of our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. For further information on the impairment of tangible and intangible assets and recoverable amounts (particularly key assumptions and sensitivities), see Note 10 - Impairment of Assets to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. For a discussion of the risks associated with the markets where we operate, see Geopolitical Risks - “Investors in emerging markets, where our operations are located, are subject to greater risks than investors in more developed markets, including significant political, legal and economic risks as well as risks related to fluctuations in the global economy.” Liquidity and Capital Risks Substantial amounts of indebtedness and debt service obligations could materially decrease our cash flow, adversely affect our business and financial condition and prevent us from raising additional capital. We have substantial amounts of indebtedness and debt service obligations. As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal amount of our external debt for bonds, bank loans, and other borrowings amounted to approximately US$7.7 billion. In addition to these borrowings, we also have lease liabilities amounting to US$1.9 billion. For more information regarding our outstanding indebtedness and debt agreements, see — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Indebtedness. Agreements under which we borrow funds contain obligations, which include covenants or provisions that impose on us certain operating and financial restrictions. Some of these covenants relate to our financial performance or financial condition, including balance sheet solvency, such as levels or ratios of earnings, debt, equity and assets and may prevent us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional debt. Failure to comply with these covenants or provisions may result in a default, which could increase the cost of securing additional capital, lead to accelerated repayment of our indebtedness or result in the loss of 62 any assets that secure the defaulted indebtedness or to which our creditors otherwise have recourse. Such a default or acceleration of the obligations under one or more of these agreements (including as a result of cross-default or cross- acceleration) could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects, and in particular on our liquidity and our shareholders’ equity. In addition, covenants in our debt agreements could restrict our liquidity and our ability to expand or finance our future operations. For a discussion of agreements under which we borrow funds, see Note 15 — Investments, Debt and Derivatives to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Aside from the risk of default, given our substantial amounts of indebtedness and the limits imposed by our debt obligations, our business could suffer significant negative consequences such as the need to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to repayment of our debt, thereby reducing funds available for paying dividends, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, joint ventures and other purposes necessary for us to maintain our competitive position, flexibility and resiliency in the face of general adverse economic or industry conditions. We may not be able to raise additional capital, or we may only be able to raise additional capital at significantly increased costs. We may need to raise additional capital in the future, including through debt financing. If we incur additional indebtedness, the risks that we now face related to our indebtedness and debt service obligations could increase. Specifically, we may not be able to generate enough cash to pay the principal, interest and other amounts due under our indebtedness or we may not be able to borrow money within local or international markets on acceptable terms, or at all. We may also be impacted by conditions or local legal requirements in local or international markets that make it difficult to raise capital, refinance existing debt or to service existing indebtedness. As more of our debt is denominated in local currencies, it may become more difficult to support one jurisdiction with reserves from another jurisdiction. Our ability to raise additional capital, and the cost of raising additional capital, may also be affected by any downgrade of our credit ratings, which may happen for reasons outside our control and could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, economic sanctions which may be imposed in the future by the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, or other countries or organizations, including in connection with developments in Russia and Ukraine, may also negatively affect our existing financing and our ability to service it and our ability to secure future external financing, particularly if the sanctions are broadened. Furthermore, the announced restrictions on use of and future elimination of the LIBOR benchmark, expected from June 2023 for U.S. dollar LIBOR and December 2021 for other currencies, or any other benchmark, changes in the manner of administration of any benchmark, or actions by regulators or law enforcement agencies could result in changes to the manner in which EURIBOR or LIBOR is determined, which could require an adjustment to the terms and conditions, or result in other consequences, in respect of any of our current or future debt linked to such benchmark. If we are unable to raise additional capital in the market in which we want to raise it, or at all, or if the cost of raising additional capital significantly increases, we may be unable to make necessary or desired capital expenditures, take advantage of investment opportunities, refinance existing indebtedness or meet unexpected financial requirements, and our growth strategy and liquidity may be negatively affected. This could cause us to be unable to repay indebtedness as it comes due, to delay or abandon anticipated expenditures and investments or otherwise limit operations, which could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. A change in control of VEON Ltd. could harm our financial condition and business. Our financing agreements across the VEON group generally have “change of control” provisions that may require us to make a prepayment if a person or group of persons (with limited exclusions) directly or indirectly acquire beneficial or legal ownership of or control over more than 50.0% of our share capital or the ability to appoint a majority of directors to our board. If such a change of control provision is triggered and we fail to agree necessary amendments to our bond or loan documentation and then fail to make any required prepayment, it could trigger cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions of our other financing agreements, which could lead to our obligations being declared immediately due and payable. A change of control could also impact other contracts and relationships with third parties and may require a renegotiation or reorganization of certain contracts or undertakings. This could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Operational Risks Our strategic initiatives may not be successfully implemented and the benefits we expect to achieve may not be realized. We continue to transform our business with the aim of improving our operations across all markets in which we operate. This transformation is working to expand our growth opportunities beyond traditional voice and access data provision into new digitally-enabled services. We are also developing new IT capabilities, including local platforms that enable our customers to manage their accounts and services independently (“self-care”), digital applications (e.g. TV, music, financial services), billing systems, customer relationship management systems, enterprise resource management systems, human capital management systems and enterprise performance management systems; and reducing and simplifying our IT cost base. There can be no assurance that this strategy will generate the results we expect. We may experience implementation issues due to a lack of coordination or cooperation with our operating companies or third parties, significant change in key personnel or otherwise encounter unforeseen issues, such as technological limitations, regulatory constraints or lack of customer engagement, which could frustrate our expectations regarding cost-optimization and process redesign or otherwise delay or hinder execution of 63 these initiatives. As a result, these directional improvements may not be successful, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. As a holding company, VEON Ltd. depends on the performance of its subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends or make other transfers to VEON Ltd. and may therefore be affected by a variety of local legal or regulatory changes, including changes in exchange controls and currency restrictions in the countries in which its subsidiaries operate. VEON Ltd. is a holding company and does not conduct any revenue-generating business operations of its own. Its principal assets are the direct and indirect equity interests it owns in its operating subsidiaries, and thus VEON Ltd. depends on cash dividends, distributions, loans or other transfers received from its subsidiaries to make dividend payments to its shareholders and service interest and principal payments in respect of its indebtedness, including holders of ADSs and ordinary shares, and to meet other obligations. The ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends and make other transfers to VEON Ltd. depends on the success of their businesses and is not guaranteed. VEON Ltd.’s subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities. Any right that VEON Ltd. has to receive any assets of, or distributions from, any subsidiary upon its bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization, or to realize proceeds from the sale of the assets of any subsidiary, may be junior to the claims of that subsidiary’s creditors, including trade creditors. Furthermore, our ability to withdraw funds and dividends from our subsidiaries and operating companies may depend on the consent of our strategic partners where applicable. The ability of VEON Ltd.’s subsidiaries to pay dividends and make payments or loans to VEON Ltd., and to guarantee the VEON group’s debt, will depend on their operating results and may be restricted by applicable corporate, tax and other laws and regulations, including restrictions on dividends, limitations on repatriation of cash and earnings and on the making of loans and repayment of debts, monetary transfer restrictions, covenants in debt agreements, and foreign currency exchange and related restrictions in certain agreements or certain jurisdictions in which VEON Ltd.’s subsidiaries operate or both. For more information on the legal and regulatory risks associated with our markets, see Regulatory, Compliance and Legal Risks — “We operate in uncertain judicial and regulatory environments.” For more information on the restrictions on dividend payments, see Geopolitical Risks — “The banking systems in many countries in which we operate remain underdeveloped, there are a limited number of creditworthy banks in these countries with which we can conduct business and currency control requirements restrict activities in certain markets in which we have operations.” Initiatives to merge with or acquire other companies or businesses, divest our companies, businesses or assets or to otherwise invest in or form strategic partnerships with third parties may divert management attention and resources away from our underlying business operations, and such efforts may not yield the benefits that were expected, or subject us to additional liabilities and higher costs from integration efforts or otherwise. We seek from time to time to merge with or acquire other companies or businesses, divest our companies or businesses or form strategic partnerships through investments, the formation of joint ventures or otherwise, for various strategic reasons, including to: simplify our corporate structure; pursue optimal competitive positions in markets in which we have operations; divest certain operations, business lines or assets, including infrastructure assets; acquire more frequency spectrum; acquire new technologies and service capabilities; share our networks or infrastructure; add new customers; increase market penetration; expand into new or enhance “non-telecommunications” services such as digital financial services, banking or digital content; and expand into new markets. Our ability to implement successful mergers, acquisitions, strategic partnerships or investments depends upon our ability to identify, evaluate, negotiate the terms of, complete and integrate suitable businesses and to obtain any necessary financing and the prior approval of any relevant regulatory bodies. These efforts could divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our underlying business operations. Following any such merger, acquisition, strategic partnerships or investment or failure of any such transaction to materialize (including any such failure caused by regulatory or third-party challenges), we may experience: • • • • • • • difficulties in realizing expected synergies and investment returns from acquired companies, joint ventures, investments or other forms of strategic partnerships; unsuccessful integration of personnel, products, property and technologies into our existing business; higher or unforeseen costs of integration or capital expenditures (including the time and resources of our personnel required to successfully integrate any combined businesses); difficulties relating to the acquired or formed companies’ or our partnerships’ compliance with telecommunications or other regulatory licenses and permissions, compliance with laws, regulations and contractual obligations, ability to obtain and maintain favorable interconnect terms, frequencies and numbering capacity and ability to protect our intellectual property; adverse market reactions stemming from competitive and other pressures; difficulties in retaining key employees of the merged or acquired business or strategic partnerships who are necessary to manage the relevant businesses; difficulties in maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies throughout our businesses; 64 • • • • risks related to loss of full control of a merged business, or not having the ability to adequately control and manage an acquired business, strategic partnership or investment; risks that different geographic regions present, such as currency exchange risks, competition, regulatory, political, economic and social developments, which may, among other things, restrict our ability to successfully capitalize on our acquisition, merger, joint venture or investment; adverse customer reaction to the business acquisition or combination; and increased liability and exposure to contingencies that we did not contemplate at the time of the merger, acquisition, strategic partnership or investment, including tax liabilities. In addition, a merger, acquisition, strategic partnership or investment could materially impair our operating results by causing us to incur debt or requiring us to amortize merger or acquisition expenses and merged or acquired assets. We may not be able to assess ongoing profitability and identify all actual or potential liabilities or issues of a business prior to a merger, acquisition, strategic partnership or investment. If we merge with, acquire, form strategic partnerships with, or invest in businesses or assets and it results in assuming unforeseen liabilities or we have not obtained contractual protections or such protection is not available, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects could be adversely affected. As we investigate industry consolidation, our risks may increase. Our integration and consolidation of such businesses may also lead to changes in our operational efficiencies or structure. For more information about our recent transactions, see Note 9 - Significant Transactions to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. From time to time, we may seek to divest some of our businesses, including divestitures of operations in certain markets, infrastructure or business lines, but such divestitures may take longer than anticipated or may not happen at all. If these or other divestitures do not occur, close later than expected or do not deliver expected benefits, this may result in decreased cash proceeds to the group and continued operations of non-core businesses that divert the attention of our management. Our success with any divestiture is dependent on effectively and efficiently separating the divested asset or business and reducing or eliminating associated overhead costs which may prove difficult or costly for us. There could also be transitional or business continuity risks or both associated with these divestitures that may impact our service levels and business targets. Further, in some cases, we may agree to indemnify acquiring parties for certain liabilities arising from our former businesses. Failure to successfully implement or complete a divestiture could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Our strategic partnerships and relationships carry inherent business risks. We participate in strategic partnerships and joint ventures in a number of countries, including in Pakistan (Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited, "PMCL"), Kazakhstan (KaR-Tel LLP and TNS-Plus LLP), Algeria (Omnium Telecom Algérie S.p.A., "OTA"), Uzbekistan (Joint Venture Buzton LLC), Kyrgyzstan (“Sky Mobile” LLC and Terra LLC), Georgia (“VEON Georgia” LLC) and Singapore (a minority holding in Shopup Pte. Ltd.). In addition, in Algeria, our local partner is a government institution, which could increase our exposure to the risks discussed in — Geopolitical Risks. We do not always have a controlling stake in our affiliated companies and even when we do, our actions with respect to these affiliated companies may be restricted to some degree by shareholders’ agreements entered into with our strategic partners. In addition, our ability to withdraw funds and dividends from these entities may depend on the consent of partners. If disagreements develop with our partners, or any existing disagreements are exacerbated, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects may be harmed. For example, in Algeria, our partner can acquire the shares held by GTH at fair market value in various circumstances (including, generally, change in VEON’s indirect control of OTA, insolvency of GTH or VEON or material breach of the shareholders’ agreement by GTH), as well as under call option arrangements exercisable solely at its discretion between October 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. Concurrently, GTH has a right to require our partner in Algeria to acquire its shares in various circumstances (including, generally, change of control of the Algerian National Investment Fund, material breach of the shareholders’ agreement by the Algerian National Investment Fund, loss of VEON’s ability to consolidate OTA, the taking of certain actions in Algeria against GTH or OTA, failure by OTA to pay a minimum dividend or imposition of certain tax assessments), as well as under put option arrangements exercisable solely at its discretion between July 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021. In September 2020, in Pakistan, our partner the Dhabi Group, exercised its put option to sell us, at fair value (based on a mechanism established under the applicable shareholders’ agreement), its 15% shareholding in PMCL, the operating company of our subsidiary Jazz. Completion of the transfer remains subject to the conclusion of the contractual transfer mechanics with the Dhabi Group, and once completed, VEON will indirectly own 100% of PMCL. If one of our strategic partners becomes subject to investigation, sanctions or liability, or does not act in accordance with our standards, we might be adversely affected. Furthermore, strategic partnerships in emerging markets are accompanied by risks inherent to those markets, such as an increased possibility of a partner defaulting on obligations or losing a partner with important insights in that region. If any of the above circumstances occur, or we otherwise determine that a partnership or joint venture is no longer yielding the benefits we expect to achieve, we may decide to unwind such initiative, which may result in significant transaction costs or an inferior outcome than was expected when we entered into such partnership or joint venture. 65 We depend on third parties for certain services and equipment, infrastructure and other products important to our business. We rely on third parties to provide services and products important for our operations. We currently purchase the majority of our network-related equipment from a core number of suppliers, principally Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia, Cisco and ZTE. The successful build-out and operation of our networks depends heavily on obtaining adequate supplies of core and transmission telecommunications equipment, fiber, switching equipment, radio access network solutions, base stations and other services and products on a timely basis. From time to time, we have experienced delays in receiving equipment, installation of equipment, and maintenance services. Delivery of equipment can be delayed by new and existing telecommunications regulations, customs regulations and governmental investigations or enforcement actions. Our vendors’ ability to deliver on key network and IT projects can be affected by global events such as pandemics, as we saw in the recent COVID-19 pandemic, by trade tensions and new regulations. Our business could be materially impacted by disruptions to our core suppliers’ businesses or supply chains, due to developments such as significant geopolitical events, changes in law or regulation, public health issues (such as the coronavirus), and export and re-export restrictions that affect our and our suppliers’ ability to procure goods, software or technology necessary for the service, production and satisfactory delivery of the supplies, support services, and equipment that we source from them. For example, in May and August 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce added Huawei and 114 of its affiliates to its “Entity List”, prohibiting companies globally from directly or indirectly exporting, re-exporting or transferring (in- country) all items subject to the EAR to Huawei and procuring items from Huawei when they know or have reason to know that the items were originally procured by Huawei in violation of the EAR. Further restrictions adopted by the United States, or any other applicable jurisdiction, on Huawei could potentially have a material adverse impact on our operations in certain markets where we are reliant on Huawei equipment or services. Specifically, any restriction on Huawei’s ability to deliver equipment or services, or on our ability to receive such equipment or services, could adversely impact our business, the operation of our networks and our ability to comply with the terms of our operating licenses and local laws and regulations. We have and may continue to outsource all or a portion of construction, maintenance services, IT infrastructure hosting and network capabilities in certain markets in which we operate. For example, our digital stacks and data management platforms are dependent on third parties. We have also partially implemented outsourcing initiatives in a number of markets including Russia and Kazakhstan. For more information on such initiatives, see - Property, Plants and Equipment. Our business could be materially harmed if our agreements with third parties were to terminate, if our partners experience certain negative developments (financial, legal, regulatory or otherwise), or a dispute between us and such parties occurs, causing the parties to no longer be able to deliver the required services on a timely basis or at all or otherwise fulfill their obligations under our agreements with them. If such events occur, we may attempt to renegotiate the terms of such agreements with the third parties. For example, in February 2019, we entered into a revised agreement with Ericsson to upgrade core IT systems in several countries with new digital business support systems (DBSS). For more information on this revised agreement, see - Business Overview - Information Technology. There can be no assurance that the terms of such amended agreements will be more favorable to us than those of the original agreements. For more information, see — Property, Plants and Equipment. As a result, the implementation of such initiatives, including our digital stacks and data management platforms, is dependent on third parties. We also depend on third parties, including software providers and service providers, for our day-to-day business operations. For example, we rely on roaming partners to provide services to our customers while they are outside the countries in which we operate and on interconnect providers to complete calls that originate on our networks but terminate outside our networks, or that originate outside our networks and terminate on our networks. Certain roaming partners have been targeted by sanctions restrictions which has led us to change or terminate certain roaming relationships. We also rely on handset providers to provide the equipment used on our networks. Many of our mobile products and services are sold to customers through third party channels. These third-party retailers, agents and dealers that we use to distribute and sell products are not under our control and may stop distributing or selling our products at any time or may more actively promote the products and services of our competitors. Should this occur with particularly important retailers, agents or dealers, we may face difficulty in finding new retailers, sales agents or dealers that can generate the same level of revenue. Any negative developments regarding the third parties on which we depend could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. The telecommunications industry is highly capital intensive and requires substantial and ongoing expenditures of capital. The telecommunications industry is highly capital intensive. Our success depends to a significant degree on our ability to keep pace with new developments in technology, to develop and market innovative products and to update our facilities and process technology, which will require additional capital expenditures in the future. The amount and timing of our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including acceptance of and demand for our products and services, the extent to which we invest in new technology and research and development projects, the status and timing of competitive developments, and certain regulatory requirements. Although we regularly consider and take measures to improve our capital efficiency, including selling capital intensive segments of our business and entering into managed services and network sharing agreements with respect to towers and other assets, our levels of capital expenditure will remain significant. If we do not have sufficient resources from our operations to finance necessary capital expenditures, we may be required to raise additional debt or equity financing, which may not be available when needed or on terms favorable to us or at all. If we are unable to obtain adequate funds on acceptable terms, or at 66 all, we may be unable to develop or enhance our products, take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. For more information on our future liquidity needs, see — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Future Liquidity and Capital Requirements. Cyber-attacks and other cybersecurity threats may lead to compromised or inaccessible telecommunications, digital and financial services and/or leaks or unauthorized processing of confidential information, and perceptions of such threats may cause customers to lose confidence in our services. Each of our subsidiaries is responsible for managing cybersecurity risks locally, including all operational preventive, detective and response capabilities, and as a group our operations and business continuity depend on how well these subsidiaries collectively protect and maintain our network equipment, information technology (“IT”) systems and other assets. Due to the nature of the services we offer across our geographical footprint, we are exposed to cybersecurity threats that could negatively impact our business activities through service degradation, alteration or disruption, including a risk of unauthorized access to our systems, networks and data by third parties, whether private or state-sponsored, utilizing unidentified existing or new weaknesses, flaws or backdoors into network or IT systems. Cybersecurity threats could also lead to the compromise of our physical assets dedicated to processing or storing customer and employee information, financial data and strategic business information, exposing this information to possible leakage, unauthorized dissemination and loss of confidentiality. These events could result in reputational harm, lawsuits against us by customers, employees or other third parties, violations of data protection and telecommunications laws, adverse actions by telecommunications regulators and other authorities, an inability to operate our digital services or our wireless or fixed-line networks, loss of revenue from business interruption, loss of market share or significant additional costs. In addition, the potential liabilities associated with these events could exceed the cyber insurance coverage we maintain and certain violations of data protection and telecommunications laws (including as a result of data leakage) are administrative or criminal offenses in some countries, and can result in suspension of operating licenses, imprisonment or fines for the entity and/or the individuals involved. Although we devote significant resources to the development and improvement of our IT and security systems, we are and will continue to remain vulnerable to cyber-attacks and other cybersecurity threats that could lead to compromised or inaccessible telecommunications, digital and financial services and/or leaks or unauthorized processing of confidential information, including customer information. Our systems are vulnerable to harmful viruses and the spread of malicious software that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of technology assets. In addition, unauthorized users or hackers may access and process the customer and business information we hold, or authorized users may improperly process such data. Such risks are inherent in our business operations and we will never be able to fully insulate ourselves from these risks. Our systems will remain vulnerable to attacks by third parties who are able to thwart the safeguards we have in place with tactics that are unforeseen or prove to be too sophisticated. Moreover, we may experience cyber-attacks and IT and network failures and outrages due to factors under our control, such as malfunction of technology assets or services caused by obsolescence, wear or defects in design or manufacturing, faults during standard or extraordinary maintenance procedures, unforeseen absence of key personnel, and the inability to protect our systems from phishing attacks. From time to time, we have experienced cyber-attacks of varying degrees to gain access to our computer systems and networks. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 20-F, we have suffered various cybersecurity incidents, which targeted our internal infrastructure but were contained by our response teams and generated limited or negligible impacts. In addition, we have identified unauthorized access to some of our network systems, possibly with the intention to capture information or manipulate the communications. Although we found no evidence that any such capture or manipulation was performed, we cannot guarantee that they did not take place, that all such attempts will be successfully thwarted in the future or that the impact of such attempts, if successful, would not be material to our business. There is also a possibility that we are not currently aware of certain undisclosed vulnerabilities in our IT systems and other assets. In such an event, hackers or other cybercrime groups (whether private or state-sponsored) may exploit such vulnerabilities, weaknesses or unidentified backdoors (including previously unidentified designed weaknesses embedded into network or IT equipment allowing access by private or government actors) or may be able to cause harm more quickly than we are able to mitigate (zero-day exploits). Our business is also subject to disruption by computer malware or other technical or operational issues. Although our subsidiaries have implemented cyber-security strategies for mitigating these risks, we cannot be sure that our network and information technology systems will not be subject to such issues, or, if they are, that we will be able to maintain the integrity of our customers’ and employees’ data or that malware or other technical or operational issues will not disrupt our network or systems and cause significant harm to our operations. For example, in recent years, we have experienced infections by malware, advanced persistent threats, and network service interruptions during installations of new software. In some regions, our equipment for the provision of mobile services resides in a limited number of locations or buildings. Disruption to the security or operation of these locations or buildings could result in disruption of our mobile services in those regions. Moreover, the implementation of our transformation strategies may result in under-investments or failures in internal business processes, which may in turn result in greater vulnerability to technical or operational issues, including harm from failure to detect malware. If our services are affected by such attacks and malware and this degrades our services, our products and services may be perceived as being vulnerable to cyber risk and the integrity of our data protection systems may be questioned. As a result, users and customers may curtail or stop using our products and services, and we may incur litigation exposure, regulatory fines, penalties, reimbursement or other compensatory costs. 67 Our equipment and systems are subject to disruption and failure for various reasons which could cause us to lose customers, limit our growth, violate our licenses or reduce the confidence of our customers in our ability to securely hold their personal data. Our business depends on providing customers with reliability, capacity and security. Our technological infrastructure is vulnerable to damage or disruptions from other events, including natural disasters, military conflicts, power outages, terrorist acts, riots, government shutdown orders, changes in government regulation, equipment or system failures or an inability to access or operate such equipment or systems, human error or intentional wrongdoings, such as breaches of our network, cyber- attacks or any other types of information technology security threats. For example, we may experience network or technology failures or a leak or unauthorized processing of confidential customer data if our technology assets are altered, damaged, destroyed or misused, by employees, third parties or users, either intentionally or due to human error. In addition, as we operate in countries which may have an increased threat of terrorism and military conflict, incidents on or near our premises, equipment or points of sale could result in causalities, property damage, business interruption, legal liability and damage to our brand or reputation. Interruptions of services could harm our reputation and reduce the confidence of our customers to hold their personal data, and consequently impair our ability to obtain and retain customers and could lead to a violation of the terms of our licenses, each of which could materially harm our business. In addition, the potential liabilities associated with these events could exceed the business interruption insurance we maintain. Our ability to profitably provide telecommunications services depends in part on the terms of our interconnection agreements and access to third-party owned infrastructure and networks. Our ability to secure and maintain interconnection agreements with other wireless and local, domestic and international fixed-line operators and, upon access to infrastructure, networks and connections that are owned or controlled by third parties and governments, on cost-effective terms is critical to the economic viability of our operations. The countries in which we operate have a limited number of international cable connections providing access to internet, data service and call interconnection and such international connections may be controlled by national governments that may seek to control or restrict access from time to time or impose conditions on pricing and availability which may impact our access and the competitiveness of our pricing. Outages, disconnections or restrictions, including governmental, to access affecting these international connections can have a significant impact on our ability to offer services and data connectivity to our customers. Interconnection is required to complete calls that originate on our respective networks but terminate outside our respective networks, or that originate from outside our respective networks and terminate on our respective networks. In certain jurisdictions in which we operate, the relevant regulator sets mobile termination rates (“MTRs”). If any such regulator sets MTRs that are lower for us than the MTRs of our competitors, our interconnection costs may be higher and our interconnection revenues may be lower, relative to our competitors. Moreover, even in cases of equal MTRs on the market for all players, the lowered MTR significantly impacts our revenues on a particular market. A significant increase in our interconnection costs, or decrease in our interconnection rates, as a result of new regulations, commercial decisions by other fixed-line operators, increased inflation rates in the countries in which we operate or a lack of available line capacity for interconnection could harm our ability to provide services, which could in turn harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. For more information on our interconnection agreements, see — Business Overview. Our intellectual property rights are costly and difficult to protect, and we cannot guarantee that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property rights will be adequate. We regard our copyrights, service marks, trademarks, trade names, trade secrets, know-how and similar intellectual property, including our rights to certain domain names, as important to our continued success. For example, our widely recognized logos, such as “VEON”, “Beeline” (Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan), “Kyivstar” (Ukraine), “Jazz” (Pakistan), “Djezzy” (Algeria) and “banglalink” (Bangladesh), have played an important role in building brand awareness for our services and products. We rely upon trademark and copyright law, trade secret protection and confidentiality or license agreements with our employees, customers, partners and others to protect our proprietary rights. However, intellectual property rights are especially difficult to protect in many of the markets in which we operate. In these markets, the regulatory agencies charged to protect intellectual property rights are inadequately funded, legislation is underdeveloped, piracy is commonplace and enforcement of court decisions is difficult. We are in the process of registering, and maintaining and defending the registration of, the VEON name and logo as trademarks in the jurisdictions in which we operate and other key territories, along with our other key trademarks and tradenames, logos and designs. As of the date of this Annual Report, we have achieved registration of the VEON name in thirteen of the seventeen jurisdictions sought (although in only certain classes in the European Union), with the remaining four pending. With respect to the logo, we have achieved registration in thirteen of the seventeen jurisdictions sought (although in only certain classes in the European Union and Bermuda), with the remaining four pending. The timeline and process required to obtain trademark registration can vary widely between jurisdictions. As we continue our investment into a growing ecosystem of local digital services, we will need to ensure that we have adequate legal rights to the ownership or use of necessary source code, content, and other intellectual property rights associated with our systems, products and services. For example, a number of platforms and non-connectivity services offered by VEON and its operating companies are developed using source code created in conjunction with third parties. We rely on a combination of contractual provisions and intellectual property law to protect our proprietary technology and software, access to and use of source code and other necessary intellectual property. Third parties may infringe or misappropriate our intellectual property. As 68 the number of convergent product offerings, such as JazzCash or Beeline TV, and overlapping product functions increase, the possibility of intellectual property infringement claims against us may increase. Any such litigation may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, and adverse litigation outcomes could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. We may have to litigate to enforce and protect our copyrights, trademarks, trade names, trade secrets and know-how or to determine their scope, validity or enforceability. In that event, we may be required to incur significant costs, and our efforts may not prove successful. The inability to secure or protect our intellectual property assets could have a material adverse effect on our business and our ability to compete. In addition, new intellectual property laws or regulations may require us to invest substantial resources or may be unclear. Current and new intellectual property laws may affect the ability of companies, including us, to protect their innovations and defend against claims of intellectual property rights infringement. The costs of compliance with these laws and regulations are high and are likely to increase in the future. Claims have been, or may be threatened and/or filed against us for intellectual property infringement based on the nature and content in our products and services, or content generated by our users. Current and new intellectual property laws may affect the ability of companies, including us, to effectively protect their innovations and defend against claims of intellectual property rights infringement. The costs of compliance with these laws and regulations are high and are likely to increase in the future. Claims have been, or may be threatened and/or filed against us for intellectual property infringement based on the nature and content in our products and services, or content generated by our users. We depend on our senior management and highly skilled personnel, and, if we are unable to retain or motivate key personnel, hire qualified personnel, or implement our strategic goals or corporate culture through our personnel, we may not be able to maintain our competitive position or to implement our business strategy. Our performance and ability to maintain our competitive position and to implement our business strategy is dependent in certain important respects on our global senior management team, highly skilled personnel and their level of continuity. In the markets in which we operate, competition for qualified personnel with relevant expertise is intense. There is sometimes limited availability of individuals with the requisite knowledge of the telecommunications and the digital services industries, the relevant experience and, in the case of expatriates, the ability or willingness to accept work assignments in certain of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We have experienced in recent years, and may continue to experience, certain changes in key management. The loss of any key personnel or an inability to attract, train, retain and motivate qualified members of senior management or highly skilled personnel could have an adverse impact on our ability to compete and to implement new business models and could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. In addition, we may not succeed in instilling our corporate culture and values in new or existing employees, which could delay or hamper the implementation of our strategic priorities, or our compensation schemes may not always be successful in attracting new qualified employees and retaining and motivating our existing employees. Our success is also dependent on our personnel’s ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments and to perform in pace with continuous innovations and industry developments. We also may, from time to time, make adjustments or changes to our operating and governance model and there is a risk in such instances that our personnel and the overall organization may not effectively adapt. Although we devote significant attention to recruiting and training, there can be no assurance that our existing personnel will successfully be able to adapt to and support our strategic priorities. There is also a possibility that we are unable to attract qualified individuals with the requisite skills to implement our digital initiatives or other business strategies. We face uncertainty regarding our frequency allocations and may experience limited spectrum capacity for providing wireless services, and are subject to risk that government action results in requiring us to transfer our existing spectrum allocations. To establish and commercially launch mobile and fixed wireless telecommunications networks, we need to receive frequency allocations for bandwidths within the frequency bands in the regions in which we operate. The availability of spectrum is limited, closely regulated and can be expensive, and we may not be able to obtain it from the regulator or third parties at all or at a price that we deem to be commercially acceptable given competitive conditions or without the imposition of certain service obligations, which could be burdensome. There are a limited number of frequencies available for mobile operators in each of the regions in which we operate or hold licenses to operate. We are dependent on access to adequate frequency allocation in each such market in order to maintain and expand our customer base. In the past, we have experienced difficulties in obtaining adequate frequency allocation in some of the markets in which we operate. For instance, in Russia, we have previously been unable to obtain frequency allocations in an assigned frequency band for LTE network development and, in Bangladesh, while we are currently one of the largest operators, we until recently held a disproportionately small amount of the frequency spectrum. In addition, frequency allocations may be issued for periods that are shorter than the terms of our licenses, and such allocations may not be renewed in a timely manner, or at all. We are also subject to the risk that government action impairs our frequency allocations or spectrum capacity. For example, in 2017, the government of Uzbekistan published a decision ordering the equitable reallocation amongst all telecommunications providers in the market, which has affected approximately half of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz radio frequencies of our Uzbek subsidiary, Unitel LLC. The decision, which also granted tech neutrality in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, came into force on March 31, 2018. In addition, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation (formerly, the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation) has published a number of regulations regarding frequency allocation, consolidation and conversation, and increase of spectrum fees. 69 We may also be subject to increases in fee payments for frequency allocations under the terms of some of our licenses or to obtain new licenses. Legislation in many countries in which we operate, including Russia and Pakistan, requires that we make payments for frequency spectrum usage. As a whole, the fees for all available frequency assignments, as well as allotted frequency bands for different mobile communications technologies, have been significant. For example, in Pakistan, the PTA issued a license renewal decision on July 22, 2019 requiring payment of an aggregate price of approximately US$450 million, a price which we are currently disputing in the Islamabad High Court, where the most recent hearing on this matter was concluded on March 1, 2021 and a judgment is now pending. Any significant increase in the fees payable for the frequencies that we use or for additional frequencies that we need could have a negative effect on our financial results. We expect that the fees we pay for radio-frequency spectrum, including radio-frequency spectrum renewals, could substantially increase in some or all of the countries in which we operate, and any such increase could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. If our frequency allocations are limited, we are unable to renew our frequency allocations or obtain new frequencies to allow us to provide mobile or fixed wireless services on a commercially feasible basis, our network capacity and our ability to provide these services would be constrained and our ability to expand would be limited, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. 70 Regulatory, Compliance and Legal Risks We operate in uncertain judicial and regulatory environments, which may result in unanticipated outcomes that harm our business. In many of the emerging market countries where we operate, the application of the laws and regulations of any particular country is frequently unclear and may result in unpredictable outcomes, including: • • • restrictions or delays in obtaining additional numbering capacity, receiving new licenses and frequencies, receiving regulatory approvals for rolling out our networks in the regions for which we have licenses, receiving regulatory approvals for the use of changes to our frequency, receiving regulatory approvals of our tariffs plans and importing and certifying our equipment; significant additional costs, including fines and penalties, operational burdens and other difficulties associated with not complying in a timely manner, or at all, with new or existing legislation or the terms of any notices or warnings received from the telecommunications and other regulatory authorities; and adverse rulings or audit findings by courts or government authorities resulting from a change in interpretation or inconsistent application of existing law, each of which may cause delays in implementing our strategies and business plans and create a more challenging operating environment. If we are found to be involved in practices that do not comply with applicable laws or regulations, we may be exposed to significant fines, the risk of prosecution or the suspension or loss of our licenses, frequency allocations, authorizations or various permissions, any of which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. New or proposed changes to laws or new interpretations of existing laws in the markets in which we operate may harm our business. We are subject to a variety of national and local laws and regulations in the countries in which we do business. These laws and regulations apply to many aspects of our business. Violations of applicable laws or regulations could damage our reputation or result in regulatory or private actions with substantial penalties or damages, including the revocation of our licenses. In addition, any significant changes in such laws or regulations or their interpretation, or the introduction of higher standards, additional obligations or more stringent laws or regulations, including revision in regulations for license and frequency allocation and changes in foreign policy or trade restrictions and regulations (such as those resulting from recent tariff disputes between the United States and China) could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. For example, in some of the markets in which we operate, SIM verification and re-verification initiatives have been implemented. In Pakistan, our subsidiary was required to re-verify more than 38 million SIM cards in 2016, with operators blocking all SIM cards that could not be verified. This resulted in a loss of approximately 13% of its customer base. In addition, the Pakistan Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016 introduced sentencing and heavy fines for certain traditional marketing activities, thus directly impacting how we conduct our business. Similar actions may be contemplated or introduced in other markets in which we operate. In addition to customer losses, such requirements can result in claims from legitimate customers who are incorrectly blocked, fines, license suspensions and other liabilities for failure to comply with the requirements. To the extent re-verification and/or new verification requirements are imposed in the jurisdictions in which we operate, it could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Many jurisdictions in which we operate have seen the adoption of data localization and protection laws that prohibit the collection of certain personal data through servers located outside of the respective jurisdictions. For example, in Russia, telecommunications operators are required to provide information to Russian investigative authorities and gradually install pre- approved equipment to ensure storage of metadata for three years and contents of communications for six months pursuant to Federal Law No 374-FZ (commonly referred to as the Yarovaya laws). Violation of these laws by an operator may result in fines, suspension of activities or license revocation. For more information on the Yarovaya laws, see “Anti-terror legislation passed in Russia and other jurisdictions could result in additional operating costs and capital expenditures and may harm our business.” In some jurisdictions in which we operate legislation is being implemented to establish a legal framework for preventing cyber-attacks and protecting critical information infrastructure. For example, Russian telecommunications operators are obliged to take various measures to protect their information infrastructure, provide reliable data transmission channels and inform government agencies and partners about incidents on critical information infrastructure. In addition, Federal Law No. 90-FZ “On certain amendments to the Federal Law ‘On communications’ and Federal Law ‘On information, information technologies and information protection’” (commonly referred to as the RuNet law) was adopted in Russia in 2019. The RuNet law is aimed at the development of an autonomous system that can support the operation of the internet in Russia in the event of disconnection from the global network and allow the Russian government to centralize, control and restrict data traffic in case of certain emergencies as may be determined by the Russian authorities. The provisions of the RuNet law impose a number of obligations that aim to ensure the centralization and control over data traffic on a broad range of persons. Telecommunications operators, including us, are required to, among other things, install counter-threat equipment to be provided by the Russian authorities, participate in trainings and file certain notifications to the Russian authorities. We are in the process of ensuring compliance with these requirements. However, the application of the RuNet law may, among other things, reduce the data transfer speed significantly, adversely affect the functioning of our infrastructure and business operations, restrict the use of or result in interruption of certain 71 services, and trigger material costs. Most of the provisions of the RuNet law and subordinate legislation entered into force between November 1, 2019 and May 11, 2020. On December 30, 2020, the Russian government decree “On licensing of activities in the field of communication services” introduced a new license requirement: ensuring the implementation of requirements related to the stability, security and integrity of the internet. The new provisions came into force on January 1, 2021. The implementation and support of measures to comply with the legislation may lead to substantial investments. We are, and may in the future be, involved in, associated with, or otherwise subject to legal liability in connection with disputes and litigation with regulators, competitors and third parties. We are party to a number of lawsuits and other legal, regulatory or antitrust proceedings and commercial disputes, the final outcome of which is uncertain. Litigation and regulatory proceedings are inherently unpredictable. An adverse outcome in, or any disposition of, these or other proceedings, including any that may be asserted in the future, could harm our reputation and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. For more information on these disputes, see Note 7 - Provisions and Contingent Liabilities to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, we currently host and provide a wide variety of services and products that enable users to engage in various online activities. The law relating to the liability of providers of these online services and products for the activities of their users is still unsettled in some jurisdictions. Claims may be threatened or brought against us for defamation, negligence, breaches of contract, copyright or trademark infringement, unfair competition, tort, including personal injury, fraud, or other grounds based on the nature and content of information that we use and store. In addition, we may be subject to domestic or international actions alleging that certain content we have generated, user-generated content or third-party content that we have made available within our services violates applicable law. We may also be subject to claims concerning certain third-party products, services or content we provide by virtue of our involvement in marketing, branding, broadcasting, or providing access to them, even if we do not ourselves host, operate, provide, or provide access to, these products, services or content. Defense of any such actions could be costly and involve significant time and attention of our management and other resources, may result in monetary liabilities or penalties, and may require us to change our business in an adverse manner. We may not be able to detect and prevent fraud or other misconduct by our employees, joint venture partners, non- controlled subsidiaries, representatives, agents, suppliers, customers or other third parties. We may be exposed to fraud or other misconduct committed by our employees, joint venture partners, representatives, agents, suppliers, customers or other third parties undertaking actions on our behalf that could subject us to litigation, financial losses and fines or penalties imposed by governmental authorities, and affect our reputation. Such misconduct could include, but is not limited to, misappropriating funds, conducting transactions that are outside of authorized limits, engaging in misrepresentation or fraudulent, deceptive or otherwise improper activities, including activities in exchange for personal benefit or gain or activities that otherwise do not complying with applicable laws or our internal policies and procedures. The risk of fraud or other misconduct could increase as we expand certain areas of our business. We regularly review and update our policies and procedures and internal controls, which are designed to provide reasonable assurance that we and our employees comply with applicable laws and our internal policies. VEON Ltd. issued a Business Partner Code of Conduct that we expect our representatives, agents, suppliers and other third parties to follow. In addition, we conduct risk-based training for our employees. However, are no guarantees that such policies, procedures, internal controls and training will, at all times, prevent or detect misconduct and protect us from liability arising from actions of our employees, representatives, agents, suppliers, customers or other third parties. In addition to legal and financial liability, our reputation may be adversely impacted by association, action or inaction that is perceived by stakeholders or customers to be inappropriate or unethical and not in keeping with the group’s stated purposes and values. Reputational risk may arise in many different ways, including, but not limited to any real or perceived: • • • • • • failure to act in good faith and in accordance with the group’s values, Code of Conduct, other policies, procedures, and internal standards; failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations or association, real or perceived, with illegal activity; failure in corporate governance, management or systems; association with controversial practices, customers, transactions, projects, countries or governments; association with controversial business decisions, including but not limited to, those relating to existing or new products, delivery channels, promotions/advertising, acquisitions, representation, sourcing/supply chain relationships, locations, or treatment of financial transactions; or association with poor employment or human rights practices. Our Mobile Financial Services (“MFS”) and Digital Financial Services (“DFS”) offerings are complex and increase our exposure to fraud, money laundering, reputational and regulatory risk. MFS and DFS offerings are complex and subject to regulatory requirements which can be different from regulatory requirements of a telecommunications business. They may involve cash handling or other value transfers, exposing us to risk 72 that our customers or business partners engage in fraudulent activities, money laundering or terrorism financing. Violations of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws, know-your-customer rules, and customer name screening and monitoring requirements or other regulations applicable to our MFS/DFS offerings could have material adverse effects on our financial condition and results of operations and result in legal and financial liability or reputational damage. The regulations governing these services are evolving and, as they develop, regulations could become more onerous, impose additional controls, reporting or disclosure obligations, or limit our flexibility to rapidly deploy new products, which may limit our ability to provide our services efficiently or in the way originally envisioned. In addition, because our MFS and DFS offerings require us to process personal data (such as, consumer names, addresses, credit and debit card numbers and bank account details), we must comply with strict data privacy and consumer protection laws. For more information on risks associated with possible unauthorized disclosure of such personal data, see - “We collect and process sensitive customer data, and are therefore subject to an increasing amount of data privacy laws and regulations that may require us to incur substantial costs and implement certain changes to our business practices that may adversely affect our results of operations.” Our MFS and DFS businesses also require us to maintain availability of our systems and platforms, and failure to maintain agreed levels of service availability or to reliably process our customers’ transactions due to performance, administrative or technical issues, system interruptions or other failures could result in a loss of revenue, violation of certain local banking regulations, payment of contractual or consequential damages, reputational harm, additional operating expenses to remediate any failures, or exposure to other losses and liabilities. Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, carries on a microfinance banking business and provides certain MFS, DFS and traditional banking services in Pakistan under license granted by the State Bank of Pakistan and is subject to regulation by the State Bank of Pakistan. State Bank regulations and banking laws are subject to change from time to time, including with respect to capitalization requirements and we may be required to increase the capitalization of Mobilink Bank from time to time and may be required to inject funds to cover any losses that the bank suffers. Mobilink Bank’s activities may expose it or the group to a risk of liability under banking and financial services compliance laws, including, for example, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations. Our majority stake in an Egyptian company may expose us to legal and political risk and reputational harm. Our subsidiary in Egypt, Global Telecom Holding S.A.E. (“GTH”), is an Egyptian private company and is therefore subject to corresponding laws and regulations. GTH is the holding company for our assets in Algeria. We have experienced and expect to continue to experience the risk of unpredictable and adverse government action stemming from the political and economic conditions in Egypt and the inconsistent and unpredictable application of laws and regulations. Furthermore, although GTH entered into a tax settlement agreement with the Egyptian tax authorities for certain historic periods, GTH may in the future be subject to significant unfounded or unfair tax claims for other tax periods, or under existing or new Egyptian tax law. For more information on tax claims of the Egyptian authorities, see Note 7 — Provisions and Contingent Liabilities to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. We operate in a highly regulated industry and are subject to a large variety of laws and extensive regulatory requirements. As a global telecommunications company, we are subject to different and occasionally conflicting laws and regulations in each of and between the jurisdictions in which we operate. Mobile, internet, fixed-line, voice, content and data markets generally are subject to extensive regulatory requirements, including strict licensing regimes, as well as antitrust and consumer protection regulations. Regulations may be especially strict in those countries in which we are considered to hold a significant market position (Ukraine, Pakistan and Uzbekistan), a dominant market position (Russia and Kazakhstan) or are considered a dominant company (Kyrgyzstan). The applicable rules are generally subject to different interpretations and the relevant authorities may challenge the positions that we take. As we expand certain areas of our business and provide new services, such as MFS, DFS, banking, digital content, other non-connectivity services, or value-added and internet-based services, we may be subject to additional laws and regulations. For more on risks related to MFS and DFS, see - "Our Mobile Financial Services ("MFS") and Digital Financial Services ("DFS") offerings are complex and increase our exposure to fraud, money laundering and reputational risk." Regulatory compliance may be costly and involve a significant expenditure of resources, thus negatively affecting our financial condition and results of operations. Certain regulations may require us to reduce retail prices, roaming prices or mobile and/or fixed-line termination rates, require us to offer access to our network to other operators, or result in the imposition of fines if we fail to fulfill our service commitments. In some countries, we are required to obtain approval for offers and advertising campaigns, which can delay our marketing campaigns and require restructuring of business initiatives. We may also be required to obtain approvals for certain acquisitions, reorganizations or other transactions, and failure to obtain such approvals may impede or harm our business and our ability to adjust our operations or acquire or divest of businesses or assets. Laws and regulations in some jurisdictions oblige us to install surveillance, interception and data retention equipment to ensure that our networks are capable of allowing the government to monitor data and voice traffic on our networks. The nature of our business also subjects us to certain regulations regarding open internet access or net neutrality. Regulatory requirements impact our business operations and may affect our financial performance. We face regulatory risks and costs in each of the markets in which we operate and may be subject to additional regulations in future. Any failure on our part to comply with these laws and regulations can result in negative publicity, diversion of management time and effort, 73 increased competitive and pricing pressure on our operations, significant liabilities, third party civil claims and other penalties or otherwise harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. We are subject to anti-corruption laws in multiple jurisdictions. We operate in countries which pose elevated risks of corruption and are subject to a number of anti-corruption laws, including the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), the UK Bribery Act, the anti-corruption provisions of the Dutch Criminal Code in the Netherlands and local laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. An investigation into allegations of non- compliance or a finding of non-compliance with anti-corruption laws or other laws governing the conduct of business may subject us to administrative and other financial costs, reputational damage, criminal or civil penalties or other remedial measures, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Anti-corruption laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from promising, offering or giving a financial or other things of value or advantage to someone for the purpose of improperly influencing a matter or obtaining or retaining business or rewarding improper conduct. The FCPA further requires US issuers to maintain accurate books and records and a system of sufficient internal controls. We regularly review and update our policies and procedures and internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that we and our personnel comply with the anti-corruption laws to which we are subject, although we cannot guarantee that these efforts will be successful. We maintain a Business Partner Code of Conduct and attempt to obtain assurances from distributors and other intermediaries, through contractual and other legal obligations, that they also will comply with anti-corruption laws applicable to them and to us. However, these efforts to secure legal commitments are not always successful. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any policies, procedures and internal controls, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the policies, procedures and internal controls. There can be no assurance that such policies or procedures or internal controls will work effectively at all times or protect us against liability under anti-corruption or other laws for actions taken by our personnel, distributors and other intermediaries with respect to our business or any businesses that we may acquire. Our Business Partner Code of Conduct is available on our website at http://www.veon.com (information appearing on the website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report In addition, as previously disclosed, the Deferred Prosecution Agreement (“DPA”) that VEON entered into with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) on February 18, 2016 has concluded and the criminal charges that had been deferred by the DPA have been dismissed. Since concluding the DPA, we have provided, and may in the future provide, updates on certain internal investigations related to potential misconduct to the U.S. authorities. In the event that any of these matters lead to governmental investigations or proceedings, it could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. Anti-terror legislation passed in Russia and other jurisdictions could result in additional operating costs and capital expenditures. Federal Law No 374-FZ (the “Yarovaya law”) amended anti-terrorism legislation and imposed certain obligations on communication providers, including a requirement to store information evidencing receipt, transmission, delivery and/or processing of voice data, text messages, pictures, sounds, videos or meta-data reflecting these communications for a period of three years and a requirement to store the contents of such communications for a period of up to six months. This requirement came into force on July 1, 2018 for voice traffic and on October 1, 2018 for data traffic. In addition, the Yarovaya law requires communication providers to supply information to investigation and prosecution authorities about users and any other information “which is necessary for these authorities to achieve their statutory goals” including any information and codes necessary to decode the information. Furthermore, under other local Russian law, operators are required to block services for users whose personal data does not correspond to the data registered and stored by the operator. Failure to comply with this law may lead to administrative fines and could impact the effectiveness of our licenses. The implementation and support of measures to comply with the legislation led to substantial investments for the design of our IT systems in Russia and the purchase of specialized equipment and tools. The Russian authorities require, among other things, the use of specific storage equipment (such as data storage, interception devices, fiberoptic cables and technical platforms). We estimate that total Yarovaya law-related expenditures will be RUB 45 billion (US$609 million) over five years starting from 2018. Although the Yarovaya-law-related investment plans are progressing in alignment with legal requirements, it is possible that in the future the Russian Government will adopt additional requirements in this area which will lead to additional expenditures or otherwise necessitate additional investments to be compliant. Similar legislation has been implemented, or is being contemplated, in other markets in which we operate. Compliance with such measures may require substantial costs and management resources and conflict with our legal obligations in other countries. Failure to comply may lead to administrative fines, impair our ability to operate or cause reputational damage. In addition, compliance with any such obligations may prompt allegations related to data privacy or human rights concerns, which could in turn result in reputational harm or otherwise impact our ability to operate or our results of operations. Laws restricting foreign investment could materially harm our business. We could be materially harmed by new or existing laws restricting foreign investment. For example, in Russia, there are a number of laws regulating foreign investment. Federal Law No. 57-FZ “On the Procedure for Foreign Investments in Business Entities of Strategic Importance for National Defense and State Security” (the “Russian Foreign Investment Law”) limits foreign investment in companies that are deemed to be strategic. Our Russian subsidiary, PJSC VimpelCom, is deemed to be a strategic enterprise under the Russian Foreign Investment Law. As a result, any acquisition by a foreign investor of direct or indirect control over more than 50% of its voting shares, or 25% in the case of a company controlled by a foreign government, requires 74 the prior approval of the Government Commission on Control of Foreign Investment in the Russian Federation. The Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation (the “FAS”) which administers the application of the Russian Foreign Investment Law, has in the past challenged acquisitions of our shares by foreign investors. In addition, Federal Law dated July 27, 2006 No. 149-FZ “On the Information, Information Technology and Protection of Information” affects the provision of audio-visual services by foreign entities and local companies with more than 20% of foreign investments or shares. Furthermore, implementing regulation for Federal Law 187-FZ “On the security of Russia’s critical information infrastructure” contains provisions requiring that the subjects of critical information infrastructure make the transition to the preferential use of Russian software by January 1, 2024 and make the transition to the preferential use of Russian telecommunications equipment and radio-electronic products by January 1, 2025, both of which may require substantial investments or materially harm our business. In Kazakhstan, according to the national security law, a foreign company or individual cannot directly or indirectly own more than a 49% stake in an entity that carries out telecommunications activities as an operator of long-distance or international communications or owns fixed communication lines without the consent of the Kazakhstan government. Such laws may hinder potential business combinations or transactions resulting in a change of control or our ability to obtain financing from foreign investors should prior approval be refused, delayed or require foreign investors to comply with certain conditions, which could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Our licenses are granted for specific periods and may be suspended, revoked or not extended or replaced upon expiration and we may be fined or penalized for alleged violations of law, regulations or license terms. The success of our operations is dependent on the maintenance of our licenses to provide telecommunications services in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Most of our licenses are granted for specified terms, and there can be no assurance that any license will be renewed upon expiration. Some of our licenses will expire in the near term. For more information about our licenses, including their expiration dates, see — Business Overview. These licenses and the frameworks governing their renewals are subject to ongoing review by the relevant regulatory authorities. If renewed, our licenses may contain additional obligations, including payment obligations (which may involve a substantial renewal or extension fee), or may cover reduced service areas or scope of service. Furthermore, the governments in certain jurisdictions in which we operate may hold auctions (including auctions of spectrum for the 4G/LTE or more advanced services such as 5G) in the future. If we are unable to maintain or obtain licenses for the provision of telecommunications services or more advanced services or if our licenses are not renewed or are renewed on less favorable terms, our business and results of operations could be materially harmed. We are required to meet certain terms and conditions under our licenses (such as nationwide coverage, quality of service parameters and capital expenditure, including network build-out requirements), including meeting certain conditions established by the legislation regulating the communications industry. From time to time, we may be in breach of such terms and conditions. If we fail to comply with the conditions of our licenses or with the requirements established by the legislation regulating the communications industry, or if we do not obtain or comply with permits for the operation of our equipment, use of frequencies or additional licenses for broadcasting directly or through agreements with broadcasting companies, the applicable regulator could decide to levy fines, suspend, terminate or refuse to renew the license or permit. Such regulatory actions could adversely impact our ability to carry on our business in the current or planned manner or to carry out divestitures in the relevant jurisdictions. The occurrence of any of these events could materially harm our ability to build out our networks in accordance with our plans, our ability to retain and attract customers, our reputation and our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. For more information on our licenses and their related requirements, see - Business Overview. It may not be possible for us to procure in a timely manner, or at all, the permissions and registrations required for our base stations. The laws of the countries in which we operate generally prohibit the operation of telecommunications equipment without a relevant permit from the appropriate regulatory body. Due to complex regulatory procedures, it is frequently not possible for us to procure in a timely manner, or at all, the permissions and registrations required for our base stations, including construction permits and registration of our title to land plots underlying our base stations, or to amend or maintain the permissions in a timely manner when it is necessary to change the location or technical specifications of our base stations. At times, there can be a number of base stations or other communications facilities and other aspects of our networks for which we are awaiting final permission to operate for indeterminate periods. This problem may be exacerbated if there are delays in issuing necessary permits. We also regularly receive notices from regulatory authorities in countries in which we operate warning us that we are not in compliance with aspects of our licenses and permits and requiring us to cure the violations within a certain time period. We have closed base stations on several occasions in order to comply with regulations and notices from regulatory authorities. Any failure by our company to cure such violations could result in the applicable license being suspended and subsequently revoked through court action. Although we look to take all necessary steps to comply with any license violations within the stated time periods, including by switching off base stations that do not have all necessary permits until such permits are obtained, we cannot assure you that our licenses or permits will not be suspended or revoked in the future. If we are found to operate telecommunications equipment without an applicable license or permit, we could experience a significant disruption in our service or network operation, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. 75 We collect and process personal data, and are therefore subject to an increasing number of data privacy laws and regulations that may require us to incur substantial costs and implement certain changes to our business practices that may adversely affect our results of operations. We are subject to various, and at times conflicting, data privacy laws and regulations that apply to the collection, use, storage, disclosure and security of personal data that identifies or may be used to identify an individual, such as names and contact information, IP addresses, (e-mail) correspondence, call detail records and browsing history. Many countries have additional laws that regulate the processing, retention and use of communications data, including metadata. These laws and regulations are subject to frequent revisions and differing interpretations and are becoming more stringent over time. In general, mobile operators are directly liable for actions of third parties to whom they forward personal data for processing. If severe personal data security breaches are detected, regulatory authorities could sanction our company, including suspending our operations for some time and levying fines and penalties. Violation of these laws by an operator may lead to a seizure of the operator’s database and equipment, imposition of administrative sanctions (including in the form of fines, suspension of activities or revocation of license) or result in a ban on the processing of personal data by such operator, which, in turn, could lead to the inability to provide services to our customers. The occurrence of any of the aforementioned events, individually or in the aggregate, could harm our brand, business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. Many of the jurisdictions in which we operate have laws that restrict cross border data transfers unless certain criteria are met and/or are developing or implementing laws on data localization requiring data to be stored locally. These laws may restrict our flexibility to leverage our data and build new, or consolidate existing, technologies, databases and IT systems, limit our ability to use and share personal data, cause us to incur costs, require us to change our business practices in a manner adverse to our business or conflict with other laws we are subject to, exposing us to regulatory risk. The stringent cross-border transfer rules in certain jurisdictions may also prohibit us from disclosing data to foreign authorities upon their request, which may generate a scenario where it is not possible for us to comply with both laws. If so, in addition to the possibility of fines, this could result in an order requiring that we change our data practices, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. We are subject to a variety of data protection regulations. For example, the European Union introduced a data protection framework, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into effect on May 25, 2018. The GDPR implements more stringent operational requirements for processors and controllers of personal data. The GDPR is applicable to companies that are established in the European Union, or companies that offer goods and services to, or monitor the behavior of, individuals within the European Union. The GDPR is also still applicable for the United Kingdom following its withdrawal from the European Union December 31, 2020. While we believe that the processing of personal data by only a limited number of entities, including our Amsterdam and London offices and central operating entities within the European Union and the United Kingdom, are subject to GDPR, our operations in other markets may also become subject to this regulation, under certain circumstances, e.g. if such operations involve the offering of goods or services to, or monitoring the behavior of, individuals in the European Union and the United Kingdom. In addition, in Russia and certain other jurisdictions in our footprint, we are subject to certain data protection and other laws and regulations that establish different categories of information with different corresponding levels of protection, permitted registration, disclosure and required safeguards. These categories include state secret information and other data, including personal data of our customers and of other persons (such as our employees and third-party supplies and other counter-parties), privacy of communications and information on rendered telecommunications services. In each case, the operators must implement the required level of data protection and cooperate with government authorities on law enforcement disclosures for state secrets and personal data of customers. The ability to disclose certain types of data to affiliates or governmental authorities may be substantially restricted. The laws and regulations regarding data privacy may become more stringent over time. For example, the European Commission has also proposed a draft of the new ePrivacy Regulation on January 10, 2017. The current draft of the ePrivacy Regulation is going through the EU legislative process and is intended to replace the 2002/58 e-Privacy Directive. When it comes into effect, it is expected to regulate the processing of electronic communications data carried out in connection with the provision and the use of publicly available electronic communications services to users in the European Union, regardless of whether the processing itself takes place in the European Union. Unlike the current ePrivacy Directive, the draft ePrivacy Regulation will likely apply to over-the-top service providers as well as traditional telecommunications service providers (including the requirements on data retention and interception and changes to restrictions on the use of traffic and location data). VEON entities established in the European Union which process such electronic communications data are likely to be subject to this regime. The current draft of the ePrivacy Regulation also regulates the retention and interception of communications data as well as the use of location and traffic data for value added services, imposes stricter requirements on electronic marketing, and changes to the requirements for use of tracking technologies like cookies. This could broaden the exposure of our business lines based in the European Union to data protection liability, restrict our ability to leverage our data and increase the costs of running those businesses. The draft also significantly increases penalties. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with privacy or security laws, policies, legal obligations or industry standards may result in governmental enforcement actions and investigations, blockage or limitation of our services, fines and penalties. If the third parties we work with violate applicable laws, contractual obligations or suffer a security breach, such violations may also put us in breach of our obligations under privacy laws and regulations and/or could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, concerns regarding our practices with regard to the collection, use, disclosure or security of personal information or other privacy-related matters could result in negative publicity and have an adverse effect on our reputation and business. 76 We could be subject to tax claims and repeated tax audits that could harm our business. Tax declarations together with related documentation are subject to review and investigation by a number of authorities in many of the jurisdictions in which we operate, which are empowered to impose fines and penalties on taxpayers. Tax audits may result in additional costs to our group if the relevant tax authorities conclude that entities of the group did not satisfy their tax obligations in any given year. Such audits may also impose additional burdens on our group by diverting the attention of management resources. Tax audits in the countries in which we operate are conducted regularly, but their outcomes may not be fair or predictable. We have been subject to substantial claims by tax authorities in Russia, Algeria, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. These claims have resulted, and future claims may result, in additional payments, including interest, fines and other penalties, to the tax authorities. There can be no assurance that we will prevail in litigation with tax authorities and that the tax authorities will not claim that additional taxes, interest, fines and other penalties are owed by us for prior or future tax years, or that the relevant governmental authorities will not decide to initiate a criminal investigation or prosecution, or expand existing criminal investigations or prosecutions, in connection with claims by tax inspectorates, including those relating to individual employees and for prior tax years. In Russia, for example, tax returns remain open and subject to inspection by tax or customs authorities for three calendar years immediately preceding the year in which the decision to conduct an audit is taken. Laws enacted in Russia in recent years increase the likelihood that our tax returns that were reviewed by the Russian tax authorities could be subject to further review or audit during or beyond the eligible three-year limitation period by a superior Russian tax authority. We have also been the subject of repeat complex and thematic tax audits in Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Pakistan, which, in some instances, have resulted in payments made under protest pending legal challenges and/or to avoid the initiation or continuation of associated criminal proceedings. The outcome of these audits, including where the relevant tax authorities may conclude that we had significantly underpaid taxes relating to earlier periods, could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. The adverse or delayed resolution of tax matters could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. For more information regarding tax claims and tax provisions and liabilities and their effects on our financial statements, see Note 7 - Provisions and Contingent Liabilities to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Changes in tax treaties, laws, rules or interpretations could have a material adverse effect on our business, and the unpredictable tax systems in the markets in which we operate give rise to significant uncertainties and risks that could complicate our tax planning and business decisions. The introduction of new tax laws or the amendment of existing tax laws could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial performance and results of operations. Our business decision take into account certain taxation scenarios, which could be proven to be untrue in the event of an adverse decisions by tax authorities or changes in tax treaties, laws, rules or interpretations. For example, we are vulnerable to changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations in the Netherlands, our current resident state for tax purposes, including the enforcement of tax law. Additionally, as European and other tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to varying interpretations, we cannot be sure that our interpretations are accurate or that the responsible tax authority agrees with our views. If our tax positions are challenged by the tax authorities, we could incur additional tax liabilities, which could increase our costs of operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. The introduction of new tax laws or the amendment of existing tax laws, such as those relating to transfer pricing rules or the deduction of interest expenses in the markets in which we operate, may also increase the risk of adjustments being made by the tax authorities and, as a result, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial performance and results of operations. For example, within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) there is an initiative aimed at avoiding base erosion and profit shifting (“BEPS”) for tax purposes. This OECD BEPS project has resulted in further developments in other countries and in particular in the European Union. One of the developments is the agreement on the EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (“ATAD”). All EU Member States must implement the minimum standards as set out in the ATAD. The implementation of these measures against tax avoidance in the legislation of the jurisdictions in which we do business could have a material adverse effect on us. These considerations are compounded by the fact that the interpretation and enforcement of tax laws in the emerging markets in which we operate tend to be unpredictable and give rise to significant uncertainties, which could complicate our tax planning and business decisions. Any additional tax liability imposed on us by tax authorities in this manner, as well as any unforeseen changes in applicable tax laws or changes in the tax authorities’ interpretations of the respective double tax treaties in effect, could harm our future results of operations, cash flows or the amounts of dividends available for distribution to shareholders in a particular period. For example, Russia has recently initiated renegotiation of certain tax treaties, including the treaties with Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the latter of which is still under negotiation. In addition, in recent years, the Russian tax authorities have aggressively brought tax evasion claims relating to Russian companies’ use of tax-optimization schemes, and press reports have speculated that these enforcement actions have been selective and politically motivated. Furthermore, we may be required to accrue substantial amounts for contingent tax liabilities and the amounts accrued for tax contingencies may not be sufficient to meet any liability we may ultimately face. From time to time, we may also identify tax contingencies for which we have not recorded an accrual. Such unaccrued tax contingencies could materialize and require us to pay additional amounts of tax. 77 Geopolitical Risks Investors in emerging markets, where our operations are located, are subject to greater risks than investors in more developed markets, including significant political, legal and economic risks, as well as risks related to fluctuations in the global economy. Most of our operations are in emerging markets. Investors should fully appreciate the significance of the risks involved in investing in an emerging markets company and are urged to consult with their own legal, financial and tax advisors. Emerging market governments and judiciaries often exercise broad, unchecked discretion and are susceptible to abuse and corruption and rapid reversal of political and economic policies on which we depend. Political and economic relations among the countries in which we operate are often complex and have resulted, and may in the future result, in conflicts, which could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. The economies of emerging markets are also vulnerable to market downturns and economic slowdowns elsewhere in the world. As has happened in the past, financial problems or an increase in the perceived risks associated with investing in emerging economies could dampen foreign investment in these markets and materially adversely affect their economies. Turnover of political leaders or parties in emerging markets as a result of a scheduled election upon the end of a term of service or in other circumstances may also affect the legal and regulatory regime in those markets to a greater extent than turnover in established countries. Any of these developments could severely limit our access to capital and could materially harm the purchasing power of our customers and, consequently, our business. Such events may create uncertain regulatory environments, which in turn could impact our compliance with license obligations and other regulatory approvals. The nature of much of the legislation in emerging markets, the lack of consensus about the scope, content and pace of economic and political reform and the rapid evolution of the legal and regulatory systems in emerging markets place the enforceability and, possibly, the constitutionality of laws and regulations in doubt and result in ambiguities, inconsistencies and anomalies. The legislation often contemplates implementing regulations that have not yet been promulgated, leaving substantial gaps in the regulatory infrastructure. Any of these factors could affect our ability to enforce our rights under our licenses or our contracts, or to defend our company against claims by other parties. Many of the emerging markets in which we operate are susceptible to significant social unrest or military conflicts. The local authorities may order our subsidiaries to temporarily shut down their entire network or part or all of our networks may be shut down due to actions relating to military conflicts or nationwide strikes. For example, our subsidiary in Pakistan is ordered to shut down parts of its mobile network and services from time to time due to the security situation in the country. Governments or other factions, including those asserting authority over specific territories in areas of conflict, could make inappropriate use of the network, attempt to compel us to operate our network in conflict zones or disputed territories and/or force us to broadcast propaganda or illegal instructions to our customers or others (and threaten consequences for failure to do so). Forced shutdowns, inappropriate use of our network or being compelled to operate our network in conflict zones or broadcast propaganda/illegal instructions could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Social instability in the countries in which we operate, coupled with difficult economic conditions, could lead to increased support for centralized authority and a rise in nationalism. These sentiments could lead to restrictions on foreign ownership of companies in the telecommunications industry or nationalization, expropriation or other seizure of certain assets or businesses. In most of the countries in which we operate, there is relatively little experience in enforcing legislation enacted to protect private property against nationalization or expropriation. As a result, we may not be able to obtain proper redress in the courts, and we may not receive adequate compensation if in the future the governments decide to nationalize or expropriate some or all of our assets. In addition, ethnic, religious, historical and other divisions have, on occasion, given rise to tensions and, in certain cases, military conflict. The spread of violence, or its intensification, could have significant political consequences, including the imposition of a state of emergency, which could materially adversely affect the investment environment in the countries in which we operate. Violations of and changes to applicable sanctions and embargo laws may harm our business. Authorities have imposed significant penalties on companies that fail to comply with the requirements of applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations. We are subject to certain sanctions and embargo laws and regulations of the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the jurisdictions in which we operate. Sanctions and embargo laws and regulations generally establish the scope of their own application, which arise for different reasons and can vary greatly by jurisdiction. The scope of such laws and regulations may be expanded, sometimes without notice, in a manner that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Additionally, countries (such as China) have also adopted sanctions countermeasures that may impact our future ability to ensure our suppliers’ compliance with these laws. Notwithstanding our policies and compliance controls, we may be found in the future to be in violation of applicable sanctions and embargo laws, particularly as the scope of such laws may be unclear and subject to discretionary interpretations by regulators, which may change over time. If we fail to comply with applicable sanctions or embargo laws and regulations, we could suffer severe operational, financial or reputational consequences. Moreover, certain of our financing arrangements include representations and covenants requiring compliance with or limitation of activities under sanctions and embargo laws and regulations of certain additional jurisdictions, the breach of which may trigger defaults or cross- defaults of mandatory prepayment requirements in the event of a breach thereof. For a discussion of risks related to export and re-export restrictions, see Operational Risks - “We depend on third parties for certain services and products important to our business.” 78 Our operations may be adversely affected by ongoing developments in Russia and Ukraine. The current situation in Russia and Ukraine, and the related responses of the United States, member states of the European Union, the European Union itself, the United Kingdom and certain other nations, have the potential to materially adversely affect our business in Russia and Ukraine where we have significant operations. Since 2014, in connection with the situation in Russia and Ukraine, the United States, the European Union, and a number of other countries have imposed sanctions that block the property of certain designated businesses, organizations and individuals, prohibit certain types of transactions with designated businesses operating in certain sectors of the Russian economy and restrict investment in and trade with Crimea. Under the U.S. sanctions regime, even non-U.S. persons who engage in certain prohibited transactions may be exposed to sanctions, such as the denial of certain privileges, including those relating to financing and contracting with U.S. persons or within the United States. In addition, the United States and the European Union have implemented certain export control restrictions related to Russia’s energy sector and military capabilities. Ukraine has also enacted sanctions with respect to certain Russian entities and individuals. Russia has responded to these sanctions with countermeasures, including sanctions with respect to certain Ukrainian individuals and entities, restricting imports of certain goods from the United States, the European Union, Ukraine and other countries, imposing visa bans on certain individuals and restricting Russian companies from complying with sanctions imposed by other countries. Such sanctions, export controls and/or other measures, including sanctions on additional persons or businesses (including vendors, joint venture and business partners, affiliates and financial institutions), could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the continued imposition of sanctions and export controls, including prohibitions and restrictions on conducting business with certain individuals and entities, could have a material adverse effect on our businesses in Ukraine and Russia, which in turn could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Our business operations in Ukraine have been affected by the dispute. Ukraine assigned a “temporary occupied territories” status to Crimea and a “united forces operation” zone status to certain eastern Ukraine regions which are currently not under the Ukrainian government’s full control, and imposed certain restrictions and prohibitions on trade in goods and services in such territories. Our Ukrainian subsidiary, Kyivstar JSC (“Kyivstar”), shut down its network in Crimea in 2014 as well as its network in certain parts of Eastern Ukraine in 2015 and, in each case, has written off the relevant assets. Under the terms of its telecommunications licenses, Kyivstar is obliged to provide services throughout Ukraine. Kyivstar has notified the regulatory authorities that Kyivstar has stopped providing services in Crimea and certain parts of Eastern Ukraine and has requested clarification from such authorities regarding telecommunications operations in such areas. Since September 2014, legislation has been in effect in Ukraine that authorizes the cancellation of telecommunications licenses for sanctioned parties. There can be no assurance that the escalation of the current situation will not lead to the cancellation or suspension of, or other actions under, certain or all of our Ukrainian telecommunications licenses, or other sanctions. Recently, Russia and Ukraine have signaled a mutual interest in peace in eastern Ukraine. In December 2019, the Russian and Ukrainian presidents met in Paris for face-to-face peace talks and committed to a comprehensive cease-fire and a release of conflict-related detainees. Although recent peace talks aim to reduce the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the situation in eastern Ukraine and Crimea remains fragile, and may in the future result in damage or loss of assets, disruption of services and regulatory issues which has, and may in the future, adversely impact our group. We are not able to predict further developments on this issue, including when these measures will cease to be in effect. There also may be additions to the designated persons or business lists or other expansions of sanctions by the United States, the European Union, and/or other countries that target Russia and restrict dealings related to Crimea in the future. The U.S. government stated in early 2020 that Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until military aggression leading to the loss of civilian lives fully stops in the region. It is possible that these sanctions will be in effect for the foreseeable future. The European Union also extended certain sanctions related to Russia and Crimea in March 2019, June 2019 and December 2019. If there were an extended continuation or further increase in conflict in Crimea or in eastern Ukraine, it could result in further instability and/or worsening of the overall political and economic situation in Ukraine, Russia, Europe and/or in the global economy and capital markets generally. This instability could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. We could also be materially adversely impacted by a decline of the Russian ruble against the U.S. dollar or the euro and the general economic performance of Russia, by, for example, the decline of the Russian ruble against the U.S. dollar and euro, investment in Russia or trade with Russian companies decreasing substantially and the Russian government experiencing difficulty raising money through the issuance of debt in the global capital markets. For a discussion of our foreign currency risk, see Market Risks - “We are exposed to foreign currency exchange loss and currency fluctuation and translation risks.” As we derive a significant portion of our revenue from our Russian and Ukrainian operations, such developments and measures could have a material adverse impact on our group. The physical infrastructure in many countries in which we operate is in poor condition and further deterioration in the physical infrastructure could harm our business. In many countries in which we operate, the physical infrastructure, including transportation networks, power generation and transmission and communications systems, is in poor condition. In some of the countries in which we operate, such as Russia, the public switched telephone networks have reached capacity limits and need modernization, which may create inconvenience for our customers and will require us to make additional capital expenditures. In addition, some of the markets in which we operate are vulnerable to extreme weather, the occurrence of which could result in disruptions or damage to our networks, or to military conflict which could result in damage our physical infrastructure. 79 Continued growth in local, long distance and international traffic, including that generated by our customers, and development in the types of services provided may require substantial investment in public switched telephone networks. Any efforts to modernize infrastructure may result in increased charges and tariffs, potentially adding costs to our business. The deterioration of the physical infrastructure harms the economies of these countries, disrupts the transportation of goods and supplies, adds costs to doing business and can interrupt business operations. Further deterioration in the physical infrastructure in many of the countries in which we operate could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. The banking systems in many countries in which we operate remain underdeveloped, there are a limited number of creditworthy banks in certain of these countries with which we can conduct business, and currency control requirements restrict activities in certain markets in which we have operations. The banking and other financial systems in many countries in which we operate are less developed or regulated, and laws relating to banks and bank accounts are subject to varying interpretations and inconsistent applications. Such banking risk cannot be completely eliminated by diversified borrowing and conducting credit analyses. Uncertain banking laws may also limit our ability to attract future investment. A banking crisis in any of these countries affecting the capacity for financial institutions to lend or fulfill their existing obligations or the bankruptcy or insolvency of the banks from which we receive, or with which we hold, our funds could result in the loss of our deposits, the inability to borrow or refinance existing borrowings or otherwise negatively affect our ability to complete banking transactions in these countries, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, central banks and governments in the markets in which we operate may restrict or prevent international transfers or impose foreign exchange controls or other currency restrictions, which could prevent us from making payments, including the repatriation of dividends and payments to third party suppliers. For more information on currency restrictions, see Note 17 — Financial Risk Management — Liquidity Risks — Currency Control Risks. Furthermore, banks have limitations on the amounts of loans that they can provide to single borrowers, which could limit the availability of functional currency financing and refinancing of existing borrowings in these countries. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain approvals under the foregoing restrictions or limitations, each of which could harm our business, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations or prospects. General Risk Factors A disposition by our largest shareholder of its stake in VEON Ltd. could harm our business. We derive benefits and resources from the participation of our largest shareholder, L1T VIP Holdings S.à r.l. (“LetterOne”), in our company such as industry expertise, management oversight and business acumen. Historically, we derived the same benefits from Telenor ASA (“Telenor”), until it fully divested its interest in VEON Ltd. ADSs in November 2019. For additional information on Telenor’s divestment, see - Major Shareholders. Should LetterOne undertake a divestment of its stake, we would be deprived of those benefits, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Our largest shareholder may pursue diverse development strategies, which may hinder our ability to expand or compete in certain regions. LetterOne is VEON Ltd.’s largest shareholder, beneficially owning approximately 47.85% of our issued and outstanding shares as of March 1, 2021. In addition, LetterOne is the holder of the depositary receipts issued by Stichting Administratiekantoor Mobile Telecommunications Investor (“Stichting”), which represents an additional 8.31% of VEON Ltd.’s issued and outstanding shares as of March 1, 2021, and is therefore entitled to the economic benefits (dividend payments, other distributions and sale proceeds) of such depositary receipts and, indirectly, of the common shares represented by the depositary receipts. Stichting, however, has the power to vote and direct the voting of, and the power to dispose and direct the disposition of, the ADSs, in its sole discretion, in accordance with the Conditions of Administration and Stichting’s articles of association. For more information, see — Major Shareholders. As a result, LetterOne has some ability to influence the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval and, through our cumulative voting procedures, the election of members to our board or, alternatively, could enter into a shareholders’ or similar agreement impacting the composition of our board. A new board could take corporate actions or block corporate decisions by VEON Ltd. with respect to capital structure, financings, dispositions, acquisitions and commercial transactions that might not be in the best interest of the minority shareholders or other security holders. At various times our shareholders, including LetterOne, have had different strategies from us and from one another and have engaged in litigation against our company with respect to disagreements over strategy. In addition, we understand that LetterOne has a minority interest in companies that compete with our subsidiary in Ukraine. Our business may be adversely impacted by work stoppages and other labor matters. Although we consider our relations with our employees to be generally good, there can be no assurance that our operations will not be impacted by unionization efforts, strikes or other types of labor disputes or disruptions. For instance, employee dissatisfaction or labor disputes could result from the implementation of internal operational and team adjustments (which have recently included redundancies in our Amsterdam and London offices) necessary to implement our new operating model as part of our continued strategy and efforts to further reduce corporate costs. We may also experience strikes or other 80 labor disputes or disruptions in connection with social unrest or political events. For a discussion of our employees represented by works councils, unions or collective bargaining agreements, see — Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Employees. The ability to work can also be impacted due to natural disasters, civil unrest or security breaches/threats, making access to work places and management of systems difficult. Furthermore, work stoppages or slow-downs experienced by our customers or suppliers could result in lower demand for our services and products. In the event that we, or one or more of our customers or suppliers, experience a labor dispute or disruption, it could result in increased costs, negative media attention and political controversy, and harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Adoption of new accounting standards and regulatory reviews could affect reported results and financial position. Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. Accounting standard-setting bodies, including the International Accounting Standards Board, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (the "AFM"), may change accounting regulations that govern the preparation and presentation of our financial statements, and those who interpret the accounting standards, including the SEC, the AFM and our independent registered public accounting firm, may amend or even reverse their previous interpretations or positions on how various standards should be applied. Those changes may be difficult to predict and could have a significant impact on the way we account for certain operations and present our financial position and operating income. In some instances, a modified standard, an outcome from a regulatory review or new requirement may have to be implemented with retrospective effect, which requires us to restate previous financial statements, or may otherwise impact how we prepare and report our financial statements, and may impact our future financial covenants in our debt documents. For more information on the impact of IFRS on our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and on the implementation of new standards and interpretations issued, see — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Key Developments During 2020 and Note 24 — Significant Accounting Policies to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Risks Related to the Ownership of our ADSs Our ADS price may be volatile, and purchasers of ADSs could incur substantial losses. Our ADS price may be volatile. The stock market in general has experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. As a result of this volatility, holders of our ADSs may not be able to sell their ADSs at or above the price at which they purchase our ADSs. The market price for our ADSs may be influenced by many factors, including: • • • • • • the success of competitive products or technologies; the issuance of new shares or sales of shares by major shareholders or the perception that such issuances or sales could occur; regulatory developments in the foreign countries in which we operate; developments or disputes concerning licenses or other proprietary rights; the recruitment or departure of key personnel; quarterly or annual variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us; • market conditions in the industries in which we compete and issuance of new or changed securities analysts’ reports or recommendations; • • • the failure of securities analysts to cover our shares or changes in financial estimates by analysts; investor perception of our company and of the industry in which we compete; and general economic, political and market conditions. Various factors may hinder the declaration and payment of dividends. The payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of VEON Ltd.’s board and VEON Ltd.’s assets consist primarily of investments in its operating subsidiaries. For the financial year ended December 31, 2020, we paid no dividend. Various factors may cause the board to determine not to pay dividends or not to increase dividends. Such factors include VEON Ltd.’s financial condition, its earnings and equity free cash flow, the movement of the U.S. dollar against VEON’s local currencies, its leverage, its capital requirements, contractual restrictions, legal proceedings and other such factors as VEON Ltd.’s board may consider relevant. For more information on our policy regarding dividends, see — Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Policy on Dividend Distributions and Operational Risks — “As a holding company, VEON Ltd. depends on the performance of its subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends, and may therefore be affected by changes in exchange controls and currency restrictions in the countries in which its subsidiaries operate.” 81 Holders of our ADSs may not receive distributions on our common shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to them. The depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay holders of our ADSs the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian for our ADSs receives on our common shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. Holders of our ADSs will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of our common shares that their ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible for making such payments or distributions if it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if such distribution consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act but that are not properly registered or distributed pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary is not responsible for making a distribution available to any holders of ADSs if any government approval or registration required for such distribution cannot be obtained after reasonable efforts made by the depositary. We have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of our ADSs, common shares, rights or anything else to holders of our ADSs. This means that holders of our ADSs may not receive the distributions we make on our common shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available. These restrictions may materially reduce the value of the ADSs. VEON Ltd. is a Bermuda company governed by Bermuda law, which may affect your rights as a shareholder or holder of ADSs, including your ability to enforce civil liabilities under U.S. securities laws. VEON Ltd. is a Bermuda exempted company. As a result, the rights of VEON Ltd.’s shareholders are governed by Bermuda law and by VEON Ltd.’s bye-laws. The rights of shareholders under Bermuda law may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in other jurisdictions. In addition, holders of ADSs do not have the same rights under Bermuda law and VEON Ltd.’s bye-laws as registered holders of VEON Ltd.’s common shares. As substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States, it may be difficult for investors to enforce in the United States judgments obtained in U.S. courts against VEON or its directors and executive officers based on civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws. Uncertainty exists as to whether courts in Bermuda will enforce judgments obtained in other jurisdictions, such as the United States and the Netherlands, under the securities laws of those jurisdictions, or entertain actions in Bermuda under the securities laws of other jurisdictions. As a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the Exchange Act and the rules of NASDAQ, we are subject to different U.S. securities laws and NASDAQ governance standards than domestic U.S. issuers. This may afford less protection to holders of our securities, and such holders may not receive corporate and company information and disclosure that they are accustomed to receiving or in a manner in which they are accustomed to receiving it. As a foreign private issuer, the rules governing the information that we disclose differ from those governing U.S. corporations pursuant to the Exchange Act. Although we currently report periodic financial results and certain material events, we are not required to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or provide current reports on Form 8-K disclosing significant events within four business days of their occurrence. In addition, we are exempt from the SEC’s proxy rules, and proxy statements that we distribute will not be subject to review by the SEC. Our exemption from Section 16 rules regarding sales of our shares by insiders means that holders of our securities will have less data in this regard than shareholders of U.S. companies that are subject to this part of the Exchange Act. As a result, holders of our securities may not have all the data that they are accustomed to having when making investment decisions with respect to domestic U.S. public companies. While our ADSs are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, as a Bermuda company, we are permitted to follow “home country practice” in lieu of certain corporate governance provisions under the NASDAQ listing rules that are applicable to a U.S. company. Accordingly, VEON’s shareholders do not have the same protections as are afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of NASDAQ’s corporate governance requirements. The primary difference between our corporate governance practices and the NASDAQ rules relates to NASDAQ listing rule 5605(b)(1), which provides that each U.S. company listed on Nasdaq must have a majority of independent directors, as defined in the NASDAQ rules. Bermuda law does not require that we have a majority of independent directors and, as a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from complying with this NASDAQ requirement. Holders of ADSs may be restricted in their ability to exercise voting rights and the information provided with respect to shareholder meetings. Holders of ADSs generally have the right under the deposit agreement to instruct the depositary to exercise the voting rights for the equity shares represented by such holders’ ADSs. At our request, the depositary will mail to holders any notice of shareholders’ meeting received from us together with information explaining how to instruct the depositary to exercise the voting rights of the common shares represented by ADSs. If the depositary timely receives voting instructions from a holder of ADSs, it will endeavor to vote the securities represented by the holder’s ADSs in accordance with such voting instructions. However, the ability of the depositary to carry out voting instructions may be limited by practical and legal limitations and the terms of the common shares on deposit. We cannot assure you that you will receive voting materials in time to enable you to return voting instructions to the depositary in a timely manner. We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs and expenses. We could cease to be considered a foreign private issuer if a majority of our outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly held of record by U.S. residents and we fail to meet additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign private issuer status. Based on a review of our register of members maintained in Bermuda, as of March 1, 2021, a total of 82 1,228,276,403 common shares representing approximately 69.92% of VEON Ltd.’s issued and outstanding common shares were held of record by BNY (Nominees) Limited in the United Kingdom as custodian of The Bank of New York Mellon for the purposes of our ADS program and a total of 515,226,176 common shares representing approximately 29.33% of VEON Ltd.’s issued and outstanding common shares were held of record by by Nederlands Centraal Instituut Voor Giraal Effectenverkeer B.V. in the Netherlands. As of March 1, 2021, 21 record holders of VEON Ltd.’s ADRs, holding an aggregate of 758,028,329 common shares (representing approximately 43.15% of VEON Ltd.’s issued and outstanding shares), were listed as having addresses in the United States. In the event that we lose our foreign private issuer status, the regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws may be significantly higher than costs we incur as a foreign private issuer, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. 83 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS For discussion related to our financial condition, changes in financial condition, and the results of operations for 2019 compared to 2018, refer to Operating and Financial Review and Prospects in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed on March 13, 2020. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes included in this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including the risks discussed in — How We Manage Risks — Risk Factors. OVERVIEW VEON is a leading global provider of connectivity and internet services, headquartered in Amsterdam. Present in some of the world’s most dynamic markets, VEON provides more than 210 million customers with voice, fixed broadband, data and digital services. VEON, through its operating companies, offers services to customers in several countries: Russia, Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia. We provide services under the “Beeline,” “Jazz,” “Kyivstar,” “banglalink” and “Djezzy” brands. VEON generates revenue from the provision of voice, data and other telecommunication services through a range of wireless, fixed and broadband Internet services, as well as selling equipment and accessories. REPORTABLE SEGMENTS We present our reportable segments based on economic environments and stages of development in different geographical areas, requiring different investment and marketing strategies. As of December 31, 2020, our reportable segments consist of the following segments: Russia, representing our “cornerstone” market; Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, representing our “growth engines”; and Algeria and Bangladesh, representing our “frontier markets”. We also present our results of operations for “Other frontier markets” as well as “HQ and eliminations” separately, although these are not reportable segments. “Other frontier markets” represents our operations in Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Georgia. In October 2020, VEON concluded an agreement for the sale of its operating subsidiary in Armenia; refer to Note 9 — Significant transactions in our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto for further details. “HQ and eliminations” represents transactions related to management activities within the group in Amsterdam, London and Luxembourg and costs relating to centrally managed operations and reconciles the results of our reportable segments and our total revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. BASIS OF PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL RESULTS Our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and adopted by European Union, effective at the time of preparing the consolidated financial statements and applied by VEON. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS For the description of the recent accounting pronouncements and a discussion of our accounting policies please refer to Note 24 — Significant Accounting Policies of our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto. 84 KEY DEVELOPMENTS DURING 2020 COVID-19 The global outbreak of COVID-19 and associated containment and mitigation measures implemented worldwide have had a sustained impact on our operations and financial performance. The second quarter saw the full impact on our operations of the lockdowns imposed across our markets in response to COVID-19. This resulted in material disruption to our retail operations following store closures, impacting gross connections and airtime sales. Restrictions on travel resulted in a significant decline in roaming revenues and the loss of migrant customers from our subscriber base, particularly in Russia. Although VEON’s operations remained impacted by lockdown measures throughout the second half of the year, all operations saw a recovery in the performance as our local businesses continue building resilience to the restrictions related to COVID-19. Demand for our data services remains strong, enabling us to continue to grow our data revenues. We also experienced a shift in data traffic from mobile to fixed networks as lockdowns encouraged remote working and home schooling alongside a greater use of devices through our domestic broadband services. An increase in demand for hard currencies, in part due to COVID-19, resulted in the devaluation of exchange rates in the countries in which VEON operates. As such, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the book value of assets and liabilities of our foreign operations, in U.S. dollar terms, decreased significantly, with a corresponding loss of US$623 million recorded against the foreign currency translation reserve in Other Comprehensive Income. Our management has taken appropriate measures to keep our personnel safe and secure. As of the date of these financial statements, other than as described above, we have not observed any particular material adverse impacts to our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The group liquidity is sufficient to fund the business operations for at least another 12 months. Partnership with MasterCard In May 2020, VEON announced a partnership between JazzCash and payment technology leader Mastercard that strengthens the payments ecosystem for merchants and customers in Pakistan. More than 7 million customers and merchants use JazzCash every month, making it Pakistan’s leading digital wallet. The partnership with Mastercard allows merchants to accept digital payments from customers, digitize their supply chain, and move to cashless operations. In a first for Pakistan, merchants and consumers who sign up for JazzCash wallet will be able to benefit from a wide range of Mastercard’s digital solutions and capabilities to pay for orders and services via all digital channels as well as make online payments in a fast, safe and convenient manner. JazzCash customers will also have access to Mastercard’s virtual and branded debit cards that can be used in 55,000 points of sale and ATMs in Pakistan, in addition to JazzCash merchants and e-commerce sites. Exercise of put option for 15% stake in Pakistan Operations In September 2020, the Dhabi Group exercised its put option to sell us its 15% shareholding in Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited ("PMCL"), the operating company of Pakistan’s leading mobile operator, Jazz. VEON updated the fair value of its put option liability following the completion of an independent valuation process which determined a fair value for the shareholding of US$273 million. Completion of the transfer remains subject to the conclusion of the contractual transfer mechanics with the Dhabi Group. Once completed, VEON will indirectly own 100% of PMCL. Beeline Kazakhstan signed Network Sharing Partnership In October 2020, VEON announced that its operating company in Kazakhstan, which provides services under the Beeline brand, entered into a network sharing partnership that unites the nation’s three mobile telecom providers in the delivery of high-speed internet to rural communities. The agreement brings Beeline together with Kcell and Tele2 in support of the nation’s 250+ project, which aims to extend high-speed internet to all villages with a population of 250 or more. Once complete, the project will see almost 1,000 rural settlements with a combined population of 600,000 offered 3G and 4G connections by all three operators. The 250+ initiative, the infrastructure deployment for which started immediately, enables rural residents to receive mobile services on competitive terms and select a service provider of their choice. In turn, each mobile operator will enjoy equal access to the shared network. VEON acquired strategic stake in ShopUp in Bangladesh In October 2020, VEON joined Sequoia Capital India and Flourish Ventures as investors in ShopUp, Bangladesh’s leading full- stack B2B commerce platform for small businesses, becoming ShopUp’s first strategic corporate investor. The investment of approximately US$8 million, in exchange for a 13.5% stake, is expected to enable VEON to support ShopUp’s fast-growing digital ecosystem for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which form a vital backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, as well as provide opportunities for developing mobile financial services for ShopUp’s users. 85 Agreement concluded for the sale of Armenian operations In October 2020, VEON concluded an agreement for the sale of CJSC “VEON Armenia”, VEON’s operating subsidiary in Armenia, to Team LLC for a consideration of US$51 million. Accordingly the net carrying value of assets amounting US$33 million were de-recognized along with reclassification of cumulative foreign currency translation reserve of US$96 million to profit and loss, resulting in the net loss of US$78 million. Beeline Russia completed coverage of all Moscow metro stations with 4G and expanded 4G coverage in Moscow In December 2020, VEON announced that Beeline Russia achieved 100% 4G coverage and enabled its customers to access high-speed internet at all stations of the Moscow metro, as well as in most of the adjacent tunnels. The milestone reflects Beeline’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of 4G connectivity and offers Beeline customers the ability to stay in touch, listen to music and stream content in good quality whilst underground. In January 2021, VEON announced that Beeline Russia completed a large-scale project to improve the quality and availability of mobile internet in Moscow. The project included the redistribution of the 2100 frequency range from 3G to 4G and an expansion in the frequency range used in the 4G network from 30 to 45 MHz. This has enabled an increase in the average speed of mobile internet by up to 30%, with peak speeds now reaching up to 350 Mbit/sec. Financing activities In January 2020, VEON Holdings B.V. ("VEON Holdings") issued US$300 million in senior unsecured notes due in 2025, to be consolidated and form a single series with the US$700 million 4.00% senior notes due in 2025 issued by VEON Holdings in October 2019. VEON Holdings used the net proceeds of the tap issuance to refinance certain existing outstanding debt, address upcoming debt maturities and for general corporate purposes. In April 2020, VEON Holdings announced the establishment of a US$ 6.5 billion (or the equivalent thereof in other currencies) Global Medium Term Note program for the issuance of bonds (the "MTN Program"). In connection with the establishment of the MTN Program, VEON prepared a base offering memorandum, which was approved by the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, in order to enable bonds issued under the MTN Program to be admitted to listing on the Official List of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and to trading on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. In June, September and November 2020, VEON Holdings issued senior unsecured notes of RUB20 billion (US$288 million), RUB10 billion (US$135 million) and US$1.25 billion, respectively, under the MTN Program, maturing in June 2025, September 2025 and November 2027, respectively. The use of proceeds of the Notes is being used to finance certain investments in subsidiaries, to refinance certain outstanding indebtedness of the Issuer, and for general corporate purposes. In April 2020, Banglalink extended the maturity of its US$300 million syndicated loan by an additional two years to 2022. Following this extension, VEON, via a wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired the loan from the original lenders, leading to an effective extinguishment of this debt for the VEON Group. In June 2020, VEON entered into a new RUB 100 billion (approximately US$1.5 billion) bilateral term loan agreement with Sberbank. The loan was used to refinance and extend the maturity of the existing loan between Sberbank and VEON Holdings, as well as to provide additional funds for general corporate purposes. In July 2020, VEON refinanced its existing RUB 30 billion (approximately US$422 million) bilateral term loan agreement with VTB Bank. This refinancing extended the maturity and reduced the cost of the existing loan between VTB Bank and VEON. In December 2020, VEON completed the optional early redemption of all of its outstanding US$600 million 3.95% Senior Notes due June 2021 (the "2021 Notes") pursuant to Condition 5.3 of the 2021 Notes. The 2021 Notes were redeemed in full at a redemption price equal to 101.00% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts due thereon. In December 2020, VEON’s operating company in Ukraine, Kyivstar, signed three bilateral unsecured loan agreements with Raiffeisen Bank Aval Joint Stock Company ("Raiffeisen"), Joint Stock Company Alfa-Bank ("Alfa-Bank") and Joint Stock Company OTP Bank ("OTP"), for an aggregate amount of UAH 4.1 billion (approximately US$146 million). The loan agreement with Raiffeisen has a 5-year term, and the loan agreements with Alfa-Bank and OTP have a 3-year term. Similarly, VEON’s subsidiary in Kazakhstan, KaR-Tel, has signed a bilateral unsecured loan agreement with Forte Bank JSC for KZT 10 billion (approximately US$25 million), which has a 3-year term. Both Kyivstar and KaR-Tel will continue to monitor the local debt markets for further borrowing opportunities, in line with VEON’s strategy to improve its capital structure via long-term borrowings in local currencies. Changes to Board of Directors and Senior Management On February 13, 2020, VEON announced the appointment of Sergi Herrero and Kaan Terzioğlu as co-Chief Executive Officers, effective from March 1, 2020. Ursula Burns, who was appointed as Chairman in July 2017 and CEO in December 2018, remained as VEON’s Chairman before stepping down on June 1, 2020. Gennady Gazin was appointed as Chairman of VEON on 1 June 2020. One of the co-CEOs chairs each VEON local board, with the exception of Algeria. The role of the boards is to foster growth, monitor progress and oversee operations in each of VEON’s operating companies. 86 On April 3, 2020, VEON announced the appointment of Alexander Torbakhov as Chief Executive Officer of Beeline Russia, effective from April 6, following Vasyl Latsanych stepping down from the role earlier in the year. On April 6, 2020, VEON announced the appointment of Serkan Okandan as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective from May 1, 2020. On April 28, 2020, VEON announced that Erwan Gelebart has been appointed as CEO for JazzCash effective May 18, 2020. On June 1, 2020 VEON announced the results of the elections conducted at its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Shareholders elected five new members to the company’s board of directors, Hans Holger Albrecht, Mariano De Beer, Peter Derby, Amos Genish and Stephen Pusey, as well as seven previously serving directors: Osama Bedier, Mikhail M. Fridman, Gennady Gazin, Andrei Gusev, Gunnar Holt, Robert Jan van de Kraats and Alexander Pertsovsky. Following the election of the directors, Gennady Gazin was appointed as Chairman of VEON’s board of directors, effective June 1, 2020. VEON appointed Yaroslav Glazunov and Leonid Boguslavsky on October 28, 2020 and January 15, 2021, respectively, to the company’s board of directors. Mr. Glazunov is a managing partner at Spencer Stuart International based in Moscow and has been in the global leadership advisory business for 20 years, focusing on CEO succession, efficiency and performance. Mr. Boguslavsky is the founder of RTP Global, an early-stage venture capital firm with a strong track record of investing in technology, and is considered a pioneer of IT and internet tech investment. VEON Co-CEO Kaan Terzioğlu Elected to Serve on GSMA Board of Directors On November 16, 2020, VEON announced that Kaan Terzioğlu was elected to the Board of Directors of the GSMA, the mobile industry’s leading global organization that brings together more than 750 operators and nearly 400 ecosystem companies. Kaan Terzioğlu’s appointment was confirmed among those of 26 industry leaders elected to the GSMA’s Board for a two-year term, each of whom will serve the mobile industry’s leading global body from January 2021 to December 2022. Appointment of Chief Internal Audit and Compliance Officer In October 2020, Joop Brakenhoff was appointed to the position of Chief Internal Audit & Compliance Officer. He reports to the co-CEOs and also has a reporting line to the Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS VEON enters into a US$1,250 million multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement In March 2021, VEON entered into a new multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement (the "RCF") of US$1,250 million. The RCF replaces the revolving credit facility signed in February 2017, which is now cancelled. The RCF has an initial tenor of three years, with the company having the right to request two one-year extensions, subject to lender consent. International banks from Asia, Europe and the US have committed to the RCF. The new RCF caters for USD LIBOR cessation with the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York agreed as the replacement risk free rate with credit adjustment spreads agreed for interest periods with a one month, three month and six month tenor. SOFR will apply to interest periods commencing on and from October 31, 2021 (or earlier if USD LIBOR is no longer published or ceases to be representative prior to that date). The company will have the option to make each drawdown in either U.S. dollars or euro. VEON subsidiary Banglalink successfully acquires 9.4MHz in spectrum auction In March 2021, Banglalink, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary in Bangladesh, acquired 4.4MHz spectrum in the 1800MHz band and 5MHz spectrum in 2100MHz band following successful bids at an auction held by the BTRC. The newly acquired spectrum will see Banglalink increase its total spectrum holding from 30.6MHz to 40MHz. Banglalink will invest approximately BDT 10 billion (US$115) to purchase the spectrum. Appointment of CEO of Beeline Uzbekistan In March 2021, we announced the appointment of Andrzej Malinowski to the vacant position of CEO of Beeline Uzbekistan, with effect from March 15, 2021. Mr. Malinowski joins from Beeline Georgia, where he has held the position of CEO. Lasha Tabidze has been appointed as Mr. Malinowski’s successor at Beeline Georgia, who previously held the joint position of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer of Beeline Georgia. A candidate for the Beeline Uzbekistan role had been previously announced but Beeline Uzbekistan was unable to finalize the employment of this candidate. Shareholders trading on NASDAQ no longer subject to annual depository fee From January 1, 2021 holders of VEON American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") trading on NASDAQ will no longer be subject to any cash dividend fee or depository service fee of any kind. ADS holders will continue to be subject to the normal issuance and cancellation fees. No final dividend declared by the VEON for FY2020 The VEON Group will not be paying a dividend for FY2020. 87 FACTORS AFFECTING COMPARABILITY AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Economic Trends As a global telecommunications company with operations in a number of markets, we are affected by a broad range of international economic developments. Unfavorable economic conditions may impact a significant number of our customers, including their spending patterns, both in terms of the products they subscribe for and usage levels. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract new customers, more likely that customers will downgrade or disconnect their services and more difficult for us to maintain mobile ARPUs at existing levels. The current difficult economic environment and any future downturns in the economies of markets in which we operate or may operate in the future could also, among other things, increase our costs, prevent us from executing our strategies, hurt our liquidity or prevent us to meet unexpected financial requirements. For more information regarding economic trends and how they affect our operations, see - Risk Factors — Market Risks —“The international economic environment could cause our business to decline.” Inflation Inflation affects the purchasing power of our customers (both retail and corporate). The Russian, Ukrainian and Uzbekistani currencies, for example, have experienced significant inflation levels in recent years, which has caused the relative values of those currencies to decline. Although the inflation rates have broadly stabilized, economic and political developments may cause inflation rates to rise once again. Foreign Currency Translation Our audited consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. Amounts included in these financial statements were presented in accordance with IAS 21, using the current rate method of currency translation with the U.S. dollar as the reporting currency. Our results of operations are affected by increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar or our functional currencies. A higher average exchange rate correlates to a weaker functional currency. The functional currencies of our group are the Russian ruble in Russia, the Pakistani rupee in Pakistan, the Algerian dinar in Algeria, the Bangladeshi taka in Bangladesh, the Ukrainian hryvnia in Ukraine, the Uzbekistani som in Uzbekistan, the Kazakhstani tenge in Kazakhstan. CERTAIN PERFORMANCE INDICATORS The following discussion provides a description of certain operating data that is not included in our financial statements. We provide this operating data because it is regularly reviewed by our management and our management believes it is useful in evaluating our performance from period to period as set out below. Our management believes that presenting information about Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, mobile customers, mobile ARPU, mobile data customers, capital expenditures (excluding licenses and right-of-use assets) and local currency financial measures is useful in assessing the usage and acceptance of our mobile and broadband products and services. This operating data is unaudited. For an explanation of how we calculate Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, capital expenditures (excluding licenses and right-of-use assets) and local currency financial measures, please see Explanatory Note — Non-IFRS Financial Measures. For a description of how we define mobile customers, mobile data customers and mobile ARPU, please see the discussion below. Mobile customers Mobile customers are generally customers in the registered customer base as of a given measurement date who engaged in a revenue generating activity at any time during the three months prior to such measurement date. Such activity includes any outgoing calls, customer fee accruals, debits related to service, outgoing SMS and MMS, data transmission and receipt sessions, but does not include incoming calls, SMS and MMS or abandoned calls. Our total number of mobile customers also includes customers using mobile internet service via USB modems. Mobile data customers Mobile data customers are mobile customers who have engaged in revenue generating activity during the three months prior to the measurement date as a result of activities including USB modem Internet access using 2.5G/3G/4G/LTE/HSPA+ technologies. For Algeria, mobile data customers are 3G customers who have performed at least one mobile data event on the 3G network during the previous four months. Mobile ARPU Mobile ARPU measures the monthly average revenue per mobile user. We generally calculate mobile ARPU by dividing our mobile service revenue during the relevant period, including data revenue, roaming revenue and interconnect revenue, but excluding revenue from connection fees, sales of handsets and accessories and other non-service revenue, by the average number of our mobile customers during the period and dividing by the number of months in that period. 88 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS In millions of U.S. dollars Consolidated income statement data: Service revenues Sale of equipment and accessories Other revenues / other income Total operating revenues Other operating income Service costs Cost of equipment and accessories Selling, general and administrative expenses Depreciation Amortization Impairment (loss) / reversal Gain / (loss) on disposal of non-current assets Gain / (loss) on disposal of subsidiaries Operating profit Finance costs Finance income Other non-operating gain / (loss) Net foreign exchange gain / (loss) Profit / (loss) before tax from continuing operations Income tax expense Profit / (loss) from continuing operations Profit / (loss) after tax from discontinued operations Gain / (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations Profit / (loss) for the period Attributable to: The owners of the parent (continuing operations) The owners of the parent (discontinued operations) Non-controlling interest Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 7,471 392 117 7,980 5 (1,508) (382) (2,641) (1,576) (343) (785) (37) (78) 635 (683) 23 111 (60) 26 (342) (316) — — (316) (349) — 33 (316) 8,240 465 158 8,863 350 (1,554) (479) (2,965) (1,652) (394) (108) (43) 1 2,019 (892) 53 21 (20) 1,181 (498) 683 — — 683 621 — 62 683 8,526 427 133 9,086 — (1,701) (415) (3,697) (1,339) (495) (858) (57) 30 554 (816) 67 (68) 15 (248) (369) (617) (300) 1,279 362 (397) 979 (220) 362 The tables below show for the periods indicated selected information about the results of operations in each of our reportable segments. For more information regarding our segments, see Note 2 — Segment Information to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto. 89 Total Operating Revenue In millions of U.S. dollars, includes intersegment revenue 2020 2019 2018 Year ended December 31, Our cornerstone Russia Our growth engines Pakistan Ukraine Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Our frontier markets Algeria Bangladesh Other frontier markets Other HQ and eliminations Total segments 3,819 4,481 4,654 1,233 933 479 198 689 537 125 (33) 7,980 1,321 870 486 258 775 537 172 (37) 8,863 1,494 688 441 315 813 521 201 (41) 9,086 In 2020, our consolidated total operating revenue decreased by 10.0% year-on-year primarily due to the devaluation of currencies across all the countries in which we operate. Revenue fell on the back of significant disruption of retail operations faced by our operating companies, following store closures, which resulted in lower gross connections, device sales and airtime sales and a decline in roaming revenues. In particular, Russia and Pakistan revenues decreased compared to the prior year in local currency terms. These declines were partially offset by strong performance in Ukraine and Kazakhstan. For further details, please refer to “Reports of our reportable segments” below. Operating Profit In 2020, our consolidated operating profit decreased to US$635 million compared to US$2,019 million in 2019 primarily due to an impairment loss of US$785 million in respect of our operations in Russia and Kyrgyzstan, refer to Note 10 — Impairment Losses of our audited consolidated financial statements attached hereto). Furthermore, reduced revenue as described above also contributed to year-on-year reduction in operating profit. 90 Non-Operating Profits And Losses Finance Costs In 2020, our consolidated finance costs decreased by 23.4% year-on-year primarily due to an updated fair valuation of the put option liability on completion of the independent valuation process triggered by the exercise of put option by the Dhabi Group and lower interest charges on loans driven by a combination of lower average cost of debt across most countries and by a depreciation of the Russian ruble. Finance Income In 2020, our consolidated finance income decreased by 56.6% to US$23 million primarily due to lower cash and deposit balances and partially due to currency devaluation on cash and deposits in the local currencies of our operating companies. Other Non-Operating Gain / (Loss) In 2020, we recorded an other non-operating gain of US$111 million, as compared to a non-operating gain of US$21 million in 2019. The driver for this increase related to one-off non-operating gains in 2020 as follows: (1) a revaluation of contingent consideration liability; and (2) a gain upon reaching a settlement in connection with the dispute concerning the sale of Telecel Globe Limited. For more information on these items please refer to Note 15 and Note 7 respectively of our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto. Net Foreign Exchange Gain / (Loss) In 2020, we recorded a loss of US$60 million from the net foreign exchange result for the year ended 2020. The year- on-year change was primarily due to depreciation of the currencies of countries in which VEON operates compared to the US dollar, which had a negative impact on profit or loss upon translation of US dollar-denominated monetary liabilities, such as trade payables and debt. Income Tax Expense In 2020, our consolidated income tax expense decreased by 31.3% to US$342 million compared to US$498 million in 2019. For more information regarding the factors affecting our total income tax expenses, please refer to Note 8 — Income Taxes of our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto. Profit / (Loss) For The Period Attributable To The Owners Of The Parent From Continuing Operations In 2020, the year-on-year change of our profit / (loss) for the period attributable to the owners of the parent from continuing operations was mainly due to a decrease in operating profit as discussed above. Profit / (Loss) For The Period Attributable To Non-Controlling Interest In 2020, the year-on-year decrease in profit / (loss) for the period attributable to non-controlling interest was mainly driven by a decrease in operating profit for our operations in Algeria. 91 Adjusted EBITDA In millions of U.S. dollars Our cornerstone Russia Our growth engines Pakistan Ukraine Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Our frontier markets Algeria Bangladesh Other frontier markets Other HQ and eliminations Total segments Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 1,504 1,957 1,677 612 630 265 68 302 228 22 669 572 270 136 354 222 63 714 387 206 136 363 183 54 (177) 3,454 (28) 4,215 (447) 3,273 In 2020, our total Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 18.1% year-on-year mainly due to lower revenues as discussed above as well as the recognition of a one-off gain of US$350 million in 2019 relating to a revised agreement with Ericsson to upgrade the IT systems of VEON’s operating companies. The decrease was partially offset by lower general and administrative costs. For more information on how we calculate Adjusted EBITDA and for the reconciliation of consolidated profit / (loss) before tax from continuing operations, the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 please refer to table below. In millions of U.S. dollars Profit / (loss) before tax from continuing operations Depreciation Amortization Impairment loss / (reversal) (Gain) / loss on disposal of non-current assets (Gain) / loss on disposal of subsidiaries Finance costs Finance income Other non-operating (gain) / loss Net foreign exchange (gain) / loss Total Segments Adjusted EBITDA 2020 26 1,576 343 785 37 78 683 (23) (111) 60 2019 1,181 1,652 394 108 43 (1) 892 (53) (21) 20 2018 (248) 1,339 495 858 57 (30) 816 (67) 68 (15) 3,454 4,215 3,273 92 RESULTS OF OUR REPORTABLE SEGMENTS RUSSIA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN US$ In millions of U.S. dollars (except as indicated) Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which fixed-mobile convergence (“FMC”) - of which mobile data Fixed-line service revenue Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN RUB Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which FMC - of which mobile data Fixed-line service revenue Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin SELECTED PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Mobile Customers in millions Mobile data customers in millions ARPU in US$ ARPU in RUB TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE Year ended December 31, 2020 3,819 2,917 164 919 523 379 2,319 1,504 2019 4,481 3,485 151 972 539 457 2,523 1,957 2018 4,654 3,679 126 996 566 409 2,977 1,677 39.4 % 43.7 % 36.0 % Year ended December 31, ‘19-20 % change -14.8 % -16.3 % 8.6 % -5.5 % -3.0 % -17.1 % -8.1 % -23.1 % -4.3 pp ‘19-20 % change 274,480 209,527 11,796 66,071 37,657 27,296 167,009 107,775 289,875 225,555 9,788 62,894 34,850 29,470 163,177 126,698 291,539 230,123 7,942 62,259 35,295 26,121 186,822 104,717 39.3 % 43.7 % 35.9 % -5.3 % -7.1 % 20.5 % 5.1 % 8.1 % -7.4 % 2.3 % -14.9 % -4.4 pp Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change -3.7 % -5.3 % 19.8 % -2.4 % -4.8 % 11.7 % -15.3 % 16.7 % 7.7 pp ‘18-19 % change -0.6 % -2.0 % 23.2 % 1.0 % -1.3 % 12.8 % -12.7 % 21.0 % 7.8 pp ‘18-19 % change 49.9 32.9 4.6 333.0 54.6 35.5 5.3 340.0 55.3 36.8 5.4 336.0 -8.6 % -7.3 % -13.2 % -2.1 % -1.3 % -3.5 % -1.9 % 1.2 % In millions of RUB (except as indicated) 2020 2019 2018 In 2020 our total operating revenue in Russia decreased by 14.8% (in USD terms) and by 5.3% (in local currency terms) year-on-year. Mobile service revenue was negatively impacted by a lower customer base as well as reduced roaming revenues due to travel restrictions. Meanwhile, fixed-service revenue showed strong positive performance as customers relied more heavily on fixed-line data at home due to lockdown restrictions. ADJUSTED EBITDA In 2020, our Russia Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 23.1% (in USD terms) and by 14.9% (in local currency terms) year- on-year , primarily due to lower revenues as stated above, as well as an increase in structural operating expenses related to increased network investments and higher interconnection costs due to the increased ratio of off-net traffic. NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS As of December 31, 2020, we had 49.9 million mobile customers in Russia representing a decrease of 8.6% year-on- year, the decrease which was primarily due to customer perceptions on network quality, as well as a reduction in sales through alternate distribution channels and loss of migrant customers from our subscriber base due to travel and lockdown restrictions. Mobile data customers also observed a decrease of 7.3% year-on-year. ARPU Our mobile ARPU in Russia decreased by 13.2% (in USD terms) and by 2.1% (in local currency terms) year-on-year, mainly driven by lower revenues stemming from reduced activity. 93 PAKISTAN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN US$ In millions of U.S. dollars (except as indicated) Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN PKR Year ended December 31, 2020 1,233 1,134 426 99 620 612 2019 1,321 1,229 370 92 652 669 2018 1,494 1,391 311 103 780 714 49.6 % 50.6 % 47.8 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change -6.7 % -7.7 % 15.1 % 7.6 % -4.9 % -8.5 % -1.0 pp -11.6 % -11.6 % 19.0 % -10.7 % -16.4 % -6.3 % 2.8 pp Year ended December 31, In millions of PKR (except as indicated) 2020 2019 2018 Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin SELECTED PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 199,280 183,367 68,965 15,913 100,092 99,188 49.8 % 197,604 183,760 55,517 13,844 97,531 100,074 50.6 % 181,722 169,277 38,230 12,445 94,911 86,811 47.8 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 0.8 % -0.2 % 24.2 % 14.9 % 2.6 % -0.9 % -0.8 pp 8.7 % 8.6 % 45.2 % 11.2 % 2.8 % 15.3 % 2.8 pp Mobile Customers in millions Mobile data customers in millions ARPU in US$ ARPU in PKR TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 66.4 44.0 1.5 239.0 60.5 38.8 1.7 261.0 56.2 33.0 2.1 254.0 9.8 % 13.4 % -11.8 % -8.4 % 7.7 % 17.6 % -19.0 % 2.8 % In 2020, our Pakistan total operating revenue decreased by 6.7% (in USD terms) mainly due to the devaluation of the local currency. In local currency terms, revenue increased by 0.8% as a result of strong mobile data revenue supported by an expansion of the 4G network in 2020, which also led to overall customer base expansion by 9.8% in 2020. ADJUSTED EBITDA In 2020 our Pakistan Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 8.5% (in USD terms) and by 0.9% (in local currency terms) when compared with 2019, which was primarily attributable to the classification of certain costs for the ex-Warid license paid in the form of security (under protest) as service costs in 2020, compared to prior year amortization of licenses below EBITDA. This impact was offset by the reversal of a provision, with an impact on Adjusted EBITDA of PKR 8.6 billion (USD 52 million) in the third quarter of 2020. NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS In 2020, we had 66.4 million mobile customers in Pakistan, representing an increase of 9.8% year-on-year driven primarily by growth in mobile data customers, which increased by 13.4% year-on-year. The increase arose on the back of our continued expansion of our data network in Pakistan. ARPU In 2020, our mobile ARPU in Pakistan decreased by 11.8% (in USD terms) and by 8.4% (in local currency terms), mainly driven by reduced activity from the lockdown measures implemented in Pakistan, as described above. 94 UKRAINE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN US$ Year ended December 31, In millions of U.S. dollars (except as indicated) 2020 2019 2018 Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Fixed-line service revenue Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN UAH In millions of UAH (except as indicated) Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Fixed-line service revenue Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin SELECTED PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Mobile Customers in millions Mobile data customers in millions ARPU in US$ ARPU in UAH TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE 933 869 489 59 5 303 630 870 812 421 52 6 298 572 688 641 263 44 3 301 387 67.5 % 65.7 % 56.3 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 7.2 % 7.0 % 16.2 % 13.5 % -16.7 % 1.7 % 10.1 % 1.8 pp 26.5 % 26.7 % 60.1 % 18.2 % 100.0 % -1.0 % 47.8 % 9.4 pp Year ended December 31, 2020 25,158 23,418 13,191 1,602 138 8,181 16,979 67.5 % 2019 22,392 20,903 10,847 1,350 139 7,709 14,683 65.6 % 2018 18,720 17,421 7,177 1,206 93 8,190 10,529 56.2 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 12.4 % 12.0 % 21.6 % 18.7 % -0.7 % 6.1 % 15.6 % 1.9 pp 19.6 % 20.0 % 51.1 % 11.9 % 49.5 % -5.9 % 39.5 % 9.4 pp Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 25.9 17.1 2.8 75.0 26.2 16.9 2.6 66.0 26.4 14.8 2.0 54.0 -1.1 % 1.2 % 7.7 % 13.6 % -0.8 % 14.2 % 30.0 % 22.2 % In 2020, our Ukraine total operating revenue increased by 7.2% (in USD terms) and by 12.4% (in local currency terms) year-on-year. The change was primarily due to strong growth in mobile data consumption owing to strong 4G adoption on the back of our continued focus on 4G connectivity and digitalizing solutions for customers. Fixed-line revenue also grew year on year as customers continued to draw on fixed-line data at home as described above. ADJUSTED EBITDA In 2020, our Ukraine Adjusted EBITDA increased by 10.1% (in USD terms) and by 15.6% (in local currency terms) year- on-year, primarily due to solid revenue performance and lower service costs and commercial costs. This was offset partially by the increase in structural operating expenses when compared with the previous year. NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS As of December 31, 2020, we had 25.9 million mobile customers in Ukraine representing a decrease of 1.1% year-on- year. The decrease was a result of increased churn rate and lower gross additions owing to the closure of stores as a result of lockdown measures, as well as a reduction in multi-SIM users in the market and demographic trends in Ukraine. Our mobile data customers observed an increase of 1.2% year-on-year. ARPU In 2020, our mobile ARPU in Ukraine increased by 7.7% (in USD terms) and by 13.6% (in local currency terms) year on year, primarily due to usage growth during the year as described above. 95 KAZAKHSTAN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN US$ Year ended December 31, In millions of U.S. dollars (except as indicated) 2020 2019 2018 Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Fixed-line service revenue Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN KZT 479 392 199 78 9 214 265 486 379 157 66 41 216 270 441 363 115 73 5 234 206 55.3 % 55.6 % 46.7 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change -1.4 % 3.4 % 26.8 % 18.2 % 10.2 % 4.4 % 36.5 % -9.6 % -78.0 % 720.0 % -0.9 % -1.9 % -0.3 pp -7.7 % 31.1 % 8.9 pp Year ended December 31, In millions of KZT (except as indicated) 2020 2019 2018 Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Fixed-line service revenue Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin SELECTED PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Mobile Customers in millions Mobile data customers in millions ARPU in US$ ARPU in KZT TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE 197,775 161,873 82,383 32,198 3,704 88,403 186,039 144,925 59,986 25,423 15,691 82,586 109,373 103,454 55.3 % 55.6 % 151,799 125,125 39,789 25,228 1,446 80,679 71,119 46.9 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 6.3 % 11.7 % 37.3 % 26.6 % 22.6 % 15.8 % 50.8 % 0.8 % -76.4 % 985.1 % 7.0 % 5.7 % -0.3 pp 2.4 % 45.5 % 8.7 pp Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 9.5 7.2 3.3 10.2 6.9 3.1 9.9 6.3 3.0 1,364.0 1,192.0 1,051.0 -6.9 % 4.3 % 6.5 % 14.4 % 3.0 % 9.5 % 3.3 % 13.4 % In 2020, our Kazakhstan total operating revenue decreased by 1.4% (in USD terms) and increased by 6.3% (in local currency terms) year-on-year. The increase in local currency terms was primarily due to strong demand for our data services (specifically, growth of our 4G user base facilitated through an expansion of our 4G network). Revenue from fixed-line services was also strong, as the popularity of our convergent products contributed to a larger customer base. These increases were partially offset by the impact of higher revenues in 2019 stemming from compensation received in relation to termination of a network sharing agreement with Kcell. ADJUSTED EBITDA In 2020, our Kazakhstan Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1.9% in (USD terms) and increased by 5.7% (in local currency terms) year-on-year, primarily due to higher revenues as described above that was offset partially by the increased personnel costs, certain non-income taxes and technology expenses. NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS As of December 31, 2020, we had 9.5 million mobile customers in Kazakhstan representing an decrease of 6.9% year- on-year. The decrease was mainly due to post IMEI registration barriers resulting in lower gross additions. The number of mobile data customers increased by 4.3% mainly due to improved bundle offers and data services. ARPU In 2020, our mobile ARPU in Kazakhstan increased by 6.5% (in USD terms) and by 14.4% (in local currency terms) year on year, primarily due to data usage growth. 96 UZBEKISTAN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN US$ Year ended December 31, In millions of U.S. dollars (except as indicated) 2020 2019 2018 Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Fixed-line service revenue Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN UZS 198 196 111 1 1 130 68 258 255 120 2 1 122 136 315 312 108 2 1 178 136 34.3 % 52.7 % 43.2 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change -23.3 % -23.1 % -7.5 % -50.0 % 0.0 % 6.6 % -50.0 % -18.4 pp -18.1 % -18.3 % 11.1 % 0.0 % 0.0 % -31.5 % 0.0 % 9.5 pp Year ended December 31, In millions of UZS (except as indicated) 2020 2019 2018 Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Fixed-line service revenue Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin SELECTED PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Mobile Customers in millions Mobile data customers in millions ARPU in US$ ARPU in UZS TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE 1,985,465 1,966,778 1,114,049 11,489 7,198 1,307,334 679,613 2,275,256 2,251,950 1,059,616 13,229 10,077 1,071,233 1,204,023 2,537,768 2,516,756 871,670 17,390 3,622 1,439,916 1,097,852 34.2 % 52.9 % 43.3 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change -12.7 % -12.7 % 5.1 % -13.2 % -28.6 % 22.0 % -43.6 % -18.7 pp -10.3 % -10.5 % 21.6 % -23.9 % 178.2 % -25.6 % 9.7 % 9.6 pp Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 6.8 4.8 2.2 8.1 5.2 2.4 9.1 5.5 2.8 21,758 21,390 22,177 -16.0 % -7.7 % -8.3 % 1.7 % -11.0 % -5.5 % -14.3 % -3.5 % In 2020, our Uzbekistan total operating revenue decreased by 23.3% (in USD terms) and by 12.7% (in local currency terms) year-on-year, primarily due to lower subscriber base impacted by a new excise duty and IMEI registration implementation as well as weaker business activity due to COVID-19 restrictions. ADJUSTED EBITDA In 2020, our Adjusted EBITDA in Uzbekistan decreased by 50.0% (in USD terms) and by 43.6% (in local currency terms) year on year, primarily due to reduced revenues as described above as well as increased structural operating expenses. NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS As of end of 2020, the number of mobile customers in our Uzbekistan segment decreased by 16.0% to 6.8 million. The decrease was the result of a strategic focus on high value customers resulting in higher churn rate. The number of our mobile data customers also decreased by 7.7% year-on-year. ARPU In 2020, our mobile ARPU in Uzbekistan decreased by 8.3% (in USD terms) and increased by 1.7% (in local currency terms) year on year, primarily due to the strategic focus on high value customers as described above. 97 ALGERIA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN US$ Year ended December 31, In millions of U.S. dollars (except as indicated) 2020 2019 2018 Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN DZD In millions of DZD (except as indicated) Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin SELECTED PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Mobile Customers in millions Mobile data customers in millions ARPU in US$ ARPU in DZD TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE 689 685 260 4 387 302 775 771 232 4 421 354 813 801 188 12 449 363 43.8 % 45.7 % 44.6 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change -11.1 % -11.2 % 12.1 % 0.0 % -8.1 % -14.7 % -1.9 pp -4.7 % -3.7 % 23.4 % -66.7 % -6.2 % -2.5 % 1.1 pp Year ended December 31, 2020 87,201 86,661 32,890 540 48,954 38,282 43.9 % 2019 92,513 91,870 27,665 643 50,241 42,272 45.7 % 2018 94,773 93,409 21,978 1,364 52,376 42,398 44.7 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change -5.7 % -5.7 % 18.9 % -16.0 % -2.6 % -9.4 % -1.8 pp -2.4 % -1.6 % 25.9 % -52.9 % -4.1 % -0.3 % 1.0 pp Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 14.1 9.2 4.0 502.0 14.6 8.8 4.2 501.0 15.8 9.2 4.3 504.0 -3.4 % 4.5 % -4.8 % 0.2 % -7.6 % -4.3 % -2.3 % -0.6 % In 2020, our Algeria total operating revenue decreased by 11.1% (in USD terms) and by 5.7% (in local currency terms) year-on-year, primarily due to lower subscriber base in an aggressively competitive market and the negative impact of a change in the Mobile Termination Rate (MTR), as well as the economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data revenue growth remained strong due to higher usage as a result of 4G rollout. ADJUSTED EBITDA In 2020, our Algeria Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 14.7% (in USD terms) and by 9.4% (in local currency terms) year- on-year primarily due to the decrease in total revenue as described above, with operating expenses remaining relatively stable. NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS As of December 31, 2020, our customer base in Algeria segment decreased by 3.4% to 14.1 million year-on-year driven by the overall economic slowdown as a result of the pandemic. Mobile data customers showed a growth of 4.5% year on year mainly due to 4G roll out and increased demand for data. ARPU In 2020, our mobile ARPU in Algeria decreased by 4.8% (in USD terms) and increased by 0.2% (in local currency terms) year-on-year. The stable performance in local currency terms resulted from growth due to pricing and a more high-value customer base, offset by lower consumption due to a general economic slowdown as described above. 98 BANGLADESH RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN US$ Year ended December 31, In millions of U.S. dollars (except as indicated) 2020 2019 2018 Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN BDT In millions of BDT (except as indicated) Total operating revenue Mobile service revenue - of which mobile data Sales of equipment, accessories and other Operating expenses Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin SELECTED PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Mobile Customers in millions Mobile data customers in millions ARPU in US$ ARPU in BDT TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE 537 527 133 10 310 228 537 525 109 12 314 222 521 504 87 17 338 183 42.5 % 41.3 % 35.1 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 0.0 % 0.4 % 22.0 % -16.7 % -1.3 % 2.7 % 1.2 pp 3.1 % 4.2 % 25.3 % -29.4 % -7.1 % 21.3 % 6.2 pp Year ended December 31, 2020 45,601 44,726 11,286 875 26,286 19,315 42.4 % 2019 45,284 44,332 9,194 952 26,522 18,762 41.4 % 2018 43,653 42,211 7,250 1,442 28,306 15,347 35.2 % ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 0.7 % 0.9 % 22.8 % -8.1 % -0.9 % 2.9 % 1.0 pp 3.7 % 5.0 % 26.8 % -34.0 % -6.3 % 22.3 % 6.2 pp Year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 ‘19-20 % change ‘18-19 % change 33.2 19.9 1.3 111.0 33.6 18.9 1.3 112.0 32.3 19.6 1.3 110.0 -1.2 % 5.3 % 0.0 % -0.9 % 4.0 % -3.6 % 0.0 % 1.8 % In 2020, our Bangladesh total operating revenue was at par with prior year in USD terms and observed a slight growth of 0.7 % in local currency terms. Overall, the negative impact of the pandemic crisis was offset by consistent performance in the acceleration of service revenue growth following spectrum acquisition and enhanced network availability along with the continued expansion of Banglalink’s distribution footprint. ADJUSTED EBITDA In 2020, our Bangladesh Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.7% (in USD terms) and by 2.9% (in local currency terms) year-on-year. This was mainly due to consistent performance on revenue and operational savings, which was partially offset by the increase in minimum tax rates adversely impacting operating expenses. NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS As of December 31, 2020, the number of mobile customers in our Bangladesh segment decreased by 1.2% year-on- year to 33.2 million. This was primarily due to higher churn rate when compared with last year. Our mobile data customers also saw an increase of 5.3% year-on-year. ARPU In 2020, our mobile ARPU in Bangladesh remained stable in both USD and local currency terms when compared with last year. 99 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Working Capital Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities. As of December 31, 2020, we had negative working capital of US$1,560 million, compared to negative working capital of US$3,269 million as of December 31, 2019. The change was primarily due to decrease in short term borrowings and other liabilities and increase in cash position when compared to last year. Our working capital is monitored on a regular basis by management. Our management expects to repay our debt as it becomes due from our operating cash flows or through additional borrowings. Although we have a negative working capital, our management believes that our cash balances and available credit facilities are sufficient to meet our present requirements. In Algeria, under the terms of a shareholder agreement between Global Telecom Holding S.A.E., the Fonds National d’Investissement and others, our operating company may only distribute 42.5% of its net profit for a given financial year without receiving an approval from a qualified majority of its board. This effectively creates a restriction on the ability of Global Telecom Holding S.A.E. to freely distribute the accumulated retained earnings of our operating company in Algeria. Consolidated Cash Flow Summary (In millions of U.S. dollars) Net cash flows from operating activities Net cash flows from / (used in) investing activities Net cash flows from / (used in) financing activities Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net foreign exchange difference Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period, net of overdraft ** 2020 2,443 2019 2018 2,949 2,515 (1,910) (1,888) 1,997 (103) (1,639) (3,916) 430 (48) (578) (9) 596 (119) 1,204 1,791 1,314 1,586 1,204 1,791 For more details, see Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. In 2020 , net cash flows from operating activities decreased to US$2,443 million from US$2,949 million in 2019. The decrease was mainly due to a one off cash inflow of US$350 million in 2019 relating to revised arrangement with Ericsson and lower revenues during 2020 when compared with last year. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded an outflow of US$1,910 million from investing activities, compared to an outflow of US$1,888 million in 2019, this increase reflects the continued high levels network investments in Russia, this was offset by increased cash outflows in 2019 relating to the amounts pledged as collateral for the Mandatory Tender Offer (MTO) with respect to acquisition of non-controlling interests in GTH. Our total payments for the purchase of property, equipment and intangible assets amounted to US$1,778 million compared to US$1,683 million in 2019. In 2020, net cash outflow for financing activities was US$103 million compared to net cash outflow of US$1,639 million in 2019. The change of net cash flows used for financing activities was mainly driven by significant financing and refinancing activities in 2020, compared to the previous year. Indebtedness As of December 31, 2020, the principal amounts of our external indebtedness represented by bank loans and bonds amounted to US$7,678 million, compared to US$7,519 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, our debt includes overdrawn bank accounts related to our cash-pooling program of US$8 million. As of December 31, 2020, VEON had the following principal amounts outstanding for interest-bearing loans and bonds as well as cash-pool overdrawn bank accounts: 100 Entity Type of debt/ original lenders Interest rate Debt currency Outstanding debt (mln) Outstanding debt (USD mln) Maturity date VEON Holdings B.V. Loan from Sberbank 7.35% VEON Holdings B.V. Loan from Sberbank VEON Holdings B.V. Loan from Sberbank CBR Key Rate + 2.2% CBR Key Rate + 2.2% VEON Holdings B.V. Loan from Alfa Bank 7.50% VEON Holdings B.V. Loan from VTB CBR Key Rate + 1.85% VEON Holdings B.V. Notes VEON Holdings B.V. Notes VEON Holdings B.V. Notes VEON Holdings B.V. Notes VEON Holdings B.V. Notes VEON Holdings B.V. Notes VEON Holdings B.V. Notes VEON Holdings B.V. Notes VEON Holdings B.V. Cash-pool overdrawn accounts VEON Holdings B.V. Total 3.38% 7.50% 5.95% 4.95% 4.00% 7.25% 6.30% 6.50% RUB RUB RUB RUB RUB USD USD USD USD USD USD RUB RUB 30,000 37,500 12,500 30,000 30,000 1,250 417 529 533 1,000 700 20,000 10,000 406 06.03.2024 508 06.03.2023 169 06.03.2023 406 03.11.2025 406 07.09.2025 1,250 11.25.2027 417 03.01.2022 529 02.13.2023 533 06.17.2024 1,000 04.09.2025 700 04.26.2023 271 06.18.2025 135 09.11.2025 1 6,731 PJSC VimpelCom VIP Finance Ireland (i) 7.75% USD 262 262 02.02.2021 PJSC VimpelCom Other PJSC VimpelCom PJSC VimpelCom Total PMCL PMCL PMCL PMCL PMCL PMCL PMCL Loan from Habib Bank Limited 6M KIBOR + 0.35% PKR Syndicated Loan Facility Syndicated Loan Facility 6M KIBOR 6M KIBOR PKR PKR Syndicated Loan Facility 6M KIBOR + 0.35% PKR Syndicated Loan Facility 6M KIBOR + 0.55% PKR Loan from Habib Bank Limited 6M KIBOR + 0.55% PKR Other 5,000 2,909 1,810 12,837 33,848 10,000 Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited Total Banglalink Syndicated Loan Facility 9 271 31 06.15.2022 18 12.15.2023 11 12.15.2023 80 06.15.2022 211 09.02.2026 62 09.02.2026 11 424 Average bank deposit rate + 4.25% BDT 6,341 75 09.24.2022 Banglalink Syndicated Loan Facility Average bank deposit rate + 3.0% BDT 436 5 03.24.2021 Other Banglalink Digital Communications Ltd. Total PJSC Kyivstar Loan from Alfa Bank PJSC Kyivstar Loan from OTP Bank NBU Key rate + 3.00% 10.15% PJSC Kyivstar Loan from Raiffeisen Bank 11.00% PJSC Kyivstar Loan from Alfa Bank NBU Key rate + 3.00% UAH UAH UAH UAH 1,480 1,000 1,400 120 PJSC Kyivstar Total Other entities Cash-pool overdrawn accounts and other (i) Loan from VIP Finance Ireland (funded by the issuance of loan participation notes by VIP Finance Ireland) 8 88 52 12.14.2023 35 12.22.2023 50 11.26.2025 4 02.08.2021 141 23 7,678 101 For additional information on our outstanding indebtedness, please refer to Note 15 — Investments, Debt and Derivatives of our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto. For a description of some of the risks associated with certain of our indebtedness, see “Item 3D. Risk Factors — Liquidity and Capital Risks — Substantial amounts of indebtedness and debt service obligations could materially decrease our cash flow, adversely affect our business and financial condition and prevent us from raising additional capital.” Cash Subject to Currency and Contractual Restrictions The company performed a test on the restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries and concluded the restricted net assets exceed 25% of the consolidated net assets of the company as of December 31, 2020. The company is subject to the legal restrictions to distribute accumulated profits from Algeria by virtue of a local shareholding agreement (i.e. it is allowed only to distribute 42.5% of current year profit), and the rest is restricted. As of December 31, 2020, VEON Ltd. had restricted net assets of 390%, compared to 58% in 2019, of total net assets. The relative increase in restricted net asset was primarily due to the impairment of our Russia and Kyrgyzstan CGU’s, as well as the devaluation of exchange rates in the countries in which VEON operates, thus lowering the book value of the company’s consolidated net assets compared to an unchanged share of the restricted assets. The restricted net assets in Algeria have no implications on the company’s ability to pay dividends. Accordingly, separate condensed financial statements of VEON Ltd. have been prepared, in accordance with Rule 5-04 and Rule 12-04 of SEC Regulation S-X and presented within Note 25 — Condensed Separate Financial Information of VEON of our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto. FUTURE LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS Telecommunications service providers require significant amounts of capital to construct networks and attract customers. In the foreseeable future, our further expansion will require significant investment activity, including the purchase of equipment and possibly the acquisition of other companies. In 2020, our capital expenditures excluding licenses and right of use assets were US$1,889 million compared to US$1,741 million in 2019. This was primarily due to investments in our networks in Russia, Pakistan, Ukraine and Bangladesh. We expect that our capital expenditures excluding licenses and right-of-use assets in 2021 will mainly consist of investing in high-speed data networks to capture mobile data growth, including the continued roll-out of 4G/LTE and 3G networks in Russia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ukraine. We expect that these expenditures will continue to be significant in 2021. Management anticipates that the funds necessary to meet our current and expected capital requirements in the foreseeable future (including with respect to any possible acquisitions) will come from: • • • • • • Cash we currently hold; Operating cash flows; Export credit agency guaranteed financing; Borrowings under bank financings, including credit lines currently available to us; Syndicated loan facilities; and Issuances of debt securities on local and international capital markets. As of December 31, 2020, we had an undrawn amount of US$1,625 million under existing credit facilities. For additional information on our outstanding indebtedness, please refer to Note 17 — Financial Risk Management of our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto. Management expects that positive cash flows from our current operations will continue to provide us with internal sources of funds. The availability of external financing depends on many factors, including the success of our operations, contractual restrictions, availability of guarantees from export credit agencies, the financial position of international and local banks, the willingness of international banks to lend to our companies and the liquidity of international and local capital markets. Our future cash needs are subject to significant uncertainties. For instance, we are exposed to the impact of future exchange rates on our U.S. dollar denominated debt obligations and future requirements for U.S. dollar denominated capital expenditures, which are generally funded by local currency cash flows of our subsidiaries. Remittances from our subsidiaries 102 may also be restricted by local regulations or subject to material taxes when remitted. Despite these uncertainties, we believe that our cash flows from operations and other sources of funds described above will be sufficient to meet our short term and foreseeable long-term cash requirements. Below is the reconciliation of Capital expenditures excluding licenses and ROU to cash flows used to Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets: Capital expenditures * Adjusted for: Additions of licenses Additions of right-of-use assets Difference in timing between accrual and payment for capital expenditures 2020 2019 2018 1,889 1,741 1,415 53 446 (164) 50 299 (108) 526 — 7 Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 1,778 1,683 1,948 * Excluding licenses and right-of-use assets, refer to Note 2 — Segment information of the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk For information on quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk see — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. Contractual Obligations As of December 31, 2020, we had the following contractual obligations: Bank loans and bonds Lease liabilities Purchase obligations Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years 842 525 778 3,803 3,123 1,408 896 19 639 — 239 — Total 9,176 2,299 797 Total financial liabilities, net of derivative assets 2,145 4,718 3,762 1,647 12,272 For the description of the contractual obligations please refer to Note 11 — Property and Equipment, Note 12 — Intangible Assets & Goodwill, Note 15 — Investments, Debt and Derivatives and Note 17 — Financial Risk Management of our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT We now have the capacity to launch 4G/LTE in each of our reportable segments. We have acquired new spectrum in several operating companies to boost our network capacity, enhance spectral efficiency and enable the launch of new Radio Access Networks Technologies. For example, in Russia, we are working closely with a number of vendors to undertake joint research and testing of technologies, with a focus on 5G, LTE Advanced Pro and LTE-unlicensed technology. For a discussion of the risks associated with new technology, see - Risk Factors — Market Risks — “Our failure to keep pace with technological changes and evolving industry standards could harm our competitive position and, in turn, materially harm our business.” OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS We have entered into transactions with related parties and affiliates. See “-—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions” and Note 21 — Related Parties to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. 103 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Memorandum and Articles of Association We describe below the material provisions of our memorandum of association and bye-laws, certain provisions of Bermuda law relating to our organization and operation, and some of the terms of our share rights based on provisions of our memorandum of association, our bye-laws, applicable Bermuda law and certain agreements relating to our shares. Although we believe that we have summarized the material terms of our memorandum of association and bye-laws, Bermuda legal requirements and our share capital, this summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our memorandum of association, our bye-laws and applicable Bermuda law. All references to our bye-laws herein, unless otherwise noted, are to our amended and restated bye-laws, which were approved by our shareholders on July 30, 2018. The affirmative vote of at least 75.0% of the shares voted at a shareholders meeting is required to approve amendments to our bye-laws. General VEON Ltd. is an exempted company limited by shares registered under the Companies Act on June 5, 2009, and our registered office is located at Victoria Place, 31 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM 10, Bermuda. Our registration number with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda is 43271. As set forth in paragraph 6 of our memorandum of association, VEON Ltd. was formed with unrestricted business objects. We are registered with the Dutch Trade Register (registration number 34374835) as a company formally registered abroad (formeel buitenlandse kapitaalvennootschap), as this term is referred to in the Dutch Companies Formally Registered Abroad Act (Wet op de formeel buitenlandse vennootschappen), which means that we are deemed a Dutch resident company for tax purposes in accordance with applicable Dutch tax regulations. Issued Share Capital As of December 31, 2020, the authorized share capital was US$1,849,190.67, divided into 1,849,190,667 common shares, par value US$0.001, of which 1,756,731,135 common shares were issued and outstanding. All issued and outstanding shares are fully paid. Subject to our bye-laws and to any shareholders’ resolution to the contrary, and without prejudice to any special rights previously conferred on the holders of any existing shares or class of shares, our board of directors has the power to issue up to five percent of the total authorized capital of the company as common shares on such terms and conditions as the board of directors may determine; provided that this limitation does not apply to the issue of shares in connection with employee compensation awards approved by the board’s compensation and talent committee. We may increase, divide, consolidate, change the currency or denomination of or reduce our share capital with the approval of our shareholders. We may purchase our own shares for cancellation or acquire them as treasury shares in accordance with Bermuda law on such terms as the board of directors may determine. We may, under our bye-laws, at any time request any person we have cause to believe is interested in our shares to confirm details of our shares in which that person holds an interest. Common shares The holders of common shares are, subject to our bye-laws and Bermuda law, generally entitled to enjoy all the rights attaching to common shares. Except for treasury shares, each fully paid common share entitles its holder to: • • • • • participate in shareholder meetings; have one vote on all issues voted upon at a shareholder meeting, except for the purposes of cumulative voting for the election of the board of directors, in which case each common share shall have the same number of votes as the total number of members to be elected to the board of directors and all such votes may be cast for a single candidate or may be distributed between or among two or more candidates; receive dividends approved by the board of directors (any dividend or other moneys payable in respect of a share which has remained unclaimed for six years from the date when it became due for payment shall, if the board of directors so resolves, be forfeited and cease to remain owing by VEON Ltd.); in the event of our liquidation, receive a pro rata share of our surplus assets; and exercise any other rights of a common shareholder set forth in our bye-laws and Bermuda law. 104 There are no sinking fund provisions attached to any of our shares. Holders of fully paid shares have no further liability to VEON Ltd. for capital calls. All rights of any share of any class held in treasury are suspended and may not be exercised while the share is held by VEON Ltd. in treasury. Shareholders’ Meetings Shareholders’ meetings are convened and held in accordance with our bye-laws and Bermuda law. Registered holders of shares as of the record date for the shareholder meeting may attend and vote. Annual general meeting Our bye-laws and Bermuda law provide that our annual general meeting must be held each year at such time and place as the CEO or the board of directors may determine. Convening the annual general meeting requires that 30 clear days’ prior notice be given to each shareholder entitled to attend and vote at such annual general meeting. The notice must state the date, place and time at which the meeting is to be held, that the election of directors will take place and, as far as practicable, any other business to be conducted at the meeting. Under Bermuda law, shareholders may, at their own expense (unless the company otherwise resolves), require a company to: (a) give notice to all shareholders entitled to receive notice of the annual general meeting of any resolution that the shareholders may properly move at the next annual general meeting; and (b) circulate to all shareholders entitled to receive notice of any general meeting a statement in respect of any matter referred to in the proposed resolution or any business to be conducted at such general meeting. The number of shareholders necessary for such a requisition is either: (1) any number of shareholders representing not less than 5.0% of the total voting rights of all shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting to which the requisition relates; or (2) not less than 100 registered shareholders. Special general meeting The CEO or the board of directors may convene a special general meeting whenever in their judgment such a meeting is necessary. The board of directors must, on the requisition in writing of shareholders holding not less than 10.0% of our paid up voting share capital, convene a special general meeting. Each special general meeting may be held at such time and place as the CEO or the board of directors may appoint. Convening a special general meeting requires that 30 clear days’ notice be given to each shareholder entitled to attend and vote at such meeting. The notice must state the date, place and time at which the meeting is to be held and as far as possible any other business to be conducted at the meeting. Our bye-laws state that notice for all shareholders’ meetings may be given by: delivering such notice to the shareholder in person; sending such notice by letter or courier to the shareholder’s address as stated in the register of shareholders; transmitting such notice by electronic means in accordance with directions given by the shareholder; or accessing such notice on our website. • • • • Shorter notice for general meetings A shorter notice period will not invalidate a general meeting if it is approved by either: (a) in the case of an annual general meeting, all shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting, or (b) in the case of a special general meeting, a majority of shareholders having the right to attend and vote at the meeting and together holding not less than 95.0% in nominal value of the shares giving a right to attend and vote at the meeting. The accidental omission to give notice of a general meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice of a general meeting by, any shareholder entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting. Postponement or cancellation of general meeting The board of directors may postpone or cancel any general meeting called in accordance with the bye-laws (other than a meeting requisitioned by shareholders) provided that notice of postponement or cancellation is given to each shareholder before the time for such meeting. 105 Quorum Subject to the Companies Act and our bye-laws, at any general meeting, two or more persons present in person at the start of the meeting and having the right to attend and vote at the meeting and holding or representing in person or by proxy at least 50.0% plus one share of our total issued and outstanding shares at the relevant time will form a quorum for the transaction of business. If within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, then, in the case of a meeting convened on a requisition, the meeting shall be deemed cancelled and, in any other case, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day one week later, at the same time and place, or to such other day, time or place as the CEO may determine. Voting Rights Under Bermuda law, the voting rights of our shareholders are regulated by our bye-laws and, in certain circumstances, the Companies Act. Subject to Bermuda law and our bye-laws, a resolution may only be put to a vote at a general meeting of any class of shareholders if: • • • • it is proposed by or at the direction of the board of directors; it is proposed at the direction of a court; it is proposed on the requisition in writing of such number of shareholders as is prescribed by, and is made in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the Companies Act or our bye-laws; or the chairman of the meeting in his absolute discretion decides that the resolution may properly be regarded as within the scope of the meeting. In addition to those matters required by Bermuda law or by the NASDAQ rules to be approved by a simple majority of shareholders at any general meeting, the following actions require the approval of a simple majority of the votes cast at any general meeting: • • • any sale of all or substantially all of our assets; the appointment of an auditor; and removal of directors. Any question proposed for the consideration of the shareholders at any general meeting may be decided by the affirmative votes of a simple majority of the votes cast, except for: • • • • • • whitewash procedure for mandatory offers, which requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders voting in person or by proxy at a general meeting, excluding the vote of the shareholder or shareholders in question and their affiliates; voting for directors, which requires directors to be elected by cumulative voting at each annual general meeting; changes to our bye-laws, which require a resolution to be passed by shareholders representing not less than 75.0% of the total voting rights of the shareholders who vote in person or by proxy on the resolution; any merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, reorganization, scheme of arrangement, dissolution or liquidation, which requires a resolution to be passed by shareholders representing not less than 75.0% of the total voting rights of the shareholders who vote in person or by proxy on the resolution; loans to any director, which require a resolution to be passed by shareholders representing not less than 90.0% of the total voting rights of the shareholders who vote in person or by proxy on the resolution; and the discontinuation of VEON Ltd. to a jurisdiction outside Bermuda, which requires a resolution to be passed by shareholders representing not less than 75.0% of the total voting rights of the shareholders who vote in person or by proxy on the resolution. Our bye-laws require voting on any resolution at any meeting of the shareholders to be conducted by way of a poll vote. Except where cumulative voting is required, each person present and entitled to vote at a meeting of the shareholders shall have one vote for each share of which such person is the holder or for which such person holds a proxy and such vote shall be counted by ballot or, in the case of a general meeting at which one or more shareholders are present by electronic means, in such manner as the chairman of the meeting may direct. A person entitled to more than one vote need not use all his votes or cast all the votes he uses in the same way. If no instruction is received from a holder of our ADSs, the Depositary shall give a proxy to an individual selected by the board of directors to vote the number of shares represented by the uninstructed ADSs at any shareholders’ meeting. The board of directors’ proxy designee will then vote the shares in accordance with the votes of all other shares represented and voting at 106 the meeting, excluding any votes of any security holder of the company beneficially owning more than five percent of the securities entitled to vote at the meeting. Voting rights of common shares The holders of common shares, subject to the provisions of our bye-laws, are entitled to one vote per common share, except where cumulative voting applies when electing directors. Transfer Restrictions For such time as our common shares are fully paid and our ADSs listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market Inc., or our common shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (or another appointed exchange, as determined from time to time by the Bermuda Monetary Authority), there are no Bermuda law transfer restrictions applicable to our common shares. Were any of our common shares to not be fully paid, our bye-laws permit the board of directors to decline to register a transfer. At such time as our ADSs cease to be listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market Inc., or our common shares cease to be listed on Euronext Amsterdam (or another appointed exchange, as determined from time to time by the Bermuda Monetary Authority), the Bermuda Exchange Control Act 1972 and associated regulations require that the prior consent of the Bermuda Monetary Authority be obtained for any transfers of shares. Foreign Shareholders Our bye-laws have no requirements or restrictions with respect to foreign ownership of our shares. Board of Directors VEON Ltd. is governed by our board of directors, currently consisting of 12 directors. Subject to certain material business decisions that are reserved to the board of directors, the board of directors generally delegates day-to-day management of our company to our co-CEOs. All directors are elected by our shareholders to the board through cumulative voting. Each voting share confers on its holder a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected. The holder may cast those votes for candidates in any proportion, including casting all votes for one candidate. Under our bye-laws, the amount of any fees or other remuneration payable to directors is determined by the board of directors upon the recommendation of the compensation and talent committee. We may repay to any director such reasonable costs and expenses as he or she may incur in the performance of his or her duties. There is no requirement for the members of our board of directors to own shares. A director who is not a shareholder will nevertheless be entitled to attend and speak at general meetings and at any separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares. Neither Bermuda law nor our bye-laws establish any mandatory retirement age for our directors or executive officers. Dividends and Dividend Rights Pursuant to Bermuda law, we are prohibited from declaring or paying a dividend if there are reasonable grounds for believing that (a) we are, or would after the payment be, unable to pay our liabilities as they become due, or (b) the realizable value of our assets would, as a result of the dividend, be less than the aggregate of our liabilities. The board of directors may, subject to our bye-laws and in accordance with the Companies Act, declare a dividend to be paid to the shareholders holding shares entitled to receive dividends, in proportion to the number of shares held by them, and such dividend may be paid in cash or wholly or partly in shares or other assets, including through the issuance of our shares or other securities, in which case the board of directors may fix the value for distribution in specie of any assets, shares or securities. We are not required to pay interest on any unpaid dividend. In accordance with our bye-laws, dividends may be declared and paid in proportion to the amount paid up on each share. The holders of common shares are entitled to dividends if the payment of dividends is approved by the board of directors. Dividends unclaimed for a period of six years from the date of payment may be forfeited. Our bye-laws and Bermuda law do not provide for pre-emptive rights of shareholders in respect of new shares issued by us. There is no statutory regulation of the conduct of takeover offers and transactions under Bermuda law. However, our bye-laws provide that any person who, individually or together with any of its affiliates or any other members of a group, acquires 107 beneficial ownership of any shares which, taken together with shares already beneficially owned by it or any of its affiliates or its group, in any manner, carry 50.0% or more of the voting rights of our issued and outstanding shares, must, within 30 days of acquiring such shares, make a general offer to all holders of shares to purchase their shares. Interested Party Transactions The board of directors have the right to approve transactions with interested parties, subject to compliance with Bermuda law. Prior to approval by the board of directors, as the case may be, on such transaction, all interests must be fully disclosed. Liquidation Rights If VEON Ltd. is wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a resolution of the shareholders, divide among the shareholders in specie or in kind the whole or any part of our assets (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may, for such purpose, set such value as he deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the shareholders or different classes of shareholders. The liquidator may, with the same sanction, vest the whole or any part of such assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the shareholders as the liquidator thinks fit, but so that no shareholder may be compelled to accept any shares or other securities or assets on which there is any liability. The holders of common shares, in the event of our winding-up or dissolution, are entitled to our surplus assets in respect of their holdings of common shares, pari passu and pro rata to the number of common shares held by each of them. Share Registration, Transfers and Settlement All of our issued shares are registered. The register of members of a company is generally open to inspection by shareholders and by members of the general public without charge. The register of members is required to be open for inspection for not less than two hours in any business day (subject to the ability of a company to close the register of members for not more than 30 days in a year). A company is required to maintain its share register in Bermuda but may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, establish a branch register outside of Bermuda. A company is required to keep at its registered office a register of directors and officers that is open for inspection for not less than two hours in any business day by members of the public without charge. Bermuda law does not, however, provide a general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records. 108 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK We are exposed to market risk from adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in interest rates on our obligations. As of December 31, 2020, the largest currency exposure risks for our group were in relation to the Russian ruble, the Pakistani rupee, the Algerian dinar, the Bangladeshi taka, the Ukrainian hryvnia, the Kazakh tenge and the Uzbekistani som, because the majority of our cash flows from operating activities in Russia, Pakistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are denominated in each of these local currencies, respectively, while our debt, if not incurred in or hedged to the aforementioned currencies, is primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. We hold approximately 74% of our cash and bank deposits in U.S. dollars in order to hedge against the risk of local currency devaluation. To reduce balance sheet currency mismatches, we hold part of our debt in Russian ruble, Pakistani rupee and other currencies, as well as selectively enter into foreign exchange derivatives. Nonetheless, if the U.S. dollar value of the Bangladeshi taka, the Russian ruble, the Georgian lari, the Pakistani rupee, the Uzbekistani som, the Algerian dinar, the Ukrainian hryvnia or the Kazakh tenge were to dramatically decline, it could negatively impact our ability to repay or refinance our U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness as well as could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In accordance with our policies, we do not enter into any treasury transactions of a speculative nature. For more information regarding our translation of foreign currency-denominated amounts into U.S. dollars and our exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates, see — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Factors Affecting Comparability — Net Foreign Exchange (Loss)/Gain and Note 17 — Financial Risk Management to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Our treasury function has developed risk management policies that establish guidelines for limiting foreign currency exchange rate risk. For more information on risks associated with currency exchange rates, see — Risk Factors — Market Risks — “We are exposed to foreign currency exchange loss and currency fluctuation and translation risks.” The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2020, regarding the maturity of the part of our bank loans and bonds for which the foreign exchange revaluation directly affects our reported profit or loss: Aggregate nominal amount of bank loans and bonds denominated in foreign currency outstanding as of December 31, Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2020 Total debt: Fixed Rate (in US$ millions) Average interest rate Variable Rate (in US$ millions) Average interest rate TOTAL 809 6.82% 8 3.45% 817 547 6.72% — — 547 439 6.73% — — 439 100 6.63% — — 100 609 6.39% — — 609 816 8 824 As of December 31, 2020, the variable interest rate risk on the financing of our group was limited as 79% of the group’s bank loans and bonds portfolio was fixed rate debt. For more information on our market risks and financial risk management for derivatives and other financial instruments, see Note 15 — Investments, Debt and Derivatives and Note 17 — Financial Risk Management to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. 109 DECLARATIONS Introduction This 2020 VEON’s Ltd. Annual Report dated March 15, 2021, comprises regulated information within the meaning of sections 1:1 and 5:25c of the Dutch Act on Financial Supervision “Wet op het financieel toezicht.” Declarations The Company’s co-CEOs, as required by section 5:25c, paragraph 2, under c of the Dutch Act on Financial Supervision, confirm that to the best of their knowledge: • • • The 2020 financial statements included in this Annual Report give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole. The Director’s Report included in this Annual Report gives a true and fair view of the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole as of December 31, 2020, and of the development and performance of the business for the financial year then ended. The Director’s Report includes a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that the Company faces. This Annual Report, including the 2020 financial statements, which are audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V., has been presented to the Board. The 2020 financial statements and the independent auditor’s report relating to the audit of the 2020 financial statements were discussed with the Audit and Risk Committee in the presence of the senior management and the external independent auditor. The Board recommends that the General Meeting of Shareholders adopts the 2020 financial statements included in this Annual Report. Amsterdam, the Netherlands March 15, 2021 Kaan Terzioğlu co-CEO Sergi Herrero co-CEO 110 Consolidated Financial Statements 111 113 114 115 116 118 119 119 120 120 122 124 125 126 127 131 136 136 138 142 145 147 150 150 151 159 160 166 167 168 169 169 173 174 175 TABLE OF CONTENTS Consolidated Income Statement............................................................................................................................. Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income............................................................................................ Consolidated Statement Of Financial Position...................................................................................................... Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Equity..................................................................................................... Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows................................................................................................................. General Information About The Group................................................................................................................... 1.... General Information............................................................................................................................................ Operating Activities Of The Group.......................................................................................................................... 2.... Segment Information.......................................................................................................................................... 3.... Operating Revenue............................................................................................................................................. 4.... Selling, General And Administrative Expenses................................................................................................... 5.... Trade And Other Receivables............................................................................................................................. 6.... Other Assets And Liabilities................................................................................................................................ 7.... Provisions And Contingent Liabilities.................................................................................................................. 8.... Income Taxes...................................................................................................................................................... Investing Activities Of The Group........................................................................................................................... 9.... Significant Transactions...................................................................................................................................... 10.. Impairment Of Assets......................................................................................................................................... 11... Property And Equipment..................................................................................................................................... 12.. Intangible Assets................................................................................................................................................. 13.. Investments In Subsidiaries................................................................................................................................ Financing Activities Of The Group.......................................................................................................................... 14.. Other non-operating gain / (loss)........................................................................................................................ 15.. Investments, Debt and Derivatives..................................................................................................................... 16.. Cash And Cash Equivalents............................................................................................................................... 17.. Financial Risk Management............................................................................................................................... 18.. Issued Capital And Reserves.............................................................................................................................. 19.. Earnings Per Share............................................................................................................................................ 20.. Dividends Paid And Proposed............................................................................................................................ Additional Information............................................................................................................................................. 21.. Related Parties................................................................................................................................................... 22.. Events After The Reporting Period..................................................................................................................... 23.. Basis Of Preparation Of The Consolidated Financial Statements...................................................................... 24.. Significant Accounting Policies........................................................................................................................... 112 CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT for the years ended December 31 (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) Note 2020 2019 Service revenues Sale of equipment and accessories Other revenues / other income Total operating revenues Other operating income Service costs Cost of equipment and accessories Selling, general and administrative expenses Depreciation Amortization Impairment (loss) / reversal Gain / (loss) on disposal of non-current assets Gain / (loss) on disposal of subsidiaries Operating profit Finance costs Finance income Other non-operating gain / (loss) Net foreign exchange gain / (loss) Profit / (loss) before tax from continuing operations Income tax expense Profit / (loss) from continuing operations Profit / (loss) after tax from discontinued operations Gain / (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations Profit / (loss) for the period Attributable to: The owners of the parent (continuing operations) The owners of the parent (discontinued operations) Non-controlling interest Basic and diluted gain / (loss) per share attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent: From continuing operations From discontinued operations Total 7,471 8,240 392 117 465 158 7,980 8,863 5 350 (1,508) (382) (2,641) (1,576) (343) (785) (37) (78) 635 (683) 23 111 (60) 26 (342) (316) — — (316) (349) — 33 (316) ($0.20) $0.00 ($0.20) (1,554) (479) (2,965) (1,652) (394) (108) (43) 1 2,019 (892) 53 21 (20) 1,181 (498) 683 — — 683 621 — 62 683 $0.36 $0.00 $0.36 3 9 4 11 12 10 9 14 8 9 9 19 19 19 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 2018 8,526 427 133 9,086 — (1,701) (415) (3,697) (1,339) (495) (858) (57) 30 554 (816) 67 (68) 15 (248) (369) (617) (300) 1,279 362 (397) 979 (220) 362 ($0.23) $0.56 $0.33 113 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the years ended December 31 (In millions of U.S. dollars) Profit / (loss) Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss Foreign currency translation Share of other comprehensive income / (loss) of Italy Joint Venture Other Items reclassified to profit or loss Reclassification of accumulated foreign currency translation reserve to profit or loss upon disposal of foreign operation Reclassification of accumulated share of other comprehensive income / (loss) of Italy Joint Venture to profit or loss Other Other comprehensive income / (loss) for the period, net of tax Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the period, net of tax Attributable to: The owners of the parent Non-controlling interests Note 9 9 15 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 2020 (316) (623) — 1 96 — (15) (541) (857) (800) (57) (857) 2019 683 49 — 26 2018 362 (819) (18) (7) — (79) — (19) 56 739 733 6 739 31 5 (887) (525) (138) (387) (525) 114 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION as of December 31 (In millions of U.S. dollars) Assets Non-current assets Property and equipment Intangible assets Investments and derivatives Deferred tax assets Other assets Total non-current assets Current assets Inventories Trade and other receivables Investments and derivatives Current income tax assets Other assets Cash and cash equivalents Total current assets Total assets Equity and liabilities Equity Equity attributable to equity owners of the parent Non-controlling interests Total equity Non-current liabilities Debt and derivatives Provisions Deferred tax liabilities Other liabilities Total non-current liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables Debt and derivatives Provisions Current income tax payables Other liabilities Total current liabilities Total equity and liabilities The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 115 Note 2020 2019 11 12 15 8 6 5 15 8 6 16 18 15 7 8 6 15 7 8 6 6,879 4,152 305 186 179 7,340 5,688 235 134 163 11,701 13,560 111 572 165 73 335 1,594 2,850 169 628 82 16 354 1,250 2,499 14,551 16,059 163 850 1,013 1,226 994 2,220 8,832 7,759 141 127 28 138 141 33 9,128 8,071 1,977 1,224 151 175 883 4,410 14,551 1,847 2,585 222 102 1,012 5,768 16,059 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the year ended December 31, 2020 (In millions of U.S. dollars) As of January 1, 2020 Profit / (loss) for the period Other comprehensive income / (loss) Total comprehensive income / (loss) Dividends declared Other 20 As of December 31, 2020 1,749,127,404 for the year ended December 31, 2019 Attributable to equity owners of the parent Note Number of shares outstanding Issued capital Capital Surplus Other capital reserves Accumulated deficit * Foreign currency translation Non- controlling interests Total Total equity 1,749,127,404 2 12,753 (1,887) (1,330) (8,312) 1,226 994 2,220 — — — — — — — — — — 2 — — — — — — (10) (10) — (1) (349) (4) (353) (262) 26 — (437) (437) — (26) 12,753 (1,898) (1,919) (8,775) (349) (451) (800) (262) (1) 163 33 (90) (57) (87) — 850 (316) (541) (857) (349) (1) 1,013 (In millions of U.S. dollars) As of December 31, 2018 Adjustments due to new accounting standards As of January 1, 2019 Profit / (loss) for the period Other comprehensive income / (loss) Total comprehensive income / (loss) Dividends declared Changes in ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control 20 9 Other As of December 31, 2019 1,749,127,404 Note Number of shares outstanding Issued capital Capital Surplus Other capital reserves Accumulated deficit * Foreign currency translation Non- controlling interests Total Total equity Attributable to equity owners of the parent 1,749,127,404 — 1,749,127,404 — — — — — — 2 — 2 — — — — — — 2 12,753 — 12,753 — — — — — — 743 — 743 — 6 6 — (2,594) (42) (1,412) (8,416) 3,670 (891) 2,779 (3) — (3) (1) (4) (1,415) (8,416) 3,667 (892) 2,775 621 1 622 (525) — (12) — 105 105 — — (1) 621 112 733 62 (56) 6 (525) (108) (2,594) 1,986 (55) 2 683 56 739 (633) (608) (53) 12,753 (1,887) (1,330) (8,312) 1,226 994 2,220 * Certain of the consolidated entities by VEON Ltd. are restricted from remitting funds in the form of cash dividends or loans by a variety of regulations, contractual or local statutory requirements The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 116 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the year ended December 31, 2018 (In millions of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts) Note Number of shares outstanding Issued capital Capital Surplus Other capital reserves Accumulated deficit * Foreign currency translation Non- controlling interests Total Total equity Attributable to equity owners of the parent As of December 31, 2017 1,749,127,404 2 12,753 Adjustments due to new accounting standards As of January 1, 2018 — — — 1,749,127,404 2 12,753 Profit / (loss) for the period Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive income Dividends declared Others As of December 31, 2018 — — — — — 1,749,127,404 20 — — — — — 2 — — — — — 729 — 729 — 11 11 — 3 (1,486) (7,667) 4,331 (441) 3,890 46 — 46 11 57 (1,440) (7,667) 4,377 (430) 3,947 582 5 587 (509) (50) — (736) (736) — (13) 582 (720) (138) (509) (60) (220) (167) (387) (93) 19 362 (887) (525) (602) (41) 12,753 743 (1,412) (8,416) 3,670 (891) 2,779 * Certain of the consolidated entities by VEON Ltd. are restricted from remitting funds in the form of cash dividends or loans by a variety of regulations, contractual or local statutory requirements, The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 117 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the years ended December 31 (In millions of U.S. dollars) Operating activities Note 2020 2019 2018 Profit / (loss) before tax from continuing operations 26 1,181 (248) Non-cash adjustments to reconcile profit before tax to net cash flows Depreciation, amortization and impairment loss / (reversal) 2,704 2,154 2,692 (Gain) / loss on disposal of non-current assets (Gain) / loss on disposal of subsidiaries Finance costs Finance income Other non-operating (gain) / loss Net foreign exchange (gain) / loss Changes in trade and other receivables and prepayments Changes in inventories Changes in trade and other payables Changes in provisions, pensions and other Interest paid Interest received Income tax paid 37 78 683 (23) (111) 60 (107) 40 94 (29) (644) 23 (388) 43 (1) 892 (53) (21) 20 (224) (28) 52 106 (714) 58 (516) 57 (30) 816 (67) 68 (15) 96 (88) 274 40 (736) 60 (404) 15 Net cash flows from operating activities 2,443 2,949 2,515 Investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (1,778) (1,683) (1,948) Payments on deposits Receipts from deposits Proceeds from sale of Italy Joint Venture Receipts from / (investment in) financial assets Other proceeds from investing activities, net (142) 69 — (89) 30 (922) 698 — (9) 28 (32) 1,066 2,830 62 19 Net cash flows from / (used in) investing activities (1,910) (1,888) 1,997 Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings, net of fees paid * Repayment of debt Acquisition of non-controlling interest Dividends paid to owners of the parent Dividends paid to non-controlling interests 15 15 9 20 4,621 (4,376) (1) (259) (88) 2,610 (2,978) (613) (520) (138) 807 (4,122) — (508) (93) Net cash flows from / (used in) financing activities (103) (1,639) (3,916) Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net foreign exchange difference Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 430 (48) (578) (9) 1,204 1,791 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period, net of overdraft ** 16 1,586 1,204 596 (119) 1,314 1,791 * Fees paid for borrowings were US$29 (2019: US$23, 2018: US$64) ** Overdrawn amount was US$8 (2019: US$46) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 118 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE GROUP 1 GENERAL INFORMATION VEON Ltd. (“VEON”, the “Company”, and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Group” or “we”) was incorporated in Bermuda on June 5, 2009. The registered office of VEON is Victoria Place, 31 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM 10, Bermuda. VEON’s headquarters and the principal place of business are located at Claude Debussylaan 88, 1082 MD Amsterdam, the Netherlands. VEON generates revenue from the provision of voice, data and other telecommunication services through a range of mobile and fixed-line technologies, as well as selling equipment and accessories. VEON’s American Depository Shares (“ADSs”) are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and VEON’s common shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam, the regulated market of Euronext Amsterdam N.V. (“Euronext Amsterdam”). The consolidated financial statements were authorized by the Board of Directors for issuance on March 15, 2021. The Company has the ability to amend and reissue the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“U.S. dollar” or “US$”). In these Notes, U.S. dollar amounts are presented in millions, except for share and per share (or ADS) amounts and as otherwise indicated. Major developments during the year ended December 31, 2020 Financing activities In July 2020, VEON successfully refinanced its existing RUB30 billion (US$422) bilateral term loan agreement with VTB Bank. For further details, refer to Note 15. In June 2020, VEON Holdings B.V. entered into a new RUB bilateral term loan agreement with Sberbank for a total amount of RUB100 billion (US$1,450), which was used to refinance the existing Sberbank facilities. For further details please refer to Note 15. In April 2020, VEON established a Global Medium Term Note program for the issuance of bonds in multiple currencies, with a limit equivalent to US$6,500. In June, September and November 2020, VEON issued senior unsecured notes of RUB20 billion (US$288), RUB10 billion (US$135), and US$1.25 billion respectively, under the program. For further details, refer to Note 15. Coronavirus outbreak The global outbreak of COVID-19 and associated containment and mitigation measures implemented worldwide have had a sustained impact on our operations and financial performance. The second quarter saw the full impact on our operations of the lockdowns imposed across our markets in response to COVID-19. This resulted in material disruption to our retail operations following store closures, impacting gross connections and airtime sales. Restrictions on travel resulted in a significant decline in roaming revenues and the loss of migrant customers from our subscriber base, particularly in Russia. Although VEON’s operations remained impacted by lockdown measures throughout the second half of the year, all operations saw a recovery in the performance as our local businesses continue building resilience to the restrictions related to COVID-19. Demand for our data services remains strong, enabling us to continue to grow our data revenues. We also experienced a shift in data traffic from mobile to fixed networks as lockdowns encouraged remote working and home schooling alongside a greater use of devices through our domestic broadband services. An increase in demand for hard currencies, in part due to COVID-19, resulted in the devaluation of exchange rates in the countries in which VEON operates. As such, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the book value of assets and liabilities of our foreign operations, in U.S. dollar terms, decreased significantly, with a corresponding loss of US$623 recorded against the foreign currency translation reserve in Other Comprehensive Income. Our management has taken appropriate measures to keep our personnel safe and secure. As of the date of these financial statements, other than as described above, we have not observed any particular material adverse impacts to our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The group liquidity is sufficient to fund the business operations for at least another 12 months. Other developments In October 2020, VEON concluded an agreement for the sale of its operating subsidiary in Armenia, to Team LLC for a consideration of US$51. For further details please refer to Note 9. In September 2020, the Dhabi Group exercised its put option to sell us its 15% shareholding in Pakistan Mobile Communications Ltd ("PMCL"), the Company’s subsidiary in Pakistan. For further details please refer to Note 15. In the third quarter of 2020, VEON recorded impairment losses in respect of its operations in Russia and Kyrgyzstan of US$723 and US$64, respectively. For further details please refer to Note 10. 119 OPERATING ACTIVITIES OF THE GROUP 2 SEGMENT INFORMATION Management analyzes the Company’s operating segments separately because of different economic environments and stages of development in different geographical areas, requiring different investment and marketing strategies. All the segments are grouped and analyzed as three main markets - our cornerstone, our growth engines and our frontier markets - representing the Company's strategy and capital allocation framework. Management evaluates the performance of the Company’s segments on a regular basis, primarily based on earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization, impairment, gain / loss on disposals of non-current assets, other non-operating gains / losses and share of profit / loss of joint ventures and associates (“Adjusted EBITDA”) along with assessing the capital expenditures excluding certain costs such as those for telecommunication licenses and right-of-use assets (“CAPEX excl. licenses and ROU”). Management does not analyze assets or liabilities by reportable segments. In 2019, the Company adopted the new accounting standard IFRS 16 Leases. Accordingly, operating lease expenses are no longer recorded in the income statement but are instead considered in recording a lease liability in the statement of financial position. The Company applied a modified retrospective approach, which means that prior period comparatives were not restated. As a result, Adjusted EBITDA in 2020 and 2019 is not comparable to Adjusted EBITDA in 2018. In 2020, the Company has chosen to present results from remaining operating segments in ‘Other frontier markets’, separately to ‘HQ and eliminations’. Prior year comparatives have been adjusted to conform to current year presentation. Financial information by reportable segment for the periods ended December 31 is presented in the following tables. Inter- segment transactions between segments are not material, and are made on terms which are comparable to transactions with third parties. Total revenue Adjusted EBITDA CAPEX excl licenses and ROU 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 3,819 4,481 4,654 1,504 1,957 1,677 1,017 976 742 1,233 1,321 1,494 933 479 198 689 537 125 870 486 258 775 537 172 688 441 315 813 521 201 612 630 265 68 302 228 22 669 572 270 136 354 222 63 714 387 206 136 363 183 54 249 179 119 52 213 156 108 53 199 115 66 39 95 108 107 126 33 82 38 93 43 Our cornerstone Russia Our growth engines Pakistan Ukraine Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Our frontier markets Algeria Bangladesh Other frontier markets Other HQ and eliminations (33) (37) (41) (177) (28) (447) 19 7 11 Total segments 7,980 8,863 9,086 3,454 4,215 3,273 1,889 1,741 1,415 120 The following table provides the reconciliation of consolidated Profit / (loss) before tax from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31: Profit / (loss) before tax from continuing operations Depreciation Amortization Impairment loss / (reversal) (Gain) / loss on disposal of non-current assets (Gain) / loss on disposal of subsidiaries Finance costs Finance income Other non-operating (gain) / loss Net foreign exchange (gain) / loss Total Segments Adjusted EBITDA 2020 26 1,576 343 785 37 78 683 (23) (111) 60 2019 1,181 1,652 394 108 43 (1) 892 (53) (21) 20 2018 (248) 1,339 495 858 57 (30) 816 (67) 68 (15) 3,454 4,215 3,273 121 3 OPERATING REVENUE VEON generates revenue from the provision of voice, data and other telecommunication services through a range of wireless, fixed and broadband Internet services, as well as selling equipment and accessories. Products and services may be sold separately or in bundled packages. Revenue from contracts with customers The table below provides a breakdown of revenue from contracts with customers for the years ended December 31.In 2020, the Company has presented ‘Service revenue’ (Mobile and Fixed) separately from ‘Sale of equipment and accessories’ and ‘Other revenue’, for each reportable segment. Prior year comparatives have been adjusted to conform to current year presentation. Service revenue Mobile Fixed Sale of Equipment and accessories Other revenue Total revenue 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Our cornerstone Russia 2,917 3,485 3,679 523 539 566 366 446 396 13 11 13 3,819 4,481 4,654 Our growth engines Pakistan Ukraine Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Our frontier markets 1,134 1,229 1,391 — — — 11 6 8 88 86 95 1,233 1,321 1,494 869 812 641 59 52 44 — — — 392 379 363 78 66 73 7 2 4 196 255 312 1 2 2 — — — 5 2 1 6 3 933 870 688 39 1 479 486 441 1 1 198 258 315 Algeria 685 771 801 — — — 4 527 525 504 — — — — 2 1 4 — 2 8 689 775 813 5 10 11 12 537 537 521 102 135 159 19 27 32 4 8 10 — 2 — 125 172 201 Bangladesh Other frontier markets Other HQ and eliminations (31) (37) (41) — — — — — — (2) — — (33) (37) (41) Total segments 6,791 7,554 7,809 680 686 717 392 465 427 117 158 133 7,980 8,863 9,086 Assets and liabilities arising from contracts with customers The following table provides a breakdown of contract balances and capitalized customer acquisition costs. Contract balances Receivables (billed) Contract assets (unbilled) Contract liabilities Capitalized costs Customer acquisition costs December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 728 41 (233) 748 38 (243) 128 101 122 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Revenue from contracts with customers Service revenue Service revenue includes revenue from airtime charges from contract and prepaid customers, monthly contract fees, interconnect revenue, roaming charges and charges for value added services (“VAS”). VAS includes short messages, multimedia messages, caller number identification, call waiting, data transmission, mobile internet, downloadable content, mobile finance services, machine-to-machine and other services. The content revenue relating to VAS is presented net of related costs when the VEON’s performance obligation is to arrange the provision of the services by another party (VEON acts as an agent), and gross when VEON is primarily responsible for fulfilling the obligation to provide such services to the customer. Revenue for services with a fixed term, including fixed-term tariff plans and monthly subscriptions, is recognized on a straight- line basis over time. For pay-as-you-use plans, in which the customer is charged based on actual usage, revenue is recognized on a usage basis. Some tariff plans allow customers to rollover unused services to the following period. For such tariff plans, revenue is generally recognized on a usage basis. For contracts which include multiple service components (such as voice, text, data), revenue is allocated based on stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation. The stand-alone selling price for these services is usually determined with reference to the price charged per service under a pay-as-you-use plan to similar customers. Upfront fees, including activation or connection fees, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. For contracts with an indefinite term (for example, prepaid contracts), revenue from upfront fees is recognized over the average customer life. Revenue from other operators, including interconnect and roaming charges, is recognized based on the price specified in the contract, net of any estimated retrospective volume discounts. Accumulated experience is used to estimate and provide for the discounts. All service revenue is recognized over time. Sale of equipment and accessories Equipment and accessories are usually sold to customers on a stand-alone basis, or together with service bundles. Where sold together with service bundles, revenue is allocated pro-rata, based on the stand-alone selling price of the equipment and the service bundle. The vast majority of equipment and accessories sales pertain to mobile handsets and accessories. Revenue for mobile handsets and accessories is recognized when the equipment is sold to a customer, or, if sold via an intermediary, when the intermediary has taken control of the device and the intermediary has no remaining right of return. Revenue for fixed-line equipment is not recognized until installation and testing of such equipment are completed and the equipment is accepted by the customer. All revenue from sale of equipment and accessories is recognized at a point in time. Contract balances Receivables and contracts assets mostly relate to amounts due from other operators and postpaid customers. Contract assets, often referred to as ‘Accrued receivables,’ are transferred to Receivables when the rights become unconditional, which usually occurs when the Group issues an invoice to the customer. Contract liabilities, often referred to as ‘Deferred revenue’, relate primarily to non-refundable cash received from prepaid customers for fixed-term tariff plans or pay-as-you-use tariff plans. Contract liabilities are presented as ‘Long-term deferred revenue’, ‘Short-term deferred revenue’ and ‘Customer advances’ in Note 6. All current contract liabilities outstanding at the beginning of the year have been recognized as revenue during the year. Customer acquisition costs Certain incremental costs incurred in acquiring a contract with a customer (“customer acquisition costs”), are deferred in the consolidated statement of financial position, within 'Other assets' (see Note 6). Such costs generally relate to commissions paid to third-party dealers and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average customer life, within ‘Selling, general and administrative expenses’. The Group applies the practical expedient available for customer acquisition costs for which the amortization would have been shorter than 12 months. Such costs relate primarily to commissions paid to third-parties upon top-up of prepaid credit by customers and sale of top-up cards. SOURCE OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY Average customer life Management estimates the average customer life for revenue (such as upfront fees) from contracts with an indefinite term and for customer acquisition costs. The average customer life is calculated based on historical data, specifically churn rates which are impacted by relevant country or market characteristics, customer demographic and the nature and terms of the product (such as mobile and fixed line, prepaid and postpaid). 123 4 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Selling, general and administrative expenses consisted of the following items for the years ended December 31: Network and IT costs Personnel costs Customer associated costs Losses on receivables Taxes, other than income taxes Other Total selling, general and administrative expenses 797 815 653 62 57 257 2,641 2020 2019 2018 1,176 889 867 62 217 486 791 875 720 66 158 355 2,965 3,697 In 2020, our subsidiary in Pakistan recorded a gain of PKR8.6 billion (US$52) in ‘Taxes, other than income taxes’, relating to the reversal of a non-income tax provision. Refer to Note 7 for further details. LEASES On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted IFRS 16 Leases. The Company applied a modified retrospective approach, which means that prior period comparatives were not restated. Lease expenses are no longer recorded in the income statement but are instead considered in recording a lease liability in the statement of financial position (see Note 15), except for short-term leases and leases for low value items which are immediately expensed as incurred. Total operating lease expense recognized in accordance with IAS 17 Leases in the consolidated income statement, primarily within "Network and IT costs", amounted to US$425 in 2018. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Customer associated costs Customer associated costs relate primarily to commissions paid to third-party dealers and marketing expenses. Certain dealer commissions are initially capitalized in the consolidated statement of financial position and subsequently amortized within "Customer associated costs", see Note 3 for further details. 124 5 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Trade and other receivables consisted of the following items as of December 31: Trade receivables (gross)* Expected credit losses Trade receivables (net) Other receivable, net of expected credit losses allowance Total trade and other receivables * Includes contract assets (unbilled receivables), see Note 3 for further details 2020 769 (198) 571 1 572 2019 786 (176) 610 18 628 The following table summarizes the movement in the allowance for expected credit losses for the years ended December 31: Balance as of January 1 Accruals for expected credit losses Recoveries Accounts receivable written off Reclassification Foreign currency translation adjustment Balance as of December 31 2020 176 62 (7) (16) — (17) 2019 171 66 (8) (31) (24) 2 198 176 Set out below is the information about the Group’s trade receivables (including contract assets) using a provision matrix: Contract assets Current < 30 days Days past due Between 31 and 120 days > 120 days Total December 31, 2020 Expected loss rate, % Trade receivables Expected credit losses Trade receivables, net December 31, 2019 Expected loss rate, % Trade receivables Expected credit losses Trade receivables, net ACCOUNTING POLICIES Trade and other receivables 1.0 % 41 — 41 1.1 % 38 — 38 1.3 % 468 (6) 462 1.6 % 446 (7) 439 13.6 % 40.7 % 44 (6) 38 4.9 % 82 (4) 78 27 (11) 16 36.5 % 52 (19) 33 92.6 % 189 (175) 14 86.9 % 168 (146) 22 769 (198) 571 786 (176) 610 Trade and other receivables are measured at amortized cost and include invoiced amounts less expected credit losses. Expected credit losses The expected credit loss allowance (“ECL”) is recognized for all receivables measured at amortized cost at each reporting date. This means that an ECL is recognized for all receivables even though there may not be objective evidence that the trade receivable has been impaired. VEON applies the simplified approach (i.e. provision matrix) for calculating a lifetime ECL for its trade and other receivables, including unbilled receivables (contract assets). The provision matrix is based on the historical credit loss experience over the life of the trade receivables and is adjusted for forward-looking estimates if relevant. The provision matrix is reviewed on a quarterly basis. 125 6 OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES Other assets consisted of the following items as of December 31: Other non-current assets Customer acquisition costs (see Note 3) Tax advances (non-income tax) Other non-financial assets Total other non-current assets Other current assets Advances to suppliers Input value added tax Prepaid taxes Other assets Total other current assets Other liabilities consisted of the following items as of December 31: Other non-current liabilities Long-term deferred revenue (see Note 3) Other liabilities Total other non-current liabilities Other current liabilities Taxes payable (non-income tax) Short-term deferred revenue (see Note 3) Customer advances (see Note 3) Other payments to authorities Due to employees Other liabilities Total other current liabilities 2020 2019 128 33 18 179 91 159 43 42 335 101 30 32 163 111 158 45 40 354 2020 2019 17 11 28 372 158 58 95 168 32 883 18 15 33 411 161 64 97 197 82 1,012 126 7 PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES PROVISIONS The following table summarizes the movement in provisions for the years ended December 31: As of January 1, 2019 Arising during the year Utilized Unused amounts reversed Transfer and reclassification Discount rate adjustment and imputed interest (change in estimate) Translation adjustments and other As of December 31, 2019 Non-current Current As of January 1, 2020 Arising during the year Utilized Unused amounts reversed Transfer and reclassification Discount rate adjustment and imputed interest (change in estimate) Translation adjustments and other As of December 31, 2020 Non-current Current Non-income tax provisions Decommi- ssioning provision Legal provision Other provisions 150 79 (105) (4) 5 — 1 126 — 126 126 24 (48) (10) — — (6) 86 — 86 93 28 (1) — 5 8 5 138 138 — 138 10 (1) — — 9 (15) 141 141 — 44 3 (6) (15) (1) — 1 26 — 26 26 — — (3) — — (1) 22 — 22 57 70 (51) — (2) — (4) 70 — 70 70 1 (22) (6) — — — 43 — 43 Total 344 180 (163) (19) 7 8 3 360 138 222 360 35 (71) (19) — 9 (22) 292 141 151 The timing of payments in respect of provisions is, with some exceptions, not contractually fixed and cannot be estimated with certainty. In addition, with respect to legal proceedings, given inherent uncertainties, there can be no guarantee that the ultimate outcome will be in line with VEON’s current expectations. See ‘Sources of estimation uncertainty’ below in this Note 7 for further details regarding assumptions and sources of uncertainty. For further details regarding risks associated with income tax and non-income tax positions, please refer to ‘Sources of estimation uncertainty’ in Note 8. In 2020, as a result of a change in estimate, Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited ("PMCL") reversed a non-income tax provision of PKR11.2 billion (US$68), of which PKR8.6 billion (US$52) was recorded as a gain in Selling, general and administration expenses. The Group has recognized a provision for decommissioning obligations associated with future dismantling of its towers in various jurisdictions. 127 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES The Group had contingent liabilities as of December 31, 2020 as set out below. VEON - Securities Class Action On November 4, 2015, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States against VEON and certain of its then current and former officers by Charles Kux-Kardos, on behalf of himself and other investors in the Company alleging certain violations of the U.S. federal securities laws in connection with the Company’s public disclosures relating to its operations in Uzbekistan. On December 4, 2015, a second complaint was filed by Westway Alliance Corp. that asserts essentially the same claims in connection with essentially the same disclosures. On April 27, 2016, the court consolidated the two actions and appointed Westway as lead plaintiff. On May 6, 2016, a motion for reconsideration was filed on the appointment of Westway as lead plaintiff and on September 26, 2016, the court affirmed the selection of Westway as the lead plaintiff. An amended complaint was filed on December 9, 2016. On September 19, 2017, the Court in the Southern District of New York rendered a decision granting in part VEON’s motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint. On February 9, 2018, VEON filed its Answer and Affirmative Defenses to the allegations that remain in the Amended Complaint after the Court’s September 19, 2017 Order. Motions to dismiss were filed by all the individual defendants on February 9, 2018. On April 13, 2018, plaintiff dismissed its claims voluntarily against one of the individual defendants. On August 30, 2018, the Court granted the motions to dismiss by all of the individual defendants remaining in the action, and the time for appeal has now expired. On May 17, 2019, VEON filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings, arguing that Westway lacked standing as a result of the September 19, 2017 order because it had not purchased any securities on or after the date of the earliest alleged misstatement. On May 21, 2019, the Rosen Law Firm submitted a letter to the Court on behalf of Boris Lvov seeking a pre- motion conference for leave to file a motion to intervene and substitute Lvov as lead plaintiff. On May 24, 2019, Westway filed a letter opposing Mr. Lvov’s request, and VEON filed a letter taking no position. Westway filed its opposition to VEON’s motion on June 17, 2019, and VEON filed its reply papers on June 28, 2019. On April 17, 2020, the Court denied Westway's motion and ordered VEON's motion to proceed. On March 31, 2020, VEON’s motion for judgment on the pleadings was denied without prejudice. Westway filed its Second Amended Complaint on April 14, 2020, adding three additional named plaintiffs and allegations that VEON lacked adequate internal controls as of the start date of the Alleged Class Period and had a duty to disclose that fact to investors no later than December 4, 2010. On May 15, 2020, VEON filed a motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint. On March 11, 2021, the Court granted VEON’s motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint, holding that VEON had no duty to disclose information concerning its internal controls as of the start date of the Alleged Class Period, and that Westway therefore lacked standing to bring any claims against VEON as Lead Plaintiff or otherwise. The Court ordered that the Lead Plaintiff selection process be reopened, and that any motions for appointment as Lead Plaintiff be filed by April 8, 2021. The Company intends to vigorously defend the action at all phases of the proceedings. VAT on Replacement SIMs SIM Cards Issued June 2009 to December 2011 On April 1, 2012, the National Board of Revenue (“NBR”) issued a demand to Banglalink Digital Communications Limited (“Banglalink”) for BDT 7.74 billion (US$91) for unpaid SIM tax (VAT and supplementary duty). The NBR alleged that Banglalink evaded SIM tax on new SIM cards by issuing them as replacements. On the basis of 5 random SIM card purchases made by the NBR, the NBR concluded that all SIM card replacements issued by Banglalink between June 2009 and December 2011 (7,021,834 in total) were new SIM connections and subject to tax. Similar notices were sent to three other operators in Bangladesh. Banglalink and the other operators filed separate petitions in the High Court, which stayed enforcement of the demands. In an attempt to assist the NBR in resolving the dispute, the Government ordered the NBR to form a Review Committee comprised of the NBR, the Commissioner of Taxes (“LTU”), Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (“BTRC”), Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (“AMTOB”) and the operators (including Banglalink). The Review Committee identified a methodology to determine the amount of unpaid SIM tax and, after analyzing 1,200 randomly selected SIM cards issued Banglalink, determined that only 4.83% were incorrectly registered as replacements. The Review Committee’s interim report was signed off by all the parties, however, the Convenor of the Review Committee reneged on the interim report and unilaterally published a final report that was not based on the interim report or the findings of the Review Committee. The operators objected to the final report. The NBR Chairman and operators’ representative agreed that the BTRC would prepare further guidelines for verification of SIM users. Although the BTRC submitted its guidelines (under which Bangalink’s exposure was determined to be 8.5% of the original demand), the Convenor of the Review Committee submitted a supplementary report which disregarded the BTRC’s guidelines and assessed Banglalink’s liability for SIM tax to be BDT 7.62 billion (US$90). The operators refused to sign the supplementary report. 128 On May 18, 2015, Banglalink received an updated demand from the LTU claiming Banglalink had incorrectly issued 6,887,633 SIM cards as replacement SIM cards between June 2009 and December 2011 and required Banglalink to pay BDT 5.32 billion (US$63) in SIM tax. The demand also stated that interest may be payable. Similar demands were sent to the other operators. On June 25, 2015, Banglalink filed an application to the High Court to stay the updated demand, and a stay was granted. On August 13, 2015, Banglalink filed its appeal against the demand before the Appellate Tribunal and deposited 10% of the amount demanded in order to proceed. The other operators also appealed their demands. On May 26, 2016, Banglalink presented its legal arguments and on September 28, 2016, the appeals of all the operators were heard together. The Bangladesh Appellate Tribunal rejected the appeal of Banglalink and all other operators on June 22, 2017. On July 11, 2017, Banglalink filed an appeal of the Appellate Tribunal’s judgment with the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The appeal is pending. SIM Cards Issued July 2012 to June 2015 On November 20, 2017, the LTU issued a final demand to Banglalink for BDT 1.69 billion (US$20) for unpaid tax on SIM card replacements issued by Banglalink between July 2012 and June 2015. On February 20, 2018, Banglalink filed its appeal against this demand before the Appellate Tribunal and deposited 10% of the amount demanded in order to proceed. By its judgment dated February 10, 2020, the Appellate Tribunal rejected Banglalink’s appeal. Banglalink appealed to the High Court Division. Before hearing the appeal, the Court suo moto took up as a preliminary question whether, based on new law, the matter is subject to an appeal or an application for revision. On March 2, 2021, the Court determined that an application for revision is the correct procedure and dismissed the appeal. Banglalink will file an appeal before the Appellate Division and is obligated to deposit 10% of the disputed amount in order to continue its challenge. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has recorded a provision of US$11 (2019: US$11). Dispute concerning sale of Telecel Globe Limited Global Telecom Holding S.A.E. (“GTH”) and Niel Natural Resources Investments S.A. ("Niel") entered into a Share Purchase Agreement on March 28, 2013, as amended from time to time (the “SPA”) in relation to the proposed purchase by Niel of GTH's majority stake in Telecel Globe Limited ("Telecel") and telecommunications operations in the Central African Republic and Burundi. The parties subsequently entered into three amendments to the original SPA between April and August 2013 due to Niel’s failure to timely close the intended transaction. Pursuant to the terms of the amendments, the parties extended the Longstop Date each time in exchange for payments of deposits by Niel. As Niel ultimately failed to close the intended transaction, the deposits paid to GTH were not refunded, which was in accordance with the terms of the SPA which is no longer in force. GTH completed the sale of Telecel in October 2014, to another purchaser for consideration less than had been agreed with Niel. During 2019, Niel commenced legal activities in relation to the deposit monies retained by GTH. For further details, refer to the Group’s audited annual consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019. In June 2020, a settlement agreement was reached between GTH and Niel, which was subject to Niel’s satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, whereby GTH would pay US$9 to Niel to resolve all claims and counterclaims at issue in the dispute, as well as associated proceedings brought by Niel in the Netherlands and Egypt. The US$41 remainder of the value deferred on the balance sheet was released to profit and loss, within 'Other non-operating gain / (loss)'. In November 2020, the conditions of the settlement agreement were met and the settlement payment of US$9 from GTH to Niel was made. Other contingencies and uncertainties In addition to the individual matters mentioned above, the Company is involved in other disputes, litigation and regulatory inquiries and investigations, both pending and threatened, in the ordinary course of its business. The Company’s dispute with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority over its license renewal in Pakistan, explained in Note 15 below, is an example of such a matter. The total value of all other individual contingencies that are able to be quantified and are above US$5, other than disclosed above, amounts to US$484 (2019: US$69). Due to the high level of estimation uncertainty, as described in ‘Source of estimation uncertainty’ in this Note 7 and in Note 8, it is not practicable for the Company to reliably estimate the financial effect for certain contingencies and therefore no financial effect has been included within the preceding disclosure. The Company does not expect any liability arising from these contingencies to have a material effect on the results of operations, liquidity, capital resources or financial position of the Company. Furthermore, the Company believes it has provided for all probable liabilities arising in the ordinary course of its business. For the ongoing matters described above, where the Company has concluded that the potential loss arising from a negative outcome in the matter cannot be estimated, the Company has not recorded an accrual for the potential loss. However, in the event a loss is incurred, it may have an adverse effect on the results of operations, liquidity, capital resources, or financial position of the Company. 129 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate if the time value of money is significant. Contingent liabilities are possible obligations arising from past events, whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Group. SOURCE OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY The Group is involved in various legal proceedings, disputes and claims, including regulatory discussions related to the Group’s business, licenses, tax positions and investments, and the outcomes of these are subject to significant uncertainty. Management evaluates, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. Unanticipated events or changes in these factors may require the Group to increase or decrease the amount recorded for a matter that has not been previously recorded because it was not considered probable. In the ordinary course of business, VEON may be party to various legal and tax proceedings, including as it relates to compliance with the rules of the telecom regulators in the countries in which VEON operates, competition law and anti-bribery and corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). Non-compliance with such rules and laws may cause VEON to be subject to claims, some of which may relate to the developing markets and evolving fiscal and regulatory environments in which VEON operates. In the opinion of management, VEON’s liability, if any, in all pending litigation, other legal proceeding or other matters, other than what is discussed in this Note, will not have a material effect upon the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of VEON. 130 8 INCOME TAXES Current income tax is the expected tax expense, payable or receivable on taxable income or loss for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Income tax payable Current income tax payable consisted of the following items as of December 31: Current tax payable Uncertain tax provisions Total income tax payable 2020 2019 30 145 175 36 66 102 The balance of uncertain tax provisions is shown net of income tax assets which can be utilized to offset future tax charges should they arise, resulting in a reduction of the current period provision by US$10 (2019: US$51), with the gross amount being US$155 (2019: US$117). VEON is involved in a number of disputes, litigation and regulatory proceedings in the ordinary course of its business, pertaining to income tax claims. The total value of these individual contingencies that are able to be quantified amounts to US$112. Due to the high level of estimation uncertainty, as described in ‘Source of estimation uncertainty’ disclosed below in this Note 8, it is not practicable for the Company to reliably estimate the financial effect for certain contingencies and therefore no financial effect has been included within the preceding disclosure. The Company does not expect any liability arising from these contingencies to have a material effect on the results of operations, liquidity, capital resources or financial position of the Company, however we note that an unfavorable outcome of some or all of the specific matters could have a material adverse impact on results of operations or cash flows for a particular period. This assessment is based on our current understanding of relevant facts and circumstances. As such, our view of these matters is subject to inherent uncertainties and may change in the future. For further details on with respect to VEON’s uncertain tax provisions and tax risks, please refer to the ‘Accounting policies’ and ‘Source of estimation uncertainty’ disclosed below in this Note 8. Income tax assets The Company reported current income tax assets of US$73 (2019: US$16). These tax assets mainly relate to advance tax payments in our operating companies which can only be offset against income tax liabilities in that relevant jurisdiction, in fiscal periods subsequent to balance sheet date. Income tax expense Income tax expense consisted of the following for the years ended December 31: Current income taxes Current year Adjustments in respect of previous years Total current income taxes Deferred income taxes Movement of temporary differences and losses Changes in tax rates Changes in recognized deferred tax assets Adjustments in respect of previous years Other Total deferred tax expense / (benefit) Income tax expense 131 2020 2019 2018 404 (1) 403 (72) — 2 9 — (61) 342 495 5 500 477 9 486 (36) (152) (1) 39 3 (7) (2) 498 6 — 28 1 (117) 369 Effective tax rate The table below outlines the reconciliation between the statutory tax rate in the Netherlands (25%) and the effective income tax rates for the Group, together with the corresponding amounts, for the years ended December 31: 2020 2019 2018 Explanatory notes Profit / (loss) before tax from continuing operations Income tax benefit / (expense) at statutory tax rate (25%) 26 1,181 (248) (7) (295) 62 Difference due to the effects of: Different tax rates in different jurisdictions Non-deductible expenses Non-taxable income Adjustments in respect of previous years Movements in (un)recognized deferred tax assets Withholding taxes Uncertain tax positions Change in income tax rate (28) 20 89 (210) (90) (120) 37 5 49 Certain jurisdictions in which VEON operates have income tax rates which are different to the Dutch statutory tax rate of 25%. Profitability in countries with higher tax rates (including Pakistan, Algeria and Bangladesh) has a negative impact on the effective tax rate. The Group incurs certain expenses which are non-deductible in the relevant jurisdiction. In 2020, as in previous years, such expenses include impairment losses (unless resulting in a change in temporary differences), certain non-income tax charges (i.e. minimum tax regimes) and some intra- group expenses (i.e. interest on internal loans). The Group earns certain income which is non-taxable in the relevant jurisdiction. In 2020, non-taxable income included the revaluation of contingent consideration liability, as well as a gain relating to the settlement in connection with the dispute concerning the sale of Telecel Globe Limited. For further details, refer to Note 15 and Note 7, respectively. (3) (49) (39) The effect of prior year adjustments mainly relates to updated tax positions. (89) (13) (354) (56) (50) 45 Movements in (un)recognized deferred tax assets are primarily caused by tax losses and other credits for which no deferred tax asset has been recognized. This primarily occurs in holding entities in the Netherlands (2020: US$101, 2019: US$42, 2018: US$147) and in GTH (2020: nil, 2019: US$43, 2018: US$213. Withholding taxes are recognized to the extent that dividends from foreign operations are expected to be paid in the foreseeable future. In 2020, similar to previous years, expenses relating to withholding taxes were primarily influenced by dividends expected from Russia, Algeria and Pakistan. The tax legislation in the markets in which VEON operates is unpredictable and gives rise to significant uncertainties (see ‘Source of estimation uncertainty’ below). Movements in uncertain tax positions stem from such uncertainties. The impact of movements in uncertain tax positions is presented net of any corresponding deferred tax assets recognized. (17) Changes in tax rates impact the valuation of existing temporary differences. The nominal tax rates did not change in our operating jurisdictions in 2020. Nominal tax rate changes occurred in Pakistan in 2019 and 2018 and Uzbekistan in 2018. (6) (1) — 6 1 Other 15 (33) (78) In 2019, the Group recorded an increase in income tax liabilities of US$29 as a result of the settlement with the Egyptian Tax Authority for outstanding tax liabilities for GTH. Refer to Note 7 for further details. Income tax benefit / (expense) (342) (498) (369) Effective tax rate 1,315.4 % 42.2 % -148.8 % 132 Deferred taxes The Group reported the following deferred tax assets and liabilities in the statement of financial position as of December 31: Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Net deferred tax position The following table shows the movements of net deferred tax positions in 2020: 2020 186 (127) 59 2019 134 (141) (7) Property and equipment Intangible assets Trade receivables Provisions Accounts payable Withholding tax on undistributed earnings Tax losses and other balances carried forwards Non-recognized deferred tax assets Other Net deferred tax positions Movement in deferred taxes Opening balance Net income statement movement Other movements Closing balance (288) (38) 47 31 156 (52) 2,026 (1,894) 5 (7) (23) 19 1 1 7 (8) 113 (46) (3) 61 37 5 (5) (4) (23) — 82 (85) (2) 5 (274) (14) 43 28 140 (60) 2,221 (2,025) — 59 The following table shows the movements of net deferred tax positions in 2019: Property and equipment Intangible assets Trade receivables Provisions Accounts payable Withholding tax on undistributed earnings Tax losses and other balances carried forwards Non-recognized deferred tax assets Other Net deferred tax positions Movement in deferred taxes Opening balance Net income statement movement Other movements Closing balance (275) (60) 32 30 113 (50) 2,173 (1,955) 9 17 5 22 16 2 11 (2) (68) — 12 (2) (18) — (1) (1) 32 — (79) 61 (16) (22) (288) (38) 47 31 156 (52) 2,026 (1,894) 5 (7) 133 Unused tax losses and other credits carried forwards VEON recognizes a deferred tax asset for unused tax losses and other credits carried forwards, to the extent that it is probable that the deferred tax asset will be utilized. The amount and expiry date of unused tax losses and other carry forwards for which no deferred tax asset is recognized are as follows: As of December 31, 2020 Tax losses expiry Recognized losses Recognized DTA Non-recognized losses Non-recognized DTA Other credits carried forwards expiry Recognized credits Recognized DTA Non-recognized credits Non-recognized DTA 0-5 years 6-10 years More than 10 years Indefinite Total — — (107) 27 (1,546) (1,006) 387 252 (19) 19 — — (102) 102 — — — — — — — — — — (172) 49 (6,660) 1,272 — — (492) 115 (279) 76 (9,212) 1,911 (121) 121 (492) 115 As of As of December 31, 2019 0-5 years 6-10 years More than 10 years Indefinite Total Tax losses expiry Recognized losses Recognized DTA Non-recognized losses Non-recognized DTA Other credits carried forwards expiry Recognized credits Recognized DTA Non-recognized credits Non-recognized DTA — — — — (1,292) (1,645) 279 357 (13) 13 — — (46) 46 — — — — — — — — — — (280) 73 (6,486) 1,258 — — (143) 31 (280) 73 (9,423) 1,894 (59) 59 (143) 31 Losses mainly relate to our holding entities in Luxembourg (2020: US$6,285; 2019: US$6,052) and the Netherlands (2020: US$2,659; 2019: US$2,937). VEON reports the tax effect of the existence of undistributed profits that will be distributed in the foreseeable future. The Company has a deferred tax liability of US$60 (2019: US$52), relating to the tax effect of the undistributed profits that will be distributed in the foreseeable future, primarily in its Russian, Algerian and Pakistan operations. As of December 31, 2020, undistributed earnings of VEON’s foreign subsidiaries (outside the Netherlands) which are indefinitely invested and will not be distributed in the foreseeable future, amounted to US$5,241 (2019: US$6,194). Accordingly, no deferred tax liability is recognized for this amount of undistributed profits. 134 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Income taxes Income tax expense represents the aggregate amount determined on the profit for the period based on current tax and deferred tax. In cases where the tax relates to items that are charged to other comprehensive income or directly to equity, the tax is also charged respectively to other comprehensive income or directly to equity. Uncertain tax positions The Group’s policy is to comply with the applicable tax regulations in the jurisdictions in which its operations are subject to income taxes. The Group’s estimates of current income tax expense and liabilities are calculated assuming that all tax computations filed by the Company’s subsidiaries will be subject to a review or audit by the relevant tax authorities. Uncertain tax positions are generally assessed individually, using the most likely outcome method. The Company and the relevant tax authorities may have different interpretations of how regulations should be applied to actual transactions (refer below for details regarding risks and uncertainties) Deferred taxation Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method and thus are computed as the taxes recoverable or payable in future periods in respect of deductible or taxable temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the Company’s financial statements. SOURCE OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY Tax risks The tax legislation in the markets in which VEON operates is unpredictable and gives rise to significant uncertainties, which could complicate our tax planning and business decisions. Tax laws in many of the emerging markets in which we operate have been in force for a relatively short period of time as compared to tax laws in more developed market economies. Tax authorities in our markets are often somewhat less advanced in their interpretation of tax laws, as well as in their enforcement and tax collection methods. Any sudden and unforeseen amendments of tax laws or changes in the tax authorities’ interpretations of the respective tax laws and/or double tax treaties, could have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations, cash flows or the amounts of dividends available for distribution to shareholders in a particular period (e.g. introduction of transfer pricing rules, Controlled Foreign Operation (“CFC”) legislation and more strict tax residency rules). Management believes that VEON has paid or accrued all taxes that are applicable. Where uncertainty exists, VEON has accrued tax liabilities based on management’s best estimate. From time to time, we may also identify tax contingencies for which we have not recorded an accrual. Such unaccrued tax contingencies could materialize and require us to pay additional amounts of tax. The potential financial effect of such tax contingencies are disclosed in Note 7 and above in this Note 8, unless not practicable to do so. Uncertain tax positions Uncertain tax positions are recognized when it is probable that a tax position will not be sustained. The expected resolution of uncertain tax positions is based upon management’s judgment of the likelihood of sustaining a position taken through tax audits, tax courts and/or arbitration, if necessary. Circumstances and interpretations of the amount or likelihood of sustaining a position may change through the settlement process. Furthermore, the resolution of uncertain tax positions is not always within the control of the Group and it is often dependent on the efficiency of the legal processes in the relevant taxing jurisdictions in which the Group operates. Issues can, and often do, take many years to resolve. Recoverability of deferred tax assets Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that the assets will be realized. Significant judgment is required to determine the amount that can be recognized and depends foremost on the expected timing, level of taxable profits, tax planning strategies and the existence of taxable temporary differences. Estimates made relate primarily to losses carried forward in some of the Group’s foreign operations. When an entity has a history of recent losses, the deferred tax asset arising from unused tax losses is recognized only to the extent that there is convincing evidence that sufficient future taxable profit will be generated. Estimated future taxable profit is not considered such evidence unless that entity has demonstrated the ability by generating significant taxable profit for the current year or there are certain other events providing sufficient evidence of future taxable profit. New transactions and the introduction of new tax rules may also affect judgments due to uncertainty concerning the interpretation of the rules and any transitional rules. 135 INVESTING ACTIVITIES OF THE GROUP 9 SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS IN 2020 Sale of Armenian operations In October 2020, VEON concluded an agreement for the sale of its operating subsidiary in Armenia, to Team LLC for a consideration of US$51. Accordingly the net carrying value of assets amounting US$33 were derecognized along with reclassification of cumulative foreign currency translation reserve of US$96 to profit and loss, resulting in the net loss of US$78. GTH restructuring In 2020, VEON continued the restructuring of Global Telecom Holding S.A.E. (“GTH”) which commenced in 2019 (see further details below), with the intragroup transfer of Mobilink Bank and GTH Finance B.V. completed in March and April 2020, respectively. As the operating assets of GTH had previously been, and will continue to be, fully consolidated within the balance sheet of the VEON Group, there was no material impact on these consolidated financial statements stemming from these intragroup transfers. The intragroup transfer for Djezzy is continuing. SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS IN 2019 AND 2018 Mandatory tender offer for shares of GTH In August 2019, VEON completed the purchase of 1,914,322,110 shares, representing approximately 40.55% of GTH’s issued shares, in connection with its Mandatory Tender Offer (“MTO”) which had commenced in July 2019. The total price for the purchase of such shares was EGP 9,725 million (approximately US$587), reflecting the offer price per share of EGP 5.08. Following the completion of the MTO and as a result of further purchases by GTH, as of December 31, 2019, VEON and GTH hold approximately 99.54% of GTH's total outstanding equity. The MTO was funded by a combination of cash on hand and utilization of undrawn credit facilities (refer to Note 15 for further details). These transactions represent a purchase of non-controlling interests ("NCI") without a change of control. Consequently, the difference between the book value of NCI (negative value of US$1,986) and the cost of acquisition (US$608) was recorded directly within ‘Other capital reserves’in the statement of changes in equity (loss of US$2,594). Following the successful completion of the MTO, VEON continued with the restructuring of GTH, which included successful delisting of GTH’s shares from the Egyptian Exchange and the approval by GTH shareholders of VEON’s offer to acquire substantially all of the operating assets of GTH, both of which occurred on September 9, 2019. Following that approval, VEON completed the intragroup transfers of Jazz, Banglalink and Med Cable. The operating assets of GTH had previously been, and will continue to be, fully consolidated within the balance sheet of the VEON Group, and as such, there is no material impact on these consolidated financial statements stemming from these asset transfers. Revised technology infrastructure partnership with Ericsson In February 2019, the Company announced a revised arrangement with Ericsson to upgrade its core IT systems in several countries in the coming years and to release Ericsson from the development and delivery of the Full Stack Revenue Manager Solution. This revised arrangement enables VEON to continue upgrading IT infrastructure with new digital business support systems (DBSS) using existing software from Ericsson which is already deployed in certain operating companies within VEON. The parties signed binding terms to vary the existing agreements and as a result VEON received US$350 during the first half of 2019. The settlement amount was recorded in the income statement within ‘Other operating income’. Termination of network sharing in Kazakhstan In April 2019, the Group received a settlement amount of US$38 from Kcell Joint Stock Company (“Kcell”), related to the termination of the network sharing agreement between Kcell and our subsidiary in Kazakhstan. This amount has been recorded in "Other revenue/other income" within the consolidated income statement. 136 Sale of Italy Joint Venture In July 2018, VEON entered into an agreement with CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd for the sale of its 50% stake in the Italy Joint Venture. In September 2018 the transaction was completed, and cash consideration was received in the amount of EUR 2,450 (US$2,830). Share of profit / (loss) of the Italy Joint Venture for 2018 and 2017 was reclassified to “Profit / (loss) after tax from discontinued operations.” The effect of the disposal is detailed below: Cash consideration received Derecognition of assets classified as held for sale Release cumulative share of other comprehensive income / (loss) of Italy Joint Venture Release cumulative foreign currency translation reserve related to Italy Joint Venture Gain / (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations 2018 2,830 (1,599) (31) 79 1,279 137 10 IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS Property and equipment and intangible assets are tested regularly for impairment. The Company assesses, at the end of each reporting period, whether there exist any indicators that an asset may be impaired (i.e. asset becoming idle, damaged or no longer in use). If there are such indicators, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the asset. Impairment losses of continuing operations are recognized in the income statement in a separate line item. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually (at September 30) or when circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired. Refer to Note 12 for an overview of the carrying value of goodwill per cash-generating unit (“CGU”). The Company’s impairment test is primarily based on fair value less cost of disposal calculations (Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy) using a discounted cash flow model, based on cash flow projections from business plans prepared by management. The Company considers the relationship between its market capitalization and its book value, as well as weighted average cost of capital and the quarterly financial performances of each CGU when reviewing for indicators of impairment in interim periods. In addition to the above, the Company also considered the impact of COVID-19 when reviewing for indicators of impairment (refer to Note 1). Impairment losses in 2020 In recent years, Beeline Russia has seen a decline in its subscriber and revenue market share on the back of competitive pressures in the market, which have impacted both revenues and profitability. This underperformance has negatively impacted the fair value of our Russian business, and over time has eroded the existing headroom over the book value of the business. The impact of a weaker Russian ruble, along with ongoing COVID lockdowns and associated travel restrictions, have had a negative impact on consumer spending, which weakened particularly during the third quarter of 2020. Together with a slower than anticipated recovery in Beeline’s ARPU, which has in turn impacted our future projected revenue, a revision to our previous estimates has been deemed necessary. Based on these revisions, VEON recorded an impairment of US$723 against the carrying value of goodwill in Russia in the third quarter of 2020. The recoverable amount of the CGU of US$3,001 was determined based on fair value less costs of disposal calculations (Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy) using a discounted cash flow model, based on cash flow projections from business plans prepared by management. Also in the third quarter of 2020, due to the unstable political environment and uncertainties arising with respect to the recoverability of our operating assets in Kyrgyzstan, VEON has fully impaired the carrying value of all operating assets of Kyrgyzstan. As a result, the Company recorded a total impairment loss of US$64. Additionally, in regard with the Company’s commitment to network modernization, the Company continuously re-evaluates the plans for its existing network, primarily with respect to equipment purchased but not installed, and consequently recorded an impairment loss of US$5. 2020 Russia Kyrgyzstan Other Property and equipment Intangible assets Goodwill Other Total impairment — 38 5 43 — 8 — 8 723 — — 723 — 18 (7) 11 723 64 (2) 785 Impairment losses in 2019 and 2018 Due to operational performance of operating companies and the Company’s continuous re-evaluation of its equipment purchased but not installed, in 2019 and 2018 the Company recorded an impairment of US$108 and US$858, respectively. Impairment losses were allocated first to the existing carrying value of goodwill, and then subsequently to property and equipment and intangible assets based on relative carrying values. 2019 Kyrgyzstan Other 2018 Algeria Armenia Bangladesh Georgia Kyrgyzstan Other 138 Property and equipment Intangible assets Goodwill Total impairment 33 18 51 — 46 221 31 — 37 335 3 — 3 — 10 230 19 — 40 299 54 — 54 125 25 — — 74 — 224 90 18 108 125 81 451 50 74 77 858 KEY ASSUMPTIONS The recoverable amounts of CGUs have been determined based on fair value less costs of disposal calculations, using cash flow projections from business plans prepared by management. The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecast calculations which are prepared separately for each of the Company’s CGUs. These budgets and forecast calculations are prepared for a period of five years. A long-term growth rate is applied to project future cash flows after the fifth year. The tables below show key assumptions used in fair value less costs of disposal calculations for CGUs with material goodwill or those CGUs for which an impairment has been recognized. Discount rates Discount rates are initially determined in US dollars based on the risk-free rate for 20-year maturity bonds of the United States Treasury, adjusted for a risk premium to reflect both the increased risk of investing in equities and the systematic risk of the specific CGU relative to the market as a whole. The equity market risk premium and small capitalization premium is sourced from independent market analysts. The systematic risk, beta, represents the median of the raw betas of the entities comparable in size and geographic footprint with the ones of the Company (“Peer Group”). The debt risk premium is based on the median of Standard & Poor’s long-term credit rating of the Peer Group. The weighted average cost of capital is determined based on target debt-to-equity ratios representing the median historical five year capital structure for each entity from the Peer Group. The discount rate in functional currency of a CGU is adjusted for the long-term inflation forecast of the respective country in which the business operates, as well as applicable country risk premium. Discount rate (local currency) 2020 2019 2018 10.1 % 11.6 % 18.2 % — 10.3 % — 13.8 % — — 9.1 % 10.4 % 14.5 % — 9.2 % 14.1 % 14.5 % — — 10.3 % 11.1 % 14.4 % 12.2 % 8.4 % 14.8 % 13.1 % 12.5 % 10.6 % Russia Algeria Pakistan Bangladesh Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan * Uzbekistan Armenia Georgia * In 2020, VEON fully impaired the carrying value of all operating assets of Kyrgyzstan, therefore discount rate was not determined Revenue growth rates The revenue growth rates during the forecast period vary based on numerous factors, including size of market, GDP (Gross Domestic Product), foreign currency projections, traffic growth, market share and others. A long‑term growth rate into perpetuity is estimated based on a percentage that is lower than or equal to the country long-term inflation forecast, depending on the CGU. Average annual revenue growth rate during forecast period Terminal growth rate 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 4.3 % 4.3 % 9.7 % — 5.3 % — 3.2 % — — 1.4 % 1.0 % 3.9 % — 5.3 % 1.6 % 4.1 % — — 1.1 % 0.7 % 3.5 % 0.6 % 2.8 % 2.8 % 5.5 % 0.2 % 2.1 % 1.8 % 1.0 % 5.8 % — 3.1 % — 5.1 % — — 1.6 % 1.0 % 2.7 % — 3.3 % 5.0 % 6.0 % — — 1.3 % 0.9 % 4.0 % 4.0 % 1.1 % 5.0 % 6.3 % 0.8 % 3.0 % Russia Algeria Pakistan Bangladesh Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan * Uzbekistan Armenia Georgia * In 2020, VEON fully impaired the carrying value of all operating assets of Kyrgyzstan, therefore revenue growth rates were not determined 139 Operating margin The Company estimates operating margin based on pre-IFRS 16 Adjusted EBITDA divided by Total Operating Revenue for each CGU and each future year. The forecasted operating margin is based on the budget and forecast calculations and assumes cost optimization initiatives which are part of on-going operations, as well as regulatory and technological changes known to date, such as telecommunication license issues and price regulation among others. Average operating margin during the forecast period Terminal period operating margin 2020 31.2 % 39.9 % 42.0 % — 49.5 % — 34.0 % — — 2019 34.7 % 42.6 % 47.3 % — 49.9 % 31.4 % 51.4 % — — 2018 34.6 % 44.0 % 47.9 % 35.4 % 46.5 % 39.9 % 43.9 % 23.6 % 24.5 % 2020 35.7 % 40.4 % 44.6 % — 50.0 % — 34.0 % — — 2019 34.5 % 43.1 % 47.3 % — 50.1 % 33.0 % 52.4 % — — 2018 34.7 % 45.0 % 49.1 % 35.7 % 46.7 % 39.0 % 44.1 % 23.4 % 25.6 % Russia Algeria Pakistan Bangladesh Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan * Uzbekistan Armenia Georgia * In 2020, VEON fully impaired the carrying value of all operating assets of Kyrgyzstan, therefore operating margin assumptions were not determined CAPEX CAPEX is defined as purchases of property and equipment and intangible assets excluding licenses, goodwill and right-of-use assets. The cash flow forecasts for capital expenditures are based on the budget and forecast calculations and include the network roll-outs plans and license requirements. The cash flow forecasts for license and spectrum payments for each operating company for the initial five years include amounts for expected renewals and newly available spectrum. Beyond that period, a long-run cost of spectrum is assumed. Payments for right-of-use assets are considered in the operating margin as described above. Average CAPEX as a percentage of revenue during the forecast period Terminal period CAPEX as a percentage of revenue 2020 27.9 % 15.2 % 19.6 % — 19.8 % — 21.4 % — — 2019 19.9 % 12.5 % 17.2 % — 20.0 % 26.9 % 19.4 % — — 2018 19.8 % 15.1 % 16.7 % 14.9 % 17.7 % 17.2 % 16.2 % 21.0 % 23.8 % 2020 21.0 % 14.0 % 18.9 % — 19.0 % — 21.0 % — — 2019 18.5 % 12.0 % 17.1 % — 19.5 % 20.0 % 20.1 % — — 2018 15.0 % 14.0 % 14.0 % 12.0 % 17.0 % 15.0 % 16.2 % 14.0 % 14.0 % Russia Algeria Pakistan Bangladesh Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan * Uzbekistan Armenia Georgia * In 2020, VEON fully impaired the carrying value of all operating assets of Kyrgyzstan, therefore CAPEX assumptions were not determined 140 SENSITIVITY TO CHANGES IN ASSUMPTIONS The following table illustrates the potential additional impairment for the Russia CGU and the potential impairment or remaining headroom for the Algeria CGU if certain key parameters would adversely change by one percentage point within both the explicit forecast and terminal periods ('+/- 1.0 pp'), as well as the change in key assumptions required in order for the recoverable amount of the CGU to be equal to its book value ('Break-even'). Any additional adverse changes in the key parameters by more than one percentage point would increase the amount of impairment exposure approximately proportionally. Sensitivity analysis Discount rate Change in key assumption Headroom / (impairment) Average annual revenue growth rate Change in key assumption Headroom / (impairment) Average operating margin Change in key assumption Headroom / (impairment) Average CAPEX / revenue Change in key assumption Headroom / (impairment) Russia Algeria Assumption used * +/- 1.0 pp Break-even ** Assumption used * +/- 1.0 pp Break-even 10.1% 0.0 pp — 3.9% 0.0 pp — 32.0% 0.0 pp — 26.8% 0.0 pp — 11.1% 1.0 pp (473) 2.9% (1.0) pp (250) 31.0% (1.0) pp (375) 27.8% 1.0 pp (380) 10.1% 0.0 pp — 3.9% 0.0 pp — 32.0% 0.0 pp — 26.8% 0.0 pp — 11.6% 0.0 pp 75 3.8% 0.0 pp 75 40.0% 0.0 pp 75 15.0% 0.0 pp 75 12.6% 1.0 pp (44) 2.8% 12.2% 0.6 pp — 2.9% (1.0) pp (0.9) pp (12) — 39.0% (1.0) pp 19 16.0% 1.0 pp 22 38.7% (1.3) pp — 16.4% 1.4 pp — * Combined average based on explicit forecast period of five years (2021-2025) and terminal period (2026), excludes intervening period of 2020 ** Following the recognition of an impairment loss in the third quarter of 2020, the book value of the Russia CGU is equal to its recoverable amount. As such, the 'break-even' assumptions for the Russia are equivalent to the Assumptions used. SOURCE OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY The Group has significant investments in property and equipment, intangible assets, goodwill and other investments. Estimating recoverable amounts of assets and CGUs must, in part, be based on management’s evaluations, including the determination of the appropriate CGUs, the relevant discount rate, estimation of future performance, the revenue-generating capacity of assets, timing and amount of future purchases of property and equipment, assumptions of future market conditions and the long-term growth rate into perpetuity (terminal value). In doing this, management needs to assume a market participant perspective. Changing the assumptions selected by management, in particular, the discount rate and growth rate assumptions used to estimate the recoverable amounts of assets, could significantly impact the Group’s impairment evaluation and hence results. A significant part of the Group’s operations is in countries with emerging markets. The political and economic situation in these countries may change rapidly and recession may potentially have a significant impact on these countries. On-going recessionary effects in the world economy and increased macroeconomic risks impact our assessment of cash flow forecasts and the discount rates applied. There are significant variations between different markets with respect to growth, mobile penetration, average revenue per user (“ARPU”), market share and similar parameters, resulting in differences in operating margins. The future development of operating margins is important in the Group’s impairment assessments, and the long-term estimates of these margins are highly uncertain. This is particularly the case for emerging markets that are not yet in a mature phase. 141 11 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT The following table summarizes the movement in the net book value of property and equipment for the years ended December 31: Net book value Telecomm- unications equipment Land, buildings and constructions Office and other equipment Equipment not installed and assets under construction Right-of- use assets Total As of January 1, 2019 3,937 202 393 329 2,023 6,884 Additions Disposals Depreciation charge for the year Impairment Transfers Translation adjustment As of December 31, 2019 Additions Disposals Depreciation charge for the year Impairment Transfers Translation adjustment As of December 31, 2020 Cost Accumulated depreciation and impairment 80 (36) (1,032) (30) 1,210 177 4,306 47 (50) (1,009) (28) 1,282 (498) 4,050 10,893 — (1) (33) (1) 29 20 216 2 (5) (28) (1) 5 (30) 159 8 (6) (139) (3) 131 33 417 32 (10) (123) (2) 111 (57) 368 377 1,330 1,453 299 * 1,840 * (7) — (17) (1,370) 28 (35) (85) (448) (1,652) — — 146 (51) — 404 416 1,985 7,340 1,626 446 2,153 (12) — (7) (1,396) (14) (91) (416) (1,576) (5) (2) (43) — (59) (260) (904) 568 687 1,734 2,526 6,879 15,813 (6,843) (218) (962) (119) (792) (8,934) * Prior year comparatives have been re-presented to conform with current year presentation. There were no material changes in estimates related to property and equipment in 2020 other than the impairment described in Note 10 of US$43 (2019: US$51) and lease term reassessments in Russia and Ukraine (included in ‘Additions’) which had the effect of increasing right-of-use assets by US$181. Please refer to Note 15 for more information regarding Source of estimation uncertainty for lease terms. During 2020, VEON acquired property and equipment in the amount of US$601 (2019: US$480), which were not paid for as of year-end. Property and equipment pledged as security for bank borrowings amounts to US$865 as of December 31, 2020 (2019: US$652), and primarily relate to securities for borrowings of PMCL. 142 The following table summarizes the movement in the net book value of right-of-use assets ("ROU") for the year ended December 31: Net book value As of January 1, 2019 Additions Disposals Depreciation charge for the year Impairment Transfers Translation adjustment As of December 31, 2019 Additions Disposals Depreciation charge for the year Impairment Transfers Translation adjustment As of December 31, 2020 Cost Accumulated depreciation and impairment COMMITMENTS ROU - Telecommunicati ons Equipment ROU - Land, Buildings and Constructions ROU - Office and Other Equipment 1,601 236 (27) (306) — 18 116 1,638 339 (14) (309) (1) — (217) 1,436 2,021 (585) 415 63 (6) (140) — (18) 30 344 102 — (105) (4) (2) (42) 293 496 (203) 7 — (2) (2) — — — 3 5 — (2) — — (1) 5 9 (4) Total 2,023 299 (35) (448) — — 146 1,985 446 (14) (416) (5) (2) (260) 1,734 2,526 (792) Capital commitments for the future purchase of equipment are as follows as of December 31: Less than 1 year Between 1 and 5 years Total commitments 2020 2019 747 19 766 677 19 696 Capital commitments arising from telecommunications licenses VEON’s ability to generate revenue in the countries it operates is dependent upon the operation of the wireless telecommunications networks authorized under its various licenses for GSM-900/1800, “3G” (UMTS / WCDMA) mobile radiotelephony communications services and “4G” (LTE). Under the license agreements, operating companies are subject to certain commitments, such as territory or population coverage, level of capital expenditures, and number of base stations to be fulfilled within a certain timeframe. If we are found to be involved in practices that do not comply with applicable laws or regulations, we may be exposed to significant fines, the risk of prosecution or the suspension or loss of our licenses, frequency allocations, authorizations or various permissions, any of which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. After expiration of the license, our operating companies might be subject to additional payments for renewals, as well as new license capital and other commitments. 143 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of any accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The useful of life of VEON's assets generally fall within the following ranges: Class of property and equipment Telecommunication equipment Buildings and constructions Office and other equipment Right-of-use assets Useful life 3 – 20 years 10 – 50 years 3 – 10 years Equivalent lease term Each asset’s residual value, useful life and method of depreciation is reviewed at the end of each financial year and adjusted prospectively, if necessary. SOURCE OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY Depreciation and amortization of non-current assets Depreciation and amortization expenses are based on management estimates of useful life, residual value and amortization method of property and equipment and intangible assets. Estimates may change due to technological developments, competition, changes in market conditions and other factors and may result in changes in the estimated useful life and in the amortization or depreciation charges. Technological developments are difficult to predict and our views on the trends and pace of developments may change over time. Some of the assets and technologies in which the Group invested several years ago are still in use and provide the basis for new technologies. The useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets are reviewed at least annually, taking into consideration the factors mentioned above and all other relevant factors. Estimated useful lives for similar types of assets may vary between different entities in the Group due to local factors such as growth rate, maturity of the market, historical and expected replacements or transfer of assets and quality of components used. Estimated useful life for right-of-use assets is directly impacted by the equivalent lease term, refer to Note 15 for more information regarding Source of estimation uncertainty for lease terms. 144 12 INTANGIBLE ASSETS The following table summarizes the movement in the net book value of intangible assets for the years ended December 31: Net book value Telecommuni- cation licenses, frequencies & permissions Software Brands and trademarks Customer relationships Other intangible assets As of January 1, 2019 1,195 264 178 177 Additions Disposals Amortization charge for the year Impairment Transfer Translation adjustment 50 — (159) (3) — 17 177 — (155) — 8 22 — — (30) — — 1 — — (42) — — 7 As of December 31, 2019 1,100 316 149 142 Additions Disposals Amortization charge for the year Impairment Transfer Translation adjustment 53 — (139) (5) — (88) 188 (6) (159) (3) 6 (41) As of December 31, 2020 921 301 Cost 2,170 1,041 3 — (23) — — (12) 117 457 5 — (15) — — (16) Goodwill 3,816 — — — (54) — 197 Total 5,655 — 239 (2) (394) (57) — 247 — 3,959 5,688 13 — — (723) — (567) 267 (6) (343) (731) — (723) 25 12 (2) (8) — (8) 3 22 5 — (7) — (6) 1 116 1,530 15 148 2,682 4,152 4,845 10,191 Accumulated amortization and impairment (1,249) (740) (340) (1,414) (133) (2,163) (6,039) During 2020, there were no material change in estimates related to intangible assets other than the impairment described in Note 10 of US$731 (2019: US$57). During 2020, VEON acquired intangible assets in the amount of US$56 (2019: US$49), which were not yet paid for as of year- end. GOODWILL During the year, the movement in goodwill for the Group, per CGU, consisted of the following: December 31, 2020 Impairment Translation adjustment Addition December 31, 2019 1,131 1,053 324 140 34 (723) — — — — 2,682 (723) (424) (114) (11) (14) (4) (567) 13 — — — — 13 2,265 1,167 335 154 38 3,959 CGU Russia Algeria Pakistan Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Total 145 CGU Russia Algeria Pakistan Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan Total COMMITMENTS December 31, 2019 Impairment Translation adjustment December 31, 2018 2,265 1,167 335 154 — 38 3,959 — — — — (54) — (54) 247 (9) (36) 1 — (6) 2,018 1,176 371 153 54 44 197 3,816 Capital commitments for the future purchase of intangible assets are as follows as of December 31: Less than 1 year Between 1 and 5 years Total commitments ACCOUNTING POLICIES 2020 2019 31 — 31 77 5 82 Intangible assets acquired separately are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. Intangible assets with a finite useful life are generally amortized with the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the intangible asset. The amortization period and the amortization method for intangible assets with finite useful lives are reviewed at least annually and fall within the following ranges: Class of intangible asset Telecommunications licenses, frequencies and permissions Software Brands and trademarks Customer relationships Other intangible assets Useful life 3-20 years 3-10 years 3-15 years 10-21 years 4-10 years Goodwill is recognized for the future economic benefits arising from net assets acquired that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually and as necessary when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired, see Note 10 for further details. SOURCE OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY Refer also to Note 11 for further details regarding source of estimation uncertainty. Depreciation and amortization of non-current assets Estimates in the evaluation of useful lives for intangible assets include, but are not limited to, the estimated average customer relationship based on churn, the remaining license or concession period and the expected developments in technology and markets. The actual economic lives of intangible assets may be different than estimated useful lives, thereby resulting in a different carrying value of intangible assets with finite lives. We continue to evaluate the amortization period for intangible assets with finite lives to determine whether events or circumstances warrant revised amortization periods. A change in estimated useful lives is a change in accounting estimate, and depreciation and amortization charges are adjusted prospectively. 146 13 INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES The Company held investments in material subsidiaries for the years ended December 31 as detailed in the table below. The equity interest presented represents the economic rights available to the Company. Name of significant subsidiary VEON Amsterdam B.V. VEON Holdings B.V. PJSC VimpelCom JSC “Kyivstar” LLP “KaR-Tel” LLC “Unitel” LLC “VEON Georgia” CJSC “VEON Armenia” LLC “Sky Mobile” VEON Luxembourg Holdings S.à r.l. VEON Luxembourg Finance Holdings S.à r.l. VEON Luxembourg Finance S.A. Global Telecom Holding S.A.E Omnium Telecom Algérie S.p.A.* Optimum Telecom Algeria S.p.A.* Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited Country of incorporation Nature of subsidiary Netherlands Netherlands Russia Ukraine Holding Holding Operating Operating Kazakhstan Operating Uzbekistan Georgia Armenia Kyrgyzstan Luxembourg Luxembourg Luxembourg Egypt Algeria Algeria Pakistan Operating Operating Operating Operating Holding Holding Holding Holding Holding Operating Operating Equity interest held by the Group 2020 2019 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 75.0 % 100.0 % 80.0 % — % 50.1 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 99.6 % 45.4 % 45.4 % 85.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 75.0 % 100.0 % 80.0 % 100.0 % 50.1 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 99.5 % 45.4 % 45.4 % 85.0 % Banglalink Digital Communications Limited Bangladesh Operating 100.0 % 100.0 % * The Group has concluded that it controls Omnium Telecom Algérie S.p.A and Optimum Telecom Algeria S.p.A, see 'Significant accounting judgments' below for further details. The Company is subject to legal restrictions to distribute accumulated profits from Algeria by virtue of local shareholding agreement (i.e. it is allowed only to distribute 42.5% of current year profit), and the rest is restricted MATERIAL PARTLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES Financial information of subsidiaries that have material non-controlling interests (“NCIs”) is provided below: Name of significant subsidiary 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Equity interest held by NCIs Book values of material NCIs Profit / (loss) attributable to material NCIs LLP “KaR-Tel” (“Kar-Tel”) Omnium Telecom Algérie S.p.A. (“OTA”) 25.0 % 54.4 % 25.0 % 54.4 % 97 783 106 871 26 43 27 55 The summarized financial information of these subsidiaries before intercompany eliminations for the years ended December 31 are detailed below. 147 Summarized income statement Operating revenue Operating expenses Other (expenses) / income Profit / (loss) before tax Income tax expense Profit / (loss) for the year Total comprehensive income / (loss) Attributed to NCIs Dividends paid to NCIs Kar-Tel 2020 2019 446 (316) 4 134 (28) 106 106 26 — 461 (319) (6) 136 (29) 107 107 27 — 2018 410 (319) 6 97 (20) 77 77 19 — Summarized statement of financial position Kar-Tel 2020 2019 Property and equipment Intangible assets Other non-current assets Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Other current assets Debt and derivatives Provisions Other liabilities Total equity Attributed to: Equity holders of the parent Non-controlling interests 276 94 162 21 37 31 (75) (6) (152) 388 291 97 OTA 2020 2019 689 (564) (17) 108 (29) 79 79 43 46 271 86 185 18 39 12 (63) (6) (119) 775 (621) (17) 137 (36) 101 101 55 69 OTA 2020 492 116 1,071 31 67 50 (102) (23) (267) 2018 813 (754) (11) 48 (47) 1 1 1 76 2019 600 158 1,187 34 67 42 (134) (22) (334) 423 1,435 1,598 317 106 652 783 727 871 Summarized statement of cash flows Net operating cash flows Net investing cash flows Net financing cash flows Net foreign exchange difference Net increase / (decrease) in cash equivalents Kar-Tel OTA 2020 184 (88) (97) (2) (3) 2019 199 (84) (104) — 11 2018 148 (42) (90) (3) 13 2020 211 (102) (103) (5) 1 2019 305 (84) (205) (1) 15 2018 245 (118) (193) (5) (71) 148 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS Control over subsidiaries Subsidiaries, which are those entities over which the Company is deemed to have control, are consolidated. In certain circumstances, significant judgment is required to assess if the Company is deemed to have control over entities where the Company’s ownership interest does not exceed 50%. The Group has concluded that it controls Omnium Telecom Algérie S.p.A and Optimum Telecom Algeria S.p.A even though its subsidiary, Global Telecom Holding S.A.E. owned less than 50% of the ordinary shares. This is because the Company can exercise operational control through terms of a shareholders’ agreement. Our partner in Algeria can acquire our shares at fair market value under call option arrangements exercisable solely at its discretion between October 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. Concurrently, we have a right to require our partner in Algeria to acquire our shares under put option arrangements exercisable solely at our discretion between July 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021. Both option arrangements did not have any impact on our ability to consolidate Omnium Telecom Algérie S.p.A and Optimum Telecom Algeria S.p.A. 149 FINANCING ACTIVITIES OF THE GROUP 14 OTHER NON-OPERATING GAIN / (LOSS) Other non-operating gains / (losses) consisted of the following for the years ended December 31: Ineffective portion of hedging activities * Change of fair value of other derivatives Gain /(loss) from money market funds * Loss from early debt redemption Other gains / (losses) Other non-operating gain / (loss), net 2020 2019 2018 15 6 12 — 78 111 20 (17) 21 — (3) 21 8 (58) — (30) 12 (68) * Prior year comparatives have been re-presented to conform with current year presentation. Included in ‘Other gains / (losses)' in 2020 is a gain of US$41 relating to the revaluation of contingent consideration liability, as well as a gain of US$41 relating to the settlement in connection with the dispute concerning the sale of Telecel Globe Limited. For further details, refer to Note 15 and Note 7, respectively. 150 15 INVESTMENTS, DEBT AND DERIVATIVES INVESTMENTS AND DERIVATIVE ASSETS The Company holds the following investments and derivatives as of December 31: At fair value Derivatives not designated as hedges Derivatives designated as net investment hedges Investments in debt instruments * Other At amortized cost Security deposits and cash collateral Other investments Total investments and derivatives Non-current Current Carrying value 2020 2019 20 3 75 8 106 325 39 364 470 305 165 11 — 34 — 45 256 16 272 317 235 82 * Investments in debt instruments relate to government bonds or bills and are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (with recycling). Security deposits The ex-Warid license renewal was due in May 2019. Pursuant to directions from the Islamabad High Court, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (“PTA”) issued a license renewal decision on July 22, 2019 requiring payment of US$40 per MHz for 900 MHz spectrum and US$30 per MHz for 1800 MHz spectrum, equating to an aggregate price of approximately US$450 (excluding applicable taxes of approximately 13%). On August 17, 2019, Jazz appealed the PTA’s order to the Islamabad High Court. On August 21, 2019, the Islamabad High Court suspended the PTA’s order pending the outcome of the appeal and subject to Jazz making payment in the form of security (under protest) as per the options given in the PTA’s order. In September 2019, Jazz deposited approximately US$225 in order to maintain its appeal in the Islamabad High Court regarding the PTA's underlying decision on the license renewal. There were no specific terms and conditions attached to the deposit. The deposit is recorded as a non-current financial asset in the statement of financial position. In May, 2020 a further US$57 was paid under protest, presented within 'Receipts from / (payment on) deposits' in the statement of cash flows. The most recent hearing on this matter was concluded before the Islamabad High Court on March 1, 2021 and a judgment is now pending. 151 DEBT AND DERIVATIVES The Company holds the following outstanding debt and derivatives as of December 31: At fair value Derivatives not designated as hedges Derivatives designated as net investment hedges Contingent consideration At amortized cost Principal amount outstanding Interest accrued Discounts, unamortized fees, hedge basis adjustment Bank loans and bonds Lease liabilities Put-option liability over non-controlling interest Other financial liabilities Total debt and derivatives Non-current Current Bank loans and bonds Carrying value 2020 2019 52 1 — 53 52 161 41 254 7,678 7,519 85 (5) 7,758 1,912 273 60 10,003 10,056 8,832 1,224 79 (10) 7,588 2,083 342 77 10,090 10,344 7,759 2,585 The Company had the following principal amounts outstanding for interest-bearing loans and bonds at December 31: Borrower Type of debt Guarantor Currency Interest rate Maturity 2020 2019 Principal amount outstanding VEON Holdings VEON Holdings VEON Holdings VEON Holdings VEON Holdings VEON Holdings VEON Holdings VEON Holdings VEON Holdings VEON Holdings GTH Finance B.V. PJSC VimpelCom, via VIP Finance Ireland PMCL PMCL PMCL PMCL PMCL Banglalink Banglalink PJSC Kyivstar PJSC Kyivstar Loans Loans Loans Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Eurobonds Loans Loans Loan Loan Loan Loan Loans Loans Loans None None None None None PJSC VimpelCom None None None None VEON Holdings None None None EKN * None None None None None None Other bank loans and bonds Total bank loans and bonds * Exportkreditnämnden (The Swedish Export Credit Agency) RUB RUB RUB US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ RUB US$ US$ US$ PKR PKR US$ PKR PKR US$ BDT 8.75% to 10.0% 7.35% to 7.50% CBR Key Rate + 1.85% to 2.20% 5.95% 3.95% to 4.95% 7.50% 3.38% 7.25% 6.30% to 6.50 % 4.00% 2022 2024-2025 2023-2025 2023 2024 2022 2027 2023 2025 2025 6.25% to 7.25% 2020-2023 7.75 % 6mKIBOR + 0.35% 6mKIBOR + 0.8% 6mLIBOR + 1.9% 6mKIBOR + 0.55% 6mKIBOR 3mLIBOR + 2.50% 2021 2022 2020 2020 2026 2023 2020 Average bank deposit rate + 3.0% to 4.25% 2021-2022 UAH NBU Key rate + 3.00% 2021-2023 UAH 10.15% to 11.00% 2023-2025 152 — 2,303 812 1,083 529 533 417 1,250 700 406 — — 529 1,133 417 — — — 1,000 700 — 262 111 — — 273 29 — 80 56 85 52 1,200 262 192 34 75 121 41 300 116 — — 96 7,678 7,519 SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN DEBT AND DERIVATIVES Reconciliation of cash flows from financing activities Balance as of January 1, 2019 Cash flows Proceeds from borrowings, net of fees paid Repayment of debt Interest paid Non-cash movements Interest and fee accruals Lease additions, disposals, impairment and modifications Foreign currency translation Other non-cash movements Balance as of December 31, 2019 Cash flows Proceeds from borrowings, net of fees paid Repayment of debt Interest paid Non-cash movements Interest and fee accruals Lease additions, disposals, impairment and modifications Foreign currency translation Other non-cash movements Balance as of December 31, 2020 FINANCING ACTIVITIES IN 2020 Bank loans and bonds Lease liabilities 7,366 1,999 2,610 (2,612) (566) 599 — 193 (2) — (366) (148) 178 262 158 — Total 9,365 2,610 (2,978) (714) 777 262 351 (2) 7,588 2,083 9,671 4,621 (4,054) (494) 546 — (398) (51) — (322) (150) 156 432 (286) — 4,621 (4,376) (644) 702 432 (684) (51) 7,758 1,913 9,671 Optional early redemption of US$600 million 3.95% Senior notes due June 2021 In December 2020, VEON Holdings B.V. completed optional early redemption of all of its outstanding US$600 million 3.95% Senior Notes due June 2021, pursuant to Condition 5.3 of the 2021 Notes. The Notes were redeemed in full at a redemption price equal to 101.00% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts due thereon. Financing activities in Ukraine In December 2020, VEON's operating company in Ukraine, Kyivstar, signed three bilateral unsecured loan agreements with Raiffeisen Bank Aval Joint Stock Company (“Raiffeisen”), Joint Stock Company Alfa-Bank (“Alfa-Bank”) and Joint Stock Company OTP Bank (“OTP”), for an aggregate amount of UAH4.1 billion (US$146). The loan agreement with Raiffeisen has a 5-year term with a fixed interest rate of 11.00% and the loan agreements with Alfa-Bank and OTP each have a 3-year term with a floating rate equal to NBU Key Rate + 3.00% and a fixed interest rate of 10.15% respectively. Exercise of 15% PMCL put option In September 2020, the Dhabi Group exercised its put option to sell us its 15% shareholding in PMCL, the Company’s subsidiary in Pakistan. VEON updated the fair value of its put option liability following the completion of an independent valuation process which determined a fair value for the shareholding of US$273, resulting in a gain of US$59 recorded in ‘Finance costs’ within the Consolidated Income Statement. Completion of the transfer remains subject to the conclusion of the contractual transfer mechanics with the Dhabi Group. Once the transaction is completed, VEON will indirectly own 100% of PMCL. Global Medium Term Note program In April 2020, VEON Holdings B.V. established a Global Medium Term Note program for the issuance of bonds (the "MTN Program"), with a program limit of US$6,500, or the equivalent thereof in other currencies. In June, September and November 2020, VEON Holdings B.V. issued senior unsecured notes of RUB20 billion (US$288), RUB10 billion (US$135) and US$1.25 billion, respectively, under the MTN Program, maturing in June 2025, September 2025 and November 2027. 153 Refinancing of loan agreement with VTB In July 2020, VEON Holdings B.V. successfully refinanced its existing RUB30 billion (US$422), bilateral term loan agreement with VTB Bank. This refinancing extended the final maturity of the existing loan between VTB Bank and VEON Holdings B.V. to July 2025 and amended the interest cost from a fixed rate of 8.75% to floating rate equal to CBR Key Rate + 1.85 p.p. Refinancing of loan agreement with Sberbank In June 2020, VEON Holdings B.V. entered into a new RUB bilateral term loan agreement with Sberbank. The agreement comprises four facilities for a total amount of RUB100 billion (US$1,450) with final maturity dates ranging between two and four years. Shortly after the agreement was signed, VEON Holdings B.V. fully utilized three facilities for a total amount of RUB87.5 billion (US$1,281) and used the proceeds to prepay all outstanding amounts under the Sberbank term facilities agreement signed in May 2017. In July 2020, VEON drew down the remaining RUB12.5 billion available under the facility agreement. Subsequently, in September 2020, VEON repaid one of the facilities of RUB20 billion, originally maturing in June 2022, in full with no fees. The repaid facility cannot be re-borrowed. Contingent consideration In 2015, International Wireless Communications Pakistan Limited and Pakistan Mobile Communications Ltd (“PMCL”), each indirect subsidiaries of the Company, signed an agreement with Warid Telecom Pakistan LLC and Bank Alfalah Limited, to combine their operations in Pakistan. In July 2016, the transaction was closed and PMCL acquired 100% of the voting shares in Warid Telecom (Pvt) Limited (“Warid”) for a consideration of 15% of the shares in PMCL. As a result, VEON gained control over Warid. As part of the share purchase agreement, an earn-out payment was agreed in the event that a tower transaction is effected by PMCL within four years from the acquisition date. The earn-out would also apply if another telecommunications operator in Pakistan effects a tower transaction, provided the transaction meets certain parameters, in the same timeframe. The contingent consideration would be settled with a transfer of PMCL shares. As of June 2020, the probability of completion of a tower deal in Pakistan prior to the relevant deadline, upon which contingent consideration would be paid, became remote. As a result, the fair value of Contingent consideration was revised downwards to zero, with a corresponding gain of US$41 recognized in the consolidated income statement. Extension and extinguishment of Banglalink syndicated loan In April 2020, Banglalink Digital Communications Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary, extended the maturity of its US$300 syndicated loan by an additional two years to 2022. Following this extension, VEON Digital Amsterdam B.V., the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired the loan from the original lenders, leading to extinguishment of this financial liability within VEON's consolidated financial statements. No material transactional costs were incurred. Drawdowns under the Revolving Credit Facility In March 2020, VEON Holdings B.V., the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, executed two drawdowns under its existing revolving credit facility for an aggregate amount of US$600. Although these drawdowns are short-term in nature, VEON Holdings B.V. has an enforceable right to roll them over until final maturity date of the facility in February 2022. All outstanding drawdowns under this facility have been fully repaid during June 2020 (US$100) and July 2020 (US$500). In March 2021, VEON entered into a new multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement, refer to Note 22 for further details. Refinancing of RUB debt - AO "Alfa-Bank" In March 2020, VEON Holdings B.V. amended and restated the existing facility with AO "Alfa-Bank", increasing its size and utilization from RUB17.5 billion to RUB30 billion (US$165). Following this amendment and restatement, the final maturity of this facility has been set to March 2025. GTH bonds prepayment In February 2020, GTH Finance B.V., the Company’s subsidiary, repaid at par the US$500 6.25% bonds, originally maturing April, 2020. US$300 tap issuance of existing senior notes In January 2020, VEON Holdings B.V., issued US$300 in senior unsecured notes due 2025, which are consolidated and form a single series with the US$700 4.00% senior notes due in 2025 issued by VEON Holdings B.V. in October 2019. VEON used the net proceeds of the tap issuance to refinance certain existing outstanding debt. 154 155 FINANCING ACTIVITIES IN 2019 VEON Holdings BV new notes In October 2019, VEON Holdings issued US$700 4.00% senior unsecured notes due 2025. The net proceeds of the notes issued have been used primarily to refinance drawings on the revolving credit facility used to fund the MTO for GTH. Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited new bilateral term facility In June 2019, PMCL entered into a bilateral secured PKR 14,369 million (approximately US$92) term facility with a local bank. The facility has a tenor of 7 years and bears interest at 6-month KIBOR increased by a margin of 0.75% per annum. The security is based on terms comparable with PMCL's existing debt. Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited new syndicated term facility and Islamic facility In June 2019, PMCL entered into a secured syndicated term facility and an Islamic financing facility for a joint amount of up to PKR 45,000 million (approximately US$287) and a period of up to 7 years. The cost of both facilities corresponds to 6-month KIBOR increased by a margin of 0.75% per annum. The security is based on terms comparable with PMCL's existing debt. Banglalink Digital Communications Limited new syndicated term facility agreement In April 2019, Banglalink entered into a new US$300 syndicated term facility agreement with several international banks. The facility is guaranteed by VEON Holdings for nil consideration. The facility has a tenor of 12 months with extension options for another 24 months upon agreement with the lenders, and was used to refinance the principal amount of Banglalink’s US$300 bond that matured in May 2019. FAIR VALUES As of December 31, 2020, the carrying amounts of all financial assets and liabilities are equal to or approximate their respective fair values as shown in the table at the beginning of this note, with the exception of: • 'Bank loans and bonds, including interest accrued', for which fair value is equal to US$8,031 (2019: US$7,887); and • 'Lease liabilities', for which fair value has not been determined. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, all of the Group's financial instruments carried at fair value in the statement of financial position were measured based on Level 2 inputs, except for the Contingent consideration, for which fair value is classified as Level 3. All movements in Contingent consideration in the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 relate to changes in fair value, which are unrealized, and are recorded in “Other non-operating gain / (loss)” within the consolidated income statement. Fair values are estimated based on quoted market prices for our bonds, derived from market prices or by discounting contractual cash flows at the rate applicable for the instruments with similar maturity and risk profile. Observable inputs (Level 2) used in valuation techniques include interbank interest rates, bond yields, swap curves, basis swap spreads, foreign exchange rates and credit default spreads. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews if there are any indicators for a possible transfer between fair value hierarchy levels. This depends on how the Company is able to obtain the underlying input parameters when assessing the fair valuations. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. HEDGE ACCOUNTING The following table sets out the Company’s hedging instruments designated as net investment hedges as of December 31: Hedging instruments* Designated rate Excluded component Hedged item Currency Aggregated designated nominal value of hedged items, million 2020 2019 Foreign currency forward contracts Forward foreign currency basis spread PJSC VimpelCom RUB 26,758 ** 88,220 ** * Refer to the Debt and Derivatives section above in this Note for information regarding the carrying amounts of the hedging instruments. ** Hedging instruments have a weighted average term to maturity of 1 year as of December 31, 2020 (2019: 1 year ). 156 There is an economic relationship between the hedged net investments and the hedging instruments due to the translation risk inherent in the hedged items that matches the foreign exchange risk of the hedging instruments. The hedge ratio for each of the above relationships was set at 1:1 as the underlying risk of the hedging instruments is identical to the hedged risk and the nominal value of hedging instruments has not exceeded the amounts of respective net investments. Hedge ineffectiveness might arise from: • • the value of a net investment falling below the related designated nominal value of the hedging instrument, or counterparties’ credit risk impacting the hedging instrument but not the hedged net investment. During the periods covered by these consolidated financial statements, the amount of ineffectiveness was immaterial. During 2020, the fair values of the Company’s derivatives designated as net investment hedges increased due to depreciation of the Russian ruble, resulting in a US$178gain recorded against the foreign currency translation reserve. This gain partially offset the translation loss related to our foreign operations described in Note 1. Impact of hedge accounting on equity The below table sets out the reconciliation of each component of equity and the analysis of other comprehensive income (all of which are attributable to the equity owners of the parent): As of January 1, 2019 Foreign currency revaluation of the foreign operations and other Effective portion of foreign currency revaluation of the hedging instruments * Change in fair value of foreign currency basis spreads Amortization of time-period related foreign currency basis spreads As of December 31, 2019 Foreign currency revaluation of the foreign operations Effective portion of foreign currency revaluation of the hedging instruments * Change in fair value of foreign currency basis spreads Amortization of time-period related foreign currency basis spreads Other movements in foreign currency translation reserve As of December 31, 2020 Foreign currency translation reserve Cost of hedging reserve ** (8,416) 332 (228) — — (8,312) (615) 178 — — (26) (8,775) 5 — — 23 (19) 9 — — 7 (15) — 1 * Amounts represent the changes in fair value of the hedging instruments and closely approximate the changes in value of the hedged items used to recognize hedge ineffectiveness. ** Movements in the cost of hedging reserve are included within "Other" in respective section of statement of other comprehensive income. 157 ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY Put options over non-controlling interest Put options over non-controlling interest of a subsidiary are accounted for as financial liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The put-option redemption liability is measured at the discounted redemption amount. Interest over the put- option redemption liability will accrue in line with the effective interest rate method, until the options have been exercised or are expired. Derivative contracts VEON enters into derivative contracts, including swaps and forward contracts, to manage certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. Any derivative instruments for which no hedge accounting is applied are recorded at fair value with any fair value changes recognized directly in profit or loss. Although some of the derivatives entered into by the Company have not been designated in hedge accounting relationships, they act as economic hedges and offset the underlying transactions when they occur. Hedges of a net investment The Company applies net investment hedge accounting to mitigate foreign currency translation risk related to the Company’s investments in foreign operations. The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be an effective hedge is recognized in other comprehensive income within the “Foreign currency translation” line item. Where the hedging instrument’s foreign currency retranslation is greater (in absolute terms) than that of the hedged item, the excess amount is recorded in profit or loss as ineffectiveness. The gain or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge that has been recognized in other comprehensive income shall be reclassified from equity to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment on the disposal or partial disposal of the foreign operation. Cash flows arising from derivative instruments for which hedge accounting is applied are reported in the statement of cash flows within the line item where the underlying cash flows of the hedged item are recorded. Fair value of financial instruments All financial assets and liabilities are measured at amortized cost, except those which are measured at fair value as presented within this Note. Where the fair value of financial assets and liabilities recorded in the statement of financial position cannot be derived from active markets, their fair value is determined using valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows models. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets, but when this is not possible, a degree of judgment is required in establishing fair values. The judgments include considerations regarding inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments. Measurement of lease liabilities Lease liabilities are measured upon initial recognition at the present value of the future lease and related fixed services payments over the lease term, discounted with the country specific incremental borrowing rate as the rate implicit in the lease is generally not available. Subsequently lease liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. A significant portion of the lease contracts included within Company’s lease portfolio includes lease contracts which are extendable through mutual agreement between VEON and the lessor, or lease contracts which are cancellable by the Company immediately or on short notice. The Company includes these cancellable future lease periods within the assessed lease term, which increases the future lease payments used in determining the lease liability upon initial recognition. The Company continuously assesses whether a revision of lease terms is required due to a change in management judgment regarding, for example, the exercise of extension and/or termination options. VEON's determination of the lease term is based on facts and circumstances related to the underlying leased asset and lease contracts. 158 16 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents are held for the purpose of meeting short-term cash commitments rather than for investment or other purposes. Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash at bank and on hand and highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash, are subject to only an insignificant risk of changes in value and have an original maturity of less than three months. Cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following items as of December 31: Cash and cash equivalents at banks and on hand Cash equivalents with original maturity of less than three months Cash and cash equivalents Less overdrafts 2020 694 900 1,594 (8) 2019 932 318 1,250 (46) Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, as presented in the consolidated statement of cash flows 1,586 1,204 Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are made for varying periods of between one day and three months, depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Company, and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates. The imposition of currency exchange controls or other similar restrictions on currency convertibility in the countries in which VEON operates could limit VEON’s ability to convert local currencies or repatriate local cash in a timely manner or at all, as well as remit dividends from the respective countries. As of December 31, 2020, there were no restricted cash and cash equivalent balances (2019: nil). Cash balances include investments in money market funds of US$543 (2019: US$155), which are carried at fair value through profit or loss with gains presented within ‘Other non-operating gain / (loss)’ within the consolidated income statement. As of December 31, 2020, some bank accounts forming part of a cash pooling program and being an integral part of the Company’s cash management remained overdrawn by US$8 (2019: US$46). Even though the total balance of the cash pool remained positive, the Company has no legally enforceable right of set-off and therefore the overdrawn accounts are presented as debt and derivatives within the statement of financial position. At the same time, because the overdrawn accounts are an integral part of the Company’s cash management, they were included as cash and cash equivalents within the statement of cash flows. 159 17 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT The Group’s principal financial liabilities consist of loans and borrowings and trade and other payables. The main purpose of these financial liabilities is to finance the Group’s operations. The Group has trade and other receivables, cash and short-term deposits that are derived directly from its operations. The Group is exposed to market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The Company’s Board of Directors manages these risks with support of the treasury function, who proposes the appropriate financial risk governance framework for the Group, identifies and measures financial risks and suggests mitigating actions. The Company’s Board of Directors, supported by its Finance Committee, approves the financial risk management framework and oversees its enforcement. INTEREST RATE RISK The Company is exposed to the risk of changes in market interest rates primarily due to the its long-term debt obligations. The Company manages its interest rate risk exposure through a portfolio of fixed and variable rate borrowings and hedging activities. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 79% of the Company’s borrowings are at a fixed rate of interest (2019: 91%). The Group is exposed to possible changes in interest rates on variable interest loans and borrowings, partially mitigated through related derivative financial instruments, cash and cash equivalents and current deposits. With all other variables held constant, the Company’s profit before tax is affected through changes in the floating rate of borrowings while the Company’s equity is affected through the impact of a parallel shift of the yield curve on the fair value of hedging derivatives. An increase or decrease of 100 basis points in interest rates would have an immaterial impact on the Company’s income statement and other comprehensive income. FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates relates primarily to the debt denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the relevant entity, the Company’s operating activities (predominantly capital expenditures at subsidiary level denominated in a different currency from the subsidiary’s functional currency) and the Company’s net investments in foreign subsidiaries. The Company manages its foreign currency risk by selectively hedging committed exposures. The Company hedges part of its exposure to fluctuations on the translation into U.S. dollars of its foreign operations by holding the borrowings in foreign currencies or by foreign exchange swaps and forwards. During the periods covered by these financial statements, the Company used foreign exchange forwards to mitigate foreign currency translation risk related to the Company’s net investment in PJSC VimpelCom. 160 Foreign currency sensitivity The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a possible change in exchange rates against the US dollar with all other variables held constant. Additional sensitivity changes to the indicated currencies are expected to be approximately proportionate. The table shows the effect on the Company’s profit before tax (due to changes in the value of monetary assets and liabilities, including foreign currency derivatives) and equity (due to application of hedge accounting or existence of quasi equity loans). The Company’s exposure to foreign currency changes for all other currencies is not material. Change in foreign exchange rate against US$ Effect on profit / (loss) before tax Effect on other comprehensive income 10% depreciation 10% appreciation 10% depreciation 10% appreciation 2020 Russian Ruble Bangladeshi Taka Pakistani Rupee Georgian Lari Other currencies (net) 2019 Russian Ruble Bangladeshi Taka Pakistani Rupee Georgian Lari Other currencies (net) 35 (30) (4) (36) 8 (9) (27) (10) (36) (4) (39) 33 4 40 (9) 11 30 11 39 5 32 — — — 4 119 — — — — (39) — — — (4) (145) — — — — 161 CREDIT RISK The Company is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities (primarily from trade receivables), and from its treasury activities, including deposits with banks and financial institutions, derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments. See Note 16 for further information on restrictions on cash balances. Trade receivables consist of amounts due from customers for airtime usage and amounts due from dealers and customers for equipment sales. VEON’s credit risk arising from the services the Company provides to customers is mitigated to a large extent due to the majority of its active customers being subscribed to a prepaid service as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and accordingly not giving rise to credit risk. For postpaid services, in certain circumstances, VEON requires deposits as collateral for airtime usage. Equipment sales are typically paid in advance of delivery, except for equipment sold to dealers on credit terms. VEON’s credit risk arising from its trade receivables from dealers is mitigated due to the risk being spread across a large number of dealers. Management periodically reviews the history of payments and credit worthiness of the dealers. The Company also has receivables from other local and international operators from interconnect and roaming services provided to their customers, as well as receivables from customers using fixed-line services, such as business services, wholesale services and services to residents. Receivables from other operators for roaming services are settled through clearing houses, which helps to mitigate credit risk in this regard. VEON holds available cash in bank accounts, as well as other financial assets with financial institutions in countries where it operates. To manage credit risk associated with such asset holdings, VEON allocates its available cash to a variety of local banks and local affiliates of international banks within the limits set forth by its treasury policy. Management periodically reviews the creditworthiness of the banks with which it holds assets. In respect of financial instruments used by the Company’s treasury function, the aggregate credit risk the Group may have with one counterparty is managed by reference to, amongst others, the long-term credit ratings assigned for that counterparty by Moody’s, Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s and CDS spreads of that counterparty. The limits are set to minimize the concentration of risks and therefore mitigate financial loss through potential counterparty’s failure. Value Added Tax (“VAT”) is recoverable from tax authorities by offsetting it against VAT payable to the tax authorities on VEON’s revenue or direct cash receipts from the tax authorities. Management periodically reviews the recoverability of the balance of input value added tax and believes it is fully recoverable. VEON issues advances to a variety of its vendors of property and equipment for its network development. The contractual arrangements with the most significant vendors provide for equipment financing in respect of certain deliveries of equipment. VEON periodically reviews the financial position of vendors and their compliance with the contract terms. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk for the components of the statement of financial position at December 31, 2020 and 2019 is the carrying amount as illustrated in Note 5, Note 15, Note 16 and within this Note 17. 162 LIQUIDITY RISK The Company monitors its risk to a shortage of funds using a recurring liquidity planning tool. The Company’s objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of bonds, bank overdrafts, bank loans and lease contracts. The Company’s policy is to create a balanced debt maturity profile. As of December 31, 2020, 5% of the Company’s debt (2019: 21%) will mature in less than one year based on the carrying value of bank loans, bonds and other borrowings reflected in the financial statements. The Company assessed the concentration of risk with respect to refinancing its debt and concluded it to be low based on liquidity in the markets the Company has access to, and recent history of refinancing. The Company believes that access to sources of funding is sufficiently available and the Company’s policy is to diversify the funding sources where possible. Available facilities The Company had the following available facilities as of December 31: Amounts in millions of transactional currency US$ equivalent amounts Final availability period Facility amount Utilized Available Facility amount Utilized Available 2020 VEON Holdings B.V. – Revolving Credit Facility * PMCL - Term Facility Feb 2022 US$1,585 * — US$1,585 1,585 Kartel - Term Facility Nov 2023 KZT 10,000 KZT 5,000 KZT 5,000 Sep 2021 PKR 14,369 PKR 9,999 PKR 4,370 — 62 12 1,585 28 12 90 24 * Facility amount of US$1,586 is available until February 2021. Subsequently, a reduced facility amount of US$1,382 is available until February 2022. In March 2021, VEON entered into a new multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement, refer to Note 22 for further details. Amounts in millions of transactional currency US$ equivalent amounts Final availability period Facility amount Utilized Available Facility amount Utilized Available Feb 2022 US$1,688 — US$1,688 1,688 — 1,688 2019 VEON Holdings B.V. – Revolving Credit Facility * PMCL - Syndicated Term Facility and Islamic Finance Facility PMCL - Term Facility Sep 2020 PKR 14,369 PKR 2,963 PKR 11,406 Mar 2020 PKR 45,000 PKR 15,885 PKR 29,115 291 93 103 19 188 74 * Facility amount of US$1,688 is available until February 2020. Subsequently a reduced facility amount of US$1,586 is available until February 2021. In March 2021, VEON entered into a new multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement, refer to Note 22 for further details. 163 Maturity profile The table below summarizes the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities based on contractual undiscounted payments. Payments related to variable interest rate financial liabilities and derivatives are included based on the interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates applicable as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The total amounts in the table differ from the carrying amounts as stated in Note 15 as the below table includes both undiscounted principal amounts and interest while the carrying amounts are measured using the effective interest rate method. As of December 31, 2020 Bank loans and bonds Lease liabilities Derivative financial liabilities Gross cash inflows Gross cash outflows Trade and other payables Other financial liabilities Warid non-controlling interest put option liability Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years Total 842 525 3,803 896 3,123 639 1,408 239 (228) 237 1,977 — 273 — — — 60 — — — — — — — — — — — 9,176 2,299 (228) 237 1,977 60 273 Total financial liabilities 3,626 4,759 3,762 1,647 13,794 Related derivatives financial assets Gross cash inflows Gross cash outflows Related derivative financial assets 152 (149) 3 — — — — — — — — — 152 (149) 3 Total financial liabilities, net of derivative assets 3,629 4,759 3,762 1,647 13,797 As of December 31, 2019 Bank loans and bonds Lease liabilities Derivative financial liabilities Gross cash inflows Gross cash outflows Trade and other payables * Other financial liabilities Warid non-controlling interest put option liability Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years 2,100 581 (1,150) 1,311 1,847 41 342 3,909 920 2,009 728 (378) 483 — 77 — — — — — — 794 420 — — — — — Total 8,812 2,649 (1,528) 1,794 1,847 118 342 Total financial liabilities 5,072 5,011 2,737 1,214 14,034 Related derivatives financial assets Gross cash inflows Gross cash outflows Related derivative financial assets (273) 262 (11) — — — — — — — — — (273) 262 (11) Total financial liabilities, net of derivative assets 5,061 5,011 2,737 1,214 14,023 164 CAPITAL MANAGEMENT The primary objective of the Company’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains healthy capital ratios, so as to secure access to debt and capital markets at all times and maximize shareholder value. The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue new shares. Current credit ratings of the Company support its capital structure objectives. Since 2019, VEON’s dividend policy targets paying at least 50% of prior year Equity Free Cash Flow after licenses. There were no changes made in the Company’s objectives, policies or processes for managing capital during 2020. The Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio is an important measure used by the Company to assess its capital structure. Net Debt represents the principal amount of interest-bearing debt less cash and cash equivalents and bank deposits. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as last twelve months earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization and impairment, loss on disposals of non- current assets, other non-operating losses and share of profit / (loss) of joint ventures. For reconciliation of ‘Profit / (loss) before tax from continuing operations’ to ‘Adjusted EBITDA,’ refer to Note 2. VEON's internal target is to keep Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA at around 2.0x on the basis of the so called "GAAP freeze" principle, i.e. under the IAS 17 framework, which is equivalent to 2.4x on the post-IFRS 16 basis. Further, this ratio is included as a financial covenant in the credit facilities of the Company. For most of our credit facilities the Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio is calculated at consolidated level of VEON Ltd. and is “pro-forma” adjusted for acquisitions and divestments of any business bought or sold during the relevant period. Under these credit facilities, the Company is required to maintain the Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio below 3.5x (on the basis of the so called "GAAP freeze" principle). The Company has not breached any financial covenants during the period covered by these financial statements. 165 18 ISSUED CAPITAL AND RESERVES The following table details the common shares of the Company as of December 31: Authorized common shares (nominal value of US$0.001 per share) 1,849,190,667 1,849,190,667 Issued shares, including 7,603,731 shares held by a subsidiary of the Company 1,756,731,135 1,756,731,135 The holders of common shares are, subject to our by-laws and Bermuda law, generally entitled to enjoy all the rights attaching to common shares. All issued shares are fully paid-up. As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s largest shareholders and remaining free float are as follows: 2020 2019 Shareholder L1T VIP Holdings S.à r.l. (“LetterOne”) Stichting Administratiekantoor Mobile Telecommunications Investor * Free Float, including 7,603,731 shares held by a subsidiary of the Company Total outstanding common shares Common shares 840,625,001 145,947,562 770,158,572 1,756,731,135 common and voting shares 47.9 % 8.3 % 43.8 % 100.0 % * LetterOne is the holder of the depositary receipts issued by Stichting and is therefore entitled to the economic benefits (dividend payments, other distributions and sale proceeds) of such depositary receipts and, indirectly, of the 145,947,562 common shares represented by the depositary receipts. According to the conditions of administration entered into between Stichting and LetterOne (“Conditions of Administration”) in connection with the transfer of 145,947,562 ADSs from LetterOne to Stichting on March 29, 2016, Stichting has the power to vote and direct the voting of, and the power to dispose and direct the disposition of, the ADSs, in its sole discretion, in accordance with the Conditions of Administration and Stichting’s articles of association. Nature and purpose of reserves Other capital reserves are mainly used to recognize the results of transactions that do not result in a change of control with non- controlling interest (see Note 13). The foreign currency translation reserve is used to record exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, net of any related hedging activities (see Note 15). 166 19 EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per common share for all periods presented has been determined by dividing profit available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for continuing operations, for the years ended December 31: Continuing operations 2020 2019 2018 (In millions of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts) Numerator: Profit / (loss) for the period attributable to the owners of the parent (349) 621 (397) Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (in millions) Denominator for diluted earnings per share (in millions) Basic (loss) / earnings per share Diluted (loss) / earnings per share 1,749 1,749 ($0.20) ($0.20) 1,749 1,749 $0.36 $0.36 1,749 1,749 ($0.23) ($0.23) The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for discontinued operations, for the years ended December 31: Discontinued operations 2020 2019 2018 (In millions of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts) Numerator: Profit / (loss) for the period attributable to the owners of the parent — — 979 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (in millions) Denominator for diluted earnings per share (in millions) Basic (loss) / earnings per share Diluted (loss) / earnings per share 1,749 1,749 $0.00 $0.00 1,749 1,749 $0.00 $0.00 1,749 1,749 $0.56 $0.56 167 20 DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED Pursuant to Bermuda law, VEON is restricted from declaring or paying a dividend if there are reasonable grounds for believing that (a) VEON is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or (b) the realizable value of VEON assets would, as a result of the dividend, be less than the aggregate of VEON liabilities. There were no dividends declared by VEON in respect of the year 2020. The following table provides an overview of dividends announced by VEON in respect of the year 2019: Dividends declared Dividends paid Dividends, US$ cents per share Final for 2019 Interim for 2019 February 2020 August 2019 March 2020 August 2019 15 13 The Company makes appropriate tax withholdings of up to 15% when the dividends are being paid to the Company’s share depository, The Bank of New York Mellon. For ordinary shareholders at Euronext Amsterdam, dividends are paid in euro. DIVIDENDS DECLARED TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS During 2020, 2019 and 2018, certain subsidiaries of the Company declared dividends, of which a portion was paid or payable to non-controlling interests as shown in the table below: Name of subsidiary Omnium Telecom Algeria S.p.A VIP Kazakhstan Holding AG TNS Plus LLP Other Total dividends declared to non-controlling interests 2020 45 24 16 2 87 2019 69 24 12 3 108 2018 76 — 13 4 93 In 2020, PMCL, a subsidiary of the Company, declared dividends to its shareholders, of which US$25 (2019: US$24, 2018: US$11) was declared to non-controlling shareholders of PMCL. Dividends declared to non-controlling interests of PMCL reduces the principal amount of the put-option liability over non-controlling interest on the date of declaration. As of December 31, 2020, there is no remaining amount payable to non-controlling interests (2019: none, 2018: US$7). 168 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 21 RELATED PARTIES As of December 31, 2020, the Company has no ultimate controlling shareholder. See also Note 18 for details regarding ownership structure. COMPENSATION TO DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGERS OF THE COMPANY The following table sets forth the total compensation paid to our directors and senior managers, who are considered to be key management of the company: Short-term employee benefits Long-term employee benefits Share-based payments Termination benefits Total compensation to directors and senior management * 2020 2019 2018 35 1 — 4 40 48 — 3 — 51 33 — — 2 35 * The number of directors and senior managers vary from year to year. Total compensation paid to directors and senior management approximates the amount charged in the consolidated income statement for that year. Under the Company’s bye-laws, the Board of Directors of the Company established a compensation and talent committee, which has the overall responsibility for approving and evaluating the compensation and benefit plans, policies and programs of the Company’s directors, officers and employees and for supervising the administration of the Company’s equity incentive plans and other compensation and incentive programs. Compensation of Key Senior Managers The following table sets forth the total remuneration expense to the key senior managers in 2020 and 2019 (gross amounts in whole euro and whole US$ equivalents). For further details on compensation and changes to key senior managers, please refer to the Explanatory notes below. Kaan Terzioglu Group Co- CEO Sergi Herrero Group Co- CEO Ursula Burns Serkan Okandan Trond Westlie Murat Kirkgoz Deputy Kjell Johnsen Group CEO Group CFO Group CFO Group CFO Group COO Scott Dresser Group General Counsel Alex Kazbegi Chief Strategy Officer Joop Brakenhoff & Compliance Officer In whole euros 2020 Short-term employee benefits Base salary 1,323,000 1,181,368 1,162,750 864,000 16,810 211,600 — 1,300,000 553,500 224,100 Annual incentive 930,418 769,643 540,984 525,730 — 80,302 — 2,300,000 338,378 147,813 Other 439,657 2,158,022 554,328 297,341 212,631 40,360 299,333 24,100 104,124 39,908 Long-term employee benefits 76,366 706,925 — — — — — — Share-based payments 88,056 58,707 111,403 76,316 (217,080) (7,954) (217,080) (65,526) Termination benefits — — — — — — — — — — — — 8,775 — Total remuneration expense * 2,857,497 4,874,665 2,369,465 1,763,387 12,361 324,308 82,253 3,558,574 996,002 420,596 2019 Short-term employee benefits Base salary 220,500 342,036 5,500,000 — 1,500,000 264,500 1,250,000 1,300,000 394,795 Annual incentive 472,151 514,460 10,461,000 — 1,455,216 211,713 4,184,355 2,258,882 700,000 Other 105,999 1,560,229 1,146,503 Long-term employee benefits Share-based payments Termination benefits — — — — — — — — — — — — — 24,100 35,750 46,857 29,100 677,662 — — — — 64,842 8,242 (828,047) (697,504) — — — — — — — Total remuneration expense 798,650 2,416,725 17,107,503 — 3,044,158 520,205 4,653,165 2,890,478 1,772,457 — — — — — — — * Total remuneration expense for 2020 excludes accrued payroll taxes of EUR9 million (US$10) recorded in ‘Selling, general and administrative expenses’ incurred by the Company pertaining to payments made to Ursula Burns, Kjell Johnson. 169 In whole US dollars 2020 Short-term employee benefits Base salary Annual incentive Other Kaan Terzioglu Group Co- CEO Sergi Herrero Group Co- CEO Ursula Burns Serkan Okandan Trond Westlie Murat Kirkgoz Kjell Johnsen Group CEO Group CFO Group CFO Deputy Group CFO Group COO Scott Dresser Group General Alex Kazbegi Joop Brakenhoff Chief Strategy Chief Internal Audit 1,508,380 1,346,902 1,325,676 985,064 19,165 241,250 — 1,482,157 631,057 255,501 1,060,789 877,486 616,787 599,396 — 91,554 — 2,622,278 385,792 168,525 501,262 2,460,406 632,001 339,005 242,425 46,015 341,276 27,477 118,714 45,500 Long-term employee benefits 87,066 805,980 — — — — — — Share-based payments 100,394 66,933 127,013 87,009 (247,497) (9,069) (247,497) (74,708) Termination benefits — — — — — — — — — — — — 10,005 — Total remuneration expense * 3,257,891 5,557,707 2,701,477 2,010,474 14,093 369,750 93,779 4,057,204 1,135,563 479,531 2019 Short-term employee benefits Base salary Annual incentive Other 246,782 382,805 6,155,568 — 1,678,791 296,027 1,398,993 1,454,952 441,852 528,429 575,781 11,707,890 — 1,628,669 236,948 4,683,106 2,528,128 783,436 118,633 1,746,199 1,283,159 Long-term employee benefits Share-based payments Termination benefits — — — — — — — — — — — — — 26,973 40,011 52,442 32,569 758,435 — — — — 72,571 9,224 (926,745) (780,642) — — — — — — — Total remuneration expense 893,844 2,704,785 19,146,617 — 3,407,004 582,210 5,207,796 3,235,007 1,983,723 — — — — — — — * Total remuneration expense for 2020 excludes accrued payroll taxes of EUR9 million (US$10) recorded in ‘Selling, general and administrative expenses’ incurred by the Company pertaining to payments made to Ursula Burns, Kjell Johnson. Explanatory notes Base salary includes any holiday allowances pursuant to the terms of an individual’s employment agreement. Annual incentive expense includes amounts accrued under the short-term incentive in respect of performance during the current year, as well as any special recognition bonus. Other short-term employee benefits include certain allowances (for example, pension allowance or reimbursement of certain losses etc.) and support (for example, relocation support). Share-based payments expense relates to amounts accrued under the value growth cash-based multi-year incentive plans, see below for further details. Changes in Key Senior Managers Ursula Burns stepped down as Group CEO with effect from March 1, 2020. Sergi Herrero and Kaan Terzioğlu were appointed as Co-CEOs with effective from March 1, 2020, having previously served as Joint COOs since September 2, 2019 and November 1, 2019, respectively. On May 1, 2020, Serkan Okandan joined VEON as Group CFO. Trond Westlie stepped down from the role of Group CFO on September 30, 2019. Murat Kirkgoz served as Deputy Group CFO from August 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020. Kjell Johnsen stepped down from the role of Group COO on November 1, 2019. The Key Senior Managers of VEON include Group (co-)CEOs, Group CFO, Group COO and Group General Counsel. In addition to the Key Senior Managers disclosed, VEON has also voluntarily disclosed other senior managers. Alex Kazbegi was appointed Group Chief Strategy Officer effective from February 18, 2019, and Joop Brakenhoff was appointed Group Chief Internal Audit & Compliance Officer, effective July 1, 2020. 170 Compensation of Board of Directors The following table sets forth the total remuneration expense to the members of the Board of Directors members in 2020 and 2019 (gross amounts in whole euro and whole US dollar equivalents). For details on changes in Board of Directors, please refer to explanations below. In whole euros 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Retainer Committees Other compensation Alexander Pertsovsky 47,917 40,000 — Steve Pusey Kaan Terzioglu 204,167 — 58,333 — 92,708 — 9,063 Total compensation 3,395,361 1,962,708 746,136 328,567 500,000 750,000 4,641,497 3,041,275 In whole US dollars 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Retainer Committees Other compensation Hans Holger Albrecht Guillaume Bacuvier Osama Bedier Ursula Burns Mariano De Beer Peter Derby Mikhail Fridman Gennady Gazin Amos Genish Yaroslav Glazunov Andrei Gusev Gunnar Holt Sir Julian Horn-Smith Robert Jan van de Kraats Guy Laurence 204,167 — 72,917 105,114 250,000 23,125 308,333 250,000 68,750 323,864 204,167 204,167 — — — — 87,500 87,500 60,417 40,000 — — 53,909 25,000 5,952 — — — 629,167 250,000 33,333 80,000 204,167 13,350 — — 60,417 40,000 87,500 — — 308,333 250,000 118,750 105,114 308,333 250,000 250,000 10,511 85,417 104,167 250,000 12,500 — — — 69,643 25,000 30,000 30,000 — — Hans Holger Albrecht Guillaume Bacuvier Osama Bedier Ursula Burns Mariano De Beer Peter Derby Mikhail Fridman Gennady Gazin Amos Genish Yaroslav Glazunov Andrei Gusev Gunnar Holt 232,775 — 83,134 119,843 279,799 26,365 351,537 279,799 78,383 369,244 232,775 232,775 — — — — 99,761 99,761 68,883 44,768 — — 60,335 27,980 6,661 — — — 717,326 279,799 38,004 89,536 232,775 15,221 — — 99,761 — 68,883 44,768 — 351,537 279,799 135,389 Sir Julian Horn-Smith 119,843 279,799 11,984 Robert Jan van de Kraats 351,537 279,799 97,386 Guy Laurence 118,763 279,799 14,252 Alexander Pertsovsky 54,631 44,768 — Steve Pusey Kaan Terzioglu 232,775 — 66,507 — 103,758 — 10,143 — — — 77,944 27,980 33,576 33,576 — — Total 2020 277,084 2019 — 128,239 303,909 377,083 275,000 323,864 291,667 291,667 5,952 — — 60,417 40,000 662,500 330,000 291,667 13,350 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 500,000 750,000 560,417 790,000 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 427,083 319,643 115,625 393,750 275,000 280,000 116,667 280,000 47,917 40,000 262,500 — — 101,771 Total 2020 315,909 2019 — 146,208 340,134 429,920 307,779 369,244 332,536 332,536 6,661 — — 68,883 44,768 755,330 369,335 332,536 15,221 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 570,060 839,396 638,943 884,164 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 486,926 357,743 131,827 307,779 448,923 313,375 133,015 313,375 54,631 44,768 299,282 — — 113,901 Total compensation 3,871,123 2,196,655 850,687 367,731 570,060 839,396 5,291,870 3,403,782 Changes in Board of Directors Ursula Burns was appointed Group CEO and Chairman of the VEON Ltd. board of directors on December 12, 2018. Accordingly, her total compensation for 2019 and until March 1, 2020, has been included in the section “Compensation of Key Senior Managers” above, except for payments received in respect of her role on Board Committees. Ursula Burns stepped down as Group CEO on March 1, 2020, and later stepped down as Chairman on June 1, 2020. On June 1, 2020 VEON announced the results of the elections conducted at its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Shareholders elected five new members to the Company’s Board of Directors, Hans Holger Albrecht, Mariano De Beer, Peter 171 Derby, Amos Genish and Stephen Pusey, as well as seven previously serving directors: Osama Bedier, Mikhail M. Fridman, Gennady Gazin, Andrei Gusev, Gunnar Holt, Robert Jan van de Kraats and Alexander Pertsovsky. Following the election of the directors, Gennady Gazin was appointed as Chairman of VEON’s Board of Directors, effective June 1, 2020. Value growth cash-based multi-year incentive plans To stimulate and reward leadership efforts that result in sustainable success, value growth cash-based multi-year incentive plan (“Incentive Plans”) were designed for members of our recognized leadership community. The participants in the Incentive Plans may receive cash payouts after the end of each relevant award performance period. Vesting is based on the attainment of certain Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”), such as absolute share price, total return per share or value growth of certain VEON businesses. Options may be exercised by the participant at any time during a defined exercise period, subject to the Company’s insider trading policy. Short Term Incentive Scheme The Company’s Short Term Incentive (“STI”) Scheme provides cash pay-outs to participating employees based on the achievement of established KPIs over the period of one calendar year. KPIs are set every year at the beginning of the year and evaluated in the first quarter of the next year. The KPIs are partially based on the financial and operational results (such as total operating revenue, EBITDA and equity free cash flow) of the Company, or the affiliated entity employing the employee, and partially based on individual targets that are agreed upon with the participant at the start of the performance period based on his or her specific role and activities. The weight of each KPI is decided on an individual basis. Pay-out of the STI award is scheduled in March of the year following the assessment year and is subject to continued active employment during the year of assessment (except in limited “good leaver” circumstances in which case there is a pro-rata reduction) and is also subject to a pro-rata reduction if the participant commenced employment after the start of the year of assessment. Pay-out of the STI award is dependent upon final approval by the compensation and talent committee. 172 22 EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD VEON enters into a US$1,250 multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement In March 2021, VEON successfully entered into a new multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement (the “RCF”) of US$1,250. The RCF replaces the revolving credit facility signed in February 2017, which is now cancelled. The RCF has an initial tenor of three years, with the Company having the right to request two one-year extensions, subject to lender consent. International banks from Asia, Europe and the US have committed to the RCF. The new RCF caters for USD LIBOR cessation with the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York agreed as the replacement risk free rate with credit adjustment spreads agreed for interest periods with a one month, three months and six month tenor. SOFR will apply to interest periods commencing on and from October 31, 2021 (or earlier if USD LIBOR is no longer published or ceases to be representative prior to that date). The Company will have the option to make each drawdown in either U.S. dollars or euro. VEON subsidiary Banglalink successfully acquires 9.4MHz in spectrum auction In March 2021, Banglalink, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary in Bangladesh, acquired 4.4MHz spectrum in the 1800MHz band and 5MHz spectrum in 2100MHz band following successful bids at an auction held by the BTRC. The newly acquired spectrum will see Banglalink increase its total spectrum holding from 30.6MHz to 40MHz. Banglalink will invest approximately BDT 10 billion (US$115) to purchase the spectrum. 173 23 BASIS OF PREPARATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BASIS OF PREPARATION These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and adopted by the European Union, effective at the time of preparing the consolidated financial statements and applied by VEON. The consolidated income statement has been presented based on the nature of the expense, other than ‘Selling, general and administrative expenses’, which has been presented based on the function of the expense. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, unless otherwise disclosed. BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Company has control. Please refer to Note 13 for a list of significant subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains or losses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. When necessary, amounts reported by subsidiaries have been adjusted to conform with the Group’s accounting policies. When the Group ceases to consolidate a subsidiary due to loss of control, the related subsidiary’s assets (including goodwill), liabilities, non-controlling interest and other components of equity are de-recognized. This may mean that amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss. Any consideration received is recognized at fair value, and any investment retained is re-measured to its fair value, and this fair value becomes the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained interest. Any resultant gain or loss is recognized in the income statement. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION The consolidated financial statements of the Group are presented in U.S. dollars. Each entity in the Group determines its own functional currency and amounts included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency. Upon consolidation, the assets and liabilities measured in the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date; whereas income and expenses are generally translated into U.S. dollars at historical monthly average exchange rates. Foreign currency translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating financial statements into U.S. dollars are reported in other comprehensive income and accumulated within a separate component of equity. 174 24 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS The preparation of these consolidated financial statements has required management to apply accounting policies and methodologies based on complex and subjective judgments, as well as estimates based on past experience and assumptions determined to be reasonable and realistic based on the related circumstances. The use of these judgments, estimates and assumptions affects the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements. The final amounts for items for which estimates and assumptions were made in the consolidated financial statements may differ from those reported in these statements due to the uncertainties that characterize the assumptions and conditions on which the estimates are based. The sources of uncertainty identified by the Group are described together with the applicable Note, as follows: Significant accounting judgment / source of estimation uncertainty Described in Revenue recognition Deferred tax assets and uncertain tax positions Provisions and contingent liabilities Impairment of non-current assets Control over subsidiaries Note 3 Note 8 Note 7 Note 10 Note 13 Depreciation and amortization of non-current assets Note 11 and Note 12 Fair value of financial instruments Measurement of lease liabilities Note 15 Note 15 NEW STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS Not yet adopted by the Group Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for December 31, 2020 reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the Group. These standards are not expected to have a material impact on VEON financial statements in current or future reporting periods or on foreseeable future transactions. Adopted in 2020 A number of new and amended standards became effective as of January 1, 2020, which did not have a material impact on VEON financial statements. The Group has not early adopted any other standards, interpretations or amendments that have been issued but have not yet become effective. In May 2020, the IASB issued an amendment to IFRS 16 'Leases', providing an option to apply a practical expedient in respect of accounting for certain rent concessions arising as a direct consequence of COVID-19, such as rent holidays and temporary rent reductions. Under this amendment, which became effective in 2020, lessees are exempted from having to consider whether these rent concessions are lease modifications. The Group has chosen not to apply the practical expedient available, and will therefore account for any rent concessions as lease modifications. Amsterdam, March 15, 2021 VEON Ltd. 175 Company financial statements COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Before appropriation of profit as at December 31 (In millions of U.S. dollars) Assets Non-current assets Intangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Financial fixed assets Total non-current assets Current assets Receivables Cash and cash equivalents Total current assets Total assets Equity and liabilities Equity Issued capital Capital surplus Reserve results of subsidiaries Foreign currency translation reserve Retained earnings / (accumulated deficit) Result for the year Total equity Provisions Non-current liabilities Current liabilities Total equity and liabilities Note 2020 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 8 138 154 241 79 320 474 2 11,449 525 (8,775) (2,689) (349) 163 29 9 273 474 10 15 1,152 1,177 352 41 393 1,570 2 11,449 1,079 (8,312) (3,613) 621 1,226 41 10 293 1,570 VEON Ltd I Company financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 177 COMPANY INCOME STATEMENT for the year ended December 31 (In millions of U.S. dollars) General and administrative expenses Other operating gains Recharged expenses to group companies Operating (loss) / profit Finance income Finance expenses (Loss) / Profit before tax Income tax Share in results of subsidiaries after tax Net result for the year Note 12 13 13 14 3 2020 (101) — 3 (98) 1 (3) (100) — (249) (349) 2019 (160) 350 21 211 8 (2) 217 — 404 621 VEON Ltd I Company financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 178 COMPANY AND GROUP ACTIVITIES VEON Ltd. (“VEON” or the “Company”), registered with the Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam under number 34374835, was incorporated on June 5, 2009. For details of the Company’s and its group of companies (“VEON Group”) principal activities, reference is made to Note 1 (General Information about the Group) to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The company financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“U.S. dollar” or “US$”). In these notes, U.S. dollar amounts are presented in millions unless otherwise indicated. ACCOUNTING POLICIES General The Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Title 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. In accordance with the provisions of Article 362, paragraph 8, Title 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code the accounting policies used are the same as those explained in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, prepared under IFRS as adopted by the European Union, except for the accounting policies disclosed below. For an appropriate interpretation, the Company financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements. The balance sheet and income statement include references. These refer to the notes. Comparison with previous year The valuation principles and method of determining the results are the same as those used in the previous year. Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are all entities (including intermediate subsidiaries) over which the Company has control. The Company controls an entity when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary. Subsidiaries are recognized from the date on which control is transferred to the Company or its intermediate holding entities. They are derecognized from the date that control ceases. Investments in subsidiaries are measured at net asset value. Net asset value is based on the measurement of assets, provisions and liabilities and determination of profit based on the principles applied in the consolidated financial statements. If the valuation of a subsidiary based on the net asset value is negative, it will be stated at nil. If and insofar as the Company can be held fully or partially liable for the debts of the subsidiary or has the firm intention of enabling the participation to settle its debts, a provision is recognized for this. Newly acquired subsidiaries are initially recognized on the basis of the fair value of their identifiable assets and liabilities at the acquisition date. For subsequent valuations, the principles that apply for these financial statements are used. The amount by which the carrying amount of the subsidiary has changed since the previous financial statements as a result of the net result achieved by the subsidiary is recognized in the income statement. Equity interests For a full list of equity interests, reference is made to the list including entity details filed in accordance with Articles 379 and 414, Title 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. VEON Ltd I Company financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 179 Notes to the Company statement of financial position (in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) 1 INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Software Balance as at December 31 Movements in these items were as follows: Balance as at January 1 Additions Amortization Balance as at December 31 Cost Accumulated amortization and impairment 2020 2019 8 8 10 1 (3) 8 72 (64) 10 10 9 4 (3) 10 71 (61) There are no limited property rights to intangible fixed assets and no security in the form of intangible fixed assets have been provided for liabilities. Nor have any obligations arisen from the acquisition of intangible fixed assets. 2 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Equipment Balance as at December 31 Movements in these items were as follows: Balance as at January 1 Additions Disposals Depreciation Balance as at December 31 Cost Accumulated amortization 2020 2019 8 8 15 — (4) (3) 8 28 (20) 15 15 17 7 (2) (7) 15 34 (19) VEON Ltd I Company financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 180 Notes to the Company statement of financial position (in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) 3 FINANCIAL FIXED ASSETS Investments in subsidiaries Investment in sub lease - non current Balance as at December 31 Movements in investments in subsidiaries were as follows: Balance as at January 1 Share premium collection Changes in ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control Result of participating interests after tax Dividend received from subsidiaries Investment in subsidiary* Currency translation adjustments Other comprehensive (loss) / income related to subsidiaries Other movements in subsidiaries Balance as at December 31 * Refer to Note 9 of the Consolidated Financial Statement for further information. 2020 134 4 138 1,152 (317) — (249) — — (437) (14) (1) 134 2019 1,152 0 1,152 3,587 — (2,594) 404 (650) 350 105 7 (57) 1,152 Other movements in subsidiaries relates to direct equity movements at the level of the subsidiaries in connection with movements in the hedge reserves and investments held at fair value through other comprehensive income. 3.1 Investment in sublease VEON has entered into a lease arrangement as a lessor that is considered to be finance leases. VEON leases subleases a portion of an office building and as they transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset it is classified as finance leases. The maturity analysis of lease receivable, including the undiscounted lease payments to be received are as follows: Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years Balance as at December 31 Undiscounted finance income Net investment in the sublease 4 RECEIVABLES Amounts due from group companies Value added tax Other receivables and prepayments Balance as at December 31 2020 2019 — 4 — — 4 — 4 2020 233 2 5 240 — — — — — — — 2019 345 6 1 352 All amounts are due within one year. No interest is applicable on the receivables from subsidiaries and other participating interest and no maturity has been agreed. The fair value of the receivables approximates the book value, due to their short-term character. VEON Ltd I Company financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 181 5 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents at banks and on hand Balance as at December 31 6 EQUITY for the year ended December 31, 2020 2020 2019 79 79 41 41 (In millions of U.S. dollars) As at January 1, 2020* Profit for the period Other comprehensive loss Total comprehensive loss Result appropriation Movement in legal reserve due to currency restrictions Dividends declared Other As at December 31, 2020 Issued capital Capital Surplus Reserve Results of Subsidiaries Foreign currency translation reserves Retained Earnings / (accumulated deficit) Result for the year Total equity 2 — — — — — — — 2 11,449 571 (8,312) (3,105) — — — — — — — — — — — (46) — — — (437) (437) — — — (26) — (14) (14) 621 46 (262) 25 621 (349) — (349) (621) — — — 11,449 525 (8,775) (2,689) (349) 1,226 (349) (451) (800) — — (262) (1) 163 * Legal reserve was adjusted to conform with the calculation as of December 31, 2020 for the year ended December 31, 2019 Issued capital Capital Surplus Reserve Results of Subsidiaries Foreign currency translation Retained Earnings / (accumulated deficit) Result for the year Total equity 2 — — — — — — — 2 11,449 1,351 (8,416) (1,301) — — — — — 0 0 — — 105 105 — — 7 7 582 621 — 621 582 (582) — (272) — 272 — — — — — — (1) (2,594) (525) (54) — — 3,667 621 112 733 — — (2,594) (525) (55) 11,449 1,079 (8,312) (3,613) 621 1,226 (In millions of U.S. dollars) As at January 1, 2019 Profit for the period Other comprehensive loss Total comprehensive loss Result appropriation Movement in legal reserve due to currency restrictions Change in ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control Dividends declared Other As at December 31, 2019 Issued capital Reference is made to Note 18 (Issued capital and reserves) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for issued capital disclosures. Capital surplus Capital surplus represents primarily contributions into the Company from the shareholders. Results of subsidiaries The reserve Results of subsidiaries comprise the amount of profits that cannot be repatriated from subsidiaries due to dividend distribution restrictions, as well as withholding tax for undistributed profits in subsidiaries that are not covered by deferred tax liabilities. VEON Ltd I Company financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 182 Notes to the Company statement of financial position (in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) Appropriation of result Management proposes the following appropriation of result, which has not yet been reflected in the financial statements. Proposed final dividends Transfer to Retained earnings / (Accumulated deficit) Net results 2020 — (349) (349) 2019 — 621 621 During the year an amount of US$262 (2019: US$525) was paid as dividend out of the retained earnings/accumulated deficit. In 2019, management proposed a final dividend in the amount of US$264 (US 15 cents per share) to be paid out of the retained earnings/accumulated deficit. 7 PROVISIONS Legal provisions Restructuring provision Balance as at December 31 2020 2019 8 21 29 10 31 41 The legal provision relates to the future direct and incremental expected legal fees associated with the resolution of the investigations of our business in Uzbekistan. Reference is made to Note 7 (Provisions and contingent liabilities) to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The restructuring provision of US$21 (2019: US$31) relates to staff redundancies at the corporate headquarters in Amsterdam. The movements in provisions were as follows: Balance as at January 1 Arising during the year Utilized Unused amounts reversed Balance as at December 31 US$29 (2019: US$41) of the provisions qualify as short-term (in effect less than one year). 8 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Lease liabilities Loan from subsidiary Balance as at December 31 The movements in loans were as follows: Balance as at January 1 Balance as at IFRS 16 adoption Repayment Foreign exchange (gains) / losses Balance as at December 31 2020 2019 41 — (12) — 29 39 31 (19) (10) 41 2020 2019 9 — 9 10 — 10 2020 2019 10 — (2) 1 9 — 12 (2) — 10 VEON Ltd I Company financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 183 9 CURRENT LIABILITIES Payable to group companies Lease liabilities Accounts payable Taxes and social security contributions Accruals and other payables Due to employees Balance as at December 31 2020 238 3 4 1 27 — 273 2019 228 2 4 — 58 1 293 The fair value of the current liabilities approximates the book value, due to their short-term character. All current liabilities fall due within one year. 10 WORKFORCE The average number of staff employed by the Company in 2020 was 41 (2019: 61). These employees are located in the Netherlands. 11 COMMITMENTS NOT SHOWN IN THE BALANCE SHEET Liability The Company has issued liability statements pursuant to Article 403, Title 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code for its 100% indirect subsidiary VEON Wholesale Services B.V.. Fiscal unity VAT The Company forms part of the fiscal unity for value added tax purposes with VEON Amsterdam B.V., VEON Holdings B.V., VEON Digital Amsterdam B.V., VEON Global Services B.V., VEON Central Procurement B.V. and Global Telecom Holding S.A.E., which makes these companies jointly and severally liable for VAT liabilities of the fiscal unity. Balance and interest set-off agreement On September 26, 2019 the Company, together with some of its subsidiaries, entered into a new multi-entity and multi-currency cash pooling agreement with Citibank. Each party to the agreement has irrevocably and unconditionally undertaken, as joint and several debtor, to Citibank to perform all payment obligations of each other party under the agreement. Before that date, the Company had such arrangement with ING Bank, which was terminated following the new agreement with Citibank. Other commitments, contingencies and uncertainties For other commitments, contingencies and uncertainties related to VEON Ltd. not included in the balance sheet according to the first sentence of Article 381, paragraph 1, Title 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code – such as the VEON-Securities Class Action and the Canadian action brought by the Catalyst Capital Group Inc. – reference is made to the disclosure mentioned in Note 7 (Provisions and contingent liabilities) to the Consolidated Financial Statements. VEON Ltd I Company financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 184 12 GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Employee benefits Advisory fees Depreciation and amortization Other expenses Total general and administrative expenses 12.1 Employee benefits Salaries and wages Social premiums Other personnel expenses Recharged expenses Total employee benefits 13 FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSES Finance income Interest income banks and others Finance expenses Interest expense loans group company Interest expense banks and others Foreign exchange losses Net financial (expense) / income 14 INCOME TAXES 2020 2019 44 13 6 38 101 52 6 7 95 160 2020 2019 38 1 1 4 44 41 1 1 9 52 2020 2019 1 1 — (1) (2) (3) (2) 8 8 (1) (2) 1 (2) 6 During the year there were no income and deferred tax expenses. For the corporate income tax, no deferred tax asset is recognized for unutilized net operating losses because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available. The unutilized net operating losses per December 31, 2020 amount to US$974 (2019: US$976). VEON Ltd I Company financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 185 Notes to the Company statement of financial position (in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) 15 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS For subsequent events, please refer to Note 22 (Events after the reporting period) of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 16 ADDITIONAL NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Remuneration of and loans to members of the Global Executive Committee and the Board The remuneration, including pension charges and other benefits, of current and former members of the Board charged to the Company, its subsidiaries and other group companies in the current year is disclosed in Note 21 (Related parties) to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Principal Accountant Fees and Services PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. have served as our independent public accountants for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The following table presents the aggregate fees for professional services and other services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. and their member firms in 2020 and 2019: Audit fees Audit-related fees Tax fees Total other non-audit related services Total principal accountant fees and services Audit Services PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. Other PwC Global Network Firms 2020 2019 2020 2019 4.8 1.0 — — 5.8 4.1 1.0 — — 5.1 5.1 0.1 — 0.1 5.3 5.8 0.3 — — 6.1 Audit services mainly consisted of the audit of (consolidated) financial statements, the review of quarterly (consolidated) financial statements and Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 attestation services. Audit-related Services Audit-related services are assurance and related services which are reasonably related to the performance of audit or review and generally include services regarding specific regulatory filings, including comfort and consent letters, and other agreed-upon services related to accounting records and systems. Amsterdam, March 15, 2021 VEON Ltd. VEON Ltd I Company financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 186 Notes to the Company statement of financial position (in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) OTHER INFORMATION Provisions governing profit appropriation The provisions governing profit appropriation are described in articles 19 and 20 as applicable on the signing date of this Annual Report of the Bye-laws of VEON. The Board may, subject to these bye-laws and in accordance with the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda (the ”Act”), declare a dividend to be paid to the Members (as defined in the bye-laws) holding shares entitled to the payment of dividends, in proportion to the numbers of shares held by them, and such dividend may be paid in cash or wholly or partly in specie, including without limitation the issue by VEON of shares or other securities, in which case the Board may fix the value for distribution in specie of any assets, shares or securities. No unpaid dividend shall bear interest as against VEON. The exact amount and timing of any dividend declarations and payments shall, subject to the requirements of the Act, be determined by the Board. The Board may fix any date as the record date for determining the Members entitled to receive any dividend. The Company may pay dividends in proportion to the amount paid up on each share where a larger amount is paid up on some shares than on others. The Board may declare and make such other distributions (in cash or in specie) to the Members holding shares entitled to distributions as may be lawfully made out of the assets of VEON. No unpaid distribution shall bear interest as against the Company. Except, insofar as the rights attaching to, or the terms of issue of, any shares otherwise provide: all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the shares in respect of which the dividend is paid, but no amount paid up on a share in advance of a call may be treated for the purpose of this Bye-law as paid up on the share; and dividends shall be apportioned and paid pro rate according to the amounts paid up on the shares in respect of which the dividend is paid during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend is paid. The Board may, before declaring a dividend, set aside out of the surplus or profits of VEON, such amount as it thinks proper as a reserve to be used to meet contingencies or for any other purpose. Independent auditor’s report The independent auditor’s report is set forth on the next pages. VEON Ltd I Company financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 187 Independent auditor’s report To: the general meeting and the board of directors of VEON Ltd. Report on the financial statements 2020 Our opinion In our opinion: • the consolidated financial statements of VEON Ltd. together with its subsidiaries (‘the Group’) give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2020 and of its result and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (EU-IFRS) and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code; • the company financial statements of VEON Ltd. (‘the Company’) give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company as at 31 December 2020 and of its result for the year then ended in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. What we have audited We have audited the accompanying financial statements 2020 of VEON Ltd., Bermuda. The financial statements include the consolidated financial statements of the Group and the company financial statements. The consolidated financial statements comprise: • • the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2020; the following statements for 2020: the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows; and the notes, comprising the significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. • The Company financial statements comprise: • • • the company statement of financial position as at 31 December 2020; the company income statement for the year then ended; the notes, comprising the accounting policies applied and other explanatory information. The financial reporting framework applied in the preparation of the financial statements is EU-IFRS and the relevant provisions of Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code for the consolidated financial statements and Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code for the company financial statements. The basis for our opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Dutch law, including the Dutch Standards on Auditing. We have further described our responsibilities under those standards in the section ‘Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements’ of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Independence We are independent of VEON Ltd. in accordance with the European Union Regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of public-interest entities, the ‘Wet toezicht accountantsorganisaties’ (Wta, Audit firms supervision act), the ‘Verordening inzake de onafhankelijkheid van accountants bij assuranceopdrachten’ (ViO, Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, a regulation with respect to independence) and other relevant independence requirements in the Netherlands. Furthermore, we have complied with the ‘Verordening gedrags- en beroepsregels accountants’ (VGBA, Dutch Code of Ethics). VEON Ltd I Independent auditor’s report 188 Our audit approach Overview and context VEON Ltd. is a telecommunications company providing voice and data services through a range of traditional and broadband mobile and fixed-line technologies in various countries throughout the world. The Group is comprised of several components and therefore we considered our Group audit scope and approach as set out in the section ‘The scope of our Group audit.’ We paid specific attention to the areas of focus driven by the operations of the Group, as set out below. As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, we considered where management made important judgements, for example, in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. In Note 24 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company describes the areas of judgement in applying accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty. Of these we considered, given the significant estimation uncertainty and the related higher inherent risks of material misstatement, the valuation of goodwill and the valuation of ‘uncertain income tax positions’ and ‘non-income tax provisions’ to be key audit matters as set out in the section ‘Key audit matters’ of this report. The Group operates in countries which pose elevated risks of non-compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations. Due to this increased risk of non-compliance, we dedicated significant time and resources during our audit to this area and have therefore identified it as a key audit matter. Furthermore, we spent significant time and resources to audit revenue recognition, which required us to ascertain the reliability of the systems and related controls in view of the existence of various legacy revenue systems throughout the Group. Consequently, we considered this to be a key audit matter. The key audit matters referenced above are further explained in the section ‘Key audit matters’ of this report. As in all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by management that may represent a risk of material misstatement due to fraud. We ensured that the audit teams at both Group and component level included the appropriate skills and competences which are needed for the audit of a telecommunications company operating in a global environment, including activities in emerging economies. We therefore included experts and specialists in the areas of, amongst others, IT, tax, treasury, forensics and valuations in our team. The outline of our audit approach was as follows: Materiality • Overall materiality: USD 86 million Audit scope • We conducted audit work at the corporate headquarters in the Netherlands and at significant subsidiaries of the Group in Russia, Pakistan, Algeria, Ukraine, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan. Virtual site visits were conducted with the component auditors of the six significant subsidiaries. Audit coverage: 92% of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, 92% of consolidated revenue and 92% of consolidated total assets. Key audit matters • • Valuation of goodwill Valuation of ‘uncertain income tax positions’ and ‘valuation of non-income tax provisions’ Compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations Revenue recognition • • • • VEON Ltd I Independent auditor’s report 189 Materiality The scope of our audit is influenced by the application of materiality, which is further explained in the section ‘Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements’. Based on our professional judgement, we determined certain quantitative thresholds for materiality, including the overall materiality for the financial statements as a whole as set out in the table below. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and to evaluate the effect of identified misstatements, both individually and in aggregate, on the financial statements as a whole and on our opinion. Overall Group materiality USD 86 million (2019: USD 90 million). Basis for determining materiality We used our professional judgement to determine overall materiality. As a basis for our judgement, we used 2,5% of Adjusted EBITDA. As disclosed in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as profit/(loss) from continuing operations before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization and impairment (loss)/reversal, gain/(loss) on disposals of non-current assets, gain/(loss) on disposal of subsidiaries, other non-operating gains/(loss), net foreign exchange gain/(loss) and share of profit/ (loss) of joint ventures and associates. We used Adjusted EBITDA as the primary benchmark based on our analysis of the common information needs of users of the financial statements. Adjusted EBITDA is predominantly used by the Company’s equity and debt holders to assess the financial performance of the Group, given the volatility of the Company’s profit before taxes. On this basis, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an important metric for the financial performance of the Company and, as such, an appropriate materiality benchmark. To each component in our audit scope, we, based on our judgement, allocate materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The range of materiality allocated across components was between USD 15 million and USD 60 million. Rationale for benchmark applied Component materiality We also take misstatements and/or possible misstatements into account that, in our judgement, are material for qualitative reasons. We agreed with the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above USD 4,3 million (2019: USD 4,5 million) as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. The scope of our Group audit VEON Ltd. is the parent company of a group of entities. The financial information of this group is included in the consolidated financial statements of VEON Ltd. We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we, in aggregate, provide sufficient coverage of the financial statements for us to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the management structure of the Group, the nature of operations of its components, the accounting processes and controls, and the markets in which the components of the Group operate. In establishing the overall Group audit strategy and plan, we determined the type of work required to be performed at component level by the Group engagement team in the Netherlands and by each component auditor. Of the VEON Ltd. Group operating locations, as disclosed in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, the Group audit primarily focused on the significant components in Russia, Pakistan, Algeria, Ukraine, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan. For these components, certain consolidated processes and significant or higher risk areas, notably the valuation of goodwill and compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations, are processes included at the corporate headquarters in the Netherlands and are therefore in the audit scope of the Group engagement team. We subjected the Russia, Pakistan, and Ukraine components to audits of their complete financial information, as those components are individually financially significant to the Group. We further subjected the Algeria, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan components to audits of their complete financial information as they include significant or higher risk areas, notably in the areas of revenue recognition and compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations. To obtain sufficient audit coverage based on our professional judgement, the corporate headquarters and certain non-significant components were also selected for specific audit procedures. VEON Ltd I Independent auditor’s report 190 The Company engages various service organizations in its revenue and treasury processes, which are material to the financial statements. Audit work on the IT General Controls of these service organizations has been performed by their independent auditors who have prepared reports in accordance with ISAE 3402 ‘Assurance Reports on Controls at a Service Organization’. We assessed the objectivity and competence of the independent auditors of the service organizations and reviewed the assurance reports that include the scope and results of the assurance procedures performed. We concluded that we could rely on the assurance reports issued by the independent auditors of the service organizations in combination with our own testing of complementary user entity controls. In total, in performing these procedures, we achieved the following coverage on the financial line items: Adjusted EBITDA Revenue Total assets 92% 92% 92% None of the remaining components represented more than 7% of total consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, 6% of total consolidated revenue or 3% of total consolidated assets. For the remaining components, we performed, amongst other things, analytical procedures to corroborate our assessment that there were no significant risks of material misstatements within those components. The Group engagement team performed the audit work for the corporate headquarters in the Netherlands. For all components in the scope of the Group audit, we used component auditors who are familiar with the local laws and regulations to perform the audit work. Where component auditors performed the work, we determined the level of involvement we needed to have in their audit work to be able to conclude whether we had obtained sufficient and appropriate audit evidence as a basis for our opinion on the consolidated financial statements as a whole. We issued instructions to the component audit teams in our audit scope. These instructions included, amongst others, our risk analysis, materiality and scope of the work. We explained to the component audit teams the structure of the Group, the main developments that are relevant for the component auditors, the risks identified, the materiality levels to be applied and our global audit approach. We had individual calls with each of the component audit teams during the year and upon conclusion of their work. During these calls, we discussed any significant accounting and audit issues identified by the component auditors, their reports, the findings of their procedures and other matters, which could be of relevance for the consolidated financial statements. The Group engagement team typically visits the component auditors of Russia, Pakistan, Algeria, Ukraine, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan. Due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19 in the current year, various travel restrictions were imposed worldwide. As such, the Group engagement team performed virtual site reviews for each of these locations, which included our review of selected working papers of the component auditors. We frequently met virtually with the component teams and local management throughout the year to ensure sufficient oversight. The component audit teams also participated virtually in the audit planning workshop hosted by the Group engagement team. The Group engagement team performed the audit work at the corporate headquarters on the Group consolidation, financial statement disclosures and a number of complex audit and accounting items. These included, amongst others, goodwill impairment assessment and the assessment and follow-up of the claims from the whistle-blower allegations and the other cases monitored at the corporate headquarters. By performing the procedures above at components, combined with additional procedures at Group level, we have been able to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence on the Group’s financial information, as a whole, to provide a basis for our opinion on the financial statements. Key audit matters Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements. We have communicated the key audit matters to the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors. The key audit matters are not a comprehensive reflection of all matters identified by our audit and that we discussed. In this section, we described the key audit matters and included a summary of the audit procedures we performed on those matters. In comparison to the previous year, the key audit matters are similar in nature to those reported in 2019 and are inherent to the nature of the Company’s business and its operations. We addressed the key audit matters in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole and in forming our opinion thereon. We do not provide separate opinions on these matters or on specific elements of the financial statements. Any comment or observation we made on the results of our procedures should be read in this context. VEON Ltd I Independent auditor’s report 191 Key audit matter Our audit work and observations Valuation of goodwill Notes 10 and 12 As described in Notes 10 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance amounts to USD 2,682 million at December 31, 2020. The Company conducts an annual goodwill impairment test as of September 30, or when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may be impaired. During the annual goodwill impairment test in the current year, the Company concluded USD 723 million of goodwill impairment charges were to be recorded for the cash-generating unit (‘CGU’) Russia. Management further performed a subsequent triggering events analysis as of 31 December 2020 and determined that no additional goodwill impairment should be recorded. Potential impairment is identified by comparing the recoverable value, in particular the fair value less cost of disposal, of a CGU to the carrying value. Fair value is estimated by management using a discounted cash flow model, based on cash flow projections from business plans prepared by management. In estimating the fair value of the cash- generating units, management uses assumptions relating to the discount rate as well as the projected revenue growth rate, projected operating margin, projected capital expenditure, and the related terminal rates. The Company’s assumptions are affected by expected future market conditions and the continuing challenging economic and political environments in the territories where the Company’s subsidiaries operate and which are inherently uncertain. The focuses of our audit effort were the Russia CGU, given the USD 723 million impairment recognized in the current year, and the Algeria CGU, due to the limited headroom of USD 75 million calculated in the annual goodwill impairment test. The amount of goodwill associated with the Russian and Algerian CGUs as of 31 December 2020 was USD 1,131 million and USD 1,053 million, respectively. We considered this area to be a key audit matter due to the magnitude of the goodwill balance as well as the fact that the determination of the fair value less cost of disposal is complex, subjective, and, given the estimation uncertainty, requires substantial judgement from management. In the context of the annual goodwill impairment test, we have performed procedures, with the help of our valuation specialists, which varied in depth per CGU based on our risk assessment with respect to the volatility of the economic circumstances, the extent of the related goodwill balance as compared to our materiality used and the headroom available between the carrying value and the fair value less costs to dispose. We paid particular focus to the Russian CGU with goodwill impaired in the current year, as well as the Algerian CGU where limited headroom was available. Our audit procedures included, amongst others: • • • • • • • Assessing the appropriateness of management’s identification of the Company’s CGUs. Evaluating the design and testing the operational effectiveness of the related internal controls, including the completeness, accuracy, and relevance of underlying data used in the models. Performing a retrospective review of the prior year estimates by comparing the current year actual results to those projected in the prior year. Testing the composition of future cash flow forecasts by evaluating (i) the current and past performance of the CGUs, (ii) the consistency with external market and industry data, and (iii) the corroboration of strategic initiatives with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Specific attention was given to the Russia and Algeria CGUs’ valuation of strategic initiatives and whether such initiatives could be corroborated from a market participant’s perspective and the impact of the macroeconomic environments in Russia and Algeria on the business plan. Assessing any indications of management bias in determining the significant assumptions. Recalculating the carrying values and confirming the exchange rates applied. Assessing the adequacy of the Company’s disclosures regarding assumptions, sensitivities and headroom as included in the accounting policies and in Note 10 to the financial statements. Our procedures did not result in material findings with respect to the goodwill impairment assessment at 31 December 2020 nor the respective disclosures in the financial statements. VEON Ltd I Independent auditor’s report 192 Key audit matter Our audit work and observations Valuation of ‘uncertain income tax positions’ and ‘non-income tax provisions’ Notes 7 and 8 With the assistance of our tax specialists, we have performed the following procedures, amongst others: As described in Notes 7 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded provisions of USD 155 million related to uncertain income tax positions and USD 86 million related to non-income tax provisions at December 31, 2020. Given that the tax legislation in the markets in which the Company operates is unpredictable and gives rise to significant uncertainties, the Company’s estimate of tax liabilities may differ from interpretations by the relevant tax authorities as to how regulations should be applied to actual transactions. Judgement is therefore required by management to determine whether it is probable that an uncertain income tax position will not be sustained and to estimate the amounts in the range of most likely outcomes. Judgement is also required by management in determining the degree of probability of an unfavourable outcome for non-income tax claims and the ability of management to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. We believe the valuation of ‘uncertain income tax positions’ and ‘non-income tax provisions’ to be a key audit matter based on the significant judgements made by management when assessing the likelihood of an uncertain income tax treatment being accepted by a tax authority and estimating the effect of the uncertainty, as well as assessing the degree of probability of an unfavourable non-income tax outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of cash outflow. This in turn required significant auditor attention and effort in performing procedures to evaluate management’s estimation uncertainty. • • • • • • • • Evaluating the design and testing the operational effectiveness of controls relating to ‘uncertain income tax positions’ and ‘non-income tax provisions’. Evaluating management’s assessment of both the identification and possible outcomes of each ‘uncertain income tax position’ and ‘non-income tax provision’, including management’s assessment of the technical merits of each claim. Testing the valuation of the Group’s uncertain income tax positions, including evaluating the reasonableness of management’s assessment of whether tax positions are probable of being sustained and management’s estimate of the effect of the uncertainty based on the application of relevant tax laws. Testing the valuation of the Group’s non-income tax provisions, including evaluating the reasonableness of management’s assessment of the probability of an unfavourable outcome of the non-income tax positions and the reasonableness of the estimated amount of loss based on the application of relevant tax laws. Validating the information used in the calculation of the liability for ‘uncertain income tax positions’ and ‘non-income tax provisions’, including evaluating correspondence with tax authorities, together with the status and results of any tax audits, and assessing the outcomes of court decisions for industry-wide issues. Evaluating management’s assessment of any interest and penalties associated with the tax claims. Obtaining tax and legal letters from the Group’s external tax and legal advisors and reconciling these to the positions taken. Assessing the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures. Our procedures did not result in material findings with respect to the positions at 31 December 2020 nor the respective disclosures in the financial statements. VEON Ltd I Independent auditor’s report 193 Key audit matter Our audit work and observations Compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations Note 7 With the assistance of our forensic specialists, we have performed the following procedures, amongst others: As described by the Company in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying Directors’ Report, the Group operates in markets which pose increased risks of non- compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations. As such, there is a heightened risk of potential liability associated with such non- compliance. We dedicated a significant amount of time in our audit to this increased risk and therefore have also determined this to be a key audit matter. • • • • • • • • • • • Understanding the local and international laws and applicable industry regulations governing the Group. Understanding and evaluating the Group’s interactions and communication with government officials. Assessing the adequacy of the Group policies and procedures addressing the risk of non- compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations. Testing the effectiveness of controls which respond to the risk of non-compliance with anti- bribery and corruption laws and regulations, which include code of conduct compliance, response to whistleblower allegations, vendor due diligence, and employee access rights. Assessing any non-compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations within significant, unusual, or related party transactions. Assessing charitable contributions and donations to government officials. Evaluating actions undertaken by management upon identification of potential instances of bribery or corruption. Our procedures included the use of forensic expertise and testing of selected investigations, including assessing and challenging management’s investigatory response to actual or suspected instances of fraud to support conclusions reached and remedial actions taken. Obtaining external legal confirmations. Reading the minutes of the Board of Directors and the other executive committee meetings. Attending discussions in the Audit and Risk Committee on the results of internal and external investigations and on the design and effectiveness of the Company’s compliance programs and internal controls relating to the prevention and detection of bribery and corruption. Assessing the adequacy of the Company’s disclosures. Our procedures did not result in material findings with respect to compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations or the respective disclosures in the financial statements. VEON Ltd I Independent auditor’s report 194 Key audit matter Revenue recognition Note 3 As described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated revenue balance was USD 7,980 million at December 31, 2020 and is made up of billions of relatively small transactions in combination with multiple tariff plans, with the largest volume of plans in Russia. Throughout the Group, there is a large number and wide variety of legacy billing and other operating support systems in the revenue process that result in an increased risk of revenue recognition. The magnitude of revenue and complexity in the recognition processes arising from a variety of legacy systems with IT control deficiencies requires substantial audit effort with respect to the design, implementation, and operating effectiveness of mitigating controls and substantive test procedures to be performed. Therefore, we considered this a key audit matter. Our audit work and observations With the assistance of our IT specialists, we have performed the following procedures, amongst others: • • • • • • • Understanding and testing the IT environment in which billing, rating and other relevant support systems reside, including the change management and restricted access procedures in place. Testing the design and operational effectiveness of the revenue and receivables cycle related controls. Testing the end-to-end reconciliation from mediation to billing and rating systems to the general ledger. The testing also included tracing material journals, between the billing or intelligent network systems and the general ledger, to underlying documentation and confirming the rationale. Reconciling the amounts of vouchers and other top-up transactions with respect to prepaid services to the transactional cash receipts data per the cash system. Performing tests on the accuracy of customer bill generation and testing of a sample of the credits and discounts applied to customer bills. Performing test calls and reconciling these with the billed amounts; and Testing cash receipts for a sample of customers back to the customer invoice. Our procedures did not result in material findings with respect to the revenues recorded for the year 2020 nor the respective disclosures in the financial statements. VEON Ltd I Independent auditor’s report 195 Report on the other information included in the annual report In addition to the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon, the annual report contains other information that consists of: • • the directors’ report; the other information pursuant to Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code; Based on the procedures performed as set out below, we conclude that the other information: • • is consistent with the financial statements and does not contain material misstatements; contains the information that is required by Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. We have read the other information. Based on our knowledge and understanding obtained in our audit of the financial statements or otherwise, we have considered whether the other information contains material misstatements. By performing our procedures, we comply with the requirements of Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code and the Dutch Standard 720. The scope of such procedures was substantially less than the scope of those performed in our audit of the financial statements. Management is responsible for the preparation of the other information, including the directors’ report and the other information in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. Report on other legal and regulatory requirements Our appointment We were appointed as auditors of VEON Ltd. on 28 July 2014 by the board of directors following the passing of a resolution by the shareholders at the annual meeting held on 28 July 2014. Our appointment has been renewed annually by shareholders representing a total period of uninterrupted engagement appointment of seven years. No prohibited non-audit services To the best of our knowledge and belief, we have not provided prohibited non-audit services as referred to in Article 5(1) of the European Regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of public-interest entities. Services rendered The services, in addition to the audit, that we have provided to the Company and its controlled entities, for the period to which our statutory audit relates, are disclosed in Note 16 to the Company financial statements. Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit Responsibilities of management and the board of directors for the financial statements Management is responsible for: • the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with EU-IFRS and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code; and for such internal control as the board of directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. • As part of the preparation of the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Based on the financial reporting frameworks mentioned, management should prepare the financial statements using the going-concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. Management should disclose events and circumstances that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in the financial statements. The board of directors is responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process. VEON Ltd I Independent auditor’s report 196 Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our responsibility is to plan and perform an audit engagement in a manner that allows us to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for our opinion. Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high but not absolute level of assurance, which makes it possible that we may not detect all material misstatements. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered to be material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements. Materiality affects the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and the evaluation of the effect of identified misstatements on our opinion. A more detailed description of our responsibilities is set out in the appendix to our report. Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 15 March 2021 PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. W.J. van der Molen RA VEON Ltd I Independent auditor’s report 197 Appendix to our auditor’s report on the financial statements 2020 of VEON Ltd. In addition to what is included in our auditor’s report, we have further set out in this appendix our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements and explained what an audit involves. The auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements We have exercised professional judgement and have maintained professional scepticism throughout the audit in accordance with Dutch Standards on Auditing, ethical requirements and independence requirements. Our audit consisted, amongst other things, of the following: • Identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, designing and performing audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the intentional override of internal control. Obtaining an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. Evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management. Concluding on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going-concern basis of accounting, and based on the audit evidence obtained, concluding whether a material uncertainty exists related to events and/or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report and are made in the context of our opinion on the financial statements as a whole. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern. Evaluating the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and evaluating whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. • • • • Considering our ultimate responsibility for the opinion on the consolidated financial statements, we are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. In this context, we have determined the nature and extent of the audit procedures for components of the Group to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. Determining factors are the geographic structure of the Group, the significance and/or risk profile of Group entities or activities, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which the Group operates. On this basis, we selected Group entities for which an audit or review of financial information or specific balances was considered necessary. We communicate with the board of directors regarding, amongst other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. In this respect, we also issue an additional report to the Audit and Risk Committee in accordance with Article 11 of the EU Regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of public- interest entities. The information included in this additional report is consistent with our audit opinion in this auditor’s report. We provide the board of directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. From the matters communicated with the board of directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, not communicating the matter is in the public interest. VEON Ltd I Independent auditor’s report 198 

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