Ukraine Hopes To Make $1.5 Billion Euro 2012 Profit

Ukraine's newly opened terminal at Boryspil International Airport in Kyiv decorated for the championship.

Ukrainian officials say their country could make up to $1.5 billion in profit during the Euro 2012 football championship, which runs from June 8 to July 1.

Ukraine is co-hosting the championship with neighboring Poland.

Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Boris Kolesnikov told local media that authorities want Ukrainian businesses -- including restaurants, cafes, and hotels -- in Ukraine's host cities to start operating at full capacity.

Kolesnikov said the Euro 2012 will be a "very good promotion" for Ukraine, which he said Ukraine invested some $5 billion in hotels and infrastructure.

The 16-country tournament will take place in four Ukrainian cities -- Kyiv, Lviv, Donetsk, and Kharkiv, and four Polish cities -- Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Poznan.

Based on reporting by dpa, tsn.ua, and correspondent.net