Julia Shramko
The Hungarian parliament extended the state of emergency for 180 days, until May 14, ensuring that the upcoming elections will be held under a special legal regime. This grants Prime Minister Viktor Orbán broad powers, while his Fidesz party lags behind the opposition Tisza in polls.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill that provides for an increase in corporate income tax for banks to 50% in 2026. This decision, which will be in effect until the first quarter of 2027, aims to stably replenish the state budget.
Toyota has officially unveiled the Land Cruiser FJ, a compact lifestyle-oriented SUV. The model is scheduled to launch in Japan in mid-2026, with a prototype to be presented to the public at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.
The Verkhovna Rada approved the President's decree, extending general mobilization for 90 days from November 5, 2025. This decision is aimed at repelling the armed aggression of the Russian Federation and will be in effect until February 3.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko announced the filing of a motion for a pre-trial restraint against Andriy Bilous, former director of "Molodyy Teatr", who has been charged with sexual violence. The lecturer is accused of crimes under Articles 152 and 153 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Tech giant Meta offers a range of entry-level positions with salaries around $200,000 per year, requiring only a bachelor's degree. The company is actively hiring AI talent, and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg values skills over education.
Ukraine's allies are seeking to strengthen its position ahead of Trump-Putin talks, fearing a bad deal. They are preparing a support package that includes funding, weapons, and new sanctions against Russia, and plan to involve Zelenskyy in any negotiations.
72-year-old Juraj Cintula was sentenced to 21 years in prison for the attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. The court took advantage of the possibility of an extraordinary reduction of the sentence, although the attack was recognized as an act of terrorism.
Russian troops again attacked the energy infrastructure of Chernihiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, leaving a significant part of Chernihiv region without electricity. Electricity consumption remains high, so Ukrainians are urged not to turn on powerful appliances simultaneously until 10:00 PM, and for industry, restriction schedules are in effect.
The relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada recommended adopting the draft law on amendments to the State Budget-2025. The document provides for an increase in funding for the security and defense sector by UAH 324.7 billion, including UAH 309.7 billion for the Ministry of Defense.
A group of blind patients in the UK have regained the ability to read after microchips were implanted at Moorfields Eye Hospital. The technology offers hope to people with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration, which affects five million people worldwide.
As of October 21, 2025, Ukrainian farmers have sown 4,833. 9 thousand hectares of winter crops, which is 74.0% of the projected areas. Poltava and Ternopil regions have already completed sowing grain crops, and 13 regions have completed sowing winter rapeseed.
Democrats in the US Senate have rejected a temporary funding bill proposed by the Republican Party for the 11th time. The government shutdown is approaching its fourth week, making it the third longest in the country's history.
Brent and WTI crude futures fell amid oversupply concerns and demand risks. Analysts predict an oil surplus until 2026, which could lead to further price declines.
Over the past day, 202 combat engagements took place on the front line, which is 20% more than the day before. The Pokrovsk direction remains the epicenter, where 76 battles were recorded.
On the night of October 21, Russia launched two ballistic missiles, four S-300 missiles, and 98 drones at Ukraine. Air defense forces neutralized 58 enemy drones in the north, south, and east of the country.
Former US President Joe Biden has completed a several-week course of radiation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer. The 82-year-old Biden was diagnosed with cancer in May with a Gleason score of 9 and bone metastases.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 133 combat engagements by 4 p. m. on October 20, with almost two-thirds of them occurring in three directions. The Pokrovsk direction remains the most active with 55 attempts by the occupiers to dislodge Ukrainian military personnel.
Racing driver Max Verstappen, after three wins in the last four races, has reduced the gap to Oscar Piastri to 40 points. Team principals believe he is capable of an unprecedented turnaround in the fight for a fifth title.
President Zelensky held a Staff meeting where they discussed the energy situation, recovery after attacks, and expansion of equipment reserves. They also considered issues in the gas sector and strengthening the protection of energy facilities from air attacks.
The risk of hourly power outage schedules returning remains due to the war and attacks on the energy system. Currently, there are no emergency schedules across Ukraine, only power limitations for industry.
European Union energy ministers have agreed on a common position to ban all gas supplies from Russia by the end of 2027. This decision aims to completely end the bloc's dependence on Russian energy carriers.
In Kyiv, a 38-year-old woman threw her friend's dog from a fifth-floor window after an argument. The fox terrier suffered injuries incompatible with life and died on the spot.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas commented on Trump's upcoming meeting with Putin in Budapest. She emphasized the importance of Zelenskyy's meeting with Putin to discuss ending the war.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas commented on the Financial Times article, which states that Donald Trump called on Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept Putin's terms. Kallas emphasized the resilience of Ukrainians and the negative consequences for the international order if the aggressor achieves its goals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. They discussed diplomatic aspects and pressure on Russia to end the war, agreeing to a meeting in the near future.
Today, around 06:00, a BMW X3 car exploded in the courtyard of a multi-story building. It was preliminarily established that an explosive device had been placed under the driver's seat; no one was injured.
EU energy ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to agree on a common position regarding a ban on all gas supplies from Russia by the end of 2027. The ban on short-term contracts will begin by mid-June, with the exception of Hungary and Slovakia.
Russia launched new strikes on energy facilities in Chernihiv and Donetsk regions, leading to power outages for a significant number of consumers in Chernihiv region. Ukraine maintains a high level of electricity consumption, with restrictions in place for industrial consumers in all regions.
The European Union is considering a proposal to allow new countries to join the EU without full voting rights, which could make leaders like Viktor Orban more amenable to Ukraine's accession. This initiative would allow countries like Ukraine to enjoy many of the benefits of EU membership, but without veto power.