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.
Tonight, the enemy attacked Ukraine's logistics infrastructure, hitting a traction substation of Ukrzaliznytsia in Chernihiv region and port facilities. There were no casualties, train traffic was ensured by backup diesel locomotives, and fires in the ports were localized.
EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas announced that the 19th package of sanctions against Russia is expected this week. The adoption will not take place today, but leaders will meet on Thursday.
Two police officers have been notified of suspicion of exceeding official powers for beating a man near the Holosiivskyi district TCR. They inflicted numerous blows with their hands and feet on the victim while he was lying on the doorstep of a minivan.
During the night, Russia launched three ballistic missiles and 60 drones at Ukraine. 38 drones were neutralized, but ballistic missiles and 20 drones hit 12 locations.
The social network X is testing a new feature on iOS that will allow users to see interaction buttons after clicking on a link. This is expected to increase user engagement and aligns with Elon Musk's vision of X as an "everything app."
A metal shrapnel fragment from a prematurely detonated munition struck a law enforcement vehicle in California. The incident occurred during an event attended by US Vice President J.D. Vance, with no injuries reported.
Brent crude futures fell to $61. 05 a barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate crude to $57.3. This decline marks the third consecutive weekly drop, driven by concerns about a global supply surplus and slowing economic growth due to US-China trade tensions.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 168 combat engagements on the front over the past day, more than a third of which occurred in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy launched two missile strikes, 74 air strikes, and carried out 4,894 shellings.
The Russians organized a seminar in Rostov for "educators" from the occupation administrations. The training concerned the unification of "patriotic education" and the provision of guidelines for brainwashing schoolchildren.
