The pension reform proposed by government officials in Ukraine envisages a transition to a point-based system, separate budget financing for special pensions, and the launch of a funded tier, but its success depends on realistic calculations, the budget's ability to cover increased expenditures, and public trust amid demographic and wartime risks.
The SBI has released new details of the investigation into the procurement of substandard mines for the Armed Forces of Ukraine that did not meet technical requirements. Five members of a criminal organization and four military officials have been notified of suspicions.
Loud statements and heated discussions - pension reform is being discussed in Ukraine. The biggest promises, for example, a minimum pension of UAH 6,000 for everyone, run into a budget ceiling, and real levers of stabilization run into what is always unpopular: economic growth, de-shadowing through the business climate, and political capacity to implement unpleasant decisions. What awaits pension reform in the near future.
A poll has shown that Ukrainians largely reject exchanging Donbas for guarantees, do not expect a quick end to the war, are ready to hold on for as long as it takes, support strikes on Russian territory, and at the same time maintain faith in Ukraine's EU membership.
The Group III disability pension in 2026 is granted after disability is established, provided the necessary insurance period is met. It is calculated as 50% of the old-age pension (or, at the applicant's choice, may equal it if there is sufficient service). It can be applied for online or offline through the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) by submitting basic documents, and if necessary, it is topped up to the subsistence minimum.
The situation with mobile communications in the regions of Ukraine currently directly depends on the operation of the energy system: planned and emergency power outages affect equipment power, and massive shelling of energy infrastructure by the Russian Federation has made electricity supply in many regions unpredictable.
The program sends an invitation on the 30th day after the birthday, provides UAH 2,000 to a Diia. Card (or through a bank and ASC without "Diia") exclusively for paying for screening at a participating medical institution, and sets clear deadlines for using the funds, after which they are returned to the budget.
The mayor of Voznesensk, Yevhen Velychko, who was involved in a fatal accident on January 28, 2026, was remanded in custody for 2 months with the possibility of bail. The pre-trial measure was chosen by the Podilskyi District Court of Kropyvnytskyi.
On Saturday, February 14, online marriage registration will be available, despite it being a weekend. The Ministry of Justice has opened slots for over 300 couples who wish to get married online.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 1,200 fires have been recorded due to emergency power grid modes. Rescuers emphasize the danger of using uncertified devices and overloading power grids.
On January 29, Ukraine honors the Heroes of Kruty and recalls the 1918 battle as a lesson on the price of statehood and time, the importance of accurate historical memory, and the danger of myths that distort the context.
In winter, during wartime, it is worth reviewing your home first aid kit, adding necessary items taking into account chronic conditions and possible power outages, not storing dangerous medicines for future use, and learning how to use a quality tourniquet in advance.
The educational ombudsman announced that students and teachers can receive qualified psychological support free of charge. Assistance is available in educational institutions, inclusive resource centers, from family doctors, mental health centers, as well as through the "How are you?" program and the Ministry of Health's hotlines.
Since the beginning of 2026, the State Tax Service has conducted 62 inspections in Yaremche and Bukovel, revealing violations totaling UAH 3. 2 million. These included 22 undeclared employees, an illegal hotel, and the seizure of nicobusters.
Kyiv faces unstable electricity supply and risks to heating; critical facilities operate on generators, but residential areas are not guaranteed. The city receives assistance from international partners, but problems with infrastructure and winter preparations remain.
Ukrainian banks plan to increase lending to businesses and individuals in 2026, despite the growing credit risk. Credit standards are expected to ease and demand for loans to grow.
Power outages increase the costs of food production, storage, and logistics. This leads to a gradual increase in prices for energy-dependent goods such as meat, dairy products, and bread.
The Ukrainian fish market is adapting to war, blackouts, and more expensive logistics. Consumption has not fallen, but some types of fish may become more expensive.
Mass toll roads "at the EU's request," mandatory technical inspections for all cars as early as 2026, and roadside "punitive" checks for every driver remain myths for now. In reality, European integration in transport comes down to something else: preparing a legislative framework, phased decisions, and reforms aimed at safety, transparency of procedures, and reducing corruption, primarily in the field of commercial transportation.
President Zelenskyy held consultations with Ukrainian negotiators led by Rustem Umerov before the talks in Abu Dhabi. He agreed on the framework and expected outcome, and also promised to maintain constant contact with the team.
In Volyn, a law enforcement officer demanded UAH 200,000 from a serviceman for his transfer to a rear unit. The suspect was detained after the last transfer of UAH 100,000 and faces up to 8 years in prison.
President Zelenskyy considers the creation of united European armed forces within 3-5 years to be realistic, but it depends on the pace of decision-making, access to components, and political will. He emphasized that Ukraine, with its combat experience, could become the basis of such an army.
President Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian army, with its extensive combat experience, could become the foundation of Europe's united forces. He emphasized that financial support for the military is needed to preserve its personnel potential after the war.
President Zelenskyy called on Europe to strengthen the practical implementation of sanctions against Russia, particularly regarding oil transportation. He also emphasized the need to stop the supply of components for the production of missiles and drones.
The meeting with Trump in Davos discussed strengthening Ukrainian air defense and additional PAC-3 missiles. Security guarantees have been finalized and are awaiting signing.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that Ukraine could become an "economic lion of Europe," but to do so, it needs to abandon electricity and heating subsidies. Expert Yuriy Korolchuk explained what this would mean for Ukrainians.
Financial analyst Serhiy Fursa explained the hryvnia exchange rate fluctuations by seasonality and NBU policy. He advises Ukrainians not to rush to exchange offices, but to consider government bonds with an annual rate of 16%.
Russian troops most actively stormed the positions of Ukrainian border guards in the Pokrovsk, Lyman directions, and Kharkiv region. Over the past week, the enemy lost 161 killed and 146 wounded occupiers.
Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service, reported a significant decrease in passenger traffic at the state border after the holidays. Over the past day, 63,000 citizens crossed the border, which is lower than average.
After the New Year's pause, the Ukrainian hryvnia came under pressure, but its weakening fits into the managed logic of exchange rate policy. Expert Oleh Pendzyn explains that there is no classic foreign exchange market in Ukraine, and the NBU is the key seller of foreign currency.
