The Verkhovna Rada appointed Tetiana Berezhna as Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine – Minister of Culture of Ukraine. This decision was supported by 266 people's deputies. Berezhna has been acting Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine since July 28, 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.
Poland's Internal Security Agency has detained eight people in various parts of the country on suspicion of preparing acts of sabotage. Operational measures are ongoing, Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed.
Vitaliy Zaichenko, Chairman of the Board of NEC "Ukrenergo", stated that heating will be turned on throughout Ukraine within 10 days, which should lead to a decrease in electricity consumption. This is due to the fact that a sharp drop in temperature has led to an increase in electricity consumption by more than 20% since the beginning of the month.
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.
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.
On October 21, the Verkhovna Rada will begin considering amendments to the draft law on the State Budget-2026, and on October 22, it is expected to adopt it as a basis. General fund revenues are projected at UAH 2.8 trillion, with a priority on defense and security.
The Cabinet of Ministers submitted draft law No. 14120 to the Verkhovna Rada, which provides for the exclusion of the Russian and Moldovan languages from the list of those protected by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Instead, it is proposed to add the Czech language and Hebrew.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on the results of the Staff meeting, dedicated to energy and preparations for winter. The government has already secured half of the funds needed to purchase gas for the heating season.
The bill on the legalization of the virtual assets market in Ukraine has received 2,500 amendments, which delays its consideration and voting in the second reading. It is currently not determined who will be the regulator – the NBU or the NSSMC.
The Verkhovna Rada plans to consider a draft resolution on the appointment of Tetiana Berezhna as Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine – Minister of Culture of Ukraine on October 21. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko submitted the proposal, and the committee recommended her appointment.
Vodafone Group and Vodafone Ukraine will begin construction of the Kardesa underwater cable system, which will connect Ukraine, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Georgia. This project, worth over 100 million euros, will enhance Ukraine's digital sovereignty and create new transit potential between Europe and Asia.
Ukraine is preparing a new law on housing policy, which guarantees housing to orphans and children deprived of parental care after they turn 18. The document provides for the provision of temporary or social housing until permanent housing is obtained and retains the right to preferential loans.
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.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson called on European countries to prepare for war to ensure peace and security on the continent. He emphasized the need for a change in mindset and readiness for new challenges, stressing that support for Ukraine in Sweden is extremely high.
A Therapeutic Garden has been opened at VDNH in Kyiv, designed to support the recovery of veterans and everyone who needs it. The garden, which is always accessible, is a pilot project within the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space.
The Government of Ukraine has established a Coordination Headquarters for energy protection, which will accelerate the approval of decisions regarding the construction of engineering protection for facilities. This will allow for faster restoration of damage and ensure uninterrupted operation of infrastructure.
The Cabinet of Ministers adopted decisions on the protection of critical infrastructure, including the creation of the Coordination Center for Engineering Protection. The government allocated funds from the reserve fund for the protection and restoration of infrastructure in frontline regions and Ukrzaliznytsia.
Parliamentarians have submitted proposals for the 2026 State Budget, which include salary increases for military personnel and teachers, as well as funds for demining and the reconstruction of a hospital in the Kharkiv region. Draft resolution No. 14000/P has appeared on the parliament's website.
On October 20, the "Servant of the People" faction will hold a Coordination Meeting with government representatives. They will discuss priority areas of state policy.
In Zaporizhzhia, the renovated social adaptation center "Artak" has been opened, providing temporary housing and humanitarian support for internally displaced persons. The center is designed for 53 places, including for people with disabilities and the elderly, and is funded by the state budget.
Ukraine will receive the first financial proceeds from Japan from the revenues of frozen Russian assets in early 2026. This is part of the G7 countries' ERA mechanism worth $50 billion, which will go to finance the state budget expenditures.
The thirteenth safe underground school opened in Zaporizhzhia region, based at the Komyshuvakha Gymnasium "Dzherelo", which accommodates over 600 students. The institution is fully inclusive, equipped with a lift and Braille navigation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the US will receive certain types of Ukrainian drones. This comes as Ukraine and the US prepare an agreement on the production and supply of drones.
Over the past five years, 207 pediatric transplants have been performed in Ukraine, 87 of which were carried out at Okhmatdyt. The youngest patient was 4 months old, and 19-year-old Polina Kostrytsia received a donor liver from her brother.
The VR Committee on Budget supported an amendment to increase the salaries of pedagogical and scientific-pedagogical staff of higher education institutions. The increase will begin on January 1, 2026, and will be implemented in stages throughout the year by 50%.
The Budget Committee recommended the draft law on Budget-2026 for the first reading. The committee proposes that the government make changes in the areas of defense, education, healthcare, local budgets, social sphere, and business support.
Slovakia will transfer a new energy equipment package worth 500,000 euros to Ukraine. The country will also allocate 300,000 euros for the construction of shelters in schools in frontline areas.
People's Deputy Yehor Cherniev stated that mobilization efforts in Ukraine are not being fulfilled 100%, and there are not enough people to form reserves, although there are enough to replenish losses. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported an increase in complaints regarding human rights violations during mobilization by the TCC.
In Ukraine, in 2026, excise taxes on fuel are planned to increase by 10–17%, on cigarettes – by approximately 5%, and the excise tax on sweet drinks is expected to bring almost UAH 8 billion to the budget. The actual increase in the retail price of fuel is predicted to be around UAH 1–2 per liter.
