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.
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Budget instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to review military salaries upwards when planning the state budget for 2026. The government may ignore this instruction, as the details of the increase are not specified.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that his country fully supports a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Budapest. Slovakia is ready to assist Hungary in organizing this summit, as the main interest is to end the war in Ukraine.
Slovakia plans to provide humanitarian aid and demining support to Ukraine. At the government meeting, they will discuss protection against drones and strengthening Slovakia's defense.
The European Union is considering using frozen Russian state assets worth 140 billion euros to provide a loan to Ukraine. The European Commission also seeks to raise 25 billion euros from private bank accounts for this initiative.
The Ministry of Culture plans to expand the range of paid services offered by nature reserves and museums to attract funds for the preservation of monuments. The government will also support projects that promote Ukrainian cultural heritage, particularly through international cooperation with UNESCO and the EU.
Members of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments will meet in Košice on October 17, 2025, for further mutual consultations. The meeting will include bilateral talks on various issues, including cross-border cooperation, energy, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
The Russian animated series "Masha and the Bear" may be banned in Ukraine, said Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech.
Yulia Svyrydenko participated in the G7 finance ministers' meeting in Washington, where the use of frozen Russian assets was discussed. She emphasized the need to direct these funds towards Ukraine's recovery and compensation for damages.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko met with the heads of the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the EBRD in Washington. The reparational loan mechanism, the state of Ukrainian energy, and support for Ukraine were discussed.
Serhiy Lysak, former head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration, was introduced as the head of the newly created Odesa City Military Administration. The Cabinet of Ministers will allocate UAH 100 million for security and preparation of Odesa's critical infrastructure for the cold season.
The Federation of Employers of Ukraine presented an updated catalog "Ukrainian Equipment for Communities", which includes 41 manufacturers and over 325 equipment items. The project aims to promote domestic equipment and stimulate demand for Ukrainian goods among communities.
