Verkhovna Rada

The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a resolution to rename 327 settlements in Ukraine. Among the changes: Druzhba became Khutir-Mykhailivskyi, Novomoskovsk became Samar, and Chervonohrad became Sheptytskyi.

The Verkhovna Rada has supported the dismissal of Mariana Bezuhla from the post of Deputy Defense Committee. Bezuhla has now become a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, with 252 MPs voting in favor of this decision.

The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a resolution to rename 328 settlements in Ukraine. The names associated with Russian and Soviet narratives, including the names of Moscow figures and Soviet symbols, are being changed.

For years, Yevhen Sokur failed to declare information about his live-in partner, which may be a violation of the law. He faces administrative or criminal liability for this, depending on the amount of false information.

The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a draft law on the privatization of state-owned banks. The law expands the range of investors, allows the sale of any state share and updates the rules for holding an auction.

The export-import balance, foreign currency inflows, and the NBU's actions affect the exchange rate. The controlled floating exchange rate makes it difficult to predict the price of the currency, but the NBU has reserves to stabilize it.

The NBU has set the official hryvnia exchange rate for September 19: the dollar is UAH 41. 45, the euro is UAH 46.10. On the interbank market, the dollar is trading at UAH 41.48-41.5, and the euro at UAH 46.19-46.20.

A parliamentary committee has recommended draft law No. 11431 to ensure the operation of mobile operators during blackouts. The draft law provides for increased inspections and fines for operators that do not ensure sufficient autonomy of equipment.

A new draft resolution on renaming cities has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada. It was decided to remove several settlements from it, including Yuzhne, Yuzhnoukrainsk, Pavlohrad, Synelnykove, and Pervomaisk.

Men with three children may not receive a deferral from mobilization under certain conditions. This applies to those who have child support arrears or do not live with and support their children.

The Verkhovna Rada has approved an increase in defense spending by UAH 495. 3 billion in 2024. UAH 274.4 billion will be allocated for payments to defenders and their families, and UAH 76.2 billion for weapons and equipment.

The IMF's financial support will help stabilize Ukraine's currency market. However, the expert predicts that the dollar will rise by about UAH 2 by early 2025 due to economic challenges.

The Ministry of Social Policy intends to consolidate social benefits, of which there are currently about 40 types.

The Verkhovna Rada did not support the resolution on the de-Russification of 333 geographical names. After the vote failed, MPs blocked the rostrum and went to a conciliation council.

The draft law on basic social assistance will make it easier to receive payments through Diia. The Deputy Minister of Social Policy said that the document will soon be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada.

The Verkhovna Rada approved an increase in spending for the Defense Forces by UAH 495. 3 billion. The Ministry of Finance expects support for the amendments to the Tax Code.

The Verkhovna Rada passed draft law No. 11417, increasing the budget by UAH 500 billion for military needs. Total expenditures this year reached a record UAH 3.73 trillion, although some “excessive” expenditures were not cut.

The Verkhovna Rada plans to consider a resolution on the de-Russification of 333 geographical names. Among the proposals: Novopskovsk will become Aidar, Sinelnykove will become Ridnopillia, Yuzhnoukrainsk will become Gard, and Dekabristov village will become Myrny.

Acting deputy head of the DPS, Yevhenii Sokur, may be held criminally liable for not declaring data about his roommate. NAZK conducts a review of Sokur's declaration after the deputy's appeal.

MP Mariana Bezuhla has written a letter of resignation from the post of deputy head of the National Security Committee. She asks to be appointed a member of the Foreign Policy Committee.

The head of the Servant of the People faction has registered a draft resolution to appoint Mariana Bezuhla to the Foreign Policy Committee. It is proposed to recall her from the post of deputy chairman of the National Security Committee.

Political analyst Ihor Reiterovych emphasizes the need to hold an open competition for the position of the DGF director, as required by the IMF. The expert believes that Ukraine will receive an IMF loan if it fulfills the standard conditions.

The Verkhovna Rada is preparing to adopt a bill on granting Ukrainian citizenship to foreigners serving in the Armed Forces and other security agencies. The draft law also provides for a simplified procedure for their family members.

The President held a videoconference with the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches on the ban on religious organizations associated with Russia. The AUCCRO supported the initiative, emphasizing the importance of protecting Ukraine's spiritual independence.

Dmytro Lubinets appealed to the UN and ICRC over a video showing the severed head of an alleged Ukrainian soldier. The Ombudsman emphasized that this is a violation of international humanitarian law.

Ukraine repairs the fourth camp for Russian prisoners of war, three are already almost full. The Ukrainian military increases its exchange fund during an operation in the Kursk region of Russia, which strengthens Ukraine's position.

Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said that negotiations on the release of Mariupol's defenders were difficult due to Russia's position. No Azov soldiers have been exchanged for more than a year.

The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights reported the return of 891 Ukrainian children, 338 of whom were deported by Russia. Additionally, 6 children were returned from the occupied Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said that Ukraine would offer Russia the principle of "early to be captured, early to be released. " Priority categories for the exchange were also identified: seriously wounded, women, and others.

The President of Ukraine discussed with religious leaders a bill to ban the UOC-MP. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Ukraine's spiritual independence and unity.