State budget
The Commander of Logistics of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the head of an SBU department were detained for corruption during the construction of shelters for aircraft. $320,000 USD was seized.
President Zelenskyy positively assessed the signing of the EU loan for Ukraine of 90 billion euros by the President of the European Parliament, calling it a "significant guarantee. " He emphasized the importance of this decision coming into effect for Ukraine "as soon as possible and as effectively as possible."
Russian oil monopolist "Transneft" reduced crude oil intake by 250 thousand barrels per day after drone attacks on the "Kaleykino" pumping station in Tatarstan. This threatens the stability of export supplies via the "Druzhba" oil pipeline and affects the Russian budget's revenues.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill that allows founders of out-of-school education institutions to set salaries and allowances that exceed the norms of the Cabinet of Ministers. This makes it possible to increase salaries for out-of-school education workers.
The United Nations is facing a financial crisis. The US has paid only about $160 million out of more than $4 billion in debt.
The resonant "Odrex Case" and dozens of patient complaints about treatment have exposed a systemic problem of Ukrainian patients' vulnerability. The Verkhovna Rada is already discussing the need for legislative changes that will clearly distinguish between professional error and criminal negligence. This concerns the responsibility not only of doctors but also of the management of medical institutions, which must be accountable for management decisions and the organization of care.
Law enforcement officers are conducting searches at the premises of "Kyivavtodor" on February 24. The investigative actions concern the procurement of materials for winter road maintenance in 2024-2025.
A powerful blizzard brought over 76 cm of snow to some areas of the northeastern US, paralyzing traffic. Thousands of homes were left without electricity, and about 7,400 flights were canceled.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine presented a war plan with three goals: close the sky, stop the enemy on all fronts, and deprive Russia of economic resources. This should lead to the largest budget deficit in the history of the Russian Federation.
Ukraine is ready to constructively resolve the dispute over the 'Druzhba' oil pipeline and has proposed realistic solutions, said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. This comes amid Hungary's blocking of an EU loan for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
In Volyn, a customs official registered eight cargo electric vehicles as passenger cars, resulting in the budget losing over 700,000 hryvnias. He has been notified of suspicion of abuse of office.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, urged Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to implement the EU agreement on providing Ukraine with a €90 billion loan. Hungary is blocking this loan and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
The recovery of Ukraine's economy over the next decade is estimated at $588 billion. This amount is 12% higher than the previous estimate due to the increasing destruction from the war.
Businesses are constantly looking for ways to work and earn. It's not about superprofits, but rather about survival. Rostyslav Korobka, Vice President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spoke about the main challenges facing entrepreneurs today and ways to overcome them.
SBU drones attacked the transportation hub at the main oil pumping station "Kaleykino" in Tatarstan on the night of February 23. As a result of the attack, six explosions occurred at the station, and a large-scale fire broke out.
Budapest justified its decision to block the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine. This caused disappointment among EU foreign ministers.
President Zelenskyy stated that air defense is the most difficult issue, as partners do not provide licenses for the production of Patriot systems or missiles for them. He emphasized that closing the sky would strengthen the economy and the army.
President Zelenskyy thanked Europe for its funding, particularly for the PURL program for air defense procurement. He noted that some countries provide sufficient aid, others provide little, and some block it.
The Czech Republic will not be able to fulfill its obligations to NATO by 2026 due to cuts in military spending. The government plans to limit the Ministry of Defense's expenditures, which will affect the creation of a heavy brigade for the alliance.
The Czech Republic received 11. 7 billion crowns (482.6 million euros) from the work of Ukrainian refugees. This exceeded state spending on humanitarian aid, which amounted to 32 billion crowns (1.336 billion euros) over four years.
Protests took place in Warsaw against Poland's participation in the European defense project SAFE. The opposition demands a veto on the bill, which, in their opinion, threatens the country's sovereignty.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on Hungary's blocking of European aid to Ukraine. He noted that this benefits certain forces, including those from Russia.
The Ministry of Finance of Belarus has published the parameters of the consolidated budget for 2026, where revenues will increase by 17% and expenditures by 15. 8%, with a deficit already included. The share of gratuitous receipts from foreign states has increased to 7.2%, which indicates dependence on subsidies from Moscow.
U. S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a 10% tariff on all imports. This decision comes after the Supreme Court ruled previous tariffs illegal.
The Specialized Prosecutor's Office has sent to court cases against two groups of servicemen who traded diesel fuel for the army. In total, the theft of almost 75 tons of fuel was documented.
The state-owned Russian VTB Bank initiated the bankruptcy of the "First Oil" group due to a debt of $78. 3 million. The assets of the company, which produces up to 500,000 tons of oil per year, will come under the control of state structures.
Estonia and Latvia have begun implementing the Baltic Defense Line, purchasing 600 bunkers to fortify their eastern border. This project, worth 60 million euros, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Russia's economy entered 2026 with very low indicators, including a record regional budget deficit of 1. 538 trillion rubles. Pressure on small businesses will increase, and regions will be left alone with debts.
Ukraine has agreed to attract over 600 million euros in financial and technical assistance for the restoration of its energy sector. The country will also receive equipment from at least six decommissioned European combined heat and power plants (CHPPs) and thermal power plants (TPPs).
Starting March 2026, the National Bank of Ukraine will withdraw 1, 2, 5, and 10 hryvnia banknotes from the 2003–2007 series from circulation, replacing them with corresponding coins. Citizens will be able to exchange these banknotes indefinitely at the NBU and for several years at other banks.