State budget
Experts are calling for severe autism to be recognized as a separate diagnosis to ensure proper care and research. This would allow for more precise allocation of public funds and the creation of specialized housing programs.
The US electric vehicle market in 2025 showed a 0. 4% drop in registrations for the first time since 2016. This is due to the cancellation of federal tax incentives, which cooled consumer interest.
A partial government shutdown has begun in the US due to a lack of compromise between lawmakers and the White House regarding oversight of federal immigration officers. This has led to a suspension of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, forcing 90% of its employees to work without pay.
New Zealand authorities have updated warnings for extreme rainfall and stormy winds. Extensive flooding has already led to the death of at least one person.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with heads of international investment companies in Munich, discussing attracting investments in energy and drone production. Ukraine has lost 10 GW of electricity and needs 15 billion euros annually for drones.
The U. S. Department of Homeland Security has shut down due to a lack of funding. Congress failed to reach an agreement on restrictions on immigration officers' tactics.
The International Monetary Fund has eased the conditions for a new financing program for Ukraine, moving prior actions to "beacons. " This means a deferral of compliance with requirements until mid-spring.
The Cabinet of Ministers will not submit the bill on mandatory VAT registration for individual entrepreneurs with a turnover exceeding UAH 1 million in February. This was announced by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on February 13.
Ukraine expects official approval of a new $8. 2 billion IMF program in the coming weeks. This agreement will replace the existing credit facility and help maintain economic stability.
The United States and Taiwan have signed a trade agreement that provides for the reduction of customs duties and the expansion of access for American goods to Asian markets. Taiwan undertakes to purchase billions of dollars worth of American goods and invest in energy equipment.
A NABU detective, who owns a collection of coins from tsarist Russia and millions in cash, has bought a second house for 3 million.
Minister of Education Oksen Lisovyi approved the list of the first participants in the experimental project on the reorganization of vocational education institutions into communal non-profit societies. This decision initiates the implementation of the provisions of the Law of Ukraine "On Vocational Education."
Following the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense, 17 countries announced new support totaling $38 billion. The aid includes funds for drones, air defense, and missiles for Patriot.
A sheet of 9 stamps "When you are with Ukraine, you win!" is already available for purchase on the Ukrposhta website. Its cost is 700 hryvnias.
Poland's president expresses doubts about the EU's €43. 7 billion SAFE program for armaments, while the prime minister supports it. This comes amid political disagreements between them.
Infobusinesswoman Bohdana Honcharuk, who calls herself a "spiritual millionaire," has found herself at the center of a scandal. She is accused of withdrawing funds from Russia and Belarus, which has prompted a reaction from Monobank, PrivatBank, and People's Deputy Danylo Hetmantsev.
Italian tax police raided Amazon's headquarters in Milan and the homes of seven managers as part of a new tax evasion investigation. The company is suspected of failing to declare income and having a hidden permanent establishment in Italy from 2019 to 2024.
Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's policy chief, called for NATO to be based on partnership, not dependence, during talks in Brussels. This comes amid the absence of the US Secretary of Defense and rising allied defense spending.
Northern European countries are concerned that the EU loan to Ukraine could lead partners to abandon bilateral support. This renews discussions about burden-sharing between Northern and Southern Europe.
The aviation industry of Ukraine retains critical technological competencies and generates foreign exchange earnings. The lack of state support can lead to a loss of competitiveness.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a resolution that allows for faster and more effective sale of confiscated assets. Funds from the sale will be directed to the Fund for the Elimination of the Consequences of Armed Aggression.
The Ministry of Defense does not intend to review the decision regarding payments to the family of Nazar Daletsky, who returned from captivity after being presumed dead. All payments were made in accordance with current legislation.
On February 12, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov will participate in a meeting of NATO defense ministers. They will discuss military support for Ukraine and strengthening collective security in Europe.
President Zelenskyy accepted the US proposal to hold the next round of negotiations to end the war, where the issue of territory will be discussed. Ukraine may approve a peace proposal through a parliamentary vote or a national referendum.
The Swiss Federal Council has approved an aid package for Ukraine worth up to 32 million Swiss francs to overcome the energy crisis. The aid includes 18 gas power generation modules and 80 diesel generators.
The European Parliament has approved a support loan for Ukraine amounting to 90 billion euros for 2026-2027. These funds will be directed towards macro-financial assistance and strengthening defense capabilities.
NABU Director Kryvonos: Bureau should not return corrupt money to the state.
In Ukraine, the procedure for physical identification of pensioners has been reinstated, which has caused discussions due to the suspension of payments to hundreds of thousands of people. This procedure, which was in effect before the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to prevent fraud and double payments, especially for those in occupied territories or abroad.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted in principle draft law No. 13715 on the support and development of innovative activities, aimed at the development of innovative ecosystems. The document is intended to update the legal framework for supporting innovation, form a modern institutional model, and ensure cooperation between the state, business, science, and education.
The number of patents in Russia has shrunk to a minimum in over two decades, and real innovations have virtually disappeared. Russia invests more in purchasing foreign technologies than in developing its own science.