State budget
The SBU is conducting a special background check on Ihor Zelinsky, a candidate for the position of head of the State Aviation Service, considering potential harm to the state. Previously, Zelinsky blocked the use of transport aircraft for army needs and legalized documents of sanctioned Russian companies.
The Prosecutor General's Office is investigating possible abuses during the procurement of humanitarian demining works for UAH 129 million. The land plot that was being demined was used for agricultural production.
China's population decreased by 3. 39 million in 2025, reaching 1.405 billion, while the birth rate fell to 7.92 million, an all-time low. The death rate rose to 11.31 million, the highest since 1968.
Russia has recorded its deepest personnel crisis in medicine in over 60 years, caused by low salaries and the reorientation of resources towards the war. The number of mid-level medical workers has reached a minimum since 1960, and the situation is even worse in the occupied territories.
Law No. 4609-IX, which strengthens security measures in schools by introducing panic buttons and restricting access, has come into force in Ukraine. The document also establishes stricter requirements for educational institution employees.
Ukraine has imported 5. 7 billion cubic meters of gas to compensate for production losses due to Russian attacks. Parameters for further imports for the heating season have been determined.
A 46-year-old resident of Balakliia has been notified of suspicion for the destruction of forest areas. Due to the man's negligence, 350 hectares of forest and 20 hectares of wild vegetation burned, causing damages exceeding 30 million hryvnias.
The new Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal, presented anti-crisis measures to overcome the consequences of blackouts. Experts assess these decisions as quick managerial gestures that do not solve systemic problems.
The head of a private company is suspected of supplying substandard protective equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and embezzling almost UAH 60 million in budget funds. The purchased ballistic goggles did not meet technical specifications but were paid for.
The Ukrainian delegation in the US is finalizing agreements on security guarantees and the reconstruction of Ukraine for $800 billion. Signing is possible in Davos if the US agrees to all aspects.
The Ministry of Economy reported a 2. 2% growth in Ukraine's economy in 2025. This occurred despite attacks on energy infrastructure and high security risks.
The first Trump-class battleship could cost up to $22 billion, making it the most expensive combat ship. The vessel, with a displacement of over 35,000 tons, will be equipped with hypersonic and nuclear missiles, as well as an electromagnetic railgun.
The French government is considering the possibility of adopting the 2026 budget without a vote due to the blocking of the process by far-left and far-right parties. This decision could be implemented using Article 49.3 of the constitution or a system of decrees.
President Zelenskyy met with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the IMF. They discussed a new financing program for Ukraine, which envisages support until 2029.
Over ten years, NABU has spent more than 10 billion hryvnias without imprisoning a single major corrupt official. Political expert Kyrylo Sazonov called it the most ineffective body in the country.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko met with IMF head Kristalina Georgieva, inspecting the consequences of enemy attacks on Kyiv's energy facility. They discussed preparations for the adoption of the IMF support program for Ukraine.
Diageo is raising wholesale prices for Guinness Draught by 5. 2% from April 1, which will lead to higher prices for pubs. The increase will not affect other company beverages, including Tequila Casamigos, Baileys, and Guinness 0.0.
Russia plans to launch a large-scale geological exploration program in Donetsk region in 2026. It is designed to run until 2031 and involves the exploration of deposits of strategic and rare metals.
The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine seized 25% of the shares of the "Kryukiv Railway Car Building Works" into state revenue. The High Anti-Corruption Court satisfied the claim against Stanislav Hamzalov, owner of Russian enterprises that supplied goods for the Russian military-industrial complex.
A criminal organization in a military unit that embezzled over 47 million UAH of budget funds has been exposed. The former commander created a scheme for supplying non-existent FPV drones and substandard equipment.
Expert Serhiy Shabovta believes that the SBU should investigate the actions of former Deputy Head of the State Aviation Service Ihor Zelinsky, who legalized documents of a sanctioned Russian company. This could have brought millions of dollars in revenue to the Russian Federation.
The head of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, has arrived in Kyiv for high-level talks. She will meet with the President of Ukraine, the Prime Minister, and the head of the NBU.
The European Commission has approved Germany's plan to build new gas power plants by 2031. Germany has also received approval for a 12 billion euro aid package for industry.
The US State Department is suspending visa processing for 75 countries, including Russia and Iran, starting January 21. This is due to a review of applicant screening procedures that could lead to a public charge.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has provided a detailed explanation of the structure of monetary allowances for military personnel, which includes basic, additional, and combat payments. One-time and social payments are also provided to support personnel.
The European Commission has approved a legislative package for financial support to Ukraine for 2026-2027 totaling €90 billion. This support includes military aid and general budgetary support, as well as the possibility of using Russian assets.
The head of the accounting group of a combat brigade in the Zaporizhzhia direction has been served with a notice of suspicion of fraud. He appropriated UAH 9.72 million by changing the details of servicemen's salary cards to his own accounts.
Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov announced significant financial and personnel challenges affecting the planning of payments to military personnel. Decisions on increasing payments will be made after analyzing the available capital.
Ihor Terekhov, head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities, stated that the introduction of VAT for sole proprietors threatens the closure of up to 25% of small businesses.
The US Department of Defense is testing a device acquired by intelligence agencies that may be the cause of "Havana Syndrome. " The apparatus generates pulsed radio waves and contains Russian components.