Ukraine
The chances of Ukrainian hierarchs heading the Vatican are extremely small, the expert explained. The head of the UGCC Shevchuk will not be elected because he is not a cardinal, and Cardinal Bychok is hindered by his age and the Eastern rite.
The grey market for gadgets in Ukraine caused losses of UAH 5. 5 billion in VAT, the share of grey Apple reaches 71%. The problem is global: the EU and the US are also fighting smuggling and billions in losses from grey imports.
British parliamentarians and lords urge against allowing Donald Trump to speak in parliament during his visit in September. They condemn his stance on the Russian attack on Ukraine and his attitude towards NATO.
The Agrarian Committee of the Rada called on the Cabinet of Ministers not to withdraw state lands of NAAS in favor of the State Property Fund. MPs are convinced that this threatens the loss of domestic selection, scientific schools, jobs, and food security.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 4:00 p. m., a total of 56 combat engagements have occurred since the beginning of the day. The greatest enemy activity is recorded in the Pokrovsk direction, where 22 battles have taken place.
During the operation of the "eOselya" program, 16,517 Ukrainian families received housing loans for 27. 151 billion UAH. Last week, 94 loans were issued for 183.7 million UAH.
The theft of 34,872 museum objects from 6 institutions in 4 deoccupied regions of Ukraine has been documented by Russia. The data was provided by the Ministry of Culture.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin ratified the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Iran. The document, signed in Moscow on January 17, 2025, solidifies the status of strategic partners and covers all areas of cooperation.
The Rada Committee demands a detailed analysis of the SPFU state lands transferred for sublease. MPs suspect violations of legislation during the transfer, including not taking into account the type of land.
Naftogaz Group confirmed the start of the new natural gas injection season into Ukrainian underground storage facilities. Most UGS facilities are already actively being filled after a difficult withdrawal season that lasted 167 days.
DSSZZ named the top 5 system vulnerabilities: outdated software/OS, redundant services, network shortcomings, low cyber hygiene, remote access. Recommendations include updates, firewalls, strong passwords, secure VPNs.
May is the optimal time for sowing and planting almost all crops, following the favorable dates of the lunar calendar.
Funeral arrangements after the death of Pope Francis will last nine days. The conclave for the election of the next pontiff will take place within a month.
According to the head of the State Tax Service, trade (17. 2%) and processing industry (17%) became leaders in tax payments in the first quarter. The largest growth in revenues during this period was shown by processing (+47%) and trade (+29.7%).
Israeli Pluri and Ukrainian Hemafond are cooperating on emergency therapy for radiation sickness. The placenta-based drug will create a supply of medicine in Ukraine in case of a nuclear incident.
The Director of the State Employment Center announced that the most demanded professions in Ukraine are blue-collar professions. Employers are looking for drivers, builders, welders and are ready to retrain staff.
Volodymyr Moroz, a People's Deputy of Ukraine of the IX convocation from the "Restoration of Ukraine" group, has died at the age of 57. His death was confirmed by the Verkhovna Rada and his son.
The Ukrainian negotiating team officially did not agree to discuss territorial integrity, including Crimea. An advisor to the Office of the President stated that the Constitution of Ukraine contains direct prohibitions on such discussions.
Three men impersonating TCC employees have been exposed in the Odesa region. They illegally detained people. They used uniforms and a car, and police freed one victim.
Hungary can force the EU to lift sanctions against €210 billion of frozen Russian assets. This will remove the guarantee on loans to Ukraine and shift their coverage to EU and G7 taxpayers.
Cardinal Farrell of Pope Francis confirmed his death around 7:30 a. m. in Santa Marta, people are gathering in St. Peter's Square.
Adviser to the Head of the OP Serhiy Leshchenko said that Russia is inventing "truces" for religious holidays, and this is being done to avoid the reputation of an aggressor and to remove responsibility for the war.
In Ukrainian prisons, numerous violations are recorded in medical units, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets stated. These include a chronic shortage of staff and inadequate care, which poses a real threat to the lives of prisoners.
In the first quarter of 2025, Ukraine imported 127. 8 thousand civilian drones worth $371.3 million. This is 39% more than in 2024, with 98% of the drones coming from China.
Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Spain declared a three-day official mourning in connection with this.
Russia has worsened its forecast for oil exports this year and lowered its Urals price expectation to $56 per barrel. According to the forecast, this may require the use of reserves to cover expenses.
In Kyiv, a group of individuals was exposed for selling 16 thousand counterfeit US dollars, for which they purchased 10 expensive iPhones from four sellers on OLX. Law enforcement officers notified the detainees of suspicion under Article 199 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Metropolitan Epiphanius commented on the death of Pope Francis, noting his service and help to Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of the Pope's efforts in freeing prisoners and returning children, who "will live in hearts".
The SBU and National Police detained an agent of the Russian GRU in the Khmelnytskyi region. She was collecting data for Russian strikes on Ukrainian Armed Forces airfields and logistics centers in western Ukraine, recording the movement of equipment.
Naftogaz is preparing for the 2025/26 heating season, having contracted 1. 5 billion cubic meters of gas and raised about 430 million euros for import. The company is also modernizing generation and is looking for another billion euros for gas purchase.