Ukraine
The Defense Forces of Ukraine are deterring the occupiers' offensive. The enemy is most active in the Pokrovsk, Lyman, and Toretsk directions, launching air strikes on cities and villages.
Ukraine emphasizes the importance of extending the ceasefire agreements, but Russia has already violated them more than 30 times. This casts doubt on the effectiveness of any agreements.
In the postponed match of the 5th round of the UPL, Donetsk "Shakhtar" beat Kryvyi Rih "Kryvbas" with a score of 2:1. The game was replayed on April 16 after a break in September 2024 due to alarms.
Ukraine is cooperating with the United States and other partners to create mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the ceasefire. The Russian Federation has already violated the energy truce more than 30 times.
In 2024, the average monthly salary in Ukraine increased from 21,473 to 24,153 hryvnias, which represents an increase of more than 25%. The largest growth was recorded in the fields of information, telecommunications and construction.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine responded to criticism regarding the video, where reports were called a possible cause of shelling. The military assured that they did not blame journalists, the video will be revised.
Ukraine is considering exchanging or repatriating Chinese prisoners of war, taking into account the safety of the prisoners and their wishes. The priority is the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Romantic comedy about art critic Ksenia, who travels to Croatia after betrayal, is already on Netflix. The film became the highest-grossing Ukrainian film release at the beginning of 2025.
In February 2025, prices for gas, fertilizers, corn, and metals increased. Price decreases affected iron ore, wheat, and oil, reported the Ministry of Economy.
The Rada has passed Law No. 12230, which cancels the redemption of state property by tenants at a reduced price. From now on, sales are only through auction, and the tenant has the priority of redemption or compensation.
The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that Russia has already violated the energy truce more than 30 times, damaging energy facilities. In 22 days of the truce, Russia killed 72 Ukrainians, including 11 children.
Polish police have arrested 18 people, mostly Ukrainians, on suspicion of organizing sex slavery and human trafficking. The criminals gave women cocaine and operated in major Polish cities.
Ukrainian and American teams are actively working on an agreement on minerals. Both countries are interested in mutually beneficial cooperation and strive for a quick agreement.
Russia is using Shahed kamikaze drones with CS poisonous gas capsules against Ukraine. The enemy may scatter capsules to injure people.
502 applications from 15 regions were submitted to the "Do Your Own" competition. Most projects are in craft production, agriculture, education and local services.
The Verkhovna Rada has approved a bill that will allow the SBU to develop and submit draft laws to the Cabinet of Ministers and the President. This will expand the service's powers in the legislative process.
Ukrainian and American teams have made significant progress on an economic partnership agreement and an investment fund for Ukraine's recovery. Formalization of the agreement is expected in the near future.
Denmark will send military personnel to Ukraine for training, including drone operation experience. The Russian embassy has already expressed outrage, considering it an escalation of the conflict.
Excise tax revenues to the state budget in the first quarter of 2025 increased by more than 61%. In March, revenues amounted to UAH 14.2 billion, exceeding planned targets.
SSO fighters raided enemy positions in the Pokrovsk direction. As a result of the operation, eight occupiers were killed and two Russian soldiers were captured.
Ivano-Frankivsk region canceled mass events for Easter due to security threats. Khmelnytskyi and Kirovohrad regions shortened the curfew on the festive night.
Apple equipment is imported into Ukraine through "gray" schemes, which causes damage to the budget. Experts call on law enforcement to investigate illegal imports and strengthen control.
From April 17, vehicle scales will be checked at three checkpoints in Zakarpattia. Possible temporary delays in the movement of freight transport on the border with Hungary, Slovakia and Romania.
The Kyiv authorities have approved a petition to introduce cashless payments in private minibuses. It will be possible to pay with bank cards and through the "Kyiv Digital" service.
The Kyiv Court of Appeal has kept Yevhen Borisov, suspected of laundering more than UAH 140 million, in custody. The preventive measure was left unchanged, and the appeals of the defense were rejected.
North Korean troops fighting on the side of Russia have learned to use drones and electronic warfare. There is a risk of involving the North Korean army in the Russian offensive on Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine is joining the staffing process under the "contract 18-24" program. Currently, all necessary issues are being coordinated with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Spring 2025 began with abnormal heat and a lack of precipitation. Climatologist Vira Balabukh predicts a hot summer with increased fire danger and new temperature records.
A petition demanding to raise the salaries of Ukrainian teachers to $1000–1500 has gained the required number of votes. Now the Cabinet of Ministers must consider the appeal within ten days.
Russian invaders are trying to transfer hostilities to the territory of Ukraine, using small assault groups within the Sumy region. The enemy is holding significant forces in this direction.