Ukraine
The Times reports that Britain and the United States are ready to privately allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles to strike deep into Russia. The decision may be made in secret to preserve the element of surprise.
MP Lesya Zaburanna said that the Verkhovna Rada is still discussing the VAT increase. Currently, the Parliament is focused on the military fee as a specialized tax to finance the army.
The Verkhovna Rada plans to consider a draft law on tax increases in mid-October. The new regulations, including an increase in the military tax to 5% for all citizens and the introduction of a fee for individual entrepreneurs, will take effect on October 1.
President Zelenskyy announces preparations for talks in the United States with Biden and presidential candidates. He will present a concrete plan to strengthen Ukraine to bring about a just peace and victory.
A bill to increase the budget by UAH 500 billion for military needs has been submitted to President Zelensky for his signature. The Verkhovna Rada passed the bill on September 18, increasing total spending to UAH 3.73 trillion.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine and the President of the European Commission discussed increasing financial assistance to EUR 400 billion. The parties plan to hold a joint meeting of the Ukrainian government and the European Commission Board in Kyiv.
As of the evening of September 20, the smoke in Kyiv has almost disappeared, and the indicators are approaching normal. The Minister of Environmental Protection said that the situation is normalizing due to warming and stronger winds.
NPC Ukrenergo has announced that blackout schedules will not be applied in Ukraine on September 21. The International Energy Agency predicts a possible electricity shortage of up to 6 GW in winter.
The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council said that the decision to restrict Telegram does not apply to official channels of government agencies. The ban applies only to official correspondence and use on official devices.
The government has formed an international commission to assess the effectiveness of the NABU, but no date has been set for the start of the audit. Experts will assess the bureau's performance amid allegations of loss of independence and internal problems.
The President of Ukraine chaired a meeting of the Security Council to discuss the defense of the energy sector, the production of missiles and drones, and the situation at the front. They reviewed the engineering protection of facilities and expectations for Patriot systems.
The body of a 25-year-old woman was found in a cesspool in the Novosanzhar community. The 46-year-old man suspected of the murder was found dead with signs of suicide.
The volume of the illegal cigarette market in Ukraine is UAH 6. 65 billion. State budget losses are estimated at UAH 23 billion, and 69% of illegal products are sold in 6 regions.
Over the last day, 123 combat engagements took place, 40 of them in the Kurakhove sector. The enemy attacked in various parts of the frontline, Ukrainian troops repelled most of the attacks, and the situation remains under control.
Russian troops shelled three settlements in Shostka district of Sumy region, causing fires. Rescuers of the State Emergency Service extinguished the fire and saved 8 houses and 7 outbuildings.
The Minister of Social Policy announced plans to introduce a funded pension system starting in 2026. A draft law to link pensions to the average salary and a new social assistance system are being prepared.
US Vice President Kamala Harris has confirmed a meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy next week at the White House. This will be their seventh meeting, during which the United States will reaffirm its unwavering support for Ukraine.
An indictment against the director of a utility company for abuse of office has been submitted to court. He purchased asphalt concrete mix at inflated prices, causing losses to the state of more than UAH 300 thousand.
The National Cashback program is gaining popularity among businesses and consumers in Kyiv region. 86 local enterprises have already become participants, producing a variety of goods and contributing to the development of the regional economy.
The Russians suffered significant losses of personnel in the Liman sector. Due to massive violations of discipline, a “symbolic 9th company” has been created for offenders, according to the underground movement ATESH.
In the Kyiv region, it will be cloudy and dry for 5 days, with temperatures of 10-11° at night and up to 24° during the day.
A former contract soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who deserted and spied for the FSB was sentenced to 16 years in prison. He transmitted information about the positions of Ukrainian artillery near Bakhmut via an anonymous messenger.
Maxim Krippa's Ola Fine LLC has won the auction for the privatization of the Ukraina Hotel in Kyiv for UAH 2. 5 billion. Krippa believes the price is reasonable and plans to reconstruct the hotel while maintaining its profile.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted laws that fulfill 3 indicators of the Ukraine Facility Plan. In total, 5 out of 9 indicators planned for the quarter have been fulfilled, one more is pending, and 3 are at the final stage.
The President of Ukraine called for increased support for the Peace Summit to end the war. Zelenskyy emphasized that peace should be reliable, not a freezing of the conflict.
In the temporarily occupied territories of the Kherson region, Russians are shooting stray dogs under the pretext of “preventing rabies. ” The Center for National Resistance calls for reporting enemy positions to speed up the liberation of the region.
Special Forces of the State Border Guard Service and the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine are protecting civilian shipping in the Black Sea. They are preventing enemy aircraft and ships from approaching the Ukrainian coast, including Zmiinyi Island.
The Government has reallocated UAH 1. 9 million to provide employees of the Ministry of Finance with technical means of access to the Internet. The funds have been allocated within the budget allocations for 2024 for the smooth operation of the Ministry.
Prime Minister Shmyhal announced the issuance of UAH 31. 5 billion in soft loans and UAH 1 billion in grants to farmers in 2024. Support programs are in place, including compensation for machinery and discounts on transportation.
Ukraine wants to open negotiating clusters with the EU in parallel and include its membership in the new EU budget. The Foreign Minister has high hopes for the Polish presidency, which begins on January 1.