Ukraine
On February 3, scheduled power outages and power restrictions for industry will be in effect in all regions of Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
Organizing presidential elections in Ukraine will cost between 4. 5 and 6.5 billion hryvnias, and parliamentary elections will cost 4.5 billion hryvnias. These sums do not include additional expenses for local authorities, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The competition commission for selecting the head of the State Customs Service signed a memorandum with NABU, although representatives of the Bureau are among the applicants. Political expert Oleh Posternak accused NABU of manipulation and attempts to gain control over government bodies.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the readiness of a bilateral document on security guarantees with the United States. Ukraine expects further work on documents related to recovery and economic development.
Ukraine has named skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych and 21-year-old short track speed skater Yelyzaveta Sydorko as flag bearers for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Sydorko will be the youngest Ukrainian short track speed skater at the Olympics.
Prosecutor General Kravchenko announced a notice of suspicion to a former deputy commander of a military unit who accrued 1. 97 million hryvnias for himself and others for fictitious participation in combat operations. This case is part of the systemic work of the prosecutor's office to detect corruption in payments to servicemen.
After the accident in Ukraine's power system, about 80 residential buildings in Kyiv are still not connected to heating. Utility services and energy workers are working around the clock to restore heat supply.
The CERT-UA team has recorded a new wave of cyberattacks on Ukrainian government agencies and EU organizations, exploiting a vulnerability in Microsoft Office (CVE-2026-21509). The attackers sent malicious emails disguised as the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, gaining access to victims' computers.
Three people went missing after a night fire at a social adaptation center in Chernihiv Oblast. The fire completely destroyed the roof and damaged the walls of the building.
The European Union may ban the import of iridium, rhodium, platinum, and copper from Russia as part of new sanctions. The restrictions, if supported by member states, will affect GMK Norilsk Nickel.
February 2 marks 11 years since the death of Andriy Kuzmenko, frontman of the band "Skryabin", who died in a car accident. UNN offers a selection of five of his compositions that gained even greater popularity after the artist's death.
President Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed energy support for Ukraine and a new package of sanctions against Russia. The European Union will provide Ukraine with generators and energy equipment, and will finalize the 20th sanctions package.
Five people have been detained in Germany on suspicion of organizing illegal supplies of industrial goods to Russia worth approximately 30 million euros. The investigation believes that the suspects used shell companies to circumvent EU sanctions.
A poll has shown that Ukrainians largely reject exchanging Donbas for guarantees, do not expect a quick end to the war, are ready to hold on for as long as it takes, support strikes on Russian territory, and at the same time maintain faith in Ukraine's EU membership.
On February 3, severe frosts down to -28°C are expected in Ukraine, with no precipitation. A weakening of frosts is predicted from February 5.
On the night of February 2, 2026, the Defense Forces launched strikes on enemy targets in the occupied territories. Two command posts and an ammunition depot in the Kurakhivka area were hit, as well as UAV control points in Zaporizhzhia.
In Uzhhorod, an 85-year-old driver felt unwell at the wheel, his car collided with parked cars and crashed into a pharmacy. The man died on the spot, presumably from a heart attack.
US President's special envoy Stephen Witkoff will travel to Abu Dhabi for talks with Russia and Ukraine. He will also meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The former head of the district TCC in Kyiv region has been notified of suspicion for the illegal seizure of 8 vehicles from enterprises. Damages exceeded 4 million hryvnias, three cars have already been returned to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Berlin is giving away free potatoes due to a record harvest. 174 distribution points are open throughout the city, two trucks were sent to Ukraine.
At the beginning of the year, businesses lowered their assessments of business activity due to seasonality, Russian attacks on energy and logistics, and a shortage of energy resources. However, the level of expectations is higher than a year ago, according to a National Bank survey.
The GUR published a 3D model, component base, and data of 31 enterprises involved in the production of universal planning and correction modules (UMPC). Russia uses these modules to convert unguided aerial bombs into guided ones.
Ukrposhta is updating its style, introducing a new logo in the form of the letter "U". It is designed to strengthen Ukrainian identity and will gradually replace the old brand.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions against 10 individuals and 6 legal entities associated with the Russian tanker fleet and cyberattacks against Ukraine, the EU, and NATO. These measures are synchronized with European Union sanctions.
OSCE Chairman Ignazio Cassis arrived in Kyiv, reaffirming the organization's role as a platform for dialogue. He emphasized the need to end the war and plans to visit Moscow with a similar message.
The National Police of Ukraine has notified 110 individuals of suspicion within the framework of the sixth phase of the special operation "Guardian. " They used falsified medical certificates and documents to evade mobilization.
The Group III disability pension in 2026 is granted after disability is established, provided the necessary insurance period is met. It is calculated as 50% of the old-age pension (or, at the applicant's choice, may equal it if there is sufficient service). It can be applied for online or offline through the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) by submitting basic documents, and if necessary, it is topped up to the subsistence minimum.
Ukrainian energy workers have fully restored the energy system after a technological accident. However, new Russian shelling of energy facilities in frontline and border communities continues, and in Kyiv, over 200 buildings remain without heating.
Gazprom's average daily natural gas supplies to Europe via TurkStream increased by 10. 3% in January compared to last year. Turkey remains the only transit route for Russian gas to Europe.
On February 2, applications open for the 8th "Created by Women" Award, which supports women's entrepreneurship during wartime. Winners will receive grants of up to UAH 200,000 and consulting support.