Ukraine

The government has made changes regarding the burial of unidentified bodies at the National Military Memorial Cemetery. Expenses will be covered from local budgets, and the state institution of the cemetery will be in charge of the organization.

Putin's spokesman said that Russia is preparing for negotiations in Istanbul, but a final decision on Putin's participation has not yet been made. Zelenskyy is ready to talk only to him.

In the semi-finals and final of Eurovision-2025 in Basel, viewers will see performances by winners of past years, including NEMO, Baby Lasagna and Jerry Heil.

The Verkhovna Rada supported bill No. 13256 as a basis regarding amendments to the Budget Code for the implementation of the agreement on mineral resources. Ukraine's contribution will consist of half of the funds from royalties and new licenses.

Ukraine has sown over 4. 3 million hectares of grain, planning a harvest no less than last year's. Exports of agricultural products amounted to $7.6 billion in 4 months of 2025.

Every year, 4. 1 million people in the world die due to excessive salt consumption. World Salt Awareness Week falls on May 12–18, 2025.

US funding for antiretroviral drugs for HIV-infected people in Ukraine has been suspended, which may lead to a collapse of treatment. The authorities are redistributing drugs, but the future of testing programs is uncertain.

Russia has intensified pressure on Ukrainian employees of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) who have refused to cooperate. At least 13 nuclear workers have been imprisoned, with cases of torture and disappearances reported.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the signs of propaganda of the "Russian world," which provides grounds for inspections of the UOC MP. These include ideas about "Triune Rus'," justification of aggression, and denial of the Ukrainian nation.

The first foreign trip of the Pope may be a visit to the Turkish city of Nicaea on the anniversary of the Ecumenical Council. A visit to Peru, where he was a missionary, is also planned.

Ukrainian SOF destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system worth $45 million using drones. The Uragan-1 MLRS was also destroyed.

Electricity consumption in Ukraine continues to decrease. Ukrainians are urged to shift active energy consumption to daytime, when solar power plants operate more efficiently.

A criminal group has been exposed in Kyiv that recruited women for sex services under the guise of escort services. The organizers blackmailed the girls, demanding cooperation.

In 2025, the prices for vyshyvankas (embroidered shirts) range from hundreds to tens of thousands of hryvnias, depending on the material, embroidery technique, brand, and uniqueness of the design. The most expensive ones are antique and linen vyshyvankas.

The Verkhovna Rada Committee approved amendments to the Budget Code for the implementation of the agreement on mineral resources between Ukraine and the USA. Ukraine's contribution is estimated at UAH 3 billion over 5 years.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival will host a special screening of three films about the war in Ukraine. Among them are films about Zelensky, French volunteers and the war in Donbas.

Samsung Announces Galaxy S25 Edge with 5. 8mm Thickness, Titanium Body, and Snapdragon 8 Elite. 200MP Dual Camera and 3900mAh Battery with Galaxy AI.

In 2025, 312,000 participants registered for the NMT. The biggest challenges are security, air raids, electricity supply and attempts at fraud.

According to the NBU, services inflation remains high due to rising wages and demand. The cost of restaurant and hotel services is increasing faster than in March.

EBRD lowered its forecast for Ukraine's GDP growth in 2025 to 3. 3%. The forecast for 2026 remains at 5% if the ceasefire is implemented.

At the Eurovision 2025 rehearsals, the press and audience voted, but Ukraine did not receive any points. The representatives of Sweden became the leader, and the first semi-final will take place on May 13.

Mykhailo Podolyak stated that Zelensky will negotiate only with Putin, because only he can stop the war. Other Russian officials do not have the authority.

In Romania, presidential candidates Simion and Dan have almost equal support before the second round. The survey does not include the Romanian diaspora, where Simion has higher rates.

Trump demands direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, otherwise the United States will withdraw from the conflict. He is ready to help end the war, but it is not their war.

In April, prices for raw food increased due to last year's low harvests and the impact of frosts. Flour, cereals, fruits and vegetables, especially borscht set, have risen the most in price.

The National Police is conducting a large-scale special operation, dismantling drug labs and documenting the production and sale of drugs in large quantities throughout the country. Searches are ongoing.

Due to the blockade of "Yagodin" by Polish carriers, the number of trucks in the electronic queue has almost halved. Overnight, the customs post processed only 8 trucks. Carriers are choosing other checkpoints.

In May, Ukrainians purchased 3. 9 thousand used cars from the USA, which is 6% more than in April. The most popular purchases were Tesla Model Y and Model 3 electric vehicles.

On the night of May 13, the enemy attacked Ukraine with 10 "Shahed" UAV simulators from Primorsko-Akhtarsk. Ukrainian air defense successfully shot down all 10 enemy drones.

Eurovision 2025 kicks off today in Basel. Ziferblat will perform at number 5.