Ukraine

A bargain or a trap? Pitfalls of the "gray" market of technology in Ukraine.

The National Security and Defense Council stated that the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation is spreading false accusations of Ukraine violating the ceasefire. In fact, the Russian Federation is violating its own "truce", hitting civilians in Kharkiv region with drones, launching air strikes on Sumy region and attacking at the front.

The Verkhovna Rada ratified the agreement on mineral resources between Ukraine and the United States. The agreement envisages the creation of an investment fund where Ukraine retains control over resources.

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on the forced deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia, condemning the actions of Russia and Belarus. They demand an immediate cessation of the crimes and the return of the children.

European diplomats consider the agreement with the USA a priority and call for a pause in decisions regarding the USA. They propose waiting for the results of the NATO summit in The Hague.

On May 9, the constituent documents for the establishment of a special tribunal regarding the aggression of the Russian Federation will be signed in Lviv. The implementation will take place on the platform of the Council of Europe, and the tribunal may start working as early as next year.

The Ministry of Defense has officially codified and approved three modifications of 12-gauge smoothbore pump-action shotguns for operation. They are designed to perform a wide range of tactical tasks.

On May 8, the public organization "Zemliachky" (Countrywomen) together with the EVA store chain are launching the charity campaign "Mission — Life". Its goal is to raise 4 million hryvnias to provide equipment for 80 female combat medics working in the hottest spots of the front.

Ukraine received €1 billion from the EU under the ERA program, which is financed by profits from immobilized Russian assets. The funds will be used to cover critical budget expenditures.

In the first half of the day, russia violated the ceasefire regime, which it had declared itself, 734 times. 63 assault operations and numerous shellings were recorded, Ukraine is responding to the attacks.

The southern part of Ukraine will be covered by a cyclone, which will bring heavy rains in the center, in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, and wet snow in the Carpathians. The air temperature will fluctuate from +10 to +21 degrees.

The President of Ukraine submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a draft law on the military ombudsman, which should become an instrument for protecting the rights of servicemen. The draft law defines the procedure for submitting and considering complaints.

Seed imports to Ukraine in 2024 increased by 3. 2%, reaching $381.3 million. Experts warn of risks associated with prices and mismatched varieties.

The American side believes that the agreement on minerals is an element of the security architecture, but not a replacement for guarantees. US investments in Ukraine are also an element of security.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has allocated over UAH 200 million for the purchase of adapted clothing and modular body armor for female soldiers. New elements of uniforms and footwear have been developed.

The impact of technology on sports was discussed at the Sport&Business Club Ukraine meeting. FAVBET Tech presented approaches to automation and the introduction of digital tools.

The US may contribute its share to the Reconstruction Investment Fund either through military aid or funds. Both options are currently being considered by the American side.

Ukrainian defense industry enterprises will be able to produce up to 10 million drones in 2025, provided there are state orders. The government has introduced programs for financial support, preferential lending, and grants.

"Khartia" fighters liberated a forest in Kharkiv region with an area of over 200 hectares. Control over the forest area north of Lyptsi has been restored. The operation lasted more than 5 months, the enemy suffered significant losses.

In the first 4 months of 2025, 81,928 sole proprietorships were opened in Ukraine, which is 9% less than last year. At the same time, the number of closed sole proprietorships increased by 44% and amounted to 119,895.

Government officials expect the Reconstruction Investment Fund to become operational within weeks of the agreement's ratification. The fund will be financed by the United States and 50% of rental payments from new deposits.

April frosts hit apricots the most, and peach prices may increase by 20-25% in summer. There are also losses in the blueberry and apple harvest.

2 cm of snow fell in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Rescuers urge people to refrain from hiking due to complicated weather conditions and to monitor the forecast.

Yulia Svyrydenko explained the mechanism of operation of the Investment Fund for Reconstruction with the USA. The fund can finance a mining project, but will not do it itself.

The new German Chancellor has stated that there is no question of stationing Bundeswehr soldiers in Ukraine. He also noted that a peace agreement is still a long way off.

The National Bank of Ukraine has set the official exchange rate of the hryvnia for May 8. The dollar exchange rate is 41.43 UAH, the euro – 47.07 UAH, and the zloty – 11.00 UAH.

"Typhoon" received the "Nebokrai" mobile workshop for repairing and manufacturing FPV drones in the field. The cost of the workshop was 527.5 thousand UAH.

The agreement with the USA does not involve the transfer of mineral resources or licenses. Svyrydenko emphasized that control over mineral resources remains with Ukraine. In addition, the agreement opens the way for new military assistance.

On May 7, the enemy launched 31 attack UAVs. Air defense forces shot down 20 "Shahed" drones in the north and center of Ukraine. Uman and surrounding villages in the Cherkasy region were damaged.

In April, demand for electric vehicles increased by 37%. The most popular were BYD Song Plus among new cars and TESLA Model Y among used cars.