Ukraine

In the first quarter of 2025, Ukrainians chose western regions and the sea coast for travel, as reported by Natalia Tabaka, head of the State Agency for Tourism Development. Travelers seek rejuvenation and recreation in nature, especially near bodies of water.

Since the beginning of the day, 91 battles have taken place at the front. About two-thirds of the combat engagements were recorded in the Pokrovsk, North-Slobozhansky, Kursk, and Lyman directions. The Defense Forces of Ukraine are holding back the advance of the Russian occupiers, repelling their attacks.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has amended the Procedure for Payment and Delivery of Pensions and Cash Assistance at the Place of Actual Residence. The updates concern adding a new column to the statements, replacing non-budget accounts, and clarifying financing mechanisms.

President Zelenskyy, HUR Chief Budanov, and other officials showed new footage of Ukrainian defenders released from Russian captivity. Minister of Defense Umerov noted that this is part of the agreements reached in Istanbul, and the work on their return continues.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that there are no intentions to conclude a truce with Ukraine due to "strategic superiority. " Andriy Kovalenko from the National Security and Defense Council emphasized that this is a message to the West, which does not understand the Russian mentality and must use force.

From the evening of June 23 until Tuesday, Ukrainians celebrate Ivan Kupala Day, dedicated to the summer solstice. It is deeply connected with ancient traditions of purification by fire and water, fortune-telling, and gathering medicinal herbs.

The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine reported that UN payments for pensioners, persons without pension rights, and people with disabilities have been extended until the end of July. Thanks to the joint program of the Ministry of Social Policy, the Pension Fund, and the WFP UN, which began in August 2023, over 315,000 Ukrainians receive financial support monthly.

Ukrainian border guards have named the optimal time for crossing the border with Poland, considering repair works at the Shehyni and Medyka checkpoints. It is recommended to depart from Ukraine on weekdays in the morning or late in the evening, and it is better to enter Ukraine on weekends.

ARMA reform does not guarantee protection from corruption without team renewal, believes political scientist Vitaliy Kulyk. He emphasizes the need for transparent staff selection and audit.

The World Bank calls for "radical" debt transparency for developing countries and their creditors. This is necessary to prevent future crises, as hidden debt can lead to depleted financing and worsening conditions.

Linguist Oleksandr Avramenko, the "millionaire teacher," has returned to the public sphere with a post about a bee and a fly. This is his first publication since rumors of his departure abroad.

Despite the rise in prices for services, there is an increase in demand for tour operator services in Ukraine. At the same time, early bookings for foreign trips are becoming more active.

Today, June 20, Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange, bringing home servicemen who have severe injuries or serious health problems, among them defenders of Mariupol. The oldest released is 60 years old, and all of them will receive necessary medical assistance and rehabilitation.

The summer solstice on June 21 marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This is a time when the Earth's axis is maximally tilted towards the Sun, which has deep significance in many cultures and religions.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has imposed sanctions against 55 Russian legal entities and 56 individuals from the Russian Federation, as well as several companies from China and an enterprise from Belarus. The restrictions concern the development, production, and supply of components for UAVs.

Moscow's Lokomotiv received a three-year transfer ban and is obliged to pay FC Mariupol 50,000 euros for the transfer of Marc René Mampassi. This decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed the previous FIFA decision, despite Russian appeals.

The first place in "The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025" was taken by Maido from Lima, Peru. The top five also included Asador Extebarri, Quintonil, DiverXO, and Alchemist.

The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine filed 73 lawsuits, of which 70 have already been satisfied, leading to the confiscation of property from 87 individuals. Approximately 305 real estate objects, over 100 corporate rights, and thousands of units of movable property have been transferred to state ownership.

Cucumber prices in Ukraine are rising again, reaching UAH 30–50/kg, which is 13% higher than a week ago. The reason is a reduction in supply due to greenhouse clearings and unfavorable weather conditions, despite overall prices being 16% lower than last year.

China has become a key supplier to the Kremlin's war machine, reflected in the use of Chinese components in Shahed drones and other weapons. This enables the aggressor to intensify shelling of Ukraine, despite Western sanctions and Beijing's public statements.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov's business trip has been approved until the end of the week. This comes amidst a scandal involving the detention of Chernyshov's associates due to alleged corruption and his presence abroad during searches.

Lolita Kuzina was recognized for the third time as "Manager of the Year in Charity" at the "Charitable Ukraine - 2024" competition. This year's award was special, as Kuzina admitted to a difficult year associated with caring for her father with cancer and his loss.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation claims another prisoner exchange with Ukraine allegedly took place today. According to their data, the exchange was carried out in accordance with agreements reached on June 2 in Istanbul.

In the first four months of 2025, almost 16 thousand cases of acute intestinal infections were recorded in Ukraine. Ministry of Health doctors advise being careful with certain foods and not ignoring alarming symptoms, as acute intestinal infections can cause serious complications, especially in children.

Police uncovered approximately 100 cases of forged disability care certificates to avoid military service. Eight individuals have been charged with draft evasion.

In Ukraine, innovative wagons will again be able to run, Ukrzaliznytsia has approved the procedure for determining them technically compatible with the infrastructure. Owners are given 30 days to conclude relevant agreements.

In the south of Ukraine and Dnipropetrovsk region, the number of bites from venomous spiders, such as karakurts, tarantulas, and yellow sac spiders, has increased. Their bites cause severe pain, convulsions, respiratory problems, and allergic reactions, which in rare cases can be fatal.

Minister of Energy German Halushchenko confirmed that the issue of purchasing nuclear reactors from Bulgaria for the Khmelnytskyi NPP remains open, despite Bulgaria's statements about refusal. Ukraine plans to cooperate with the IAEA to promote this project.

HACC arrested Kyiv developer Serhiy Kopystyra, suspected of organizing a criminal scheme, with the possibility of bail set at UAH 100 million.

Minister of Health Viktor Liashko stated that the company "RIOLA-MODUL LTD", which won the tender for the repair of the "Okhmatdyt" hospital, is not involved in criminal proceedings. The decision on selecting the contractor is also controlled by donors.