Author’s articles
The European Union is considering the possibility of opening all negotiation chapters with Ukraine by the summer. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, stated that Ukraine has made significant progress towards European integration, and that its accession to the European Union represents an investment in European security.
Discussions are underway in Ukraine regarding a possible reform of the mobilisation system and territorial recruitment centres. Parliament has stated that the functions of the territorial recruitment centres could be split, and that the issues of issuing call-up papers, the legal grounds for conscription and the length of service need to be regulated more clearly.
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Yulia Mendel, the former press secretary to the President of Ukraine, described the daily tribute to the fallen at 9:00 am as a “strange rule”. She claimed that in Ukraine, all vehicles are supposedly required to stop on the roads to listen to the national anthem, although this is actually a nationwide minute’s silence for those killed as a result of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The Cabinet of Ministers is proposing to amend the 2026 State Budget and allocate an additional 1.56 trillion hryvnias to the security and defence sector. Of this amount, 174.3 billion hryvnias is earmarked for military personnel pay, and over 1.37 trillion hryvnias for weapons, equipment and ammunition.
Rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds are forecast for Ukraine on 12 May 2026. Heavy rain is expected in Zakarpattia and the Carpathians, whilst thunderstorms and, in places, squalls of 15–20 m/s are expected on the Right Bank during the day. The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre has issued a Level I warning – yellow.
On 12 May 2026, Orthodox Christians commemorate Saints Epiphanius of Cyprus and Herman of Constantinople. In folk tradition, this day was associated with caution regarding sharp objects, open flames and one’s own plans.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that Vladimir Putin’s remarks about the war against Ukraine allegedly coming to a swift end may be yet another attempt at deception. According to him, if the Kremlin leader truly wanted peace, he could withdraw Russian troops or propose negotiations without preconditions.
On Mother’s Day, Ukrainian presenter and interviewer Slava Dyomin addressed his mother, with whom he has a strained relationship and is no longer on speaking terms. The TV personality had previously revealed that his mother had taken him to court to claim child support and that she supports Russia’s war against Ukraine.
A high-profile incident involving Ukrainian businessman Igor Litvintchuk has occurred in Hawaii. According to local media reports, he has been accused of mistreating a rare Hawaiian monk seal after allegedly throwing stones at the animal on a beach on the island of Maui.
Ukraine does not support the possible nomination of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as the European Union’s negotiator with Russia. Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga stated that such a candidate is unacceptable to Ukraine.
The Cabinet of Ministers is launching a national internship programme for people aged 50 and over, called ‘Experience Matters’. Its aim is to help people with professional experience return to the labour market or find a new job.
Yevhen Harkavyi is stepping down as CEO of Centrenergo. Serhiy Isachenko has been appointed as the company’s new CEO. Preparations for the 2026/2027 heating season will now fall under the remit of the new management.
