Author’s articles
MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak claimed that media figure Volodymyr Petrov had allegedly once again secured an exemption from mobilisation – this time through the television and radio company “Korysne TV”. At the same time, the MP made new allegations regarding a possible discrepancy between Petrov’s official income and his assets, and also mentioned criminal proceedings which, according to him, have already been opened against him.
The issue of increasing pay for military personnel in 2026 has once again stalled in parliament. MP Iryna Friz stated that the Rada is not pushing ahead with the relevant legislative changes, and that one of the main reasons is the current link between pay rises for military personnel and the automatic increase in pensions for military pensioners.
In their 2025 declarations, 2,783 Ukrainian officials declared cryptocurrency holdings. This is more than 30% higher than the previous year. The stablecoin USDT featured most frequently in the declarations, whilst Ethereum and Bitcoin also remained among the most popular assets.
Both banks and currency exchange bureaux in Ukraine are required to accept 1996-issue US$100 banknotes, provided the note is genuine and has no significant damage. The year of issue alone does not constitute a valid reason for refusing to exchange the note, and all US dollar designs remain legal tender regardless of their date of issue.
In 2026, there will be two ways to obtain combatant status in Ukraine: automatically via the Unified State Register of War Veterans, or by submitting an application and supporting documents to the relevant commission. The automatic mechanism applies to serving military personnel, whilst volunteers who have been discharged from service and those whose details have not been entered into the register will have to go through a separate procedure.
Ronnie O'Sullivan won the John Virgo Trophy final in convincing fashion, not conceding a single frame to John Higgins. The match ended 6–0, and the tournament itself, held in County Kildare, Ireland, marked the first edition of the trophy established in honour of John Virgo.
The Verkhovna Rada has passed Bill No. 13705-d, which amends the rules for verifying insurance records for the purposes of pension awards and recalculations. The legislation is intended to simplify the procedure for people who do not have a complete set of paper documents, whilst the Pension Fund will be required to explain more clearly exactly which details are missing. Separately, another important issue for pensions is ongoing in 2026 — the completion of the transition period for the digitisation of paper employment record books by 10 June.
In the first quarter of 2026, the Office of the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights received 1,657 complaints regarding possible violations by the Territorial Recruitment Centres and the Special Recruitment Commissions. The most common complaints concerned the conscription of those not subject to mobilisation, the process of undergoing medical examinations by military medical commissions, and appeals against decisions made during mobilisation procedures.
The Swedish Coast Guard detained the Panamanian dry cargo vessel Hui Yuan off the coast of Ystad after its aircraft observed coal residue being discharged into the sea. The captain admitted to violating environmental legislation through negligence and agreed to pay a fine of 25,000 Swedish kronor.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has stated that the US has no grounds for a military attack on the island or for attempting to remove him from power. His statement came against a backdrop of sharply escalating rhetoric from Donald Trump, the energy blockade of Cuba and fresh fears in Havana that Washington might go beyond political pressure.
On Monday, 13 April 2026, Ukraine will continue to experience cool spring weather, with night-time frosts in some regions and rain across almost the whole country, except in the west. However, from Tuesday, 14 April, there will be less rainfall and daytime temperatures will begin to rise.
The EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, has stated that the European Union will provide Ukraine with the promised €90 billion, despite the delay caused by a veto from one Member State. She emphasised that a solution will be found and that the package is of critical importance both for the Ukrainian budget and for the army.
