Author’s articles
The European Union is preparing for prolonged disruptions in the energy market due to the conflict surrounding Iran and is already discussing measures similar to the crisis-response measures of 2022. Brussels acknowledges that even if peace is quickly restored, the consequences for the fuel market will not disappear, and among the recommendations for countries to consider are remote working, fewer car journeys, lower speed limits on roads and greater use of public transport.
Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, has called on the Verkhovna Rada to adopt 11 draft laws as soon as possible, as these are essential for unlocking up to €4 billion for Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility programme. A Ukrainian translation of her letter was published by MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak.
At least 25 vessels belonging to Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ – which are subject to British sanctions – have passed through British waters since Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorised the military to detain such tankers. Despite London’s strong statement, the flow of ships through the English Channel has not decreased, and no actual detentions have been reported so far.
1 April 2026, a date long associated in Odessa with April Fools’ Day, humour and the Humourina festival, is taking place this year without the usual mass celebrations. The city has declared a day of mourning for the victims of the Russian attack on 28 March, and the focus of the day has shifted from the stage, carnival and entertainment to remembrance, restraint and farewell.
Strategic exercises for the national defence system, codenamed “Kraj”, are due to take place in Poland in the coming days. President Karol Nawrocki, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the government, parliamentary leaders, heads of the security services and the Armed Forces command will be involved, whilst the scenario, dates and venue remain classified.
Several periods of heightened geomagnetic activity are forecast for Earth in April 2026. According to updated forecasts from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre, the most significant disturbances are expected between 9 and 11 April and between 18 and 19 April.
On 1 April, Orthodox Christians commemorate Saint Mary of Egypt. In folk tradition, this day was associated with purification, restraint in speech and action, as well as with omens used to predict the weather for April.
WhatsApp has begun rolling out a major update, which will see the messaging app gain AI-generated replies, new photo editing tools, memory-clearing features, and additional functions for transferring chats and managing accounts.
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings has joined the UA1 investment fund, which will invest in Ukraine’s defence industry. The fund plans to close its first funding round at $50 million by the end of April.
New suspects may emerge in the ‘Midas’ case, and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) expects to conclude its investigation by the end of the summer. Meanwhile, the extradition papers for Timur Mindich, whom investigators regard as one of the key figures in the case, have been awaiting the Prosecutor General’s signature for two weeks.
On 31 March, debris from an Iranian cluster missile fell approximately 30 metres from the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel. According to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga, no one was injured as visitors were inside the building at the time of the impact.
Ukrainians will have the best view of the April full moon, known as the ‘Pink Moon’, on the evening of 1 April, when the moon rises above the eastern horizon. The full moon will reach its peak at 05:11 on 2 April, Kyiv time.
