Author’s articles
Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has announced the launch of the Defense AI Centre “A1” – the first centre dedicated to integrating artificial intelligence into military technology. The project is being implemented with the support of the UK government.
Ukraine has begun testing its new FP-7 ballistic missiles, which are capable of striking targets at ranges of up to 300 kilometres. Fire Point has stated that the missile is comparable to the American ATACMS and has already undergone at least one test launch.
The cash market opened on 17 March with a fall in the value of the dollar and the euro. The currency has depreciated at both currency exchange bureaux and banks, with PrivatBank currently offering the best rates for buying foreign currency.
Hollywood actor Robert De Niro has recorded a video message in support of Ukraine. In it, he wished the Ukrainian people a swift return to peace, expressed his admiration for their resilience, and urged them to stay strong in the face of all adversity.
On the morning of 17 March, Russian forces carried out an attack near the Nova Poshta terminal in Zaporizhzhia. Eight people were injured in the attack, and the company switched to backup logistics facilities following the shelling.
India’s National Investigation Agency has detained six Ukrainian nationals and one US citizen on suspicion of conspiring to carry out terrorist activities against India. All those involved were arrested in connection with a case under the Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act.
State enforcement officers may freeze Ukrainians’ bank accounts even in cases where pensions or social security payments are paid into them, unless the bank has designated such an account as one subject to special treatment. The Supreme Court has confirmed that, in order to have the freeze lifted, the debtor must themselves prove the intended purpose of the funds.
The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine has set up a working group to draw up proposals for the resumption of civil aviation flights and the protection of critical infrastructure. The group comprises representatives of the government, the Air Force, the State Emergency Service, the State Aviation Service, and the heads of the country’s largest airports.
The Ukrainian company Stetman is working on creating its own satellite constellation in low Earth orbit. A test satellite is scheduled for launch as early as October 2026, with full-scale deployment of the network set to begin in 2027.
Every year on 17 March, the world celebrates St Patrick’s Day – the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint. This celebration has long since spread beyond the Emerald Isle: on this day, people in the UK, the US, Argentina, Japan, Ukraine and many other countries become ‘a little bit Irish’.
On 17 March, increased geomagnetic activity is expected on Earth, and periods of a weak G1-level magnetic storm are possible throughout the day. This forecast is linked to the prolonged but gradually weakening influence of a coronal hole, as well as to a possible additional effect from coronal mass ejections recorded on 13 and 15 March.
On 17 March, according to the new church calendar, Ukraine commemorates Saint Alexius, the man of God. Among the people, this day is known as ‘Alexius the Warm’, and a number of omens, traditions and taboos are associated with the date.
