Economy
Russia's budget deficit has exceeded the annual target in just two months
Russia’s federal budget recorded a significant deficit in January–February 2026, which has already exceeded the target set for the whole year. Discrepancies in the data provided by different government departments further complicate the assessment of the situation.
Trump has threatened to impose 50 per cent tariffs on countries providing military support to Iran
US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to impose heavy tariffs on countries that supply military aid to Iran. The announcement came against the backdrop of a worsening situation following the breakdown of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
The US has announced a blockade of Iranian ports following the collapse of talks with Tehran
The US Central Command has announced that, from 13 April, it will begin blocking all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. The decision was announced following fruitless talks between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad.
The Rada has passed a law on new rules for verifying length of service for pension purposes: details
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.
The US has announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of talks with Iran
Following fruitless negotiations in Pakistan, the United States announced the start of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US military has already carried out an operation to pass through the strait.
€90 billion from the EU for Ukraine: Maternová has given assurances that the funds will be released despite Hungary’s veto
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.
All in one click: Ukraine has launched a ‘Map of Opportunities’ for internally displaced persons
Looking for work or funding for a business venture after relocating often turns into an endless search across a multitude of websites. To address this issue, the ‘Unity for Action’ programme has launched the ‘Opportunities Map’ – a single digital hub bringing together the latest opportunities for internally displaced persons
European integration ‘on a plate’: how food standards will change by 2029
Ukraine has moved into the phase of actively implementing European standards in the food sector. Negotiation Chapter 12, which covers food safety and veterinary matters, is one of the most extensive – it contains over 3,500 legal acts
Card blocks in April: what amounts and transfers will the bank ask about
In April 2026, Ukrainian banks will move to the next stage of strengthening financial monitoring. The algorithms will target not only transactions worth millions, but also regular transfers of 30,000 hryvnias or more
Global crisis: IMF and World Bank warn of soaring prices
Leaders of the IMF, the World Bank and the UN World Food Programme have issued a joint statement: a war in the Middle East will inevitably lead to a sharp rise in the cost of food, fuel and fertiliser, putting the poorest sections of the population at risk
European countries may run out of fuel for flights this summer — media reports
European countries could face a serious shortage of aviation fuel as early as the coming weeks. Only two European countries have emergency fuel reserves sufficient for 90 days.
Not everyone will receive utility bill assistance: who might be refused payment
Not all applicants will be eligible for financial assistance to cover housing and utility costs. According to the journalist, the scheme has several strict conditions, which means that some people may be turned down as early as the application stage.
