News
Deepfakes and AI: a network of call centres defrauding people has been uncovered in Odessa
A criminal network of call centres operating in Odessa has been uncovered; the group defrauded Kazakhstani citizens by posing as banks and law enforcement agencies. Thirteen suspects have already been charged.
New potentially fraudulent investment schemes have been identified in Ukraine
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission (NSSMC) has added two more cases to its list of unreliable investment schemes. The list now contains 470 scam schemes.
Ground-based drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces exempt from VAT: Parliament passes law
The Verkhovna Rada has passed Bill No. 15259, which exempts the supply of ground-based robotic systems to the Defence Forces from VAT. The bill was passed by 294 MPs.
A new social benefit is being introduced in Ukraine: who will be eligible for payments
The Verkhovna Rada has passed Bill No. 15094 on the introduction of basic social assistance for low-income families at its first reading. The bill was supported by 235 MPs.
Facebook leaves no room for appeal: Meta criticised for blocking accounts
Appeals Centre Europe, an independent European body, has stated that Meta rarely responds to appeals regarding account suspensions on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. Out of 4,600 cases involving potential wrongful suspensions, the company provided evidence in fewer than 100 instances.
The State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Kyiv has seized counterfeit vapes and nicotine products worth over 12 million hryvnias
Law enforcement officers have uncovered a scheme in Kyiv involving the illegal sale of counterfeit e-cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products. During the searches, tens of thousands of items, equipment and cash were seized.
The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated 10.8 billion hryvnias to the front line and the Ukrainian defence industry
The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated an additional 10.84 billion hryvnias to support the Armed Forces and develop Ukraine’s defence industry. The bulk of the funds will be used to procure, modernise and repair weapons and military equipment.
Russia has seen a sharp drop in petroleum product output following attacks on oil refineries
In April, production of petroleum products in Russia fell sharply following attacks by Ukrainian drones on oil refining infrastructure. Output of coke and petroleum products fell by almost 10% year-on-year.
The Centre for Public Diplomacy has debunked the false claim that the US Embassy is leaving Kyiv
Reports that the US Embassy has allegedly left Kyiv due to threats from Russia to launch strikes on the capital are untrue. The Centre for Countering Disinformation has stated that such reports are being circulated online and in some media outlets.
In the Black Sea off the coast of Turkey, drones attacked three tankers belonging to Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’
Three tankers have come under attack from drones in the Black Sea off the northern coast of Turkey. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Sweden has donated 16 Gripen C/D aircraft to Ukraine and will sell a further 20 fighter jets
Stockholm will transfer 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine free of charge. The Swedish Government has also approved the purchase of up to 20 Gripen E/F fighter jets for Ukraine under the EU’s Ukraine Support Loan mechanism.
The government has allocated 3 billion hryvnias for boiler houses in Kyiv and the regions
The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated 3 billion hryvnias from the state budget’s reserve fund to purchase additional modular boiler units for Kyiv and the regions. The decision was taken as part of preparations to help communities cope with the upcoming heating season, following Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.