News
Weather on 18 May 2026: Ukraine to be hit by rain, thunderstorms and a new cyclone
On Monday, 18 May 2026, unsettled weather is forecast across Ukraine, with rain, thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall. Conditions are likely to be most severe in the northern and parts of the central regions.
Church holiday on 18 May 2026: things you should not start on this day
On 18 May 2026, the Orthodox Church honours the holy fathers of the seven Ecumenical Councils. In popular tradition, this day is known as Fedot the Oat-Eater and is associated with a taboo against starting new ventures, changing jobs or making major purchases.
Updated rules on financial assistance in Ukraine
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has changed its approach to providing cash assistance in Ukraine. Support is now being directed towards evacuees, those affected by shelling, vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs) and people who have returned to their places of permanent residence.
Before leaving Beijing, Trump’s team threw away all the items they had received from the Chinese side
Before boarding Air Force One, members of the US delegation collected and discarded all items that Chinese officials had given to US representatives during their visit to Beijing.
Kirkorov has announced a collaboration with the Eurovision winner
Russian singer Philip Kirkorov, a supporter of the Kremlin’s policies, has stated that he helped prepare the performance of Bulgaria’s representative, DARA, for Eurovision 2026
Odessa hosted its first Pride march since the war began
On 17 May, the first Pride march since the start of the full-scale invasion took place on Birzhovaya Square in Odessa. The event was held to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
New rules for Ukrainian refugees are being drawn up in the Czech Republic
The Czech government is preparing changes to the support system for Ukrainian refugees. The authorities plan to gradually phase out some of the special benefits and bring Ukrainians with temporary protection under the standard rules for social assistance
What will the exchange rates for the dollar and the euro be by 24 May?
Ukraine’s foreign exchange market is expected to remain relatively stable in the coming days, with no sharp fluctuations in exchange rates anticipated
Keir Starmer may step down as UK Prime Minister
The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has reportedly told his inner circle of his intention to step down and is discussing possible dates for his departure
The US has not extended the easing of sanctions on Russian oil
The administration of US President Donald Trump has decided not to extend the temporary exemption from sanctions that allowed certain countries to purchase a portion of Russian crude oil
Zelenskyy has commented on the drone attack on the Moscow region
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the overnight attack on the Moscow region and stated that Ukraine would continue to respond to Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities
The stolen skull of Saint Zdislava has been found in the Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, the police have recovered a relic that was stolen this week from a basilica in the town of Jablonné v Podještědí. The relic in question is the skull of Saint Zdislava, which is estimated to be around 800 years old