Society
Mercury in retrograde in July: what you can do during this period, and what is strictly forbidden
In July 2026, we will witness and directly experience the second challenging astrological period of the year — the planet of communication and intellect will once again slow its motion and begin to move in the opposite direction. Find out how this change in astrological motion will affect events in the near future, which dates to watch out for, and how to minimise the impact of the retrograde phase on various areas of life.
Olena Kravets’s house was damaged during the attack on Kyiv: what is known
During Russia’s large-scale attack on Kyiv on the night of 6 July, the home of Ukrainian actress and TV presenter Olena Kravets was damaged.
The Superhumans centre has opened in Odessa: how many patients will it be able to treat?
The third centre in Ukraine’s Superhumans network for people with war-related trauma has opened in Odesa. The new southern hub will be able to treat up to 800 patients a year and will provide free services including prosthetics, physical rehabilitation, psychological support and social reintegration.
Russia has stepped up its disinformation campaign against Ukraine and Poland
Russia has launched the active phase of a special information operation aimed at worsening relations between Ukraine and Poland in the run-up to the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Volhynia Tragedy, which is observed in Poland on 11 July. The Centre for Countering Disinformation has stated that, to this end, the Kremlin is using falsified historical documents, doctored videos and fabricated reports.
The Pension Fund is changing the way its Contact Centre operates: which number to use
From July 2026, Ukrainians will be able to receive telephone advice on matters falling within the remit of the Pension Fund of Ukraine exclusively through the Pension Fund of Ukraine’s single contact centre.
Polish firm Pepco is entering the Ukrainian market: the company hopes to fill the gap left by IKEA
The Polish discount chain Pepco is preparing to open its first shops in Ukraine in October 2026. The company hopes to fill part of the gap in the homewares, textiles, tableware and home décor market left by IKEA’s withdrawal from Ukraine.
Payments to some internally displaced persons may be suspended in July: the reason
In July 2026, payments to internally displaced persons will continue at the same levels. However, some displaced persons will need to update their details in good time, otherwise their benefits may be suspended.
Sanctions are being prepared in Ukraine against the creators of ‘Masha and the Bear’: what happened
Ukraine is preparing sanctions against the Russian animation studio ‘Animaccord’, which created the animated series ‘Masha and the Bear’. Work on the relevant materials was stepped up after Netflix acquired the rights to two new seasons of the cartoon and renewed its licence to broadcast previous seasons and spin-offs in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Is there a threat to the graves? The memorial cemetery has explained the cause of the ground subsidence
Following heavy rainfall, localised ground subsidence has been observed at the National Military Memorial Cemetery in the Kyiv region. The memorial’s administration assures that there is no threat to the graves, and that the changes observed are due to natural soil compaction following burials.
The NBU has issued a new 5-hryvnia coin: who is depicted on it?
The National Bank of Ukraine has put a new commemorative 5-hryvnia coin into circulation, dedicated to the Ukrainian folk tale of Kyrylo Kozhum'yak.
Water charges have risen: will subsidies be adjusted automatically?
Following the increase in water charges, recipients of housing benefits do not need to resubmit their applications or contact the Pension Fund. The benefit should be recalculated automatically once the Pension Fund of Ukraine receives official data on the new cost of the utility service.
A complete calendar of name days for July 2026: all name days
A complete calendar of name days for July 2026 will help ensure you don’t miss the name days of your family and friends following the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s switch to the New Julian calendar. In July, many familiar dates have changed, so some of the most popular names are celebrated earlier than under the old calendar.
