Society
Attempted assassination of Zelenskyy: two men from Zakarpattia recruited by the FSB to stand trial
Two residents of Zakarpattia are to stand trial on charges of plotting an assassination attempt against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and attempting to seize state power. According to the investigation, they were recruited by Russian citizen Oleksandr Churakov, who was acting on behalf of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).
Ukrainians receive three gas bills: what each bill means
Ukrainians may receive several separate gas bills: for the gas itself, for its distribution, and for the maintenance of in-building networks. A lawyer explained why these charges are separate, how they are calculated, and when a consumer may not have to pay for gas distribution.
The NABU and the SAPO have denied false reports of an ‘investigation’ into the President’s wife
The NABU and the SAPO have reported a new wave of disinformation in Russian and pro-Russian media regarding alleged “investigations” into the wife of the President of Ukraine. The anti-corruption authorities have emphasised that this information is untrue.
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.
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 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
