Society
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
Ukraine commemorates the victims of political repression
Every year on the third Sunday in May, Ukraine commemorates the victims of political repression — those who suffered under the Soviet totalitarian regime
The legendary TV presenter Alexander Safonov has died
Oleksandr Safonov, a Distinguished Artist and People’s Artist of Ukraine and Ukrainian television presenter, has died at the age of 83. News of his death emerged on 16 May
What holiday is on 17 May 2026: traditions and superstitions
On 17 May, according to the new church calendar, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine commemorates the Apostle Andronicus and Saint Junia. They are regarded as examples of devoted service to the Christian faith and the preaching of the Gospel
The results of Eurovision 2026 have been announced
The final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest has come to an end in Vienna. This year’s winner was Bulgaria’s representative, DARA, with the song “Bangaranga”
Weather forecast for Ukraine on 17 May 2026
On Saturday, 17 May, unsettled weather with rain and thunderstorms is forecast for most regions of Ukraine. The heaviest rainfall is expected in the central, eastern and southern regions
Eurovision 2026 has been met with boycotts and protests
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place on Saturday in Vienna. This year’s contest has been marred by political controversy and boycotts over Israel’s participation, against the backdrop of the war in the Gaza Strip
Budanov spoke about mobilisation in Ukraine
Kirill Budanov, Head of the President’s Office, has stated that Ukraine must continue its mobilisation efforts, as the recruitment of volunteers is not meeting the army’s needs
John Travolta flew to Cannes at the controls of the plane
American actor John Travolta arrived at the Cannes Film Festival with his daughter Ella Blue on a private jet, which he piloted himself
A drone has crashed in Turkey, damaging houses
An unmanned aerial vehicle crashed in the Turkish city of Samsun on the morning of 16 May. At least three houses were damaged in the crash. There are currently no reports of casualties
The bodies of 528 victims have been returned to Ukraine
Following the latest repatriation efforts, the remains of 528 deceased individuals have been returned to Ukraine. The Russian side claims that they may belong to Ukrainian servicemen
Putin has simplified the process of obtaining Russian citizenship in Transnistria
The Russian President has signed a decree simplifying the procedure for granting Russian citizenship to residents of the unrecognised region of Transnistria
