Society
The Ferris wheel scandal in Podil: the owner has threatened to take the matter to an international court
A legal dispute is ongoing in Kyiv over the dismantling of the Ferris wheel in Podil. The owner of the attraction, French businessman Louis Toutain, stated during the latest hearing that he may take the matter to an international court over the prosecutor’s office’s demands to remove the structure.
The Ministry of Culture has updated its figures on cultural losses: Russia has damaged 1,783 heritage sites
As of May 2026, 1,783 cultural heritage sites and 2,540 cultural infrastructure facilities in Ukraine had been damaged as a result of Russian aggression. The destruction affected 341 local communities, excluding the temporarily occupied territories.
Weather forecast for 14 May: which regions will see rain and where it will remain dry
Today, 14 May, the weather will divide Ukraine into two contrasting parts – one wet and one dry. Rain and thunderstorms are expected in some areas, whilst high-pressure conditions will prevail in other regions.
Magnetic storm on 14 May 2026: A G2-level storm hits Earth
An increase in geomagnetic activity is expected on Earth. According to a forecast by the British Geological Survey, following the direct impact of a solar flare on 13–14 May, a high-speed stream of solar wind is expected to reach the planet, which could trigger a G1/G2-level magnetic storm.
14 May 2026: a church holiday, traditions and superstitions
On 14 May 2026, Orthodox Christians commemorate Saint Isidore the Martyr, an early Christian saint who lived in the 3rd century and died for his faith in Christ. For Western Christians, this day also marks the Ascension of the Lord.
The “Google tax” has brought in nearly 7 billion hryvnia for the Ukrainian budget
In the first four months of 2026, international companies providing digital services to Ukrainian users paid over 6.9 billion hryvnia in ‘Google tax’ to the state budget. This is 1.5 billion hryvnia more than in the same period last year.
24-hour booking: how to apply for a deferral via 'Diyu' after updating your details
"Dii" has simplified the process of redeploying staff from the defence industry and critical enterprises to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A response to an application will now be received within 24 hours of the personal details being updated.
A robot is to be purchased in the Lviv region to eradicate hogweed without posing a risk to people
The Lviv Regional State Administration has announced the procurement of a robot to combat hogweed remotely.
The cruise ship Ambition, carrying over 1,700 people, has been placed in quarantine in France following an outbreak of illness
In Bordeaux, France, the cruise ship Ambition has been placed in quarantine following an outbreak of gastroenteritis on board. There are 1,233 passengers and 514 crew members on board.
Disability Group 3 in Ukraine in 2026: benefits, payments and guarantees
In Ukraine, people with a Group III disability will be entitled in 2026 to a disability pension, social assistance under certain conditions, and employment, medical, rehabilitation and transport support. The level of support depends on the cause of the disability, length of service, income, the individual’s status and the findings of an assessment of their daily functioning.
A petition against the Civil Code gathered 28,000 signatures in a single day: what happens next
On 12 May, a petition calling for the adoption of the new Civil Code to be blocked was posted on the President’s website. Within just 24 hours, on 13 May, it had already gathered over 28,000 signatures. This means that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must now consider the petition.
Temperatures of up to 48 degrees are set to hit parts of Asia and the Middle East
Forecasters are warning of a prolonged spell of extreme heat across parts of the Northern Hemisphere. In countries across Asia and the Middle East, temperatures could rise to between 40 and 48 degrees even in the shade, and the nights will not bring any significant relief from the heat.
