# Finance
In the US, officials are promoting the idea of a $250 banknote featuring Trump’s portrait
Officials in Donald Trump’s administration have initiated the design of a $250 banknote featuring the president’s portrait. Such a move may contravene current US legislation, which permits only the images of deceased individuals to be featured on banknotes.
Global spending on AI is set to exceed $2 trillion this year
Global spending on artificial intelligence is set to rise by 47% by the end of 2026, reaching $2.6 trillion.
A former CIA official has been accused of stealing gold bars worth over $40 million
In the US, a former senior CIA official has been arrested on charges of stealing hundreds of gold bars and millions of dollars in cash from the federal government.
How to transfer money abroad after selling property in Ukraine, and what documents are required
To legally transfer funds from the sale of property abroad, it is necessary to ensure full transparency of the transaction through the banking system and customs declarations. In a comment to ThePublic, lawyer Valery Shapoval explained which documents are required and what amount can be taken out of the country.
Up to $8,000 a month: who earns the most in the defence sector
Ukrainian defence companies offer significantly higher salaries than the average on the labour market. They also have sufficient funding to attract experienced professionals and motivate new recruits.
Exchange rates have changed since the weekend: how much are the dollar and the euro worth on 25 May
The working week began with new exchange rates at the counters. Whilst currency exchange bureaux have kept the dollar rate at Friday’s level, Ukrainian banks have decided to revise their rates. Find out where it is most advantageous to buy currency today and what rates PrivatBank, Oschadbank and Monobank have set in this article by ThePublic.
The US Senate is calling for the release of aid to Ukraine
US senators from both parties have called on US Defence Secretary Pete Hagset to release $600 million in security aid to Ukraine and the Baltic states as soon as possible
The reform of the State Customs Service will cost around €1.2 billion
The reform of Ukraine’s State Customs Service requires funding of around €1.2 billion. A significant portion of the funds is expected to come from international donors.
Russia's gold reserves have fallen to their lowest level since 2022, with nearly 28 tonnes of gold sold
The Russian Central Bank’s gold reserves fell for the fourth consecutive month in April 2026. Over the first four months of the year, the regulator reduced its reserves by almost 28 tonnes of gold.
Unified Social Contribution: who is exempt from paying the USC in 2026
Here’s what determines whether you have to pay the Single Social Contribution or are exempt from it.
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.
The US has announced cuts to financial aid for Ukraine
Brian Mast, Chair of the US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, has stated that Washington has no plans to approve new large-scale financial aid packages for Ukraine
