Stories from Kyiv · Ukraine

Monobank operations are currently experiencing a malfunction, preventing users from loading the mobile application. Correspondents report that money transfers are currently impossible via the platform. A man was stopped by authorities on April 28 due to the failure of the Rezerv+ application.

Authorities are reportedly persecuting participants of seminars in Ukraine. One individual, Agorodnikov, stated that the persecution is not due to political or anti-Soviet topics but rather worldview discussions.

Members of the Verkhovna Rada have summoned Rustem Maumerov to a temporary parliamentary investigative commission. Maumerov is described as a close friend of President Volodymyr Zelensky and a co-founder of the Kvartal 95 studio.

A plan involving 8.5 billion euros in macro-financial assistance for Ukraine this year may depend on unpopular tax reforms. Authorities must increase VAT to 20 percent for companies on preferential tax systems with annual incomes exceeding 4 million hryvnia. Bloomberg reports that part of the payments will be contingent on these changes. Sources indicate the IMF is insisting on specific conditions that Kyiv has accepted. Ukraine is also attempting to persuade the IMF to delay similar requirements to unlock more than 8 billion euros in additional credit under a separate program. The IMF is reportedly insisting on specific macro-financial terms for aid, which may include Ukraine implementing a VAT on foreign parcels by June. Ukraine requires financial support to survive sustained and continual operations, according to the BBC.

An investigation by 'Sledstva Info' journalists suggests at least 200 million hryvnia was lost to the state following the liquidation of the Anti-Corruption Court (ASKO). A study conducted at the end of 2025 determined the economic impact of open data in Ukraine. The data suggests these figures represent potential revenue for companies using open data as a basis for business models. The Ministry of Culture is tracking damaged and destroyed objects, though officials noted these figures do not reflect the full picture due to lack of access to many territories. Data regarding these losses is being updated daily. Digitalization efforts including 3D modeling and virtual copies are being used to preserve Ukrainian cultural heritage sites that are significantly damaged. While some objects are not lost forever, access to many territories remains restricted.

Russia is reportedly using a mechanism to export grain that was previously seized from Ukraine. The source noted that work is needed to ensure such algorithms of deception do not function. Stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories is being re-exported, according to a report from Kyiv. Efforts are being made to include relevant vessels and business structures in sanctions lists. The segment explored how Israel is reportedly purchasing this grain and how the issue is being addressed through social media. The guest on the program discussed potential alternative methods for resolving the situation. Exports of wheat from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories are considered illegal. A vessel named Abin is carrying a cargo worth several million dollars. Profits from these sales on global markets are used to finance President Putin's war machine, according to reports from Arrête.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in a video message that Ukraine has acquired weapons expertise during the war years. He noted that approximately 50 percent of products present export opportunities to bolster national finances. Zelensky mentioned existing drone-related cooperations with Europe, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. The move aims to make the export of domestic arms a reality.

The 'Shchinka' initiative is working with French intelligence to enter Siberia to document crimes against Ukrainian children. According to the Brin-Kits-Bek initiative, Russia has deported over 20,000 Ukrainian children since the start of the full-scale invasion.

President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to impose sanctions on parties involved in the illegal transport and sale of Ukrainian grain. Israeli authorities reportedly received grain shipments produced in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. Zelensky stated the activity cannot be considered legal commercial business. Ukraine is currently studying the situation with its partners. Ukrainian President Zelensky has imposed National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) sanctions on former Presidential Office head Andriy Bohdan. The sanctions list also includes businessman Bohdan Pukish, an associate of Medvedchuk.

A Russian commentator described the current situation in Ukraine as a deep crisis for the existing regime.