Stories from Ukraine

Satellite images show vessels performing ship-to-ship transfers in the Kerch Strait within the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian journalist Katarina Yarezko reported that these maneuvers allow for the discreet transfer of cargo between ships. The practice is allegedly used to launder stolen Ukrainian grain. The transfers occur on the Russian side of the strait.

A woman stole a gold ring from a 21-year-old woman in a Sevastopol park. The suspect allegedly offered to perform a curse removal for 300 rubles. During the ritual, the suspect instructed the victim to place the ring in her palm and look up while reciting a spell.

Ukrainian commander Robert Brovdi gave an interview to the BBC stating that the military's plan to kill over 30,000 enemies per month is being exceeded. The statement was made following a recent interview with the broadcaster.

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 allegedly covered up the health dangers and the causes of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Workers are performing dangerous tasks under and alongside the reactor to neutralize it.

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.