Adoption of the 2024 state budget and the appointment of an acting Minister of Sports: highlights for November 9

State budget for 2024

Today, on November 9, the Verkhovna Rada approved the draft state budget for 2024 (draft law No. 10000) in the second reading and in general. The document was approved by 276 MPs.

People's Deputy from Golos Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that after the first reading:

• budget revenues increased by UAH 22 billion — they amount to UAH 1.768 trillion;
• expenses remained almost the same — UAH 3.35 trillion;
• the state budget deficit was reduced by UAH 22 billion, now it is 1.57 trillion.

The head of the budget committee of parliament, Roksolana Pidlasa, noted that the Verkhovna Rada has reduced capital expenditures to redirect more funds to security and defense.

Acting head of the Ministry of Sports

The Verkhovna Rada agreed on the dismissal of Vadym Gutzeit from the post of Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine. He will continue to work in the National Olympic Committee.

At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers temporarily assigned the duties of head of the ministry to Bidnyi Matvii Viktorovych.

Appeal from a deported teenager to Zelenskyy

A deported teenager from Mariupol, Bohdan Yermokhin, turned to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and called for help to return to Ukraine. Earlier in Russia, a 17-year-old boy was issued a summons.

“I, Bohdan Yermokhin, am on Russian territory and I ask you, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych, to help me return home,” said the boy.

Suspicion for the officer who gave grenades to Zaluzhny's assistant

The State Bureau of Investigation served a notice of suspicion to an officer from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who gave the grenades to Hennadii Chastiakov, Valerii Zaluzhnyi’s assistant.

Moreover, a hearing was held in the Pecherskyi District Court of the city of Kyiv to choose a measure of restraint, but the judge did not grant the petition for house arrest. The prosecutor's office said it would appeal the court's refusal.

Suspilne and Ukrinform write that the suspected officer is Colonel Andrii Timchenko. Earlier, Babel, citing its sources, wrote that the suspect is a senior assistant to the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleh Tymchenko.

Continuation of martial law

President Vladimir Zelensky signed laws extending martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days, that is, until February 14, 2024. This is the ninth extension since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Three more deported children were returned to Ukraine

Three more Ukrainian children were returned to the territory controlled by Ukraine.

“Parents and children are now working with psychologists and are receiving the necessary medical care. Congratulations to the families on their return. I wish you to quickly adapt to your new place. And we will help at all stages,” emphasized the head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, Oleksandr Prokudin.

Other important news

• In Kyiv, the square will be named in honor of Da Vinci, Hero of Ukraine Dmytro Kotsiubailo.
• Explosions were heard in occupied Skadovsk, Kherson region.
• 89 Ukrainians have already been evacuated from the Gaza Strip, President Zelenskyy said.
• An employee of the Territorial Recruitment Center in Zhytomyr reported being beaten on the street during work. A video has appeared on the network.
• The Ukrainian Consul helped people from “countries at risk of migration” move to the EU, the National Police reported.