Steinmeier in Ukraine, unemployed in "Army of Restoration" of Ukraine: highlights of the day

Steinmeier in Ukraine

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Ukraine on October 25 to express his support for the country on his first visit since the beginning of the full-scale war.

According to media reports, after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he announced new military aid to Ukraine: two MARS multiple launch rocket systems and four howitzers. Germany will also continue to supply air defense systems.

Unemployed in "Army of Restoration" of Ukraine

The unemployed will be able to join the "Army of Restoration" of Ukraine. For socially useful work they will receive at least the minimum wage. The Government expects that by the end of the year the unemployment rate will be about 30%. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has proposed a mechanism by which the temporarily unemployed can be involved in the work needed in the regions.

The jobless will be involved in works that are of a defensive nature, works on elimination of the consequences of man-made, natural and military emergencies.

Return of fallen soldiers

On October 25, another operation to return the fallen Ukrainian servicemen took place. Ukraine returned the bodies of 25 more of its soldiers.

Financial assistance from World Bank

The World Bank allocated additional $500 million to Ukraine to meet its urgent needs. The funding was backed by a $500 million loan guarantee from the United Kingdom. The funds will be used to "support core public services", without specifying which ones.

New British cabinet

On October 25, Rishi Sunak officially became the new British Prime Minister. In his first speech as PM, he said that the priority of his government will be economic sustainability. He also mentioned Russia's war against Ukraine, which destabilized energy markets and supply chains around the world.

From the previous government, the Minister of Defense Ben Wallace and the Minister of Foreign Affairs James Cleverly joined Sunak's team. The latter announced that he will continue to defend the UK's interests abroad and "support friends and allies around the world in defending democracy and freedom, especially with Ukraine".

Minister asks Ukraine to spend the winter abroad

Reintegration Minister Iryna Vereshchuk urged Ukrainians who were forced to go abroad not to return home for the winter due to Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.

"You see what Russia is doing... Unfortunately, the networks (power grids - ed.) cannot withstand. If you have the opportunity to spend the winter abroad, you should do it," the official said.

Motor Sich president may be exchanged

President of the Motor Sich corporation Vyacheslav Boguslayev, who was found to have Russian citizenship, may be swapped for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by the Russians, said adviser to the head of the President's Office Mykhailo Podolyak.

In Ukraine, Boguslayev is suspected of illegally supplying military goods to Russian attack aircraft.

US Congress withdraws letter to Biden

A Congressional Progressive Caucus has withdrawn its letter to the White House urging President Joe Biden to negotiate directly with Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

The authors of the appeal complained about the aggravation of the possibility of nuclear war, world hunger and poverty if the war continues. In the letter, which drew a backlash, they said: "if there is a way to end the war while preserving a free and independent Ukraine, it is America’s responsibility to pursue every diplomatic avenue to support such a solution that is acceptable to the people of Ukraine."

According to the authors, certain "incentives" could be introduced to end the hostilities. For example, easing of sanctions against Russia.

Adviser to Zelenskyy's chief-of-staff Mykhailo Podolyak stressed that any proposal of a "diplomatic settlement" actually means that Ukraine should surrender".