Restrictions in consulates for conscripts, help from the UK and suspicion against the minister: highlights for April 23

British aid

The UK has announced the largest military aid package for Ukraine, worth 500 million pounds (over $617 million). In particular, the funds will ensure the supply of ammunition, air defense equipment, vehicles, drones, and missiles, including long-range Storm Shadow missiles.

Consulates suspend services for conscripts

Some Ukrainian consulates have stopped accepting documents from citizens of the conscription age for consular services. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba explained that this complied with Ukrainian legislation on mobilization.

Later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs answered the most frequently asked questions about the suspension of consular services. In particular, the restrictions will not be applied if the actual recipient of the service is not the applicant, but his minor child.

Senate preliminarily supports aid to Ukraine

The U.S. Senate approves consideration of bills with aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan totaling $95 billion. Senators now have 30 hours to discuss the documents before the final vote.

Meanwhile, the US plans to provide Ukraine with $1 billion in military aid after the bill is passed. Most of the weapons that could be provided in the new package are already in warehouses in Poland and Germany.

Suspicion against Minister Solskyi

Law enforcement officers exposed a scheme of illegal acquisition of state land in the Sumy region in 2017-2021. Investigators found out that it was led by the former chairman of the Verkhovna Rada's Agrarian Committee and current Minister of Agrarian Policy Mykola Solskyi.

According to the investigation, it involved 1,250 land plots with a total area of 2,493 hectares, which at the time were worth more than UAH 291 million.

Minister Solskyi assured that he would be as open as possible to establish the truth.

Death of a mobilized man on the way to a training center

In the Zakarpattia region, a conscript had an epileptic seizure on the way to a training center. The regional Territorial Recruitment Center said that the escort officer provided first aid to the serviceman who had a seizure and called an ambulance. However, the medics did not arrive in time, and he died.

Law enforcement officers registered a criminal investigation into the death of the mobilized man. The military enlistment office ordered an internal investigation into the matter, and Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets opened proceedings into the alleged human rights violation.

Ukraine adapts education to European standards

In the second reading, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the European integration bill No. 10177 on individual educational trajectories and improvement of the educational process in higher education. It was supported by 306 MPs.

According to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, students will be able to form their own educational trajectory, regulate the pace and duration of their studies, and, if necessary, will be able to change their major after a year or a year and a half of study.

Cabinet dismisses Umierov's deputy

The Cabinet of Ministers has ordered the dismissal of Vitaliy Polovenko from the post of Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine. The reason for his dismissal is still unknown.

It should be noted that Polovenko had been in office for less than six months — he was appointed in early December 2023. His task in Umierov's team was to deal with logistics.

Other important news

• Denmark will allocate €420 million to restore energy and rebuild Ukraine.
• The European Parliament officially approves duty-free agricultural exports for Ukraine but with the possibility of blocking “sensitive products”.
• DTEK needs $350 million to restore its thermal power plants.
• A deputy police chief in Dnipro is suspected of illicit enrichment of UAH 14 million.
• An attempt was made to target the base of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine's Special Forces in Kharkiv with air bombs: SBU detained the adjuster.