07:40, 30 Jan
Up to 8 years in prison for TCC and WWC employees: what changes with the new law on "fair mobilization."
The mobilization in Ukraine has been marked by numerous scandals, ranging from forced enlistment in military recruitment centers to violations during medical examinations. Now, members of parliament are proposing to establish clear criminal liability for military recruitment officials and medical commission doctors who make unlawful decisions. Focus has explored how this new bill could transform the conscription process.
07:40, 30 Jan
Trump's involvement is undeniable: what lies behind the controversies surrounding Rustem Umerov?
A series of scandals is unfolding around Rustem Umerov, which could significantly impact the future of the country's defense sector. Personnel changes within the Ministry of Defense, investigations by anti-corruption agencies, and criticism of his decisions are coupled with uncertainty and increasing pressure on the leadership of the defense department.
07:40, 30 Jan
Will Bangladeshi workers dominate Ukraine's labor market in furniture production? Exploring the impact of Asian migrants on the job landscape in Ukraine.
There have been numerous discussions in Ukrainian society about the need to attract labor migrants. For instance, a company in Transcarpathia is already anticipating workers from Bangladesh. Focus has explored how the labor market in Ukraine might change with the arrival of foreign workers.
07:41, 29 Jan
Protecting your car from missiles and drones: How KASKO insurance can be beneficial during wartime.
In Ukraine, insurance companies are actively offering car owners comprehensive insurance policies (KASKO), designed to ensure vehicle repairs in the event of an accident or if foreign objects fall on the car. FOCUS consulted with experts to identify the specific risks covered by this auto insurance and to clarify the exclusions found in KASKO contracts.
07:40, 29 Jan
"Only 23 million of us may remain": Insights on post-war Ukraine's future and how to preserve society, according to a sociologist.
After the war concludes, life will go on, but what kind of life? Currently, there are two potential scenarios for the country's development following the ceasefire on the front lines. Focus, along with a sociologist, explores what post-war Ukraine might look like.
07:40, 29 Jan
There will be consequences for receiving salary in cash. Learn about the fines and who will be responsible in 2025.
In Ukraine, labor legislation mandates that companies officially register their employees and pay them a legal salary, meaning all taxes must be duly paid. Additionally, the law requires companies to employ individuals with disabilities. Focus investigated the penalties that will be imposed in 2025 for failing to comply with these regulations.
07:40, 29 Jan
The Assassination of Putin: What if Tucker Carlson's fantasies became reality?
American journalist Tucker Carlson believes that the administration of former President Joe Biden had intentions to assassinate Putin. Experts surveyed by Focus expressed skepticism about this claim but decided to speculate on how the world might change and, most importantly, what it would mean for Ukraine if the Russian president were to die.
07:40, 28 Jan
Dear Borscht: Understanding the rising costs of meat and vegetables—what's driving the price increase?
The prices of ingredients for Ukrainian borscht continue to rise. Focus conducted an analysis of the vegetable market, comparing the costs of the essential ingredients including potatoes, carrots, cabbage, beets, and meat. They also consulted experts to find out which items are expected to increase in price by the end of winter.
07:40, 28 Jan
"He's not a magician": Focus explored whether Drapaty can stabilize the situation on the front lines.
Mikhail Drapatiy is a figure well-regarded by the military. He has received a new appointment that, according to the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and experts, is expected to help stabilize the situation at the front. Focus has learned about the general's notable achievements and what changes can be anticipated.
07:40, 28 Jan
"Where were you during the war?": Challenges Ukraine will face after the ceasefire at the front.
The end of the war with Russia will pose yet another challenge for Ukraine, raising questions about national recovery and development. Experts surveyed by Focus believe that one of the key issues will be finding a balance between the country's defense capabilities and the desire for a peaceful future.
07:40, 28 Jan
Next is Dnipropetrovsk region: what will happen on the front lines if the enemy pushes further into Velyka Novosilka?
Velyka Novosilka is a fortified area in the Donbas where battles are currently ongoing. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are holding their ground and defending, but they are retreating to preserve their personnel. Focus has investigated how the situation on the front lines may change if the enemy successfully captures the settlement.
07:40, 27 Jan
No sea bathing or fish for dinner: how Russian oil threatens the coastline of the Odessa region.
The aftermath of the disaster in the Kerch Strait has reached the shores of the Odessa region, with fuel oil from Russian tankers now polluting Ukrainian beaches. The effects of this environmental catastrophe could be felt for decades, threatening not only the natural ecosystem but also local communities.
07:41, 26 Jan
Article Five as a trump card: What security guarantees will NATO offer Ukraine?
The magazine Foreign Policy has uncovered potential security guarantees for Ukraine that NATO could offer. What are these proposals, and will the official Kyiv agree to them? Focus sought to find out.
07:40, 26 Jan
Duration of unemployment benefits: all changes effective January 1, 2025. Discover what to expect and how it may affect you.
In Ukraine, only certain categories of citizens are eligible for unemployment benefits. Focus has investigated who qualifies for these payments due to joblessness in 2025.
07:40, 25 Jan
Parcels up to €150 – including VAT and duties: what is being proposed in the Rada and what taxes will need to be paid.
Why has Ukraine focused on packages from foreign marketplaces, and what specific taxes are being proposed? Focus, along with experts, has analyzed the new draft legislation concerning taxes on international parcels.
07:40, 25 Jan
"Honest Contract" with the Armed Forces: How Ukraine plans to encourage 18-year-old young men to enlist in the military.
Kyiv continues to resist demands from its partners to lower the conscription age. As a compromise, Ukraine is developing a reform aimed at voluntarily recruiting men aged 18 to 25 into the Armed Forces. Focus explored how the government could encourage citizens to join the military and whether this approach would be effective.
07:40, 25 Jan
Joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and left for abroad: why the 155th brigade sent "draft dodgers" to France.
The "Anna of Kiev" brigade has sent soldiers to France for training, who were previously caught attempting to illegally cross the border to avoid conscription. FOCUS has learned how it came to be that the military is sending former "draft dodgers" to the EU.
07:40, 25 Jan
Transfer of military air defense and aviation technicians to infantry: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reminded about Syrskiy's prohibition.
According to MP Alexey Goncharenko, military personnel servicing the Western IRIS-T air defense systems are being reassigned to infantry roles. However, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine assures that the issue has been resolved and that highly skilled specialists in the Air Forces are not being affected.
07:41, 24 Jan
Extortion and suicidal orders: a soldier shared with Fokus his experience of "slavery" in the 78th Air Assault Brigade.
The effectiveness of soldiers on the front lines is, among other factors, influenced by their leadership. Some commanders act against their own troops, leading to decreased motivation and increased casualties. One such incident was reported by Vitaliy Golovnya, the commander of a platoon from the RUBpAK unit of military unit A7788, part of the 78th Airborne Assault Brigade.
07:41, 24 Jan
Unwanted dollars: How and why the exchange rate shifted towards the strengthening of the hryvnia.
In January, the hryvnia declined, with the exchange rate steadily approaching 42.2 UAH per dollar. However, on January 23, the National Bank of Ukraine set the official exchange rate at 42.03 UAH per dollar. Is this indicative of a long-term trend towards the strengthening of the hryvnia, and what factors will impact exchange rate fluctuations? Focus explored this issue.
07:41, 24 Jan
Youth may leave, but retirees will return: what lies ahead for Ukraine post-war, and will it be possible to rebuild the nation?
The war is impacting the demographic situation in Ukraine. While some individuals are fleeing abroad due to the ongoing conflict, migration is unlikely to cease even after the active phase comes to an end. Focus explores what Ukraine's population will look like after victory and whether a catastrophe should be anticipated.
07:40, 24 Jan
Operation "One Hundred Days": Can Trump put an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
Donald Trump is urging Putin to "strike a deal" to end the war in Ukraine, warning that substantial increases in anti-Russian sanctions and tariffs will follow if no agreement is reached. Focus delves into the implications of the U.S. president's strategy and the potential outcomes it may lead to.
07:40, 23 Jan
Lawyers discuss the laws most commonly violated during mobilization, emphasizing that TCKs cannot resort to excessive force.
The mobilization law has not simplified the work of the Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCC) and the Social Protection Services (SPS), nor has it put an end to the mobilization activities in Ukrainian cities. It's unlikely that the recent meeting of parliamentary committees will resolve the issues surrounding forced mobilization in the streets and the violations of people's rights. Focus has investigated the law, highlighting what it prohibits for military commissioners and outlining their responsibilities.
07:40, 23 Jan
Will Trump ignite a trade war with China? Economist Oleg Pendzin provides insights.
New tariffs on Chinese goods in the United States may be implemented as early as February. Economist Oleg Pendzin believes that the new U.S. president is rocking the boat that holds the entire global economy.
07:40, 23 Jan
Disability and military medical commission: Are the TCC's demands for a re-examination lawful?
Focus inquired with experts whether a person who obtained a disability status prior to the full-scale war can be mobilized.
07:40, 23 Jan
Peacekeepers won’t help: what Ukraine needs to deter Russia’s aggression.
The deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine could serve as a deterrent against a renewed attack from Russia. President Zelensky believes that approximately 200,000 peacekeepers are necessary. Focus has investigated whether the EU will send such a number of soldiers and what their roles will be along the demarcation line.
10:07, 22 Jan
Disability for military personnel: everything you need to know about the military medical commission and re-examination in 2025.
Lawyers addressed Focus on five important questions regarding the re-examination process for individuals with disabilities. This includes who should undergo the examination, when it should take place, and whether it is legal to deem someone unfit for service due to the loss of a limb.
08:53, 22 Jan
Punishment for the TCC due to illegal mobilization: why the regulations won't apply and the bureaucratic hurdles will persist.
In Ukraine, there are proposals to amend legislation to hold representatives of the Territorial Recruitment Centers accountable for the unlawful conscription of citizens. Additionally, the responsibility will extend to members of the Military Medical Commission for inaccurate diagnoses. Focus has gathered more information on the suggestions from lawmakers and explores whether these changes will improve the mobilization situation.
08:35, 22 Jan
The uproar among Ukrainians: why journalists amplified Portnikov's remarks about a "war for the poor."
Journalist Vitaliy Portnikov's comments regarding accountability for the war and the role of ordinary citizens in defending the state sparked a strong reaction among Ukrainians, who are sensitive to any references to the injustices of war. Focus discusses how this incident has raised questions about the limits of public responsibility and manipulation within the information landscape.
08:35, 22 Jan
The end of Russian oil: Will Trump's decision on drilling impact Russia's revenue?
Focus has learned whether oil prices will decline and if Russia will see a reduction in its revenues if U.S. President Donald Trump goes ahead with his extensive extraction plan by declaring a state of emergency in the energy sector and withdrawing the United States from the international climate change agreement.
