Lockdown
Ukraine will go into a strict lockdown from 8 to 25 January, according to a Cabinet of Ministers resolution issued today. Schools, culture establishments, gyms and cafes will close down (except for takeaway) while grocery stores, banks, drugstores and postal offices will operate as normal.
Coronavirus
On the morning of 14 December, Ukraine reported 6,451 new Covid-19 cases, 5,154 recoveries and 93 fatalities. The case total since the start of the pandemic has reached 900,666.
The Cabinet of Ministers has rearranged budget state budget expenditures and increased the Covid-19 fund by nearly 6bn hryvnyas.
Servant of the People MP Yuriy Kamelchuk has put in doubt the efficiency of Covid-19 vaccines, when talking to NASH TV, because he considers the coronavirus to be a "fake" illness.
Turkey
Ukrainian Defence Minister Andriy Taran and Turkish companies have signed agreements on the transfer of technology and manufacturing of corvettes and strike drones for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These projects are expected to boost the capability of the Ukrainian Navy to improve security in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Crimea
On 14 December 2020, the EU and Ukraine discussed the consequences of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol via videoconference. It was the eighth such meeting.
The EU and Ukraine gave updates on their respective policies towards Crimea and Sevastopol, including restrictive measures, and welcomed the diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Ukraine further presented the concept of an "International Crimean Platform", the EU External Action Service has said.
Economy
The National Bank of Ukraine has declared Misto Bank insolvent. The bank is owned by former Party of Regions MP Ivan Fursin.
Appointment
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Ihor Lysyy head of the State Affairs Directorate.
Cyber security
The National Cyber Security Coordination Centre under the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) has warned about a high level of cyber threat following a large-scale cyberattack on US government offices. The attack is believed to be linked to the APT29 group (Cozy Bear) often associated with the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service. The NSDC said that the attack is similar to Ransom:Win32/Petya which hit Ukraine in 2017.