Drone purchases at inflated prices and warnings from "Ukrenergo" about the harshest winter ahead: key highlights from October 30.
Procurement of Drones at Inflated Prices
The State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection has purchased EVO MAX 4T drones produced by Autel at inflated prices from the company "Kryon-M." The latter acquired them from a Ukrainian-German company at an already inflated cost. This information is mentioned in an investigation by hromadske.
The company "Kryon-M" specializes in trading furniture, carpets, and lamps.
The former head of the State Special Communications Service, Yuriy Shchigol, who led the agency at that time, now claims he is not involved in the procurement. Meanwhile, the Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, stated that he personally has not monitored the purchases since the project's inception, "Army of Drones."
Ukrenergo Prepares for the Harshest Winter
Ukrenergo warns that this winter could be one of the most challenging in three years. The company is preparing for the worst-case scenario.
If Russia continues its massive attacks on generation facilities, power outages could last up to 8 hours.
Time Named Marriage in Diia One of the Best Innovations of the Year
Marriage registration in the "Diia" app has been recognized as one of the best technological innovations of 2024 by the American magazine Time. "Diia" was highlighted in the category of "Programs and Software."
Time notes that the technology aims to assist many Ukrainian couples who have been physically separated due to the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Ukraine Has Completed All Previously Unfulfilled Steps — European Commission Report
The updated European Commission report on enlargement indicated that Ukraine has completed all previously unfulfilled steps specified in the European Commission's conclusion from 2022.
The EU noted the strengthening of the anti-corruption institutional framework and an increase in the results of law enforcement in high-level corruption cases. Ukraine's efforts regarding the rights of national minorities were also positively acknowledged.
Three Thousand North Korean Soldiers Already in Russia
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that three thousand North Korean soldiers are already on Russian territory, preparing for combat.
The Financial Times discovered that the troops were stationed approximately 50 km from the Ukrainian border. About 3,000 North Korean military personnel were secretly transported in civilian trucks from the Russian Far East to the Kursk region.
Specific Areas in Pokrovsk to Be Blocked
There are about 12,000 people remaining in Pokrovsk. Authorities urge them to leave due to the destruction of infrastructure and plans to close certain areas of the city for defense purposes.
There will be no complete blockade of Pokrovsk for entry and exit. Only certain areas will be blocked in connection with the city's defense preparations.
Spain Hit by Sudden Flooding
A sudden flood occurred in the eastern Spanish region of Valencia following heavy rains. At least 70 people have died there.
Dozens of people spent the night stuck in trucks or cars, on the roofs of shops or gas stations, or trapped in their vehicles on impassable roads. Intense rainfall caused power outages affecting 155,000 people.
The Spanish government declared a three-day mourning period for the victims of the sudden flooding in the Valencia region.
Other Important News of the Day
- On the front, writer and historian Yuriy Kanyuk has died.
- In Poland, a 48-year-old Ukrainian passed away while being detained by the police.
- In Georgia, an investigation has begun into possible election fraud.
- The government has prepared a roadmap for opening Ukraine's airspace.
- Zelensky: The upcoming winter will be decisive, with power outages and challenges.
- The government announced "ePotential" — a new social insurance system.
- The Rada adopted a bill on reforming the Accounting Chamber. Why is it being criticized?