Ukrainian enterprises increased exports of ferrous metal scrap by 45.5% in January-May this year compared to the same period last year, from 102,366 tons to 155,809 tons.
According to statistics released by the State Customs Service (SRS) on Friday, 28,600 tons were exported in May, 46,321 tons in April, 39,908 tons in March, 25,284 tons in February, and 15,696 tons in January.
In monetary terms, scrap metal exports in January-May increased by 46.4% to $48.127 million from $32.872 million.
In the winter of 2025, Vertex Pharmaceuticals presented the results of the first large-scale study (phase I/II) of zimislecel (formerly VX-880), a stem cell-based drug. This experimental treatment aims to restore the cells of the islets of Langerhans in the liver of patients.
The trial involved 14 patients with severe type 1 diabetes and hypoglycemia detection disorders. All participants received a single infusion of zimislecel into the hepatic vein and initial immunosuppressive therapy without glucocorticoids. According to data from one year, 10 out of 12 completely stopped insulin injections, becoming insulin-independent, while the remaining two patients reduced their insulin dose by 92% on average. All participants normalized their HbA1c levels (<7%) and spent more than 70% of their time in the glycemic range of 70-180 mg/dL.
Side effects:
• Neutropenia was observed in 3 patients;
• Two fatalities were recorded: one from cryptococcal meningitis (off-protocol), the other from severe cognitive pathology unrelated to treatment.
The discontinuation of insulin therapy in 83% of participants is a very significant achievement, indicating the possibility of restoring endogenous insulin secretion. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) called the data “unprecedented” after three stages of presentation at the ADA-2025 conference in Chicago.
However, it should be noted that the study was small (12–14 participants) and short (12 months); large-scale control experience is needed. Data on long-term efficacy, safety, and commercial affordability are not yet known.
Phase III has now begun, with approximately 50 patients expected to participate. The next results are expected at the end of the year, after which the FDA application process will begin.
The drug is positioned as a breakthrough “functional remission” for a group of patients with severe diabetes and a tendency to hypoglycemic events. If its effectiveness is fully confirmed, it will be a global revolution in the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
The US Treasury Department has again granted a postponement until July 29 on the application of sanctions against Serbia’s NIS, according to a statement from the company. Energy Minister Dubravka Jedovic-Handanovic, quoted by Serbian media, said that “sanctions against NIS have been officially postponed, as confirmed in writing last night.”
Serbia has previously received several postponements of sanctions against NIS from the US, most recently until June 27.
As reported, on January 10, the US imposed sanctions against two Russian oil companies, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, as well as their subsidiaries. The SDN List also includes Gazprom Neft’s Serbian subsidiary, NIS. The US then postponed the imposition of sanctions against NIS.
At the end of February, Gazprom Neft transferred 5.15% of NIS shares to Gazprom. Gazprom Neft now owns 44.85% of NIS shares, while Gazprom owns 11.3%. Another 29.87% of NIS shares are owned by Serbia, with the remainder held by minority shareholders.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić reported that the US is demanding the complete withdrawal of Russian capital from NIS. He recalled that in 2008, the Serbian government sold control of NIS to Russia’s Gazprom Neft, and over the past years, the Russian company and NIS have contributed to significant revenues for the Serbian budget, as well as the development of many projects.
NIS is the only company in Serbia engaged in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, and it also owns a large oil refinery in the city of Pančevo. The company dominates the Serbian petroleum products market, and the NIS network of gas stations is present in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Romania, with a total of more than 400 stations.
Ahead of the annual Danube Day, experts and environmentalists are drawing attention to the large-scale environmental threats facing Europe’s largest river system. Over the past 150 years, the Danube has lost about 80% of its natural floodplains and wetlands due to human intervention, dam construction, hydropower, active shipping, and river regulation. This has led to a sharp decline in biodiversity, the disappearance of sturgeon fish, and a weakening of the ecosystems’ ability to withstand floods and droughts.
The total length of the Danube is approximately 2,857 km. It is the most international river in Europe, flowing through or serving as the border of ten countries.
In Germany — about 214 km,
in Austria — 294 km,
in Slovakia — 166 km,
in Hungary — 334 km,
in Croatia — 129 km,
in Serbia — 269 km,
in Bulgaria — 148 km,
in Romania — 825 km,
in Moldova — 49 km,
in Ukraine — about 109 km.
Approximately 83 million people live in the river basin, more than 20 million of whom depend on the Danube as a source of drinking water. The capitals of four European countries are located along the Danube: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade.
Among the most serious problems are:
pollution with organic and toxic substances coming from sewage and agricultural land;
clogging with household waste, including plastic;
climate change and water level fluctuations;
invasive species;
construction of dams and hydroelectric power plants that interfere with fish migration;
poaching of sturgeon for black caviar.
Hydraulic structures such as the Iron Gate dam on the border between Serbia and Romania have completely blocked the path to spawning grounds for dozens of fish species.
The WWF Living Danube Partnership initiative has already restored more than 1,700 hectares of wetlands and improved water supply over an area of 3,700 hectares.
The LIFE-Boat 4 Sturgeon project is working to conserve sturgeon, create a genetic bank, and restore populations.
Rational water use systems are being developed, water purification filters are being introduced, and sustainable land use is being implemented.
Companies operating in the Danube basin are being held accountable for water resources.
The Danube remains a vital river for tens of millions of people and the last refuge for unique species of fish and birds. The conservation and restoration of the Danube requires international coordination, a systematic approach to nature conservation, and conscious policies on the part of the countries in the region. The river that Strauss wrote about in his famous waltz “On the Beautiful Blue Danube” must retain its natural character in the 21st century.
The High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) has imposed a preventive measure in the form of bail of UAH 120 million on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov, who is suspected of abuse of office and receiving unlawful benefits on an especially large scale.
The HACC made this decision on Friday after considering a request from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
“The request of the NABU detective is granted in part: apply to the suspect Alexei Mikhailovich Chernyshov… a preventive measure in the form of bail. Set bail at 120 million 2 thousand 668 hryvnia,” the judge said.
The court granted the motion in part, as the prosecution requested, among other obligations, the wearing of an electronic monitoring device (bracelet), which was not mentioned in the court’s decision.
According to the court’s decision, the suspect is subject to the following obligations: to appear when summoned by a detective, prosecutor, or court; to report any change of residence or place of work; and not to leave Ukraine without the permission of the investigator, prosecutor, or court.
In addition, Chernyshov must refrain from communicating with suspects in the case and witnesses about the circumstances set out in the notice of suspicion.
The obligations imposed on Chernyshov are valid for two months, i.e. until August 27, 2025.
As for the bail itself, it may be paid by the suspect or another individual or legal entity.
Until the bail is paid, the suspect must comply with the obligations imposed on him.
The decision may be appealed within five days.
The Architecture of Resilience Veterans Institute offers opportunities for:
Free education* in over 30 specialties and >100 educational programs
Retraining, courses, second higher education, master’s and postgraduate studies
Psychological support and rehabilitation
Participation in projects for the restoration of Ukraine
Partnership programs with employers (Axor, Barks, Google, Microsoft, Cisco, etc.)
Training formats: full-time, part-time, online.
We work with communities throughout Ukraine.
Individual support from admission to employment.
We invite everyone to online or offline meetings with our team. We will tell you:
▪️ how to apply
▪️ what benefits veterans and their children are entitled to
▪️ how to receive compensation for training
▪️ which educational programs are most relevant for reconstruction
Program details:
www.Veterano.info
Write to us or leave a request on the website:
+38 073 94 96 179
+38 050 22 35 182
+38 067 49 81 098
center@uvc.in.net
veterano@knuba.edu.ua
Head: Artem Goncharenko – +38 073 177 72 73
Let’s build the future together. Start with education today!
Partner universities:
• Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture
• National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine (NUPESU) — a key institution on the basis of which a training and rehabilitation center for veterans has been created.
• Western Ukrainian National University
• Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic National University
• Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University
• National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
• Drohobych National Pedagogical University
*“Free education” refers to participation in state compensation programs, grants, scholarships, and support from employers.
Important: admission during the basic admission campaign within the standard terms.
