The Kyiv Independent
News, analyses, investigations, opinions, podcasts and more. On-the-ground reporting from Ukraine
Prosecutor's Office: Over 2,500 gambling websites blocked in Ukraine.
More than 2,500 gambling websites that had operated without a license were blocked in Ukraine as of April 27, the Prosecutor General's Office reported.
The negative impacts of gambling, especially on the Ukrainian soldiers, have recently become a topic of public discussion in Ukraine as a petition demanding restrictions on online gambling reached the president's table in March.
President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on April 20 approving restrictions on online gambling and banning it for the military while martial law remains in force.
Law enforcement officers are investigating over 450 criminal offenses related to the illegal organization of gambling as of late April, according to the statement by the Prosecutor General's Office. A total of 21 people were notified of suspicion, and 72 were indicted.
A total of 169 such criminal offenses were registered in 2023, with 74 people being notified of suspicion, the Prosecutor General's Office said.
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Several large companies are under investigation in relation to online gambling.
In one of the cases, prosecutors are investigating the legalization of Hr 4.8 billion ($1.2 billion) in profits from illegal online gambling.
Ukraine's parliament supported in the first reading on April 24 a bill strengthening the state's oversight over the gambling business.
The bill proposes to abolish the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries and pass its responsibilities to the Digital Transformation Ministry.
Other measures included further restrictions on online gambling, including a ban on advertising, finding tools to safeguard particularly vulnerable categories of the population, and tightening business control measures.
In the first two months of 2024, gambling business in Ukraine paid Hr 2.2 billion ($56 million) in taxes, and Hr 10.4 billion ($267 million) in 2023, according to Danylo Hetmantsev, the chairman of the parliamentary Finance Committee.
Russia attacks 106 infrastructure facilities in Ukraine in one day.
Various weapons were used in the attacks and 107 settlements were targeted. Thousands of households in seven oblasts are suffering power outages due to Russian attacks, the Energy Ministry reported.
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David Cameron: Situation in Kharkiv 'extremely dangerous'.
Cameron stressed that Kyiv’s allies must do everything they can to “help the Ukrainians.” He pointed to the U.K.’s recent £3 billion ($3.74 billion) yearly package to Ukraine, adding that Westminster is “encouraging others to do the same.”
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Syrskyi: Russia's breakthrough attempt halted, situation in several sectors 'changing rapidly'.
"The enemy has partial success in some areas, and in others, (Ukraine's) Defense Forces are pushing the enemy out and improving their tactical position," Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on May 12.
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Russian governor seeking to blame Ukraine after apartment building entrance collapses in Belgorod.
Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed without evidence that a building in the Kharkovskaya Gora district of Belgorod Oblast was hit by a Ukrainian projectile during an air raid alert in the oblast.
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Media: Ukrainian drones attack military targets in 3 Russian oblasts overnight.
Drones operated by Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) attacked military targets in Russia's Volgograd, Lipetsk and Kaluga oblasts overnight on May 12, Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing its unnamed source in HUR.
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Hailstones the size of baseballs seen in Texas during severe storms.
Thousands of people are without power after severe storms hit the southern U.S., bringing heavy rain and causing damage across multiple states. Baseball-size hailstones were also seen in Texas. NBC News' Priscilla Thompson reports on the intense s...
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CNN questions soldiers at Israeli detention center
CNN’s Matthew Chance questions guards at an Israeli detention center holding Palestinians where reports of abuse have surfaced in Israeli and Arab media. CNN obtained rare testimony from Israelis working at the facility. Read the full story at CNN...
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A pregnant migrant’s harrowing journey and struggle to settle in the U.
Elibexis Alvarez and her husband, Johan Jose Medina, migrated to the U.S. from Venezuela in December 2023. Today, they struggle to find work and permanent housing in Chicago as they prepare to welcome their first child. » Subscribe to NBC News: NB...
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Karen McDougal will not take the stand in Trump's hush money trial.
McDougal alleged she had a 10-month affair with former President Donald Trump in 2006 and was paid $150,000 in exchange for not speaking out about the affair. Subscribe to ABC News on YouTube: Watch 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events o...
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Venezuelan artist transforms plastic waste into vibrant murals.
A Venezuelan artist is turning plastic trash into artistic treasure. His latest project is a 200-meter-long masterpiece in a small city in Panama. Óscar Sulbarán reports, in this story narrated by Veronica Villafañe. » Subscribe to VOA News: » Wat...
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Eating high levels of ultra-processed foods linked with higher risk of death, study finds.
Researchers tracking people's habits over 30 years found those who consumed more of certain ultra-processed foods had a slightly higher risk of death. The lead author of the study, Mingyang Song, joined CBS News to discuss it. CBS News Streaming N...
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