You're reading: Kyiv Post Daily Digest: Top news of Monday, Oct. 21

Former Agriculture Minister Taras Kutovyi has died in a helicopter crash.

Studio Kvartal 95 — the former comedy team of President Volodymyr Zelensky — mocked the arson of former central bank governor Valeria Gontareva’s house in a song. We explain what happened and why this tasteless skit may have political and economic repercussions.

Speaking of comedy: comedian Serhii Sivokho, a friend of Zelensky, has been appointed an adviser on Donbas at the National Security and Defense Council.

The largest cigarette manufacturer in Ukraine has halted production at its factory, claiming newly-passed tax legislation makes it inherently unprofitable. But anti-tobacco activists say it’s just trying to pressure President Zelensky to veto the bill.

After years of delays, Island-class patrol boats have arrived in Odesa from the U.S.

The Ukrainian government has submitted a draft of the 2020 budget. In our latest video, we explain what’s in it.

Zelensky is in Japan to attend the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito and hold several key meetings. 

German automobile manufacturer BMW becomes the latest international brand to shoot a commercial in Ukraine.