unian--2020-02-18--How Yanukovych's economic policies almost finished Ukraine

Perhaps , over time , a deeper understanding of the reasons will come to us of how this kaleidoscope of persons and a chain of events led to the 2013-2014 Revolution of Dignity , the Heavenly Hundred , and the subsequent war Putin 's Russia launched against Ukraine .
If anyone asks to describe the fugitive fourth president of Ukraine in one sentence , the following conclusion will be appropriate : he had everything or almost everything in his life , but his greed pushed him to trying to bite off a piece so big he choked on it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over those two decades Yanukovych was part of Ukrainian politics , and all this time , I just couldn ’ t figure out , how could this limited and poorly educated person with a huge number of complexes could rise to the top of the political Olympus ?
And has a European country with a population of 40 million adopted the corrupt rules of the game he imposed , which entailed such tragic consequences .
Also interesting is an analysis of how the former head of a low-profile firm called Donetskavtotrans , nicknamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ascend up Ukraine 's high offices , subsequently sealing almost complete control over national politics and the economy .
Second president of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma knows part of the answers to the latter question , as well as , obviously , former head of his administration , Dmytro Tabachnyk , both of whom , on the advice of some very convincing forces from the outside suddenly saw in this mediocre manager a number of talents , invisible to wider audiences , and appointed him deputy head of Donetsk regional administration before he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country 's largest industrial region .
According to Donetsk-based journalists who covered the activity of their regional authorities back in the day , the new governor , Viktor Yanukovych , initially faced major problems translating his thoughts into words , but , having realized the challenge , he decided to work on himself , forcing himself to speak to reporters at regular briefings .
Some progress was obvious as he started developing , and not only as a speaker .
Rather , it was not knowledge and depth of thought , but political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed Yanukovych to become the leader of the weight-gaining Donetsk clan , which before our eyes was acquiring the features of classic oligarchy .
To come to the helm , he fought for the creation of `` Donbas '' and `` Azov '' free economic zones , which allowed selected local businesses to minimize tax payments and opened up opportunities of virtually uncontrolled imports .
Also , he defended the need to increase government support for the coal industry .
In those years , almost any budget discussions in Parliament was accompanied with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support coal barons , who were gaining political and economic weight .
The Donetsk crew have always come out of these discussions as winners .
As money was allocated from the state budget , coal moguls became richer , while miners continued to live in poverty .
The economic model for the development of the region was extremely simple : Yanukovych , along with his family , fellow officials , and dozens of businessmen from his close circle , some of whom quickly grew to the scale of oligarchs , took control of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Donbas over the course of several years .
They gained control partly publicly , in the process of privatization , or by various schemes , for example , through leasing with the acquisition by `` company employees . ''
However , in any democratic country with a developed judicial system , all this would have been branded corruption .
Mykhailo Chechetov , who in early 2000s headed the State Property Fund , convinced skeptical journalists that gaining control of the national economy by selected `` domestic businessmen '' is an important `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2004 , the official sold the Kryvorizhstal steel mill to the two `` right people '' for $ 800 million , although the plant cost a staggering $ 4.2 billion at a second , open bidding .
In the winter of 2015 , this man , who also got into a spotlight as one of the leaders of the pro-presidential faction in the Rada over his cynical phrase “ trick that opposition like kittens '' , committed suicide .
Incidentally , further history of Ukraine clearly showed that the political opposition , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Yanukovych regime , expressed precisely the opinion of the majority of the country 's population .
One of the Ukrainian political scientists compared Donbas of the `` early Yanukovych '' era with a dinosaur with a large body and a small head .
But at some point , Donetsk officials and oligarchs realized that economic weight could be transformed into a political one , while political power would bring new material benefits .
At the start of the 21st century , they controlled all `` commanding heights '' in their region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry , transport , and media .
Subsequently , this model would be projected to all of Ukraine .
Donbas became a resource for the team of `` solid managers '' for mobilizing the electorate with the slogans promoting regional exclusivity and complaining about the alleged underestimation by Kyiv .
Emphasis was placed on differences with the rest of the country , one of which – the Russian language and its protection against the alleged infringement – was soon to become a favorite feature of the political project of Yanukovych and his team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as we know , these slogans were `` creatively developed '' by Vladimir Putin and his FSB , who managed to ignite the flame of separatism in Donbas , which grew into a bloody war between Russia and Ukraine .
Some of Yanukovych 's associates eventually betrayed their homeland and flipped to serve their new master .
Over the years of Yanukovych ’ s rule in Donetsk region , a model of corrupt monopoly capitalism was created where access to resources was the privilege of a narrow circle of people close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country 's wealthiest man , Rinat Akhmetov , whose multi-billion empire had been created in 1990s , was on a friendly footing with Donetsk Governor Yanukovych , who later headed the Ukrainian government , and was elected fourth president of Ukraine in early 2010 .
Having taken up the top post in Ukraine , Yanukovych began to follow the plan that had been tested in Donbas in the 1990s : taking control of key areas and further capitalizing on success as much as possible .
Companions of the former president , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a full-fledged `` master of the country '' by a judgment of the Constitutional Court , now recognize that , stunned by the unexpected gift of fortune , he quickly got blown away and focused on getting maximum satisfaction from that high status and miraculous profits .
For this man , the doors opened to the wonderland of Eldorado with `` golden loaves '' and gilded toilet seats .
The principles of economic policy were straightforward : the family and oligarchs from the close entourage were to gain control over everything that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assets in all regions of the country were ultimately snatched by smaller-scale supervisors , protected by bigger players .
They would grab other people 's property brazenly and in the open .
Those who resisted would be persecuted by law enforcers , with the use of controlled courts .
Monopoly businesses and raiding with the connivance of antitrust authorities and with the assistance of Mykola Azarov 's government have reached unprecedented heights .
In the summer of 2010 , economic advisor to the head of state , first deputy head of the presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the author of this article the essence of the new economic policy of the government : the resumption of major privatization and the signing of a new IMF program .
In fact , everything turned out to be zilch .
The wild dreams of the $ 19 billion ( ! )
-worth International Monetary Fund program quickly vanished as lenders soon figured out the essence of the Yanukovych regime .
Of the plans for `` major privatization , '' the Donetsk team managed to sell , or rather , transfer `` into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operator , Ukrtelecom .
In the eyes of the public , this privatization , a landmark for the Yanukovych era , was more like a joke .
Journalists covering economic issues initially sensed that the sale of Ukrtelecom was conceived to hand the company to Rinat Akhmetov .
In 2011 , at closed meetings in the presidential administration with its head , Serhiy Liovochkin , questions about the real buyer of the national telecom operator were one of the favorite entertainments for journalists .
What will the head of administration think up this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so he never let it slip .
As our readers may remember , a tender for the sale of 93 % of Ukrtelecom shares was appointed on the very eve of the new year 2011 , and a few weeks later the State Property Fund declared the little-known company ESU the winner in that bidding .
Someone even managed to convince one of the new `` owners '' , holder of an Austrian passport , to talk to reporters .
This man did n't talk about Ukrtelecom ’ s development plans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds that ESU used to achieve control over the Ukrainian company , but assured that the new owner would not consider the issue of resale in the next three years .
A few months later , the secret was revealed : Akhmetov 's SCM group announced that they had gained control of Ukrtelecom .
Bankruptcy and the end of the era of `` solid managers '' As we remember , the country being ruled by `` solid managers '' led to the fact that at the time of their exile in early spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mere hundreds of thousands of hryvnias left in it , which is nothing for a major European state with a population of around 40 million .
These guys even managed to squander the three-billion-dollar bribe received from Putin a few weeks before the regime 's collapse , while artificially maintaining the hryvnia ’ s exchange rate led to the fact that the country 's currency reserves were virtually dissolved .
The country practically went bankrupt .
Dozens of books have already been written about Viktor Yanukovych ’ s role in the dramatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are yet to be written .
Perhaps , over time , a deeper understanding of the reasons will come to us , how this kaleidoscope of persons and a chain of events led to the 2013–2014 Revolution of Dignity , the Heavenly Hundred , and Putin 's war against Ukraine that has already taken thousands of lives .
Let us not forget the key importance of the economy for public and political life .
After all , it was the deplorable state of the Ukrainian economy after the 2008 crisis amid significant splits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors for Yanukovych , his `` family '' and affiliated oligarchs to the capital 's Pechersky Hills .
In the pre-election year 2009 , the Ukrainian economy dropped by 15 % , a record low over the previous fifteen years , while industrial output fell by 22 % .
How can we not draw an analogy with the global financial crisis of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression , which provided incentives for the cultivation of Nazism sprouts in Germany .
All this ended with the tragedy of World War 2 .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people draw conclusions instead of going for another round of making the same mistakes .
The times and practices of Yanukovych , his oligarchic economic model , and corrupt political power should not be repeated .
But this will only happen if law enforcers start a systemic and effective investigation into the crimes of the fugitive ex-president ’ s regime , rather than imitating work , and if Ukrainian courts start actually sentencing criminals on behalf of the people of Ukraine .
Obviously , without the pressure on the part of civil society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country 's recovery and modernization , nothing will work .

It's been ten years since the start of the now-disgraced Viktor Yanukovych's presidential term and six years from the day he fled from the country. Let's recall this man's role in Ukraine's most recent dramatic history.
Perhaps, over time, a deeper understanding of the reasons will come to us of how this kaleidoscope of persons and a chain of events led to the 2013-2014 Revolution of Dignity, the Heavenly Hundred, and the subsequent war Putin's Russia launched against Ukraine.
If anyone asks to describe the fugitive fourth president of Ukraine in one sentence, the following conclusion will be appropriate: he had everything or almost everything in his life, but his greed pushed him to trying to bite off a piece so big he choked on it.
I had met Yanukovych on numerous occasions over those two decades Yanukovych was part of Ukrainian politics, and all this time, I just couldn’t figure out, how could this limited and poorly educated person with a huge number of complexes could rise to the top of the political Olympus? And has a European country with a population of 40 million adopted the corrupt rules of the game he imposed, which entailed such tragic consequences.
Видео дня
Also interesting is an analysis of how the former head of a low-profile firm called Donetskavtotrans, nicknamed Zavhar (garage manager), began to ascend up Ukraine's high offices, subsequently sealing almost complete control over national politics and the economy.
Second president of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma knows part of the answers to the latter question, as well as, obviously, former head of his administration, Dmytro Tabachnyk, both of whom, on the advice of some very convincing forces from the outside suddenly saw in this mediocre manager a number of talents, invisible to wider audiences, and appointed him deputy head of Donetsk regional administration before he eventually became the actual master of the country's largest industrial region.
According to Donetsk-based journalists who covered the activity of their regional authorities back in the day, the new governor, Viktor Yanukovych, initially faced major problems translating his thoughts into words, but, having realized the challenge, he decided to work on himself, forcing himself to speak to reporters at regular briefings. Some progress was obvious as he started developing, and not only as a speaker.
More control, influence, and wealth
Rather, it was not knowledge and depth of thought, but political instinct, intuition, and pressure that allowed Yanukovych to become the leader of the weight-gaining Donetsk clan, which before our eyes was acquiring the features of classic oligarchy.
To come to the helm, he fought for the creation of "Donbas" and "Azov" free economic zones, which allowed selected local businesses to minimize tax payments and opened up opportunities of virtually uncontrolled imports. Also, he defended the need to increase government support for the coal industry. In those years, almost any budget discussions in Parliament was accompanied with a key talk on increasing spending to support coal barons, who were gaining political and economic weight. The Donetsk crew have always come out of these discussions as winners. As money was allocated from the state budget, coal moguls became richer, while miners continued to live in poverty.
The economic model for the development of the region was extremely simple: Yanukovych, along with his family, fellow officials, and dozens of businessmen from his close circle, some of whom quickly grew to the scale of oligarchs, took control of all more or less significant industrial assets of Donbas over the course of several years.
They gained control partly publicly, in the process of privatization, or by various schemes, for example, through leasing with the acquisition by "company employees." However, in any democratic country with a developed judicial system, all this would have been branded corruption.
Mykhailo Chechetov, who in early 2000s headed the State Property Fund, convinced skeptical journalists that gaining control of the national economy by selected "domestic businessmen" is an important "progressive phenomenon" for Ukraine. In 2004, the official sold the Kryvorizhstal steel mill to the two "right people" for $800 million, although the plant cost a staggering $4.2 billion at a second, open bidding.
In the winter of 2015, this man, who also got into a spotlight as one of the leaders of the pro-presidential faction in the Rada over his cynical phrase “trick that opposition like kittens", committed suicide. Incidentally, further history of Ukraine clearly showed that the political opposition, which was oppressed in 2013 and early 2014 by the Yanukovych regime, expressed precisely the opinion of the majority of the country's population.
One of the Ukrainian political scientists compared Donbas of the "early Yanukovych" era with a dinosaur with a large body and a small head. But at some point, Donetsk officials and oligarchs realized that economic weight could be transformed into a political one, while political power would bring new material benefits. At the start of the 21st century, they controlled all "commanding heights" in their region, including energy, banking, large-scale industry, transport, and media. Subsequently, this model would be projected to all of Ukraine.
Donbas became a resource for the team of "solid managers" for mobilizing the electorate with the slogans promoting regional exclusivity and complaining about the alleged underestimation by Kyiv. Emphasis was placed on differences with the rest of the country, one of which – the Russian language and its protection against the alleged infringement – was soon to become a favorite feature of the political project of Yanukovych and his team – the Party of Regions. Subsequently, as we know, these slogans were "creatively developed" by Vladimir Putin and his FSB, who managed to ignite the flame of separatism in Donbas, which grew into a bloody war between Russia and Ukraine. Some of Yanukovych's associates eventually betrayed their homeland and flipped to serve their new master.
Corruption and oligarchy
Over the years of Yanukovych’s rule in Donetsk region, a model of corrupt monopoly capitalism was created where access to resources was the privilege of a narrow circle of people close to power. It is no coincidence that the country's wealthiest man, Rinat Akhmetov, whose multi-billion empire had been created in 1990s, was on a friendly footing with Donetsk Governor Yanukovych, who later headed the Ukrainian government, and was elected fourth president of Ukraine in early 2010.
Having taken up the top post in Ukraine, Yanukovych began to follow the plan that had been tested in Donbas in the 1990s: taking control of key areas and further capitalizing on success as much as possible. Companions of the former president, who returned to the presidential post the status of a full-fledged "master of the country" by a judgment of the Constitutional Court, now recognize that, stunned by the unexpected gift of fortune, he quickly got blown away and focused on getting maximum satisfaction from that high status and miraculous profits. For this man, the doors opened to the wonderland of Eldorado with "golden loaves" and gilded toilet seats.
The principles of economic policy were straightforward: the family and oligarchs from the close entourage were to gain control over everything that was worth their attention. All smaller-scale assets in all regions of the country were ultimately snatched by smaller-scale supervisors, protected by bigger players. They would grab other people's property brazenly and in the open. Those who resisted would be persecuted by law enforcers, with the use of controlled courts. Monopoly businesses and raiding with the connivance of antitrust authorities and with the assistance of Mykola Azarov's government have reached unprecedented heights.
In the summer of 2010, economic advisor to the head of state, first deputy head of the presidential administration Iryna Akimova, enthusiastically explained to the author of this article the essence of the new economic policy of the government: the resumption of major privatization and the signing of a new IMF program.
In fact, everything turned out to be zilch. The wild dreams of the $19 billion(!)-worth International Monetary Fund program quickly vanished as lenders soon figured out the essence of the Yanukovych regime. Of the plans for "major privatization," the Donetsk team managed to sell, or rather, transfer "into the right hands" only the national communications operator, Ukrtelecom.
In the eyes of the public, this privatization, a landmark for the Yanukovych era, was more like a joke. Journalists covering economic issues initially sensed that the sale of Ukrtelecom was conceived to hand the company to Rinat Akhmetov. In 2011, at closed meetings in the presidential administration with its head, Serhiy Liovochkin, questions about the real buyer of the national telecom operator were one of the favorite entertainments for journalists. What will the head of administration think up this time? Liovochkin was staunch and inventive, so he never let it slip.
As our readers may remember, a tender for the sale of 93% of Ukrtelecom shares was appointed on the very eve of the new year 2011, and a few weeks later the State Property Fund declared the little-known company ESU the winner in that bidding. Someone even managed to convince one of the new "owners", holder of an Austrian passport, to talk to reporters. This man didn't talk about Ukrtelecom’s development plans, nor did he name the sources of funds that ESU used to achieve control over the Ukrainian company, but assured that the new owner would not consider the issue of resale in the next three years. A few months later, the secret was revealed: Akhmetov's SCM group announced that they had gained control of Ukrtelecom.
Bankruptcy and the end of the era of "solid managers"
As we remember, the country being ruled by "solid managers" led to the fact that at the time of their exile in early spring 2014, the state treasury had just a mere hundreds of thousands of hryvnias left in it, which is nothing for a major European state with a population of around 40 million.
These guys even managed to squander the three-billion-dollar bribe received from Putin a few weeks before the regime's collapse, while artificially maintaining the hryvnia’s exchange rate led to the fact that the country's currency reserves were virtually dissolved. The country practically went bankrupt.
Dozens of books have already been written about Viktor Yanukovych’s role in the dramatic history of Ukraine, and hundreds more are yet to be written. Perhaps, over time, a deeper understanding of the reasons will come to us, how this kaleidoscope of persons and a chain of events led to the 2013–2014 Revolution of Dignity, the Heavenly Hundred, and Putin's war against Ukraine that has already taken thousands of lives.
Let us not forget the key importance of the economy for public and political life. After all, it was the deplorable state of the Ukrainian economy after the 2008 crisis amid significant splits in the democratic camp that opened the doors for Yanukovych, his "family" and affiliated oligarchs to the capital's Pechersky Hills. In the pre-election year 2009, the Ukrainian economy dropped by 15%, a record low over the previous fifteen years, while industrial output fell by 22%. How can we not draw an analogy with the global financial crisis of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression, which provided incentives for the cultivation of Nazism sprouts in Germany. All this ended with the tragedy of World War 2.
But history lessons are needed so that smart people draw conclusions instead of going for another round of making the same mistakes. The times and practices of Yanukovych, his oligarchic economic model, and corrupt political power should not be repeated. But this will only happen if law enforcers start a systemic and effective investigation into the crimes of the fugitive ex-president’s regime, rather than imitating work, and if Ukrainian courts start actually sentencing criminals on behalf of the people of Ukraine. Obviously, without the pressure on the part of civil society and citizen's personal participation in the country's recovery and modernization, nothing will work.
Yuriy Kulikov


unian--2020-02-18--Prystaiko on joint patrols in Donbas: "We haven't even come close to this"

Prystaiko says joint patrols should include the National Police of Ukraine , OSCE observers , and representatives of communities living in the occupied territories .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko says the sides have not come close to creating tripartite patrols on the Ukrainian-Russian border consisting of Ukrainians , local community representatives from the occupied territories , and observers with the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission , but Ukraine seeks to avoid legalization of Russian-controlled forces .
During a Svoboda Slova [ Freedom of Speech ] panel show on Ukraine 's ICTV channel on February 17 , 2020 , Prystaiko said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Donbas had previously been fixed in the Minsk agreements .
According to him , it is supposed to attract those who are now living in the territory of Donbas .
He clarified the joint patrols should include the National Police of Ukraine , OSCE observers , and representatives of communities living in the occupied territory of Donbas .
Read alsoAvakov elaborates on idea of joint patrolling in Donbas '' It does n't say [ in the agreements ] whether it should be the armed forces who stood at the checkpoints with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These may be new people , '' the minister said and added he did not want to join this discussion .
`` We have not even come close to this , '' he said .
At the same time , Prystaiko is convinced the ideal situation for Ukraine would be if Ukrainian border guards regained control of the border between Ukraine and Russia in Donbas .
`` Until we have the capacity as a state and sufficient forces to ensure access to our border and control by our border guards , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ patrols ] , under the control of the OSCE , and all other options , '' he said .
In this regard , the minister added the proposal to deploy a peacekeeping mission also applies to such options .
At the same time , he was asked if the illegal armed groups would be legalized in this way .
`` We would like to prevent legalization of anyone on the other side of the contact line , '' Prystaiko said .
According to the foreign minister , that is why a democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to elect local authorities ( district authorities ) at least at the lowest level .
`` We are not talking about people who will come to the Verkhovna Rada , no .
We want to legalize those who will be elected at the local level .
And those people who will elect them should know they are responsible now , that there will be a new head in their district , '' the minister said .
`` I wo n't be surprised if some of these people are the same people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , we are n't naive .
But this is the path of a democratic state that we have chosen .
People must choose and be responsible for the people they choose .
We can not appoint them from Kyiv , '' Prystaiko said .
At the same time , the diplomat reiterated he had met with the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir who agreed that `` the security situation does not allow holding elections as of today . ''
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed at next Normandy Four summit Prystaiko expressed the conviction that all Ukrainian political parties were unlikely to be represented in the normal political process in the occupied part of Donbas .
`` We say that we can not hold elections without this .
And the question of whether we are in a hurry with the elections or not is no longer relevant since , without sufficient grounds for holding the elections , unfortunately , holding elections will not be possible , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported on February 15 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint patrols , consisting of Ukrainians , representatives of the occupied territories , and OSCE SMM observers , ensure security in the temporarily occupied territories during preparations for local elections .
Ukrainian authorities earlier said they aimed to hold local elections throughout the country in October 2020 , including the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea .

Prystaiko says joint patrols should include the National Police of Ukraine, OSCE observers, and representatives of communities living in the occupied territories.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko says the sides have not come close to creating tripartite patrols on the Ukrainian-Russian border consisting of Ukrainians, local community representatives from the occupied territories, and observers with the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, but Ukraine seeks to avoid legalization of Russian-controlled forces.
During a Svoboda Slova [Freedom of Speech] panel show on Ukraine's ICTV channel on February 17, 2020, Prystaiko said the proposal to set up joint patrols in Donbas had previously been fixed in the Minsk agreements. According to him, it is supposed to attract those who are now living in the territory of Donbas.
He clarified the joint patrols should include the National Police of Ukraine, OSCE observers, and representatives of communities living in the occupied territory of Donbas.
Видео дня
Read alsoAvakov elaborates on idea of joint patrolling in Donbas
"It doesn't say [in the agreements] whether it should be the armed forces who stood at the checkpoints with the Kalashnikov assault rifles in their hands. These may be new people," the minister said and added he did not want to join this discussion.
"We have not even come close to this," he said.
At the same time, Prystaiko is convinced the ideal situation for Ukraine would be if Ukrainian border guards regained control of the border between Ukraine and Russia in Donbas.
"Until we have the capacity as a state and sufficient forces to ensure access to our border and control by our border guards, we are forced to apply methods such as joint [patrols], under the control of the OSCE, and all other options," he said.
In this regard, the minister added the proposal to deploy a peacekeeping mission also applies to such options.
At the same time, he was asked if the illegal armed groups would be legalized in this way.
"We would like to prevent legalization of anyone on the other side of the contact line," Prystaiko said.
According to the foreign minister, that is why a democratic model of holding local elections was proposed to elect local authorities (district authorities) at least at the lowest level.
"We are not talking about people who will come to the Verkhovna Rada, no. We want to legalize those who will be elected at the local level. And those people who will elect them should know they are responsible now, that there will be a new head in their district," the minister said.
"I won't be surprised if some of these people are the same people who are de facto heading now. We understand this, we aren't naive. But this is the path of a democratic state that we have chosen. People must choose and be responsible for the people they choose. We cannot appoint them from Kyiv," Prystaiko said.
At the same time, the diplomat reiterated he had met with the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir who agreed that "the security situation does not allow holding elections as of today."
Read alsoPrystaiko comments on issues set to be discussed at next Normandy Four summit
Prystaiko expressed the conviction that all Ukrainian political parties were unlikely to be represented in the normal political process in the occupied part of Donbas.
"We say that we cannot hold elections without this. And the question of whether we are in a hurry with the elections or not is no longer relevant since, without sufficient grounds for holding the elections, unfortunately, holding elections will not be possible," he added.
As UNIAN reported on February 15, President In Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that joint patrols, consisting of Ukrainians, representatives of the occupied territories, and OSCE SMM observers, ensure security in the temporarily occupied territories during preparations for local elections.
Ukrainian authorities earlier said they aimed to hold local elections throughout the country in October 2020, including the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea.


unian--2020-02-18--Ukraine's FM slams "12 Steps Toward Greater Security in Ukraine" plan

Ukraine does n't need help in exploring issues of national identity , Prystaiko underlines , adding that the plan does not take into account international law , which requires that Russia withdraw from Ukraine and return the annexed Crimea .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko has commented on the document titled `` Twelve Steps Toward Greater Security in Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic Region , '' which was published on the website of the Munich Security Conference 2020 .
`` This is not the first plan that is being proposed to Ukraine to somehow address something that many suggest the Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or does n't see how ...
There are people who sincerely want to help and offer their plan , but there are those who fulfill a certain political order .
If you choose between these two extremes , in my opinion , the proposed plan is somewhere in the middle , but closer to those who carry out a certain political order , '' Prystaiko told a Svoboda Slova [ Freedom of Speech ] panel show on Ukraine 's ICTV channel on February 17 , 2020 .
He said the plan does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Russian Federation withdraw from the territory of Ukraine and return the annexed Crimea .
`` Well , and finally , what grinds our gears is the last point suggesting that Ukraine launch a 'new national dialogue ' about identity .
Well , thank you very much , we will figure out ourselves whether we need to do this , '' Prystaiko said .
As reported earlier , ahead of the Munich Security Conference 2020 , the Euro-Atlantic Security Leadership Group stresses the need for a political solution to the armed conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 countries across the Euro-Atlantic region , the statement proposes 12 practical , concrete steps that can be taken now to address urgent security , humanitarian , economic , and political concerns .
STEP 10 : Direct a new dialogue among Euro-Atlantic states about building mutual security .
STEP 11 : Support and define areas of selective engagement between the EU and Russia .
Read also '' Do n't take it so seriously '' : Ischinger on controversial `` Munich Plan '' for Donbas settlement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also rejects the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss any plans to end the war in Donbas .

Ukraine doesn't need help in exploring issues of national identity, Prystaiko underlines, adding that the plan does not take into account international law, which requires that Russia withdraw from Ukraine and return the annexed Crimea.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko has commented on the document titled "Twelve Steps Toward Greater Security in Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic Region," which was published on the website of the Munich Security Conference 2020.
"This is not the first plan that is being proposed to Ukraine to somehow address something that many suggest the Ukrainian government cannot, is incapable of, or doesn't see how... There are people who sincerely want to help and offer their plan, but there are those who fulfill a certain political order. If you choose between these two extremes, in my opinion, the proposed plan is somewhere in the middle, but closer to those who carry out a certain political order," Prystaiko told a Svoboda Slova [Freedom of Speech] panel show on Ukraine's ICTV channel on February 17, 2020.
He said the plan does not reflect international law, which requires that the Russian Federation withdraw from the territory of Ukraine and return the annexed Crimea.
Видео дня
"Well, and finally, what grinds our gears is the last point suggesting that Ukraine launch a 'new national dialogue' about identity. Well, thank you very much, we will figure out ourselves whether we need to do this," Prystaiko said.
Read alsoMFA Ukraine comments on "Munich plan" for Donbas settlement
As reported earlier, ahead of the Munich Security Conference 2020, the Euro-Atlantic Security Leadership Group stresses the need for a political solution to the armed conflict in Ukraine. With 46 signatories from 13 countries across the Euro-Atlantic region, the statement proposes 12 practical, concrete steps that can be taken now to address urgent security, humanitarian, economic, and political concerns.
Security steps
STEP 1: Restore the JCCC.
STEP 2: Establish a Normandy-format, military-to military crisis management dialogue.
STEP 3: Improve unrestricted access and freedom of movement.
Humanitarian steps
STEP 4: Address the problem of missing persons.
STEP 5: Plan for and implement humanitarian demining initiatives.
Economic steps
STEP 6: Advance reconstruction in the Donbas.
STEP 7: Explore free trade areas.
STEP 8: Support for a roadmap on sanctions.
STEP 9: Address radiological hazards.
Political steps
STEP 10: Direct a new dialogue among Euro-Atlantic states about building mutual security.
STEP 11: Support and define areas of selective engagement between the EU and Russia.
STEP 12: Launch a new national dialogue about identity.
Read also"Don't take it so seriously": Ischinger on controversial "Munich Plan" for Donbas settlement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also rejects the plan, stating it is impossible without Ukraine to discuss any plans to end the war in Donbas.


unian--2020-02-18--IMF mission to visit Kyiv again – Ljungman

The date has not been specified .
International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) Resident Representative in Ukraine Goesta Ljungman has announced that an IMF mission will visit Kyiv to discuss policies to accelerate economic growth and ensure stability in Ukraine .
According to the document available to UNIAN , a team of several IMF experts will visit Kyiv to conduct technical discussions on policies aimed at achieving more powerful growth and ensuring stability in the country .
However , the date of arrival of the IMF experts is not specified .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine authorities and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies to underpin a new three-year US $ 5.5 billion Extended Fund Facility , while the Fund 's Executive Board is yet to approve the program .
Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) Yakiv Smolii said a decision on the new EFF might be approved in the first quarter of 2020 .
Speaking about preconditions for concluding an agreement on the new program , the chief banker recalled the need to adopt laws preventing courts from returning insolvent banks to former owners and the launch of farmland trade .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Conference , President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a meeting with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva last week .

IMF mission to visit Kyiv again – Ljungman
13:00, 18.02.20 806
The date has not been specified.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-02-18--Kremlin denies reports that Security Council secretary flew to Oman while Zelensky was there

The allegation was initially put forward by RFE/RL 's investigative project `` Schemes '' .
Russian President Vladimir Putin 's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov on Monday said Secretary of the Russian Security Council , Nikolai Patrushev , did not visit Oman in early January 2020 , while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was there .
`` No , he [ Patrushev ] was not [ there ] .
This is absolutely false information , '' he told journalists , answering the question on whether Patrushev flew to Oman in January .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Zelensky was spotted in Oman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media outlets reported that he was there on vacation with his family , publishing a photo of him .
Read alsoZelensky 's trip to Oman : President 's Office to sue journalists of Skhemy project A few hours later , the President 's Office confirmed that Zelensky was staying in Oman : they noted that the president had traveled there with his family at his own expense .
At the same time , the President 's Office reported of `` highest-level meetings '' that were scheduled for the head of state `` for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 , RFE/RL 's investigative project `` Schemes '' published a report claiming that the chartered plane used by Zelensky to urgently return from Oman to Ukraine on January 8 , 2020 , in the wake of the downing of a Ukrainian plan in Iran had allegedly arrived to Oman from Moscow , Russia .
This was the plane used by Secretary of the Russian Security Council Patrushev to arrive in Oman , journalists alleged , referring to their sources .

The allegation was initially put forward by RFE/RL's investigative project "Schemes".
Russian President Vladimir Putin's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov on Monday said Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, did not visit Oman in early January 2020, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was there.
"No, he [Patrushev] was not [there]. This is absolutely false information," he told journalists, answering the question on whether Patrushev flew to Oman in January.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Zelensky was spotted in Oman on January 5 – a number of media outlets reported that he was there on vacation with his family, publishing a photo of him.
Видео дня
Read alsoZelensky's trip to Oman: President's Office to sue journalists of Skhemy project
A few hours later, the President's Office confirmed that Zelensky was staying in Oman: they noted that the president had traveled there with his family at his own expense. At the same time, the President's Office reported of "highest-level meetings" that were scheduled for the head of state "for the coming days."
On February 13, RFE/RL's investigative project "Schemes" published a report claiming that the chartered plane used by Zelensky to urgently return from Oman to Ukraine on January 8, 2020, in the wake of the downing of a Ukrainian plan in Iran had allegedly arrived to Oman from Moscow, Russia. This was the plane used by Secretary of the Russian Security Council Patrushev to arrive in Oman, journalists alleged, referring to their sources.


unian--2020-02-18--MFA Ukraine urges international community to condemn escalation in Donbas

The ministry says it 's concerned about the latest Russian attack .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has @ @ @ @ @ to condemn the escalation in Donbas .
`` Very concerned by escalation in Donbas following @ @ @ @ @ Prohibited weapons used resulting in a new wave of casualties .
This is the latest @ @ @ @ @ N4 [ Normandy Four summit ] .
We call on the intl .
community to @ @ @ @ @ Press Secretary of Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kateryna Zelenko wrote on Twitter on @ @ @ @ @ As UNIAN reported earlier , in the morning Russian occupation forces attacked Ukrainian defense positions @ @ @ @ @ mm mortars , proscribed by Minsk agreements .
Under fire cover , the Russian invaders @ @ @ @ @ attempted to advance through the demarcation line .
As a result of the battle , @ @ @ @ @ and another four were injured .

The ministry says it's concerned about the latest Russian attack.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has called on the international community to condemn the escalation in Donbas.
"Very concerned by escalation in Donbas following the latest Russian attack. Prohibited weapons used resulting in a new wave of casualties. This is the latest breach of agreements reached at N4 [Normandy Four summit]. We call on the intl. community to condemn this escalation," Press Secretary of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kateryna Zelenko wrote on Twitter on February 18, 2020.
Very concerned by escalation in #Donbas following the latest Russian attack. Prohibited weapons used resulting in a new wave of casualties. This is the latest breach of agreements reached at N4. We call on the intl. community to condemn this escalation. #StopRussianAggressionpic.twitter.com/L3QOraRc9p — Kateryna Zelenko 🇺🇦 (@KaterynaZelenko) February 18, 2020
As UNIAN reported earlier, in the morning Russian occupation forces attacked Ukrainian defense positions in Donbas, employing 120 mm mortars, proscribed by Minsk agreements. Under fire cover, the Russian invaders began their offensive operation and attempted to advance through the demarcation line. As a result of the battle, one Ukrainian soldier was killed and another four were injured.


unian--2020-02-18--Zelensky: Enemy offensive in Donbas attempt to disrupt peace process

As a result of morning hostilities , one Ukrainian soldier was killed and another four were wounded .
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has called today 's offensive by Russian occupation forces in eastern Ukraine 's Donbas an attempt to disrupt the peace process .
`` On the fifth anniversary of the Debaltseve tragedy , militants and occupiers staged a cynical provocation .
This morning they attacked the positions of the Joint Forces near the settlements of Novotoshkivske , Orikhove , Krymske , and Khutir Vilniy .
They applied weapons proscribed by the Minsk agreements , '' the president wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to repulse the aggressor and now the battle is over .
At the same time , the Ukrainian side suffered losses .
`` This is not just a cynical provocation , the purpose of which is to press on the Debaltseve wound that will never heal completely .
This is an attempt to disrupt the peace process in Donbas , which has begun to move forward , albeit in small , but relentless steps , '' Zelensky believes .
Read alsoDonbas escalation : Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops , try to penetrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also recalled that today , in connection with events in the country 's east , a meeting of the NSDC has been scheduled .
`` We will discuss and decide on further steps .
Our course towards ending the war and adherence to international agreements remains unchanged – as does our determination to repulse any manifestations of armed aggression against Ukraine , '' Zelensky concluded .
As UNIAN reported earlier , in the morning Russian occupation forces attacked Ukrainian defense positions in Donbas , employing 120 mm mortars , proscribed by Minsk agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invaders began their offensive operation and attempted to advance through the demarcation line .
As a result of the battle , one Ukrainian soldier was killed and another four were injured .

As a result of morning hostilities, one Ukrainian soldier was killed and another four were wounded.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has called today's offensive by Russian occupation forces in eastern Ukraine's Donbas an attempt to disrupt the peace process.
"On the fifth anniversary of the Debaltseve tragedy, militants and occupiers staged a cynical provocation. This morning they attacked the positions of the Joint Forces near the settlements of Novotoshkivske, Orikhove, Krymske, and Khutir Vilniy. They applied weapons proscribed by the Minsk agreements," the president wrote on Telegram.
Ukrainian defenders were able to repulse the aggressor and now the battle is over.
Видео дня
At the same time, the Ukrainian side suffered losses.
"This is not just a cynical provocation, the purpose of which is to press on the Debaltseve wound that will never heal completely. This is an attempt to disrupt the peace process in Donbas, which has begun to move forward, albeit in small, but relentless steps," Zelensky believes.
Read alsoDonbas escalation: Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops, try to penetrate line of contact (Video)
He also recalled that today, in connection with events in the country's east, a meeting of the NSDC has been scheduled.
"We will discuss and decide on further steps. Our course towards ending the war and adherence to international agreements remains unchanged – as does our determination to repulse any manifestations of armed aggression against Ukraine," Zelensky concluded.
As UNIAN reported earlier, in the morning Russian occupation forces attacked Ukrainian defense positions in Donbas, employing 120 mm mortars, proscribed by Minsk agreements. Under fire cover, the Russian invaders began their offensive operation and attempted to advance through the demarcation line. As a result of the battle, one Ukrainian soldier was killed and another four were injured.


unian--2020-02-18--Enemy offensive in Donbas: fierce battle over, Ukraine retains positions, but suffers losses – JFO H

Enemy offensive in Donbas: fierce battle over, Ukraine retains positions, but suffers losses – JFO HQ

Ukrainian units delivered an adequate fire response to the enemy attack .
Russian-led forces ' attack on Ukrainian positions near @ @ @ @ @ Orikhove , Krymske , and Khutir Vilny is over .
Ukraine has not lost its @ @ @ @ @ , the Joint Forces Operation HQ said on Facebook .
In particular , one Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ four have been wounded , the press center says .
It is noted the Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ response to the enemy offensive and retained full control over the situation .
Read alsoDonbas @ @ @ @ @ attack Ukrainian troops , try to penetrate line of contact ( Video ) At the @ @ @ @ @ was killed and another five were seriously wounded .
Reserve units from the Joint Forces @ @ @ @ @ .
The situation is fully controlled .
`` We continue to defend Ukraine from the @ @ @ @ @ HQ said .

Ukrainian units delivered an adequate fire response to the enemy attack.
Russian-led forces' attack on Ukrainian positions near the villages of Novotoshkivske, Orikhove, Krymske, and Khutir Vilny is over.
Ukraine has not lost its ground, but suffered losses, the Joint Forces Operation HQ said on Facebook.
In particular, one Ukrainian has been killed and another four have been wounded, the press center says.
Видео дня
It is noted the Ukrainian units delivered an adequate fire response to the enemy offensive and retained full control over the situation.
Read alsoDonbas escalation: Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops, try to penetrate line of contact (Video)
At the same time, one invader was killed and another five were seriously wounded.
"The enemy requested a ceasefire," reads the report.
Reserve units from the Joint Forces are in full combat readiness. The situation is fully controlled.
"We continue to defend Ukraine from the aggressor," the JFO HQ said.


unian--2020-02-18--NBU keeps official hryvnia at UAH 24.45 to U.S. dollar on Feb 18

The hryvnia 's historical low against the U.S. dollar was registered at UAH 30.01 in February 2015 .
The National @ @ @ @ @ ) on February 17 set the official forex rate at UAH 24.45 to the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ rate almost at the same level .
The Central Bank fixed the following official forex @ @ @ @ @ key foreign currencies for February 18 : US $ 100 will be traded for UAH @ @ @ @ @ of February 17 ) ; EUR 100 will be traded for UAH 2,649.54 ( UAH @ @ @ @ @ ) .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ukrainian hryvnia in January 2020 weakened by @ @ @ @ @ dollar , to UAH 25.03 per U.S. dollar and by 4.7 % against the euro @ @ @ @ @ euro .
In 2019 , Ukraine 's national currency strengthened by 14.5 % against the @ @ @ @ @ 23.69 and by 16.7 % against the euro , to UAH 26.42 .
The hryvnia @ @ @ @ @ U.S. dollar was registered at UAH 30.01 in February 2015 .

NBU keeps official hryvnia at UAH 24.45 to U.S. dollar on Feb 18
11:20, 18.02.20 987
The hryvnia's historical low against the U.S. dollar was registered at UAH 30.01 in February 2015.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-02-18--Prystaiko comments on issues set to be discussed at next Normandy Four summit

The principled position is that the Ukrainian-Russian border on the Ukrainian side must be controlled by Ukrainian border guards .
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at the next summit of the Normandy Four leaders will raise the question of the transfer of control back to Ukraine over the Russian-occupied sectors of Ukrainian-Russian border in Donbas , says Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko .
The minister recalled that the next meeting of the Normandy Four leaders was tentatively scheduled for April .
`` The last time we managed to agree on seven main positions .
Among which there was no place for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prystaiko told a TV panel show on ICTV .
`` But that 's exactly how President Zelensky poses the question , and at least the first step that we offered to the Russian Federation that we take is to create a special working group to deal with this question [ of the border ] , '' the foreign minister said .
According to him , this working group should determine how full control over the border shall be transferred to Ukraine , and how many efforts and steps are required to this end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group has not yet been set up , and that 's why President Zelensky , like last time , will insist that the issue be considered and remain among the priority ones , '' Prystaiko said .
Read alsoUkraine seeks to hold local elections as early as this fall , including in Donbas and Crimea , president says In this regard , he emphasized that the Ukrainian border must be controlled by Ukrainian border guards .
`` This is a principled position that we must achieve , '' the Foreign Minister stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package of Minsk agreements back in 2014 provided for a security corridor under the OSCE control along the Ukrainian-Russian border .
`` Unfortunately , most people forgot that such an agreement had been reached , and in this context , our negotiations are n't progressing , '' Prystaiko said .
The minister added that the ceasefire is still on the agenda , another priority issue is the exchange of held persons , and access to the occupied territory of the International Committee of the Red Cross .
Prystaiko said that all these issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Normandy Four summit .
The foreign minister also added that he had agreed with his German counterpart Heiko Maas that before the summit it would be necessary to study progress on Donbas settlement .
Read alsoAvakov elaborates on idea of joint patrolling in Donbas '' We agreed with the German Minister Maas that we will definitely find time to look at the progress that would be made and hold a meeting at the stage where our experts have enough grounds .
After that , we will be able to convey to the leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Prystaiko said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Ukrainian authorities had been making every effort to ensure that the next Normandy Four summit took place in April this year .
In turn , Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko noted that the Normandy Four summit may not take place in April , as previously scheduled .
Russia said that the decision to hold the next summit would be made based on progress in implementing the existing agreements .

The principled position is that the Ukrainian-Russian border on the Ukrainian side must be controlled by Ukrainian border guards.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at the next summit of the Normandy Four leaders will raise the question of the transfer of control back to Ukraine over the Russian-occupied sectors of Ukrainian-Russian border in Donbas, says Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko.
The minister recalled that the next meeting of the Normandy Four leaders was tentatively scheduled for April. "The last time we managed to agree on seven main positions. Among which there was no place for the issue of the border," Prystaiko told a TV panel show on ICTV.
"But that's exactly how President Zelensky poses the question, and at least the first step that we offered to the Russian Federation that we take is to create a special working group to deal with this question [of the border]," the foreign minister said.
Видео дня
According to him, this working group should determine how full control over the border shall be transferred to Ukraine, and how many efforts and steps are required to this end.
"As of today, such a group has not yet been set up, and that's why President Zelensky, like last time, will insist that the issue be considered and remain among the priority ones," Prystaiko said.
Read alsoUkraine seeks to hold local elections as early as this fall, including in Donbas and Crimea, president says
In this regard, he emphasized that the Ukrainian border must be controlled by Ukrainian border guards. "This is a principled position that we must achieve," the Foreign Minister stressed.
He also said that the first package of Minsk agreements back in 2014 provided for a security corridor under the OSCE control along the Ukrainian-Russian border. "Unfortunately, most people forgot that such an agreement had been reached, and in this context, our negotiations aren't progressing," Prystaiko said.
The minister added that the ceasefire is still on the agenda, another priority issue is the exchange of held persons, and access to the occupied territory of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Prystaiko said that all these issues will be raised again at the next Normandy Four summit.
The foreign minister also added that he had agreed with his German counterpart Heiko Maas that before the summit it would be necessary to study progress on Donbas settlement.
Read alsoAvakov elaborates on idea of joint patrolling in Donbas
"We agreed with the German Minister Maas that we will definitely find time to look at the progress that would be made and hold a meeting at the stage where our experts have enough grounds. After that, we will be able to convey to the leaders [proposals] regarding further steps," Prystaiko said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Ukrainian authorities had been making every effort to ensure that the next Normandy Four summit took place in April this year. In turn, Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko noted that the Normandy Four summit may not take place in April, as previously scheduled.
Russia said that the decision to hold the next summit would be made based on progress in implementing the existing agreements.


unian--2020-02-18--Ukraine, Iran discuss probe into PS752 crash, agree to intensify cooperation

The sides agreed on the need to avoid politicization of the technical investigation and intensify cooperation of experts and specialists .
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Shamkhani in Tehran on Monday have discussed the investigation into the downing of the Boeing-737-800 aircraft flight PS752 operated by Ukraine International Airlines .
Shamkhani expressed condolences to the families of the victims and stressed Iran 's full readiness to cooperate in the probe , the NSDC 's press service reported .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his gratitude to the Iranian side for facilitating the work of the group of Ukrainian experts at the crash site .
Danilov said Ukraine insisted on a comprehensive and thorough investigation of all the circumstances of the incident , ensuring compliance with international legal norms .
Danilov put particular emphasis on the urgent need to study the `` black boxes , '' underscoring Ukraine 's technical and scientific capabilities to this end .
Read alsoPS752 downing : Ukraine releases intercepted tower communications proving Iran was aware of missile launch all along The sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the technical investigation and intensify cooperation of experts and specialists .
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Islamic Republic of Iran Serhiy Burdyliak , First Deputy Director of the National Bureau for Investigation of Aircraft Events and Incidents with Civil Aircraft Ihor Misharin also participated in the negotiations .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Kyiv-bound UIA flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran 's Imam Khomeini International Airport in the early hours of January 8 .
It was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members on board .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There were also 82 citizens of Iran , 63 citizens of Canada , 10 citizens of Sweden , four citizens of Afghanistan , three citizens of Germany and the United Kingdom each .
There were no survivors .
On January 11 , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially admitted that the Ukrainian airliner had been shot down by accident as a result of a `` human error '' and that those responsible would be held accountable .
Read alsoIran not to hand over black boxes from UIA 's downed plane to outside governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tehran Airport 's air traffic control tower and the second pilot of Iran 's Aseman Airlines flight at the time of the crash of flight PS752 were released by TSN.Tyzhden .
Tehran blamed the Ukrainian authorities for leaking what it described as confidential evidence , and said it would no longer share investigation materials with Ukraine .
Tehran has not yet handed over the PS752 black boxes to Kyiv , although the Iranian authorities do not have equipment to analyze them .

The sides agreed on the need to avoid politicization of the technical investigation and intensify cooperation of experts and specialists.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Shamkhani in Tehran on Monday have discussed the investigation into the downing of the Boeing-737-800 aircraft flight PS752 operated by Ukraine International Airlines.
Shamkhani expressed condolences to the families of the victims and stressed Iran's full readiness to cooperate in the probe, the NSDC's press service reported.
In his turn, the NSDC secretary expressed his gratitude to the Iranian side for facilitating the work of the group of Ukrainian experts at the crash site.
Видео дня
Danilov said Ukraine insisted on a comprehensive and thorough investigation of all the circumstances of the incident, ensuring compliance with international legal norms.
Danilov put particular emphasis on the urgent need to study the "black boxes," underscoring Ukraine's technical and scientific capabilities to this end.
Read alsoPS752 downing: Ukraine releases intercepted tower communications proving Iran was aware of missile launch all along
The sides agreed on the need to avoid politicization of the technical investigation and intensify cooperation of experts and specialists.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Islamic Republic of Iran Serhiy Burdyliak, First Deputy Director of the National Bureau for Investigation of Aircraft Events and Incidents with Civil Aircraft Ihor Misharin also participated in the negotiations.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Kyiv-bound UIA flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport in the early hours of January 8. It was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. Two passengers and the crew members were Ukrainians. There were also 82 citizens of Iran, 63 citizens of Canada, 10 citizens of Sweden, four citizens of Afghanistan, three citizens of Germany and the United Kingdom each. There were no survivors.
On January 11, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially admitted that the Ukrainian airliner had been shot down by accident as a result of a "human error" and that those responsible would be held accountable.
Read alsoIran not to hand over black boxes from UIA's downed plane to outside governments
On February 2, intercepted communications between Tehran Airport's air traffic control tower and the second pilot of Iran's Aseman Airlines flight at the time of the crash of flight PS752 were released by TSN.Tyzhden. Tehran blamed the Ukrainian authorities for leaking what it described as confidential evidence, and said it would no longer share investigation materials with Ukraine.
Tehran has not yet handed over the PS752 black boxes to Kyiv, although the Iranian authorities do not have equipment to analyze them.


unian--2020-02-18--Enemy offensive in Donbas: Ukraine loses ground near Zolote – media

Footage posted by civilians this morning testifies to the intensity of shelling .
The Ukrainian military were forced to retreat from their defensive positions near the town of Zolote in Luhansk region as a result of an enemy attack this morning .
Today 's terrorist attacks were the fiercest over the past few years .
Russian mercenaries also hit civilian neighborhoods , the Ukrainian TSN TV news service reports .
According to preliminary information , as a result of an attack on a platoon stronghold in the area controlled by the 72nd Brigade , the Ukrainian troops were forced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly wounded in action and rushed to the hospital .
Read alsoDonbas escalation : Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops , try to penetrate line of contact ( Video ) The Ukrainian military admit that the start of enemy shelling along the entire line of contact is similar to that they observed back in 2015 , when the invaders fired not only at strongholds , but also at the entire sectors .
The Ukrainian military are returning fire , reports say .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Russian-led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Novotoshkivske , Orikhove , Krymske , and Khutir Vilny in the morning of February 18 .
Footage posted by civilians this morning testifies to the intensity of shelling .

Footage posted by civilians this morning testifies to the intensity of shelling.
The Ukrainian military were forced to retreat from their defensive positions near the town of Zolote in Luhansk region as a result of an enemy attack this morning.
Today's terrorist attacks were the fiercest over the past few years. Russian mercenaries also hit civilian neighborhoods, the Ukrainian TSN TV news service reports.
According to preliminary information, as a result of an attack on a platoon stronghold in the area controlled by the 72nd Brigade, the Ukrainian troops were forced to pull back from this small frontline section.
Видео дня
Several Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly wounded in action and rushed to the hospital.
Their condition is reportedly stable.
Read alsoDonbas escalation: Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops, try to penetrate line of contact (Video)
The Ukrainian military admit that the start of enemy shelling along the entire line of contact is similar to that they observed back in 2015, when the invaders fired not only at strongholds, but also at the entire sectors. The Ukrainian military are returning fire, reports say.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Russian-led forces attacked Ukrainian positions near the villages of Novotoshkivske, Orikhove, Krymske, and Khutir Vilny in the morning of February 18.
Footage posted by civilians this morning testifies to the intensity of shelling.


unian--2020-02-18--Ukraine to ask UN to deploy peacekeepers throughout occupied Donbas

The foreign minister will be speaking at the UNGA meeting .
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko at an upcoming meeting of the United Nations General Assembly set to be held on February 20 will raise the issue of introducing peacekeepers throughout the occupied Donbas .
The issue of introducing a peacekeeping mission is constantly on the agenda of all such meetings , the minister told the Svoboda Slova [ Freedom of Speech ] panel show on ICTV on February 17 .
Read alsoForeign minister elaborates on when Ukraine should start seeking alternative to Minsk deal At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian side was always trying to have the issue dropped , since peacekeepers are not mentioned in the Minsk agreements .
`` I 'm leaving for New York tomorrow to speak with the Secretary General and speak at the UN General Assembly , and in particular , to remind of this issue that we expect , as far as it 's possible , this mission to be launched – and not along the contact line , as the Russian Federation suggests , but throughout the occupied territory of Ukraine , '' Prystaiko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prystaiko will take part in a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on February 20 regarding the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine .

The foreign minister will be speaking at the UNGA meeting.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko at an upcoming meeting of the United Nations General Assembly set to be held on February 20 will raise the issue of introducing peacekeepers throughout the occupied Donbas.
The issue of introducing a peacekeeping mission is constantly on the agenda of all such meetings, the minister told the Svoboda Slova [Freedom of Speech] panel show on ICTV on February 17.
Read alsoForeign minister elaborates on when Ukraine should start seeking alternative to Minsk deal
Видео дня
At the same time, the top diplomat said the Russian side was always trying to have the issue dropped, since peacekeepers are not mentioned in the Minsk agreements.
"I'm leaving for New York tomorrow to speak with the Secretary General and speak at the UN General Assembly, and in particular, to remind of this issue that we expect, as far as it's possible, this mission to be launched – and not along the contact line, as the Russian Federation suggests, but throughout the occupied territory of Ukraine," Prystaiko emphasized.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Prystaiko will take part in a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on February 20 regarding the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.


unian--2020-02-18--Donbas escalation: Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops, try to penetrate line of conta

Donbas escalation: Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops, try to penetrate line of contact

At the moment , active combat is ongoing .
Ukrainian forces have suffered losses amid enemy shelling .
Russian-led forces attacked Ukrainian positions near the villages of Novotoshkivske , Orikhove , Krymske , and Khutir Vilny in the morning of February 18 .
The occupiers are firing proscribed 120mm mortars , as well as grenade launchers of various types , and heavy machine guns , as reported by the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation on Facebook .
Supported by massive fire , Russian invaders launched an offensive operation , attempting to advance across the contact line .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing .
Ukrainian forces have suffered losses amid enemy shelling .
It is noted that the Joint Forces have delivered an adequate response and are now trying to suppress enemy fire .
Enemy losses are being specified .
Read also '' We 're all in this fight together '' : Pompeo tells of meeting with Ukrainian wounded soldier Journalist Yuriy Butusov says the battle started at 05:00 Kyiv time .
`` The battle in the town of Zolote has been ongoing from 05:00 .
The situation at the frontline remains very difficult ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear the rumble of artillery very well , '' he wrote on Facebook .
On Monday , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted eight attacks on Ukrainian positions .
The enemy opened fire , employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , and heavy machine guns , the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation said .
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Hnutove , Pavlopil , Pisky , Vodiane , Berezove , and Orikhove .
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops in @ @ @ @

At the moment, active combat is ongoing. Ukrainian forces have suffered losses amid enemy shelling.
Russian-led forces attacked Ukrainian positions near the villages of Novotoshkivske, Orikhove, Krymske, and Khutir Vilny in the morning of February 18.
The occupiers are firing proscribed 120mm mortars, as well as grenade launchers of various types, and heavy machine guns, as reported by the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation on Facebook.
Supported by massive fire, Russian invaders launched an offensive operation, attempting to advance across the contact line.
At the moment, active combat is ongoing. Ukrainian forces have suffered losses amid enemy shelling.
It is noted that the Joint Forces have delivered an adequate response and are now trying to suppress enemy fire. Enemy losses are being specified.
Read also"We're all in this fight together": Pompeo tells of meeting with Ukrainian wounded soldier
Journalist Yuriy Butusov says the battle started at 05:00 Kyiv time.
"The battle in the town of Zolote has been ongoing from 05:00. The situation at the frontline remains very difficult; residents of Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Popasna hear the rumble of artillery very well," he wrote on Facebook.
On Monday, Russia's hybrid military forces mounted eight attacks on Ukrainian positions.
The enemy opened fire, employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, and heavy machine guns, the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said.
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Hnutove, Pavlopil, Pisky, Vodiane, Berezove, and Orikhove.
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops in the past day.


unian--2020-02-18--Next prisoner swap may take place ahead of Normandy Four summit – Prystaiko

Ukraine hopes that the next meeting of the Normandy Four leaders will be held as early as this April .
The next major exchange of held persons between Ukraine and Russia is expected before the summit in the Normandy format ( Ukraine , Russia , France , and Germany ) , says Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko .
`` We 've made a big exchange – many Ukrainians returned home .
And we plan to have made a big prisoner swap by the next meeting , '' Prystaiko told the Svoboda Slova [ Freedom of Speech ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomat said the next exchange of held persons was planned to be carried out before the meeting of the leaders of the `` Normandy Four '' .
According to him , Ukraine hopes that the next summit in the Normandy format will be held as early as this April .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on December 29 , 2019 , at the Mayorske checkpoint in Donetsk region , an exchange of held persons was held between the Ukrainian side and representatives of the occupied territories .
A total of 76 persons were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 64 civilians ) in exchange for 124 persons from the list drawn by the other side .

Ukraine hopes that the next meeting of the Normandy Four leaders will be held as early as this April.
The next major exchange of held persons between Ukraine and Russia is expected before the summit in the Normandy format (Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany), says Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko.
"We've made a big exchange – many Ukrainians returned home. And we plan to have made a big prisoner swap by the next meeting," Prystaiko told the Svoboda Slova [Freedom of Speech] panel show on ICTV.
The top diplomat said the next exchange of held persons was planned to be carried out before the meeting of the leaders of the "Normandy Four".
Видео дня
Read alsoRussia names condition for holding Normandy Four summit
According to him, Ukraine hopes that the next summit in the Normandy format will be held as early as this April.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on December 29, 2019, at the Mayorske checkpoint in Donetsk region, an exchange of held persons was held between the Ukrainian side and representatives of the occupied territories. A total of 76 persons were returned to Ukraine (12 military and 64 civilians) in exchange for 124 persons from the list drawn by the other side.


unian--2020-02-18--Avakov elaborates on idea of joint patrolling in Donbas

He also explained why Ukraine needs a law on collaborators .
During the transition period with the start of local elections in Donbas , representatives of the Ukrainian police , a peacekeeping mission , and territorial communities will be allowed to jointly patrol the territory , according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov .
At the same time , the fundamental question is to prevent militants and those who have committed crimes from getting on those patrol teams this , Avakov told the Svoboda Slova [ Freedom of Speech ] panel show on ICTV , Ukrayinska Pravda reports .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Affairs , the Ukrainian police , a representative of some peacekeeping mission ( OSCE and some other mission ) , and representatives of territorial communities , '' Avakov said , commenting on the planned composition of patrol teams .
He referred to the Croatian experience of setting up and managing such joint patrolling forces .
Avakov has noted that , while being a complex issue , it remains one of the few successful practices toward peace .
The task of such forces is to ensure law and order until the Ukrainian authorities once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory of Donbas .
At the same time , the Minister notes that Ukraine will not allow on the joint patrolling teams those involved in hostilities , killings , and efforts to help establish occupation authorities .
According to Avakov , the participation of representatives of territorial communities in the `` transitional police forces '' is a `` thin ice for speculation . ''
That is why it is necessary to clearly define and formulate the issue .
Minsk accords say all self-styled `` authorities '' and illegal groups must dissolve so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in joint patrols , Avakov assured the audience .
`` As soon as the elections are held , new bodies start working .
These are the bodies provided for by the Constitution of Ukraine , and there can be no others .
The border should be completely under the control of Ukrainian border guards , maybe they will be reinforced additionally in order to avoid any nuances , '' the minister explained , adding that border control is another security condition for holding elections .
Avakov also believes that the militants will withdraw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is noted that the Ukrainian police will play a key role in the `` transitional police forces . ''
At the same time , Avakov suggested that among the officials with the Ministry of Internal Affairs there will be many IDPs from Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
As the head of the ministry explained , the process should be as follows : when the Ukrainian police are deployed in Donbas , representatives of local communities join them in the presence of international forces .
Then they begin joint patrolling .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be re-established .
However , Avakov agrees that it is impossible to do this within a day due to the considerable length of the border .
Read alsoUkraine says OSCE SMM 's freedom of movement in Donbas still restricted On the question of transitional justice , namely , how to determine who has committed crimes , who can be involved in joint patrols and who ca n't , the minister said it would be necessary to pass the so-called law `` on collaborators . ''
`` It does not concern those who performed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors and the like .
But those who performed the repressive function , killing and shooting , will not be 'covered with forgiveness ' , '' the minister said .
As UNIAN reported on February 15 , President In Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that joint patrols , consisting of Ukrainians , representatives of the occupied territories , and OSCE SMM observers , ensure security in the temporarily occupied territories during preparations for local elections .
Ukrainian authorities earlier said they aimed to hold local elections throughout the country in October 2020 , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimea .

He also explained why Ukraine needs a law on collaborators.
During the transition period with the start of local elections in Donbas, representatives of the Ukrainian police, a peacekeeping mission, and territorial communities will be allowed to jointly patrol the territory, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov.
At the same time, the fundamental question is to prevent militants and those who have committed crimes from getting on those patrol teams this, Avakov told the Svoboda Slova [Freedom of Speech] panel show on ICTV, Ukrayinska Pravda reports.
"A representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ukrainian police, a representative of some peacekeeping mission (OSCE and some other mission), and representatives of territorial communities," Avakov said, commenting on the planned composition of patrol teams.
Видео дня
He referred to the Croatian experience of setting up and managing such joint patrolling forces. Avakov has noted that, while being a complex issue, it remains one of the few successful practices toward peace.
The task of such forces is to ensure law and order until the Ukrainian authorities once again begin to operate in the deoccupied territory of Donbas.
At the same time, the Minister notes that Ukraine will not allow on the joint patrolling teams those involved in hostilities, killings, and efforts to help establish occupation authorities.
Read alsoUkraine's interior minister explains "joint patrolling" in Donbas during future elections
According to Avakov, the participation of representatives of territorial communities in the "transitional police forces" is a "thin ice for speculation." That is why it is necessary to clearly define and formulate the issue.
Minsk accords say all self-styled "authorities" and illegal groups must dissolve so they will not be able to take part in joint patrols, Avakov assured the audience.
"As soon as the elections are held, new bodies start working. These are the bodies provided for by the Constitution of Ukraine, and there can be no others. The border should be completely under the control of Ukrainian border guards, maybe they will be reinforced additionally in order to avoid any nuances," the minister explained, adding that border control is another security condition for holding elections.
Avakov also believes that the militants will withdraw from Donbas along with the occupying forces. It is noted that the Ukrainian police will play a key role in the "transitional police forces." At the same time, Avakov suggested that among the officials with the Ministry of Internal Affairs there will be many IDPs from Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
As the head of the ministry explained, the process should be as follows: when the Ukrainian police are deployed in Donbas, representatives of local communities join them in the presence of international forces. Then they begin joint patrolling.
At the same time, border control should be re-established. However, Avakov agrees that it is impossible to do this within a day due to the considerable length of the border.
Read alsoUkraine says OSCE SMM's freedom of movement in Donbas still restricted
On the question of transitional justice, namely, how to determine who has committed crimes, who can be involved in joint patrols and who can't, the minister said it would be necessary to pass the so-called law "on collaborators."
"It does not concern those who performed the 'social' function – teachers, doctors and the like. But those who performed the repressive function, killing and shooting, will not be 'covered with forgiveness'," the minister said.
As UNIAN reported on February 15, President In Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that joint patrols, consisting of Ukrainians, representatives of the occupied territories, and OSCE SMM observers, ensure security in the temporarily occupied territories during preparations for local elections.
Ukrainian authorities earlier said they aimed to hold local elections throughout the country in October 2020, including the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea.


unian--2020-02-18--Fox News: Barr taps network of prosecutors to review Russia-Ukraine cases

Barr has tapped U.S. Attorney Scott Brady from Pittsburgh to handle the Ukraine information .
Attorney General Bill Barr has tapped a growing number of federal prosecutors across the country to review high-profile Russia probes involving Trump associates and consider emerging allegations tied to Ukraine , in a bold but risky move that comes as he faces mounting criticism and even resignation calls from congressional Democrats who allege he 's protecting the president .
On Friday , Fox News reported that Barr appointed Jeff Jensen , the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri , to review the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Justice Department officials told Fox News Jensen would be working hand-in-hand with Brandon Van Grack , the lead prosecutor in the case .
It marked the latest example of Barr bringing on a federal prosecutor to examine a politically charged case .
Read alsoAmbassador Taylor : 'No one ' at State Department believed Trump conspiracy theory about Ukraine election meddling – Newsweek Flynn 's case has gone through years of twists and turns , with sentencing postponed repeatedly over the last two years .
Flynn 's supporters have insisted he is innocent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his son was threatened with prosecution and he exhausted his financial resources .
Flynn pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI about his communications with former Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak as part of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller 's Russia investigation .
But Barr 's move to tap Jensen comes after Flynn and his attorney Sidney Powell last month moved to withdraw his guilty plea , citing `` the government ’ s bad faith , vindictiveness and breach of the plea agreement . ''
The move to withdraw his plea came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course to recommend up to six months of prison time for him , alleging he was not fully cooperating or accepting responsibility for his actions .
The DOJ later backed down .
The announcement of Jensen 's appointment came at the end of a dramatic week at the Justice Department related to another Trump associate – Stone .
Federal prosecutors last week recommended a sentence of between 87 and 108 months in prison for Stone after he was convicted on seven counts of obstruction , witness tampering and making false statements to Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's probe .
But in a stunning reversal , as Fox News first reported , the DOJ overruled the prosecutors on the case , scaling back the proposed sentence for Stone , which immediately led Democrats to accuse Trump of interfering in the process by earlier tweeting about his displeasure with the Justice Department .
Trump denied it .
Barr , though , spoke up for DOJ independence when he urged Trump against tweeting on justice matters and said it makes it `` impossible '' for him to do his job .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors to review DOJ cases .
Last week , Barr confirmed that the Justice Department was reviewing information about Ukraine coming to the agency from the president 's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and others .
Barr has tapped U.S. Attorney Scott Brady from Pittsburgh to handle the Ukraine information , Fox News has learned .
That review comes after the president was acquitted on charges – abuse of power and obstruction of Congress – stemming from the Ukraine controversy .
Giuliani for months has focused on the circumstances surrounding Hunter Biden 's past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burisma Holdings and his father Joe Biden 's role in ousting a prosecutor who had been looking into the firm 's founder .
The impeachment of Trump focused largely on his efforts to press Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate that issue .
CBS News first reported last week that the review , which has been going on for several weeks , will go beyond the Biden-Ukraine connection .

Barr has tapped U.S. Attorney Scott Brady from Pittsburgh to handle the Ukraine information.
Attorney General Bill Barr has tapped a growing number of federal prosecutors across the country to review high-profile Russia probes involving Trump associates and consider emerging allegations tied to Ukraine, in a bold but risky move that comes as he faces mounting criticism and even resignation calls from congressional Democrats who allege he's protecting the president.
On Friday, Fox News reported that Barr appointed Jeff Jensen, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, to review the case of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Justice Department officials told Fox News Jensen would be working hand-in-hand with Brandon Van Grack, the lead prosecutor in the case.
It marked the latest example of Barr bringing on a federal prosecutor to examine a politically charged case.
Видео дня
Read alsoAmbassador Taylor: 'No one' at State Department believed Trump conspiracy theory about Ukraine election meddling – Newsweek
Flynn's case has gone through years of twists and turns, with sentencing postponed repeatedly over the last two years. Flynn's supporters have insisted he is innocent but was forced to plead guilty when his son was threatened with prosecution and he exhausted his financial resources.
Flynn pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI about his communications with former Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak as part of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.
But Barr's move to tap Jensen comes after Flynn and his attorney Sidney Powell last month moved to withdraw his guilty plea, citing "the government’s bad faith, vindictiveness and breach of the plea agreement." The move to withdraw his plea came just days after the Justice Department reversed course to recommend up to six months of prison time for him, alleging he was not fully cooperating or accepting responsibility for his actions. The DOJ later backed down.
The announcement of Jensen's appointment came at the end of a dramatic week at the Justice Department related to another Trump associate – Stone.
Federal prosecutors last week recommended a sentence of between 87 and 108 months in prison for Stone after he was convicted on seven counts of obstruction, witness tampering and making false statements to Congress on charges that also stemmed from Mueller's probe.
But in a stunning reversal, as Fox News first reported, the DOJ overruled the prosecutors on the case, scaling back the proposed sentence for Stone, which immediately led Democrats to accuse Trump of interfering in the process by earlier tweeting about his displeasure with the Justice Department. Trump denied it.
Barr, though, spoke up for DOJ independence when he urged Trump against tweeting on justice matters and said it makes it "impossible" for him to do his job.
Meanwhile, Barr has tapped other several federal prosecutors to review DOJ cases.
Last week, Barr confirmed that the Justice Department was reviewing information about Ukraine coming to the agency from the president's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and others. Barr has tapped U.S. Attorney Scott Brady from Pittsburgh to handle the Ukraine information, Fox News has learned.
That review comes after the president was acquitted on charges – abuse of power and obstruction of Congress – stemming from the Ukraine controversy.
Giuliani for months has focused on the circumstances surrounding Hunter Biden's past board position with Ukrainian natural gas firm Burisma Holdings and his father Joe Biden's role in ousting a prosecutor who had been looking into the firm's founder. The impeachment of Trump focused largely on his efforts to press Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate that issue.
CBS News first reported last week that the review, which has been going on for several weeks, will go beyond the Biden-Ukraine connection.


unian--2020-02-18--Ukraine's Foreign Minister Prystaiko says there's threat of war between Belarus and Russia

The minister says he sees two scenarios for Belarus .
Ukraine 's Minister of Foreign Affairs Vadym Prystaiko says there is a threat of war between Belarus and Russia as Moscow may act against Minsk 's independence .
`` A few years ago I talked with several Belarusian journalists , and when I officially told them that if they want to remain independent , they will face the same war , the same challenges and the same suffering as we did , they expressed doubts , '' he said in an interview for the Czech publication Respekt , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now they have less doubt . ''
Read alsoRussia 's MFA Lavrov : NATO `` has nothing to do with Ukraine , '' should n't interfere in Donbas talks Yet , he said he still hoped such scenario would not happen .
`` Of course , I still hope I 'm wrong .
The Belarusians are calm and patient .
But we were calm and patient – and this lasts until they start killing you .
Then you start killing [ them ] too .
Even if the enemy is stronger , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
he said .
In his opinion , Minsk has two options : `` owing to foreign partners , to be prudent and calm – and lose , or start fighting right now . ''

The minister says he sees two scenarios for Belarus.
Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Vadym Prystaiko says there is a threat of war between Belarus and Russia as Moscow may act against Minsk's independence.
"A few years ago I talked with several Belarusian journalists, and when I officially told them that if they want to remain independent, they will face the same war, the same challenges and the same suffering as we did, they expressed doubts," he said in an interview for the Czech publication Respekt, according to the news portal strana.ua. "Perhaps now they have less doubt."
Read alsoRussia's MFA Lavrov: NATO "has nothing to do with Ukraine," shouldn't interfere in Donbas talks
Видео дня
Yet, he said he still hoped such scenario would not happen.
"Of course, I still hope I'm wrong. The Belarusians are calm and patient. But we were calm and patient – and this lasts until they start killing you. Then you start killing [them] too. Even if the enemy is stronger, what else is there for you to do?" he said.
In his opinion, Minsk has two options: "owing to foreign partners, to be prudent and calm – and lose, or start fighting right now."