unian--2020-05-17--Week's balance: Cabinet allows reopening of non-food markets, Rada eases taxes for businesses pendin

Week's balance: Cabinet allows reopening of non-food markets, Rada eases taxes for businesses pending quarantine, hryvnia beefs up

In the past week , Ukrainians could once again enjoy long-forgotten walks in parks earlier banned due to tough quarantine and visit the reopened non-grocery stores , while some lucky ones booked an appointment with their hairdresser .
Meanwhile , the government approved a series of new quarantine concessions .
At an extraordinary meeting , the Cabinet of Ministers decided to allow the reopening of non-food markets that had been closed for two months .
`` If non-grocery stores operate , markets must also be opened .
Under the same conditions as food markets : with all safety measures applied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said President Volodymyr Zelensky .
This means that soon in Ukraine , clothing , furniture , household , and other markets will start operating in compliance with the usual rules : sanitizing , face masks , and social distancing .
The Cabinet of Ministers allowed Ukrainians to move outside in groups of up to eight ( previously it was two ) and eased restrictions on the operation of open-air terraces and verandas in restaurants and cafes with up to four patrons per table .
Also in the past week , the Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million jobs .
Most officials plan to create them in the field of road construction and transport infrastructure ( 154,000 ) .
Another 150,000 – in the field of municipal services , and 85,000 – in agriculture .
The government also intends to create jobs in micro and small businesses and stimulate entrepreneurship .
The Cabinet says that for half of these ideas , budget money has already been found .
`` There is money in place .
We will now finalize along with other ministries the procedure for its allocation , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trade , and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko .
It is worth noting that the official number of unemployed persons in Ukraine reached 487,000 in May .
Last week , the Verkhovna Rada at an extraordinary meeting contributed to the noble cause of supporting private entrepreneurs .
Legislators extended tax incentives for businesses for the period of quarantine .
Sanctions shall not be applied over violations of tax laws committed from March 1 and penalty shall not be accrued until the last calendar day of the month when the quarantine ends .
At the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was extended , while individuals-entrepreneurs were exempted from paying a single social contribution until May 31 , 2020 .
Deputies voted to allow self-employed persons not to pay a single social contribution , which excludes double payment of this tax by individual entrepreneurs who are also listed as self-employed .
But seniority and pension payments to such persons will not be accrued .
Also , the Rada adopted at first reading a bill on state support for art , creative industries , and tourism , which were most affected by restrictive measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ industries and soften taxation .
For these purposes , it is proposed to allocate UAH 600 million from the Stabilization Fund for financing measures to combat the pandemic .
`` By this law , we offer mitigation for the period of quarantine and until year-end .
We are introducing a grant support system for the spheres of culture , creative industry , and tourism , '' said Oleksandr Tkachenko , head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on humanitarian and information policy .
On the eve of the vote on the bill , industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across Ukraine held a `` Stop Cultural Quarantine '' flash mob , illuminating the night sky with hundreds of massive light beams .
In this way , activists wanted to draw the attention of the authorities and public to the problems of art and entertainment industries , which have been incurring great losses since quarantine start .
By the way , from May 18 , the Rada decided to resume its work in regular mode , although face masks remain a must .
In the past week , the national currency saw a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollar for several days in a row .
Early this week , the hryvnia rate stood at UAH 27.05 to the dollar and on Friday it reached the level of UAH 26.67 at the NBU official .
There is an upward trend , especially compared with pre-quarantine indicators of early March when the Ukrainian currency fell to UAH 28 to the dollar , although in January-February , the dollar traded for UAH 24 .
But , obviously , the consequences of a coronacrisis wo n't let the hryvnia rebound so much anytime soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hryvnia showed relative stability , having fixed at around UAH 26.7 to the dollar .
Against this background , domestic farmers accelerated the pace of grain supplies and approached the completion of the export season , selling overseas a significant 52.4 million tonnes of the planned 52 million .
Meanwhile , the largest global furniture and household retail chain IKEA has finally launched operations in Ukraine .
For the moment , Ukrainians are only able to order products online with home delivery or pick up orders in Kyiv .
Next week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine relaxation .
From May 22 , the government intends to allow the reopening of kindergartens , a partial relaunch of public transport , as well as the start of sports competitions and school finals .
Prerequisites for such easing are in place : for the first time in Ukraine in a day , from Wednesday to Thursday , the number of coronavirus recoveries exceeded that of new cases .
However , the total count of over 17,000 patients across country stresses the need to wear face masks and not treat own health @ @

The Cabinet of Ministers decided to open non-food markets across country, the Verkhovna Rada eased tax pressure on businesses for the quarantine period and supported the arts and entertainment industries, while the national currency showed a slight, but steady growth.
In the past week, Ukrainians could once again enjoy long-forgotten walks in parks earlier banned due to tough quarantine and visit the reopened non-grocery stores, while some lucky ones booked an appointment with their hairdresser. Meanwhile, the government approved a series of new quarantine concessions.
At an extraordinary meeting, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to allow the reopening of non-food markets that had been closed for two months.
"If non-grocery stores operate, markets must also be opened. Under the same conditions as food markets: with all safety measures applied to minimize the risks of infection," said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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This means that soon in Ukraine, clothing, furniture, household, and other markets will start operating in compliance with the usual rules: sanitizing, face masks, and social distancing.
The Cabinet of Ministers allowed Ukrainians to move outside in groups of up to eight (previously it was two) and eased restrictions on the operation of open-air terraces and verandas in restaurants and cafes with up to four patrons per table.
Also in the past week, the Cabinet presented a program for creating half a million jobs. Most officials plan to create them in the field of road construction and transport infrastructure (154,000). Another 150,000 – in the field of municipal services, and 85,000 – in agriculture.
The government also intends to create jobs in micro and small businesses and stimulate entrepreneurship. The Cabinet says that for half of these ideas, budget money has already been found.
"There is money in place. We will now finalize along with other ministries the procedure for its allocation," said Minister for Development of Economy, Trade, and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko.
It is worth noting that the official number of unemployed persons in Ukraine reached 487,000 in May.
Parliament supports businesses
Last week, the Verkhovna Rada at an extraordinary meeting contributed to the noble cause of supporting private entrepreneurs.
Legislators extended tax incentives for businesses for the period of quarantine. Sanctions shall not be applied over violations of tax laws committed from March 1 and penalty shall not be accrued until the last calendar day of the month when the quarantine ends. At the same time, the moratorium on conducting audit was extended, while individuals-entrepreneurs were exempted from paying a single social contribution until May 31, 2020.
Deputies voted to allow self-employed persons not to pay a single social contribution, which excludes double payment of this tax by individual entrepreneurs who are also listed as self-employed. But seniority and pension payments to such persons will not be accrued.
Also, the Rada adopted at first reading a bill on state support for art, creative industries, and tourism, which were most affected by restrictive measures.
The bill introduces grants to support these industries and soften taxation. For these purposes, it is proposed to allocate UAH 600 million from the Stabilization Fund for financing measures to combat the pandemic.
"By this law, we offer mitigation for the period of quarantine and until year-end. We are introducing a grant support system for the spheres of culture, creative industry, and tourism," said Oleksandr Tkachenko, head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on humanitarian and information policy.
On the eve of the vote on the bill, industry representatives in Kyiv and other large cities across Ukraine held a "Stop Cultural Quarantine" flash mob, illuminating the night sky with hundreds of massive light beams. In this way, activists wanted to draw the attention of the authorities and public to the problems of art and entertainment industries, which have been incurring great losses since quarantine start.
By the way, from May 18, the Rada decided to resume its work in regular mode, although face masks remain a must.
Stable hryvnia and long-awaited IKEA launch
In the past week, the national currency saw a slight strengthening, beefing up against the dollar for several days in a row. Early this week, the hryvnia rate stood at UAH 27.05 to the dollar and on Friday it reached the level of UAH 26.67 at the NBU official.
There is an upward trend, especially compared with pre-quarantine indicators of early March when the Ukrainian currency fell to UAH 28 to the dollar, although in January-February, the dollar traded for UAH 24. But, obviously, the consequences of a coronacrisis won't let the hryvnia rebound so much anytime soon.
However, in recent days, the hryvnia showed relative stability, having fixed at around UAH 26.7 to the dollar.
Against this background, domestic farmers accelerated the pace of grain supplies and approached the completion of the export season, selling overseas a significant 52.4 million tonnes of the planned 52 million.
Meanwhile, the largest global furniture and household retail chain IKEA has finally launched operations in Ukraine. For the moment, Ukrainians are only able to order products online with home delivery or pick up orders in Kyiv.
Next week, Ukraine may enter a new phase of quarantine relaxation. From May 22, the government intends to allow the reopening of kindergartens, a partial relaunch of public transport, as well as the start of sports competitions and school finals.
Prerequisites for such easing are in place: for the first time in Ukraine in a day, from Wednesday to Thursday, the number of coronavirus recoveries exceeded that of new cases. However, the total count of over 17,000 patients across country stresses the need to wear face masks and not treat own health frivolously.
Anna Nahorna


unian--2020-05-17--Reuters: Police use tear gas on Polish protestors demanding businesses reopen

Poland has been steadily loosening coronavirus restrictions in recent weeks in an effort to cushion the economy .
Police in Warsaw used tear gas on Saturday , May 16 , against protestors demanding the government act faster to allow businesses to reopen following a coronavirus shutdown .
Hundreds of protestors gathered in Warsaw 's Old Town in the early afternoon , carrying signs saying `` Work and bread '' and `` It will be normal again , '' as reported by Reuters .
Poland has been steadily loosening coronavirus restrictions in recent weeks in an effort to cushion the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen with new safety measures in place on Monday .
But the protestors , who have gathered in Warsaw repeatedly in recent weeks , say restrictions need to be lifted further in order for them to sustain their livelihoods .
Police blocked the planned march , saying in a statement published on Twitter that public gatherings are still banned under the government restrictions .
`` Unfortunately we are dealing with cases of aggression towards police .
Due to the attacks on civil servants , we used methods of direct confrontation such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Warsaw police said in a tweet .
Jacek Bury , a senator and member of Poland 's main opposition grouping , the Civic Coalition , said he was detained by police during the protest and that they used force against him .
As a senator , Bury would have immunity from being prosecuted for taking part in the protest and breaking coronavirus restrictions .
The police said on Twitter that they did not detain anyone who held state immunity , arguing the senator had entered a police vehicle himself and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the head of the Civic Coalition , said on Twitter that he expected the interior minister and the head of Warsaw 's police service to explain the use of force during Saturday 's protest .
The organizers of the protest were not immediately available for comment .
The government has said that some restrictions need to remain in place for some time still , to ensure public safety and prevent the virus spread from accelerating .
Poland has confirmed 18,257 cases of coronavirus and 915 deaths .

Poland has been steadily loosening coronavirus restrictions in recent weeks in an effort to cushion the economy.
Police in Warsaw used tear gas on Saturday, May 16, against protestors demanding the government act faster to allow businesses to reopen following a coronavirus shutdown.
Hundreds of protestors gathered in Warsaw's Old Town in the early afternoon, carrying signs saying "Work and bread" and "It will be normal again," as reported by Reuters.
Read alsoRallies downtown Kyiv: Entrepreneurs protesting against lockdowns, traffic blocked (Photo, video)
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Poland has been steadily loosening coronavirus restrictions in recent weeks in an effort to cushion the economy. Hair salons and restaurants are expected to reopen with new safety measures in place on Monday.
But the protestors, who have gathered in Warsaw repeatedly in recent weeks, say restrictions need to be lifted further in order for them to sustain their livelihoods.
Police blocked the planned march, saying in a statement published on Twitter that public gatherings are still banned under the government restrictions.
"Unfortunately we are dealing with cases of aggression towards police. Due to the attacks on civil servants, we used methods of direct confrontation such as physical force and (tear) gas," the Warsaw police said in a tweet.
Jacek Bury, a senator and member of Poland's main opposition grouping, the Civic Coalition, said he was detained by police during the protest and that they used force against him.
As a senator, Bury would have immunity from being prosecuted for taking part in the protest and breaking coronavirus restrictions.
The police said on Twitter that they did not detain anyone who held state immunity, arguing the senator had entered a police vehicle himself and refused to leave it.
Borys Budka, the head of the Civic Coalition, said on Twitter that he expected the interior minister and the head of Warsaw's police service to explain the use of force during Saturday's protest.
The organizers of the protest were not immediately available for comment.
The government has said that some restrictions need to remain in place for some time still, to ensure public safety and prevent the virus spread from accelerating.
Poland has confirmed 18,257 cases of coronavirus and 915 deaths.


unian--2020-05-17--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 18,200 on May 17

Of them , 433 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
The number of confirmed cases of the @ @ @ @ @ 17,800 on Sunday morning .
In particular , there were 18,291 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv time on May 17 , according to the National Security and Defense Council ( @ @ @ @ @ , 433 cases were reported in the past 24 hours , which was 95 cases @ @ @ @ @ 528 cases ) .
A total of 514 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in @ @ @ @ @ reported in the past 24 hours .
Some 5,116 patients have recovered , including 210 @ @ @ @ @ There are 45,038 people with suspected COVID-19 in Ukraine now , the report said .

Of them, 433 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 17,800 on Sunday morning.
Read alsoNumber of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 4.6 mln
In particular, there were 18,291 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on May 17, according to the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC).
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Of them, 433 cases were reported in the past 24 hours, which was 95 cases down from May 16 (528 cases).
A total of 514 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country, with 17 reported in the past 24 hours.
Some 5,116 patients have recovered, including 210 over the past day.
There are 45,038 people with suspected COVID-19 in Ukraine now, the report said.


unian--2020-05-17--Ukraine reports six enemy attacks in Donbas on May 16

One Ukrainian soldier has been wounded as a result of enemy shelling since Sunday midnight .
Russia 's hybrid military @ @ @ @ @ six attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
`` The Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ ceasefire six times in the past day , '' the press center of Ukraine 's @ @ @ @ @ a Facebook update as of 08:00 Kyiv time on May 17 , 2020 .
Russia-led @ @ @ @ @ 120mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and small @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian positions near the town of Avdiyivka , and the villages of Novotroyitske , Hranitne @ @ @ @ @ Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling .
According to intelligence data , one members @ @ @ @ @ .
`` From Sunday midnight , Russia-led forces attacked Ukrainian positions twice near the town @ @ @ @ @ mortars , grenade launchers of various types , and small arms .
One Ukrainian soldier @ @ @ @ @ result of enemy shelling since day-start on Sunday , '' the update said .

One Ukrainian soldier has been wounded as a result of enemy shelling since Sunday midnight.
Russia's hybrid military forces on May 16 mounted six attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
Read alsoUkrainian troops destroy enemy firing position in Donbas (Video)
"The Russian Federation's armed groups violated the ceasefire six times in the past day," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 08:00 Kyiv time on May 17, 2020.
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Russia-led forces opened fire from proscribed 120mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Avdiyivka, and the villages of Novotroyitske, Hranitne, and Lebedynske.
Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling. According to intelligence data, one members of Russia-led forces was wounded.
"From Sunday midnight, Russia-led forces attacked Ukrainian positions twice near the town of Avdiyivka, using 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, and small arms. One Ukrainian soldier has been wounded as a result of enemy shelling since day-start on Sunday," the update said.


unian--2020-05-17--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 4.6 mln

The overall death toll is 311,824 people , while 1,693,685 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of @ @ @ @ @ world exceeded 4.6 million patients as of the morning of May 17 .
As many @ @ @ @ @ had been reported as of 08:00 , May 17 .
Over the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ reported , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems @ @ @ @ @ ) at Johns Hopkins University .
The overall death toll is 311,824 people , while @ @ @ @ @ recovered .
Most cases were recorded in the United States ( 1,467,884 ) .
Then @ @ @ @ @ , Great Britain ( 241,461 ) , Brazil ( 233,511 ) , and Spain ( @ @ @ @ @ as 188 countries have been affected by the virus .

The overall death toll is 311,824 people, while 1,693,685 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 4.6 million patients as of the morning of May 17.
Read alsoSpecial digital dashboard introduced to track Ukrainians on quarantine
As many as 4,635,830 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 08:00, May 17. Over the past 24 hours, 92,920 new cases were reported, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
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The overall death toll is 311,824 people, while 1,693,685 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
Most cases were recorded in the United States (1,467,884). Then come Russia (272,043), Great Britain (241,461), Brazil (233,511), and Spain (320,698).
As many as 188 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-05-18--Outrage in Ukraine over interviews with Russian warlord, Crimea turncoat ex-prosecutor

Activists believe interviewing a terrorist who used to organize and lead armed units that fought Ukrainian troops in Donbas equals promoting terrorism .
The two interviews aired over the course of just one week on a YouTube channel of Ukraine 's long-standing and rather controversial media figure and host Dmitriy Gordon have sparked massive public outrage and even drew attention of the officials and law enforcement .
Gordon , who has largely been off the Ukrainian TV networks over the past years , focusing on his YouTube channel , raised many eyebrows as he uploaded last week an interview with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who flipped sides during the Crimea annexation , acquired Russian citizenship and secured the post of chief prosecutor for the occupied peninsula before making it to Russia 's State Duma in the latest elections held including in the seized Crimea , which Ukraine has repeatedly stressed must not be recognized .
The latest interview , aired on May 18 , was with an infamous Igor Girkin ( aka Strelkov ) , a Russian military veteran who led Moscow 's proxy forces in Donbas at the onset of Kremlin 's aggression in Ukraine 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the four suspects in the MH17 downing trial ongoing in the Netherlands .
Read alsoTerrorist leader Girkin says not to testify in MH17 trial Activists , who in the late hours of Monday rallied outside Gordon 's office in Kyiv , believe interviewing a terrorist who used to organize and lead armed units that fought Ukrainian troops in Donbas equals promoting terrorism and that it is unacceptable to provide a media platform for war criminals and persons who have committed state treason .
Journalists and opinion leaders took to social networks to share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian host , with some expressing sheer disgust at the attempt to legitimize war criminals in the media space , some stating the fact that the interviews were anything but hard talk , being just way too convenient for speakers , and some raising questions : who fixed those interviews and for what purpose the provocative content is being broadcast .
After the Poklonskaya interview was published , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's envoy for Crimea , Anton Korinevych , said : `` The only kind of interviews and conversations with persons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the foundations of national security of Ukraine , war crimes , prosecution of pro-Ukrainian activists and the unlawful ban of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people ) that we can and will listen to is the testimony of such persons in the framework of the relevant criminal proceedings in the status of suspects .
Such persons should bear responsibility before the country for committing high treason and before the society – for committing war crimes . ''
Korinevich added that those who contributed to the occupation of Crimea can not and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Crimeans . ''
Meanwhile , the SBU security service of Ukraine said they would look into the interview with Igor Girkin to check whether Ukrainian legislation was violated .
In turn , Deputy Prosecutor General Gunduz Mammadov in a comment to reporters noted that it is `` fairly common practice '' worldwide to use in criminal proceedings information obtained from interviews with suspects .

Activists believe interviewing a terrorist who used to organize and lead armed units that fought Ukrainian troops in Donbas equals promoting terrorism.
The two interviews aired over the course of just one week on a YouTube channel of Ukraine's long-standing and rather controversial media figure and host Dmitriy Gordon have sparked massive public outrage and even drew attention of the officials and law enforcement.
Gordon, who has largely been off the Ukrainian TV networks over the past years, focusing on his YouTube channel, raised many eyebrows as he uploaded last week an interview with Natalia Poklonskaya, an odious Crimean prosecutor who flipped sides during the Crimea annexation, acquired Russian citizenship and secured the post of chief prosecutor for the occupied peninsula before making it to Russia's State Duma in the latest elections held including in the seized Crimea, which Ukraine has repeatedly stressed must not be recognized.
The latest interview, aired on May 18, was with an infamous Igor Girkin (aka Strelkov), a Russian military veteran who led Moscow's proxy forces in Donbas at the onset of Kremlin's aggression in Ukraine's east.
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Girkin is also one of the four suspects in the MH17 downing trial ongoing in the Netherlands.
Read alsoTerrorist leader Girkin says not to testify in MH17 trial
Activists, who in the late hours of Monday rallied outside Gordon's office in Kyiv, believe interviewing a terrorist who used to organize and lead armed units that fought Ukrainian troops in Donbas equals promoting terrorism and that it is unacceptable to provide a media platform for war criminals and persons who have committed state treason.
Journalists and opinion leaders took to social networks to share their indignation over the recent stunts by the Ukrainian host, with some expressing sheer disgust at the attempt to legitimize war criminals in the media space, some stating the fact that the interviews were anything but hard talk, being just way too convenient for speakers, and some raising questions: who fixed those interviews and for what purpose the provocative content is being broadcast.
After the Poklonskaya interview was published, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's envoy for Crimea, Anton Korinevych, said: "The only kind of interviews and conversations with persons accused of grave crimes (including crimes against the foundations of national security of Ukraine, war crimes, prosecution of pro-Ukrainian activists and the unlawful ban of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people) that we can and will listen to is the testimony of such persons in the framework of the relevant criminal proceedings in the status of suspects. Such persons should bear responsibility before the country for committing high treason and before the society – for committing war crimes."
Korinevich added that those who contributed to the occupation of Crimea cannot and will not be considered the "voice of Crimeans."
Read alsoSecurity agency prevents provocations of pro-Russian forces in Odesa
Meanwhile, the SBU security service of Ukraine said they would look into the interview with Igor Girkin to check whether Ukrainian legislation was violated.
In turn, Deputy Prosecutor General Gunduz Mammadov in a comment to reporters noted that it is "fairly common practice" worldwide to use in criminal proceedings information obtained from interviews with suspects.


unian--2020-05-18--Corona crisis no obstacle to hryvnia: what to expect next

The coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing global economic crisis have dealt a serious blow to almost all economies worldwide and the well-being of most people .
Economists call the ongoing crisis much more severe than any global economic storm known to mankind .
A distinctive feature of economic issues traditional for Ukraine has always been a sharp fall in the national currency .
This was the case in the 1990s , in 2008 , and in 2014 , when the hryvnia rapidly depreciated , leaving Ukrainians sobbing over the savings lost .
After the coronavirus hit Ukraine this spring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which had abnormally beefed up late last year and remained at around UAH 23-24 to the dollar in winter months , would once again collapse .
But no rapid fall happened .
In March , at the peak of public anxiety and uncertainty , the national currency rate was expected to decline , but not critically – to UAH 28 to the dollar .
Against the background of hryvnia plunge by 50 percent or more in previous crises , such a decrease is almost invisible .
And in recent weeks , the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For a month already , at the official rate , it has n't breached the mark of UAH 27 per dollar , and with each day in May , it keeps regaining several kopiykas from the U.S. dollar .
This was partly due to the balanced policy of the National Bank , which in March sold more than $ 2 billion on the foreign exchange market in order to calm the excessive demand for foreign currency and smooth out fluctuations in the rate .
This resulted to such demand returning to a pre-quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stabilization .
Also , the contributing factors to the slight strengthening were the decrease in energy prices , the crisis-related decline in imports , as well as moderate inflation .
The current situation with the exchange rate is understandable , but any average Ukrainians are always concerned about what to expect next because they are used to reserve more trust for firm foreign currency , while remaining wary of their hryvnia .
Various scenarios are possible : as the pandemic suddenly hit the whole world , any long-term economic and , especially , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in winter , with the hryvnia gaining strength , most experts predicted a bright future and further growth .
And then came the coronavirus… Now , after the weakening of quarantine , the Ukrainian economy is taking small steps towards a gradual recovery by allowing some enterprises and businesses to resume operations .
According to current forecasts by the NBU , the economic situation in Q2 will be the worst in recent years , but as early as Q3 , once quarantine bans are lifted , the economy will relaunch toward a rapid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst days are already behind and at the same time the hryvnia was only lightly affected and is already regaining positions , then in the absence of possible shocks , Ukraine 's currency should remain at its current level where it fluctuates slightly around UAH 26-27 to the dollar .
Another stabilizing factor would be the assistance from the International Monetary Fund .
Ukraine has fulfilled the preliminary conditions required so the new program , designed to save the country from default , is spoken of as an almost accomplished fact .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect to receive from the IMF more than $ 1 billion , while the total amount of assistance will be over $ 5 billion .
Also , the IMF approval of a decision on further cooperation with Ukraine will greenlight financial assistance from other international partners : the European Union has already announced readiness to allocate half a billion euros .
External assistance , avoiding default , and covering the increased state budget deficit , should also increase Ukraine 's reliability in the eyes of the global financial community .
And this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of the national currency to gain a foothold in its current positions without sharp jumps – or maybe even strengthen However , there are some less optimistic scenarios .
According to forecasts of some international institutions , a serious drop in GDP , a decrease in exports , and international remittances will not leave hryvnia any chances to stay as strong so as early as this year it could plunge 25 % against the dollar .
This scenario also has the right to life , because the powerful blow of the coronacrisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnoticed , and Ukraine 's currency has always been sensitive to such shocks .
But whether the situation will develop in this way remains an open question .
According to this pessimistic forecast , the hryvnia will return to the level that preceded its sharp strengthening in late 2019 , that 's at UAH 29-29.5 to the dollar .
And at that time , not everyone appreciated the growth of the hryvnia positively , since the slide of the dollar affected Ukrainian exporters , while ordinary citizens felt no real relief , since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utility tariffs decreased .
Therefore , in the current conditions it is more important to prevent the impoverishment of Ukrainians and to preserve jobs and development opportunities for businesses .
Meanwhile , Ukrainians are quite accustomed to adapting to the exchange rate fluctuations in a stormy ocean of crises .

The coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing global economic crisis have dealt a serious blow to almost all economies worldwide and the well-being of most people. Economists call the ongoing crisis much more severe than any global economic storm known to mankind.
A distinctive feature of economic issues traditional for Ukraine has always been a sharp fall in the national currency. This was the case in the 1990s, in 2008, and in 2014, when the hryvnia rapidly depreciated, leaving Ukrainians sobbing over the savings lost.
After the coronavirus hit Ukraine this spring, it was expected that the hryvnia, which had abnormally beefed up late last year and remained at around UAH 23-24 to the dollar in winter months, would once again collapse.
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In recent weeks, the national currency either remained stable or strengthened
But no rapid fall happened. In March, at the peak of public anxiety and uncertainty, the national currency rate was expected to decline, but not critically – to UAH 28 to the dollar. Against the background of hryvnia plunge by 50 percent or more in previous crises, such a decrease is almost invisible. And in recent weeks, the national currency either remained stable or strengthened. For a month already, at the official rate, it hasn't breached the mark of UAH 27 per dollar, and with each day in May, it keeps regaining several kopiykas from the U.S. dollar.
This was partly due to the balanced policy of the National Bank, which in March sold more than $2 billion on the foreign exchange market in order to calm the excessive demand for foreign currency and smooth out fluctuations in the rate. This resulted to such demand returning to a pre-quarantine level, as well as to hryvnia stabilization.
Also, the contributing factors to the slight strengthening were the decrease in energy prices, the crisis-related decline in imports, as well as moderate inflation.
The current situation with the exchange rate is understandable, but any average Ukrainians are always concerned about what to expect next because they are used to reserve more trust for firm foreign currency, while remaining wary of their hryvnia.
Various scenarios are possible: as the pandemic suddenly hit the whole world, any long-term economic and, especially, forex forecasts are a no-go. Even in winter, with the hryvnia gaining strength, most experts predicted a bright future and further growth. And then came the coronavirus…
In Q3, once quarantine bans are lifted, the economy will relaunch toward a rapid recovery
Now, after the weakening of quarantine, the Ukrainian economy is taking small steps towards a gradual recovery by allowing some enterprises and businesses to resume operations. According to current forecasts by the NBU, the economic situation in Q2 will be the worst in recent years, but as early as Q3, once quarantine bans are lifted, the economy will relaunch toward a rapid recovery.
If we suggest that the worst days are already behind and at the same time the hryvnia was only lightly affected and is already regaining positions, then in the absence of possible shocks, Ukraine's currency should remain at its current level where it fluctuates slightly around UAH 26-27 to the dollar.
Another stabilizing factor would be the assistance from the International Monetary Fund. Ukraine has fulfilled the preliminary conditions required so the new program, designed to save the country from default, is spoken of as an almost accomplished fact.
By the end of May, Ukrainian authorities expect to receive from the IMF more than $1 billion, while the total amount of assistance will be over $5 billion. Also, the IMF approval of a decision on further cooperation with Ukraine will greenlight financial assistance from other international partners: the European Union has already announced readiness to allocate half a billion euros.
External assistance, avoiding default, and covering the increased state budget deficit, should also increase Ukraine's reliability in the eyes of the global financial community. And this, in turn, will allow the exchange rate of the national currency to gain a foothold in its current positions without sharp jumps – or maybe even strengthen
However, there are some less optimistic scenarios. According to forecasts of some international institutions, a serious drop in GDP, a decrease in exports, and international remittances will not leave hryvnia any chances to stay as strong so as early as this year it could plunge 25% against the dollar. This scenario also has the right to life, because the powerful blow of the coronacrisis to the world economy cannot go unnoticed, and Ukraine's currency has always been sensitive to such shocks.
But whether the situation will develop in this way remains an open question. According to this pessimistic forecast, the hryvnia will return to the level that preceded its sharp strengthening in late 2019, that's at UAH 29-29.5 to the dollar. And at that time, not everyone appreciated the growth of the hryvnia positively, since the slide of the dollar affected Ukrainian exporters, while ordinary citizens felt no real relief, since neither the prices in stores nor the utility tariffs decreased.
Therefore, in the current conditions it is more important to prevent the impoverishment of Ukrainians and to preserve jobs and development opportunities for businesses. Meanwhile, Ukrainians are quite accustomed to adapting to the exchange rate fluctuations in a stormy ocean of crises.
Kateryna Zhyriy


unian--2020-05-18--Ukraine hands to Georgia one of top IS terrorists detained in 2019

A citizen of Georgia , who goes by the name of Al-Bara Shishani , was one of the Islamic State top commanders .
Ukrainian authorities have extradited to Georgia one of the members of the Islamic State terrorist organization , whom Ukraine 's security operatives detained outside Kyiv in November 2019 .
The terrorist was handed over to Georgian law enforcement , reads the statement published by the SBU security service .
`` A citizen of Georgia , who goes by the name of , was on the international wanted list according to records of the Interpol General Secretariat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ top leadership , '' the statement says .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian authorities , in coordination with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and Georgia 's Interior Ministry , apprehended Al Bara Shishani in November 2019 .
The Georgian national had served as a deputy to Abu Omar al-Shishani , the man the Pentagon has described as the militant group 's `` minister of war . ''
After the latter was killed in 2016 , Al-Bara Shishani fled to Turkey and in 2018 used a fake passport to enter Ukraine , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's State Security Service ( SBU ) said .
He was detained in Kyiv region outside the house where he temporarily resided , hiding from arrest on murder charges , the SBU said .

A citizen of Georgia, who goes by the name of Al-Bara Shishani, was one of the Islamic State top commanders.
Ukrainian authorities have extradited to Georgia one of the members of the Islamic State terrorist organization, whom Ukraine's security operatives detained outside Kyiv in November 2019.
The terrorist was handed over to Georgian law enforcement, reads the statement published by the SBU security service.
"A citizen of Georgia, who goes by the name of, was on the international wanted list according to records of the Interpol General Secretariat. The perpetrator was a member of IS top leadership," the statement says.
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Read alsoRussia reviving ISIS threat in Europe – OSINT group
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian authorities, in coordination with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and Georgia's Interior Ministry, apprehended Al Bara Shishani in November 2019.
The Georgian national had served as a deputy to Abu Omar al-Shishani, the man the Pentagon has described as the militant group's "minister of war."
After the latter was killed in 2016, Al-Bara Shishani fled to Turkey and in 2018 used a fake passport to enter Ukraine, where he continued to coordinate IS activities, Ukraine's State Security Service (SBU) said.
He was detained in Kyiv region outside the house where he temporarily resided, hiding from arrest on murder charges, the SBU said.


unian--2020-05-18--Safety screens, social distancing, and sanitizers: Ukraine drafts recommendations for hotels ahead o

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has proposed that protective screens at hotel reception desks be installed , 1.5m social distancing marks on floors be made , and sanitizing be done every three to four hours among measures aimed to ensure public health amid gradual relaxing of quarantine bans .
Draft recommendations have been published for public discussion ahead of the move to allow hotel operations on stages two and three of quarantine easing .
Health officials propose to introduce temperature screening for staff ahead of their working shift .
Those with over 37.2°C or with signs of a respiratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their duties .
COVID-19 awareness information material must be available at the entrance and in hallways , while proper sanitizers must be available in spots to where bright marking must lead .
`` Hotel guests with signs of respiratory illness or fever shall be isolated in their room before staff call up the ambulance team , '' the recommendation says .
The rule shall be imposed of no more than 1 guest per 10 square meters in lobbies .
Face masks shall be mandated outside rooms .
The administration shall prevent lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobby , elevators , etc. )
.
Read alsoZelensky : Local authorities should be allowed to relaunch public transport , but on condition On the proposal of the Ministry of Health , in order to avoid lines at the reception , online booking and check-in are proposed , while a protective screen shall be installed at the reception desk .
Hotel guests shall have food delivered to their rooms subject to prior reservation or dine in restaurants ( cafes ) in open-air areas of hotel restaurants and cafes , including under canopies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing between seats at adjacent tables and no more than four patrons per table ( excluding children under 14 ) .
The administration shall also ensure : at least a five-day PPE supply and their use by staff ( respirators or face masks , including home-made ones , and protective gloves ) , liquid soap , sanitizer , and paper towels in bathrooms .
The use of reusable towels is offered to be prohibited ; while hourly wet cleaning of most crowded areas shall be introduced , as well as disinfection of surfaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reception , tables , chairs , door handles , elevator buttons , locker rooms , stairs , etc . )
every 3-4 hours , with repeating the procedure at any time if contaminated ; uninterrupted operation of the air conditioning system ; collection of used PPE , paper towels in separate containers with lids and disposable plastic bags with subsequent disposal ; restriction of mass gathering of staff in enclosed spaces ; temporary suspension from a job of high-risk categories ( people over 60 years of age , those with chronic diseases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
In turn , hotel staff are required to regularly wash their hands with soap or treat them with alcohol-containing sanitizer at least once every 3 hours , refrain from contacts with people with symptoms of respiratory diseases , and go on isolation in case they have symptoms of respiratory illness .

Safety screens, social distancing, and sanitizers: Ukraine drafts recommendations for hotels ahead of reopening
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The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has proposed that protective screens at hotel reception desks be installed, 1.5m social distancing marks on floors be made, and sanitizing be done every three to four hours among measures aimed to ensure public health amid gradual relaxing of quarantine bans.
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unian--2020-05-18--"LPR", "DPR" envoys in Minsk talks have status of persons "invited" by Russia, Ukrainian official st

"LPR", "DPR" envoys in Minsk talks have status of persons "invited" by Russia, Ukrainian official stresses

The Ukrainian side is looking for a way to negotiate with the participation of real representatives of Donbas , from among internally displaced persons , to have this type of consultations supported by the OSCE and the Normandy Four .
Any direct negotiations with Russian-controlled militants are off the table , assures Vice Prime Minister , Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories , First Deputy Representative of Ukraine to the Trilateral Contact Group for the Donbas settlement , Oleksiy Reznikov .
Speaking at an online discussion `` What awaits Donbas : public opinion trends against the background of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostilities , and a pandemic '' , Reznikov said : `` We are n't talking about any direct negotiations , and there ca n't be any . ''
Vice PM added that the negotiation process is being misunderstood .
In this regard , he noted that the text of the Package of Measures for the Implementation of Minsk Agreements refers to several areas of settlement – in the field of security , socio-economic and political areas .
Local elections should complete the final stage of political settlement , Reznikov recalls .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of legal changes , starting from decentralization by amending the Constitution and to with the adoption of a number of legislative acts , such as , for example , the law on the peculiarities of local government in Donetsk and Luhansk regions , which we today habitually brand a 'law on special status ' .
Such a law has been adopted , and these eight appendices to Paragraph 11 of the Minsk Agreements are included in this 'law on special status ' , laying down issues such as people 's police and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time , he recalled that paragraphs 9 , 11 , 12 of the Package of Measures mentioned three times `` the need for coordination and consultation with representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions '' .
Read alsoFM Kuleba comments on idea of setting up  '' advisory council '' with representatives of occupied Donbas In this regard , Reznikov noted that Ukraine is trying to fulfill all the conditions of the Minsk agreements to settle and end the war , informing international partners of its efforts .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're going to coordinate and how we 'll have these consultations .
And fortunately , to date , the package of measures does n't say how these discussions and consultations should be held , while the very requirement remains .
And therefore , when we talk with foreign ambassadors , I explain to them that we 're looking for a path , and we will find this path toward consultations , while not encroaching on sovereignty .
And in no case , under no circumstances shall we legitimize those with whom we ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We only negotiate in the trilateral format , '' Reznikov emphasized .
The official specified that the TCG includes Russia , Ukraine , and the OSCE .
`` Everyone else is invited parties .
Today we perceive them as those invited by the Russian Federation , '' the vice prime minister added , underlining the fact that these 'invitees ' are also holders of Russian passports , which `` indicates the existence of that effective control of the Russian Federation over these territories . ''
Reznikov says Russian citizenship of militants Russia has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for international trials . ''
`` On our part , we plan to attract real representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions who today live in the territory controlled by Ukraine and have the status of internally displaced persons , '' Reznikov said .

The Ukrainian side is looking for a way to negotiate with the participation of real representatives of Donbas, from among internally displaced persons, to have this type of consultations supported by the OSCE and the Normandy Four.
Any direct negotiations with Russian-controlled militants are off the table, assures Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories, First Deputy Representative of Ukraine to the Trilateral Contact Group for the Donbas settlement, Oleksiy Reznikov.
Speaking at an online discussion "What awaits Donbas: public opinion trends against the background of the latest news from the Minsk TCG, hostilities, and a pandemic", Reznikov said: "We aren't talking about any direct negotiations, and there can't be any."
Vice PM added that the negotiation process is being misunderstood. In this regard, he noted that the text of the Package of Measures for the Implementation of Minsk Agreements refers to several areas of settlement – in the field of security, socio-economic and political areas. Local elections should complete the final stage of political settlement, Reznikov recalls.
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"But this is preceded by a certain set of legal changes, starting from decentralization by amending the Constitution and to with the adoption of a number of legislative acts, such as, for example, the law on the peculiarities of local government in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which we today habitually brand a 'law on special status'. Such a law has been adopted, and these eight appendices to Paragraph 11 of the Minsk Agreements are included in this 'law on special status', laying down issues such as people's police and the rest," Reznikov said.
At the same time, he recalled that paragraphs 9, 11, 12 of the Package of Measures mentioned three times "the need for coordination and consultation with representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions".
Read alsoFM Kuleba comments on idea of setting up "advisory council" with representatives of occupied Donbas
In this regard, Reznikov noted that Ukraine is trying to fulfill all the conditions of the Minsk agreements to settle and end the war, informing international partners of its efforts.
"Everyone's asking us, how we're going to coordinate and how we'll have these consultations. And fortunately, to date, the package of measures doesn't say how these discussions and consultations should be held, while the very requirement remains. And therefore, when we talk with foreign ambassadors, I explain to them that we're looking for a path, and we will find this path toward consultations, while not encroaching on sovereignty. And in no case, under no circumstances shall we legitimize those with whom we can't sit at the negotiating table. We only negotiate in the trilateral format," Reznikov emphasized.
The official specified that the TCG includes Russia, Ukraine, and the OSCE.
"Everyone else is invited parties. Today we perceive them as those invited by the Russian Federation," the vice prime minister added, underlining the fact that these 'invitees' are also holders of Russian passports, which "indicates the existence of that effective control of the Russian Federation over these territories."
Reznikov says Russian citizenship of militants Russia has invited to talks "will be essential for international trials."
"On our part, we plan to attract real representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions who today live in the territory controlled by Ukraine and have the status of internally displaced persons," Reznikov said.


unian--2020-05-18--Court cancels arrest in absentia of Yanukovych-era minister

The Office of the Prosecutor General has not yet commented on the court 's ruling .
The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has overturned the ruling handed down in absentia on taking into custody former Minister of Revenue and Duties of Ukraine .
That 's according to Radio Liberty , which referred to the press secretary of the Court , Olesia Chemeris .
The spokesperson stopped short of naming the suspect in question , while Radio Liberty reports that this is Oleksandr Klymenko , who worked at the Government led by Mykola Azarov .
Chemeris says the decision was taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The court representative did not clarify the grounds for such decision , since so far the court has only announced its resolution part .
The full text of the ruling , including the motivation part and the rationale , is yet to be published .
Read alsoTrial in absentia : Kyiv court rules to arrest ex-president Yanukovych hiding in Russia The Office of the Prosecutor General has not yet commented on the court decision .
In August 2019 , the investigating judge of the Pechersk district court granted the prosecutor 's request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Duties Oleksandr Klymenko a preventive measure in the form of arrest in absentia .
According to the then Prosecutor General , the pre-trial investigation against Klymenko had been completed in April 2017 .
He is suspected of participating in the creation of a criminal organization , fictitious entrepreneurship , appropriation of property through official position , and forgery in office .

The Office of the Prosecutor General has not yet commented on the court's ruling.
The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has overturned the ruling handed down in absentia on taking into custody former Minister of Revenue and Duties of Ukraine.
That's according to Radio Liberty, which referred to the press secretary of the Court, Olesia Chemeris.
The spokesperson stopped short of naming the suspect in question, while Radio Liberty reports that this is Oleksandr Klymenko, who worked at the Government led by Mykola Azarov.
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Chemeris says the decision was taken last week by the HACC Appeals Chamber.
The court representative did not clarify the grounds for such decision, since so far the court has only announced its resolution part.
The full text of the ruling, including the motivation part and the rationale, is yet to be published.
Read alsoTrial in absentia: Kyiv court rules to arrest ex-president Yanukovych hiding in Russia
The Office of the Prosecutor General has not yet commented on the court decision.
In August 2019, the investigating judge of the Pechersk district court granted the prosecutor's request and selected against former Minister of Revenue and Duties Oleksandr Klymenko a preventive measure in the form of arrest in absentia.
According to the then Prosecutor General, the pre-trial investigation against Klymenko had been completed in April 2017.
He is suspected of participating in the creation of a criminal organization, fictitious entrepreneurship, appropriation of property through official position, and forgery in office.


unian--2020-05-18--Zelensky to give presser on first year in office on Wednesday– media

The President 's Office is now preparing the event .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to deliver a press @ @ @ @ @ first year in office , that 's according to a Ukrainian journalist Sonya Koshkina .
@ @ @ @ @ preparing the event for Wednesday , May 20 , Koshkina reported .
She added that @ @ @ @ @ the upcoming press conference by accident before having the information confirmed in the President 's @ @ @ @ @ Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Tymoshenko stated that President Volodymyr Zelensky would soon hold @ @ @ @ @ about his first 12 months in power .
The official noted that the event would @ @ @ @ @ year 's press marathon where the newly elected president held the presser at a Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ , which lasted for 14 hours .
The event marked a world record for country @ @ @ @ @

The President's Office is now preparing the event.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to deliver a press conference to speak about his first year in office, that's according to a Ukrainian journalist Sonya Koshkina.
The President's Office is preparing the event for Wednesday, May 20, Koshkina reported.
She added that she had initially learned about the upcoming press conference by accident before having the information confirmed in the President's Office.
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Read alsoZelensky taps Crimean Tatar Dzhaparova for post of deputy foreign minister
Earlier, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Tymoshenko stated that President Volodymyr Zelensky would soon hold a press conference to speak about his first 12 months in power.
The official noted that the event would not necessarily be alike last year's press marathon where the newly elected president held the presser at a Kyiv food court in October 2019, which lasted for 14 hours. The event marked a world record for country leaders' press events.


unian--2020-05-18--Three-quarters of Ukrainian enterprises continue to operate amid COVID-19 lockdown – poll

If the crisis continues , 36 % of enterprises will be forced to lay off employees .
Three quarters of enterprises continue to operate in Ukraine amid the coronavirus COVID-19 quarantine , while 89 % of businesses surveyed have stopped short of firing personnel since quarantine start .
That 's according to a survey conducted by the Analytical Center for Economic and Legal Research and Forecasting of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine ( FEU ) .
Among those who were forced to lay off workers , one third fired 1 % to 5 % of employees , while another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
If the COVID-19 crisis continues , 36 % of enterprises will be forced to dismiss employees .
It is noted that a safety cushion for a third of respondents will be enough to cover a period from two to three months .
The COVID-19 pandemic did not affect operations of just 6 % of enterprises , according to the poll .
Read alsoResolution regulating prices of certain goods amid COVID-19 comes into force in Ukraine '' Some 81 % of respondents were forced to change their approach to business operations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most of the respondents are encountering such problems as partners ' failure to do business as usual since they were badly affected by new restrictions ( 74 % of respondents ) , suppliers ' failure to ensure timely deliveries ( 49 % ) , insufficient working capital to pay salaries and cover operational costs ( 34 % ) , '' reads the relevant press release .
Also , 59 % of respondents noted that government resolutions to support businesses do not satisfy their needs , while almost 40 % say they satisfy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survey , 90 % of enterprises noted a decrease in revenue/sales due to the negative impact of COVID-19 .
Of them 53 % had their revenue/sales decreased by more than 50 % , while 38 % saw a decline from 20 % to 50 % .
Some 42 % of respondents will need from 31 to 90 days for a full recovery of business operations , while 28 % will require more than 91 days .

Three-quarters of Ukrainian enterprises continue to operate amid COVID-19 lockdown – poll
19:10, 18.05.20 779
If the crisis continues, 36% of enterprises will be forced to lay off employees.
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unian--2020-05-18--Zelensky taps Crimean Tatar Dzhaparova for post of deputy foreign minister

Representatives of the Crimean Tatar people should be represented at the highest diplomatic level , president believes .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has submitted First Deputy Minister of Information Policy Emine Dzhaparova as candidate for the post of First Deputy Foreign Minister , the press service of the President ’ s Office reports .
Meeting with the Crimean Tatar community on Monday , May 18 , when Ukraine marks the 76 anniversary of the Crimean Tatar people 's deportation by the Soviet regime , Zelensky noted that representatives of the Crimean Tatar people should represent Ukraine at the highest diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state agreed on the candidacy of Emina Dzhaparova for the post of first deputy minister of foreign affairs , '' the statement reads .
Emine Dzhaparova earlier worked for four years at the Ministry of Information Policy before resigning last fall .
Ukraine , Estonia , Georgia , Latvia , Lithuania , and Poland have expressed support to the Crimean Tatars in their struggle for rights , having issued a joint statement on the 76th anniversary of the Crimean Tatar people deportation .
Read alsoDuring Kyiv visit , Pompeo never said Crimea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in meeting '' We honour the memory of numerous innocent victims of [ Joseph ] Stalin 's deportation of the Crimean Tatar people .
We express our support to the Crimean Tatar people in their struggle for their rights , '' they said in the statement posted by Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its website on May 18 .
Seventy-six years ago , on May 18 , 1944 , the Soviet regime criminally deported the Crimean Tatar people from the territory of their historic residence – Crimea – to distant areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Federation .
Just in the first years of exile almost half of all deported Crimean Tatars died .
The period of the ban on return to their homeland , Crimea , lasted until 1989 and was accompanied by purposeful linguistic and cultural assimilation .

Representatives of the Crimean Tatar people should be represented at the highest diplomatic level, president believes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has submitted First Deputy Minister of Information Policy Emine Dzhaparova as candidate for the post of First Deputy Foreign Minister, the press service of the President’s Office reports.
Meeting with the Crimean Tatar community on Monday, May 18, when Ukraine marks the 76 anniversary of the Crimean Tatar people's deportation by the Soviet regime, Zelensky noted that representatives of the Crimean Tatar people should represent Ukraine at the highest diplomatic level.
"Therefore, the head of state agreed on the candidacy of Emina Dzhaparova for the post of first deputy minister of foreign affairs," the statement reads.
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Emine Dzhaparova earlier worked for four years at the Ministry of Information Policy before resigning last fall.
Ukraine, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland have expressed support to the Crimean Tatars in their struggle for rights, having issued a joint statement on the 76th anniversary of the Crimean Tatar people deportation.
Read alsoDuring Kyiv visit, Pompeo never said Crimea "lost to Ukraine" – participant in meeting
"We honour the memory of numerous innocent victims of [Joseph] Stalin's deportation of the Crimean Tatar people. We express our support to the Crimean Tatar people in their struggle for their rights," they said in the statement posted by Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its website on May 18.
Seventy-six years ago, on May 18, 1944, the Soviet regime criminally deported the Crimean Tatar people from the territory of their historic residence – Crimea – to distant areas of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the Russian Federation.
Just in the first years of exile almost half of all deported Crimean Tatars died. The period of the ban on return to their homeland, Crimea, lasted until 1989 and was accompanied by purposeful linguistic and cultural assimilation.


unian--2020-05-18--Over 3,000 Ukrainians declare over UAH 1 mln in income for 2019

From January to April , Ukrainians submitted over 200,000 asset declarations .
Ukraine 's State Tax Service ( STS ) says some 3,150 Ukrainian citizens declared their 2019 income exceeding UAH 1 million , or US $ 37,538 , in January-April 2020 during this year 's declaration campaign launched on January 2020 .
Over the period under review , Ukrainians submitted over 200,000 declarations of property status and income totaling UAH 32.1 billion ( US $ 1.2 billion ) , the STS press service said on May 14 .
Tax liabilities from the personal income tax , independently determined for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAH 871 million ( US $ 32.7 million ) , while tax liabilities from war tax – almost UAH 120 million ( US $ 4.5 million ) .
Residents of the city of Kyiv ( almost 1,200 people ) , Kharkiv and Dnepropetrovsk regions , ( 278 and 270 , respectively ) declared incomes of over UAH 1 million most actively .
`` The largest amounts of tax liabilities payable from income received outside Ukraine were determined by residents of Lviv region ( UAH 25 million/US $ 938,438 ) and the city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , '' the report said .
The State Tax Service says the declaration campaign is under way and citizens can submit their declarations of property status and income in their online office .
The deadline is June 30 .
Tax liabilities identified by such individuals in the declarations must be paid before October 1 , 2020 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian citizens declared UAH 94.37 billion ( US $ 3.5 billion ) in income received in 2018 during the 2019 campaign , which was 39.9 % up from the previous @ @

Over 3,000 Ukrainians declare over UAH 1 mln in income for 2019
17:50, 18.05.20 2116
From January to April, Ukrainians submitted over 200,000 asset declarations.
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unian--2020-05-18--AP: Ukraine's overburdened doctors in desperate virus fight

A breathing machine at a Ukrainian hospital breaks down , leaving a coronavirus patient gasping helplessly for air .
Dr. Olha Kobevko rushes from room to room to see if there is an electrician among her other patients who can fix it .
Eventually , she figures out a way to get the device working again on her own .
`` We are like in a war situation here , like on a front line ! ''
she exclaims in despair , according to The Associated Press ( AP ) .
Kobevko , 37 , is the only infectious disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital in the western city of Chernivtsi that is supposed to accommodate 60 patients but now holds about 100 .
The deplorable conditions – broken or substandard equipment , a lack of drugs , low wages – reflects the meltdown of Ukraine 's health care system , which has been quickly overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic even with the country 's relatively low number of cases .
Ukraine 's corruption-plagued economy has been weakened by six years of war with Russia-backed terrorists in the east .
President Volodymyr Zelensky 's year-old administration inherited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further crippled by a reform launched by his predecessor that drastically cut state subsidies .
It has left Ukraine 's hospitals without vital equipment .
The infectious disease wing of the main regional hospital in Chernivtsi was built more than a century ago when the city was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire , and it lacks a centralized oxygen supply system that is standard in any modern clinic .
The hospital 's oxygen supply system is located in just one room , and nurses have to manually refill bags they call `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry them to patients elsewhere .
`` A patient would beg , 'Air , air , give me air ! '
and there is nothing you can do , '' Kobevko said .
`` You just keep squeezing the bag , unable to save a life .
That is the most painful thing , and it costs very little to secure centralized oxygen supply . ''
The sound of coughs muffled by oxygen masks mixes with the squeaking of medical equipment in the hospital 's old building as nurses rush through dimly lit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The air smells of ozone from the ultraviolet lamps used to disinfect the wards .
The critically ill are moved to a separate building that has a few ventilators , but it 's also filled beyond capacity and can not always accept new patients , even those in serious condition .
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 18,600 on May 18 Ukraine has 18,616 confirmed coronavirus cases , with 535 deaths .
Chernivtsi has 2,713 of those infections , a hot spot of contagion , along with another western city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles ) away , and the capital , Kyiv .
Thousands of Ukrainians who had temporary jobs in Italy , Spain and other European countries returned home amid the pandemic and some carried the infection with them .
In the hospital 's kitchen , workers nap on mattresses .
But ambulance crews soon arrive with more patients , giving them little chance to sleep , even after an exhausting tour of duty .
Svetlana Padynich is a medic on an ambulance crew that brings in COVID-19 patients during her 12-hour shifts .
Lately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling ill. A week ago , one died of pneumonia caused by the virus .
Another four medics at her station also have come down with pneumonia but are in stable condition .
`` We are experiencing a staff shortage , '' said Padynich , 42 .
`` Half of ambulance personnel have gotten sick and those who remained have to carry a colossal load . ''
Padynich wears an FFP2 mask , which offers some but not complete protection , and she wears another medical mask underneath it .
`` I understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but someone needs to work , '' she said .
Read alsoBatch of hazmat suits from China delivered to Ukraine – health minister Protective gear is in short supply , with most of it coming from private donors .
Deliveries have been irregular .
`` I worry about my safety , '' Padynich said .
`` I 'm afraid of getting sick , but I fear infecting my family with COVID-19 even more . ''
Because of that , she says she has not seen her mother since the start of the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fifth of all coronavirus cases in Ukraine , with more than 50 getting infected daily .
Aware of the weaknesses in the health care system , the government ordered a strict lockdown on March 12 , including closing most enterprises .
But under pressure from desperate farmers , businessmen and others , it eased the restrictions May 11 , allowing some stores , hair salons , beauty parlors and other ventures to reopen .
Doctors fear that move could trigger a new wave of contagion .
`` If we end the quarantine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same shape , it will bring a disaster , '' Kobevko said .

Ukraine has 18,616 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 535 deaths.
A breathing machine at a Ukrainian hospital breaks down, leaving a coronavirus patient gasping helplessly for air. Dr. Olha Kobevko rushes from room to room to see if there is an electrician among her other patients who can fix it. Eventually, she figures out a way to get the device working again on her own.
"We are like in a war situation here, like on a front line!" she exclaims in despair, according to The Associated Press (AP).
Kobevko, 37, is the only infectious disease specialist at the infection division of a hospital in the western city of Chernivtsi that is supposed to accommodate 60 patients but now holds about 100.
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The deplorable conditions – broken or substandard equipment, a lack of drugs, low wages – reflects the meltdown of Ukraine's health care system, which has been quickly overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic even with the country's relatively low number of cases.
Read alsoSome 3,650 healthcare workers, 1,324 children contract COVID-19 in Ukraine
Ukraine's corruption-plagued economy has been weakened by six years of war with Russia-backed terrorists in the east. President Volodymyr Zelensky's year-old administration inherited an underfunded health care system that was further crippled by a reform launched by his predecessor that drastically cut state subsidies.
It has left Ukraine's hospitals without vital equipment. The infectious disease wing of the main regional hospital in Chernivtsi was built more than a century ago when the city was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it lacks a centralized oxygen supply system that is standard in any modern clinic.
The hospital's oxygen supply system is located in just one room, and nurses have to manually refill bags they call "oxygen pillows" every few minutes and carry them to patients elsewhere.
"A patient would beg, 'Air, air, give me air!' and there is nothing you can do," Kobevko said. "You just keep squeezing the bag, unable to save a life. That is the most painful thing, and it costs very little to secure centralized oxygen supply."
The sound of coughs muffled by oxygen masks mixes with the squeaking of medical equipment in the hospital's old building as nurses rush through dimly lit corridors to change the oxygen bags. The air smells of ozone from the ultraviolet lamps used to disinfect the wards.
The critically ill are moved to a separate building that has a few ventilators, but it's also filled beyond capacity and cannot always accept new patients, even those in serious condition.
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 18,600 on May 18
Ukraine has 18,616 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 535 deaths. Chernivtsi has 2,713 of those infections, a hot spot of contagion, along with another western city, Ivano-Frankivsk, 100 kilometers (60 miles) away, and the capital, Kyiv. Thousands of Ukrainians who had temporary jobs in Italy, Spain and other European countries returned home amid the pandemic and some carried the infection with them.
In the hospital's kitchen, workers nap on mattresses. But ambulance crews soon arrive with more patients, giving them little chance to sleep, even after an exhausting tour of duty.
Svetlana Padynich is a medic on an ambulance crew that brings in COVID-19 patients during her 12-hour shifts.
Lately, workers on the crews have been falling ill. A week ago, one died of pneumonia caused by the virus. Another four medics at her station also have come down with pneumonia but are in stable condition.
"We are experiencing a staff shortage," said Padynich, 42. "Half of ambulance personnel have gotten sick and those who remained have to carry a colossal load."
Padynich wears an FFP2 mask, which offers some but not complete protection, and she wears another medical mask underneath it.
"I understand that I'm taking high risks, but someone needs to work," she said.
Read alsoBatch of hazmat suits from China delivered to Ukraine – health minister
Protective gear is in short supply, with most of it coming from private donors. Deliveries have been irregular.
"I worry about my safety," Padynich said. "I'm afraid of getting sick, but I fear infecting my family with COVID-19 even more."
Because of that, she says she has not seen her mother since the start of the outbreak.
Medical workers account for about a fifth of all coronavirus cases in Ukraine, with more than 50 getting infected daily.
Aware of the weaknesses in the health care system, the government ordered a strict lockdown on March 12, including closing most enterprises. But under pressure from desperate farmers, businessmen and others, it eased the restrictions May 11, allowing some stores, hair salons, beauty parlors and other ventures to reopen.
Doctors fear that move could trigger a new wave of contagion.
"If we end the quarantine and leave the health care system in the same shape, it will bring a disaster," Kobevko said.


unian--2020-05-18--Ukraine's CEC enables IDPs to vote in local elections at place of actual residence

Local polls to elect members of village , town , city , district and regional councils are scheduled for October 25 .
The Central Election Commission ( CEC ) on May 18 passed a new procedure for changing the election address , which provides an opportunity for internally displaced persons ( IDPs ) to vote in the 2020 local elections at the place of their actual residence .
It will be possible to change the election address from the moment this procedure comes into force up to the fifth day from the start of the election process , civil network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed by 16 CEC members , the decision will take effect on July 1 .
Read alsoCEC does n't know time frame for preparations for Donbas elections According to CEC Deputy Head Serhiy Dubovyk , this document makes IDPs from Donbas and Crimea part of the territorial communities in which they actually live .
In December last year , the CEC passed a procedure for temporarily changing the place of voting without changing the voting address .
The document involves filing an application for changing the place of voting through electronic form , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the new version of the document , citizens who do not have a registered place of residence ( the so-called residence permit ) may temporarily change the place of voting , except for registered voters .
Changing the place of voting occurs both on the first round of elections and simultaneously on both .
As UNIAN reported earlier , local polls to elect members of village , town , city , district and regional councils are scheduled for October 25 along with the election of village , town and city @ @

Local polls to elect members of village, town, city, district and regional councils are scheduled for October 25.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) on May 18 passed a new procedure for changing the election address, which provides an opportunity for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to vote in the 2020 local elections at the place of their actual residence.
It will be possible to change the election address from the moment this procedure comes into force up to the fifth day from the start of the election process, civil network NGO OPORA said.
The decision was backed by 16 CEC members, the decision will take effect on July 1.
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Read alsoCEC doesn't know time frame for preparations for Donbas elections
According to CEC Deputy Head Serhiy Dubovyk, this document makes IDPs from Donbas and Crimea part of the territorial communities in which they actually live.
In December last year, the CEC passed a procedure for temporarily changing the place of voting without changing the voting address. The document involves filing an application for changing the place of voting through electronic form, as well as through an authorized person. According to the new version of the document, citizens who do not have a registered place of residence (the so-called residence permit) may temporarily change the place of voting, except for registered voters. Changing the place of voting occurs both on the first round of elections and simultaneously on both.
As UNIAN reported earlier, local polls to elect members of village, town, city, district and regional councils are scheduled for October 25 along with the election of village, town and city mayors.


unian--2020-05-18--Six countries express support to Crimean Tatars in struggle for their rights – joint statement

The 76th anniversary of the deportation of Crimean Tatars is observed on May 18 .
Ukraine , Estonia , Georgia , Latvia , Lithuania , and Poland have expressed support to the Crimean Tatars in their struggle for rights , having issued a joint statement on the 76th anniversary of the Crimean Tatar people deportation .
`` We honour the memory of numerous innocent victims of [ Joseph ] Stalin 's deportation of the Crimean Tatar people .
We express our support to the Crimean Tatar people in their struggle for their rights , '' they said in the statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Affairs on its website on May 18 .
Seventy-six years ago , on May 18 , 1944 , the Soviet regime criminally deported the Crimean Tatar people from the territory of their historic residence – Crimea – to distant areas of Uzbekistan , Kazakhstan , and the Russian Federation .
Just in the first years of exile almost half of all deported Crimean Tatars died .
The period of the ban on return to their homeland , Crimea , lasted until 1989 and was accompanied by purposeful linguistic and cultural assimilation .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeated in 2014 , when the Russian Federation seized and illegally attempted to annex Crimea , which is an integral part of Ukraine , '' the six countries said in the statement .
`` It is no coincidence that Russia , which glorifies Stalin 's totalitarian regime , continues its criminal policy in the 21st century in the temporarily occupied Crimea : ban the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People , systemic repressions , persecution and violations of the rights of Crimean Tatars , who opposed Russia 's armed aggression against the territorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Crimean Tatars , indigenous people of Crimea , to leave their homes and move to mainland Ukraine . ''
`` We emphasize the inviolability of sovereignty , territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders and political independence of Ukraine .
We condemn Russia 's aggressive policy towards Ukraine and new repressions against the Crimean Tatar people , '' they said .
They called on Russia to stop violations of the fundamental principles of international law , implement fully UN General Assembly resolutions on the situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ukraine , and comply with the demands of the international community to end the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol .
`` Whatever attempts Russia undertakes to legitimize its occupation of the peninsula , the fact remains undisputed : Crimea is Ukraine , '' they said .

The 76th anniversary of the deportation of Crimean Tatars is observed on May 18.
Ukraine, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland have expressed support to the Crimean Tatars in their struggle for rights, having issued a joint statement on the 76th anniversary of the Crimean Tatar people deportation.
"We honour the memory of numerous innocent victims of [Joseph] Stalin's deportation of the Crimean Tatar people. We express our support to the Crimean Tatar people in their struggle for their rights," they said in the statement posted by Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its website on May 18.
Seventy-six years ago, on May 18, 1944, the Soviet regime criminally deported the Crimean Tatar people from the territory of their historic residence – Crimea – to distant areas of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the Russian Federation.
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Read alsoRussia calls Ukrainians in Crimea "foreigners", treads on land ownership rights
Just in the first years of exile almost half of all deported Crimean Tatars died. The period of the ban on return to their homeland, Crimea, lasted until 1989 and was accompanied by purposeful linguistic and cultural assimilation.
"The tragedy of the Crimean Tatar people repeated in 2014, when the Russian Federation seized and illegally attempted to annex Crimea, which is an integral part of Ukraine," the six countries said in the statement. "It is no coincidence that Russia, which glorifies Stalin's totalitarian regime, continues its criminal policy in the 21st century in the temporarily occupied Crimea: ban the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, systemic repressions, persecution and violations of the rights of Crimean Tatars, who opposed Russia's armed aggression against the territorial integrity of Ukraine. It forced thousands of Crimean Tatars, indigenous people of Crimea, to leave their homes and move to mainland Ukraine."
"We emphasize the inviolability of sovereignty, territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders and political independence of Ukraine. We condemn Russia's aggressive policy towards Ukraine and new repressions against the Crimean Tatar people," they said.
They called on Russia to stop violations of the fundamental principles of international law, implement fully UN General Assembly resolutions on the situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, and comply with the demands of the international community to end the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.
"Whatever attempts Russia undertakes to legitimize its occupation of the peninsula, the fact remains undisputed: Crimea is Ukraine," they said.


unian--2020-05-18--Resolution regulating prices of certain goods amid COVID-19 comes into force in Ukraine

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Resolution regulating prices of certain goods amid COVID-19 comes into force in Ukraine
16:10, 18.05.20 7721
The prices will be regulated through declaration of changes in retail prices of goods.
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unian--2020-05-18--Kyiv ready to relaunch subway on May 25, awaiting Cabinet's decision – Klitschko

He also announced the resumption of ground transportation services in Kyiv from May 22 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the municipal authorities are ready to relaunch the subway from May 25 and are waiting for the relevant decision from the government .
`` Kyiv is ready to relaunch the subway from May 25 .
We are waiting for the relevant government decision , '' he said during an online briefing on Monday , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoUkraine 's Health Minister : Kyiv subway may reopen on May 25 if quarantine rules observed Klitschko also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kyiv from May 22 .
`` Also , as I said , we plan to resume the operation of ground public transport in usual mode .
Now we are gradually increasing the number of vehicles and the number of routes , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Klitschko on May 13 called on the government to greenlight the relaunch of the subway in the capital city from May 25 .
According to him , the city has been facing massive traffic jams as more people have started commuting after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 .

He also announced the resumption of ground transportation services in Kyiv from May 22.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the municipal authorities are ready to relaunch the subway from May 25 and are waiting for the relevant decision from the government.
"Kyiv is ready to relaunch the subway from May 25. We are waiting for the relevant government decision," he said during an online briefing on Monday, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoUkraine's Health Minister: Kyiv subway may reopen on May 25 if quarantine rules observed
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Klitschko also announced the resumption of ground transport services in Kyiv from May 22.
"Also, as I said, we plan to resume the operation of ground public transport in usual mode. Now we are gradually increasing the number of vehicles and the number of routes," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Klitschko on May 13 called on the government to greenlight the relaunch of the subway in the capital city from May 25. According to him, the city has been facing massive traffic jams as more people have started commuting after some lockdown-related curbs were lifted on May 11.


unian--2020-05-18--Zelensky: Local authorities should be allowed to relaunch public transport, but on condition

Health Minister Maksym Stepanov stressed so far the situation in eight regions did not meet the criteria for resuming transportation services there .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the local authorities should be allowed to relaunch public transport where they see the possibility of compliance with safety measures .
Read alsoUkraine 's Health Minister : Kyiv subway may reopen on May 25 if quarantine rules observed '' If you have already decided to allow transportation , you should allow the local authorities to reopen it where they see the possibility of compliance with safety measures .
People go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given an opportunity to get there .
The main thing is to remember about safety , '' Zelensky said at a regular conference call on the prevention of the COVID-19 spread , commenting on the report by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal that the government was considering the opportunity of relaunching public transport during the next stage of quarantine easing .
In turn , Health Minister Maksym Stepanov stressed so far the situation in eight regions did not meet the criteria that would allow the resumption of transportation services there .
In particular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the situation can change within a week there , he said .

Health Minister Maksym Stepanov stressed so far the situation in eight regions did not meet the criteria for resuming transportation services there.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the local authorities should be allowed to relaunch public transport where they see the possibility of compliance with safety measures.
Read alsoUkraine's Health Minister: Kyiv subway may reopen on May 25 if quarantine rules observed
"If you have already decided to allow transportation, you should allow the local authorities to reopen it where they see the possibility of compliance with safety measures. People go to work, and they need to be given an opportunity to get there. The main thing is to remember about safety," Zelensky said at a regular conference call on the prevention of the COVID-19 spread, commenting on the report by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal that the government was considering the opportunity of relaunching public transport during the next stage of quarantine easing.
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In turn, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov stressed so far the situation in eight regions did not meet the criteria that would allow the resumption of transportation services there. In particular, those regions do not do enough testing. However, the situation can change within a week there, he said.


unian--2020-05-18--U.S. owner of Trump D vessel to seek help from U.S. Embassy in Ukraine over prosecutors' actions

U.S. owner of Trump D vessel to seek help from U.S. Embassy in Ukraine over prosecutors' actions
15:05, 18.05.20 7282
The former owners were accused of extracting sand near Russia-occupied Crimea without the Ukrainian authorities' permission.
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unian--2020-05-18--Pro-Ukrainian doctor sentenced to 13 years in Russia-occupied Donetsk

Ukrainian citizen , neuropathologist Yuriy Shapovalov has been sentenced to 13 years in prison in the Russia-occupied city of Donetsk @ @ @ @ @ .
On April 16 , 2020 , a `` court '' sentenced Shapovalov to 13 @ @ @ @ @ , according to a local media outlet .
Russia-controlled `` authorities '' claim Shapovalov was @ @ @ @ @ a pro-Ukrainian Twitter account : `` Since 2014 , the said citizen has administered a @ @ @ @ @ information that contributes to the destabilization of the social and political situation in the 'republic @ @ @ @ @ .
Yuriy Shapovalov is a Donetsk neuropathologist .
He was abducted by members of illegal @ @ @ @ @ when he was returning home from work .

Shapovalov was found "guilty" for a pro-Ukrainian Twitter account.
Ukrainian citizen, neuropathologist Yuriy Shapovalov has been sentenced to 13 years in prison in the Russia-occupied city of Donetsk for posts on social media.
Read alsoRFE/RL: Russian court rejects Crimean blogger's appeal
On April 16, 2020, a "court" sentenced Shapovalov to 13 years in a penal colony, according to a local media outlet.
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Russia-controlled "authorities" claim Shapovalov was found "guilty" for a pro-Ukrainian Twitter account: "Since 2014, the said citizen has administered a page on Twitter, posted information that contributes to the destabilization of the social and political situation in the 'republic,'" it said.
Yuriy Shapovalov is a Donetsk neuropathologist. He was abducted by members of illegal armed formations in January 2018 when he was returning home from work.


unian--2020-05-18--Russia's defeat in oil price war means also Putin's political failure – expert

Russia's defeat in oil price war means also Putin's political failure – expert
14:15, 18.05.20 2733
Russia wanted to oust U.S. shale oil from the market, but it turned out the opposite.
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unian--2020-05-18--Every fifth respondent considers Kuchma to be best president in independent Ukraine – poll

At the same time , 14 % said none of the presidents was the best one .
Every fifth respondent @ @ @ @ @ the best president since Ukraine 's independence .
Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma gained 20 @ @ @ @ @ while incumbent President Volodymyr Zelensky ranked second with 16 % , according to a survey @ @ @ @ @ Group .
Some 13 % of respondents believe Leonid Kravchuk was the best president , @ @ @ @ @ of Petro Poroshenko , 9 % voted for Viktor Yanukovych , and a mere 6 @ @ @ @ @ the best leader over Ukraine 's independence .
At the same time , 14 % @ @ @ @ @ was the best one , while another 10 % could not answer .
Kuchma and @ @ @ @ @ by residents of the southeastern regions , while Poroshenko gained support among residents in the @ @ @ @ @ Young respondents more often chose Zelensky , while the older generation voted for Kravchuk .

At the same time, 14% said none of the presidents was the best one.
Every fifth respondent considers Leonid Kuchma to be the best president since Ukraine's independence.
Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma gained 20% of the votes, while incumbent President Volodymyr Zelensky ranked second with 16%, according to a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group.
Read alsoAlmost 60% of Ukrainians trust in President Zelensky – poll
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Some 13% of respondents believe Leonid Kravchuk was the best president, 12% spoke in favor of Petro Poroshenko, 9% voted for Viktor Yanukovych, and a mere 6% said Viktor Yushchenko was the best leader over Ukraine's independence.
At the same time, 14% said none of the presidents was the best one, while another 10% could not answer.
Kuchma and Yanukovych were more often backed by residents of the southeastern regions, while Poroshenko gained support among residents in the western and central regions. Young respondents more often chose Zelensky, while the older generation voted for Kravchuk.


unian--2020-05-18--Ukraine's central bank predicts decline in labor migrants' remittances in 2020 over COVID-19

Ukraine's central bank predicts decline in labor migrants' remittances in 2020 over COVID-19
13:25, 18.05.20 2774
Money remittances from labor migrants may shrink from US$12 billion in 2019, to US$10 billion.
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unian--2020-05-18--Kyiv mayor reports 41 new COVID-19 cases, one fatality in past day

As of today , there are 2,321 confirmed COVID-19 cases , including 49 deaths , in the capital city .
@ @ @ @ @ said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city rose by 41 in the @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours , the number of Kyiv residents who tested positive increased by @ @ @ @ @ workers .
Unfortunately , one case was lethal .
As of today , there are @ @ @ @ @ including 49 deaths , in the capital city , '' he said during an online @ @ @ @ @ according to an UNIAN correspondent .
According to Klitschko , 26 women aged 18 to @ @ @ @ @ 29 to 65 are among those infected .
Also , two girls and two boys @ @ @ @ @ tested positive .
Klitschko said four new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest @ @ @ @ @ at home under the supervision of doctors .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the number @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 18,600 on Monday morning .

As of today, there are 2,321 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 49 deaths, in the capital city.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city rose by 41 in the past day.
Read alsoKyiv mayor reports 59 new COVID-19 cases in past day
"In the past 24 hours, the number of Kyiv residents who tested positive increased by 41, including five healthcare workers. Unfortunately, one case was lethal. As of today, there are 2,321 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 49 deaths, in the capital city," he said during an online briefing on May 18, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
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According to Klitschko, 26 women aged 18 to 82 and 11 men aged 29 to 65 are among those infected. Also, two girls and two boys under the age of 17 tested positive.
Klitschko said four new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 18,600 on Monday morning.


unian--2020-05-18--Almost 60% of Ukrainians trust in President Zelensky – poll

With regard to other politicians , distrust is expressed more often than trust .
Almost 60 % of Ukrainians say they trust in President Volodymyr Zelensky .
The president 's performance is positively assessed by 57 % of respondents ( 37 % negatively ) , according to a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group .
Read alsoOver 42 % of Ukrainians would vote for Zelensky if elections held in late April – poll Over a third of respondents could not assess their level of trust in Parliament Speaker Dmytro Razumkov and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal .
Some 25 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not trust .
Pollees say they have distrust of Shmyhal more often than trust ( 39 % against 14 % ) .
With regard to other politicians , distrust is expressed more often than trust .
MP Yuriy Boyko enjoys the trust of 25 % of the pollees while 57 % distrust him ; MP Svyatoslav Vakarchuk has 24 % and 61 % , respectively ; MP Yulia Tymoshenko 22 % and 72 % , respectively ; and former President , MP Petro Poroshenko 20 % and 76 % , respectively .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they do not trust in parliament , government , law enforcement agencies , the Health Ministry , and the National Bank of Ukraine .

With regard to other politicians, distrust is expressed more often than trust.
Almost 60% of Ukrainians say they trust in President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The president's performance is positively assessed by 57% of respondents (37% negatively), according to a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group.
Read alsoOver 42% of Ukrainians would vote for Zelensky if elections held in late April – poll
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Over a third of respondents could not assess their level of trust in Parliament Speaker Dmytro Razumkov and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Some 25% trust in Razumkov, while 33% do not trust. Pollees say they have distrust of Shmyhal more often than trust (39% against 14%).
With regard to other politicians, distrust is expressed more often than trust. MP Yuriy Boyko enjoys the trust of 25% of the pollees while 57% distrust him; MP Svyatoslav Vakarchuk has 24% and 61%, respectively; MP Yulia Tymoshenko 22% and 72%, respectively; and former President, MP Petro Poroshenko 20% and 76%, respectively.
As UNIAN reported earlier, most Ukrainians say they do not trust in parliament, government, law enforcement agencies, the Health Ministry, and the National Bank of Ukraine.