unian--2020-08-05--Cabinet promises. GDP, forex rate, and wages outlook for next three years

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine , whose action program has not been adopted to this day , has nevertheless , approved the forecast for the development of the country 's economic and social policies for the next three years .
This covers the minimum wage , according to which fines and social assistance are calculated , as well as pensions , average wage , and the hryvnia exchange rate .
That is , the Cabinet of Ministers released an outlook for Ukrainians ' wellbeing .
Future state budgets , at least the one for 2021 , will be drafted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the finance ministry has already announced .
The budgetary process has already begun .
The ministry believes that `` the updated macro forecast for 2021 is quite realistic , and takes into account the latest trends in economic development , the realities that have developed in world markets as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic , and current assessments of the prospects for the global economic recovery . ''
The Ministry of Finance also said that `` a letter is already being prepared to the main managers for preparing budget applications .
Further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings will be held '' .
And in early September , as stated in the Budget Code , the Ministry of Finance will submit to the Cabinet a draft state budget for 2021 .
Also , the Ministry of Finance claims that everything is just fine in the country .
`` For example , according to the current budget , since May , we have fully met budget revenue targets , while even exceeding them in June .
And now it 's the end of July – we also expect that the revenues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be overfulfilled by more than UAH 4 billion .
All this is the result of the changes we have introduced in the country 's fiscal system : we are effectively fighting against shadow schemes , ensuring additional revenues to the budget , '' said Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko .
Here we can argue with him , at least if we take into account the data released by the Accounts Chamber .
According to the report , Ukraine 's budget deficit for the first half of the year amounted to more than UAH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low over recent years .
`` Analysis of Treasury 's operational reporting showed that for a few months in a row the amount of income shortfalls remains significant .
In January-June 2020 , the revenue target of the state budget 's general fund fell short of UAH 38.4 billion , or 7.8 % , '' said Valeriy Patskan , the Accounts Chamber Head .
By the way , in early April , the Verkhovna Rada adopted changes to the 2020 state budget in connection with the coronavirus pandemic .
Therefore , state treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of UAH 975.8 billion ( that is , they will decrease by UAH 119.74 billion ) , expenditures are laid down at UAH 1.266 trillion ( increased by UAH 82.39 billion ) , while budget deficit was increased more than threefold – from UAH 96.27 billion to UAH 298.4 billion .
Now the Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a plan for Ukraine economy 's development for the next three years .
According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal , `` the updated macro forecast provides for the country 's return to the trajectory of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the rules of the Cabinet of Ministers , all macro indicators were forecast by the Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture .
So , in 2021 , GDP growth in Ukraine should be 4.6 % , and in 2022 and 2023 – some 4.3 % and 4.7 % , respectively .
It should be added that according to the forecast of the International Monetary Fund , our economy will fall by more than 8 % .
That is , the country will continue to remain in the red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 7.3 % against December 2020 , for which the indicator remains to be seen .
On average , inflation in 2021 is projected at 8.1 % .
Inflation in December 2022 is 6.2 % , compared to December 2021 .
On year though ( 2021 and 2022 are being compared ) , the inflation rate in 2022 is projected at 6.7 % .
Inflation in December 2023 will be 5.3 % against December 2022 .
On average , compared with 2022 , the inflation rate in 2023 is projected at 6 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average wage in 2021 should correspond to UAH 13,632 , in 2022 and 2023 – to UAH 15,414 and 17,169 , respectively .
The minimum wage in 2021 will grow first to UAH 6,250 , and by the end of the year – to UAH 6,500 .
In 2022 , minimum wage will be UAH 6,700 , and in 2023 it will stand at UAH 7,200 .
The unemployment rate for the population aged 15 to 70 is projected at 9.2 % in 2021 , 8.5 % in 2022 , and 8 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods in 2021 is projected at $ 60.175 billion , in 2022 – at $ 64.018 billion , and in 2023 – at $ 69.284 billion .
At the same time , imports in 2021 , 2022 , and 2023 will amount , respectively , to $ 70.591 , $ 77.661 , and $ 86.28 billion .
Based on these indicators , trade deficit will amount to $ 10.416 billion in 2021 , $ 13.643 billion in 2022 , and $ 16.996 billion in 2023 .
All the listed figures have been approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within three days .
But so far no new data has been released .
As for the hryvnia , the national currency rate for 2021 was revised at UAH 29.1 to the dollar .
The prime minister believes that in order to achieve the economic growth declared , it is necessary to focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses , developing industry , supporting the national producer , domestic investment , and improving the business climate .
And Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko predicted that the recovery of the Ukrainian economy would begin by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a revival of dynamics expected next year .
`` Already in the fourth quarter of this year , we expect a gradual economic recovery .
Economic dynamics are expected to revive in 2021 .
This will be the budget for the growth of the welfare of citizens and the country 's economy , '' the minister stressed .
The outlook seems encouraging .
Especially when compared with forecasts for Europe and the United States – the most developed economies .
Eurozone 's GDP contracted 12.1 % in the second quarter of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Eurostat notes that these are preliminary estimates that take no account of a complete set of data .
The final report for the second quarter of 2020 will be released on August 14 .
On July 31 , the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced that U.S. GDP plummeted by nearly 33 % at an annualized rate .
This is the deepest fall since 1947 .
These are the disappointing data of international auditors .
But , judging by our government forecasts , Ukraine is ahead of the rest in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pendzin casts doubt on the realism of the government assessment of Ukraine 's development .
Thus , the forecast for 2021 provides for a 4.6 % GDP growth .
But this year it is set to fall by 4.5 % .
For the first half of 2020 , state statistics confirmed a 5.2 % drop in GDP .
`` In this economic situation , it would be very optimistic to expect that growth will begin in the second half of the year , which by year-end will reduce the rate of GDP decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past global crises shows that the Ukrainian economy is much heavier than other economies coming out of decline .
In 2008 , global economy fell by 5 % , while that in Ukrainian – by 15 % , while our country was recovering from crisis 1.5 times longer .
This is due to the raw material structure of our economy , low savings of the population , and weak fiscal support for businesses on the part of government .
Another factor is that the forecast includes a phased increase in the minimum wage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today it 's UAH 4,723 .
On January 1 , 2021 , the minimum wage will have to be UAH 6,000 .
That is , for six months in 2021 , there should be growth of over 30 % .
At the same time , inflation is set at 7.3 % .
The question arises as to the source of growth .
Will labor productivity at Ukrainian enterprises rise so much ?
In the 2020 forecast , the decline in labor productivity is set at 3.3 % .
And in 2021 , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a low base .
In fact , in 2021 we must reach the pre-crisis level of labor productivity .
Then what 's all this optimism about wages about ?
Are we planning to increase it at the expense of shadow businesses ?
But the example of recent months has shown a very peculiar trend .
While official unemployment has decreased , deductions of the single social contribution are showing no growth .
On the contrary , they are on decline .
Business goes into the shadows , ” the expert noted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBU Council , has a different opinion .
He believes that the macro-forecast , which was approved by government , is quite realistic , and that the budget process can be based on it .
`` Of course , this is a forecast that does n't take into account any 'black swans ' , such as an exacerbation of the global economic crisis , inflation in the U.S. and the EU due to excessive measures to stimulate the economy , or an escalation of conflict in eastern Ukraine , or consequences of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more restrained in my estimates of economic growth for 2021 , judging by gold prices : investors are still pessimistic about the forecasts of a global economic recovery , and since our economy is dependent on exports , it will be quite difficult to become an island of growth in a difficult period of instability .
But I would still call the Cabinet 's inflation expectations moderate .
Although they go beyond the NBU 's target , they do n't differ much , '' the expert emphasized .
An analyst with IG Univer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ macro forecast for the coming years as idle running .
`` That 's because , in the current situation , the country 's economy could grow at an annual rate of 5-10 % , just by itself , if not tampered with .
In 2014-2016 , Ukraine experienced a shocker , which led to a collapse of economic indicators .
After that shocker , the natural goal of the authorities was to stabilize things and achieve the so-called macroeconomic stability , in which they succeeded over the past years , on principle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been hurt by coronacrisis , it would have logically been reaping the fruit of macrostability achieved through of strong recovery growth , which had actually begun in 2019 , when GDP growth started to accelerate on its own , contrary to expert expectations ... Now the Ukrainian economy growth is being hindered by coronarisis , but in subsequent years its negative impact will cease to affect it , and the economy may again begin to grow at a rapid pace due to the macroeconomic stabilization of previous years and the recovery from coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one tampers with it , if the government wo n't undermine the earlier achieved macroeconomic stability through their actions , '' the expert summed up .
It is no secret that the official economy statistics are very different from the actual wellbeing of average Ukrainians who could tell more clearly what 's been happening with inflation and wages and it 's likely to be worse than government forecasts .

The Cabinet has approved its macroeconomnic forecast for the next three years.UNIAN learned about the government's estimates for the future average and minimum wages, as well as the hryvnia exchange rate.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, whose action program has not been adopted to this day, has nevertheless, approved the forecast for the development of the country's economic and social policies for the next three years. This covers the minimum wage, according to which fines and social assistance are calculated, as well as pensions, average wage, and the hryvnia exchange rate.
That is, the Cabinet of Ministers released an outlook for Ukrainians' wellbeing.
Future state budgets, at least the one for 2021, will be drafted in line with this audit, which the finance ministry has already announced. The budgetary process has already begun. The ministry believes that "the updated macro forecast for 2021 is quite realistic, and takes into account the latest trends in economic development, the realities that have developed in world markets as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and current assessments of the prospects for the global economic recovery."
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The Ministry of Finance also said that "a letter is already being prepared to the main managers for preparing budget applications. Further, they will be processed and conciliatory meetings will be held". And in early September, as stated in the Budget Code, the Ministry of Finance will submit to the Cabinet a draft state budget for 2021.
Also, the Ministry of Finance claims that everything is just fine in the country. "For example, according to the current budget, since May, we have fully met budget revenue targets, while even exceeding them in June. And now it's the end of July – we also expect that the revenues of the state budget's general fund will be overfulfilled by more than UAH 4 billion. All this is the result of the changes we have introduced in the country's fiscal system: we are effectively fighting against shadow schemes, ensuring additional revenues to the budget," said Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko.
Here we can argue with him, at least if we take into account the data released by the Accounts Chamber. According to the report, Ukraine's budget deficit for the first half of the year amounted to more than UAH 38 billion, which was an absolute low over recent years.
"Analysis of Treasury's operational reporting showed that for a few months in a row the amount of income shortfalls remains significant. In January-June 2020, the revenue target of the state budget's general fund fell short of UAH 38.4 billion, or 7.8%," said Valeriy Patskan, the Accounts Chamber Head.
By the way, in early April, the Verkhovna Rada adopted changes to the 2020 state budget in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, state treasury revenues are already planned in the amount of UAH 975.8 billion (that is, they will decrease by UAH 119.74 billion), expenditures are laid down at UAH 1.266 trillion (increased by UAH 82.39 billion), while budget deficit was increased more than threefold – from UAH 96.27 billion to UAH 298.4 billion. Now the Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a plan for Ukraine economy's development for the next three years.
Forecast for the future
According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, "the updated macro forecast provides for the country's return to the trajectory of economic growth next year."
According to the rules of the Cabinet of Ministers, all macro indicators were forecast by the Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade, and Agriculture.
So, in 2021, GDP growth in Ukraine should be 4.6%, and in 2022 and 2023 – some 4.3% and 4.7%, respectively. It should be added that according to the forecast of the International Monetary Fund, our economy will fall by more than 8%. That is, the country will continue to remain in the red.
The inflation rate in December 2021 is 7.3% against December 2020, for which the indicator remains to be seen. On average, inflation in 2021 is projected at 8.1%. Inflation in December 2022 is 6.2%, compared to December 2021. On year though (2021 and 2022 are being compared), the inflation rate in 2022 is projected at 6.7%. Inflation in December 2023 will be 5.3% against December 2022. On average, compared with 2022, the inflation rate in 2023 is projected at 6%.
An important indicator is that the average wage in 2021 should correspond to UAH 13,632, in 2022 and 2023 – to UAH 15,414 and 17,169, respectively. The minimum wage in 2021 will grow first to UAH 6,250, and by the end of the year – to UAH 6,500. In 2022, minimum wage will be UAH 6,700, and in 2023 it will stand at UAH 7,200.
The unemployment rate for the population aged 15 to 70 is projected at 9.2% in 2021, 8.5% in 2022, and 8% in 2023.
The export of Ukrainian goods in 2021 is projected at $60.175 billion, in 2022 – at $64.018 billion, and in 2023 – at $69.284 billion. At the same time, imports in 2021, 2022, and 2023 will amount, respectively, to $70.591, $77.661, and $86.28 billion.
Based on these indicators, trade deficit will amount to $10.416 billion in 2021, $13.643 billion in 2022, and $16.996 billion in 2023.
All the listed figures have been approved on the condition that they require revision within three days. But so far no new data has been released.
As for the hryvnia, the national currency rate for 2021 was revised at UAH 29.1 to the dollar.
The prime minister believes that in order to achieve the economic growth declared, it is necessary to focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses, developing industry, supporting the national producer, domestic investment, and improving the business climate.
And Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko predicted that the recovery of the Ukrainian economy would begin by the end of this year, with a revival of dynamics expected next year. "Already in the fourth quarter of this year, we expect a gradual economic recovery. Economic dynamics are expected to revive in 2021. This will be the budget for the growth of the welfare of citizens and the country's economy," the minister stressed.
The outlook seems encouraging. Especially when compared with forecasts for Europe and the United States – the most developed economies. Eurozone's GDP contracted 12.1% in the second quarter of the year, the biggest drop in 25 years. Eurostat notes that these are preliminary estimates that take no account of a complete set of data. The final report for the second quarter of 2020 will be released on August 14.
On July 31, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced that U.S. GDP plummeted by nearly 33% at an annualized rate. This is the deepest fall since 1947.
These are the disappointing data of international auditors. But, judging by our government forecasts, Ukraine is ahead of the rest in terms of overcoming the coronacrisis.
Good and bad
Economic expert Oleh Pendzin casts doubt on the realism of the government assessment of Ukraine's development. Thus, the forecast for 2021 provides for a 4.6% GDP growth. But this year it is set to fall by 4.5%. For the first half of 2020, state statistics confirmed a 5.2% drop in GDP.
"In this economic situation, it would be very optimistic to expect that growth will begin in the second half of the year, which by year-end will reduce the rate of GDP decline. In addition, the experience of past global crises shows that the Ukrainian economy is much heavier than other economies coming out of decline. In 2008, global economy fell by 5%, while that in Ukrainian – by 15%, while our country was recovering from crisis 1.5 times longer. This is due to the raw material structure of our economy, low savings of the population, and weak fiscal support for businesses on the part of government. Another factor is that the forecast includes a phased increase in the minimum wage to UAH 6,500 in July 2021. Today it's UAH 4,723. On January 1, 2021, the minimum wage will have to be UAH 6,000. That is, for six months in 2021, there should be growth of over 30%. At the same time, inflation is set at 7.3%. The question arises as to the source of growth. Will labor productivity at Ukrainian enterprises rise so much? In the 2020 forecast, the decline in labor productivity is set at 3.3%. And in 2021, they lay down growth by 4% due to a low base. In fact, in 2021 we must reach the pre-crisis level of labor productivity. Then what's all this optimism about wages about? Are we planning to increase it at the expense of shadow businesses? But the example of recent months has shown a very peculiar trend. While official unemployment has decreased, deductions of the single social contribution are showing no growth. On the contrary, they are on decline. Business goes into the shadows, ”the expert noted.
Vitaly Shapran, a member of the NBU Council, has a different opinion. He believes that the macro-forecast, which was approved by government, is quite realistic, and that the budget process can be based on it.
"Of course, this is a forecast that doesn't take into account any 'black swans', such as an exacerbation of the global economic crisis, inflation in the U.S. and the EU due to excessive measures to stimulate the economy, or an escalation of conflict in eastern Ukraine, or consequences of the IMF program failure. I would be more restrained in my estimates of economic growth for 2021, judging by gold prices: investors are still pessimistic about the forecasts of a global economic recovery, and since our economy is dependent on exports, it will be quite difficult to become an island of growth in a difficult period of instability. But I would still call the Cabinet's inflation expectations moderate. Although they go beyond the NBU's target, they don't differ much," the expert emphasized.
An analyst with IG Univer Mykhailo Fedorov referred to the government's macro forecast for the coming years as idle running.
"That's because, in the current situation, the country's economy could grow at an annual rate of 5-10%, just by itself, if not tampered with. In 2014-2016, Ukraine experienced a shocker, which led to a collapse of economic indicators. After that shocker, the natural goal of the authorities was to stabilize things and achieve the so-called macroeconomic stability, in which they succeeded over the past years, on principle. And now, had the economy not been hurt by coronacrisis, it would have logically been reaping the fruit of macrostability achieved through of strong recovery growth, which had actually begun in 2019, when GDP growth started to accelerate on its own, contrary to expert expectations... Now the Ukrainian economy growth is being hindered by coronarisis, but in subsequent years its negative impact will cease to affect it, and the economy may again begin to grow at a rapid pace due to the macroeconomic stabilization of previous years and the recovery from coronavirus losses. But that's if no one tampers with it, if the government won't undermine the earlier achieved macroeconomic stability through their actions," the expert summed up.
It is no secret that the official economy statistics are very different from the actual wellbeing of average Ukrainians who could tell more clearly what's been happening with inflation and wages and it's likely to be worse than government forecasts.
Nana Chornaya


unian--2020-08-05--Ukraine interested in Italy's experience in protecting maritime borders, fighting illegal migration

Ukraine interested in Italy's experience in protecting maritime borders, fighting illegal migration – minister

This includes the experience in employing large patrol ships in countering illegal border crossing , coordination between various types of reconnaissance and border surveillance ( land , sea , and aviation ) , as well as control of border guard forces .
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has said Ukraine is interested in Italy 's experience in protecting maritime borders and fighting illegal migration .
During a working meeting with Commander of the Naval Coast Guard Headquarters , Admiral Giovanni Pettorino in Rome ( Italy ) , Avakov said Ukraine was restoring the maritime border protection system .
This includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard Service of Ukraine with 20 modern patrol boats , launched at Mykolayiv-based Nibulon shipyard this July .
`` At the same time , we 'd like to gain vast experience of the maritime coast guard of the Republic of Italy in fighting illegal migration , smuggling , drug trafficking , as well as protecting the state border from illegal encroachments , '' the minister said .
Read alsoBorder guards ' spearhead units to switch from Kalashnikovs to Ukraine-made assault rifles ( Photo , video ) Avakov stressed Ukraine is interested in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countering illegal border crossing , coordination between various types of reconnaissance and border surveillance ( land , sea , and aviation ) , as well as control of border guard forces .
In Ukraine , the State Border Guard Service is part of the Interior Ministry .

This includes the experience in employing large patrol ships in countering illegal border crossing, coordination between various types of reconnaissance and border surveillance (land, sea, and aviation), as well as control of border guard forces.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has said Ukraine is interested in Italy's experience in protecting maritime borders and fighting illegal migration.
During a working meeting with Commander of the Naval Coast Guard Headquarters, Admiral Giovanni Pettorino in Rome (Italy), Avakov said Ukraine was restoring the maritime border protection system. This includes the project to provide the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine with 20 modern patrol boats, launched at Mykolaiv-based Nibulon shipyard this July.
"At the same time, we'd like to gain vast experience of the maritime coast guard of the Republic of Italy in fighting illegal migration, smuggling, drug trafficking, as well as protecting the state border from illegal encroachments," the minister said.
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Read alsoBorder guards' spearhead units to switch from Kalashnikovs to Ukraine-made assault rifles (Photo, video)
Avakov stressed Ukraine is interested in the experience of using large patrol vessels in countering illegal border crossing, coordination between various types of reconnaissance and border surveillance (land, sea, and aviation), as well as control of border guard forces.
In Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service is part of the Interior Ministry.


unian--2020-08-05--Russian propagandists come up with bizarre "Ukrainian trace" in Beirut blast – media

No factual evidence whatsoever has been presented to back the claims .
Following a deadly blast in Beirut seaport that has killed dozens and left thousands injured and many homes destroyed , Russian propaganda pundits have claimed two Ukrainian vessels , which could reportedly be in the immediate vicinity to the incident site , allegedly transported explosives , which caused the tragedy .
The fake spin has initially been posted by the Tsargrad website owned by Russian billionaire Konstantin Malofeev .
`` The blast in the port of Beirut may have a 'Ukrainian origin . '
There is information that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine was moored by the epicenter of the blast , '' propagandists claimed , hinting the ship was heading from the city of Mariupol , which they mentioned `` is in close proximity to the conflict zone in Donbas . ''
At the same time , Russians have failed to back their allegations ( namely that the ships transported explosive substances ) with any facts and neither did they reveal their source , referring to some `` open sources . ''
As UNIAN reported earlier , a huge explosion ripped through Lebanon capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on August 4 .
Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says there is no information yet whether there are Ukrainian citizens among victims of a recent explosion in the Lebanese capital of Beirut .
The death toll after an explosion in Beirut , Lebanon , on August 4 has grown to over 50 , according to an update , while the number of those injured in the blast has reached at least 2,750 .
According to Al Jazeera , the Lebanese Interior Minister has said that ammonium nitrate was stored in the port @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

No factual evidence whatsoever has been presented to back the claims.
Following a deadly blast in Beirut seaport that has killed dozens and left thousands injured and many homes destroyed, Russian propaganda pundits have claimed two Ukrainian vessels, which could reportedly be in the immediate vicinity to the incident site, allegedly transported explosives, which caused the tragedy.
The fake spin has initially been posted by the Tsargrad website owned by Russian billionaire Konstantin Malofeev.
"The blast in the port of Beirut may have a 'Ukrainian origin.' There is information that a ship that arrived in Lebanon from Ukraine was moored by the epicenter of the blast," propagandists claimed, hinting the ship was heading from the city of Mariupol, which they mentioned "is in close proximity to the conflict zone in Donbas."
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Read alsoUkraine's top intelligence official talks Russian threats in media domain
At the same time, Russians have failed to back their allegations (namely that the ships transported explosive substances) with any facts and neither did they reveal their source, referring to some "open sources."
As UNIAN reported earlier, a huge explosion ripped through Lebanon capital Beirut's seaport and the surrounding area on August 4.
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says there is no information yet whether there are Ukrainian citizens among victims of a recent explosion in the Lebanese capital of Beirut.
The death toll after an explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, on August 4 has grown to over 50, according to an update, while the number of those injured in the blast has reached at least 2,750.
According to Al Jazeera, the Lebanese Interior Minister has said that ammonium nitrate was stored in the port, which is what caused the explosion.


unian--2020-08-05--Ukrainian Orthodox Church in occupied Crimea under imminent threat following top сourt ruling

With Russia systematically trying to eliminate any Ukraine-associated elements from occupied Crimea , Klyment recently spoke of the Church having become the only island of Ukrainian identity and spirituality on the occupied peninsula .
A week after Archbishop Klyment was threatened with criminal prosecution if he did not demolish a Ukrainian Orthodox chapel in Yevpatoria , Russia 's Supreme Court has taken a decision which places in jeopardy the very existence of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in the occupied Crimea .
On August 4 , 2020 , the Supreme Court refused to reconsider the judgment to evict the congregation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cathedral of St Vladimir and Olga in Simferopol , which Russia has been trying to take over since its invasion and annexation in 2014 , according to Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group .
Serhiy Zayets , the lawyer representing the Ukrainian Orthodox congregation says it is time to sound the alarm .
The Supreme Court 's move , he believes , `` essentially means the total dissolution of the Ukrainian Orthodox community in Crimea .
This is not formally genocide , but it borders on it .
Russia is destroying yet another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing to purge Crimea of all that 's Ukrainian '' .
Archbishop Klyment has long warned of the dangers and implication of Russia allowing to destroy the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Crimea .
In December last year , the warning was stark : `` If there is no Diocese and no Cathedral ( of Saints Vladimir and Olga ) , it wo n't be possible to speak of anything Ukrainian having been preserved in Crimea . ''
With Russia systematically trying to eliminate any Ukraine-associated elements from occupied Crimea , Klyment recently spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island of Ukrainian identity and spirituality on the occupied peninsula .
Read alsoUN Human Rights Committee again demands that Russia roll back eviction of Ukrainian church from temple in occupied Simferopol It is this Ukrainian identity which Russia has sought to eliminate .
It is , however , likely that the Church and its Archbishop were also viewed as `` the enemy '' due to their openly pro-Ukrainian position and to the public statement from the Church on March 11 , 2014 , condemning Russian occupation of Crimea .
During the first year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 46 parishes under what was then still the Kyiv Patriarchate ceased to exist .
In at least three cases , churches were seized by the occupation regime : in Sevastopol ; Simferopol , and the village of Perevalne .
Although western countries reacted very weakly to Russia 's invasion , Moscow probably feared a more active reaction to open persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church , and instead used so-called `` reregistration '' under Russian legislation as a weapon , and set about physically withdrawing the Church 's property .
Read alsoRussian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meddle in Ukraine – intelligence chief Reaction from both Kyiv and the international community is absolutely vital , the human rights watchdog says .
Russia has already demonstrated its willingness to harass and even detain the Archbishop .
If Moscow does not encounter real resistance from the West , the next step will almost certainly be persecution of the Archbishop and Ukrainian members of the Church , the report concludes .

With Russia systematically trying to eliminate any Ukraine-associated elements from occupied Crimea, Klyment recently spoke of the Church having become the only island of Ukrainian identity and spirituality on the occupied peninsula.
A week after Archbishop Klyment was threatened with criminal prosecution if he did not demolish a Ukrainian Orthodox chapel in Yevpatoria, Russia's Supreme Court has taken a decision which places in jeopardy the very existence of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in the occupied Crimea.
On August 4, 2020, the Supreme Court refused to reconsider the judgment to evict the congregation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine from the Cathedral of St Vladimir and Olga in Simferopol, which Russia has been trying to take over since its invasion and annexation in 2014, according to Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group.
Serhiy Zayets, the lawyer representing the Ukrainian Orthodox congregation says it is time to sound the alarm. The Supreme Court's move, he believes, "essentially means the total dissolution of the Ukrainian Orthodox community in Crimea. This is not formally genocide, but it borders on it. Russia is destroying yet another Ukrainian religious and cultural group and is continuing to purge Crimea of all that's Ukrainian".
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Archbishop Klyment has long warned of the dangers and implication of Russia allowing to destroy the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Crimea. In December last year, the warning was stark: "If there is no Diocese and no Cathedral (of Saints Vladimir and Olga), it won't be possible to speak of anything Ukrainian having been preserved in Crimea."
With Russia systematically trying to eliminate any Ukraine-associated elements from occupied Crimea, Klyment recently spoke of the Church having become the only island of Ukrainian identity and spirituality on the occupied peninsula.
Read alsoUN Human Rights Committee again demands that Russia roll back eviction of Ukrainian church from temple in occupied Simferopol
It is this Ukrainian identity which Russia has sought to eliminate. It is, however, likely that the Church and its Archbishop were also viewed as "the enemy" due to their openly pro-Ukrainian position and to the public statement from the Church on March 11, 2014, condemning Russian occupation of Crimea.
During the first year after Russia's invasion, 38 of the 46 parishes under what was then still the Kyiv Patriarchate ceased to exist. In at least three cases, churches were seized by the occupation regime: in Sevastopol; Simferopol, and the village of Perevalne.
Although western countries reacted very weakly to Russia's invasion, Moscow probably feared a more active reaction to open persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and instead used so-called "reregistration" under Russian legislation as a weapon, and set about physically withdrawing the Church's property.
Read alsoRussian security agencies using religion as tool to meddle in Ukraine – intelligence chief
Reaction from both Kyiv and the international community is absolutely vital, the human rights watchdog says. Russia has already demonstrated its willingness to harass and even detain the Archbishop. If Moscow does not encounter real resistance from the West, the next step will almost certainly be persecution of the Archbishop and Ukrainian members of the Church, the report concludes.


unian--2020-08-05--UN calls on Ukraine to develop law on rights of indigenous peoples, national minorities

The bill on the rights of national minorities will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration this fall .
The United Nations has called on Ukraine to develop a law on the implementation of the rights of indigenous peoples and national minorities .
`` We have followed the parliamentary works that led to the adoption of the law on state language since its beginning .
During the process , we shared our concerns and recommendations with the Parliament on how to bring the law in line with international human rights standards .
Many of these were addressed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was adopted on April 25 , 2019 , '' the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission said in a statement on August 4 .
It says that despite a number of positive shifts , the law still raises a number of human rights concerns .
`` The law regulates the use of Ukrainian as the sole state language in many spheres of public life , but does not regulate the use of minority languages .
In the absence of updated legislation on minorities , a number of the law 's provisions , which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of minorities , '' it said .
`` We call on the Cabinet of Ministers and the Parliament to elaborate a law on the realization of the rights of national minorities and indigenous people without undue delay , through inclusive consultations with representatives of national minorities and indigenous people , '' it added .
The UN recommendations say that the developed and adopted law should guarantee the use of any language in private activity .
Also , it is advised that the government should avoid an unjustified distinction between official European Union languages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preferential treatment to the former .
`` The regulations on final secondary schools exams and admission exams to public universities and other State educational institutions must take into account the use of minority languages as a medium of instruction in the educational system , '' the recommendations said .
In addition , it is emphasized that the prospective `` law on the realization of the rights of indigenous peoples and national minorities of Ukraine '' must ensure that the use of a minority language during cultural events is respected in line with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proficiency requirements for public officials must be proportionate to the objectives of the law .
They should not preclude the participation of minority language-speakers in public life , '' the UN said .
At the same time , they recommend that the government should facilitate the effective participation of minorities in public life including , where practical , the use of their languages in electoral , consultative and other public participation processes .
However , Ukraine is advised to ensure , where practical , access should be provided to public health care , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in minority languages .
`` In public media , minority languages must be provided with sufficient and proportionate space .
In the private broadcasting sector , free use of language , including minority languages , must be permitted , '' the recommendations say .
It also emphasizes that linguistic requirements in the commercial sphere , and especially in advertising , must respect the freedom of expression .
In addition , the UN office recommends that the Ukrainian authorities should establish preparatory language training programs for those who must use the state language .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the language requirement for acquiring citizenship should include persons with not only physical , but also mental and intellectual conditions that preclude them from learning Ukrainian .
`` Monitoring and enforcement mechanisms should not be based on sanctions , but on incentives , '' the UN experts said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the bill on the rights of national minorities , including linguistic ones , will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration this fall .

The bill on the rights of national minorities will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration this fall.
The United Nations has called on Ukraine to develop a law on the implementation of the rights of indigenous peoples and national minorities.
"We have followed the parliamentary works that led to the adoption of the law on state language since its beginning. During the process, we shared our concerns and recommendations with the Parliament on how to bring the law in line with international human rights standards. Many of these were addressed in the final version of the law, which was adopted on April 25, 2019," the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission said in a statement on August 4.
Read alsoNew language ombudsman announces free Ukrainian courses
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It says that despite a number of positive shifts, the law still raises a number of human rights concerns. "The law regulates the use of Ukrainian as the sole state language in many spheres of public life, but does not regulate the use of minority languages. In the absence of updated legislation on minorities, a number of the law's provisions, which are already applicable, may jeopardize the rights of minorities," it said.
"We call on the Cabinet of Ministers and the Parliament to elaborate a law on the realization of the rights of national minorities and indigenous people without undue delay, through inclusive consultations with representatives of national minorities and indigenous people," it added.
The UN recommendations say that the developed and adopted law should guarantee the use of any language in private activity. Also, it is advised that the government should avoid an unjustified distinction between official European Union languages and other minority languages which provide a preferential treatment to the former.
"The regulations on final secondary schools exams and admission exams to public universities and other State educational institutions must take into account the use of minority languages as a medium of instruction in the educational system," the recommendations said.
In addition, it is emphasized that the prospective "law on the realization of the rights of indigenous peoples and national minorities of Ukraine" must ensure that the use of a minority language during cultural events is respected in line with the freedom of expression. "The language proficiency requirements for public officials must be proportionate to the objectives of the law. They should not preclude the participation of minority language-speakers in public life," the UN said.
At the same time, they recommend that the government should facilitate the effective participation of minorities in public life including, where practical, the use of their languages in electoral, consultative and other public participation processes.
However, Ukraine is advised to ensure, where practical, access should be provided to public health care, social and other administrative or public services in minority languages.
"In public media, minority languages must be provided with sufficient and proportionate space. In the private broadcasting sector, free use of language, including minority languages, must be permitted," the recommendations say.
It also emphasizes that linguistic requirements in the commercial sphere, and especially in advertising, must respect the freedom of expression.
In addition, the UN office recommends that the Ukrainian authorities should establish preparatory language training programs for those who must use the state language.
The recommendations also say that exceptions to the language requirement for acquiring citizenship should include persons with not only physical, but also mental and intellectual conditions that preclude them from learning Ukrainian.
"Monitoring and enforcement mechanisms should not be based on sanctions, but on incentives," the UN experts said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the bill on the rights of national minorities, including linguistic ones, will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration this fall.


unian--2020-08-05--Hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.82 to U.S. dollar on August 5

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Hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.82 to U.S. dollar on August 5
10:40, 05.08.20 8186
The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 32.73 per euro.
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unian--2020-08-05--Ukraine's largest airline cancels number of flights until end of August

Ukraine's largest airline cancels number of flights until end of August
10:15, 05.08.20 2766
Available in August will also be domestic flights to Odesa, Kherson, Lviv.
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unian--2020-08-05--Ukraine reports record daily rise in COVID-19 cases

The pandemic has already taken 1,788 lives in Ukraine , with 24 fatalities recorded over the past day .
Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ August 5 , said the number of new active COVID-19 cases increased by 1,271 over @ @ @ @ @ This marked a new anti-record since the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic , as evidenced by @ @ @ @ @ spread .
Read alsoUkraine may receive about 8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine – Chief @ @ @ @ @ also saw 914 recoveries .
In total , 75,490 COVID-19 cases have already been detected @ @ @ @ @ has already taken 1,788 lives with 24 fatalities recorded over the past day .
As @ @ @ @ @ of the morning of August 4 , Ukraine has reported a total of 74,219 lab-confirmedCOVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ , with a daily rise of 1,061 .
Over the past day , 108 new @ @ @ @ @ in Kyiv .

The pandemic has already taken 1,788 lives in Ukraine, with 24 fatalities recorded over the past day.
Ukraine's authorities on Wednesday, August 5, said the number of new active COVID-19 cases increased by 1,271 over the past 24 hours.
This marked a new anti-record since the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, as evidenced by the NSDC map of COVID-19 spread.
Read alsoUkraine may receive about 8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine – Chief Medical Officer
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The past day also saw 914 recoveries.
In total, 75,490 COVID-19 cases have already been detected in Ukraine.
The pandemic has already taken 1,788 lives with 24 fatalities recorded over the past day.
As UNIAN reported earlier, as of the morning of August 4, Ukraine has reported a total of 74,219 lab-confirmedCOVID-19 cases since the pandemic outbreak, with a daily rise of 1,061.
Over the past day, 108 new cases of COVID-19 were registered in Kyiv.


unian--2020-08-05--Donbas truce: Ukraine reports three enemy provocations on Aug 4

There have been no casualties among Ukrainian defenders .
Ukraine has reported three enemy provocations on Tuesday , August 4 @ @ @ @ @ forces three times violated the newly-agreed truce in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ opened fire overnight , using a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher near the village of Pisky @ @ @ @ @ tried to provoke our soldiers with a single shot employing an under-barrel grenade launcher outside @ @ @ @ @ The same tactic was used by the village of Luhanske , '' the press center @ @ @ @ @ Operation ( JFO ) said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on @ @ @ @ @ There have been no casualties among Ukrainian defenders .
Since Wednesday midnight , enemy troops @ @ @ @ @ an under-barrel grenade launcher to stage an act of provocation near the village of Shumy @ @ @ @ @ their fire .
The situation is under full control of Ukrainian military , the report @ @

There have been no casualties among Ukrainian defenders.
Ukraine has reported three enemy provocations on Tuesday, August 4 as Russia's hybrid military forces three times violated the newly-agreed truce in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
"In particular, enemy troops once opened fire overnight, using a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher near the village of Pisky. Later, the enemy tried to provoke our soldiers with a single shot employing an under-barrel grenade launcher outside the village of Mayorsk. The same tactic was used by the village of Luhanske," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on August 5, 2020.
Read alsoRussia continues to supply weapons, military equipment, ammo, to occupied Donbas – intelligence
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Ukrainian soldiers didn't return fire, the report stresses.
There have been no casualties among Ukrainian defenders.
Since Wednesday midnight, enemy troops have also opened fire using an under-barrel grenade launcher to stage an act of provocation near the village of Shumy. Ukraine Armed Forces held their fire.
The situation is under full control of Ukrainian military, the report reads.


unian--2020-08-05--Head of Ukraine delegation at Minsk talks explains ex-PM's role

There is `` civil society in Donbas '' , with whom it is necessary `` to communicate and negotiate . ''
The first Prime Minister of Ukraine ( 1990-1992 ) , Vitold Fokin , a newly-appointed member of the Trilateral Contact Group for Donbas settlement will be coordinating communications among all parties involved .
That 's according to the Ukrainian delegation chief , the country 's first president Leonid Kravchuk , 112 Ukraine reports .
Read alsoPotential pick for spot in TCG team , ex-PM Fokin `` watches too much TV '' , delegation member says '' As for Vitold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an acclaimed person in Donbas , and therefore , as far as I can tell you , as far as I know , he is offered the following position : coordinator of talks , or communication , of all parties , '' Kravchuk said .
The delegation chief added that in Donbas `` not everyone is a militant : there 's civil society , there are people who think differently , who see the situation differently . ''
`` We need to find them , communicate , and negotiate , '' said Kravchuk @

There is "civil society in Donbas", with whom it is necessary "to communicate and negotiate."
The first Prime Minister of Ukraine (1990-1992), Vitold Fokin, a newly-appointed member of the Trilateral Contact Group for Donbas settlement will be coordinating communications among all parties involved.
That's according to the Ukrainian delegation chief, the country's first president Leonid Kravchuk, 112 Ukraine reports.
Read alsoPotential pick for spot in TCG team, ex-PM Fokin "watches too much TV", delegation member says
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"As for Vitold Pavlovych [Foin], he is an acclaimed person in Donbas, and therefore, as far as I can tell you, as far as I know, he is offered the following position: coordinator of talks, or communication, of all parties," Kravchuk said.
The delegation chief added that in Donbas "not everyone is a militant: there's civil society, there are people who think differently, who see the situation differently."
"We need to find them, communicate, and negotiate," said Kravchuk.


unian--2020-08-05--Ukraine's MFA condemns OCU eviction from cathedral in Russia-occupied Crimea

Over 90 administrative cases against religious organizations in Crimea have been documented .
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) condemns the eviction of the community of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine ( OCU ) from the Cathedral of the Holy and Equal-to-the-Apostles Volodymyr and Olha in Simferopol .
`` This decision by the occupying authorities reflects the policy of systemic oppression of the Ukrainian Orthodox community in temporarily occupied Crimea , '' the ministry said in a statement on August 5 .
Read alsoUkrainian Orthodox Church in occupied Crimea under imminent threat following top сourt ruling Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration handed over to Archbishop Klyment an order on the demolition of the temple in Yevpatoria , the ministry said .
In the course of the last year , the occupying administration detained Archbishop Klyment himself without justification in March , refused to register the local religious organization following his application in April , and terminated the lease of the premises of the acting cathedral in June .
In July 2019 , all the church utensils of the diocesan administration were stolen from this cathedral under the guise of building renovation .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimea aims at erasing the Ukrainian identity on the temporarily occupied territories and is a part of the policy of oppression of all religious communities in Crimea uncontrolled by Moscow , '' the ministry said .
The largest-scaled oppression is unfolded against the Crimean Muslims .
According to human rights defenders , 71 Crimeans of Muslim confession are behind bars under the fabricated charges .
Contrary to international humanitarian law , the Russian Federation extended the application of its legislation to Ukrainian Crimea thus outlawing about 8,000 followers of the Jehovah 's Witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that community for their religious beliefs .
`` The Russian occupying administration in Crimea abuses the anti-extremist legislation and uses the administrative legislation to the effect of oppressing the religious communities .
Administrative pressure is being exercised not only against the Orthodox Church of Ukraine .
This year , the fines for missionary activities were issued to the rabbi of the Jewish Messianic community and imam of the Alushta Muslim community , '' the ministry said .
Overall , since the beginning of the occupation , human rights defenders have documented 91 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members in Crimea , resulting in 73 administrative fines for a total amount exceeding 1 million Russian rubles ( about US $ 13,700 ) .
Only Orthodox churches controlled by the Moscow Patriarch enjoy freedom from obstacles to their religious activities .
`` We call on Russian Federation as an occupying power to abide by the norms of international law , including the international humanitarian law , and to stop the oppression of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and other religious communities in Crimea , '' the ministry said .

Over 90 administrative cases against religious organizations in Crimea have been documented.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) condemns the eviction of the community of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) from the Cathedral of the Holy and Equal-to-the-Apostles Volodymyr and Olha in Simferopol.
"This decision by the occupying authorities reflects the policy of systemic oppression of the Ukrainian Orthodox community in temporarily occupied Crimea," the ministry said in a statement on August 5.
Read alsoUkrainian Orthodox Church in occupied Crimea under imminent threat following top сourt ruling
Видео дня
Only a week ago, the Russian occupying administration handed over to Archbishop Klyment an order on the demolition of the temple in Yevpatoria, the ministry said. In the course of the last year, the occupying administration detained Archbishop Klyment himself without justification in March, refused to register the local religious organization following his application in April, and terminated the lease of the premises of the acting cathedral in June. In July 2019, all the church utensils of the diocesan administration were stolen from this cathedral under the guise of building renovation.
"Oppression of the Ukrainian Orthodox community in Crimea aims at erasing the Ukrainian identity on the temporarily occupied territories and is a part of the policy of oppression of all religious communities in Crimea uncontrolled by Moscow," the ministry said.
The largest-scaled oppression is unfolded against the Crimean Muslims. According to human rights defenders, 71 Crimeans of Muslim confession are behind bars under the fabricated charges.
Contrary to international humanitarian law, the Russian Federation extended the application of its legislation to Ukrainian Crimea thus outlawing about 8,000 followers of the Jehovah's Witnesses. The occupying administration imprisoned two members of that community for their religious beliefs.
"The Russian occupying administration in Crimea abuses the anti-extremist legislation and uses the administrative legislation to the effect of oppressing the religious communities. Administrative pressure is being exercised not only against the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. This year, the fines for missionary activities were issued to the rabbi of the Jewish Messianic community and imam of the Alushta Muslim community," the ministry said.
Overall, since the beginning of the occupation, human rights defenders have documented 91 administrative cases against religious organizations and their members in Crimea, resulting in 73 administrative fines for a total amount exceeding 1 million Russian rubles (about US$13,700).
Only Orthodox churches controlled by the Moscow Patriarch enjoy freedom from obstacles to their religious activities.
"We call on Russian Federation as an occupying power to abide by the norms of international law, including the international humanitarian law, and to stop the oppression of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and other religious communities in Crimea," the ministry said.


unian--2020-08-05--Central Bank estimates Ukrainian migrant workers' remittances home since year's start

Most of money transfers arrived from the United States , Italy , Israel , Russia , and Germany .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has estimated how much money has been sent by Ukrainian migrant workers home since the beginning of the year .
From January to June 2020 , private remittances via official and non-official channels to Ukraine totaled US $ 5.365 billion in the equivalent ; and those from Ukraine stood at US $ 246 million in the equivalent , according to the NBU 's rough estimates disclosed by the NBU 's press service on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1.187 billion in the equivalent , or more than a fifth of all transfers , was wired to Ukraine via money remittance systems alone ( not including transfers via bank accounts , credit cards , or remittances handled by postal offices ) .
This is 8 % more than in the first half of 2019 .
The average amount of one transfer to Ukraine also slightly increased ( by 5.4 % ) , from US $ 355 to US $ 374 .
Some US $ 212 million in the equivalent was wired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was 26.2 % up year-over-year .
This popular method accounted for over four-fifths of all private transfers from Ukraine .
The average amount of one transfer from Ukraine also increased ( by 29.1 % ) , from US $ 358 in the first half of 2019 , to US $ 462 .
The channels of remittances have remained almost unchanged , the NBU said .
Most of money transfers arrived from the United States , Italy , Israel , Russia , and Germany .
Most of remittances from Ukraine were wired to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Poland .
The volume of transfers within Ukraine through money remittance systems also increased – to UAH 117.938 billion or US $ 4.551 billion in the equivalent .
It was a third more ( by 31.3 % ) than in the first half of last year .
More than 78 % of transfers within Ukraine were handled by the top three domestic systems : • NovaPay ( POST FINANCE LLC ) accounted for 45.12 % of all transfers within Ukraine ; • The share of transfers by postal offices ( OJSC Ukrposhta @ @ @ @ @

Central Bank estimates Ukrainian migrant workers' remittances home since year's start
22:59, 05.08.20 2355
Most of money transfers arrived from the United States, Italy, Israel, Russia, and Germany.
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unian--2020-08-05--Ukraine weather conditions unfavorable for winter sowing – media

A lack of rain in Ukraine 's central and southern regions has created unfavourable conditions for winter crop sowing , @ @ @ @ @ citing weather forecasters .
Ukraine , a traditional grower of winter crops of wheat , @ @ @ @ @ starts sowing in the second half of August with winter rapeseed , Reuters reported .
@ @ @ @ @ 6 mln tonnes of grain of new harvest '' In the southern regions – Mykolaiv @ @ @ @ @ Zaporizhia – in many areas , the moisture reserves of one meter layer of soil @ @ @ @ @ , '' APK-Inform quoted forecasters as saying .
`` This year ... the preconditions for @ @ @ @ @ they added .
Ukrainian grain traders union UGA said on Tuesday it revised down its @ @ @ @ @ rapeseed harvest to 2.93 million tonnes from the previous outlook of 3.33 million .
UGA @ @ @ @ @ its estimate for Ukraine 's 2020/21 rapeseed exports to 2.65 million tonnes from 3 million @

Ukraine harvested 3.3 million tonnes of rapeseed in 2019.
A lack of rain in Ukraine's central and southern regions has created unfavourable conditions for winter crop sowing, analyst APK-Inform said on Wednesday citing weather forecasters.
Ukraine, a traditional grower of winter crops of wheat, barley and rapeseed, usually starts sowing in the second half of August with winter rapeseed, Reuters reported.
Read alsoUkrainian farmers thresh over 6 mln tonnes of grain of new harvest
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"In the southern regions – Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson, Zaporizhia – in many areas, the moisture reserves of one meter layer of soil have already been completely exhausted," APK-Inform quoted forecasters as saying.
"This year ... the preconditions for sowing are unfavourable," they added.
Ukrainian grain traders union UGA said on Tuesday it revised down its forecast for Ukraine's 2020/21 rapeseed harvest to 2.93 million tonnes from the previous outlook of 3.33 million.
UGA said it had also reduced its estimate for Ukraine's 2020/21 rapeseed exports to 2.65 million tonnes from 3 million.
Ukraine harvested 3.3 million tonnes of rapeseed in 2019.


unian--2020-08-05--Ukrainian law enforcers detain Belarusian citizen wanted by Interpol

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have detained a citizen of Belarus who is wanted by Interpol on charges of molestation .
@ @ @ @ @ of 33-year-old Alexander Zatovka was sent to Interpol 's Bureau in Ukraine , the media @ @ @ @ @ Interior Ministry reported on its website on August 5 .
Read alsoBelarus promises to cooperate @ @ @ @ @ mercenaries – media In Belarus , he is charged with committing crimes under Part 3 @ @ @ @ @ acts of sexual nature ) , Part 1 of Article 169 ( sexual abuse ) @ @ @ @ @ Article 343-1 ( production and distribution of child pornography ) of that country 's Criminal @ @

The detainee is facing deportation.
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have detained a citizen of Belarus who is wanted by Interpol on charges of molestation.
A request for the detention of 33-year-old Alexander Zatovka was sent to Interpol's Bureau in Ukraine, the media relations office of Ukraine's Interior Ministry reported on its website on August 5.
Read alsoBelarus promises to cooperate with Ukraine on suspected Russian mercenaries – media
Видео дня
In Belarus, he is charged with committing crimes under Part 3 of Article 167 (violent acts of sexual nature), Part 1 of Article 169 (sexual abuse), and Part 3 of Article 343-1 (production and distribution of child pornography) of that country's Criminal Code.
The detainee is facing deportation.


unian--2020-08-05--Belarus promises to cooperate with Ukraine on suspected Russian mercenaries – media

Ukrainian authorities last week asked Belarus to extradite 28 people , including nine Ukrainian citizens .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Wednesday Minsk would cooperate with Ukraine in the case of a group of suspected Russian mercenaries who were detained by security forces in Belarus last week , the Belta news agency reported .
Ukraine is seeking the extradition of the men for their alleged role in fighting in eastern Ukraine , Reuters said .
Ukraine 's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday he hoped Belarus would hand over suspected Russian mercenaries to Ukraine for future prosecution .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PMC troops from Belarus '' I hope that the suspects in terrorist activities on the territory of # Ukraine will be handed over to us for criminal prosecution in accordance with current international legal documents , '' Zelensky said on Twitter .
As was reported , Belarusian security forces last week detained a group of suspected Russian mercenaries from private military company ( PMC ) Wagner near Minsk .
Ukrainian authorities last week asked Belarus to extradite 28 people , including nine Ukrainian citizens , whom Kyiv suspects of participating in the hostilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men are mercenaries and says they work for a private security firm .

Ukrainian authorities last week asked Belarus to extradite 28 people, including nine Ukrainian citizens.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Wednesday Minsk would cooperate with Ukraine in the case of a group of suspected Russian mercenaries who were detained by security forces in Belarus last week, the Belta news agency reported.
Ukraine is seeking the extradition of the men for their alleged role in fighting in eastern Ukraine, Reuters said.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday he hoped Belarus would hand over suspected Russian mercenaries to Ukraine for future prosecution.
Видео дня
Read alsoUkraine to request extradition of 28 Wagner PMC troops from Belarus
"I hope that the suspects in terrorist activities on the territory of #Ukraine will be handed over to us for criminal prosecution in accordance with current international legal documents," Zelensky said on Twitter.
As was reported, Belarusian security forces last week detained a group of suspected Russian mercenaries from private military company (PMC) Wagner near Minsk.
Ukrainian authorities last week asked Belarus to extradite 28 people, including nine Ukrainian citizens, whom Kyiv suspects of participating in the hostilities in eastern Ukraine.
Russia denies the men are mercenaries and says they work for a private security firm.


unian--2020-08-05--Several Ukrainian families' property damaged in Beirut blast – Ambassador to Lebanon

Only minor injuries were reported among the Ukrainians .
Ukraine 's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Lebanon Ihor Ostash says several Ukrainian families ' property was damaged in a recent explosion in Beirut , Lebanon ; some of the citizens sustained minor injuries .
`` There are some families who have suffered quite seriously .
First of all , this is property – houses , apartments .
They have sustained minor injuries , such as wounds or bruises .
But no one has been seriously injured , '' the ambassador said on Channel Ukraine 24 .
Read alsoUkraine ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM Shmyhal The embassy responds to all requests , he said .
According to him , this is mainly assistance with repairs to houses and apartments .
`` Today there are no serious problems associated with the threat to the life of the Ukrainians , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , a massive explosion rocked the port area of Lebanon 's capital , Beirut , on August 4 .
According to CNN , at least 100 people were killed and 4,000 wounded in the incident .
Hundreds have been reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly caused the explosion , CNN reported .
Lebanon 's prime minister said an investigation would focus on an estimated 2,750 metric tons of the explosive ammonium nitrate stored at a warehouse .

Only minor injuries were reported among the Ukrainians.
Ukraine's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Lebanon Ihor Ostash says several Ukrainian families' property was damaged in a recent explosion in Beirut, Lebanon; some of the citizens sustained minor injuries.
"There are some families who have suffered quite seriously. First of all, this is property – houses, apartments. They have sustained minor injuries, such as wounds or bruises. But no one has been seriously injured," the ambassador said on Channel Ukraine 24.
Read alsoUkraine ready to provide all necessary assistance to Lebanon – PM Shmyhal
Видео дня
The embassy responds to all requests, he said. According to him, this is mainly assistance with repairs to houses and apartments. "Today there are no serious problems associated with the threat to the life of the Ukrainians," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, a massive explosion rocked the port area of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, on August 4.
According to CNN, at least 100 people were killed and 4,000 wounded in the incident. Hundreds have been reported missing. It is still unclear what exactly caused the explosion, CNN reported. Lebanon's prime minister said an investigation would focus on an estimated 2,750 metric tons of the explosive ammonium nitrate stored at a warehouse.


unian--2020-08-06--Survey: Four parties expected to make it to Rada in snap elections

The poll says 20 % of Ukrainians believe that in general , Ukraine is developing in the right direction , while 68 % think opposite .
Four political parties could win seats in the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , if snap elections were to be held next Sunday .
The ruling Servant of the People Party is at the top of popular rating among those who have made up their choice and intend to vote ( 26 % ) , that 's according to a survey by the Rating Sociological Group .
The Opposition Platform – For Life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then go the European Solidarity Party ( 15.7 % ) , and the Batkivshchyna Party ( 10.4 % ) .
Some 4.8 % would support the Radical Party , 4.6 % would vote for the Syla I Chest ' ( Strength and Honor ) Party , while nearly 3.2 % would back the Ukrainian Strategy Party .
Half of the respondents who have picked their favorites say they were absolutely sure of their choice , 38 % are more likely confident , and 15 % remain unsure .
The poll says 20 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine is developing in the right direction , while 68 % think opposite .
UNIAN memo .
The poll , conducted on August 5 via phone interviews , covered 2,000 Ukrainian respondents aged 18 and older in all regions but Crimea and the occupied areas in Donbas .
The margin of error is within 2.2 % .

The poll says 20% of Ukrainians believe that in general, Ukraine is developing in the right direction, while 68% think opposite.
Four political parties could win seats in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, if snap elections were to be held next Sunday.
The ruling Servant of the People Party is at the top of popular rating among those who have made up their choice and intend to vote (26%), that's according to a survey by the Rating Sociological Group.
The Opposition Platform – For Life Party are runners-up with 17.6%, then go the European Solidarity Party (15.7%), and the Batkivshchyna Party (10.4%).
Видео дня
Some 4.8% would support the Radical Party, 4.6% would vote for the Syla I Chest' (Strength and Honor) Party, while nearly 3.2% would back the Ukrainian Strategy Party.
Read alsoZelensky remains Ukrainians' favorite at top post, poll says
Half of the respondents who have picked their favorites say they were absolutely sure of their choice, 38% are more likely confident, and 15% remain unsure.
The poll says 20% of Ukrainians believe that in general, Ukraine is developing in the right direction, while 68% think opposite.
UNIAN memo. The poll, conducted on August 5 via phone interviews, covered 2,000 Ukrainian respondents aged 18 and older in all regions but Crimea and the occupied areas in Donbas.
The margin of error is within 2.2%.


unian--2020-08-06--Ukrainian farmers opting for domestic machinery to receive compensation

The Treasury has already received paperwork to secure relevant payments .
The Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture of Ukraine has approved the transfer of UAH 47 million in compensation to agricultural producers for the purchase of domestic machinery and equipment .
That 's according to Deputy Minister Taras Vysotsky , who took to Facebook to report the news .
He noted that the Treasury had already received paperwork to secure relevant payments .
Read alsoUkrainian farmers to receive compensation for lost crops over drought – economy ministry The relevant application forms for compensation seekers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture on August 3 approved allocation of UAH 124.9 million for compensations to agricultural businesses for interest paid on loans for January-June 2020 .
• In June , the ministry approved a new allocation worth UAH 104.5 million to domestic agricultural producers who have purchased Ukraine-made machinery and equipment in December 2019 and January-May 2020 .
• In February 2020 , the Cabinet of Ministers created a Partial Loan Guarantee Fund in Agriculture , which was supposed to simplify for smaller farmers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtaining loans • On January 30 , 2020 , deputy economy minister Taras Vysotsky said that the state program to reduce the cost of loans for farmers in 2020 with a budget of UAH 1.2 billion will work in three directions , one of which will be compensation of interest on loans for farmland acquisition .
• In November 2019 , economy minister Tymofiy Mylovanov announced that Ukrainians would be able to take hryvnia loans for the farmland purchase at 3-5 % after land market legislation is adopted .

Ukrainian farmers opting for domestic machinery to receive compensation
16:05, 06.08.20 1014
The Treasury has already received paperwork to secure relevant payments.
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unian--2020-08-06--Poland's Duda in inaugural address vows to work toward restoring Ukraine's full sovereignty

Many opposition politicians have ignored the ceremony .
Polish President Duda mentioned Ukraine in his inaugural swearing-in address on August @ @ @ @ @ , the country will have an opportunity to act for the security of the continent @ @ @ @ @ the OSCE , according to RFE/RL 's Ukrainian service .
Duda stressed this is an @ @ @ @ @ includes restoring the full sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine .
The ceremony was held @ @ @ @ @ a session of the National Assembly .
However , many opposition politicians have ignored the @ @ @ @ @ former presidents , only Aleksander Kwaśniewski attended the event .
As reported by Radio Poland @ @ @ @ @ of the vote in Poland 's run-off presidential election last month , while opposition-backed challenger @ @ @ @ @ of Warsaw , won 48.97 % .
A special chamber within Poland 's Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ result the election was valid , despite over 5,000 legal challenges to the ballot .

Many opposition politicians have ignored the ceremony.
Polish President Duda mentioned Ukraine in his inaugural swearing-in address on August 6.
According to him, the country will have an opportunity to act for the security of the continent in 2022 when Poland chairs the OSCE, according to RFE/RL's Ukrainian service.
Duda stressed this is an important task, which also includes restoring the full sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
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Read alsoConservative incumbent Duda re-elected Polish president – media
The ceremony was held at the Sejm, during a session of the National Assembly. However, many opposition politicians have ignored the ceremony. Of the invited former presidents, only Aleksander Kwaśniewski attended the event.
As reported by Radio Poland, Duda garnered 51.03% of the vote in Poland's run-off presidential election last month, while opposition-backed challenger Rafał Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw, won 48.97%.
A special chamber within Poland's Supreme Court on Monday announced that the result the election was valid, despite over 5,000 legal challenges to the ballot.


unian--2020-08-06--Zelensky: If everything depended on Ukraine alone, Donbas would see real ceasefire

The president said many questions and problems arise in the process of preserving ceasefire .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said if everything depended only on the Ukrainian side , it would be a real ceasefire in Donbas .
`` We are fighting to ensure that this regime is not violated ...
If everything depended only on our side , I am sure it would be real ceasefire .
We would move on to the next steps , to the next stages of the war , '' he told journalists in Donetsk region , according to the president 's press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is doing its best to maintain ceasefire and save the lives of Ukrainian servicemen .
At the same time , he said many questions and problems arise in the process of preserving ceasefire .
`` We pray to God , and are grateful to our military .
The most important thing we want is to maintain this ceasefire .
It is very important for us just not to lose our servicemen every day .
I ca n't guarantee anything , but I 'll tell you – we do our best , we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at meetings in the Minsk format , as well as during video conferences of the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) .
We will continue to keep our fingers crossed , '' the president added .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire on the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 .
• The new ceasefire regime was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federation 's armed formations continue to provoke the Ukrainian military in defiance of ceasefire agreements reached .

The president said many questions and problems arise in the process of preserving ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said if everything depended only on the Ukrainian side, it would be a real ceasefire in Donbas.
"We are fighting to ensure that this regime is not violated... If everything depended only on our side, I am sure it would be real ceasefire. We would move on to the next steps, to the next stages of the war," he told journalists in Donetsk region, according to the president's press service.
Zelensky said the Ukrainian side is doing its best to maintain ceasefire and save the lives of Ukrainian servicemen.
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At the same time, he said many questions and problems arise in the process of preserving ceasefire.
Read alsoDonbas truce: Ukraine reports enemy provocation on contact line
"We pray to God, and are grateful to our military. The most important thing we want is to maintain this ceasefire. It is very important for us just not to lose our servicemen every day. I can't guarantee anything, but I'll tell you – we do our best, we do a lot of things both in Ukraine and at meetings in the Minsk format, as well as during video conferences of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG). We will continue to keep our fingers crossed," the president added.
Background


unian--2020-08-06--Ukrainian Antarctic station seeing unexpected early return of penguins

This year the winter turned out to be abnormally warm .
The Ukrainian team at the Vernadsky Antarctic Station has been stunned to see an unexpected return of gentoo penguins as the species usually leave the area in May only to return in October .
In late May , all penguins left the station toward warmer locations since Antarctica is now in midwinter .
Penguins are traditional inhabitants of Galindez Island , where the station is located .
The area is their habitat throughout all seasons but winter , the National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine wrote on Facebook .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the station , which was quite an unexpected encounter at this time of year .
`` According to Oleksandr Salgansky , a biologist on the 25th Ukrainian Antarctic expedition team , the mass return of penguins to the island is usually observed in the second half of October ( which corresponds to April in our hemisphere ) .
In previous years , the island was almost completely frozen throughout winter , winters used to be snowy and fierce , but this year 's winter turned out to be abnormally warm , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Base is the only Ukrainian Antarctic Station .
It is located at Marina Point of Galindez Island , 7 km from the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula .
It operates all year round , performing functions of a meteorological and geographic observatory .
• Climate change is one of the main challenges facing humanity in the 21st century .
Scientific estimates show that today , thousands of people around the world are dying from harmful effects of climate crisis , while the official death toll count does not take into account the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to experts , about 80 % of megacities across the planet will have faced a different type of climate by 2050 .

This year the winter turned out to be abnormally warm.
The Ukrainian team at the Vernadsky Antarctic Station has been stunned to see an unexpected return of gentoo penguins as the species usually leave the area in May only to return in October.
In late May, all penguins left the station toward warmer locations since Antarctica is now in midwinter. Penguins are traditional inhabitants of Galindez Island, where the station is located. The area is their habitat throughout all seasons but winter, the National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine wrote on Facebook.
Now, five penguins have been spotted at the station, which was quite an unexpected encounter at this time of year.
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Read alsoUkrainian scientist wins unique grant to study climate change
"According to Oleksandr Salgansky, a biologist on the 25th Ukrainian Antarctic expedition team, the mass return of penguins to the island is usually observed in the second half of October (which corresponds to April in our hemisphere). In previous years, the island was almost completely frozen throughout winter, winters used to be snowy and fierce, but this year's winter turned out to be abnormally warm," the report says
UNIAN memo


unian--2020-08-06--Zelensky explains Kravchuk pick for top spot in TCG

The president referred to him as an `` well-educated '' and `` wise '' man .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has explained that his recent pick for the top position in Ukraine 's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement , the country 's first president Leonid Kravchuk , is a strong figure worthy of the new post .
Speaking with journalists on a visit to Donetsk region 's Chasov Yar on Thursday , August 6 , the president referred to Kravchuk as a `` well-educated '' and `` wise '' man who enjoys people 's respect throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stream broadcast by the President 's Office .
`` Why did Leonid Makarovych Kravchuk took helm of the [ Trilateral Contact ] Group ?
I 'll tell you this , we actually had several candidates .
I believe that the Group should be headed by someone strong , wise , and well-educated who enjoys respect across Ukraine , including in its parts that are , unfortunately , now being temporarily occupied .
This is very important for the [ delegation ] chair , '' Zelensky said .
At the same time , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kravchuk 's predecessor in the TCG , Leonid Kuchma , which the public `` obviously does n't see . ''
`` Meetings are held behind closed doors , so people only see the reports following meeting of subgroups : political , security , or economic .
They last for long hours .
I 'm grateful to him for this really difficult work .
He has really grown tired , there are no other reasons [ for his step-down ] , '' the head of state emphasized .
Read alsoKravchuk says ready for compromises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , on July 28 came the reports on Leonid Kuchma resigning from the top post in Ukraine 's delegation to the TCG .
President Zelensky noted that he respects Kuchma 's decision , and thanked him for his work as head of the Ukrainian team .
On July 29 , Zelensky said that different candidates were being considered to replace Kuchma , including the delegation 's first deputy chairman , Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov , and first President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk .
Eventually , Zelensky opted for Kravchuk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 30 .

The president referred to him as an "well-educated" and "wise" man.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has explained that his recent pick for the top position in Ukraine's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement, the country's first president Leonid Kravchuk, is a strong figure worthy of the new post.
Speaking with journalists on a visit to Donetsk region's Chasov Yar on Thursday, August 6, the president referred to Kravchuk as a "well-educated" and "wise" man who enjoys people's respect throughout the country, as seen in a stream broadcast by the President's Office.
Read alsoKravchuk in TCG: cons and pros
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"Why did Leonid Makarovych Kravchuk took helm of the [Trilateral Contact] Group? I'll tell you this, we actually had several candidates. I believe that the Group should be headed by someone strong, wise, and well-educated who enjoys respect across Ukraine, including in its parts that are, unfortunately, now being temporarily occupied. This is very important for the [delegation] chair," Zelensky said.
At the same time, he praised the "great work" of Kravchuk's predecessor in the TCG, Leonid Kuchma, which the public "obviously doesn't see."
"Meetings are held behind closed doors, so people only see the reports following meeting of subgroups: political, security, or economic. They last for long hours. I'm grateful to him for this really difficult work. He has really grown tired, there are no other reasons [for his step-down]," the head of state emphasized.
Read alsoKravchuk says ready for compromises with Russia on Donbas
As UNIAN reported earlier, on July 28 came the reports on Leonid Kuchma resigning from the top post in Ukraine's delegation to the TCG.
President Zelensky noted that he respects Kuchma's decision, and thanked him for his work as head of the Ukrainian team.
On July 29, Zelensky said that different candidates were being considered to replace Kuchma, including the delegation's first deputy chairman, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov, and first President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk.
Eventually, Zelensky opted for Kravchuk, appointing him head of delegation on July 30.


unian--2020-08-06--Ukrainian banks post lower profits over quarantine – NBU

The decrease was due to the deduction to reserves , as well as lower demand for banking services , which led to a drop in fee and commission incomes .
The loan portfolio of banks in the second quarter of 2020 ( Q2 2020 ) decreased , while profits fell over COVID-19 and quarantine .
The relevant information has been reported by the National Bank 's press service in its banking sector review .
`` In April-June , the banking market felt the effects of the pandemic and quarantine measures over the reduction of the loan portfolio and profitability decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in previous crises , the volumes of deposits of the population and businesses grew .
The National Bank continues to contribute to banks and borrowers safely passing through the current crisis , while requiring from market players proper risk assessment , while next year it will analyze quality of restructuring , '' the NBU report says .
The National Bank says the portfolio of net business loans ( i.e .
the portfolio excluding reserves ) decreased over the quarter by 6.3 % in hryvnia and 3.6 % in dollar terms .
The portfolio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down by 5 % this quarter ( -4.4 % in April ) for the first time since the beginning of 2017 .
The key factor behind the reduction was the buildup of reserves by banks , while demand for loans dropped due to the worsening consumer sentiment .
In particular , loans for household appliances and motor vehicles in Q2 2020 decreased .
Q2 2020 saw continued growth of individual and business deposits in banks .
In particular , businesses boosted hryvnia funds in bank accounts by 9 % over the quarter ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hryvnia grew by 10.9 % ( +24.1 % y-o-y ) in Q2 , mainly due to demand deposits .
This increase contrasts positively with the crises of previous years when depositors were actively withdrawing funds from banks .
Banks ' profit in April-June fell to UAH 7.7 billion ( US $ 278 million ) , and in H1 2020 it was 23.4 % lower y-o-y , amounting to UAH 23.8 billion ( US $ 859 million ) .
The decrease in profit was due to the deduction to reserves , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , which led to a decrease in fee and commission income .
As of July 1 , 2020 , debts of solvent banks for refinancing by the NBU amounted to UAH 9.2 billion ( US $ 332 million ) .
According to the regulator , they grew to UAH 12.7 billion ( US $ 458.5 million ) over the month .
During 2014-2017 , 96 banks in Ukraine lost their solvency .
The total amount of funds received by bank depositors transferred to the management of the Deposit Guarantee Fund during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( US $ 3.2 billion ) .
For payments to its depositors , the Deposit Guarantee Fund received loans from the Finance Ministry worth UAH 59.6 billion ( US $ 2.1 billion ) during 2014-2016 , and over UAH 20 billion ( US $ 722 million ) from the NBU .
On July 17 , 2019 , the Deposit Guarantee Fund published on its website updated data on all borrowers , directors and former shareholders of insolvent banks who must repay debts in accordance with a court ruling .

Ukrainian banks post lower profits over quarantine – NBU
14:00, 06.08.20 560
The decrease was due to the deduction to reserves, as well as lower demand for banking services, which led to a drop in fee and commission incomes.
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unian--2020-08-06--Lukashenko to invite Russia, Ukraine top prosecutors amid Wagner PMC probe

Earlier , Zelensky asked Lukashenko over the phone to extradite a number of the arrested mercenaries , who are believed to have also committed crimes in the Donbas warzone , fighting alongside Russian occupation forces .
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has suggested inviting chief prosecutors of Russia and Ukraine to help local law enforcers investigate the recently detained group of Russian Wagner Private Military Company .
`` We should invite the prosecutor general 's offices of Russia and Ukraine to look into the situation with the militants detained in Belarus , President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting held on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security during the presidential election , '' reports BelTA , the Belarusian information agency .
Read also '' Little green men '' in Belarus : Dozens of militants detained near Minsk part of Russia 's PMC Wagner – media ( Video ) As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his phone talks with Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko on Wednesday , August 5 , requested that Belarus extradite a number of detained Wagner troops to Ukraine .
`` I hope that all suspects involved in terrorism on the Ukrainian soil will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the current international legal agreements , '' the Ukrainian President 's Office quoted Zelensky as saying .
• On June 29 , thirty-two Russian militants with the Wagner PMC were detained outside Minsk , while another suspect was nabbed in the south of Belarus .
Among the suspects were those who are believed to have fought against Ukrainian government forces in the Donbas warzone .
• Belarus law enforcement said they had been tipped about the arrival of over 200 militants to destabilize the country during the election campaign .
• Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information on the involvement of the detainees in crimes committed on Ukraine territory .

Earlier, Zelensky asked Lukashenko over the phone to extradite a number of the arrested mercenaries, who are believed to have also committed crimes in the Donbas warzone, fighting alongside Russian occupation forces.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has suggested inviting chief prosecutors of Russia and Ukraine to help local law enforcers investigate the recently detained group of Russian Wagner Private Military Company.
"We should invite the prosecutor general's offices of Russia and Ukraine to look into the situation with the militants detained in Belarus, President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting held on 6 August to discuss ways to maintain security during the presidential election," reports BelTA, the Belarusian information agency.
Read also"Little green men" in Belarus: Dozens of militants detained near Minsk part of Russia's PMC Wagner – media (Video)
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As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his phone talks with Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko on Wednesday, August 5, requested that Belarus extradite a number of detained Wagner troops to Ukraine.
"I hope that all suspects involved in terrorism on the Ukrainian soil will be handed over for prosecution in accordance with the current international legal agreements," the Ukrainian President's Office quoted Zelensky as saying.
Background


unian--2020-08-06--OSCE reports over 250 violations since start of newly-agreed ceasefire in Donbas

All the ceasefire violations were recorded both in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) to Ukraine has recorded over 250 ceasefire violations since the start of the newly-agreed truce in the Donbas zone of hostilities .
`` Following agreement reached at the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) on July 22 regarding additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire , from 00:01 on July 27 until the end of the reporting period , the SMM recorded a total of 251 ceasefire violations , both in Donetsk and Luhansk regions ( including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , three illumination flares and 201 bursts and shots of small-arms fire ) , '' the OSCE SMM said in a daily report on August 5 , 2020 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a complete and comprehensive ceasefire on the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 .
The new ceasefire regime was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July 27 .
However , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian military in defiance of ceasefire agreements reached .

All the ceasefire violations were recorded both in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine has recorded over 250 ceasefire violations since the start of the newly-agreed truce in the Donbas zone of hostilities.
"Following agreement reached at the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on July 22 regarding additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire, from 00:01 on July 27 until the end of the reporting period, the SMM recorded a total of 251 ceasefire violations, both in Donetsk and Luhansk regions (including 45 explosions, two projectiles in flight, three illumination flares and 201 bursts and shots of small-arms fire)," the OSCE SMM said in a daily report on August 5, 2020.
Read alsoDonbas truce: Ukraine reports enemy provocation on contact line
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As UNIAN reported earlier, participants in the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, OSCE) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a complete and comprehensive ceasefire on the contact line from 00:01 on Monday, July 27.
The new ceasefire regime was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July 27.
However, the Russian Federation's armed formations continue to provoke the Ukrainian military in defiance of ceasefire agreements reached.


unian--2020-08-06--Russia setting up military bases in Africa – German intel report

The Kremlin assists authoritarian regimes which suppress own populations .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is making Africa a priority , massively expanding military presence says German intelligence ageny 's classified report , seen by Bild .
In particular , Russians intend to set up military bases in six regions .
They seek to put their bases in the Central African Republic ( CAR ) , Madagascar , Eritrea , Mozambique , Egypt , and Sudan , reads the intel report , Bild wrote .
In 2015 , Russia signed the relevant agreements were the said countries , the report reads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is already semi-officially training the African military .
To this end , 180 instructors deployed to the CAR and other parts of Africa , while about 20 Mali soldiers undergo training in Russia annually , wrote Defense Express , a Ukrainian outlet reporting on military issues .
Also , the Kremlin assists authoritarian regimes which suppress own populations .
Moscow provides them with manpower – mercenaries who are part of private military companies , including Wagner PMC .
As UNIAN reported on July 24 , U.S. Africa Command ( AFRICOM ) has received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positioning military equipment in Libya and supplying weapons to the front line through Private Military Company ( PMC ) Wagner Group .

The Kremlin assists authoritarian regimes which suppress own populations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is making Africa a priority, massively expanding military presence says German intelligence ageny's classified report, seen by Bild.
In particular, Russians intend to set up military bases in six regions. They seek to put their bases in the Central African Republic (CAR), Madagascar, Eritrea, Mozambique, Egypt, and Sudan, reads the intel report, Bild wrote.
In 2015, Russia signed the relevant agreements were the said countries, the report reads.
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The document says the Russian Federation is already semi-officially training the African military. To this end, 180 instructors deployed to the CAR and other parts of Africa, while about 20 Mali soldiers undergo training in Russia annually, wrote Defense Express, a Ukrainian outlet reporting on military issues.
Read alsoBloody trail of Russian military in Libya – media
Also, the Kremlin assists authoritarian regimes which suppress own populations. Moscow provides them with manpower – mercenaries who are part of private military companies, including Wagner PMC.
As UNIAN reported on July 24, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has received new evidence that the Russian Federation continues positioning military equipment in Libya and supplying weapons to the front line through Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner Group.