unian--2020-03-05--Reuters: Russia, Turkey agree ceasefire deal for Syria's Idlib

The two leaders also agreed to establish a secure corridor near the M4 highway , which runs east to west through Idlib , and hold joint patrols along the road from March 15 .
Turkey and Russia agreed a ceasefire deal on Thursday in Syria 's Idlib region , their two leaders said after lengthy talks in Moscow to contain a conflict which has displaced nearly a million people in three months .
Russian President Vladimir Putin , standing next to his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan , said he hoped their agreement would lead to a halt of military action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the far northwest of the country , Reuters said .
`` I express hope that these agreements will serve as a good basis for a cessation of military activity in the Idlib de-escalation zone ( and ) stop the suffering of the peaceful population and the growing humanitarian crisis , '' Putin said .
Erdogan told reporters the truce would come into effect at midnight on Thursday .
`` We will work together to supply aid for the Syrians in need , '' he said , adding that Turkey retained the right `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime attacks in the field . ''
Russia and Turkey back opposing sides in Syria 's nine-year conflict , with Moscow supporting President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey backing some rebel groups .
They have in recent years reached several ceasefire deals in Idlib which have collapsed .
Russian air strikes have propelled an offensive by Assad 's forces in Idlib that sparked what the United Nations says may be the worst humanitarian crisis yet in a war that has driven millions from their homes and killed hundreds of thousands .
The Russian military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any talk of a refugee crisis and accused Turkey of violating international law by pouring enough troops into Idlib to make up a mechanised division .
Turkey , which has the second largest army in the transatlantic NATO alliance , has funnelled troops and equipment into the region in recent weeks to resist the Syrian government advance and prevent a wave of refugees over its southern border .
Russia also raced to reinforce its troops in Syria by sea and air before the Putin-Erdogan talks .
The Kremlin said the two leaders had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before being joined by their officials .
The two leaders also agreed to establish a secure corridor near the M4 highway , which runs east to west through Idlib , and hold joint patrols along the road from March 15 .
In a joint statement read out by the Turkish and Russian foreign ministers , the two sides said the corridor would stretch 6 km to the north and 6 km to the south of the M4 – effectively advancing Russia 's presence further north into Idlib .
They said their defense ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corridor within seven days .

The two leaders also agreed to establish a secure corridor near the M4 highway, which runs east to west through Idlib, and hold joint patrols along the road from March 15.
Turkey and Russia agreed a ceasefire deal on Thursday in Syria's Idlib region, their two leaders said after lengthy talks in Moscow to contain a conflict which has displaced nearly a million people in three months.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, standing next to his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan, said he hoped their agreement would lead to a halt of military action in Syria's last rebel stronghold in the far northwest of the country, Reuters said.
Read alsoRussia committed war crimes in Syria – UN report
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"I express hope that these agreements will serve as a good basis for a cessation of military activity in the Idlib de-escalation zone (and) stop the suffering of the peaceful population and the growing humanitarian crisis," Putin said.
Erdogan told reporters the truce would come into effect at midnight on Thursday. "We will work together to supply aid for the Syrians in need," he said, adding that Turkey retained the right "to respond to all (Syrian) regime attacks in the field."
Russia and Turkey back opposing sides in Syria's nine-year conflict, with Moscow supporting President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey backing some rebel groups. They have in recent years reached several ceasefire deals in Idlib which have collapsed.
Russian air strikes have propelled an offensive by Assad's forces in Idlib that sparked what the United Nations says may be the worst humanitarian crisis yet in a war that has driven millions from their homes and killed hundreds of thousands.
The Russian military has, however, repeatedly played down any talk of a refugee crisis and accused Turkey of violating international law by pouring enough troops into Idlib to make up a mechanised division.
Turkey, which has the second largest army in the transatlantic NATO alliance, has funnelled troops and equipment into the region in recent weeks to resist the Syrian government advance and prevent a wave of refugees over its southern border.
Russia also raced to reinforce its troops in Syria by sea and air before the Putin-Erdogan talks.
The Kremlin said the two leaders had spoken for three hours on their own before being joined by their officials.
The two leaders also agreed to establish a secure corridor near the M4 highway, which runs east to west through Idlib, and hold joint patrols along the road from March 15.
In a joint statement read out by the Turkish and Russian foreign ministers, the two sides said the corridor would stretch 6 km to the north and 6 km to the south of the M4 – effectively advancing Russia's presence further north into Idlib.
They said their defense ministers would agree on the parameters of the corridor within seven days.


unian--2020-03-05--Ukraine's parliament sacks chief prosecutor Riaboshapka

The decision was backed by 263 MPs .
Ukrainian parliamentarians have voted in favor of a motion of no confidence in the country 's Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka .
Respective resolution No .
3154 was backed by 263 MPs out of the 376 lawmakers registered in the session hall on March 5 , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
As many as 179 members of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction and 36 members of the Opposition Platform – For Life Party voted for Riaboshapka 's dismissal .
The For Future group gave 15 votes , the Dovira group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent MPs backed the decision .
Yulia Tymoshenko 's Batkivshchyna Party , Petro Poroshenko 's European Solidarity Party , and the Holos ( Voice ) Party did not give any vote .
Eighteen lawmakers voted against no confidence in Riaboshapka , 73 abstained , and 22 did not take part in the vote .
The resolution provides for expressing no confidence in Prosecutor General Riaboshapka , which entails his dismissal from the post .
The resolution , in particular , says that , given the `` importance and urgency of establishing justice on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is every reason to assert that Ruslan Riaboshapka 's performance as prosecutor general and , as a result , his suitability for the position , is insufficient . ''
`` The failure to investigate and a delay in an investigation into the most notorious crimes indicate the Prosecutor General 's unwillingness , impossibility or inability to ensure the fulfillment of the tasks set by law before the Prosecutor General 's Office , including the prosecution in general , '' it says .
The document shall come into force from the moment of adoption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote , Riaboshapka said that `` the resolution is based on a blatant lie and manipulation . ''
`` I have n't become anybody 's servant .
I have been and remain independent .
But an independent prosecutor can not be forced [ into doing what others want ] , he can only be fired .
And I 'm leaving , but I 'm leaving to return , '' he said .
After these words , he left the session hall , despite Parliament Speaker Dmytro Razumkov 's comment that Riaboshapka should stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some lawmakers shouted 'Shame ! '
after the chief prosecutor had left the hall .

The decision was backed by 263 MPs.
Ukrainian parliamentarians have voted in favor of a motion of no confidence in the country's Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka.
Respective resolution No. 3154 was backed by 263 MPs out of the 376 lawmakers registered in the session hall on March 5, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
As many as 179 members of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction and 36 members of the Opposition Platform – For Life Party voted for Riaboshapka's dismissal. The For Future group gave 15 votes, the Dovira group 16 votes. In addition, 17 independent MPs backed the decision.
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Read alsoParliament votes to accept PM Honcharuk's resignation, Cabinet disbands
Yulia Tymoshenko's Batkivshchyna Party, Petro Poroshenko's European Solidarity Party, and the Holos (Voice) Party did not give any vote.
Eighteen lawmakers voted against no confidence in Riaboshapka, 73 abstained, and 22 did not take part in the vote.
The resolution provides for expressing no confidence in Prosecutor General Riaboshapka, which entails his dismissal from the post.
The resolution, in particular, says that, given the "importance and urgency of establishing justice on key demands by the public, there is every reason to assert that Ruslan Riaboshapka's performance as prosecutor general and, as a result, his suitability for the position, is insufficient."
"The failure to investigate and a delay in an investigation into the most notorious crimes indicate the Prosecutor General's unwillingness, impossibility or inability to ensure the fulfillment of the tasks set by law before the Prosecutor General's Office, including the prosecution in general," it says.
The document shall come into force from the moment of adoption.
When addressing parliamentarians before the no-confidence vote, Riaboshapka said that "the resolution is based on a blatant lie and manipulation."
"I haven't become anybody's servant. I have been and remain independent. But an independent prosecutor cannot be forced [into doing what others want], he can only be fired. And I'm leaving, but I'm leaving to return," he said.
After these words, he left the session hall, despite Parliament Speaker Dmytro Razumkov's comment that Riaboshapka should stay for a Q&A session.
Some lawmakers shouted 'Shame!' after the chief prosecutor had left the hall.


unian--2020-03-05--RFE/RL: Court in Russia-controlled Crimea sends Jehovah's Witness to prison for six years

A Russian-controlled court in Ukraine 's Crimea has sentenced a Jehovah 's Witness to 6 years in prison for being a member of an extremist group , in what Amnesty International called `` the latest example of the wholesale export of Russia 's brutally repressive policies '' to the Black Sea peninsula .
The Dzhankoy district court on March 5 found Sergei Filatov guilty of being a member of the religious group and handed down the sentence on the same day , the Jehovah 's Witnesses said in an email , Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty ( RFE/RL ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions over violation of Ukraine 's sovereignty According to the group , Filatov is the religious organization 's first member sentenced in Russia-annexed Crimea , and the 30th Jehovah 's Witness convicted in Russia and Crimea since 2017 .
Ten of the convicted have received prison sentences .
Russia officially banned the Jehovah 's Witnesses in April 2017 and deemed it an `` extremist organization , '' a designation the U.S. State Department has characterized as `` wrong . ''
Filatov , a father of four , had to move from continental Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal , to Dhankoy to take care of his ill daughter , his supporters told Crimean Solidarity , a rights group that has members in Crimea and other parts of Ukraine .
Crimea has been controlled by Moscow since March 2014 after Russia forcibly annexed the peninsula , sending in troops and staging a referendum denounced as illegitimate by at least 100 countries after Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted amid a wave of public protests .
`` Sergei Filatov is a prisoner of conscience , facing years in a penal colony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia , Jehovah 's Witnesses are being sent to jail , tortured and harassed under vague counter-extremism legislation , '' said Marie Struthers , Amnesty International 's Eastern Europe and Central Asia director .
`` It is chilling to see the Russian authorities roll out their pursuit of Jehovah 's Witnesses across the border , '' Struthers said in a statement .
Also , on March 5 , another court in the Crimean city of Yalta , convicted another member of the religious group , Artyom Gerasimov , of organizing extremist activities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the case against Gerasimov stemmed from his bible studies sessions with others .
The Jehovah 's Witnesses have been viewed with suspicion in Russia for decades due to the views of its members about military service , voting , and government authority in general .
Since the faith was outlawed in Russia , nine Jehovah 's Witnesses have been imprisoned in Russia .
They include Danish citizen Dennis Christensen , who was sentenced in February 2019 to six years in prison in the western city of Oryol .
The charges against Christensen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia and abroad .

Russia officially banned the Jehovah's Witnesses in April 2017.
A Russian-controlled court in Ukraine's Crimea has sentenced a Jehovah's Witness to 6 years in prison for being a member of an extremist group, in what Amnesty International called "the latest example of the wholesale export of Russia's brutally repressive policies" to the Black Sea peninsula.
The Dzhankoy district court on March 5 found Sergei Filatov guilty of being a member of the religious group and handed down the sentence on the same day, the Jehovah's Witnesses said in an email, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) said.
Read alsoCOREPER approves prolongation of sanctions over violation of Ukraine's sovereignty
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According to the group, Filatov is the religious organization's first member sentenced in Russia-annexed Crimea, and the 30th Jehovah's Witness convicted in Russia and Crimea since 2017. Ten of the convicted have received prison sentences.
Russia officially banned the Jehovah's Witnesses in April 2017 and deemed it an "extremist organization," a designation the U.S. State Department has characterized as "wrong."
Filatov, a father of four, had to move from continental Ukraine, where the Jehovah's Witnesses are legal, to Dhankoy to take care of his ill daughter, his supporters told Crimean Solidarity, a rights group that has members in Crimea and other parts of Ukraine.
Crimea has been controlled by Moscow since March 2014 after Russia forcibly annexed the peninsula, sending in troops and staging a referendum denounced as illegitimate by at least 100 countries after Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted amid a wave of public protests.
"Sergei Filatov is a prisoner of conscience, facing years in a penal colony solely for expressing his faith. Across Russia, Jehovah's Witnesses are being sent to jail, tortured and harassed under vague counter-extremism legislation," said Marie Struthers, Amnesty International's Eastern Europe and Central Asia director.
"It is chilling to see the Russian authorities roll out their pursuit of Jehovah's Witnesses across the border," Struthers said in a statement.
Also, on March 5, another court in the Crimean city of Yalta, convicted another member of the religious group, Artyom Gerasimov, of organizing extremist activities and fined him 400,000 rubles.
The group says the case against Gerasimov stemmed from his bible studies sessions with others.
The Jehovah's Witnesses have been viewed with suspicion in Russia for decades due to the views of its members about military service, voting, and government authority in general.
Since the faith was outlawed in Russia, nine Jehovah's Witnesses have been imprisoned in Russia. They include Danish citizen Dennis Christensen, who was sentenced in February 2019 to six years in prison in the western city of Oryol.
The charges against Christensen have been condemned by rights groups in Russia and abroad.


unian--2020-03-05--"Revenge for eggs": Poultry farm workers accuse NABU chief Sytnyk of pressure on their enterprise

The work of the poultry farm was blocked by an attempt by officers of the enforcement service to take inventory of the enterprise 's property as part of a NABU probe .
Today , March 5 , employees of the State Enforcement Service , in violation of sanitary rules , tried to get into the area of a Kyiv-based poultry farm .
The workers who went out to defend their enterprise accused the Director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) of revenge for the words printed on eggs during a protest rally : 'Sytnyk Out !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
Read alsoAgrarians demand NABU chief Sytnyk 's dismissal over pressure on their business The work of the poultry farm , which is part of the Avangard agricultural holding , was blocked due to an attempt by officers of the enforcement service who came to take inventory of the enterprise 's property as part of a NABU probe .
The poultry farm points to unlawful pressure and an attempt to disrupt production processes , because the enterprise has nothing to do with the case referred to by the enforcement service .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under enhanced biosecurity conditions as ordered by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection in connection with increased sanitary measures to prevent the spread of bird flu in Ukraine .
Therefore , unauthorized persons ' access to the area is prohibited .
Members of the enforcement service attempted to enter such a facility without observing the sanitary rules and safety requirements .
But most of the employees who defended their poultry farm were outraged by the fact that such actions , in their view , are connected with personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the printed words on the eggs .
The fact is that thousands of workers of the agricultural holding gathered near the buildings of the Verkhovna Rada , the Cabinet of Ministers and the Prosecutor General 's Office in Kyiv for a rally on February 5 .
They came out in defense of jobs from the actions of Artem Sytnyk , who was accused of trying to disrupt the sowing campaign and block the work of poultry farms by interrogating 10,000 workers and opening cases against the allegedly non-existence of Eurasia 's two largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company 's employees handed the eggs with the printed words 'Sytnyk Out ! '
over to Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka and tried to pass them to NABU Director Sytnyk .
The eggs with the printings were brought by Kyiv poultry farm 's workers , and Artem Sytnyk and his subordinates knew this .
That is why the workers accused Sytnyk of revenge and an attempt to destroy the enterprise .
Now members of the enforcement service have left the poultry farm , and the company 's top managers are waiting an official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what basis the service 's officials were trying , in violation of the rules , to enter the area of the enterprise , which is not a party to the case and a court ruling .
Reference information : The Kyiv poultry farm , which is part of the Avangard agricultural holding , has been operating for 60 years .
It produces 290 million eggs a year and pays UAH 23 million ( about US $ 924,000 ) in taxes .
The average salary at the enterprise is about UAH 15,000 ( about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
Most workers at the poultry farm are young people to whom the company provides housing .
Some 10 % of the company 's employees were employed in collaboration with Brovary 's municipal employment center .

The work of the poultry farm was blocked by an attempt by officers of the enforcement service to take inventory of the enterprise's property as part of a NABU probe.
Today, March 5, employees of the State Enforcement Service, in violation of sanitary rules, tried to get into the area of a Kyiv-based poultry farm. The workers who went out to defend their enterprise accused the Director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) of revenge for the words printed on eggs during a protest rally: 'Sytnyk Out!'
This was reported by the Ukrainian News.
Read alsoAgrarians demand NABU chief Sytnyk's dismissal over pressure on their business
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The work of the poultry farm, which is part of the Avangard agricultural holding, was blocked due to an attempt by officers of the enforcement service who came to take inventory of the enterprise's property as part of a NABU probe. The poultry farm points to unlawful pressure and an attempt to disrupt production processes, because the enterprise has nothing to do with the case referred to by the enforcement service. In addition, such enterprises are now put under enhanced biosecurity conditions as ordered by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection in connection with increased sanitary measures to prevent the spread of bird flu in Ukraine. Therefore, unauthorized persons' access to the area is prohibited. Members of the enforcement service attempted to enter such a facility without observing the sanitary rules and safety requirements.
But most of the employees who defended their poultry farm were outraged by the fact that such actions, in their view, are connected with personal revenge by NABU Director Artem Sytnyk for the printed words on the eggs. The fact is that thousands of workers of the agricultural holding gathered near the buildings of the Verkhovna Rada, the Cabinet of Ministers and the Prosecutor General's Office in Kyiv for a rally on February 5. They came out in defense of jobs from the actions of Artem Sytnyk, who was accused of trying to disrupt the sowing campaign and block the work of poultry farms by interrogating 10,000 workers and opening cases against the allegedly non-existence of Eurasia's two largest agricultural holdings.
At that time, the company's employees handed the eggs with the printed words 'Sytnyk Out!' over to Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka and tried to pass them to NABU Director Sytnyk. The eggs with the printings were brought by Kyiv poultry farm's workers, and Artem Sytnyk and his subordinates knew this. That is why the workers accused Sytnyk of revenge and an attempt to destroy the enterprise.
Now members of the enforcement service have left the poultry farm, and the company's top managers are waiting an official document from the service with explanations on what basis the service's officials were trying, in violation of the rules, to enter the area of the enterprise, which is not a party to the case and a court ruling.
Reference information: The Kyiv poultry farm, which is part of the Avangard agricultural holding, has been operating for 60 years. It produces 290 million eggs a year and pays UAH 23 million (about US$924,000) in taxes. The average salary at the enterprise is about UAH 15,000 (about US$603) per capita per month. Most workers at the poultry farm are young people to whom the company provides housing. Some 10% of the company's employees were employed in collaboration with Brovary's municipal employment center.


unian--2020-03-05--Ukraine's MFA responds to Moscow's intention to hold Crimea conference in Norway

Ukraine 's ministry says Russia wants to put a varnish of legality on its illegal attempts to annex Crimea .
Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to Moscow 's intention to hold a conference on Russia-occupied Crimea in Norway .
`` We consider the initiative to hold the so-called conference on Crimea in Oslo late in March as another attempt by the Russian propaganda and disinformation machine to put a varnish of legality on its illegal attempts , which were condemned by the entire civilized world , to annex the Autonomous Republic of Crimea from Ukraine .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has resorted to the services of its apologists whose point of view is astronomically far from the official one and is marginal in the global , European and , in this case , Norwegian context .
Thus , we consider the provocation with the so-called conference as an attempt of wishful thinking , '' according to a statement by Press Secretary of Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kateryna Zelenko .
The ministry said the Norwegian government takes a firm position in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is consistently confirmed by the highest political leadership of Norway .
Norway fully joined the EU sanctions against Russia imposed over its aggression against Ukraine .
This position was once again confirmed by Norwegian Ambassador Ole Terje Horpestad during a meeting at the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on March 4 , '' reads the statement .
Moreover , as the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry says , since the beginning of Russian aggression , Norway has consistently joined a group of co-authors of all Ukraine resolutions – `` Territorial integrity of Ukraine '' ( March 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol , Ukraine '' ( 2016-2019 ) and two resolutions `` Problem of the militarization of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol , Ukraine , as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov '' ( 2018-2019 ) .
According to RFE/RL 's media project Krym.Realii , the conference in Norway is scheduled for March 27 .

Ukraine's ministry says Russia wants to put a varnish of legality on its illegal attempts to annex Crimea.
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to Moscow's intention to hold a conference on Russia-occupied Crimea in Norway.
"We consider the initiative to hold the so-called conference on Crimea in Oslo late in March as another attempt by the Russian propaganda and disinformation machine to put a varnish of legality on its illegal attempts, which were condemned by the entire civilized world, to annex the Autonomous Republic of Crimea from Ukraine. This is not the first time that Moscow has resorted to the services of its apologists whose point of view is astronomically far from the official one and is marginal in the global, European and, in this case, Norwegian context. Thus, we consider the provocation with the so-called conference as an attempt of wishful thinking," according to a statement by Press Secretary of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kateryna Zelenko.
Read alsoRussian TV journalist Pivovarov denied entry into Ukraine (Photo)
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The ministry said the Norwegian government takes a firm position in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
"This position is consistently confirmed by the highest political leadership of Norway. Norway fully joined the EU sanctions against Russia imposed over its aggression against Ukraine. This position was once again confirmed by Norwegian Ambassador Ole Terje Horpestad during a meeting at the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on March 4," reads the statement.
Moreover, as the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry says, since the beginning of Russian aggression, Norway has consistently joined a group of co-authors of all Ukraine resolutions – "Territorial integrity of Ukraine" (March 27, 2014), four consecutive resolutions "Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine" (2016-2019) and two resolutions "Problem of the militarization of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov" (2018-2019).
According to RFE/RL's media project Krym.Realii, the conference in Norway is scheduled for March 27.


unian--2020-03-05--NSDC secretary: Ukraine seeks to end war with Russia soon, but not going to make concessions

Danilov stressed Ukraine does not surrender a meter of its territory .
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov has said the priority of the authorities is their efforts to end as soon as possible the war with Russia , which has been going on for more than six years already .
`` Unfortunately , the war with the Russian Federation has been going on for more than six years in our country .
This issue can not be taken off our agenda and we are deal with this issue every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end this war .
But we are not talking about possibly losing authority and sovereignty or making concessions to the enemy .
Today , a lot of consultations are being held on the disengagement of troops .
We regard disengagement as a humanitarian process , '' he said in an interview with UA : Ukrainian Radio .
According to Danilov , `` Russia understands they may not have enough 'financial oxygen ' to maintain the artificial formation called the Russian Federation .
Therefore , they need to create an external enemy not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not surrender its territory : `` Ukrainian blood has been spilled here so we will protect it and we are not going to retreat . ''
The priority of the authorities , Danilov says , is their desire `` to end this war as soon as possible . ''
However , Danilov did not explain the path to halting hostilities .
`` As for tactics and strategies , we strive to end this war as soon as possible .
I will not reveal all secrets we are working on , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any resistance on the part of our adversaries .
We have confirmed five strategies toward ending occupation of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
A presidential strategy has also been approved , saying that 'people come first ' , as well as their safety and opportunities in our country , '' the official added .

Danilov stressed Ukraine does not surrender a meter of its territory.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov has said the priority of the authorities is their efforts to end as soon as possible the war with Russia, which has been going on for more than six years already.
"Unfortunately, the war with the Russian Federation has been going on for more than six years in our country. This issue cannot be taken off our agenda and we are deal with this issue every day. There is a clear task to end this war. But we are not talking about possibly losing authority and sovereignty or making concessions to the enemy. Today, a lot of consultations are being held on the disengagement of troops. We regard disengagement as a humanitarian process," he said in an interview with UA:Ukrainian Radio.
According to Danilov, "Russia understands they may not have enough 'financial oxygen' to maintain the artificial formation called the Russian Federation. Therefore, they need to create an external enemy not to fall apart."
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Danilov stressed Ukraine does not surrender its territory: "Ukrainian blood has been spilled here so we will protect it and we are not going to retreat."
The priority of the authorities, Danilov says, is their desire "to end this war as soon as possible." However, Danilov did not explain the path to halting hostilities.
"As for tactics and strategies, we strive to end this war as soon as possible. I will not reveal all secrets we are working on, but I can say that our Army is ready for any resistance on the part of our adversaries. We have confirmed five strategies toward ending occupation of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. A presidential strategy has also been approved, saying that 'people come first', as well as their safety and opportunities in our country," the official added.


unian--2020-03-05--Cabinet of unjustified hopes: what can Ukrainians expect from new government

The intrigue over reshuffles in the Cabinet of Ministers , which had been raising tensions in Ukraine 's media space for a few days , has finally resolved – pretty quickly , too .
An extraordinary Parliament session , initiated by President Zelensky , crossed all t 's and dotted the i 's , without too much `` opposition '' chatter , within just a couple of hours .
All can be explained in several sentences : the President delivered an address to Parliament , first voicing Ukraine 's achievements during the Honcharuk Cabinet 's work , then criticizing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the promise to correct mistakes and keep everything under control .
Then there was the `` farewell '' speech of the resigning prime minister – the youngest in Ukraine 's recent history , who also held the seat for the shortest period .
In best Soviet-era traditions , he claimed the results of the Government 's work would be seen in the future .
Honcharuk 's resignation , despite his political immunity , was backed by a majority of people 's deputies .
According to the legislation , all Cabinet members automatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This was followed by the introduction of a new leader of the executive branch , Denys Shmyhal , a Lviv native and former governor of Ivano-Frankivsk region , who recently became Deputy Prime Minister for Communities and Territories , having replaced Aliona Babak ( all appointments approved by Zelensky ) .
Prior to the governorship , he was a top manager with Rinat Akhmetov 's DTEK and headed Burshtyn TPP .
By the way , during the presidency of Viktor Yushchenko he worked in the Lviv regional administration , while in the days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential staff reserve .
After the Revolution of Dignity , he worked as deputy chief of the Lviv regional tax service unit .
Most present in the session hall expected from Shmyhal some drastic changes , and that the things would go in a new way , while the shortcomings – like a billion hole in the budget , a record decline in industrial output , low pensions , opaque tariffs , headless healthcare reform , critical situation at the electricity and gas markets , failures of tax customs officials , corruption , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impending global crisis following the coronavirus – will remain in the past .
However , his key agenda point is that everything will pretty much keep moving in the same direction .
His responses to question posed by MPs on pressing issues boiled down to `` We 'll see '' or `` We 'll figure it out . ''
There was also a bit of specifics though , for example , to revise the 2020 budget , strengthen the economic bloc , national security and defense , as well as deal with salaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proposals put forward by the candidate for the premier seat and approved him in office before endorsing a new Cabinet composition within 30 minutes from the moments MPs heard the new names announced .
The following ministers retained their posts : Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov , Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov , Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Krykliy , and Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska .
Ex-Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko will now become Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration .
New ministers in the new Cabinet are : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nemchynov , appointed to replace Dmytro Dubilet ; Minister for Veterans Affairs Serhiy Bessarab , who replaced Oksana Koliada ; Minister of Youth and Sports Vadym Gutzeit , who replaced Volodymyr Borodyansky ; Minister of Health Ilya Yemets , appointed to replace Zoriana Skaletska ; Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna replacing Yulia Sokolovska ; Ihor Umansky was appointed Minister of Finance instead of Oksana Markarova ; Minister of Community and Territory Development Oleksiy Chernyshev replaced Denys Shmyhal ; Oleksiy Reznikov was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Reintegration of the Occupied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Andriy Taran became Ukraine 's new Minister of Defense .
By the way , some ministers will be appointed next week .
`` We now have four vacancies in the incumbent government , and we plan to expand two more areas , '' Shmyhal said .
At the same time , he added that negotiations were being conducted with regard to these positions , first of all , with female candidates ( before this , MPs criticized the new Cabinet over gender inequality , far more evident than in previous governments ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turbulent past .
Some worked in government agencies during the reign of Kuchma , Yushchenko , Yanukovych , and Poroshenko .
Traditionally , for Ukraine , they are affiliated with big businesses , as well as with various oligarchic branches .
Now they are called professional top managers , unlike the `` new '' faces of the Honcharuk government .
Apparently , a great bet is being put on their experience .
But will the new government be effective ?
Expert with the Ukrainian Analytical Center , Borys Kushniruk , believes it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's important now on the direction Ukraine will move in .
The Cabinet must not only address the current challenges , but also decide on a long-term perspective .
And if the latter does n't happen , it is very difficult to expect anything positive .
`` It is necessary to have a vision of the future and to move strictly in this direction .
Unlike the Honcharuk government , the new Cabinet , as well as other power branches , will no longer have a confidence limit .
That is , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will give them a conditional 100 days without criticism .
They will be attacked from the first day , from all sides , and it is very important to have talent for communication , the ability to explain their position , and do it as calmly as possible .
In addition , it should be borne in mind that all new members of the government are 'strangers ' to the leading party Servant of the People .
Thus , they actually represent Zelensky , exclusively .
Therefore , there is a possibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand , it is not clear what influence [ Andriy ] Yermak ( head of the President 's Office ) will have on them , and the second component is the possible pressure from Zelensky , who will look at everything in view of his personal rating .
That is the main question – how the new Cabinet will be able to work with Zelensky , with the only person with whom they will have to deal .
Plus it will be necessary to set up communications channels with Parliament , where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , is in lead .
Here they wo n't have an easy walk as the Honcharuk Cabinet did , '' the expert said .
With regard to future relations with the IMF , the talks with the new Cabinet of Ministers should be expected , according to Kushniruk .
`` But the government does n't see IMF money going into foreing reserves ( there 's a more or less stable situation there at the moment ) as important as an incentive for building up confidence of Western investors .
There are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bank , and the U.S. that , without cooperation with the IMF , we ca n't count on their support , '' Kushniruk said .
`` The new government is an updated version of Honcharuk 's Cabinet .
No systemic policy change is to be expected .
If there was a will to eliminate fundamental causes that led to today 's crisis in Ukraine , then before launching the new government , it was necessary to do some brainstorming , hold a discourse on the country 's development strategy , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that everything will be done according to the previous course , only with another set of people .
There will be no positive changes , taking into account the new composition of government , neither social , not economic .
Initially , the following had to be discussed : the lack of a quality industrial policy , an absolutely toxic model of public debt management , which actually squeezes all resources and discourages social budget items – health care , education , and science .
These spheres are funded on a residual basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land market , talk about the anticipation of the global crisis , and large-scale privatization .
By the way , the latter is not only meaningless , but also dangerous .
Given the outflow of investors from emerging markets and the decline in profits of the largest transnational corporations , no one will invest in Ukrainian industrial assets .
Also important is the conversion of raw materials into social goods – this is a long-standing issue , '' the expert said .
The need for further cooperation with the IMF , Kushch branded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation with the Fund has been exploited by more than one government .
Meanwhile , the fact of cooperation with the IMF means that the country has been infected with the crisis and is toxic .
It is better not to approach it .
For investors , friendship with the IMF means that there are big problems in the country .
In developed economies , investors do n't need any signals from the IMF .
Cooperation with the IMF is important for lenders .
This means that Ukraine will pay its debts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about .
For direct investors , this is a 'black flag ' .
As for the requirements set by the IMF , which , as a rule , governments exploit as an excuse for all their steps , it is a kind of 'veil ' for domestic officials .
The Fund only requires solvency on debt .
This can be achieved in two ways : income growth and economic efficiency , as well as spending cuts , including on social expenditures .
Our governments always to the latter way , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and financial investigations Sviatoslav Dubyna also believes that Cabinet reshuffles will not change the situation .
Ukraine needs a strategy for getting out of the crisis , but today 's ruling elite does not seem to have it , while their way of thinking does not allow seeing a bigger picture of what is happening in Ukraine and beyond .
That is why every subsequent decision taken is worse than the previous one , the expert believes .
`` But , apparently , we have to accumulate a critical amount of mistakes before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , strangely enough , the worse we make things for ourselves , the faster we will have a chance to fix the situation .
However , this does n't mean that everything will happen by itself .
An economic breakthrough requires three components : a strategic vision for the state 's development ( a strategic center needs to be set up ) , clear KPIs for the government ( GDP growth , output growth , investment attraction , trade and economic balance ) and the last – professionals , or technocrats who will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective .
Will the proposed composition of the government be able to do so , having neither the first , nor the second , nor the third ?
I doubt it .
But we will have to walk this path through , '' the expert said .
According to him , there is no traceable systemic approach on the part of authorities to addressing pressing challenges the country is facing , especially in view of the looming crisis – even discussions are n't being held in this regard .
Meanwhile , cooperation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just keeping the uncopnsious `` body '' alive : `` The program does not provide solutions to problems , it is driving us into a debt hole from which there is no way out . ''
Thus , the new Cabinet is facing massive challenges , accumulated as a result of policies , including economic ones , pursued by previous governments .
The impending global crisis , to which the coronavirus epidemic contributes , adds even more spice to a plate .
At such a moment , it is important that the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but making sure not to allow an even greater fall .

The Verkhovna Rada at an extraordinary meeting on March 4, initiated by President Volodymyr Zelensky, dismissed Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk and approved the new Cabinet composition. UNIAN tried to figure out what Ukrainians should expect from the new government.
The intrigue over reshuffles in the Cabinet of Ministers, which had been raising tensions in Ukraine's media space for a few days, has finally resolved – pretty quickly, too. An extraordinary Parliament session, initiated by President Zelensky, crossed all t's and dotted the i's, without too much "opposition" chatter, within just a couple of hours.
All can be explained in several sentences: the President delivered an address to Parliament, first voicing Ukraine's achievements during the Honcharuk Cabinet's work, then criticizing the shortcomings of the "outgoing" government with the promise to correct mistakes and keep everything under control. Then there was the "farewell" speech of the resigning prime minister – the youngest in Ukraine's recent history, who also held the seat for the shortest period. In best Soviet-era traditions, he claimed the results of the Government's work would be seen in the future.
Honcharuk's resignation, despite his political immunity, was backed by a majority of people's deputies. According to the legislation, all Cabinet members automatically resign along with the Prime Minister.
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This was followed by the introduction of a new leader of the executive branch, Denys Shmyhal, a Lviv native and former governor of Ivano-Frankivsk region, who recently became Deputy Prime Minister for Communities and Territories, having replaced Aliona Babak (all appointments approved by Zelensky). Prior to the governorship, he was a top manager with Rinat Akhmetov's DTEK and headed Burshtyn TPP. By the way, during the presidency of Viktor Yushchenko he worked in the Lviv regional administration, while in the days of Yanukovych – he got into the presidential staff reserve. After the Revolution of Dignity, he worked as deputy chief of the Lviv regional tax service unit.
Most present in the session hall expected from Shmyhal some drastic changes, and that the things would go in a new way, while the shortcomings – like a billion hole in the budget, a record decline in industrial output, low pensions, opaque tariffs, headless healthcare reform, critical situation at the electricity and gas markets, failures of tax customs officials, corruption, wage arrears, and risks of the impending global crisis following the coronavirus – will remain in the past.
However, his key agenda point is that everything will pretty much keep moving in the same direction. His responses to question posed by MPs on pressing issues boiled down to "We'll see" or "We'll figure it out." There was also a bit of specifics though, for example, to revise the 2020 budget, strengthen the economic bloc, national security and defense, as well as deal with salaries of government officials.
Legislators agreed with the proposals put forward by the candidate for the premier seat and approved him in office before endorsing a new Cabinet composition within 30 minutes from the moments MPs heard the new names announced.
The following ministers retained their posts: Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov, Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Krykliy, and Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska. Ex-Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko will now become Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.
New ministers in the new Cabinet are: Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleh Nemchynov, appointed to replace Dmytro Dubilet; Minister for Veterans Affairs Serhiy Bessarab, who replaced Oksana Koliada; Minister of Youth and Sports Vadym Gutzeit, who replaced Volodymyr Borodyansky; Minister of Health Ilya Yemets, appointed to replace Zoriana Skaletska; Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna replacing Yulia Sokolovska; Ihor Umansky was appointed Minister of Finance instead of Oksana Markarova; Minister of Community and Territory Development Oleksiy Chernyshev replaced Denys Shmyhal; Oleksiy Reznikov was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Reintegration of the Occupied Territories in place of Oksana Koliada; and Andriy Taran became Ukraine's new Minister of Defense.
By the way, some ministers will be appointed next week. "We now have four vacancies in the incumbent government, and we plan to expand two more areas," Shmyhal said.
At the same time, he added that negotiations were being conducted with regard to these positions, first of all, with female candidates (before this, MPs criticized the new Cabinet over gender inequality, far more evident than in previous governments).
All "new" faces have turbulent past. Some worked in government agencies during the reign of Kuchma, Yushchenko, Yanukovych, and Poroshenko. Traditionally, for Ukraine, they are affiliated with big businesses, as well as with various oligarchic branches. Now they are called professional top managers, unlike the "new" faces of the Honcharuk government. Apparently, a great bet is being put on their experience.
But will the new government be effective?
New faces...
Expert with the Ukrainian Analytical Center, Borys Kushniruk, believes it's clear messages of the new government that's important now on the direction Ukraine will move in. The Cabinet must not only address the current challenges, but also decide on a long-term perspective. And if the latter doesn't happen, it is very difficult to expect anything positive.
"It is necessary to have a vision of the future and to move strictly in this direction. Unlike the Honcharuk government, the new Cabinet, as well as other power branches, will no longer have a confidence limit. That is, they will face the fact that no one will give them a conditional 100 days without criticism. They will be attacked from the first day, from all sides, and it is very important to have talent for communication, the ability to explain their position, and do it as calmly as possible. In addition, it should be borne in mind that all new members of the government are 'strangers' to the leading party Servant of the People. Thus, they actually represent Zelensky, exclusively. Therefore, there is a possibility of facing an issue: on the one hand, it is not clear what influence [Andriy] Yermak (head of the President's Office) will have on them, and the second component is the possible pressure from Zelensky, who will look at everything in view of his personal rating. That is the main question – how the new Cabinet will be able to work with Zelensky, with the only person with whom they will have to deal. Plus it will be necessary to set up communications channels with Parliament, where the Servant of the People, alien to them, is in lead. Here they won't have an easy walk as the Honcharuk Cabinet did," the expert said.
With regard to future relations with the IMF, the talks with the new Cabinet of Ministers should be expected, according to Kushniruk.
"But the government doesn't see IMF money going into foreing reserves (there's a more or less stable situation there at the moment) as important as an incentive for building up confidence of Western investors. There are also agreements with the EU, the World Bank, and the U.S. that, without cooperation with the IMF, we can't count on their support," Kushniruk said.
Growford Institute's expert Oleksiy Kushch is skeptical about government reform.
"The new government is an updated version of Honcharuk's Cabinet. No systemic policy change is to be expected. If there was a will to eliminate fundamental causes that led to today's crisis in Ukraine, then before launching the new government, it was necessary to do some brainstorming, hold a discourse on the country's development strategy," he said.
"So far, we see that everything will be done according to the previous course, only with another set of people. There will be no positive changes, taking into account the new composition of government, neither social, not economic. Initially, the following had to be discussed: the lack of a quality industrial policy, an absolutely toxic model of public debt management, which actually squeezes all resources and discourages social budget items – health care, education, and science. These spheres are funded on a residual basis. We need to deal with the land market, talk about the anticipation of the global crisis, and large-scale privatization. By the way, the latter is not only meaningless, but also dangerous. Given the outflow of investors from emerging markets and the decline in profits of the largest transnational corporations, no one will invest in Ukrainian industrial assets. Also important is the conversion of raw materials into social goods – this is a long-standing issue," the expert said.
The need for further cooperation with the IMF, Kushch branded pure manipulation: "The need for cooperation with the Fund has been exploited by more than one government. Meanwhile, the fact of cooperation with the IMF means that the country has been infected with the crisis and is toxic. It is better not to approach it. For investors, friendship with the IMF means that there are big problems in the country. In developed economies, investors don't need any signals from the IMF. Cooperation with the IMF is important for lenders. This means that Ukraine will pay its debts, and that's what the IMF mission is about. For direct investors, this is a 'black flag'. As for the requirements set by the IMF, which, as a rule, governments exploit as an excuse for all their steps, it is a kind of 'veil' for domestic officials. The Fund only requires solvency on debt. This can be achieved in two ways: income growth and economic efficiency, as well as spending cuts, including on social expenditures. Our governments always to the latter way," the expert said.
Expert on tax law and financial investigations Sviatoslav Dubyna also believes that Cabinet reshuffles will not change the situation. Ukraine needs a strategy for getting out of the crisis, but today's ruling elite does not seem to have it, while their way of thinking does not allow seeing a bigger picture of what is happening in Ukraine and beyond. That is why every subsequent decision taken is worse than the previous one, the expert believes.
"But, apparently, we have to accumulate a critical amount of mistakes before we get to be reborn. So, strangely enough, the worse we make things for ourselves, the faster we will have a chance to fix the situation. However, this doesn't mean that everything will happen by itself. An economic breakthrough requires three components: a strategic vision for the state's development (a strategic center needs to be set up), clear KPIs for the government (GDP growth, output growth, investment attraction, trade and economic balance) and the last – professionals, or technocrats who will implement this without focusing on the political perspective. Will the proposed composition of the government be able to do so, having neither the first, nor the second, nor the third? I doubt it. But we will have to walk this path through," the expert said.
According to him, there is no traceable systemic approach on the part of authorities to addressing pressing challenges the country is facing, especially in view of the looming crisis – even discussions aren't being held in this regard. Meanwhile, cooperation with the IMF, Dubina claims, is just keeping the uncopnsious "body" alive: "The program does not provide solutions to problems, it is driving us into a debt hole from which there is no way out."
Thus, the new Cabinet is facing massive challenges, accumulated as a result of policies, including economic ones, pursued by previous governments. The impending global crisis, to which the coronavirus epidemic contributes, adds even more spice to a plate. At such a moment, it is important that the government think not so much about achieving growth but making sure not to allow an even greater fall.
Nana Chornaya


unian--2020-03-05--"It hurts": Ex-minister on unfinished projects

Dubilet plans to hold consultations on possible formats of his work with the new government .
Former Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Dmytro Dubilet says it hurts him to realize that many projects he launched have been left unfinished as he was obliged to step down following PM Oleksiy Honcharuk 's resignation , approved by Parliament .
He says he plans to hold consultations on the format for continuing his work in the new government .
`` As for my plans .
Most of the projects I 've worked on have not been completed .
And nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasted time over unfinished projects .
We will discuss in what format I will – or whether I will – continue to work in the government , '' he wrote on Facebook .
Dubilet also expressed gratitude to all his former colleagues for their joint efforts .
`` The work was not easy , we all made mistakes , but I am sure we brought a much benefit to the country .
Thank you all for your support .
Do not switch , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rada of Ukraine appointed Denysh Shmyhal the country 's new prime minister .
Earlier the same day , Parliament approved resignation filed by Shmyhal 's predecessor , Oleksiy Honcharuk , which entailed dismissal of the entire Cabinet .

Dubilet plans to hold consultations on possible formats of his work with the new government.
Former Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Dmytro Dubilet says it hurts him to realize that many projects he launched have been left unfinished as he was obliged to step down following PM Oleksiy Honcharuk's resignation, approved by Parliament.
He says he plans to hold consultations on the format for continuing his work in the new government.
"As for my plans. Most of the projects I've worked on have not been completed. And nothing hurts so much as the feeling of wasted time over unfinished projects. We will discuss in what format I will – or whether I will – continue to work in the government," he wrote on Facebook.
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Read alsoUkraine's parliament approves new Cabinet
Dubilet also expressed gratitude to all his former colleagues for their joint efforts.
"The work was not easy, we all made mistakes, but I am sure we brought a much benefit to the country. Thank you all for your support. Do not switch," he said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on Wednesday, March 4, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine appointed Denysh Shmyhal the country's new prime minister. Earlier the same day, Parliament approved resignation filed by Shmyhal's predecessor, Oleksiy Honcharuk, which entailed dismissal of the entire Cabinet.


unian--2020-03-05--Chief of Ukraine's General Staff explains separation of his post from that of commander-in-chief

Functions of officials holding both positions will be finally determined once the president approves them .
Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine , Ruslan Khomchak , has explained the importance of dividing the powers assigned to him into two separate posts – Chief of the General Staff and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces .
`` It is beneficial to the Armed Forces of Ukraine , it is beneficial to the State of Ukraine .
We 're undergoing reform – it 's practical .
It opens doors to new changes , and one of the changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the General Staff and Commander-in-Chief should be divided , '' Khomchak told journalists , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
According to Khomchak , since Ukraine is developing in the European direction , such a division is needed so that everyone `` efficiently and selflessly '' performs a specific set of functions to achieve results .
The official says the functions of both officials will be ultimately determined once the president approves them .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on March 4 , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Final and transitional provisions '' of the Law `` On the National Security of Ukraine '' regarding the entry into force of provisions regarding Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine , General Staff of the Armed Forces , and separate units ( forces ) '' ( No .
3015 ) .
According to the bill , a commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shall be appointed to the post on the submission of defense minister and dismissed by president .
A commander-in-chief reports to president and defense minister .

Functions of officials holding both positions will be finally determined once the president approves them.
Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ruslan Khomchak, has explained the importance of dividing the powers assigned to him into two separate posts – Chief of the General Staff and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
"It is beneficial to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it is beneficial to the State of Ukraine. We're undergoing reform – it's practical. It opens doors to new changes, and one of the changes is that the powers of the Chief of the General Staff and Commander-in-Chief should be divided," Khomchak told journalists, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
According to Khomchak, since Ukraine is developing in the European direction, such a division is needed so that everyone "efficiently and selflessly" performs a specific set of functions to achieve results.
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Read alsoNATO to continue supporting Ukrainian Army development – deputy chief of representative office
The official says the functions of both officials will be ultimately determined once the president approves them.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on March 4, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, passed a presidential bill amending section VI "Final and transitional provisions" of the Law "On the National Security of Ukraine" regarding the entry into force of provisions regarding Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Staff of the Armed Forces, and separate units (forces)" (No. 3015).
According to the bill, a commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shall be appointed to the post on the submission of defense minister and dismissed by president. A commander-in-chief reports to president and defense minister.


unian--2020-03-05--Privatization campaign: Book value of Ukraine state enterprises subject for sale exceeds US$3 bln

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Privatization campaign: Book value of Ukraine state enterprises subject for sale exceeds US$3 bln
15:20, 05.03.20 497
Sale of the companies' assets may raise about US$5 billion.
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unian--2020-03-05--Average wage in Ukraine grows by almost US$18 to nearly US$124 in 2019 – PFU

Average pension in Ukraine grows by almost US$18 to nearly US$124 in 2019 – PFU
15:00, 05.03.20 2719
Some 378,800 new pensions were assigned in the past year.
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unian--2020-03-04--Ukraine's parliament to address prosecutor general's dismissal on March 5

Some 170 MPs ' signatures have been collected to convene the special meeting .
Ukraine 's parliament plans to decide on Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka 's dismissal on March 5 .
A draft resolution was registered in parliament to hold a special parliamentary meeting on this issue on Thursday , MP Maksym Buzhansky of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction told reporters , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoDraft resolution on no confidence in Ukraine 's prosecutor general registered in parliament '' It has been registered already , 170 [ MPs ' ] signatures have been collected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum being 150 signatures , '' he said .
According to him , the meeting is to begin at 18:30 Kyiv time on March 5 .
Commenting on the likelihood of Riaboshapka 's dismissal , Chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia said : `` The parliament is set to do this with a majority of votes . ''
He added that he would personally vote for Riaboshapka 's dismissal .
Asked by journalists whether there was a candidate for the Prosecutor Generals ' post , Arakhamia said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee ] together with the President 's Office , but the faction has a unanimous position on Serhiy Ionushas .
A lot of people support this member of our team . ''
At the same time , Arakhamia added that he was not sure whether Ionushas would become a nominee , but if he was nominated , `` he would definitely get votes . ''
Asked what was the last straw to dismiss Riaboshapka , Arakhamia mentioned the fact that the Prosecutor General 's Office did not sign documents to serve ex-President Petro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straw ... that 's a very good question .
It seems like ... well ... No , I do n't know for sure .
Perhaps the signing of papers to serve Mr. Poroshenko with charges – perhaps this was the last straw .
Everything is ready to sign them , but for some reason no one has done this .
We have a great deal of questions to ask Mr. Riaboshapka .
We have questions to ask everyone and we will ask them , '' he said , according to LBTV .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept documents prepared by investigators of the State Bureau of Investigation to serve the fifth president , Petro Poroshenko , with charges because of `` they had poorly been prepared . ''

Some 170 MPs' signatures have been collected to convene the special meeting.
Ukraine's parliament plans to decide on Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka's dismissal on March 5.
A draft resolution was registered in parliament to hold a special parliamentary meeting on this issue on Thursday, MP Maksym Buzhansky of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction told reporters, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoDraft resolution on no confidence in Ukraine's prosecutor general registered in parliament
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"It has been registered already, 170 [MPs'] signatures have been collected to convene the special meeting with the minimum being 150 signatures," he said.
According to him, the meeting is to begin at 18:30 Kyiv time on March 5.
Commenting on the likelihood of Riaboshapka's dismissal, Chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia said: "The parliament is set to do this with a majority of votes."
He added that he would personally vote for Riaboshapka's dismissal.
Asked by journalists whether there was a candidate for the Prosecutor Generals' post, Arakhamia said: "We will look for [the nominee] together with the President's Office, but the faction has a unanimous position on Serhiy Ionushas. A lot of people support this member of our team."
At the same time, Arakhamia added that he was not sure whether Ionushas would become a nominee, but if he was nominated, "he would definitely get votes."
Asked what was the last straw to dismiss Riaboshapka, Arakhamia mentioned the fact that the Prosecutor General's Office did not sign documents to serve ex-President Petro Poroshenko with charges.
"The last straw ... that's a very good question. It seems like ... well ... No, I don't know for sure. Perhaps the signing of papers to serve Mr. Poroshenko with charges – perhaps this was the last straw. Everything is ready to sign them, but for some reason no one has done this. We have a great deal of questions to ask Mr. Riaboshapka. We have questions to ask everyone and we will ask them," he said, according to LBTV.
The Prosecutor General's Office reportedly refused to accept documents prepared by investigators of the State Bureau of Investigation to serve the fifth president, Petro Poroshenko, with charges because of "they had poorly been prepared."


unian--2020-03-06--Kyiv facing total shutdown of gas supplies

This is a result of contractual disagreements between GTS Operator and Kyivgaz .
All Kyiv consumers may see a complete halt of gas supplies over the fact that JSC Kyivgaz has not concluded a transmission agreement with the country 's Gas Transmission System Operator .
`` For more than two months , Kyivgaz , as a gas distribution network operator in Kyiv , has sabotaged the conclusion of a standard gas transmission contract with the Ukrainian GTS Operator .
In accordance with the GTS Code , a GTS Operator must cease gas transmission to Kyivgaz networks , which will lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers in the capital , '' the press service of the Ukrainian GTS wrote on Facebook .
Read alsoUkraine in talks with U.S. on how to ultimately `` bury '' Russia 's Nord Stream 2 – Naftogaz CEO The GTS said that , in order to prevent `` energy collapse '' in Kyiv , they asked the national energy regulator to look into Kyivgaz 's compliance with the terms of licensing , namely , to verify whether the operator has a valid contract .
`` As of today , Kyivgaz remains the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating ones that has not concluded a gas transmission contract with the GTS Operator , as required by law .
Back in December 2019 , we sent Kyivgaz a draft transportation contract for signing .
However , in response , we received an edited version of the agreement along with a protocol of disagreements that radically change the model agreement and thereby create discriminatory conditions for other market participants , '' the GTS said .

This is a result of contractual disagreements between GTS Operator and Kyivgaz.
All Kyiv consumers may see a complete halt of gas supplies over the fact that JSC Kyivgaz has not concluded a transmission agreement with the country's Gas Transmission System Operator.
"For more than two months, Kyivgaz, as a gas distribution network operator in Kyiv, has sabotaged the conclusion of a standard gas transmission contract with the Ukrainian GTS Operator. In accordance with the GTS Code, a GTS Operator must cease gas transmission to Kyivgaz networks, which will lead to a gas supply stop for all consumers in the capital," the press service of the Ukrainian GTS wrote on Facebook.
Read alsoUkraine in talks with U.S. on how to ultimately "bury" Russia's Nord Stream 2 – Naftogaz CEO
Видео дня
The GTS said that, in order to prevent "energy collapse" in Kyiv, they asked the national energy regulator to look into Kyivgaz's compliance with the terms of licensing, namely, to verify whether the operator has a valid contract.
"As of today, Kyivgaz remains the last remaining gas operator in Ukraine of 44 operating ones that has not concluded a gas transmission contract with the GTS Operator, as required by law. Back in December 2019, we sent Kyivgaz a draft transportation contract for signing. However, in response, we received an edited version of the agreement along with a protocol of disagreements that radically change the model agreement and thereby create discriminatory conditions for other market participants," the GTS said.


unian--2020-03-06--MH17 trial: Russia's GRU tried to hinder, influence probe on multiple fronts, Dutch report says

This included meddling , hacking , theft , and other spycraft efforts .
Russia , and specifically the Russian military intelligence agency GRU , used multiple tactics to influence and hinder the investigation into the downing of flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine , the Volkskrant reports based on sources and its own research just days before the trial against the first four suspects in this case is set to start .
The Dutch investigators are convinced that these multiple attempts were unsuccessful , they said to the newspaper .
Immediately after flight MH17 was shot down in eastern Ukraine on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safety Board ( OVV ) launched an investigation , part of which was establishing contact with its Russian counterpart , the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee ( MAK ) , NLTimes reports .
A few days later , it turned out that MAK had been replaced by a five-member state committee , with a team leader who previously worked for a Kremlin security service .
According to the Volkskrant , this was likely the Russian government 's first step to get a grip on the investigation .
Some weeks after the disaster , Malaysian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversation that their colleagues who piloted MH17 had with each other on the disastrous flight .
In that same period , two members of the GRU were in the Netherlands , the newspaper wrote .
These were members of a notorious unit that was later allegedly involved in an attempt to poison a Bulgarian arms dealer in 2015 , a failed coup in Montenegro in 2016 , and the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Great Britain in 2018 .
One of the two who were in the Netherlands , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were doing in the Netherlands is not clear .
`` But a relationship with MH17 is obvious , '' one of the newspaper 's sources said .
Six months later , it turned out that two former GRU members were part of the Russian state committee that was cooperating with the OVV in the MH17 investigation , according to the newspaper .
One of them is a general in the Russian army .
Shortly after the disaster , this general said in an interview that it was unlikely that the plane was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the OVV later determined was the case .
The Dutch military intelligence service MIVD kept an eye on these two former GRU members when they were in the Netherlands for a consultation with the investigative teams from all the countries involved in the MH17 investigation .
After every meeting , they called a telephone number in the Kremlin .
According to the Volkskrant , they mainly discussed how to `` edit '' the composition of the Malaysian investigation team .
Last year , the then Malaysian Prime Minister raised doubts about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that there was no hard evidence that Russia was responsible for the MH17 disaster .
When members of the OVV and the Dutch police were in the Ukraine for investigation , they were approached remarkably often by young women , who also spoke to them in Dutch , according to the newspaper .
Their hotel rooms were also cleaned suspiciously often – sometimes three times a day .
And when returning to the Netherlands , malware was found on the private telephones of investigators .
In the summer of 2015 , suspicious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in The Hague .
A bag with interview reports was stolen from a car owned by an OVV employee , while in 2016 flash drives were stolen from a Defense photographer in what appeared to be a burglary .
The OVV reported also at least one attempt to hack the service , traced to hacker group Fancy Bear , which is linked to the GRU .
And according to the Volkskrant , GRU members who tried to break into the computer network of the OPCW office in The Hague in 2018 , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prosecution Office – where the criminal investigation into MH17 is taking place .
After the GRU members were caught targeting the OPCW office , the MIVD seized their equipment .
On one laptop , the Dutch service found information showing that the team had been in Malaysia in 2017 to set up an operation against the Malaysian investigation team , the newspaper wrote .
The Dutch researchers are convinced that these attempts by Russia to influence and sabotage the investigation were not successful , according to the Volkskrant .
The attempts did make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distrust – but did not influence the conclusions , investigators said to the newspaper .

This included meddling, hacking, theft, and other spycraft efforts.
Russia, and specifically the Russian military intelligence agency GRU, used multiple tactics to influence and hinder the investigation into the downing of flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine, the Volkskrant reports based on sources and its own research just days before the trial against the first four suspects in this case is set to start. The Dutch investigators are convinced that these multiple attempts were unsuccessful, they said to the newspaper.
Immediately after flight MH17 was shot down in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, the Dutch Safety Board (OVV) launched an investigation, part of which was establishing contact with its Russian counterpart, the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK), NLTimes reports.
A few days later, it turned out that MAK had been replaced by a five-member state committee, with a team leader who previously worked for a Kremlin security service. According to the Volkskrant, this was likely the Russian government's first step to get a grip on the investigation.
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Some weeks after the disaster, Malaysian pilots visited the Netherlands to translate the conversation that their colleagues who piloted MH17 had with each other on the disastrous flight. In that same period, two members of the GRU were in the Netherlands, the newspaper wrote. These were members of a notorious unit that was later allegedly involved in an attempt to poison a Bulgarian arms dealer in 2015, a failed coup in Montenegro in 2016, and the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Great Britain in 2018. One of the two who were in the Netherlands, is the leader of this unit. What they were doing in the Netherlands is not clear. "But a relationship with MH17 is obvious," one of the newspaper's sources said.
Six months later, it turned out that two former GRU members were part of the Russian state committee that was cooperating with the OVV in the MH17 investigation, according to the newspaper. One of them is a general in the Russian army. Shortly after the disaster, this general said in an interview that it was unlikely that the plane was shot down by a Russian BUK missile, as the OVV later determined was the case.
The Dutch military intelligence service MIVD kept an eye on these two former GRU members when they were in the Netherlands for a consultation with the investigative teams from all the countries involved in the MH17 investigation. After every meeting, they called a telephone number in the Kremlin. According to the Volkskrant, they mainly discussed how to "edit" the composition of the Malaysian investigation team. Last year, the then Malaysian Prime Minister raised doubts about the Joint Investigation Team's findings and said that there was no hard evidence that Russia was responsible for the MH17 disaster.
When members of the OVV and the Dutch police were in the Ukraine for investigation, they were approached remarkably often by young women, who also spoke to them in Dutch, according to the newspaper. Their hotel rooms were also cleaned suspiciously often – sometimes three times a day. And when returning to the Netherlands, malware was found on the private telephones of investigators.
In the summer of 2015, suspicious persons were spotted around the OVV office in The Hague. A bag with interview reports was stolen from a car owned by an OVV employee, while in 2016 flash drives were stolen from a Defense photographer in what appeared to be a burglary. The OVV reported also at least one attempt to hack the service, traced to hacker group Fancy Bear, which is linked to the GRU. And according to the Volkskrant, GRU members who tried to break into the computer network of the OPCW office in The Hague in 2018, were first in Rotterdam near the National Public Prosecution Office – where the criminal investigation into MH17 is taking place.
After the GRU members were caught targeting the OPCW office, the MIVD seized their equipment. On one laptop, the Dutch service found information showing that the team had been in Malaysia in 2017 to set up an operation against the Malaysian investigation team, the newspaper wrote.
The Dutch researchers are convinced that these attempts by Russia to influence and sabotage the investigation were not successful, according to the Volkskrant. The attempts did make the investigation more complicated – because of distrust – but did not influence the conclusions, investigators said to the newspaper.


unian--2020-03-06--Ukraine's PM: Water can be supplied only to Crimean population, not to enterprises

Ukraine will supply water in case of need or humanitarian threat to Ukrainians for household needs , for drinking , Shmyhal says .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says water can be supplied only to the population of Crimea , but not to industrial enterprises .
`` Yesterday I spoke very clearly about water supplies to the Ukrainian Crimea .
We will not supply water for industrial and military facilities .
An exclamation mark .
That 's it .
We will supply water in case of demand of or humanitarian threat to Ukrainians for household needs , for drinking .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we must provide it – this is our duty to our Ukrainians , '' he said during a Q & A hour in the Verkhovna Rada , answering the question by MP Yulia Klymenko about his statement that water should be supplied to the peninsula , and further refutation on social networks , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoUkraine 's new PM rolls back on his statement on water supplies to Crimea Part of the session hall took these words disapprovingly , while another part supported it by applause .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not talking about resuming the industrial supply of water , '' and called `` not to manipulate such things . ''
As UNIAN reported earlier , speaking at a panel show Thursday night , Shmyhal said the issue of supplying water to occupied Crimea `` is not a matter of trade with the occupying state , it is not a matter of a certain business – it is a matter of humanitarian responsibility before people who live in Crimea . ''
Shmyhal emphasized that `` the lack of water there will lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said his earlier statement on a possibility of resumption of freshwater supplies to Crimea had been pulled out of context .
`` Panel show format is not the best one for discussing complex issues .
For example , the issue of water supply to Crimea , '' Smyhal wrote on Facebook overnight Friday , March 6 , amid backlash in social networks following his statement , picked up by most major news outlets in Ukraine , approving the resumption of water supplies to Crimea for humanitarian purposes .
`` Once again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government does n't forget about Ukrainians living in the territory of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian Crimea .
We want to help these people .
We want them to feel that we care about them .
In fact , for technical reasons , it 's impossible to divide water flowing to people and water flowing to military bases , '' the newly appointed prime minister noted .
`` This message was lost in the noise of the studio , '' he added .

Ukraine will supply water in case of need or humanitarian threat to Ukrainians for household needs, for drinking, Shmyhal says.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says water can be supplied only to the population of Crimea, but not to industrial enterprises.
"Yesterday I spoke very clearly about water supplies to the Ukrainian Crimea. We will not supply water for industrial and military facilities. An exclamation mark. That's it. We will supply water in case of demand of or humanitarian threat to Ukrainians for household needs, for drinking. Via tank cars, cans, bottles, we must provide it – this is our duty to our Ukrainians," he said during a Q&A hour in the Verkhovna Rada, answering the question by MP Yulia Klymenko about his statement that water should be supplied to the peninsula, and further refutation on social networks, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoUkraine's new PM rolls back on his statement on water supplies to Crimea
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Part of the session hall took these words disapprovingly, while another part supported it by applause.
Shmyhal emphasized once again: "We are not talking about resuming the industrial supply of water," and called "not to manipulate such things."
As UNIAN reported earlier, speaking at a panel show Thursday night, Shmyhal said the issue of supplying water to occupied Crimea "is not a matter of trade with the occupying state, it is not a matter of a certain business – it is a matter of humanitarian responsibility before people who live in Crimea." Shmyhal emphasized that "the lack of water there will lead to a humanitarian disaster."
Later, he said his earlier statement on a possibility of resumption of freshwater supplies to Crimea had been pulled out of context.
"Panel show format is not the best one for discussing complex issues. For example, the issue of water supply to Crimea," Smyhal wrote on Facebook overnight Friday, March 6, amid backlash in social networks following his statement, picked up by most major news outlets in Ukraine, approving the resumption of water supplies to Crimea for humanitarian purposes.
"Once again, I'd like to emphasize that the government doesn't forget about Ukrainians living in the territory of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian Crimea. We want to help these people. We want them to feel that we care about them. In fact, for technical reasons, it's impossible to divide water flowing to people and water flowing to military bases," the newly appointed prime minister noted. "This message was lost in the noise of the studio," he added.


unian--2020-03-06--Ukraine's Cabinet reshuffle may delay start of new IMF program – expert

The new prime minister and finance minister must confirm their agreement with the terms of the loan program .
Executive Director of Centre for Economic Strategy ( CES ) Hlib Vyshlinsky says the reshuffle of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers may delay the start of a new three-year Extended Fund Facility ( EFF ) for Ukraine on the part of the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) , Ukraine 's key lender .
`` Even a government reshuffle as such may delay the start of the program , as the new prime minister and finance minister must confirm that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program , '' he said on March 5 .
According to the expert , the dismissal of the director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) , if it takes place , may also become an obstacle to the launch of the new program .
`` The illegal dismissal of the NABU director will be a violation of Ukraine 's obligations earlier fulfilled under the previous program .
This will make it impossible to open a new program , '' Vyshlinsky said .
Read alsoGovernment to continue cooperation with IMF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier , Ukraine 's parliament on March 4 passed a resolution to accept Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk 's resignation , and the entire Cabinet of Ministers disbanded .
Ukrainian parliamentarians voted to appoint Denys Shmyhal as the country 's prime minister .
Ukraine 's authorities and the IMF staff in December 2019 reached an agreement on policies to underpin a new three-year US $ 5.5 billion EFF , while the Fund 's Executive Board is yet to approve the program .
Following the trip of IMF experts to Kyiv on February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine reported on a very good progress made in discussions on legislation to support growth and ensure stability in the country , adding that discussions would continue in the coming days .

Ukraine's Cabinet reshuffle may delay start of new IMF program – expert
13:20, 06.03.20 583
The new prime minister and finance minister must confirm their agreement with the terms of the loan program.
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unian--2020-03-06--Ex-chief prosecutor's first deputy resigns, acting head appointed – media

On Thursday , Ukrainian parliamentarians expressed no confidence in the country 's Prosecutor General , Ruslan Riaboshapka .
First Deputy Prosecutor General Vitaliy Kasko has resigned from office , while Viktor Chumak has been appointed Acting Prosecutor General in Ukraine .
The day before , Ukrainian parliamentarians voted in favor of a motion of no confidence in the country 's Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka , a source of ZN.UA in the Office of the Prosecutor General said on Friday , March 6 .
Earlier , representatives of the Servant of the People faction , as well as other factions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required for Riaboshapka 's dismissal .
A bill was soon registered expressing no confidence in the prosecutor general .
The profile committee recommended the resolution for consideration in the session hall .
Riaboshapka 's resignation is associated with his failure to press charges against former President Petro Poroshenko .
According to some media reports , Riaboshapka 's actions sparked discontent of President Volodymyr Zelensky and finally prompted the latter to initiate the replacement of the prosecutor general .
According to StateWatch expert Oleksandr Lemenov , the State Bureau of Investigation prepared a draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedural errors and incoherent excerpts of quotes from laws .
By not signing the charges , Riaboshapka actually saved the prosecutor 's office and the government from imminent embarrassment in courts , the expert says .
Earlier , as an alternative to Riaboshapka , the candidacy of Deputy Head of the Law Enforcement Committee , Serhiy Ionushas , was considered .

On Thursday, Ukrainian parliamentarians expressed no confidence in the country's Prosecutor General, Ruslan Riaboshapka.
First Deputy Prosecutor General Vitaliy Kasko has resigned from office, while Viktor Chumak has been appointed Acting Prosecutor General in Ukraine.
The day before, Ukrainian parliamentarians voted in favor of a motion of no confidence in the country's Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka, a source of ZN.UA in the Office of the Prosecutor General said on Friday, March 6.
Earlier, representatives of the Servant of the People faction, as well as other factions and groups, on March 3 collected signatures required for Riaboshapka's dismissal. A bill was soon registered expressing no confidence in the prosecutor general. The profile committee recommended the resolution for consideration in the session hall.
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Read alsoUkraine's parliament sacks chief prosecutor Riaboshapka
Riaboshapka's resignation is associated with his failure to press charges against former President Petro Poroshenko. According to some media reports, Riaboshapka's actions sparked discontent of President Volodymyr Zelensky and finally prompted the latter to initiate the replacement of the prosecutor general.
According to StateWatch expert Oleksandr Lemenov, the State Bureau of Investigation prepared a draft suspicion notice to Petro Poroshenko with gross procedural errors and incoherent excerpts of quotes from laws. By not signing the charges, Riaboshapka actually saved the prosecutor's office and the government from imminent embarrassment in courts, the expert says.
Earlier, as an alternative to Riaboshapka, the candidacy of Deputy Head of the Law Enforcement Committee, Serhiy Ionushas, was considered.


unian--2020-03-06--Kuleba sees no reason to comment on anonymous reports claiming resumption of cooperation with Russia

The ultimate goal is the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the withdrawal of the occupying forces .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says he sees no reason to comment on messages appearing on anonymous Telegram channels about the alleged preparations for the resumption of cooperation with Russia , including in the context of air traffic and direct trade deals .
When asked during a TV panel show Pravo na Vladu on Thursday whether the information published on various Telegram channels is true that Head of the President 's Office Andriy Yermak is preparing five projects to resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular , restoration of air traffic , appointment of ambassadors , direct trade deals , and direct gas supplies from Russia ) , Kuleba said : `` I do n't have Telegram , I do n't use Telegram channels , and I do n't see any reason to comment on that . ''
According to him , Ukraine needs two strategies : the strategy of de-occupation of Donbas and the strategy of de-occupation of Crimea .
`` There is another strategy that is actually fundamentally important for the success of the first two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment and revive the Ukrainian industry since a poor economy that 's not saturated with money does not create a strong state , and it is very difficult for a weak state to be strong in the international arena , '' Kuleba said .
According to the minister , `` different scenarios can be considered ; it is , in fact , the space of diplomacy – to find a compromise , but the ultimate goal is always the same – the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the withdrawal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` Everything else is subject to negotiations , '' Kuleba added .

The ultimate goal is the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the withdrawal of the occupying forces.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says he sees no reason to comment on messages appearing on anonymous Telegram channels about the alleged preparations for the resumption of cooperation with Russia, including in the context of air traffic and direct trade deals.
When asked during a TV panel show Pravo na Vladu on Thursday whether the information published on various Telegram channels is true that Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak is preparing five projects to resume cooperation with the Russian Federation (in particular, restoration of air traffic, appointment of ambassadors, direct trade deals, and direct gas supplies from Russia), Kuleba said: "I don't have Telegram, I don't use Telegram channels, and I don't see any reason to comment on that."
Read alsoNewly appointed Ukrainian FM Kuleba names five priority areas of work
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According to him, Ukraine needs two strategies: the strategy of de-occupation of Donbas and the strategy of de-occupation of Crimea.
"There is another strategy that is actually fundamentally important for the success of the first two. This is a strategy to attract investment and revive the Ukrainian industry since a poor economy that's not saturated with money does not create a strong state, and it is very difficult for a weak state to be strong in the international arena," Kuleba said.
According to the minister, "different scenarios can be considered; it is, in fact, the space of diplomacy – to find a compromise, but the ultimate goal is always the same – the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the withdrawal of the occupying country from our territory."
"Everything else is subject to negotiations," Kuleba added.


unian--2020-03-06--Ukraine Army receives final batch of upgraded T-72 tanks

The improved version is equipped with additional Nizh ( Knife ) explosive reactive armor ( ERA ) .
Ukrainian state-owned defense giant UkrOboronOrom has announced that it has completed the delivery of upgraded T-72 main battle tanks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces .
The final batch of six upgraded T-72 main battle tank was handed over on March 4 , the company said , according to DefenceBlog .
`` These T-72 tanks are the result of rethinking the experience of modern warfare in the East of Ukraine , '' Volodymyr Sinyavsky , acting director of SE Kyiv Armored Plant said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and significantly improved tactical and technical characteristics of the vehicles so that they could better perform the combat missions of the Ukrainian defenders . ''
Read alsoUkraine Army receives first serial batch of rockets for Vilkha MLR systems The improved version of T-72 is equipped with additional Nizh ( Knife ) explosive reactive armor ( ERA ) fitted to the turret in an arrow-head pattern and further cassettes laid flat on the sides of the hull .
The tank is equipped with upgraded 1K13 sights for firing Ukrainian-made Kombat guided missiles , new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more powerful engines increasing horsepower to 840 hp , compared with the previous 780 hp .
New digital radio stations from the Turkish company Aselsan allow tank crews to maintain direct contact with infantry units , which is of great importance for battlefield interaction .
In addition , T-72 modification received modern satellite navigation equipment .
Improvement of the crew environment is another aspect of modernization .
Even an ordinary rear view camera greatly facilitates driver 's work .

The improved version is equipped with additional Nizh (Knife) explosive reactive armor (ERA).
Ukrainian state-owned defense giant UkrOboronOrom has announced that it has completed the delivery of upgraded T-72 main battle tanks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The final batch of six upgraded T-72 main battle tank was handed over on March 4, the company said, according to DefenceBlog.
"These T-72 tanks are the result of rethinking the experience of modern warfare in the East of Ukraine," Volodymyr Sinyavsky, acting director of SE Kyiv Armored Plant said. "We comprehensively approached the repair and significantly improved tactical and technical characteristics of the vehicles so that they could better perform the combat missions of the Ukrainian defenders."
Read alsoUkraine Army receives first serial batch of rockets for Vilkha MLR systems
The improved version of T-72 is equipped with additional Nizh (Knife) explosive reactive armor (ERA) fitted to the turret in an arrow-head pattern and further cassettes laid flat on the sides of the hull.
The tank is equipped with upgraded 1K13 sights for firing Ukrainian-made Kombat guided missiles, new night-visors with third-generation electron-optical converters, and more powerful engines increasing horsepower to 840 hp, compared with the previous 780 hp.
New digital radio stations from the Turkish company Aselsan allow tank crews to maintain direct contact with infantry units, which is of great importance for battlefield interaction. In addition, T-72 modification received modern satellite navigation equipment. Improvement of the crew environment is another aspect of modernization. Even an ordinary rear view camera greatly facilitates driver's work.


unian--2020-03-06--Average monthly salary in Ukraine's IT up 22.9% in 2019

Those employed in aviation industry received UAH 27,300 ( US $ 1,103 ) a month , on average .
The average monthly salary of a full-time employee in Ukraine 's IT sector in 2019 was UAH 17,543 ( US $ 709 ) , which was 22.9 % up year-on-year .
Those employed in aviation industry over the period under review received UAH 27,300 ( US $ 1,103 ) a month , on average , while the average monthly salary of employees of financial and insurance sectors stood at UAH 19,132 ( US $ 773 ) , according to the State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include information from temporarily occupied areas in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , and certain areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions , it said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian enterprises ' wage arrears before workers in February 2020 grew by 16.1 % , or by UAH 419.8 million ( US $ 17 million ) to UAH 3.034 billion ( US $ 123 million ) year-over-year ( y-o-y ) .
The average nominal wage of a full-time employee grew by 16.3 % in Ukraine in January 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US $ 434 .

Average monthly salary in Ukraine's IT up 22.9% in 2019
12:00, 06.03.20 1109
Those employed in aviation industry received UAH 27,300 (US$1,103) a month, on average.
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