unian--2020-12-30--"This is wild": Parliament, president's envoys react to Constitutional Court's defiant statement

Earlier , a commentary released on the CCU website branded the president 's decree to suspend their chief judge as `` illegitimate . ''
The Constitutional Court , represented by its legal department and secretariat , has no right to recognize decrees as `` null and void '' or `` unconstitutional , '' Parliament 's Envoy to the CCU , Olha Sovhyria , said on Tuesday .
`` For me , as a lawyer , this is a wild situation where the legal department of the secretariat allows itself to recognize decrees or anything else as unconstitutional , '' Sovhyria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the CCU , Fedir Venislavsky , shares this opinion , saying the comment by the court 's legal department entails no legal consequences .
Read alsoConstitutional Court defies Zelensky 's move to suspend chief judgeAlso , Venislavsky noted that Chief CCU Judge Oleksandr Tupytsky , suspended by President Volodymyr Zelensky for a period of two months could no longer convene any meetings at his office from the moment the p [ residential decree was published .
The envoy has underlined that the decree to suspend Tupytsky was a `` forced measure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth in a pre-trial investigation of a criminal case , '' made on a motion by the Office of the Prosecutor General targeting a person suspected of committing a crime .
`` This is done so that a person holding a certain position , especially such a responsible one as a CCU judge , and even more so – chairman of the Constitutional Court , could not interfere with the pre-trial investigation , '' he explained .
On December 24 , a summons was received by the Constitutional Court obliging chief judge Tupytsky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prosecutor General on December 28 to be charged with a criminal offense .
The investigation says Tupytsky , acting out of mercenary motives and in personal interests , as well as in the interests of the former chairman of the High Economic Court , tampered with a witness in criminal proceedings through bribery to make sure the witness refuse to testify or deliver a false testimony .
In addition , Tupytsky three times during 2018-2019 falsely testified to the Prosecutor General 's Office , which came along with the artificially created evidence on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the illegal seizure of assets of OJSC Zuivsky Energy-Mechanical Plant .
Tupytsky did not report to the Office of the Prosecutor General , so the suspicion notice was sent to him by mail .
On December 28 , the Office of the Prosecutor General announced they would file a petition with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to suspend Tupytsky .
On December 29 , Zelensky signed a decree suspending Tupytsky for a period of two months .

Earlier, a commentary released on the CCU website branded the president's decree to suspend their chief judge as "illegitimate."
The Constitutional Court, represented by its legal department and secretariat, has no right to recognize decrees as "null and void" or "unconstitutional," Parliament's Envoy to the CCU, Olha Sovhyria, said on Tuesday.
"For me, as a lawyer, this is a wild situation where the legal department of the secretariat allows itself to recognize decrees or anything else as unconstitutional," Sovhyria told Ukraine 24.
President's Representative in the CCU, Fedir Venislavsky, shares this opinion, saying the comment by the court's legal department entails no legal consequences.
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Read alsoConstitutional Court defies Zelensky's move to suspend chief judgeAlso, Venislavsky noted that Chief CCU Judge Oleksandr Tupytsky, suspended by President Volodymyr Zelensky for a period of two months could no longer convene any meetings at his office from the moment the presidential decree was published.
The envoy has underlined that the decree to suspend Tupytsky was a "forced measure, made by President of Ukraine to find truth in a pre-trial investigation of a criminal case," made on a motion by the Office of the Prosecutor General targeting a person suspected of committing a crime.
"This is done so that a person holding a certain position, especially such a responsible one as a CCU judge, and even more so – chairman of the Constitutional Court, could not interfere with the pre-trial investigation," he explained.
Background
On December 24, a summons was received by the Constitutional Court obliging chief judge Tupytsky to report to the Office of the Prosecutor General on December 28 to be charged with a criminal offense. The investigation says Tupytsky, acting out of mercenary motives and in personal interests, as well as in the interests of the former chairman of the High Economic Court, tampered with a witness in criminal proceedings through bribery to make sure the witness refuse to testify or deliver a false testimony. In addition, Tupytsky three times during 2018-2019 falsely testified to the Prosecutor General's Office, which came along with the artificially created evidence on the part of defense in criminal proceedings into the illegal seizure of assets of OJSC Zuivsky Energy-Mechanical Plant.
Tupytsky did not report to the Office of the Prosecutor General, so the suspicion notice was sent to him by mail.
On December 28, the Office of the Prosecutor General announced they would file a petition with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to suspend Tupytsky.
On December 29, Zelensky signed a decree suspending Tupytsky for a period of two months.


unian--2020-12-30--Ukraine drafting deals on free trade areas with five countries – minister Petrashko

These markets are seen as important for Ukrainian products .
Ukrainian Minister for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko says the Cabinet of Ministers is drafting agreements on free trade areas ( FTAs ) with Egypt , Jordan , Vietnam , Indonesia , and China .
The comment came at a press conference on December 30 , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
`` These are important markets for Ukrainian products as part of our efforts to expand our export opportunities , '' the minister said .
• On October 8 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain and Northern Ireland Boris Johnson signed an agreement on political cooperation , free trade and partnership between the states .
• Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Ukraine hopes to have the deal ratified by the end of the year .
• On December 9 , 2020 , Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed an agreement on developing bilateral trade and partnership during a roundtable discussion on the development of relations between the two countries within the Political , Free Trade and Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in October .
• On December 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament , ratified the agreement .

Ukraine drafting deals on free trade areas with five countries – Minister Petrashko
18:45, 30.12.20 1640
These markets are seen as important for Ukrainian products.
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unian--2020-12-30--Constitutional Court defies Zelensky's move to suspend chief judge

`` Meddling '' in the operations of the judiciary could entail criminal liability , the court 's harsh statement says .
That 's according to a commentary released by the CCU Secretariat 's Legal Department .
`` The decree , issued by President of Ukraine , is not based on the Constitution of Ukraine , and does not correspond to it .
The powers of President of Ukraine are determined exclusively by the Basic Law of Ukraine , '' the commentary says .
Read alsoZelensky : In 2021 , Ukraine to launch major judicial reformAt the same time , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endow the President with the right to `` suspend a judge of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine . ''
Moreover , the Constitution has laid down no possibility for suspending a CCU judge whatsoever , the Constitutional Court stressed .
The president `` went beyond constitutional powers '' in his move to suspend the CCU chair , the commentary notes .
The court believes that entitling one of the actors allowed to appoint CCU judges ( in this case , the president ) to `` suspend a CCU judge '' while the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Congress of Judges ) have no such right would mean a gross violation of the constitutional and legal status applied to all CCU judges .
At the same time , it is this approach that was used when Presidential Decree No .
607/2020 of December 29 , 2020 , was issued , according to which six CCU judges may be subject to such a measure of ensuring criminal proceedings as `` suspension '' , while the other 12 may not .
Read alsoZelensky suspends Constitutional Court chair for two monthsThe Criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can indeed be suspended – not from office but from administering justice – in connection with their criminal prosecution , but such decision shall be taken by the High Council of Justice based on a reasoned motion from the Prosecutor General or their deputy .
The commentary notes that `` from a constitutional and legal perspective '' the decree in question is `` null and void and can not be enforced . ''
The issuance of the decree by the President of Ukraine `` is in fact illegal interference in the activities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official duties , which entails legal liability stipulated by law . ''
In Ukraine , criminal liability is provided for interference in the activities of a statesman ( Article 344 ) and interference in the activities of the judiciary ( Article 376 ) , while Article 60 of the Constitution establishes that no one is obliged to fulfill clearly criminal instructions or orders .
The issuance and execution of a clearly criminal instruction or order , in turn , entails criminal liability .
• On December 24 , a summons was received by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to report to the Office of the Prosecutor General on December 28 to be charged with a criminal offense .
The investigation says Tupytsky , acting out of mercenary motives and in personal interests , as well as in the interests of the former chairman of the High Economic Court , tampered with a witness in criminal proceedings through bribery to make sure the witness refuse to testify or deliver a false testimony .
In addition , Tupytsky three times during 2018-2019 falsely testified to the Prosecutor General 's Office , which came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the part of defense in criminal proceedings into the illegal seizure of assets of OJSC Zuivsky Energy-Mechanical Plant .
• Tupytsky did not report to the Office of the Prosecutor General , so the suspicion notice was sent to him by mail .
• On December 28 , the Office of the Prosecutor General announced they would file a petition with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to suspend Tupytsky .
• On December 29 , Zelensky signed a decree suspending Tupytsky for a period of two months .

"Meddling" in the operations of the judiciary could entail criminal liability, the court's harsh statement says.
The Constitutional Court has branded "illegitimate" a presidential decree suspending CCU chairman, Oleksandr Tupytsky.
That's according to a commentary released by the CCU Secretariat's Legal Department.
"The decree, issued by President of Ukraine, is not based on the Constitution of Ukraine, and does not correspond to it. The powers of President of Ukraine are determined exclusively by the Basic Law of Ukraine," the commentary says.
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Read alsoZelensky: In 2021, Ukraine to launch major judicial reformAt the same time, it is noted that the Constitution does not endow the President with the right to "suspend a judge of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine." Moreover, the Constitution has laid down no possibility for suspending a CCU judge whatsoever, the Constitutional Court stressed.
The president "went beyond constitutional powers" in his move to suspend the CCU chair, the commentary notes.
The court believes that entitling one of the actors allowed to appoint CCU judges (in this case, the president) to "suspend a CCU judge" while the other two appointment actors (the Verkhovna Rada and the Congress of Judges) have no such right would mean a gross violation of the constitutional and legal status applied to all CCU judges. At the same time, it is this approach that was used when Presidential Decree No. 607/2020 of December 29, 2020, was issued, according to which six CCU judges may be subject to such a measure of ensuring criminal proceedings as "suspension", while the other 12 may not.
Read alsoZelensky suspends Constitutional Court chair for two monthsThe Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine says a judge can indeed be suspended – not from office but from administering justice – in connection with their criminal prosecution, but such decision shall be taken by the High Council of Justice based on a reasoned motion from the Prosecutor General or their deputy.
The commentary notes that "from a constitutional and legal perspective" the decree in question is "null and void and cannot be enforced."
The issuance of the decree by the President of Ukraine "is in fact illegal interference in the activities of a CCU judge, obstruction of his official duties, which entails legal liability stipulated by law."
In Ukraine, criminal liability is provided for interference in the activities of a statesman (Article 344) and interference in the activities of the judiciary (Article 376), while Article 60 of the Constitution establishes that no one is obliged to fulfill clearly criminal instructions or orders. The issuance and execution of a clearly criminal instruction or order, in turn, entails criminal liability.
Constitutional Court row: Latest


unian--2020-12-30--Ukraine imports 7.2 tonnes of sturgeon roe worth US$1.27 mln in 11 months

China has become the main supplier of sturgeon roe to Ukraine .
Ukraine imported 7.2 tonnes of sturgeon roe worth US $ 1.27 million in the eleven months of 2020 , which was almost double the figure for the entire last year .
This is stated in a report by the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club ( UCAB ) .
Read alsoMacroeconomic outlook for 2021 : GDP growth at 4 % with moderate inflation '' China has become the main supplier of sturgeon roe to Ukraine with 6.2 tonnes , or about 85 % of the total supplies .
Italy , Moldova @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also included in the top five suppliers , '' it said .
Sturgeon roe from China is competitive in price , as that country produces more than 150 tonnes of it annually , of which two-thirds are exported .
`` In Ukraine , the niche of industrial sturgeon breeding and caviar production is still poorly developed , but there are pioneers in the industry .
It is expected that with the development of consumption , Ukrainian producers of sturgeon roe will also occupy a significant niche in our market , '' UCAB experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now the customs value of imports of sturgeon roe is US $ 175 per kg , while the retail price starts from UAH 1,000 hryvnia , or US $ 35.4 , per 100 grams ( US $ 354 per kg ) .
• In January-November 2020 , Ukraine reduced exports of agricultural products by 0.3 % compared to the same period last year , to US $ 20 billion , while increasing imports by 13.9 % , to US $ 5.74 billion .

Ukraine imports 7.2 tonnes of sturgeon roe worth US$1.27 mln in 11 months
16:55, 30.12.20 35045
China has become the main supplier of sturgeon roe to Ukraine.
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unian--2020-12-31--Kyiv records warmest day in Dec over 140 years

The climatic normal was exceeded by 7.3°С , which corresponds to the weather observed in late October .
For the first time in 140 years , the average daily air temperature was registered in the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv on December 30 , that is + 5.3°C , which was 0.7°C up against a record high temperature registered on December 30 , 1913 .
Read alsoFreezing rain aftermath paralyzes Kyiv ( Photo , video ) The climatic normal was exceeded by 7.3°С , which corresponds to the weather observed in late October , according to the Central Geophysical Observatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperature in the afternoon rose to + 7.5°C , thus surpassing the previous record for this day in 1987 by 0.2°C .
At the same time , the temperature in the morning of the last day of 2020 did not drop below + 7.6°C .
The previous record value at + 3.2° registered in 1980 was exceeded by 4.4°C .
The early hours of December 30 were the warmest in Kyiv , as the temperature did not drop below + 4.5°C .
The previous record at + 3.0°C reported in 2003 was overpassed @ @ @

The climatic normal was exceeded by 7.3°С, which corresponds to the weather observed in late October.
For the first time in 140 years, the average daily air temperature was registered in the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv on December 30, that is + 5.3°C, which was 0.7°C up against a record high temperature registered on December 30, 1913.
Read alsoFreezing rain aftermath paralyzes Kyiv (Photo, video)The climatic normal was exceeded by 7.3°С, which corresponds to the weather observed in late October, according to the Central Geophysical Observatory named after Boris Sreznevsky.
The maximum temperature in the afternoon rose to + 7.5°C, thus surpassing the previous record for this day in 1987 by 0.2°C.
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At the same time, the temperature in the morning of the last day of 2020 did not drop below + 7.6°C. The previous record value at + 3.2° registered in 1980 was exceeded by 4.4°C.
Record temperature in Kyiv in December
The early hours of December 30 were the warmest in Kyiv, as the temperature did not drop below + 4.5°C. The previous record at + 3.0°C reported in 2003 was overpassed by 1.5°C.


unian--2020-12-31--Zelensky elaborates on advantages of state suppliers of natural gas for households

Over 50 companies supply natural gas to households in Ukraine nowadays .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukrainian households can freely choose their gas supplier with the most favorable terms , adding that certain state-owned companies , in particular LLC Naftogaz of Ukraine GSC ( Gas Supply Company ) , may help them save on gas bills .
He made the comment during a working trip to Ivano-Frankivsk region , as reported by the President 's Office on December 31 .
`` State-owned companies are needed to work in the interests of society , to create profitable opportunities for ordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the company will provide cheaper gas , '' he said .
Zelensky added that he had already discussed the issue of prices for households with Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolyev .
`` Despite the fact that the country has switched to the gas market and the market dictates prices , Naftogaz still has the lowest prices compared to all suppliers , '' Zelensky said .
Read alsoNaftogaz opens new gas field in Poltava regionOver 50 companies supply natural gas to households in Ukraine nowadays .
Depending on the supplier and the region , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , LLC Naftogaz of Ukraine GSC ( Gas Supply Company ) will sell gas at UAH 7.22 ( US $ 0.255 ) with VAT per cubic meter in January , while regional gas suppliers ' average price is set UAH 9.9 ( US $ 0.350 ) with VAT per cubic meter .
Private suppliers in different regions of Ukraine sometimes set the gas price that is 30 % -40 % up from those set by LLC Naftogaz of Ukraine GSC .
`` We have even found one company that offers a 50 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the president said .
`` Naftogaz will offer the lowest prices on the market .
And it will fight for a price reduction despite the market .
People need help over COVID-19 , '' he added .
Read alsoGas transmission to households to rise in price from Jan 1Zelensky also called on local authorities to explain to households how to save on gas bills , inter alia , by choosing a state supplier , as well as using the services of state-run Oschadbank .
LLC Naftogaz of Ukraine GSC consistently offers the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household that buys gas in Ukraine can freely change a supplier by choosing the state-owned company .
This is especially important for those citizens who use gas to heat private houses .
This refers to over 6 million households .
By choosing the said company , each of such consumers can save over UAH 600 ( US $ 21.22 ) on the average as early as in January .
Now , one can change a gas supplier remotely via the Internet and at partner offices .
If the consumer decides to choose a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement with the previous one or replacement of equipment .
The new supplier independently solves all formal issues related to the transfer of the consumer to another company .
Benefits and subsidies remain in effect when the gas supplier is changed .
LLC Naftogaz of Ukraine GSC and Oschadbank will be expanding their network for new customers from the middle of January 2021 .
Ukrainians will be able to change their gas supplier by addressing the nearest branch of Oschadbank .
Efforts of two state-owned companies will help citizens save money .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies , the choice of Naftogaz of Ukraine GSC as a supplier will help to save up to 40 % in gas payments .
Prices of gas offered by other suppliers range from UAH 7.39 ( US $ 0.26 ) to UAH 10.8 ( US $ 0.38 ) per cubic meter .
Ukrainian regional companies covering two-thirds of the households offer gas to their consumers at UAH 8.75 - UAH 10.8 ( US $ 0.31 - US $ 0.38 ) per cubic meter , depending on their region .
Thus , the floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies increased by 26.8 % , while the ceiling one grew by 20.5 % .
The highest price of gas for the first month of 2021 was fixed by Lvivenergozbut , that is UAH 10.8 ( US $ 0.38 ) per cubic meter .
In total , 55 gas suppliers published their January price quotations as of December 28 .
• The average price of gas for Ukrainian households in December 2020 was within the range of UAH 6.33 ( US $ 0.22 ) to UAH 8.96 ( US $ 0.32 ) per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the natural gas market became opened for the country 's households , allowing them to select a gas supplier .
• National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine 's public service obligations ( PSOs ) to supply gas to households expired , but municipal heating companies will continue receiving gas at prices regulated by Naftogaz .

Zelensky elaborates on advantages of state suppliers of natural gas for households
16:25, 31.12.20 4683
Over 50 companies supply natural gas to households in Ukraine nowadays.
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unian--2020-12-31--Coal stocks at Ukrainian thermal power plants on the decline

The stocks shrank by a fifth .
Coal stocks in the warehouses of Ukrainian thermal power plants decreased by 20 @ @ @ @ @ from December 22 through December 30 , 2020 .
This was reported by the Energy @ @ @ @ @ In particular , stocks of anthracite coal over the period under review shrank by 8.6 @ @ @ @ @ .
Stocks of gas coal decreased by 22.7 % , to 593,400 tonnes .
Read @ @ @ @ @ 2020 : Breakthrough in renewables and higher electricity bills • In January-November 2020 , Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ imports of coal and anthracite by 40.15 % year-on-year , to US $ 1.55 billion @ @ @ @ @ and coking coal in Ukraine in 2019 decreased by 6.2 % from 2018 , to @ @ @ @

Coal stocks at Ukrainian thermal power plants on the decline
15:59, 31.12.20 1478
The stocks shrank by a fifth.
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unian--2020-12-31--Incidence of COVID-19 cases in Ukraine exceeds norm by over eight times

As of December 31 , some 36.3 % of beds allocated for coronavirus patients were occupied .
The actual incidence of COVID-19 cases in Ukraine is 323.7 per 100,000 people , which is more than eight times higher than the limit indicator , which is set at 40 cases .
This was reported by the Health Ministry .
Read alsoCOVID-19 vaccines bought by government will be free for all Ukrainians The worst situation is seen in Zaporizhia region ( 559.3 ) , Mykolaiv region ( 503.1 ) , and the city of Kyiv ( 499.1 ) .
The best situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , Zakarpattia region ( 120.9 ) , and Vinnytsia region ( 141.7 ) .
However , there is a decrease in bed occupancy rates .
As of December 31 , some 36.3 % of beds allocated for coronavirus patients were occupied .
The only region where more than half of the beds were occupied is Mykolaiv region ( 50.2 % ) .
In the city of Kyiv , 44.1 % of hospital beds are filled .
A total of 65,429 beds have already been allocated for coronavirus patients in the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus cases were recorded in Ukraine .
Most of them were reported in the city of Kyiv , as well as Kyiv region , Zaporizhia region , and Kharkiv region .
Meanwhile , 11,800 patients recovered in the past 24 hours .
• According to forecasts by the National Academy of Sciences , the incidence of COVID-19 in Ukraine may drop to 4,000 new cases per day during the New Year holiday season .

As of December 31, some 36.3% of beds allocated for coronavirus patients were occupied.
The actual incidence of COVID-19 cases in Ukraine is 323.7 per 100,000 people, which is more than eight times higher than the limit indicator, which is set at 40 cases.
This was reported by the Health Ministry.
Read alsoCOVID-19 vaccines bought by government will be free for all Ukrainians
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The worst situation is seen in Zaporizhia region (559.3), Mykolaiv region (503.1), and the city of Kyiv (499.1). The best situation is registered in Kirovohrad region (100.5), Zakarpattia region (120.9), and Vinnytsia region (141.7).
However, there is a decrease in bed occupancy rates. As of December 31, some 36.3% of beds allocated for coronavirus patients were occupied. The only region where more than half of the beds were occupied is Mykolaiv region (50.2%). In the city of Kyiv, 44.1% of hospital beds are filled.
A total of 65,429 beds have already been allocated for coronavirus patients in the country.
Coronavirus in Ukraine: Update


unian--2020-12-31--Ukraine's justice ministry to offer at least four prison facilities for sale in 2021

The start of the sale of prisons that are not used in the country was announced on August 6 .
NUkrainian Justice Minister Denys Malyuska has said the ministry plans to offer at least four prison facilities for sale next year as part of a privatization campaign .
In particular , Malyuska informed about the ministry 's action plans for 2021 , the agency 's press service wrote on Facebook on December 30 .
`` In 2021 , the following is expected : the privatization of at least four prisons ; the publication of a comprehensive Prison Ranking ; the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure ; and the launch of the construction of new pretrial detention centers , '' he said .
Read alsoWHO to check Ukrainian jails to assess fight against diseases – health officialMoreover , draft laws that `` will completely change the penal system '' are expected to be passed by parliament , he added .
Malyuska also noted the ministry 's failure `` to switch to the active phase of the large-scale sale of prisons . ''
`` There were numerous bureaucratic obstacles on the way .
But in the end , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the light at the end of the tunnel is seen : its norms stipulate that revenue from the privatization of prisons will be distributed at a ratio of 70/30 ( 70 % is to be channeled into a special fund and , accordingly , new construction projects , while 30 % into the budgets ' general revenue ) .
Although this delays the terms a little , it still gives us the opportunity to eventually sell prisons within the small-scale privatization procedure , '' he summed up .
• On August 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sale of prisons that are not used in Ukraine .
• Most likely , the prisons will no longer be used as penitentiary facilities and will be liquidated , he says .
• At the same time , the minister noted that the sale of prisons does not mean the release of convicts .
`` We just have too much surplus property to maintain .
So , we start sales just with this property , '' he said .
• According to the minister , mothballed prisons , which are not used but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sale first .
• At the same time , Malyuska projected the construction of new penitentiary facilities .

The start of the sale of prisons that are not used in the country was announced on August 6.
Ukrainian Justice Minister Denys Malyuska has said the ministry plans to offer at least four prison facilities for sale next year as part of a privatization campaign.
In particular, Malyuska informed about the ministry's action plans for 2021, the agency's press service wrote on Facebook on December 30.
"In 2021, the following is expected: the privatization of at least four prisons; the publication of a comprehensive Prison Ranking; the opening of new facilities related to prison infrastructure; and the launch of the construction of new pretrial detention centers," he said.
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Read alsoWHO to check Ukrainian jails to assess fight against diseases – health officialMoreover, draft laws that "will completely change the penal system" are expected to be passed by parliament, he added.
Malyuska also noted the ministry's failure "to switch to the active phase of the large-scale sale of prisons."
"There were numerous bureaucratic obstacles on the way. But in the end, with the approval of the 2021 national budget, the light at the end of the tunnel is seen: its norms stipulate that revenue from the privatization of prisons will be distributed at a ratio of 70/30 (70% is to be channeled into a special fund and, accordingly, new construction projects, while 30% into the budgets' general revenue). Although this delays the terms a little, it still gives us the opportunity to eventually sell prisons within the small-scale privatization procedure," he summed up.
Sale of prisons in Ukraine


unian--2020-12-31--Health minister, AstraZeneca discuss COVID-19 vaccine supplies to Ukraine

The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca jointly with the University of Oxford was approved for use in the United Kingdom .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov and representatives of the British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca have discussed the deadlines and logistics of COVID-19 vaccine supplies to Ukraine .
In particular , Stepanov held talks with Alec van Gelder , Executive Director for International Government Affairs at AstraZeneca , the ministry 's press service wrote on Facebook on December 30 .
The sides also discussed pre-contract terms , the report said .
Read alsoCOVID-19 vaccines bought by government will be free for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Health Ministry has been establishing active and effective communication with AstraZeneca 's head office .
Today , we 've already discussed the logistics and terms of the delivery of AstraZeneca 's COVID-19 vaccines to Ukraine .
Our state is completely ready to receive the vaccines , as we have a ready plan for vaccination of the population , '' the press service quoted Stepanov as saying .
The ministry notes that the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca jointly with the University of Oxford ( Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine ) was approved for use in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccination of UK residents would be launched as early as on Monday , January 4 .
In turn , Alec van Gelder noted the company 's readiness for active cooperation with Ukraine .
He thanked the Ukrainian Health Ministry for consistency and openness , saying that AstraZeneca is elaborating options for the soonest supplies of vaccines to Ukraine .
The ministry recalled that Ukraine , through State Enterprise `` Medical Procurement of Ukraine '' that was determined as the vaccine operator , had signed an agreement for the supply of 1,913,316 doses of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine .
• In March , the first batch with 8 million doses of a vaccine is expected to be shipped to Ukraine under the COVAX Facility .
These doses are enough to vaccinate 4 million people , because one person needs two shots of the vaccine .
Doctors , senior citizens , and seriously ill patients will get vaccinated first .
• On December 24 , Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said that his ministry was working out a plan to increase the vaccine quota as part of the COVAX global initiative from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • On December 22 , Ukraine 's Health Ministry approved a plan for vaccination of the population against COVID-19 .
The goal of this plan is to vaccinate at least 50 % of the population of Ukraine ( 20 million people ) in 2021-2022 .
• On December 30 , the Ukrainian Health Ministry signed a contract for the supply of China 's Sinovac Biotech COVID-19 vaccine to Ukraine .
The purchase provides for 1,913,316 doses at UAH 504 ( US $ 18 ) per dose .
China plans to obtain permission to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad in January next year , and the vaccine will also be submitted for retraining to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) in February 2021 .
• The contract for supplies to the territory of Ukraine has been signed with Lekhim JSC , which , according to official confirmations from Sinovac Biotech , is the only authorized representative of the vaccine manufacturer in Ukraine .
• Under the terms of the contract , the first batch of 700,000 doses will be delivered to Ukraine within 30 days after official registration in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities of the United States , Great Britain , the Swiss Confederation , Japan , Australia , Canada , Israel , India , Mexico , Brazil , or under a centralized procedure by the competent authority of the European Union .

The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca jointly with the University of Oxford was approved for use in the United Kingdom.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov and representatives of the British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca have discussed the deadlines and logistics of COVID-19 vaccine supplies to Ukraine.
In particular, Stepanov held talks with Alec van Gelder, Executive Director for International Government Affairs at AstraZeneca, the ministry's press service wrote on Facebook on December 30.
The sides also discussed pre-contract terms, the report said.
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Read alsoCOVID-19 vaccines bought by government will be free for all Ukrainians"Over several months, Ukraine's Health Ministry has been establishing active and effective communication with AstraZeneca's head office. Today, we've already discussed the logistics and terms of the delivery of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccines to Ukraine. Our state is completely ready to receive the vaccines, as we have a ready plan for vaccination of the population," the press service quoted Stepanov as saying.
The ministry notes that the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca jointly with the University of Oxford (Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine) was approved for use in the United Kingdom on December 30. The vaccination of UK residents would be launched as early as on Monday, January 4.
In turn, Alec van Gelder noted the company's readiness for active cooperation with Ukraine. He thanked the Ukrainian Health Ministry for consistency and openness, saying that AstraZeneca is elaborating options for the soonest supplies of vaccines to Ukraine.
The ministry recalled that Ukraine, through State Enterprise "Medical Procurement of Ukraine" that was determined as the vaccine operator, had signed an agreement for the supply of 1,913,316 doses of China's Sinovac Biotech COVID-19 vaccine to Ukraine.
Vaccine against coronavirus in Ukraine


unian--2020-12-31--Ukrainian goods will have free access to British market from Jan 1

Preparations are underway for new agreements with Tunisia , Egypt , Jordan , Vietnam , Indonesia , and China .
From January 1 next year , 98 % of all Ukrainian goods will have free access to the UK market .
This was reported on the government portal with reference to Ukraine 's Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture .
Read alsoUkraine drafting deals on free trade areas with five countries – minister Petrashko In 2020 , a Free Trade Agreement was concluded with the UK , which will enter into force on January 1 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to the British market for 98 % of Ukrainian products , and from 2023 , another 2 % will be liberalized for Ukraine .
The agreement is expected to significantly improve the balance and structure of bilateral trade between Ukraine and the United Kingdom , provide compelling business opportunities , and profitable cooperation with Ukrainian partners .
The Economy Ministry recalled that preparations are underway for new agreements with Tunisia , Egypt , Jordan , Vietnam , Indonesia , and China .
In addition , Ukraine is expanding opportunities for preferential exports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union , Norway , Iceland , Switzerland , and Georgia as part of the pan-Euro-Mediterranean cumulation ( PEM ) Convention .

Ukrainian goods will have free access to British market from Jan 1
13:55, 31.12.20 2552 Updated
Preparations are underway for new agreements with Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China.
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unian--2020-12-31--COVID-19 vaccines bought by government will be free for all Ukrainians

The first batch with 8 million doses of a vaccine is expected to be shipped to Ukraine under the COVAX Facility in March 2021 .
Vaccines against the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) that are purchased with budget funds will be absolutely free for all Ukrainians .
Health Minister Maksym Stepanov announced this at a briefing on December 31 , an UNIAN correspondent reported .
Read alsoHealth ministry to sign new contracts for supply of COVID-19 vaccine '' All vaccines , all vaccines without exception which are to be bought with budget funds will be absolutely free for all Ukrainians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , the first batch with 8 million doses of a vaccine is expected to be shipped to Ukraine under the COVAX Facility .
These doses are enough to vaccinate 4 million people , because one person needs two shots of the vaccine .
Doctors , senior citizens , and seriously ill patients will get vaccinated first .
• On December 24 , Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said that his ministry was working out a plan to increase the vaccine quota as part of the COVAX global initiative from 8 million to 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , Stepanov signed a roadmap for mass vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine in 2021-2022 .
• The Ukrainian Health Ministry on December 30 signed a contract with China 's Sinovac Biotech for the supply of a COVID-19 vaccine to Ukraine .
• The contract for supplies to the territory of Ukraine was signed with Lekhim JSC , which , according to official confirmations from Sinovac Biotech , is the only authorized representative of the vaccine manufacturer in Ukraine .
The purchase provides for 1,913,316 doses at UAH 504 ( US $ 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of the contract , the first batch of 700,000 doses will be delivered to Ukraine within 30 days after official registration in China , or by one of the competent authorities of the United States , Great Britain , the Swiss Confederation , Japan , Australia , Canada , Israel , India , Mexico , Brazil , or under a centralized procedure by the competent authority of the European Union .
• The deliveries will be carried out separately from COVAX ( COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility ) .

The first batch with 8 million doses of a vaccine is expected to be shipped to Ukraine under the COVAX Facility in March 2021.
Vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that are purchased with budget funds will be absolutely free for all Ukrainians.
Health Minister Maksym Stepanov announced this at a briefing on December 31, an UNIAN correspondent reported.
Read alsoHealth ministry to sign new contracts for supply of COVID-19 vaccine
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"All vaccines, all vaccines without exception which are to be bought with budget funds will be absolutely free for all Ukrainians," Stepanov said.
Vaccine against coronavirus in Ukraine


unian--2020-12-31--Health ministry to sign new contracts for supply of COVID-19 vaccine

They are expected to be signed in the coming weeks .
Ukraine 's Health Ministry plans to sign new contracts for the supply of vaccines against the COVID-19 coronavirus .
Health Minister Maksym Stepanov announced this at a briefing , an UNIAN correspondent reported .
Read alsoUkraine to buy 1.9 mln doses of Chinese vaccine against COVID-19 '' We are at the final stage of signing contracts with the world 's leading companies producing vaccines against the coronavirus ...
I think that in the coming weeks , we will sign contracts with other companies , with other vaccine producers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the first batch with 8 million doses of a vaccine is expected to be shipped to Ukraine under the COVAX Facility .
These doses are enough to vaccinate 4 million people , because one person needs two shots of the vaccine .
Doctors , senior citizens , and seriously ill patients will get vaccinated first .
• On December 24 , Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said that his ministry was working out a plan to increase the vaccine quota as part of the COVAX global initiative from 8 million to 16 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Stepanov signed a roadmap for mass vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine in 2021-2022 .
• The Ukrainian Health Ministry on December 30 signed a contract with China 's Sinovac Biotech for the supply of a COVID-19 vaccine to Ukraine .
• The contract for supplies to the territory of Ukraine was signed with Lekhim JSC , which , according to official confirmations from Sinovac Biotech , is the only authorized representative of the vaccine manufacturer in Ukraine .
The purchase provides for 1,913,316 doses at UAH 504 ( US $ 18 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the contract , the first batch of 700,000 doses will be delivered to Ukraine within 30 days after official registration in China , or by one of the competent authorities of the United States , Great Britain , the Swiss Confederation , Japan , Australia , Canada , Israel , India , Mexico , Brazil , or under a centralized procedure by the competent authority of the European Union .
• The deliveries will be carried out separately from COVAX ( COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility ) .

They are expected to be signed in the coming weeks.
Ukraine's Health Ministry plans to sign new contracts for the supply of vaccines against the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Health Minister Maksym Stepanov announced this at a briefing, an UNIAN correspondent reported.
Read alsoUkraine to buy 1.9 mln doses of Chinese vaccine against COVID-19
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"We are at the final stage of signing contracts with the world's leading companies producing vaccines against the coronavirus... I think that in the coming weeks, we will sign contracts with other companies, with other vaccine producers," he said.
Vaccine against coronavirus in Ukraine


unian--2020-12-31--Kyiv mayor reports over 1,300 new COVID-19 cases, 22 deaths as of Dec 31

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 111,471 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 1,332 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of December 31 , 2020 .
`` In the past day , another 1,332 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus , including 51 healthcare workers .
There were 22 fatalities , '' Klitschko reported via Telegram on Thursday .
According to the city mayor , 743 women aged 18 to 99 and 536 men aged 18 to 90 are among those infected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer , expert saysThe new cases include 29 girls aged three months to 17 years and 24 boys aged one to 16 years .
Klitschko said 79 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
He added that 547 people had recovered in the past day .
In total , 39,403 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Sviatoshynsky district ( 302 ) , Darnytsky district ( 195 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The death toll in the city stands at 1,919 .
• Ukraine said 9,699 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 31 , 2020 , • The total number of confirmed cases grew to 1,055,047 .

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 111,471.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 1,332 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of December 31, 2020.
"In the past day, another 1,332 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including 51 healthcare workers. There were 22 fatalities," Klitschko reported via Telegram on Thursday.
"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 111,471."
According to the city mayor, 743 women aged 18 to 99 and 536 men aged 18 to 90 are among those infected.
Read alsoSituation with COVID-19 may improve in summer, expert saysThe new cases include 29 girls aged three months to 17 years and 24 boys aged one to 16 years.
Klitschko said 79 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
He added that 547 people had recovered in the past day.
In total, 39,403 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Sviatoshynsky district (302), Darnytsky district (195), and Solomyansky district (174).
The death toll in the city stands at 1,919.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments


unian--2020-12-31--Minister Kuleba: Ukraine looks forward to "rock 'n' roll" from Biden's new administration

The official says that Ukraine is striving for a very dynamic and drive-oriented relationship with the United States .
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says Ukraine is looking forward to `` rock ' n ' roll '' from Joe Biden 's new administration after his inauguration as U.S. president .
Kuleba said this in an interview for the TV news service TSN .
`` We are looking forward to rock ' n ' roll .
We want a very dynamic and drive-oriented relationship with the United States .
America and Ukraine are strategic partners .
This is de jure and de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ add even more volume to this song of the strategic partnership .
We have security .
This is a 100 % priority .
We have the transformation of Ukraine .
This is where the U.S. could seriously help us in strengthening the country from within , '' Kuleba said .
The implementation of reforms is another priority in the development of the relations with the United States , he said .
Read alsoZelensky : Biden could contribute to Normandy Four talks '' And the third question is our relations in the economic sphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on international markets .
Therefore , we will work in these three areas as priorities .
But our relations are not limited to them .
There are them galore .
But you asked about three priorities , therefore these are them , '' he added .
• On November 3 , the United States held a presidential election during which Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump .
• The results of the presidential election must be formally approved by the United States Congress on January 6 .

The official says that Ukraine is striving for a very dynamic and drive-oriented relationship with the United States.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says Ukraine is looking forward to "rock 'n' roll" from Joe Biden's new administration after his inauguration as U.S. president.
Kuleba said this in an interview for the TV news service TSN.
"We are looking forward to rock 'n' roll. We want a very dynamic and drive-oriented relationship with the United States. America and Ukraine are strategic partners. This is de jure and de facto. So, we need to add even more volume to this song of the strategic partnership. We have security. This is a 100% priority. We have the transformation of Ukraine. This is where the U.S. could seriously help us in strengthening the country from within," Kuleba said.
The implementation of reforms is another priority in the development of the relations with the United States, he said.
Read alsoZelensky: Biden could contribute to Normandy Four talks
"And the third question is our relations in the economic sphere, namely investment in Ukraine, trade on international markets. Therefore, we will work in these three areas as priorities. But our relations are not limited to them. There are them galore. But you asked about three priorities, therefore these are them," he added.
U.S. presidential election: Biden's win


unian--2020-12-31--Hryvnia slightly weakens to U.S. dollar on Dec 31

The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 34.74 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has set the official forex rate for December 31 at UAH 28.27 to the U.S. dollar , which made the country 's national currency weaken by one kopiyka .
Read alsoMacroeconomic outlook for 2021 : GDP growth at 4 % with moderate inflationThe official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 34.74 per euro – the hryvnia lost 10 kopiykas in value since Wednesday , according to the NBU website .
The central bank has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hryvnia against key foreign currencies for December 31 : US $ 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,827.46 ( UAH 2,826.05 as of December 30 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH 3,473.96 ( UAH 3,463.75 as of December 30 ) .
By 16:00 Kyiv time on December 30 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank forex market settled at UAH 28.30/28.33 to the dollar , while those against the euro were at UAH 34.78/34.82 .
The National Bank set the official forex rate for December 30 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thus strengthening the country 's national currency by 11 kopiykas .

Hryvnia slightly weakens to U.S. dollar on Dec 31
11:25, 31.12.20 21123
The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 34.74 per euro.
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unian--2020-12-31--Israel's Liel Abada to sign for Dynamo Kyiv

The 19-year-old football player will become a member of Dynamo Kyiv .
Right winger of Israel 's Maccabi Petah Tikva Liel Abada will soon sign for Ukraine 's FC Dynamo Kyiv .
The father of the 19-year-old football player Ronen Abada said that almost all the details of the transfer had already been settled .
`` The deal has been closed ; there are only a few technical details left .
We are very excited and thinking about moving to Ukraine , but these are pleasant concerns , '' said the player 's father , quoted by ynet.co.il .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from int ' l competitions over doping Abada is expected to fly to Ukraine to sign a contract with Dynamo Kyiv on January 5 .
The deal is believed to be around EUR 5 million .
Also , Maccabi will receive 20 % of the player 's subsequent transfer .
• In all tournaments for Maccabi Petah Tikva , Abada scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in 51 matches .
• He played in all youth national teams in Israel – from U-16 to U-19 ( scored seven goals in 48 matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U-21 national team , did not score goals .
• At the club level this season , Abad played 13 matches , scored four goals , provided three assists .

The 19-year-old football player will become a member of Dynamo Kyiv.
Right winger of Israel's Maccabi Petah Tikva Liel Abada will soon sign for Ukraine's FC Dynamo Kyiv.
The father of the 19-year-old football player Ronen Abada said that almost all the details of the transfer had already been settled.
"The deal has been closed; there are only a few technical details left. We are very excited and thinking about moving to Ukraine, but these are pleasant concerns," said the player's father, quoted by ynet.co.il.
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Read alsoCourt of Arbitration for Sport bars Russia from int'l competitions over doping
Abada is expected to fly to Ukraine to sign a contract with Dynamo Kyiv on January 5.
The deal is believed to be around EUR 5 million. Also, Maccabi will receive 20% of the player's subsequent transfer.
Liel Abada's achievements


unian--2020-12-31--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 82.7 mln

The overall death toll is 1,805,521 people , while 46,743,930 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 82.7 million patients as of December 31 .
Read alsoUkraine to buy 1.9 mln doses of Chinese vaccine against COVID-19As many as 82,745,324 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:22 on December 31 , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
The overall death toll is 1,805,521 people , while 46,743,930 coronavirus patients have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was recorded in the United States ( 342,395 people ) , Brazil ( 193,875 ) , India ( 148,738 ) , Mexico ( 124,897 ) , Italy ( 73,604 ) , the United Kingdom ( 72,657 ) , and France ( 64,508 ) .
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States ( 19,744,734 confirmed cases ) , India ( 10,266,674 ) , Brazil ( 7,619,200 ) , Russia ( 3,100,018 ) , France ( 2,657,624 ) , the United Kingdom ( 2,440,202 ) , and Turkey ( 2,194,272 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been affected by the virus .

The overall death toll is 1,805,521 people, while 46,743,930 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 82.7 million patients as of December 31.
Read alsoUkraine to buy 1.9 mln doses of Chinese vaccine against COVID-19As many as 82,745,324 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:22 on December 31, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
The overall death toll is 1,805,521 people, while 46,743,930 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
Видео дня
The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (342,395 people), Brazil (193,875), India (148,738), Mexico (124,897), Italy (73,604), the United Kingdom (72,657), and France (64,508).
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (19,744,734 confirmed cases), India (10,266,674), Brazil (7,619,200), Russia (3,100,018), France (2,657,624), the United Kingdom (2,440,202), and Turkey (2,194,272).
As many as 191 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-12-31--Russia-led forces mount five attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas on Dec 30

The hot spots were the towns of Avdiyivka and Popasna , and the village of Starohnativka .
Russia-led forces mounted five attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , on December 30 .
No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported , according to the Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Headquarters ' morning update on Facebook on December 31 .
In particular , enemy troops used grenade launchers near the town of Avdiyivka , a large-caliber machine gun near the village of Starohnativka , while grenade launchers , large-caliber machine guns , and rifles were used near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to fire back , the JFO HQ said .
The violations were reported to OSCE representatives through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination ( JCCC ) of the ceasefire in Donbas .
A ceasefire was observed along other parts of the contact line .
From 00:00 to 07:00 on December 31 , Russia-led forces mounted one attack on Ukrainian positions , using an anti-tank grenade launcher and rifles near Starohnativka .
Violations of ceasefire in Donbas reported by OSCE SMM • In its daily report based on information as of 19:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued on December 30 , 2020 , the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine ( SMM ) said its monitoring teams recorded 58 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region ( 299 ceasefire violations in the previous reporting period ) and 37 ceasefire violations in Luhansk region ( two ceasefire violations ) .
• In total , since the day when the recent ceasefire agreements , which entered into force on July 27 , 2020 , were reached , the OSCE has recorded at least 5,055 violations of the truce in Donetsk and Luhansk regions @

The hot spots were the towns of Avdiyivka and Popasna, and the village of Starohnativka.
Russia-led forces mounted five attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, on December 30.
No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported, according to the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters' morning update on Facebook on December 31.
Read alsoDonbas war update: Ukraine records seven ceasefire violations on Dec 29
Видео дня
In particular, enemy troops used grenade launchers near the town of Avdiyivka, a large-caliber machine gun near the village of Starohnativka, while grenade launchers, large-caliber machine guns, and rifles were used near the town of Popasna.
The Joint Forces had to fire back, the JFO HQ said.
The violations were reported to OSCE representatives through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) of the ceasefire in Donbas.
A ceasefire was observed along other parts of the contact line.
From 00:00 to 07:00 on December 31, Russia-led forces mounted one attack on Ukrainian positions, using an anti-tank grenade launcher and rifles near Starohnativka.
Violations of ceasefire in Donbas reported by OSCE SMM


unian--2020-12-31--Almost 9,700 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine as of Dec 31

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 1,055,047 .
Ukraine said 9,699 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 31 , 2020 , The total number of confirmed cases grew to 1,055,047 as of December 31 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
Read alsoUkraine to buy 1.9 mln doses of Chinese vaccine against COVID-19As many as 709,993 patients , including 11,803 in the past day , have recovered .
The death toll has hit 18,533 with 209 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government reported 326,521 active cases as of December 31 .
In total , there have been 1,153,328 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
`` In the past day , 9,699 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 341 children and 439 healthcare workers .
Some 2,704 new patients were hospitalized , '' Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Thursday .
In total , 58,547 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
In particular , there were 38,932 PCR ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as 19,615 ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) tests .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv ( 1,332 ) , Kyiv region ( 669 ) , and Zaporizhia region ( 660 ) , Kharkiv region ( 570 ) , and Odesa region ( 533 ) .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
• FM Kuleba sees Russia 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Ukraine • Ukraine reports 100 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Dec 30 • Situation with COVID-19 may improve in summer , expert says

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 1,055,047.
Ukraine said 9,699 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 31, 2020,
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 1,055,047 as of December 31, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
Read alsoUkraine to buy 1.9 mln doses of Chinese vaccine against COVID-19As many as 709,993 patients, including 11,803 in the past day, have recovered.
Видео дня
The death toll has hit 18,533 with 209 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours.
The government reported 326,521 active cases as of December 31. In total, there have been 1,153,328 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
"In the past day, 9,699 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 341 children and 439 healthcare workers. Some 2,704 new patients were hospitalized," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Thursday.
In total, 58,547 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 38,932 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests run, as well as 19,615 ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv (1,332), Kyiv region (669), and Zaporizhia region (660), Kharkiv region (570), and Odesa region (533).
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-12-31--Reuters: Oil set for 20% drop in 2020 as lockdowns weigh, market eyes more stimulus

Brent and WTI have more than doubled from decade-lows seen in April .
Global crude oil markets have lost about a fifth of their value in 2020 as strict coronavirus lockdowns paralysed much of the global economy , but prices have rebounded strongly from their lows as governments rolled out stimulus .
According to Reuters , on Thursday , the last trading day of 2020 , Brent was trading down 25 cents , or 0.5 % , at $ 51.38 a barrel , as of 0246 GMT and U.S. West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) lost 0.2 % , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barrel .
Read alsoReuters : Oil up on hopes of recovery in demand , lower U.S. inventories Brent and WTI have more than doubled from decade-lows seen in April , putting past a year which marked the first negative prices for WTI that shocked investors globally .
A January 4 meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies , including Russia , a group known as OPEC+ , is set to boost output by 500,000 barrels per day in January .
• PM vows to pay off wage arrears to @ @ @ @ @

Brent and WTI have more than doubled from decade-lows seen in April.
Global crude oil markets have lost about a fifth of their value in 2020 as strict coronavirus lockdowns paralysed much of the global economy, but prices have rebounded strongly from their lows as governments rolled out stimulus.
According to Reuters, on Thursday, the last trading day of 2020, Brent was trading down 25 cents, or 0.5%, at $51.38 a barrel, as of 0246 GMT and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) lost 0.2%, or 11 cents, to $48.29 a barrel.
Read alsoReuters: Oil up on hopes of recovery in demand, lower U.S. inventories
Видео дня
Brent and WTI have more than doubled from decade-lows seen in April, putting past a year which marked the first negative prices for WTI that shocked investors globally.
A January 4 meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, is set to boost output by 500,000 barrels per day in January.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-12-31--On New Year's Eve, one ceasefire violation recorded in Donbas

The enemy attack brought no combat losses among Ukrainian troops .
Ukraine Army Command has reported one violation of truce @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's Donbas on December 31 .
That 's according to an evening update by @ @ @ @ @ .
Near the settlement of Starohnativka , the enemy made several provocative shots toward the @ @ @ @ @ hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher and small arms .
The enemy attack brought no combat losses @ @ @ @ @ OSCE Special Monitoring Mission officials were immediately informed of the ceasefire breach .
• Rethinking @ @ @ @ @ necessary now to bid farewell to illusions

The enemy attack brought no combat losses among Ukrainian troops.
Ukraine Army Command has reported one violation of truce by Russia-controlled forces in eastern Ukraine's Donbas on December 31.
That's according to an evening update by the Joint Forces Operation HQ.
Near the settlement of Starohnativka, the enemy made several provocative shots toward the Ukrainian positions, using a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher and small arms.
Видео дня
The enemy attack brought no combat losses among Ukrainian troops.
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission officials were immediately informed of the ceasefire breach.
Donbas war: Other reports


unian--2020-12-31--Hungary not to massively purchase Russian vaccine against COVID-19

The Russian vaccine is still undergoing trials , Budapest stresses .
The Hungarian government has decided not to purchase the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine for mass vaccination .
This was announced on the air of ATV by head of the Hungarian Prime Minister 's office , Gergely Gulyás , Hromadske reports .
Read alsoFM Kuleba sees Russia 's COVID-19 vaccine as part of hybrid warfare against UkraineThe officials said Hungary had received 6,000 doses of the Russian vaccine as a result of agreements reached by the country 's foreign minister , `` but [ the Russian ] vaccine is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will last for months , and it has not been approved . ''
`` Russia has no sufficient production capacity to manufacture [ enough doses ] .
We are happy to take part in trials , but the vaccines can be supplied in large quantities through purchases within the EU or from China , '' the Hungarian official said .
According to him , if Budapest had not received 10,000 doses of vaccine from the EU , the country would not have been able to launch vaccination .
Read alsoZelensky speaks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hungary : Background Earlier , 6,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine arrived in Hungary , according to preliminary agreements reached between Budapest and Moscow .
It was noted that Hungarian experts will have another opportunity to decide on how to use the vaccine .
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Sputnik V had already been tested on 40,000 Russians .
Sputnik V , which has not been certified by WHO , was also delivered to India , Greece , Serbia , the United Arab Emirates , and the Philippines .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mass vaccination .

The Russian vaccine is still undergoing trials, Budapest stresses.
The Hungarian government has decided not to purchase the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine for mass vaccination.
This was announced on the air of ATV by head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's office, Gergely Gulyás, Hromadske reports.
Read alsoFM Kuleba sees Russia's COVID-19 vaccine as part of hybrid warfare against UkraineThe officials said Hungary had received 6,000 doses of the Russian vaccine as a result of agreements reached by the country's foreign minister, "but [the Russian] vaccine is still at the stage of testing, which will last for months, and it has not been approved."
Видео дня
"Russia has no sufficient production capacity to manufacture [enough doses]. We are happy to take part in trials, but the vaccines can be supplied in large quantities through purchases within the EU or from China," the Hungarian official said.
According to him, if Budapest had not received 10,000 doses of vaccine from the EU, the country would not have been able to launch vaccination.
Read alsoZelensky speaks of benefits of Chinese vaccine against COVID-19Russian vaccine in Hungary: Background
Earlier, 6,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine arrived in Hungary, according to preliminary agreements reached between Budapest and Moscow.
It was noted that Hungarian experts will have another opportunity to decide on how to use the vaccine.
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Sputnik V had already been tested on 40,000 Russians.
Sputnik V, which has not been certified by WHO, was also delivered to India, Greece, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines. In Russia, it is already being used in mass vaccination.


unian--2020-12-31--Anti-graft activist intimidated as grenades planted outside family's homes

On December 30 , a device consisting of two grenades connected to a black box was revealed outside his elderly mother 's home in the city of Rivne .
A high-profile civic activist , chair of the board at Ukraine 's Anti-corruption Action Center Vitaliy Shabunin has apparently faced another series of intimidation efforts – this time targeting his family .
On December 30 , a device consisting of two grenades connected to a black box was revealed outside his elderly mother 's home in the city of Rivne .
The police have later reported that no explosives were found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother 's apartment door .
Read alsoZelensky `` concerned and upset '' over torching of anti-graft activist 's home ( Photo ) At the same time , Shabunin took the incident seriously , blaming law enforcement chiefs for the inability to ensure safety of Ukrainian citizens as the perpetrator , the activist claims , believes in own impunity .
The Office of the Prosecutor General has opened criminal cases into a murder threat and hooliganism with the use of weapons .
On December 31 , Shabunin took to Facebook to report another worrisome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also planted outside the apartment where my wife 's parents live . ''
The police have confirmed that a pair of F1 hand grenades were found in an apartment block in Kyiv .
`` Taking these incidents into account '' , police said they will offer Vitaliy Shabunin a package of security services .
On July 23 , 2020 , Shabunin said his house in Kyiv had been set on fire .
Shabunin and his family were out at the time .
The incident brought no casualties as his parents , who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , managed to get out of the house after a neighbor had heard a blast and seen the front door flare up .
The police launched criminal proceedings under Part 2 of Article 194 ( intentional destruction or damage to property ) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine .
The police said no remains of an explosive device had been found at the site .

On December 30, a device consisting of two grenades connected to a black box was revealed outside his elderly mother's home in the city of Rivne.
A high-profile civic activist, chair of the board at Ukraine's Anti-corruption Action Center Vitaliy Shabunin has apparently faced another series of intimidation efforts – this time targeting his family.
On December 30, a device consisting of two grenades connected to a black box was revealed outside his elderly mother's home in the city of Rivne.
The police have later reported that no explosives were found in the grenades planted outside the 69-year-old mother's apartment door.
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Read alsoZelensky "concerned and upset" over torching of anti-graft activist's home (Photo)At the same time, Shabunin took the incident seriously, blaming law enforcement chiefs for the inability to ensure safety of Ukrainian citizens as the perpetrator, the activist claims, believes in own impunity.
"All together, they have failed to punish any of those who ordered attacks on activists. In thousands of cases of violence against Ukrainians, the situation is similar," he said.
The Office of the Prosecutor General has opened criminal cases into a murder threat and hooliganism with the use of weapons.
On December 31, Shabunin took to Facebook to report another worrisome find: "An explosive device was also planted outside the apartment where my wife's parents live."
The police have confirmed that a pair of F1 hand grenades were found in an apartment block in Kyiv.
"Taking these incidents into account", police said they will offer Vitaliy Shabunin a package of security services.
Background
On July 23, 2020, Shabunin said his house in Kyiv had been set on fire.
Shabunin and his family were out at the time.
The incident brought no casualties as his parents, who were at home when the fire broke out, managed to get out of the house after a neighbor had heard a blast and seen the front door flare up.
The police launched criminal proceedings under Part 2 of Article 194 (intentional destruction or damage to property) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The police said no remains of an explosive device had been found at the site.


unian--2020-12-31--Stefanishyna: Ukraine to reinforce integration into EU, NATO in 2021

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the bond uniting Ukraine and the West is strong as never before .
Olga Stefanishyna , Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration , notes that in 2021 Ukraine 's integration into the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will further strengthen .
`` Happy New Year , dear partners !
Christmas tree 2020 was a challenging year , but hard times also reveal true partnerships & remind us of what is really important .
The bond uniting Ukraine and the West is strong as never before .
In 2021 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU & NATO , '' Stefanishyna wrote on Twitter .
Earlier , President Volodymyr Zelensky , when asked by a New York Times journalist , whether Ukraine is ready to fulfill Russia 's demands to drop NATO prospects as a price for peace , Zelensky replied that neither the Minsk Agreements nor Normandy Four accords contain any reservations on NATO membership .
Members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization have expressed readiness to further boost practical support to Ukraine and Georgia , Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in early December .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine Alexander Vinnikov also took to Twitter to record his New Year 's greetings to Ukrainian partners .
`` This year was n't easy for any of us .
But it once again showed the importance of mutual support and cooperation .
A striking achievement this year was the granting to Ukraine of the Enhanced Opportunities Partner status , '' Vinnikov noted .
Also , he recalled that joint programs and projects were adapted to new conditions and `` moved to the virtual space . ''

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the bond uniting Ukraine and the West is strong as never before.
Olga Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, notes that in 2021 Ukraine's integration into the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will further strengthen.
"Happy New Year, dear partners! Christmas tree 2020 was a challenging year, but hard times also reveal true partnerships & remind us of what is really important. The bond uniting Ukraine and the West is strong as never before. In 2021, we will reinforce further our integration into the EU & NATO," Stefanishyna wrote on Twitter.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky, when asked by a New York Times journalist, whether Ukraine is ready to fulfill Russia's demands to drop NATO prospects as a price for peace, Zelensky replied that neither the Minsk Agreements nor Normandy Four accords contain any reservations on NATO membership.
Видео дня
Members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization have expressed readiness to further boost practical support to Ukraine and Georgia, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in early December.
In turn, chief of the NATO Representation in Ukraine Alexander Vinnikov also took to Twitter to record his New Year's greetings to Ukrainian partners.
"This year wasn't easy for any of us. But it once again showed the importance of mutual support and cooperation. A striking achievement this year was the granting to Ukraine of the Enhanced Opportunities Partner status," Vinnikov noted.
Also, he recalled that joint programs and projects were adapted to new conditions and "moved to the virtual space."


unian--2020-12-31--Cabinet inks production sharing agreements with oil and gas producers for seven sites

PM says the signing is an important step toward the country 's energy independence .
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has signed production sharing agreements ( PSAs ) with a number of companies for seven oil and gas production sites .
The signing ceremony , attended by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal , took place on December 31 , according to the Energy Ministry 's press service .
On behalf of the Ministry , the agreements were signed by Deputy Minister Yuriy Boyko .
The deals were signed for seven sites : Berestiansky , Ivankivsky , Buzovsky , Balakleisky , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM says the signing is an important step toward the country 's energy independence and energy self-sufficiency , since the development of these fields will help significantly increase own gas production .
Read alsoZelensky elaborates on advantages of state suppliers of natural gas for householdsAccording to the agreements signed , Ukraine hands the right to a private investor to explore and produce minerals in a specific area for a certain period .
The investor , for its part , undertakes , at its own expense , to perform the assigned work with subsequent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the form of a part of the profitable product .
On July 1 , 2019 , the Interdepartmental Commission designated the winners of the tender for concluding production sharing agreements ( PSA ) regarding nine oil and gas production sites in Ukraine .
At the end of December 2020 , the Cabinet signed the relevant orders to conclude PSAs for hydrocarbon production within the Berestiansky , Ivankivsky , Buzovsky , Balakleisky , Uhnivsky , Sofiyivsky , and Zynkivsky sites .
The state-owned Ukrgazvydobuvannya , together with the Canadian oil and gas producer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extract oil and gas at the Balakleisky and Ivankivsky sites .
Also , Ukraine Energy LLS won at the Varvynsky site , Oil and Gas Overseas Trading B.V. and Naftogazexpluatatsiya , co-founded by DTEK Oil & Gas B.V. , won at the Zynkivsky site , a private oil and gas company Geo Alliance Partnership won at the Sofiyivsky area , and Well CO – at the Uhnivsky site .
The deposits are located in Ivano-Frankivsk , Lviv , Poltava , Chernihiv , Sumy , and Kharkiv regions .

Cabinet inks production sharing agreements with oil and gas producers for seven sites
19:30, 31.12.20 1026
PM says the signing is an important step toward the country's energy independence.
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unian--2020-12-31--Zelensky speaks of benefits of Chinese vaccine against COVID-19

The Chinese drug is not being used to `` promote someone 's geopolitical ambitions . ''
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the contract for the supply of a COVID-19 vaccine produced by China 's Sinovac Biotech .
On his Telegram channel , the president says Sinovac is an experienced manufacturer that annually produces hundreds of millions of doses of various internationally recognized vaccines .
`` The big advantage of this vaccine is that its development was not a politicized task .
It is not used to advance someone 's geopolitical ambitions .
This is another fact .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sake of life , not political propaganda for the sake of profit , '' Zelensky explained .
Ukrainians will only be offered the vaccine once it has been officially registered .
`` Now almost all vaccines are going through the stage of legalization in their native jurisdictions .
But vaccines are being contracted already at this stage – because there is a long queue and high hopes for their effectiveness .
Registration is possible in early January either in the producing country , one of the European countries or in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is quite possible for Ukraine to get the drug from Sinovac as early as this winter .
Read alsoHealth minister , AstraZeneca discuss COVID-19 vaccine supplies to UkraineUkraine is expected to receive 1.9 million doses from Sinovac – besides 8 million doses of the vaccine set to be delivered through the COVAX facility .
Negotiations are ongoing to increase COVAX shipments to 16 million doses .
Negotiations are ongoing with other manufacturers of promising vaccines .
The president noted that it remains difficult to get a vaccine , because `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of extreme outbreak of national egoism that was sparked back at the onset of the pandemic . ''
`` Look , all states are fighting very hard exclusively for themselves and their interests - almost without confirming with real actions their sweet rhetoric about 'addressing global issues jointly '' , of which there has been a lot over the previous decades .
So it is not surprising that the wealthiest were the first in the global line for vaccines , '' the president concluded .
In March , the delivery of the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Ukraine is expected under the COVAX initiative .
The batch is sufficient to vaccinate 4 million people ( two doses per person ) .
Priority vaccination will be assigned to medical workers , the elderly , and seriously ill citizens .
On December 24 , Stepanov said the Ministry of Health was working out a plan to increase the vaccine quota as part of the global COVAX initiative from 8 million to 16 million doses .
On December 22 , the Ministry of Health 's operational headquarters for vaccine-preventable infections approved a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The goal is to cover at least 50 % of the population ( 20 million ) with COVID-19 vaccination in 2021-2022 .
Read alsoCOVID-19 vaccines bought by government will be free for all UkrainiansOn December 30 , Ukraine signed a contract with China 's Sinovac for the supply of 1.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine .
It 's about the purchase of 1,913,316 doses at a price of UAH 504 per dose .
In January 2021 , the vaccine is expected to get a permit for use in China and other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for recertification with WHO .
The contract was signed with the Ukrainian pharmaceutical company Lekhim JSC , the only authorized representative of the vaccine manufacturer in Ukraine .
Under the terms of the agreement , the first batch of 700,000 doses will be delivered to Ukraine within 30 days after official registration in China , or by one of the competent authorities of the United States of America , UK , the Swiss Confederation , Japan , Australia , Canada , Israel , India , Mexico , Brazil , or under a centralized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union .

The Chinese drug is not being used to "promote someone's geopolitical ambitions."
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the contract for the supply of a COVID-19 vaccine produced by China's Sinovac Biotech.
On his Telegram channel, the president says Sinovac is an experienced manufacturer that annually produces hundreds of millions of doses of various internationally recognized vaccines.
"The big advantage of this vaccine is that its development was not a politicized task. It is not used to advance someone's geopolitical ambitions. This is another fact. It's just a reliable vaccine for the sake of life, not political propaganda for the sake of profit," Zelensky explained.
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Ukrainians will only be offered the vaccine once it has been officially registered.
"Now almost all vaccines are going through the stage of legalization in their native jurisdictions. But vaccines are being contracted already at this stage – because there is a long queue and high hopes for their effectiveness. Registration is possible in early January either in the producing country, one of the European countries or in the United States, "he stressed.
Zelensky believes that it is quite possible for Ukraine to get the drug from Sinovac as early as this winter.
Read alsoHealth minister, AstraZeneca discuss COVID-19 vaccine supplies to UkraineUkraine is expected to receive 1.9 million doses from Sinovac – besides 8 million doses of the vaccine set to be delivered through the COVAX facility. Negotiations are ongoing to increase COVAX shipments to 16 million doses. Negotiations are ongoing with other manufacturers of promising vaccines.
The president noted that it remains difficult to get a vaccine, because "the world is now in the same state of extreme outbreak of national egoism that was sparked back at the onset of the pandemic."
"Look, all states are fighting very hard exclusively for themselves and their interests - almost without confirming with real actions their sweet rhetoric about 'addressing global issues jointly", of which there has been a lot over the previous decades. So it is not surprising that the wealthiest were the first in the global line for vaccines," the president concluded.
Vaccination against coronavirus
In March, the delivery of the first batch of 8 million doses of vaccine to Ukraine is expected under the COVAX initiative. The batch is sufficient to vaccinate 4 million people (two doses per person). Priority vaccination will be assigned to medical workers, the elderly, and seriously ill citizens.
On December 24, Stepanov said the Ministry of Health was working out a plan to increase the vaccine quota as part of the global COVAX initiative from 8 million to 16 million doses.
On December 22, the Ministry of Health's operational headquarters for vaccine-preventable infections approved a plan for immunizing the population against COVID-19. The goal is to cover at least 50% of the population (20 million) with COVID-19 vaccination in 2021-2022.
Read alsoCOVID-19 vaccines bought by government will be free for all UkrainiansOn December 30, Ukraine signed a contract with China's Sinovac for the supply of 1.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. It's about the purchase of 1,913,316 doses at a price of UAH 504 per dose. In January 2021, the vaccine is expected to get a permit for use in China and other countries and in February 2021 – be submitted for recertification with WHO.
The contract was signed with the Ukrainian pharmaceutical company Lekhim JSC, the only authorized representative of the vaccine manufacturer in Ukraine.
Under the terms of the agreement, the first batch of 700,000 doses will be delivered to Ukraine within 30 days after official registration in China, or by one of the competent authorities of the United States of America, UK, the Swiss Confederation, Japan, Australia, Canada, Israel, India, Mexico, Brazil, or under a centralized procedure by the competent authority of the European Union.