unian--2020-12-03--Estonia, UK, U.S. reiterate Russia active participant in Donbas war

The diplomats strongly reject Russia 's premise that it is acting as a mediator within an internal conflict .
Estonia , the United Kingdom and the United States reiterate Russia is an active participant in the war in Ukraine 's Donbas .
In particular , the diplomats drew attention to the fact that Russia held a meeting at the UN on December 2 on what Russia claimed was the status of the implementation of the Minsk agreements .
`` This meeting was a transparent attempt to present a false and misleading narrative regarding the conflict in eastern Ukraine .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is acting as a mediator within an internal conflict .
Russia is an active participant that trains , arms , and leads armed formations in areas outside of Ukrainian government control , supplementing these proxy forces with military personnel and equipment .
It instigated and continues to fuel a conflict which has resulted in approximately 13,000 deaths , appalling human rights abuses , and a deteriorating humanitarian situation for the civilian population , '' according to a joint press statement on Ukraine by Estonia , the United Kingdom and United States Missions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry .
Read alsoUkraine takes tougher stand in TCG talks with Russia on Donbas – journalistThe diplomats once again reiterated their support for the Minsk agreements and firm commitment to see the peaceful resolution of the conflict with full respect of Ukraine 's sovereignty and territorial integrity .
Also , they welcome the steps taken by the Ukrainian government to make progress in resolving the conflict and call on Russia to act likewise .
`` We will continue to engage with all initiatives at the UN that support constructive ends .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realities of the conflict in eastern Ukraine , served Russian interests alone , '' reads the statement .
• Russia occupied Ukraine 's Crimea in March 2014 after its troops had occupied the peninsula .
An illegal referendum was held for Crimeans to decide on accession to Russia .
De-facto Crimean authorities reported that allegedly 96.77 % of the Crimean population had voted for acceding to Russia .
• On March 18 , 2014 , the so-called `` agreement on the accession '' of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to Russia was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West did not recognize the annexation in response to which sanctions against Russia were introduced .
• Ukraine 's parliament voted to designate February 20 , 2014 , as the official date when the temporary occupation of Crimea began .

The diplomats strongly reject Russia's premise that it is acting as a mediator within an internal conflict.
Estonia, the United Kingdom and the United States reiterate Russia is an active participant in the war in Ukraine's Donbas.
In particular, the diplomats drew attention to the fact that Russia held a meeting at the UN on December 2 on what Russia claimed was the status of the implementation of the Minsk agreements.
"This meeting was a transparent attempt to present a false and misleading narrative regarding the conflict in eastern Ukraine. We strongly reject Russia's premise that it is acting as a mediator within an internal conflict. Russia is an active participant that trains, arms, and leads armed formations in areas outside of Ukrainian government control, supplementing these proxy forces with military personnel and equipment. It instigated and continues to fuel a conflict which has resulted in approximately 13,000 deaths, appalling human rights abuses, and a deteriorating humanitarian situation for the civilian population," according to a joint press statement on Ukraine by Estonia, the United Kingdom and United States Missions to the UN, posted by the Estonian Foreign Ministry.
Read alsoUkraine takes tougher stand in TCG talks with Russia on Donbas – journalistThe diplomats once again reiterated their support for the Minsk agreements and firm commitment to see the peaceful resolution of the conflict with full respect of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Also, they welcome the steps taken by the Ukrainian government to make progress in resolving the conflict and call on Russia to act likewise.
"We will continue to engage with all initiatives at the UN that support constructive ends. This event, designed purely to distort the realities of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, served Russian interests alone," reads the statement.
Russian occupation of Crimea: Background


unian--2020-12-03--Ukraine may step up quarantine curbs in early January – media

At the same time , no lockdown is expected to be introduced .
Ukraine may step up quarantine curbs from January 2 to January 23 .
At the same time , no lockdown is expected to be introduced , as reported by sources of the RBC Ukraine news agency .
The Cabinet of Ministers and the President 's Office have confirmed the possibility of a January scenario , but insist no specific dates have been determined yet .
`` There is no final decision , this is one of three to four working options , '' a source in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 % of Ukrainians back New Year lockdown – pollThe source separately stressed it was about an enhanced quarantine , but not about a lockdown .
The logic of that option is that business activity subsides sharply in January .
In addition , the idea of stepping up quarantine curbs in early January is allegedly supported by President Volodymyr Zelensky , the source added .
• On December 2 , Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said his government would not extend the weekend quarantine .
• At the same time , the Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is working on the most balanced solution to the possible strengthening of quarantine curbs .
• Under the law , the government shall announce its decision at least seven days in advance .

At the same time, no lockdown is expected to be introduced.
Ukraine may step up quarantine curbs from January 2 to January 23.
At the same time, no lockdown is expected to be introduced, as reported by sources of the RBC Ukraine news agency.
The Cabinet of Ministers and the President's Office have confirmed the possibility of a January scenario, but insist no specific dates have been determined yet.
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"There is no final decision, this is one of three to four working options," a source in the Cabinet of Ministers said.
Read alsoNearly 60% of Ukrainians back New Year lockdown – pollThe source separately stressed it was about an enhanced quarantine, but not about a lockdown. The logic of that option is that business activity subsides sharply in January.
In addition, the idea of stepping up quarantine curbs in early January is allegedly supported by President Volodymyr Zelensky, the source added.
Lockdown in Ukraine: Recent developments


unian--2020-12-03--Zelensky appoints new Ukroboronprom chief

The president had previously fired Ihor Fomenko as Ukroboronprom Acting CEO .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed former Kherson @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine 's state-run Ukroboronprom Concern .
Relevant decree No .
532/2020 of December 3 @ @ @ @ @ 's website .
By another decree , the president had fired Ihor Fomenko as Ukroboronprom @ @ @ @ @ financing to be increased to almost 6 % of GDP in 2021 – NSDC secretary @ @ @ @ @ 10 , 2020 , Zelensky dismissed Aivaras Abromaviсius from the post of Ukroboronprom CEO .
@ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister , Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine Oleh Urusky announced Ukroboronprom 's transformation @ @ @ @ @ management .
• Ukraine 's state-run Ukroboronprom Concern was founded in 2010 to ensure the @ @ @ @ @ state-run economic entities involved in the development , manufacture , sale , repair , upgrade @ @ @ @ @ , military and special equipment , and ammunition .
Ukroboronprom incorporates about 140 enterprises of @ @ @ @ @ .

The president had previously fired Ihor Fomenko as Ukroboronprom Acting CEO.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed former Kherson Governor Yuriy Husyev as CEO of Ukraine's state-run Ukroboronprom Concern.
Relevant decree No. 532/2020 of December 3 is available on the president's website.
"To appoint Yuriy Veniaminovych Husyev as CEO of state-run Ukroboronprom Concern," the decree says.
By another decree, the president had fired Ihor Fomenko as Ukroboronprom Acting CEO.


unian--2020-12-03--Over 1,300 new COVID-19 cases reported in Kyiv on Dec 3

The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 75,376 .
Some 1,364 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city of Kyiv in the past 24 hours as of December 3 , 2020 , which was 371 cases down from 1,735 registered on December 2 , 2020 .
Read alsoNearly 3 % of Ukraine population has already contracted COVID-19The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 75,376 as of December 3 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 24,275 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , have recovered .
The death toll has hit 1,369 with 30 fatalities recorded in the past day .
In total , 40,427 new confirmed cases was registered in Kyiv region with 924 cases reported in the past 24 hours .
At the same time , 13,898 people have recovered ( 658 in the past day ) , while 719 people have died ( +16 fatalities ) .
• Ukraine said 14,496 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 3 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases grew to 772,760 .
• As many as 384,426 patients , including 15,372 in the past day , have recovered .
• The death toll has hit 12,960 with 243 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours .

The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 75,376.
Some 1,364 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city of Kyiv in the past 24 hours as of December 3, 2020, which was 371 cases down from 1,735 registered on December 2, 2020.
Read alsoNearly 3% of Ukraine population has already contracted COVID-19The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 75,376 as of December 3, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 24,275 patients, including 512 in the past day, have recovered.
Видео дня
The death toll has hit 1,369 with 30 fatalities recorded in the past day.
In total, 40,427 new confirmed cases was registered in Kyiv region with 924 cases reported in the past 24 hours.
At the same time, 13,898 people have recovered (658 in the past day), while 719 people have died (+16 fatalities).
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments


unian--2020-12-03--Zelensky enacts decree on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

The Foreign Ministry will act as coordinator for the implementation of the respective UN Security Council resolutions .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree to ensure Ukraine 's compliance with UN Security Council resolutions on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevention of their use for terrorist purposes .
The corresponding document was posted on the president 's official website .
Read alsoU.S .
slaps sanctions on three Russia companies under Iran , North Korea , Syria Nonproliferation Act '' To ensure the implementation by Ukraine of UN Security Council resolutions No .
1540 ( 2004 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
1673 ( 2006 ) of April 27 , 2006 , No .
1810 ( 2008 ) of April 25 , 2008 , No .
1977 ( 2011 ) of April 20 , 2011 , No .
2055 ( 2012 ) of June 29 , 2012 , and No .
2325 ( 2016 ) of December 15 , 2016 ( UN Security Council resolution on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the prevention of their use for terrorist purposes ) I order the following : the Ministry of Foreign Affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevention of their use for terrorist purposes under UN No .
1540 ( 2004 ) of April 28 , 2004 and No .
2325 ( 2016 ) of December 15 , 2016 , '' the presidential decree says .
What is more , the Cabinet of Ministers must determine the ministries and other central executive agencies , which , in accordance with their competence , are authorized to fulfill the country 's commitments under the UN Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mass destruction and prevention of their use for terrorist purposes .
The decree comes into force on the day of its publication .
• Possible deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Crimea to endanger whole Europe – NSDC • Military equipment used in Ukraine against Russian aggression requires retrofitting , new supplies

The Foreign Ministry will act as coordinator for the implementation of the respective UN Security Council resolutions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree to ensure Ukraine's compliance with UN Security Council resolutions on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevention of their use for terrorist purposes.
The corresponding document was posted on the president's official website.
Read alsoU.S. slaps sanctions on three Russia companies under Iran, North Korea, Syria Nonproliferation Act
Видео дня
"To ensure the implementation by Ukraine of UN Security Council resolutions No. 1540 (2004) of April 28, 2004, No. 1673 (2006) of April 27, 2006, No. 1810 (2008) of April 25, 2008, No. 1977 (2011) of April 20, 2011, No. 2055 (2012) of June 29, 2012, and No. 2325 (2016) of December 15, 2016 (UN Security Council resolution on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the prevention of their use for terrorist purposes) I order the following: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine shall act as coordinator for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevention of their use for terrorist purposes under UN No. 1540 (2004) of April 28, 2004 and No. 2325 (2016) of December 15, 2016," the presidential decree says.
What is more, the Cabinet of Ministers must determine the ministries and other central executive agencies, which, in accordance with their competence, are authorized to fulfill the country's commitments under the UN Security Council resolutions on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevention of their use for terrorist purposes.
The decree comes into force on the day of its publication.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-12-03--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 64.5 mln

The overall death toll is 1,493,925 people , while 41,515,472 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 64.5 million patients as of December 3 .
Read alsoEpidemiologist gives discouraging forecast for COVID-19 worldwide , in UkraineAs many as 64,561,850 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 10:26 on December 3 , 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 1,493,925 people , while 41,515,472 coronavirus patients have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded in the United States ( 273,836 people ) , Brazil ( 174,515 ) , India ( 138,648 ) , Mexico ( 107,565 ) , the United Kingdom ( 59,796 ) , Italy ( 57,045 ) , and France ( 52,822 ) .
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States ( 13,924,956 confirmed cases ) , India ( 9,534,964 ) , Brazil ( 6,436,650 ) , Russia ( 2,327,105 ) , France ( 2,275,677 ) , Spain ( 1,665,775 ) , and the United Kingdom ( 1,663,467 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been affected by the virus .

The overall death toll is 1,493,925 people, while 41,515,472 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 64.5 million patients as of December 3.
Read alsoEpidemiologist gives discouraging forecast for COVID-19 worldwide, in UkraineAs many as 64,561,850 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 10:26 on December 3, 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 1,493,925 people, while 41,515,472 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
Видео дня
The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (273,836 people), Brazil (174,515), India (138,648), Mexico (107,565), the United Kingdom (59,796), Italy (57,045), and France (52,822).
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (13,924,956 confirmed cases), India (9,534,964), Brazil (6,436,650), Russia (2,327,105), France (2,275,677), Spain (1,665,775), and the United Kingdom (1,663,467).
As many as 191 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-12-03--MP: Ukraine may get accelerated access to COVID-19 vaccine with proper legislation

The parliamentary committee has already recommended that lawmakers back the relevant bill .
Ukraine may get accelerated access to a vaccine against the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) if the parliament passes proper legislation .
The parliamentary committee has recently recommended that lawmakers back bill No .
4314 .
The document makes it possible to speed up the approval process for clinical trials and registration of vaccines and drugs against COVID-19 , according to the Servant of the People Party 's press service .
`` Vaccinating a large number of patients will reduce the load on Ukraine 's healthcare system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People parliamentary faction , Chairman of the parliament 's Committee on National Health , Medical Assistance and Medical Insurance Mykhailo Radutsky said .
The lawmaker assured it would become possible thanks to the bill as Ukraine 's participation in clinical trials of vaccines would let it vaccinate part of the population .
Over half of Ukrainians ready to get free COVID-19 vaccine – poll Coronavirus vaccine : Recent developments • U.S.-based pharma giant Pfizer , which jointly with Germany 's BionTech is developing a vaccine against the coronavirus , updated the public on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A primary efficacy analysis demonstrates BNT162b2 to be 95 % effective against COVID-19 beginning 28 days after the first dose ; 170 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were evaluated , with 162 observed in the placebo group versus 8 in the vaccine group , the companies said in a press release .
• The efficacy of the vaccine was consistent across age , gender , race and ethnicity demographics ; the observed efficacy in adults over 65 years of age was over 94 % .
• The safety data milestone required by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) for Emergency Use Authorization ( EUA ) has been achieved .
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on November 10 had a phone call with Germany 's Chancellor Angela Merkel , asking the German leader to assist in supplying a U.S.-German-developed COVID-19 vaccine to Ukraine .
• On November 16 , Moderna , Inc. said its experimental vaccine was 94.5 % effective in preventing COVID-19 based on interim data from a late-stage trial .
• On November 18 , the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility ( COVAX ) confirmed the reports on plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the coronavirus disease .
In particular , about 4 million Ukrainian nationals will be able to get vaccinated in the first half of 2021 .
Later it became known that proper vaccination includes two shots at a price of US $ 7 each .
• It was reported on December 2 the UK became the first country to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for widespread use .

The parliamentary committee has already recommended that lawmakers back the relevant bill.
Ukraine may get accelerated access to a vaccine against the coronavirus (COVID-19) if the parliament passes proper legislation.
The parliamentary committee has recently recommended that lawmakers back bill No. 4314. The document makes it possible to speed up the approval process for clinical trials and registration of vaccines and drugs against COVID-19, according to the Servant of the People Party's press service.
"Vaccinating a large number of patients will reduce the load on Ukraine's healthcare system," MP from the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, Chairman of the parliament's Committee on National Health, Medical Assistance and Medical Insurance Mykhailo Radutsky said.
The lawmaker assured it would become possible thanks to the bill as Ukraine's participation in clinical trials of vaccines would let it vaccinate part of the population.
"What is more, shortening the period of state registration of vaccines will accelerate their full-scale use," he added.
Read also Over half of Ukrainians ready to get free COVID-19 vaccine – poll Coronavirus vaccine: Recent developments


unian--2020-12-03--Hryvnia strengthens to U.S. dollar on Dec 3

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unian--2020-12-03--Donbas war update: Ukraine reports three ceasefire violations on Dec 2

No casualties were reported in the past day .
The Command of Ukraine 's Armed Forces has reported three violations of the latest ceasefire agreement by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Wednesday , December 2 .
`` In the past day , December 2 , the truce was observed in most areas of Ukrainian units ' responsibility , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on December 3 , 2020 .
At the same time , three ceasefire violations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its mercenaries were recorded near the village of Vodiane .
The enemy fired an automatic grenade launcher and small arms there .
Also , the invaders remotely planted POM-2 anti-personnel mines in that area in front of Ukrainian positions .
No casualties were reported in the past day .
Read alsoDonbas war update : Ukraine reports two ceasefire violations on Dec 1Since Thursday midnight , two ceasefire violations by the Russian occupation forces were recorded near Vodiane .
In particular , the enemy fired 120mm mortars and remotely planted POM-2 anti-personnel mines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported to OSCE representatives through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination ( JCCC ) of the ceasefire in Donbas .
The shots posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian soldiers so the Joint Forces did not return fire , the JFO HQ said .
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 27 .
• On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period .

No casualties were reported in the past day.
The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported three violations of the latest ceasefire agreement by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Wednesday, December 2.
"In the past day, December 2, the truce was observed in most areas of Ukrainian units' responsibility," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on December 3, 2020.
At the same time, three ceasefire violations by the Russian Federation's armed formations and its mercenaries were recorded near the village of Vodiane. The enemy fired an automatic grenade launcher and small arms there. Also, the invaders remotely planted POM-2 anti-personnel mines in that area in front of Ukrainian positions.
Видео дня
No casualties were reported in the past day.
Read alsoDonbas war update: Ukraine reports two ceasefire violations on Dec 1Since Thursday midnight, two ceasefire violations by the Russian occupation forces were recorded near Vodiane. In particular, the enemy fired 120mm mortars and remotely planted POM-2 anti-personnel mines.
The violations of the ceasefire were reported to OSCE representatives through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) of the ceasefire in Donbas.
The shots posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian soldiers so the Joint Forces did not return fire, the JFO HQ said.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military.
Donbas ceasefire: Background


unian--2020-12-03--COVID-19: Almost 14,500 new active cases reported as of Dec 3

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 772,760 .
Ukraine said 14,496 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 3 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 772,760 as of December 3 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 384,426 patients , including 15,372 in the past day , have recovered .
Read alsoNearly 3 % of Ukraine population has already contracted COVID-19The death toll has hit 12,960 with 243 fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government reported 375,374 active cases as of December 3 .
In total , there have been 863,024 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
`` In the past day , 14,496 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 745 children and 614 healthcare workers .
Some 1,739 new patients were hospitalized , '' Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Thursday .
In total , 72,678 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
In particular , there were 47,172 PCR ( polymerase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as 25,506 ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) tests .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv ( 1,364 ) , Zaporizhia region ( 1,060 ) , Odesa region ( 935 ) , Kyiv region ( 924 ) , and Kharkiv region ( 906 ) .
The overall incidence per region is as follows : • 75,376 cases in the city of Kyiv ; Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not available .
• Over half of Ukrainians ready to get free COVID-19 vaccine – poll • Epidemiologist gives discouraging forecast for COVID-19 worldwide , in Ukraine • Ukrainians may be vaccinated against COVID-19 by late 2021 – NSDC

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 772,760.
Ukraine said 14,496 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 3, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 772,760 as of December 3, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 384,426 patients, including 15,372 in the past day, have recovered.
Видео дня
Read alsoNearly 3% of Ukraine population has already contracted COVID-19The death toll has hit 12,960 with 243 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours.
The government reported 375,374 active cases as of December 3. In total, there have been 863,024 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
"In the past day, 14,496 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 745 children and 614 healthcare workers. Some 1,739 new patients were hospitalized," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Thursday.
In total, 72,678 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 47,172 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests run, as well as 25,506 ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv (1,364), Zaporizhia region (1,060), Odesa region (935), Kyiv region (924), and Kharkiv region (906).
The overall incidence per region is as follows:
75,376 cases in the city of Kyiv;
57,267 in Kharkiv region;
48,144 in Lviv region;
47,920 in Odesa region;
40,966 in Dnipropetrovsk region;
40,427 in Kyiv region;
38,080 in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
34,432 in Chernivtsi region;
33,615 in Zaporizhia region;
32,223 in Rivne region;
31,184 in Sumy region;
30,943 in Khmelnytsky region;
30,630 in Zhytomyr region;
28,673 in Ternopil region;
25,121 in Volyn region;
24,776 in Cherkasy region;
24,175 in Donetsk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
23,926 in Poltava region;
23,880 in Zakarpattia region;
19,894 in Mykolaiv region;
19,722 in Chernihiv region;
17,988 in Vinnytsia region;
11,087 in Kherson region;
6,610 in Luhansk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts); and
5,701 in Kirovohrad region.
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.


unian--2020-12-03--Reuters: Oil drops as OPEC+ resume talks on output cut extension after impasse

Brent crude was down 15 cents , or 0.3 % , at $ 48.10 a barrel by 0155 GMT , after gaining 1.8 % on Wednesday .
Oil prices fell on Thursday as producers including Saudi Arabia and Russia locked horns over the need to extend record production cuts set in place in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Brent crude was down 15 cents , or 0.3 % , at $ 48.10 a barrel by 0155 GMT , after gaining 1.8 % on Wednesday .
U.S. oil was down 17 cents , or 0.4 % , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.6 % higher the previous session , as reported by Reuters .
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ) and Russia are resuming discussions on Thursday to agree on policies for 2021 after earlier talks produced no compromise on how to tackle weak oil demand amid a new coronavirus wave .
Read alsoGas sales exceed imports on Dec 1 – GTS operatorOPEC and allies , in the group known as OPEC+ , had been widely expected to roll over oil cuts of 7.7 million barrels per day , or 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until March 2021 .
But after hopes for a speedy approval of anti-virus vaccines spurred a rally in oil prices at the end of November , some producers questioned the need to tighten oil policy , which is supported by OPEC leader Saudi Arabia .
• Gas stocks shrink by 1.9 % to 26.63 bcm over week • Reuters : Oil prices drop on U.S. stock build , delay in OPEC+ meeting

Brent crude was down 15 cents, or 0.3%, at $48.10 a barrel by 0155 GMT, after gaining 1.8% on Wednesday.
Oil prices fell on Thursday as producers including Saudi Arabia and Russia locked horns over the need to extend record production cuts set in place in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brent crude was down 15 cents, or 0.3%, at $48.10 a barrel by 0155 GMT, after gaining 1.8% on Wednesday. U.S. oil was down 17 cents, or 0.4%, at $45.11 a barrel, having ended 1.6% higher the previous session, as reported by Reuters.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia are resuming discussions on Thursday to agree on policies for 2021 after earlier talks produced no compromise on how to tackle weak oil demand amid a new coronavirus wave.
Видео дня
Read alsoGas sales exceed imports on Dec 1 – GTS operatorOPEC and allies, in the group known as OPEC+, had been widely expected to roll over oil cuts of 7.7 million barrels per day, or 8 percent of global supplies, at least until March 2021.
But after hopes for a speedy approval of anti-virus vaccines spurred a rally in oil prices at the end of November, some producers questioned the need to tighten oil policy, which is supported by OPEC leader Saudi Arabia.
More news reports


unian--2020-12-03--Someone is rocking the "separatism boat" in Zakarpattia, again

This week , two breaking reports from Zakarpattia reverberated across media outlets and social networks .
First came the report on SBU searches targeting the leader of the KMKSZ party ( Party of Hungarians of Ukraine ) Vasyl Brenzovych and several other individuals .
The SBU security agency said it was investigating fictitious contracts concluded by a charity where Hungarians are involved .
As the agency later stated , `` information about the involvement of a foreign charity in activities aimed at violating the state sovereignty of Ukraine is currently being verified , '' During searches , the SBU added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the so-called `` Great Hungary '' and the creation of an ethnic autonomy in Zakarpattia .
In parallel lines with the goods old song of `` separatism '' , a video was spread across social networks , where village deputies of the Siurte united territorial community and their chair were seen singing the Hungarian anthem after they pledged allegiance as deputies .
Some media outlets and bloggers covered the video in a way alleging that the Hungarian anthem was sung directly as the deputies were taking oath , which would be a violation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with signs of separatism in it .
Head of the Siurte community , Arpad Pushkar , has decried the video as `` provocation '' and , referring to numerous witnesses and videos available , said that neither he nor the deputies did anything illegal – they took the oath in Ukrainian , then sang the National Anthem of Ukraine and then the one of Hungary , because most deputies in the newly elected council represent the Hungarian national minority .
As one report was superimposed over the other one , the scandal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was superimposed over the other one , the scandal set ablaze throughout Zakarpattia .
Moreover , someone even tried to drag into this story head of the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration , Oleksiy Petrov , who is a former SBU general who had just been elected deputy of the regional council .
Also , an incumbent deputy with the Batkivshchyna Party , Andriy Sheketa , alleged on Facebook page that the raid targeting Brenzovych came after the ethnic Hungarian deputies ignored the invitation for talks with the governor over the formation of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although Governor Petrov said he was in no way involved in the raids , things looked rather ugly and raised even more questions .
Misunderstandings in Ukrainian-Hungarian relations have been piling up recently , for more than a year already .
On the one hand , Hungary is currently steadily helping Ukraine with vaccines and means of combating the COVID-19 epidemic , including air ventilators .
On the other hand , Hungary 's systematic demands to Ukraine to amend the language law and increase focus on the languages of national minorities have provoked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from time to time , the western neighbor is accused of trying to violate the territorial integrity of Ukraine .
This is like the tug of war , sort of .
Now , it seems , things have worsened .
The first question that arises is who the ultimate beneficiary is of this mess .
And , if this is an act of provocation , then where do its traces lead ?
There are still a few elderly residents there who have throughout their long lives lived in five countries – without ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as to who is rocking the `` separatism boat '' yet again , it should be reminded that Zakarpattia , like other border regions , is home to a broad mix of different nationalities .
It is probably difficult to find a purebred Hungarian , Ukrainian , Slovak , Russian or Romanian in the region today – for centuries everything 's been so mixed up here that today 's families often have a whole `` cocktail '' of ethnic roots .
That is why people in Zakarpattia have long learned to be tolerant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand out .
There are still a few elderly residents there who have throughout their long lives lived in five countries – without ever leaving their home villages .
Here , whether you like it or not , if you 're smart enough and if you learn from vast parental experience , you will live in peace – with any neighbors !
However , at the modern stage of social behavior developments , conflicts are easily created without the use of weapons .
The dominance of social networks and privacy curbs have left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must remember that Ukraine 's northern neighbor has already , and quite successfully , applied this tool for sparking conflict .
Ukrainians have been struggling to overcome the consequences of such insidious efforts for years now… That 's why , given the `` fresh '' questions and challenges , it 's worth looking for contrived coincidences and finding answers .
First , there are many blind spots in the situation with the searches targeting Hungarian leaders .
According to the Society of Hungarian Culture of Zakarpattia , it was a Zaporizhia court that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal case that had long been opened on separatism charges .
Law enforcers were looking for `` evidence of activities aimed at violating the territorial integrity of the country , forced altering of borders , and damage to national security . ''
After all , everyone in Zakarpattia already knows that ethnic Hungarians sing their anthem at all official events after the Ukrainian National Anthem , while Romanians sing theirs Interestingly , the probe had launched two years ago , while the raid came only a day after an unsuccessful attempt to negotiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regional Council .
In fact , beyond social networks , no one , except a small circle of people involved , was aware that such negotiations had been ongoing .
So the raid was immediately tied to politics .
Obviously , had it not been for the timing , the scandal would have been perceived differently .
Perhaps , the Hungarian foundation leaders would be punished for violating the law , but this would be left out of mainstream news headlines .
Secondly , there is the question , why the video , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 at the inaugural session of the Siurte United Territorial Community , was spun across social networks as late as November 30 ?
In fact , that 's because a week ago no one would have taken this video seriously , but now , at the peak of escalation , it has only poured more fuel onto the fire .
After all , everyone in Zakarpattia already knows that ethnic Hungarians sing their anthem at all official events after the Ukrainian National Anthem , while Romanians sing theirs .
It 's not forbidden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's aware of what the security agency is and that it works to protect national interests , so people are n't that stupid to go around breaking the law only to face separatism charges… In this context , I 'd like to add that the so-called `` craving for Hungary '' , which some may attribute to the locals , is nothing but a stereotype .
The grass is always greener on the other side , as if to say… In fact , though , local residents who have family or friends living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in reality , life is in no way easier or better there .
So the conclusion here is obvious – there are certain forces capitalizing on this escalation and separatism allegations .
Zakarpattia-based political scientist Dmytro Tuzhansky suggested the reason for the timing of the latest spat : `` Another round of aggravation in relations between Ukraine and Hungary could have been artificially provoked on the eve of NATO foreign ministerial , '' where Ukraine also took part .
Another question is who provoked it .
And , obviously , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking care of .
Because even ordinary people in Zakarpattia , who are no geopolitical experts , see what could happen next : `` Then the flywheel of Hungarian-Ukrainian hatred will spin further , and there 's only one actor who will reap the benefits – Russia . ''

This week, two breaking reports from Zakarpattia reverberated across media outlets and social networks. First came the report on SBU searches targeting the leader of the KMKSZ party (Party of Hungarians of Ukraine) Vasyl Brenzovych and several other individuals. The SBU security agency said it was investigating fictitious contracts concluded by a charity where Hungarians are involved. As the agency later stated, "information about the involvement of a foreign charity in activities aimed at violating the state sovereignty of Ukraine is currently being verified," During searches, the SBU added, printed materials were found, promoting the so-called "Great Hungary" and the creation of an ethnic autonomy in Zakarpattia.
In parallel lines with the goods old song of "separatism", a video was spread across social networks, where village deputies of the Siurte united territorial community and their chair were seen singing the Hungarian anthem after they pledged allegiance as deputies. Some media outlets and bloggers covered the video in a way alleging that the Hungarian anthem was sung directly as the deputies were taking oath, which would be a violation of law and an act lacking integrity, with signs of separatism in it. Head of the Siurte community, Arpad Pushkar, has decried the video as "provocation" and, referring to numerous witnesses and videos available, said that neither he nor the deputies did anything illegal – they took the oath in Ukrainian, then sang the National Anthem of Ukraine and then the one of Hungary, because most deputies in the newly elected council represent the Hungarian national minority.
As one report was superimposed over the other one, the scandal set ablaze throughout Zakarpattia
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As one report was superimposed over the other one, the scandal set ablaze throughout Zakarpattia. Moreover, someone even tried to drag into this story head of the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration, Oleksiy Petrov, who is a former SBU general who had just been elected deputy of the regional council. Also, an incumbent deputy with the Batkivshchyna Party, Andriy Sheketa, alleged on Facebook page that the raid targeting Brenzovych came after the ethnic Hungarian deputies ignored the invitation for talks with the governor over the formation of a majority in the newly-elected council. And although Governor Petrov said he was in no way involved in the raids, things looked rather ugly and raised even more questions.
Misunderstandings in Ukrainian-Hungarian relations have been piling up recently, for more than a year already. On the one hand, Hungary is currently steadily helping Ukraine with vaccines and means of combating the COVID-19 epidemic, including air ventilators. On the other hand, Hungary's systematic demands to Ukraine to amend the language law and increase focus on the languages of national minorities have provoked reasonable opposition throughout Ukraine. Therefore, from time to time, the western neighbor is accused of trying to violate the territorial integrity of Ukraine. This is like the tug of war, sort of.
Now, it seems, things have worsened. The first question that arises is who the ultimate beneficiary is of this mess. And, if this is an act of provocation, then where do its traces lead?
There are still a few elderly residents there who have throughout their long lives lived in five countries – without ever leaving their home villages
Looking for answers as to who is rocking the "separatism boat" yet again, it should be reminded that Zakarpattia, like other border regions, is home to a broad mix of different nationalities. It is probably difficult to find a purebred Hungarian, Ukrainian, Slovak, Russian or Romanian in the region today – for centuries everything's been so mixed up here that today's families often have a whole "cocktail" of ethnic roots. That is why people in Zakarpattia have long learned to be tolerant, live in peace, and not stand out. There are still a few elderly residents there who have throughout their long lives lived in five countries – without ever leaving their home villages. Here, whether you like it or not, if you're smart enough and if you learn from vast parental experience, you will live in peace – with any neighbors!
However, at the modern stage of social behavior developments, conflicts are easily created without the use of weapons. The dominance of social networks and privacy curbs have left peace and tranquility behind. But we must remember that Ukraine's northern neighbor has already, and quite successfully, applied this tool for sparking conflict. Ukrainians have been struggling to overcome the consequences of such insidious efforts for years now…
That's why, given the "fresh" questions and challenges, it's worth looking for contrived coincidences and finding answers.
First, there are many blind spots in the situation with the searches targeting Hungarian leaders. According to the Society of Hungarian Culture of Zakarpattia, it was a Zaporizhia court that warranted the raid, referring to a criminal case that had long been opened on separatism charges. Law enforcers were looking for "evidence of activities aimed at violating the territorial integrity of the country, forced altering of borders, and damage to national security."
After all, everyone in Zakarpattia already knows that ethnic Hungarians sing their anthem at all official events after the Ukrainian National Anthem, while Romanians sing theirs
Interestingly, the probe had launched two years ago, while the raid came only a day after an unsuccessful attempt to negotiate a new majority in the newly elected Regional Council. In fact, beyond social networks, no one, except a small circle of people involved, was aware that such negotiations had been ongoing. So the raid was immediately tied to politics. Obviously, had it not been for the timing, the scandal would have been perceived differently. Perhaps, the Hungarian foundation leaders would be punished for violating the law, but this would be left out of mainstream news headlines.
Secondly, there is the question, why the video, which had been shot back on November 21 at the inaugural session of the Siurte United Territorial Community, was spun across social networks as late as November 30? In fact, that's because a week ago no one would have taken this video seriously, but now, at the peak of escalation, it has only poured more fuel onto the fire.
After all, everyone in Zakarpattia already knows that ethnic Hungarians sing their anthem at all official events after the Ukrainian National Anthem, while Romanians sing theirs. It's not forbidden, after all. Besides, everyone's aware of what the security agency is and that it works to protect national interests, so people aren't that stupid to go around breaking the law only to face separatism charges…
In this context, I'd like to add that the so-called "craving for Hungary", which some may attribute to the locals, is nothing but a stereotype. The grass is always greener on the other side, as if to say… In fact, though, local residents who have family or friends living across the border know better than anyone that in reality, life is in no way easier or better there.
So the conclusion here is obvious – there are certain forces capitalizing on this escalation and separatism allegations. Zakarpattia-based political scientist Dmytro Tuzhansky suggested the reason for the timing of the latest spat: "Another round of aggravation in relations between Ukraine and Hungary could have been artificially provoked on the eve of NATO foreign ministerial," where Ukraine also took part.
Another question is who provoked it. And, obviously, this is something Ukraine's security agencies should be taking care of. Because even ordinary people in Zakarpattia, who are no geopolitical experts, see what could happen next: "Then the flywheel of Hungarian-Ukrainian hatred will spin further, and there's only one actor who will reap the benefits – Russia."
Natalia Petervari


unian--2020-12-03--U.S. calls on Russia to fulfill commitments within Minsk deal on Donbas

`` Ukraine must remain at the top of our agenda , '' the deputy secretary of state has told the OSCE ministers .
The United States has called on Russia to implement its commitments within the Minsk Agreements toward Donbas settlement , U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said , addressing the OSCE Ministerial Council via Zoom on December 3 .
`` The most egregious violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity within the OSCE area remains Russia ’ s continued aggression in eastern Ukraine and occupation of Crimea , '' said Biegun , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain at the top of our agenda . ''
`` It is unacceptable that the Special Monitoring Mission faces daily harassment and restrictions , largely in Russia-controlled areas , '' Biegun said . ''
Nobody is deceived by Moscow 's insistence that Ukraine is responsible for the conflict on its territory.
`` `` We will never recognize Russia ’ s purported annexation of Crimea , '' he concluded , noting that `` Crimean Tatars , ethnic Ukrainians , and others opposed to the occupation face cruel repression '' on the peninsula .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , OSCE , and Russia ) on Donbas settlement agreed on a complete and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from July 27 .
• On September 6 , the invaders violated the ceasefire by shelling Ukrainian positions .
A Ukrainian soldier was killed , another was wounded .
More violations on the part of the Russian proxy forces have been committed since .
• Deputy Prime Minister , Minister for the Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov is convinced that Minsk has ceased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be achieved .
• Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the TCG Leonid Kravchuk noted the need to revise the sequence of steps in the Package of Measures ( Minsk Agreements of 2015 ) .

"Ukraine must remain at the top of our agenda," the deputy secretary of state has told the OSCE ministers.
The United States has called on Russia to implement its commitments within the Minsk Agreements toward Donbas settlement, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said, addressing the OSCE Ministerial Council via Zoom on December 3.
"The most egregious violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity within the OSCE area remains Russia’s continued aggression in eastern Ukraine and occupation of Crimea," said Biegun, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
"Russia's actions in Ukraine and elsewhere – its flagrant disregard for international law and for the OSCE's foundational principles – have caused a broad deterioration of the European security environment," the official stressed.
He has noted that "Ukraine must remain at the top of our agenda."
"It is unacceptable that the Special Monitoring Mission faces daily harassment and restrictions, largely in Russia-controlled areas," Biegun said." Nobody is deceived by Moscow's insistence that Ukraine is responsible for the conflict on its territory. "
"The United States calls on Russia to implement its Minsk commitments," the deputy secretary of state said.
"We will never recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea," he concluded, noting that "Crimean Tatars, ethnic Ukrainians, and others opposed to the occupation face cruel repression" on the peninsula.
Read alsoRussia's envoy to UN admits Donbas war not "Ukraine's internal conflict"Minsk Agreements: Latest


unian--2020-12-03--Kravchuk tells of prisoner swap prospects in Donbas

Without first securing the swap of the 11 persons from the drawn list , it would be impossible to proceed to the `` all-for-all '' exchange .
The release of the detained Ukrainian military and civilians from the Russian-occupied Donbas by the end of the year will be impossible without the relevant will of the Russian Federation , believes Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement , Leonid Kravchuk .
`` If the ORDLO [ occupied areas ] and the Russian side show no appropriate will , decisions , and desires , then I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the Ukrainian side has resolved all issues related to the exchange .
We have long handed over the list of 11 people and now we are waiting for their list , but so far they have n't provided any , and this is the main reason that such prisoner swap is in limbo , '' Kravchuk told Ukraine 24 TV channel .
At the latest TCG meeting , Kravchuk recalled , the Ukrainian side turned to Russia and the representatives of Russia 's proxy forces in Donbas to take measures to resolve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that by New Year and Christmas , such major holidays , everyone would want people who have suffered so much to have already returned home .
And secondly , if we resolve this issue now , the next question of the 'all-for-all ' swap becomes realistic , '' said Kravchuk .
Read alsoRussia 's envoy to UN admits Donbas war not `` Ukraine 's internal conflict '' Latest on topic Today , on December 3 , the Verkhovna Rada 's Human Rights Commissioner Liudmyla Denisova said that representatives of the Russian-controlled forces are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held persons after technical issues have been settled .

Without first securing the swap of the 11 persons from the drawn list, it would be impossible to proceed to the "all-for-all" exchange.
The release of the detained Ukrainian military and civilians from the Russian-occupied Donbas by the end of the year will be impossible without the relevant will of the Russian Federation, believes Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement, Leonid Kravchuk.
"If the ORDLO [occupied areas] and the Russian side show no appropriate will, decisions, and desires, then I think this is unrealistic. That's because the Ukrainian side has resolved all issues related to the exchange. We have long handed over the list of 11 people and now we are waiting for their list, but so far they haven't provided any, and this is the main reason that such prisoner swap is in limbo," Kravchuk told Ukraine 24 TV channel.
At the latest TCG meeting, Kravchuk recalled, the Ukrainian side turned to Russia and the representatives of Russia's proxy forces in Donbas to take measures to resolve the issue. "Because they said that by New Year and Christmas, such major holidays, everyone would want people who have suffered so much to have already returned home. And secondly, if we resolve this issue now, the next question of the 'all-for-all' swap becomes realistic," said Kravchuk.
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Read alsoRussia's envoy to UN admits Donbas war not "Ukraine's internal conflict"Latest on topic
Today, on December 3, the Verkhovna Rada's Human Rights Commissioner Liudmyla Denisova said that representatives of the Russian-controlled forces are determined to proceed to the exchange of held persons after technical issues have been settled.


unian--2020-12-03--Ukraine ups gas supplies from Europe in 2020

The largest volumes of deliveries came from Slovakia .
Gas supplies from Europe to Ukraine for 11 months of 2020 amounted to 15.6 billion cubic meters , which is 11 % , or 1.6 billion cubic meters , more than in the same period last year .
That 's according to the press service of the state-owned Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine .
`` In October-November , we recorded a significant reduction in the volume of gas transmission from Europe to Ukraine and , at the same time , an increase in re-export from Ukrainian USFs to Europe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this period .
After all , the autumn-winter season has begun , and traders who had been pumping gas into storage since summer , started taking it out of Ukrainian USFs for supply to European markets .
The trend will prevail until April , '' the press service wrote , referring to Yevhen Todorov , CCO at Gas TSO of Ukraine It is noted that for 11 months of 2020 , gas imports from Slovakia amounted to almost 10.2 billion cubic meters ( +12 % on year ) , from Hungary – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and from Poland – to almost 1.6 bcm ( +12 % ) .
Read alsoGas sales exceed imports on Dec 1 – GTS operatorVirtual in reverse flow ( backhaul ) mode , which first became available at the beginning of this year , 45 % , or 7.1 bcm , was imported , including 3.1 bcm from Slovakia , 2.9 bcm from Hungary , and 1.1 bcm from Poland .
The report adds that 82 traders ordered gas transmission from the EU to Ukraine in January-November , including 52 Ukrainian companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 companies , most of which are non-residents , have used short-haul and `` customs warehouse '' services .
In 2019 , Ukraine increased imports of natural gas by 34.4 % , or by 3.65 bcm , to 14.25 bcm .
In 2018 , compared to 2017 , Ukraine reduced gas imports by 24.6 % , to 10.59 bcm .

Ukraine ups gas supplies from Europe in 2020
21:00, 03.12.20 575
The largest volumes of deliveries came from Slovakia.
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unian--2020-12-03--Economy ministry boasts of grain export success

Since the beginning of the new season , Ukraine has exported almost 22 million tonnes .
Ukrainian agrarians have exported 21.92 million tonnes of grain as of December 2 , since the start of the current marketing year , which is 2.8 million tonnes below last year 's figures .
That 's according to the operational data of the Agrarian Department at the Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture of Ukraine .
In particular , some 12 million tonnes of wheat was exported , 3.7 million tonnes of barley , 5.8 million tonnes of corn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alsoExperts elaborate on prices amid lockdown – forecastIn addition , Ukraine has exported 69,600 tonnes of flour , which is 87,000 tonnes less than in the corresponding period of the previous MY .
The economy ministry and grain market players have approved the export cap for wheat in the current marketing year ( July 2020 - June 2021 ) at 17.5 million tonnes , and 16,000 tonnes – for rye .
Ukraine has updated the record for grain exports in the 2019-2020 marketing year , having supplied 57.2 million tonnes of grain and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to foreign markets .

Economy ministry boasts of grain export success
20:15, 03.12.20 602
Since the beginning of the new season, Ukraine has exported almost 22 million tonnes.
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unian--2020-12-03--Russia's envoy to UN admits Donbas war not "Ukraine's internal conflict"

The diplomat referred to it as a `` political conflict between Russia and Ukraine . ''
Vasily Nebenzya , Russia 's Permanent Representative to the United Nations , admitted that the war in Donbas is not an internal conflict , but a `` political '' conflict between Russia and Ukraine .
That 's according to the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement .
As reported , Nebenzya made such a statement during a PR-stunt , held yesterday by the Russian Federation under the guise of an Aria meeting of the UN Security Council with the involvement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'event ' , which was organized by Russian delegates trying to use the UN Security Council to legitimize representatives of the 'LPR ' and 'DPR ' terrorist organizations banned in Ukraine , turned out to be an event that causes serious concern about the current state of Russian diplomacy , '' the statement underlines .
According to the Ukrainian side , the `` event '' boiled down to discussions among representatives of Russian puppet organizations and Ukrainian political strategist Mikhail Pogrebinsky , who , according to plan , was supposed to represent `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donbas '' , while Russia 's envoy to the UN Vasily Nebenzya attempted to play the role of `` discussion moderator '' .
Read alsoRussia seeking `` DPR/LPR '' legitimization via international platforms – Ukrainian delegation to TCGDuring the meeting , a proposal was made to hold a `` referendum on the status of these territories in compliance with all international requirements '' in the Russian-occupied part of Donbas .
Nebenzya also argued that the Normandy Four Summit ( of the Ukraine , Russia , France , and Germany leaders ) should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What he meant by the 'Minsk format ' remained a mystery , but this did n't prevent the Russian delegate from emphasizing that 'there may be no more Normandy meetings . '
And the most interesting thing – even sensational – is what Nebenzya said about the conflict in Donbas : 'It is not a domestic conflict in Ukraine , it is a political conflict between Russia and Ukraine , '' the statement says .
The Ukrainian delegation believes that the Russian Federation is trying to replace the process of settling the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Normandy format with some kind of discussion between Ukraine and representatives of the self-proclaimed `` DPR '' and `` LPR '' .
• Expert forecasts Normandy summit , prisoner swap to be blocked by Russia • EU High Representative : Political will by all parties needed to resolve Donbas conflict

The diplomat referred to it as a "political conflict between Russia and Ukraine."
Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, admitted that the war in Donbas is not an internal conflict, but a "political" conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
That's according to the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement.
As reported, Nebenzya made such a statement during a PR-stunt, held yesterday by the Russian Federation under the guise of an Aria meeting of the UN Security Council with the involvement of Donbas militants.
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"Yesterday's 'event', which was organized by Russian delegates trying to use the UN Security Council to legitimize representatives of the 'LPR' and 'DPR' terrorist organizations banned in Ukraine, turned out to be an event that causes serious concern about the current state of Russian diplomacy," the statement underlines.
According to the Ukrainian side, the "event" boiled down to discussions among representatives of Russian puppet organizations and Ukrainian political strategist Mikhail Pogrebinsky, who, according to plan, was supposed to represent "the Ukrainian side in the dialogue with Donbas", while Russia's envoy to the UN Vasily Nebenzya attempted to play the role of "discussion moderator".
Read alsoRussia seeking "DPR/LPR" legitimization via international platforms – Ukrainian delegation to TCGDuring the meeting, a proposal was made to hold a "referendum on the status of these territories in compliance with all international requirements" in the Russian-occupied part of Donbas.
Nebenzya also argued that the Normandy Four Summit (of the Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany leaders) should not be replacing the Minsk format.
"What he meant by the 'Minsk format' remained a mystery, but this didn't prevent the Russian delegate from emphasizing that 'there may be no more Normandy meetings.' And the most interesting thing – even sensational – is what Nebenzya said about the conflict in Donbas: 'It is not a domestic conflict in Ukraine, it is a political conflict between Russia and Ukraine," the statement says.
The Ukrainian delegation believes that the Russian Federation is trying to replace the process of settling the international armed conflict in Donbas with its participation in the Normandy format with some kind of discussion between Ukraine and representatives of the self-proclaimed "DPR" and "LPR".
Donbas: Other reports


unian--2020-12-03--SBU raids arms exporter in Kyiv

SBU raids arms exporter in Kyiv

The security agency suspects that the firm 's alleged wrongdoings led to a loss of certain foreign markets for the country 's defense produce .
The Security Service of Ukraine on Thursday , December 3 , raided the premises of the UkrOboronProm defense giant and Ukrspecexport – an arms exporter which is part of UOP .
`` Searches are being carried out , warranted by an investigating judge of the Shevchenkivsky District Court in Kyiv .
Searches are related to the performance of foreign economic contracts , '' the Ukroboronprom press service reported , according to LIGA.net .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide maximum assistance to law enforcement and all information and documents within the court warrant . ''
In a separate statement , posted on the company 's Facebook page , Ukrspecexport branded the searches as `` illegal , '' adding that their `` commercial activity has been completely paralyzed , while critical risks have been created to product shipments to contractors and unforeseen losses to the company and damage to business reputation . ''
The SBU Security Service said in a statement that the investigation targets Ukrspecexport , Ukroboronprom , and a foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the alleged complicity of officials in activities carried out in the interests of one of the South Asian countries `` to the detriment of Ukraine 's defense capabilities , state , economic and information security . ''
Read alsoUkroboronprom will no longer exist in 2021 – new chiefThe investigation suspects the arms exporter of involving in its commercial activity abroad an unnecessary foreign intermediary firm , which , detectives allege , has led to the possible loss of Ukraine 's arms markets in certain countries in the Asian region , inhibition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of obstacles to the conclusion of new deals .
According to preliminary estimates of the investigation , the damage incurred to the state budget could amount to nearly $ 100 million .
• The raids come on the day the new CEO was appointed to UkrOboronProm .
President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed former Kherson Governor Yuriy Husyev .
• On October 10 , 2020 , Zelensky dismissed Aivaras Abromaviсius from the post of Ukroboronprom CEO .
Ihor Fomenko was appointed the defense giant 's acting chief .
• In August , Deputy Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine Oleh Urusky announced Ukroboronprom 's transformation and the change of its management .
• Ukraine 's state-run Ukroboronprom Concern was founded in 2010 to ensure the effective operation and management of state-run economic entities involved in the development , manufacture , sale , repair , upgrade , and disposal of weapons , military and special equipment , and ammunition .
Ukroboronprom incorporates about 140 enterprises of Ukraine 's military industrial complex .

SBU raids arms exporter in Kyiv
18:45, 03.12.20 1115
The security agency suspects that the firm's alleged wrongdoings led to a loss of certain foreign markets for the country's defense produce.
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unian--2020-12-03--Energy ministry mulling over rising electricity tariffs for households

Boyko said the current figures are extremely low .
Newly appointed acting Energy Minister Yuriy Boyko says the ministry is confident that electricity tariffs for households are `` extremely low , '' therefore , they should be raised .
The current tariff , when a household pays UAH 0.90 ( US $ 0.03 ) per 1 kWh ( with a consumption of up to 100 kWh ) is extremely low , the official government gazette Uriadovy Kurier wrote on December 3 , referring to Boyko .
Electricity prices are expected to grow in the first half of 2021 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price highest in EU in Q2 – European CommissionAccording to Boyko , the state-run electricity producers , namely Energoatom and Ukrhydroenergo , should provide households with cheap electricity .
Meanwhile , this greatly hinders the establishment of market rules , according to which the entire civilized world operates .
`` We face the objective need to revise the approaches to the formation of tariffs for household consumers .
We have the following fact : enterprises pay more , while housholds pay less .
If the state wants to help those [ households ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget , rather than from industrial enterprises , '' he summed up .
In Ukraine , the price of electricity for households has remained unchanged since 2017 , amounting to UAH 0.90 ( US $ 0.03 ) per 1 kWh with a consumption of up to 100 kWh , and UAH 1.68 ( US $ 0.06 ) per kWh over 100 kWh .
At the same time , for industrial consumers , electricity prices are formed based on market mechanisms and range from UAH 2.5 ( US $ 0.09 ) to UAH 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On June 19 , 2020 , the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission ( NEURC ) proposed that the National Power Company ( NPC ) Ukrenergo 's tariffs be increased by four times from August .
On June 26 , 2020 , the NEURC tentatively approved a doubling of Ukrenergo 's tariffs .
On August 26 , 2020 , the European Commission released a report , saying that electricity tariffs in Ukraine are one third higher than in Europe .
On November 26 , 2020 , newly appointed acting Energy Minister Yuriy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the sector is the revision of the existing cross-subsidization mechanism from 2021 , according to which households get electricity at a reduced price .

Energy ministry mulling over rising electricity tariffs for households
18:00, 03.12.20 48558
Boyko said the current figures are extremely low.
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unian--2020-12-03--Ukraine adopts inland water transport bill in second reading

It was backed by 276 MPs .
The draft law on inland water transport , which regulates legal relations in that sector , passed its second reading in parliament .
Bill No .
1182-1-d was backed by 276 Members of Parliament with the required minimum being 226 votes , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoEU , American Chamber of Commerce , business associations call for adoption of inland water transport bill The purpose of the adoption of the bill is to establish the economic and organizational foundations for the activity of inland water transport , the explanatory note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill will streamline terminology in the field of water transport and eliminate conflicts of laws in the relevant area , '' it said .
The adopted bill gives rise to the reform of river transport , Member of Parliament , Chairman of the river transport subcommittee under the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Transport and Infrastructure , one of the authors of the law on inland water transport Artem Kovalev wrote on Facebook on December 3 .
`` It is a truly historic moment today !
The Verkhovna Rada has adopted the Law on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` This is a large sectoral European integration law that we have been working on for the last year .
This has not been done for the last 12 years .
The whole industry did not have a basic law and state support , which led to the decline of river infrastructure , which is by 75 % worn out . ''
`` This is the first step towards an open and competitive market for freight and passenger transportation by water .
And this is : an increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cost of logistics for businesses , the development of shipbuilding , new enterprises and new jobs , Ukrainian and foreign investment , the modernization of river infrastructure , '' he wrote .
Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii , in his turn , said that the adopted bill on water transport would provide an opportunity to revive efficient river logistics .
`` Thanks to the implementation of this law , we will be able to revive the most low-cost and most environmentally friendly method of delivering goods – river transportation , and create efficient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The document provides for the creation of the State Fund of Inland Waterways as part of a special fund of Ukraine 's national budget to ensure navigation .
`` The planned sources for the formation of the said special fund of the national budget of Ukraine are : the percentage of excise tax on fuel produced in Ukraine , excise tax on fuel imported into the customs territory of Ukraine , customs payments transferred when ships are handled in the customs regime of temporary import with conditional partial exemption from customs payments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law says .
Assets of the State Fund for Inland Waterways will be used to finance the maintenance of inland waterways to keep them navigable ; construction , reconstruction , repair and maintenance of strategic infrastructure facilities for inland water transport ; implementation of measures to ensure the safety of navigation on inland waterways ; navigation and hydrographic support of navigation , operation , reconstruction , repair and development of the river information system ; measures to develop the infrastructure of inland water transport in accordance with state programs ; maintenance , reconstruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of navigable hydraulic structures ( navigable locks ) , as well as covering the cost of using those structures for the passage of ships .
It also says that the main innovations included in the bill on inland water transport contribute to the integration of inland waterways into an intermodal logistics scheme , which will allow Ukraine to strengthen its competitive position in the transport system of the EU member states .
According to the explanatory note , the adoption of the law will contribute to the development of coastal infrastructure of inland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ river economy , the development on a competitive basis of the market for services in the field of inland waterway transport , measures to facilitate investment , and redirection of freight flows to environmentally friendly transport , etc .
• On April 24 , the Verkhovna Rada adopted the draft law on inland water transport in the first reading , which , among other things , provides for the creation of the State Fund for Inland Waterways to ensure navigation along them .
• According to Infrastructure Minister Kryklii , the adoption of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 million tonnes per year within 3-5 years with an economic effect for the state estimated at up to UAH 13 billion ( US $ 457.1 million ) – UAH 16 billion ( US $ 562.6 million ) per year .

It was backed by 276 MPs.
The draft law on inland water transport, which regulates legal relations in that sector, passed its second reading in parliament.
Bill No. 1182-1-d was backed by 276 Members of Parliament with the required minimum being 226 votes, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoEU, American Chamber of Commerce, business associations call for adoption of inland water transport bill
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The purpose of the adoption of the bill is to establish the economic and organizational foundations for the activity of inland water transport, the explanatory note said.
"The adoption of the bill will streamline terminology in the field of water transport and eliminate conflicts of laws in the relevant area," it said.
The adopted bill gives rise to the reform of river transport, Member of Parliament, Chairman of the river transport subcommittee under the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, one of the authors of the law on inland water transport Artem Kovalev wrote on Facebook on December 3.
"It is a truly historic moment today! The Verkhovna Rada has adopted the Law on Inland Water Transport in the second reading," he said. "This is a large sectoral European integration law that we have been working on for the last year. This has not been done for the last 12 years. The whole industry did not have a basic law and state support, which led to the decline of river infrastructure, which is by 75% worn out."
"This is the first step towards an open and competitive market for freight and passenger transportation by water. And this is: an increase in water transportation, a reduction in the cost of logistics for businesses, the development of shipbuilding, new enterprises and new jobs, Ukrainian and foreign investment, the modernization of river infrastructure," he wrote.
Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii, in his turn, said that the adopted bill on water transport would provide an opportunity to revive efficient river logistics.
"Thanks to the implementation of this law, we will be able to revive the most low-cost and most environmentally friendly method of delivering goods – river transportation, and create efficient river logistics," he said.
Overview of Law on Inland Water Transport
The document provides for the creation of the State Fund of Inland Waterways as part of a special fund of Ukraine's national budget to ensure navigation.
"The planned sources for the formation of the said special fund of the national budget of Ukraine are: the percentage of excise tax on fuel produced in Ukraine, excise tax on fuel imported into the customs territory of Ukraine, customs payments transferred when ships are handled in the customs regime of temporary import with conditional partial exemption from customs payments," the explanatory note to the draft law says.
Assets of the State Fund for Inland Waterways will be used to finance the maintenance of inland waterways to keep them navigable; construction, reconstruction, repair and maintenance of strategic infrastructure facilities for inland water transport; implementation of measures to ensure the safety of navigation on inland waterways; navigation and hydrographic support of navigation, operation, reconstruction, repair and development of the river information system; measures to develop the infrastructure of inland water transport in accordance with state programs; maintenance, reconstruction, repair, technical re-equipment and protection of navigable hydraulic structures (navigable locks), as well as covering the cost of using those structures for the passage of ships.
It also says that the main innovations included in the bill on inland water transport contribute to the integration of inland waterways into an intermodal logistics scheme, which will allow Ukraine to strengthen its competitive position in the transport system of the EU member states.
According to the explanatory note, the adoption of the law will contribute to the development of coastal infrastructure of inland waterway transport, the improvement of the river economy, the development on a competitive basis of the market for services in the field of inland waterway transport, measures to facilitate investment, and redirection of freight flows to environmentally friendly transport, etc.
Previous developments


unian--2020-12-03--Speed monitoring: Almost 70 foreigners get traffic tickets in Ukraine since Nov 19

On November 19 , a vehicle speed monitoring system in Ukraine started registering traffic violations by cars with foreign registration .
Head of the Border Control Department at the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine ( SBGSU ) Administration Yuriy Lysiuk says almost 70 foreigners have already received copies of traffic tickets from SBGSU officers for violation of traffic rules in Ukraine .
Fines issued to about 10 violators have already been paid , the SBGSU press service said on December 2 , referring to Lysiuk .
Read alsoOver 800,000 offences recorded by traffic speed cameras in Ukraine in three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been proved are citizens of Moldova , Belarus , the Russian Federation , and Poland .
In total , the SBGSU database contains over 400 reports on such violators .
Head of the Communications and Information Systems Department at the SBGSU Administration Mykola Lushchyk says the system uses advanced software and hardware .
`` An exchange of information makes it possible to identify violators who have entered Ukraine in cars with foreign registration plates , and make them liable .
When such cars cross Ukraine 's border , the guards enter the license @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a driver and his/her passport data into the database .
If such car exceeds the speed limit , an automatic exchange of information takes place between the State Border Guard Service and the National Police .
Police officers receive the required information to draw up a traffic violation report .
Further , it is added to the database , which is automatically shows information about the violator when crossing the border , '' he said .
• The first traffic enforcement cameras started operating at 00:01 on June 1 .
The equipment was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and on Kyiv region 's highways , exclusively in places where the number of traffic accidents with serious consequences is the highest .
• Exceeding the established speed limits by more than 20 kmh is considered to be a violation .
• Law enforcers report a significant decrease in the accident rate at the sites where cameras are installed .
In particular , the number of cases of speeding in such areas has reduced by 83.3 % over 100 days .
• Patrol officers issued 833,949 speeding tickets during 100 days of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 645,526 cases , which accounted for 77 % of such tickets .
• On November 19 , the vehicle speed monitoring system started registering traffic violations by foreign citizens who entered Ukraine in their cars , and by Ukrainian citizens , driving cars with foreign registration plates .
• The failure to pay a fine within 30 days entails a ban on foreigners entry into Ukraine .
• If the owner of a car with foreign registration plates , being a Ukrainian national , refuses to pay the fine , the relevant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedure to the State Executive Service for collection through the seizure of property or bank accounts .

Speed monitoring: Almost 70 foreigners get traffic tickets in Ukraine since Nov 19
16:30, 03.12.20 1685
On November 19, a vehicle speed monitoring system in Ukraine started registering traffic violations by cars with foreign registration.
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unian--2020-12-04--Ukrainian soldier wounded in sniper hit

Ukrainian soldier wounded in sniper hit

Russian invaders have also employed artillery , the Ukrainian Command reports .
The Russian occupation forces have violated ceasefire agreements @ @ @ @ @ As of midday , the Russian occupation forces fired banned 122mm artillery and 120mm mortars @ @ @ @ @ village of Vodiane , '' according to the Defense Ministry 's press service regarding the @ @ @ @ @ the Joint Forces Operation .
The facts of the use of heavy weapons by the @ @ @ @ @ were reported to OSCE representatives through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination ( JCCC @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoEstonia , UK , U.S. reiterate Russia active participant in Donbas warIn turn @ @ @ @ @ the Trilateral Contact Group reported one Ukrainian soldier had been wounded in a sniper hit @ @ @ @ @ .
The soldier is in a hospital , his health condition is stable .

Russian invaders have also employed artillery, the Ukrainian Command reports.
The Russian occupation forces have violated ceasefire agreements since Friday midnight.
"As of midday, the Russian occupation forces fired banned 122mm artillery and 120mm mortars at our positions near the village of Vodiane," according to the Defense Ministry's press service regarding the situation in the zone of the Joint Forces Operation.
The facts of the use of heavy weapons by the Russian Federation's armed formations were reported to OSCE representatives through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) of Ceasefire in Donbas.
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Read alsoEstonia, UK, U.S. reiterate Russia active participant in Donbas warIn turn, the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group reported one Ukrainian soldier had been wounded in a sniper hit near the village of Luhanske.
The soldier is in a hospital, his health condition is stable.


unian--2020-12-04--Nord Stream 2 "dead" – international energy expert

Elaborating on the reasons why he thinks the project would not be completed due to U.S. sanctions , the expert pointed to the issues of insurance and certification .
Dr Thomas W. O'Donnell , an international academic , analyst , and consultant on the global energy system , specializing on oil and gas , and international affairs , of the Hertie School in Berlin , sat down with Euronews to offer his perspective on the prospects for the completion of Russia 's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline bypassing Ukraine .
Asked by a Euronews host on Friday , December 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` unstoppable , '' the expert said : `` To the contrary , it 's dead . ''
`` I mean , perhaps anybody who 's watched European geopolitics for a while knows there are sort of – what shall we say – Russian disinformation campaigns , and there 's something quite complex going on here .
In a nutshell , there 's 2.6 kilometers of the pipeline that are less than 30 meters of water , and the sanctions apply to over 30 meters of water .
So as a sort of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pipeline is supposedly still alive , the Russians who own this 100 % [ of shares in Nord Stream 2 ] are carrying this out , '' the pundit said .
But in the rest of the area , O'Donnell added , in Danish waters especially , the pipe `` can not '' and `` will not '' be completed .
The reason is U.S. sanctions , the expert stressed , adding that he sees no way Russia could get around them .
As for the German government , they prefer to not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` have some liability with the company , so it 's a delicate matter for them . ''
Read alsoInglorious end of Nord Stream 2 would herald string of defeats for Putin 's RussiaThe EU , on its part , `` never backed this pipeline , the [ European ] Parliament has voted against it , has made it very clear , and the European Commission has basically consistently been against this . ''
Commenting on whether the U.S. sanctions stance will prevail following the change in the presidential administration , the expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elaborating on the reasons why he thinks the project would not be completed due to U.S. sanctions , the expert pointed to the issues of insurance and certification .
Read alsoZelensky thanks Poland for decisive stance on Nord Stream 2The association representing 90 % of insurance companies in the world has told its members not to insure the pipe , the expert said .
If any other company capable of performing such tasks stepped up , they would not want to be sanctioned either , the expert is confident : `` They 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Read alsoNord Stream 2 : Norway firm suspends work on U.S. sanctions anxietyAlso , the expert added , `` tens of German companies have gotten calls this month informing them that if they proceed , they 'll be sanctioned . ''
`` And this report is going to Congress , the State Department will send it in the next few days as to my understanding , listing the companies that have and have not cooperated , '' O'Donnell noted .
`` Whatever you might think about it , this is extremely effective @ @

Nord Stream 2 "dead" – international energy expert
16:15, 04.12.20 3855
Elaborating on the reasons why he thinks the project would not be completed due to U.S. sanctions, the expert pointed to the issues of insurance and certification.
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unian--2020-12-04--Trump again threatens to veto 2021 Defense Bill

The U.S. Congress has recently finalized the 2021 Defense Appropriations Act .
U.S. President Donald Trump has once again threatened @ @ @ @ @ Bill unless an article is removed that exempts the online platforms from liability for the @ @ @ @ @ users .
`` Very sadly for our Nation , it looks like Senator @ JimInhofe @ @ @ @ @ Section 230 termination clause into the Defense Bill .
So bad for our National Security @ @ @ @ @ chance to ever get it done .
I will VETO ! ''
he wrote on @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
The U.S. Congress is moving ahead with its annual defense policy bill without @ @ @ @ @ for social media companies , testing President Donald Trump ’ s threat to veto the @ @ @ @ @ .
Among other things , the bill includes extended sanctions against Nord Stream 2 .
@ @ @ @ @ will be applied against companies that facilitate the sale , lease or provision of pipe-laying @ @ @ @ @ the gas pipeline .

The U.S. Congress has recently finalized the 2021 Defense Appropriations Act.
U.S. President Donald Trump has once again threatened to veto the 2021 Defense Bill unless an article is removed that exempts the online platforms from liability for the content of comments posted by users.
Very sadly for our Nation, it looks like Senator @JimInhofe will not be putting the Section 230 termination clause into the Defense Bill. So bad for our National Security and Election Integrity. Last chance to ever get it done. I will VETO! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2020
"Very sadly for our Nation, it looks like Senator @JimInhofe will not be putting the Section 230 termination clause into the Defense Bill. So bad for our National Security and Election Integrity. Last chance to ever get it done. I will VETO!" he wrote on Twitter on December 4, 2020.
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Background
The U.S. Congress is moving ahead with its annual defense policy bill without repealing a prized legal shield for social media companies, testing President Donald Trump’s threat to veto the bill, Defense Express reported.
Among other things, the bill includes extended sanctions against Nord Stream 2. In particular, the restrictions will be applied against companies that facilitate the sale, lease or provision of pipe-laying vessels for the construction of the gas pipeline.


unian--2020-12-04--Almost 1,400 new COVID-19 cases reported in Kyiv on Dec 4

The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 76,750 .
Some 1,374 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city of Kyiv in the past 24 hours as of December 4 , 2020 , which was 10 cases up from 1,364 registered on December 3 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 76,750 as of December 4 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 24,585 patients , including 310 in the past day , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,395 with 26 fatalities recorded in the past day .
In total , 41,415 new confirmed cases was registered in Kyiv region with 988 cases reported in the past 24 hours .
At the same time , 14,648 people have recovered ( 750 in the past day ) , while 727 people have died ( +eight fatalities ) .
Read alsoPublic transport not to halt during lockdown – PM ShmyhalSome 794 women aged 18 to 92 and 498 men aged 18 to 85 , as well as 78 healthcare workers are among those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a briefing on Friday .
The new cases include 33 girls aged one to 17 years and 49 boys aged four months to 17 years .
Klitschko said 78 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Dniprovsky district ( 219 ) , Solomyansky district ( 213 ) , and Holosiyivsky district ( 156 ) .
Ukraine said 15,131 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 4 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 787,891 .

The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 76,750.
Some 1,374 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city of Kyiv in the past 24 hours as of December 4, 2020, which was 10 cases up from 1,364 registered on December 3, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 76,750 as of December 4, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 24,585 patients, including 310 in the past day, have recovered.
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The death toll has hit 1,395 with 26 fatalities recorded in the past day.
In total, 41,415 new confirmed cases was registered in Kyiv region with 988 cases reported in the past 24 hours.
At the same time, 14,648 people have recovered (750 in the past day), while 727 people have died (+eight fatalities).
Read alsoPublic transport not to halt during lockdown – PM ShmyhalSome 794 women aged 18 to 92 and 498 men aged 18 to 85, as well as 78 healthcare workers are among those infected, Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko told a briefing on Friday.
The new cases include 33 girls aged one to 17 years and 49 boys aged four months to 17 years.
Klitschko said 78 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Dniprovsky district (219), Solomyansky district (213), and Holosiyivsky district (156).
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments
Ukraine said 15,131 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 4, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 787,891.


unian--2020-12-04--Public transport not to halt during lockdown – PM Shmyhal

The work of public transport was as limited as much possible during the previous lockdown this spring .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said the government is not going to suspend public transport during lockdown .
`` As for transport , it will work .
Airlines , railways and urban transport are not planned to be suspended even during the lockdown .
All scientific studies show transport is not the main source of the active spread of this pandemic , '' he said during a Q & A hour at the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport was as limited as much as possible during the spring lockdown , it should be recalled .
• On December 2 , Shmyhal said his government would not extend the weekend quarantine .
• At the same time , the Cabinet of Ministers , Ukraine 's government , is working on the most balanced solution to the possible strengthening of quarantine curbs .
• Under the law , the government shall announce its decision at least seven days in advance .
• Today , November 4 , Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propose that a full lockdown be introduced before the end of this year .

Public transport not to halt during lockdown – PM Shmyhal
15:15, 04.12.20 4005
The work of public transport was as limited as much possible during the previous lockdown this spring.
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unian--2020-12-04--Ukraine not to buy Russian vaccine, health minister says

Only safe vaccines must be used in Ukraine , top health official believes .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says Ukraine will not be buying the Russian vaccine against COVID-19 as it has not passed the third stage of clinical trials .
The comment came during a traditional Q & A session in the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , on December 4 , as the minister was answering a question by MP Nestor Shufrych with the pro-Russian Opposition Platform – For Life Party about the expediency of purchasing the Russian vaccine , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be used in Ukraine .
According to the minister , trial results are made public , including by the World Health Organization .
Ukraine will only purchase vaccines recommended by WHO , he added .
Read alsoCOVID-19 : Over 15,100 new active cases reported as of Dec 4 '' As for the Russian vaccine , there 've been no reports anywhere that it has passed the third stage of clinical trials .
As far as I know from various sources , this stage of clinical trials is now underway .
In my opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the third stage has been completed , '' he added .
Stepanov says it is at the third stage of clinical trials that makes it clear whether the vaccine is safe and what `` accompanying threats may come with a particular vaccine . ''
• Passengers will need to be vaccinated for international flights , Australia 's national carrier Qantas says • Ukrainians may be vaccinated against COVID-19 by late 2021 – NSDC • COVID Pfizer vaccine approved for use next week in UK – media • Over half of Ukrainians ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • MP : Ukraine may get accelerated access to COVID-19 vaccine with proper legislation

Only safe vaccines must be used in Ukraine, top health official believes.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says Ukraine will not be buying the Russian vaccine against COVID-19 as it has not passed the third stage of clinical trials.
The comment came during a traditional Q&A session in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, on December 4, as the minister was answering a question by MP Nestor Shufrych with the pro-Russian Opposition Platform – For Life Party about the expediency of purchasing the Russian vaccine, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Stepanov noted that only safe vaccines must be used in Ukraine.
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"That's safe vaccines that have passed all stages of clinical trials, including the third stage, which is the major one, providing for the vaccination of tens of thousands of people," he stressed.
According to the minister, trial results are made public, including by the World Health Organization.
Ukraine will only purchase vaccines recommended by WHO, he added.
Read alsoCOVID-19: Over 15,100 new active cases reported as of Dec 4"As for the Russian vaccine, there've been no reports anywhere that it has passed the third stage of clinical trials. As far as I know from various sources, this stage of clinical trials is now underway. In my opinion, there is nothing to talk about until the third stage has been completed," he added.
Stepanov says it is at the third stage of clinical trials that makes it clear whether the vaccine is safe and what "accompanying threats may come with a particular vaccine."
Vaccines: Related reports