unian--2020-01-21--Hryvnia rate weakens to UAH 24.33 to dollar for Jan 21

The official forex rate against the euro for Tuesday is fixed at UAH 26.96 per euro .
The National Bank @ @ @ @ @ on Monday evening weakened the official hryvnia exchange rate by eight kopiykas for Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ national currency to UAH 24.33 to the U.S. dollar .
The official forex rate against @ @ @ @ @ fixed at UAH 26.96 per euro , which is two kopiykas down from the rate @ @ @ @ @ memo .
Ukraine 's national currency in 2019 strengthened against the U.S. dollar by 14.5 @ @ @ @ @ and against the euro by 16.7 % , to UAH 26.42 .

Hryvnia rate weakens to UAH 24.33 to dollar for Jan 21
10:40, 21.01.20 1385
The official forex rate against the euro for Tuesday is fixed at UAH 26.96 per euro.
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unian--2020-01-21--Iraq considers new air defense weapons, including from Ukraine

The Iraqi government will soon deploy a delegation to study the options available .
A senior Iraqi lawmaker announced on Monday that the country 's government is exploring buying Russian , Chinese , or Ukrainian air defense systems , possibly in exchange for Iraqi oil shipments .
The initiative comes following the U.S. lethal airstrike in Baghdad early this month against Iranian Qods Force commander Qassem Soleimani , CNS News reports .
Badr al-Ziyadi , a member of the Iraqi parliament 's security and defense committee , told the As Sabah newspaper that Iraq plans on sending delegations to Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about purchasing advanced air defense systems .
`` The delegations intend to visit such countries as Russia , China and Ukraine , to negotiate the purchase of modern systems to protect Iraq 's airspace , '' he said .
`` The Iraqi parliament is right now forming a joint executive and legislative delegation to visit the developed countries and sign contracts on procuring advanced weapons . ''
Read alsoSerhiy Zgurets : Ukraine needs to form a new face of its defense industry , which will be clear to consumers and the Army Ziyadi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons systems with oil shipments instead of cash .
`` Many nations indicated [ their ] readiness to ship modern weapons to Iraq in exchange for oil , '' he said .
`` This is the best way to ensure the shipment of good weapons to Iraq without corruption and bribery . ''

The Iraqi government will soon deploy a delegation to study the options available.
A senior Iraqi lawmaker announced on Monday that the country's government is exploring buying Russian, Chinese, or Ukrainian air defense systems, possibly in exchange for Iraqi oil shipments.
The initiative comes following the U.S. lethal airstrike in Baghdad early this month against Iranian Qods Force commander Qassem Soleimani, CNS News reports.
Badr al-Ziyadi, a member of the Iraqi parliament's security and defense committee, told the As Sabah newspaper that Iraq plans on sending delegations to Russia, China, and Ukraine to inquire about purchasing advanced air defense systems.
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"The delegations intend to visit such countries as Russia, China and Ukraine, to negotiate the purchase of modern systems to protect Iraq's airspace," he said. "The Iraqi parliament is right now forming a joint executive and legislative delegation to visit the developed countries and sign contracts on procuring advanced weapons."
Read alsoSerhiy Zgurets: Ukraine needs to form a new face of its defense industry, which will be clear to consumers and the Army
Ziyadi said Iraq could potentially pay for the weapons systems with oil shipments instead of cash.
"Many nations indicated [their] readiness to ship modern weapons to Iraq in exchange for oil," he said. "This is the best way to ensure the shipment of good weapons to Iraq without corruption and bribery."


unian--2020-01-21--Yanukovych's ex-lawyer appointed SBI's first deputy director

The lawyer for victims of Maidan killings warns the appointment could translate into a breakdown in cases against Yanukovych .
@ @ @ @ @ 's ex-lawyer Oleksandr Babikov has been appointed first deputy director of the State Bureau of @ @ @ @ @ The SBI reported on the appointment on its website .
Babikov graduated from Ukraine 's @ @ @ @ @ .
He worked at regional prosecutor 's offices and the Prosecutor General 's Office .
@ @ @ @ @ Sokolov as deputy head of the Bureau .
He graduated from National Law Academy 's @ @ @ @ @ the Security Service of Ukraine .
He worked at the SBU 's regional departments , @ @ @ @ @ and the tax service .
Earlier on January 20 , lawyer for victims of Maidan @ @ @ @ @ the appointment of Babikov to the post of the SBI 's first deputy director could @ @ @ @ @ cases against Yanukovych .
Yanukovych fled Ukraine for Russia in February 2014 amid Maidan protests @ @ @ @ @ killed over 100 people .

The lawyer for victims of Maidan killings warns the appointment could translate into a breakdown in cases against Yanukovych.
Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's ex-lawyer Oleksandr Babikov has been appointed first deputy director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
The SBI reported on the appointment on its website.
Read alsoCourt freezes US$10.3 mln related to ousted Ukrainian ex-president Yanukovych's allies
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Babikov graduated from Ukraine's Yaroslav Mudryi National Law Academy. He worked at regional prosecutor's offices and the Prosecutor General's Office.
The SBI also appointed Oleksandr Sokolov as deputy head of the Bureau. He graduated from National Law Academy's Institute for training investigators for the Security Service of Ukraine. He worked at the SBU's regional departments, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the tax service.
Earlier on January 20, lawyer for victims of Maidan killings Yevhenia Zakrevska said that the appointment of Babikov to the post of the SBI's first deputy director could translate into a breakdown in cases against Yanukovych.
Yanukovych fled Ukraine for Russia in February 2014 amid Maidan protests during which the then authorities killed over 100 people.


unian--2020-01-21--Budget funds for veterans' psychological rehabilitation sufficient – Ministry

Officials are to determine institutions that will provide such services .
The Ministry for Veterans , Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine says sufficient funds have been laid down in its budget to provide psychological rehabilitation for war veterans and their families .
`` We will determine which healthcare facilities will provide such services , and we will pay for them .
The government has provided for this year sufficient funds for psychological rehabilitation services , which we will pay for really high-quality care , '' Minister Oksana Koliada , the Cabinet press service reports .
Koliada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in particular in terms of providing housing for veterans , and called on veteran associations to set up their own projects and receive budget support for their implementation .
Read alsoUkraine 's Rada grants combatant status to sailors captured by Russia in Kerch Strait As UNIAN reported earlier , on January 13 , President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law to strengthen social protection of certain categories of persons with war-related disabilities .
The new legislation raises the level of social protection of all categories of participants in the anti-terrorist operation ( ATO ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of measures to ensure national security and defense , in particular from among volunteers and participants in hostilities on foreign soil that are recognized as persons with war-related disabilities .
In particular , the law entitles them to free health care in facilities operated by the Ministry of Defense , Security Service , Foreign Intelligence Service , State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of the Ministry of the Interior , and other central executive bodies managing military units .

Officials are to determine institutions that will provide such services.
The Ministry for Veterans, Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine says sufficient funds have been laid down in its budget to provide psychological rehabilitation for war veterans and their families.
"We will determine which healthcare facilities will provide such services, and we will pay for them. The government has provided for this year sufficient funds for psychological rehabilitation services, which we will pay for really high-quality care," Minister Oksana Koliada, the Cabinet press service reports.
Koliada also spoke about a new approach, in particular in terms of providing housing for veterans, and called on veteran associations to set up their own projects and receive budget support for their implementation.
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Read alsoUkraine's Rada grants combatant status to sailors captured by Russia in Kerch Strait
As UNIAN reported earlier, on January 13, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law to strengthen social protection of certain categories of persons with war-related disabilities.
The new legislation raises the level of social protection of all categories of participants in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) and people who partook in the implementation of measures to ensure national security and defense, in particular from among volunteers and participants in hostilities on foreign soil that are recognized as persons with war-related disabilities.
In particular, the law entitles them to free health care in facilities operated by the Ministry of Defense, Security Service, Foreign Intelligence Service, State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of the Ministry of the Interior, and other central executive bodies managing military units.


unian--2020-01-21--Ukraine reports one KIA, one WIA amid 10 enemy attacks in Donbas on Jan 20

Since midnight , Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on January 20 mounted @ @ @ @ @ positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in @ @ @ @ @ another one as wounded in action ( WIA ) .
`` The armed forces of @ @ @ @ @ ceasefire 10 times on January 20 .
One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another one @ @ @ @ @ of enemy shelling , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 21 .
Read alsoUkraine to appeal @ @ @ @ @ intensified shelling in Donbas – FM Prystaiko The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 120mm @ @ @ @ @ various types , heavy machine guns , and small arms .
Under attack came Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ Maryinka , and the villages of Pavlopil , Opytne , Vodiane , Novotroyitske , Travneve @ @ @ @ @ .
Since Tuesday midnight , Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire .

Since midnight, Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire.
Russia's hybrid military forces on January 20 mounted 10 attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA) and another one as wounded in action (WIA).
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 10 times on January 20. One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another one was wounded as a result of enemy shelling," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said in an update posted on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 21.
Read alsoUkraine to appeal to Normandy Four states over intensified shelling in Donbas – FM Prystaiko
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The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 120mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Maryinka, and the villages of Pavlopil, Opytne, Vodiane, Novotroyitske, Travneve, Luhanske, and Orikhove.
Since Tuesday midnight, Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire.


unian--2020-01-21--Russian passports issued to orphans in occupied Donbas

Ukraine has not yet developed procedures for replacing such passports with Ukrainian documents .
Orphans in the occupied territories of Donbas are issued unrecognized `` LPR-DPR '' passports , as well as those of the Russian Federation .
One of local TV channels , controlled by occupation authorities , aired a story about six students of a Dovzhansk boarding school , who recently , upon reaching the relevant age , obtained Russian passports and also identification documents of the self-styled `` Luhansk People 's Republic '' , unrecognized by the international community , RFE/RL reports .
Liudmyla Volynets , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former adoption specialist with the Office of the Presidential Commissioner for Children 's Rights , explains : since `` passportization '' has long begun in these occupied territories , orphans do receive so-called `` LPR-DPR '' IDs .
Read alsoPutin extends simplified Russian citizenship rules to all residents of Donetsk , Luhansk regions So far , however , Ukraine has not developed a procedure for replacing said documents with Ukrainian passports .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federations said almost 200,000 residents of the occupied Donbas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expedited naturalization procedure .
Ukraine 's Foreign Ministry earlier said in a statement that such streamlined passportization of Donbas residents by the Russian side is undisguised interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine as an independent and sovereign state and a serious threat to security throughout the European continent .

Ukraine has not yet developed procedures for replacing such passports with Ukrainian documents.
Orphans in the occupied territories of Donbas are issued unrecognized "LPR-DPR" passports, as well as those of the Russian Federation.
One of local TV channels, controlled by occupation authorities, aired a story about six students of a Dovzhansk boarding school, who recently, upon reaching the relevant age, obtained Russian passports and also identification documents of the self-styled "Luhansk People's Republic", unrecognized by the international community, RFE/RL reports.
Liudmyla Volynets, an expert on children's rights, a former adoption specialist with the Office of the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights, explains: since "passportization" has long begun in these occupied territories, orphans do receive so-called "LPR-DPR" IDs.
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Read alsoPutin extends simplified Russian citizenship rules to all residents of Donetsk, Luhansk regions
So far, however, Ukraine has not developed a procedure for replacing said documents with Ukrainian passports.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federations said almost 200,000 residents of the occupied Donbas in 2019 received Russian passports under the expedited naturalization procedure.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry earlier said in a statement that such streamlined passportization of Donbas residents by the Russian side is undisguised interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine as an independent and sovereign state and a serious threat to security throughout the European continent.


unian--2020-01-22--New Serbian Ambassador to Ukraine arrives in Kyiv

He handed over copies of his credentials to Ukraine 's deputy foreign minister .
New Ambassador of Serbia to Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv .
`` Deputy Foreign Minister Vasyl Bodnar has accepted copies of the credentials from @ @ @ @ @ '' Ukraine 's Foreign Ministry said on Twitter on January 21 .
`` The Deputy @ @ @ @ @ stepping up Ukrainian-Serbian dialogue and for Serbia 's more active position in support of the @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , '' it said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , a delegation from Russian-occupied @ @ @ @ @ the Serbian parliament during their visit to Belgrade on December 4-7 .
The envoys of @ @ @ @ @ '' also took part in a conference titled `` The Belgrade Dialogue : for Constructive @ @ @ @ @ Recognition of the Crimean People 's Will . ''
Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs @ @ @ @ @ the recent visit of representatives of the occupying administration in Crimea to Belgrade and their @ @ @ @ @

He handed over copies of his credentials to Ukraine's deputy foreign minister.
New Ambassador of Serbia to Ukraine Aca Jovanovic has arrived in Kyiv.
"Deputy Foreign Minister Vasyl Bodnar has accepted copies of the credentials from Serbian Ambassador Aca Jovanovic," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said on Twitter on January 21.
"The Deputy Minister expressed the hope for stepping up Ukrainian-Serbian dialogue and for Serbia's more active position in support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," it said.
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Read alsoSerbian Foreign Ministry comments on Crimean occupation administration envoys' visit to Serbia
As UNIAN reported earlier, a delegation from Russian-occupied Crimea met with deputies of the Serbian parliament during their visit to Belgrade on December 4-7. The envoys of the so-called "Crimean authorities" also took part in a conference titled "The Belgrade Dialogue: for Constructive Relations with Russia and the Recognition of the Crimean People's Will."
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its deep concern about the recent visit of representatives of the occupying administration in Crimea to Belgrade and their participation in official events.


unian--2020-01-21--Transportation of passengers by rail between Ukraine and EU 15% up in 2019

The railway service between Kyiv and Poland 's Przemysl is among the most popular routes .
The transportation of passengers @ @ @ @ @ the European Union in 2019 increased by 14.9 % compared to 2018 , up to @ @ @ @ @ , over 482,000 passengers traveled between Kyiv and Przemysl ( Poland ) last year , @ @ @ @ @ and No .
705/706 , the Ukrainian Railways ( Ukrzaliznytsia ) said .
Other popular @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv – Poland 's Warsaw – Kyiv , which was used by 61,000 passengers , @ @ @ @ @ Przemysl – Odesa ( 59,000 passengers ) and No .
31/32 Kyiv – Latvia 's @ @ @ @ @ .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the transportation of passengers by rail between Ukraine and @ @ @ @ @ by 1.8 times in 2018 from 2017 , 676,000 passengers .

Transportation of passengers by rail between Ukraine and EU 15% up in 2019
23:59, 21.01.20 710
The railway service between Kyiv and Poland's Przemysl is among the most popular routes.
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unian--2020-01-21--Ukrainian PM Honcharuk promises "good news" after Davos Forum

He plans to meet with EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk says a Ukrainian delegation will @ @ @ @ @ from the World Economic Forum , which is currently being held in Davos , Switzerland @ @ @ @ @ series of important bilateral meetings with international businesses on facilities for investment and on the @ @ @ @ @ to ensure a proper business environment in Ukraine , '' he said on Facebook on @ @ @ @ @ set to help Ukrainian businesses develop tourism in 2020 '' In addition , I plan @ @ @ @ @ , in particular , with Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti @ @ @ @ @ we 'll be back from Davos with good news . ''
The prime minister did @ @ @ @ @ .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland , @ @ @ @ @ will last until January 24 .
Honcharuk is on a working visit to Davos on @ @ @ @ @ .

Ukrainian PM Honcharuk promises "good news" after Davos Forum
22:50, 21.01.20 5097
He plans to meet with EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti.
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unian--2020-01-21--The New York Times: First Wuhan coronavirus patient identified in the United States

The outbreak began at a market in China and now has spread to at least four other countries .
A person in Washington State is infected with the Wuhan coronavirus , the first confirmed case in the United States of a mysterious respiratory infection that has killed at least six people and sickened hundreds more in Asia .
The man is a resident of Snohomish County , Wash. , who experienced symptoms after returning from a trip to the region around Wuhan , China , where the outbreak began , The New York Times reported .
He was hospitalized with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus was confirmed on Monday afternoon .
Local officials declined to identify the patient , who was said to be quite ill. News of the first case in the United States comes amid growing evidence that the virus spreads from person to person , although it is not clear how easily .
The outbreak , which began in a seafood and poultry market in Wuhan , a city of 11 million , is spreading : Patients have been identified in Beijing , Shanghai and Shenzhen , as well as Taiwan , Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , Chinese authorities confirmed that six people have died of the infection in Wuhan .
Nearly 300 cases have been reported to date in China .
Many of the patients lived in or traveled to Wuhan .

The outbreak began at a market in China and now has spread to at least four other countries.
A person in Washington State is infected with the Wuhan coronavirus, the first confirmed case in the United States of a mysterious respiratory infection that has killed at least six people and sickened hundreds more in Asia.
The man is a resident of Snohomish County, Wash., who experienced symptoms after returning from a trip to the region around Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began, The New York Times reported.
Read alsoChina sentences ex-Interpol chief to 13 years in jail
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He was hospitalized with pneumonia last week, and infection with the coronavirus was confirmed on Monday afternoon. Local officials declined to identify the patient, who was said to be quite ill.
News of the first case in the United States comes amid growing evidence that the virus spreads from person to person, although it is not clear how easily.
The outbreak, which began in a seafood and poultry market in Wuhan, a city of 11 million, is spreading: Patients have been identified in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, as well as Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and South Korea.
On Tuesday, Chinese authorities confirmed that six people have died of the infection in Wuhan. Nearly 300 cases have been reported to date in China. Many of the patients lived in or traveled to Wuhan.


unian--2020-01-21--Some 64% of Ukrainians support accession to EU – poll

Most European Union integration advocates live in the western and central regions of Ukraine .
Almost two-thirds of Ukrainians ( 64 % ) believe that Ukraine 's main integration focus area should be accession to the European Union , according to the findings of a poll conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Center made public at a press conference , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
The subject of the press event is `` The 101st Anniversary of Ukraine 's Unity : What Unites and Separates the Ukrainians Most . ''
However , 13 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Eurasian Economic Union , while 23 % are still undecided .
The shares of EU accession advocates are the highest in the country 's western and central regions , 90 % and 70 % , respectively .
The number of supporters for EU membership also prevails in the south ( 44 % ) and the east ( 43 % ) of Ukraine .
However , certain groups of citizens also speak in favor of joining the Eurasian Economic Union ( 23 % in the south and 24 % in the east ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 33 % in the south and the east each ) .
`` Since 2013 , the share of citizens supporting EU membership has grown from 46 % in December 2013 to 57 % in December 2014 , gradually increasing to 64 % in December 2019 .
At the same time , the share of those who support joining the Customs Union of Russia , Belarus and Kazakhstan sharply decreased : from 36 % in 2013 to 16 % in 2014 , continuing to decline to 13 % in December 2019 , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide survey was conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Center on December 13-18 , 2019 , in all regions of Ukraine , except for Crimea and the occupied areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
A total of 2,017 respondents aged 18 and older were interviewed .
The theoretical margin of error does not exceed 2.3 % .

Most European Union integration advocates live in the western and central regions of Ukraine.
Almost two-thirds of Ukrainians (64%) believe that Ukraine's main integration focus area should be accession to the European Union, according to the findings of a poll conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Center made public at a press conference, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
The subject of the press event is "The 101st Anniversary of Ukraine's Unity: What Unites and Separates the Ukrainians Most."
Read alsoPoll: 51% of Ukrainians stand for Ukraine joining NATO
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However, 13% of respondents support Ukraine's accession to the Eurasian Economic Union, while 23% are still undecided.
The shares of EU accession advocates are the highest in the country's western and central regions, 90% and 70%, respectively.
The number of supporters for EU membership also prevails in the south (44%) and the east (43%) of Ukraine. However, certain groups of citizens also speak in favor of joining the Eurasian Economic Union (23% in the south and 24% in the east). Significant shares of respondents remain undecided (33% in the south and the east each).
"Since 2013, the share of citizens supporting EU membership has grown from 46% in December 2013 to 57% in December 2014, gradually increasing to 64% in December 2019. At the same time, the share of those who support joining the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan sharply decreased: from 36% in 2013 to 16% in 2014, continuing to decline to 13% in December 2019," the relevant press release said.
A nationwide survey was conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Center on December 13-18, 2019, in all regions of Ukraine, except for Crimea and the occupied areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. A total of 2,017 respondents aged 18 and older were interviewed. The theoretical margin of error does not exceed 2.3%.


unian--2020-01-21--UAH 3,000 vs UAH 8 bln: Deposit Guarantee Fund fails to sell VAB Bank assets

Former VAB owner Oleg Bakhmatyuk offered to repay about UAH 8 billion in the bank 's debt to the budget .
Ukraine 's Deposit Guarantee Fund has held an auction to sell a pool of assets belong to OJSC VAB Bank .
With the estimated value of the lot being UAH 5.85 billion , the Fund has failed to sell it at even 80 % lower , and the only deal was the sale of a plot of land for ... UAH 3,200 .
Meanwhile , ex-owner of the bank Oleg Bakhmatyuk offered to pay off the bank 's debt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about UAH 8 billion .
The Dutch model was used during the auction , which was held via LLC First Financial Network Ukraine 's platform to sell VAB Bank 's assets put up by the Deposit Guarantee Fund for sale .
The auction yielded virtually no any results .
Buyers showed no interest in the lot consisting of 113 loans and three positions of accounts receivable from agricultural enterprises , including a health center and other property complexes , a confectionery workshop and commercial real estate facility despite the conditions of sale at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion with the starting price set at UAH 5.86 billion .
The only deal concluded was the sale of property rights to a plot of land in Zakarpattia region with an area of 0.0024 ha for UAH 3,200 .
This was announced by the Deposit Guarantee Fund on OJSC VAB Bank 's website , the Ukrainian News Agency said .
Meanwhile , the state may have the bank 's debts reimbursed in the amount of about UAH 8 billion , which was repeatedly proposed by Oleg Bakhmatyuk , the former owner of VAB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restructuring model .
Yet , the offer has not yet received a response from the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) and the Deposit Guarantee Fund .
VAB Bank 's credit rating was 'uaAA ' ( very high reliability in the long run ) , the bank was withdrawn from the market along with most Ukrainian banks during the so-called Ukrainian banking system 's purge – a large-scale campaign to liquidate banks in keeping with the NBU 's decision in 2014 .
Last fall , the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Deputy Governor Oleksandr ] Pyrasurk-Bakhmatyuk case , which concerns the alleged misuse of a stabilization loan issued by the NBU to VAB Bank , although the refinancing funds were spent by the bank under the NBU 's strict control and on payments to depositors only .
VAB Bank 's ex-owner himself initiates the repayment of the loan under the procedure agreed with the state .

Former VAB owner Oleg Bakhmatyuk offered to repay about UAH 8 billion in the bank's debt to the budget.
Ukraine's Deposit Guarantee Fund has held an auction to sell a pool of assets belong to OJSC VAB Bank. With the estimated value of the lot being UAH 5.85 billion, the Fund has failed to sell it at even 80% lower, and the only deal was the sale of a plot of land for ... UAH 3,200. Meanwhile, ex-owner of the bank Oleg Bakhmatyuk offered to pay off the bank's debt to the budget in the amount of about UAH 8 billion.
The Dutch model was used during the auction, which was held via LLC First Financial Network Ukraine's platform to sell VAB Bank's assets put up by the Deposit Guarantee Fund for sale. The auction yielded virtually no any results. Buyers showed no interest in the lot consisting of 113 loans and three positions of accounts receivable from agricultural enterprises, including a health center and other property complexes, a confectionery workshop and commercial real estate facility despite the conditions of sale at the lowest price – for UAH 1.17 billion with the starting price set at UAH 5.86 billion.
The only deal concluded was the sale of property rights to a plot of land in Zakarpattia region with an area of 0.0024 ha for UAH 3,200. This was announced by the Deposit Guarantee Fund on OJSC VAB Bank's website, the Ukrainian News Agency said.
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Meanwhile, the state may have the bank's debts reimbursed in the amount of about UAH 8 billion, which was repeatedly proposed by Oleg Bakhmatyuk, the former owner of VAB Bank, with the use of a restructuring model. Yet, the offer has not yet received a response from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) and the Deposit Guarantee Fund.
VAB Bank's credit rating was 'uaAA' (very high reliability in the long run), the bank was withdrawn from the market along with most Ukrainian banks during the so-called Ukrainian banking system's purge – a large-scale campaign to liquidate banks in keeping with the NBU's decision in 2014. Last fall, the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) opened the so-called [NBU First Deputy Governor Oleksandr] Pyrasurk-Bakhmatyuk case, which concerns the alleged misuse of a stabilization loan issued by the NBU to VAB Bank, although the refinancing funds were spent by the bank under the NBU's strict control and on payments to depositors only. VAB Bank's ex-owner himself initiates the repayment of the loan under the procedure agreed with the state.


unian--2020-01-21--RFE/RL: Ukraine sending its youngest research team to Antarctica in March

Ukraine bought the research base from Britain in 1996 for 1 pound .
Ukraine is sending its youngest ever expeditionary team to Antarctica in March , the Ministry of Education and Science said .
The average age of the 25th Ukrainian Antarctic expedition is 37 years .
The 12-person team will be based at the Vernadskiy Research Base , which Ukraine bought from Britain in 1996 for 1 pound , Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty ( RFE/RL ) reported .
Read alsoSurveying Ukrainian attitudes toward climate change : 84 % see the difference '' We want to give young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their scientific potential , '' Yevhen Dykiy , head of the ministry 's National Antarctic Center said in in a press release on January 20 .
`` And for the same reason , half of the staff are 'newcomers , ' meaning they will go to Antarctica for the first time this year . ''
The expedition consists of seven scientists , a doctor , a cook , a systems mechanic , a diesel electrician engineer , and a system communications administrator .
Two members of the team are women .
Yuriy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antarctic Center , will lead the expedition and it will be his sixth winter at the research base .

Ukraine bought the research base from Britain in 1996 for 1 pound.
Ukraine is sending its youngest ever expeditionary team to Antarctica in March, the Ministry of Education and Science said.
The average age of the 25th Ukrainian Antarctic expedition is 37 years. The 12-person team will be based at the Vernadskiy Research Base, which Ukraine bought from Britain in 1996 for 1 pound, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported.
Read alsoSurveying Ukrainian attitudes toward climate change: 84% see the difference
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"We want to give young people as much chance to further themselves and their scientific potential," Yevhen Dykiy, head of the ministry's National Antarctic Center said in in a press release on January 20. "And for the same reason, half of the staff are 'newcomers,' meaning they will go to Antarctica for the first time this year."
The expedition consists of seven scientists, a doctor, a cook, a systems mechanic, a diesel electrician engineer, and a system communications administrator.
Two members of the team are women.
Yuriy Otrub, a specialist at the National Antarctic Center, will lead the expedition and it will be his sixth winter at the research base.


unian--2020-01-21--Justice Ministry publishes lists of most popular, unusual baby names in central Ukraine in 2019

In 2019 , Ukrainian authorities issued 32,634 birth certificates to babies born in the city of Kyiv .
The Ukrainian Ministry of Justice has published lists of the most popular and unusual names parents in central Ukraine called their newborns last year .
The top names for baby girls in the city of Kyiv were Solomiya , Maria , Varvara , Milana , Arina ; those for baby boys were Oleksandr , Dmytro , Matviy , Mark , the ministry 's central interregional department said .
Read alsoUkraine 's population declines to 41.92 mln as of Dec 1 – statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Veronika , Yeva , Viktoria , Anna , Diana for girls and Bohdan , Maksym , Tymofiy , Nazar , and Ivan for boys .
Parents in Kyiv region often called their daughters Anhelina , Alisa , Valeria , Kateryna , Myroslava , Solomiya and Sofia .
Popular names for boys were Denys , Yehor , Zakhar , Makar , Nazar , Oleh , and Roman .
There is also a trend for unusual baby names .
In particular , parents in the city of Kyiv chose such names for baby girls as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ahata , Hlafira , Herda , Fiona , Feya .
Unusual names for baby boys were Feliks , Savvatiy , Anhel , Dimitr , Ilay , Spartak .
A list of unusual names in Kyiv region included Ahunik , Khaulia , Diomersi , Layan , Oriyana ( girls ) and Azariy , Alimpiy , Alikhan , Wildan , Dovud , Straton , Robin , Umut ( boys ) .
The unusual names Cherkasy region 's parents called their kids were Zolushka ( Cinderella ) , Iya , Lada , Marselina , Sevil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hraf , Isai , and Nelei ( boys ) .
In 2019 , Ukrainian authorities issued 32,634 birth certificates to babies born in the city of Kyiv , 14,361 birth certificates in Kyiv region , and 7,672 in Cherkasy region .

In 2019, Ukrainian authorities issued 32,634 birth certificates to babies born in the city of Kyiv.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Justice has published lists of the most popular and unusual names parents in central Ukraine called their newborns last year.
The top names for baby girls in the city of Kyiv were Solomiya, Maria, Varvara, Milana, Arina; those for baby boys were Oleksandr, Dmytro, Matviy, Mark, the ministry's central interregional department said.
Read alsoUkraine's population declines to 41.92 mln as of Dec 1 – statistics
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The top list in Cherkasy region included Veronika, Yeva, Viktoria, Anna, Diana for girls and Bohdan, Maksym, Tymofiy, Nazar, and Ivan for boys.
Parents in Kyiv region often called their daughters Anhelina, Alisa, Valeria, Kateryna, Myroslava, Solomiya and Sofia. Popular names for boys were Denys, Yehor, Zakhar, Makar, Nazar, Oleh, and Roman.
There is also a trend for unusual baby names. In particular, parents in the city of Kyiv chose such names for baby girls as Oresta, Frota, Annael, Vlana, Ahata, Hlafira, Herda, Fiona, Feya. Unusual names for baby boys were Feliks, Savvatiy, Anhel, Dimitr, Ilay, Spartak.
A list of unusual names in Kyiv region included Ahunik, Khaulia, Diomersi, Layan, Oriyana (girls) and Azariy, Alimpiy, Alikhan, Wildan, Dovud, Straton, Robin, Umut (boys).
The unusual names Cherkasy region's parents called their kids were Zolushka (Cinderella), Iya, Lada, Marselina, Sevil, Teona (girls) and Brian, Hraf, Isai, and Nelei (boys).
In 2019, Ukrainian authorities issued 32,634 birth certificates to babies born in the city of Kyiv, 14,361 birth certificates in Kyiv region, and 7,672 in Cherkasy region.


unian--2020-01-21--Almost 70% of Ukrainians oppose granting Russian language official status – poll

At the same time , they believe Russian language should see no restrictions in citizens ' private communications .
The majority of Ukrainians believe Ukrainian must remain the only official language – this opinion is shared by 69 % of respondents , while only 15 % support the status of the Russian language as official in some regions of Ukraine , and 12 % say Russian should be the second official language , according to a nationwide survey conducted by Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Ukrainian Centre for Economic and Political Studies named after Oleksandr Razumkov .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language should see no restrictions in citizens ' private communications , an UNIAN correspondent reported from a Kyiv presser .
`` There are significant regional differences on the issue : the Ukrainian language as the only official one is unequivocally supported in the western region ( 92 % ) , where only 4 % of respondents support the status of Russian as an official language , and less than 1 % support it as a second official language , '' the survey says .
Read alsoMost citizens say officials must speak Ukrainian during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only official one is also supported in the central region ( 77 % ) , the status of Russian as an official language is backed by 12 % , and only 4 % of respondents stand for Russian as the second official language .
In the southern region , 51 % of respondents support the status of Russian as the language of everyday communication and the recognition of Ukrainian as the only official language , 27 % as the official language in certain regions , and 14 % as the second state language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant status of the Russian language is backed in the eastern regions , where support for Russian as language of communication in private life while recognizing Ukrainian as the state language also prevails , but 24 % stand for the possibility of Russian as the official language in the regions , and 31 % are in favor of Russian becoming the second official language , '' reads the report .
*** The survey was conducted on December 13-18 , 2019 among 2,017 respondents over 18 in all regions of Ukraine ( except the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Autonomous Republic Crimea and Sevastopol ) .
The margin of error does not exceed 2.3 % .

At the same time, they believe Russian language should see no restrictions in citizens' private communications.
The majority of Ukrainians believe Ukrainian must remain the only official language – this opinion is shared by 69% of respondents, while only 15% support the status of the Russian language as official in some regions of Ukraine, and 12% say Russian should be the second official language, according to a nationwide survey conducted by Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Ukrainian Centre for Economic and Political Studies named after Oleksandr Razumkov.
At the same time, they believe Russian language should see no restrictions in citizens' private communications, an UNIAN correspondent reported from a Kyiv presser.
"There are significant regional differences on the issue: the Ukrainian language as the only official one is unequivocally supported in the western region (92%), where only 4% of respondents support the status of Russian as an official language, and less than 1% support it as a second official language," the survey says.
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Read alsoMost citizens say officials must speak Ukrainian during working hours
The Ukrainian language as the only official one is also supported in the central region (77%), the status of Russian as an official language is backed by 12%, and only 4% of respondents stand for Russian as the second official language.
In the southern region, 51% of respondents support the status of Russian as the language of everyday communication and the recognition of Ukrainian as the only official language, 27% as the official language in certain regions, and 14% as the second state language.
"Most of all, the significant status of the Russian language is backed in the eastern regions, where support for Russian as language of communication in private life while recognizing Ukrainian as the state language also prevails, but 24% stand for the possibility of Russian as the official language in the regions, and 31% are in favor of Russian becoming the second official language," reads the report.
*** The survey was conducted on December 13-18, 2019 among 2,017 respondents over 18 in all regions of Ukraine (except the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Autonomous Republic Crimea and Sevastopol). The margin of error does not exceed 2.3%.


unian--2020-01-21--Ukraine's economy ministry plans to increase share of renewable energy to 70% in 30 years

Today , renewables in Ukraine account for 5 % of the total generation .
Ukrainian Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection Oleksiy Orzhel says the ministry plans to increase the share of energy generated from alternative sources up to 70 % over the next 30 years .
`` We say that the share of renewable energy should be about 70 % by 2050 .
We have estimates , various charts , and scenarios for the implementation of this target .
The most important thing is that the development [ of the sector ] must be economically viable , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` green '' energy transition concept by 2050 , as reported by Ukrainian news outlet Hromadske on January 21 .
The minister added that `` abuse in the field of alternative energy '' , in particular , excessive `` green '' ( feed-in ) tariffs for renewable generation , should be ceased in Ukraine .
According to Orzhel , even without a feed-in tariff , investment in renewables is more profitable than that in traditional generation .
Today , renewables in Ukraine account for 5 % of the total generation .
Capacity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renewable energy plants built in 2019 totaled 4.5 GW , which was almost twice that of all `` green '' power plants operating in Ukraine as of early 2019 .

Ukraine's economy ministry plans to increase share of renewable energy to 70% in 30 years
16:20, 21.01.20 751
Today, renewables in Ukraine account for 5% of the total generation.
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unian--2020-01-21--Poll: 51% of Ukrainians stand for Ukraine joining NATO

Some 26 % are in favor of non-aligned status , while support for the military alliance with Russia and other CIS countries is 6 % .
A total of 51 % of Ukrainians believe that joining NATO is the best security option for Ukraine .
According to a nationwide survey conducted by Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Ukrainian Centre for Economic and Political Studies named after Oleksandr Razumkov , this is `` the highest share in all polls ever conducted , '' an UNIAN correspondent reports .
`` Some 26 % are in favor of non-aligned status , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia and other CIS countries stands at a 6 % , '' the study says .
Read alsoMost citizens say officials must speak Ukrainian during working hours The poll shows there are significant regional differences on the issue : NATO membership is supported in the western ( 80 % ) and central ( 54 % ) regions , while southern ( 42 % ) and eastern ( 43 % ) parts of Ukraine opt for Ukraine 's neutral status .
At the same time , in the eastern regions of Ukraine , only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia and other CIS states the best option for ensuring Ukraine 's security .
At the same time , about a third of the population in south and east ( 34 % and 29 % , respectively ) stand for Ukraine 's accession to NATO .
*** The survey was conducted on December 13-18 , 2019 among 2,017 respondents over 18 in all regions of Ukraine ( except the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions , the Autonomous Republic Crimea and Sevastopol ) .
The margin of error does not exceed 2.3 @ @

Some 26% are in favor of non-aligned status, while support for the military alliance with Russia and other CIS countries is 6%.
A total of 51% of Ukrainians believe that joining NATO is the best security option for Ukraine.
According to a nationwide survey conducted by Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Ukrainian Centre for Economic and Political Studies named after Oleksandr Razumkov, this is "the highest share in all polls ever conducted," an UNIAN correspondent reports.
"Some 26% are in favor of non-aligned status, while support for the military alliance with Russia and other CIS countries stands at a 6%," the study says.
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Read alsoMost citizens say officials must speak Ukrainian during working hours
The poll shows there are significant regional differences on the issue: NATO membership is supported in the western (80%) and central (54%) regions, while southern (42%) and eastern (43%) parts of Ukraine opt for Ukraine's neutral status. At the same time, in the eastern regions of Ukraine, only 13% consider the military alliance with Russia and other CIS states the best option for ensuring Ukraine's security.
At the same time, about a third of the population in south and east (34% and 29%, respectively) stand for Ukraine's accession to NATO.
*** The survey was conducted on December 13-18, 2019 among 2,017 respondents over 18 in all regions of Ukraine (except the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Autonomous Republic Crimea and Sevastopol). The margin of error does not exceed 2.3%.


unian--2020-01-21--Trump's team seeing Ukraine as easy mark "bad miscalculation" – media

The team 's pitch presumed that familiarity with corruption had left Ukraine unsophisticated with it .
U.S. President Donald Trump 's acolytes felt perhaps that Ukraine was an easy place for a shakedown .
Addled by corruption and poverty , it may have seemed accustomed – even open – to explicit acts of what some would later call bribery .
A pushover .
As Trump 's impeachment trial begins Tuesday – launched after a months-long pressure campaign to get Ukraine to investigate a political rival – it 's obvious this was a glaring miscalculation , CNN reports .
First was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being screwed over by power , especially by Moscow – their former imperial master reluctant always to surrender their fiefdoms .
Even Trump 's own national security advisor at the time , John Bolton , once reportedly referred to the push for Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son as a `` drug deal . ''
`` Imagine this is your first real interaction with the world 's only superpower : its commander-in-chief trying -- on the presidential hotline -- to persuade you to investigate his political rival 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military aid you thought you already had , and that you existentially need to fight off an overbearing , invading neighbor ( one that is very chummy with the guy in White House on the other end of the line ) , '' the report reads , adding that it was also `` amateur '' as corruption in the former Soviet Union is not a walk-on experience .
Read alsoRFE/RL : Pompeo says U.S. will look into claims former Ukraine ambassador was followed '' You do n't just blunder in with a suitcase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the deal sealed with a handshake .
It is deeply local , about simmering allegiances , family loathings and old enemies , and often so complex it becomes impenetrable even to insiders .
Foreigners usually lack any grasp of these sensitivities , '' CNN wrote .
The Trump team 's pitch presumed that familiarity with corruption had left Ukraine unsophisticated with it ; that a ghastly 15-year struggle for independence and the end of post-Soviet murk meant that an inexperienced president , who had only ever played politics in a fictional TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate Hunter Biden on demand .
If anyone needs further evidence the Trump team were shopping in the wrong neighborhood , compare the reactions of Americans to Ukrainians on being exposed .
Most Ukrainian officials have simply disappeared , rarely being doorstepped by reporters and offering little more dirt to ladle onto the mess , Zelensky saying almost nothing about it .
Trump 's acolytes could almost not stop talking for a while , with Trump 's personal attorney , Rudy Giuliani , even raising the dark matter of an `` insurance '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read also '' I do n't trust any word he is now saying '' : FM Prystaiko on Giuliani associate 's statements on Ukraine The art of corruption in post-Soviet countries is to pretend that it could n't possibly exist ; that only your government salary and former prowess as a businessman mean you can afford to send your son to Eton and house your mistress above Central Park .
These Americans were just a comedy troupe , bringing squirting roses to a corruption masterclass .
And so it is perhaps fitting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way – the U.S. military aid still flows .
Zelensky is still president , seemingly able to watch this bullet fly past him .
Ukrainians are left asking : what was all that ?
before returning to their real quotidian woes .
And the only pertinent investigation we have seen opened by Ukraine ?
One into the alleged surveillance of the U.S .
Ambassador who fought back , and who Trump seemed to have removed : Marie Yovanovitch , whose parents fled the Soviets and the Nazis , who grew up speaking Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of 18 .
`` Ukraine was meant to be an easy mark , but just spat the drug deal back out , '' the report concludes .

The team's pitch presumed that familiarity with corruption had left Ukraine unsophisticated with it.
U.S. President Donald Trump's acolytes felt perhaps that Ukraine was an easy place for a shakedown. Addled by corruption and poverty, it may have seemed accustomed – even open – to explicit acts of what some would later call bribery. A pushover.
As Trump's impeachment trial begins Tuesday – launched after a months-long pressure campaign to get Ukraine to investigate a political rival – it's obvious this was a glaring miscalculation, CNN reports.
First was the cynicism. Ukrainians are used to being screwed over by power, especially by Moscow – their former imperial master reluctant always to surrender their fiefdoms.
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Even Trump's own national security advisor at the time, John Bolton, once reportedly referred to the push for Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son as a "drug deal."
"Imagine this is your first real interaction with the world's only superpower: its commander-in-chief trying -- on the presidential hotline -- to persuade you to investigate his political rival's son. In exchange you get US military aid you thought you already had, and that you existentially need to fight off an overbearing, invading neighbor (one that is very chummy with the guy in White House on the other end of the line)," the report reads, adding that it was also "amateur" as corruption in the former Soviet Union is not a walk-on experience.
Read alsoRFE/RL: Pompeo says U.S. will look into claims former Ukraine ambassador was followed
"You don't just blunder in with a suitcase of cash and leave 10 minutes later, the deal sealed with a handshake. It is deeply local, about simmering allegiances, family loathings and old enemies, and often so complex it becomes impenetrable even to insiders. Foreigners usually lack any grasp of these sensitivities," CNN wrote.
The Trump team's pitch presumed that familiarity with corruption had left Ukraine unsophisticated with it; that a ghastly 15-year struggle for independence and the end of post-Soviet murk meant that an inexperienced president, who had only ever played politics in a fictional TV series, would just roll over and investigate Hunter Biden on demand.
If anyone needs further evidence the Trump team were shopping in the wrong neighborhood, compare the reactions of Americans to Ukrainians on being exposed. Most Ukrainian officials have simply disappeared, rarely being doorstepped by reporters and offering little more dirt to ladle onto the mess, Zelensky saying almost nothing about it. Trump's acolytes could almost not stop talking for a while, with Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, even raising the dark matter of an "insurance" policy he had somewhere, somehow.
Read also"I don't trust any word he is now saying": FM Prystaiko on Giuliani associate's statements on Ukraine
The art of corruption in post-Soviet countries is to pretend that it couldn't possibly exist; that only your government salary and former prowess as a businessman mean you can afford to send your son to Eton and house your mistress above Central Park. These Americans were just a comedy troupe, bringing squirting roses to a corruption masterclass.
And so it is perhaps fitting that – as Trump's trial gets under way – the U.S. military aid still flows. Zelensky is still president, seemingly able to watch this bullet fly past him. Ukrainians are left asking: what was all that? before returning to their real quotidian woes. And the only pertinent investigation we have seen opened by Ukraine? One into the alleged surveillance of the U.S. Ambassador who fought back, and who Trump seemed to have removed: Marie Yovanovitch, whose parents fled the Soviets and the Nazis, who grew up speaking Russian and became an American citizen at the age of 18.
"Ukraine was meant to be an easy mark, but just spat the drug deal back out," the report concludes.


unian--2020-01-21--National Bank reveals Ukraine's reserves structure

The regulator says such a reserve structure is fully in line with world practice .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has published the structure of Ukraine 's reserves , saying it invested 84 % of Ukraine 's international reserves in securities with a high international rating , including U.S. AAA-rated government bonds .
`` Thanks to the National Bank 's build-up of international reserves in recent years , their volume today is sufficient both to ensure current payments on state debt in foreign currency and to conduct foreign exchange interventions on the interbank forex market to maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook on January 20 .
Cash reserves , deposits , and funds in correspondent accounts with other central banks and first-class commercial banks take up about 11 % , while the rest is monetary gold , the NBU said .
The National Bank emphasized that such a reserve structure is fully in line with world practice .
In managing the reserves , the regulator adheres to the principles of reliability , liquidity , and profitability , increasing reserves in a favorable situation on the domestic forex market , analyzing trends in global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliable instruments .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the central bank in 2018 bought US $ 7.933 billion on the interbank forex market to replenish the country 's international reserves .
Ukraine 's international reserves in 2019 grew by 22 % , to US $ 25.3 billion as of January 1 , 2020 , having hit a seven-year high since December 2012 .

National Bank reveals Ukraine's reserves structure
15:20, 21.01.20 1084
The regulator says such a reserve structure is fully in line with world practice.
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unian--2020-01-21--Ukraine exports almost 34 mln tonnes of grain since July 1

Ukrainian farmers have already shipped 15.4 million tonnes of wheat abroad .
Ukrainian agribusinesses exported 33.87 million tonnes of grain from July 1 , 2019 , the start of the 2019-2020 marketing year ( MY ) , to January 21 , 2020 , which was 7.5 million tonnes up from the relevant period of MY 2018-2019 .
In particular , Ukraine exported 15.4 million tonnes of wheat , 3.8 million tonnes of barley , 14.8 million tonnes of maize , and 5,000 tonnes of rye , the Ukrainian Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture Ministry 's press service reported on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verge of historic reform in Ukraine Over the period under review , agrarians also shipped 207,200 tonnes of flour from wheat and other types of grain to foreign customers , which was 71,800 tonnes up against the relevant period of MY 2018-2019 , the report said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian farmers harvested 75 million tonnes of grain in 2019 , of which 54 million tonnes will be exported to foreign markets , according to the ministry .
The yield of grain was 70.1 million tonnes in 2018.Ukrainian agribusinesses in MY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was a record high over Ukraine 's independence .

Ukraine exports almost 34 mln tonnes of grain since July 1
15:00, 21.01.20 515
Ukrainian farmers have already shipped 15.4 million tonnes of wheat abroad.
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unian--2020-01-21--Notorious judge Vovk re-elected as head of Kyiv's District Administrative Court

The judge was a target of a corruption probe by NABU who also released recordings of his bugged communications with other officials .
Judge Pavlo Vovk on January 21 was re-elected as new Chairman of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv .
Thirty-nine votes have been cast in his favor , Sudovo-Yurydychna Hazeta reports .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Vovk had stepped down as Chairman of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv on August 1 .
The High Council of Justice dismissed the prosecutor general 's motion to deprive Vovk of the functions of administering justice in connection with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read alsoChairman of District Administrative Court of Kyiv on vacation pending corruption probe UNIAN memo .
On July 26 , records of wiretapped communications were published on the website of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine , pointing to the unlawful interference of judges of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv in the work of the Higher Qualification Commission of Judges , which included creating obstacles to the qualification assessment of judges of the said court for compliance with the position held .
During the vetting , it 's not only the level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also the origin of the judges ' property and their involvement in corruption scandals .
On the same day , NABU raided the Court 's premises .
Serhiy Horbatiuk of the PGO said that the unlawful influence of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv was recorded on decision-making by the Constitutional Court , the High Qualification Commission of Judges , the High Council of Justice , as well as the impact on the operations of Ukraine 's ministries , departments , and the State Bureau of Investigation .
On August 2 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chair Pavlo Vovk , judges Yevhen Ablov and Ihor Pohribnychenko , as well as the judge of the Suvorov district court of Odesa , Ivan Shepitko , all of whom appear in the NABU wiretaps .
In November , Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka said the investigation against Vovk had been completed and the case was forwarded to court .

The judge was a target of a corruption probe by NABU who also released recordings of his bugged communications with other officials.
Judge Pavlo Vovk on January 21 was re-elected as new Chairman of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv.
Thirty-nine votes have been cast in his favor, Sudovo-Yurydychna Hazeta reports.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Vovk had stepped down as Chairman of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv on August 1.
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The High Council of Justice dismissed the prosecutor general's motion to deprive Vovk of the functions of administering justice in connection with the ongoing criminal proceeding targeting him.
Read alsoChairman of District Administrative Court of Kyiv on vacation pending corruption probe
UNIAN memo. On July 26, records of wiretapped communications were published on the website of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine, pointing to the unlawful interference of judges of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv in the work of the Higher Qualification Commission of Judges, which included creating obstacles to the qualification assessment of judges of the said court for compliance with the position held. During the vetting, it's not only the level of professional skills is checked, but also the origin of the judges' property and their involvement in corruption scandals.
On the same day, NABU raided the Court's premises. Serhiy Horbatiuk of the PGO said that the unlawful influence of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv was recorded on decision-making by the Constitutional Court, the High Qualification Commission of Judges, the High Council of Justice, as well as the impact on the operations of Ukraine's ministries, departments, and the State Bureau of Investigation.
On August 2, the Prosecutor General's Office filed charges against Chair Pavlo Vovk, judges Yevhen Ablov and Ihor Pohribnychenko, as well as the judge of the Suvorov district court of Odesa, Ivan Shepitko, all of whom appear in the NABU wiretaps.
In November, Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka said the investigation against Vovk had been completed and the case was forwarded to court.


unian--2020-01-22--Deposit Guarantee Fund selling VAB Bank assets for US$8.2 mln while it could get US$330 mln from ex-

Deposit Guarantee Fund selling VAB Bank assets for US$8.2 mln while it could get US$330 mln from ex-owner

Ex-owner of the bank Oleg Bakhmatyuk is offering to return UAH 8 billion ( US $ 330 million ) , while no response has been received yet from the Fund and the National Bank .
Ukraine 's Deposit Guarantee Fund on February 6 will hold another auction to sell a pool of assets belonging to OJSC VAB Bank , which includes credit claims .
The starting price of lots is UAH 1.17 billion ( US $ 48.2 million ) .
During the bidding , it may drop to UAH 234.4 million ( US $ 9.6 million ) ( the minimum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank 's ex-owner , Oleg Bakhmatyuk , is offering to return UAH 8 billion ( US $ 330 million ) , while no response has been received yet from the Fund and the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) .
On January 16 , the Deposit Guarantee Fund already held an auction to sell the said pool of assets .
The starting price was UAH 5.86 billion ( US $ 241.7 million ) .
During the bidding , it dropped to UAH 1.17 billion ( US $ 48.2 million ) .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never sold .
The auction was held by LLC First Financial Network Ukraine .
The sale of a land plot in Zakarpattia region worth UAH 3,200 ( US $ 132 ) was the only deal sealed at the bidding , according to the Ukrainian online news outlet Obozrevatel .
VAB Bank was in 2014 withdrawn from the market along with most Ukrainian banks during the so-called Ukrainian banking system purge – a large-scale campaign to liquidate banks in keeping with the NBU 's decision – although the bank 's credit rating had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the long run ) and was considered one of Ukraine 's most reliable banks .
Most loans in the pool are pledged by the NBU .
According to the Fund , the relevant assets `` were traded up to 10 times both separately and as part of the pool in the ProZorro.Sales system , but none of the buyers have shown interest in them yet . ''
Ex-owner of VAB Bank Bakhmatyuk has offered to repay the bank debt to the state worth UAH 8 billion , using restructuring mechanisms .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a response to his offer from the NBU and the Fund .
Meanwhile , the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) has begun interrogating 10,000 employees of Bakhmatyuk 's agricultural companies .
According to the press service of the agricultural holding , the reason was the conflict of interests of NABU Director Artem Sytnyk – the court found him guilty of corruption and put into the register of corrupt officials , which threatens his post .
The main witness for the prosecution in this case was an advisor to Bakhmatyuk 's @ @

Ex-owner of the bank Oleg Bakhmatyuk is offering to return UAH 8 billion (US$330 million), while no response has been received yet from the Fund and the National Bank.
Ukraine's Deposit Guarantee Fund on February 6 will hold another auction to sell a pool of assets belonging to OJSC VAB Bank, which includes credit claims. The starting price of lots is UAH 1.17 billion (US$48.2 million). During the bidding, it may drop to UAH 234.4 million (US$9.6 million) (the minimum price set). However, the bank's ex-owner, Oleg Bakhmatyuk, is offering to return UAH 8 billion (US$330 million), while no response has been received yet from the Fund and the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU).
On January 16, the Deposit Guarantee Fund already held an auction to sell the said pool of assets. The starting price was UAH 5.86 billion (US$241.7 million). During the bidding, it dropped to UAH 1.17 billion (US$48.2 million). But in the end, the lot was never sold. The auction was held by LLC First Financial Network Ukraine. The sale of a land plot in Zakarpattia region worth UAH 3,200 (US$132) was the only deal sealed at the bidding, according to the Ukrainian online news outlet Obozrevatel.
VAB Bank was in 2014 withdrawn from the market along with most Ukrainian banks during the so-called Ukrainian banking system purge – a large-scale campaign to liquidate banks in keeping with the NBU's decision – although the bank's credit rating had been at 'uaAA' (very high reliability in the long run) and was considered one of Ukraine's most reliable banks. Most loans in the pool are pledged by the NBU. According to the Fund, the relevant assets "were traded up to 10 times both separately and as part of the pool in the ProZorro.Sales system, but none of the buyers have shown interest in them yet."
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Ex-owner of VAB Bank Bakhmatyuk has offered to repay the bank debt to the state worth UAH 8 billion, using restructuring mechanisms. However, the businessman has not yet received a response to his offer from the NBU and the Fund. Meanwhile, the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has begun interrogating 10,000 employees of Bakhmatyuk's agricultural companies. According to the press service of the agricultural holding, the reason was the conflict of interests of NABU Director Artem Sytnyk – the court found him guilty of corruption and put into the register of corrupt officials, which threatens his post. The main witness for the prosecution in this case was an advisor to Bakhmatyuk's sister.


unian--2020-01-22--Ukraine to issue ten-year eurobonds at about 5% – source

The upcoming issue may amount to nearly EUR 1 billion .
The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine has begun preparations for the issue of euro-denominated eurobonds with a ten-year maturity period and a yield of about 5 % per annum .
The ministry says the euro was chosen to support outgoing payments of the balance of payments , which are mainly denominated in euros , an informed source in the financial market has told UNIAN For nine months of 2019 , almost 43 % of outgoing payments in the current account of the balance of payments have been carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments in this currency .
Read alsoUkraine must pay $ 24 bln in foreign currency debt over three years According to experts , the upcoming issue may amount to about EUR 1 billion .
`` I expect the amount of EUR 1 billion .
The new eurobonds should be large enough to be liquid in the market , '' ICU Group financial analyst Mykhailo Demkiv said .
The Ministry of Finance has not yet commented on the report .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the eurobonds worth EUR 1 billion were issued in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a yield of 6.75 % per annum .
The issue took place after a 15-year break .

Ukraine to issue ten-year eurobonds at about 5% – source
14:00, 22.01.20 634
The upcoming issue may amount to nearly EUR 1 billion.
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unian--2020-01-22--Ukraine may complete cooperation with IMF after new program implemented – minister

Ukrainian authorities and the IMF staff had reached an agreement on policies to underpin a new three-year US $ 5.5 billion Extended Fund Facility .
Ukrainian Finance Minister Oksana Markarova says Ukraine will be able to complete cooperation with the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) after a new three-year Extended Fund Facility is implemented .
`` The IMF program , which we have agreed at the management level , is definitely needed for three years .
But there is a chance to withdraw from the IMF , having completed [ the program ] in full , '' she wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whether Ukraine needs IMF money .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine authorities and the IMF staff had reached an agreement on policies to underpin a new three-year US $ 5.5 billion Extended Fund Facility , while the Fund 's Executive Board is yet to approve the program .
Read alsoDate for IMF Executive Board meeting on Ukraine program yet to be set Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) Yakiv Smolii said a decision on the new EFF might be approved in the first quarter of 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the new program , the chief banker recalled the need to adopt laws preventing courts from returning insolvent banks to former owners , on the creation of single legal entities for tax and customs services , and the launch of farmland trade .

Ukraine may complete cooperation with IMF after new program implemented – minister
13:40, 22.01.20 1292
Ukrainian authorities and the IMF staff had reached an agreement on policies to underpin a new three-year US$5.5 billion Extended Fund Facility.
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unian--2020-01-22--OSCE Chairperson-in-Office: "Long road ahead to lasting peace" in Donbas

Rama also expressed strong support to the efforts of the Normandy Format and the Trilateral Contact Group .
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania , Edi Rama , on Tuesday concluded a two-day visit to Ukraine , during which he called for strengthened efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis in and around Ukraine , which he cited as the most pressing challenge to the security and stability in Europe today .
`` Contributing to a peaceful resolution is an utmost priority of the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship in 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my official visits with Ukraine , within my first month in the role , '' he said , the OSCE said in a press release .
In Kyiv , on January 20 , the Chairperson-in-Office met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk , Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko and Speaker of Parliament Dmytro Razumkov .
Rama welcomed the decisive action undertaken by the Ukrainian leadership towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict .
He committed to actively strive to ensure respect for OSCE principles and commitments and full implementation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Despite successive recommitments to the ceasefire , there are still frequent civilian casualties .
This must stop .
Our aim – first and foremost - must be to ensure a full and sustainable ceasefire .
In 2020 , we will endeavour to improve the security situation and the daily lives of the people living in conflict-affected areas , '' he added .
After meetings in Kyiv , the Chairperson-in-Office visited eastern Ukraine on January 21 , to gain first-hand experience of the security and humanitarian situation in the conflict-affected areas , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) on the ground .
Visiting the repaired and reopened bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska , Rama called it `` an excellent illustration of what political goodwill can achieve , and how improved security and the easing of people 's hardship go hand in hand . ''
Chairperson Rama added that `` making a difference on the ground '' will be a priority of the Albanian Chairmanship .
`` The SMM is also a standout example of how a difference is made , with hard work , day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do not forget for an instant that the SMM staff are deployed in a volatile and unpredictable environment .
We will , therefore , work to encourage safer and more secure access for the Mission throughout Ukraine , '' he said .
Rama also expressed strong support to the efforts of the Normandy Format and the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) .
`` The resumption of dialogue and the outcomes of the Normandy summit are steps in the right direction .
Nevertheless , there is much more to be done .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lasting peace .
My Special Representative in Ukraine and in the TCG , Ambassador Heidi Grau , will be exploring how best to move the process forward , '' he said .

Rama also expressed strong support to the efforts of the Normandy Format and the Trilateral Contact Group.
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama, on Tuesday concluded a two-day visit to Ukraine, during which he called for strengthened efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis in and around Ukraine, which he cited as the most pressing challenge to the security and stability in Europe today.
"Contributing to a peaceful resolution is an utmost priority of the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship in 2020. That is why I wanted to start my official visits with Ukraine, within my first month in the role," he said, the OSCE said in a press release.
In Kyiv, on January 20, the Chairperson-in-Office met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk, Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko and Speaker of Parliament Dmytro Razumkov.
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Rama welcomed the decisive action undertaken by the Ukrainian leadership towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He committed to actively strive to ensure respect for OSCE principles and commitments and full implementation of the Minsk agreements by the sides.
"Despite successive recommitments to the ceasefire, there are still frequent civilian casualties. This must stop. Our aim – first and foremost - must be to ensure a full and sustainable ceasefire. In 2020, we will endeavour to improve the security situation and the daily lives of the people living in conflict-affected areas," he added.
Read alsoDonbas war update: enemy employs proscribed weapons on Jan 21
After meetings in Kyiv, the Chairperson-in-Office visited eastern Ukraine on January 21, to gain first-hand experience of the security and humanitarian situation in the conflict-affected areas, and to observe the practical impact of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) on the ground.
Visiting the repaired and reopened bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska, Rama called it "an excellent illustration of what political goodwill can achieve, and how improved security and the easing of people's hardship go hand in hand." Chairperson Rama added that "making a difference on the ground" will be a priority of the Albanian Chairmanship. "The SMM is also a standout example of how a difference is made, with hard work, day after day, by dedicated staff. We do not forget for an instant that the SMM staff are deployed in a volatile and unpredictable environment. We will, therefore, work to encourage safer and more secure access for the Mission throughout Ukraine," he said.
Rama also expressed strong support to the efforts of the Normandy Format and the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG).
"The resumption of dialogue and the outcomes of the Normandy summit are steps in the right direction. Nevertheless, there is much more to be done. It is a long road ahead to lasting peace. My Special Representative in Ukraine and in the TCG, Ambassador Heidi Grau, will be exploring how best to move the process forward," he said.


unian--2020-01-22--"Numbers" co-directed by Sentov, Seitablaiev to premiere at 2020 Berlinale

Sentsov was released from Russian jail as part of a prisoner exchange on September 7 , 2019 .
The Ukrainian State Film Agency has announced that the world premiere of Numbers ( Nomera ) by Ukrainian film directors Oleh Sentsov and Akhtem Seitablaiev will take place at the Berlin International Film Festival ( the 2020 Berlinale ) on February 18 .
Based on Sentsov 's eponymous play , the film will be shown for the first time as part of special screenings dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Berlin International Film Festival , the agency 's press service said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film that is `` unique to the Ukrainian film industry , '' as during Sentsov was serving time as a political prisoner in Russia 's high-security penal colony as he co-directed it remotely , sending piles of letters to his colleagues in Ukraine .
Co-director Akhtem Seitablaiev and producer Anna Palenchuk helped Sentsov embody his plot on the set .
`` Oleh and Akhtem discussed the work process in more than a hundred letters , according to Anna , '' the press service said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Russian FSB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spring of 2014 , later transferring the film director for a court hearing in Russia .
In August 2015 , Sentsov was sentenced to 20 years in prison on trumped-up terror and arson charges .
Sentsov had been serving a sentence at a penal colony in a remote town of Labytnangi in Russia 's Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District .
A major international effort involving politicians , media , artists , and civil activists had been urging for Sentsov 's release and stressing the political nature of his case .
He was eventually released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a prisoner exchange on September 7 , 2019 .

Sentsov was released from Russian jail as part of a prisoner exchange on September 7, 2019.
The Ukrainian State Film Agency has announced that the world premiere of Numbers (Nomera) by Ukrainian film directors Oleh Sentsov and Akhtem Seitablaiev will take place at the Berlin International Film Festival (the 2020 Berlinale) on February 18.
Based on Sentsov's eponymous play, the film will be shown for the first time as part of special screenings dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Berlin International Film Festival, the agency's press service said on January 21.
Numbers is a film that is "unique to the Ukrainian film industry," as during Sentsov was serving time as a political prisoner in Russia's high-security penal colony as he co-directed it remotely, sending piles of letters to his colleagues in Ukraine. Co-director Akhtem Seitablaiev and producer Anna Palenchuk helped Sentsov embody his plot on the set.
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"Oleh and Akhtem discussed the work process in more than a hundred letters, according to Anna," the press service said.
Read alsoSentsov gets Polish Film Academy's special prize for courage
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Russian FSB detained Sentsov in the occupied Crimea in the spring of 2014, later transferring the film director for a court hearing in Russia.
In August 2015, Sentsov was sentenced to 20 years in prison on trumped-up terror and arson charges.
Sentsov had been serving a sentence at a penal colony in a remote town of Labytnangi in Russia's Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District.
A major international effort involving politicians, media, artists, and civil activists had been urging for Sentsov's release and stressing the political nature of his case.
He was eventually released and returned to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange on September 7, 2019.


unian--2020-01-22--Zelensky kicks off working visit to Switzerland

The president will speak at this year 's WEF .
As part of the visit , the president will attend @ @ @ @ @ World Economic Forum ( WEF ) , which is being held in Davos .
Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ participants , according to the president 's press service .
Also , the president will @ @ @ @ @ CEOs , and heads of international financial organizations .
Read alsoZelensky says seeks to have @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Zelensky has scheduled a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva , the press @ @ @ @ @ .
The World Economic Forum in Davos ( Switzerland ) this year gathers about 3,000 @ @ @ @ @ including leaders of 53 states and governments .
Events will last until January 24 .

The president will speak at this year's WEF.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has begun a working visit to Switzerland.
As part of the visit, the president will attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), which is being held in Davos.
Zelensky is set to address forum participants, according to the president's press service.
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Also, the president will meet with foreign leaders, CEOs, and heads of international financial organizations.
Read alsoZelensky says seeks to have "strong relationship" with U.S.
Zelensky has scheduled a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, the press service notes.
UNIAN memo. The World Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland) this year gathers about 3,000 participants from 117 countries, including leaders of 53 states and governments. Events will last until January 24.


unian--2020-01-22--Apple dropped plan for encrypting backups after FBI complained – Reuters

Apple 's decision not to proceed with end-to-end encryption of iCloud backups made the FBI 's job easier .
Apple Inc dropped plans to let iPhone users fully encrypt backups of their devices in the company 's iCloud service after the FBI complained that the move would harm investigations , six sources familiar with the matter told Reuters .
The tech giant 's reversal , about two years ago , has not previously been reported .
It shows how much Apple has been willing to help U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies , despite taking a harder line in high-profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself as a defender of its customers ' information , as reported by Reuters .
Apple 's decision not to proceed with end-to-end encryption of iCloud backups made the FBI 's job easier .
The agency relies on hacking software that exploits security flaws to break into a phone .
But that method requires direct access to the phone which would ordinarily tip off the user , who is often the subject of the investigation .
Apple 's iCloud , on the other hand , can be searched in secret .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period covered by Apple 's most recent semiannual transparency report on requests for data it receives from government agencies , U.S. authorities armed with regular court papers asked for and obtained full device backups or other iCloud content in 1,568 cases , covering about 6,000 accounts .

Apple's decision not to proceed with end-to-end encryption of iCloud backups made the FBI's job easier.
Apple Inc dropped plans to let iPhone users fully encrypt backups of their devices in the company's iCloud service after the FBI complained that the move would harm investigations, six sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The tech giant's reversal, about two years ago, has not previously been reported. It shows how much Apple has been willing to help U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies, despite taking a harder line in high-profile legal disputes with the government and casting itself as a defender of its customers' information, as reported by Reuters.
Apple's decision not to proceed with end-to-end encryption of iCloud backups made the FBI's job easier.
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Read alsoWhatsApp developing Disappearing Messages feature
The agency relies on hacking software that exploits security flaws to break into a phone. But that method requires direct access to the phone which would ordinarily tip off the user, who is often the subject of the investigation.
Apple's iCloud, on the other hand, can be searched in secret. In the first half of last year, the period covered by Apple's most recent semiannual transparency report on requests for data it receives from government agencies, U.S. authorities armed with regular court papers asked for and obtained full device backups or other iCloud content in 1,568 cases, covering about 6,000 accounts.


unian--2020-01-22--Zelensky congratulates Ukrainians on Unity Day

The issue of unity is of concern to every Ukrainian , the president says .
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has congratulated the Ukrainians on Unity Day , marked January 22 .
`` 'One of the most momentous events in the history of Ukrainian statehood and national liberation war took place on this day 101 years ago .
Everlasting dreams have come true , for which the best sons of Ukraine lived and died . '
This is a quote from the Act Zluky [ 'Unification Act ' ] , which declared reunification into a single , independent country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian People 's Republic ] and ZUNR [ the West Ukrainian People 's Republic ] activists at Kyiv 's St. Sophia Square on January 22 , 1919 , '' the president said in a congratulation published on his official website .
`` It was met with sublime and enthusiasm in all corners of Ukraine : finally there was a chance for building a united and independent country .
But , unfortunately , it was lost .
The ambitions of the then politicians prevented them from achieving real state unity .
Unity is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Zelensky said .
`` Over a hundred years have passed .
Have we drawn conclusions from history ?
It teaches us a simple but vital principle for Ukraine : we 're strong only if we 're together , '' the president said .
According to Zelensky , the issue of unity is of concern to every Ukrainian .
`` Will we be able , without arguing about our past , to move toward our future ?
In the modern world , the sense of a nation as a whole arises not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and religion .
There are also values ...
Values of mercy and decency .
Politeness and tolerance .
Values of freedom and democracy .
A desire for economic well-being and prosperity .
A desire to be rich .
Values of respect for the law , private property , and respect for each other , '' he said .
`` To be strong , we need to become united .
To become united , we must be strong .
Remember this !
Happy holiday to you !
Happy Ukraine Unity Day ! ''
Zelensky @ @

The issue of unity is of concern to every Ukrainian, the president says.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has congratulated the Ukrainians on Unity Day, marked January 22.
"'One of the most momentous events in the history of Ukrainian statehood and national liberation war took place on this day 101 years ago. Everlasting dreams have come true, for which the best sons of Ukraine lived and died.' This is a quote from the Act Zluky ['Unification Act'], which declared reunification into a single, independent country, and was solemnly proclaimed by UNR [the Ukrainian People's Republic] and ZUNR [the West Ukrainian People's Republic] activists at Kyiv's St. Sophia Square on January 22, 1919," the president said in a congratulation published on his official website.
"It was met with sublime and enthusiasm in all corners of Ukraine: finally there was a chance for building a united and independent country. But, unfortunately, it was lost. The ambitions of the then politicians prevented them from achieving real state unity. Unity is not about words but about deeds," Zelensky said.
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"Over a hundred years have passed. Have we drawn conclusions from history? It teaches us a simple but vital principle for Ukraine: we're strong only if we're together," the president said.
Read alsoUkrainians marking Unity Day
According to Zelensky, the issue of unity is of concern to every Ukrainian.
"Will we be able, without arguing about our past, to move toward our future? In the modern world, the sense of a nation as a whole arises not only due to common traditions, culture, and religion. There are also values... Values of mercy and decency. Politeness and tolerance. Values of freedom and democracy. A desire for economic well-being and prosperity. A desire to be rich. Values of respect for the law, private property, and respect for each other," he said.
"To be strong, we need to become united. To become united, we must be strong. Remember this! Happy holiday to you! Happy Ukraine Unity Day!" Zelensky concluded.


unian--2020-01-22--NBU lets official hryvnia strengthen to UAH 24.26 to U.S. dollar on Jan 22

The four-year maximum was fixed at UAH 23.26 per U.S. dollar on December 26 .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) on January 21 set the official forex rate at UAH 24.26 to the U.S. dollar , which made the country 's national currency stronger by seven kopiykas .
The Central Bank fixed the following official forex rates of the hryvnia against key foreign currencies for January 22 : US $ 100 will be traded for UAH 2,425.86 ( UAH 2,432.57 as of January 21 ) ; EUR 100 will be traded for UAH 2,696.95 ( UAH 2,695.65 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's national currency in November 2019 strengthened by 3.4 % against the U.S. dollar and by 13.4 % in the 11 months of 2019 , to UAH 23.97 per dollar .
The hryvnia continued getting stronger in December until its four-year maximum set at UAH 23.26 per dollar on December 26 .
However , the National Bank let the official hryvnia weaken on December 27 , 2019 , for the first time over the month , and this trend continued in early 2020 .
UNIAN memo .
Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. dollar by 14.5 % , to UAH 23.69 and against the euro by 16.7 % , to UAH 26.42 .

NBU lets official hryvnia strengthen to UAH 24.26 to U.S. dollar on Jan 22
11:40, 22.01.20 1113
The four-year maximum was fixed at UAH 23.26 per U.S. dollar on December 26.
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unian--2020-01-22--Europe wants to hear Ukraine's proposals regarding European Green Deal – Ambassador Maasikas

The EU-Ukraine Association Council will meet in Brussels on January 28 .
Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine Matti Maasikas says that the European Union wants to hear the proposals of Ukraine regarding the European New Green Deal initiative , which is being promoted by the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen .
Maasikas made such an announcement at a public debate entitled `` The Agenda of European Integration : Ukraine 's Ambitions for 2020 , '' organized by the Civic Synergy project , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoMaasikas nominated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maasikas recalled that the first high-level meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council would take place in Brussels on January 28 , after the appointment of a new government in Ukraine and a change in the European Commission 's composition .
`` I 'm absolutely sure that EU leaders will listen very carefully to what Ukraine has to say about the Green Deal – about joining one of the highest priorities for the European Commission , which is being led by Ursula von der Leyen , '' the EU ambassador said .
As UNIAN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine was interested in taking an active part in the development and implementation of the new European Green Deal .
According to him , he is currently coordinating the government 's work to draw up a list of proposals on how Ukraine could participate in this EU initiative .
The European Commission 's European Green Deal is the most ambitious package of measures that should enable European citizens and businesses to benefit from sustainable green transition .
Measures accompanied with an initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutting emissions , to investing in cutting-edge research and innovation , to preserving Europe 's natural environment .
According to an announcement of the EU-Ukraine Association Council 's January 28 meeting on the website of the Council of the European Union , it will review the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and developments related to Ukraine 's sovereignty and territorial integrity .
This will be the first Association Council chaired by Ukrainian PM Oleksiy Honcharuk .
The EU delegation will be led by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi will also participate in the meeting .
Ministers will review the implementation of the Association Agreement , with a focus on to the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area ( DCFTA ) .
They will focus on several areas of interest : political reforms , rule of law and security and economic cooperation .
The meeting will take stock of the current situation in eastern Ukraine and the implementation of the Minsk agreements , including humanitarian issues .
The Council will also discuss the non-recognition of the illegal annexation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation .
The Eastern partnership and regional issues are also on the day 's agenda .

The EU-Ukraine Association Council will meet in Brussels on January 28.
Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine Matti Maasikas says that the European Union wants to hear the proposals of Ukraine regarding the European New Green Deal initiative, which is being promoted by the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen.
Maasikas made such an announcement at a public debate entitled "The Agenda of European Integration: Ukraine's Ambitions for 2020," organized by the Civic Synergy project, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoMaasikas nominated for top post at EU Delegation to Ukraine
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Maasikas recalled that the first high-level meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council would take place in Brussels on January 28, after the appointment of a new government in Ukraine and a change in the European Commission's composition.
"I'm absolutely sure that EU leaders will listen very carefully to what Ukraine has to say about the Green Deal – about joining one of the highest priorities for the European Commission, which is being led by Ursula von der Leyen," the EU ambassador said.
As UNIAN reported, on December 19, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine was interested in taking an active part in the development and implementation of the new European Green Deal. According to him, he is currently coordinating the government's work to draw up a list of proposals on how Ukraine could participate in this EU initiative.
The European Commission's European Green Deal is the most ambitious package of measures that should enable European citizens and businesses to benefit from sustainable green transition. Measures accompanied with an initial roadmap of key policies range from ambitiously cutting emissions, to investing in cutting-edge research and innovation, to preserving Europe's natural environment.
According to an announcement of the EU-Ukraine Association Council's January 28 meeting on the website of the Council of the European Union, it will review the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and developments related to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This will be the first Association Council chaired by Ukrainian PM Oleksiy Honcharuk. The EU delegation will be led by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi will also participate in the meeting.
Ministers will review the implementation of the Association Agreement, with a focus on to the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). They will focus on several areas of interest: political reforms, rule of law and security and economic cooperation.
The meeting will take stock of the current situation in eastern Ukraine and the implementation of the Minsk agreements, including humanitarian issues. The Council will also discuss the non-recognition of the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation. The Eastern partnership and regional issues are also on the day's agenda.


unian--2020-01-22--Poland to investigate act of vandalism on Ukrainian Insurgent Army soldiers' grave

Vandals broke the granite slab where the soldiers ' names are inscribed .
Poland 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says an act of vandalism on the grave of Ukrainian Insurgent Army ( UPA ) soldiers in the Podkarpackie Province will be investigated .
`` We regret to report another provocative incident on [ Mountain ] Monastery , '' the ministry said on Twitter on January 21 .
The act of vandalism was an attempt to undermine good neighborly relations between Poland and Ukraine , it said .
Read alsoUkrainian envoy : Ukraine 's UPA did not wage war against Czechs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , vandals damaged a stone slab carrying names of UPA soldiers on their grave in Poland .
Sixty-two UPA soldiers who died in a battle with the Soviet Union 's Interior Ministry , also known as NKVD , on March 2-3 , 1945 , were buried in the grave on Monastery Mountain near the village of Werchrata in the Podkarpackie Province .
There is also an inscription carved on the slab , saying : `` They died in the struggle for Ukraine . ''
There are no military ranks and symbols on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monument set up a result of a dialogue between the Council for the Protection of Struggle and Martyrdom Sites with representatives of the Association of Ukrainians in Poland and the World Association of Home Army Soldiers .
The granite slab on the UPA soldiers ' grave was first damaged in 2015 when the cross on the tomb was painted in red and white colors of the Polish flag .

Vandals broke the granite slab where the soldiers' names are inscribed.
Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says an act of vandalism on the grave of Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) soldiers in the Podkarpackie Province will be investigated.
"We regret to report another provocative incident on [Mountain] Monastery," the ministry said on Twitter on January 21.
The act of vandalism was an attempt to undermine good neighborly relations between Poland and Ukraine, it said.
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Read alsoUkrainian envoy: Ukraine's UPA did not wage war against Czechs in Volyn amid WWII
As UNIAN reported earlier, vandals damaged a stone slab carrying names of UPA soldiers on their grave in Poland. Sixty-two UPA soldiers who died in a battle with the Soviet Union's Interior Ministry, also known as NKVD, on March 2-3, 1945, were buried in the grave on Monastery Mountain near the village of Werchrata in the Podkarpackie Province.
There is also an inscription carved on the slab, saying: "They died in the struggle for Ukraine." There are no military ranks and symbols on it.
The grave is an official monument set up a result of a dialogue between the Council for the Protection of Struggle and Martyrdom Sites with representatives of the Association of Ukrainians in Poland and the World Association of Home Army Soldiers.
The granite slab on the UPA soldiers' grave was first damaged in 2015 when the cross on the tomb was painted in red and white colors of the Polish flag.