unian--2020-11-26--"Even Kravchuk got mad": Ukraine's envoy in TCG calls latest meeting "toughest"

Journalist Serhiy Harmash says Russia continues to pretend to be a mediator , not participant in the Minsk talks .
The latest meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement was the toughest one , says Serhiy Harmash , one of Ukraine 's delegates to the Group .
He noted that the representatives of the occupied areas of Donbas ( ORDLO ) are not members of the TCG , and therefore it is impossible to consider at the Minsk negotiations any proposals they submit , including heir so-called settlement plan .
Read alsoRussia demands 50 years of `` special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' All the more so – all the decisions worked out in the TCG will be implemented or not implemented by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine .
And how can it implement a plan to resolve the conflict if the other party to the conflict ( financing and controlling it ) does n't want to submit it [ the plan ] on its own behalf as a member of the TCG and a participant in the negotiations , while promoting one by a non-member ( Russian proxy force in Donbas ) , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no responsibility for failure to comply with the decisions taken ? ''
Harmash said .
He added that Russian proxy forces `` are interested in having the conflict prevail . ''
Head of the Ukrainian delegation , Leonid Kravchuk , `` asked the Russian Federation to officially submit to the TCG an action plan from the Russian delegation or to submit an ORDLO plan on behalf of the Russian delegation . ''
In this regard , Russian delegate Boris Gryzlov said that `` if such a plan appeared , it would be Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , for which Russia , of course , can not go ... '' .
`` Since Moscow has no will to take responsibility for the agreements reached , since they continue to act as mediators , not participants in the negotiations , it is obvious that all these 'roadmaps by ORDLO ' are designed not for a peaceful settlement , but simply for legitimizing their puppets and the downgrading of the role of the Normandy Four , in which Russia has found itself standing one against three .
Today at the TCG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasized .
Read alsoBiden 's pick for secretary of state : Blinken 's stance on UkraineAt the same time , he believes that the OSCE in the negotiations `` is playing the role of the Kremlin 's instrument , not a mediator and moderator . ''
On November 25 , at the TCG talks , the Ukrainian delegation proposed to hold an extraordinary meeting next week to discuss the release of the held persons and the unblocking of the crossing checkpoint .
Kravchuk called on the Russian Federation to take political responsibility for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Normandy Four leaders agreed at the Paris summit in December 2019 .

Journalist Serhiy Harmash says Russia continues to pretend to be a mediator, not participant in the Minsk talks.
The latest meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement was the toughest one, says Serhiy Harmash, one of Ukraine's delegates to the Group.
"They even got the ever so patient, diplomatic Kravchuk mad!" Harmash noted.
He noted that the representatives of the occupied areas of Donbas (ORDLO) are not members of the TCG, and therefore it is impossible to consider at the Minsk negotiations any proposals they submit, including their so-called settlement plan.
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Read alsoRussia demands 50 years of "special status" for Donbas – Ukrainian MP"All the more so – all the decisions worked out in the TCG will be implemented or not implemented by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. And how can it implement a plan to resolve the conflict if the other party to the conflict (financing and controlling it) doesn't want to submit it [the plan] on its own behalf as a member of the TCG and a participant in the negotiations, while promoting one by a non-member (Russian proxy force in Donbas), who is not an actor, who bears no responsibility for failure to comply with the decisions taken?" Harmash said.
He added that Russian proxy forces "are interested in having the conflict prevail."
Head of the Ukrainian delegation, Leonid Kravchuk, "asked the Russian Federation to officially submit to the TCG an action plan from the Russian delegation or to submit an ORDLO plan on behalf of the Russian delegation."
In this regard, Russian delegate Boris Gryzlov said that "if such a plan appeared, it would be Russia's interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine, for which Russia, of course, cannot go...".
"Since Moscow has no will to take responsibility for the agreements reached, since they continue to act as mediators, not participants in the negotiations, it is obvious that all these 'roadmaps by ORDLO' are designed not for a peaceful settlement, but simply for legitimizing their puppets and the downgrading of the role of the Normandy Four, in which Russia has found itself standing one against three. Today at the TCG this was especially obvious," Harmash emphasized.
Read alsoBiden's pick for secretary of state: Blinken's stance on UkraineAt the same time, he believes that the OSCE in the negotiations "is playing the role of the Kremlin's instrument, not a mediator and moderator."
"I'm not complaining, I'm describing a situation that, in my opinion, is getting ripe for Ukraine to have to change its tactics of negotiations in the Minsk process," Harmash said.
TCG meeting on Donbas: Latest
On November 25, at the TCG talks, the Ukrainian delegation proposed to hold an extraordinary meeting next week to discuss the release of the held persons and the unblocking of the crossing checkpoint.
Kravchuk called on the Russian Federation to take political responsibility for the implementation of the agreements of the Normandy Four leaders agreed at the Paris summit in December 2019.


unian--2020-11-26--Naftogaz to develop Black Sea gas fields on special terms

The company is to start developing the gas field after the respective resolution has been approved .

Naftogaz to develop Black Sea gas fields on special terms
11:55, 26.11.20 1918
The company is to start developing the gas field after the respective resolution has been approved.
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unian--2020-11-26--Massive raid in Germany targets illegal employment ring

The investigation launched some three years ago when Ukrainian `` tourists '' caught the eye of local law enforcers after going on to stay in Germany and getting employed – without permits – by companies affiliated with the suspects .
The German Federal Police together with customs officials on Wednesday carried out a large-scale raid targeting an illegal employment scheme by companies offering home care services .
About a thousand law enforcement operatives were involved in the raid targeting 130 residential and commercial premises in 13 regions , Deutsche Welle reported citing the press service of the Federal Police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Polish prosecutor 's office scrambled to pursue the investigation against the three main suspects as part of the bilateral legal assistance deal .
The push for the Germany raid came from the probe into the three Polish suspects and 71 affiliated persons in Germany .
An investigation is underway against these persons on suspicion of human trafficking of foreigners for commercial purposes , illegal employment of foreigners , and deprivation of salaries .
The Dresden General Customs Directorate says the unlawful scheme cost social insurance funds some about EUR 14 million .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents , firearms , ammunition , about EUR 60,000 in cash , and nearly a kilogram of gold worth several tens of thousands of euros were seized .
Read alsoAlmost 900,000 Ukrainian labor migrants working in PolandReportedly , the investigation launched some three years ago , when Ukrainian `` tourists '' caught the eye of local law enforcers after going on to stay in Germany and getting employed – without permits – by companies affiliated with the suspects .
Ukrainian workers also had no required qualifications to provide care services , police say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating about 1,400 cases of illegal stay and employment in Germany , mostly of Ukrainian women .
As a rule , they were recruited by Polish firms in Ukraine , after which their services were offered to German customers at a lower price .
• Finland expects to employ 15,000 Ukrainian seasonal workers this year , says Ukraine 's Vice PM • Some EU countries need tens of thousands of labor migrants from Ukraine – Prystaiko • One in seven wage-earning Ukrainians employed abroad – media • High demand for Ukrainian workers seen @ @

The investigation launched some three years ago when Ukrainian "tourists" caught the eye of local law enforcers after going on to stay in Germany and getting employed – without permits – by companies affiliated with the suspects.
The German Federal Police together with customs officials on Wednesday carried out a large-scale raid targeting an illegal employment scheme by companies offering home care services.
About a thousand law enforcement operatives were involved in the raid targeting 130 residential and commercial premises in 13 regions, Deutsche Welle reported citing the press service of the Federal Police,
Simultaneously with the searches in Germany, the Polish prosecutor's office scrambled to pursue the investigation against the three main suspects as part of the bilateral legal assistance deal.
Видео дня
The push for the Germany raid came from the probe into the three Polish suspects and 71 affiliated persons in Germany. An investigation is underway against these persons on suspicion of human trafficking of foreigners for commercial purposes, illegal employment of foreigners, and deprivation of salaries.
The Dresden General Customs Directorate says the unlawful scheme cost social insurance funds some about EUR 14 million.
During the raid, data carriers, documents, firearms, ammunition, about EUR 60,000 in cash, and nearly a kilogram of gold worth several tens of thousands of euros were seized.
Read alsoAlmost 900,000 Ukrainian labor migrants working in PolandReportedly, the investigation launched some three years ago, when Ukrainian "tourists" caught the eye of local law enforcers after going on to stay in Germany and getting employed – without permits – by companies affiliated with the suspects.
Ukrainian workers also had no required qualifications to provide care services, police say.
In general, the police are investigating about 1,400 cases of illegal stay and employment in Germany, mostly of Ukrainian women. As a rule, they were recruited by Polish firms in Ukraine, after which their services were offered to German customers at a lower price.
Working abroad: Other reports


unian--2020-11-26--Hryvnia slightly down to U.S. dollar on Nov 26

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Hryvnia slightly down to U.S. dollar on Nov 26
11:05, 26.11.20 18368
The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 33.78 per euro.
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unian--2020-11-26--Reuters: MH17 judges reject request to investigate alternative crash scenarios

The hearing of the case will resume on February 1 , 2021 .
Judges hearing the case against four defendants in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine rejected on Wednesday a defence request for more time to investigate alternative explanations for the crash .
MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down by a missile fired from territory held by Russian occupation forces .
All 298 people on board were killed , two-thirds of them Dutch nationals , according to Reuters .
Read alsoMinister Kuleba : Responsibility for downing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collecting evidence , a Dutch-led international Joint Investigation Team ( JIT ) last year said the missile launcher used to hit the civilian airplane came from a Russian army base just across the border .
The Dutch government holds Moscow responsible , and three Russians and a Ukrainian are on trial for murder .
None of the suspects are in custody .
One , Russian Oleg Pulatov , is represented in court proceedings ; the other three are being tried in absentia .
Russia has always denied involvement and has promoted a range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected as unsupported by evidence .
Judge Hendrik Steenhuis said the defence had not provided a clear alternative scenario to investigate , while information on several other possible explanations was already part of the case file .
Steenhuis said the court would like to hear Pulatov in person , and would not submit written questions to him as his lawyers had requested .
He added the court would also like to hear from the other suspects -- Russians Sergey Dubinsky and Igor Girkin , and Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko -- who have never cooperated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for a new questioning of witnesses who reported seeing the missile launcher on July 17 , 2014 , as well as the owner of the field from which the missile is believed to have been launched .
Judges also ruled that a new effort should be made to speak to the leader of Russia ’ s 53rd brigade , which has been identified by investigators as having transported the missile launcher .
The hearing of the case will resume on February 1 , 2021 .
• Relatives of MH17 crash to seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media

The hearing of the case will resume on February 1, 2021.
Judges hearing the case against four defendants in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine rejected on Wednesday a defence request for more time to investigate alternative explanations for the crash.
MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down by a missile fired from territory held by Russian occupation forces. All 298 people on board were killed, two-thirds of them Dutch nationals, according to Reuters.
Read alsoMinister Kuleba: Responsibility for downing of MH17 in Donbas inevitable
Видео дня
After years of collecting evidence, a Dutch-led international Joint Investigation Team (JIT) last year said the missile launcher used to hit the civilian airplane came from a Russian army base just across the border.
The Dutch government holds Moscow responsible, and three Russians and a Ukrainian are on trial for murder. None of the suspects are in custody. One, Russian Oleg Pulatov, is represented in court proceedings; the other three are being tried in absentia.
Russia has always denied involvement and has promoted a range of alternative theories, which the investigators rejected as unsupported by evidence.
Judge Hendrik Steenhuis said the defence had not provided a clear alternative scenario to investigate, while information on several other possible explanations was already part of the case file.
Steenhuis said the court would like to hear Pulatov in person, and would not submit written questions to him as his lawyers had requested.
He added the court would also like to hear from the other suspects -- Russians Sergey Dubinsky and Igor Girkin, and Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko -- who have never cooperated with the court.
The court also called for a new questioning of witnesses who reported seeing the missile launcher on July 17, 2014, as well as the owner of the field from which the missile is believed to have been launched.
Judges also ruled that a new effort should be made to speak to the leader of Russia’s 53rd brigade, which has been identified by investigators as having transported the missile launcher.
The hearing of the case will resume on February 1, 2021.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-11-26--Ukraine successfully finalizes discussions with IMF on draft 2021 budget

The budget bill passed its first reading in Parliament on November 5 .
Ukraine 's Finance Ministry has successfully finalized discussions with the IMF on the main parameters of the draft state budget for the year 2021 , which was one of the main prerequisites for starting the first revision of the IMF Stand-by Program , setting up the mission date of the IMF European Department and receiving another tranche .
`` The main focus of the discussions was on developing a common vision of the main budget parameters within the current program between Ukraine and the IMF - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicator , '' the ministry said on its website .
`` The Ministry of Finance held daily consultations with the Fund 's experts on the possibilities of financing the deficit and priority budget expenditures in 2021 .
In general , the budget-2021 parameters coincide with the estimates of the Fund 's experts , which was important for the continuation of successful cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF , '' reads the report .
The draft 2021 national budget , approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on September 14 , 2020 , provides for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 37.7 billion ) , while spending at UAH 1.35 trillion ( US $ 47.6 billion ) .
The deficit is expected to be 6 % of GDP next year .
The budget deficit is capped at UAH 270 billion ( US $ 9.5 billion ) .
The national budget draft also envisages UAH 104 billion ( US $ 3.7 billion ) in benefits and subsidies .
In total , social expenditures stand at UAH 323 billion ( US $ 11.4 billion ) .
The draft 2021 national budget passed its first reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The budget bill passed its first reading in Parliament on November 5.
Ukraine's Finance Ministry has successfully finalized discussions with the IMF on the main parameters of the draft state budget for the year 2021, which was one of the main prerequisites for starting the first revision of the IMF Stand-by Program, setting up the mission date of the IMF European Department and receiving another tranche.
"The main focus of the discussions was on developing a common vision of the main budget parameters within the current program between Ukraine and the IMF - the revenues, the expenditures and the deficit indicator," the ministry said on its website.
"The Ministry of Finance held daily consultations with the Fund's experts on the possibilities of financing the deficit and priority budget expenditures in 2021. In general, the budget-2021 parameters coincide with the estimates of the Fund's experts, which was important for the continuation of successful cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF," reads the report.
Draft budget 2021: Key points
The draft 2021 national budget, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on September 14, 2020, provides for revenue at UAH 1.07 trillion (US$37.7 billion), while spending at UAH 1.35 trillion (US$47.6 billion). The deficit is expected to be 6% of GDP next year. The budget deficit is capped at UAH 270 billion (US$9.5 billion).
The national budget draft also envisages UAH 104 billion (US$3.7 billion) in benefits and subsidies. In total, social expenditures stand at UAH 323 billion (US$11.4 billion).
The draft 2021 national budget passed its first reading in the Verkhovna Rada on November 5.


unian--2020-11-26--Daily COVID-19 cases break 15,000 mark on Nov 26

A total of 677,189 people have been infected in Ukraine since the onset of the pandemic .
Ukraine said 15,331 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of November 26 , 2020 , marking yet another highest daily rise .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 677,189 as of November 26 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 317,395 patients , including 9,617 in the past day , have recovered .
The death toll has hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours .
Read also '' I 'm no Grinch '' : Minister explains initiative on Christmas lockdownThe government reported 348,077 active cases as of November 26 .
In total , there have been 763,439 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
`` In the past day , 15,331 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 659 children and 606 healthcare workers .
Some 1,955 new patients were hospitalized , '' Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on November 26 .
In total , 76,911 tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past day .
In particular , there were 49,323 PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) tests run , as well as 27,588 ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) tests .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv ( 1,399 ) , Dnipropetrovsk region ( 1,254 ) , Kyiv region ( 979 ) , Zaporizhia region ( 898 ) , and Kharkiv region ( 895 ) .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – is not available .
• Vinnytsia not to install Christmas Tree over coronavirus concerns • Full lockdown in Ukraine possible from Dec 20 – media

A total of 677,189 people have been infected in Ukraine since the onset of the pandemic.
Ukraine said 15,331 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of November 26, 2020, marking yet another highest daily rise.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 677,189 as of November 26, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 317,395 patients, including 9,617 in the past day, have recovered.
Видео дня
The death toll has hit 11,717 with 225 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours.
Read also"I'm no Grinch": Minister explains initiative on Christmas lockdownThe government reported 348,077 active cases as of November 26. In total, there have been 763,439 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
"In the past day, 15,331 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 659 children and 606 healthcare workers. Some 1,955 new patients were hospitalized," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on November 26.
In total, 76,911 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 49,323 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests run, as well as 27,588 ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv (1,399), Dnipropetrovsk region (1,254), Kyiv region (979), Zaporizhia region (898), and Kharkiv region (895).
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest


unian--2020-11-26--Donbas war update: Ukraine reports three ceasefire violations on Nov 25

No casualties were reported in the past day .
The Command of Ukraine 's Armed Forces has reported three violations of the latest ceasefire agreement by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Wednesday , November 25 .
`` In the past day , November 25 , the Russian Federation 's armed formations and its mercenaries three times violated the ceasefire agreements of the Trilateral Contact Group entered into force on July 27 , 2020 , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In particular , the occupiers fired grenade launchers of various systems near the town of Avdiyivka , as well as automatic rifles and an under-barrel grenade launcher near the village of Vodiane .
Read alsoUkrainian soldier wounded by Russian sniper near Avdiyivka dies of woundsAlso , the invaders remotely planted POM-2 anti-personnel mines in the area in front of Ukrainian positions near Vodiane .
OSCE monitors were immediately informed through Ukrainian members of the Joint Center for Control and Coordination of the ceasefire in Donbas of the criminal actions by Russia 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casualties were reported in the past day .
Since midnight , enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops , the JFO HQ said .
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military .
Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 .
On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period .

No casualties were reported in the past day.
The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported three violations of the latest ceasefire agreement by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Wednesday, November 25.
"In the past day, November 25, the Russian Federation's armed formations and its mercenaries three times violated the ceasefire agreements of the Trilateral Contact Group entered into force on July 27, 2020," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on November 26, 2020.
In particular, the occupiers fired grenade launchers of various systems near the town of Avdiyivka, as well as automatic rifles and an under-barrel grenade launcher near the village of Vodiane.
Видео дня
Read alsoUkrainian soldier wounded by Russian sniper near Avdiyivka dies of woundsAlso, the invaders remotely planted POM-2 anti-personnel mines in the area in front of Ukrainian positions near Vodiane.
OSCE monitors were immediately informed through Ukrainian members of the Joint Center for Control and Coordination of the ceasefire in Donbas of the criminal actions by Russia's armed groups and their mercenaries.
No casualties were reported in the past day.
Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops, the JFO HQ said.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military.
Donbas ceasefire: Background
Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday, July 27.
On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce, Russia's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine. Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period.


unian--2020-11-26--Ukraine's envoy calls on Russia to take charge of fulfillment of Normandy agreements

The Ukrainian side proposes another Normandy summit be held by the end of the year .
Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) on Donbas Leonid Kravchuk has called on the Russian Federation to politically take charge of the fulfillment of the agreements reached by the Normandy Four leaders ( Ukraine , Germany , France , Russia ) at the Paris summit in December 2019 .
As the Ukrainian delegation said , another regular TCG meeting was held at the level of heads of delegations via videoconference on November 25 .
`` The agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Normandy format form the basis for a peaceful settlement , '' said Kravchuk .
In particular , the Ukrainian side reiterated its position that the whole range of the agreements reached in the Normandy format , as well as the Minsk agreements as such are the basis .
Ukraine once again confirmed its readiness to continue their consistent implementation , for which , in particular , it offered its `` Plan of Joint Steps . ''
Read alsoRussia demands 50 years of `` special status '' for Donbas – Ukrainian MPAt the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian side , as a member of the TCG , take on political responsibility and formally determine its position by the end of this year on the need to fulfill the agreements reached at the Paris summit in 2019 .
`` Holding a new summit in the Normandy format by the end of this year , which would summarize the attempts to fulfill the agreements reached at the Paris summit in December 2019 , as well as discussing plans for their further implementation is what the Ukrainian delegation proposes under the current circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more , the consolidated position of the Normandy leaders , who adopted a number of documents during their meetings on the settlement of the Donbas crisis , is the main guideline for further work .
On November 25 , the Ukrainian delegation proposed at the TCG meeting that a special meeting be held next week to discuss the release of detainees and the unblocking of checkpoints in Donbas .

The Ukrainian side proposes another Normandy summit be held by the end of the year.
Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on Donbas Leonid Kravchuk has called on the Russian Federation to politically take charge of the fulfillment of the agreements reached by the Normandy Four leaders (Ukraine, Germany, France, Russia) at the Paris summit in December 2019.
As the Ukrainian delegation said, another regular TCG meeting was held at the level of heads of delegations via videoconference on November 25.
"The agreements reached at the highest level in the Normandy format form the basis for a peaceful settlement," said Kravchuk.
Видео дня
In particular, the Ukrainian side reiterated its position that the whole range of the agreements reached in the Normandy format, as well as the Minsk agreements as such are the basis. Ukraine once again confirmed its readiness to continue their consistent implementation, for which, in particular, it offered its "Plan of Joint Steps."
Read alsoRussia demands 50 years of "special status" for Donbas – Ukrainian MPAt the same time, Kravchuk fundamentally demands that the Russian side, as a member of the TCG, take on political responsibility and formally determine its position by the end of this year on the need to fulfill the agreements reached at the Paris summit in 2019.
"Holding a new summit in the Normandy format by the end of this year, which would summarize the attempts to fulfill the agreements reached at the Paris summit in December 2019, as well as discussing plans for their further implementation is what the Ukrainian delegation proposes under the current circumstances," it said.
What is more, the consolidated position of the Normandy leaders, who adopted a number of documents during their meetings on the settlement of the Donbas crisis, is the main guideline for further work.
"The Ukrainian delegation does not leave confidence that this position will continue to be the basis for effective joint work within the TCG," the statement says.
Recent TCG meeting on Donbas
On November 25, the Ukrainian delegation proposed at the TCG meeting that a special meeting be held next week to discuss the release of detainees and the unblocking of checkpoints in Donbas.


unian--2020-11-26--Zelensky's office says 80% of beds in hospitals to have oxygen supply

The number of beds with oxygen grows by 3,000 every week .
Some 80 % of beds in Ukrainian hospitals will have the oxygen supply .
`` We have a task – I think we will complete it – to provide 80 % of beds with oxygen by December 20 .
Now this figure is almost 50 % .
And we are increasing it , '' the presidential press service quoted Deputy Head of the President 's Office Kyrylo Tymoshenko as saying in an interview with Alesia Batsman for the Batsman program .
Read alsoZelensky says number of beds in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if need be According to him , the number of beds with the oxygen supply to combat COVID-19 in hospitals in Ukraine grows by 3,000 every week .
Tymoshenko noted that it is difficult to increase the share of beds with the oxygen supply quickly , because the number of beds in hospitals has simultaneously been growing .
According to him , both the Health Ministry and local authorities , which share some of the responsibility due to decentralization , are in charge of the fight against the coronavirus .
Therefore , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Health Ministry have now joined hands in solving the problem .
• Full lockdown should be introduced on Christmas holidays , for three to four weeks – Yermak 's advisor • Full lockdown in Ukraine possible from Dec 20 – media

The number of beds with oxygen grows by 3,000 every week.
Some 80% of beds in Ukrainian hospitals will have the oxygen supply.
"We have a task – I think we will complete it – to provide 80% of beds with oxygen by December 20. Now this figure is almost 50%. And we are increasing it," the presidential press service quoted Deputy Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Tymoshenko as saying in an interview with Alesia Batsman for the Batsman program.
Read alsoZelensky says number of beds in hospitals for COVID-19 patients may be doubled if need be
Видео дня
According to him, the number of beds with the oxygen supply to combat COVID-19 in hospitals in Ukraine grows by 3,000 every week.
Tymoshenko noted that it is difficult to increase the share of beds with the oxygen supply quickly, because the number of beds in hospitals has simultaneously been growing.
"We increase the number of beds, then the share of beds with oxygen decreases. Because it is a simultaneous process," he explained.
According to him, both the Health Ministry and local authorities, which share some of the responsibility due to decentralization, are in charge of the fight against the coronavirus. Therefore, he said, the President's Office and the Health Ministry have now joined hands in solving the problem.
"We have put it all together in order to quickly handle the purchase and deployment of oxygen stations," he said.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-11-26--Cabinet wants parliament to be authorized to dismiss NABU chief

The Cabinet gathered for a special meeting on Thursday evening .
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will draft a bill authorizing lawmakers to dismiss the director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) .
The relevant bill amending the law on NABU was approved at the government 's special meeting on November 26 , an UNIAN correspondent reported .
Justice Minister Denys Malyuska said that the bill is designed to ensure procedural guarantees for the normal operation of the institution after the entry into force of a Constitutional Court ruling on the unconstitutionality of certain provisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do not radically change anything , but we ensure the status quo remains until the entry into force of laws amending the Constitution or other legislation , which will introduce a new procedure for appointing NABU 's director in accordance with the Constitutional Court ruling .
That is , this is a transitional law aimed at ensuring stable work of NABU , '' he said .
Opening the government meeting , Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the government 's key goal is to preserve NABU 's independence , simultaneously bringing all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Constitution .
`` Therefore , we will propose the Verkhovna Rada introduce changes that solve both of these issues .
In particular , it is proposed to establish the powers of the Verkhovna Rada to decide on the dismissal of NABU 's director if there are grounds clearly written out in the law .
At the same time , an important provision of the proposed bill is the position that NABU 's incumbent head continues to perform his duties until the appointment of a new director , '' Shmyhal explained .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled unconstitutional the presidential decree of April 16 , 2015 , on the appointment of Artem Sytnyk as NABU Director .
• On September 16 , the Constitutional Court ruled that a number of provisions of the law on NABU are unconstitutional , and that they will lose force in three months , that is , in mid-December .
• In particular , the provisions on empowering the President of Ukraine to form NABU , to appoint and dismiss its director , to appoint three persons to the commission for holding a competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director , to appoint one member of the external control commission to conduct an independent assessment ( audit ) of NABU 's effectiveness , its operational and institutional independence , and to approve the provisions on the Civil Oversight Council and the procedure for its formation were designated as unconstitutional .

The Cabinet gathered for a special meeting on Thursday evening.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will draft a bill authorizing lawmakers to dismiss the director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).
The relevant bill amending the law on NABU was approved at the government's special meeting on November 26, an UNIAN correspondent reported.
Read alsoAnti-graft watchdog chief to stay put despite Constitutional Court ruling, Zelensky assures G7 envoys
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Justice Minister Denys Malyuska said that the bill is designed to ensure procedural guarantees for the normal operation of the institution after the entry into force of a Constitutional Court ruling on the unconstitutionality of certain provisions of the law on NABU.
"We do not radically change anything, but we ensure the status quo remains until the entry into force of laws amending the Constitution or other legislation, which will introduce a new procedure for appointing NABU's director in accordance with the Constitutional Court ruling. That is, this is a transitional law aimed at ensuring stable work of NABU," he said.
Opening the government meeting, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the government's key goal is to preserve NABU's independence, simultaneously bringing all laws on its activities into line with the Constitution.
"Therefore, we will propose the Verkhovna Rada introduce changes that solve both of these issues. In particular, it is proposed to establish the powers of the Verkhovna Rada to decide on the dismissal of NABU's director if there are grounds clearly written out in the law. At the same time, an important provision of the proposed bill is the position that NABU's incumbent head continues to perform his duties until the appointment of a new director," Shmyhal explained.
Background


unian--2020-11-26--Ukraine's government endorses 2021 budget agreed with IMF: Key indicators

Next year 's revenue is expected at UAH 1.092 trillion ( US $ 38 billion ) and spending at UAH 1.328 billion ( US $ 46.7 billion ) .
Ukraine 's government has endorsed the draft national budget for 2021 , which was agreed with the country 's key lender , the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) .
The draft budget , which is to be tabled in parliament for voting in the second reading , provides for a deficit of 5.5 % of GDP , according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal .
`` We 've found out an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GDP from 6 % , as proposed at the first reading , to 5.5 % , '' he said at a government meeting on November 26 .
According to the prime minister , next year 's revenue is expected at UAH 1.092 trillion ( US $ 38 billion ) and spending at UAH 1.328 billion ( US $ 46.7 billion ) .
`` We had a lot of joint work and consultations with lawmakers , experts ; took into account most of the proposals , based on the priority of expenditures , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition of the national economy .
The key aspect is that the budget remains balanced and realistic for implementation , '' he said .
Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko , in turn , said that 2,451 proposals had come from lawmakers during the finalization of the document and most of which had been taken into account , proceeding from the priority of expenses .
`` In the process of finalization , we consulted with an International Monetary Fund mission to form a common stand on key budget indicators under a cooperation program between Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue , expenses and deficits .
In general , the benchmarks of the 2021 budget coincide with the estimates of the Fund 's experts , which was important for further successful cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF , '' he said .
According to Marchenko , the government managed to reduce the deficit of the budget from 6 % to 5.47 % of GDP .
`` Budget revenue reflects what revenue the economy can actually provide next year without raising taxes .
State budget receipts increased by UAH 21 billion ( US $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the amount of UAH 1.328 billion ( US $ 46.7 million ) .
A reduction in the general expenditure fund is estimated at UAH 12.8 billion ( US $ 450 million ) .
This made it possible to reduce the budget deficit by UAH 24 billion ( US $ 844 million ) , '' he said .
• On September 14 , the Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft state budget for next year , which provides for a deficit of 6 % of GDP .
Budget revenue for 2021 is set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 37.6 billion ) , while spending is fixed at UAH 1.350 trillion ( US $ 47.4 billion ) .
The deficit of the budget is capped at UAH 270 billion ( US $ 9.47 billion ) .
• The draft budget also allocates UAH 104 billion ( US $ 3.65 billion ) for the payment of social benefits , welfare and subsidies , and social spending in total will amount to UAH 323 billion ( US $ 11.33 billion ) .
• Deputy Chairman of the Holos ( Voice ) parliamentary faction Yaroslav @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,400 amendments to the draft law on the national budget of Ukraine for 2021 .
• On November 5 , a bill on the draft budget passed its first reading .
While presenting the document in parliament , Finance Minister Marchenko said his ministry had increased the amount of spending in the bill by over UAH 20 billion ( US $ 703 million ) .

Ukraine's government endorses 2021 budget agreed with IMF: Key indicators
20:59, 26.11.20 4619
Next year's revenue is expected at UAH 1.092 trillion (US$38 billion) and spending at UAH 1.328 billion (US$46.7 billion).
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unian--2020-11-26--National Bank issues first vertical banknote

It is not a means of payment .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) says it has issued @ @ @ @ @ , souvenir banknote dedicated to Leonid Kadenyuk , the first astronaut of independent Ukraine .
@ @ @ @ @ main image of the banknote 's front side with the inscription `` THE FIRST ASTRONAUT @ @ @ @ @ the NBU 's press service said on its website on November 26 .
The reverse @ @ @ @ @ Columbia against the backdrop of planets in the solar system .
`` The souvenir banknote @ @ @ @ @ features , in particular , the SPARK optically variable element in the form of a @ @ @ @ @ angle of view , the image changes its color from green to blue .
The @ @ @ @ @ with a watermark depicting a globe with continents , '' it said .
The banknote @ @ @ @ @ payment .
On September 25 , 2018 , the country 's central bank introduced into @ @ @ @ @ 20 denomination with an updated design and improved security features .

National Bank issues first vertical banknote (Photo)
19:59, 26.11.20 26095
It is not a means of payment.
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unian--2020-11-26--Harvest 2020: Challenge for farmers, rising food prices

There will be no third record crop in a row : in 2020 , Ukraine 's harvest this year will be 10 million tonnes lower on year .
UNIAN learned how this could affect food prices , as well as how farmers survived this year , and whether it is worth hoping for the better in 2021 .
Ukrainian farmers in most regions have practically completed their autumn harvest campaign .
As of the end of November , over 60 million tonnes of cereals and legumes have been harvested from 96 % of the sown area .
So far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Economy Ministry have released data on the campaign figures .
However , it is already obvious that the 2020 harvest will not break last year 's high : spring frosts , an abnormal summer drought , and heavy rains this fall , which spoiled ripe corn quality , have all became an obstacle .
`` The rains this fall were welcome , but they came too late .
This was especially unfavorable for corn , '' a poltavea farmer Stepan has told UNIAN , adding that ripe corn was affected the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shortage of corn , the government on November 25 once again worsened its outlook for the grain harvest – down to 65 million tonnes .
This is ten million tonnes below the 2019 figure .
In previous years , however , Ukraine also collected a much smaller crop – at 60 , 50 , and 45 million tonnes .
The 2003 harvest stood at 20.3 million tonnes , becoming the lowest in the history of independence .
It 's just that after two harvest records in a row , when 70 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million tonnes in 2019 , many did not want to lower the bar .
Reducing the supply of cereals will inevitably lead to higher prices for food products .
This primarily concerns bread and flour products .
The All-Ukrainian Association of Bakers predicts a 15-20 % rise in prices for bakery products by the end of this year .
But since bread is a vital social product , manufacturing companies are likely to try to avoid a sharp price hike .
`` We 've held repeated meetings with the bakery business , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not rise by more than 10-15 % .
At the very least , we can definitely talk about the most popular social varieties of bread , '' said Vice-President of the Association , Yuriy Duchenko .
According to the calculations by the Ukrainian Club of Agrarian Businesses , in the next six months , one should expect a gradual rise in prices for cereals and flour by about 10 % .
Experts also admit the rise in price on horilka , as well as beer and whiskey .
Due to the rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compound feed for livestock will also go up , which will affect the price of milk and meat .
`` Pressure from the explosive growth in prices for feed ingredients will fuel the price of raw materials .
This means that prices for finished dairy products may rise by 2.5-5 % , depending on the product category , as early as January 1 , 2021 , '' the Association of Milk Producers has commented .
In these conditions , livestock breeders urged the government to limit the export of corn from Ukraine in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government is unlikely to take such a step : export supplies of Ukrainian grains never stopped even amid the harshest lockdown .
`` This year , farmers have harvested fewer grains and oilseeds .
But this will be enough to cover domestic demand .
In addition , grain exports over the latest period have remained in TOP 5 , '' said Deputy Minister of Economic Development Taras Vysotsky .
Throughout years , Ukraine has built a reputation as a reliable supplier of grains to world markets , so a poor harvest will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in financing domestic grain production .
It would be wrong to give up an important source of foreign currency earnings , especially in the context of the ongoing coronacrisis .
`` In 2019 , a record harvest year , Ukraine received more than $ 9.6 billion from grain exports alone .
In general , the export of grain and oilseeds with their processed products brings in about $ 16 billion annually , '' the Ukrainian Grain Association ( UGA ) reports .
As of the end of November , Ukraine exported 15 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But so far , market players are in no hurry to count losses .
In 2020 , there was a poor harvest in Europe and in such key agricultural regions as the United States and South America , due to which grain prices on the world market doubled on year .
Due to this , Ukraine may well level out the gap former due to the lower physical volume of supplies .
According to the public association Agrarian Union of Ukraine , the losses of agricultural producers in Ukraine due to drought and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion .
In Odessa region alone , agrarians have already suffered losses worth UAH 15 billion .
`` Agriculture is in critical condition .
The banking system is not lending to farmers .
A similar situation was seen in 2003 .
However , then the government came to the rescue , taking upon itself compensation of interest on loans for the next year after the crop failure .
This year , even the critically affected regions ( Odesa , Mykolaiv , Kherson , and Zaporizhia regions ) , despite government 's promises , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Novikov , Chair of the Agrarian Union of Ukraine .
Many Ukrainian farmers were left without crops and money ahead of the new sowing campaign .
It got to the point that in May a farmer from the Odesa region , Vasyl Serdiuchenko , committed suicide after losing everything .
`` Our whole business burned down , we were left alone facing our problems and lost our father .
He wrote a note that he could n't stand it , that everything was lost due to the drought , as the investments were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deceased farmer .
The government vowed financial assistance and abolish taxes for farmers affected by the crop failure , but these promises never materialized .
Instead , colleagues from other regions came to help the farmers .
The All-Ukrainian Congress of Farmers , for example , donated several hundred tonnes of grain to agricultural producers in Odesa region so that they could sow again .
Hoping for the better According to the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences , the state of winter crops for the 2021 harvest in most Ukrainian regions is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country moisture shortage is seen again .
So far , the future fate of agriculture in this part of Ukraine is decided by weather , although the government is trying to build an agrarian policy to increase yields in the south of the country .
A few weeks ago , Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the start of construction and renewal of irrigation systems in the southern regions of Ukraine from 2021 .
`` Farmers in Odesa region have been extremely affected by drought .
Therefore , next year , under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Construction program , we have in plans to consider setting up irrigation systems in the southern regions of Ukraine , '' said the head of government .
In addition , the Ministry of Economy intends to create a program of state support for insurance of crops against destruction due to unfavorable weather conditions .
Over UAH 670 million will be allocated from the budget for these needs next year .
`` The idea is as follows : the government determines the list of products that it insures , sets the maximum tariff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 % – and announces the budget , '' Deputy Minister Taras Vysotsky explained while presenting the new agricultural insurance model .
Time will tell whether the government sees the acute problems of Ukrainian farmers and gets ready to learn a lesson of own mistakes ; as well as whether there is money in the leaky budget to support the key sector of the economy .
Meanwhile , Ukrainians are no strangers to surviving successive crises .
They will somehow adapt to yet another one… If you see a spelling error on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @

There will be no third record crop in a row: in 2020, Ukraine's harvest this year will be 10 million tonnes lower on year. UNIAN learned how this could affect food prices, as well as how farmers survived this year, and whether it is worth hoping for the better in 2021.
Ukrainian farmers in most regions have practically completed their autumn harvest campaign. As of the end of November, over 60 million tonnes of cereals and legumes have been harvested from 96% of the sown area.
So far, neither the State Statistics Service, nor the Economy Ministry have released data on the campaign figures. However, it is already obvious that the 2020 harvest will not break last year's high: spring frosts, an abnormal summer drought, and heavy rains this fall, which spoiled ripe corn quality, have all became an obstacle.
"The rains this fall were welcome, but they came too late. This was especially unfavorable for corn," a poltavea farmer Stepan has told UNIAN, adding that ripe corn was affected the most.
Видео дня
Taking into account weather conditions and a shortage of corn, the government on November 25 once again worsened its outlook for the grain harvest – down to 65 million tonnes. This is ten million tonnes below the 2019 figure.
In previous years, however, Ukraine also collected a much smaller crop – at 60, 50, and 45 million tonnes. The 2003 harvest stood at 20.3 million tonnes, becoming the lowest in the history of independence.
It's just that after two harvest records in a row, when 70 million tonnes was harvested in 2018 and 75 million tonnes in 2019, many did not want to lower the bar.
Rise in food prices
Reducing the supply of cereals will inevitably lead to higher prices for food products. This primarily concerns bread and flour products.
The All-Ukrainian Association of Bakers predicts a 15-20% rise in prices for bakery products by the end of this year. But since bread is a vital social product, manufacturing companies are likely to try to avoid a sharp price hike.
"We've held repeated meetings with the bakery business, and we have an understanding that prices will not rise by more than 10-15%. At the very least, we can definitely talk about the most popular social varieties of bread," said Vice-President of the Association, Yuriy Duchenko.
According to the calculations by the Ukrainian Club of Agrarian Businesses, in the next six months, one should expect a gradual rise in prices for cereals and flour by about 10%. Experts also admit the rise in price on horilka, as well as beer and whiskey.
Due to the rise in prices for corn, the price of compound feed for livestock will also go up, which will affect the price of milk and meat.
"Pressure from the explosive growth in prices for feed ingredients will fuel the price of raw materials. This means that prices for finished dairy products may rise by 2.5-5%, depending on the product category, as early as January 1, 2021," the Association of Milk Producers has commented.
Export implications
In these conditions, livestock breeders urged the government to limit the export of corn from Ukraine in order to stabilize the situation. But the government is unlikely to take such a step: export supplies of Ukrainian grains never stopped even amid the harshest lockdown.
"This year, farmers have harvested fewer grains and oilseeds. But this will be enough to cover domestic demand. In addition, grain exports over the latest period have remained in TOP 5," said Deputy Minister of Economic Development Taras Vysotsky.
Throughout years, Ukraine has built a reputation as a reliable supplier of grains to world markets, so a poor harvest will not please international partners who are involved in financing domestic grain production. It would be wrong to give up an important source of foreign currency earnings, especially in the context of the ongoing coronacrisis.
"In 2019, a record harvest year, Ukraine received more than $9.6 billion from grain exports alone. In general, the export of grain and oilseeds with their processed products brings in about $16 billion annually," the Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA) reports.
As of the end of November, Ukraine exported 15% fewer grain than a year earlier. But so far, market players are in no hurry to count losses.
In 2020, there was a poor harvest in Europe and in such key agricultural regions as the United States and South America, due to which grain prices on the world market doubled on year. Due to this, Ukraine may well level out the gap former due to the lower physical volume of supplies.
Challenge for farmers
According to the public association Agrarian Union of Ukraine, the losses of agricultural producers in Ukraine due to drought and frost this year may reach UAH 118 billion. In Odessa region alone, agrarians have already suffered losses worth UAH 15 billion.
"Agriculture is in critical condition. The banking system is not lending to farmers. A similar situation was seen in 2003. However, then the government came to the rescue, taking upon itself compensation of interest on loans for the next year after the crop failure. This year, even the critically affected regions (Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions), despite government's promises, received no assistance," said Hennady Novikov, Chair of the Agrarian Union of Ukraine.
Many Ukrainian farmers were left without crops and money ahead of the new sowing campaign. It got to the point that in May a farmer from the Odesa region, Vasyl Serdiuchenko, committed suicide after losing everything.
"Our whole business burned down, we were left alone facing our problems and lost our father. He wrote a note that he couldn't stand it, that everything was lost due to the drought, as the investments were massive," said the son of the deceased farmer.
The government vowed financial assistance and abolish taxes for farmers affected by the crop failure, but these promises never materialized. Instead, colleagues from other regions came to help the farmers. The All-Ukrainian Congress of Farmers, for example, donated several hundred tonnes of grain to agricultural producers in Odesa region so that they could sow again.
Hoping for the better
According to the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences, the state of winter crops for the 2021 harvest in most Ukrainian regions is satisfactory.
Only in the southern regions of the country moisture shortage is seen again. So far, the future fate of agriculture in this part of Ukraine is decided by weather, although the government is trying to build an agrarian policy to increase yields in the south of the country.
A few weeks ago, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the start of construction and renewal of irrigation systems in the southern regions of Ukraine from 2021.
"Farmers in Odesa region have been extremely affected by drought. Therefore, next year, under the auspices of the President's Big Construction program, we have in plans to consider setting up irrigation systems in the southern regions of Ukraine," said the head of government.
In addition, the Ministry of Economy intends to create a program of state support for insurance of crops against destruction due to unfavorable weather conditions. Over UAH 670 million will be allocated from the budget for these needs next year.
"The idea is as follows: the government determines the list of products that it insures, sets the maximum tariff and the coverage cap – for example, 50% – and announces the budget," Deputy Minister Taras Vysotsky explained while presenting the new agricultural insurance model.
Time will tell whether the government sees the acute problems of Ukrainian farmers and gets ready to learn a lesson of own mistakes; as well as whether there is money in the leaky budget to support the key sector of the economy. Meanwhile, Ukrainians are no strangers to surviving successive crises. They will somehow adapt to yet another one…
Anna Nagorna


unian--2020-11-26--Ukraine sees US$4 bln budget deficit in Jan-Oct, four time up y-o-y

Ukraine sees US $ 4 bln budget deficit in Jan-Oct , four time up y-o-y The country 's consolidated budget over the period under review also saw a US $ 3.2 billion deficit .
The deficit of Ukraine 's national budget in January-October 2020 was estimated at UAH 112.2 billion , or US $ 4 billion , against UAH 30.3 billion ( US $ 1.07 billion ) in deficit reported year-over-year ( y-o-y ) , before the coronavirus-related crisis .
The deficit of the country 's consolidated budget over the period under review was UAH 89.4 billion ( US $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( US $ 22.7 million ) in deficit y-o-y , according to Ukraine 's Treasury Service .
• In April , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , adopted amendments to the 2020 national budget , necessary to combat COVID-19 , which suggested a threefold increase in the budget deficit , to UAH 298 billion ( US $ 10.5 billion ) .
• After the amendments , budget revenue amounted to UAH 975.8 billion ( US $ 34.4 billion ) , expenditures were UAH 1.266 trillion ( US $ 44.6 billion ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 298.4 billion ( US $ 10.5 billion ) , while public debt was estimated at UAH 2.387 trillion ( US $ 84.1 billion ) .
• Some UAH 64.7 billion ( US $ 2.3 billion ) was earmarked for the Fund for Combating COVID-19 .
If you see a spelling error on our site , select it and press Ctrl+Enter

Ukraine sees US$4 bln budget deficit in Jan-Oct, four time up y-o-y
18:20, 26.11.20 1561
The country's consolidated budget over the period under review also saw a US$3.2 billion deficit.
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unian--2020-11-26--Health minister reveals number of beds available for COVID-19 patients

The situation in Kyiv , Odesa , as well as Cherkasy and Sumy regions remains most tense .
Ukrainian Health @ @ @ @ @ than 14,000 beds for COVID-19 patients are still available in hospitals nationwide , while 44,000 @ @ @ @ @ Today , we have 57,446 beds for COVID-19 treatment , of which 27,482 have the @ @ @ @ @ beds are available , '' he told a briefing on November 26 , as reported @ @ @ @ @ Read alsoInterior minister backs introduction of lockdown over COVID-19 spreadThe situation is tense in the @ @ @ @ @ , as well as Cherkasy and Sumy regions .
Ukraine said 15,331 new active COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ the country in the past 24 hours as of November 26 , 2020 , marking @ @ @ @ @ .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 677,189 .
As many as 317,395 @ @ @ @ @ the past day , have recovered .
The death toll has hit 11,717 with 225 @ @ @ @ @ day .

The situation in Kyiv, Odesa, as well as Cherkasy and Sumy regions remains most tense.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says fewer than 14,000 beds for COVID-19 patients are still available in hospitals nationwide, while 44,000 have been occupied.
"Today, we have 57,446 beds for COVID-19 treatment, of which 27,482 have the oxygen supply. Some 13,653 beds are available," he told a briefing on November 26, as reported by an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoInterior minister backs introduction of lockdown over COVID-19 spreadThe situation is tense in the cities of Kyiv and Odesa, as well as Cherkasy and Sumy regions.
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"But we're clearly aware how we'll address all these challenges in the near future," the minister assured.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments
Ukraine said 15,331 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of November 26, 2020, marking yet another highest daily rise.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 677,189.
As many as 317,395 patients, including 9,617 in the past day, have recovered.
The death toll has hit 11,717 with 225 fatalities recorded in the past day.


unian--2020-11-26--Kyiv mayor reports almost 1,400 new daily COVID-19 cases, 20 deaths as of Nov 26

The death toll in the city stands at 1,227 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose by 1,399 in the past day .
`` In the past day , another 1,399 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus , including 65 healthcare workers .
There were 31 fatalities , '' Klitschko reported via Telegram on November 26 .
According to the city mayor , 809 women aged 19 to 98 and 502 men aged 18 to 90 are among those infected .
Read alsoDaily COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( from nine months to 17 years old ) and 43 boys ( from one month to 17 years old ) have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Klitschko said 107 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
He added that 505 people had recovered in the past day .
In total , 21,942 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Desniansky district ( 250 ) , Sviatoshynsky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district ( 179 ) .
The death toll in the city stands at 1,227 .

The death toll in the city stands at 1,227.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose by 1,399 in the past day.
"In the past day, another 1,399 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including 65 healthcare workers. There were 31 fatalities," Klitschko reported via Telegram on November 26.
"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 64,019."
According to the city mayor, 809 women aged 19 to 98 and 502 men aged 18 to 90 are among those infected.
Read alsoDaily COVID-19 cases break 15,000 mark on Nov 26Forty-five girls (from nine months to 17 years old) and 43 boys (from one month to 17 years old) have tested positive for COVID-19.
Klitschko said 107 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
He added that 505 people had recovered in the past day.
In total, 21,942 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Desniansky district (250), Sviatoshynsky district (202), and Solomyansky district (179).
The death toll in the city stands at 1,227.


unian--2020-11-27--Revised national budget draft for 2021 submitted to Rada

The government reduced the deficit from 6.0 % to 5.5 % of GDP .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , says the draft law on the national budget for 2021 , finalized for the second reading , has been submitted for consideration .
That 's according to a statement published on the Rada website on November 27 .
However , the text of the document is not available on the parliament 's website .
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the revised national budget draft on November 26 .
The document envisages UAH 1.092 trillion ( US $ 38.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trillion ( US $ 46.7 billion ) in spending .
Read alsoUkraine 's government endorses 2021 budget agreed with IMF : Key indicatorsThe government reduced the deficit from 6.0 % to 5.5 % of GDP .
The draft national budget for 2021 , approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on September 14 , 2020 , provides for revenues at UAH 1.07 trillion ( US $ 38 billion ) and spending at UAH 1.35 trillion ( US $ 47.5 billion ) .
The deficit is laid down at 6 % of GDP next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAH 270 billion ( US $ 9.5 billion ) .
The national budget draft also envisages UAH 104 billion ( US $ 3.7 billion ) in benefits and subsidies .
In total , social expenditures stand at UAH 323 billion ( US $ 11.4 billion ) .
Deputy Chairman of the Holos ( Voice ) faction , First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada 's Committee on Finance , Tax and Customs Policy Yaroslav Zheleznyak earlier said that lawmakers submitted more than 2,400 amendments to the draft law on the 2021 national budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the draft budget passed its first reading .
While presenting the document in parliament , Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said his ministry had increased the amount of spending in the bill by over UAH 20 billion ( US $ 703 million ) .

Revised national budget draft for 2021 submitted to Rada
16:30, 27.11.20 6427
The government reduced the deficit from 6.0% to 5.5% of GDP.
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unian--2020-11-27--Ukraine issue: What steps Kyiv should take toward successful partnership with West

The looming political changes in the U.S. have once again sparked an active discussion in Ukrainian political and expert circles on how they will affect Ukraine 's relations with the West ?
Will Western support , so vital for Ukraine , remain in place ?
What place will Ukraine occupy in U.S. foreign policy ?
However , today 's domestic discourse in Ukraine seems to boil down to discussing the details from the biography of the new American Dream Team members , making attempts to interpret their first press releases , and harboring somewhat naive hopes that Ukraine will become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the new administration in Washington D.C .
Instead , the country should move onto a more strategic level , seeking real answers to the pressing questions facing Ukraine today : how exactly should we act to secure Western support in the confrontation with Russia , and what should we do about it ?
It 's obvious that for Ukraine , the time of simple solutions in foreign policy for Ukraine has passed .
Old-school approaches only aggravate things and make policies ineffective .
Today , the country 's course should be pursued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranging from communication with the leadership of major international alliances , including the European Union and NATO , to constant and pro-active bilateral cooperation in all areas .
After the obvious failure in the Belarusian direction , it 's more than positive that Kyiv has finally shown solidarity with the EU countries in their position on Minsk , with the latter now being openly supported by Moscow .
The latest joint Russian-Belarusian innovation is the creation of a so-called `` single sanction perimeter '' that will align today 's Belarus even more tightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ukraine should pursue this line in the future – to actively condemn the human rights violations by the Lukashenko regime and speak openly about it , especially in the European media .
This will not only bring Kyiv closer to the EU politically , but will ultimately do much more for Ukraine 's image in Europe than a dozen government meetings ( which , of course , are much needed , as well ) .
Cooperation with NATO should also get Ukraine involved in political discussions on the future of the Alliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in particular in the Black Sea region , and relevant cooperation projects in defense industry .
Comprehensive development of relations with partner countries that really help our country in deterring Russian aggression should become an unconditional priority for the country 's leadership .
Moreover , the importance of these relations for the country is increasing from year to year and should already be considered politically and practically as an integral part of national security .
We need to constantly expand and strengthen our relations with the US , UK , Canada , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Relations with Turkey should be developed on a pragmatic basis .
Other European countries should not be left out either .
We also need to have a meaningful dialogue with them , arguing the importance of Ukraine 's security for the indivisible security of Europe , constantly emphasizing the growing threat to peace on our continent emanating from Russia 's aggressive policy .
That is , paraphrasing the well-known statement by U.S. President John F. Kennedy , do n't ask what the West can do for Ukraine – ask what Ukraine can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a completely different level – a stable , predictable , and true partnership .
Maybe then no one will have to once again look for hints between the lines in press releases .
Oleg Belokolos is Chairman of the Board at the Maidan of Foreign Affairs Foundation

The looming political changes in the U.S. have once again sparked an active discussion in Ukrainian political and expert circles on how they will affect Ukraine's relations with the West? Will Western support, so vital for Ukraine, remain in place? What place will Ukraine occupy in U.S. foreign policy?
However, today's domestic discourse in Ukraine seems to boil down to discussing the details from the biography of the new American Dream Team members, making attempts to interpret their first press releases, and harboring somewhat naive hopes that Ukraine will become a new foreign and security policy priority for the new administration in Washington D.C.
It's obvious that for Ukraine, the time of simple solutions in foreign policy has passed
Instead, the country should move onto a more strategic level, seeking real answers to the pressing questions facing Ukraine today: how exactly should we act to secure Western support in the confrontation with Russia, and what should we do about it?
It's obvious that for Ukraine, the time of simple solutions in foreign policy for Ukraine has passed. Old-school approaches only aggravate things and make policies ineffective. Today, the country's course should be pursued consistently and flexibly at several levels: ranging from communication with the leadership of major international alliances, including the European Union and NATO, to constant and pro-active bilateral cooperation in all areas.
After the obvious failure in the Belarusian direction, it's more than positive that Kyiv has finally shown solidarity with the EU countries in their position on Minsk, with the latter now being openly supported by Moscow. The latest joint Russian-Belarusian innovation is the creation of a so-called "single sanction perimeter" that will align today's Belarus even more tightly to Russia's anti-Western stance.
Undoubtedly, Ukraine should pursue this line in the future
Undoubtedly, Ukraine should pursue this line in the future – to actively condemn the human rights violations by the Lukashenko regime and speak openly about it, especially in the European media. This will not only bring Kyiv closer to the EU politically, but will ultimately do much more for Ukraine's image in Europe than a dozen government meetings (which, of course, are much needed, as well).
Cooperation with NATO should also get Ukraine involved in political discussions on the future of the Alliance, joint response to challenges and threats, in particular in the Black Sea region, and relevant cooperation projects in defense industry.
Comprehensive development of relations with partner countries that really help our country in deterring Russian aggression should become an unconditional priority for the country's leadership. Moreover, the importance of these relations for the country is increasing from year to year and should already be considered politically and practically as an integral part of national security.
We need to constantly expand and strengthen our relations with the US, UK, Canada, Poland, Romania, and Lithuania. Relations with Turkey should be developed on a pragmatic basis. Other European countries should not be left out either. We also need to have a meaningful dialogue with them, arguing the importance of Ukraine's security for the indivisible security of Europe, constantly emphasizing the growing threat to peace on our continent emanating from Russia's aggressive policy.
That is, paraphrasing the well-known statement by U.S. President John F. Kennedy, don't ask what the West can do for Ukraine – ask what Ukraine can do to bring relations with the West to a completely different level – a stable, predictable, and true partnership.
Maybe then no one will have to once again look for hints between the lines in press releases.
Oleg Belokolos is Chairman of the Board at the Maidan of Foreign Affairs Foundation


unian--2020-11-27--Weekend quarantine effect can be evaluated next week – Stepanov

Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has said the effectiveness of the so-called weekend quarantine introduced by the government from November 14 can be evaluated next week .
It requires at least two or three weeks to assess the effectiveness of the quarantine-related curbs set up by government , the minister told a briefing on November 27 , as reported by an UNIAN correspondent .
`` We 'll be able to see the effect in two to three weeks , whether the restrictions we 've introduced , including the weekend quarantine , have yielded results .
What effect did we expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Of course , it 's a decline in the dynamics of the COVID-19 incidence ...
I think that as early as next week , we 'll be able to clearly say whether we 've achieved this effect or not , '' Stepanov said .
On November 11 , the Cabinet decided to introduce weekend quarantine in the country from November 14 to 30 .
It is enforced from 00:00 Saturday to 00:00 Monday .
In particular , on weekends , along with restrictions provided for on weekdays , bans have been imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , shopping malls and entertainment facilities , fitness centers , and the like .
Grocery stores , pharmacies , veterinary pharmacies , post offices , medical facilities , and gas stations shall remain open .

The minister expects downward dynamics of COVID-19 spread.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has said the effectiveness of the so-called weekend quarantine introduced by the government from November 14 can be evaluated next week.
It requires at least two or three weeks to assess the effectiveness of the quarantine-related curbs set up by government, the minister told a briefing on November 27, as reported by an UNIAN correspondent.
"We'll be able to see the effect in two to three weeks, whether the restrictions we've introduced, including the weekend quarantine, have yielded results. What effect did we expect immediately after the introduction of such quarantine? Of course, it's a decline in the dynamics of the COVID-19 incidence... I think that as early as next week, we'll be able to clearly say whether we've achieved this effect or not," Stepanov said.
Read alsoLockdown, explained: What bans await Ukrainians if full-blown quarantine introducedWeekend quarantine
On November 11, the Cabinet decided to introduce weekend quarantine in the country from November 14 to 30. It is enforced from 00:00 Saturday to 00:00 Monday.
In particular, on weekends, along with restrictions provided for on weekdays, bans have been imposed on cafes and restaurants (except takeaway), shopping malls and entertainment facilities, fitness centers, and the like. Grocery stores, pharmacies, veterinary pharmacies, post offices, medical facilities, and gas stations shall remain open.


unian--2020-11-27--Outrage as TV channel spins ridiculous Russian propaganda fake news

The latest boogeyman story involves Donbas woman who `` saw '' a Ukrainian air force pilot `` laughing while bombing civilian neighborhoods . ''
The Nash TV channel , which , ironically , airs from Ukraine , has been spotted disseminating appalling disinformation in the best traditions of Russian propaganda outlets , aimed to denigrate Ukrainian military .
Ukraine 's representative in the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement Denys Kazansky , who is also a journalist , has brought the issue to the spotlight .
The TV channel gave air time to a Donbas resident living in the temporarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' saying : `` I personally saw how a Ukrainian warplane bombed civilians in Donbas , and I could see a pilot in the cockpit , sitting there and laughing . ''
Also , ex-member of pro-Yanukovych Party of Regions Olena Bondarenko could be seen on the air , nodding affirmatively to the said comment .
One of the pillars of Russian propaganda narratives against Ukraine , including those targeting Ukrainian audiences , is about compromising the Ukrainian Armed Forces and accusing them of war crimes .
Through these efforts , propaganda pundits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from warcrimes and human rights violations on the part of Russian military , Russia-led armed groups , and mercenaries .
The Nash TV channel is owned by a pro-Russian politician Yevhen Murayev .
Among many Russian propaganda narratives it has been promoting was the one about Ukraine allegedly being under foreign governance , as per Ukraine Crisis Media Center .
Also , the channel aired a live `` poll '' claiming 76 % of Ukrainian respondents allegedly backed Vladimir Putin 's nomination for the Nobel 's Peace Prize .
The claim lacked @ @ @ @

The latest boogeyman story involves Donbas woman who "saw" a Ukrainian air force pilot "laughing while bombing civilian neighborhoods."
The Nash TV channel, which, ironically, airs from Ukraine, has been spotted disseminating appalling disinformation in the best traditions of Russian propaganda outlets, aimed to denigrate Ukrainian military.
Ukraine's representative in the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement Denys Kazansky, who is also a journalist, has brought the issue to the spotlight.
"Previously, fake stories about 'crucified boys' and grandmothers 'raped by punishers' were spun by Russian media. And now it's Ukrainian TV channels that are already engaged in this," Kazansky said.
The TV channel gave air time to a Donbas resident living in the temporarily occupied territories who "called the studio" saying: "I personally saw how a Ukrainian warplane bombed civilians in Donbas, and I could see a pilot in the cockpit, sitting there and laughing."
"None of the hosts, of course, argued that this was nonsense. This was presented at face value," Kazansky said.
Also, ex-member of pro-Yanukovych Party of Regions Olena Bondarenko could be seen on the air, nodding affirmatively to the said comment.
Memo
One of the pillars of Russian propaganda narratives against Ukraine, including those targeting Ukrainian audiences, is about compromising the Ukrainian Armed Forces and accusing them of war crimes. Through these efforts, propaganda pundits have been working to shift public attention away from warcrimes and human rights violations on the part of Russian military, Russia-led armed groups, and mercenaries.
The Nash TV channel is owned by a pro-Russian politician Yevhen Murayev. Among many Russian propaganda narratives it has been promoting was the one about Ukraine allegedly being under foreign governance, as per Ukraine Crisis Media Center.
Also, the channel aired a live "poll" claiming 76% of Ukrainian respondents allegedly backed Vladimir Putin's nomination for the Nobel's Peace Prize. The claim lacked any sufficient backing.


unian--2020-11-27--FM Kuleba comments on Belarus' readiness to impose sanctions against Ukrainian officials

Kuleba says Ukraine did not do any evil against Belarus and did not interfere in internal affairs .
Ukrainian Foreign @ @ @ @ @ on the readiness of the Belarusian authorities to impose sanctions against Ukrainian officials .
`` @ @ @ @ @ a list of sanctions is being drafted , or a list of sanctions has been @ @ @ @ @ but they have not yet been adopted , and this is a very important detail @ @ @ @ @ 24 TV channel .
Read alsoBelarus drafts sanctions against Ukrainian officialsThe minister noted `` Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ against Belarus and did not interfere in internal affairs . ''
On November 26 , @ @ @ @ @ said Belarus had drafted a `` black '' list of Ukrainian officials who might be @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine of sanctions , criticizes Zelensky for playing along with West • Ukraine not to @ @ @ @ @ media

Kuleba says Ukraine did not do any evil against Belarus and did not interfere in internal affairs.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has commented on the readiness of the Belarusian authorities to impose sanctions against Ukrainian officials.
"My Belarusian colleague has announced a list of sanctions is being drafted, or a list of sanctions has been prepared against Ukrainian officials, but they have not yet been adopted, and this is a very important detail," he told Ukraine 24 TV channel.
Read alsoBelarus drafts sanctions against Ukrainian officialsThe minister noted "Ukraine did not do any evil against Belarus and did not interfere in internal affairs."
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"And therefore, with a clear conscience, we leave the final decision on possible Belarusian sanctions for consideration by the Belarusian authorities," Kuleba said.
On November 26, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said Belarus had drafted a "black" list of Ukrainian officials who might be sanctioned.
Belarus: Other reports


unian--2020-11-27--Daily COVID-19 spike in Kyiv hits new high with over 1,500 cases on Nov 27

The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 65,539 .
Ukraine said 1,520 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the capital city of Kyiv in the past 24 hours as of November 27 , 2020 , marking yet another highest daily rise , against 1,399 cases reported as of November 26 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 65,539 as of November 27 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 22,317 patients , including 375 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The death toll has hit 1,253 with 26 fatalities recorded in the past day .
Read alsoLockdown , explained : What bans await Ukrainians if full-blown quarantine introducedIn total , 35,235 new confirmed cases was registered in Kyiv region with 994 cases reported in the past 24 hours .
At the same time , 12,096 people have recovered ( 243 in the past day ) , while 667 people have died ( +15 fatalities ) .
Ukraine said 16,218 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across country in the past day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steady trend toward a higher pace of coronavirus spread .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 693,407 .
As many as 326,238 patients , including 8,843 in the past day , have recovered .
The death toll has hit 11,909 with 192 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours .

The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 65,539.
Ukraine said 1,520 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the capital city of Kyiv in the past 24 hours as of November 27, 2020, marking yet another highest daily rise, against 1,399 cases reported as of November 26, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases in the city grew to 65,539 as of November 27, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 22,317 patients, including 375 in the past day, have recovered.
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The death toll has hit 1,253 with 26 fatalities recorded in the past day.
Read alsoLockdown, explained: What bans await Ukrainians if full-blown quarantine introducedIn total, 35,235 new confirmed cases was registered in Kyiv region with 994 cases reported in the past 24 hours.
At the same time, 12,096 people have recovered (243 in the past day), while 667 people have died (+15 fatalities).
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments
Ukraine said 16,218 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across country in the past day, November 27, which marks a steady trend toward a higher pace of coronavirus spread.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 693,407.
As many as 326,238 patients, including 8,843 in the past day, have recovered.
The death toll has hit 11,909 with 192 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-11-27--Social policy minister elaborates on pension payments

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Social policy minister elaborates on pension payments
14:00, 27.11.20 16708
An increase in pensions will depend on the subsistence level and the minimum wage.
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unian--2020-11-27--Nord Stream 2: Norway firm suspends work on U.S. sanctions anxiety

DNV GL said the United States had issued new guidelines for its Protecting Europe 's Energy Security Act ( PEESA ) , which targets the Nord Stream 2 project .
Norway 's risk management and quality assurance firm DNV GL has suspended work on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project led by Russia 's Gazprom for fear of being sanctioned by the United States , it said on Thursday .
Nord Stream 2 runs alongside the existing Nord Stream pipeline in the Baltic Sea and is designed to boost the amount of Russian gas that can be shipped to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as reported by Reuters .
Washington wants to stop the project as it fears the pipeline would strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin 's economic and political influence over Europe .
The United States also wants to boost its own gas exports to the continent .
DNV GL said the United States had issued new guidelines for its Protecting Europe 's Energy Security Act ( PEESA ) , which targets the Nord Stream 2 project .
DNV GL said its work involved reviewing documentation and observing construction activities to ensure compliance with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and preparation of equipment used by vessels to install the pipeline .
It was not immediately clear what impact DNV GL 's move would have on the project .
Construction of the 1,230 km pipeline is nearly finished but a final stretch of about 120 km still needs to be laid in Danish waters .
Read alsoInglorious end of Nord Stream 2 would herald string of defeats for Putin 's RussiaWork was halted in December when pipe-laying company Swiss-Dutch Allseas suspended operations after U.S. sanctions targeted companies providing vessels to lay the pipes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the potential impact of the Norwegian company 's decision saying it was not in a position to disclose commercial information .
`` It is up to governments and the European Commission to protect European companies from illegal extraterritorial sanctions , '' Nord Stream 2 said .
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
It should connect Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline .
The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019 .
The pipeline will be 1,220 km long .
The project is being implemented by Russia 's Gazprom in alliance with European companies – ENGIE , OMV , Royal Dutch Shell , Uniper , and Wintershall .
Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at US $ 3 billion annually .
The project is also highly criticized by the U.S. , Poland , and the Baltic States .
On July 15 , U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that the participants in the Nord Stream 2 project would fall under the Countering America 's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act , CAATSA .
Read alsoU.S .
government designates companies subject to sanctions over Nord Stream 2 – mediaOn July 16 , the U.S. recommended that investment companies reconsider their participation in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate approved the draft National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 , which , among other things , contains additional sanctions against the companies involved in the construction of Nord Stream 2 .
Ukraine 's Foreign Ministry welcomed the United States ' readiness to impose sanctions on investment companies involved in the completion of the project .

DNV GL said the United States had issued new guidelines for its Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act (PEESA), which targets the Nord Stream 2 project.
Norway's risk management and quality assurance firm DNV GL has suspended work on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project led by Russia's Gazprom for fear of being sanctioned by the United States, it said on Thursday.
Nord Stream 2 runs alongside the existing Nord Stream pipeline in the Baltic Sea and is designed to boost the amount of Russian gas that can be shipped to Europe without having to go through Ukraine, as reported by Reuters.
Washington wants to stop the project as it fears the pipeline would strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin's economic and political influence over Europe. The United States also wants to boost its own gas exports to the continent.
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DNV GL said the United States had issued new guidelines for its Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act (PEESA), which targets the Nord Stream 2 project.
"Under these new guidelines, we find DNV GL's verification activities linked to vessels with equipment serving the Nord Stream 2 project to be sanctionable. DNV GL has therefore ceased delivery of services that may fall under the scope of PEESA," DNV GL said in emailed comments.
DNV GL said its work involved reviewing documentation and observing construction activities to ensure compliance with its standards. This included monitoring the testing and preparation of equipment used by vessels to install the pipeline.
It was not immediately clear what impact DNV GL's move would have on the project. Construction of the 1,230 km pipeline is nearly finished but a final stretch of about 120 km still needs to be laid in Danish waters.
Read alsoInglorious end of Nord Stream 2 would herald string of defeats for Putin's RussiaWork was halted in December when pipe-laying company Swiss-Dutch Allseas suspended operations after U.S. sanctions targeted companies providing vessels to lay the pipes.
Nord Stream 2 declined to comment on the potential impact of the Norwegian company's decision saying it was not in a position to disclose commercial information.
"It is up to governments and the European Commission to protect European companies from illegal extraterritorial sanctions," Nord Stream 2 said.
Nord Stream 2: Background
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. It should connect Russia's Ust-Lug and Germany's Greifswald. This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline.
The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019.
The pipeline will be 1,220 km long. The project is being implemented by Russia's Gazprom in alliance with European companies – ENGIE, OMV, Royal Dutch Shell, Uniper, and Wintershall. Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country, while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US$3 billion annually. The project is also highly criticized by the U.S., Poland, and the Baltic States.
On July 15, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that the participants in the Nord Stream 2 project would fall under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, CAATSA.
Read alsoU.S. government designates companies subject to sanctions over Nord Stream 2 – mediaOn July 16, the U.S. recommended that investment companies reconsider their participation in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
On July 23, the U.S. Senate approved the draft National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which, among other things, contains additional sanctions against the companies involved in the construction of Nord Stream 2.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry welcomed the United States' readiness to impose sanctions on investment companies involved in the completion of the project.


unian--2020-11-27--Finance minister confirms delays in payments on unprotected expenditure items

At the same time , Marchenko says there will be enough money in budget to pay off pensions and salaries @ @ @ @ @ .

Finance minister confirms delays in payments on unprotected expenditure items
13:10, 27.11.20 173
At the same time, Marchenko says there will be enough money in budget to pay off pensions and salaries to state employees before year-end.
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unian--2020-11-27--Weekend quarantine has proved ineffective: State Consumer Service official

Full lockdown must be introduced across country as soon as possible , the agency chief says .
The head of the State Consumer Service in Kyiv , Oleh Ruban , says the weekend quarantine has yielded no effective result in fighting the spread of COVID-19 .
The official considers it necessary to introduce a full lockdown as soon as possible , RBC-Ukraine reports .
It is n't feasible to consider imposing the lockdown in individual regions .
`` There should be a single solution throughout the country .
It is necessary to introduce a lockdown throughout the country in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yielded results in terms of efficiency , '' Ruban said .
Read alsoLockdown , explained : What bans await Ukrainians if full-blown quarantine introducedEarlier , Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov said that the government would be able to assess the effectiveness of the weekend quarantine as early as next week .
Yesterday , November 26 , Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov spoke in favor of the immediate introduction of a radical lockdown for at least three weeks .
At the same time , Stepanov said there are no grounds for introducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office says 80 % of beds in hospitals to have oxygen supply • `` Everything is simple '' : President 's Office comments on lockdown prospects • Daily COVID-19 high beats record second day in row with over 16,000 cases reported Nov 27

Full lockdown must be introduced across country as soon as possible, the agency chief says.
The head of the State Consumer Service in Kyiv, Oleh Ruban, says the weekend quarantine has yielded no effective result in fighting the spread of COVID-19.
The official considers it necessary to introduce a full lockdown as soon as possible, RBC-Ukraine reports.
It isn't feasible to consider imposing the lockdown in individual regions.
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"There should be a single solution throughout the country. It is necessary to introduce a lockdown throughout the country in the near future. The weekend quarantine has not yielded results in terms of efficiency," Ruban said.
Read alsoLockdown, explained: What bans await Ukrainians if full-blown quarantine introducedEarlier, Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov said that the government would be able to assess the effectiveness of the weekend quarantine as early as next week.
Yesterday, November 26, Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov spoke in favor of the immediate introduction of a radical lockdown for at least three weeks.
At the same time, Stepanov said there are no grounds for introducing a strict quarantine yet.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Other reports