unian--2020-04-16--Why are churches afraid to comply with quarantine, while authorities refrain from putting them on lo

Why are churches afraid to comply with quarantine, while authorities refrain from putting them on lockdown

The problem with churches that defy quarantine restrictions and seek `` worship as usual '' with crowds of believers attending services goes far beyond Ukraine .
In South Korea , the research of infection chains showed that , on average , one person infected with COVID-19 spread the disease among 10 to 15 people .
At the same time , one of the patients had transmitted the virus to several thousand citizens through a religious community .
That is , it 's in churches and temples where the disease spreads at the highest rate .
Even before the epidemic broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to carefully study the experience of those countries that had encountered a coronavirus before .
Had this been done , the authorities would have realized that the problem would inevitably arise of high levels of infection among medics , and they would have been convinced much earlier that air travel with the virus hotbeds must be suspended .
Also , Ukraine would have known that churches are precisely such hotbeds at a smaller scale so action must be taken in advance to avoid a disaster .
However , the situation with the churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's because they are one of the strongest institutions in the world , regardless of whether they are public , official , or informal .
Churches are difficult to mess with , so in many countries , the authorities prefer to cooperate with them rather than get into a fight .
This also applies to Ukraine .
Traditionally , Ukrainian churches are organizations actively involved in politics .
This has been the case since the early times of Ukraine 's independence .
Over the past years , churches have grown stronger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has become rather powerful .
That is why politicians prefer to go to churches and take selfies there .
Restrictive measures for churches are extremely difficult to implement .
Therefore , at least two cases of coronavirus spread through church organizations have been recorded in Ukraine .
The first example is the spread of the virus in the churches of the `` Moscow Patriarchate '' , or more precisely , in its headquarters in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra .
Another example is a Protestant church in Dnipropetrovsk region .
As we can see , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Focusing on the Lavra case leads to another confrontation with a particular church organization .
But in reality , this could happen in any church .
I would also remind that the first victim of a coronavirus in Ukraine , who died in Zhytomyr region , as it turned out when her contacts were traced , had visited a church and contacted a few dozen local parishioners before she died ...
Therefore , the issue of the church being a potentially hazardous site at the times of quarantine remains urgent .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government bans mass gatherings , this rule must apply to everyone , including church communities .
Then it would be about executing or not executing the regulation imposed by the authorities .
However , in Ukraine , the authorities decided not to fight churches because the latter are powerful political organizations .
The government prefers to remain friends and flirt with top clerics who are able influence their flock , read `` electorate '' .
So the authorities are just afraid to interfere .
Meanwhile , implementing these restrictions would be quite realistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a Council of Churches .
The government needed to meet with the Council of Churches in a timely manner , work with its members and brief them on the need to abide by restrictions during quarantine .
But this was n't done .
So far , the problem with the churches has not gotten out of hand , while having significantly worsened .
And now , in the wake of the story with the Lavra , church hierarchs will realize the need to adhere to restrictions to tackle the epidemic .
Easter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church in large crowds , which , of course , will contribute to a more vigorous spread of the virus .
The solution is obvious : the churches should be compelled to obey the ban on mass gatherings and , therefore , the churches would have to opt for online services .
Because it seems strange and incomprehensible to the public , why an exception is being made for churches where `` special conditions '' of quarantine are being set .
But in reality , the government is simply aware that the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than that of the political parties , and is therefore afraid of restricting church activity .
As for the church 's unwillingness to abide by the epidemic rules , it 's explained as follows .
Churches are not only political organizations but also financial ones .
They depend on the financial support of their laity .
But it 's always a choice of those going to church ( they do it voluntarily , no one 's making them to donate ) .
Because of this , in particular , churches oppose the call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this peculiarity of the church has led to the fact that in the most developed economies , once Protestant countries , the influence of churches is seeing steady decline as citizens are shifting away from church life .
In Ukraine , the situation is the opposite : it is increasingly becoming a clerical state as the influence of the church is steadily increasing .
Naturally , any organization that 's becoming influential , is expanding , including economically .
And the economic `` connection '' between the church and its parishioners is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bread to a priest , millionaires make huge donations to churches – and all of this is happening through personal communication .
Of course , churches are interested in that .
However , in a situation where some businesses have completely ceased their operations , such as restaurants , and many Ukrainians get by on their savings , there should be a uniform area of responsibility .
To put it bluntly , it 's not individual categories of citizens who should be `` tightening the belts '' but everyone .
Wiser churches treat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future , they will depend on how many of their parishioners survive the pandemic .
It might be an awkward thing to say , but it is the interest of the churches to keep their flock healthy .
Therefore , they must care about their health .
The unfortunate example of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra will make church hierarchs sober up a bit as they now have to deal with the need to treat restrictions differently in order to counter the epidemic .
Oleksandr Donii is a Ukrainian political analyst , head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former People 's Deputy of Ukraine , Chairman of the Last Barricade Art Association

The problem with churches that defy quarantine restrictions and seek "worship as usual" with crowds of believers attending services goes far beyond Ukraine. In South Korea, the research of infection chains showed that, on average, one person infected with COVID-19 spread the disease among 10 to 15 people. At the same time, one of the patients had transmitted the virus to several thousand citizens through a religious community. That is, it's in churches and temples where the disease spreads at the highest rate.
Even before the epidemic broke out in its territory, Ukraine had to carefully study the experience of those countries that had encountered a coronavirus before. Had this been done, the authorities would have realized that the problem would inevitably arise of high levels of infection among medics, and they would have been convinced much earlier that air travel with the virus hotbeds must be suspended. Also, Ukraine would have known that churches are precisely such hotbeds at a smaller scale so action must be taken in advance to avoid a disaster.
Churches are difficult to mess with, so in many countries, the authorities prefer to cooperate with them rather than get into a fight
However, the situation with the churches is not as simple as it seems. That's because they are one of the strongest institutions in the world, regardless of whether they are public, official, or informal. Churches are difficult to mess with, so in many countries, the authorities prefer to cooperate with them rather than get into a fight.
This also applies to Ukraine.
Traditionally, Ukrainian churches are organizations actively involved in politics. This has been the case since the early times of Ukraine's independence. Over the past years, churches have grown stronger, and their influence on the government has become rather powerful. That is why politicians prefer to go to churches and take selfies there.
Restrictive measures for churches are extremely difficult to implement. Therefore, at least two cases of coronavirus spread through church organizations have been recorded in Ukraine. The first example is the spread of the virus in the churches of the "Moscow Patriarchate", or more precisely, in its headquarters in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Another example is a Protestant church in Dnipropetrovsk region.
As we can see, the spread doesn't depend on denomination. Focusing on the Lavra case leads to another confrontation with a particular church organization. But in reality, this could happen in any church.
I would also remind that the first victim of a coronavirus in Ukraine, who died in Zhytomyr region, as it turned out when her contacts were traced, had visited a church and contacted a few dozen local parishioners before she died...
In Ukraine, the authorities decided not to fight churches because the latter are powerful political organizations
Therefore, the issue of the church being a potentially hazardous site at the times of quarantine remains urgent. But how can it be addressed? If government bans mass gatherings, this rule must apply to everyone, including church communities. Then it would be about executing or not executing the regulation imposed by the authorities.
However, in Ukraine, the authorities decided not to fight churches because the latter are powerful political organizations. The government prefers to remain friends and flirt with top clerics who are able influence their flock, read "electorate". So the authorities are just afraid to interfere.
Meanwhile, implementing these restrictions would be quite realistic. Unlike other European countries, Ukraine has a Council of Churches. The government needed to meet with the Council of Churches in a timely manner, work with its members and brief them on the need to abide by restrictions during quarantine. But this wasn't done.
So far, the problem with the churches has not gotten out of hand, while having significantly worsened. And now, in the wake of the story with the Lavra, church hierarchs will realize the need to adhere to restrictions to tackle the epidemic.
Easter is coming when people usually go to church in large crowds, which, of course, will contribute to a more vigorous spread of the virus. The solution is obvious: the churches should be compelled to obey the ban on mass gatherings and, therefore, the churches would have to opt for online services. Because it seems strange and incomprehensible to the public, why an exception is being made for churches where "special conditions" of quarantine are being set. But in reality, the government is simply aware that the political influence of the churches is far greater than that of the political parties, and is therefore afraid of restricting church activity.
As for the church's unwillingness to abide by the epidemic rules, it's explained as follows. Churches are not only political organizations but also financial ones. They depend on the financial support of their laity. But it's always a choice of those going to church (they do it voluntarily, no one's making them to donate). Because of this, in particular, churches oppose the call to abide by restrictions.
Public awareness of this peculiarity of the church has led to the fact that in the most developed economies, once Protestant countries, the influence of churches is seeing steady decline as citizens are shifting away from church life.
An unfortunate example of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra will make church hierarchs sober up a bit
In Ukraine, the situation is the opposite: it is increasingly becoming a clerical state as the influence of the church is steadily increasing. Naturally, any organization that's becoming influential, is expanding, including economically. And the economic "connection" between the church and its parishioners is through direct communication: ordinary people bring bread to a priest, millionaires make huge donations to churches – and all of this is happening through personal communication. Of course, churches are interested in that.
However, in a situation where some businesses have completely ceased their operations, such as restaurants, and many Ukrainians get by on their savings, there should be a uniform area of responsibility. To put it bluntly, it's not individual categories of citizens who should be "tightening the belts" but everyone. Wiser churches treat this idea with understanding, because in the future, they will depend on how many of their parishioners survive the pandemic. It might be an awkward thing to say, but it is the interest of the churches to keep their flock healthy. Therefore, they must care about their health.
The unfortunate example of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra will make church hierarchs sober up a bit as they now have to deal with the need to treat restrictions differently in order to counter the epidemic.
Oleksandr Donii is a Ukrainian political analyst, head of the Center for Political Values Studies, Former People's Deputy of Ukraine, Chairman of the Last Barricade Art Association


unian--2020-04-16--Ukraine taking back nine citizens from captivity in Russian-occupied part of Donetsk region

In total , 19 Ukrainians , who had been illegally held by Russian-controlled forces in the self-proclaimed `` DPR '' / '' LPR '' will be returning today .
The Verkhovna Rada Human Rights Commissioner Liudmila Denisova has said Ukraine as part of today 's prisoner swap will take back from the unrecognized `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) nine Ukrainian citizens , including military serviceman Viktor Shaidov , who was captured by Donbas militants in 2019 .
`` Nine Ukrainian citizens will be returned from the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine .
Shaidov was captured and had been illegally held in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region since 2019 , '' she wrote on Facebook on April 16 .
In total , 19 Ukrainians , who were illegally detained by Russian-controlled forces in the self-proclaimed `` Donetsk and Luhansk People 's Republics '' ( `` DPR '' / '' LPR '' ) in Donbas , will be released and handed over to the Ukrainian government today , April 16 .
`` Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have significantly affected the negotiations , which were difficult .
But , as we see , joint efforts of everyone involved in this important work have yielded results , '' she added .
According to Denisova , those released will undergo mandatory observation in a designated facility .
They will be provided with all essentials , medical supervision , and communication channels .
The official emphasized that the release of all Ukrainian nationals , who are still being illegally held in captivity in Russia , temporarily occupied territories of Crimea , Luhansk and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are doing our best , and we are applying all tools available to have every Ukrainian [ held in captivity ] released , '' Denisova stressed .
As UNIAN reported earlier , another stage of the prisoner swap has kicked off in Donbas today , April 16 , to bringing home 19 of Ukrainian citizens who have been held in captivity in the temporarily occupied territories .

In total, 19 Ukrainians, who had been illegally held by Russian-controlled forces in the self-proclaimed "DPR"/"LPR" will be returning today.
The Verkhovna Rada Human Rights Commissioner Liudmila Denisova has said Ukraine as part of today's prisoner swap will take back from the unrecognized "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR") nine Ukrainian citizens, including military serviceman Viktor Shaidov, who was captured by Donbas militants in 2019.
"Nine Ukrainian citizens will be returned from the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region. In particular, among them is Viktor Shaidov. He is a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Shaidov was captured and had been illegally held in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region since 2019," she wrote on Facebook on April 16.
In total, 19 Ukrainians, who were illegally detained by Russian-controlled forces in the self-proclaimed "Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics" ("DPR"/"LPR") in Donbas, will be released and handed over to the Ukrainian government today, April 16.
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"Of course, [coronavirus] quarantine restrictions have significantly affected the negotiations, which were difficult. But, as we see, joint efforts of everyone involved in this important work have yielded results," she added.
Read alsoDonbas prisoner swap kicks off, 19 Ukrainians set to return home
According to Denisova, those released will undergo mandatory observation in a designated facility. They will be provided with all essentials, medical supervision, and communication channels.
The official emphasized that the release of all Ukrainian nationals, who are still being illegally held in captivity in Russia, temporarily occupied territories of Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk regions, remains priority.
"We are doing our best, and we are applying all tools available to have every Ukrainian [held in captivity] released," Denisova stressed.
As UNIAN reported earlier, another stage of the prisoner swap has kicked off in Donbas today, April 16, to bringing home 19 of Ukrainian citizens who have been held in captivity in the temporarily occupied territories.


unian--2020-04-16--Ukraine coronavirus update: 397 new cases in past 24 hours, bringing total to 4,161

A total of 116 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine stood at 4,161 as of Thursday morning .
`` According to the Public Health Center , there were to 4,161 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on April 16 , '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on April 16 .
Of them , 397 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
Now the novel coronavirus was recorded in the following regions : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Volyn region ; 78 in Dnipropetrovsk region ; 12 in Donetsk region ; 162 in Zhytomyr region ; 116 in Zakarpattia ; 115 in Zaporizhia region ; 401 in Ivano-Frankivsk region ; 198 in Kirovohrad region ; 644 in the city of Kyiv ; 234 in Kyiv region ; 166 in Lviv region ; four cases in Luhansk region ; 22 cases in Mykolayiv region ; 73 in Odesa region ; 27 in Poltava region ; 204 in Rivne region ; 80 in Sumy region ; 333 in Ternopil region ; 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kherson region ; 37 in Khmelnytsky region ; 662 in Chernivtsi region ; 110 in Cherkasy region ; 11 cases in Chernihiv region .
Read alsoVillage in Kharkiv region in lockdown after church candle seller dies of COVID-19 Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
The tests were conducted with the use of polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) in the Public Health Center 's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
A total of 116 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country .
Some 186 patients have recovered .

A total of 116 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine stood at 4,161 as of Thursday morning.
"According to the Public Health Center, there were to 4,161 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on April 16," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on April 16.
Of them, 397 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
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Now the novel coronavirus was recorded in the following regions: 279 cases in Vinnytsia region; 109 in Volyn region; 78 in Dnipropetrovsk region; 12 in Donetsk region; 162 in Zhytomyr region; 116 in Zakarpattia; 115 in Zaporizhia region; 401 in Ivano-Frankivsk region; 198 in Kirovohrad region; 644 in the city of Kyiv; 234 in Kyiv region; 166 in Lviv region; four cases in Luhansk region; 22 cases in Mykolayiv region; 73 in Odesa region; 27 in Poltava region; 204 in Rivne region; 80 in Sumy region; 333 in Ternopil region; 40 cases in Kharkiv region, 44 in Kherson region; 37 in Khmelnytsky region; 662 in Chernivtsi region; 110 in Cherkasy region; 11 cases in Chernihiv region.
Read alsoVillage in Kharkiv region in lockdown after church candle seller dies of COVID-19
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
The tests were conducted with the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories.
In total, there have been 42,823 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
A total of 116 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country. Some 186 patients have recovered.


unian--2020-04-16--Almost 16,000 Ukrainians abroad seek to return home amid worldwide lockdowns – MFA Ukraine

Twenty-six Ukrainians have recovered from the novel coronavirus .
Some 15,984 citizens of Ukraine have applied to Ukrainian diplomatic facilities abroad for assistance under the Zakhyst ( Protection ) program ( for those left stranded outside the country after the closure of the Ukrainian border late in March 2020 ) .
Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) says 26 Ukrainians have recovered from the novel coronavirus , or COVID 19 , abroad , while 174 are undergoing treatment , according to the ministry 's update on the coronavirus as of 18:00 Kyiv time on April 15 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are six in Poland , four each in Japan and the Dominican Republic , two each in Italy and Nigeria , and one each in Belgium , the United Kingdom , the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) , Thailand , Germany , Sweden , Switzerland , and Egypt .
Six Ukrainians died from coronavirus abroad – four in Italy , one in France and the United States each .
Of the 174 Ukrainians being treated abroad , 121 are in Italy , 22 in Greece , six in the Czech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Germany , three in Austria , two each in the U.S. and Portugal , one each in Sweden , Thailand , Serbia , the Seychelles , the Russian Federation , the UAE , the Netherlands , Nigeria , and Malta .

Twenty-six Ukrainians have recovered from the novel coronavirus.
Some 15,984 citizens of Ukraine have applied to Ukrainian diplomatic facilities abroad for assistance under the Zakhyst (Protection) program (for those left stranded outside the country after the closure of the Ukrainian border late in March 2020).
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) says 26 Ukrainians have recovered from the novel coronavirus, or COVID 19, abroad, while 174 are undergoing treatment, according to the ministry's update on the coronavirus as of 18:00 Kyiv time on April 15.
Read alsoUkraine's Foreign Ministry: 15 Ukrainians put in "compulsory quarantine" by Austrian farmer
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Of the 26 Ukrainians who have recovered, there are six in Poland, four each in Japan and the Dominican Republic, two each in Italy and Nigeria, and one each in Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and Egypt.
Six Ukrainians died from coronavirus abroad – four in Italy, one in France and the United States each.
Of the 174 Ukrainians being treated abroad, 121 are in Italy, 22 in Greece, six in the Czech Republic, five in Spain, four in Germany, three in Austria, two each in the U.S. and Portugal, one each in Sweden, Thailand, Serbia, the Seychelles, the Russian Federation, the UAE, the Netherlands, Nigeria, and Malta.


unian--2020-04-16--Cattle population sees 7.2% decline in Ukraine

Poultry population is down by 2 % .
Ukraine 's statistics agency says cattle population as of April 1 , @ @ @ @ @ million , which is 7.2 % below the figure reported on the same date a @ @ @ @ @ 1.78 million cows , which is 6.5 % fewer on year .
Also , the @ @ @ @ @ is 6.2 % below last year 's figure , while sheep and lamb numbers are @ @ @ @ @ amounting to 1.38 million .
Read alsoUkraine 's Cabinet announced refinanced loans to businesses at @ @ @ @ @ In 2019 , cattle population in Ukraine also saw a decline of 5.7 % , @ @ @ @ @ while 5.7 million pigs was 4.9 % below the 2018 numbers , sheep and lambs @ @ @ @ @ , to 1.2 million , and poultry – up by 3,6 % , to 219.3 @ @

Cattle population sees 7.2% decline in Ukraine
11:00, 16.04.20 294
Poultry population is down by 2%.
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unian--2020-04-16--Ukraine's Cabinet to regulate prices of 10 food staples

The government plans to take under control the prices of flour , sugar , pasta , milk , eggs , bread , poultry , creamery butter , and buckwheat .
Ukrainian Minister for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko has said the Cabinet of Ministers plans to introduce state regulation of prices of 10 food staples to ensure food security in the country amid the coronavirus quarantine .
`` We are planning and elaborating the introduction of a softer regulatory tool [ for prices ] .
At the moment , these are 10 food staples that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including flour , sugar , pasta , milk , eggs , bread , poultry , creamery butter , and buckwheat , '' he said at a briefing on April 15 after a government meeting .
Read alsoReuters exclusive : Ukraine ready to ban wheat exports if necessary – deputy minister Petrashko says there has been a positive food price trend , while suppliers `` have taken a fair approach in pricing '' over the recent ten days .
According to the minister , the government is working daily with distributors and stores ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affordable .
The official added that the government had managed to avoid a shortage of food , despite the restrictive measures introduced amid the coronavirus quarantine .
`` We 've prevented a shortage of foodstuff , despite the introduction of quarantine restrictions and a ban on the operation of markets .
All goods are in stock , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported , Petrashko earlier said there would be no food price hikes in the country ahead of Orthodox Easter holidays .
On April 9 , Ukrainian supermarket chains started to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , the Anti-Monopoly Committee of Ukraine ( AMCU ) recorded a rise in retail prices of food in certain Ukrainian regions amid the COVID-19 quarantine .
Since early March , in some regions , prices of buckwheat had increased by more than 50 % , while those of millet and sugar had grown by 24 % and 16 % , respectively .
After that , the AMCU launched investigations into Ukrainian retail chains ' antitrust activity .

Ukraine's Cabinet to regulate prices of 10 food staples
10:40, 16.04.20 7932
The government plans to take under control the prices of flour, sugar, pasta, milk, eggs, bread, poultry, creamery butter, and buckwheat.
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unian--2020-04-16--Ukraine is not enough. Kazakhstan is also "ours", suggests Russia

The other day , from his secret bunker , Vladimir Putin took part in a virtual meeting of the heads of state of the Eurasian Economic Union .
That 's what the Customs Union of Russia , Belarus , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , and Armenia is now called .
Before the Russian incursion into Ukraine , the Kremlin had tried to draw Kyiv into this project .
In his opening remarks , the Russian president suggested considering zeroing customs duties on essentials pending the efforts to tackle the novel coronavirus .
Meanwhile , the Russian State Duma started discussing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very countries that are members of this association .
Russian deputies passed at first reading a bill streamlining acquisition of Russian citizenship .
The main point is that , in order to get naturalized in Russia , the applicant no longer has to give up on their current citizenship .
It is curious that this norm was tested in the occupied Donbas , and now they want to expand it to the whole world .
But despite Putin 's statements that Russian borders stretch indefinitely , the focus of the latest legislation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the post-Soviet space .
In fact , the possibility is being worked out at a global level of mass distribution of Russian passports , whose holders could one day suddenly cry out : `` Putin , bring in your troops ! ''
He will have all the necessary arguments to this end .
After all , he 'll have to `` protect '' Russian citizens from potential Belarusian or Kazakh `` fascism '' .
So far , the bill has been adopted at first reading , and applies to persons who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taste of invasion is so tempting ... By second reading , it 's planned to provide ( as Russian deputies say publicly without being reprimanded by the Kremlin ) for the distribution of passports without the need for the applicants to actually move to Russia .
Thus , Russians dream of boosting the number of persons with dual citizenship .
Moreover , if they do n't need to give up on the citizenship of the country of residence , they can pledge allegiance to Russia secretly .
Such allegiance remains a must for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The most interesting thing is that , while there is some logic in the norm allowing Ukrainians to retain their citizenship while being naturalized in Russia ( it 's no secret that Moscow has been claiming dangerous enemy 'banderites ' in Zelensky 's government ) , the same move with respect to Belarus and Kazakhstan looks ridiculous as these two states have formally remained Russia 's closest allies .
For citizens of Belarus , this will be explained under the pretext of `` rapprochement of the two countries – members of the Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , what the Kremlin actually seeks is to achieve `` total rapprochement '' , up to the absorption of Belarus .
As for the Kazakhs , the pretext is the Russian language being used at the official level and in `` everyday life '' .
As for Ukrainians and Moldovans , Russia intends to hand out passports `` based on humanitarian considerations and in order to protect rights and freedoms . ''
That is precisely what the explanatory note to the bill says .
Perhaps this wording is due to the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and part of Ukraine , proceeding , of course , from `` humanitarian considerations '' .
It 's all easy from that point .
It 's about repeating Putin 's scenario tested in Donbas in relation to all mentioned states : `` We will stand behind women and children… '' The plans for `` getting up from their knees '' may be slightly changed by plunging oil prices and the novel coronavirus , but the scale of ambition is clear : to keep bringing the `` Russian world '' to everyone despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always turns out to be `` Russian poverty '' and death .

The other day, from his secret bunker, Vladimir Putin took part in a virtual meeting of the heads of state of the Eurasian Economic Union. That's what the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia is now called. Before the Russian incursion into Ukraine, the Kremlin had tried to draw Kyiv into this project.
In his opening remarks, the Russian president suggested considering zeroing customs duties on essentials pending the efforts to tackle the novel coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the Russian State Duma started discussing the issue of the possible zeroing of the very countries that are members of this association. Russian deputies passed at first reading a bill streamlining acquisition of Russian citizenship.
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The main point is that, in order to get naturalized in Russia, the applicant no longer has to give up on their current citizenship.
The possibility is being worked out at a global level of mass distribution of Russian passports, whose holders could one day suddenly cry out: "Putin, bring in your troops!"
It is curious that this norm was tested in the occupied Donbas, and now they want to expand it to the whole world.
But despite Putin's statements that Russian borders stretch indefinitely, the focus of the latest legislation is primarily on the so-called "compatriots" from the post-Soviet space.
In fact, the possibility is being worked out at a global level of mass distribution of Russian passports, whose holders could one day suddenly cry out: "Putin, bring in your troops!" He will have all the necessary arguments to this end. After all, he'll have to "protect" Russian citizens from potential Belarusian or Kazakh "fascism".
So far, the bill has been adopted at first reading, and applies to persons who have already moved to Russia. But the taste of invasion is so tempting... By second reading, it's planned to provide (as Russian deputies say publicly without being reprimanded by the Kremlin) for the distribution of passports without the need for the applicants to actually move to Russia.
Thus, Russians dream of boosting the number of persons with dual citizenship. Moreover, if they don't need to give up on the citizenship of the country of residence, they can pledge allegiance to Russia secretly. Such allegiance remains a must for any applicant for naturalization in Russia.
The most interesting thing is that, while there is some logic in the norm allowing Ukrainians to retain their citizenship while being naturalized in Russia (it's no secret that Moscow has been claiming dangerous enemy 'banderites' in Zelensky's government), the same move with respect to Belarus and Kazakhstan looks ridiculous as these two states have formally remained Russia's closest allies.
For citizens of Belarus, this will be explained under the pretext of "rapprochement of the two countries – members of the Union State". In fact, though, what the Kremlin actually seeks is to achieve "total rapprochement", up to the absorption of Belarus.
As for the Kazakhs, the pretext is the Russian language being used at the official level and in "everyday life".
The plans for "getting up from their knees" may be slightly changed by plunging oil prices and the novel coronavirus, but the scale of ambition is clear: to keep bringing the "Russian world" to everyone
As for Ukrainians and Moldovans, Russia intends to hand out passports "based on humanitarian considerations and in order to protect rights and freedoms." That is precisely what the explanatory note to the bill says. Perhaps this wording is due to the fact that Russia has already occupied part of Moldova and part of Ukraine, proceeding, of course, from "humanitarian considerations".
It's all easy from that point. It's about repeating Putin's scenario tested in Donbas in relation to all mentioned states: "We will stand behind women and children…"
The plans for "getting up from their knees" may be slightly changed by plunging oil prices and the novel coronavirus, but the scale of ambition is clear: to keep bringing the "Russian world" to everyone despite the fact that, in practice, this always turns out to be "Russian poverty" and death.
Roman Tsymbaliuk


unian--2020-04-16--Donbas prisoner swap kicks off, 19 Ukrainians set to return home

Mutual release of held persons is taking place in `` all for all '' format .
Another stage of the prisoner swap has kicked off in Donbas – Ukraine is bringing home 19 of its citizens who have been held in captivity in the temporarily occupied territories .
Given the quarantine restrictions that are currently in force , those released will be sent for compulsory observation immediately , according to the President 's Office .
Mutual release of detainees is taking place in the `` all for all '' format .
`` Everyone who is illegally detained in the occupied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and for the Ukrainian government as a whole .
Ukraine must release all its citizens , '' the office said on Facebook .
Read alsoMinister for occupied territories : `` Dozens '' of Ukrainians should return home amid prisoner swap The statement notes this is the third stage of prisoner release under Zelensky 's presidency .
The first one was in September last year , when 35 Ukrainians returned home , while 76 citizens returned during the second effort made in December .
Negotiations are underway on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimea and in Russia .
`` It should be remembered publishing in the media the names of those whom Ukraine is trying to bring back complicates the process of them being put on the lists for release , '' reads the report .

Mutual release of held persons is taking place in "all for all" format.
Another stage of the prisoner swap has kicked off in Donbas – Ukraine is bringing home 19 of its citizens who have been held in captivity in the temporarily occupied territories.
Given the quarantine restrictions that are currently in force, those released will be sent for compulsory observation immediately, according to the President's Office.
Mutual release of detainees is taking place in the "all for all" format.
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"Everyone who is illegally detained in the occupied territories or in another country is valuable for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and for the Ukrainian government as a whole. Ukraine must release all its citizens," the office said on Facebook.
Read alsoMinister for occupied territories: "Dozens" of Ukrainians should return home amid prisoner swap
The statement notes this is the third stage of prisoner release under Zelensky's presidency. The first one was in September last year, when 35 Ukrainians returned home, while 76 citizens returned during the second effort made in December.
Negotiations are underway on the release of Ukrainians being held in occupied Crimea and in Russia.
"It should be remembered publishing in the media the names of those whom Ukraine is trying to bring back complicates the process of them being put on the lists for release," reads the report.


unian--2020-04-16--Ukraine's hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.22 to U.S. dollar on April 16

The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 29.64 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) on April 15 set the official forex rate for April 16 at UAH 27.22 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency weaken by 13 kopiykas .
The Central Bank fixed the following official forex rates of the hryvnia against key foreign currencies for April 16 : US $ 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,722.19 ( UAH 2,708.99 as of April 15 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 15 ) .
Read alsoUkraine 's Cabinet announced refinanced loans to businesses at zero rate By 16:00 Kyiv time on April 15 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank currency market settled at UAH 27.26/27.29 to the dollar , while those against the euro were at UAH 29.60/29.63 .
On Wednesday morning , the forex rate of the U.S. dollar set by Kyiv 's currency exchange booths was UAH 27.50 , while that of the euro was UAH 30.00 .
The National Bank set the official forex rate for Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency weaken by five kopiykas .
That is , the hryvnia lost in value after strengthening for two consecutive days .

Ukraine's hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.22 to U.S. dollar on April 16
09:40, 16.04.20 9662
The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 29.64 per euro.
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unian--2020-04-16--Ukraine reports three enemy attacks in Donbas on April 15

No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops over the past day .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on April 15 @ @ @ @ @ positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
`` Armed formations of the Russian Federation violated @ @ @ @ @ April 15 , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation said in @ @ @ @ @ 07:00 Kyiv time on April 16 , 2020 .
The enemy opened fire , employing @ @ @ @ @ , heavy machine guns , and rifles .
Read alsoMinister for occupied territories : `` @ @ @ @ @ return home amid prisoner swap Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Popasna @ @ @ @ @ Krymske and Vodiane .
Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling .
According to @ @ @ @ @ of Russia-led forces were wounded on April 15 .
The enemy did not attack Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv time on April 16 .
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops over the @ @ @

No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops over the past day.
Russia's hybrid military forces on April 15 mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
"Armed formations of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire three times on April 15," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on April 16, 2020.
The enemy opened fire, employing grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and rifles.
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Read alsoMinister for occupied territories: "Dozens" of Ukrainians should return home amid prisoner swap
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Popasna, and the villages of Krymske and Vodiane.
Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling. According to intelligence data, two members of Russia-led forces were wounded on April 15.
The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on April 16.
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops over the past day.


unian--2020-04-16--Russia exploiting coronavirus situation to further own interests – NATO

The Alliance sees a continued pace of Russian military activity , says Stoltenberg .
Security challenges have not diminished because of COVID-19 .
On the contrary , potential adversaries will look to exploit the situation to further their own interests , said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg .
NATO is seeing `` a continued pace of Russian military activity , '' Stoltenberg told reporters following a virtual meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Defense Ministers ' session .
`` Terrorist groups could be emboldened .
The security situation in Afghanistan and Iraq remains fragile .
And we see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So we must maintain our deterrence and defense .
So we must maintain our deterrence and defense , '' said Stoltenberg .
`` Because our core mission remains the same : to ensure peace and stability , '' said the NATO chief .
The defense ministers also discussed the importance of countering disinformation – both from state and non-state actors , `` trying to sow division in the Alliance and in Europe '' and to `` undermine our democracies . ''
Read alsoThink tank : La Stampa 's findings on intel-gathering nature of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed '' We are countering these false narratives with facts , and with concrete actions .
We are also working even closer with Allies , and the European Union , to identify , monitor , and expose disinformation .
And to respond robustly , '' said Stoltenberg .
There are good reasons , the NATO chief believes , for looking into further strengthening cooperation between the civil society combating a health crisis and military capabilities , providing support to those civilian efforts because health crisis `` does n't mean that more traditional security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still real .
And we see a more assertive Russia continue to support the separatists in eastern Ukraine , which are violating the ceasefire again and again .
Or we see Russia being present in Syria , making it possible for Assad to do what he does against his own population .
And we see , also , many other challenges and threats , '' said Stoltenberg .

The Alliance sees a continued pace of Russian military activity, says Stoltenberg.
Security challenges have not diminished because of COVID-19. On the contrary, potential adversaries will look to exploit the situation to further their own interests, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
NATO is seeing "a continued pace of Russian military activity," Stoltenberg told reporters following a virtual meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Defense Ministers' session.
"Terrorist groups could be emboldened. The security situation in Afghanistan and Iraq remains fragile. And we see a continued pace of Russian military activity. So we must maintain our deterrence and defense. So we must maintain our deterrence and defense," said Stoltenberg.
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"Because our core mission remains the same: to ensure peace and stability," said the NATO chief.
The defense ministers also discussed the importance of countering disinformation – both from state and non-state actors, "trying to sow division in the Alliance and in Europe" and to "undermine our democracies."
Read alsoThink tank: La Stampa's findings on intel-gathering nature of Russian "aid" mission in Italy confirmed
"We are countering these false narratives with facts, and with concrete actions. We are also working even closer with Allies, and the European Union, to identify, monitor, and expose disinformation. And to respond robustly," said Stoltenberg.
There are good reasons, the NATO chief believes, for looking into further strengthening cooperation between the civil society combating a health crisis and military capabilities, providing support to those civilian efforts because health crisis "doesn't mean that more traditional security threats disappear."
"Cyber threats are still real. And we see a more assertive Russia continue to support the separatists in eastern Ukraine, which are violating the ceasefire again and again. Or we see Russia being present in Syria, making it possible for Assad to do what he does against his own population. And we see, also, many other challenges and threats," said Stoltenberg.


unian--2020-04-16--Village in Kharkiv region in lockdown after church candle seller dies of COVID-19

Mobile teams are now collecting villagers ' samples for coronavirus testing .
The village of Vysokopillia in Kharkiv region has been put into lockdown after a 71-year-old candle seller at a local church has died of the novel COVID-18 coronavirus .
`` This village is now in lockdown .
Why ?
Because we know that the old lady was in the church on the weekend , selling church candles .
Therefore , the number of people with whom she was in contact could probably be very large , '' Kharkiv region 's Governor Oleksiy Kucher said at a briefing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP Novinsky says he tests positive for coronavirus The exact number of exposed persons is now being established , `` but this is a large number of people , '' he said .
Mobile teams have been sent to the village to collect villagers ' samples for coronavirus testing .
Exit and entry into Vysokopillia is not prohibited , but additional measures of control have been introduced .
`` As of today , additional control measures have been imposed .
Patrols conduct entry and exit body temperature screening .
Police units have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to detour or drive without stops , '' Deputy Governor Taras Pastukh , who was present at the briefing , said .
As was reported , the woman was hospitalized last week and died on April 13 .
Two rapid tests for the coronavirus were negative , whereas a polymerase chain reaction ( PRC ) test returned positive results .

Mobile teams are now collecting villagers' samples for coronavirus testing.
The village of Vysokopillia in Kharkiv region has been put into lockdown after a 71-year-old candle seller at a local church has died of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus.
"This village is now in lockdown. Why? Because we know that the old lady was in the church on the weekend, selling church candles. Therefore, the number of people with whom she was in contact could probably be very large," Kharkiv region's Governor Oleksiy Kucher said at a briefing, according to hromadske.ua.
Read alsoOpposition Platform MP Novinsky says he tests positive for coronavirus
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The exact number of exposed persons is now being established, "but this is a large number of people," he said.
Mobile teams have been sent to the village to collect villagers' samples for coronavirus testing.
Exit and entry into Vysokopillia is not prohibited, but additional measures of control have been introduced. "As of today, additional control measures have been imposed. Patrols conduct entry and exit body temperature screening. Police units have also been reinforced. Transit vehicles are either asked to detour or drive without stops," Deputy Governor Taras Pastukh, who was present at the briefing, said.
As was reported, the woman was hospitalized last week and died on April 13. Two rapid tests for the coronavirus were negative, whereas a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test returned positive results.


unian--2020-01-07--Ukraine offers Australia help to combat wildfires, ready to send 200 seasoned firefighters

The Ukrainian authorities are waiting for the Australian government 's feedback .
Ukraine is ready to send about 200 seasoned firefighters to Australia to help combat massive wildfires that continue ravaging parts of that country .
`` The Ukrainian government has informed the Australian side of its readiness to send about 200 specially trained workers of the State Emergency Service .
The Ukrainian side has informed Australia of their readiness to arrive at the scene of the tragedy within 24-36 hours with the needed equipment on a specially chartered long-hauled aircraft , '' Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read alsoCNN : There 's a fire in Australia the size of Manhattan '' The fires in Australia have not left the Ukrainians indifferent , '' he added .
According to the minister , the Ukrainian authorities are waiting for the Australian government 's feedback .
The wildfires in Australia have ravaged roughly 12.4 million acres of land and killed at least 24 people and millions of birds , reptiles , and mammals .
On January 6 , Ukraine 's Foreign Ministry said that the Ukrainian government was ready , if necessary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What is more , the Embassy of Ukraine in that country is in constant contact with the Australian government and local authorities to identify whether there are Ukrainian citizens among the victims .

The Ukrainian authorities are waiting for the Australian government's feedback.
Ukraine is ready to send about 200 seasoned firefighters to Australia to help combat massive wildfires that continue ravaging parts of that country.
"The Ukrainian government has informed the Australian side of its readiness to send about 200 specially trained workers of the State Emergency Service. The Ukrainian side has informed Australia of their readiness to arrive at the scene of the tragedy within 24-36 hours with the needed equipment on a specially chartered long-hauled aircraft," Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov said on Facebook on January 6.
Read alsoCNN: There's a fire in Australia the size of Manhattan
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"The fires in Australia have not left the Ukrainians indifferent," he added.
According to the minister, the Ukrainian authorities are waiting for the Australian government's feedback.
The wildfires in Australia have ravaged roughly 12.4 million acres of land and killed at least 24 people and millions of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
On January 6, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said that the Ukrainian government was ready, if necessary, to help Australia battle the flames. What is more, the Embassy of Ukraine in that country is in constant contact with the Australian government and local authorities to identify whether there are Ukrainian citizens among the victims.


unian--2020-01-07--DW: Austria swears in first female-majority Cabinet

The Cabinet comprises 13 ministers , two state secretaries , who are not technically part of the government , as well as the chancellor and vice-chancellor .
Austria swore in its new conservative-Green coalition Cabinet on Tuesday .
For the first time , women ministers will outnumber men , Deutsche Welle reported .
Nine of the 17 members of the new Cabinet are women , although both the roles of chancellor and vice-chancellor are held by men .
President Alexander van der Bellen , former Green party spokesman , swore in the Cabinet exactly 100 days after the election which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority and led to three months of tense negotiations .
The new government is also the first in which the immigration-skeptic , conservative Austrian People 's Party ( ÖVP ) and the left-wing , environmentally-focused Greens will work together , and the first time ever that the Greens will enter government .
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said that the unprecedented coalition partnership would work together to `` protect borders and the environment . ''
The Cabinet comprises 13 ministers , two state secretaries , who are not technically part of the government , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kurz will return to power after a seven-month hiatus and at 33 years of age , reclaims the title of the world 's youngest serving head of government from new Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin , who is 34 .
The ÖVP and the Greens both provided one state secretary each .
The Greens have been handed four ministries , including taking on the environment and justice portfolios .
Kurz 's party will keep the other ten ministries , including the interior , defense and finance .

The Cabinet comprises 13 ministers, two state secretaries, who are not technically part of the government, as well as the chancellor and vice-chancellor.
Austria swore in its new conservative-Green coalition Cabinet on Tuesday.
For the first time, women ministers will outnumber men, Deutsche Welle reported.
Nine of the 17 members of the new Cabinet are women, although both the roles of chancellor and vice-chancellor are held by men.
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President Alexander van der Bellen, former Green party spokesman, swore in the Cabinet exactly 100 days after the election which failed to give any party a clear majority and led to three months of tense negotiations.
Read alsoUkraine, Austria: Permanent partners or new opportunities
The new government is also the first in which the immigration-skeptic, conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the left-wing, environmentally-focused Greens will work together, and the first time ever that the Greens will enter government.
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said that the unprecedented coalition partnership would work together to "protect borders and the environment."
The Cabinet comprises 13 ministers, two state secretaries, who are not technically part of the government, as well as the chancellor and vice-chancellor.
Kurz will return to power after a seven-month hiatus and at 33 years of age, reclaims the title of the world's youngest serving head of government from new Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who is 34.
The ÖVP and the Greens both provided one state secretary each.
The Greens have been handed four ministries, including taking on the environment and justice portfolios. Kurz's party will keep the other ten ministries, including the interior, defense and finance.


unian--2020-01-07--Ukraine's Economy Minister forecasts further strengthening of hryvnia

The forex rate will depend on the country 's economic development and the situation on global markets .
Ukraine 's Minister of Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture Tymofiy Mylovanov forecasts the further strengthening of the national currency , the hryvnia , in 2020 .
`` The [ forex ] rate is a relative value of the Ukrainian economy against to the global one .
When this value changes over developments in the world or in Ukraine , the rate should also change , '' the minister said on Facebook on January 6 .
`` The National Bank is capable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reining the [ forex ] rate in a little or reducing fluctuations .
But not a single central bank , even in developed countries , has the strength to counter major changes in the exchange rate .
Will the exchange rate strengthen this year ?
Most likely , it will .
But it all will depend on the development of the economy and the situation on global markets , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Mylovanov said the hryvnia remained very strong , which was inflicting losses on domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refinancing rate was too high .
As of December 13 , the National Bank reduced its key policy rate by 2 pp , to a two-year low of 13.5 % per annum .
It was a fourth consecutive reduction in the rate after October , September and July .
Inflation in Ukraine in November 2019 in annual terms stood at 5.1 % , slowing from 6.5 % in October 2019 .
Ukraine 's central bank set the official forex rate of the hryvnia against the U.S. dollar at UAH 23.69 per U.S. dollar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , to January 7 , 2020 , inclusively .
Given the official rate , the national currency has strengthened against the U.S. dollar by 1.5 % since the beginning of December 2019 and by 14.5 % since January 2019 .

Ukraine's Economy Minister forecasts further strengthening of hryvnia
14:55, 07.01.20 20015
The forex rate will depend on the country's economic development and the situation on global markets.
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unian--2020-01-07--Reuters: Oil tumbles as investors rethink Mideast disruption risk

Prices surged during the previous two sessions .
Oil prices on Tuesday surrendered some gains made over the previous two @ @ @ @ @ likelihood of Middle East supply disruptions in the wake of the United States killing a @ @ @ @ @ Brent crude LCOc1 fell as much as 1.5 % to $ 67.86 a barrel and @ @ @ @ @ down 52 cents , at 0737 GMT .
U.S. West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) @ @ @ @ @ $ 62.85 , down 42 cents , after earlier dropping 1.5 % to an intra-day @ @ @ @ @ Reuters said .
Prices surged during the previous two sessions , with Brent reaching its @ @ @ @ @ rose to the most since April .
The gains followed fears of escalating conflict and @ @ @ @ @ after the January 3 drone strike in Baghdad that killed Iran 's Qassem Soleimani .
@ @ @ @ @ tempered expectations for a widespread conflict .

Prices surged during the previous two sessions.
Oil prices on Tuesday surrendered some gains made over the previous two days as investors reconsidered the likelihood of Middle East supply disruptions in the wake of the United States killing a top Iranian military commander.
Brent crude LCOc1 fell as much as 1.5% to $67.86 a barrel and was at $68.39, down 52 cents, at 0737 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 were at $62.85, down 42 cents, after earlier dropping 1.5% to an intra-day low of $62.30, Reuters said.
Read alsoReuters: Oil prices jump $1 after U.S air strike kills Iran, Iraq military personnel
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Prices surged during the previous two sessions, with Brent reaching its highest since September while WTI rose to the most since April.
The gains followed fears of escalating conflict and potential Middle East supply disruptions after the January 3 drone strike in Baghdad that killed Iran's Qassem Soleimani. But, some analysts have tempered expectations for a widespread conflict.


unian--2020-01-07--Epifaniy: About 600 parishes of Moscow-aligned church convert to new Ukrainian Orthodox church – RFE

Epifaniy: About 600 parishes of Moscow-aligned church convert to new Ukrainian Orthodox church – RFE/RL

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine was granted independence by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul in January 2019 .
Some 600 parishes in Ukraine belonging to the Orthodox church aligned with the Moscow Patriarchate have in one year switched over to the newly formed Orthodox Church of Ukraine , the church 's leader says .
The new church 's first metropolitan , Epifaniy , told Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty ( RFE/RL ) in an interview over the weekend that he foresaw another `` wave '' in the future of `` such massive conversions . ''
However , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaceful , calm , and voluntary ... we do not need confrontation , '' he said .
Read alsoMetropolitan Epifaniy : Orthodox Church of Ukraine in occupied Donbas active in underground The Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate does n't recognize and opposes the Orthodox Church of Ukraine , which was granted independence in January 2019 by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul .
The move ended more than 300 years of control by Moscow .
Epifaniy was installed as the new church 's metropolitan on February 3 after an election by high-ranking clergy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Alexandria in Egypt recognized the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine .
A month earlier , the leadership of the Church of Greece extended its recognition .

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine was granted independence by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul in January 2019.
Some 600 parishes in Ukraine belonging to the Orthodox church aligned with the Moscow Patriarchate have in one year switched over to the newly formed Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the church's leader says.
The new church's first metropolitan, Epifaniy, told Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) in an interview over the weekend that he foresaw another "wave" in the future of "such massive conversions."
However, "we want them to continue to be peaceful, calm, and voluntary...we do not need confrontation," he said.
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Read alsoMetropolitan Epifaniy: Orthodox Church of Ukraine in occupied Donbas active in underground
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate doesn't recognize and opposes the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which was granted independence in January 2019 by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul.
The move ended more than 300 years of control by Moscow.
Epifaniy was installed as the new church's metropolitan on February 3 after an election by high-ranking clergy in Kyiv.
In November, the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Egypt recognized the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. A month earlier, the leadership of the Church of Greece extended its recognition.


unian--2020-01-07--U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo expected to visit Ukraine late in Jan – phone call readout

He was originally expected in Kyiv early in January , but his visit was postponed after an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to visit Ukraine late in January 2020 .
`` Pompeo just had a call with Ukraine 's [ President Volodymyr ] Zelensky .
Comes after he delayed his visit to Kyiv .
He 's now expected to go at the end of the month , '' journalist Christopher Miller said on Twitter on January 6 , referring to a U.S. State Department readout of a recent phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke with Zelensky to discuss postponement of his trip to Ukraine , the readout says .
`` The two discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Secretary appreciated Ukraine 's condemnation of the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad , '' it says .
Pompeo reiterated the strong U.S. support for Ukraine 's sovereignty and territorial integrity and underscored U.S.-Ukraine long-term strategic partnership .
As was reported , Pompeo postponed his visit to Ukraine after an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq on December 31 .
He was originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 .

He was originally expected in Kyiv early in January, but his visit was postponed after an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to visit Ukraine late in January 2020.
"Pompeo just had a call with Ukraine's [President Volodymyr] Zelensky. Comes after he delayed his visit to Kyiv. He's now expected to go at the end of the month," journalist Christopher Miller said on Twitter on January 6, referring to a U.S. State Department readout of a recent phone call between the two officials.
Pompeo just had a call with Ukraine’s Zelensky. Comes after he delayed his visit to Kyiv. He’s now expected to go at the end of the month. pic.twitter.com/tgpR4KgZ5v — Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) January 6, 2020
Pompeo spoke with Zelensky to discuss postponement of his trip to Ukraine, the readout says.
"The two discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Secretary appreciated Ukraine's condemnation of the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad," it says.
Pompeo reiterated the strong U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and underscored U.S.-Ukraine long-term strategic partnership.
As was reported, Pompeo postponed his visit to Ukraine after an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq on December 31. He was originally expected to arrive in Kyiv on January 3.


unian--2020-01-07--Two Ukrainian soldiers wounded in action in Donbas on Jan 6

Enemy troops used weapons banned under the Minsk peace deal .
Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , on Monday , January 6 .
`` Yesterday , January 6 , two members of the Joint Forces were wounded in enemy attacks , '' the press center of the Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on Tuesday , January 7 .
Russia-led forces violated the ceasefire five times over the period under review .
Enemy troops used proscribed weapons , namely 82mm mortars , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ machine guns , and rifles .
Read alsoDonbas war update : Two Ukrainian soldiers killed , one wounded on Jan 5 Two of the attacks were recorded near the village of Pisky in the Skhid ( East ) sector , where Russia-led forces opened fire from grenade launchers , large-caliber machine guns , small arms .
There were three attacks near the village of Krymske in the Pivnich ( North ) sector .
Enemy troops used 82mm mortars , which are banned under the Minsk agreements , as well as grenade launchers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reported from 00:00 to 07:00 on January 7 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , one Ukrainian soldier was killed in action on January 5 .
There were four enemy attacks on that day .
Also , one soldier was killed and another one was heavily wounded when their GAZ-66 truck involved in a logistic support mission hit a TM-62 anti-tank blast mine near the village of Khutir Vilny .

Enemy troops used weapons banned under the Minsk peace deal.
Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, on Monday, January 6.
"Yesterday, January 6, two members of the Joint Forces were wounded in enemy attacks," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on Tuesday, January 7.
Russia-led forces violated the ceasefire five times over the period under review.
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Enemy troops used proscribed weapons, namely 82mm mortars, as well as grenade launchers of various types, large-caliber machine guns, and rifles.
Read alsoDonbas war update: Two Ukrainian soldiers killed, one wounded on Jan 5
Two of the attacks were recorded near the village of Pisky in the Skhid (East) sector, where Russia-led forces opened fire from grenade launchers, large-caliber machine guns, small arms.
There were three attacks near the village of Krymske in the Pivnich (North) sector. Enemy troops used 82mm mortars, which are banned under the Minsk agreements, as well as grenade launchers, and large-caliber machine guns.
No shelling was reported from 00:00 to 07:00 on January 7.
As UNIAN reported earlier, one Ukrainian soldier was killed in action on January 5. There were four enemy attacks on that day. Also, one soldier was killed and another one was heavily wounded when their GAZ-66 truck involved in a logistic support mission hit a TM-62 anti-tank blast mine near the village of Khutir Vilny.


unian--2020-01-06--U.S. senators call on Trump to declassify war powers act notification to Congress of initiation of h

U.S. senators call on Trump to declassify war powers act notification to Congress of initiation of hostilities against Iran

The senators say decisions on important national security matters must be shared with the American people in a timely manner @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump , Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Bob Menendez and Senate Democratic @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration to immediately declassify the White House notification to Congress of the initiation @ @ @ @ @ pursuant to the War Powers Act of 1973 .
`` In the letter to President @ @ @ @ @ it is critical for the Trump administration to share additional information in a timely manner @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. military operation targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani , @ @ @ @ @ on the website of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on January 6 .
@ @ @ @ @ criticized the administration 's decision to classify the entire War Powers Act notification , saying @ @ @ @ @ for such extensive classification .

The senators say decisions on important national security matters must be shared with the American people in a timely manner.
In a letter to President Donald Trump, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Bob Menendez and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called for the Trump administration to immediately declassify the White House notification to Congress of the initiation of hostilities against Iran, pursuant to the War Powers Act of 1973.
Read alsoPelosi says House will introduce resolution limiting Trump's military actions – CNN
"In the letter to President Trump, the senators said it is critical for the Trump administration to share additional information in a timely manner with the American people about the U.S. military operation targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani," reads a statement published on the website of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on January 6.
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Senators Schumer and Menendez also criticized the administration's decision to classify the entire War Powers Act notification, saying there was no legitimate justification for such extensive classification.


unian--2020-01-06--Forbes: Kyiv among best underrated capital cities you need to put on your bucket list

Often referred to as the `` City of Golden Domes , '' Kyiv is the mother of Eastern Slavic civilization .
Ukraine 's capital city of Kyiv is among the world 's best underrated capital cities you need to put on your bucket list , according to Forbes .
Read alsoSome 1.5 mln foreign tourists visit Kyiv in nine months of 2019 Often referred to as the `` City of Golden Domes , '' Kyiv is the mother of Eastern Slavic civilization , '' reads an article on Forbes .
`` In this underrated city you can wander happily for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for space .
You ca n't miss striking St. Michael 's blue and golden-domed monastery , named in honor of Kyiv 's patron saint .
The city is rich in stunning architecture , marvelous churches and authentic Ukrainian eateries .
The incomparable , 11th-century UNESCO Heritage Site Kyiv-Pecherska Lavra ( Monastery of the Caves ) will keep you enthralled for hours with its extensive underground network , '' the publication said .
`` Looking for a destination that is high on interest but low on tourists ?
Luckily , there are still plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most must-see lists .
As complaints of over-tourism at some of the world 's top spots continue to grow , there 's never been a better time to go off-grid and visit cities that manage to elude the spotlight despite their many assets , '' reads the article , giving a look at just a few capital cities .
In particular , Ottawa ( Canada ) , Zagreb ( Croatia ) , Seoul ( South Korea ) , Ljubljana ( Slovenia ) and Sofia ( Bulgaria ) are also included in the list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities .

Often referred to as the "City of Golden Domes," Kyiv is the mother of Eastern Slavic civilization.
Ukraine's capital city of Kyiv is among the world's best underrated capital cities you need to put on your bucket list, according to Forbes.
Read alsoSome 1.5 mln foreign tourists visit Kyiv in nine months of 2019
Often referred to as the "City of Golden Domes," Kyiv is the mother of Eastern Slavic civilization," reads an article on Forbes.
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"In this underrated city you can wander happily for hours without fear of fighting other tourists for space. You can't miss striking St. Michael's blue and golden-domed monastery, named in honor of Kyiv's patron saint. The city is rich in stunning architecture, marvelous churches and authentic Ukrainian eateries. The incomparable, 11th-century UNESCO Heritage Site Kyiv-Pecherska Lavra (Monastery of the Caves) will keep you enthralled for hours with its extensive underground network," the publication said.
"Looking for a destination that is high on interest but low on tourists? Luckily, there are still plenty of breathtaking destinations that remain stubbornly off most must-see lists. As complaints of over-tourism at some of the world's top spots continue to grow, there's never been a better time to go off-grid and visit cities that manage to elude the spotlight despite their many assets," reads the article, giving a look at just a few capital cities.
In particular, Ottawa (Canada), Zagreb (Croatia), Seoul (South Korea), Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Sofia (Bulgaria) are also included in the list of the world's best underrated capital cities.


unian--2020-01-06--Pelosi says House will introduce resolution limiting Trump's military actions – CNN

Pelosi reiterated that the killing of Soleimani `` endangered our service members , diplomats and others by risking a serious escalation of tensions with Iran . ''
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has sent a letter stating that the House of Representatives will introduce and vote on a war powers resolution to limit President Trump 's military actions regarding Iran .
`` As Members of Congress , our first responsibility is to keep the American people safe .
For this reason , we are concerned that the Administration took this action without the consultation of Congress and without respect for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Constitution .
This week , the House will introduce and vote on a War Powers Resolution to limit the President 's military actions regarding Iran , '' reads the letter sent by Pelosi late Sunday night , as reported by CNN .
`` This resolution is similar to the resolution introduced by Senator Tim Kaine in the Senate .
It reasserts Congress 's long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken , the Administration 's military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the killing of Soleimani `` endangered our service members , diplomats and others by risking a serious escalation of tensions with Iran . ''

Pelosi reiterated that the killing of Soleimani "endangered our service members, diplomats and others by risking a serious escalation of tensions with Iran."
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has sent a letter stating that the House of Representatives will introduce and vote on a war powers resolution to limit President Trump's military actions regarding Iran.
Read alsoU.S. House Speaker Pelosi sees Russia's hand in Ukraine whistleblower scandal
"As Members of Congress, our first responsibility is to keep the American people safe. For this reason, we are concerned that the Administration took this action without the consultation of Congress and without respect for Congress's war powers granted to it by the Constitution. This week, the House will introduce and vote on a War Powers Resolution to limit the President's military actions regarding Iran," reads the letter sent by Pelosi late Sunday night, as reported by CNN.
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"This resolution is similar to the resolution introduced by Senator Tim Kaine in the Senate. It reasserts Congress's long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken, the Administration's military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days," the letter said.
Pelosi reiterated that the killing of Soleimani "endangered our service members, diplomats and others by risking a serious escalation of tensions with Iran."


unian--2020-01-06--Merkel to visit Russia at Putin's invitation

The officials will discuss the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the settlement of the situation in eastern @ @ @ @ @ Merkel will pay a working visit to Russia on January 11 at Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ During the talks , [ Putin and Merkel ] plan to discuss pressing issues on @ @ @ @ @ the situation in Syria and Libya , as well as the escalation of tensions in @ @ @ @ @ U.S. airstrike at Baghdad 's airport on January 3 , '' the TV news service @ @ @ @ @ , referring to the Kremlin 's press service .
They will also touch upon the @ @ @ @ @ eastern Ukraine , in particular regarding the implementation of the Minsk agreements and arrangements reached @ @ @ @ @ held in Paris December 9 .

The officials will discuss the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will pay a working visit to Russia on January 11 at Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation.
Read alsoUN secretary-general "deeply concerned" about escalations in Gulf
"During the talks, [Putin and Merkel] plan to discuss pressing issues on the international agenda, including the situation in Syria and Libya, as well as the escalation of tensions in the Middle East following a U.S. airstrike at Baghdad's airport on January 3," the TV news service TSN.ua said on January 6, referring to the Kremlin's press service.
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They will also touch upon the settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine, in particular regarding the implementation of the Minsk agreements and arrangements reached at the Normandy Four summit held in Paris December 9.


unian--2020-01-06--Ukraine's MFA says about 100 hostages of Kremlin "celebrate" Christmas in jail

The ministry called on the international community to help free all Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine .
Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) says about 100 Ukrainian hostages of the Kremlin who are illegally imprisoned in Russia are `` celebrating '' Christmas in jail .
Read alsoSentsov calls on European Parliament not to believe Putin ( Video ) '' About 100 Ukrainian citizens who are illegally imprisoned in Russia are 'celebrating ' Christmas holidays in jail .
AGAIN ! ''
the ministry 's press service wrote on Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant video address .
`` Some of the Ukrainian political prisoners had been released and returned back home to their families and friends , but they could n't see the loved ones for years and have 'celebrated ' many holiday seasons in prisons .
Given that , our New Year 's resolution is to do everything we can to bring our people back home , '' the press service added .
The ministry and the earlier released Kremlin 's hostages , namely Roman Sushchenko , Arthur Panov , Mykola Karpyuk , Oleksiy Syzonovych @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video address , called on the international community to help free all Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine .
As UNIAN reported earlier , 24 Ukrainian sailors , who were captured by Russian special forces near the Kerch Strait in November 2018 , and 11 political prisoners were returned by Russia to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange operation on September 7 .
The political prisoners include Roman Sushchenko , Oleh Sentsov , Oleksandr Kolchenko , Volodymyr Balukh , Stanislav Klykh , Mykola Karpyuk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edem Bekirov , Yevhen Panov , and Arthur Panov .
Meanwhile , 35 people were transferred to Russia .
All of them were convicted of various crimes in Ukraine or are persons involved in criminal proceedings , including an investigation into the downing of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in July 2014 .

The ministry called on the international community to help free all Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) says about 100 Ukrainian hostages of the Kremlin who are illegally imprisoned in Russia are "celebrating" Christmas in jail.
Read alsoSentsov calls on European Parliament not to believe Putin (Video)
"About 100 Ukrainian citizens who are illegally imprisoned in Russia are 'celebrating' Christmas holidays in jail. AGAIN!" the ministry's press service wrote on Facebook on January 6, having posted the relevant video address.
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"Some of the Ukrainian political prisoners had been released and returned back home to their families and friends, but they couldn't see the loved ones for years and have 'celebrated' many holiday seasons in prisons. Given that, our New Year's resolution is to do everything we can to bring our people back home," the press service added.
The ministry and the earlier released Kremlin's hostages, namely Roman Sushchenko, Arthur Panov, Mykola Karpyuk, Oleksiy Syzonovych, and Volodymyr Balukh, in their video address, called on the international community to help free all Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
As UNIAN reported earlier, 24 Ukrainian sailors, who were captured by Russian special forces near the Kerch Strait in November 2018, and 11 political prisoners were returned by Russia to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange operation on September 7. The political prisoners include Roman Sushchenko, Oleh Sentsov, Oleksandr Kolchenko, Volodymyr Balukh, Stanislav Klykh, Mykola Karpyuk, Oleksiy Syzonovych, Pavlo Hryb, Edem Bekirov, Yevhen Panov, and Arthur Panov.
Meanwhile, 35 people were transferred to Russia. All of them were convicted of various crimes in Ukraine or are persons involved in criminal proceedings, including an investigation into the downing of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in July 2014.


unian--2020-01-06--Zelensky meets with Omani top official

Zelensky meets with Omani top official

The parties discussed trade , economic , and investment cooperation between Ukraine and Oman .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Abdulsalam Al Murshidi , the Executive President of the State General Reserve Fund ( SGRF ) of the Sultanate of Oman , during his visit to the Sultanate .
In particular , the parties discussed trade , economic , and investment cooperation between Ukraine and Oman .
According to the officials , the current level of bilateral investment cooperation does not correspond to the available potential , in particular , in comparison with the dynamic growth in trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to boost investment , the Ukrainian President 's Office said on January 6 .
Today , Ukraine offers significant investment opportunities , Zelensky said .
The president spoke of the conditions and advantages of doing business in Ukraine for foreign investors , creation of a favorable business environment in the country , and the most attractive areas for investment .
He also called on Omani partners to take part in a large-scale privatization campaign in Ukraine .
`` The Omani side expressed interest in intensifying cooperation in the investment sphere and accepted Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquainted with new projects and areas of cooperation , '' the report said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Zelensky is visiting Oman to meet with Omani top officials .

The parties discussed trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Ukraine and Oman.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, the Executive President of the State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) of the Sultanate of Oman, during his visit to the Sultanate.
Read alsoOman simplifies travel for Ukrainians – Ukraine MFA
In particular, the parties discussed trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Ukraine and Oman. According to the officials, the current level of bilateral investment cooperation does not correspond to the available potential, in particular, in comparison with the dynamic growth in trade relations. The parties noted the need to boost investment, the Ukrainian President's Office said on January 6.
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Today, Ukraine offers significant investment opportunities, Zelensky said. The president spoke of the conditions and advantages of doing business in Ukraine for foreign investors, creation of a favorable business environment in the country, and the most attractive areas for investment. He also called on Omani partners to take part in a large-scale privatization campaign in Ukraine.
"The Omani side expressed interest in intensifying cooperation in the investment sphere and accepted Zelensky's invitation to visit Ukraine to get acquainted with new projects and areas of cooperation," the report said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Zelensky is visiting Oman to meet with Omani top officials.


unian--2020-01-06--Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Eve

Sviat Vechir is a ritual meal , which is prepared with 12 meatless dishes on the evening before Christmas to commemorate Christ 's birth .
Ukraine together with the entire Orthodox world living according to the Julian calendar is today observing Christmas Eve or Sviat Vechir .
Sviat Vechir is a ritual meal , which is prepared with 12 meatless dishes on the evening before Christmas to commemorate Christ 's birth .
Read alsoKyiv 's Christmas tree enters top five most beautiful in Europe It is the concluding day of the Nativity Fast and is observed as a day of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Ukrainians strictly follow the fast , but serving 12 meatless dishes on Christmas Eve has become a tradition for the whole of Ukraine .
The 12 dishes symbolize the Twelve Apostles .
The main attributes of Holy Meal in Ukraine are kutia , or kutya , a cereal dish with poppy seed , nuts , honey , and uzvar , a drink made from dried fruits , usually slices of apples , pears , and plums .
And as soon as the first star – a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birth of Jesus – appears in the evening sky , one can already start singing carols .
The rite of caroling has even pre-Christian roots , when Ukrainians ' ancestors honored the sun with the holiday of Koliada , an ancient pre-Christian Slavic winter festival .
When carol singers come to visit a house , it is important to let a male singer in first .
According to the customs , he will bring peace and well-being into the house .
In the evening , solemn religious services are served in the churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the new calendar era began .

Sviat Vechir is a ritual meal, which is prepared with 12 meatless dishes on the evening before Christmas to commemorate Christ's birth.
Ukraine together with the entire Orthodox world living according to the Julian calendar is today observing Christmas Eve or Sviat Vechir.
Sviat Vechir is a ritual meal, which is prepared with 12 meatless dishes on the evening before Christmas to commemorate Christ's birth.
Read alsoKyiv's Christmas tree enters top five most beautiful in Europe
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It is the concluding day of the Nativity Fast and is observed as a day of strict fasting before Holy Meal.
Not all Ukrainians strictly follow the fast, but serving 12 meatless dishes on Christmas Eve has become a tradition for the whole of Ukraine.
The 12 dishes symbolize the Twelve Apostles. The main attributes of Holy Meal in Ukraine are kutia, or kutya, a cereal dish with poppy seed, nuts, honey, and uzvar, a drink made from dried fruits, usually slices of apples, pears, and plums.
And as soon as the first star – a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem that showed the Magi the place of birth of Jesus – appears in the evening sky, one can already start singing carols.
The rite of caroling has even pre-Christian roots, when Ukrainians' ancestors honored the sun with the holiday of Koliada, an ancient pre-Christian Slavic winter festival. When carol singers come to visit a house, it is important to let a male singer in first. According to the customs, he will bring peace and well-being into the house.
In the evening, solemn religious services are served in the churches, reminiscent of the great event from which the new calendar era began.


unian--2020-01-06--Donbas war update: Two Ukrainian soldiers killed, one wounded on Jan 5

Since Monday midnight , Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on January 5 mounted four attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action , while one soldier also killed and another wounded when their car hit a landmine there .
`` On January 5 , armed formations of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire four times .
As a result of enemy shelling , one member of the Joint Forces was killed , '' the press center of the Joint Forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook in a morning update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 6 .
Russia-led forces used 82mm mortars , which are banned under the Minsk peace agreements , as well as grenade launchers of various systems , heavy machine guns , and other small arms .
Three of the attacks were reported in the Skhid [ East ] tactical grouping responsibility zone : near the village of Vodiane ( 82mm mortars ) , outside the village of Pavlopil ( heavy machine guns ) , and not far from the village of Hnutove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small arms ) .
Another enemy attack ( using a sniper rifle ) was recorded in the Pivnich [ North ] tactical grouping 's zone , on defenders of Krymske .
In addition , on January 5 , near the village of Khutir Vilny , a GAZ-66 truck of one of the units of the Joint Forces carrying out logistical support measures hit an unknown explosive device ( probably a TM-62 anti-tank landmine ) , resulting in one soldier was killed and another was seriously injured .
Since Monday midnight , the enemy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been no Ukrainian army casualties since then .

Since Monday midnight, Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire.
Russia's hybrid military forces on January 5 mounted four attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action, while one soldier also killed and another wounded when their car hit a landmine there.
Read alsoJFO HQ reveals enemy death toll in Donbas over 2019
"On January 5, armed formations of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire four times. As a result of enemy shelling, one member of the Joint Forces was killed," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 6.
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Russia-led forces used 82mm mortars, which are banned under the Minsk peace agreements, as well as grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns, and other small arms.
Three of the attacks were reported in the Skhid [East] tactical grouping responsibility zone: near the village of Vodiane (82mm mortars), outside the village of Pavlopil (heavy machine guns), and not far from the village of Hnutove (grenade launchers of various systems and small arms).
Another enemy attack (using a sniper rifle) was recorded in the Pivnich [North] tactical grouping's zone, on defenders of Krymske.
In addition, on January 5, near the village of Khutir Vilny, a GAZ-66 truck of one of the units of the Joint Forces carrying out logistical support measures hit an unknown explosive device (probably a TM-62 anti-tank landmine), resulting in one soldier was killed and another was seriously injured.
Since Monday midnight, the enemy has not opened fire. There have been no Ukrainian army casualties since then.


unian--2020-01-06--Trump threatens sanctions on Baghdad after lawmakers call on U.S. troops to leave – media

Trump said that if Iraq asked U.S. forces to leave and it was not done on a friendly basis , @ @ @ @ @ sanctions like they 've never seen before ever . ''
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened @ @ @ @ @ after Iraq 's parliament called on U.S. troops to leave the country , and the @ @ @ @ @ leave , Baghdad would have to pay Washington for the cost of the air base @ @ @ @ @ a very extraordinarily expensive air base that 's there .
It cost billions of dollars @ @ @ @ @ my time .
We 're not leaving unless they pay us back for it , @ @ @ @ @ Air Force One , as reported by Reuters .
Trump said that if Iraq asked @ @ @ @ @ it was not done on a friendly basis , `` we will charge them sanctions @ @ @ @ @ before ever .
It 'll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame . ''

Trump said that if Iraq asked U.S. forces to leave and it was not done on a friendly basis, "we will charge them sanctions like they've never seen before ever."
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened sanctions against Baghdad on Sunday after Iraq's parliament called on U.S. troops to leave the country, and the president said if troops did leave, Baghdad would have to pay Washington for the cost of the air base there.
Read alsoUN secretary-general "deeply concerned" about escalations in Gulf
"We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that's there. It cost billions of dollars to build, long before my time. We're not leaving unless they pay us back for it," Trump told reporters on Air Force One, as reported by Reuters.
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Trump said that if Iraq asked U.S. forces to leave and it was not done on a friendly basis, "we will charge them sanctions like they've never seen before ever. It'll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame."


unian--2020-01-05--BoxingNews24: Anthony Joshua 'losing his titles' to Oleksandr Usyk, says Tim Bradley

Joshua is going to lose his titles in 2020 to Usyk , Bradley said .
Anthony Joshua had better enjoy his time as the IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion while he can because he 's going to be losing all three of those belts when he faces Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk , according to Tim Bradley [ U.S. former professional boxer ] and Mark Kriegel of ESPN .
Read alsoGolovkin ( KZ ) – Derevyanchenko ( UA ) fight named the best in 2019 – media '' Usyk will win two of the four belts .
He will beat Anthony Joshua in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Kriegel to ESPN , according to BoxingNews24 .
`` First Joshua will beat Pulev for the IBF , then he 'll fight Usyk , and he will lose .
You saw him against [ Andy ] Ruiz [ Jr. ] , '' Kriegel said about Joshua .
`` He can out-box Ruiz , but he is n't going to out-box Usyk . ''
`` In 2020 , I 'm thinking that Joshua will lose his titles , '' said Tim Bradley to ESPN .
`` He 's going to lose his titles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's his [ WBO ] mandatory ] .
He 's going to beat Pulev , but Usyk , just like you said , he 's going to be out-boxed .
I 'm with you on that .
He 's losing his titles , '' said Bradley on Joshua to lose to Usyk .

Joshua is going to lose his titles in 2020 to Usyk, Bradley said.
Anthony Joshua had better enjoy his time as the IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion while he can because he's going to be losing all three of those belts when he faces Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, according to Tim Bradley [U.S. former professional boxer] and Mark Kriegel of ESPN.
Read alsoGolovkin (KZ) – Derevyanchenko (UA) fight named the best in 2019 – media
"Usyk will win two of the four belts. He will beat Anthony Joshua in the later half of 2020," said Mark Kriegel to ESPN, according to BoxingNews24.
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"First Joshua will beat Pulev for the IBF, then he'll fight Usyk, and he will lose. You saw him against [Andy] Ruiz [Jr.]," Kriegel said about Joshua. "He can out-box Ruiz, but he isn't going to out-box Usyk."
"In 2020, I'm thinking that Joshua will lose his titles," said Tim Bradley to ESPN. "He's going to lose his titles in 2020 to Usyk. And he's his [WBO] mandatory]. He's going to beat Pulev, but Usyk, just like you said, he's going to be out-boxed. I'm with you on that. He's losing his titles," said Bradley on Joshua to lose to Usyk.


unian--2020-01-05--CNN exclusive: Iran's response to U.S. will be military – Khamenei's adviser

Dehghan said Iran would retaliate directly against U.S. `` military sites . ''
The military adviser to Iran 's Supreme @ @ @ @ @ 's response to the killing by the United States of its most most influential general @ @ @ @ @ military . ''
Read alsoReuters : Trump vows to hit 52 Iranian targets if Iran @ @ @ @ @ an exclusive interview with CNN in Tehran , the adviser – Maj. Gen. Hossein Dehghan @ @ @ @ @ and direct threat yet by a senior Iranian official following the killing of Gen. Qasem @ @ @ @ @ strike in Baghdad .
Dehghan said Iran would retaliate directly against U.S. `` military sites @ @ @ @ @ former defense minister and is now the main military adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .
@ @ @ @ @ would come from Iran itself , not its allied militia in the region .
`` @ @ @ @ @ there could be proxy operations .
We can say America , Mr. Trump , has @ @ @ @ @ – so we take direct action against America . ''

Dehghan said Iran would retaliate directly against U.S. "military sites."
The military adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said Sunday that Tehran's response to the killing by the United States of its most influential general will "for sure be military."
Read alsoReuters: Trump vows to hit 52 Iranian targets if Iran retaliates after drone strike
In an exclusive interview with CNN in Tehran, the adviser – Maj. Gen. Hossein Dehghan – made the most specific and direct threat yet by a senior Iranian official following the killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad.
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Dehghan said Iran would retaliate directly against U.S. "military sites."
Dehghan is a former defense minister and is now the main military adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He told CNN that reprisals would come from Iran itself, not its allied militia in the region.
"It might be argued that there could be proxy operations. We can say America, Mr. Trump, has taken action directly against us – so we take direct action against America."


unian--2020-01-05--Ukraine to supply Turkey with over 500 cruise missile engines worth over $600 mln

The supplies will take place from 2021 to 2030 .
The Ukrainian Ivchenko Progress state design bureau will supply the @ @ @ @ @ 500 cruise missile engines worth $ 600 million .
According to the company , the @ @ @ @ @ to the Akıncı operational-strategic UAV , as well as upgraded AI-25 turbojet engines to a @ @ @ @ @ take place from 2021 to 2030 , according to Defense Express .
The first test @ @ @ @ @ drone with Ukrainian engines took place on December 6 , 2019 .
Akıncı spent 16 @ @ @ @ @ made a smooth , automatic landing .

Ukraine to supply Turkey with over 500 cruise missile engines worth over $600 mln (Photo)
20:17, 05.01.20 15097
The supplies will take place from 2021 to 2030.
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