unian--2020-06-24--Ukrainian parliament speaker says up to 17 lawmakers contract COVID-19

He did not disclose their names .
Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , Dmytro Razumkov says @ @ @ @ @ have contracted the coronavirus .
`` I think that somewhere around 15-17 people have had @ @ @ @ @ 'm not mistaken , two persons are still ill as of today , '' he @ @ @ @ @ asked how many Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19 , according to an @ @ @ @ @ he did not disclose those lawmakers ' names .
As UNIAN reported earlier , it @ @ @ @ @ that MP from the Servant of the People parliamentary faction Maksym Perebyinis had tested positive @ @ @ @ @ of June 3 , two lawmakers from the Servant of the People , Valeriy Bozhyk @ @ @ @ @ one from the Batkivshchyna parliamentary faction , Oleh Meidych , were on sick leave over @ @ @

He did not disclose their names.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, Dmytro Razumkov says that up to 17 lawmakers have contracted the coronavirus.
"I think that somewhere around 15-17 people have had the disease. If I'm not mistaken, two persons are still ill as of today," he said on Ukrainian Radio when asked how many Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Yet, he did not disclose those lawmakers' names.
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Read alsoCoronavirus reaches Chornobyl NPP
As UNIAN reported earlier, it became known on June 14 that MP from the Servant of the People parliamentary faction Maksym Perebyinis had tested positive for the coronavirus.
As of June 3, two lawmakers from the Servant of the People, Valeriy Bozhyk and Yuriy Aristov, and one from the Batkivshchyna parliamentary faction, Oleh Meidych, were on sick leave over the coronavirus.


unian--2020-06-23--Coronavirus reaches Chornobyl NPP

Coronavirus reaches Chornobyl NPP

The confirmed patient is self-isolating now .
A worker of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant has tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ to the plant was on June 9 , which was followed by his regular holiday @ @ @ @ @ Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management .
He is now self-isolating , being under @ @ @ @ @ said on Facebook on June 23 .
Another worker was in contact with the confirmed @ @ @ @ @ self-isolating .
As UNIAN reported , there were 38,074 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ Of them , 833 cases were reported in the past day .
The death toll @ @ @ @ @ patients have already recovered .

The confirmed patient is self-isolating now.
A worker of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant has tested positive for the coronavirus.
His last visit to the plant was on June 9, which was followed by his regular holiday, according to the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management.
Read alsoUkraine's Chief Medical Officer lists Ukrainian regions facing tougher quarantine
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He is now self-isolating, being under medical supervision, the agency said on Facebook on June 23.
Another worker was in contact with the confirmed patient, he is also self-isolating.
As UNIAN reported, there were 38,074 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of June 23. Of them, 833 cases were reported in the past day. The death toll was 1,035. Some 16,956 patients have already recovered.


unian--2020-06-23--Reuters: IKEA to review its Ukrainian wood supply after critical report

IKEA said wood from Ukraine made up less than 1 % of what it sourced globally .
Furniture retailer IKEA said on Tuesday it would review its wood supply chain in Ukraine after a report by a non-governmental organisation ( NGO ) alleged illegal logging in the Carpathian mountains , home to endangered lynx and brown bears .
The report by Earthsight alleged IKEA suppliers illegally sourced wood used in some of the Swedish company 's most popular chairs , Reuters said .
`` IKEA does not accept illegally logged wood in our products , '' the flat-pack furniture specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We acknowledge that illegal logging remains a widespread global issue , and work proactively to implement measures to verify that our suppliers comply with legality , '' it added , saying it had begun an independent audit into practices in Ukraine .
IKEA said wood from Ukraine made up less than 1 % of what it sourced globally .
In 2019 , IKEA used around 21 million cubic metres of round wood , almost 1 % of the world 's industrial lumber production .
Earthsight said federal inspectors in Ukraine had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had allowed manufacturer VGSM , an IKEA supplier , to cut trees during periods when logging was not allowed .
Ukraine 's forestry authority and VGSM did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters .

IKEA said wood from Ukraine made up less than 1% of what it sourced globally.
Furniture retailer IKEA said on Tuesday it would review its wood supply chain in Ukraine after a report by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) alleged illegal logging in the Carpathian mountains, home to endangered lynx and brown bears.
The report by Earthsight alleged IKEA suppliers illegally sourced wood used in some of the Swedish company's most popular chairs, Reuters said.
"IKEA does not accept illegally logged wood in our products," the flat-pack furniture specialist said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
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Read alsoIKEA launches online sales in Ukraine
"We acknowledge that illegal logging remains a widespread global issue, and work proactively to implement measures to verify that our suppliers comply with legality," it added, saying it had begun an independent audit into practices in Ukraine.
IKEA said wood from Ukraine made up less than 1% of what it sourced globally.
In 2019, IKEA used around 21 million cubic metres of round wood, almost 1% of the world's industrial lumber production.
Earthsight said federal inspectors in Ukraine had found that state forestry business Velyky Bychkiv had allowed manufacturer VGSM, an IKEA supplier, to cut trees during periods when logging was not allowed.
Ukraine's forestry authority and VGSM did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.


unian--2020-06-23--Ukraine gets NATO's EOP status by "automatic consensus" – Deputy PM

Yet , Budapest still blocks the Ukraine-NATO commission .
Ukraine 's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna has said Ukraine was granted NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner ( EOP ) status by `` automatic consensus . ''
`` Let me tell you about a little trick behind this .
The decision to grant Ukraine this status was handled through the so-called 'automatic consensus ' procedure , '' she told the Ukrainian TV news service TSN in an interview , answering a question about Hungary 's position regarding the new partnership status for Kyiv .
Read alsoU.S .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospects for membership in alliance '' A certain deadline was set for the North Atlantic Council 's objections to the adoption of this decision , and it expired at 16:30 last Friday [ June 12 ] .
None of the countries had filed objections by that deadline .
So the decision was considered automatically adopted , '' Stefanishyna said .
Yet , Budapest still blocks the Ukraine-NATO commission , she said .
`` As for Hungary , the situation in the context of blocking the Ukraine-NATO commission has not changed in fact .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , I would say there are different levels , i.e .
an ongoing operational dialogue at a high level , where the blocking is under way , '' the official said .
According to Stefanishyna , there is no `` magic formula '' for solving this problem .
`` The diplomatic services are now working hard .
I think they are quite successful .
The Ukrainian-Hungarian commission on economic cooperation to be chaired by the foreign minister will meet next week , '' she added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognized Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner .
As an Enhanced Opportunities Partner , Ukraine will benefit from tailor-made opportunities to help sustain such contributions .
This includes enhanced access to interoperability program and exercises , and more sharing of information , including lessons learned .

Yet, Budapest still blocks the Ukraine-NATO commission.
Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna has said Ukraine was granted NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner (EOP) status by "automatic consensus."
"Let me tell you about a little trick behind this. The decision to grant Ukraine this status was handled through the so-called 'automatic consensus' procedure," she told the Ukrainian TV news service TSN in an interview, answering a question about Hungary's position regarding the new partnership status for Kyiv.
Read alsoU.S. envoy to NATO speaks of Ukraine's prospects for membership in alliance
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"A certain deadline was set for the North Atlantic Council's objections to the adoption of this decision, and it expired at 16:30 last Friday [June 12]. None of the countries had filed objections by that deadline. So the decision was considered automatically adopted," Stefanishyna said.
Yet, Budapest still blocks the Ukraine-NATO commission, she said.
"As for Hungary, the situation in the context of blocking the Ukraine-NATO commission has not changed in fact. This blocking still exists. At the same time, I would say there are different levels, i.e. an ongoing operational dialogue at a high level, where the blocking is under way," the official said.
According to Stefanishyna, there is no "magic formula" for solving this problem.
"The diplomatic services are now working hard. I think they are quite successful. The Ukrainian-Hungarian commission on economic cooperation to be chaired by the foreign minister will meet next week," she added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the North Atlantic Council on June 12 recognized Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner.
As an Enhanced Opportunities Partner, Ukraine will benefit from tailor-made opportunities to help sustain such contributions. This includes enhanced access to interoperability program and exercises, and more sharing of information, including lessons learned.


unian--2020-06-24--Quarantine may be strengthened in Kyiv region

Volodin said 2,332 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the region , 1,147 people recovered , and 47 died .
Chairman of Kyiv Regional State Administration Vasyl Volodin does not exclude quarantine measures may be strengthened in the region to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Speaking at a briefing on Wednesday , he said 2,332 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the region , 1,147 people recovered , and 47 died , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Volodin added 263 patients were undergoing treatment in hospitals , while the rest were on self-isolation .
Some 9,021 people are under medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the negative trend of incidence , on Saturday he made a request to comply with quarantine measures so that there was no need to remove relaxations already in place .
`` This Monday , the country changed criteria for strengthening quarantine : hospital load over 50 % , the average number of PCR tests over the past seven days below 23 per 100,000 people , new incidence rate over 11 % , and the infection rise dynamics over 10 % , '' he said .
`` As of today , the indicators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital load at 22.3 % , testing coverage is 41.98 % , detection rate is 5.88 % , and dynamics is 23.23 % .
It is the latter indicator that causes concern , and if it does not fall for three days in a row , we will be forced to make a tough , but responsible decision , '' Volodin said .

Volodin said 2,332 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the region, 1,147 people recovered, and 47 died.
Chairman of Kyiv Regional State Administration Vasyl Volodin does not exclude quarantine measures may be strengthened in the region to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking at a briefing on Wednesday, he said 2,332 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the region, 1,147 people recovered, and 47 died, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoKyiv reopening restaurants, cafes, movie theaters
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Volodin added 263 patients were undergoing treatment in hospitals, while the rest were on self-isolation. Some 9,021 people are under medical supervision.
The official reiterated that due to the negative trend of incidence, on Saturday he made a request to comply with quarantine measures so that there was no need to remove relaxations already in place.
"This Monday, the country changed criteria for strengthening quarantine: hospital load over 50%, the average number of PCR tests over the past seven days below 23 per 100,000 people, new incidence rate over 11%, and the infection rise dynamics over 10%," he said.
"As of today, the indicators in the region are as follows: hospital load at 22.3%, testing coverage is 41.98%, detection rate is 5.88%, and dynamics is 23.23%. It is the latter indicator that causes concern, and if it does not fall for three days in a row, we will be forced to make a tough, but responsible decision," Volodin said.


unian--2020-06-24--Kyiv authorities update rules for catering establishments amid quarantine relaxation

Now restaurants are allowed to seat clients indoors , subject to a number of restrictions .
Kyiv authorities have posted @ @ @ @ @ for catering establishments amid the ongoing easing of coronavirus-related quarantine .
In particular , restaurants @ @ @ @ @ to seat clients indoors subject to the following rules and recommendations : • Visitors may @ @ @ @ @ by staff ; • People with fever or signs of SARS will not be allowed @ @ @ @ @ All employees must wear face masks and gloves ; Read alsoPolice reportedly not allowed into @ @ @ @ @ for ignoring face mask rules • Clients must wear face masks when they enter the @ @ @ @ @ premises ; • All facilities make sanitizer , liquid soap , and paper towels available @ @ @ @ @ kitchen and summer terraces ; and • Used masks and gloves must be stored separately @ @ @ @ @ , Kyiv authorities allowed resuming the work of catering facilities , swimming pools , cinemas @ @ @

Now restaurants are allowed to seat clients indoors, subject to a number of restrictions.
Kyiv authorities have posted the new set of rules for catering establishments amid the ongoing easing of coronavirus-related quarantine.
In particular, restaurants and cafes are now allowed to seat clients indoors subject to the following rules and recommendations:
• Visitors may enter the establishment only accompanied by staff;
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• People with fever or signs of SARS will not be allowed into the premises;
• All employees must wear face masks and gloves;
Read alsoPolice reportedly not allowed into Parliament premises to fine MPs for ignoring face mask rules
• Clients must wear face masks when they enter the facility or move around the premises;
• All facilities make sanitizer, liquid soap, and paper towels available to clients and wet-clean the kitchen and summer terraces; and
• Used masks and gloves must be stored separately.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Kyiv authorities allowed resuming the work of catering facilities, swimming pools, cinemas and theaters.


unian--2020-06-24--Hospital with COVID-19 patients affected by flood in Ukraine's west

Consequences of the latest disaster may be worse than reported in 2008 .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says a @ @ @ @ @ in the town of Halych in Ukraine 's Ivano-Frankivsk region has been flooded as a @ @ @ @ @ overflowing rivers .
`` We 've inspected the plain area .
It 's clear that @ @ @ @ @ In fact , the flood exceeds the scale of that reported in 2008 .
A @ @ @ @ @ of Halych has been flooded .
Patients are being evacuated .
There are certain complications @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus patients , '' he said during his visit to the region on June 24 @ @ @ @ @ minister , the region 's mountainous areas will also be inspected later today .
Following @ @ @ @ @ technogenic and ecological safety and emergencies will hold a meeting to take urgent action to @ @ @ @

Consequences of the latest disaster may be worse than reported in 2008.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says a hospital treating COVID-19 patients located in the town of Halych in Ukraine's Ivano-Frankivsk region has been flooded as a result of heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers.
"We've inspected the plain area. It's clear that the situation is critical. In fact, the flood exceeds the scale of that reported in 2008. A district hospital in the town of Halych has been flooded. Patients are being evacuated. There are certain complications as the hospital also hosts coronavirus patients," he said during his visit to the region on June 24.
According to the prime minister, the region's mountainous areas will also be inspected later today. Following that, the commission on technogenic and ecological safety and emergencies will hold a meeting to take urgent action to contain the disaster.


unian--2020-06-24--Will the funded pension system become poverty insurance

The shift to the second stage of pension system – compulsory funded pensions – has sparked wide debate .
This is due to the government ’ s intention to introduce the funded system , which is recorded in the Cabinet 's revised action program and the relevant bill , yet to be considered , as early as in 2021 .
The main argument for the move is a disappointing short-term forecast regarding pensions : the World Bank believes only 40 % of Ukrainian pensioners will meet the minimum insurance experience by 2030 and receive pensions in line with their salaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to receive a minimum pension according to the existing joint system .
The UN in turn says Ukraine is among the world 's TOP 15 countries with the fastest aging population .
The number of pensioners is growing , while the working-age population is on decline amid increasing labor migration .
Meanwhile , those employed abroad pay no single social contribution and thus fail to contribute to pension accumulation .
The Pension Fund , subsidized from the state budget , this year saw its deficit over UAH 170 billion .
So today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have lower chances of gaining a full-fledged pension once they reach the retirement age .
The mandatory funded pension system is designed to regulate the process .
According to the initiative proposed , employers and employees will have to equally deduct a certain percentage of an employee 's salary to have these funds amassed in the individual cumulative account of a future pensioner – something widely practiced in many developed economies .
Supporters of such a system are sure that this will provide decent payments to retirees by accumulating funds for additional payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system .
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says government plans to gradually implement pension reform , which provides for the development of a funded pension system .
According to him , this will give Ukrainians the opportunity to actually manage their retirement benefits in the future .
And many young Ukrainians support this idea , starting to think about the future – the current situation where elderly Ukrainians get scanty pensions inspires no optimism among young people who want to have a more decent golden age .
Taught by the bitter experience of various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any long-term financial injections .
But not everyone supports the innovation – many experts speak out sharply against the initiative .
One of the arguments voiced by the opponents of the new system is the lack of confidence in the government 's ability to control the fate of such a volume of funds for many years .
There is also an increase in the tax burden on the wage fund coming with the introduction of such deductions , which , in turn , could stimulate businesses to move further into the shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine .
Employers might move into the shadows not to pay even more taxes .
The negative aspects of the funded system include ambiguity regarding the investment of accumulated funds – it is not yet clear where citizens ' savings will be invested .
The arguments of both parties have the right to life and will lead to further discussions with the aim of developing a correct and effective pension strategy for Ukrainians .
After all , the need to change or at least supplement the existing system has long been overdue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , its dependence on budgetary subsidies , along with crisis in the economy , as well as disappointing demographic forecasts – all this requires decisive action by those in power so that diligent taxpayers do n't become hostage to the government 's inability to provide decent pensions .

The shift to the second stage of pension system – compulsory funded pensions – has sparked wide debate. This is due to the government’s intention to introduce the funded system, which is recorded in the Cabinet's revised action program and the relevant bill, yet to be considered, as early as in 2021.
The main argument for the move is a disappointing short-term forecast regarding pensions: the World Bank believes only 40% of Ukrainian pensioners will meet the minimum insurance experience by 2030 and receive pensions in line with their salaries, while the rest will only be able to receive a minimum pension according to the existing joint system. The UN in turn says Ukraine is among the world's TOP 15 countries with the fastest aging population. The number of pensioners is growing, while the working-age population is on decline amid increasing labor migration. Meanwhile, those employed abroad pay no single social contribution and thus fail to contribute to pension accumulation.
Ukraine is among the world's TOP 15 countries with the fastest aging population
The Pension Fund, subsidized from the state budget, this year saw its deficit over UAH 170 billion. So today's youths who diligently pay their taxes have lower chances of gaining a full-fledged pension once they reach the retirement age.
The mandatory funded pension system is designed to regulate the process. According to the initiative proposed, employers and employees will have to equally deduct a certain percentage of an employee's salary to have these funds amassed in the individual cumulative account of a future pensioner – something widely practiced in many developed economies. Supporters of such a system are sure that this will provide decent payments to retirees by accumulating funds for additional payments to the standard pension under the joint system.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says government plans to gradually implement pension reform, which provides for the development of a funded pension system. According to him, this will give Ukrainians the opportunity to actually manage their retirement benefits in the future. And many young Ukrainians support this idea, starting to think about the future – the current situation where elderly Ukrainians get scanty pensions inspires no optimism among young people who want to have a more decent golden age.
Taught by the bitter experience of various financial pyramids, Ukrainians are highly suspicious of any long-term financial injections. But not everyone supports the innovation – many experts speak out sharply against the initiative. One of the arguments voiced by the opponents of the new system is the lack of confidence in the government's ability to control the fate of such a volume of funds for many years.
Taught by the bitter experience of various financial pyramids, Ukrainians are highly suspicious of any long-term financial injections
There is also an increase in the tax burden on the wage fund coming with the introduction of such deductions, which, in turn, could stimulate businesses to move further into the shadow, which is already a huge issue in Ukraine. Employers might move into the shadows not to pay even more taxes. The negative aspects of the funded system include ambiguity regarding the investment of accumulated funds – it is not yet clear where citizens' savings will be invested.
The arguments of both parties have the right to life and will lead to further discussions with the aim of developing a correct and effective pension strategy for Ukrainians. After all, the need to change or at least supplement the existing system has long been overdue. The deficit of the Pension Fund, its dependence on budgetary subsidies, along with crisis in the economy, as well as disappointing demographic forecasts – all this requires decisive action by those in power so that diligent taxpayers don't become hostage to the government's inability to provide decent pensions.
Kateryna Zhyriy


unian--2020-06-24--Kyiv reopening restaurants, cafes, movie theaters

If the epidemiological situation deteriorates , Kyiv authorities will reimpose tougher restrictions .
Kyiv authorities have allowed to resume the @ @ @ @ @ swimming pools , cinemas and theaters .
According to Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko , the @ @ @ @ @ order to resume work of : • Cinemas and theaters ( with a limited number @ @ @ @ @ rules in place ) ; and • Holding cultural and art events hosting up to @ @ @ @ @ Commission for Emergency Situations has prescribed the rules and conditions under which these facilities may @ @ @ @ @ time , the city authorities will monitor the observance of the rules of work by @ @ @ @ @ mayor said .
`` I emphasize : if the epidemiological situation worsens , Kyiv will @ @ @ @ @ this is not some boogeyman story .
Today everyone must understand that we have to @ @ @ @ @ the elementary rules : face masks on public transport and in public , sanitizing , @ @ @ @ @ Klitschko stressed .

If the epidemiological situation deteriorates, Kyiv authorities will reimpose tougher restrictions.
Kyiv authorities have allowed to resume the work of catering facilities, swimming pools, cinemas and theaters.
According to Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko, the city authorities have issued an order to resume work of:
• Restaurants and cafes (without children's entertainment rooms);
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• Swimming pools (individual training);
• Cinemas and theaters (with a limited number of visitors and social distancing rules in place); and
• Holding cultural and art events hosting up to 10 people.
Read alsoSome 83% of Ukrainian restaurants reopen after lockdown
"The Commission for Emergency Situations has prescribed the rules and conditions under which these facilities may operate. At the same time, the city authorities will monitor the observance of the rules of work by all institutions," the mayor said.
"I emphasize: if the epidemiological situation worsens, Kyiv will return to restrictions. And this is not some boogeyman story. Today everyone must understand that we have to be careful! Comply with the elementary rules: face masks on public transport and in public, sanitizing, and social distancing," Klitschko stressed.


unian--2020-06-24--Ukrainian labor migrants' remittances shrink by 13.2% in April – NBU

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Ukrainian labor migrants' remittances shrink by 13.2% in April – NBU
15:00, 24.06.20 574
Private remittances to Ukraine in January-April grew by 2.4%, to US$3.7 billion y-o-y.
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unian--2020-06-24--Over surge of COVID-19 cases, Ukraine travelers may not be able to cross into EU after borders reope

Over surge of COVID-19 cases, Ukraine travelers may not be able to cross into EU after borders reopen

The official stats reported by the Health Ministry has already exceeded the criteria noted in the European Commission 's draft decision .
With the latest increase in the number of new coronavirus cases , Ukraine does not fit COVID-19 incidence requirements that the European Commission may set for states whose citizens to be allowed into the Schengen zone .
The official statistics of the Health Ministry has already exceeded the criteria noted in the draft decision of the European Commission , as reported by the Ukrainian media outlet Europeiska Pravda .
According to The New York Times , countries on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as safe based on a combination of epidemiological criteria .
The benchmark is the E.U .
average number of new infections – over the past 14 days – per 100,000 people , which is currently 16 for the bloc .
Once diplomats agree on a final list , it will be presented as a recommendation early next week before July 1 .
Read alsoWHO chief predicts coronavirus effects to be felt for decades Meanwhile , according to the Ukrainian Health Ministry , as of June 24 , Ukraine has 10,723 new patients over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State Statistics Service ( these official data will probably be used by the EU ) , Ukraine 's population is 41.8 million people .
This means the incidence rate for 14 days is 25.65 cases per 100,000 people , which exceeds the criteria established by the EU .
Moreover , this indicator continues to grow every day .
If the draft recommendations of the European Commission are approved by member states , Ukrainians will still not be allowed to enter the EU , including for tourism .
Although the decision to extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the chances of its adoption are high .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the global tourism will decline by 80 % in 2020 .

The official stats reported by the Health Ministry has already exceeded the criteria noted in the European Commission's draft decision.
With the latest increase in the number of new coronavirus cases, Ukraine does not fit COVID-19 incidence requirements that the European Commission may set for states whose citizens to be allowed into the Schengen zone.
The official statistics of the Health Ministry has already exceeded the criteria noted in the draft decision of the European Commission, as reported by the Ukrainian media outlet Europeiska Pravda.
According to The New York Times, countries on the EU draft lists have been selected as safe based on a combination of epidemiological criteria. The benchmark is the E.U. average number of new infections – over the past 14 days – per 100,000 people, which is currently 16 for the bloc.
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Once diplomats agree on a final list, it will be presented as a recommendation early next week before July 1.
Read alsoWHO chief predicts coronavirus effects to be felt for decades
Meanwhile, according to the Ukrainian Health Ministry, as of June 24, Ukraine has 10,723 new patients over the past 14 days. According to the State Statistics Service (these official data will probably be used by the EU), Ukraine's population is 41.8 million people. This means the incidence rate for 14 days is 25.65 cases per 100,000 people, which exceeds the criteria established by the EU. Moreover, this indicator continues to grow every day.
If the draft recommendations of the European Commission are approved by member states, Ukrainians will still not be allowed to enter the EU, including for tourism.
Although the decision to extend the restrictions has not yet been approved, the chances of its adoption are high.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the global tourism will decline by 80% in 2020.


unian--2020-06-24--Health minister lists Ukrainian regions with most COVID-19 cases reported in past day

In total , 23,721 tests have been run .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has listed three regions with the @ @ @ @ @ the past day .
`` In terms of the regions , the highest number of @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours was registered in Lviv region ( 203 ) , Rivne region ( 126 @ @ @ @ @ of Kyiv ( 99 ) , '' he told a briefing on June 24 .
@ @ @ @ @ were conducted in the country in the past day .
In particular , there were @ @ @ @ @ use of the polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) method and 10,592 with the application @ @ @ @ @ ( ELISA ) method .
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 39,000 @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier , there were 39,014 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the @ @ @ @ @ including 1,051 COVID-19 deaths and 17,409 recoveries .
Some 940 new cases were recorded in @ @ @ @ @

In total, 23,721 tests have been run.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has listed three regions with the most COVID-19 cases reported in the past day.
"In terms of the regions, the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in Lviv region (203), Rivne region (126), and the city of Kyiv (99)," he told a briefing on June 24.
In total, 23,721 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 13,199 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and 10,592 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
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Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 39,000 on June 24
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 39,014 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 24, including 1,051 COVID-19 deaths and 17,409 recoveries. Some 940 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-06-24--Donbas invaders follow Moscow's suit, stage military parade amid COVID-19 pandemic

In Moscow , the event is seeing the same disregard for safety rules .
The so-called `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) terrorist group has staged a military parade in the occupied city of Donetsk said to mark the 75th anniversary of victory over Nazism in World War 2 .
Like in Moscow , the event was postponed from May 9 to June 24 over the COVID-19 pandemic , the Novosti Donbassa media outlet reported .
The number of COVID-19 cases keeps growing : yesterday , the `` DPR '' confirmed 26 new cases over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 676 people are undergoing treatment , according to formal reports .
Despite this fact , crowds attending the parade are seen wearing no face masks and failing to observe social distancing rules .
WW2 veterans are also seen at the venue , sitting on the podium without observing social distancing and some also failing to wear face masks .
Members of illegal armed groups marched along the central street of Donetsk , following the drive of heavy military hardware .
Military hardware showcased included tanks , artillery systems , and rocket launchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian Army .
Many pieces of hardware deployed in the city center are subject to an OSCE ban , which testifies to the violation of Minsk agreements .
OSCE monitors reported the same breach during similar parades in previous years .
The event is also attended by the self-styled `` DPR '' leadership .
Sham head of `` DPR '' leader Denis Pushilin 's security service was spotted sporting the uniform of the USSR 's NKVD [ punitive security agency ] .
In Russia 's Moscow , despite the growing numbers of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing the same disregard for safety rules , as seen in the following pictures .

In Moscow, the event is seeing the same disregard for safety rules.
The so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR") terrorist group has staged a military parade in the occupied city of Donetsk said to mark the 75th anniversary of victory over Nazism in World War 2.
Like in Moscow, the event was postponed from May 9 to June 24 over the COVID-19 pandemic, the Novosti Donbassa media outlet reported.
The number of COVID-19 cases keeps growing: yesterday, the "DPR" confirmed 26 new cases over the past 24 hours. In total, 676 people are undergoing treatment, according to formal reports.
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Despite this fact, crowds attending the parade are seen wearing no face masks and failing to observe social distancing rules.
WW2 veterans are also seen at the venue, sitting on the podium without observing social distancing and some also failing to wear face masks.
Members of illegal armed groups marched along the central street of Donetsk, following the drive of heavy military hardware.
Read also"Surprise" awaiting foreign delegations set to attend Moscow parade
Military hardware showcased included tanks, artillery systems, and rocket launchers used by the "DPR" against Ukrainian Army.
Many pieces of hardware deployed in the city center are subject to an OSCE ban, which testifies to the violation of Minsk agreements. OSCE monitors reported the same breach during similar parades in previous years. The event is also attended by the self-styled "DPR" leadership.
Sham head of "DPR" leader Denis Pushilin's security service was spotted sporting the uniform of the USSR's NKVD [punitive security agency].
In Russia's Moscow, despite the growing numbers of new active coronavirus cases, the parade is seeing the same disregard for safety rules, as seen in the following pictures.


unian--2020-06-24--Health minister: Ukraine preparing hospitals for second wave of COVID-19

Ukraine on June 24 reported a new daily spike of COVID-19 cases when the number of new positive coronavirus patients grew by 940 in the past 24 hours .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry is getting a `` second wave '' of hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients .
`` We 're already thoroughly working on the deployment of the second wave of hospitals for dealing with the coronavirus .
That is , we realize that in some regions , people 's attitude to our recommendations leads to a spike in the number of those requiring hospitalization ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a second wave , '' the minister said at a briefing on June 24 .
`` Of 23,000 first wave hospital beds , we see 3 , 895 occupied , including 350 in intensive care units and 82 ventilators involved .
In parallel lines , we are preparing second-wave hospitals .
Now we have prepared 11,576 beds there , '' said chief sanitary doctor Viktor Liashko said .
Noteworthy , Ukraine on June 24 reported a new daily spike of COVID-19 cases where the number of new active coronavirus cases reached 940 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases reported on the morning of Tuesday , June 23 .

Ukraine on June 24 reported a new daily spike of COVID-19 cases when the number of new positive coronavirus patients grew by 940 in the past 24 hours.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry is getting a "second wave" of hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients.
"We're already thoroughly working on the deployment of the second wave of hospitals for dealing with the coronavirus. That is, we realize that in some regions, people's attitude to our recommendations leads to a spike in the number of those requiring hospitalization... So, we need to be prepared for a second wave," the minister said at a briefing on June 24.
"Of 23,000 first wave hospital beds, we see 3, 895 occupied, including 350 in intensive care units and 82 ventilators involved. In parallel lines, we are preparing second-wave hospitals. Now we have prepared 11,576 beds there," said chief sanitary doctor Viktor Liashko said.
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Noteworthy, Ukraine on June 24 reported a new daily spike of COVID-19 cases where the number of new active coronavirus cases reached 940 in the past 24 hours against 833 cases reported on the morning of Tuesday, June 23.


unian--2020-06-24--U.S. Javelin anti-tank missiles delivered to Ukraine, defense ministry confirms

Other military goods will be delivered in 2021-2022 in accordance with the agreements reached .
Ukrainian Armed Forces have received the first batch of U.S. Javelin anti-tank missiles , the Ministry of Defense has confirmed on Wednesday .
`` On June 16 , as part of a pilot project under the U.S. Government 's 'International Military Sales ' program , Ukraine received the first batch of cargo under the contract signed in December 2019 , namely missiles for Javelin anti-tank missile systems and additional equipment totaling over US $ 27 million , '' the report reads .
FGM-148E missiles which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Javelin system 's anti-tank missiles were delivered for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine .
`` The project envisages armament supplies to the Armed Forces of Ukraine , its maintenance and related services to train personnel to ensure reliable and efficient operation of anti-tank systems throughout the life cycle , '' reads the report .
Other military goods will be delivered in 2021-2022 in accordance with the agreements .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the U.S. State Department cleared a potential sale to Ukraine of 16 Mark VI patrol boats and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Other military goods will be delivered in 2021-2022 in accordance with the agreements reached.
Ukrainian Armed Forces have received the first batch of U.S. Javelin anti-tank missiles, the Ministry of Defense has confirmed on Wednesday.
"On June 16, as part of a pilot project under the U.S. Government's 'International Military Sales' program, Ukraine received the first batch of cargo under the contract signed in December 2019, namely missiles for Javelin anti-tank missile systems and additional equipment totaling over US$27 million," the report reads.
FGM-148E missiles which are one of the latest versions of Javelin system's anti-tank missiles were delivered for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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Read alsoU.S. to sell Ukraine patrol boats, guns, sensors worth $600 mln
"The project envisages armament supplies to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, its maintenance and related services to train personnel to ensure reliable and efficient operation of anti-tank systems throughout the life cycle," reads the report.
Other military goods will be delivered in 2021-2022 in accordance with the agreements.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the U.S. State Department cleared a potential sale to Ukraine of 16 Mark VI patrol boats and other gear worth US$600 million.


unian--2020-06-24--Plane carrying humanitarian cargo from China arrives in Ukraine

Plane carrying humanitarian cargo from China arrives in Ukraine
13:00, 24.06.20 647
This is the largest humanitarian aid cargo provided to Ukraine by the Chinese side to counter the spread of COVID-19.
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unian--2020-06-24--Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.61 to U.S. dollar on June 24

Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.61 to U.S. dollar on June 24
12:40, 24.06.20 4252
The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 30.12 per euro.
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unian--2020-06-24--Ruling party leaders in Ukraine say hot mic gaffe opponents' dirty political trick

The two MPs dismissed what sounded like cheesy comments targeting a female as `` doctored '' recording .
Pro-president Servant of the People party leaders David Arakhamia and Oleksandr Kornienko were forced to respond to embarrassing reports following a video stream from Ukraine 's Mykolayiv region the deputies were visiting showed the two allegedly gossiping about a female MP Iryna Alakhverdieva , while being oblivious to the fact that their microphones were on .
The small talk quickly went viral across social networks as netizens quickly mobilized to come up with new memes around a bunch of catchphrases from what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two men who thought no one was eavesdropping .
Read alsoUkrainian parliament speaker says up to 17 lawmakers contract COVID-19 Arakhamia and Kornienko were quick to react to the reports , claiming the audio was doctored and that it was `` dark political technique '' aimed at compromising Iryna Alakhverdieva , the MP they were allegedly discussing in an inappropriate and vulgar manner , applying profanities .
Alakhverdieva has also taken to social networks to ease tensions , stating she trust her fellow party colleagues and labeled the hot mic reports as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was an attempt to sow discord in party ranks as part of a local election campaign .

The two MPs dismissed what sounded like cheesy comments targeting a female as "doctored" recording.
Pro-president Servant of the People party leaders David Arakhamia and Oleksandr Kornienko were forced to respond to embarrassing reports following a video stream from Ukraine's Mykolaiv region the deputies were visiting showed the two allegedly gossiping about a female MP Iryna Alakhverdieva, while being oblivious to the fact that their microphones were on.
The small talk quickly went viral across social networks as netizens quickly mobilized to come up with new memes around a bunch of catchphrases from what seemed to be a private dialogue of the two men who thought no one was eavesdropping.
Read alsoUkrainian parliament speaker says up to 17 lawmakers contract COVID-19
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Arakhamia and Kornienko were quick to react to the reports, claiming the audio was doctored and that it was "dark political technique" aimed at compromising Iryna Alakhverdieva, the MP they were allegedly discussing in an inappropriate and vulgar manner, applying profanities.
Alakhverdieva has also taken to social networks to ease tensions, stating she trust her fellow party colleagues and labeled the hot mic reports as "fake news", alleging that this was an attempt to sow discord in party ranks as part of a local election campaign.


unian--2020-06-24--Ukraine warns of Russia's attempts to use COVID-19 to avoid responsibility for aggression

Russia 's hybrid tactics are aimed at lifting sanctions , which should remain in place until Ukraine 's territorial integrity is restored .
Ukrainian Member of Parliament with the Servant of the People faction Volodymyr Hevko warns of Russia 's attempts to use the global humanitarian situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic to avoid international legal responsibility for aggression against the country .
Ukraine `` opposes the Russian Federation 's attempts to use the difficult humanitarian situation over the pandemic to create propaganda cover for its aggressive foreign policy and to avoid international legal responsibility , in particular , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a video conference meeting of the Ukraine-Poland Parliamentary Assembly on June 23 .
Read alsoDeputy FM Bodnar : Russia used to seek control over Ukraine by waging hybrid warfare '' In this regard , we urge our partners not to be fooled by Russia 's hybrid tactics aimed at lifting sanctions , which should be in place until Ukraine 's territorial integrity is restored within the internationally recognized borders , '' he said .
He also mentioned issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` We 're interested in developing a dialogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for efforts to overcome the consequences of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic .
In this regard , international solidarity and cooperation in combating the pandemic and help for those who need it most in the war zone are extremely important to Ukraine , which is a victim of Russia 's aggression , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Konstantin Kosachev in April called for the lifting of international sanctions because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil prices .
In turn , the European Union said that the sanctions against Russia did not prevent it from fighting the coronavirus .

Russia's hybrid tactics are aimed at lifting sanctions, which should remain in place until Ukraine's territorial integrity is restored.
Ukrainian Member of Parliament with the Servant of the People faction Volodymyr Hevko warns of Russia's attempts to use the global humanitarian situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic to avoid international legal responsibility for aggression against the country.
Ukraine "opposes the Russian Federation's attempts to use the difficult humanitarian situation over the pandemic to create propaganda cover for its aggressive foreign policy and to avoid international legal responsibility, in particular, the lifting of sanctions," he said at a video conference meeting of the Ukraine-Poland Parliamentary Assembly on June 23.
Read alsoDeputy FM Bodnar: Russia used to seek control over Ukraine by waging hybrid warfare
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"In this regard, we urge our partners not to be fooled by Russia's hybrid tactics aimed at lifting sanctions, which should be in place until Ukraine's territorial integrity is restored within the internationally recognized borders," he said.
He also mentioned issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We're interested in developing a dialogue with Poland regarding the experience of legislative support for efforts to overcome the consequences of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, international solidarity and cooperation in combating the pandemic and help for those who need it most in the war zone are extremely important to Ukraine, which is a victim of Russia's aggression," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Konstantin Kosachev in April called for the lifting of international sanctions because of the coronavirus crisis and plunging crude oil prices.
In turn, the European Union said that the sanctions against Russia did not prevent it from fighting the coronavirus.


unian--2020-06-24--Drop in industrial output slows down to 12.2%

Drop in industrial output slows down to 12.2%
11:40, 24.06.20 692
Against April, industrial output in May increased by 4.9% without the calendar day effect adjustment.
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unian--2020-06-24--Ukrainian banks' net profit grows by almost 24% in Jan-May

Ukrainian banks' net profit grows by almost 24% in Jan-May
11:20, 24.06.20 307
Ukraine's banking sector saw an increase in revenue and spending over the period under review.
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unian--2020-06-24--SBU blocks Russian agents calling for violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity

Law enforcers seized anti-Ukrainian materials , scripts and reports on anti-state information campaigns , money provided by Russian sponsors , data storage devices , etc .
The SBU Security Service of Ukraine says its officers have revealed and stopped the activities of a group of pro-Russian propagandists who called for the violation of Ukraine 's territorial integrity .
The perpetrators , one of whom is a holder of a Russian passport , were producing separatism-inspiring , inciting ethnic hatred materials and distributing them on the Internet , the SBU 's press service said on its website on June 23 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular , the propagandists campaigned for violating the state borders and creating pseudo-state formations on the territory of certain Ukrainian regions .
Moreover , they often took part in manipulative TV programs on Russian TV channels disseminating propaganda .
The examination showed that the videos shot by the attackers contain public calls for an encroachment on Ukraine 's territorial integrity and inviolability .
During warranted searches conducted at places of residence and temporary stay of members of the group , law enforcers seized anti-Ukrainian materials , scripts and reports on anti-state information campaigns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data storage devices , and literature prohibited by Ukrainian law , as well as commemorative awards from the Moscow Higher Military Command School .
The organizer of the group and his accomplice were notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 110 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine .
Law enforcers are checking information on the possible involvement of certain Russian political forces and public organizations in financing anti-Ukrainian propaganda actions .

Law enforcers seized anti-Ukrainian materials, scripts and reports on anti-state information campaigns, money provided by Russian sponsors, data storage devices, etc.
The SBU Security Service of Ukraine says its officers have revealed and stopped the activities of a group of pro-Russian propagandists who called for the violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity.
The perpetrators, one of whom is a holder of a Russian passport, were producing separatism-inspiring, inciting ethnic hatred materials and distributing them on the Internet, the SBU's press service said on its website on June 23, referring to a pretrial investigation.
Read alsoUkraine declassifies Soviet KGB archives on Chornobyl disaster
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In particular, the propagandists campaigned for violating the state borders and creating pseudo-state formations on the territory of certain Ukrainian regions. Moreover, they often took part in manipulative TV programs on Russian TV channels disseminating propaganda.
The examination showed that the videos shot by the attackers contain public calls for an encroachment on Ukraine's territorial integrity and inviolability.
During warranted searches conducted at places of residence and temporary stay of members of the group, law enforcers seized anti-Ukrainian materials, scripts and reports on anti-state information campaigns, money provided by Russian sponsors, data storage devices, and literature prohibited by Ukrainian law, as well as commemorative awards from the Moscow Higher Military Command School.
The organizer of the group and his accomplice were notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 110 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Law enforcers are checking information on the possible involvement of certain Russian political forces and public organizations in financing anti-Ukrainian propaganda actions.


unian--2020-06-24--This testifies to weakness": MP on Putin making Donbas, Crimea residents vote in Russian referendum

The entire vote could become illegitimate if residents of the occupied territories cast ballots .
Participation of Ukrainian citizens who acquired Russian citizenship in Donbas in the Russian referendum for constitutional amendments could pose a threat both to those individuals and Russian leadership , MP Iryna Vereshchuk opines .
`` I do n't get it why Putin is taking such a risk , '' said Iryna Vereshchuk , according to Obozrevatel .
She suggested that the reason for attracting residents of Donbas to vote for the Russian Constitution could be due to Russian President Vladimir Putin not being confident about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thus trying to `` play it safe '' .
`` Putin needs to have a safety backup cushion so that another 800,000 people , presumably , vote for his presentation and vision of the Constitution .
In fact , this testifies to weakness of Putin 's position .
He probably feels that things are n't so smooth with the votes , '' Vereshchuk said .
At the same time , she suggested that attracting Ukrainian citizens to a vote could lead to the entire referendum not being recognized as legitimate by the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take part may be included in the international list of personas non-grata in the European Union and beyond .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine previously warned that it would be illegal for residents of the occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas who had acquired Russian citizenship to vote in a Russian referendum regarding amendments to the Constitution .

The entire vote could become illegitimate if residents of the occupied territories cast ballots.
Participation of Ukrainian citizens who acquired Russian citizenship in Donbas in the Russian referendum for constitutional amendments could pose a threat both to those individuals and Russian leadership, MP Iryna Vereshchuk opines.
"I don't get it why Putin is taking such a risk," said Iryna Vereshchuk, according to Obozrevatel.
She suggested that the reason for attracting residents of Donbas to vote for the Russian Constitution could be due to Russian President Vladimir Putin not being confident about the final result of the vote, thus trying to "play it safe".
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Read alsoUkraine reacts to Donbas residents' voting in Russia Constitution referendum
"Putin needs to have a safety backup cushion so that another 800,000 people, presumably, vote for his presentation and vision of the Constitution. In fact, this testifies to weakness of Putin's position. He probably feels that things aren't so smooth with the votes," Vereshchuk said.
At the same time, she suggested that attracting Ukrainian citizens to a vote could lead to the entire referendum not being recognized as legitimate by the international community. Meanwhile, Ukrainians who will take part may be included in the international list of personas non-grata in the European Union and beyond.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine previously warned that it would be illegal for residents of the occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas who had acquired Russian citizenship to vote in a Russian referendum regarding amendments to the Constitution.


unian--2020-06-24--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 39,000 on June 24

Of them , 940 cases were reported in the past 24 hours against 833 cases reported on the morning of Tuesday , June 23 .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 39,000 as of the morning of Wednesday , June 24 .
`` According to the Public Health Center , there were 39,014 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 24 , '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on June 24 .
Of them , 940 cases were reported in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the morning of Tuesday , June 23 .
The overall death toll is 1,051 people .
As many as 17,409 patients have already recovered .
Overall incidence per region is the following : 1,723 cases in Vinnytsia region ; 1,955 in Volyn region ; 1,060 in Dnipropetrovsk region ; 376 in Donetsk region ; 1,304 in Zhytomyr region ; 2,369 in Zakarpattia region ; 559 in Zaporizhia region ; 2,124 in Ivano-Frankivsk region ; 634 in Kirovohrad region ; 4,528 in the city of Kyiv ; 2,332 in Kyiv region ; 4,423 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 368 in Mykolayiv region ; 1,370 in Odesa region ; 300 in Poltava region ; 3,164 in Rivne region ; 272 in Sumy region ; 1,786 in Ternopil region ; 1,891 in Kharkiv region ; 188 in Kherson region ; 627 in Khmelnytsky region ; 4,478 in Chernivtsi region ; 614 in Cherkasy region ; 494 in Chernihiv region.Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
COVID-19 tests were conducted by the Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional laboratories .
As of the morning of June 24 , 2020 , the Center had received 1,314 reports of suspected cases .
In total , there have been 82,439reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 38,074 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 23 .
They include 1,035 deaths and 16,956 recoveries .
Some 833 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours .

Of them, 940 cases were reported in the past 24 hours against 833 cases reported on the morning of Tuesday, June 23.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 39,000 as of the morning of Wednesday, June 24.
"According to the Public Health Center, there were 39,014 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 24," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on June 24.
Of them, 940 cases were reported in the past 24 hours against 833 cases reported on the morning of Tuesday, June 23.
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The overall death toll is 1,051 people.
Read alsoCoronavirus reaches Chornobyl NPP
As many as 17,409 patients have already recovered.
Overall incidence per region is the following: 1,723 cases in Vinnytsia region; 1,955 in Volyn region; 1,060 in Dnipropetrovsk region; 376 in Donetsk region; 1,304 in Zhytomyr region; 2,369 in Zakarpattia region; 559 in Zaporizhia region; 2,124 in Ivano-Frankivsk region; 634 in Kirovohrad region; 4,528 in the city of Kyiv; 2,332 in Kyiv region; 4,423 in Lviv region; 75 in Luhansk region; 368 in Mykolaiv region; 1,370 in Odesa region; 300 in Poltava region; 3,164 in Rivne region; 272 in Sumy region; 1,786 in Ternopil region; 1,891 in Kharkiv region; 188 in Kherson region; 627 in Khmelnytsky region; 4,478 in Chernivtsi region; 614 in Cherkasy region; 494 in Chernihiv region.Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
COVID-19 tests were conducted by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories. As of the morning of June 24, 2020, the Center had received 1,314 reports of suspected cases. In total, there have been 82,439reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 38,074 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 23. They include 1,035 deaths and 16,956 recoveries. Some 833 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-06-24--Parliament speaker sees no grounds for rescheduling local elections in Ukraine

He says he hopes it will happen this autumn .
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , Dmytro Razumkov says he sees no legal mechanisms and grounds today for rescheduling local elections .
`` Local election [ provisions ] are stipulated in the Constitution .
And it 's rather difficult now to change these dates , to postpone them somehow .
As of today I do n't see any legal mechanisms and grounds for why this should be done , '' he said on a Ukrainian TV channel when asked about the probability of rescheduling the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoUkraine 's ruling party to name nominee for Kyiv mayor 's post in late July '' I 'll hope we wo n't follow the negative scenario , we will be fine and we will be able to calmly hold elections this fall , '' he added .
Thus , he concluded , all branches of power , including the government and parliament , should get ready for this .
As UNIAN reported earlier , members of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction on May 19 asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) before the election of the mayor of Kyiv and other cities .
The lawmakers proposed that professional candidates with real chances to defeat corrupt city officials in local elections this fall be nominated for mayoral positions .
On May 20 , Zelensky assured that Servant of the People Party primaries would take place before the mayoral elections in Kyiv , and he would support their winner during the local elections .
On June 6 , the president announced that the primaries would be held in two stages .
According to him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what are they going to do with Kyiv . ''
At the second stage , the party will study the results of polls and choose a candidate who will have more chances to win the Kyiv mayoral vote .
On June 9 , Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko announced that Members of Parliament Mykola Tyshchenko , Oleksandr Dubinskyi and Oleksandr Kachura would participate in the Servant of the People Party primaries for the Kyiv mayoral elections .
The elections of village , town , city , district , regional councils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine are scheduled for October 25 .

He says he hopes it will happen this autumn.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, Dmytro Razumkov says he sees no legal mechanisms and grounds today for rescheduling local elections.
"Local election [provisions] are stipulated in the Constitution. And it's rather difficult now to change these dates, to postpone them somehow. As of today I don't see any legal mechanisms and grounds for why this should be done," he said on a Ukrainian TV channel when asked about the probability of rescheduling the local polls, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoUkraine's ruling party to name nominee for Kyiv mayor's post in late July
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"I'll hope we won't follow the negative scenario, we will be fine and we will be able to calmly hold elections this fall," he added.
Thus, he concluded, all branches of power, including the government and parliament, should get ready for this.
As UNIAN reported earlier, members of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction on May 19 asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to initiate public intra-party elections (primaries) before the election of the mayor of Kyiv and other cities.
The lawmakers proposed that professional candidates with real chances to defeat corrupt city officials in local elections this fall be nominated for mayoral positions.
On May 20, Zelensky assured that Servant of the People Party primaries would take place before the mayoral elections in Kyiv, and he would support their winner during the local elections.
On June 6, the president announced that the primaries would be held in two stages. According to him, candidates should demonstrate the program – "what are they going to do with Kyiv." At the second stage, the party will study the results of polls and choose a candidate who will have more chances to win the Kyiv mayoral vote.
On June 9, Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko announced that Members of Parliament Mykola Tyshchenko, Oleksandr Dubinskyi and Oleksandr Kachura would participate in the Servant of the People Party primaries for the Kyiv mayoral elections.
The elections of village, town, city, district, regional councils and village, town, city mayors in Ukraine are scheduled for October 25.


unian--2020-06-24--Three dead as devastating floods in western Ukraine continue

A popular mountain resort of Bukovel in Ivano-Frankivsk has also been affected .
Heavy rains on June 22-23 have brought heavy flooding into Ivano-Frankivsk , Chernivtsi , Lviv , and Zakarpattia regions in western Ukraine , leaving three people dead .
So far , 197 settlements have been affected .
In Ivano-Frankivsk region , at least three people died in the flood , as reported in the morning update of the State Emergency Service .
A total of 389 people have been evacuated , including 76 children .
Heavy downpour and wind gusts led to a blackout in 120 villages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in the response operation .
Read alsoBad weather leaves 348 towns and villages in Ukraine without power As UNIAN reported earlier , weather forecasters expect that today , June 24 , water in the Prut River near the regional center of Chernivtsi will reach it maximum level of 680 -730 cm above zero of gauge , with a maximum water flow rate of 2,320-2,690 cubic meters per second .
Powerful floods in Chernivtsi region have also damaged the gas distribution underground and elevated gas pipelines , cutting gas supplies to several villages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal set off to Ivano-Frankivsk region to coordinate response efforts .
Judging by the video published on social networks , Interior Minister Arsen Avakov accompanies Shmyhal on the trip .
A popular mountain resort of Bukovel in Ivano-Frankivsk has also been affected , as seen in the following videos .
Several major motorways in the area have been blocked by flood debris .

A popular mountain resort of Bukovel in Ivano-Frankivsk has also been affected.
Heavy rains on June 22-23 have brought heavy flooding into Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Lviv, and Zakarpattia regions in western Ukraine, leaving three people dead.
So far, 197 settlements have been affected. In Ivano-Frankivsk region, at least three people died in the flood, as reported in the morning update of the State Emergency Service.
A total of 389 people have been evacuated, including 76 children.
Heavy downpour and wind gusts led to a blackout in 120 villages.
In total, 1,412 people are involved in the response operation.
Read alsoBad weather leaves 348 towns and villages in Ukraine without power
As UNIAN reported earlier, weather forecasters expect that today, June 24, water in the Prut River near the regional center of Chernivtsi will reach it maximum level of 680 -730 cm above zero of gauge, with a maximum water flow rate of 2,320-2,690 cubic meters per second.
Powerful floods in Chernivtsi region have also damaged the gas distribution underground and elevated gas pipelines, cutting gas supplies to several villages and putting supply to Chernivtsi in jeopardy.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal set off to Ivano-Frankivsk region to coordinate response efforts. Judging by the video published on social networks, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov accompanies Shmyhal on the trip.
A popular mountain resort of Bukovel in Ivano-Frankivsk has also been affected, as seen in the following videos. Several major motorways in the area have been blocked by flood debris.


unian--2020-06-24--Ukraine reports four enemy attacks in Donbas on June 23

Russia 's hybrid military forces on June 23 mounted four attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
@ @ @ @ @ armed formations violated the ceasefire four times in the past day , '' the press @ @ @ @ @ Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on June 24 @ @ @ @ @ fired grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and small arms .
@ @ @ @ @ near the villages of Orikhove , Luhanske , Pavlopil , and Vodiane .
`` Since @ @ @ @ @ have attacked Ukrainian positions three times near the villages of Shyrokyne , Starohnativka and Khutir @ @ @ @ @ , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and rifles , '' @ @ @ @ @ casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops from Wednesday midnight .

Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling.
Russia's hybrid military forces on June 23 mounted four attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
"The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire four times in the past day," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on June 24, 2020.
Russia-led forces fired grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.
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Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Orikhove, Luhanske, Pavlopil, and Vodiane.
Read alsoZelensky: Ukraine calls for ceasefire in Donbas amid pandemic
Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling.
"Since Wednesday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions three times near the villages of Shyrokyne, Starohnativka and Khutir Vilny, using 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and rifles," the update said.
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops from Wednesday midnight.


unian--2020-06-24--"Ice has broken": Zelensky could meet with Hungarian PM

A dialogue between the top diplomats of the two countries will precede the leaders ' meeting .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to remove misunderstandings in relations between the countries that have accumulated over the past years .
That 's according to MP with the ruling Servant of the People party , Iryna Vereshchuk , who spoke with Ukraine 24 TV Channel .
`` I 'd say that the ice has broken [ in relations between Ukraine and Hungary ] .
They should n't be the way they were .
They are our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighborliness should prevail , '' Vereshchuk noted .
Read alsoUkraine FM Kuleba refutes `` fake news '' following his visit to Budapest She expressed confidence that after the talks between foreign ministers Dmytro Kuleba and Peter Szijjarto , `` a meeting between President Zelensky and Prime Minister Viktor Orban will soon be held because this is what everyone really needs this . ''
`` Firstly , we need this because they are our neighbors and members of the Euro-Atlantic community .
As you know , decisions are made by consensus there .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission , not allowing us to move forward and be effective .
However , as we see from recent developments , we have received a special NATO status [ Enhanced Opportunity Partnership ] – and the Hungarians did n't interfere .
This indicates that they are ready to cooperate and talk .
Now it 's we who decide where to go for concessions and where are the red lines we are n't ready to cross , '' MP said .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has scheduled another meeting with his Hungarian counterpart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Regular communication , Kuleba believes , helps parties address the issues that have amassed over time .
As UNIAN reported earlier , relations between the two countries slid to a chill after the Ukrainian parliament in 2017 passed a new education law .
Hungary has since then been blocking meetings of the Ukraine-NATO Commission , claiming alleged violation of rights of Hungarians living in Ukraine due to the provision of the law that determines that the language of command in educational facilities shall be the state language , which is Ukrainian .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission of December 8 , 2017 , the Ukrainian authorities were recommended to balance the language-related provision in the education law .

A dialogue between the top diplomats of the two countries will precede the leaders' meeting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to remove misunderstandings in relations between the countries that have accumulated over the past years.
That's according to MP with the ruling Servant of the People party, Iryna Vereshchuk, who spoke with Ukraine 24 TV Channel.
"I'd say that the ice has broken [in relations between Ukraine and Hungary]. They shouldn't be the way they were. They are our neighbors, and the policy of good neighborliness should prevail," Vereshchuk noted.
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Read alsoUkraine FM Kuleba refutes "fake news" following his visit to Budapest
She expressed confidence that after the talks between foreign ministers Dmytro Kuleba and Peter Szijjarto, "a meeting between President Zelensky and Prime Minister Viktor Orban will soon be held because this is what everyone really needs this."
"Firstly, we need this because they are our neighbors and members of the Euro-Atlantic community. As you know, decisions are made by consensus there. They've been blocking us in the Ukraine-NATO Commission, not allowing us to move forward and be effective. However, as we see from recent developments, we have received a special NATO status [Enhanced Opportunity Partnership] – and the Hungarians didn't interfere. This indicates that they are ready to cooperate and talk. Now it's we who decide where to go for concessions and where are the red lines we aren't ready to cross," MP said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has scheduled another meeting with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto – second in a month.
Regular communication, Kuleba believes, helps parties address the issues that have amassed over time.
As UNIAN reported earlier, relations between the two countries slid to a chill after the Ukrainian parliament in 2017 passed a new education law.
Hungary has since then been blocking meetings of the Ukraine-NATO Commission, claiming alleged violation of rights of Hungarians living in Ukraine due to the provision of the law that determines that the language of command in educational facilities shall be the state language, which is Ukrainian.
According to the conclusion of the Venice Commission of December 8, 2017, the Ukrainian authorities were recommended to balance the language-related provision in the education law.


unian--2020-06-24--Investigative journalism: One in five UOC-MP bishops in Ukraine owns house bigger than 300 sq m

Data about more than 200 representatives of the higher clergy of three Ukrainian churches has been processed .
One in five bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate ( UOC-MP ) in Ukraine owns a house with an area of over 300 square meters .
Read alsoUkrainians ask Zelensky to transfer Kyiv Lavra to Orthodox Church of Ukraine Journalists processed data from official registries on the income of more than 200 representatives of the higher clergy of three Ukrainian churches , according to slidstvo.info 's project dubbed `` The Gold of the Church . ''
Such estates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church ( UGCC ) and by every nineteenth in the Orthodox Church of Ukraine ( OCU ) .
The journalists found out that one in five bishops of the OCU and the UOC-MP does not have their own housing .
The UGCC has about a third of bishops without housing .
It was also possible to establish how much there is land and real estate on the average per representative of the higher clergy of the three churches .
Thus , a bishop of the UOC-MP on the average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a member of the UGCC has more than 190 square meters and that of the OCU has almost 114 square meters .
As for land ownership , a bishop of the UOC-MP and that of the OCU on the average have half a hectare of land , while a member of the UGCC has half as much .

Data about more than 200 representatives of the higher clergy of three Ukrainian churches has been processed.
One in five bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) in Ukraine owns a house with an area of over 300 square meters.
Read alsoUkrainians ask Zelensky to transfer Kyiv Lavra to Orthodox Church of Ukraine
Journalists processed data from official registries on the income of more than 200 representatives of the higher clergy of three Ukrainian churches, according to slidstvo.info's new project dubbed "The Gold of the Church."
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Such estates are owned by every sixth bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) and by every nineteenth in the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).
The journalists found out that one in five bishops of the OCU and the UOC-MP does not have their own housing. The UGCC has about a third of bishops without housing.
It was also possible to establish the average area of real estate owned per representative of the higher clergy of the three churches. Thus, a UOC-MP bishop owns 230 square meters of real estate on the average, a member of the UGCC has more than 190 square meters and that of the OCU has almost 114 square meters.
As for land ownership, a bishop of the UOC-MP and that of the OCU on the average have half a hectare of land, while a member of the UGCC has half as much.


unian--2020-06-24--Floods in Ukraine's west: Zelensky pledges assistance to victims

The Ukrainian authorities will develop a full-fledged strategy to counter floods comprehensively .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged assistance to victims whose houses have been destroyed in flood-hit western regions .
`` I want to address the people affected by the flood , especially Ivano-Frankivsk region , as well as Zakarpattia , Lviv , Chernivtsi , and Ternopil regions .
First of all , I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased , '' he said in a video message posted by the presidential press service on June 24 .
The president assures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to minimize and eliminate the consequences of natural disasters in Ukraine 's western .
`` I want to assure other affected citizens that the state will not leave you in trouble .
We will definitely rebuild damaged roads , bridges and other infrastructure .
We will definitely solve the housing issue : either rebuild the destroyed one or find a new one , '' he said .
`` You will be provided with financial assistance separately .
We understand that more than one billion hryvnias ( US $ 37.6 million ) may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these funds will definitely be found , '' he said .
He also mentioned weather forecasts for the coming days , according to which the level of precipitation and , consequently , water in the rivers will decrease .
`` So we all hope that the situation will not worsen , '' he said .
`` In general , in the near future we will consider a full-fledged strategy , involve all experts to solve the problem of floods comprehensively .
Forever or at least for decades to come , '' he said @

The Ukrainian authorities will develop a full-fledged strategy to counter floods comprehensively.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged assistance to victims whose houses have been destroyed in flood-hit western regions.
"I want to address the people affected by the flood, especially Ivano-Frankivsk region, as well as Zakarpattia, Lviv, Chernivtsi, and Ternopil regions. First of all, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased," he said in a video message posted by the presidential press service on June 24.
Read alsoThree dead as devastating floods in western Ukraine continue (Photo, video)
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The president assures that the authorities are doing everything necessary to minimize and eliminate the consequences of natural disasters in Ukraine's west.
"I want to assure other affected citizens that the state will not leave you in trouble. We will definitely rebuild damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure. We will definitely solve the housing issue: either rebuild the destroyed one or find a new one," he said.
"You will be provided with financial assistance separately. We understand that more than one billion hryvnias (US$37.6 million) may be needed to overcome the consequences, but these funds will definitely be found," he said.
He also mentioned weather forecasts for the coming days, according to which the level of precipitation and, consequently, water in the rivers will decrease. "So we all hope that the situation will not worsen," he said.
"In general, in the near future we will consider a full-fledged strategy, involve all experts to solve the problem of floods comprehensively. Forever or at least for decades to come," he said.


unian--2020-06-24--RFE/RL: Kosovar president indicted on war-crimes charges

A KSC pretrial judge is currently reviewing the indictment to decide on whether to confirm the charges .
A prosecutor in The Hague has indicted Kosovar President Hashim Thaci , former parliamentary chairman Kadri Veseli , and `` others '' for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during or after the 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict .
The Specialist Prosecutor 's Office ( SPO ) said in a statement on June 24 that the suspects `` are criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders , '' as well as the `` enforced disappearance of persons , persecution , and torture , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) reported .
The alleged crimes involved `` hundreds of known victims of Kosovo Albanian , Serb , Roma , and other ethnicities and include political opponents , '' according to the SPO .
Thaci and Veseli were commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army ( UCK ) , an ethnic Albanian guerrilla group that fought against Belgrade 's security forces in the 1998-99 war .
Veseli currently leads the Democratic Party of Kosovo ( PDK ) and serves as a lawmaker .
Both men have previously denied involvement in any war crimes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office said he had cut short a trip to the United States and would be back to Kosovo on June 25 .
The Kosovar president was scheduled to meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the White House on June 27 for talks aimed at leading to a normalization of relations .
A 10-count indictment was filed with the Kosovo Specialist Chambers ( KSC ) in The Hague on April 24 , but the prosecutor decided to unveil them publicly two months later .
Prosecutors said the charges resulted from a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can prove `` all charges beyond a reasonable doubt . ''
A KSC pretrial judge is currently reviewing the indictment to decide on whether to confirm the charges .
The prosecutor also accused Thaci and Veseli of repeated efforts `` to obstruct and undermine the work '' of the tribunal .
The two men `` are believed to have carried out a secret campaign to overturn the law creating the Court and otherwise obstruct the work of the Court in an attempt to ensure that they do not face justice , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these actions , Mr. Thaci and Mr. Veseli have put their personal interests ahead of the victims of their crimes , the rule of law , and all people of Kosovo , '' it added .
Kosovo was part of Serbia until an armed uprising by the ethnic Albanian majority population in 1998-99 triggered a Serbian crackdown .
The conflict ended following a 78-day NATO bombing campaign to force Serbian troops out of Kosovo .
The war left more than 10,000 dead and over 1,600 are still unaccounted for .

A KSC pretrial judge is currently reviewing the indictment to decide on whether to confirm the charges.
A prosecutor in The Hague has indicted Kosovar President Hashim Thaci, former parliamentary chairman Kadri Veseli, and "others" for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during or after the 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict.
The Specialist Prosecutor's Office (SPO) said in a statement on June 24 that the suspects "are criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders," as well as the "enforced disappearance of persons, persecution, and torture," Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported.
The alleged crimes involved "hundreds of known victims of Kosovo Albanian, Serb, Roma, and other ethnicities and include political opponents," according to the SPO.
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Read alsoBloody trail of Russian military in Libya – media
Thaci and Veseli were commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK), an ethnic Albanian guerrilla group that fought against Belgrade's security forces in the 1998-99 war.
Veseli currently leads the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and serves as a lawmaker.
Both men have previously denied involvement in any war crimes.
After the SPO's announcement, Thaci's office said he had cut short a trip to the United States and would be back to Kosovo on June 25.
The Kosovar president was scheduled to meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the White House on June 27 for talks aimed at leading to a normalization of relations.
A 10-count indictment was filed with the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague on April 24, but the prosecutor decided to unveil them publicly two months later.
Prosecutors said the charges resulted from a "lengthy investigation" and they were confident they can prove "all charges beyond a reasonable doubt."
A KSC pretrial judge is currently reviewing the indictment to decide on whether to confirm the charges.
The prosecutor also accused Thaci and Veseli of repeated efforts "to obstruct and undermine the work" of the tribunal.
The two men "are believed to have carried out a secret campaign to overturn the law creating the Court and otherwise obstruct the work of the Court in an attempt to ensure that they do not face justice," the statement said.
"By taking these actions, Mr. Thaci and Mr. Veseli have put their personal interests ahead of the victims of their crimes, the rule of law, and all people of Kosovo," it added.
Kosovo was part of Serbia until an armed uprising by the ethnic Albanian majority population in 1998-99 triggered a Serbian crackdown.
The conflict ended following a 78-day NATO bombing campaign to force Serbian troops out of Kosovo.
The war left more than 10,000 dead and over 1,600 are still unaccounted for.


unian--2020-06-24--Ukraine, Turkey to relaunch flights from July 1

The two presidents believe it will give impetus to the gradual recovery of the tourism industry .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan consider July 1 as the date for relaunching flights between the countries .
During the latest phone conversation , the two leaders agreed on the need to restore air traffic as soon as possible simultaneously with easing the quarantine-related measures , Zelensky 's press service reported .
`` I know that some airlines want to resume their flights – this will give impetus to the gradual resumption of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quoted the Ukrainian president as saying .
The Turkish president , in turn , noted that Turkey would do everything to make Ukrainian tourists feel comfortable and safe .
They also discussed the global situation around the coronavirus pandemic , as well as measures to overcome this crisis and minimize its consequences for society and the economies of the two states .
`` Erdogan also asked about the health of the First Lady of Ukraine , conveyed greetings to her and wished her a speedy recovery , '' the press service said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish people and personally the President of the Republic of Turkey for the humanitarian assistance provided to Ukraine to combat COVID-19 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Turkish side is ready to receive Ukrainian tourists starting from July 1 , 2020 , without self-isolation requirements and testing , but they should travel in compliance with safety standards set by air carriers .

The two presidents believe it will give impetus to the gradual recovery of the tourism industry.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan consider July 1 as the date for relaunching flights between the countries.
During the latest phone conversation, the two leaders agreed on the need to restore air traffic as soon as possible simultaneously with easing the quarantine-related measures, Zelensky's press service reported.
Read alsoRyanair, SWISS resume regular flights to Kyiv on June 21
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"I know that some airlines want to resume their flights – this will give impetus to the gradual resumption of the tourism industry," the press service quoted the Ukrainian president as saying.
The Turkish president, in turn, noted that Turkey would do everything to make Ukrainian tourists feel comfortable and safe.
They also discussed the global situation around the coronavirus pandemic, as well as measures to overcome this crisis and minimize its consequences for society and the economies of the two states.
"Erdogan also asked about the health of the First Lady of Ukraine, conveyed greetings to her and wished her a speedy recovery," the press service said.
Zelensky, in turn, thanked the Turkish people and personally the President of the Republic of Turkey for the humanitarian assistance provided to Ukraine to combat COVID-19.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Turkish side is ready to receive Ukrainian tourists starting from July 1, 2020, without self-isolation requirements and testing, but they should travel in compliance with safety standards set by air carriers.


unian--2020-06-24--Reuters: Hungary agrees gas deal with Gazprom, views long-term agreement

The Hungarian government plans to sign three five-year deals .
Hungary has agreed to buy 6.2 billion cubic metres of natural gas from Gazprom and will begin talks on a flexible , long-term gas supply agreement with the Russian energy firm , Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told state news agency MTI late on Tuesday .
`` Our goal is to sign three five-year deals , which allows cancelling the agreement at the end of each five-year period , '' Szijjarto said , Reuters reported .
Read alsoCrude oil transit via Ukraine shrinks by 40 % over lower demand '' This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to renegotiate the agreement or quit if in the meantime better options arise or the international energy market changes . ''
Hungary has worked to diversify its gas supply both in terms of source and routes away from the traditional Russian shipments via Ukraine , but progress has been slow as alternative pipeline networks have not been completed .
Hungary will buy up to 6 billion cubic metres of gas per year via an extension to the TurkStream pipeline once it is completed in October next year , Szijjarto said .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy 2 billion cubic metres of gas from Gazprom , with shipments already under way , and another 4.2 billion cubic metres to be delivered between October 2020 and October 2021 , the minister said .

The Hungarian government plans to sign three five-year deals.
Hungary has agreed to buy 6.2 billion cubic metres of natural gas from Gazprom and will begin talks on a flexible, long-term gas supply agreement with the Russian energy firm, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told state news agency MTI late on Tuesday.
"Our goal is to sign three five-year deals, which allows cancelling the agreement at the end of each five-year period," Szijjarto said, Reuters reported.
Read alsoCrude oil transit via Ukraine shrinks by 40% over lower demand
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"This ensures our long-term supply and also our ability to renegotiate the agreement or quit if in the meantime better options arise or the international energy market changes."
Hungary has worked to diversify its gas supply both in terms of source and routes away from the traditional Russian shipments via Ukraine, but progress has been slow as alternative pipeline networks have not been completed.
Hungary will buy up to 6 billion cubic metres of gas per year via an extension to the TurkStream pipeline once it is completed in October next year, Szijjarto said.
In the meantime, Hungary has agreed to buy 2 billion cubic metres of gas from Gazprom, with shipments already under way, and another 4.2 billion cubic metres to be delivered between October 2020 and October 2021, the minister said.


unian--2020-06-24--Ukraine's No. 1 bank transfers over US$900 mln in dividends for 2019 to budget

It was 75 % of the bank 's net profit for last year .
PrivatBank , Ukraine 's No .
1 bank , has transferred UAH 24.5 billion , or US $ 920.7 million , in dividends for 2019 to the national budget .
`` PrivatBank transferred UAH 24.5 billion in dividends to the state budget in full , aimed at paying the bank 's shareholder , the state , '' the bank said in a statement on June 24 .
It was 75 % of the bank 's net profit for 2019 .
`` During the last two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US $ 1.353 billion ] to the state budget in dividends alone , '' the statement quoted Chairman of PrivatBank 's Supervisory Board Sharon Easky as saying .
`` The high level of liquidity allows us to send funds to the budget in one payment , which will be a good support for the budget during the difficult period of the global coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent economic slowdown , '' PrivatBank 's Chairman of the Management Board Petr Krumphanzl said in turn .
According to the Annual Report for 2019 approved by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shareholder , its net profit for 2019 amounted to UAH 36.8 billion , or US $ 1.38 billion .
At the beginning of 2020 , PrivatBank 's net assets amounted to UAH 309.7 billion ( US $ 11.64 billion ) , liabilities to UAH 255.2 billion ( US $ 9.59 billion ) , and PrivatBank 's capital was UAH 54.5 billion ( US $ 2.05 billion ) .
UNIAN memo .
Dnipro-based PrivatBank has been operating in Ukraine since 1992 .
It is Ukraine 's No .
1 bank in terms of assets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state since December 2016 .

It was 75% of the bank's net profit for last year.
PrivatBank, Ukraine's No. 1 bank, has transferred UAH 24.5 billion, or US$920.7 million, in dividends for 2019 to the national budget.
"PrivatBank transferred UAH 24.5 billion in dividends to the state budget in full, aimed at paying the bank's shareholder, the state," the bank said in a statement on June 24.
Read alsoMoody's upgrades PrivatBank's ratings
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It was 75% of the bank's net profit for 2019.
"During the last two years, PrivatBank sent UAH 36 billion [US$1.353 billion] to the state budget in dividends alone," the statement quoted Chairman of PrivatBank's Supervisory Board Sharon Easky as saying.
"The high level of liquidity allows us to send funds to the budget in one payment, which will be a good support for the budget during the difficult period of the global coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent economic slowdown," PrivatBank's Chairman of the Management Board Petr Krumphanzl said in turn.
According to the Annual Report for 2019 approved by the Supervisory Board and the bank's shareholder, its net profit for 2019 amounted to UAH 36.8 billion, or US$1.38 billion.
At the beginning of 2020, PrivatBank's net assets amounted to UAH 309.7 billion (US$11.64 billion), liabilities to UAH 255.2 billion (US$9.59 billion), and PrivatBank's capital was UAH 54.5 billion (US$2.05 billion).
UNIAN memo. Dnipro-based PrivatBank has been operating in Ukraine since 1992. It is Ukraine's No. 1 bank in terms of assets. The bank has been owned by the state since December 2016.