unian--2020-08-03--Bomb threat reported at Kyiv business center

Anton Gerashchenko has later revealed the culprit 's name .
He is identified as an Uzbekistan national Sukhrob Karimov , 32 .
On August 3 , at 12:00 , a manager at the Universal Bank JSC ( Shevchenkivskyi district , Leonardo business center ) called the police and reported that an unidentified man under the age of 35 had entered the branch and said he had a bomb in his backpack .
The man himself asked bank managers to call the police , reads a report by Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko .
Employees of the banking institution left the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branch remained at her own will , Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook .
Police began negotiations with the terrorist and offered that he surrender .
Citizens have been asked to stay away from the Leonardo business center at the corner of Bohdana Khmelnytskogo and Volodymyrska streets .
Anton Gerashchenko has later revealed the culprit 's name .
He is identified as an Uzbekistan national Sukhrob Karimov , 32 .
The man is believed to be demanding that he give a live-streamed interview to a number of Ukrainian TV channels .
No other demands have @ @ @ @ @

Anton Gerashchenko has later revealed the culprit's name. He is identified as an Uzbekistan national Sukhrob Karimov, 32.
On August 3, at 12:00, a manager at the Universal Bank JSC (Shevchenkivskyi district, Leonardo business center) called the police and reported that an unidentified man under the age of 35 had entered the branch and said he had a bomb in his backpack. The man himself asked bank managers to call the police, reads a report by Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko.
Employees of the banking institution left the premises, while the head of the branch remained at her own will, Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook.
Read alsoUkraine police shoot Ukraine hostage-taker dead after week-long search operation
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A special police protocol "Thunder" has been initiated.
Police began negotiations with the terrorist and offered that he surrender.
Citizens have been asked to stay away from the Leonardo business center at the corner of Bohdana Khmelnytskogo and Volodymyrska streets.
Anton Gerashchenko has later revealed the culprit's name. He is identified as an Uzbekistan national Sukhrob Karimov, 32.
The man is believed to be demanding that he give a live-streamed interview to a number of Ukrainian TV channels. No other demands have been voiced so far.


unian--2020-08-03--Ukraine feed wheat prices $3 up, milling wheat stable – analysts

Ukraine has harvested 12.8 million tonnes of wheat as of July 24 .
Ukrainian milling wheat export prices remained unchanged over the past week , while feed wheat added around $ 3 per tonnes thanks to a delay in the harvest and a lack of offers from growers , analyst APK-inform said on Monday .
Feed wheat cost $ 200- $ 203 per tonnes FOB Black Sea as of the end of last week , the consultancy said in a report , according to Agriculture.com .
Milling wheat with 12.5 % protein was traded at between $ 209 and $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The consultancy said on Saturday that the share of milling wheat in Ukraine 's overall wheat harvest may drop to around 40 % .
Analysts and traders last year said the share of milling wheat was likely to rise to as much as 70 % in 2019 .
Ukraine , the world fourth-largest wheat exporter , may harvest 24.5 million tonnes of wheat this year compared with 28.3 million tonnes in 2019 , according to weather forecasters .
The government gave no wheat crop forecast for 2020 .
Ukraine has harvested 12.8 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Ukraine has harvested 12.8 million tonnes of wheat as of July 24.
Ukrainian milling wheat export prices remained unchanged over the past week, while feed wheat added around $3 per tonnes thanks to a delay in the harvest and a lack of offers from growers, analyst APK-inform said on Monday.
Feed wheat cost $200-$203 per tonnes FOB Black Sea as of the end of last week, the consultancy said in a report, according to Agriculture.com. Milling wheat with 12.5% protein was traded at between $209 and $212 per tonne FOB Black Sea.
The consultancy said on Saturday that the share of milling wheat in Ukraine's overall wheat harvest may drop to around 40%. Analysts and traders last year said the share of milling wheat was likely to rise to as much as 70% in 2019.
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Read alsoUkraine exports 2.33 mln tonnes of grain in July
Ukraine, the world fourth-largest wheat exporter, may harvest 24.5 million tonnes of wheat this year compared with 28.3 million tonnes in 2019, according to weather forecasters. The government gave no wheat crop forecast for 2020.
Ukraine has harvested 12.8 million tonnes of wheat as of July 24.


unian--2020-08-03--Law enforcers find almost 60 kg of cocaine at Ukraine's Pivdenny seaport

The drugs were being smuggled into Ukraine from Ecuador in a banana shipment .
Law enforcement operatives say they have found almost 60 kg of cocaine on an inbound vessel at the Pivdenny seaport in Odesa region .
The prosecutors , together with investigators of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine in Odesa region , with the operational support of the State Border Guard Service 's Southern Regional Directorate , prevented the sale and distribution across Ukraine of a significant amount of cocaine , the press service of the Odesa region prosecutor 's office said .
`` Law enforcers found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the prosecutor 's office said .
Read alsoBreaking bad : Chemistry professor arrested for setting up major amphetamine lab outside Kyiv Border guards ' press service said the haul 's exact weight is 56.4 kg .
The batch consisted of 47 sealed brickets , concealed in the vents of a container loaded with bananas .
Each bricket had peculiar stamps and markings on it , which suggests the batch was shipped by a certain drug syndicate .
The haul would cost over UAH 200 million ( US $ 7.2 million ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report adds .
Investigation is underway to identify the circle of perpetrators complicit in the crime , and bring them to responsibility , etc .
The prosecutor 's office in Odesa region opens criminal proceedings on the fact of smuggling ( Article 305 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine ) .

The drugs were being smuggled into Ukraine from Ecuador in a banana shipment.
Law enforcement operatives say they have found almost 60 kg of cocaine on an inbound vessel at the Pivdenny seaport in Odesa region.
The prosecutors, together with investigators of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine in Odesa region, with the operational support of the State Border Guard Service's Southern Regional Directorate, prevented the sale and distribution across Ukraine of a significant amount of cocaine, the press service of the Odesa region prosecutor's office said.
"Law enforcers found drugs being smuggled into Ukraine from Ecuador," the prosecutor's office said.
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Read alsoBreaking bad: Chemistry professor arrested for setting up major amphetamine lab outside Kyiv
Border guards' press service said the haul's exact weight is 56.4 kg. The batch consisted of 47 sealed brickets, concealed in the vents of a container loaded with bananas. Each bricket had peculiar stamps and markings on it, which suggests the batch was shipped by a certain drug syndicate.
The haul would cost over UAH 200 million (US$7.2 million) on the "black market", the report adds.
Investigation is underway to identify the circle of perpetrators complicit in the crime, and bring them to responsibility, etc.
The prosecutor's office in Odesa region opens criminal proceedings on the fact of smuggling (Article 305 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).


unian--2020-08-03--Poland fines Gazprom $57 mln over Nord Stream 2

The regulator has put forward allegations against a total of six companies .
Poland 's anti-monopoly regulator UOKiK has imposed a hefty penalty on Russian energy giant Gazprom , worth almost PLN 213 million , which is approximately US $ 57 million , over the company 's failure to cooperate in the investigation conducted in relation to the construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .
Such an obligation arises out of the European legislation on which the Polish Act on Competition and Consumer Protection is based .
The penalty imposed on Gazprom is related to the proceedings conducted with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financing the construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline without a required consent of the UOKIK President , the agency reported in a statement .
Read alsoDenmark : Nord Stream 2 AG may use pipe-laying vessels with anchors The regulator has put forward allegations in this case against six companies : Gazprom from Russia , Engie Energy from Switzerland and four companies from Nederlands : Uniper , OMV , Shell , and Wintershall .
In the course of proceedings , the agency `` requested documents that are of significance to the case from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company refused to provide information that is important to the pending proceedings '' .
• The Nord Stream 2 project provides for the construction and operation of two gas pipeline strings with a total annual capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of gas set to flow from the Russian coast through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
The construction of the 1,220km-long gas pipeline was to be completed by the end of 2019 .
It will connect the Russian Ust-Luga and the German Greifswald .
• On September 19 , 2018 , U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 project absurd and inadequate .
• On November 8 , 2019 , the Polish Antimonopoly Committee fined the subsidiary of French Engie $ 45 million for refusing to cooperate in the NS2 construction investigation .
• Ukraine has been opposing the construction , concerned about the inevitable loss of the status of the main gas transit route from Russia to the EU .
• Among major opponents of the NS2 project are also theUnited States , Poland , and the Baltic states .
• In June 2020 , the United States proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • On July 28 , 2020 , Ukraine and Poland agreed to take further steps to prevent the NS2 project implementation .
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba discussed the relevant issue with Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz during a meeting in Warsaw .

The regulator has put forward allegations against a total of six companies.
Poland's anti-monopoly regulator UOKiK has imposed a hefty penalty on Russian energy giant Gazprom, worth almost PLN 213 million, which is approximately US$57 million, over the company's failure to cooperate in the investigation conducted in relation to the construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
Such an obligation arises out of the European legislation on which the Polish Act on Competition and Consumer Protection is based.
The penalty imposed on Gazprom is related to the proceedings conducted with regard to the creation of a consortium financing the construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline without a required consent of the UOKIK President, the agency reported in a statement.
Видео дня
Read alsoDenmark: Nord Stream 2 AG may use pipe-laying vessels with anchors
The regulator has put forward allegations in this case against six companies: Gazprom from Russia, Engie Energy from Switzerland and four companies from Nederlands: Uniper, OMV, Shell, and Wintershall. In the course of proceedings, the agency "requested documents that are of significance to the case from Gazprom as well, however, the company refused to provide information that is important to the pending proceedings".
Background:


unian--2020-08-03--Almost 1,000 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine in past day

Ukraine reported 990 new active cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 over the past day , bringing the total number @ @ @ @ @ as of the morning of August 3 .
The death toll is 1,738 , including @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours , according to the interactive map by Ukraine 's National Security and Defense @ @ @ @ @ 39,876 patients , including 333 in the past day , have recovered .
Read alsoNew @ @ @ @ @ into force in Ukraine on Aug 3 The number of active cases as of the @ @ @ @ @ at 31,544 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine on August 2 reported 1,112 new @ @ @

The death toll stands at 1,738.
Ukraine reported 990 new active cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 over the past day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 73,158 as of the morning of August 3.
The death toll is 1,738, including 13 fatalities in the past 24 hours, according to the interactive map by Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 39,876 patients, including 333 in the past day, have recovered.
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Read alsoNew rules of adaptive quarantine come into force in Ukraine on Aug 3
The number of active cases as of the morning of August 3 stood at 31,544.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine on August 2 reported 1,112 new COVID-19 cases.


unian--2020-08-03--Ternopil authorities defy "red zone" quarantine restrictions

Local officials say the move to assign to the red zone was unfounded .
Ternopil is one of the two regional centers in Ukraine , along with Lutsk , which was put in the so-called `` red zone '' according to the new rules of adaptive quarantine introduced in Ukraine recently and effective starting today .
Municipal authorities , in line with the new regulation , shall introduce severe restrictions : put public transport on halt , shut down restaurants and shopping malls , according to TSN.Ranok .
Ternopil authorities , however , say they do n't understand how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone '' , protesting the move .
Read alsoNew rules of adaptive quarantine come into force in Ukraine on Aug 3 Therefore , Ternopil residents had a regular morning today , with people rushing to work , public transport working as usual , kindergartens , bars , and shops set to open .
Earlier , Mayor Serhiy Nadal addressed city residents , promising that Ternopil would retain the usual quarantine regime and that all establishments will keep operating .
The mayor said he believes the decision of the State Emergencies Commission is unfounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , there was even a decline in the number of patients .
The COVID-19 hospital load reached only 46 % , which is half the figure required for the red zone , according to the mayor .
Meanwhile , intercity trains starting today will suspend stops at the city rail station , which is something local authorities ca n't influence .
As UNIAN reported earlier , new rules of zonal quarantine came into force in Ukraine today .

Local officials say the move to assign to the red zone was unfounded.
Ternopil is one of the two regional centers in Ukraine, along with Lutsk, which was put in the so-called "red zone" according to the new rules of adaptive quarantine introduced in Ukraine recently and effective starting today.
Municipal authorities, in line with the new regulation, shall introduce severe restrictions: put public transport on halt, shut down restaurants and shopping malls, according to TSN.Ranok.
Ternopil authorities, however, say they don't understand how the city ended up in the "red zone", protesting the move.
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Read alsoNew rules of adaptive quarantine come into force in Ukraine on Aug 3
Therefore, Ternopil residents had a regular morning today, with people rushing to work, public transport working as usual, kindergartens, bars, and shops set to open.
Earlier, Mayor Serhiy Nadal addressed city residents, promising that Ternopil would retain the usual quarantine regime and that all establishments will keep operating. The mayor said he believes the decision of the State Emergencies Commission is unfounded and even illegal.
Over the past week, there was even a decline in the number of patients. The COVID-19 hospital load reached only 46%, which is half the figure required for the red zone, according to the mayor.
Meanwhile, intercity trains starting today will suspend stops at the city rail station, which is something local authorities can't influence.
As UNIAN reported earlier, new rules of zonal quarantine came into force in Ukraine today.


unian--2020-08-03--Netflix to shoot its first movie in Kyiv

The Last Mercenary is a Netflix action comedy that will star Jean-Claude Van Damme .
A popular U.S. streaming platform , Netflix , will shoot its first movie in Kyiv , Ukraine 's culture minister Oleksandr Tkachenko has announced .
The Last Mercenary is a Netflix action comedy that will star Jean-Claude Van Damme , the iconic Belgian-born actor and bodybuilder known for his martial arts movies .
Van Damme will play the role of a mysterious former secret service agent , who must return to France when his estranged son is falsely accused of arms and drug trafficking by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bureaucrat and a mafia operation , according to CGTN .
The film is directed by Jean-Claude Van Damme and will be produced by Apple Tree film studio and Ukrainian Vlad Riashyn .
The 1980s-style action movie will star Alban Ivanov , Assa Sylla , and Samir Decazza , and features both English and French dialogue .
Filming is already underway in France , and minister Tkachenko says that shooting will go ahead in Kyiv and Paris until Autumn .
One reason could be that Ukraine 's 16.6 % cash rebate for local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been launched this year .
The government incentive was approved in 2017 and aims to make the country a hotspot for the entertainment industry .
Ukraine is also considered to be a relatively inexpensive shooting location and is home to over 200 production companies , film studios , and post-production and visual effects facilities .
Ukraine 's landscape is diverse – ranging from highlands to lowlands .
In contrast to the vast mountain ranges , the capital city is famous for its Gothic , Byzantine and Baroque architecture .
Kyiv 's charms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for other projects , including the latest Mission : Impossible film and Coldplay 's music video Trouble in Town .
Renowned companies such as Apple and Three UK have also chosen the city as the backdrop for commercials .
Read alsoStory of Holocaust on Instagram : How `` Eva.stories '' was created Although filming is slowly restarting across Europe , current coronavirus restrictions are both impeding filming processes and pushing back release dates across the industry .
However , the upcoming months are sure to be interesting for Kyiv as the city forms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to revive the golden age of 80s action movies in the era of online streaming .

The Last Mercenary is a Netflix action comedy that will star Jean-Claude Van Damme.
A popular U.S. streaming platform, Netflix, will shoot its first movie in Kyiv, Ukraine's culture minister Oleksandr Tkachenko has announced.
The Last Mercenary is a Netflix action comedy that will star Jean-Claude Van Damme, the iconic Belgian-born actor and bodybuilder known for his martial arts movies. Van Damme will play the role of a mysterious former secret service agent, who must return to France when his estranged son is falsely accused of arms and drug trafficking by the government, following a blunder by a bureaucrat and a mafia operation, according to CGTN.
The film is directed by Jean-Claude Van Damme and will be produced by Apple Tree film studio and Ukrainian Vlad Riashyn.
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The 1980s-style action movie will star Alban Ivanov, Assa Sylla, and Samir Decazza, and features both English and French dialogue.
Read alsoHBO show success drives Chernobyl tourism boom – media
Filming is already underway in France, and minister Tkachenko says that shooting will go ahead in Kyiv and Paris until Autumn.
One reason could be that Ukraine's 16.6% cash rebate for local and international film and TV production shooting has been launched this year. The government incentive was approved in 2017 and aims to make the country a hotspot for the entertainment industry.
Ukraine is also considered to be a relatively inexpensive shooting location and is home to over 200 production companies, film studios, and post-production and visual effects facilities.
Ukraine's landscape is diverse – ranging from highlands to lowlands. In contrast to the vast mountain ranges, the capital city is famous for its Gothic, Byzantine and Baroque architecture.
Kyiv's charms have also made it an attractive location for other projects, including the latest Mission:Impossible film and Coldplay's music video Trouble in Town. Renowned companies such as Apple and Three UK have also chosen the city as the backdrop for commercials.
A release date hasn't been announced yet.
Read alsoStory of Holocaust on Instagram: How "Eva.stories" was created
Although filming is slowly restarting across Europe, current coronavirus restrictions are both impeding filming processes and pushing back release dates across the industry.
However, the upcoming months are sure to be interesting for Kyiv as the city forms the backdrop to a film that looks to revive the golden age of 80s action movies in the era of online streaming.


unian--2020-08-03--New rules of adaptive quarantine come into force in Ukraine on Aug 3

Quarantine zones will be reviewed every Friday .
The new rules of adaptive quarantine shall be applied in Ukraine starting today , August 3 .
In particular , cities and districts are divided into four zones depending on the epidemiological situation .
The state commission on industry-related and environmental safety and emergencies passed a relevant decision on Friday , July 31 .
Under the new rules , Ukraine is divided into several zones : green , yellow , orange , and red , depending on the COVID-19 threat levels .
Read alsoUkraine 's Health Ministry publishes list of red-zone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quarantine rules established throughout the country will apply to green-zone settlements and districts .
Additional restrictions are introduced in red-zone areas .
Restrictions for accommodation establishments and public events will be introduced in orange-zone areas , while yellow-zone areas remain a buffer zone .
Quarantine zones will be reviewed every Friday .
As of today , the red zone includes the cities of Lutsk and Ternopil , as well as Kitsman district of Chernivtsi region .
However , local authorities in Lutsk and Ternopil have so far refused to tighten restrictions .
City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strengthen quarantine and that they did n't understand why the cities were assigned to the red zone .

Quarantine zones will be reviewed every Friday.
The new rules of adaptive quarantine shall be applied in Ukraine starting today, August 3.
In particular, cities and districts are divided into four zones depending on the epidemiological situation.
The state commission on industry-related and environmental safety and emergencies passed a relevant decision on Friday, July 31.
Видео дня
Under the new rules, Ukraine is divided into several zones: green, yellow, orange, and red, depending on the COVID-19 threat levels.
Read alsoUkraine's Health Ministry publishes list of red-zone, green-zone countries in terms of COVID-19 spread
Quarantine rules established throughout the country will apply to green-zone settlements and districts. Additional restrictions are introduced in red-zone areas. Restrictions for accommodation establishments and public events will be introduced in orange-zone areas, while yellow-zone areas remain a buffer zone.
Quarantine zones will be reviewed every Friday.
As of today, the red zone includes the cities of Lutsk and Ternopil, as well as Kitsman district of Chernivtsi region.
However, local authorities in Lutsk and Ternopil have so far refused to tighten restrictions. City councils said they saw no reason to strengthen quarantine and that they didn't understand why the cities were assigned to the red zone.


unian--2020-08-03--Watchdog tells of Russian businesses still operating in Ukraine

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Watchdog tells of Russian businesses still operating in Ukraine
09:50, 03.08.20 3936
The report also covers Ukrainian companies operating in Russia.
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unian--2020-08-03--Donbas truce: Ukraine reports two enemy provocations on Aug 2

The incidents brought no casualties among the Ukrainian defenders .
Ukraine has reported two enemy provocations on Sunday , August 2 as Russia 's hybrid military forces twice violated the newly-agreed truce in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
`` At first , enemy troops launched a grenade using an under-barrel launcher near the village of Pivdenne .
In 15 minutes , they went for the same kind of provocation outside Krasnohorivka .
Realizing the enemy 's true insidious intentions and provocative tactics , the Ukrainian soldiers did n't return fire .
There have been no casualties among our defenders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on August 3 , 2020 .
Read alsoHead of Ukrainian intelligence believes Russia to go for another military incursion in Ukraine Since Monday midnight , no attacks by Russian Federation 's armed formations have been recorded , the JFO HQ said .
It is also noted 1,247 civilians arrived in the territory controlled by the Joint Forces through the Stanytsia Luhanska entry and exit checkpoint , as well as 739 civilians crossed in the opposite direction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ operate due to the occupiers ' actions .

The incidents brought no casualties among the Ukrainian defenders.
Ukraine has reported two enemy provocations on Sunday, August 2 as Russia's hybrid military forces twice violated the newly-agreed truce in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
"At first, enemy troops launched a grenade using an under-barrel launcher near the village of Pivdenne. In 15 minutes, they went for the same kind of provocation outside Krasnohorivka. Realizing the enemy's true insidious intentions and provocative tactics, the Ukrainian soldiers didn't return fire. There have been no casualties among our defenders," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on August 3, 2020.
Read alsoHead of Ukrainian intelligence believes Russia to go for another military incursion in Ukraine
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Since Monday midnight, no attacks by Russian Federation's armed formations have been recorded, the JFO HQ said.
It is also noted 1,247 civilians arrived in the territory controlled by the Joint Forces through the Stanytsia Luhanska entry and exit checkpoint, as well as 739 civilians crossed in the opposite direction. The Maryinka and Novotroyitske checkpoints did not operate due to the occupiers' actions.


unian--2020-08-03--Head of Ukrainian intelligence believes Russia to go for another military incursion in Ukraine

The invasion , however , is unlikely to be expected this fall , Kondratiuk says , citing analytical arguments .
The Kremlin views its army as a tool to satisfy foreign policy ambitions , so issuing an order to invade another state is only a matter of time and opportunity for Moscow .
`` At the present stage of hybrid war , Russia has deployed a military grouping close to Ukraine borders , which includes two new armies and an army corps : the 20th Army has already been practically formed .
It consists of a 24,000-strong pair of divisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army , including the 1st and 2nd army corps deployed in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas ; and the 22nd Army Corps as part of Russian navy 's coastal forces consisting of 9,000 servicemen .
These units will become fully operational in the near future , '' Kondratiuk wrote in an oped for ZN.ua .
Russia 's strategic nuclear forces has been armed with the latest weapons by 83 % , aerospace forces – by 75 % , airborne troops and naval forces – by over 63 % , and land forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern command and control facilities in the army stands at about 67 % , the intelligence chief wrote .
`` Moscow is creating long-term threats , including through developing a new military base near the Ukraine borders ( in Rostov , 60 km away from the border ) to permanently host units of the newly formed 150th motorized rifle division , '' Kondratiuk noted .
Read alsoRussian security agencies using religion as tool to meddle in Ukraine – intelligence chief For the aims of political pressure on Ukraine and the West , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercises Kavkaz-2020 , where `` the scenario will be worked out of an offensive on the neighboring countries '' .
The total number of troops involved in maneuvers scheduled for September this year will amount to at least 120,000 , along with 3,000 armored combat vehicles , nearly 300 aircraft , 250 helicopters , 50 warships , and up to five submarines .
A possible scenario for the exercise is also the use of troops to resolve the issue of freshwater supply to the temporarily occupied Crimea .
`` Russia 's armed forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , deploy deep into the territory of Ukraine 's Kherson region in order to seize control over the dam of the North Crimean Canal , '' wrote Kondratiuk .
In general , Russia has already turned the peninsula into a solid military base , the top intel official said .
The adoption of a strategic decision to conduct in one form or another an offensive military operation against Ukraine ( in particular in the area of the North Crimean Canal ) is limited by the falling prices on global oil and gas markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Moscow 's hopes of exploiting COVID-19 to reset relations with the West ; the upcoming local elections in Ukraine amid Moscow 's hopes to strengthen the presence of pro-Russian forces in Ukrainian politics ; the shifting of military resources toward the Turkish-Russian confrontation in Syria and Libya , as well as indirectly – within the framework of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict ; and Russia 's local elections in September 2020 , against the backdrop of Vladimir Putin 's popular rating dropping to 23 % and a heightened protest potential .
The Kremlin is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive by the vicissitudes of the U.S. presidential campaign and the developments in the Donbas settlement talks in the Minsk and Normandy formats .
`` According to our estimates , the complex influence of these factors makes the scenario of military aggression against Ukraine in the fall of 2020 untimely for the Kremlin , '' the SZR head reported .
However , the agency 's analysis shows that `` in the long term , Russian efforts in relation to Ukraine may transform into a large-scale military operation with the seizure of more Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribute to this : - The need to divert public attention from a number of internal problems ( a plunging popular rating of the Russian government due to the deteriorating standards of life , a rapid economic decline , a weakening of the power vertical , and the opposition of regional elites ) ; - The need to address socio-economic problems in the temporarily occupied Crimea ( water supply , failure of the tourist season ) ; and - Our leading international partners focusing exclusively on their internal problems ( complex electoral processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and economic issues , refugees , or terrorism ) .
Earlier , despite the fact of Russian aggression being waged against Ukraine for the sixth year already , deputy chief of Russian diplomacy Andrei Rudenko claimed Russia has no aggressive intentions in relation the neighboring country .

The invasion, however, is unlikely to be expected this fall, Kondratiuk says, citing analytical arguments.
The Kremlin views its army as a tool to satisfy foreign policy ambitions, so issuing an order to invade another state is only a matter of time and opportunity for Moscow.
"At the present stage of hybrid war, Russia has deployed a military grouping close to Ukraine borders, which includes two new armies and an army corps: the 20th Army has already been practically formed. It consists of a 24,000-strong pair of divisions. There's also a 45,000-strong 8th Army, including the 1st and 2nd army corps deployed in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas; and the 22nd Army Corps as part of Russian navy's coastal forces consisting of 9,000 servicemen. These units will become fully operational in the near future," Kondratiuk wrote in an oped for ZN.ua.
Russia's strategic nuclear forces has been armed with the latest weapons by 83%, aerospace forces – by 75%, airborne troops and naval forces – by over 63%, and land forces – by 50%. Availability of modern command and control facilities in the army stands at about 67%, the intelligence chief wrote.
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"Moscow is creating long-term threats, including through developing a new military base near the Ukraine borders (in Rostov, 60 km away from the border) to permanently host units of the newly formed 150th motorized rifle division," Kondratiuk noted.
Read alsoRussian security agencies using religion as tool to meddle in Ukraine – intelligence chief
For the aims of political pressure on Ukraine and the West, the Kremlin intends to use the strategic military exercises Kavkaz-2020, where "the scenario will be worked out of an offensive on the neighboring countries".
The total number of troops involved in maneuvers scheduled for September this year will amount to at least 120,000, along with 3,000 armored combat vehicles, nearly 300 aircraft, 250 helicopters, 50 warships, and up to five submarines.
A possible scenario for the exercise is also the use of troops to resolve the issue of freshwater supply to the temporarily occupied Crimea. "Russia's armed forces could potentially, under a far-fetched pretext, deploy deep into the territory of Ukraine's Kherson region in order to seize control over the dam of the North Crimean Canal," wrote Kondratiuk.
In general, Russia has already turned the peninsula into a solid military base, the top intel official said.
The adoption of a strategic decision to conduct in one form or another an offensive military operation against Ukraine (in particular in the area of the North Crimean Canal) is limited by the falling prices on global oil and gas markets and decreasing revenues to the Russian budget; Moscow's hopes of exploiting COVID-19 to reset relations with the West; the upcoming local elections in Ukraine amid Moscow's hopes to strengthen the presence of pro-Russian forces in Ukrainian politics; the shifting of military resources toward the Turkish-Russian confrontation in Syria and Libya, as well as indirectly – within the framework of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict; and Russia's local elections in September 2020, against the backdrop of Vladimir Putin's popular rating dropping to 23% and a heightened protest potential.
The Kremlin is also being held back from ordering an offensive by the vicissitudes of the U.S. presidential campaign and the developments in the Donbas settlement talks in the Minsk and Normandy formats.
"According to our estimates, the complex influence of these factors makes the scenario of military aggression against Ukraine in the fall of 2020 untimely for the Kremlin," the SZR head reported.
Read alsoUkraine's top intelligence official talks Russian threats in media domain
However, the agency's analysis shows that "in the long term, Russian efforts in relation to Ukraine may transform into a large-scale military operation with the seizure of more Ukrainian territories".
The following factors may contribute to this:
- The need to divert public attention from a number of internal problems (a plunging popular rating of the Russian government due to the deteriorating standards of life, a rapid economic decline, a weakening of the power vertical, and the opposition of regional elites);
- The need to address socio-economic problems in the temporarily occupied Crimea (water supply, failure of the tourist season); and
- Our leading international partners focusing exclusively on their internal problems (complex electoral processes, radical escalation of social, demographic and economic issues, refugees, or terrorism).
Earlier, despite the fact of Russian aggression being waged against Ukraine for the sixth year already, deputy chief of Russian diplomacy Andrei Rudenko claimed Russia has no aggressive intentions in relation the neighboring country.


unian--2020-08-04--Zelensky calls on Cabinet to explain Ukrainians how Ukraine decided into quarantine zones

The red zone rules are now in effect in the cities of Lutsk and Ternopil , and in Kitsmansky district of Chernivtsi region .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to explain Ukrainians how Ukraine is divided into quarantine zones .
`` Volodymyr Zelensky demands that the government clearly explain to people how the country is divided into four zones and why adaptive quarantine is required , '' the presidential press service said following a recent conference call on preventing the spread of COVID-19 when he was commenting on an update by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal , in particular , informed that the incidence rate had risen to 82.8 per 100,000 , bed occupancy in Zakarpattia region alone is almost 69 % , and this indicator in Kyiv , Ivano-Frankivsk , Lviv , Rivne regions , and Bukovyna area exceeds 40 % .
The new adaptive quarantine rules in Ukraine became effective from August 3 .
The quarantine itself was extended until August 31 .
Under the new rules , Ukraine is divided into several zones : green , yellow , orange , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels .
The division will be reviewed every Friday and migration by a region from one to another zone will be possible the next Monday .
From Monday , August 3 , the red zone rules are in effect in the cities of Lutsk and Ternopil , and in Kitsmansky district of Chernivtsi region .
Lutsky and Lyubashevsky districts of Volyn region , the city of Ivano-Frankivsk and Tysmenytskyi district of Ivano-Frankivsk region , the city of Lviv , and three areas in Lviv region – Mykolaivsky , Peremyshlyansky and Pustomytivsky districts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Buchatsky district of Ternopil region were designated as the orange zone .

The red zone rules are now in effect in the cities of Lutsk and Ternopil, and in Kitsmansky district of Chernivtsi region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to explain Ukrainians how Ukraine is divided into quarantine zones.
"Volodymyr Zelensky demands that the government clearly explain to people how the country is divided into four zones and why adaptive quarantine is required," the presidential press service said following a recent conference call on preventing the spread of COVID-19 when he was commenting on an update by the government on the epidemic situation in Ukraine.
Read alsoUkrainian city in COVID-19 red zone refuses to toughen lockdown rules
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Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, in particular, informed that the incidence rate had risen to 82.8 per 100,000, bed occupancy in Zakarpattia region alone is almost 69%, and this indicator in Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Rivne regions, and Bukovyna area exceeds 40%.
The new adaptive quarantine rules in Ukraine became effective from August 3. The quarantine itself was extended until August 31.
Under the new rules, Ukraine is divided into several zones: green, yellow, orange, and red, depending on the COVID-19 threat levels. The division will be reviewed every Friday and migration by a region from one to another zone will be possible the next Monday.
From Monday, August 3, the red zone rules are in effect in the cities of Lutsk and Ternopil, and in Kitsmansky district of Chernivtsi region. Lutsky and Lyubashevsky districts of Volyn region, the city of Ivano-Frankivsk and Tysmenytskyi district of Ivano-Frankivsk region, the city of Lviv, and three areas in Lviv region – Mykolaivsky, Peremyshlyansky and Pustomytivsky districts, as well as the town of Berezhany and Buchatsky district of Ternopil region were designated as the orange zone.


unian--2020-08-04--Donbas special status may be put to referendum – lawmaker

Stefanchuk emphasized that separation of the territories is out of the question .
First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , Ruslan Stefanchuk says the issue of granting special status to Russia-occupied Donbas may be put to a referendum .
Answering a question under what conditions the future of Donbas or Crimea could be decided by putting the issue of their `` special status '' to the vote at a referendum , he said in an interview for the Focus magazine : `` Any question that the people of Ukraine wish could be put to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on compromises Ukraine ready to make to regain control over Donbas '' Exceptions are those that are aimed at liquidating Ukraine 's independence , violating the sovereignty and , what is important , the territorial integrity of the country , as well as incitement to national , interethnic , racial and religious hatred .
And also the issues of taxes , amnesty and law enforcement agencies , courts . ''
Stefanchuk emphasized that separation of the territories is out of the question .
`` It is important to understand : only one question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , its wording must be clear , and the answer is either 'yes ' or 'no , ' without suggesting options , '' he added .
Stefanchuk noted that `` if the issues the nation is interested in require amendments to the Constitution , they also need to be solved and approved by referendum , if necessary . ''
What is more , answering a question whether a decision made by Ukrainians through a referendum is non-binding or binding , the parliament 's first deputy speaker said that referendums are expensive , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the people . ''
`` We have created a formula according to which the decision of the people is obligatory for implementation by the state authorities , '' Stefanchuk emphasized .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Spiegel reported on July 3 that at Berlin talks between the advisers to the Normandy leaders ( Ukraine , Germany , France , and Russia ) , the Russian side demanded that by July 6 Kyiv should submit via the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk a draft amendment to the Constitution of Ukraine on the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by saying that no one could demand anything from Ukraine .

Stefanchuk emphasized that separation of the territories is out of the question.
First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk says the issue of granting special status to Russia-occupied Donbas may be put to a referendum.
Answering a question under what conditions the future of Donbas or Crimea could be decided by putting the issue of their "special status" to the vote at a referendum, he said in an interview for the Focus magazine: "Any question that the people of Ukraine wish could be put to a referendum."
Read alsoFM Kuleba elaborates on compromises Ukraine ready to make to regain control over Donbas
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"Exceptions are those that are aimed at liquidating Ukraine's independence, violating the sovereignty and, what is important, the territorial integrity of the country, as well as incitement to national, interethnic, racial and religious hatred. And also the issues of taxes, amnesty and law enforcement agencies, courts."
Stefanchuk emphasized that separation of the territories is out of the question.
"It is important to understand: only one question is to be put to a referendum, its wording must be clear, and the answer is either 'yes' or 'no,' without suggesting options," he added.
Stefanchuk noted that "if the issues the nation is interested in require amendments to the Constitution, they also need to be solved and approved by referendum, if necessary."
What is more, answering a question whether a decision made by Ukrainians through a referendum is non-binding or binding, the parliament's first deputy speaker said that referendums are expensive, and "opinion polls are enough for consultation with the people."
"We have created a formula according to which the decision of the people is obligatory for implementation by the state authorities," Stefanchuk emphasized.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Spiegel reported on July 3 that at Berlin talks between the advisers to the Normandy leaders (Ukraine, Germany, France, and Russia), the Russian side demanded that by July 6 Kyiv should submit via the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk a draft amendment to the Constitution of Ukraine on the future special status of certain regions of Donbas.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by saying that no one could demand anything from Ukraine.


unian--2020-08-03--Ukrainian customs agency fulfills July plans

Last month 's figure was 17 % up on that registered in the previous month .
Ukraine 's State Customs Service says it fulfilled its July 2020 plans , which were set by the country 's Finance Ministry .
In July 2020 , it transferred UAH 31.3 billion ( US $ 1.13 billion ) , which was UAH 4.6 billion ( US $ 165.83 million ) , or 17 % up on June 2020 , the agency 's press service said .
`` The State Customs Service continues to successfully fulfill the action plan to fill the budget revenue gap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year .
Thanks to the organizational measures and management decisions taken , better monitoring of the customs value , the classification of goods , the State Customs Service ensured the implementation of indicative figures during June and July this year , '' the press service quoted acting Head of the State Customs Service Ihor Muratov as saying .
According to the report , the indicator in July compared to June was UAH 5.3 billion , or US $ 191.06 million ( 20.5 % ) up , to UAH 31.1 billion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily receipts in July were UAH 1.36 billion , or US $ 49.03 million , which was 1.8 % up on June .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the customs-administered revenue expected in the first half of 2020 fell short of UAH 34 billion , or US $ 1.22 billion ( 21.4 % ) and that administered by the tax service was UAH 1.7 billion , or US $ 61.28 million ( 0.6 % ) behind the target , according to the country 's Audit Chamber .

Ukrainian customs agency fulfills July plans
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Last month's figure was 17% up on that registered in the previous month.
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unian--2020-08-03--Pace of grain exports from Ukraine slower than last year

Ukraine exported 2.52 million tonnes of grain from July 1 to August 3 , 2020 .
Ukraine 's Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture says the pace of exports of Ukrainian grain this year is slower than last year 's shipments .
From the beginning of the new marketing year ( started on July 1 , 2020 and will end on June 30 , 2021 ) to August 3 , Ukraine exported 2.52 million tonnes of grain .
This is 1.43 million tonnes less than on the same date a year earlier , the ministry 's agriculture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exports totaled 1.25 million tonnes ( 158,000 tonnes down year-on-year ) , shipments of barley abroad were 838,000 tonnes ( 120,000 tonnes down year-on-year ) .
Exports of maize this year are lagging behind last year 's indicators most – Ukraine sold 425,000 tonnes of maize abroad , which was 1.16 million tonnes down year-on-year .
In addition , exports of flour from wheat and other types of grain were 19,000 tonnes , which was 8,100 tonnes down the figure recorded as of August 3 , 2019 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2019-2020 marketing year ( MY , July 2019 through June 2020 ) , having supplied 57.2 million tonnes of grain and leguminous crops , as well as flour onto foreign markets .

Pace of grain exports from Ukraine slower than last year
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Ukraine exported 2.52 million tonnes of grain from July 1 to August 3, 2020.
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unian--2020-08-03--Ukraine's Security and Defense Council on Donbas truce: "Seventh day without heavy weapons"

There had been up to 16-18 attacks per day before the recent ceasefire .
Ukraine 's National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) says it has been the `` seventh day without heavy weapons '' after the latest ceasefire was introduced in Donbas .
`` According to the Main Situation Center at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine , the ceasefire regime in Donbas has been in place since midnight July 27 , 2020 , and isolated cases of its violation are not systemic , '' the NSDC 's press service said in an update on August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ' 'harvest , ' 'back-to-school ' and many other announced ceasefires , which lasted a few days , today is the seventh day of the ceasefire without shots from heavy weapons and combat losses . ''
Read alsoUkraine 's Defense Ministry responds to Russia 's statements on possible arming of Donbas The NSDC stresses that before the announcement of the latest ceasefire , there had been up to 16-18 attacks per day , `` the vast majority of which was precision fire from heavy weapons – artillery , mortars , anti-tank missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles and sniper rifles . ''
`` Weekly losses of servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine included two to three killed in action and six to eight wounded in action .
The occupation forces suffered similar losses , '' it said .
NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said that he hoped that the agreements reached by the Trilateral Contact Group would be further fulfilled and that `` any attempts to discredit peace initiatives , including provocations along the lines of conflict , would be repelled . ''
`` We hope that the ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the war and the return of our territories , '' he added .
The new ceasefire became effective from July 27 .
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine reported that there had been over 200 violations of the ceasefire since then .

There had been up to 16-18 attacks per day before the recent ceasefire.
Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) says it has been the "seventh day without heavy weapons" after the latest ceasefire was introduced in Donbas.
"According to the Main Situation Center at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, the ceasefire regime in Donbas has been in place since midnight July 27, 2020, and isolated cases of its violation are not systemic," the NSDC's press service said in an update on August 3. "Unlike the previous 'Christmas,' 'harvest,' 'back-to-school' and many other announced ceasefires, which lasted a few days, today is the seventh day of the ceasefire without shots from heavy weapons and combat losses."
Read alsoUkraine's Defense Ministry responds to Russia's statements on possible arming of Donbas
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The NSDC stresses that before the announcement of the latest ceasefire, there had been up to 16-18 attacks per day, "the vast majority of which was precision fire from heavy weapons – artillery, mortars, anti-tank missile systems, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles and sniper rifles."
"Weekly losses of servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine included two to three killed in action and six to eight wounded in action. The occupation forces suffered similar losses," it said.
NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said that he hoped that the agreements reached by the Trilateral Contact Group would be further fulfilled and that "any attempts to discredit peace initiatives, including provocations along the lines of conflict, would be repelled."
"We hope that the ceasefire will be a significant step towards the end of the war and the return of our territories," he added.
The new ceasefire became effective from July 27. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine reported that there had been over 200 violations of the ceasefire since then.


unian--2020-08-03--Seventeen seasonal workers from Ukraine violate self-isolation rules in Estonia – minister

They are facing a fine or deportation ; criminal cases may be opened against them .
A joint inspection by Estonia 's Health Board and the Police and Border Guard Board has revealed that seasonal workers who arrived by a charter plane from Ukraine on July 21 violated the self-isolation rules 46 times .
The authorities suspect 17 people of working while they should be self-isolating , the ERR news portal reported .
`` This is irresponsible behavior as it could do serious harm to businesses and all people if we start reimposing [ coronavirus-related ] restrictions , '' Interior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that those who violated the self-isolation rules and their employers should be punished to the fullest extent of the law .
`` COVID-19 is becoming active again , and we must do everything to reduce its spread .
Therefore , violators of the self-isolation rules should be held accountable , '' he said .
The condition for the entry of the Ukrainians into Estonia was the employer 's obligation to organize their self-isolation , the Estonian Interior Ministry 's press service said .
The Police and Border Guard Board may impose various sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violate the self-isolation rules .
`` [ Such ] a foreigner could be deported from Estonia , an employer may be fined up to EUR 32,000 or a criminal case could be opened for the spread of infectious diseases .
The state should not tolerate such violations and irresponsible behavior , '' Helme said .
The Police and Border Guard Board is actively working on this case .
The Health Board also has leverage , it can impose a fine of up to EUR 9,600 and initiate an action for the violation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Health Department to take tough measures on this case , '' the minister said .
On July 21 , a charter plane with 145 Ukrainians on board arrived in Estonia ; they were obliged to spend 14 days in self-isolation .

They are facing a fine or deportation; criminal cases may be opened against them.
A joint inspection by Estonia's Health Board and the Police and Border Guard Board has revealed that seasonal workers who arrived by a charter plane from Ukraine on July 21 violated the self-isolation rules 46 times.
The authorities suspect 17 people of working while they should be self-isolating, the ERR news portal reported.
Read alsoUkrainian city in COVID-19 red zone refuses to toughen lockdown rules
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"This is irresponsible behavior as it could do serious harm to businesses and all people if we start reimposing [coronavirus-related] restrictions," Interior Minister Mart Helme said.
He says that those who violated the self-isolation rules and their employers should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
"COVID-19 is becoming active again, and we must do everything to reduce its spread. Therefore, violators of the self-isolation rules should be held accountable," he said.
The condition for the entry of the Ukrainians into Estonia was the employer's obligation to organize their self-isolation, the Estonian Interior Ministry's press service said.
The Police and Border Guard Board may impose various sanctions on foreigners arriving in Estonia if they violate the self-isolation rules.
"[Such] a foreigner could be deported from Estonia, an employer may be fined up to EUR 32,000 or a criminal case could be opened for the spread of infectious diseases. The state should not tolerate such violations and irresponsible behavior," Helme said.
The Police and Border Guard Board is actively working on this case. The Health Board also has leverage, it can impose a fine of up to EUR 9,600 and initiate an action for the violation of the quarantine rules.
"I expect the Health Department to take tough measures on this case," the minister said.
On July 21, a charter plane with 145 Ukrainians on board arrived in Estonia; they were obliged to spend 14 days in self-isolation.


unian--2020-08-03--Reuters Exclusive: Papers leaked before UK election in suspected Russian operation were hacked from

Reuters Exclusive: Papers leaked before UK election in suspected Russian operation were hacked from ex-trade minister

Among the stolen information were six tranches of documents detailing British trade negotiations with the United States .
Classified U.S.-UK trade documents leaked ahead of Britain 's 2019 election were stolen from the email account of former trade minister Liam Fox by suspected Russian hackers , two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters .
The sources , who spoke on condition of anonymity because a law enforcement investigation is underway , said the hackers accessed the account multiple times between July 12 and October 21 last year , Reuters reported .
They declined to name which Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but said the attack bore the hallmarks of a state-backed operation .
The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday .
Among the stolen information were six tranches of documents detailing British trade negotiations with the United States , which Reuters first reported last year were leaked and disseminated online by a Russian disinformation campaign .
British foreign minister Dominic Raab confirmed that report last month , saying that `` Russian actors '' had sought to interfere in the election `` through the online amplification of illicitly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters was not able to determine which of Fox 's email accounts was hacked and when it was first compromised .
It is not clear if Fox , who is still a member of parliament but stood down as trade minister on July 24 last year in a cabinet reshuffle , was a minister at the time .
A British government spokeswoman said : `` There is an ongoing criminal investigation into how the documents were acquired , and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point . ''
She added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems in place to protect the IT systems of officials and staff . ''
Representatives for Fox declined to comment on the details of Reuters findings .

Among the stolen information were six tranches of documents detailing British trade negotiations with the United States.
Classified U.S.-UK trade documents leaked ahead of Britain's 2019 election were stolen from the email account of former trade minister Liam Fox by suspected Russian hackers, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because a law enforcement investigation is underway, said the hackers accessed the account multiple times between July 12 and October 21 last year, Reuters reported.
Read alsoEx-KGB spy tells of disinformation tactics – media
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They declined to name which Russian group or organisation they believed was responsible, but said the attack bore the hallmarks of a state-backed operation.
The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.
Among the stolen information were six tranches of documents detailing British trade negotiations with the United States, which Reuters first reported last year were leaked and disseminated online by a Russian disinformation campaign.
British foreign minister Dominic Raab confirmed that report last month, saying that "Russian actors" had sought to interfere in the election "through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked Government documents."
Reuters was not able to determine which of Fox's email accounts was hacked and when it was first compromised. It is not clear if Fox, who is still a member of parliament but stood down as trade minister on July 24 last year in a cabinet reshuffle, was a minister at the time.
A British government spokeswoman said: "There is an ongoing criminal investigation into how the documents were acquired, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point."
She added that the government had "very robust systems in place to protect the IT systems of officials and staff."
Representatives for Fox declined to comment on the details of Reuters findings.


unian--2020-08-03--Ukraine's Defense Ministry responds to Russia's statements on possible arming of Donbas

About 210 multiple rocket launchers have already been deployed by Russian-led forces to Donbas .
Ukraine 's Ministry of Defense has responded to statements by certain Russian politicians about the possibility of supplying Russian weapons to occupied Donbas .
`` Information about the number of weapons and military equipment in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions is available : There are 480 tanks ; over 900 armored combat vehicles ; about 450 guns and howitzers ; about 300 mortars ; about 210 multiple launch rocket systems ; about 700 anti-aircraft weapons ; about 450 anti-tank weapons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on August 3 .
Read alsoHead of Ukrainian intelligence believes Russia to go for another military incursion in Ukraine Russia has been using all these weapons in hostilities against Ukraine , and Russian weapons have been brought through an uncontrolled section of the Russian-Ukrainian border .
`` Since the beginning of the aggression , these weapons and military equipment have been used not only against members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military units , but also against the civilian population of Donbas .
Therefore , if Russia wants to increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct armed aggression and support for terrorist activities at the state level , '' the statement said .
The ministry recalled that the Russian Federation had been waging the war against Ukraine for the seventh year in a row .
Leonid Kalashnikov , chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs , Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots , previously said that Russia could start to officially supply weapons to Donbas if the United States allocated US $ 300 million in military aid for Ukraine .
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states under international treaties .
`` And the current situation is no exception .
Ukraine is grateful to its international partners for their support in the fight against the aggressor , '' it said .

About 210 multiple rocket launchers have already been deployed by Russian-led forces to Donbas.
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has responded to statements by certain Russian politicians about the possibility of supplying Russian weapons to occupied Donbas.
"Information about the number of weapons and military equipment in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions is available: There are 480 tanks; over 900 armored combat vehicles; about 450 guns and howitzers; about 300 mortars; about 210 multiple launch rocket systems; about 700 anti-aircraft weapons; about 450 anti-tank weapons," the ministry said in a statement on August 3.
Read alsoHead of Ukrainian intelligence believes Russia to go for another military incursion in Ukraine
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Russia has been using all these weapons in hostilities against Ukraine, and Russian weapons have been brought through an uncontrolled section of the Russian-Ukrainian border.
"Since the beginning of the aggression, these weapons and military equipment have been used not only against members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military units, but also against the civilian population of Donbas. Therefore, if Russia wants to increase the supply of weapons, this indicates direct armed aggression and support for terrorist activities at the state level," the statement said.
The ministry recalled that the Russian Federation had been waging the war against Ukraine for the seventh year in a row.
Leonid Kalashnikov, chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, previously said that Russia could start to officially supply weapons to Donbas if the United States allocated US$300 million in military aid for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says that Ukraine gets technical assistance from partner states under international treaties.
"And the current situation is no exception. Ukraine is grateful to its international partners for their support in the fight against the aggressor," it said.


unian--2020-08-03--Ukrainian city in COVID-19 red zone refuses to toughen lockdown rules

The city 's council says that all municipally owned companies , namely transport firms , will continue working .
At its special session on August 3 , Lutsk 's City Council has considered a draft resolution on disagreement with toughened lockdown rules after the municipality was included in the red epidemiological zone introduced as part of the COVID-19 quarantine .
The quarantine rules will not be stepped up contrary to the decision passed by the state commission on industry-related and environmental safety and emergencies , the local news outlet Volyn News reported .
Read alsoAlmost 1,000 new COVID-19 cases confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owned companies , including transport firms , as well as kindergartens will continue working , it said .
`` Deputy Head of the Department for Emergency Situations and Civil Protection Anatoly Svirsky says that there are enough effective quarantine measures in Lutsk , thus there is no need to introduce additional measures to halt the city 's economy , '' it said .
`` Therefore , it was proposed that the same quarantine measures should remain as it was before , despite the decision taken by the commission on industry-related and environmental safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , preschool education institutions , transport , etc .
will continue operating in Lutsk . ''
The city council will ask the police not to hold people accountable for violations of the quarantine .
Lutsk was included in the COVID-19 red zone .
Toughened restrictions should have been introduced from Monday , August 3 .
However , the city 's authorities had previously announced they would not shut down transportation services or close any establishments , as required by such curbs .
Chairman of Volyn Regional State Administration Yuriy Pohuliayko said that Lutsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` by accident , '' but the city is still obliged to comply with the decision by the state commission to strengthen the quarantine .

The city's council says that all municipally owned companies, namely transport firms, will continue working.
At its special session on August 3, Lutsk's City Council considered a draft resolution on disagreement with toughened lockdown rules after the municipality had been included in the red epidemiological zone introduced as part of the COVID-19 quarantine.
The quarantine rules will not be stepped up contrary to the decision passed by the state commission on industry-related and environmental safety and emergencies, the local news outlet Volyn News reported.
Read alsoAlmost 1,000 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine in past day
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All municipally owned companies, including transport firms, as well as kindergartens will continue working, it said.
"Deputy Head of the Department for Emergency Situations and Civil Protection Anatoly Svirsky says that there are enough effective quarantine measures in Lutsk, thus there is no need to introduce additional measures to halt the city's economy," it said. "Therefore, it was proposed that the same quarantine measures should remain as it was before, despite the decision taken by the commission on industry-related and environmental safety and emergencies. Therefore, public utilities, preschool education institutions, transport, etc. will continue operating in Lutsk."
The city council will ask the police not to hold people accountable for violations of the quarantine.
Lutsk was included in the COVID-19 red zone. Toughened restrictions should have been introduced from Monday, August 3. However, the city's authorities had previously announced they would not shut down transportation services or close any establishments, as required by such curbs.
Chairman of Volyn Regional State Administration Yuriy Pohuliayko said that Lutsk had been included in the red zone "by accident," but the city is still obliged to comply with the decision by the state commission to strengthen the quarantine.


unian--2020-08-03--SBU detains Uzbek national who threatened to set off bomb in Kyiv bank

Bomb squads are working on the scene .
The SBU Security Service of Ukraine 's specops unit detained in a raid a perpetrator , identified as Uzbekistan 's Sukhrob Karimov , who threatened to blow up a bank office in the capital city of Kyiv and claimed he was carrying a bomb in his backpack .
`` The terrorist was captured alive .
There was no explosion .
He will face a trial and a long prison sentence , '' Ukraine 's Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook .
Bomb squads are still working on the scene .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine Serhiy Pun also confirmed the successful raid .
`` The operation was a success .
The attacker has been arrested , '' he told a briefing .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on August 3 , at 12:00 , a manager at the Universal Bank JSC ( Shevchenkivskyi district , Leonardo business center ) called the police and reported that an unidentified man under the age of 35 had entered the branch and said he had a bomb in his backpack .
The man himself asked bank managers to call the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thunder '' was initiated .
Police began negotiations with the terrorist and offered that he surrender .
Earlier , police terminated a suspect who had been on the run after taking hostage and then letting go a senior police official .

Bomb squads are working on the scene.
The SBU Security Service of Ukraine's specops unit detained in a raid a perpetrator, identified as Uzbekistan's Sukhrob Karimov, who threatened to blow up a bank office in the capital city of Kyiv and claimed he was carrying a bomb in his backpack.
"The terrorist was captured alive. There was no explosion. He will face a trial and a long prison sentence," Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook.
Bomb squads are still working on the scene.
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Read alsoBomb threat reported at Kyiv business center (Photo, live)
Deputy Head of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine Serhiy Pun also confirmed the successful raid.
"The operation was a success. The attacker has been arrested," he told a briefing.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on August 3, at 12:00, a manager at the Universal Bank JSC (Shevchenkivskyi district, Leonardo business center) called the police and reported that an unidentified man under the age of 35 had entered the branch and said he had a bomb in his backpack. The man himself asked bank managers to call the police.
A special police protocol "Thunder" was initiated. Police began negotiations with the terrorist and offered that he surrender.
Earlier, police terminated a suspect who had been on the run after taking hostage and then letting go a senior police official.


unian--2020-08-04--Zelensky "clearly explains" to Avakov who's in charge in Ukraine – advisor to President's Office chi

Zelensky "clearly explains" to Avakov who's in charge in Ukraine – advisor to President's Office chief

Delicately but clearly , Zelensky explained that it 's he who is President and it 's he who determines all key policy directions , while Avakov is responsible for security .
Mykhailo Podolyak , an anti-crisis communications advisor to Head of the President 's Office Andriy Yermak , has said Interior Minister Arsen Avakov is no longer a threat to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , since the president `` clearly explained '' to him who is in charge in the country .
`` Sometimes Avakov was too obviously trying to take over presidential functions .
I do n't know why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Volodymyr Oleksandrovych [ Zelensky ] has delicately but clearly explained it 's he who is President of this country , and that only he determines all key policy directions , while Arsen Borysovych [ Avakov ] is responsible for security , '' Podolyak told RFE/RL 's Ukrainian service in an interview .
Asked when exactly the conversation took place , the advisor said that was `` not a matter of a single conversation . ''
`` It 's a matter of behavioral internal reactions .
You know how they say , 'sidelines .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ act in a certain way .
And it seems to me this disposition , a new disposition , arose in the last three or four months , when it became clear that Volodymyr Oleksandrovych was a serious player and that he came to power for a long time ( longer than many people think , but I 'd say at once we are n't talking about authoritarianism , a police state , and so on , not at all ) .
And Arsen Borysovych also understood this .
And that 's very good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work effectively ] amid someone 's illusion that they are entitled to take over presidential functions , '' Podolyak said .
At the same time , he said he has `` the warmest attitude '' toward Avakov and believes `` he is a good man . ''
`` Holding on to this position for six years is , of course , a cool story , '' the adviser said .
Prior to joining the President 's Office , Podolyak wrote in his blogs that Avakov had been an `` informal '' president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while being an `` ineffective and lazy '' manager for the interior ministry .
On June 6 , Zelensky said Avakov is a `` powerful minister . ''
Avakov has served as Interior Minister for over six years already .
Many lawmakers accuse him of the failure in police reform and investigation of high-profile criminal cases .

Delicately but clearly, Zelensky explained that it's he who is President and it's he who determines all key policy directions, while Avakov is responsible for security.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an anti-crisis communications advisor to Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak, has said Interior Minister Arsen Avakov is no longer a threat to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, since the president "clearly explained" to him who is in charge in the country.
"Sometimes Avakov was too obviously trying to take over presidential functions. I don't know why. Now, in my opinion, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych [Zelensky] has delicately but clearly explained it's he who is President of this country, and that only he determines all key policy directions, while Arsen Borysovych [Avakov] is responsible for security," Podolyak told RFE/RL's Ukrainian service in an interview.
Asked when exactly the conversation took place, the advisor said that was "not a matter of a single conversation."
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Read alsoZelensky: Avakov must bring Sheremet murder case to end
"It's a matter of behavioral internal reactions. You know how they say, 'sidelines.' Here on the sidelines, people act in a certain way. And it seems to me this disposition, a new disposition, arose in the last three or four months, when it became clear that Volodymyr Oleksandrovych was a serious player and that he came to power for a long time (longer than many people think, but I'd say at once we aren't talking about authoritarianism, a police state, and so on, not at all). And Arsen Borysovych also understood this. And that's very good. Because it is impossible [to work effectively] amid someone's illusion that they are entitled to take over presidential functions," Podolyak said.
At the same time, he said he has "the warmest attitude" toward Avakov and believes "he is a good man."
"Holding on to this position for six years is, of course, a cool story," the adviser said.
Prior to joining the President's Office, Podolyak wrote in his blogs that Avakov had been an "informal" president and had "almost engulfed" Zelensky, while being an "ineffective and lazy" manager for the interior ministry.
On June 6, Zelensky said Avakov is a "powerful minister."
Avakov has served as Interior Minister for over six years already. Many lawmakers accuse him of the failure in police reform and investigation of high-profile criminal cases.


unian--2020-08-04--Amid earlier reports of Medvedchuk's ongoing Crimea visit, Putin's plane arrives in occupied Simfero

Amid earlier reports of Medvedchuk's ongoing Crimea visit, Putin's plane arrives in occupied Simferopol – media

The aircraft about four hours ago .
An Il 96-300 jet that is reportedly part of the Russian Presidential Administration 's fleet has landed in the occupied Crimea , as evidenced by FlightRadar monitoring system data The liner , registration No .
RA-96012 , arrived from Moscow some four hours ago , bihus.info reported .
According to journalists , until 2003 , the plane was used as the president 's main aircraft , while now it is reportedly being used as backup .
It is worth noting that Putin 's policital operative in Ukraine , MP with the Opposition Platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife Oksana Marchenko crossed from mainland Ukraine into the occupied Crimea on Sunday .
According to Medvedchuk 's press secretary , he is there on vacation along with his family .
No official meetings were announced .
In 2019 , in the heat of presidential election campaign in Ukraine , Medvedchuk was harshly criticized for flying to Moscow where he met with senior Russian officials without any authorization on the part of Ukrainian authorities .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is sure that Viktor Medvedchuk , who is believed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of a TV channels ' pool in Ukraine , is sponsored by Moscow .

The aircraft about four hours ago.
An Il 96-300 jet that is reportedly part of the Russian Presidential Administration's fleet has landed in the occupied Crimea, as evidenced by FlightRadar monitoring system data
The liner, registration No. RA-96012, arrived from Moscow some four hours ago, bihus.info reported.
According to journalists, until 2003, the plane was used as the president's main aircraft, while now it is reportedly being used as backup.
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It is worth noting that Putin's political operative in Ukraine, MP with the Opposition Platform – For Life Party Viktor Medvedchuk and his wife Oksana Marchenko crossed from mainland Ukraine into the occupied Crimea on Sunday.
Read alsoRepublicans propose sanctions against Medvedchuk (Document)
According to Medvedchuk's press secretary, he is there on vacation along with his family.
No official meetings were announced.
In 2019, in the heat of presidential election campaign in Ukraine, Medvedchuk was harshly criticized for flying to Moscow where he met with senior Russian officials without any authorization on the part of Ukrainian authorities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is sure that Viktor Medvedchuk, who is believed to be in actual control, through affiliated persons, of a TV channels' pool in Ukraine, is sponsored by Moscow.


unian--2020-08-04--Russia continues to supply weapons, military equipment, ammo, to occupied Donbas – intelligence

Last week alone , Russia delivered to the occupied areas in eastern Ukraine at least armored combat vehicles , up to 30 trucks loaded with small arms , ammunition , and military equipment , as well as about 1,000 tonnes of fuel , Ukrainian military intelligence has reported .
Russia continues to supply weapons , military equipment , ammunition , fuel and lubricants , as well as other military assets , to the temporarily occupied territory in Donetsk and Luhansk regions through sections of border beyond Ukraine control .
That 's according to the press center of the Joint Forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Directorate of the Ministry of Defense .
Read alsoUkraine 's Defense Ministry responds to Russia 's statements on possible arming of Donbas Last week alone , Russia delivered to the occupied areas in eastern Ukraine at least armored combat vehicles , up to 30 trucks loaded with small arms , ammunition , and military equipment , as well as about 1,000 tonnes of fuel , Ukrainian military intelligence has reported .
`` Also , servicemen with individual units of the Russian armed forces , which are not part of the 1st and 2nd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with the arrival of mercenaries – Russian citizens – to replenish the ranks of Russia 's occupation forces , '' the report concludes .

Last week alone, Russia delivered to the occupied areas in eastern Ukraine at least 10 armored combat vehicles, up to 30 trucks loaded with small arms, ammunition, and military equipment, as well as about 1,000 tonnes of fuel, Ukrainian military intelligence has reported.
Russia continues to supply weapons, military equipment, ammunition, fuel and lubricants, as well as other military assets, to the temporarily occupied territory in Donetsk and Luhansk regions through sections of border beyond Ukraine control.
That's according to the press center of the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters referring to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense.
Read alsoUkraine's Defense Ministry responds to Russia's statements on possible arming of Donbas
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Last week alone, Russia delivered to the occupied areas in eastern Ukraine at least 10 armored combat vehicles, up to 30 trucks loaded with small arms, ammunition, and military equipment, as well as about 1,000 tonnes of fuel, Ukrainian military intelligence has reported.
"Also, servicemen with individual units of the Russian armed forces, which are not part of the 1st and 2nd Army Corps, went on rotation, along with the arrival of mercenaries – Russian citizens – to replenish the ranks of Russia's occupation forces," the report concludes.


unian--2020-08-04--Senior health official explains conditions for Ukraine regions to be cleared of "red" quarantine zon

Senior health official explains conditions for Ukraine regions to be cleared of "red" quarantine zone

The territory must meet the national requirements to this end for three consecutive days .
Ukraine 's Deputy Health Minister @ @ @ @ @ Liashko has explained how any region may be excluded from the `` red '' quarantine @ @ @ @ @ may get out of the 'red ' zone if it meets national requirements for three @ @ @ @ @ In order for the region to comply with these indicators , it needs to implement @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet decree , i.e .
to introduce and observe clearly defined restrictive anti-epidemic measures , @ @ @ @ @ briefing on Tuesday , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
The new rules of adaptive quarantine @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine on August 3 , Liashko recalled .
Read alsoOver 1,000 new COVID-19 cases confirmed @ @ @ @ @ In particular , cities and districts are divided into four zones depending on the epidemiological @ @ @ @ @ rules , Ukraine has been divided into several zones : green , yellow , orange @ @ @ @ @ on the COVID-19 threat levels .
Quarantine zones will be reviewed every Friday .

The territory must meet the national requirements to this end for three consecutive days.
Ukraine's Deputy Health Minister, Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has explained how any region may be excluded from the "red" quarantine zone.
"A region may get out of the 'red' zone if it meets national requirements for three days in a row... In order for the region to comply with these indicators, it needs to implement what's prescribed in the Cabinet decree, i.e. to introduce and observe clearly defined restrictive anti-epidemic measures," he said at a briefing on Tuesday, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
The new rules of adaptive quarantine had come into force in Ukraine on August 3, Liashko recalled.
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Read alsoOver 1,000 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine in past day
In particular, cities and districts are divided into four zones depending on the epidemiological situation.
Under the new rules, Ukraine has been divided into several zones: green, yellow, orange, and red, depending on the COVID-19 threat levels.
Quarantine zones will be reviewed every Friday.


unian--2020-08-04--New rules for gas supply come into force in Ukraine

Now household consumers may independently select their supplier .
New rules for the supply of natural gas have been enforced in Ukraine .
Now household consumer may independently select their gas supplier .
A similar scheme has long been applied in Europe , but experts ca n't tell whether it will take root in Ukraine , as reported by TSN.ua .
The law on the natural gas market has fully started operating in Ukraine since August 1 .
Lawmakers passed it five years ago , but only now did people receive an opportunity to independently select their gas supplier .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attract clients and provide better conditions for supply .
For example , if you are at work during daytime , they may offer you a package with no supplies during your work hours , '' said Director of the City Institute analytical research center Oleksandr Serhienko .
Read alsoUkraine says no plans to resume gas purchases from Russia – Reuters He assures today it is not difficult to find a gas supplier .
There are about 500 of them in Ukraine .
However , only 50 companies actually render the relevant services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they need to sign a relevant application .
In addition , a potential supplier must inform within three days whether it agrees to sell gas .
If everything goes well , paperwork gets submitted .
`` This is ownership papers for an apartment , or a plant , or a company .
Also , the technical passport for the premises .
Third , if this is an individual , they need to submit their passport and an ID code , '' Serhienko said .
If Ukrainians do n't change their gas supplier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do that in the future .
Experts reassure gas prices are likely to go down due to the warm winter and fuel leftovers in storage facilities .
Competition in the gas supply market will also contribute to this end .
The thing is that companies will offer more favorable conditions to win over as many consumers as possible .

New rules for gas supply come into force in Ukraine
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unian--2020-08-04--Poland-U.S. defense deal to "enhance deterrence against Russia", Pentagon chief says

Esper announced last week that the United States would pull out roughly a third of the 36,000 American forces stationed in Germany .
A newly negotiated Polish-U.S. defense cooperation agreement `` will enhance deterrence against Russia , '' the Pentagon chief has said .
Mark Esper said in a statement on Monday that `` the United States and Poland have completed negotiations on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement ( EDCA ) , building on our existing security cooperation and cementing our long-standing defense partnership , '' Radio Poland reports .
He added that the agreement `` reflects the shared vision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. President Donald Trump and Poland ’ s Andrzej Duda last year .
Read alsoBorder guards ' spearhead units to switch from Kalashnikovs to Ukraine-made assault rifles ( Photo , video ) '' Specifically , it provides the required legal framework , infrastructure and equitable burden-sharing essential to deepening our defense cooperation , '' Esper said .
The U.S. defense secretary also said in his statement that the agreement `` will enable an increased enduring U.S. rotational presence of about 1,000 personnel , to include the forward elements of the U.S. Army 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , intelligence , surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities , and the infrastructure to support an armored brigade combat team and combat aviation brigade . ''
`` This is in addition to the 4,500 U.S. personnel already on rotation in Poland , '' he added .
According to Esper , the agreement `` will enhance deterrence against Russia , strengthen NATO , reassure our Allies , and our forward presence in Poland on NATO 's eastern flank will improve our strategic and operational flexibility . ''
Read alsoUkraine 's Defense Council on Russian military threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sealed '' He hailed the deal as an `` important milestone for U.S.-Polish relations and our collective transatlantic security . ''
Esper announced last week that the United States would pull out roughly a third of the 36,000 American forces stationed in Germany .
Nearly 5,600 of the 11,900 troops to be removed from that country will be sent to other NATO allies in Europe , including Poland , he said at the time .
Following that announcement , Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak said that `` there will be more American soldiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would get to host `` the most important U.S. Army headquarters in the region . ''

Esper announced last week that the United States would pull out roughly a third of the 36,000 American forces stationed in Germany.
A newly negotiated Polish-U.S. defense cooperation agreement "will enhance deterrence against Russia," the Pentagon chief has said.
Mark Esper said in a statement on Monday that "the United States and Poland have completed negotiations on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), building on our existing security cooperation and cementing our long-standing defense partnership," Radio Poland reports.
He added that the agreement "reflects the shared vision" outlined in joint declarations signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Poland’s Andrzej Duda last year.
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Read alsoBorder guards' spearhead units to switch from Kalashnikovs to Ukraine-made assault rifles (Photo, video)
"Specifically, it provides the required legal framework, infrastructure and equitable burden-sharing essential to deepening our defense cooperation," Esper said.
The U.S. defense secretary also said in his statement that the agreement "will enable an increased enduring U.S. rotational presence of about 1,000 personnel, to include the forward elements of the U.S. Army's V Corps headquarters and a Division headquarters, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and the infrastructure to support an armored brigade combat team and combat aviation brigade."
"This is in addition to the 4,500 U.S. personnel already on rotation in Poland," he added.
According to Esper, the agreement "will enhance deterrence against Russia, strengthen NATO, reassure our Allies, and our forward presence in Poland on NATO's eastern flank will improve our strategic and operational flexibility."
Read alsoUkraine's Defense Council on Russian military threat in the south: "Everything well sealed"
He hailed the deal as an "important milestone for U.S.-Polish relations and our collective transatlantic security."
Esper announced last week that the United States would pull out roughly a third of the 36,000 American forces stationed in Germany.
Nearly 5,600 of the 11,900 troops to be removed from that country will be sent to other NATO allies in Europe, including Poland, he said at the time.
Following that announcement, Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak said that "there will be more American soldiers in Poland" and that his country would get to host "the most important U.S. Army headquarters in the region."


unian--2020-08-04--Ukraine says no plans to resume gas purchases from Russia – Reuters

Ukraine has embarked on natural gas market reforms , including scrapping of state-regulated gas prices for industrial users .
Ukraine 's state energy firm Naftogaz said it would not resume buying natural gas from Russia , suspended since late 2015 , until Moscow offered it competitive prices and conditions .
Ukraine was one of Russia 's largest consumers of natural gas until the relations between the two ex-Soviet republics soured in 2014 when Moscow annexed Crimea peninsula from its neighbor , WHTC reported citing Reuters .
Kyiv stopped buying Russian gas in November 2015 , increasing purchases from Europe instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market reforms , including scrapping of state-regulated gas prices for industrial users .
The reform is one of the prerequisites for much-needed financing from the International Monetary Fund .
`` Reform of the Ukrainian gas market has created an opportunity for any Ukrainian or foreign trader to buy gas from Russia , should prices and conditions be competitive .
But , so far , Russia has n't offered gas under these terms , '' Andriy Kobolyev , Naftogaz 's chief executive told Reuters in an email .
`` Ukraine will never go back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and energy dependence on Russia , and they know that . ''
Russian and Ukrainian companies signed a five-year deal at the end of 2019 , safeguarding the transit of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine , just hours before the previous agreement expired .
Kobolyev said Russian pipeline gas exporting monopoly Gazprom transited 25 billion cubic meters of gas through Ukraine in the first half of 2020 , 45 % less than over the same period of 2019 .

Ukraine has embarked on natural gas market reforms, including scrapping of state-regulated gas prices for industrial users.
Ukraine's state energy firm Naftogaz said it would not resume buying natural gas from Russia, suspended since late 2015, until Moscow offered it competitive prices and conditions.
Ukraine was one of Russia's largest consumers of natural gas until the relations between the two ex-Soviet republics soured in 2014 when Moscow annexed Crimea peninsula from its neighbor, WHTC reported citing Reuters.
Kyiv stopped buying Russian gas in November 2015, increasing purchases from Europe instead.
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Ukraine has embarked on natural gas market reforms, including scrapping of state-regulated gas prices for industrial users. The reform is one of the prerequisites for much-needed financing from the International Monetary Fund.
"Reform of the Ukrainian gas market has created an opportunity for any Ukrainian or foreign trader to buy gas from Russia, should prices and conditions be competitive. But, so far, Russia hasn't offered gas under these terms," Andriy Kobolyev, Naftogaz's chief executive told Reuters in an email.
"Ukraine will never go back to the days of corrupt energy deals and energy dependence on Russia, and they know that."
Russian and Ukrainian companies signed a five-year deal at the end of 2019, safeguarding the transit of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine, just hours before the previous agreement expired.
Kobolyev said Russian pipeline gas exporting monopoly Gazprom transited 25 billion cubic meters of gas through Ukraine in the first half of 2020, 45% less than over the same period of 2019.


unian--2020-08-04--Moldovan foreign minister reaffirms support for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity

The top diplomats of Ukraine and Moldova met in Kyiv to discuss security issues of the Donbas conflict settlement and @ @ @ @ @ Crimea .
Oleg Tsulia , Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic @ @ @ @ @ support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine .
The statement came during Tsulia @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the Crimean issue .
We reaffirmed Moldova @ @ @ @ @ , sovereignty , and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders , '' @ @ @ @ @ he expressed gratitude to Ukraine for its support `` in the context of identifying a @ @ @ @ @ the process of the Transnistrian settlement . ''

The top diplomats of Ukraine and Moldova met in Kyiv to discuss security issues of the Donbas conflict settlement and those related to the Russia-occupied Crimea.
Oleg Tsulia, Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, has confirmed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The statement came during Tsulia's joint online briefing with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
Read alsoRussian intelligence working to destabilize southern Ukraine – expert
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"We discussed security issues regarding the settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the Crimean issue. We reaffirmed Moldova's support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders," said Tsulia.
Separately, he expressed gratitude to Ukraine for its support "in the context of identifying a number of sustainable solutions in the process of the Transnistrian settlement."


unian--2020-08-04--Ukraine must brace for second COVID-19 wave in fall

An increase in the number of coronavirus cases could come during influenza and acute respiratory infections season , from October to April .
Ukraine 's Deputy Health Minister , Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said the ministry is preparing to tackle the second wave of the spread of COVID-19 in the country , which will most likely take place from October .
`` We see the trends in the coronavirus spread worldwide are not positive , and today a second wave is starting in Europe .
The increase in coronavirus incidence in Germany , Switzerland is being seen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has increased significantly .
Therefore , we must be prepared for higher incidence .
And we predict there may be an increase in the number of coronavirus cases during influenza and acute respiratory infections season , from October to April , '' Liashko told a briefing on August 4 .
According to the health official , the minister has set a task to regional state administrations : to prepare hospitals for a possible increase in influenza and coronavirus incidence , as well as a combination of these infections .
`` We must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We must supply oxygen to hospital wards , we must provide antiviral drugs , personal protective equipment .
We must prepare while we have time , '' Liashko said .
`` Now the healthcare system employs hospitals of the first wave and second wave , coping with the load , but we predict an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases , so we urge everyone to observe anti-epidemic measures , vaccinate against infectious diseases , and comply with all restrictions regarding a particular zone in our state , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainians to vaccinate against flu to avoid co-infections and simultaneous transmission of flu and coronavirus , as well as to facilitate physcians ' work .

An increase in the number of coronavirus cases could come during influenza and acute respiratory infections season, from October to April.
Ukraine's Deputy Health Minister, Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said the ministry is preparing to tackle the second wave of the spread of COVID-19 in the country, which will most likely take place from October.
"We see the trends in the coronavirus spread worldwide are not positive, and today a second wave is starting in Europe. The increase in coronavirus incidence in Germany, Switzerland is being seen, while the number of cases in Spain has increased significantly. Therefore, we must be prepared for higher incidence. And we predict there may be an increase in the number of coronavirus cases during influenza and acute respiratory infections season, from October to April," Liashko told a briefing on August 4.
Read alsoUkraine's Health Minister explains aftermath of "red" regions' refusal to toughen quarantine
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According to the health official, the minister has set a task to regional state administrations: to prepare hospitals for a possible increase in influenza and coronavirus incidence, as well as a combination of these infections. "We must be ready," he said.
"We must supply oxygen to hospital wards, we must provide antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment. We must prepare while we have time," Liashko said.
"Now the healthcare system employs hospitals of the first wave and second wave, coping with the load, but we predict an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, so we urge everyone to observe anti-epidemic measures, vaccinate against infectious diseases, and comply with all restrictions regarding a particular zone in our state," he said.
In addition, the official urged the Ukrainians to vaccinate against flu to avoid co-infections and simultaneous transmission of flu and coronavirus, as well as to facilitate physcians' work.