unian--2020-01-22--Mortality at Donbas crossing checkpoints surges 40% in 2019 – rights activists

The NGO analyzed data provided by the Ombudsman 's Office .
Mortality at checkpoints set up along the line of @ @ @ @ @ in eastern Ukraine 's Donbas in 2019 increased by 40 % year-on-year .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ Group , whose experts conducted a comparative analysis of fatal cases at checkpoints , earlier @ @ @ @ @ 's Office .
In 2018 , nine people died at checkpoints across Donetsk region , @ @ @ @ @ the past year .
Read alsoUkraine to appeal to Normandy Four states over intensified shelling @ @ @ @ @ In Luhansk region , respectively , it was 10 and 12 people .
`` So @ @ @ @ @ mortality rate increased by 40 % in 2019 against 2018 , '' human rights activists @ @ @ @ @ to ensure constant presence of ER teams at crossing checkpoints .
As UNIAN reported earlier @ @ @ @ @ while crossing into the government-controlled territory at a checkpoint in Stanytsia Luhanska January 21 .

The NGO analyzed data provided by the Ombudsman's Office.
Mortality at checkpoints set up along the line of contact between the warring sides in eastern Ukraine's Donbas in 2019 increased by 40% year-on-year.
That's according to East Human Rights Group, whose experts conducted a comparative analysis of fatal cases at checkpoints, earlier published by the Ukrainian Ombudsman's Office.
In 2018, nine people died at checkpoints across Donetsk region, and 15 people – in the past year.
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Read alsoUkraine to appeal to Normandy Four states over intensified shelling in Donbas – FM Prystaiko
In Luhansk region, respectively, it was 10 and 12 people.
"So the official reports show the mortality rate increased by 40% in 2019 against 2018," human rights activists noted, recalling the need to ensure constant presence of ER teams at crossing checkpoints.
As UNIAN reported earlier, a civilian man died while crossing into the government-controlled territory at a checkpoint in Stanytsia Luhanska January 21.


unian--2020-01-22--Leading party leader says Rada unlikely to ratify Istanbul Convention

The legislator noted the ongoing debate over gender issues .
The prospects for ratification of the Istanbul Convention – the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence – remain very low , says head of the Servant of the People Party , MP Oleksandr Kornienko .
`` We understand that the church is an institution enjoying high confidence , including among deputies .
The prospects for adopting the Istanbul Convention in its current form are very low .
But we have obligations , and we need to move through mediation , '' Kornienko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is noted that the Council of Churches has repeatedly expressed concern about possible ratification of said convention as its members claim the document allegedly imposes gender ideology , which replaces the `` familiar concept of biological gender . ''
Clergymen believe this is a path to popularizing same-sex relations , which they oppose .
Ukraine signed this convention in 2011 , but the country 's Parliament is yet to ratify it .
In 2016 , ratification failed over the debate on the concepts of gender and sexual orientation .
The EU and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislators in Ukraine to ratify the document .

The legislator noted the ongoing debate over gender issues.
The prospects for ratification of the Istanbul Convention – the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence – remain very low, says head of the Servant of the People Party, MP Oleksandr Kornienko.
"We understand that the church is an institution enjoying high confidence, including among deputies. The prospects for adopting the Istanbul Convention in its current form are very low. But we have obligations, and we need to move through mediation," Kornienko said, according to LB.ua.
It is noted that the Council of Churches has repeatedly expressed concern about possible ratification of said convention as its members claim the document allegedly imposes gender ideology, which replaces the "familiar concept of biological gender."
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Read alsoUkraine police investigating 1,500 criminal cases related to domestic violence
Clergymen believe this is a path to popularizing same-sex relations, which they oppose.
Ukraine signed this convention in 2011, but the country's Parliament is yet to ratify it.
In 2016, ratification failed over the debate on the concepts of gender and sexual orientation.
The EU and the Council of Europe have already called for legislators in Ukraine to ratify the document.


unian--2020-01-22--Ukrainians marking Unity Day

Ukrainians marking Unity Day

It 's been 101 years since the Reunion .
On January 22 , Ukrainians celebrate Unity Day , marking the @ @ @ @ @ Sophia Square in 1919 of the Reunification Act between the Ukrainian People 's Republic and @ @ @ @ @ Republic .
Unity Day became an official holiday in 1991 under the decree by former @ @ @ @ @ In December 2011 , the then-President Viktor Yanukovych abolished Freedom Day celebrated on November 22 @ @ @ @ @ January 22 and established Day of Unity and Freedom to be celebrated on January 22 @ @ @ @ @ in November 2014 , the head of state , Petro Poroshenko , established Day of @ @ @ @ @ 21 , returning the celebration of Unity Day to January 22 .
The main tradition @ @ @ @ @ human chain '' formations across the country .
Ukrainians formed the first `` chain '' @ @ @ @ @ , when 450,000 people symbolically `` united '' the cities of Ivano-Frankivsk , Lviv , @ @ @ @ @ have since been staged across the country .

It's been 101 years since the Reunion.
On January 22, Ukrainians celebrate Unity Day, marking the proclamation at Kyiv's St. Sophia Square in 1919 of the Reunification Act between the Ukrainian People's Republic and the West Ukrainian People's Republic.
Unity Day became an official holiday in 1991 under the decree by former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma. In December 2011, the then-President Viktor Yanukovych abolished Freedom Day celebrated on November 22 and Unity Day marked on January 22 and established Day of Unity and Freedom to be celebrated on January 22. Three years later, in November 2014, the head of state, Petro Poroshenko, established Day of Dignity and Freedom on November 21, returning the celebration of Unity Day to January 22.
Read alsoSome 64% of Ukrainians support accession to EU – poll
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The main tradition of the holiday is "human chain" formations across the country. Ukrainians formed the first "chain" on January 21, 1990, when 450,000 people symbolically "united" the cities of Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and Kyiv. Such rallies have since been staged across the country.


unian--2020-01-22--Donbas war update: enemy employs proscribed weapons on Jan 21

Ukrainian Army reported no casualties in the past day .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on Tuesday mounted three attacks @ @ @ @ @ , eastern Ukraine .
`` The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook @ @ @ @ @ time on January 22 , 2020 .
Read alsoNSDC official names conditions for liberating Donbas @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian positions with proscribed 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various systems , heavy machine @ @ @ @ @ near the town of Krasnohorivka , and the villages of Vodiane and Zaitseve .
The @ @ @ @ @ in the past day .
From 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on Wednesday , January @ @ @ @ @ observing the ceasefire .

Ukrainian Army reported no casualties in the past day.
Russia's hybrid military forces on Tuesday mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire three times on January 21," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 22, 2020.
Read alsoNSDC official names conditions for liberating Donbas by force
Видео дня
The enemy engaged Ukrainian positions with proscribed 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns, and small arms near the town of Krasnohorivka, and the villages of Vodiane and Zaitseve.
The Ukrainian Army reported no casualties in the past day.
From 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on Wednesday, January 22, Russian-led forces were observing the ceasefire.


unian--2020-01-22--Trump lawyers: President did "absolutely nothing wrong" on Ukraine – VOA

Democratic lawmakers had earlier said it was clear that the `` evidence overwhelmingly establishes '' that Trump is guilty of both charges in the two articles of impeachment .
U.S. President Donald Trump 's lawyers on Monday assailed the impeachment case against him as a `` dangerous perversion of the Constitution , '' asserting he did `` absolutely nothing wrong '' in pressing Ukraine to launch investigations to benefit himself politically .
The lawyers for the U.S. leader said Democratic lawmakers pushing for the impeachment of the Republican president and his removal from office were not trying to find the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but rather some way to overturn his 2016 election and interfere with his 2020 reelection campaign , Voice of America reports .
In a legal brief a day ahead of the first substantive session of Trump 's impeachment trial in the Senate , the lawyers called the Democrats ' case against him `` a constitutional travesty '' and said the Senate should swiftly acquit him of the two articles of impeachment he is facing .
One alleges that he abused the presidency by pressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate one of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Joe Biden , and the other that he obstructed Congress in its review of his Ukraine efforts .
Democratic lawmakers had earlier said it was clear that the `` evidence overwhelmingly establishes '' that Trump is guilty of both charges in the two articles of impeachment .
The Trump lawyers , in their 110-page filing , said that Trump was conducting normal foreign policy affairs in dealing with Zelensky .
They said he did not commit a crime , even though conviction of an impeached U.S. president and removal from office does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a criminal law .
Rather it is how the 100 members of the Senate , acting as jurors , interpret the standard for conviction set out in the U.S. Constitution , whether a president has committed `` high crimes and misdemeanors . ''
No matter the legal arguments for and against Trump , he almost certainly will be acquitted by the Republican-majority Senate , where a two-thirds vote against him would be required for conviction and removal from office , just months ahead of his reelection bid in November .
At least 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to join all 47 Democrats to convict Trump , and no Republican has called for his ouster .
But Trump 's impeachment trial is only the third such event in the nearly 2-1/2 centuries of U.S. history and the proceedings , overseen by Chief Justice John Roberts , will be fraught with uncertainty .
The White House is predicting Trump 's acquittal within two weeks , but the trial could last much longer if Democrats succeed in persuading four Republicans to join them in calling for testimony from key Trump aides @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Democratic lawmakers had earlier said it was clear that the "evidence overwhelmingly establishes" that Trump is guilty of both charges in the two articles of impeachment.
U.S. President Donald Trump's lawyers on Monday assailed the impeachment case against him as a "dangerous perversion of the Constitution," asserting he did "absolutely nothing wrong" in pressing Ukraine to launch investigations to benefit himself politically.
The lawyers for the U.S. leader said Democratic lawmakers pushing for the impeachment of the Republican president and his removal from office were not trying to find the truth about Trump's Ukraine-related actions, but rather some way to overturn his 2016 election and interfere with his 2020 reelection campaign, Voice of America reports.
In a legal brief a day ahead of the first substantive session of Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate, the lawyers called the Democrats' case against him "a constitutional travesty" and said the Senate should swiftly acquit him of the two articles of impeachment he is facing. One alleges that he abused the presidency by pressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate one of his top 2020 Democratic challengers, former Vice President Joe Biden, and the other that he obstructed Congress in its review of his Ukraine efforts.
Видео дня
Read alsoTrump's team seeing Ukraine as easy mark "bad miscalculation" – media
Democratic lawmakers had earlier said it was clear that the "evidence overwhelmingly establishes" that Trump is guilty of both charges in the two articles of impeachment.
The Trump lawyers, in their 110-page filing, said that Trump was conducting normal foreign policy affairs in dealing with Zelensky.
They said he did not commit a crime, even though conviction of an impeached U.S. president and removal from office does not depend on a specific violation of a criminal law. Rather it is how the 100 members of the Senate, acting as jurors, interpret the standard for conviction set out in the U.S. Constitution, whether a president has committed "high crimes and misdemeanors."
No matter the legal arguments for and against Trump, he almost certainly will be acquitted by the Republican-majority Senate, where a two-thirds vote against him would be required for conviction and removal from office, just months ahead of his reelection bid in November. At least 20 of the 53 Republicans in the chamber would have to join all 47 Democrats to convict Trump, and no Republican has called for his ouster.
But Trump's impeachment trial is only the third such event in the nearly 2-1/2 centuries of U.S. history and the proceedings, overseen by Chief Justice John Roberts, will be fraught with uncertainty.
The White House is predicting Trump's acquittal within two weeks, but the trial could last much longer if Democrats succeed in persuading four Republicans to join them in calling for testimony from key Trump aides about the president's Ukraine-related actions.


unian--2020-01-22--Ukraine's plans to get off energy dependence needle

For the three past weeks already , Ukraine has been transmitting Russian gas to European consumers under a new contract signed just few hours before the New Year , but like everything else in relations with Putin 's Russia , the whole process had been rather nerve-wrecking .
The thing is that , according to the new agreement , Russia received reserved daily capacities of about 180 million cubic meters of gas .
However , in the early days of 2020 , transit stood at a mere 40 million cubic meters per day .
Such low transit rates could become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the years-long preparations for a full halt of transit were not in vain .
In the first days of 2020 , the GTS was operating partially in reverse mode , which allowed ensuring stable supplies to consumers in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine .
At the same time , thanks to the new five-year contract , Gazprom is obliged to pay for the total capacity booked , regardless of the actual volumes transmitted , according to the pump or pay principle .
That is , the Russian company , while pumping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 180 mcm anyway .
Later , Russia increased volumes , bringing them closer to the contractual ones .
The low volumes in the first week of January can be explained by the fact that neither in Europe , nor in Ukraine , nor in Russia was anyone sure that the new contract would eventually be signed .
As noted by Naftogaz Executive Director Yuriy Vitrenko , the signing of the new contract came as a surprise to everyone .
`` The talks were super tense .
On the last night , when everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding that we would definitely sign , and that there would definitely be [ continued ] transit .
We had moments when it seemed that ’ s it , we ’ re leaving now .
Until the last moment it was n't clear what kind of transit there would be .
All traders , technical teams of Naftogaz and Gazprom proceeded from the expectation that there would be no transit , '' Vitrenko said .
According to him , a large role in the successful signing was played by a number of factors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's hard to say unequivocally what had a decisive influence .
There are a number of factors .
On our part , the claims for $ 12 billion were very clearly shaped and we were forced [ Russia ] to take them seriously .
The other party realized that there was a high probability that they would have to pay substantial amounts , billions of dollars , even if it was n't $ 12 bln , '' Vitrenko said .
He also noted that American sanctions against Russian gas pipelines bypassing Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position .
At the same time , Vitrenko emphasized that it was not completely clear how the unpredictable northern neighbor would react to them .
`` I would not simplify this issue .
Honestly , there was a risk that the behavior of the Russian side , or even the German side , due to sanctions , would become less favorable for the process .
They could say : if it 's the case , we will go for confrontation , '' he said .
No less important , he said , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hand with economic and technical negotiations .
`` Therefore , the combination of these factors led to the fact that we were able to retain transit contrary to all expectations , '' he said .
As a result , Ukraine was able to reach an agreement that will allow receiving at least $ 7.2 billion from gas transit in five years , pumping 65 billion cubic meters of gas through the gas transportation system in 2020 and 40 billion cubic meters over each of the next four years .
According to Serhiy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , besides direct income from transit , the Ukrainian economy will receive a total positive effect over the five years in the amount of about $ 150 billion , namely , the population will have to pay UAH 15 billion less , the industry will pay USH 33 billion less , and gas producers will pay UAH 27 billion less and they will be able to direct these funds to increase their own gas output .
Also , up to UAH 75 billion will be saved by Ukrainian consumers ( industry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the cost of imported gas due to the termination of transit .
Moreover , according to the calculations of the Ukrainian GTS Operator , a gas transit contract will add up to 2 % of GDP per year .
Moreover , the agreements reached suggest the possibility of extending the transit contract for another ten years .
The main achievement of the new agreement is that our country received time and money to complete the reform it had begun in the energy sector , utilities and industry in order to increase its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This task looks even more complicated than the extension of transit , but its implementation will allow the country in five years not only to avoid pressure from an unpredictable and aggressive Russia , but also to dictate its own conditions .
In 2016 , the government approved the Concept for the Development of the Gas Production Sector until 2020 , which envisaged increasing total output to 27 bcm and reducing consumption just as much .
Unfortunately , these plans have failed .
At the end of 2019 , only 20.7 bcm was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % less than in 2018 .
Last year 's production rate is only 4.5 % higher than in 2016 .
At the same time , the country 's gas consumption last year decreased by 7 % , to 26.4 bcm .
It is worth noting that such a decrease in gas consumption is due to the abnormally warm winter and a significant drop in industrial production in Ukraine , which was observed in the fourth quarter of 2019 , rather than rather than due to the implementation of energy efficiency measures .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radical changes .
To stop stagnation , the government plans to launch the Energy Efficiency Fund by the end of 2020 , which is designed to help citizens financially and technically carry out energy modernization of their households .
For these purposes , the government plans to spend a record UAH 6.8 billion in 2020 alone .
Ukraine also has great prospects in building up its own gas production .
According to experts , gas reserves are estimated at 600-900 bcm , which puts Ukraine in top three European states in this regard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inferior in production volumes .
We should not forget about the hydrocarbon potential of the shelf of the Black and Azov Seas , where the country has been trying to gain a foothold throughout the years of independence .
A decade ago , the Ukrainian state-owned company Chornomornaftogaz increased its annual production on the shelf to 1.7 bcm over several years , although it was severed in 2014 , when Russia seized Crimea , along with Ukrainian drilling rigs on the Black Sea shelf .
Moreover , these rigs are still in Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has illegally produced more than 9 bcm of Ukrainian gas since 2014 .
Naftogaz filed a lawsuit vs Russia demanding compensation for $ 5 billion in losses from the annexation .
Taking into account the expected interest , the amount of Naftogaz ’ s claims are worth $ 8 billion .
Today , Ukraine plans to develop a part of the Black Sea shelf within the framework of the promising Delfin oil and gas field , located south of the Odesa coast .
In the summer of 2019 , a competition for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won by a low-profile American company Trident with Russian and American co-founders .
Trident proposed investing $ 200 million in the site over the first five years , as well as drilling at least seven exploratory wells during this period .
However , the country 's leadership canceled the bidding results .
Repeated bidding for the site may take place in the spring of 2020 .
The government intends to attract the world 's largest energy companies to operate at the promising area .
Experts note that the right decision would be to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a certain share left for a Ukrainian state enterprise .
This will help to distribute the risks and provide control by the authorities within the consortium , since the work will have to be in close proximity to the Russian troops and navy , which in 2014 trampled international law and bilateral agreements by seizing Ukrainian drilling rigs and gas pipelines .
Thus , thanks to the gas transit contract , Ukraine received an additional five years to achieve energy independence .
In previous years , a legislative foundation was laid for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should see progress and actual results .
It is hoped that Ukraine will not miss the chance it got thanks to such enormous work .

A five-year gas transit contract signed between Naftogaz of Ukraine and Russian Gazprom, signed at the end of 2019, will bring billions of dollars in revenues and give Ukraine time to boost own gas extraction and cut consumption. If Ukraine succeeds, this will allow the country to confront Russia on an equal footing.
For the three past weeks already, Ukraine has been transmitting Russian gas to European consumers under a new contract signed just few hours before the New Year, but like everything else in relations with Putin's Russia, the whole process had been rather nerve-wrecking.
The thing is that, according to the new agreement, Russia received reserved daily capacities of about 180 million cubic meters of gas. However, in the early days of 2020, transit stood at a mere 40 million cubic meters per day.
Such low transit rates could become an issue for the Ukrainian GTS, but the years-long preparations for a full halt of transit were not in vain. In the first days of 2020, the GTS was operating partially in reverse mode, which allowed ensuring stable supplies to consumers in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine. At the same time, thanks to the new five-year contract, Gazprom is obliged to pay for the total capacity booked, regardless of the actual volumes transmitted, according to the pump or pay principle. That is, the Russian company, while pumping 40 mcm per day, paid for 180 mcm anyway. Later, Russia increased volumes, bringing them closer to the contractual ones.
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The low volumes in the first week of January can be explained by the fact that neither in Europe, nor in Ukraine, nor in Russia was anyone sure that the new contract would eventually be signed.
Intense negotiations
As noted by Naftogaz Executive Director Yuriy Vitrenko, the signing of the new contract came as a surprise to everyone. "The talks were super tense. On the last night, when everything was being agreed, there was no understanding that we would definitely sign, and that there would definitely be [continued] transit. We had moments when it seemed that’s it, we’re leaving now. Until the last moment it wasn't clear what kind of transit there would be. All traders, technical teams of Naftogaz and Gazprom proceeded from the expectation that there would be no transit," Vitrenko said.
According to him, a large role in the successful signing was played by a number of factors, both political and economic. "It's hard to say unequivocally what had a decisive influence. There are a number of factors. On our part, the claims for $12 billion were very clearly shaped and we were forced [Russia] to take them seriously. The other party realized that there was a high probability that they would have to pay substantial amounts, billions of dollars, even if it wasn't $12 bln," Vitrenko said.
He also noted that American sanctions against Russian gas pipelines bypassing Ukraine had a significant impact on Russia's position. At the same time, Vitrenko emphasized that it was not completely clear how the unpredictable northern neighbor would react to them.
"I would not simplify this issue. Honestly, there was a risk that the behavior of the Russian side, or even the German side, due to sanctions, would become less favorable for the process. They could say: if it's the case, we will go for confrontation," he said.
No less important, he said, was the political process, which went hand in hand with economic and technical negotiations. "Therefore, the combination of these factors led to the fact that we were able to retain transit contrary to all expectations," he said.
Advantages of new contract
As a result, Ukraine was able to reach an agreement that will allow receiving at least $7.2 billion from gas transit in five years, pumping 65 billion cubic meters of gas through the gas transportation system in 2020 and 40 billion cubic meters over each of the next four years.
According to Serhiy Makogon, CEO of Gas TSO of Ukraine, besides direct income from transit, the Ukrainian economy will receive a total positive effect over the five years in the amount of about $150 billion, namely, the population will have to pay UAH 15 billion less, the industry will pay USH 33 billion less, and gas producers will pay UAH 27 billion less and they will be able to direct these funds to increase their own gas output.
Also, up to UAH 75 billion will be saved by Ukrainian consumers (industry and households) by preventing the potential increase in the cost of imported gas due to the termination of transit. Moreover, according to the calculations of the Ukrainian GTS Operator, a gas transit contract will add up to 2% of GDP per year.
Moreover, the agreements reached suggest the possibility of extending the transit contract for another ten years.
Energy independence as Ukraine's goal
The main achievement of the new agreement is that our country received time and money to complete the reform it had begun in the energy sector, utilities and industry in order to increase its own gas production and reduce consumption.
This task looks even more complicated than the extension of transit, but its implementation will allow the country in five years not only to avoid pressure from an unpredictable and aggressive Russia, but also to dictate its own conditions.
In 2016, the government approved the Concept for the Development of the Gas Production Sector until 2020, which envisaged increasing total output to 27 bcm and reducing consumption just as much. Unfortunately, these plans have failed. At the end of 2019, only 20.7 bcm was extracted in Ukraine, which is 1% less than in 2018. Last year's production rate is only 4.5% higher than in 2016. At the same time, the country's gas consumption last year decreased by 7%, to 26.4 bcm. It is worth noting that such a decrease in gas consumption is due to the abnormally warm winter and a significant drop in industrial production in Ukraine, which was observed in the fourth quarter of 2019, rather than due to the implementation of energy efficiency measures. To fix the situation, the country needs radical changes.
To stop stagnation, the government plans to launch the Energy Efficiency Fund by the end of 2020, which is designed to help citizens financially and technically carry out energy modernization of their households. For these purposes, the government plans to spend a record UAH 6.8 billion in 2020 alone.
Increasing gas production
Ukraine also has great prospects in building up its own gas production. According to experts, gas reserves are estimated at 600-900 bcm, which puts Ukraine in top three European states in this regard, but so far it is significantly inferior in production volumes.
We should not forget about the hydrocarbon potential of the shelf of the Black and Azov Seas, where the country has been trying to gain a foothold throughout the years of independence. A decade ago, the Ukrainian state-owned company Chornomornaftogaz increased its annual production on the shelf to 1.7 bcm over several years, although it was severed in 2014, when Russia seized Crimea, along with Ukrainian drilling rigs on the Black Sea shelf. Moreover, these rigs are still in Ukrainian territorial waters!
According Naftogaz, Russia has illegally produced more than 9 bcm of Ukrainian gas since 2014. Naftogaz filed a lawsuit vs Russia demanding compensation for $5 billion in losses from the annexation. Taking into account the expected interest, the amount of Naftogaz’s claims are worth $8 billion.
Today, Ukraine plans to develop a part of the Black Sea shelf within the framework of the promising Delfin oil and gas field, located south of the Odesa coast. In the summer of 2019, a competition for the development of this site was completed, won by a low-profile American company Trident with Russian and American co-founders. Trident proposed investing $200 million in the site over the first five years, as well as drilling at least seven exploratory wells during this period.
However, the country's leadership canceled the bidding results. Repeated bidding for the site may take place in the spring of 2020. The government intends to attract the world's largest energy companies to operate at the promising area. Experts note that the right decision would be to involve a consortium of several companies, with a certain share left for a Ukrainian state enterprise. This will help to distribute the risks and provide control by the authorities within the consortium, since the work will have to be in close proximity to the Russian troops and navy, which in 2014 trampled international law and bilateral agreements by seizing Ukrainian drilling rigs and gas pipelines.
Thus, thanks to the gas transit contract, Ukraine received an additional five years to achieve energy independence. In previous years, a legislative foundation was laid for this. Starting 2020, the country should see progress and actual results. It is hoped that Ukraine will not miss the chance it got thanks to such enormous work.
Ihor Orel


unian--2020-01-23--Belarusian woman returns from China with coronavirus symptoms, undergoing treatment in Minsk

Her Russian boyfriend who had similar symptoms says doctors in St Petersburg earlier told him he was clear .
A Russian man and a Belarusian woman , who recently visited China , where an outbreak of a new type of coronavirus is expanding , were hospitalized upon their return – to St Petersburg and Minsk , respectively , as both had fever .
After lab exams showed the coronavirus diagnosis was off the table , the Russian man said his girlfriend had similar , but more pronounced symptoms and that she had been admitted to a Minsk hospital of infectious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman departed from China two days prior to her boyfriend .
Read alsoGetting closer to Ukraine 's borders : First suspected coronavirus case reported in Russia As UNIAN reported earlier , two individuals were hospitalized in Russia with suspected symptoms of the new China coronavirus .
The deathtoll in China rose to 17 on Wednesday with more than 540 cases confirmed , increasing fears of contagion from an infection suspected to originate from illegally-traded wildlife .
The previously unknown coronavirus strain is believed to have emerged from an animal market in central city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as far away as the United States .

Her Russian boyfriend who had similar symptoms says doctors in St Petersburg earlier told him he was clear.
A Russian man and a Belarusian woman, who recently visited China, where an outbreak of a new type of coronavirus is expanding, were hospitalized upon their return – to St Petersburg and Minsk, respectively, as both had fever.
After lab exams showed the coronavirus diagnosis was off the table, the Russian man said his girlfriend had similar, but more pronounced symptoms and that she had been admitted to a Minsk hospital of infectious diseases, RIA Novosti reports.
The woman departed from China two days prior to her boyfriend.
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Read alsoGetting closer to Ukraine's borders: First suspected coronavirus case reported in Russia
As UNIAN reported earlier, two individuals were hospitalized in Russia with suspected symptoms of the new China coronavirus.
The deathtoll in China rose to 17 on Wednesday with more than 540 cases confirmed, increasing fears of contagion from an infection suspected to originate from illegally-traded wildlife.
The previously unknown coronavirus strain is believed to have emerged from an animal market in central city of Wuhan, with cases now detected as far away as the United States.


unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine sees retail trade grow by 10.5% in 2019

Retail turnover increased most in Kyiv , Vinnytsia , Ternopil , and Luhansk regions .
The Ukrainian State Statistics Service @ @ @ @ @ grew by 10.5 % in 2019 against 2018 .
Retail turnover increased most in Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ ) , Vinnytsia region ( by 18.6 % ) , Ternopil region ( by 17.5 @ @ @ @ @ region ( by 16 % ) , the report said .
Read alsoTotal value of @ @ @ @ @ brands estimated at US $ 6.2 bln in 2019 – NV Retail trade in December @ @ @ @ @ % against November 2019 , while it grew by 12.5 % from December 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ retail trade in Ukraine increased by 6.1 % in 2018 from 2017 .

Ukraine sees retail trade grow by 10.5% in 2019
16:40, 23.01.20 1345
Retail turnover increased most in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Ternopil, and Luhansk regions.
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unian--2020-01-23--Ukrainian Coat of Arms removed from UK Extremism Guide amid massive backlash

The move is a result of wide-ranging diplomatic efforts , the Ukrainian embassy noted .
UK officials have removed from the Police Counter Terrorism Policing Guide the Ukrainian Coat of Arms , the Tryzub ( Trident ) following outrage it caused among Ukrainian officials and regular citizens .
`` In response to numerous messages from Ukrainians , efforts by Ukrainian diplomats have resulted in Counter Terrorism Police UK deciding to remove Ukrainian State Coat of Arms Tryzub ( Trident ) from antiextremist guide .
We thank everyone for your concern , '' the Ukrainian Embassy to the UK wrote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working relationship with our Ukrainian partners and would not want to cause offence .
We have met with representatives from the FCO and the Ukrainian Embassy , updated the Signs & Symbols Guidance Document and removed the Ukrainian constitutional trident , '' says an updated report by Counter Terrorism Policing .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ukrainian Embassy in the United Kingdom had expressed outrage over the fact that the Ukrainian National Coat of Arms had been put onto the Counter Terrorism Policing Guide .
The Coat of Arms of Ukraine originates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the symbols of unity of Ukrainians , MFA Ukraine earlier noted in a statement demanding that the Tryzub be removed from the Guide .

The move is a result of wide-ranging diplomatic efforts, the Ukrainian embassy noted.
UK officials have removed from the Police Counter Terrorism Policing Guide the Ukrainian Coat of Arms, the Tryzub (Trident) following outrage it caused among Ukrainian officials and regular citizens.
"In response to numerous messages from Ukrainians, efforts by Ukrainian diplomats have resulted in Counter Terrorism Police UK deciding to remove Ukrainian State Coat of Arms Tryzub (Trident) from antiextremist guide. We thank everyone for your concern," the Ukrainian Embassy to the UK wrote on Facebook.
"We have a close working relationship with our Ukrainian partners and would not want to cause offence. We have met with representatives from the FCO and the Ukrainian Embassy, updated the Signs & Symbols Guidance Document and removed the Ukrainian constitutional trident," says an updated report by Counter Terrorism Policing.
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Read alsoU.K. government comments on situation around Ukraine's Tryzub
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Ukrainian Embassy in the United Kingdom had expressed outrage over the fact that the Ukrainian National Coat of Arms had been put onto the Counter Terrorism Policing Guide.
The Coat of Arms of Ukraine originates in the Kyivan Rus times and is one of the symbols of unity of Ukrainians, MFA Ukraine earlier noted in a statement demanding that the Tryzub be removed from the Guide.


unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine to take back all its citizens from Russian captivity – envoy to TCG

New swap lists are being shared via the OSCE and ICRC , awaiting confirmation by the other side .
Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ Contact Group 's political subgroup Oleksiy Reznikov has said Ukraine intends to ensure the return @ @ @ @ @ in the occupied Donbas , Crimea , as well as in the Russian Federation .
@ @ @ @ @ to take back all of our people who are being held in prisons both in @ @ @ @ @ , and territories that are today beyond Ukraine 's control – in certain areas of @ @ @ @ @ [ ... ] We have a clear confirmation of which Ukrainians are being held , @ @ @ @ @ Crimean Tatar citizens of Ukraine , '' the official told the Novoye Vremya news outlet @ @ @ @ @ the relevant lists are being transmitted through the OSCE and the International Committee of the @ @ @ @ @ awaiting confirmation by the other side .

New swap lists are being shared via the OSCE and ICRC, awaiting confirmation by the other side.
Ukraine's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group's political subgroup Oleksiy Reznikov has said Ukraine intends to ensure the return of all its citizens held in the occupied Donbas, Crimea, as well as in the Russian Federation.
"Ukraine has a position to take back all of our people who are being held in prisons both in Crimea, the Russian Federation, and territories that are today beyond Ukraine's control – in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions. [...] We have a clear confirmation of which Ukrainians are being held, and where, including our Crimean Tatar citizens of Ukraine," the official told the Novoye Vremya news outlet.
Read alsoWomen held in occupied Donbas prisons describe "inhumane conditions" – media
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According to Reznikov, the relevant lists are being transmitted through the OSCE and the International Committee of the Red Cross and are currently awaiting confirmation by the other side.


unian--2020-01-23--EBRD President names Ukraine among Top 3 priority countries in region

The Ukrainian head of state thanked the EBRD President for a project portfolio of EUR 1.115 billion in Ukraine in 2019 .
President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ( EBRD ) , Suma Chakrabarti , has expressed satisfaction with the progress of reforms in Ukraine , ranking the country among the Top 3 priorities in the region .
`` The EBRD President commended the progress of reforms in Ukraine , calling our country among the Top 3 priorities in the region .
The international financial structure is considering opportunities for new projects in Ukraine , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22 , after the meeting with Chakrabarti .
Read alsoIMF notes Ukraine 's progress in fulfilling conditions for new program launch ( Video ) Zelensky thanked the EBRD President for a project portfolio of EUR 1.115 billion in Ukraine in 2019 .
`` I am very pleased that our constructive cooperation has produced such results .
And I hope it will become our new normal level of cooperation , '' he said .
`` This is the goal we set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of state added .
UNIAN memo .
EBRD has been operating in Ukraine since 1993 , being the largest international investor in Ukraine .
Over the period of cooperation , EBRD has financed 460 projects in Ukraine totaling over EUR 14.54 billion .
In 2019 , the bank invested more than EUR 1.1 billion in 51 projects in Ukraine 's public and private sectors .

EBRD President names Ukraine among Top 3 priority countries in region
15:40, 23.01.20 1213
The Ukrainian head of state thanked the EBRD President for a project portfolio of EUR 1.115 billion in Ukraine in 2019.
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unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine sees 1.2% decline in steel output in 2019

Production of rolled metal over the period under review fell by 0.9 % .
Steel production in Ukraine 2019 shrank @ @ @ @ @ 20.85 million tonnes against 2018 .
Production of rolled metal over the period under review @ @ @ @ @ to 18.2 million tonnes , while pig iron output dropped by 2.4 % , to @ @ @ @ @ to Ukrmetalurgprom , an association of ferrous metallurgy enterprises .
As UNIAN reported earlier , @ @ @ @ @ by 2 % in 2018 , to 21 million tonnes , while rolled metal output @ @ @ @ @ to 18.45 million tonnes .
Pig iron production grew by 2 % , to 20.53 @ @ @

Ukraine sees 1.2% decline in steel output in 2019
15:20, 23.01.20 1012
Production of rolled metal over the period under review fell by 0.9%.
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unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine's national railway operator to be managed by Deutsche Bahn for next 10 years – PM

Get a complete information picture of the day by subscribing to UNIAN ’ s news feeds .
For more information @ @ @ @

Ukraine's national railway operator to be managed by Deutsche Bahn for next 10 years – PM
15:00, 23.01.20 3619
Honcharuk says this is an ecosystemic solution, aimed to show that Ukraine is unprecedentedly open.
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unian--2020-01-23--Kobolyev's contract with Naftogaz expires in March 2020, extension depends on Supervisory Board

Kobolyev's contract with Naftogaz expires in March 2020, extension depends on Supervisory Board
14:40, 23.01.20 1032
At the same time, the CEO did not comment on his possible appointment to the prime minister's post.
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unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine to insist on revision of Minsk agreements

Illegal armed groups in Donbas must first be disarmed , the Ukrainian official says .
Ukraine 's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group 's political subgroup Oleksiy Reznikov has said the Minsk agreements should be revised in terms of priority of control over the border and the conduct of elections in Donbas .
`` Ukraine 's new position remains unchanged .
It was proclaimed during the Normandy Four summit by President Zelensky < ... > that at least as regards [ the issue of regaining border control ] , the Minsk agreements are subject to revision , '' Reznikov told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the official , paragraphs of the Minsk agreements must be implemented in the following order : - Withdrawal of all illegal armed groups from the territory of Ukraine ; - Re-establishment of Ukrainian control over the eastern border ; '' It is impossible to hold elections if the Ukrainian border with Russia is beyond control of the Ukrainian military .
This is evidenced by international experience .
< ... > The Ukrainian delegation will insist that the Minsk agreements be subject to revision and updating at least in this regard , '' @ @ @

Illegal armed groups in Donbas must first be disarmed, the Ukrainian official says.
Ukraine's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group's political subgroup Oleksiy Reznikov has said the Minsk agreements should be revised in terms of priority of control over the border and the conduct of elections in Donbas.
"Ukraine's new position remains unchanged. It was proclaimed during the Normandy Four summit by President Zelensky <...> that at least as regards [the issue of regaining border control], the Minsk agreements are subject to revision," Reznikov told the Novoye Vremya news outlet.
Read alsoHybrid war in Donbas: Ex-OSCE envoy Sajdik names actual parties to conflict
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According to the official, paragraphs of the Minsk agreements must be implemented in the following order:
- Disarmament of illegal armed groups in Donbas;
- Establishment of complete ceasefire;
- Withdrawal of all illegal armed groups from the territory of Ukraine;
- Re-establishment of Ukrainian control over the eastern border;
- Holding elections.
"It is impossible to hold elections if the Ukrainian border with Russia is beyond control of the Ukrainian military. This is evidenced by international experience. <...> The Ukrainian delegation will insist that the Minsk agreements be subject to revision and updating at least in this regard," he said.


unian--2020-01-23--Russia's Duma adopts at first reading bill on Constitutional amendments

Russia 's State Duma on Thursday adopted in the first reading Russian President Vladimir Putin 's bill on amendments to @ @ @ @ @ envisages , among other things , an expansion of the rights of parliament and the @ @ @ @ @ prohibiting top officials from having other countries ' residence permits , a restriction on the @ @ @ @ @ priority of national legislation over international agreements and greater social responsibilities of the state , @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoUSSR revival and life-long power : Why Putin seeks to amend Russian constitution @ @ @ @ @ by 432 votes .
The next reading of the bill may take place in the @ @ @ @

The bill passed in a unanimous vote.
Russia's State Duma on Thursday adopted in the first reading Russian President Vladimir Putin's bill on amendments to the Constitution.
The bill envisages, among other things, an expansion of the rights of parliament and the Constitutional Court, a ban prohibiting top officials from having other countries' residence permits, a restriction on the number of presidential terms, priority of national legislation over international agreements and greater social responsibilities of the state, Russian news agency TASS reported.
Read alsoUSSR revival and life-long power: Why Putin seeks to amend Russian constitution
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The bill was adopted unanimously by 432 votes. The next reading of the bill may take place in the middle of February.


unian--2020-01-23--PM Honcharuk: Ukraine to save over UAH 2 mln daily due to latest eurobond issue

PM Honcharuk: Ukraine to save over UAH 2 mln daily due to latest eurobond issue
13:40, 23.01.20 4537
The prime minister promises to allocate saved funds for social and economic development programs.
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unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine huge trading partner for U.S. – Pompeo

He says America `` has a number of interests '' with respect to Ukraine .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike @ @ @ @ @ a huge trading partner for the United States .
`` Ukraine sits at the edge @ @ @ @ @ the easternmost parts of Europe .
This is a nation that gave up its nuclear @ @ @ @ @ the Cold War , and America made a commitment that said we would assist them @ @ @ @ @ so that they could still be a secure , sovereign nation , '' Pompeo said @ @ @ @ @ Cirilli of Bloomberg posted on the official website of the U.S. Department of State .
@ @ @ @ @ World needs to update and rethink international security rules '' They 're a huge trading @ @ @ @ @ of America .
America has a number of interests with respect to Ukraine , and @ @ @ @ @ resources we 've committed there reflects that level of interest , '' Pompeo said .
@ @ @ @ @ Pompeo will pay a visit to Ukraine on January 30 .

He says America "has a number of interests" with respect to Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said Ukraine is a huge trading partner for the United States.
"Ukraine sits at the edge between democracy and tyranny in the easternmost parts of Europe. This is a nation that gave up its nuclear weapons at the end of the Cold War, and America made a commitment that said we would assist them with a number of things so that they could still be a secure, sovereign nation," Pompeo said in an interview with Kevin Cirilli of Bloomberg posted on the official website of the U.S. Department of State.
Read alsoZelensky in Davos: World needs to update and rethink international security rules
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"They're a huge trading partner for the United States of America. America has a number of interests with respect to Ukraine, and I think the level of resources we've committed there reflects that level of interest," Pompeo said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Pompeo will pay a visit to Ukraine on January 30.


unian--2020-01-23--Population count in Ukraine: Fresh data released

The methodology used in the study indicates the actual number of people physically located in Ukraine as of December 1 , 2019 .
Minister Dmytro Dubilet says over 37 million people live in Ukraine , that 's according to the actual population estimates .
`` Three methods yielded almost the same result , namely 37,289,000 people live in Ukraine , '' Dubilet told a press conference in Kyiv January 23 , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
Dubilet has clarified this is the number of people physically located in Ukraine as of December 1 , 2019 .
`` A total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Kyiv , '' the minister said .
Read alsoUkraine 's census in 2020 may be conducted online – PM Honcharuk Dubilet also noted 15 % of the total population is children , almost 10 % – young people of working age , 44 % – people of primary working age , 14 % – people of mature working age , and 6 million – elderly people over 65 out .
The minister said the experts had applied three methods in the latest population count .
The results varied within 2.86 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher accuracy is needed `` to make effective management decisions . ''
The first method is based on data from mobile operators , Dubilet said .
The second one is the so-called `` Christmas tree , '' that is , distribution by gender and age .
Data from the State Statistics Service and electronic registers were used , as well as data from the Pension Fund , to be extrapolated by age and gender .
The third method is using data of the State Register of tax payers .
`` We will work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settlements .
Next , we want to get the age and gender estimates by individual regions , individual settlements , and districts .
Next , we will provide information on income , '' he added .

The methodology used in the study indicates the actual number of people physically located in Ukraine as of December 1, 2019.
Minister Dmytro Dubilet says over 37 million people live in Ukraine, that's according to the actual population estimates.
"Three methods yielded almost the same result, namely 37,289,000 people live in Ukraine," Dubilet told a press conference in Kyiv January 23, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
Dubilet has clarified this is the number of people physically located in Ukraine as of December 1, 2019.
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"A total of 3.7 million people reside in the city of Kyiv," the minister said.
Read alsoUkraine's census in 2020 may be conducted online – PM Honcharuk
Dubilet also noted 15% of the total population is children, almost 10% – young people of working age, 44% – people of primary working age, 14% – people of mature working age, and 6 million – elderly people over 65 out.
The minister said the experts had applied three methods in the latest population count.
The results varied within 2.86%, the official noted, adding that no higher accuracy is needed "to make effective management decisions."
The first method is based on data from mobile operators, Dubilet said.
The second one is the so-called "Christmas tree," that is, distribution by gender and age. Data from the State Statistics Service and electronic registers were used, as well as data from the Pension Fund, to be extrapolated by age and gender.
The third method is using data of the State Register of tax payers.
"We will work further to systemize the information by individual settlements. Next, we want to get the age and gender estimates by individual regions, individual settlements, and districts. Next, we will provide information on income," he added.


unian--2020-01-23--Hryvnia rate weakens to UAH 24.33 to dollar for Jan 23

Hryvnia rate weakens to UAH 24.33 to dollar for Jan 23
12:40, 23.01.20 1699
The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 26.98 per euro.
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unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine's finance minister comments on latest eurobond issue

Ukraine's finance minister comments on latest eurobond issue
12:20, 23.01.20 1470
This is the most effective borrowing move in the modern history of Ukraine.
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unian--2020-01-23--"Lost in translation": Arakhamia says never meant U-turn on Ukraine's Eurointegration plans

Moving toward the EU , Ukraine must defend its own interests , the deputy explained .
Chief of Parliament 's leading Servant of the People faction , David Arakhamia , turned to Facebook to address public backlash that followed his earlier statement voiced in Davos that Ukraine should drop its policies toward legislation harmonization with the European Union .
`` I stand for an Association Agreement with the EU and ultimate integration with our European neighbors .
At the same time , Ukraine ’ s interests should be top priority for the Ukrainian authorities .
That 's what I focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the MP wrote Wednesday night .
In the EU , Arakhamia noted , all states defend their interests .
In his opinion , Ukraine should do just the same , while integrating into the European Union .
Read alsoRada 's leading faction chief `` does n't think '' Ukraine has plan to liberate Donbas by force '' Everything else is lost in translation .
Euro-integration remains in place , '' he added in conclusion .
In the comment section to the post , he noted that his speech was originally in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a catchy hashtag , which literally translates as `` abort treason '' , jokingly addressing popular memes `` zrada-peremoha '' ( treason or victory ) .
The memes illustrate polarized public perception of political decisions taken by Ukrainian authorities in the post-Maidan Ukraine , often fueled by poor fact-checking , manipulation , or outright fake news .

Moving toward the EU, Ukraine must defend its own interests, the deputy explained.
Chief of Parliament's leading Servant of the People faction, David Arakhamia, turned to Facebook to address public backlash that followed his earlier statement voiced in Davos that Ukraine should drop its policies toward legislation harmonization with the European Union.
"I stand for an Association Agreement with the EU and ultimate integration with our European neighbors. At the same time, Ukraine’s interests should be top priority for the Ukrainian authorities. That's what I focused on today in Davos in my speech," the MP wrote Wednesday night.
In the EU, Arakhamia noted, all states defend their interests. In his opinion, Ukraine should do just the same, while integrating into the European Union.
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Read alsoRada's leading faction chief "doesn't think" Ukraine has plan to liberate Donbas by force
"Everything else is lost in translation. Euro-integration remains in place," he added in conclusion. In the comment section to the post, he noted that his speech was originally in English.
He garnished his posting with a catchy hashtag, which literally translates as "abort treason", jokingly addressing popular memes "zrada-peremoha" (treason or victory). The memes illustrate polarized public perception of political decisions taken by Ukrainian authorities in the post-Maidan Ukraine, often fueled by poor fact-checking, manipulation, or outright fake news.


unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine ranks 126th in TI's Corruption Perception Index 2019

The country has retreated to the level of 2017 .
Transparency International ( TI ) has released the Corruption Perceptions Index ( CPI ) 2019 , according to which Ukraine lost two points , scoring 30 out of 100 .
`` We have gone back to the level of 2017 and now rank 126th out of 180 countries .
Our neighbors in the index are Kyrgyzstan , Azerbaijan and Djibouti , '' TI Ukraine said on its website .
It is noted Ukraine 's score is based on nine different surveys .
In three , it improved slightly , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while in the remaining three its score dropped .
It should , however , be noted that , similar to other indices , the CPI can be slow to reflect what is happening on the ground in many countries .
Among its neighbors , Ukraine is ahead of Russia , which maintains its position ( 28 points , rank 137 ) .
Out of the remaining neighbors , Poland is the expected leader with 58 points ( rank 41 ) , followed by Slovakia ( 50 points , rank 59 ) .
Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 45 points .
Some of our neighbors have lost points this year : Romania lost 3 points , Hungary – 2 points , and Moldova – 1 point .
CPI leaders are mostly the same .
The top spot is shared by New Zealand and Denmark with 87 points each .
Notably , eight out of 10 countries in top 10 represent Western or Northern Europe .
The bottom of the list is occupied by countries with long-lasting unstable political situation , military conflicts and uneven control of the government over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Sudan ( 12 ) and Syria ( 13 ) .
It is reported compared to the previous year , Armenia gained more points than any other country in the region ( +7 , to a total of 42 ) .
After the revolution in 2018 and formation of the new parliament , the government is moving towards building its anti-corruption policy .
Despite numerous positive decisions , issues such as conflict of interest , opacity and lack of accountability in public authorities remain in place .

The country has retreated to the level of 2017.
Transparency International (TI) has released the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2019, according to which Ukraine lost two points, scoring 30 out of 100.
"We have gone back to the level of 2017 and now rank 126th out of 180 countries. Our neighbors in the index are Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Djibouti," TI Ukraine said on its website.
It is noted Ukraine's score is based on nine different surveys. In three, it improved slightly, in another three no change was observed, while in the remaining three its score dropped. It should, however, be noted that, similar to other indices, the CPI can be slow to reflect what is happening on the ground in many countries.
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Among its neighbors, Ukraine is ahead of Russia, which maintains its position (28 points, rank 137). Out of the remaining neighbors, Poland is the expected leader with 58 points (rank 41), followed by Slovakia (50 points, rank 59). Belarus gained 1 point and now ranks 66th with 45 points. Some of our neighbors have lost points this year: Romania lost 3 points, Hungary – 2 points, and Moldova – 1 point.
Read alsoU.S. embassy comments on appointment of Ukraine's anti-graft body chief
CPI leaders are mostly the same. The top spot is shared by New Zealand and Denmark with 87 points each. Notably, eight out of 10 countries in top 10 represent Western or Northern Europe.
The bottom of the list is occupied by countries with long-lasting unstable political situation, military conflicts and uneven control of the government over the territory – Somalia (9), South Sudan (12) and Syria (13).
It is reported compared to the previous year, Armenia gained more points than any other country in the region (+7, to a total of 42). After the revolution in 2018 and formation of the new parliament, the government is moving towards building its anti-corruption policy. Despite numerous positive decisions, issues such as conflict of interest, opacity and lack of accountability in public authorities remain in place.


unian--2020-01-23--Women held in occupied Donbas prisons describe "inhumane conditions" – media

They had been thrown behind bars for spreading pro-Ukrainian leaflets .
When Ukraine , Russia , and Russian proxy forces in Donbas exchange prisoners , it is usually men – captured fighters and male civilians .
In the latest exchange on December 29 , 2019 , however , there were more than a dozen women among 76 people who returned to the government-controlled territories from the occupied areas .
Olena Sorokina stood out during the prisoner swap .
She got off the bus wearing a white sweatshirt that had a trident , the Ukrainian national emblem , sketched on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back , the shirt was emblazoned with the words : `` Ukraine is my state , '' Deutsche Welle reports .
`` I drew on the sweatshirt at night in my cell under the bed , '' Sorokina told DW , adding that was what she wanted to wear when returning to Ukrainian forces .
`` There were armed guards on the bus , so I only put the sweatshirt on when I saw soldiers with Ukrainian insignia outside — at that point , nobody could hurt me anymore . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison in the self-styled `` Luhansk People 's Republic '' near the Russian border .
`` I never hid my pro-Ukrainian attitude , '' she said .
`` There were plenty of reasons to put me in prison , but they caught me because of the leaflets . ''
Sorokina lived in the small town of Pervomaisk , where she ran a pet shop .
She was arrested in 2018 on charges of espionage for Ukrainian intelligence , treason and extremism .
`` I was accused of extremism because I pasted leaflets on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Independence Day , '' she said .
Her sentence : 13 years in prison .
In prison she met Anastasia Mukhina .
The 72-year-old from Luhansk was sentenced to 16 years in 2018 , also for pro-Ukrainian leaflets , she said .
The two women became friends in prison and helped each other .
Today they share a room in the clinic and can hardly believe they are free again .
`` I was told that I was risking a lot and bad things could happen to me , '' Sorokina said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no family , so I was not afraid . ''
While Sorokina was not tortured , conditions in the prison were tough .
`` We drank water that was not really clean drinking water , '' she said .
`` We were only allowed to go to the toilet twice a day , and we were given a barrel which stood beside the place where we ate . ''
The Ukrainian government has promised all released prisoners aid amounting to about EUR 3,500 ( $ 3,800 ) .
The two women still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them and where they will live .
Sorokina wants to take both Russia and its proxy forces to the European Court of Human Rights .
She hopes Kyiv will eventually control the occupied areas again .
`` This is our country , '' she said , with tears in her eyes .
Sorokina may owe her release to a rapprochement between Russia and Ukraine , but she has decidedly mixed feelings : she is worried that Ukraine could be paying too high a price .

They had been thrown behind bars for spreading pro-Ukrainian leaflets.
When Ukraine, Russia, and Russian proxy forces in Donbas exchange prisoners, it is usually men – captured fighters and male civilians. In the latest exchange on December 29, 2019, however, there were more than a dozen women among 76 people who returned to the government-controlled territories from the occupied areas.
Olena Sorokina stood out during the prisoner swap. She got off the bus wearing a white sweatshirt that had a trident, the Ukrainian national emblem, sketched on the front with a ballpoint pen. On the back, the shirt was emblazoned with the words: "Ukraine is my state," Deutsche Welle reports.
"I drew on the sweatshirt at night in my cell under the bed," Sorokina told DW, adding that was what she wanted to wear when returning to Ukrainian forces. "There were armed guards on the bus, so I only put the sweatshirt on when I saw soldiers with Ukrainian insignia outside — at that point, nobody could hurt me anymore."
Видео дня
The 50-year-old spent about a year in a prison in the self-styled "Luhansk People's Republic" near the Russian border. "I never hid my pro-Ukrainian attitude," she said. "There were plenty of reasons to put me in prison, but they caught me because of the leaflets."
Sorokina lived in the small town of Pervomaisk, where she ran a pet shop. She was arrested in 2018 on charges of espionage for Ukrainian intelligence, treason and extremism. "I was accused of extremism because I pasted leaflets on walls and congratulated people on Ukraine's Independence Day," she said. Her sentence: 13 years in prison.
Read alsoSBU checking whereabouts of 184 Ukrainians imprisoned in Russia-occupied Donbas
In prison she met Anastasia Mukhina. The 72-year-old from Luhansk was sentenced to 16 years in 2018, also for pro-Ukrainian leaflets, she said. The two women became friends in prison and helped each other. Today they share a room in the clinic and can hardly believe they are free again.
"I was told that I was risking a lot and bad things could happen to me," Sorokina said, struggling with tears. "But I have no family, so I was not afraid."
While Sorokina was not tortured, conditions in the prison were tough. "We drank water that was not really clean drinking water," she said. "We were only allowed to go to the toilet twice a day, and we were given a barrel which stood beside the place where we ate."
"Conditions were inhumane," Sorokina added.
The Ukrainian government has promised all released prisoners aid amounting to about EUR 3,500 ($3,800). The two women still do not know what will happen to them and where they will live. Sorokina wants to take both Russia and its proxy forces to the European Court of Human Rights. She hopes Kyiv will eventually control the occupied areas again. "This is our country," she said, with tears in her eyes.
Sorokina may owe her release to a rapprochement between Russia and Ukraine, but she has decidedly mixed feelings: she is worried that Ukraine could be paying too high a price.


unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine signs memorandum with Deutsche Bahn

Ukraine signs memorandum with Deutsche Bahn
11:00, 23.01.20 1880
The alliance is expected to boost the efficiency of the railway services in Ukraine.
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unian--2020-01-23--IMF notes Ukraine's progress in fulfilling conditions for new program launch

The IMF chief met with President Zelensky on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos .
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) Kristalina Georgieva has noted the progress in Ukraine 's fulfillment of conditions for the launch of a new cooperation program .
`` We had a very engaged , constructive discussion with President Zelensky on the progress made in judiciary reform , promoting the respect for the law in moving forward the economy first and foremost and on the necessity to complete the actions that are still outstanding so we can take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland , on January 22 .
Georgieva also thanked the president and his team for the `` determined course '' in the implementation of the commitments undertaken under the program .
Zelensky , in turn , noted that the discussion was constructive .
`` We had a very good conversation , discussion about the very important support of the IMF for Ukraine totally and for each Ukrainian , '' he said .
Read alsoIMF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Ukraine ( Video ) As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's authorities and the IMF staff had reached an agreement on policies to underpin a new three-year US $ 5.5 billion Extended Fund Facility , while the Fund 's Executive Board is yet to approve the program .
Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) Yakiv Smolii said a decision on the new EFF might be approved in the first quarter of 2020 .
Speaking about preconditions for concluding an agreement on the new program , the chief banker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts from returning insolvent banks to former owners , on the creation of single legal entities for tax and customs services , and the launch of farmland sale .
Ukrainian Finance Minister Oksana Markarova , in turn , said that Ukraine could phase out its cooperation with the IMF after the completion of the new three-year program .

The IMF chief met with President Zelensky on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva has noted the progress in Ukraine's fulfillment of conditions for the launch of a new cooperation program.
"We had a very engaged, constructive discussion with President Zelensky on the progress made in judiciary reform, promoting the respect for the law in moving forward the economy first and foremost and on the necessity to complete the actions that are still outstanding so we can take the IMF program to our Board of Directors," she told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22.
Georgieva also thanked the president and his team for the "determined course" in the implementation of the commitments undertaken under the program.
Видео дня
Zelensky, in turn, noted that the discussion was constructive. "We had a very good conversation, discussion about the very important support of the IMF for Ukraine totally and for each Ukrainian," he said.
Read alsoIMF chief elaborates on when to expect decision on Ukraine (Video)
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's authorities and the IMF staff had reached an agreement on policies to underpin a new three-year US$5.5 billion Extended Fund Facility, while the Fund's Executive Board is yet to approve the program.
Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Yakiv Smolii said a decision on the new EFF might be approved in the first quarter of 2020. Speaking about preconditions for concluding an agreement on the new program, the chief banker recalled the need to adopt laws preventing courts from returning insolvent banks to former owners, on the creation of single legal entities for tax and customs services, and the launch of farmland sale.
Ukrainian Finance Minister Oksana Markarova, in turn, said that Ukraine could phase out its cooperation with the IMF after the completion of the new three-year program.


unian--2020-01-23--Pro-Russian act by German delegate to PACE

The official offered to include representatives of the unrecognized `` LPR-DPR '' in Normandy talks , without being authorized to do so .
Ukraine is now coming back to the PACE , mainly due to the need to refute Russia 's aggressive strategy in the organization and beyond .
Ukraine is set to employ all international law instruments available to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity .
The need for such decision was a result of persistent moves by certain pro-Russian politicians in the PACE , including German AfD 's Ulrich Oehme , Guildhall reports .
Following his meeting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Natalia Nikonorova , Vladislav Deinego and Rodion Miroshnik , he made a statement suggesting the need to involve representatives of separatist `` republics '' in Normandy talks .
The statement was immediately picked up by Russian propaganda outlets ( RT , Channel 1 , Komsomolskaya Pravda , etc ) .
In Russian media , it was presented as an official position of the PACE , which is not the case .
Oehme 's very meeting with representatives of unrecognized entities is yet another element of Russia 's hybrid warfare , another provocation giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revive their media campaign aimed at legalizing the illegal formations set up in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine .
AfG 's Ulrich Oehme has not been authorized either by Bundestag or the German Federal Government to put forward an offer to include `` DPR-LPR '' representatives into the Normandy Four talks .
Read alsoParliament in Ukraine approves return of country 's delegation to PACE '' The offer is senseless simply because the format implies participation of actual states , while `` DPR-LPR '' have never been recognized as 'states ' from an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes .
International law sees these areas as temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine , therefore Oehme 's interlocutors were in fact wanted criminals charged with multiple crimes , rather than `` representatives of republics '' Oehme 's actions could be seen as `` discrediting the Normandy format and the position of Berlin '' , the report reads .
It should also be noted that Oehme 's offer was widely praised in Russia 's Federation Council .

The official offered to include representatives of the unrecognized "LPR-DPR" in Normandy talks, without being authorized to do so.
Ukraine is now coming back to the PACE, mainly due to the need to refute Russia's aggressive strategy in the organization and beyond.
Ukraine is set to employ all international law instruments available to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The need for such decision was a result of persistent moves by certain pro-Russian politicians in the PACE, including German AfD's Ulrich Oehme, Guildhall reports.
Following his meeting with representatives of the so-called "LPR-DPR" Natalia Nikonorova, Vladislav Deinego and Rodion Miroshnik, he made a statement suggesting the need to involve representatives of separatist "republics" in Normandy talks.
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The statement was immediately picked up by Russian propaganda outlets (RT, Channel 1, Komsomolskaya Pravda, etc). In Russian media, it was presented as an official position of the PACE, which is not the case.
Oehme's very meeting with representatives of unrecognized entities is yet another element of Russia's hybrid warfare, another provocation giving Kremlin propaganda pundits a perfect opportunity to revive their media campaign aimed at legalizing the illegal formations set up in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
AfG's Ulrich Oehme has not been authorized either by Bundestag or the German Federal Government to put forward an offer to include "DPR-LPR" representatives into the Normandy Four talks.
Read alsoParliament in Ukraine approves return of country's delegation to PACE
"The offer is senseless simply because the format implies participation of actual states, while "DPR-LPR" have never been recognized as 'states' from an international law perspective," the report notes.
International law sees these areas as temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, therefore Oehme's interlocutors were in fact wanted criminals charged with multiple crimes, rather than "representatives of republics"
Oehme's actions could be seen as "discrediting the Normandy format and the position of Berlin", the report reads.
It should also be noted that Oehme's offer was widely praised in Russia's Federation Council.


unian--2020-01-23--Zelensky: Ukraine delegation to Israel forum gives own invitations to Holocaust survivors

It 's those deserving it most who should attend the main event , the president said , adding that all scheduled meetings will be held as planned .
Having arrived in Israel , where a Holocaust Remembrance Forum is being held , the Ukrainian delegation found out that it is difficult for many survivors to attend the event due to the `` limited number of invitations '' , Zelensky , who leads the delegation , wrote on Facebook .
`` We have decided that I give up my spot and those of the rest of the delegation in favor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president wrote .
Media reports say that some Israeli government ministers have done the same , added the Ukrainian leader .
Read alsoPoland 's Duda not to attend Holocaust forum in Israel '' I think this is the right thing to do .
Besides , in no way does this undermine commemoration by the Ukrainian delegation of the victims of one of the most dreadful tragedies of the XX century , '' the statement reads .
`` We will participate in all planned activities and hold scheduled meetings with the President , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Knesset of the State of Israel , '' Zelensky said .
`` But it 's those deserving it most who should attend the main event – those who accomplished the greatest feat – survived when this was almost impossible , '' the statement concludes .

It's those deserving it most who should attend the main event, the president said, adding that all scheduled meetings will be held as planned.
Having arrived in Israel, where a Holocaust Remembrance Forum is being held, the Ukrainian delegation found out that it is difficult for many survivors to attend the event due to the "limited number of invitations", Zelensky, who leads the delegation, wrote on Facebook.
"We have decided that I give up my spot and those of the rest of the delegation in favor of these courageous, unique people," the president wrote.
Media reports say that some Israeli government ministers have done the same, added the Ukrainian leader.
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Read alsoPoland's Duda not to attend Holocaust forum in Israel
"I think this is the right thing to do. Besides, in no way does this undermine commemoration by the Ukrainian delegation of the victims of one of the most dreadful tragedies of the XX century," the statement reads.
"We will participate in all planned activities and hold scheduled meetings with the President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Knesset of the State of Israel," Zelensky said.
"But it's those deserving it most who should attend the main event – those who accomplished the greatest feat – survived when this was almost impossible," the statement concludes.


unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine places euro-denominated bonds worth EUR 1.25 bln

The funds to be raised will be spent on budget financing .
Ukraine has placed EUR 1.25 billion in euro-denominated bonds that are falling due on January 27 , 2030 , their interest rate is set at 4.375 % per annum .
`` Ukraine announces the pricing of the new benchmark Eurobond in EUR in a principal amount of EUR1,250,000,000 with a final maturity of January 27 , 2030 , '' Ukraine 's Finance Ministry said in a statement on its website .
`` The newly issued notes will bear interest at the rate of 4.375 % per annum .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rated ' B ' by Standard & Poor 's and ' B ' by Fitch .
Settlement of the new issue is expected to take place on January 27 , 2020 . ''
The total indications of interest for the new issue peaked in excess of EUR 7 billion from more than 350 investors globally , it said .
The proceeds of the new offering will be used for general budgetary purposes .
`` Today we are happy to announce the pricing of a benchmark 10-year EUR-denominated bond at a record low coupon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 350 investors worldwide and putting a second dot on our euro curve , '' Ukrainian Finance Minister Oksana Markarova was quoted as saying .
As UNIAN reported earlier , eurobonds worth EUR 1 billion were issued in June 2019 with a seven-year maturity period and a yield of 6.75 % per annum .
The issue took place after a 15-year break .

The funds to be raised will be spent on budget financing.
Ukraine has placed EUR 1.25 billion in euro-denominated bonds that are falling due on January 27, 2030, their interest rate is set at 4.375% per annum.
"Ukraine announces the pricing of the new benchmark Eurobond in EUR in a principal amount of EUR1,250,000,000 with a final maturity of January 27, 2030," Ukraine's Finance Ministry said in a statement on its website. "The newly issued notes will bear interest at the rate of 4.375% per annum. The new issue is expected to be rated 'B' by Standard & Poor's and 'B' by Fitch. Settlement of the new issue is expected to take place on January 27, 2020."
Read alsoUkraine's Finance Ministry confirms plans to issue ten-year euro-denominated bonds
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The total indications of interest for the new issue peaked in excess of EUR 7 billion from more than 350 investors globally, it said.
The proceeds of the new offering will be used for general budgetary purposes.
"Today we are happy to announce the pricing of a benchmark 10-year EUR-denominated bond at a record low coupon of 4.375%, attracting demand from over 350 investors worldwide and putting a second dot on our euro curve," Ukrainian Finance Minister Oksana Markarova was quoted as saying.
As UNIAN reported earlier, eurobonds worth EUR 1 billion were issued in June 2019 with a seven-year maturity period and a yield of 6.75% per annum. The issue took place after a 15-year break.


unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine reports one KIA amid six enemy attacks in Donbas on Jan 22

The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and small arms .
Also , sniper fire was employed .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on January 22 mounted six attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action ( KIA ) .
`` The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire six times on January 22 .
One Ukrainian soldier was killed as a result of enemy shelling , '' the press center of Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an update posted on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 23 .
The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and small arms .
In addition , the enemy employed sniper fire .
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Pavlopil , Talakivka , Lebedynske , Vodiane , Mayorsk , and Shumy .
`` Since Thursday midnight , Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Opytne , using rifles .
One Ukrainian soldier was @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms. Also, sniper fire was employed.
Russia's hybrid military forces on January 22 mounted six attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA).
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire six times on January 22. One Ukrainian soldier was killed as a result of enemy shelling," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said in an update posted on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 23.
Read alsoOSCE Chairperson-in-Office: "Long road ahead to lasting peace" in Donbas
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The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms. In addition, the enemy employed sniper fire.
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Pavlopil, Talakivka, Lebedynske, Vodiane, Mayorsk, and Shumy.
"Since Thursday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Opytne, using rifles. One Ukrainian soldier was wounded," the update said.


unian--2020-01-23--Rada's leading faction chief "doesn't think" Ukraine has plan to liberate Donbas by force

The comment came as a response to Russian journalists ' question on the sidelines of WEF2020 .
David Arakhamia , Head of the Servant of the People faction , which has formed a mono-majority in the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's Parliament , says he does not believe Ukraine has a plan to liberate the occupied Donbas by force .
The comment came as a response to Russian journalists ' question on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2020 in Davos , Novoye Vremya reports .
The MP noted the need to `` focus on a complete ceasefire on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should send `` the strongest signal over the last five years . ''
`` I do n't think there is such a plan [ of Donbas liberation by force ] .
Because all efforts of the past six months were aimed at a peaceful settlement exclusively .
Moreover , we all must understand that there 's shooting every day , people die on both sides , so this is such a 'mix ' of a military situation and peaceful settlement efforts , '' the head of the pro-government faction said .
Read alsoUkrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 – NSDC top official As UNIAN reported earlier , the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine official named conditions for the liberation of Donbas by force .
According to the deputy secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Serhiy Kryvonos , the Armed Forces of Ukraine must be prepared for such a scenario .

The comment came as a response to Russian journalists' question on the sidelines of WEF2020.
David Arakhamia, Head of the Servant of the People faction, which has formed a mono-majority in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's Parliament, says he does not believe Ukraine has a plan to liberate the occupied Donbas by force.
The comment came as a response to Russian journalists' question on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2020 in Davos, Novoye Vremya reports.
The MP noted the need to "focus on a complete ceasefire on both sides" in Donbas, which should send "the strongest signal over the last five years."
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"I don't think there is such a plan [of Donbas liberation by force]. Because all efforts of the past six months were aimed at a peaceful settlement exclusively. Moreover, we all must understand that there's shooting every day, people die on both sides, so this is such a 'mix' of a military situation and peaceful settlement efforts," the head of the pro-government faction said.
Read alsoUkrainian Army was capable of repelling Crimea annexation in 2014 – NSDC top official
As UNIAN reported earlier, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine official named conditions for the liberation of Donbas by force.
According to the deputy secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Serhiy Kryvonos, the Armed Forces of Ukraine must be prepared for such a scenario.


unian--2020-01-23--Switzerland's president to visit Ukraine at Ukrainian president's invitation

Switzerland was and still is an important trading partner and one of the largest investors in the Ukrainian economy .
President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga plans to visit Ukraine in March 2020 at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's invitation .
The discussion of a new assistance program for the next four years will be on the agenda of the visit , according to the Ukrainian president 's press service .
Zelensky had a meeting with Sommaruga in Davos on January 22 during which he congratulated her on having been elected as president .
Switzerland was and still is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest investors in the Ukrainian economy , Zelensky said .
The two presidents discussed , among other things , progress in promoting peace in eastern Ukraine , including the return of detained persons , ships and the reduction in the number of attacks in Donbas .
The issue of extending the mandate of the OSCE mission was also raised .
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support in the implementation of reforms in Ukraine as part of the technical assistance programs provided by Switzerland .
They also discussed the issue of rehabilitation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efficiency and an increase in investment .
The Ukrainian president elaborated on new programs for investors .
`` We are preparing an 'Investment Nanny ' program .
If an investor brings US $ 100 million or more to Ukraine , he or she will receive a personal manager who speaks five languages and works with the client 24/7 .
This manager will solve all investor 's problems at any time .
They will have state guarantees .
And those who invest US $ 10 million or more in privatization in Ukraine in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate tax , '' he said .
Davos is hosting the World Economic Forum on January 21-24 .
Zelensky took part in the Forum on January 22 .

Switzerland was and still is an important trading partner and one of the largest investors in the Ukrainian economy.
President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga plans to visit Ukraine in March 2020 at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's invitation.
The discussion of a new assistance program for the next four years will be on the agenda of the visit, according to the Ukrainian president's press service.
Zelensky had a meeting with Sommaruga in Davos on January 22 during which he congratulated her on having been elected as president.
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Read alsoUkraine's Foreign Ministry preparing for French President's official visit
Switzerland was and still is an important trading partner and one of the largest investors in the Ukrainian economy, Zelensky said.
The two presidents discussed, among other things, progress in promoting peace in eastern Ukraine, including the return of detained persons, ships and the reduction in the number of attacks in Donbas. The issue of extending the mandate of the OSCE mission was also raised.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support in the implementation of reforms in Ukraine as part of the technical assistance programs provided by Switzerland. They also discussed the issue of rehabilitation of the Ukrainian military, improvement of energy efficiency and an increase in investment.
The Ukrainian president elaborated on new programs for investors.
"We are preparing an 'Investment Nanny' program. If an investor brings US$100 million or more to Ukraine, he or she will receive a personal manager who speaks five languages and works with the client 24/7. This manager will solve all investor's problems at any time. They will have state guarantees. And those who invest US$10 million or more in privatization in Ukraine in the next two years will be exempt from corporate tax," he said.
Davos is hosting the World Economic Forum on January 21-24.
Zelensky took part in the Forum on January 22.


unian--2020-01-23--Zelensky: Right moment for Ukraine to join EU after Brexit

The Ukrainian leader says he sees Ukraine 's future belongs to the EU .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says now is the right moment for Ukraine to join the European Union after Brexit .
`` We see our future within the EU .
What should the EU do ?
Just admit Ukraine as an EU [ member ] .
These are very complex things , although to me they seem to be very simple solutions .
We 've signed the Association Agreement with the EU , we support the course towards the EU , but we must understand that not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to [ join ] the EU ... but the European Union should also want this , '' he said while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland , on January 22 .
Read alsoZelensky in Davos : World needs to update and rethink international security rules According to him , many EU countries support Ukraine in the issue of its future EU membership .
`` The question is not when we join the EU .
The question is what status Ukraine will have in the European Union , what attitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attitude as to a powerful player , as an equal player , to a country that is respected , the one they do not look down on .
And it seems to me that now is that very right moment .
One large country [ the United Kingdom ] has exited , perhaps it is time for Ukraine to enter , '' he said .
The UK will officially leave the 27-member bloc at 11.00 GMT on January 31 – more than three and a half years after the country voted for Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Ukrainian leader says he sees Ukraine's future belongs to the EU.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says now is the right moment for Ukraine to join the European Union after Brexit.
"We see our future within the EU. What should the EU do? Just admit Ukraine as an EU [member]. These are very complex things, although to me they seem to be very simple solutions. We've signed the Association Agreement with the EU, we support the course towards the EU, but we must understand that not only Ukraine should [want] and wants to [join] the EU ... but the European Union should also want this," he said while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22.
Read alsoZelensky in Davos: World needs to update and rethink international security rules
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According to him, many EU countries support Ukraine in the issue of its future EU membership.
"The question is not when we join the EU. The question is what status Ukraine will have in the European Union, what attitude will be to our country – the attitude as to a powerful player, as an equal player, to a country that is respected, the one they do not look down on. And it seems to me that now is that very right moment. One large country [the United Kingdom] has exited, perhaps it is time for Ukraine to enter," he said.
The UK will officially leave the 27-member bloc at 11.00 GMT on January 31 – more than three and a half years after the country voted for Brexit in a referendum in June 2016.


unian--2020-01-23--Ukraine's Foreign Ministry preparing for French President's official visit

This was discussed by Ukraine 's Deputy Foreign Minister with the French Ambassador to Ukraine .
The Ukrainian Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ preparations for French President Emmanuel Macron 's official visit to Ukraine .
`` Preparations for @ @ @ @ @ official visit to Ukraine is our priority , '' the ministry said on Facebook on @ @ @ @ @ it , Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasyl Bodnar met with French Ambassador to Ukraine Etienne @ @ @ @ @ elements of the bilateral dialogue in 2020 .
No exact date of the visit has @ @ @

This was discussed by Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister with the French Ambassador to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on preparations for French President Emmanuel Macron's official visit to Ukraine.
"Preparations for French President Emmanuel Macron's official visit to Ukraine is our priority," the ministry said on Facebook on January 22.
Read alsoMacron, Putin discuss Donbas, Iran by phone
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According to it, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasyl Bodnar met with French Ambassador to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins to discuss key elements of the bilateral dialogue in 2020.
No exact date of the visit has been disclosed.


unian--2020-01-22--Ukraine's Finance Ministry confirms plans to issue ten-year euro-denominated bonds

Financial analyst at ICU Mykhailo Demkiv says the ministry will place 10-year bonds worth EUR 1.25 billion at 4.375 % per annum .
Ukraine 's Finance Ministry has confirmed the fact that it has begun preparations for the issue of euro-denominated eurobonds with a ten-year maturity period .
`` The new EUR-denominated Reg S/144A senior unsecured notes are offered with a bullet maturity of 10 years .
FCA/ICMA stabilization applies , '' the ministry said on website on January 22 .
The ministry mandated BNP Paribas , J.P. Morgan and Raiffeisen Bank International AG as Joint Lead Managers to arrange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read alsoUkraine to issue ten-year eurobonds at about 5 % – source Earlier , an informed source in the financial market told UNIAN that the Finance Ministry had begun preparations for the issue of euro-denominated eurobonds with a ten-year maturity period and a yield of about 5 % per annum .
The upcoming issue may amount to about EUR 1 billion .
Later , financial analyst at ICU Mykhailo Demkiv wrote on Facebook that the ministry would place 10-year bonds worth EUR 1.25 billion at 4.375 % per annum .
According to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was high .
As UNIAN reported earlier , eurobonds worth EUR 1 billion were issued in June 2019 with a seven-year maturity period and a yield of 6.75 % per annum .
The issue took place after a 15-year break .

Financial analyst at ICU Mykhailo Demkiv says the ministry will place 10-year bonds worth EUR 1.25 billion at 4.375% per annum.
Ukraine's Finance Ministry has confirmed the fact that it has begun preparations for the issue of euro-denominated eurobonds with a ten-year maturity period.
"The new EUR-denominated Reg S/144A senior unsecured notes are offered with a bullet maturity of 10 years. FCA/ICMA stabilization applies," the ministry said on website on January 22.
The ministry mandated BNP Paribas, J.P. Morgan and Raiffeisen Bank International AG as Joint Lead Managers to arrange a global investor on January 22.
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Read alsoUkraine to issue ten-year eurobonds at about 5% – source
Earlier, an informed source in the financial market told UNIAN that the Finance Ministry had begun preparations for the issue of euro-denominated eurobonds with a ten-year maturity period and a yield of about 5% per annum. The upcoming issue may amount to about EUR 1 billion.
Later, financial analyst at ICU Mykhailo Demkiv wrote on Facebook that the ministry would place 10-year bonds worth EUR 1.25 billion at 4.375% per annum. According to him, investors' demand for the securities was high.
As UNIAN reported earlier, eurobonds worth EUR 1 billion were issued in June 2019 with a seven-year maturity period and a yield of 6.75% per annum. The issue took place after a 15-year break.