unian--2020-04-24--Five stages: Cabinet publishes road map of quarantine easing

Authorities could start softening restrictions as early as May 11 .
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal on Friday , April 24 , announced five stages for the gradual withdrawal from the national quarantine regime .
`` The government has a clear quarantine exit plan .
It consists of five stages .
The starting point for the implementation of this plan may come on May 11 , subject to a favorable epidemic situation .
Each stage has clear indicators and depends on the dynamics of the disease spread , '' Shmyhal reported on Telegram .
PM added that the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to save the lives of Ukrainians and at the same time gradually restore economic stability .
Condition : Control over the spread , availability of medical resources Over 10 consecutive days , the share of new cases among all tested patients remains unchanged or shifts within 5 % .
Restriction easing : parks , recreation zones , forests , and embankments ( excluding children 's playgrounds ) ; part of beauty industry businesses ; tryouts of sports teams ; wholesale and retail of non-food products ; coffee shops ( takeout ) ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rent businesses ; notaries , lawyers , and auditors .
Over 10 consecutive days , the share of new cases among all tested patients shows a downward trend , while daily recoveries remain stable or rise .
Restriction easing : household services ; education in final grades , preparation for school finals ; public catering facilities ( takeout ) , open-air movie theaters ; gyms and fitness centers ; hotels ; and sports competitions with under 50 participants and no attendance .
Condition : Almost complete relief of the health care system Over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recoveries is double the number of new cases ( or more ) .
The share of COVID-19 patients in clinics is within 10 % .
Restriction easing : sports and playgrounds ; education facilities ( individual ) ; subway ( special permits ) ; intercity passenger traffic within regions ; shopping malls ( excluding entertainment zones and playgrounds ) ; theaters and cinemas ; hostels , health resorts , and recreational bases ; and public catering facilities ( with patrons allowed inside ) .
Over 10 consecutive days , the daily number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per region .
Restriction easing : Subway and all city transport ; shopping malls and entertainment facilities ; gyms and fitness centers ; public catering facilities ; cultural venues ; educational facilities ; non-urgent medical , including dental , services Condition : Halt of an internal transmission of the virus Restriction easing : lifting other restrictions , except for those set up by local governments in certain areas .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov said that the main criterion for Ukraine to lift quarantine was to reduce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with ensuring wider testing and a significant boost in recoveries .

Authorities could start softening restrictions as early as May 11.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal on Friday, April 24, announced five stages for the gradual withdrawal from the national quarantine regime.
"The government has a clear quarantine exit plan. It consists of five stages. The starting point for the implementation of this plan may come on May 11, subject to a favorable epidemic situation. Each stage has clear indicators and depends on the dynamics of the disease spread," Shmyhal reported on Telegram.
Read alsoUkraine's Health Ministry names key criterion for gradual quarantine exit
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PM added that the government roadmap for easing quarantine will provide an opportunity to save the lives of Ukrainians and at the same time gradually restore economic stability.
Stage 1
Condition: Control over the spread, availability of medical resources
Over 10 consecutive days, the share of new cases among all tested patients remains unchanged or shifts within 5%.
Restriction easing: parks, recreation zones, forests, and embankments (excluding children's playgrounds); part of beauty industry businesses; tryouts of sports teams; wholesale and retail of non-food products; coffee shops (takeout); carwash, bike stores, and bike rent businesses; notaries, lawyers, and auditors.
Stage 2
Condition: Lower incidence, lighter load on the health care system
Over 10 consecutive days, the share of new cases among all tested patients shows a downward trend, while daily recoveries remain stable or rise.
Restriction easing: household services; education in final grades, preparation for school finals; public catering facilities (takeout), open-air movie theaters; gyms and fitness centers; hotels; and sports competitions with under 50 participants and no attendance.
Stage 3
Condition: Almost complete relief of the health care system
Over 10 consecutive days, the share of recoveries is double the number of new cases (or more). The share of COVID-19 patients in clinics is within 10%.
Restriction easing: sports and playgrounds; education facilities (individual); subway (special permits); intercity passenger traffic within regions; shopping malls (excluding entertainment zones and playgrounds); theaters and cinemas; hostels, health resorts, and recreational bases; and public catering facilities (with patrons allowed inside).
Stage 4
Condition: Full control over hotbeds
Over 10 consecutive days, the daily number of new, unconnected cases is under five per region.
Restriction easing: Subway and all city transport; shopping malls and entertainment facilities; gyms and fitness centers; public catering facilities; cultural venues; educational facilities; non-urgent medical, including dental, services
Stage 5
Condition: Halt of an internal transmission of the virus
Individual infection, exclusively related to imported cases.
Restriction easing: lifting other restrictions, except for those set up by local governments in certain areas.
Read alsoUkraine receives first batch of own-made 200,000 PCR COVID-19 tests
As UNIAN reported earlier, Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov said that the main criterion for Ukraine to lift quarantine was to reduce the number of patients with COVID-19, along with ensuring wider testing and a significant boost in recoveries.


unian--2020-04-24--Cabinet sacks customs, tax chiefs

Cabinet sacks customs, tax chiefs

Their deputies were also laid off .
At an extraordinary meeting on Friday , April 24 , the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dismissed Head of the State Customs Service Maksym Nefyodov and Head of the State Tax Service Serhiy Verlanov .
Nefyodov 's deputies were also dismissed : Robert Zeldi , Deyis Shendryk , and Serhiy Petukhov , as well as Dmytro Ventsikovsky , deputy chief of the fiscal service .
In a comment to Novoye Vremya , Nefyodov confirmed the fact of his dismissal , adding that he learned about it at a Cabinet meeting .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismissal , '' Nefyodov said , adding that `` Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko refused to talk to me and ran away . ''
`` But I feel better now as a person , now that I 've been dismissed , '' the former customs chief said .
Read alsoPM to meet with customs chief Nefyodov on failure to meet customs revenue targets As UNIAN reported earlier , the work of two agencies had been criticized recently due to the failure to meet the revenue targets of the state budget .
Earlier today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Investigation Commission to probe possible corruption among government officials , which led to significant losses in budget revenues .
Also , experts suggested one of the reasons for the recent sacking of Ihor Umansky from the post of finance minister was his efforts aimed at changing heads of tax and customs services to bring in his allies .
On April 22 , Umansky was appointed an advisor to Andriy Yermak , head of the President 's Office .
He is reportedly tasked with supervising anti-corruption efforts precisely the customs and tax sectors .

Cabinet sacks customs, tax chiefs
21:20, 24.04.20 5295
Their deputies were also laid off.
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unian--2020-04-24--Rada launches reform of river transportation: details of bill passed at first reading

Bill No .
1182-1-d `` On Inland Water Transport '' provides for the realization of Ukraine 's potential as a river state , liberalization and deregulation of river transportation , as well as significant savings on repairs of roads being destroyed by heavy trucks .
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine , the country 's parliament , has adopted at first reading Bill No .
1182-1-d `` On Inland Water Transport '' , which gives a start to the reform of river transportation in Ukraine .
The bill aims to transform the Dnipro River into a powerful water artery , introducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 243 MPs supported the move .
`` We are adopting this bill to increase annual volume of cargo transportation along Ukrainian rivers to 30 million tonnes !
This will greatly relieve Ukraine 's roads and railways because two river barges carrying cargoes equal nearly 250 truckloads !
River vessels are the most environmentally friendly , cheap and efficient form of transport that could n't be developed due to the lack of a relevant law .
That is why the draft law on the reform of inland water transportation was once identified by President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With the new law , we are launching a competitive river transportation market , allowing foreign companies into the Ukrainian market .
Due to the lack of a market and legislative base over the past decades , we now have river locks in a really poor state , as well as a lack of river infrastructure .
This situation , of course , had an extremely negative impact on the Ukrainian shipbuilding industry and the ship repair industry , where tens of thousands of jobs were out of demand .
With the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a market for river freight transportation in Ukraine and launch Ukrainian shipbuilding , '' one of the bill 's co-authors , MP Artem Kovalev , who heads the Verkhovna Rada 's subcommittee on river transport , has told UNIAN .
`` River transportation is the cheapest and most environmentally friendly way of delivering cargo .
Therefore , restoring efficient inland waterways is one of the main priorities and key tasks set by President .
We are aware of proposals to this project put forward by businesses and will jointly revise it in preparation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely necessary , because without it there will be no reform of river transportation , '' Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Kryklii said , commenting on the bill 's approval at first reading .
He stressed that the adoption of the bill as a whole will make the Dnipro River a powerful transport artery and create efficient river logistics in Ukraine .
Reform of river transportation : what 's envisaged by the draft law If the bill passes its second reading , Ukraine 's river transportation market will be liberalized , including to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be introduced , as well as partial exemption from port charges .
Registration of vessels and qualification routine will be simplified and accelerated .
An important norm is the development of the E-40 waterway .
The plan sets to increase the annual volume of cargo transportation along the Dnipro by 7 million tonnes .
Also , the bill implements the rules of the six European directives and requirements of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement .
Among other things , in case the bill passed second reading , EU Member States will recognize Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The bill also encourages foreign investment in the domestic sector .
If approved , the law will create conditions for private investment in inland waterway port infrastructure facilities and mechanisms for stable financing of maintenance and capital costs for infrastructure development .
In addition , the bill stipulates the need to adopt the Strategy for the development of inland waterway transport in Ukraine .
How inland waterway infrastructure will be funded The draft law provides for setting up a State Fund for Inland Waterways Development and funding shipping river locks at the expense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is possible to use part of the port fees in case of insufficient financing of the Special Fund .
The text of the draft law eliminates the river levy , instead proposing an innovative approach to ensuring maintenance of overall dimensions of navigable channels .
The importance of adopting a bill for businesses and government The bill aims at restoring Ukraine 's transport potential , since by 1992 , over 60 million tonnes had been transported by rivers .
The bill will allow increasing annual cargo traffic to 30 million tonnes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ saving money on their repair .
In addition , the bill envisages the establishment of a State Fund for Inland Waterways Development to raise funds for the repair , maintenance , and protection of floodgates , because today the wear and tear on the major IW assets is over 75 % .
Also , the bill significantly stimulates shipbuilding in Ukraine , which is relevant in conditions where the average age of the vessels in the domestic river fleet is 30 years .

Bill No. 1182-1-d "On Inland Water Transport" provides for the realization of Ukraine's potential as a river state, liberalization and deregulation of river transportation, as well as significant savings on repairs of roads being destroyed by heavy trucks.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the country's parliament, has adopted at first reading Bill No. 1182-1-d "On Inland Water Transport", which gives a start to the reform of river transportation in Ukraine. The bill aims to transform the Dnipro River into a powerful water artery, introducing efficient river logistics. A total of 243 MPs supported the move.
"We are adopting this bill to increase annual volume of cargo transportation along Ukrainian rivers to 30 million tonnes! This will greatly relieve Ukraine's roads and railways because two river barges carrying cargoes equal nearly 250 truckloads! River vessels are the most environmentally friendly, cheap and efficient form of transport that couldn't be developed due to the lack of a relevant law. That is why the draft law on the reform of inland water transportation was once identified by President Zelensky as one of the priority ones. With the new law, we are launching a competitive river transportation market, allowing foreign companies into the Ukrainian market. Due to the lack of a market and legislative base over the past decades, we now have river locks in a really poor state, as well as a lack of river infrastructure. This situation, of course, had an extremely negative impact on the Ukrainian shipbuilding industry and the ship repair industry, where tens of thousands of jobs were out of demand. With the help of our bill, we create a market for river freight transportation in Ukraine and launch Ukrainian shipbuilding," one of the bill's co-authors, MP Artem Kovalev, who heads the Verkhovna Rada's subcommittee on river transport, has told UNIAN.
"River transportation is the cheapest and most environmentally friendly way of delivering cargo. Therefore, restoring efficient inland waterways is one of the main priorities and key tasks set by President. We are aware of proposals to this project put forward by businesses and will jointly revise it in preparation for second reading. This law is absolutely necessary, because without it there will be no reform of river transportation," Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Kryklii said, commenting on the bill's approval at first reading.
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Read alsoUkraine's rich wetlands reviving – media
He stressed that the adoption of the bill as a whole will make the Dnipro River a powerful transport artery and create efficient river logistics in Ukraine.
Reform of river transportation: what's envisaged by the draft law
If the bill passes its second reading, Ukraine's river transportation market will be liberalized, including to allow foreign-flagged vessels. Free river lock passage will be introduced, as well as partial exemption from port charges. Registration of vessels and qualification routine will be simplified and accelerated.
An important norm is the development of the E-40 waterway. The plan sets to increase the annual volume of cargo transportation along the Dnipro by 7 million tonnes.
Also, the bill implements the rules of the six European directives and requirements of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement. Among other things, in case the bill passed second reading, EU Member States will recognize Ukrainian vessels and IDs of Ukrainian crews.
The bill also encourages foreign investment in the domestic sector. If approved, the law will create conditions for private investment in inland waterway port infrastructure facilities and mechanisms for stable financing of maintenance and capital costs for infrastructure development. In addition, the bill stipulates the need to adopt the Strategy for the development of inland waterway transport in Ukraine.
How inland waterway infrastructure will be funded
The draft law provides for setting up a State Fund for Inland Waterways Development and funding shipping river locks at the expense of electricity producers. In addition, it is possible to use part of the port fees in case of insufficient financing of the Special Fund. The text of the draft law eliminates the river levy, instead proposing an innovative approach to ensuring maintenance of overall dimensions of navigable channels.
The importance of adopting a bill for businesses and government
The bill aims at restoring Ukraine's transport potential, since by 1992, over 60 million tonnes had been transported by rivers. The bill will allow increasing annual cargo traffic to 30 million tonnes. This will largely unload roads and allow saving money on their repair. In addition, the bill envisages the establishment of a State Fund for Inland Waterways Development to raise funds for the repair, maintenance, and protection of floodgates, because today the wear and tear on the major IW assets is over 75%. Also, the bill significantly stimulates shipbuilding in Ukraine, which is relevant in conditions where the average age of the vessels in the domestic river fleet is 30 years.


unian--2020-04-24--Ukraine receives first batch of own-made 200,000 PCR COVID-19 tests

Another 400,000 are expected to be delivered before the end of next week .
Ukraine has launched mass production of PCR tests to detect COVID-19 , while the first batch of 200,000 pieces will be sent across the regions over the weekend .
That 's according to the President 's Office referring to Secretary of the Coordinating Council for Countering the Spread of COVID-19 Kyrylo Tymoshenko .
`` As we promised a few weeks ago , production of PCR tests began in Ukraine .
Today we received the first batch – it 's 200,000 pieces .
Over the weekend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the regions to conduct PCR testing , '' Tymoshenko said .
According to the secretary of the Coordinating Council , another 400,000 such tests are expected to be delivered next week .
Also , Tymoshenko said that recently a large shipment of personal protective equipment arrived in Ukraine from China : more than 360,000 respirators , over 100,000 hazmat gowns , and 800,000 reagents for PCR tests .
This aid is intended for doctors , law enforcement , and the military .
The supplies will cover the next three to four weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is ongoing , so this weekend we will get another batch , '' the official added .

Another 400,000 are expected to be delivered before the end of next week.
Ukraine has launched mass production of PCR tests to detect COVID-19, while the first batch of 200,000 pieces will be sent across the regions over the weekend.
That's according to the President's Office referring to Secretary of the Coordinating Council for Countering the Spread of COVID-19 Kyrylo Tymoshenko.
"As we promised a few weeks ago, production of PCR tests began in Ukraine. Today we received the first batch – it's 200,000 pieces. Over the weekend, they will be distributed among special labs across the regions to conduct PCR testing," Tymoshenko said.
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Read alsoUkraine's Health Ministry names key criterion for gradual quarantine exit
According to the secretary of the Coordinating Council, another 400,000 such tests are expected to be delivered next week.
Also, Tymoshenko said that recently a large shipment of personal protective equipment arrived in Ukraine from China: more than 360,000 respirators, over 100,000 hazmat gowns, and 800,000 reagents for PCR tests. This aid is intended for doctors, law enforcement, and the military.
The supplies will cover the next three to four weeks, Tymoshenko said.
"But procurement is ongoing, so this weekend we will get another batch," the official added.


unian--2020-04-24--Ukraine's leading party chief harshly responds to Georgian PM's statement over Saakashvili

`` No country in the world will tell us whom to appoint , '' MP said .
Chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary monomajority faction David Arakhamia has responded to the Georgian prime minister 's statements on the possible recall of ambassador from Ukraine if Mikheil Saakashvili was appointed vice PM for reform .
In the comment to Obozrevatel , the MP noted that in the case of such developments would be facing greater problems than Ukraine .
Also , he noted that he considers Saakashvili a `` good person and candidate '' for a position in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nervous ? ''
Arakhamia said .
Noting that Saakashvili was being nominated to a post that ca n't be considered a top one , he asked `` Why resort to such a political aggression ? ''
adding that the move of a `` much smaller '' country has left him surprised .
`` If diplomatic problems arise , they will be greater for Georgia .
It 's not the United States , which said : 'You will have diplomatic problems . '
This is Georgia .
We must not forget about this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Georgian origin , said , adding that he understands perfectly how the incumbent government in Georgia perceives Saakashvili .
`` This is just an attempt to exert pressure .
We have a sovereign state , and no country in the world will tell us whom we need to appoint to the post of vice PM and whom we do n't .
This is absolutely wrong rhetoric .
We will definitely find common language with the Georgians , we are fraternal peoples , we get along very well .
This is a hospitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Summing up , he added that before quarantine , Ukraine ranked second in terms of tourist inflow to Georgia .
Therefore , the politician believes , Tbilisi would n't want to lose this segment .
As reported earlier , Georgian Prime Minister Georgy Gakharia told reporters that his country 's ambassador could be recalled from Ukraine if Saakashvili was appointed vice prime minister for reform .

"No country in the world will tell us whom to appoint," MP said.
Chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary monomajority faction David Arakhamia has responded to the Georgian prime minister's statements on the possible recall of ambassador from Ukraine if Mikheil Saakashvili was appointed vice PM for reform.
In the comment to Obozrevatel, the MP noted that in the case of such developments would be facing greater problems than Ukraine. Also, he noted that he considers Saakashvili a "good person and candidate" for a position in the Cabinet.
"Why is Georgia so nervous?" Arakhamia said.
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Noting that Saakashvili was being nominated to a post that can't be considered a top one, he asked "Why resort to such a political aggression?" adding that the move of a "much smaller" country has left him surprised.
"If diplomatic problems arise, they will be greater for Georgia. It's not the United States, which said: 'You will have diplomatic problems.' This is Georgia. We must not forget about this," the parliamentarian, who is also of Georgian origin, said, adding that he understands perfectly how the incumbent government in Georgia perceives Saakashvili.
Read alsoGeorgia's Foreign Ministry recalling ambassador from Ukraine
"This is just an attempt to exert pressure. We have a sovereign state, and no country in the world will tell us whom we need to appoint to the post of vice PM and whom we don't. This is absolutely wrong rhetoric. We will definitely find common language with the Georgians, we are fraternal peoples, we get along very well. This is a hospitable country," Arakhamia is convinced.
Summing up, he added that before quarantine, Ukraine ranked second in terms of tourist inflow to Georgia. Therefore, the politician believes, Tbilisi wouldn't want to lose this segment.
As reported earlier, Georgian Prime Minister Georgy Gakharia told reporters that his country's ambassador could be recalled from Ukraine if Saakashvili was appointed vice prime minister for reform.


unian--2020-04-24--Language ombudsperson resigns over "lack of funding"

The relevant Secretariat was never established , she adds .
Commissioner for the Protection of the Ukrainian Language , Tetiana Monakhova , is stepping down .
She delivered the news via Facebook , noting that her time in office of language ombudsperson was a `` bright , useful , and unforgettable period in life '' .
`` My family is happy : I 'm finally returning to a normal life , creative plans , and people I love , '' Monakhova wrote .
Read alsoMFA Ukraine launches `` mega campaign '' to fill Wikipedia with unbiased info on Ukraine In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the official said that the Ombudsperson 's Secretariat had never been created during her tenure , while she even had to cover own expenses related to her professional duties .
`` For almost half a year , I spent my own money on trips from Mykolaiv to Kyiv and paying my rent .
Without a Secretariat , it 's impossible to get that funding , '' she explained , adding that she would take subway to move around Kyiv and that she was never properly accommodated in Kyiv .
`` So , during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the family budget on my work .
I believe that from now on I have every right to celebrate Volunteer Day , '' Monakhova said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on November 27 , 2019 , the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine appointed Tetiana Monakhova Commissioner for the protection of the state language .

The relevant Secretariat was never established, she adds.
Commissioner for the Protection of the Ukrainian Language, Tetiana Monakhova, is stepping down.
She delivered the news via Facebook, noting that her time in office of language ombudsperson was a "bright, useful, and unforgettable period in life".
"My family is happy: I'm finally returning to a normal life, creative plans, and people I love," Monakhova wrote.
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Read alsoMFA Ukraine launches "mega campaign" to fill Wikipedia with unbiased info on Ukraine
In an interview with the Opinion outlet, the official said that the Ombudsperson's Secretariat had never been created during her tenure, while she even had to cover own expenses related to her professional duties.
"For almost half a year, I spent my own money on trips from Mykolaiv to Kyiv and paying my rent. Without a Secretariat, it's impossible to get that funding," she explained, adding that she would take subway to move around Kyiv and that she was never properly accommodated in Kyiv.
"So, during this period I spent about UAH 30,000 from the family budget on my work. I believe that from now on I have every right to celebrate Volunteer Day," Monakhova said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on November 27, 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine appointed Tetiana Monakhova Commissioner for the protection of the state language.


unian--2020-04-24--Reuters: Ukraine's debt repayments on track despite coronavirus, finance minister says

Ukraine faces its first large repayment this year in late May : a $ 1 billion eurobond that had been issued with United States government guarantees .
Ukraine will pay its external debts on time in 2020 despite a looming recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic , the new finance minister told Reuters on Friday .
Serhiy Marchenko said the government had no plans to tap capital markets again this year but was relying on aid from the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) and other overseas institutions to meet its obligations , Reuters said .
Lockdowns on businesses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause Ukraine 's economy to contract by 5 % this year , the first such drop since 2015 and a big shift from earlier official estimates of around 3.5 % to 3.7 % growth .
Read alsoZelensky : IMF support for Ukraine like blood for human body now President Volodymyr Zelensky 's government is trying to secure a new $ 8 billion IMF loan package , contingent on parliament passing a banking bill .
Some lawmakers , hostile to the IMF deal , have called on the government to default instead .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus , we plan to meet our debt obligations , '' Marchenko , who was appointed last month , said in written comments .
`` Ukraine meets its financial obligations on time and in full , and we see no reasons to deviate from this approach in the future , '' said Marchenko .
According to the 2020 budget , Ukraine plans to borrow more than $ 9 billion from external sources while servicing external debt of about $ 6.2 billion .
`` There is an agreement with the IMF that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go to the budget , not to the central bank reserves as it happened previously , '' said Marchenko .
Ukraine hopes the state budget will get at least $ 3.5 billion from the IMF , $ 1 billion from the World Bank and 1.7 billion euros from the European Commission .
The latter includes 500 million euros under an existing program and 1.2 billion from a new package .
`` We are finalizing negotiations on obtaining a DPL ( Development Policy Loan ) from the World Bank , and we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our partners , '' Marchenko said , without saying who the other partners were .
He said the government was not going to tap capital markets this year after it sold a eurobond worth 1.25 billion euros in January , which is approximately enough to cover external commercial debt payments .
`` Given that the rest of external sovereign debt obligations should be paid to official lenders , we plan to implement our borrowing plan by receiving financing from our international partners , '' the minister said .
Ukraine faces its first large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 1 billion eurobond that had been issued with United States government guarantees .

Ukraine faces its first large repayment this year in late May: a $1 billion eurobond that had been issued with United States government guarantees.
Ukraine will pay its external debts on time in 2020 despite a looming recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the new finance minister told Reuters on Friday.
Serhiy Marchenko said the government had no plans to tap capital markets again this year but was relying on aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other overseas institutions to meet its obligations, Reuters said.
Lockdowns on businesses and restrictions on the movement of people will cause Ukraine's economy to contract by 5% this year, the first such drop since 2015 and a big shift from earlier official estimates of around 3.5% to 3.7% growth.
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Read alsoZelensky: IMF support for Ukraine like blood for human body now
President Volodymyr Zelensky's government is trying to secure a new $8 billion IMF loan package, contingent on parliament passing a banking bill. Some lawmakers, hostile to the IMF deal, have called on the government to default instead.
"Despite the crisis due to the spread of coronavirus, we plan to meet our debt obligations," Marchenko, who was appointed last month, said in written comments.
"Ukraine meets its financial obligations on time and in full, and we see no reasons to deviate from this approach in the future," said Marchenko.
According to the 2020 budget, Ukraine plans to borrow more than $9 billion from external sources while servicing external debt of about $6.2 billion.
"There is an agreement with the IMF that this year the funds under the new program will go to the budget, not to the central bank reserves as it happened previously," said Marchenko.
Ukraine hopes the state budget will get at least $3.5 billion from the IMF, $1 billion from the World Bank and 1.7 billion euros from the European Commission. The latter includes 500 million euros under an existing program and 1.2 billion from a new package.
"We are finalizing negotiations on obtaining a DPL (Development Policy Loan) from the World Bank, and we are in intensive talks with many of other our partners," Marchenko said, without saying who the other partners were.
He said the government was not going to tap capital markets this year after it sold a eurobond worth 1.25 billion euros in January, which is approximately enough to cover external commercial debt payments.
"Given that the rest of external sovereign debt obligations should be paid to official lenders, we plan to implement our borrowing plan by receiving financing from our international partners," the minister said.
Ukraine faces its first large repayment this year in late May: a $1 billion eurobond that had been issued with United States government guarantees.


unian--2020-04-24--Akhmetov's fortune tumbles by 80% over past seven years – Bloomberg

This is one of the largest declines tracked by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index .
A slump in demand for commodities @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine 's richest man Rinat Akhmetov , as his fortune , once worth US @ @ @ @ @ 80 % over the past seven years .
Read alsoForbes ' billionaires ranking includes six @ @ @ @ @ more than 600 positions '' Still , Akhmetov is a survivor .
The 53-year-old forged @ @ @ @ @ of the post-Soviet era , escaped prosecution and saved his empire from more than a @ @ @ @ @ including Russia 's annexation of Crimea and a military conflict with Kremlin-backed separatists that battered @ @ @ @ @ reported on April 21 .
His fortune , once worth US $ 22.4 billion , @ @ @ @ @ past seven years , one of the largest declines tracked by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index @ @ @ @ @ 's latest challenge is to keep his businesses afloat as the coronavirus pandemic crushes industrial @ @ @ @ @ said .

This is one of the largest declines tracked by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
A slump in demand for commodities has taken a bite out of Ukraine's richest man Rinat Akhmetov, as his fortune, once worth US$22.4 billion, tumbled 80% over the past seven years.
Read alsoForbes' billionaires ranking includes six Ukrainians, Akhmetov slides by more than 600 positions
"Still, Akhmetov is a survivor. The 53-year-old forged a conglomerate from the ruins of the post-Soviet era, escaped prosecution and saved his empire from more than a decade of political turmoil, including Russia's annexation of Crimea and a military conflict with Kremlin-backed separatists that battered his business," Bloomberg reported on April 21.
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His fortune, once worth US$22.4 billion, tumbled 80% over the past seven years, one of the largest declines tracked by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
"The Ukrainian tycoon's latest challenge is to keep his businesses afloat as the coronavirus pandemic crushes industrial commodity prices," Bloomberg said.


unian--2020-04-24--National Bank lowers forecast for Ukraine's international reserves for 2020-2022

The international reserves may total US $ 28.6 billion in 2021 against US $ 31.6 billion projected earlier .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has lowered its forecast for the country 's international reserves in 2020 from US $ 29.3 billion to US $ 27.2 billion , which nevertheless exceeds US $ 25.3 billion in international reserves posted as of the end of 2019 .
In particular , Ukraine 's international reserves will total US $ 28.6 billion in 2021 ( against US $ 31.6 billion projected earlier ) and US $ 28 billion in 2022 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the regulator 's estimates .
As for the consolidated balance of payments , the National Bank revised downward its forecast for 2020 from a US $ 3.2 billion surplus to a US $ 1.1 billion deficit .
The outlook for 2021 is more favorable : US $ 0.6 billion in surplus ( against US $ 1.6 billion projected earlier ) and US $ 1.3 billion in 2022 ( against US $ 0.4 billion ) .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the National Bank said the country 's economy might shrink by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions to overcome the coronavirus pandemic and the global crisis , but it might resume growth in the following years .
The central bank continued easing its monetary policy , cutting the key rate by 2 percentage points ( pp ) to a five-year low of 8 % per annum .
The regulator reduced the key rate for the seventh time in a row .
The NBU also plans to accelerate the key rate lowering to 7 % at the end of 2020 .
After its gradual decline this year , the rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 and 2022 .

National Bank lowers forecast for Ukraine's international reserves for 2020-2022
16:30, 24.04.20 1085
The international reserves may total US$28.6 billion in 2021 against US$31.6 billion projected earlier.
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unian--2020-04-24--Ukraine's Rada votes down resolutions blocking bill that changes parliamentary rules

Now the bill can be signed by the parliament 's speaker and submitted to the president for signature .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , has voted down all draft resolutions blocking a bill that changes the parliamentary rules regarding consideration of draft laws submitted with a large number of amendments .
All four draft resolutions ( No .
1043-P , No .
1043-P1 , No .
1043-P2 , No .
1043-P3 ) were rejected , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Draft resolution No .
1043-P1 scored the highest number of votes – only 61 .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote-delaying tactic of tabling excessive amendments to bills Now the bill can be signed by the parliament 's speaker and submitted to the president for signature .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Verkhovna Rada passed a bill amending the parliamentary rules regarding counteracting the abuse of lawmakers ' rights in the legislative procedure ( No .
1043 ) , which introduces a special procedure for considering bills that have a large number of amendments .
Later , co-chair of the Za Maibutnie ( For the Future ) parliamentary faction Taras Batenko and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a draft resolution in parliament to cancel the adoption of the bill ( No .
1043-P ) .
In addition , another three draft resolutions No .
1043-P1 , No .
1043-P2 , and No .
1043-P3 with a similar request were registered by MP from the Servant of the People faction Oleksandr Dubinsky , independent MP Anton Polyakov , and MP from the Servant of the People faction Olha Vasylevska Smahliuk .

Now the bill can be signed by the parliament's speaker and submitted to the president for signature.
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has voted down all draft resolutions blocking a bill that changes the parliamentary rules regarding consideration of draft laws submitted with a large number of amendments.
All four draft resolutions (No. 1043-P, No. 1043-P1, No. 1043-P2, No. 1043-P3) were rejected, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Draft resolution No. 1043-P1 scored the highest number of votes – only 61.
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Read alsoParliament speaker comments on plan to beat vote-delaying tactic of tabling excessive amendments to bills
Now the bill can be signed by the parliament's speaker and submitted to the president for signature.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada passed a bill amending the parliamentary rules regarding counteracting the abuse of lawmakers' rights in the legislative procedure (No. 1043), which introduces a special procedure for considering bills that have a large number of amendments.
Later, co-chair of the Za Maibutnie (For the Future) parliamentary faction Taras Batenko and MP from this faction Iryna Konstankevych tabled a draft resolution in parliament to cancel the adoption of the bill (No. 1043-P).
In addition, another three draft resolutions No. 1043-P1, No. 1043-P2, and No. 1043-P3 with a similar request were registered by MP from the Servant of the People faction Oleksandr Dubinsky, independent MP Anton Polyakov, and MP from the Servant of the People faction Olha Vasylevska-Smahliuk.


unian--2020-04-24--Ex-head of Ukraine's antitrust agency may get post in Finance Ministry

From 2010 to 2014 , Tsushko headed the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine during the Yanukovych presidency .
Former Head of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine Vasyl Tsushko may get a post in the Finance Ministry , as evidenced by his assets declaration for the past year .
The document posted on the official website of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention ( NACP ) indicates the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine as Tsushko 's place of work ( place of future work ) , and the position held or the position he is applying for is `` deputy minister .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM for reform – media Tsushko also indicated a salary of UAH 8,178 ( US $ 303 ) for the last year , as well as Ukrainian Raw Materials LTD as the place of his recent work .
UNIAN memo .
Vasyl Tsushko was elected Ukrainian lawmaker four times , namely in 1994 , 1998 , 2002 , and 2006 .
In 2005-2006 , he was Chairman of Odesa Regional State Administration .
In 2006-2007 , he headed the Ukrainian Interior Ministry , after which , from March to December 2010 , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mykola Azarov 's government .
From 2010 to 2014 , he headed the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine during Viktor Yanukovych 's presidency .

From 2010 to 2014, Tsushko headed the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine during the Yanukovych presidency.
Former Head of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine Vasyl Tsushko may get a post in the Finance Ministry, as evidenced by his assets declaration for the past year.
The document posted on the official website of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) indicates the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine as Tsushko's place of work (place of future work), and the position held or the position he is applying for is "deputy minister."
Read alsoSaakashvili may be appointed deputy PM for reform – media
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Tsushko also indicated a salary of UAH 8,178 (US$303) for the last year, as well as Ukrainian Raw Materials LTD as the place of his recent work.
UNIAN memo. Vasyl Tsushko was elected Ukrainian lawmaker four times, namely in 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006.
In 2005-2006, he was Chairman of Odesa Regional State Administration.
In 2006-2007, he headed the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, after which, from March to December 2010, he held the post of Economy Minister in Mykola Azarov's government.
From 2010 to 2014, he headed the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine during Viktor Yanukovych's presidency.


unian--2020-04-24--NBU forecasts 5% decline in Ukraine's economy in 2020 over coronavirus

The adverse impact of the pandemic on the Ukrainian economy is expected to be relatively short-term , but strong .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) says the country 's economy will shrink by 5 % in 2020 over the quarantine restrictions to overcome the coronavirus pandemic and the global crisis , but it will resume growth in the following years .
`` The economy of Ukraine will contract by 5.0 % in 2020 in the wake of the quarantine imposed to overcome the pandemic and due to the global crisis .
However , it will resume growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , '' the NBU said on its website on April 23 .
Read alsoUkraine 's Economy Ministry predicts GDP to drop by 4.2 % in 2020 '' The quarantine has already affected business activity , consumption , and employment .
A decrease in global demand has also limited export opportunities for Ukraine .
According to NBU estimates , the effect of these factors will be the most pronounced in Q2 2020 , '' the report said .
The adverse impact of the pandemic on the Ukrainian economy is expected to be relatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gradual lifting of quarantine restrictions will allow the economy to recover in H2 2020 .
Loose fiscal and monetary policies will contribute to the economic recovery .
An increase in budgetary spending by the government to overcome the crisis , along with the NBU 's actions to support the banking system , will mitigate the negative impact the pandemic has on the economy , '' the regulator added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the growth of Ukraine 's real GDP in the fourth quarter ( Q4 ) of 2019 was 1.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down from 4.1 % in Q3 2019 y-o-y .
The country 's GDP in January-February 2020 dropped by 0.2 % , according to Ukraine 's Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture .
The ministry expects that coronavirus and quarantine measures will lead to serious consequences for the country 's economy , especially in the first half of the year .
The Cabinet of Ministers in late March revised downward the forecast for inflation , wages , and the GDP in the previously published macroeconomic forecast for 2020 .
In particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inflation rate will grow from 8.7 % to 11.6 % , while Ukraine 's GDP in annual terms will fall by 4.8 % from 3.9 % projected earlier .
Ukraine 's key lender , the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) , forecasts that Ukraine 's economy may decline by 7.7 % in 2020 .
The World Bank worsened the forecast for the Ukrainian economy , expecting it to fall by 3.5 % in 2020 .

NBU forecasts 5% decline in Ukraine's economy in 2020 over coronavirus
15:57, 24.04.20 731
The adverse impact of the pandemic on the Ukrainian economy is expected to be relatively short-term, but strong.
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unian--2020-04-24--Ukraine climbs to 12th place in WSA ranking despite cut in steel output in March

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Ukraine climbs to 12th place in WSA ranking despite cut in steel output in March
15:31, 24.04.20 988
All the 64 countries in the ranking reduced steel production by 6% y-o-y, to 147.05 million tonnes.
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unian--2020-04-25--Ukrainian restaurateurs appeal to gov't to allow opening summer terraces amid quarantine

It 's a chance for the industry to survive , they stress .
Ukrainian restaurant owners have appealed to authorities to allow opening up summer areas during the quarantine period .
An acclaimed Odesa-based restaurateur Savva Libkin and co-owner of the Tarantino Family network Dmytro Fedotenkov have posted the relevant appeals on social networks .
According to Libkin , some 840,000 people are employed in the Ukrainian restaurant business .
It 's 1.5 million , including related areas .
Letting restaurants survive and preserving jobs is possible if authorities permit reopening summer terraces .
Moreover , patrons will be safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus spread : - limiting the number of guests so that the distance between the tables is no less than 1.5 meters ; - mandating reservations in order to strictly limit the number of patrons ; - ensuring that waiters wear face masks and gloves , changing them every 30 minutes ; - checking temperature of patrons and staff ; and '' If all rules are observed , visiting a restaurant 's summer terrace will be much safer than going to the supermarket , where dozens , and sometimes hundreds , of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile phones or around ready-to-eat product shelves in ordinary grocery stores , '' said Libkin .
`` I 'm one of the Ukrainian restaurateurs and I ask the authorities to consider this opportunity and give business a chance to survive , '' he added .
Co-owner of the Tarantino Family network , Dmytro Fedotenkov , is expecting the same step from the government .
`` My colleagues , restaurateurs , who provided thousands of jobs , wrote a public appeal to the Cabinet of Ministers [ on the opening of summer restaurant terraces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook page .
`` In large cities there are systemic restaurants with large and spacious summer areas that are in demand among people when the weather is warm .
A controlled territory where the administration is able to organize and ensure compliance with all restrictive standards – masks , entry control , disinfection , distance of 1.5 - 2 meters between tables , strict sanitation rules inside the facility , and fines for violations .
We emphasize – we 're only talking only about open summer areas , '' Fedotenkov wrote .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Cabinet of Ministers decided to extend the national quarantine until May 11 .
The government made this decision , relying on the forecast of Ukrainian scholars who expect two more waves of the epidemic : one late April and the other between May 3 and May 8 .
An increase in the infection rate is predicted due to quarantine violations by parishioners on Easter holidays .

Ukrainian restaurateurs appeal to gov't to allow opening summer terraces amid quarantine
15:30, 25.04.20 5588
It's a chance for the industry to survive, they stress.
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unian--2020-04-25--Ukraine testing Vilkha-M MLR systems

Ukraine testing Vilkha-M MLR systems

The Vilkha-M project envisages manufacture of high-precision 300 mm rocket-propelled munitions with a maximum range of over 100 km .
@ @ @ @ @ report by the General Staff of Ukraine 's Armed Forces .
`` At the state @ @ @ @ @ , in preparation for the government tests , flight tests of the Ukrainian Vilkha-M munitions @ @ @ @ @ report said .
The General Staff has noted that the Vilkha-M project envisages manufacture of @ @ @ @ @ with a maximum range of over 100 km .
In the said project , Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ a full circle of production .

The Vilkha-M project envisages manufacture of high-precision 300 mm rocket-propelled munitions with a maximum range of over 100 km.
Ukraine continues test launches of own-made Vilkha-M multiple rocket launcher systems.
That's according to a report by the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces.
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"At the state test site in Odesa region, in preparation for the government tests, flight tests of the Ukrainian Vilkha-M munitions are ongoing," the report said.
Read alsoUkraine Army receives final batch of upgraded T-72 tanks (Photo, Video)
The General Staff has noted that the Vilkha-M project envisages manufacture of high-precision 300 mm rocket-propelled munitions with a maximum range of over 100 km.
In the said project, Ukraine's defense industry boasts of a full circle of production.


unian--2020-04-25--Finance minister announces "reboot" of tax, customs services, notes loss of confidence in sacked lea

Replacements will be appointed in the coming days , minister says .
Minister of Finance of Ukraine Serhiy Marchenko has vowed a restart of the State Customs Service and the State Tax Service and the loss of confidence in their former heads , unanimously dismissed by Cabinet on Friday - Maksym Nefyodov and Serhiy Verlanov , respectively .
`` Personnel changes in the tax and customs agencies have long ripened .
I have repeatedly emphasized this .
There has long been a critical mass of unrealized hopes regarding customs and tax efforts .
Even in the pre-crisis period , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fulfill the tasks assigned .
In modern conditions , leaving them in their positions would pose a risk to ensuring financial security .
They lost people 's confidence and had to go , '' the press service of the finance minister quoted Marchenko as saying during the Cabinet meeting on Friday .
Head of one of the customs service departments Ihor Muratov has been appointed acting chief of the agency , while deputy chairman of the State Tax Service Mykhailo Titarchuk will be acting head of the service .
Replacements at top posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , minister says .
“ At the same time , we are preparing institutional changes in both departments .
We are forming new management teams .
We are defining internal structures and theri functions .
It is about restarting both services .
Transparency is the best argument against corruption and shadow schemes , '' Marchenko added .
As UNIAN reported , the Cabinet at an extraordinary meeting April 24 dismissed head of the State Customs Service Maksym Nefyodov and the head of the State Tax Service Serhiy Verlanov .
In addition , Nefyodov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Petukhov , and Denys Shendryk were laid off , as well as Verlanov 's deputy Dmytro Ventskovsky .
The work of the two agencies had been criticized recently due to the failure to meet the revenue targets of the state budget .
On Friday , the Verkhovna Rada set up a Provisional Investigation Commission to probe possible corruption among government officials , which led to significant losses in budget revenues .

Finance minister announces "reboot" of tax, customs services, notes loss of confidence in sacked leaders
13:30, 25.04.20 7057
Replacements will be appointed in the coming days, minister says.
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unian--2020-04-25--Ukraine revises downward this year's grain crop forecast

The economy ministry says this is due to low precipitation and economic factors .
The Ministry for Development of Economy @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine has worsened its forecast for the country 's grain and leguminous crops in @ @ @ @ @ to 60 million tonnes .
The revision is due to low precipitation and economic factors @ @ @ @ @ , the report says .
At the same time , the projected area of the @ @ @ @ @ year stands at 15.26 million hectares , which is 0.3 million ha more than in @ @ @ @ @ Weather unfavorable for Ukrainian crops in first half of April – analysts The share of @ @ @ @ @ structure of the spring crop group is predicted to increase , while barley , soy @ @ @ @ @ slide .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian farmers in 2019 harvested record-high crops of @ @ @ @ @ million tonnes .
As for oilseeds , the sunflower crop in 2019 reached 14.6 million @ @ @ @ @ stood at 3.3 million tonnes .

Ukraine revises downward this year's grain crop forecast
12:40, 25.04.20 6708
The economy ministry says this is due to low precipitation and economic factors.
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unian--2020-04-25--Donbas invaders violate truce 10 times in past day

Two Ukrainian soldiers were injured in enemy shelling .
Russian occupation forces over the past 24 hours violated their ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ fire at the positions of Ukraine 's Joint Forces .
On April 24 , the @ @ @ @ @ mortars , proscribed by the Minsk agreements , as well as grenade launchers of various @ @ @ @ @ , and small arms , says the morning summary drawn by the Joint Forces Command @ @ @ @ @ enemy shelling , two Ukrainian soldiers sustained injuries .
Read alsoZelensky positive to put end @ @ @ @ @ his cadence At the same time , Joint Forces held their ground and acted resolutely @ @ @ @ @ to enemy attacks .
They returned fire to convey to Russian invaders the need to @ @ @ @ @ to preliminary intelligence reports , on April 24 , Ukrainian troops injured at least one @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , Russian occupation forces fired at Ukrainian defenders three times , bringing no casualties @ @ @ @ @ infection were reported among Ukrainian troops , the report notes .

Two Ukrainian soldiers were injured in enemy shelling.
Russian occupation forces over the past 24 hours violated their ceasefire obligations and 10 times opened fire at the positions of Ukraine's Joint Forces.
On April 24, the enemy employed 120mm and 82mm mortars, proscribed by the Minsk agreements, as well as grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms, says the morning summary drawn by the Joint Forces Command.
As a result of enemy shelling, two Ukrainian soldiers sustained injuries.
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Read alsoZelensky positive to put end to war in Donbas within his cadence
At the same time, Joint Forces held their ground and acted resolutely to deliver a worthy rebuff to enemy attacks. They returned fire to convey to Russian invaders the need to observe the truce.
According to preliminary intelligence reports, on April 24, Ukrainian troops injured at least one invader. From day-start on Saturday, Russian occupation forces fired at Ukrainian defenders three times, bringing no casualties.
No cases of coronavirus infection were reported among Ukrainian troops, the report notes.


unian--2020-04-25--COVID-19 update for Ukraine: over 8,000 confirmed cases in total

In the past day , the country reported 478 new cases , including six fatalities and a record 181 recoveries .
The number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in Ukraine has reached 8,125 , says the updated report by the Public Health Center as of 9:30 Kyiv time on April 25 .
In the past day , the country reported 478 new cases , including six fatalities and a record 181 recoveries .
The total number of lethal cases stands at 201 , while 782 patients have recovered .
As of now the coronavirus has been recorded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 377 cases ) ; Volyn region ( 212 ) ; Dnipropetrovsk region ( 240 ) ; Donetsk region ( 27 ) ; Zhytomyr region ( 337 ) ; Zakarpattia region ( 286 ) ; Zaporizhia region ( 171 ) ; Ivano-Frankivsk region ( 700 ) ; Kirovohrad region ( 306 ) ; the city of Kyiv ( 1,159 ) ; Kyiv region ( 519 ) ; Lviv region ( 317 ) ; Luhansk region ( 28 ) ; Mykolaiv region ( 103 ) ; Odesa region ( 183 ) ; Poltava region ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ; Sumy region ( 94 ) ; Ternopil region ( 565 ) ; Kharkiv region ( 125 ) ; Kherson region ( 79 ) ; Khmelnytsky region ( 66 ) ; Chernivtsi region ( 1,308 ) ; Cherkasy region ( 249 ) ; and Chernihiv region ( 22 ) .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
Tests were conducted with the use of polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and regional labs .
In total , there have been 23,969 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 7,647 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases , including 193 deaths and 601 recoveries , in Ukraine as of 09:30 Kyiv time on April 24 .

In the past day, the country reported 478 new cases, including six fatalities and a record 181 recoveries.
The number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Ukraine has reached 8,125, says the updated report by the Public Health Center as of 9:30 Kyiv time on April 25.
In the past day, the country reported 478 new cases, including six fatalities and a record 181 recoveries.
The total number of lethal cases stands at 201, while 782 patients have recovered.
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As of now the coronavirus has been recorded in the following regions: Vinnytsia region (377 cases); Volyn region (212); Dnipropetrovsk region (240); Donetsk region (27); Zhytomyr region (337); Zakarpattia region (286); Zaporizhia region (171); Ivano-Frankivsk region (700); Kirovohrad region (306); the city of Kyiv (1,159); Kyiv region (519); Lviv region (317); Luhansk region (28); Mykolaiv region (103); Odesa region (183); Poltava region (169); Rivne region (483); Sumy region (94); Ternopil region (565); Kharkiv region (125); Kherson region (79); Khmelnytsky region (66); Chernivtsi region (1,308); Cherkasy region (249); and Chernihiv region (22).
Read alsoFive stages: Cabinet publishes road map of quarantine easing
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
Tests were conducted with the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional labs.
In total, there have been 23,969 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 7,647 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 193 deaths and 601 recoveries, in Ukraine as of 09:30 Kyiv time on April 24.


unian--2020-04-25--Kyiv police expose scheme of infant trafficking under guise of surrogacy

Top managers of one of the local reproductive clinics are allegedly involved , law enforcers claim .
Kyiv police and prosecutors as a result of an extensive undercover investigation documented the criminal group , who have been profiting from trafficking infants abroad under the pretext of a surrogate motherhood program .
Kyiv district prosecutor 's office No.6 says top managers of a local reproductive clinic are allegedly involved , having conspired with a group of persons who would seek women to lure into fictitious marriages with foreigners and participation in surrogacy programs .
For each trafficking case , masterminds received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which $ 15,000 went for artificial insemination fees , while services for setting up a fictitious marriage with foreign nationals cost up to $ 1,500 .
`` On April 24 , as part of a sting operation , 11 searches were carried out in the homes , offices , and cars of the suspects , as the clinic premises , where medical documents , passports of Ukrainian citizens and certified copies of foreign passports , letters of attorney , other paperwork and cash , laptops , mobile phones , draft records and flash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report said .
Locations were discovered where newborns had been held while the issue of their cross-border trafficking was being settled .
In a hostel-type apartment in the city 's Solomensky district , law enforcers found five infants aged two to six weeks , who had been supervised by three adults – two females and a male .
Juvenile prevention officers took the infants to Kyiv hospitals under medical custody .
Law enforcers are set to verify data on nearly 140 foreign nationals who could be involved in the trafficking scheme .

Top managers of one of the local reproductive clinics are allegedly involved, law enforcers claim.
Kyiv police and prosecutors as a result of an extensive undercover investigation documented the criminal group, who have been profiting from trafficking infants abroad under the pretext of a surrogate motherhood program.
Kyiv district prosecutor's office No.6 says top managers of a local reproductive clinic are allegedly involved, having conspired with a group of persons who would seek women to lure into fictitious marriages with foreigners and participation in surrogacy programs.
For each trafficking case, masterminds received from their clients $50,000, of which $15,000 went for artificial insemination fees, while services for setting up a fictitious marriage with foreign nationals cost up to $1,500.
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Read alsoUkraine police launching probe into alleged child abuse on movie set
"On April 24, as part of a sting operation, 11 searches were carried out in the homes, offices, and cars of the suspects, as the clinic premises, where medical documents, passports of Ukrainian citizens and certified copies of foreign passports, letters of attorney, other paperwork and cash, laptops, mobile phones, draft records and flash media, were seized," the report said.
Locations were discovered where newborns had been held while the issue of their cross-border trafficking was being settled.
In a hostel-type apartment in the city's Solomensky district, law enforcers found five infants aged two to six weeks, who had been supervised by three adults – two females and a male.
Juvenile prevention officers took the infants to Kyiv hospitals under medical custody.
Law enforcers are set to verify data on nearly 140 foreign nationals who could be involved in the trafficking scheme.


unian--2020-04-25--Kyiv subway to resume work no earlier than May 31

It will available to all passengers without restrictions around June 10 .
Kyiv subway within the framework of quarantine easing @ @ @ @ @ the Cabinet of Ministers , will resume operations closer to May 31 if everything goes @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv Metro operator reported via Telegram .
It is noted that the subway will not @ @ @ @ @ transportation of all categories of passengers .
At the third stage of the quarantine easing @ @ @ @ @ will allow residents access to the subway .
And only at the next , fourth @ @ @ @ @ reopen for all passengers .
So far , it is suggested that this will happen @ @ @ @ @ alsoBreaking bad : Chemistry professor arrested for setting up major amphetamine lab outside Kyiv As @ @ @ @ @ March 12 , Ukraine 's government introduced the national quarantine to counter the spread of @ @ @ @ @ March 19 , subway operations were suspended , while other public transport has been carrying @ @ @ @ @ The Cabinet on April 22 decided to extend quarantine restrictions until May 11 .

It will available to all passengers without restrictions around June 10.
Kyiv subway within the framework of quarantine easing action plan, developed by the Cabinet of Ministers, will resume operations closer to May 31 if everything goes according to plan, the Kyiv Metro operator reported via Telegram.
It is noted that the subway will not be able to immediately allow transportation of all categories of passengers. At the third stage of the quarantine easing process, only special permits will allow residents access to the subway.
And only at the next, fourth, stage will Kyiv Metro reopen for all passengers.
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So far, it is suggested that this will happen around June 10.
Read alsoBreaking bad: Chemistry professor arrested for setting up major amphetamine lab outside Kyiv
As UNIAN reported earlier, on March 12, Ukraine's government introduced the national quarantine to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus.
On March 19, subway operations were suspended, while other public transport has been carrying passengers with special passes.
The Cabinet on April 22 decided to extend quarantine restrictions until May 11.


unian--2020-04-25--Depleted oil well: Russia's drying up greatness

Every day , Russian officials of various ranks urge the world to think humanism and human rights and finally lift Russia sanctions .
Of course , they say , this must be done exclusively to help tackle coronavirus and , first of all , in the countries who are Russia 's BFFs : Syria , Venezuela , Iran , and North Korea .
In this context , Russians do n't directly mention themselves - the pride of the `` great power '' just wo n't let them do it .
But the logic is obvious : tread on sympathy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humanitarian limit of sanctions '' .
The main thing is to create a precedent .
It is no coincidence that Moscow branded as blasphemy , cynicism , and Russophobia Ukraine 's move to block the Russian draft resolution of the UN General Assembly on sanctions .
The Kremlin does n't intend to change its plans toward Ukraine because the occupation of Crimea and Donbas is one of the pillars of Putin 's regime .
However , against the backdrop of a disastrous collapse in oil prices , Russians , by all means , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their way to the western market of cheap lending .
In Ukraine , it is generally accepted that the young and inexperienced Zelensky found himself in a `` perfect storm '' : Russian bullets targeting Ukrainians , the economic crisis , and the pandemic .
However , Putin , albeit more experienced , has also fallen into a perfect storm of his own : the economic recession that has been looming over Russia for a few previous years coincided with quarantine-related losses , plus the oil price collapse .
It turned out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reset in Russia but also the infamous `` stability '' .
It turned out that , while rising from its knees , Russia has relied solely on its oil rigs .
The oil industry is , in fact , a state-forming sector in Russia .
It is no coincidence that the Russian Federation occupied Ukrainian territories in 2014 – back then , oil cost more than $ 100 per barrel .
From that moment , the hydrocarbon god turned his back on Putin as prices started sliding , remaining over the last five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per barrel .
The result was inevitable : since 2014 , real incomes of the Russian population have been falling .
But now came the real fiasco .
Oversupply of oil amid coronavirus lockdowns drove prices down , sometimes even to negative values .
Russian leaders , hiding out from the epidemic in their secret bunkers , have nothing left to do but to bite their nails from anxiety .
Who knows , maybe in a little while they 'll even have to smash Russia 's piggy bank – the National Welfare Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bank experts have calculated that this money will be gone in two years if Russian Urals oil costs no more than $ 15 per barrel , as it is now .
If the price of this brand is $ 30 per barrel , the agony can be extended for some six years .
In any case , Russia 's show-off moves in the international arena are directly dependent on hydrocarbon prices .
This means that there will be less will to bully Ukraine , although Russians will always find the money for war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecasts , preferring to water them down by saying , `` long-term planning is impossible now . ''
They are waiting for oil prices to rise .
But what if they do n't ?
...

Every day, Russian officials of various ranks urge the world to think humanism and human rights and finally lift Russia sanctions. Of course, they say, this must be done exclusively to help tackle coronavirus and, first of all, in the countries who are Russia's BFFs: Syria, Venezuela, Iran, and North Korea. In this context, Russians don't directly mention themselves - the pride of the "great power" just won't let them do it. But the logic is obvious: tread on sympathy and convince the West to accept the "humanitarian limit of sanctions". The main thing is to create a precedent. It is no coincidence that Moscow branded as blasphemy, cynicism, and Russophobia Ukraine's move to block the Russian draft resolution of the UN General Assembly on sanctions.
The Kremlin doesn't intend to change its plans toward Ukraine because the occupation of Crimea and Donbas is one of the pillars of Putin's regime
The Kremlin doesn't intend to change its plans toward Ukraine because the occupation of Crimea and Donbas is one of the pillars of Putin's regime. However, against the backdrop of a disastrous collapse in oil prices, Russians, by all means, need to have sanctions lifted and open their way to the western market of cheap lending.
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In Ukraine, it is generally accepted that the young and inexperienced Zelensky found himself in a "perfect storm": Russian bullets targeting Ukrainians, the economic crisis, and the pandemic. However, Putin, albeit more experienced, has also fallen into a perfect storm of his own: the economic recession that has been looming over Russia for a few previous years coincided with quarantine-related losses, plus the oil price collapse. It turned out that not only the presidential terms that were reset in Russia but also the infamous "stability". It turned out that, while rising from its knees, Russia has relied solely on its oil rigs. The oil industry is, in fact, a state-forming sector in Russia.
It is no coincidence that the Russian Federation occupied Ukrainian territories in 2014 – back then, oil cost more than $100 per barrel. From that moment, the hydrocarbon god turned his back on Putin as prices started sliding, remaining over the last five years within the corridor of $50-70 per barrel. The result was inevitable: since 2014, real incomes of the Russian population have been falling. But now came the real fiasco. Oversupply of oil amid coronavirus lockdowns drove prices down, sometimes even to negative values.
Russian leaders, hiding out from the epidemic in their secret bunkers, have nothing left to do but to bite their nails from anxiety. Who knows, maybe in a little while they'll even have to smash Russia's piggy bank – the National Welfare Fund worth nearly $120 billion. Deutsche Bank experts have calculated that this money will be gone in two years if Russian Urals oil costs no more than $15 per barrel, as it is now. If the price of this brand is $30 per barrel, the agony can be extended for some six years.
Russia's show-off moves in the international arena are directly dependent on hydrocarbon prices
In any case, Russia's show-off moves in the international arena are directly dependent on hydrocarbon prices. This means that there will be less will to bully Ukraine, although Russians will always find the money for war.
The Kremlin doesn't dispute such forecasts, preferring to water them down by saying, "long-term planning is impossible now." They are waiting for oil prices to rise.
But what if they don't?...
Roman Tsymbaliuk


unian--2020-04-25--"Political decision": Verlanov on own dismissal from top post in tax service

Verlanov has also filed a report with the Prosecutor General 's Office , accusing ex-finance minister of libel .
Serhiy Verlanov believes that his dismissal from the post of chairman of the State Tax Service , as well as the sacking of customs chief Maksym Nefyodov , was an unfounded , `` political decision '' .
`` I believe that this marks a change in the course .
This decision is political .
These decisions are unfounded in terms of effectiveness , '' Verlanov told a TV panel show Freedom of Speech with Savik Shuster on Friday , April 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still does n't know exactly who initiated his dismissal , adding that he was n't even invited to a relevant Cabinet meeting or consulted on the matter .
`` I have no information on who initiated the submission because we were not invited .
I think that we will dig up those papers and they will emerge in the press tomorrow or the day after tomorrow , '' Verlanov said .
The former head of tax claims that `` the course '' appeared to have changed immediately after President Volodymyr Zekensky 's meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also , he claims one of the reasons for his dismissal is success in meeting taxation targets for the first time in the past eight years , and that political opponents may not like the tax agency 's performance .
In addition , Verlanov said that on April 24 , he had filed with the Prosecutor General 's Office a report , asking prosecutors to launch a criminal probe into false accusations by ex-finance minister Ihor Umansky .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on April 24 , the government dismissed tax and customs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the move to sack Verlanov was another mistake by the authorities amid a continued cleansing of anti-corruption figures in government .
In turn , Verlanov said fiscal reform was in jeopardy since the government had n't been focused on Ukraine 's obligations to international partners .

"Political decision": Verlanov on own dismissal from top post in tax service
19:40, 25.04.20 357
Verlanov has also filed a report with the Prosecutor General's Office, accusing ex-finance minister of libel.
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unian--2020-04-25--Sunlight, heat weaken coronavirus, U.S. official says – media

The findings could bolster hopes that the coronavirus will mimic the behavior of other respiratory diseases like influenza , which typically are less contagious in warm weather .
The coronavirus appears to weaken more quickly when exposed to sunlight , heat , and humidity , a U.S. official said on Thursday in a potential sign that the pandemic could become less contagious in summer months .
U.S. government researchers have determined that the virus survives best indoors and in dry conditions , and loses potency when temperatures and humidity rise – and especially when it is exposed to sunlight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ’ s Science and Technology Directorate , National Post reports .
`` The virus dies quickest in the presence of direct sunlight , '' he told a White House news briefing .
The findings could bolster hopes that the coronavirus will mimic the behavior of other respiratory diseases like influenza , which typically are less contagious in warm weather .
But the coronavirus has also proven lethal in warm-weather places like Singapore , raising broader questions about the impact of environmental factors .
Read alsoWHO chief on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with us for a long time '' On nonporous surfaces like stainless steel , the new coronavirus takes 18 hours to lose half its strength in a dark , low-humidity environment , Bryan said .
In a high-humidity environment , that half-life dropped to six hours , and when the virus was exposed to high humidity and sunlight , the half-life dropped to two minutes , he said .
Researchers found a similar effect with the coronavirus that was suspended in the air – simulating the coughing or sneezing that often spreads the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus maintained half its strength for an hour .
But when exposed to sunlight , it lost half its strength in 90 seconds , Bryan said .
Researchers also found that isopropyl alcohol was a more effective disinfectant than bleach , he said .

The findings could bolster hopes that the coronavirus will mimic the behavior of other respiratory diseases like influenza, which typically are less contagious in warm weather.
The coronavirus appears to weaken more quickly when exposed to sunlight, heat, and humidity, a U.S. official said on Thursday in a potential sign that the pandemic could become less contagious in summer months.
U.S. government researchers have determined that the virus survives best indoors and in dry conditions, and loses potency when temperatures and humidity rise – and especially when it is exposed to sunlight, said William Bryan, acting head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, National Post reports.
"The virus dies quickest in the presence of direct sunlight," he told a White House news briefing.
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The findings could bolster hopes that the coronavirus will mimic the behavior of other respiratory diseases like influenza, which typically are less contagious in warm weather.
But the coronavirus has also proven lethal in warm-weather places like Singapore, raising broader questions about the impact of environmental factors.
Read alsoWHO chief on COVID-19: "This virus will be with us for a long time"
On nonporous surfaces like stainless steel, the new coronavirus takes 18 hours to lose half its strength in a dark, low-humidity environment, Bryan said.
In a high-humidity environment, that half-life dropped to six hours, and when the virus was exposed to high humidity and sunlight, the half-life dropped to two minutes, he said.
Researchers found a similar effect with the coronavirus that was suspended in the air – simulating the coughing or sneezing that often spreads the disease. In a dark room, the virus maintained half its strength for an hour. But when exposed to sunlight, it lost half its strength in 90 seconds, Bryan said.
Researchers also found that isopropyl alcohol was a more effective disinfectant than bleach, he said.


unian--2020-04-25--Week's balance: Cabinet extends quarantine, sacks customs and tax chiefs, while central bank lowers

Week's balance: Cabinet extends quarantine, sacks customs and tax chiefs, while central bank lowers key rate

The coronavirus pandemic keeps imposing its terms onto the lives of millions of people , hindering economic development .
The quarantine declared in Ukraine in mid-March , designed to counteract the spread of the disease , had already been prolonged until April 24 .
At the same time , no one hoped for an early lifting of restrictions because long before that , the health ministry said that the country was yet to face the incidence curve peak , so further extension of quarantine was inevitable .
On April 21 , Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov announced the adoption of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 11 , 2020 , and the next day the Cabinet of Ministers endorsed the move .
At a government meeting , attended by President Volodymyr Zelensky , officials discussed possibility of easing restrictions to support citizens and relaunch the economy .
In particular , Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that first the country needed to soften quarantine measures in non-critical infrastructure , which may play a role in stabilizing the economy .
But so far , authorities have not announced mitigation measures , so the tough regime remains in place .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday night , the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed head of the State Customs Service Maksym Nefyodov and Tax Service chief Serhiy Verlanov , also sacking their deputies .
Head of one of the customs departments Ihor Muratov was appointed acting chief of the agency , while deputy tax service chief Mykhailo Titarchuk is now acting head of the State Tax Service .
Commenting on the decisions made , Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that the government was planning to appoint new effective heads of agencies shortly .
MP Oleksiy Honcharenko noted an interesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minute for the Cabinet to vote for the reshuffle , without bothering to hear the top officials ' reports before sacking them .
It 's worth noting that recently the work of the two agencies had been criticized over the failure to meet budget revenues targets .
Moreover , on April 24 , the Verkhovna Rada created a temporary investigation commission to probe the alleged corruption by government officials that resulted in significant losses to the state treasury .
Meanwile , Nefyodov said he was `` proud '' of his deputies ' dismissal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't only I who was scaked but all my deputies – Robert Zeldi , Denys Shendryk , and Serhiy Petukhov .
No one agreed to 'do the do ' .
I thank my whole team , you are better than I deserved as a leader , '' Nefyodov wrote on Facebook , posting a photo of himself sporting a T-shirt with the inscription `` Dobby is a free elf '' .
Most likely , this whole reshuffle story is yet to see its climax soon .
Strict preventive measures and suspension of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of Ukrainian citizens without work .
Someone went on unpaid vacation , while many even lost their jobs .
To support Ukrainians , most of whom have no savings , the government has simplified registration of unemployed and increased minimum unemployment assistance .
The monthly amount of payments for persons receiving minimal unemployment aid without taking into account wages and insurance experience for the quarantine period has been increased from UAH 650 to UAH 1,000 .
It is noted that the decree shall be applied from the beginning of the quarantine period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and be valid for 30 calendar days after the end of the quarantine .
The authorities did not forget about individual entrepreneurs either , as they are most affected by quarantine restrictions .
The Cabinet of Ministers decided to provide financial assistance to individuals-entrepreneurs with children pending quarantine period .
As the Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna noted , the decree provides for the assistance to each child of an individual entrepreneur who belongs to the first or second group of single tax payers and has no employees .
`` These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector .
Now they are deprived of income , so we offer assistance for every child up to 10 years of age in the amount of the subsistence minimum provided for children of this age , '' said Lazebna .
In addition , taking into account the difficult financial situation for many Ukrainians , the government increased from two months to three months the period of overdue debts on utility bills when deciding whether to extend social subsidies .
Funds for these purposes are supposed to be allocated from the recently created Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made an important decision on state regulation of prices for a number of food products and anti-epidemic goods required to combat the COVID-19 spread .
Last week , National Bank Governor Yakiv Smolii said the cycle of easing monetary policy would continue and that the central bank was reducing its key rate by two percentage points to a five-year low of 8 % .
The rate was reduced for the seventh time in a row .
`` Continued easing of monetary policy is aimed at further supporting the economy in the context of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other measures taken by the National Bank , this will give the economy the impetus required to support the population and businesses in these difficult times and quickly restore business activity after quarantine is over .
At the same time , these measures will not undermine macro-financial stability in Ukraine , '' Smolii said .
According to the NBU forecast , due to quarantine restrictions and the global crisis , the Ukrainian economy will shrink by 5 % in 2020 , but resume growth at around 4 % in the following years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business activity , consumption , and employment .
Lower global demand also limits the country 's export opportunities .
According to our estimates , the impact of these factors on the economy will significantly affect the second quarter of this year , '' the head of the NBU emphasized .
He also noted that the gradual easing of quarantine will lead to the restoration of the Ukrainian economy in the second half of 2020 , which will be facilitated by soft fiscal and monetary policies .
Also , the government 's increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Bank 's measures to maintain the banking system will reduce the negative impact of the pandemic on the economy .
The State Statistics Service also noted signs of aggravation of issues in the national economy , reporting an acceleration of the industrial output decline in March 2020 to 7.7 % on year after falling by 1.5 % in February .
Taking into account adjustments for the effect of calendar days , industrial output in March fell by 8.6 % on year .
Amid a pandemic and economic crisis , the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial organizations is especially acute .
In recent months , the country has come close to the approval by the International Monetary Fund 's Executive Board of a new cooperation program .
The National Bank predicts the receipt of the first tranche of the loan in the amount of about $ 2 billion in the second quarter of this year .
`` The updated NBU forecast assumes the receipt of the first tranche of financing in the amount of about $ 2 billion in the second quarter .
Ukraine will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt burden , as well as finance measures to support businesses and the public in conditions where business activity is slowing , employment and tax revenues are sliding , while foreign investors are leaving emerging markets , '' said the NBU head .
Last week , the Office of the President of Ukraine announced the decision of the European Commission to provide Ukraine EUR 1.2 billion worth of assistance to deal with the consequences of the pandemic .
The proposal of the European Commission is yet to be approved by European Parliament and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first tranche of the assistance can be allocated without additional conditions .
The second tranche could be provided after Ukraine completes the list of indicators agreed upon with the EU , as early as in the fourth quarter of 2020 or the first half of 2021 .
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced next week the presentation of a new program of soft loans for businesses titled `` New Money '' for those who used to make money abroad and now returned to Ukraine , as well for the existing businesses that seek to @ @ @ @ @

The Cabinet of Ministers decided to extend the national quarantine until May 11 and dismissed heads of customs and tax agencies, while the National Bank brought its key rate to a five-year low – these are the major economic developments of the past week.
The coronavirus pandemic keeps imposing its terms onto the lives of millions of people, hindering economic development. The quarantine declared in Ukraine in mid-March, designed to counteract the spread of the disease, had already been prolonged until April 24. At the same time, no one hoped for an early lifting of restrictions because long before that, the health ministry said that the country was yet to face the incidence curve peak, so further extension of quarantine was inevitable.
On April 21, Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov announced the adoption of a draft resolution on such extension until May 11, 2020, and the next day the Cabinet of Ministers endorsed the move.
At a government meeting, attended by President Volodymyr Zelensky, officials discussed possibility of easing restrictions to support citizens and relaunch the economy. In particular, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that first the country needed to soften quarantine measures in non-critical infrastructure, which may play a role in stabilizing the economy. But so far, authorities have not announced mitigation measures, so the tough regime remains in place.
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Another important piece of news is that on Friday night, the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed head of the State Customs Service Maksym Nefyodov and Tax Service chief Serhiy Verlanov, also sacking their deputies. Head of one of the customs departments Ihor Muratov was appointed acting chief of the agency, while deputy tax service chief Mykhailo Titarchuk is now acting head of the State Tax Service.
Commenting on the decisions made, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that the government was planning to appoint new effective heads of agencies shortly.
MP Oleksiy Honcharenko noted an interesting detail: it took less than a minute for the Cabinet to vote for the reshuffle, without bothering to hear the top officials' reports before sacking them.
It's worth noting that recently the work of the two agencies had been criticized over the failure to meet budget revenues targets. Moreover, on April 24, the Verkhovna Rada created a temporary investigation commission to probe the alleged corruption by government officials that resulted in significant losses to the state treasury.
Meanwile, Nefyodov said he was "proud" of his deputies' dismissal. "I am proud that it wasn't only I who was scaked but all my deputies – Robert Zeldi, Denys Shendryk, and Serhiy Petukhov. No one agreed to 'do the do'. I thank my whole team, you are better than I deserved as a leader," Nefyodov wrote on Facebook, posting a photo of himself sporting a T-shirt with the inscription "Dobby is a free elf".
Most likely, this whole reshuffle story is yet to see its climax soon.
Increasing assistance to unemployed
Strict preventive measures and suspension of operations at many enterprises and organizations left most of Ukrainian citizens without work. Someone went on unpaid vacation, while many even lost their jobs. To support Ukrainians, most of whom have no savings, the government has simplified registration of unemployed and increased minimum unemployment assistance.
The monthly amount of payments for persons receiving minimal unemployment aid without taking into account wages and insurance experience for the quarantine period has been increased from UAH 650 to UAH 1,000. It is noted that the decree shall be applied from the beginning of the quarantine period, that is, from March 12, and be valid for 30 calendar days after the end of the quarantine.
The authorities did not forget about individual entrepreneurs either, as they are most affected by quarantine restrictions. The Cabinet of Ministers decided to provide financial assistance to individuals-entrepreneurs with children pending quarantine period. As the Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna noted, the decree provides for the assistance to each child of an individual entrepreneur who belongs to the first or second group of single tax payers and has no employees.
"These people are mainly employed in the service sector. Now they are deprived of income, so we offer assistance for every child up to 10 years of age in the amount of the subsistence minimum provided for children of this age," said Lazebna.
In addition, taking into account the difficult financial situation for many Ukrainians, the government increased from two months to three months the period of overdue debts on utility bills when deciding whether to extend social subsidies. Funds for these purposes are supposed to be allocated from the recently created Coronavirus Response Fund.
The government has also made an important decision on state regulation of prices for a number of food products and anti-epidemic goods required to combat the COVID-19 spread.
Central bank's key rate at five-year low
Last week, National Bank Governor Yakiv Smolii said the cycle of easing monetary policy would continue and that the central bank was reducing its key rate by two percentage points to a five-year low of 8%. The rate was reduced for the seventh time in a row.
"Continued easing of monetary policy is aimed at further supporting the economy in the context of a pandemic and quarantine measures. Together with other measures taken by the National Bank, this will give the economy the impetus required to support the population and businesses in these difficult times and quickly restore business activity after quarantine is over. At the same time, these measures will not undermine macro-financial stability in Ukraine," Smolii said.
According to the NBU forecast, due to quarantine restrictions and the global crisis, the Ukrainian economy will shrink by 5% in 2020, but resume growth at around 4% in the following years. "Quarantine measures have already reduced business activity, consumption, and employment. Lower global demand also limits the country's export opportunities. According to our estimates, the impact of these factors on the economy will significantly affect the second quarter of this year," the head of the NBU emphasized.
He also noted that the gradual easing of quarantine will lead to the restoration of the Ukrainian economy in the second half of 2020, which will be facilitated by soft fiscal and monetary policies. Also, the government's increase in budget expenditures to overcome the crisis and the National Bank's measures to maintain the banking system will reduce the negative impact of the pandemic on the economy.
The State Statistics Service also noted signs of aggravation of issues in the national economy, reporting an acceleration of the industrial output decline in March 2020 to 7.7% on year after falling by 1.5% in February. Taking into account adjustments for the effect of calendar days, industrial output in March fell by 8.6% on year.
Assistance promises from foreign partners
Amid a pandemic and economic crisis, the need for Ukraine to receive assistance from international financial organizations is especially acute. In recent months, the country has come close to the approval by the International Monetary Fund's Executive Board of a new cooperation program. The National Bank predicts the receipt of the first tranche of the loan in the amount of about $2 billion in the second quarter of this year.
"The updated NBU forecast assumes the receipt of the first tranche of financing in the amount of about $2 billion in the second quarter. Ukraine will be able to confidently go through a period of peak debt burden, as well as finance measures to support businesses and the public in conditions where business activity is slowing, employment and tax revenues are sliding, while foreign investors are leaving emerging markets," said the NBU head.
Last week, the Office of the President of Ukraine announced the decision of the European Commission to provide Ukraine EUR 1.2 billion worth of assistance to deal with the consequences of the pandemic.
The proposal of the European Commission is yet to be approved by European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The first tranche of the assistance can be allocated without additional conditions. The second tranche could be provided after Ukraine completes the list of indicators agreed upon with the EU, as early as in the fourth quarter of 2020 or the first half of 2021.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced next week the presentation of a new program of soft loans for businesses titled "New Money" for those who used to make money abroad and now returned to Ukraine, as well for the existing businesses that seek to keep all jobs afloat.
Kateryna Zhyriy