unian--2020-08-30--Ruling faction leader announces upcoming Cabinet reshuffles

Arakhamia did not elaborate on details of possible changes in government .
Personnel reshuffles in the Cabinet of Ministers are possible this fall , head of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia believes .
`` I do n't rule this out , I think that by the fall there may definitely be some rotations in individual ministries .
Two or three ministries , I believe .
I wo n't name them , otherwise , people will stop working altogether , '' the leader of the Ukrainian parliament 's ruling faction told Ukraine 24 .
Read alsoZelensky comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were possible in the economic bloc .
`` Our people are most of all dissatisfied with the economic bloc .
We need people who , besides having a vision and programs , could quickly implement them .
Our biggest issue is the enormous bureaucracy in all processes , '' said MP Arakhamia .
Denys Shmygal was appointed Prime Minister on March 4 , 2020 , having replaced Oleksiy Honcharuk .
Vadym Prystaiko was appointed Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration ; Oleksiy Reznikov was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mykhailo Fedorov became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation ; • On Tuesday , September 1 , at 12:00 , the fourth session of the Verkhovna Rada of the ninth convocation will begin .
It will run until January 22 , 2021 .
• According to the schedule , the Rada will work in plenary sessions for ten weeks , while for another seven weeks MPs will work in committees , commissions , deputy factions ( deputy groups ) .
Another four weeks are allotted to work in constituencies .

Arakhamia did not elaborate on details of possible changes in government.
Personnel reshuffles in the Cabinet of Ministers are possible this fall, head of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia believes.
"I don't rule this out, I think that by the fall there may definitely be some rotations in individual ministries. Two or three ministries, I believe. I won't name them, otherwise, people will stop working altogether," the leader of the Ukrainian parliament's ruling faction told Ukraine 24.
Read alsoZelensky comments on latest intelligence reshuffleHe clarified that changes were possible in the economic bloc.
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"Our people are most of all dissatisfied with the economic bloc. We need people who, besides having a vision and programs, could quickly implement them. Our biggest issue is the enormous bureaucracy in all processes," said MP Arakhamia.
Our people are most of all dissatisfied with the economic bloc
Denys Shmyhal's Cabinet: background
Denys Shmygal was appointed Prime Minister on March 4, 2020, having replaced Oleksiy Honcharuk.
Vadym Prystaiko was appointed Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration; Oleksiy Reznikov was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories; and Mykhailo Fedorov became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation;
Autumn parliamentary session: terms and details


unian--2020-08-30--Donbas war update: Invaders breach silence regime twice in past day

The enemy fired random gunshots outside the village of Zaitseve .
Russian occupation forces over the past day , August 29 , twice violated the latest ceasefire agreement in the zone of the Joint Forces Operation , Ukraine military report .
In the morning , from the direction of the temporarily occupied Uzhivka , the invaders carried out engineering works toward Ukrainian defense positions outside Vodiane , the JFO Command wrote on Facebook in its morning update .
Read alsoIlovaisk tragedy anniversary : U.S. calls on Russia to pull troops from DonbasIn the afternoon , Russian occupation forces twice opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were of a provocative nature , so Ukrainian troops did not return fire .
No combat losses or injuries were reported over the past day .
The situation in the JFO zone remains under full control of Ukrainian units , the Command says .
Ukrainian defenders strictly abide by the terms of a full and comprehensive ceasefire deal , the report stresses .
From day-start on Sunday , August 30 , silence regime prevailed across the line of contact .
• At midnight on July 27 , a full and comprehensive ceasefire was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Donbas .
• The ceasefire agreement was sealed by the participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and OSCE ) on July 22 .

The enemy fired random gunshots outside the village of Zaitseve.
Russian occupation forces over the past day, August 29, twice violated the latest ceasefire agreement in the zone of the Joint Forces Operation, Ukraine military report.
In the morning, from the direction of the temporarily occupied Uzhivka, the invaders carried out engineering works toward Ukrainian defense positions outside Vodiane, the JFO Command wrote on Facebook in its morning update.
Read alsoIlovaisk tragedy anniversary: U.S. calls on Russia to pull troops from DonbasIn the afternoon, Russian occupation forces twice opened random gunfire near Zaitseve.
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The shots were of a provocative nature, so Ukrainian troops did not return fire.
No combat losses or injuries were reported over the past day.
The situation in the JFO zone remains under full control of Ukrainian units, the Command says.
Ukrainian defenders strictly abide by the terms of a full and comprehensive ceasefire deal, the report stresses.
From day-start on Sunday, August 30, silence regime prevailed across the line of contact.
Donbas ceasefire: background


unian--2020-08-30--More than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases in Ukraine in past day

Ukraine health officials have registered another 2,096 new cases of COVID-19 as of the morning of Sunday , August 30 @ @ @ @ @ the National Security and Defense Council 's interactive map on COVID-19 spread .
Read alsoCabinet @ @ @ @ @ a day earlier than plannedMost of the new cases were reported in Kharkiv ( 198 @ @ @ @ @ ) , Odesa ( 173 ) , and Ivano-Frankivsk ( 171 ) regions .
The @ @ @ @ @ since the pandemic outbreak stands at 119,074 .
Of these cases , 56,734 patients have @ @ @ @ @ have been reported .
As of August 29 , Ukraine reported 2,481 new COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ high since the outbreak .
In , Kyiv the incidence curve has been on the @ @ @ @ @ 29 , municipal authorities reported 265 new patients , of which 19 are children .

The total number is approaching 120,000.
Ukraine health officials have registered another 2,096 new cases of COVID-19 as of the morning of Sunday, August 30.
That's according to the National Security and Defense Council's interactive map on COVID-19 spread.
The map shows 596 patients recovered yesterday, while 35 died.
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Read alsoCabinet explains why Ukraine shuts borders a day earlier than plannedMost of the new cases were reported in Kharkiv (198), Lviv (188), Odesa (173), and Ivano-Frankivsk (171) regions.
The total number of cases reported since the pandemic outbreak stands at 119,074. Of these cases, 56,734 patients have recovered, and 2,527 fatalities have been reported.
Coronavirus in Ukraine: previous stats
As of August 29, Ukraine reported 2,481 new COVID-19 cases, which set an absolute high since the outbreak.
In, Kyiv the incidence curve has been on the rise. As of August 29, municipal authorities reported 265 new patients, of which 19 are children.


unian--2020-08-30--Ukraine's first PM stands for pardoning enemy troops in Donbas

A special status should be granted to the entire territory of Donbas , not just the temporarily occupied parts as Russia has been demanding , Fokin suggests .
First prime minister of Ukraine Vitold Fokin , who has recently been appointed deputy head of the Ukrainian delegation at the Donbas settlement talks within the Trilateral Contact Group , believes `` general pardon '' is required today as a prerequisite to end the war .
`` Another important question is about pardon .
On both sides , many crimes have been committed that should ultimately be investigated , and let the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to end the war and save the lives of soldiers and commanders , my position is to declare general pardon , hold elections , resolve the issue of the special status of certain regions , and best of all , the entire Donbas , '' he told Strana .
Also , the delegate said he was ready to go for a working trip to the occupied areas , and that the idea saw support from the chief of Ukraine 's delegation , Leonid Kravchuk , who was the first president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donbas settlement talks away from Normandy Four to TCG – Ukraine delegate '' Moreover , given specific security guarantees , [ Kravchuk ] is ready to go with me to Donbas .
I have n't met the president , so I do n't know his opinion , '' Fokin added .
He clarified that he was ready to communicate with the local warlords if tasked with president or parliament .
A `` special status '' for Donbas , or the law on a special procedure for local government in the occupied areas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society , although officials reassure the public they will make no moves in this regard until Russia pulls its troops from the country 's east .
The Kremlin has been exerting constant pressure on Kyiv , demanding that the law be passed without Moscow fulfilling its obligations to withdraw troops , military equipment , and hand control over the border sections in the region back to Ukraine .
The existing law on local government in certain areas of Donbas on December 12 , 2019 , was extended until December 31 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pardon , full or partial release of persons from criminal prosecution , may be considered only after the legitimate authorities have been elected in the territories that are now temporarily occupied in Donbas , that is , after Ukraine 's sovereignty has been restored there .
• `` The decision to apply amnesty shall be made by court .
Of course , amnesty does n't cover crimes that , under international law , refer to genocide , crimes against humanity , as well as war crimes .
Persons who committed a crime when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not fall under pardon , either , '' Deputy Foreign Minister Vasyl Bodnar said earlier .

A special status should be granted to the entire territory of Donbas, not just the temporarily occupied parts as Russia has been demanding, Fokin suggests.
First prime minister of Ukraine Vitold Fokin, who has recently been appointed deputy head of the Ukrainian delegation at the Donbas settlement talks within the Trilateral Contact Group, believes "general pardon" is required today as a prerequisite to end the war.
"Another important question is about pardon. On both sides, many crimes have been committed that should ultimately be investigated, and let the perpetrators be prosecuted. But today, in order to end the war and save the lives of soldiers and commanders, my position is to declare general pardon, hold elections, resolve the issue of the special status of certain regions, and best of all, the entire Donbas," he told Strana.
Also, the delegate said he was ready to go for a working trip to the occupied areas, and that the idea saw support from the chief of Ukraine's delegation, Leonid Kravchuk, who was the first president of Ukraine.
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Read alsoRussia trying to shift Donbas settlement talks away from Normandy Four to TCG – Ukraine delegate"Moreover, given specific security guarantees, [Kravchuk] is ready to go with me to Donbas. I haven't met the president, so I don't know his opinion," Fokin added.
He clarified that he was ready to communicate with the local warlords if tasked with president or parliament.
"Special status" for Donbas" background
A "special status" for Donbas, or the law on a special procedure for local government in the occupied areas, is a cause of concern for Ukrainian society, although officials reassure the public they will make no moves in this regard until Russia pulls its troops from the country's east.
The Kremlin has been exerting constant pressure on Kyiv, demanding that the law be passed without Moscow fulfilling its obligations to withdraw troops, military equipment, and hand control over the border sections in the region back to Ukraine.
The existing law on local government in certain areas of Donbas on December 12, 2019, was extended until December 31, 2020.
Pardon for enemy forces in Donbas: legislation


unian--2020-08-30--Week's balance: Rada raises minimum wage, Cabinet extends quarantine until Oct 31, appoints new Ukrz

Week's balance: Rada raises minimum wage, Cabinet extends quarantine until Oct 31, appoints new Ukrzaliznytsia CEO

The Verkhovna Rada , at the president 's initiative , has raised the minimum wage to UAH 5,000 , while the Cabinet of Ministers prolonged the adaptive quarantine until the end of October and appointed a new chief of the state-owned railway operator , Ukrzaliznytsia – these are the key economic developments over the last week of the summer .
The week was full of economic news , although it was a short one – on Monday , the country celebrated the 29th anniversary of Independence .
Mass events were held without any provocations , while the Ministry of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Tuesday , the Verkhovna Rada gathered for an extraordinary meeting to adopt a presidential law on raising the minimum wage to UAH 5,000 from the current UAH 4,723 .
The changes will take effect on September 1 .
`` The increase in the minimum wage will bring it into line with the actual cost of living and stimulate consumer demand for Ukrainian products , '' said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal .
Ukrainian businesses took another increase in the minimum wage with caution , as it implies an increase in taxation for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which includes Ukraine 's largest companies , has called on President Volodymyr Zelensky not to sign the law , which he initiated .
The Rada has also ratified the receipt of the European Union loan in the amount of up to EUR 1.2 billion to combat the coronacrisis consequences .
Ukraine will be able to receive funds for up to fifteen years at an annual rate of up to 2 % .
Also last week , the Ukrainian parliament ratified an agreement with the European Investment Bank on the allocation of EUR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Development of the Trans-European Transport Network project .
According to Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Krykliy , this will allow to overhaul 314 km of the M-05 Kyiv-Odesa highway in the sections running through Cherkasy , Kirovohrad , Mykolayiv , and Odesa regions , as well as build 23 km of Lviv 's northern bypass road .
In the outgoing week , the Cabinet of Ministers extended the adaptive quarantine for another two months – until October 31 .
The government was forced to take a step due to the increase in the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the daily number of new cases beat anti-records several times , exceeding 2,000 a day , while the total number of cases recorded has already reached 100,000 .
The Cabinet also shut entertainment facilities and clubs even in relatively safe areas to minimize the spread of the disease .
`` Restrictive measures will also strengthen in those regions where the level of epidemiological danger is `` green '' , namely , by banning discos , entertainment facilities , and nightclubs , and catering establishments with entertainment areas , '' said Minister of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' now includes Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk , as well as some areas of Rivne , Ternopil regions and a number of cities of regional significance – Kalush , Kolomyia , and Izmail .
From midnight Monday , August 31 , public transport and catering establishments will be banned there .
At the same time , the Cabinet banned foreigners from entering Ukraine until September 28 .
The restriction does not apply to diplomats and representatives of international missions or organizations , as well as persons who transit through Ukraine , study in Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , permanently reside in the country and have a residence permit .
The exception also applies to refugees and persons in need of complementary protection , in view of the ongoing protests against rigged presidential elections in neighboring Belarus .
`` Citizens of Belarus who are under pressure or persecution and need additional protection can always get it in Ukraine , '' Prime Minister Shmyhal said .
The government has repeatedly extended the quarantine since its introduction on March 12 .
And there is no guarantee that after November 1 , the Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the background of the traditional surge in the incidence of various SARS diseases in the autumn .
However , the head of government assured that the Cabinet does not intend to introduce tough measures in the event of a second wave of coronavirus and will rely on adaptive quarantine and containment of new outbreaks .
In the last week of August , a new chair of the board , Volodymyr Zhmak , was appointed to the railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia , one of the key businesses for the Ukrainian economy .
Prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been run by temporary leaders .
Zhmak is a low-profile manager , albeit well-acclaimed in business circles .
Since 2005 , he has been an advisor to the KyivStar president .
In 2011 , he held the position of executive director at the Russian-British TNK-BP Commerce , and a year later he was appointed its president and chief executive officer .
After the takeover of the company by Rosneft , Zhmak became president of RN-Ukraine .
At the time of his appointment as head of Ukrzaliznytsia , Zhmak was a senior project manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , he has served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Boryspil Airport .
Simultaneously with the primary fight against corruption schemes , the new head of Ukrzaliznytsia is supposed to launch a broad reform program : start urgent repairs at the enterprise 's facilities , unbundle the company into passenger , cargo , and infrastructure segments , as well as find funding for the development of passenger transportation .
Together with the country 's main transport company , the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection saw hope for salvation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency , which since 2014 has exercised control over the production and export of products , and to create a new body to replace it .
However , after consultations with businesses , the government , PM says , abandoned the idea .
Also this week the report came that one of Ukraine 's banks will be pulled from the market .
The National Bank declared Bank Arkada insolvent and on August 26 began the procedure for withdrawing it from the market .
Next week , the academic year will launch in Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of epidemiological risk , children will study in classrooms .
The Verkhovna Rada will start working in session mode , while the country 's farmers will continue their harvesting campaign and start preparing for sowing winter crops for next year 's harvest .

The Verkhovna Rada, at the president's initiative, has raised the minimum wage to UAH 5,000, while the Cabinet of Ministers prolonged the adaptive quarantine until the end of October and appointed a new chief of the state-owned railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia – these are the key economic developments over the last week of the summer.
The week was full of economic news, although it was a short one – on Monday, the country celebrated the 29th anniversary of Independence. Mass events were held without any provocations, while the Ministry of Health reported no large-scale coronavirus spikes following them. On Tuesday, the Verkhovna Rada gathered for an extraordinary meeting to adopt a presidential law on raising the minimum wage to UAH 5,000 from the current UAH 4,723. The changes will take effect on September 1.
"The increase in the minimum wage will bring it into line with the actual cost of living and stimulate consumer demand for Ukrainian products," said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
Ukrainian businesses took another increase in the minimum wage with caution, as it implies an increase in taxation for conscientious entrepreneurs. The European Business Association, which includes Ukraine's largest companies, has called on President Volodymyr Zelensky not to sign the law, which he initiated.
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The Rada has also ratified the receipt of the European Union loan in the amount of up to EUR 1.2 billion to combat the coronacrisis consequences. Ukraine will be able to receive funds for up to fifteen years at an annual rate of up to 2%.
Also last week, the Ukrainian parliament ratified an agreement with the European Investment Bank on the allocation of EUR 450 million worth of loans for the Development of the Trans-European Transport Network project. According to Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Krykliy, this will allow to overhaul 314 km of the M-05 Kyiv-Odesa highway in the sections running through Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions, as well as build 23 km of Lviv's northern bypass road.
Quarantine extension and new bans
In the outgoing week, the Cabinet of Ministers extended the adaptive quarantine for another two months – until October 31. The government was forced to take a step due to the increase in the COVID-19 incidence across country.
In August, the daily number of new cases beat anti-records several times, exceeding 2,000 a day, while the total number of cases recorded has already reached 100,000.
The Cabinet also shut entertainment facilities and clubs even in relatively safe areas to minimize the spread of the disease.
"Restrictive measures will also strengthen in those regions where the level of epidemiological danger is "green", namely, by banning discos, entertainment facilities, and nightclubs, and catering establishments with entertainment areas," said Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov.
The "red zone" now includes Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk, as well as some areas of Rivne, Ternopil regions and a number of cities of regional significance – Kalush, Kolomyia, and Izmail. From midnight Monday, August 31, public transport and catering establishments will be banned there.
At the same time, the Cabinet banned foreigners from entering Ukraine until September 28. The restriction does not apply to diplomats and representatives of international missions or organizations, as well as persons who transit through Ukraine, study in Ukraine, or serve with the Ukrainian Army, permanently reside in the country and have a residence permit. The exception also applies to refugees and persons in need of complementary protection, in view of the ongoing protests against rigged presidential elections in neighboring Belarus.
"Citizens of Belarus who are under pressure or persecution and need additional protection can always get it in Ukraine," Prime Minister Shmyhal said.
The government has repeatedly extended the quarantine since its introduction on March 12. And there is no guarantee that after November 1, the Cabinet will not renew it again, especially against the background of the traditional surge in the incidence of various SARS diseases in the autumn. However, the head of government assured that the Cabinet does not intend to introduce tough measures in the event of a second wave of coronavirus and will rely on adaptive quarantine and containment of new outbreaks.
New CEO at Ukrzaliznytsia
In the last week of August, a new chair of the board, Volodymyr Zhmak, was appointed to the railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia, one of the key businesses for the Ukrainian economy. Prior to this, for seven months Ukrzaliznytsia had been run by temporary leaders. Zhmak is a low-profile manager, albeit well-acclaimed in business circles. Since 2005, he has been an advisor to the KyivStar president. In 2011, he held the position of executive director at the Russian-British TNK-BP Commerce, and a year later he was appointed its president and chief executive officer. After the takeover of the company by Rosneft, Zhmak became president of RN-Ukraine. At the time of his appointment as head of Ukrzaliznytsia, Zhmak was a senior project manager at the European Consulting Group. Since 2019, he has served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Boryspil Airport. Simultaneously with the primary fight against corruption schemes, the new head of Ukrzaliznytsia is supposed to launch a broad reform program: start urgent repairs at the enterprise's facilities, unbundle the company into passenger, cargo, and infrastructure segments, as well as find funding for the development of passenger transportation.
Together with the country's main transport company, the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection saw hope for salvation. The Cabinet intends to reorganize the agency, which since 2014 has exercised control over the production and export of products, and to create a new body to replace it. However, after consultations with businesses, the government, PM says, abandoned the idea.
Also this week the report came that one of Ukraine's banks will be pulled from the market. The National Bank declared Bank Arkada insolvent and on August 26 began the procedure for withdrawing it from the market.
Next week, the academic year will launch in Ukraine. In settlements with an acceptable level of epidemiological risk, children will study in classrooms. The Verkhovna Rada will start working in session mode, while the country's farmers will continue their harvesting campaign and start preparing for sowing winter crops for next year's harvest.


unian--2020-08-30--Local election campaign in Ukraine to launch Sept 5

The move is in line with the Electoral Code of Ukraine .
The Central Election Commission of Ukraine has announced the start of the local election campaign from September 5 .
The next local elections have been scheduled for October 25 , the CEC recalls .
`` On August 30 , a regular meeting of the Central Election Commission was held , where the Commission announced the beginning of the local elections campaign , '' the CEC told UNIAN .
The agency noted that the decision was in line with the requirements of the Electoral Code .
The following resolutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's Parliament , `` On the appointment of the next local elections in 2020 '' of July 15 ; • CEC Resolution No .
160 of August 8 `` On the first elections of deputies of rural , settlement , city councils of territorial communities and the corresponding rural , settlement and city heads on October 25 , 2020 '' ; • CEC Resolution No .
161 of August 8 `` On the impossibility of holding the first elections of deputies of individual rural , settlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions and the corresponding rural , settlement , city mayors on October 25 , 2020 '' ; • CEC Resolution No .
176 of August 14 `` On the appointment of the first elections of deputies of district councils for October 25 , 2020 '' .
Also , the CEC made changes to its resolution of August 8 `` On the calendar plan of the main organizational measures for the preparation and conduct of local elections on October 25 , 2020 '' .
On July 15 , the Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections for October 25 ( No .
3809 ) .
Elections of deputies of Donetsk and Luhansk regional councils have not been appointed as it is impossible to ensure representation of common interests of the territorial communities of villages , towns , and cities .

The move is in line with the Electoral Code of Ukraine.
The Central Election Commission of Ukraine has announced the start of the local election campaign from September 5.
The next local elections have been scheduled for October 25, the CEC recalls.
"On August 30, a regular meeting of the Central Election Commission was held, where the Commission announced the beginning of the local elections campaign," the CEC told UNIAN.
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The agency noted that the decision was in line with the requirements of the Electoral Code.
The following resolutions have been taken into account:
Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's Parliament, "On the appointment of the next local elections in 2020" of July 15;
CEC Resolution No. 160 of August 8 "On the first elections of deputies of rural, settlement, city councils of territorial communities and the corresponding rural, settlement and city heads on October 25, 2020";
CEC Resolution No. 161 of August 8 "On the impossibility of holding the first elections of deputies of individual rural, settlement, city councils of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and the corresponding rural, settlement, city mayors on October 25, 2020";
CEC Resolution No. 176 of August 14 "On the appointment of the first elections of deputies of district councils for October 25, 2020".
Also, the CEC made changes to its resolution of August 8 "On the calendar plan of the main organizational measures for the preparation and conduct of local elections on October 25, 2020".
Local elections 2020: background
On July 15, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution on the appointment of the next local elections for October 25 (No. 3809).
Elections of deputies of Donetsk and Luhansk regional councils have not been appointed as it is impossible to ensure representation of common interests of the territorial communities of villages, towns, and cities.


unian--2020-08-30--U.S. warns Ukraine of "malign" Chinese investment

This includes efforts to acquire the Motor Sich engine producer .
The United States has raised with Ukraine the issue of `` malign '' Chinese investment in the country .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo brough up the issue as he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone on August 26 , the State Department 's spokesperson Morgan Ortagus reported .
Read alsoUkraine prepares to snub China in aerospace deal with U.S. help – Forbes '' Secretary Pompeo raised U.S. concerns regarding malign PRC [ People Republic of China ] investment in Ukraine , including Beijing 's efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says the readout , released on August 29 .
Motor Sich is one of the world 's leading manufacturers of engines for the aviation industry .
After it abandoned its role of a traditional supplier to Russian aviation , it ended up at the epicenter of an international diplomatic spat since in 2017 the Chinese Skyrizon Aircraft Holdings Limited took over 41 % of the capital and then sealed the majority .
The shares were frozen in 2017 pending an investigation by Ukraine 's security service ( SBU ) .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of OJSC Motor Sich Anatoliy Malysh announced that China 's Skyrizon and Xinwei Group had already applied to the Antimonopoly Committee for the approval of the deal to acquire over 50 % of Motor Sich 's shares .
The Wall Street Journal , citing sources in the U.S. administration , reported that the United States was trying to prevent the Chinese company from buying the Ukrainian Motor Sich plant , as this would significantly boost China 's defense positions .
Read alsoU.S .
hopes Ukraine 's Motor Sich not be sold to ChinaOn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential adviser John Bolton said in Kyiv about risks of selling part of the Ukrainian Motor Sich to the Chinese side .
According to him , China is playing a dishonest game in the United States and is stealing military technology .
It was reported that Erik Prince , a private security contractor and informal adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump , is in discussions to purchase a Ukrainian aerospace asset , Motor Sich .
A Kyiv court in April 2020 rejected an appeal by Chinese investors to unfreeze Motor Sich 's shares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conglomerate DCH said it had signed an agreement to buy a 25 % stake in Motor Sich from Chinese investor Skyrizon Aircraft Holding Limited .
The DCH deal needs approval from Ukraine 's national regulator , the State Antimonopoly Committee .
In late July , the son of Vyacheslav Boguslayev , who had long been at the helm of Motor Sich , acquired the Gallinara island in Italy 's Liguria for over EUR 10 million .

This includes efforts to acquire the Motor Sich engine producer.
The United States has raised with Ukraine the issue of "malign" Chinese investment in the country.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo brough up the issue as he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone on August 26, the State Department's spokesperson Morgan Ortagus reported.
Read alsoUkraine prepares to snub China in aerospace deal with U.S. help – Forbes"Secretary Pompeo raised U.S. concerns regarding malign PRC [People Republic of China] investment in Ukraine, including Beijing's efforts to acquire the Motor Sich engine manufacturer," says the readout, released on August 29.
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Motor Sich acquisition and U.S. reaction: background
Motor Sich is one of the world's leading manufacturers of engines for the aviation industry.
After it abandoned its role of a traditional supplier to Russian aviation, it ended up at the epicenter of an international diplomatic spat since in 2017 the Chinese Skyrizon Aircraft Holdings Limited took over 41% of the capital and then sealed the majority.
The shares were frozen in 2017 pending an investigation by Ukraine's security service (SBU).
On August 25, 2019, PR Director of OJSC Motor Sich Anatoliy Malysh announced that China's Skyrizon and Xinwei Group had already applied to the Antimonopoly Committee for the approval of the deal to acquire over 50% of Motor Sich's shares.
The Wall Street Journal, citing sources in the U.S. administration, reported that the United States was trying to prevent the Chinese company from buying the Ukrainian Motor Sich plant, as this would significantly boost China's defense positions.
Read alsoU.S. hopes Ukraine's Motor Sich not be sold to ChinaOn August 28, 2019, the then-U.S. presidential adviser John Bolton said in Kyiv about risks of selling part of the Ukrainian Motor Sich to the Chinese side. According to him, China is playing a dishonest game in the United States and is stealing military technology.
It was reported that Erik Prince, a private security contractor and informal adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, is in discussions to purchase a Ukrainian aerospace asset, Motor Sich.
A Kyiv court in April 2020 rejected an appeal by Chinese investors to unfreeze Motor Sich's shares.
In August 2020, Ukrainian privately-owned conglomerate DCH said it had signed an agreement to buy a 25% stake in Motor Sich from Chinese investor Skyrizon Aircraft Holding Limited.
The DCH deal needs approval from Ukraine's national regulator, the State Antimonopoly Committee.
In late July, the son of Vyacheslav Boguslayev, who had long been at the helm of Motor Sich, acquired the Gallinara island in Italy's Liguria for over EUR 10 million.


unian--2020-08-30--"We will get everyone back: both living and fallen": Zelensky meets families of killed, missing troo

"We will get everyone back: both living and fallen": Zelensky meets families of killed, missing troops

The president has assured that Ukraine is working to have the people who are being illegally detained in the temporarily occupied territories and in Russia returned to Ukraine as soon as possible .
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Day of Remembrance of Ukraine Defenders met with the families of those killed in action and those who have gone missing in the Donbas warzone .
At the meeting , issues of social and medical support for the families were discussed , as well as effective rehabilitation of war veterans , expanding the list of social benefits and issues with the existing ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fallen soldiers across regions , housing repair issues , as well as those of a fair approach to compensation payments , the President 's Office says .
On the eve of International Day of the Missing Persons , the issues were raised of the work of the Commission on persons who have gone missing in special circumstances , as well as the issues of the Unified Register of Missing Persons , the development and approval of a unified protocol of exhumation , and mandatory psychological support for families of those killed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisoners of war .
`` When the commission on missing persons under the Cabinet of Ministers starts working , it means that registers of missing persons will be created by category .
Six years into the war , we still have no registers of missing persons , '' said the curator of the 40th Kryvbas battalion , coordinator of the working group at the Presidential Office on Donbas MIAs , military and civilian hostages ( prisoners ) Mykola Kolesnyk .
Read alsoZelensky : Ukraine sends POW swap lists to DonbasAlso at the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the release of those being illegally held in the temporarily occupied territories and in Russia .
Zelenskiy said Ukraine is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible .
`` We actually put everyone in the swap lists .
There is no such thing that we put civilians , while leaving out the military .
There is no such thing , '' the president said .
`` We will get everyone back : both living and fallen .
We eventually will , '' Zelensky added .
On August 29 , Ukraine marks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the anniversary of the Ilovaisk tragedy , the United States called on Russia to pull troops from Donbas .

The president has assured that Ukraine is working to have the people who are being illegally detained in the temporarily occupied territories and in Russia returned to Ukraine as soon as possible.
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Day of Remembrance of Ukraine Defenders met with the families of those killed in action and those who have gone missing in the Donbas warzone.
At the meeting, issues of social and medical support for the families were discussed, as well as effective rehabilitation of war veterans, expanding the list of social benefits and issues with the existing ones, the need to establish memorial plates to fallen soldiers across regions, housing repair issues, as well as those of a fair approach to compensation payments, the President's Office says.
On the eve of International Day of the Missing Persons, the issues were raised of the work of the Commission on persons who have gone missing in special circumstances, as well as the issues of the Unified Register of Missing Persons, the development and approval of a unified protocol of exhumation, and mandatory psychological support for families of those killed in action, missing in action, and prisoners of war.
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We will get everyone back: both living and fallen. We eventually will
"When the commission on missing persons under the Cabinet of Ministers starts working, it means that registers of missing persons will be created by category. Six years into the war, we still have no registers of missing persons," said the curator of the 40th Kryvbas battalion, coordinator of the working group at the Presidential Office on Donbas MIAs, military and civilian hostages (prisoners) Mykola Kolesnyk.
Read alsoZelensky: Ukraine sends POW swap lists to DonbasAlso at the meeting, the parties discussed the efforts towards the release of those being illegally held in the temporarily occupied territories and in Russia. Zelenskiy said Ukraine is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
"We actually put everyone in the swap lists. There is no such thing that we put civilians, while leaving out the military. There is no such thing," the president said.
"We will get everyone back: both living and fallen. We eventually will," Zelensky added.
Related news:
On August 29, Ukraine marks Day of Remembrance of Defenders.
On the anniversary of the Ilovaisk tragedy, the United States called on Russia to pull troops from Donbas.


unian--2020-08-30--U.S. responds to Putin's allegations of trying to destabilize Belarus

The Russian leader earlier accused the U.S. and Ukraine of a joint effort to deploy mercenaries in Belarus to sow unrest .
The U.S. State Department has reacted to the statement voiced by Russian President Vladimir Putin about the alleged involvement of American intelligence in the emergence of the Russian Private Military Company Wagner 's troops in Belarus .
Putin has accused Ukrainian and U.S. intelligence agencies of a joint effort to deploy Wagner troops in Belarus as a `` strike force to destabilize '' the country during the elections , Voice of America reported .
The U.S. is aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puppet forces , said State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus , according to a report by Voice of America 's Ukrainian service , delivered in Ukrainian .
Such spins shift public focus away from the actual problem , which Russia is using these forces to cover up own stubborn efforts to embarrass other governments , deepen internal divisions , support autocrats , and sow chaos in order to give Russia the opportunity to influence events globally , according to the U.S. State Department 's speaker .
Read alsoZelensky on alleged disruption of intel operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to deprive the people of Belarus of their sovereign rights are unacceptable , the U.S. believes .
Ortagus also noted that the United States supports the right of the Belarusian people to elect their leaders through truly free and fair elections with independent observers , and beyond the influence of the Russian special services .
Moscow 's impudent use of Wagner PMC mercenaries worldwide enriches the Russian elite , harming the countries where it operates .
Russia ’ s use of influence campaigns to weaken opponents and muffle the voice of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to VOA 's report .
• On July 29 , a group of PMC Wagner troops were detained in Belarus – 32 were apprehended outside Minsk and another one – detained in the country 's south .
• Among them were those who had fought against Ukraine in the Donbas war .
• According to the initial reports by the Belarusian law enforcement agencies , they had been tipped about the deployment of over 200 fighters to destabilize the country amid the election campaign .
• Belarus turned to the Ukrainian authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crimes committed in Ukraine 's Donbas .
• On July 30 , Ukraine began consultations with Belarus on the group 's extradition .
• On August 7 , President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus said Ukraine had to prove the guilt of the detained mercenaries to seal the extradition .
• On August 9 , Lukashenko said he had received a five-page letter from Vladimir Putin with `` information on the situation around the detention of Wagner troops . ''
• On August 11 , the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the extradition of 28 PMC Wagner troops .
All 28 , including nine citizens of Ukraine , had been charged in Ukraine with participation in a terrorist organization .
• In an interview with Russia 1 TV channel , Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the emergence of Wagner PMC troops in Belarus was a result of a joint operation by U.S. and Ukraine intelligence agencies .
• Ukraine security and intelligence agencies said the allegation of involvement in the `` Wagner PMC in Belarus '' story was a Russian setup aimed to @ @ @ @ @

The Russian leader earlier accused the U.S. and Ukraine of a joint effort to deploy mercenaries in Belarus to sow unrest.
The U.S. State Department has reacted to the statement voiced by Russian President Vladimir Putin about the alleged involvement of American intelligence in the emergence of the Russian Private Military Company Wagner's troops in Belarus.
Putin has accused Ukrainian and U.S. intelligence agencies of a joint effort to deploy Wagner troops in Belarus as a "strike force to destabilize" the country during the elections, Voice of America reported.
The U.S. is aware of reports of Russia's use of puppet forces, said State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, according to a report by Voice of America's Ukrainian service, delivered in Ukrainian.
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Such spins shift public focus away from the actual problem, which Russia is using these forces to cover up own stubborn efforts to embarrass other governments, deepen internal divisions, support autocrats, and sow chaos in order to give Russia the opportunity to influence events globally, according to the U.S. State Department's speaker.
Read alsoZelensky on alleged disruption of intel operation: "Nonsense"Russia's overt efforts to deprive the people of Belarus of their sovereign rights are unacceptable, the U.S. believes.
Ortagus also noted that the United States supports the right of the Belarusian people to elect their leaders through truly free and fair elections with independent observers, and beyond the influence of the Russian special services.
Moscow's impudent use of Wagner PMC mercenaries worldwide enriches the Russian elite, harming the countries where it operates. Russia’s use of influence campaigns to weaken opponents and muffle the voice of the people is unacceptable, Ortagus said, according to VOA's report.
Wagner PMC in Belarus: background


unian--2020-08-30--Tens of thousands rally outside Lukashenko's palace in Minsk

Detentions are reported , while infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers were seen driving toward the city center .
This Sunday marks the third week of protests in Belarus where citizens contest what they believe was a rigged presidential election where long-time leader Alexander Lukashenko , who is celebrating his 60 birthday today , claimed a landslide win .
After two Sundays in which the opposition had called huge rallies in Minsk and been left largely unmolested by riot police , this week the president had promised protests would be met with a tough response , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 protesters at the unauthorized rally , Deutsche Welle reports citing local media and eyewitnesses .
Police have blocked access to the central Independence Square to keep crowds away from the government buildings , while witness videos of armored infantry vehicles driving toward the city center were posted on a number of Telegram channels .
Last Sunday , Lukashenko 's propaganda team released footage of him flying a helicopter over Minsk center , carrying an assault rifle , along with his 15-year-old son in full tactical gear .
Presidential elections were held in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Commission said over 80 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , while his main rival , a political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , gained just over 10 % .
Thousands of Belarusians who believe the vote count was rigged took to the streets to protest election results .
Security officials violently slammed on protesters , detaining thousands , beating and injuring many in captivity .
On August 19 , leaders of EU member states agreed to impose sanctions on Belarus in response to falsified vote count and the use of violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidential election results .
Ukraine has joined the EU declaration on Belarus .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine in no way intends to interfere in Belarus ' internal affairs , while remaining ready to assist in settlement efforts .

Detentions are reported, while infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers were seen driving toward the city center.
This Sunday marks the third week of protests in Belarus where citizens contest what they believe was a rigged presidential election where long-time leader Alexander Lukashenko, who is celebrating his 60 birthday today, claimed a landslide win.
After two Sundays in which the opposition had called huge rallies in Minsk and been left largely unmolested by riot police, this week the president had promised protests would be met with a tough response, according to the Guardian.
Police have already detained over 100 protesters at the unauthorized rally, Deutsche Welle reports citing local media and eyewitnesses.
Police have blocked access to the central Independence Square to keep crowds away from the government buildings, while witness videos of armored infantry vehicles driving toward the city center were posted on a number of Telegram channels.
Last Sunday, Lukashenko's propaganda team released footage of him flying a helicopter over Minsk center, carrying an assault rifle, along with his 15-year-old son in full tactical gear.
Belarus protests: background, reactions
Presidential elections were held in Belarus on August 9.
The Central Election Commission said over 80% of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, while his main rival, a political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, gained just over 10%.
Thousands of Belarusians who believe the vote count was rigged took to the streets to protest election results. Security officials violently slammed on protesters, detaining thousands, beating and injuring many in captivity.
On August 19, leaders of EU member states agreed to impose sanctions on Belarus in response to falsified vote count and the use of violence against protesters. They have not recognized the presidential election results.
Ukraine has joined the EU declaration on Belarus.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine in no way intends to interfere in Belarus' internal affairs, while remaining ready to assist in settlement efforts.


unian--2020-08-31--Ukraine's Cabinet to submit 2021 budget draft to Rada before Sept 15

The Finance Ministry is drafting the document based on the outlook of economic and social development for 2021-2024 .
Envoy of the Cabinet of Ministers to the Verkhovna Rada , Vasyl Mokan says the government will submit Ukraine 's draft national budget for 2021 to the Rada before September 15 .
Read alsoZelensky signs into law bill to raise minimum wage from Sept 1 '' Of course , the draft national budget for next year is among the main issues of the session .
I 'd like to inform you that the work is underway and the draft of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submitted before September 15 , '' he said at a meeting of the Conciliation Council in Parliament on August 31 .
The Finance Ministry is drafting the national budget for 2021 based on the outlook of economic and social development for 2021-2024 , elaborated by Ukraine 's Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture as part of a new forecast cycle and approved at a government meeting in July 2020 .
According to the updated macroeconomic forecast , the country 's gross domestic product ( GDP ) may increase by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach 7.3 % in December 2021 year-over-year ( y-o-y ) .
The inflation rate in 2021 is expected at 8.1 % on average .
The average monthly salary in Ukraine in 2021 should be UAH 13,632 ( nearly US $ 496 ) .
Exports of Ukrainian goods are projected at US $ 60.175 billion in 2021 , while imports are expected at US $ 70.591 billion .
• On August 29 , 2020 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed into law Bill No 822-IX passed by the Verkhovna Rada at its extraordinary session @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the 2020 national budget of Ukraine .
• On August 6 , President Zelensky initiated changes to the national budget to raise the minimum wage to UAH 5,000 ( US $ 182 ) from September 1 , 2020 .
• The minimum wage in Ukraine from January 1 , 2020 , increased by UAH 550 ( US $ 20 ) , to UAH 4,723 ( US $ 172 ) per month , or UAH 28.31 ( US $ 1.03 ) per hour .

Ukraine's Cabinet to submit 2021 budget draft to Rada before Sept 15
16:30, 31.08.20 1509
The Finance Ministry is drafting the document based on the outlook of economic and social development for 2021-2024.
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unian--2020-08-31--MP slams Ukraine's first PM over "Donbas pardon" statement

The deputy has called for pulling Fokin from Ukraine 's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group .
People 's Deputy with the ruling Servant of the People party Yehor Chernev has slammed criticism on Vitold Fokin , deputy chair of Ukraine 's delegation at the Donbas settlement talks in Minsk , for his earlier backing of the idea to pardon enemy troops despite crimes committed in the warzone .
`` There can be no pardon for militants who killed Ukrainian military , '' Chernev , who is also Chairman of the Ukrainian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly , wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There must not be a special status for the entire territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions , '' he stressed , pointing to the statement by Fokin , the first prime minister of Ukraine .
Read alsoUkraine 's first PM stands for pardoning enemy troops in DonbasChernev reminded Fokin that `` every meter of Ukrainian land in Donetsk and Luhansk regions , which [ Ukrainian forces ] managed to defend , regain , and `` gnaw out of the clutches '' of Russian and pro-Russian mercenaries , is drenched in blood of Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Fokin , have no right to decide on the fate of these territories and their inhabitants .
People who actually surrender their national interests and openly play up to the enemy have no right to represent our country , '' he wrote .
`` Therefore , I demand that Fokin be pulled from the TCG !
I ask my colleagues to support the call , '' Chernev stressed .
• Fokin has recently said he is in favor of granting special status to the entire Donetsk and Luhansk regions , not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed his stance on the special status , answering the question about the idea of pardon to Russian-backed militants .
• According to Fokin , many crimes have been committed `` on both sides '' and they must be investigated , while perpetrators must be punished .
• Fokin also noted that he was ready to travel to the occupied part of Donbas to negotiate with the enemy if the president or parliament orders so .
• He says the move is also supported by Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the TCG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avakov said Fokin 's statement was of provocative nature and not in line with Ukraine 's national interests .

The deputy has called for pulling Fokin from Ukraine's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group.
People's Deputy with the ruling Servant of the People party Yehor Chernev has slammed criticism on Vitold Fokin, deputy chair of Ukraine's delegation at the Donbas settlement talks in Minsk, for his earlier backing of the idea to pardon enemy troops despite crimes committed in the warzone.
"There can be no pardon for militants who killed Ukrainian military," Chernev, who is also Chairman of the Ukrainian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, wrote on Facebook on August 31.
"There must not be a special status for the entire territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions," he stressed, pointing to the statement by Fokin, the first prime minister of Ukraine.
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Read alsoUkraine's first PM stands for pardoning enemy troops in DonbasChernev reminded Fokin that "every meter of Ukrainian land in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which [Ukrainian forces] managed to defend, regain, and "gnaw out of the clutches" of Russian and pro-Russian mercenaries, is drenched in blood of Ukrainian soldiers."
“And you, Mr. Fokin, have no right to decide on the fate of these territories and their inhabitants. People who actually surrender their national interests and openly play up to the enemy have no right to represent our country," he wrote. "Therefore, I demand that Fokin be pulled from the TCG! I ask my colleagues to support the call," Chernev stressed.
Fokin's infamous statement: background


unian--2020-08-31--Baltic States declare Belarus' Lukashenko persona non grata

They have banned him from entering , along with other 29 Belarusian officials .
Latvia , Estonia , and Lithuania have declared Alexander Lukashenko , who has recently claimed a win in the Belarusian presidential election despite massive protests alleging rigged results , persona non grata .
Latvia 's Foreign Ministry has issued a corresponding statement , noting that the move is `` in line with what was decided by the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers , and in coordination with the Foreign Ministries of Estonia and Lithuania '' .
The Baltic States have banned entry to a total of 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions against Belarus – FM Kuleba '' Persons on this list are not permitted to travel to Latvia and this prohibition applies for an indefinite period of time , '' the statement reads , adding that included on the list are `` individuals from the office and administration of the President of Belarus ; the central election commission of Belarus ; the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice ; the office of the General Prosecutor of Belarus ; the State Security Committee ; the Investigations Committee ; the Security Council ; the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee of the city of Minsk . ''
These individuals are said to have been organizing and supporting the falsification of the August 9 , 2020 , elections for the President of Belarus as well as supporting the violent suppression of peaceful protests .
Latvian Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs says Latvia `` strongly condemns '' the falsification of the presidential elections , the beating of peaceful protestors , and persecution of journalists and activists in Belarus .
Latvia has called upon the European Union `` to promptly proceed with similar decisions . ''
Presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 .
The Central Election Commission said over 80 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , while his main rival , a political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , gained just over 10 % .
Thousands of Belarusians who believe the vote count was rigged took to the streets to protest election results .
Security officials violently slammed on protesters , detaining thousands , beating and injuring many in captivity .
On August 19 , leaders of EU member states agreed to impose sanctions on Belarus in response to falsified vote count and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They have not recognized the presidential election results .
Ukraine has joined the EU declaration on Belarus .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine in no way intends to interfere in Belarus ' internal affairs , while remaining ready to assist in settlement efforts .

They have banned him from entering, along with other 29 Belarusian officials.
Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania have declared Alexander Lukashenko, who has recently claimed a win in the Belarusian presidential election despite massive protests alleging rigged results, persona non grata.
Latvia's Foreign Ministry has issued a corresponding statement, noting that the move is "in line with what was decided by the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers, and in coordination with the Foreign Ministries of Estonia and Lithuania".
The Baltic States have banned entry to a total of 30 Belarusian officials.
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Read alsoUkraine may impose sanctions against Belarus – FM Kuleba"Persons on this list are not permitted to travel to Latvia and this prohibition applies for an indefinite period of time," the statement reads, adding that included on the list are "individuals from the office and administration of the President of Belarus; the central election commission of Belarus; the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice; the office of the General Prosecutor of Belarus; the State Security Committee; the Investigations Committee; the Security Council; the State Audit Committee; and the Executive Committee of the city of Minsk."
These individuals are said to have been organizing and supporting the falsification of the August 9, 2020, elections for the President of Belarus as well as supporting the violent suppression of peaceful protests.
Latvian Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs says Latvia "strongly condemns" the falsification of the presidential elections, the beating of peaceful protestors, and persecution of journalists and activists in Belarus.
These individuals, through their personal actions, were organising and supporting the falsification of the 9 August 2020 elections for the President of Belarus as well as supporting the violent suppression of peaceful protests
Latvia has called upon the European Union "to promptly proceed with similar decisions."
Belarus protests: background, reactions
Presidential elections were held in Belarus on August 9. The Central Election Commission said over 80% of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, while his main rival, a political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, gained just over 10%.
Thousands of Belarusians who believe the vote count was rigged took to the streets to protest election results. Security officials violently slammed on protesters, detaining thousands, beating and injuring many in captivity.
On August 19, leaders of EU member states agreed to impose sanctions on Belarus in response to falsified vote count and the use of violence against protesters. They have not recognized the presidential election results.
Ukraine has joined the EU declaration on Belarus. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine in no way intends to interfere in Belarus' internal affairs, while remaining ready to assist in settlement efforts.


unian--2020-08-31--Ukraine may create virtual economic zone

Drafting of the relevant legislation is underway .
First Deputy Head of the Servant of the People faction Oleksandr Kornienko says Ukraine is developing legislation to create a virtual economic zone , which should attract more IT businesses to the country .
`` Drafting of legislation related to the so-called Diia City [ a virtual digital country with no limits for new investments , jobs and cutting edge technological development ] is under way .
It 's like a virtual economic zone , which will attract even more IT businesses to Ukraine and make our country even more competitive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a meeting of the Conciliation Council in Parliament on August 31 , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
• On August 3 , 2020 , it became known that Ukraine 's Digital Transformation Ministry was developing a single online platform `` VzayemoDiia '' for interaction between executive authorities and civil society institutions .
The aim is to introduce online tools for interaction between citizens and government .
• On July 23 , 2020 , the ministry said it was working on the introduction of financial monitoring of virtual assets , which will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's parliament , legalizes such assets .
• On April 21 , the ministry launched the official website of the state-owned IT company , Diia Company , at www.company.diia.gov.ua .
• In early April , the ministry launched the Diia public services portal .

Ukraine may create virtual economic zone
15:15, 31.08.20 1540
Drafting of the relevant legislation is underway.
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unian--2020-08-31--FC Dynamo Kyiv to face AZ Alkmaar in Champions League

The teams will compete in the third qualifying round .
The 2020/2021 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round draw was @ @ @ @ @ , August 31 .
FC Dynamo Kyiv have learned about their opponent at this stage @ @ @ @ @ competition , Dynamo 's official website reports .
The White-and-Blues had three potential rivals – @ @ @ @ @ , and SK Rapid Wien .
The Kyiv team will face AZ , according to @ @ @ @ @ be a one-match duel played in Kyiv on September 15 or 16 .
The whole @ @ @ @ @ ties , with extra time and a penalty shoot-out if required , UEFA reported .
@ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian Super CupWinners advance to the UEFA Champions League play-offs , while losing sides progress @ @ @ @ @ League play-offs or group stage .

The teams will compete in the third qualifying round.
The 2020/2021 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round draw was held in Nyon on Monday, August 31.
FC Dynamo Kyiv have learned about their opponent at this stage of UEFA's top club competition, Dynamo's official website reports.
The White-and-Blues had three potential rivals – AZ Alkmaar, PAOK FC, and SK Rapid Wien.
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The Kyiv team will face AZ, according to draw results.
This will be a one-match duel played in Kyiv on September 15 or 16.
The whole qualification round will see one-off ties, with extra time and a penalty shoot-out if required, UEFA reported.
Read alsoDynamo Kyiv win 2020 Ukrainian Super CupWinners advance to the UEFA Champions League play-offs, while losing sides progress to either the UEFA Europa League play-offs or group stage.
Champions League draw: other matches
Champions Path
Ferencváros (HUN) vs GNK Dinamo (CRO)
Qarabağ (AZE) vs Molde (NOR)
Omonia (CYP) vs Crvena zvezda (SRB)
Midtjylland (DEN) vs Young Boys (SUI)
Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) vs Dinamo Brest (BLR)
League Path


unian--2020-08-31--COVID-19 spike could hit Kyiv in early fall, official says

The capital has been updating daily coronavirus highs recently .
Kyiv could see a COVID-19 hike once the new academic year launches at schools and universities , municipal officials have warned .
That 's according to Oleh Ruban who leads the city office of the State Service for Consumer Protection , RBC-Ukraine reports .
`` First of all , the vacation period is over .
This means that anti-records will be recorded every day .
On Wednesday , Thursday , Friday , and Sunday , hospital load will increase because the number of people requiring hospitalization is going up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine : Gov't introduces new quarantine zonesLocal outbreaks among colleagues in offices are also expected .
`` This is natural , it is registered every September after the vacation period ends , '' he explained .
The number of new COVID-19 cases the capital increased by 277 over the past day , including 17 children .
Most cases were reported in Desnyanskiy district ( 63 ) .
Darnytskiy district saw 38 cases , Obolonskiy and Solomenskiy districts saw 33 cases each .
In Ukraine , over the past day , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The new quarantine zoning has been enforced in Ukraine from Monday , August 31 .

The capital has been updating daily coronavirus highs recently.
Kyiv could see a COVID-19 hike once the new academic year launches at schools and universities, municipal officials have warned.
That's according to Oleh Ruban who leads the city office of the State Service for Consumer Protection, RBC-Ukraine reports.
"First of all, the vacation period is over. This means that anti-records will be recorded every day. On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, hospital load will increase because the number of people requiring hospitalization is going up," Ruban said.
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Read alsoCOVID-19 in Ukraine: Gov't introduces new quarantine zonesLocal outbreaks among colleagues in offices are also expected.
"This is natural, it is registered every September after the vacation period ends," he explained.
Coronavirus in Kyiv: background
The number of new COVID-19 cases the capital increased by 277 over the past day, including 17 children.
Most cases were reported in Desnyanskiy district (63). Darnytskiy district saw 38 cases, Obolonskiy and Solomenskiy districts saw 33 cases each.
In Ukraine, over the past day, the number of confirmed cases has increased by 2,141.
The new quarantine zoning has been enforced in Ukraine from Monday, August 31.


unian--2020-08-31--Interior Minister comments on idea of "special status" for Donbas

No Ukrainian soldier must die because of absurd political speculation , the minister says .
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov labeled as `` provocative '' a recent statement about the `` special status '' for the entire Donbas in eastern Ukraine ( Luhansk and Donetsk regions ) and general pardon for militants .
The idea , voiced by First Deputy Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) on Donbas settlement Vitold Fokin 's , does not correspond to Ukraine 's national interests , the ministry 's press service quoted Avakov as saying on August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ die because of absurd political speculation .
Therefore , the statement by the Ukrainian representative to the TCG , [ Vitold ] Fokin , about general pardon and a special status for all Donbas is provocative and not in line with the national interests , '' Avakov said .
Read alsoKravchuk comments on local election prospects for occupied areasThe Minister called on everyone to remember that thousands of Ukrainian soldiers who died for every plot of Ukrainian land in Donbas .
• Fokin has recently said he is in favor of granting special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions , not just their occupied parts .
• The official pointed his stance on the special status , answering the question about the idea of pardon to Russian-backed militants .
According to Fokin , many crimes have been committed `` on both sides '' and they must be investigated , while perpetrators must be punished .
• Fokin also noted that he was ready to travel to the occupied part of Donbas to negotiate with the enemy if the president or parliament orders so .
He says the move is also supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the TCG Leonid Kravchuk .
On July 30 , President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Leonid Kravchuk as chairman of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk .
On August 4 , Kravchuk announced that Vitold Fokin was offered the position of `` communications coordinator for all parties '' within the TCG .

No Ukrainian soldier must die because of absurd political speculation, the minister says.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov labeled as "provocative" a recent statement about the "special status" for the entire Donbas in eastern Ukraine (Luhansk and Donetsk regions) and general pardon for militants.
The idea, voiced by First Deputy Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on Donbas settlement Vitold Fokin's, does not correspond to Ukraine's national interests, the ministry's press service quoted Avakov as saying on August 31.
"No Ukrainian soldier must die because of absurd political speculation. Therefore, the statement by the Ukrainian representative to the TCG, [Vitold] Fokin, about general pardon and a special status for all Donbas is provocative and not in line with the national interests," Avakov said.
Read alsoKravchuk comments on local election prospects for occupied areasThe Minister called on everyone to remember that thousands of Ukrainian soldiers who died for every plot of Ukrainian land in Donbas.
Fokin's infamous statement: background
Fokin has recently said he is in favor of granting special status to the entire Donetsk and Luhansk regions, not just their occupied parts.
The official pointed his stance on the special status, answering the question about the idea of pardon to Russian-backed militants. According to Fokin, many crimes have been committed "on both sides" and they must be investigated, while perpetrators must be punished.
Fokin also noted that he was ready to travel to the occupied part of Donbas to negotiate with the enemy if the president or parliament orders so. He says the move is also supported by Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the TCG Leonid Kravchuk.
Kravchuk and Fokin in TCG
On July 30, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Leonid Kravchuk as chairman of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk.
On August 4, Kravchuk announced that Vitold Fokin was offered the position of "communications coordinator for all parties" within the TCG.
On August 18, Fokin officially joined the negotiating group.


unian--2020-08-31--Russia seeks to repeat in Belarus moves it made in Ukraine – expert

Russia is moving to impose its economic interests onto Belarus , says Igar Tyshkevich , an international affairs expert with the Ukrainian Institute for the Future .
`` It 's important for Russia to do what they did in Ukraine from 2007 to 2010 – the massive arrival of Russian businesses .
In this format , how should they address this ?
Either having a weak [ Alexander ] Lukashenko , who has retained power through bloodshed , and is forced to peace and integration , or having a new president , who is not accepted by that very ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case , Ms. [ Svetlana ] Tikhanovskaya was a perfect pick because she ran without a program , and it would be naive to expect loyalty from middle-level officials , '' the expert told Ukraine 24 TV Channel .
Tyshkevich has also spoken on why the founding of the Opposition Coordination Council is a threat to the Kremlin .
Read alsoPoland reacts to `` Grodno annexation '' allegations , condemns Russia 's plan for military intervention in Belarus '' In any of these scenarios , it is extremely important and beneficial for Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective of integration , and that 's exactly what they 've been trying to squeeze out of Lukashenko .
The emergence of the Coordination Council is of no benefit to Russia as this is an attempt by internal Belarusian forces to play their own game .
The option where Belarusians reach accord is one of the worst ones for Russia , '' he said .
• Presidential elections were held in Belarus on August 9 .
• The Central Election Commission said over 80 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , gained just over 10 % .
• Thousands of Belarusians who believe the vote count was rigged took to the streets to protest election results .
• Security officials violently slammed on protesters , detaining thousands , beating and injuring many in captivity .
• On August 19 , leaders of EU member states agreed to impose sanctions on Belarus in response to falsified vote count and the use of violence against protesters .
They have not recognized the presidential election results .
• Ukraine has joined the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine in no way intends to interfere in Belarus ' internal affairs , while remaining ready to assist in settlement efforts .

The Kremlin seeks to integrate Belarus.
Russia is moving to impose its economic interests onto Belarus, says Igar Tyshkevich, an international affairs expert with the Ukrainian Institute for the Future.
"It's important for Russia to do what they did in Ukraine from 2007 to 2010 – the massive arrival of Russian businesses. In this format, how should they address this? Either having a weak [Alexander] Lukashenko, who has retained power through bloodshed, and is forced to peace and integration, or having a new president, who is not accepted by that very ruling vertical, the elite. In this case, Ms. [Svetlana ]Tikhanovskaya was a perfect pick because she ran without a program, and it would be naive to expect loyalty from middle-level officials," the expert told Ukraine 24 TV Channel.
The option where Belarusians reach accord is one of the worst ones for Russia
Tyshkevich has also spoken on why the founding of the Opposition Coordination Council is a threat to the Kremlin.
Read alsoPoland reacts to "Grodno annexation" allegations, condemns Russia's plan for military intervention in Belarus"In any of these scenarios, it is extremely important and beneficial for Russia to put pressure on Belarus from the perspective of integration, and that's exactly what they've been trying to squeeze out of Lukashenko. The emergence of the Coordination Council is of no benefit to Russia as this is an attempt by internal Belarusian forces to play their own game. The option where Belarusians reach accord is one of the worst ones for Russia," he said.
Belarus protests: background, reactions


unian--2020-08-31--Ruling party chair explains why corona relief money spent on road construction

`` Money must work , '' the official believes .
Chairman of the Servant of the People faction in Ukraine 's parliament David Arakhamia has elaborated on a reason the government has been spending money from the coronavirus relief fund on road construction across the country .
This is an `` investment in ourselves , '' Arakhamia told Ukraine 24 TV Channel on August 29 '' If we had n't spent it , we would 've failed to build roads with further needing to borrow money to this end .
That is , we would still need to lend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads rather than for tackling coronavirus , '' he said .
Read alsoCOVID-19 in Ukraine : Gov't introduces new quarantine zonesArakhamia added that `` money must work '' in Ukraine .
`` Each hryvnia [ Ukraine 's national currency ] that is invested in roads brings six hryvnias to the [ national ] budget within four years .
This is an investment in ourselves .
We are approaching [ the construction of ] 4,200 km [ of roads ] this year , which is a historic record , while the program envisages the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Road repairs and construction in Ukraine : in brief • Ukraine is expected to spend over UAH 100 billion ( US $ 3.6 billion ) on roads this year .
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's Office presented a project for the construction of a new bypass road around the capital city of Kyiv .

Ruling party chair explains why corona relief money spent on road construction
13:10, 31.08.20 9051
"Money must work," the official believes.
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unian--2020-08-31--MH17 downing: Dutch court resuming hearings Aug 31

The court will consider compensation claims by victims ' families .
Court hearings on the case of the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 downing in Donbas in 2014 resume in the Netherlands on Monday , August 31 .
That 's according to a tweet by the Dutch court .
Here is the link to a live stream of the court session One of the main topics for consideration during the hearing will be compensation claims by victims ' families .
The court also expects to hear the defense regarding the requirements of an additional investigation .
Read alsoU.S .
may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the framework of hearings , three sessions of two weeks each are expected to be held : from August 31 to September 11 , from September 28 to October 9 , and from November 2 to November 13 .
The first bloc will hear positions of legal advisers to victims ' families , defense , and prosecutors , and judgments will be handed down on the issue if necessary .
The Court will raise the question of a deadline for filing such claims .
The Netherlands will consider the possibility of paying compensation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the MH17 plane crash .
Also , the court is set to hear reports by the defense team on progress in formulating new requirements for additional investigations .
Malaysia Airlines ' MH17 Boeing 777 heading from Amsterdam for Kuala Lumpur was shot down on July 17 , 2014 , over Russia-occupied territory in Donetsk region .
All 298 people on board who were citizens of 10 countries were killed in the crash .
The majority of the victims , 196 , were citizens of the Netherlands .
The Dutch Safety Board October 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the causes of the accident .
It was revealed that the plane had been shot down by a Buk anti-aircraft missile system .
Read alsoMH17 anniversary : Ukraine calls on Russia to accept responsibilityThe Joint Investigation Team ( JIT ) in its report published on September 28 , 2016 , confirmed that the plane had been downed by a Russian-made Buk brought to Ukraine from Russia .
On June 19 , 2019 , JIT investigators accused four Russia-controlled military intelligence officers of involvement in a missile attack that shot down MH17 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are Russian terrorist Igor Girkin ( AKA `` Strelkov '' ) , who in the summer of 2014 was the so-called `` Minister of Defense of the Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) ; Russian General Sergei Dubinsky ( nom de guerre `` Khmuryi '' ) , who led the `` DPR intelligence ; '' Oleg Pulatov ( nom de guerre `` Gyurza '' ) , who in 2014 headed of `` the 2nd division of the GRU of the DPR ; '' as well as Leonid Kharchenko ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was a leader of the `` reconnaissance battalion '' of Russia-led forces .

The court will consider compensation claims by victims' families.
Court hearings on the case of the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 downing in Donbas in 2014 resume in the Netherlands on Monday, August 31.
That's according to a tweet by the Dutch court.
Here is the link to a live stream of the court session
Видео дня
One of the main topics for consideration during the hearing will be compensation claims by victims' families.
The court also expects to hear the defense regarding the requirements of an additional investigation.
Read alsoU.S. may have photos of MH17 missile, court hearsWithin the framework of hearings, three sessions of two weeks each are expected to be held: from August 31 to September 11, from September 28 to October 9, and from November 2 to November 13.
The first bloc will hear positions of legal advisers to victims' families, defense, and prosecutors, and judgments will be handed down on the issue if necessary.
The Court will raise the question of a deadline for filing such claims.
The Netherlands will consider the possibility of paying compensation to the relatives of those killed in the MH17 plane crash.
Also, the court is set to hear reports by the defense team on progress in formulating new requirements for additional investigations.
MH17 downing: background
Malaysia Airlines' MH17 Boeing 777 heading from Amsterdam for Kuala Lumpur was shot down on July 17, 2014, over Russia-occupied territory in Donetsk region. All 298 people on board who were citizens of 10 countries were killed in the crash. The majority of the victims, 196, were citizens of the Netherlands. The Dutch Safety Board October 13, 2015, issued a report on the causes of the accident. It was revealed that the plane had been shot down by a Buk anti-aircraft missile system.
Read alsoMH17 anniversary: Ukraine calls on Russia to accept responsibilityThe Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in its report published on September 28, 2016, confirmed that the plane had been downed by a Russian-made Buk brought to Ukraine from Russia.
On June 19, 2019, JIT investigators accused four Russia-controlled military intelligence officers of involvement in a missile attack that shot down MH17. The first four suspects in the MH17 case are Russian terrorist Igor Girkin (AKA "Strelkov"), who in the summer of 2014 was the so-called "Minister of Defense of the Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR"); Russian General Sergei Dubinsky (nom de guerre "Khmuryi"), who led the "DPR intelligence;" Oleg Pulatov (nom de guerre "Gyurza"), who in 2014 headed of "the 2nd division of the GRU of the DPR;" as well as Leonid Kharchenko (nom de guerre "Krot"), who was a leader of the "reconnaissance battalion" of Russia-led forces.
The MH17 trial launched on March 9, 2020.


unian--2020-08-31--Ukraine condemns another illegal raid of Crimean Tatar homes on occupied peninsula

The searches are the latest in a series of systemic crimes by occupation authorities persecuting the dissenting Crimean Tatars , the president stressed .
The President 's Representative Office for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea has condemned yet another illegal raid of Crimean Tatars ' homes in the temporarily occupied Crimea .
That 's according to a statement published via Facebook on Monday .
The Office says it documents each such action by occupation administration who persecute Ukrainian citizens with a public stance .
Such reports about politically motivated persecution are added to the list of crimes Russia has committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported at chemical plant in occupied Crimea 's north '' Morning searches in homes of young Crimean Tatars ' families are yet another crime of the occupation authorities .
In the civilized world , little children should n't wake up in the morning from a knock on the door by the Russian Federal Security Service and a heap of armed people just because their parents are civic journalists and activists .
Russia is trying to portray as extremists anyone that the regime finds inconvenient .
Solidarity is what annoys them the most .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of systemic crimes of persecution of representatives of the dissenting Crimean Tatars , '' write Tamila Tasheva , President 's Deputy Envoy for the ARC .
At the same time , Ukraine 's Prosecutor 's Office for Crimea has launched a probe into the illegal searches .
• On July 9 , Russian occupiers ' court ruled to remand in custody until September 9 two detained Crimean Tatars .
• On August 7 , Ukraine handed over to Russia a list for the next swap of Crimean Tatars illegally held in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 , Russia 's FSB said it had detained a Crimean citizen for participating in a Ukrainian volunteer battalion .
• On August 31 , raids of Crimean Tatar homes were reported across the occupied peninsula .

The searches are the latest in a series of systemic crimes by occupation authorities persecuting the dissenting Crimean Tatars, the president stressed.
The President's Representative Office for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea has condemned yet another illegal raid of Crimean Tatars' homes in the temporarily occupied Crimea.
That's according to a statement published via Facebook on Monday.
The Office says it documents each such action by occupation administration who persecute Ukrainian citizens with a public stance. Such reports about politically motivated persecution are added to the list of crimes Russia has committed in the occupied Crimea.
Видео дня
Read alsoLeak reported at chemical plant in occupied Crimea's north"Morning searches in homes of young Crimean Tatars' families are yet another crime of the occupation authorities. In the civilized world, little children shouldn't wake up in the morning from a knock on the door by the Russian Federal Security Service and a heap of armed people just because their parents are civic journalists and activists. Russia is trying to portray as extremists anyone that the regime finds inconvenient. Solidarity is what annoys them the most. The searches are the latest in a series of systemic crimes of persecution of representatives of the dissenting Crimean Tatars," write Tamila Tasheva, President's Deputy Envoy for the ARC.
Russia is trying to portray as extremists anyone that the regime finds inconvenient
At the same time, Ukraine's Prosecutor's Office for Crimea has launched a probe into the illegal searches.
Crimea raids: background


unian--2020-08-31--Two suspects behind arson attack on RFE/RL journalists' car put on wanted list

Earlier , the court ruled to remand in custody another suspect in the crime .
National Police in Ukraine have put two individuals on their wanted list on suspicion of organizing the arson attack on the car of RFE/RL 's Skhemy ( Schemes ) investigative project in a Kyiv suburb .
That 's according to the Kyiv region 's PD chief Andriy Nebytov .
`` We are searching for the two 'gentlemen ' for organizing the arson attack on the car of theRFE/RL 's Skhemy show .
That 's besides the one previously arrested by Brovary Court , '' Nebytov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are Yuriy Protsenko , DOB Feb 7 , 1991 , and Dmytro Obodovsky , DOB Oct 10 , 1986 .
Law enforcers say the men could have been acting as part of an organized criminal group .
`` It wo n't be hard for journalists to establish which groups these men belonged to , in which actions they took part and which media outlets covered their activities very actively , '' Nebytov added , without further elaborating .
According to Nebytov , the police are working to identify those who ordered the attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persons who benefit off of sowing tension between the government , law enforcement , and the journalistic community by destroying the property of prominent public figures , '' he said .
On August 17 , the car of the award-winning Skhemy investigative project was set ablaze outside the driver 's home near Kyiv .
The President 's Office has condemned the attack , calling it `` unacceptable '' .
The U.S. Embassy has expressed concern over the recent incidents targeting journalists in Ukraine .
The police opened criminal proceedings on the fact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly detained two suspects , one of whom the court ruled to remand the suspect in custody , setting bail at UAH 175,650 .

Earlier, the court ruled to remand in custody another suspect in the crime.
National Police in Ukraine have put two individuals on their wanted list on suspicion of organizing the arson attack on the car of RFE/RL's Skhemy (Schemes) investigative project in a Kyiv suburb.
That's according to the Kyiv region's PD chief Andriy Nebytov.
"We are searching for the two 'gentlemen' for organizing the arson attack on the car of theRFE/RL's Skhemy show. That's besides the one previously arrested by Brovary Court," Nebytov wrote on Facebook.
Видео дня
The two suspects are Yuriy Protsenko, DOB Feb 7, 1991, and Dmytro Obodovsky, DOB Oct 10, 1986.
Law enforcers say the men could have been acting as part of an organized criminal group.
"It won't be hard for journalists to establish which groups these men belonged to, in which actions they took part and which media outlets covered their activities very actively," Nebytov added, without further elaborating.
According to Nebytov, the police are working to identify those who ordered the attack.
"And these are exactly the persons who benefit off of sowing tension between the government, law enforcement, and the journalistic community by destroying the property of prominent public figures," he said.
Arson attack on Skhemy's car: background
On August 17, the car of the award-winning Skhemy investigative project was set ablaze outside the driver's home near Kyiv.
The President's Office has condemned the attack, calling it "unacceptable".
The U.S. Embassy has expressed concern over the recent incidents targeting journalists in Ukraine.
The police opened criminal proceedings on the fact of deliberate destruction or damage to property and shortly detained two suspects, one of whom the court ruled to remand the suspect in custody, setting bail at UAH 175,650.


unian--2020-08-31--Hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.48 to U.S. dollar on Aug 31

The official forex rate against the euro for Monday has been fixed at UAH 32.73 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has set the official forex rate for August 31 at UAH 27.48 to the U.S. dollar , which made the country 's national currency weaken by two kopiykas .
The official forex rate against the euro for Monday is fixed at UAH 32.73 per euro – the hryvnia lost 30 kopiykas in value since Friday , according to the NBU website .
The central bank has fixed the following official forex rates of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 : Read alsoNBU chief tells int ' l investors whether bank 's policies set to changeUS $ 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,747.59 ( UAH 2,746.15 as of August 28 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH 3,273.34 ( UAH 3,242.79 as of August 28 ) .
By 16:00 Kyiv time on August 28 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank forex market settled at UAH 27.48/27.50 to the dollar , while those against the euro were at UAH 32.73/32.75 .
The National Bank set the official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27.46 to the U.S. dollar , which made the country 's national currency weaken by seven kopiykas .

Hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.48 to U.S. dollar on Aug 31
11:25, 31.08.20 16177
The official forex rate against the euro for Monday has been fixed at UAH 32.73 per euro.
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unian--2020-08-31--Russia raiding Crimean Tatar activists' homes in occupied Crimea

Searches are being conducted in several areas of the occupied peninsula simultaneously .
Russia 's law enforcers are raiding Crimean Tatars ' homes in Russia-occupied Crimea on the morning of August 31 .
Russian security forces broke into the house of the Crimean Solidarity NGO 's journalist , Grani.ru correspondent Ayder Kadyrov in Nyzhnohirskyi district , '' Kadyrov 's wife and four children are in the house during the raid .
The youngest one , 2.5 months old , was handed over to his grandmother who lives nearby .
The enforcers arrived in two unmarked Gazelle vans to carry out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook on August 31 .
Read also '' Not a chance '' : Leading party chair says Rada not to consider resumption of water supplies to CrimeaLater it became known that Kadyrov was being taken to the so-called `` FSB [ Russia 's Federal Security Service ] station . ''
The occupiers also are searching the house of Enver Tomchi , the father of two minor children , living in Soviet district , and the house of Ayder Ablyakimov , an emergency service worker , located in Soniachna Dolyna ( `` Sunny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also , the enforcers are searching the house of activist Ridvan Umerov , who has three minor children at home .
`` There are three cars parked outside the house , including a paddy wagon with riot police officers inside , '' the NGO added .
On July 9 , Russian occupiers ' court ruled to remand in custody until September 9 two detained Crimean Tatars .
On August 7 , Ukraine handed over to Russia a list for the next swap of Crimean Tatars illegally held in the temporarily occupied peninsula .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had detained a Crimean citizen for participating in a Ukrainian volunteer battalion .

Searches are being conducted in several areas of the occupied peninsula simultaneously.
Russia's law enforcers are raiding Crimean Tatars' homes in Russia-occupied Crimea on the morning of August 31.
Russian security forces broke into the house of the Crimean Solidarity NGO's journalist, Grani.ru correspondent Ayder Kadyrov in Nyzhnohirskyi district,
"Kadyrov's wife and four children are in the house during the raid. The youngest one, 2.5 months old, was handed over to his grandmother who lives nearby. The enforcers arrived in two unmarked Gazelle vans to carry out investigative actions," the NGO wrote on Facebook on August 31.
Видео дня
Read also"Not a chance": Leading party chair says Rada not to consider resumption of water supplies to CrimeaLater it became known that Kadyrov was being taken to the so-called "FSB [Russia's Federal Security Service] station." The occupiers also are searching the house of Enver Tomchi, the father of two minor children, living in Soviet district, and the house of Ayder Ablyakimov, an emergency service worker, located in Soniachna Dolyna ("Sunny Valley") in Sudak district.
Also, the enforcers are searching the house of activist Ridvan Umerov, who has three minor children at home.
"There are three cars parked outside the house, including a paddy wagon with riot police officers inside," the NGO added.
Human rights violations in Crimea: background
On July 9, Russian occupiers' court ruled to remand in custody until September 9 two detained Crimean Tatars.
On August 7, Ukraine handed over to Russia a list for the next swap of Crimean Tatars illegally held in the temporarily occupied peninsula.
On August 19, Russia's FSB said it had detained a Crimean citizen for participating in a Ukrainian volunteer battalion.


unian--2020-08-31--Croatia put on "red zone" list in Ukraine

Upon returning from Croatia , Ukrainians will be obliged to undergo self-isolation or take a COVID-19 test to cut the quarantine period .
Croatia , a popular tourist destination for Ukrainians , has been added to the list of countries assigned to the so-called `` red zone '' of COVID-19 threat , Ukraine 's State Agency for Tourism Development reports .
Upon returning from this country , Ukrainians will be obliged to undergo self-isolation , the agency 's press service reported on Facebook .
`` The list of countries in the red and green zones has been updated as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Ukrainians can fly on vacation : Croatia is in the red zone , '' the statement says .
It is noted that Albania and Montenegro also remain in the `` red '' zone .
Read alsoUkraine prolongs quarantine until Nov 1 '' We remind you that upon returning from a vacation in the red zone countries , Ukrainians must go for self-isolation using the Dii Vdoma mobile application .
Early termination of the self-isolation period is possible after a negative PCR test returns , '' the agency wrote .
At the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bulgaria , Egypt , and Turkey – are in the `` green '' zone .
List of countries that are open for Ukrainian tourists : Turkey , Serbia , Albania , Northern Macedonia , Montenegro , Croatia , Belarus , Armenia , United Kingdom , the United States , Mexico , Egypt , Republic of Korea , Iraq , Iran , Afghanistan , South Sudan , Ethiopia , Somalia , Kenya , Zambia , Tanzania , Burundi , Bahamas islands , Lebanon , Djibouti , Burkina Faso , Togo , Chad , Bulgaria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maldives , Antigua and Barbuda , Ecuador , Jamaica , Cambodia , Comoros , Kazakhstan , Sierra Leone , Rwanda , Sudan , Pakistan , Puerto Rico , the island country of Saint Lucia , located in the Caribbean Sea , Kazakhstan , Sierra Leone , Rwanda , and Sudan .

Upon returning from Croatia, Ukrainians will be obliged to undergo self-isolation or take a COVID-19 test to cut the quarantine period.
Croatia, a popular tourist destination for Ukrainians, has been added to the list of countries assigned to the so-called "red zone" of COVID-19 threat, Ukraine's State Agency for Tourism Development reports.
Upon returning from this country, Ukrainians will be obliged to undergo self-isolation, the agency's press service reported on Facebook.
"The list of countries in the red and green zones has been updated as of August 30. Information on the countries where Ukrainians can fly on vacation: Croatia is in the red zone," the statement says.
Видео дня
It is noted that Albania and Montenegro also remain in the "red" zone.
Read alsoUkraine prolongs quarantine until Nov 1"We remind you that upon returning from a vacation in the red zone countries, Ukrainians must go for self-isolation using the Dii Vdoma mobile application. Early termination of the self-isolation period is possible after a negative PCR test returns," the agency wrote.
At the same time, other popular vacation destinations – Bulgaria, Egypt, and Turkey – are in the "green" zone.
List of countries that are open for Ukrainian tourists:
Turkey, Serbia, Albania, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia, Belarus, Armenia, United Kingdom, the United States, Mexico, Egypt, Republic of Korea, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Burundi, Bahamas islands, Lebanon, Djibouti, Burkina Faso, Togo, Chad, Bulgaria, Slovenia, UAE, Ireland, Maldives, Antigua and Barbuda, Ecuador, Jamaica, Cambodia, Comoros, Kazakhstan, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Sudan, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, the island country of Saint Lucia, located in the Caribbean Sea, Kazakhstan, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and Sudan.