unian--2020-04-26--Ukraine commemorates 34th anniversary of Chornobyl disaster

About 400,000 people were evacuated from the exclusion zone .
Ukraine is commemorating the 34th anniversary of the Chernobyl ( Chornobyl ) disaster on April 26 .
The world 's worst ever nuclear accident happened 34 years ago when the Chornobyl nuclear power plant near the city of Kyiv in the then Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic ( USSR ) exploded on April 26 , 1986 .
On that disastrous day , Chornobyl nuclear power unit No .
4 exploded after a fire had broken out inside the facility .
The nuclear reactor was completely destroyed in that explosion , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released into the environment .
Read alsoReuters : Fires near Chornobyl pose 'no risk to human health , ' IAEA says This accident is regarded as the largest of its kind in the entire history of nuclear energy , both in terms of the estimated number of people killed and affected by its aftermath , and in terms of economic damage .
It is known that 31 people died within the first three months after the accident .
Its direct casualties include another 19 deaths that occurred from 1987 to 2004 .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from acute radiation syndrome of different severity .
Official reports indicate that high levels of human exposure resulted in another 4,000 deaths .
According to experts and the public , these figures are significantly lower than the actual number of victims .
The radiation leak from the explosion at the fourth Chornobyl power unit is equated to the explosion of 500 atomic bombs dropped over Hiroshima in 1945 .
An area of 160,000 square kilometers was contaminated .
The total area affected by radioactive pollution in Ukraine was 50,000 square kilometers in 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60,000 square kilometers in 19 Russian regions , where 2.6 million people were exposed to radiation pollution .
In the then Byelorussian Soviet Republic , an area of 46,500 square kilometers with about a fifth of its population was contaminated .
About 400,000 people were evacuated from the exclusion zone .
Of them there were 47,500 inhabitants of the town of Pripyat ( Prypyat ) .
Now , according to various sources , 140 so-called `` self-settlers '' live in the zone .
On December 8 , 2016 , the UN General Assembly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chornobyl disaster to designate April 26 as International Chornobyl Disaster Remembrance Day .
The document that the General Assembly recognizes `` three decades after the Chernobyl disaster , the still-persistent serious long-term consequences thereof , as well as the continuing related needs of the affected communities and territories . ''
It decided , in order to `` raise awareness of the long-term consequences of the Chernobyl disaster , to designate 26 April as International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day , to be observed every year beginning in 2017 , invites all Member States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system and other international organizations , as well as civil society , to observe the day . ''

About 400,000 people were evacuated from the exclusion zone.
Ukraine is commemorating the 34th anniversary of the Chernobyl (Chornobyl) disaster on April 26.
The world's worst ever nuclear accident happened 34 years ago when the Chornobyl nuclear power plant near the city of Kyiv in the then Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) exploded on April 26, 1986.
Explosion
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On that disastrous day, Chornobyl nuclear power unit No. 4 exploded followed by a fire inside the facility.
The nuclear reactor was completely destroyed in that explosion, and a large amount of radioactive substances was released into the environment.
Read alsoReuters: Fires near Chornobyl pose 'no risk to human health,' IAEA says
This accident is regarded as the largest of its kind in the entire history of nuclear energy, both in terms of the estimated number of people killed and affected by its aftermath, and in terms of economic damage.
Victims and the Aftermath
It is known that 31 people died within the first three months after the accident. Its direct casualties include another 19 deaths that occurred from 1987 to 2004. As many as 134 Chornobyl clean-up workers suffered from acute radiation syndrome of different severity.
Official reports indicate that high levels of human exposure resulted in another 4,000 deaths. According to experts and the public, these figures are significantly lower than the actual number of victims.
The radiation leak caused by the blast at the fourth Chornobyl power unit is equated to the explosion of 500 atomic bombs dropped over Hiroshima in 1945. An area of 160,000 square kilometers was contaminated. The total area affected by radioactive pollution in Ukraine was 50,000 square kilometers in 12 regions. Other affected areas include almost 60,000 square kilometers in 19 Russian regions, where 2.6 million people were exposed to radiation pollution. In the then Byelorussian Soviet Republic, an area of 46,500 square kilometers with about a fifth of its population was contaminated.
About 400,000 people were evacuated from the exclusion zone. Of them there were 47,500 inhabitants of the town of Pripyat (Prypyat). Now, according to various sources, 140 so-called "self-settlers" live in the zone.
Chornobyl Disaster Remembrance Day
On December 8, 2016, the UN General Assembly issued resolution 71/125 on persistent legacy of the Chornobyl disaster to designate April 26 as International Chornobyl Disaster Remembrance Day.
In the document, three decades after the Chornobyl disaster, the General Assembly recognizes "the still-persistent serious long-term consequences thereof, as well as the continuing related needs of the affected communities and territories."
It decided, in order to "raise awareness of the long-term consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, to designate 26 April as International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day, to be observed every year beginning in 2017, [it] invites all Member States, relevant agencies of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, to observe the day."


unian--2020-04-26--Reuters: Fires near Chornobyl pose 'no risk to human health,' IAEA says

There had been `` some minor increases in radiation . ''
Radiation from fires that have torn through forests around Ukraine 's defunct Chernobyl ( Chornobyl ) nuclear power plant poses `` no risk to human health , '' the U.N. atomic agency said on Friday , based on data provided by Ukraine .
The main fire among several blazes was extinguished last week but advanced far into the 30 km exclusion zone around the plant , the site of the world 's worst nuclear accident in 1986 .
Smaller fires are still burning in the exclusion zone , its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Read alsoNASA says it sees fires near Chornobyl break out again ( Satellite image ) Footage from the site has shown plumes of smoke billowing from the charred landscape , and environmental activists have said the burning of contaminated trees and other vegetation could disperse radioactive particles , posing a health risk .
`` The recent fires in the Exclusion Zone near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine have not led to any hazardous increase of radioactive particles in the air , '' the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Vienna-based IAEA , which acts as the U.N. nuclear watchdog but also aims to encourage the peaceful use of nuclear energy , said it was basing its assessment on data provided by Ukraine .
Read also '' No threat to Chornobyl facilities '' : PM reports on wildfire response progress in northern Ukraine The IAEA said it found `` the increase in levels of radiation measured in the country was very small and posed no risk to human health . ''
There had been `` some minor increases in radiation , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine had found `` the concentration of radioactive materials in the air remained below Ukraine 's radiation safety norms . ''

There had been "some minor increases in radiation."
Radiation from fires that have torn through forests around Ukraine's defunct Chernobyl (Chornobyl) nuclear power plant poses "no risk to human health," the U.N. atomic agency said on Friday, based on data provided by Ukraine.
The main fire among several blazes was extinguished last week but advanced far into the 30 km exclusion zone around the plant, the site of the world's worst nuclear accident in 1986. Smaller fires are still burning in the exclusion zone, its administration said on Friday evening, Reuters said.
Read alsoNASA says it sees fires near Chornobyl break out again (Satellite image)
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Footage from the site has shown plumes of smoke billowing from the charred landscape, and environmental activists have said the burning of contaminated trees and other vegetation could disperse radioactive particles, posing a health risk.
"The recent fires in the Exclusion Zone near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine have not led to any hazardous increase of radioactive particles in the air," the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement.
The Vienna-based IAEA, which acts as the U.N. nuclear watchdog but also aims to encourage the peaceful use of nuclear energy, said it was basing its assessment on data provided by Ukraine.
Read also"No threat to Chornobyl facilities": PM reports on wildfire response progress in northern Ukraine
The IAEA said it found "the increase in levels of radiation measured in the country was very small and posed no risk to human health."
There had been "some minor increases in radiation," the IAEA said, adding the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine had found "the concentration of radioactive materials in the air remained below Ukraine's radiation safety norms."


unian--2020-04-26--Number of COVID-19 cases in Kyiv nearing 1,200

Twenty-nine new cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
The number of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in Kyiv is nearing 1,200 .
`` In the past 24 hours , the number of Kyiv residents who tested positive for the coronavirus increased by 29 , including 10 health care workers , '' Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said on Facebook on April 26 .
`` In total , there are 1,188 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the capital city now . ''
`` Unfortunately , one case in the past 24 hours is a fatality , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work no earlier than May 31 According to Klitschko , nine men aged 25 to 70 and 15 women aged 27 to 70 are among those infected .
In addition , three boys aged 4 , 10 , 17 and two girls aged 4 and 12 tested positive for the coronavirus .
Klitschko said seven new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors .
`` I really want to hope that the dynamics of the disease will not accelerate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Klitschko said , adding that the next two weeks would be critically important .
The mayor called on residents of Kyiv to continue adhering to the quarantine rules to prevent a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus patients in the capital , which will let the city gradually return to normal life .
As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 8,617 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases , including 209 deaths , in Ukraine as of 09:30 a.m. Kyiv time on April 26 .

Twenty-nine new cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
The number of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Kyiv is nearing 1,200.
"In the past 24 hours, the number of Kyiv residents who tested positive for the coronavirus increased by 29, including 10 health care workers," Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said on Facebook on April 26. "In total, there are 1,188 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the capital city now."
"Unfortunately, one case in the past 24 hours is a fatality," he added.
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Read alsoKyiv subway to resume work no earlier than May 31
According to Klitschko, nine men aged 25 to 70 and 15 women aged 27 to 70 are among those infected. In addition, three boys aged 4, 10, 17 and two girls aged 4 and 12 tested positive for the coronavirus. Klitschko said seven new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors.
"I really want to hope that the dynamics of the disease will not accelerate and we can finally start easing the restrictions," Klitschko said, adding that the next two weeks would be critically important.
The mayor called on residents of Kyiv to continue adhering to the quarantine rules to prevent a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus patients in the capital, which will let the city gradually return to normal life.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 8,617 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 209 deaths, in Ukraine as of 09:30 a.m. Kyiv time on April 26.


unian--2020-04-26--Almost 1,700 health care workers in Ukraine test positive for coronavirus

Chernivtsi region is in the lead .
In Ukraine , 1,676 health care workers have tested positive for the novel coronavirus as of today , 101 new cases were registered in the past 24 hours .
`` The total number of health care workers infected with COVID-19 as of this morning is 1,676 people .
The largest number of them are in Chernivtsi , Ternopil and Rivne regions , '' Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said during an online briefing on April 26 , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoCoronavirus in Ukraine : Almost 500 new cases confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care workers tested positive the past 24 hours , the Health Ministry said in an update on April 26 .
According to Stepanov , Chernivtsi region is in the lead because the region has seen the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases .
In addition , the minister said , Chernivtsi region was the first where COVID-19 cases were registered in large numbers .
As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 8,617 laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases , including 209 deaths , in Ukraine as of 09:30 a.m. Kyiv time on April 26 .

Chernivtsi region is in the lead.
In Ukraine, 1,676 health care workers have tested positive for the novel coronavirus as of today, 101 new cases were registered in the past 24 hours.
"The total number of health care workers infected with COVID-19 as of this morning is 1,676 people. The largest number of them are in Chernivtsi, Ternopil and Rivne regions," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said during an online briefing on April 26, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoCoronavirus in Ukraine: Almost 500 new cases confirmed in past day
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In particular, 101 health care workers tested positive the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said in an update on April 26.
According to Stepanov, Chernivtsi region is in the lead because the region has seen the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases.
In addition, the minister said, Chernivtsi region was the first where COVID-19 cases were registered in large numbers.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 8,617 laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases, including 209 deaths, in Ukraine as of 09:30 a.m. Kyiv time on April 26.


unian--2020-04-26--Reuters: Trump and Putin issue rare joint statement promoting cooperation

The last joint statement marking the Elbe River bridge link-up was issued in 2010 , when the Obama administration was seeking improved relations with Moscow .
U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin issued a rare joint statement on Saturday commemorating a 1945 World War Two link-up of U.S. and Soviet troops on their way to defeat Nazi Germany as an example of how their countries can cooperate .
The statement by Trump and Putin comes amid deep strains in U.S.-Russian ties over a raft of issues , from arms control and Russia 's intervention in Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has spread disinformation about the novel coronavirus pandemic and interfered in U.S. election campaigns , Reuters said .
The Wall Street Journal reported that the decision to issue the statement sparked debate within the Trump administration , with some officials worried it could undercut stern U.S. messages to Moscow .
The joint statement marked the anniversary of the April 25 , 1945 meeting on a bridge over the Elbe River in Germany of Soviet soldiers advancing from the east and American troops moving from the West .
`` This event heralded the decisive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statement said .
`` The 'Spirit of the Elbe ' is an example of how our countries can put aside differences , build trust , and cooperate in pursuit of a greater cause . ''
The Journal said the last joint statement marking the Elbe River bridge link-up was issued in 2010 , when the Obama administration was seeking improved relations with Moscow .
Trump had hoped to travel to Moscow to mark the anniversary .
He has been complimentary of Putin , promoted cooperation with Moscow , and said he believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election .
Senior administration officials and lawmakers , in contrast , have been fiercely critical of Russia , with relations between the nuclear-armed nations at their lowest point since the end of the Cold War .

The last joint statement marking the Elbe River bridge link-up was issued in 2010, when the Obama administration was seeking improved relations with Moscow.
U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin issued a rare joint statement on Saturday commemorating a 1945 World War Two link-up of U.S. and Soviet troops on their way to defeat Nazi Germany as an example of how their countries can cooperate.
The statement by Trump and Putin comes amid deep strains in U.S.-Russian ties over a raft of issues, from arms control and Russia's intervention in Ukraine and Syria to U.S. charges that Russia has spread disinformation about the novel coronavirus pandemic and interfered in U.S. election campaigns, Reuters said.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the decision to issue the statement sparked debate within the Trump administration, with some officials worried it could undercut stern U.S. messages to Moscow.
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Read alsoU.S. Senate intelligence report backs joint assessment of 2016 Russian meddling – media
The joint statement marked the anniversary of the April 25, 1945 meeting on a bridge over the Elbe River in Germany of Soviet soldiers advancing from the east and American troops moving from the West.
"This event heralded the decisive defeat of the Nazi regime," the statement said. "The 'Spirit of the Elbe' is an example of how our countries can put aside differences, build trust, and cooperate in pursuit of a greater cause."
The Journal said the last joint statement marking the Elbe River bridge link-up was issued in 2010, when the Obama administration was seeking improved relations with Moscow.
Trump had hoped to travel to Moscow to mark the anniversary. He has been complimentary of Putin, promoted cooperation with Moscow, and said he believed the Russian leader's denials of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Senior administration officials and lawmakers, in contrast, have been fiercely critical of Russia, with relations between the nuclear-armed nations at their lowest point since the end of the Cold War.


unian--2020-04-26--Donbas war update: One Ukrainian soldier wounded in action in past day

Enemy troops used proscribed weapons , namely 120mm and 82mm mortars .
One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in action in @ @ @ @ @ eastern Ukraine , in the past day .
`` On April 25 , armed formations @ @ @ @ @ ceasefire 16 times , '' the press center of the Joint Forces Operation ( JFO @ @ @ @ @ in a morning update on April 26 .
`` The enemy fired at our positions @ @ @ @ @ mortars that are banned under the Minsk Agreement .
They also used grenade launchers of @ @ @ @ @ guns , rifles . ''
Four enemy troops were killed and another five were wounded @ @ @ @ @ to Ukrainian intelligence reports .
Since Sunday midnight , Russia-led forces have violated the ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ casualties have been reported from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on April 26 .

Enemy troops used proscribed weapons, namely 120mm and 82mm mortars.
One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in action in enemy attacks in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, in the past day.
"On April 25, armed formations of the Russian Federation violated ceasefire 16 times," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on April 26. "The enemy fired at our positions, using 120mm and 82mm mortars that are banned under the Minsk Agreement. They also used grenade launchers of various systems, large machine guns, rifles."
Read alsoDonbas war escalation: Three soldiers wounded amid 15 attacks on April 23
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Ukraine's Joint Forces had to fire back.
Four enemy troops were killed and another five were wounded on April 25, according to Ukrainian intelligence reports.
Since Sunday midnight, Russia-led forces have violated the ceasefire twice.
No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on April 26.


unian--2020-04-26--Coronavirus in Ukraine: Almost 500 new cases confirmed in past day

Chernivtsi region is in the lead in terms of confirmed cases ( 1,341 ) .
Ukraine 's Health Ministry has reported 492 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in the past day .
`` According to the Public Health Center , there were 8,617 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:30 a.m. Kyiv time on April 26 , '' the Ukrainian Health Ministry said on Facebook on Sunday .
`` Of them , there were 209 deaths , 840 patients have recovered .
Some 492 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours . ''
As of now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following regions : Vinnytsia region ( 388 cases ) ; Volyn region ( 241 ) ; Dnipropetrovsk region ( 292 ) ; Donetsk region ( 29 ) ; Zhytomyr region ( 348 ) ; Zakarpattia region ( 329 ) ; Zaporizhia ( 182 ) ; Ivano-Frankivsk region ( 731 ) ; Kirovohrad region ( 323 ) ; the city of Kyiv ( 1,188 ) and Kyiv region ( 542 ) ; Lviv region ( 348 ) ; Luhansk region ( 29 ) ; Mykolaiv region ( 111 ) ; Odesa region ( 220 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Rivne region ( 508 ) ; Sumy region ( 95 ) ; Ternopil region ( 607 ) ; Kharkiv region ( 147 ) ; Kherson region ( 87 ) ; Khmelnytsky region ( 70 ) ; Chernivtsi region ( 1,341 ) ; Cherkasy region ( 257 ) ; and Chernihiv region ( 32 ) .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .

Chernivtsi region is in the lead in terms of confirmed cases (1,341).
Ukraine's Health Ministry has reported 492 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in the past day.
"According to the Public Health Center, there were 8,617 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:30 a.m. Kyiv time on April 26," the Ukrainian Health Ministry said on Facebook on Sunday. "Of them, there were 209 deaths, 840 patients have recovered. Some 492 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours."
Read alsoFive stages: Cabinet publishes road map of quarantine easing
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As of now the coronavirus has been recorded in the following regions: Vinnytsia region (388 cases); Volyn region (241); Dnipropetrovsk region (292); Donetsk region (29); Zhytomyr region (348); Zakarpattia region (329); Zaporizhia (182); Ivano-Frankivsk region (731); Kirovohrad region (323); the city of Kyiv (1,188) and Kyiv region (542); Lviv region (348); Luhansk region (29); Mykolaiv region (111); Odesa region (220); Poltava region (172); Rivne region (508); Sumy region (95); Ternopil region (607); Kharkiv region (147); Kherson region (87); Khmelnytsky region (70 ); Chernivtsi region (1,341); Cherkasy region (257); and Chernihiv region (32).
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.


unian--2020-04-26--Ukraine's interior minister reports all fires in Chornobyl zone extinguished

He thanked the firefighters and foresters for the work .
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has reported that all fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone have been extinguished .
`` Jointly with Volodymyr Zelensky , we 've inspected how they have been putting out fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone .
All sources of fire have been extinguished .
There are no threats .
Firefighters are working on smoldering peatland areas .
A wave of fires has been brought down , '' Avakov said on Twitter on April 26 .
Read alsoZelensky says over 11,000 ha damaged by forest fires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the firefighters and foresters for the work .
As UNIAN reported earlier , first forest fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone began on April 4 , covering 20 hectares then .
On April 7 , the area affected by the fires expanded to 35 hectares .
On April 14 , they were reportedly extinguished but resumed on April 16 .
As of 07:00 Kyiv time on April 26 , 2020 , operations to extinguish the fires were under way in the Lubianka , Paryshiv , Dytiatky , and Denysovychi forestry areas in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were areas near the villages of Kryva Hora and Rudky-Buriakivka .

He thanked the firefighters and foresters for the work.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has reported that all fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone have been extinguished.
"Jointly with Volodymyr Zelensky, we've inspected how they have been putting out fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone. All sources of fire have been extinguished. There are no threats. Firefighters are working on smoldering peatland areas. A wave of fires has been brought down," Avakov said on Twitter on April 26.
Read alsoZelensky says over 11,000 ha damaged by forest fires in Chornobyl exclusion zone
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He also thanked the firefighters and foresters for the work.
As UNIAN reported earlier, first forest fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone began on April 4, covering 20 hectares then. On April 7, the area affected by the fires expanded to 35 hectares. On April 14, they were reportedly extinguished but resumed on April 16.
As of 07:00 Kyiv time on April 26, 2020, operations to extinguish the fires were under way in the Lubianka, Paryshiv, Dytiatky, and Denysovychi forestry areas in the exclusion zone. Two major smoldering spots were areas near the villages of Kryva Hora and Rudky-Buriakivka.


unian--2020-04-26--Zelensky says over 11,000 ha damaged by forest fires in Chornobyl exclusion zone

Operations to extinguish the fires were under way near the Lubianka , Paryshiv , Dytiatky , and Denysovychi forestry areas on Sunday morning .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says over 11,000 ha of forests in the Chornobyl exclusion zone have been damaged by recent fires .
The president took a helicopter tour over the area damaged by the fires as part of a working trip to Kyiv region , the presidential press service reported on April 26 .
Zelensky also met with State Emergency Service members who were involved in extinguishing a large-scale forest fire in the Chornobyl exclusion zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ height , you understand how difficult your profession is , '' he told them , presenting state awards to 22 rescuers .
`` I am grateful to you for the result on behalf of the entire Ukrainian people . ''
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal , who was present at the meeting , also thanked the firefighters .
Interior Minister Arsen Avakov , acting Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection Olha Buslavets and State Emergency Service chief Mykola Chechotkin briefed Zelensky on progress in eliminating the sources of the fires .
As UNIAN reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chornobyl exclusion zone began on April 4 , covering 20 hectares then .
On April 7 , the area affected by the fires expanded to 35 hectares .
On April 14 , they were reportedly extinguished but resumed on April 16 .
As of 07:00 Kyiv time on April 26 , 2020 , operations to extinguish the fires were under way in the Lubianka , Paryshiv , Dytiatky , and Denysovychi forestry areas in the exclusion zone .
Two major smoldering spots were areas near the villages of Kryva Hora and Rudky-Buriakivka .

Operations to extinguish the fires were under way near the Lubianka, Paryshiv, Dytiatky, and Denysovychi forestry areas on Sunday morning.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says over 11,000 ha of forests in the Chornobyl exclusion zone have been damaged by recent fires.
The president took a helicopter tour over the area damaged by the fires as part of a working trip to Kyiv region, the presidential press service reported on April 26.
Zelensky also met with State Emergency Service members who were involved in extinguishing a large-scale forest fire in the Chornobyl exclusion zone.
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"Only there, at a height, you understand how difficult your profession is," he told them, presenting state awards to 22 rescuers. "I am grateful to you for the result on behalf of the entire Ukrainian people."
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who was present at the meeting, also thanked the firefighters.
Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, acting Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection Olha Buslavets and State Emergency Service chief Mykola Chechotkin briefed Zelensky on progress in eliminating the sources of the fires.
Read alsoNew forest fire outbreaks reported in Chornobyl zone (Photo, video)
As UNIAN reported earlier, first forest fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone began on April 4, covering 20 hectares then. On April 7, the area affected by the fires expanded to 35 hectares.
On April 14, they were reportedly extinguished but resumed on April 16.
As of 07:00 Kyiv time on April 26, 2020, operations to extinguish the fires were under way in the Lubianka, Paryshiv, Dytiatky, and Denysovychi forestry areas in the exclusion zone. Two major smoldering spots were areas near the villages of Kryva Hora and Rudky-Buriakivka.


unian--2020-04-26--Ukrainian MP claims Energoatom's acting head requests almost US$60,000 in monthly pay

The Cabinet on March 31 decided to tap Director General of Zaporizhia nuclear power plant Kotin to head Energoatom .
Member of Parliament Olha Vasylevska-Smahliuk claims National Nuclear Energy Generating Company ( NNEGC ) Energoatom 's acting Director Petro Kotin has requested a monthly salary of UAH 1.6 million , or US $ 59,240 .
`` I like the way people come to power .
They have n't done anything outstanding , but the first thing they do is to seek insane money .
Take the new head of Energoatom , Petro Kotin , who has raised the issue with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAH 1.6 million per month , '' she wrote on Facebook on April 26 .
`` He became the acting director of the company on April 2 .
[ He ] has n't delivered any performance , any results yet but 'just needs some money , ' '' she said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on November 27 , 2019 , Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers decided to dismiss Yuriy Nedashkovsky from the post of President of the state-owned nuclear power plants operator , Energoatom .
March 31 , 2020 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zaporizhia nuclear power plant Kotin to head Energoatom .
Prior to Kotin 's appointment , the nuclear company was temporarily headed by Director General of Rivne nuclear power plant Pavlo Pavlyshyn .
UNIAN memo .
Energoatom is Ukraine 's largest electricity producer , accounting for about 50 % of the country 's overall power output .
Energoatom is responsible for the safe operation of the country 's nuclear power plants .
Ukraine ranks seventh globally in terms of the installed capacity of its nuclear power generating units .
Energoatom operates four nuclear power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 power generating units , all with VVER-type reactors .
Zaporizhia nuclear power plant , operating six power units with a total capacity of 6 GW , is Europe 's largest .

Ukrainian MP claims Energoatom's acting head requests almost US$60,000 in monthly pay
19:20, 26.04.20 443
The Cabinet on March 31 decided to tap Director General of Zaporizhia nuclear power plant Kotin to head Energoatom.
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unian--2020-04-26--Ukraine's parliament to gather for special meeting late this week

No motions to vote on Cabinet nominees have been registered in parliament yet .
Speaker of Ukraine 's parliament Dmytro Razumkov says Ukrainian lawmakers may gather for a special meeting late this week .
`` As of today , there is no final information when the extraordinary meeting of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will take place [ this ] week .
I have information that lawmakers will ask for a special meeting .
I think that if it happens , it will be at the end of the week , '' he told journalists on Sunday , April 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On that day , Razumkov took part in an official event to lay wreaths to the monument to Chornobyl clean-up workers in Kyiv on the 34th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster .
`` If we are talking about [ the vote on ] motions , then we do not have nominees registered by the Cabinet of Ministers , '' he added .
When asked whether the ruling parliamentary faction , the Servant of the People , supported the nomination of ex-President of Georgia and former Odesa governor Mikheil Saakashvili as deputy prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It would be more appropriate if representatives of the faction speak about this . ''
`` As far as I know , there are different positions as for new appointments to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine both in the Servant of the People faction and other factions , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Saakashvili announced on April 22 that he had received a proposal from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to become deputy prime minister for reform in Ukraine .

No motions to vote on Cabinet nominees have been registered in parliament yet.
Speaker of Ukraine's parliament Dmytro Razumkov says Ukrainian lawmakers may gather for a special meeting late this week.
"As of today, there is no final information when the extraordinary meeting of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will take place [this] week. I have information that lawmakers will ask for a special meeting. I think that if it happens, it will be at the end of the week," he told journalists on Sunday, April 26, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoUkraine commemorates 34th anniversary of Chornobyl disaster
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On that day, Razumkov took part in an official event to lay wreaths to the monument to Chornobyl clean-up workers in Kyiv on the 34th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster.
"If we are talking about [the vote on] motions, then we do not have nominees registered by the Cabinet of Ministers," he added.
When asked whether the ruling parliamentary faction, the Servant of the People, supported the nomination of ex-President of Georgia and former Odesa governor Mikheil Saakashvili as deputy prime minister for reform in Ukraine, Razumkov said: "It would be more appropriate if representatives of the faction speak about this."
"As far as I know, there are different positions as for new appointments to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine both in the Servant of the People faction and other factions," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Saakashvili announced on April 22 that he had received a proposal from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to become deputy prime minister for reform in Ukraine.


unian--2020-04-26--Kharkiv governor reports coronavirus outbreak in local mental health center: 11 cases confirmed

This is half of the region 's newly confirmed COVID-19 cases .
Kharkiv Governor Oleksiy Kucher has reported a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ for mental health as 11 new cases have been confirmed .
The cases recorded in @ @ @ @ @ of the number of all newly confirmed cases in the region , he said on @ @ @ @ @ In the past day , 22 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Kharkiv region , @ @ @ @ @ 147 , incuding two deaths .
Fifteen patients have recovered .
According to Kucher , @ @ @ @ @ confirmed diagnosis are now in hospital , one of them is in intensive care ; @ @ @ @ @ the suspected cases , 105 people have been hospitalized , and 24 are self-isolating .
@ @ @ @ @ there were 8,617 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases , including 209 deaths , in Ukraine as of @ @ @ @ @ April 26 .

This is half of the region's newly confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Kharkiv Governor Oleksiy Kucher has reported a coronavirus outbreak in a regional center for mental health as 11 new cases have been confirmed.
The cases recorded in the center account for half of the number of all newly confirmed cases in the region, he said on Facebook on April 26.
Read alsoNumber of COVID-19 cases in Kyiv nearing 1,200
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In the past day, 22 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Kharkiv region, bringing the total number to 147, incuding two deaths. Fifteen patients have recovered.
According to Kucher, 75 coronavirus patients with the confirmed diagnosis are now in hospital, one of them is in intensive care; 55 are self-isolating.
Of the suspected cases, 105 people have been hospitalized, and 24 are self-isolating.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 8,617 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 209 deaths, in Ukraine as of 09:30 a.m. Kyiv time on April 26.


unian--2020-04-27--Ukraine's Cabinet dismisses head of Financial Control Office

The relevant decision was enshrined in the Cabinet resolution of April 24 .
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has @ @ @ @ @ Control Office Ihor Buhrak .
The relevant decision was enshrined the Cabinet resolution of April @ @ @ @ @ portal .
`` Ihor Buhrak shall be dismissed from the post of chairman of the @ @ @ @ @ with Part 1 of Article 871 of the Law of Ukraine 'On Public Service , @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoState procurement worth from US $ 1,838 to be held via Ukraine 's @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN reported earlier , the Cabinet of Ministers in December 2020 created a new body @ @ @ @ @ Office , based on the State Audit Service .
The Office analyzes information on the @ @ @ @ @ undertakes control measures for high-risk operations .
The agency is subordinated to the finance minister @ @ @ @ @ was then headed by Buhrak .

Ukraine's Cabinet dismisses head of Financial Control Office
15:40, 27.04.20 906
The relevant decision was enshrined in the Cabinet resolution of April 24.
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unian--2020-04-27--Naftogaz suspends gas imports, expecting further drop in prices on European market – CEO Kobolyev

Surplus gas , which was injected into USFs last autumn in preparation for talks with Russia 's Gazprom , will be used next winter .
CEO of National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine Andriy Kobolyev says the company has temporarily halted gas imports to Ukraine due to record high gas reserves in underground storage facilities ( USFs ) , while expecting further reduction in gas prices on the European market .
`` Now we have record high volumes in gas storage facilities .
They are drastically larger than those we had in the previous season , that is , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At this point , we , as Naftogaz , are n't importing gas .
It is being imported mainly by private traders , '' the company 's press service has quoted Kobolyev as saying .
According to the CEO , the April price of gas for Ukrainian households dropped by 15 % .
In total , the price has plummeted by 38 % since January 2020 .
Moreover , it will further continue sliding .
Read alsoNaftogaz announces 15 % decline in gas prices for households in April '' We expect that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the following months .
It is difficult to predict how much , as now the market is surprising many analysts , as well as us .
We have recently seen a negative oil price in the United States .
It was a short episode , but it took place , and it is unprecedented event .
Therefore , we expect that the May price of gas on European markets will be slightly lower , '' he said .
Kobolyev added that surplus gas , which was injected into USFs last autumn in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would be used the following winter .
`` We were preparing for a potential gas crisis .
Therefore , we accumulated additional gas as a reserve .
At the beginning of the [ heating ] season we had over 21 billion cubic meters of gas in stock , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported , Naftogaz earlier said the April wholesale gas price for households , heat producers and other consumers receiving gas under the terms of public service obligations would be UAH 2,900 , or US $ 107.85 , per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margin , transmission and distribution costs are not included ) , which is 15 % down from that of March 2020 .

Naftogaz suspends gas imports, expecting further drop in prices on European market – CEO Kobolyev
15:20, 27.04.20 2356
Surplus gas, which was injected into USFs last autumn in preparation for talks with Russia's Gazprom, will be used next winter.
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unian--2020-04-27--Ukraine's Cabinet issues decree on special duty on coal imports from Russia

The relevant decision has been posted on the government portal .
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has issued a decree on the impositions of a special duty at 65 % on coal imports , except for anthracite and coking coal , from Russia .
The relevant decision has been posted on the government portal .
According to the document , the duty does not apply to the import of anthracite , regardless of the purpose of import , bituminous , coking and other coal ( for use in the metallurgical , coke , and chemical industries ) .
Exemptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other coal ( with the release of volatile substances in terms of dry mineral-free basis up to 35 % ) imported for use in electricity and thermal generation .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's Minister of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko at a Cabinet meeting on March 18 said that a special duty at 65 % on imports of electricity and coal , except for anthracite and coking coal , from Russia would be imposed from April 1 , 2020 .
However , in early April , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to April 15 , according to the government decree .
On April 15 , the introduction of a special duty was postponed to May 1 .

Ukraine's Cabinet issues decree on special duty on coal imports from Russia
15:00, 27.04.20 1022
The relevant decision has been posted on the government portal.
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unian--2020-04-27--EU, U.S. call on Ukraine authorities not to risk long-term reforms following reshuffles in customs,

EU, U.S. call on Ukraine authorities not to risk long-term reforms following reshuffles in customs, tax services

Earlier , the Cabinet appointed acting chiefs of the two agencies .
The European Union and the United States have called on the Ukrainian authorities not to risk long-term reforms , supported by international partners , in the wake of the recent dismissal of customs and tax chiefs .
`` The EU & US are closely watching @ Kabmin_UA_e appointments of high-level officials in the Tax and Customs Service .
It is important to follow fair , merit-based competitive procedures and not risk long-term reforms , supported by international partners , '' the EU Delegation to Ukraine tweeted on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Cabinet at an extraordinary meeting April 24 dismissed head of the State Customs Service Maksym Nefyodov and the head of the State Tax Service Serhiy Verlanov .
In addition , Nefyodov ’ s deputies Robert Zeldi , Serhiy Petukhov , and Denys Shendryk were laid off , as well as Verlanov 's deputy Dmytro Ventskovsky .
Head of one of the customs service departments Ihor Muratov has been appointed acting chief of the agency , while deputy chairman of the State Tax Service Mykhailo Titarchuk will be acting head of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reboot '' of tax , customs services , notes loss of confidence in sacked leaders The work of the two agencies had been criticized recently due to the failure to meet the revenue targets of the state budget .
On Friday , the Verkhovna Rada set up a Provisional Investigation Commission to probe possible corruption among government officials , which led to significant losses in budget revenues .

Earlier, the Cabinet appointed acting chiefs of the two agencies.
The European Union and the United States have called on the Ukrainian authorities not to risk long-term reforms, supported by international partners, in the wake of the recent dismissal of customs and tax chiefs.
"The EU & US are closely watching @Kabmin_UA_e appointments of high-level officials in the Tax and Customs Service. It is important to follow fair, merit-based competitive procedures and not risk long-term reforms, supported by international partners," the EU Delegation to Ukraine tweeted on Monday, April 27.
The EU & US are closely watching @Kabmin_UA_e appointments of high-level officials in the Tax and Customs Service. It is important to follow fair, merit-based competitive procedures and not risk long-term reforms, supported by international partners. — EU in Ukraine (@EUDelegationUA) April 27, 2020
As UNIAN reported, the Cabinet at an extraordinary meeting April 24 dismissed head of the State Customs Service Maksym Nefyodov and the head of the State Tax Service Serhiy Verlanov.
In addition, Nefyodov’s deputies Robert Zeldi, Serhiy Petukhov, and Denys Shendryk were laid off, as well as Verlanov's deputy Dmytro Ventskovsky.
Head of one of the customs service departments Ihor Muratov has been appointed acting chief of the agency, while deputy chairman of the State Tax Service Mykhailo Titarchuk will be acting head of the service.
Read alsoFinance minister announces "reboot" of tax, customs services, notes loss of confidence in sacked leaders
The work of the two agencies had been criticized recently due to the failure to meet the revenue targets of the state budget.
On Friday, the Verkhovna Rada set up a Provisional Investigation Commission to probe possible corruption among government officials, which led to significant losses in budget revenues.


unian--2020-04-27--Ukraine may earn up to US$3 mln per month on fuel storage – Naftogaz CEO

However , certain norms are still to be introduced into the country 's legislation to this end .
CEO of National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine Andriy Kobolyev has said Ukraine may take advantage of the latest developments on the world oil market and earn from US $ 1 million to US $ 3 million a month on fuel storage .
`` We have been working for some time to increase our capacities to store oil in Ukraine .
First , main storage capabilities are those at refineries and terminals .
For example , there 's the Pivdenny oil reception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service quoted Kobolyev as saying .
According to him , there is a serious drop in oil consumption over the crisis related to the global coronavirus pandemic so excessive volumes of oil need to be stored somewhere .
Read alsoReuters : Oil prices rise more than $ 1 after week of turmoil amid viral outbreak Kobolyev also believes the oil transportation system can be partially used for storage .
However , certain norms are still to be introduced into the country 's legislation to this end .
Suppliers of Russian Urals oil should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need to be given the opportunity , Kobolyev suggests , to cover storage costs while being exempted from VAT .
`` In order to provide storage services , we need to obtain permission from a customs licensed warehouse .
Because most of this oil wo n't be stored in Ukraine in the future , '' he said .
Kobolyev believes if such a regime is allowed , Naftogaz will be able to attract additional customers and , according to preliminary estimates , revenues can range from US $ 1 million to US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it 's worth fighting for this .
And we hope for an understanding from both the minister and the government , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , oil prices have slumped over 70 % this year as the coronavirus has slashed demand for everything from jet fuel to gasoline , while storage tanks around the globe are filling rapidly .

Ukraine may earn up to US$3 mln per month on fuel storage – Naftogaz CEO
14:20, 27.04.20 3079
However, certain norms are still to be introduced into the country's legislation to this end.
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unian--2020-04-27--Food markets to be reopened in Ukraine after rules are established

`` We must learn to live and work in new conditions , '' Zelensky says .
Participants in a meeting on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 , chaired by President Volodymyr Zelensky , considered reopening food markets across the country .
The press service of the President 's Office says this is nearly 280 food markets .
`` We understand that there is certain psychological fatigue , '' Zelensky said , adding that `` since food markets are extremely important for many citizens to eat and survive , we need to think about allowing them to work safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elaborates on possible resumption of passenger transportation '' We will set clear rules and let them reopen .
We must learn to live and work in new conditions , '' Zelensky emphasized .
Prime Minister Denis Shmygal agreed that the issue of reopening food markets , the mechanism for their safe functioning , and clear sanctions for non-compliance with the rules should be considered as early as Wednesday to start opening markets before the end of this week .
Earlier , Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi has called on authorities to resume work of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the owners of food markets , sellers and farmers faced a difficult situation : goods are rotting and time is running out .
`` On the other hand , there are buyers purchasing more expensive imported products , having no options to choose from '' he wrote on Facebook , recalling the position of epidemiologists that the virus spreads much weaker in the open air .
Read alsoCoronavirus in Ukraine : 9,009 lab-confirmed cases as of Monday morning As UNIAN reported earlier , the Cabinet of Ministers said it was considering the possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official decisions on this issue have yet been made .

"We must learn to live and work in new conditions," Zelensky says.
Participants in a meeting on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, chaired by President Volodymyr Zelensky, considered reopening food markets across the country.
The press service of the President's Office says this is nearly 280 food markets.
"We understand that there is certain psychological fatigue," Zelensky said, adding that "since food markets are extremely important for many citizens to eat and survive, we need to think about allowing them to work safely."
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Read alsoUkraine's infrastructure minister elaborates on possible resumption of passenger transportation
"We will set clear rules and let them reopen. We must learn to live and work in new conditions," Zelensky emphasized.
Prime Minister Denis Shmygal agreed that the issue of reopening food markets, the mechanism for their safe functioning, and clear sanctions for non-compliance with the rules should be considered as early as Wednesday to start opening markets before the end of this week.
Earlier, Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi has called on authorities to resume work of food markets under quarantine.
Sadovyi acknowledged the owners of food markets, sellers and farmers faced a difficult situation: goods are rotting and time is running out.
"On the other hand, there are buyers purchasing more expensive imported products, having no options to choose from" he wrote on Facebook, recalling the position of epidemiologists that the virus spreads much weaker in the open air.
Read alsoCoronavirus in Ukraine: 9,009 lab-confirmed cases as of Monday morning
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers said it was considering the possibility of opening markets. However, no official decisions on this issue have yet been made.


unian--2020-04-27--Russia once again refutes direct participation in Donbas conflict

Russia 's top diplomat says another Normandy Four summit ca n't be held anytime soon .
Russia has once again denied accusations of being a direct party to the conflict in and around Donbas .
Russia 's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov , delivering an online lecture to MGIMO students ruled out the holding of the summit of the Normandy Four ( Ukraine , Russia , France , and Germany ) leaders on Donbas settlement anytime soon , an UNIAN correspondent in Russia reports .
`` The next summit , in Berlin , was scheduled for this April , now for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the table because everything that was agreed in Paris is being blocked within the [ Trilateral ] Contact Group [ in Minsk ] , in Parliament of Ukraine , and Ukrainian government , '' said Lavrov .
He said that attempts by Andriy Yermak , Head of Ukrainian President 's Office , and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Kozak , to push the political agreements off the ground `` are being torpedoed amid accusations of treason . ''
Lavrov has complained that Ukraine seeks to transfer the issue of Donbas settlement primarily to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being made that the Contact Group is no longer relevant , they are trying to represent Russia as a party to the conflict , they are trying to completely withdraw Donetsk and Luhansk from among participants in talks , '' Lavrov said .
He also expressed outrage that Ukraine insists that Russia is an aggressor state , while the OSCE is a mediator .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he was not observing any serious shifts in Ukraine 's policies toward Russia and neither was he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward Ukraine .
Since 2014 , the top diplomat noted , the same set of issues has been discussed , while main narratives of the negotiating sides have remained unchanged all along .
`` Russia insists now that it 's not a party to the conflict with the same level of vigor and assertiveness as it did so in 2014 .
Russia calls on Ukraine to engage in direct dialogue with the so-called Luhansk and Donetsk people 's republics as it has been doing since 2014 , '' the minister said .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not engage in direct dialogue with the said entities that are controlled by Russia .
`` We insist that the Trilateral Contact Group is deliberately called trilateral because it consists of Ukraine , Russia , and OSCE .
And of course , we consider Russia as a party to the conflict and not as a mediator or a facilitator or in any other capacity , '' Kuleba said .

Russia's top diplomat says another Normandy Four summit can't be held anytime soon.
Russia has once again denied accusations of being a direct party to the conflict in and around Donbas.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, delivering an online lecture to MGIMO students ruled out the holding of the summit of the Normandy Four (Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany) leaders on Donbas settlement anytime soon, an UNIAN correspondent in Russia reports.
"The next summit, in Berlin, was scheduled for this April, now for the current period. Any summit is off the table because everything that was agreed in Paris is being blocked within the [Trilateral] Contact Group [in Minsk], in Parliament of Ukraine, and Ukrainian government," said Lavrov.
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Read alsoUkraine blocks another Russian draft UN resolution aimed at sanction lift
He said that attempts by Andriy Yermak, Head of Ukrainian President's Office, and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Kozak, to push the political agreements off the ground "are being torpedoed amid accusations of treason."
Lavrov has complained that Ukraine seeks to transfer the issue of Donbas settlement primarily to the Normandy Four platform.
"Statements are being made that the Contact Group is no longer relevant, they are trying to represent Russia as a party to the conflict, they are trying to completely withdraw Donetsk and Luhansk from among participants in talks," Lavrov said.
He also expressed outrage that Ukraine insists that Russia is an aggressor state, while the OSCE is a mediator.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he was not observing any serious shifts in Ukraine's policies toward Russia and neither was he seeing any changes in Russia's policies toward Ukraine.
Since 2014, the top diplomat noted, the same set of issues has been discussed, while main narratives of the negotiating sides have remained unchanged all along. "Russia insists now that it's not a party to the conflict with the same level of vigor and assertiveness as it did so in 2014. Russia calls on Ukraine to engage in direct dialogue with the so-called Luhansk and Donetsk people's republics as it has been doing since 2014," the minister said.
For its part, Kuleba added, Ukraine does not engage in direct dialogue with the said entities that are controlled by Russia.
"We insist that the Trilateral Contact Group is deliberately called trilateral because it consists of Ukraine, Russia, and OSCE. And of course, we consider Russia as a party to the conflict and not as a mediator or a facilitator or in any other capacity," Kuleba said.


unian--2020-04-27--Dnipropetrovsk regional council head says small businesses should reopen

`` People have run out of money , '' the official says .
Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council in Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ the need to resume work of small businesses amid quarantine restrictions .
`` Small businesses @ @ @ @ @ possible .
People ran out of money due to quarantine , '' the council 's @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoUkrainian restaurateurs appeal to gov't to allow opening summer terraces amid quarantine According @ @ @ @ @ of work will be determined , taking into account compliance with sanitary restrictions .
`` @ @ @ @ @ of operation that could be compatible with quarantine regime – social distancing in retail premises @ @ @ @ @ etc.
, '' he said .

Dnipropetrovsk regional council head says small businesses should reopen
13:20, 27.04.20 17118
"People have run out of money," the official says.
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unian--2020-04-27--Ukraine's infrastructure minister elaborates on possible resumption of passenger transportation

Certain restrictions and measures will remain in place even after the initial easing .
Ukraine 's Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kriklii says the relaunch of urban and intercity public passenger transport mat take place on May 12 .
`` This all applies to bus and rail transportation .
But much depends on what indicators for the spread of the coronavirus we 'll be seeing by May 12 .
We further plan [ resumption of ] air transportation services .
Of course , we can only talk about domestic aviation .
The only thing that air carriers do n't have is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destination to carry a dozen passengers would be unprofitable .
It 's more profitable to stay grounded , '' he told Liga.net .
Kriklii suggested that certain restrictions and measures would `` surely remain '' : face masks , temperature screening , and a limited number of passengers .
Read alsoCoronavirus in Ukraine : 9,009 lab-confirmed cases as of Monday morning '' Otherwise , we will have a hyperbolic increase in incidence .
We are preparing proposals on the quarantine exit algorithm , we will finalize everything next week .
Most importantly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ministry of Health – they play the 'first violin ' , '' the minister added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal on Friday , April 24 , announced five stages for the gradual withdrawal from the national quarantine regime .

Certain restrictions and measures will remain in place even after the initial easing.
Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii says the relaunch of urban and intercity public passenger transport mat take place on May 12.
"This all applies to bus and rail transportation. But much depends on what indicators for the spread of the coronavirus we'll be seeing by May 12. We further plan [resumption of] air transportation services. Of course, we can only talk about domestic aviation. The only thing that air carriers don't have is a traffic volume outlook: reopening a flight destination to carry a dozen passengers would be unprofitable. It's more profitable to stay grounded," he told Liga.net.
Kryklii suggested that certain restrictions and measures would "surely remain": face masks, temperature screening, and a limited number of passengers.
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Read alsoCoronavirus in Ukraine: 9,009 lab-confirmed cases as of Monday morning
"Otherwise, we will have a hyperbolic increase in incidence. We are preparing proposals on the quarantine exit algorithm, we will finalize everything next week. Most importantly, we will need a green light from the Ministry of Health – they play the 'first violin'," the minister added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal on Friday, April 24, announced five stages for the gradual withdrawal from the national quarantine regime.


unian--2020-04-27--Poland sees acute shortage of labor force, mulls charter flights for Ukrainian seasonal workers

The country is facing a threat of losing part of this season 's crops if no measures are taken .
President of the Board at Polish-based Personnel Service S.A. Krzysztof Inglot says Poland plans to arrange charter flights for Ukrainian seasonal workers despite quarantine to overcome an acute shortage of labor force .
`` We 'd like to bring in the first group of 200 people from Ukraine to factories in Wrocław , '' he told the Polish public broadcaster TVP , as reported by the Ukrainian TSN TV news service on April 27 .
According to Inglot , Poland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force in the agriculture sector .
Farmers are facing loss of a part of this season 's crops if no measures are taken to fill the gaps in harvesting jobs that have emerged since the introduction of border lockdowns .
German farmers have already brought seasonal workers from Romania .
At the same time , Polish farmers complain they will soon need to harvest asparagus and strawberries , while admitting labor shortage issues .
As reported earlier , Finland is also struggling with labor force shortage .
The recent charter flight from Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but this is n't enough to cover demand for seasonal jobs .

Poland sees acute shortage of labor force, mulls charter flights for Ukrainian seasonal workers
12:40, 27.04.20 9095
The country is facing a threat of losing part of this season's crops if no measures are taken.
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unian--2020-04-27--Ukraine weekly wheat exports down 37%

Ukraine weekly wheat exports down 37%

Ukrainian seaport wheat exports fell nearly 37 % in the week of April 18-24 after a record jump in the @ @ @ @ @ from the APK-Inform consultancy showed on Monday .
The exports declined to 215,000 tonnes from @ @ @ @ @ showed , according to Agiculture.com citing Reuters .
APK-Inform data showed that Ukraine has already @ @ @ @ @ wheat in the current season , which runs from July to June .
A senior @ @ @ @ @ month that Ukraine was ready to ban wheat exports if the volume exceeds the 20.2 @ @ @ @ @ .
Overall grain exports , which includes wheat , corn , and barley , for @ @ @ @ @ also fell to 725,000 tonnes from 1.141 million tonnes in a week to April 17 @ @ @ @ @ of corn and 18,000 tonnes of barley , the consultancy said .
The economy ministry @ @ @ @ @ a record 52 million to 55 million tonnes of grain this season .

The drop followed a record jump.
Ukrainian seaport wheat exports fell nearly 37% in the week of April 18-24 after a record jump in the week earlier, preliminary data from the APK-Inform consultancy showed on Monday.
The exports declined to 215,000 tonnes from 341,000 tonnes, the data showed, according to Agriculture.com citing Reuters.
APK-Inform data showed that Ukraine has already exported 18.8 million tonnes of wheat in the current season, which runs from July to June.
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A senior government official said earlier his month that Ukraine was ready to ban wheat exports if the volume exceeds the 20.2 million tonnes agreed with traders.
Read alsoUkraine revises downward this year's grain crop forecast
Overall grain exports, which includes wheat, corn, and barley, for the week ended April 24 also fell to 725,000 tonnes from 1.141 million tonnes in a week to April 17.
Ukraine exported 491,000 tonnes of corn and 18,000 tonnes of barley, the consultancy said.
The economy ministry forecast that Ukraine could export a record 52 million to 55 million tonnes of grain this season.


unian--2020-04-27--Scientists expand list of coronavirus symptoms

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be @ @ @ @ @ more serious complications from COVID-19 illness .
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range @ @ @ @ @ from mild symptoms to severe illness , U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention reported @ @ @ @ @ symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus : • New loss of @ @ @ @ @ to `` get medical attention immediately '' if people have any of the following emergency @ @ @ @ @ • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest • New confusion or inability to arouse @ @ @ @ @ inclusive , the report stresses .

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness, U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention reported.
CDC says the following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
Read alsoKlitschko: COVID-19 very aggressive, unknown disease
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CDC recommends to "get medical attention immediately" if people have any of the following emergency warning signs for COVID-19:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face
The list is not all inclusive, the report stresses.


unian--2020-04-27--New energy chief soon to present Chornobyl zone development plan

The plan provides for a number of measures to bring the Shelter into a safer condition by dismantling the unstable elements of the old confinement and the remains of the Chornobyl NPP 's Unit 4 .
The Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection in the coming weeks will present a plan for the development of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone , says Olha Buslavets , the newly appointed acting energy minister .
`` Today , the issue of safety in the exclusion zone remains in the focus of both Ukraine and the international community .
After all , everything that happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affects the life and development of all of Europe .
That is why the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection of Ukraine is constantly working to strengthen safety measures in the Chornobyl exclusion zone .
In the coming weeks , the Ministry will submit for consideration by President and the Cabinet of Ministers an action plan for this territory , in particular , on strengthening fire-fighting measures , '' Buslavets wrote on Facebook .
Read alsoZelensky says over 11,000 ha damaged by forest fires in Chornobyl exclusion zone She emphasized that the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring the Shelter site into a safer condition by dismantling the unstable elements of the old confinement and the remains of the Chornobyl NPP 's Unit 4 .
Buslavets added that the ministry was preparing a package of actions aimed at stabilizing the Ukrainian energy system .
`` Due to the global economic crisis and the COVID-19 epidemic , the industry is facing a new challenge – the need to ensure the technical balance of the power system , safe operation of nuclear power plants , and the reliable supply of electricity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministry attracts leading Ukrainian experts to cooperation , '' Olha Buslavets emphasized .
She also noted that the plan is part and a continuation of the previously established strategy for the safe operation of nuclear facilities .

New energy chief soon to present Chornobyl zone development plan
11:40, 27.04.20 2846
The plan provides for a number of measures to bring the Shelter into a safer condition by dismantling the unstable elements of the old confinement and the remains of the Chornobyl NPP's Unit 4.
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unian--2020-04-27--Ukraine's hryvnia slides to UAH 27.14 to U.S. dollar on April 27

The official forex rate against the euro for Monday is fixed at UAH 29.33 per euro .
The National Bank @ @ @ @ @ on April 24 set the official forex rate for Monday , April 27 , at @ @ @ @ @ dollar , which made the country 's national currency slump by 13 kopiykas .
The @ @ @ @ @ strengthening against U.S. dollar for two consecutive days , according to the NBU website .
@ @ @ @ @ the euro for Monday is fixed at UAH 29.33 per euro – the hryvnia also @ @ @ @ @ since Friday .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the National Bank set the official forex @ @ @ @ @ UAH 27.01 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen @ @ @ @ @ hryvnia had seen gains in value against the U.S. dollar for the second consecutive day @

Ukraine's hryvnia slides to UAH 27.14 to U.S. dollar on April 27
11:20, 27.04.20 5731
The official forex rate against the euro for Monday is fixed at UAH 29.33 per euro.
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unian--2020-04-27--Ukraine Army posts spectacular video of new MLRS live-fire test

Once accepted for service , Vilkha-M will become the most powerful land-based weapon in terms of range .
The General @ @ @ @ @ has uploaded on social networks a video of the latest live-fire exercise involving Ukraine-made Vilkha-M @ @ @ @ @ The MLRS was testes at the Alibey ground in Odesa region on Saturday , April @ @ @ @ @ .
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine , Oleksiy Danilov , @ @ @ @ @ success .
The operating range of over 110 km and radius of target destruction met @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Once accepted for service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine , the Vilkha-M @ @ @ @ @ powerful land-based weapon in terms of range , '' the NSDC secretary emphasized .

Once accepted for service, Vilkha-M will become the most powerful land-based weapon in terms of range.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces has uploaded on social networks a video of the latest live-fire exercise involving Ukraine-made Vilkha-M multiple launch rocket system.
The MLRS was testes at the Alibey ground in Odesa region on Saturday, April 25, reads the report.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksiy Danilov, says the drill was a success.
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Read alsoUkraine successfully tests Neptune cruise missile system (Video)
The operating range of over 110 km and radius of target destruction met all tactical and technical requirements.
"Once accepted for service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Vilkha-M MLRS will become the most powerful land-based weapon in terms of range," the NSDC secretary emphasized.


unian--2020-04-27--Deputy chief of Kyiv Administration detained for assaulting traffic cop  UPDATED

Things suddenly got messy after police stopped a car for a routine check as its lights were off .
Kyiv police have detained Deputy Chief of the Kyiv City State Administration , Volodymyr Slonchak , for assaulting a cop .
Kyiv Operativniy crime watchdog community has uploaded a relevant video on YouTube , noting that the municipal official was riding as a passenger in a car driven by city council deputy Liudmyla Kostenko .
After patrol police officers routinely stopped the car that had its headlights off , the passenger reportedly tried to intimidate the officers , bragging about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causing trouble to the driver .
The report claims Slonchak went even further and got out of the car to punch a police officer .
The driver , in turn , has reportedly refused to pass DUI tests .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has responded to the incident , saying he would announce his decision at today 's briefing .
Klitschko said he had dismissed Slonchak from his post .
`` I 'd like to inform you that I fired Deputy Chairman of the Kyiv City State Administration , Volodymyr Slonchak .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened last night .
I will not allow anyone to discredit municipal authorities , including and primarily those who represent it .
I apologize to law enforcement officers and Kyiv residents for such unworthy behavior of the deputy head of the Kyiv City State Administration , '' the mayor told a briefing .

Things suddenly got messy after police stopped a car for a routine check as its lights were off.
Kyiv police have detained Deputy Chief of the Kyiv City State Administration, Volodymyr Slonchak, for assaulting a cop.
Kyiv Operativniy crime watchdog community has uploaded a relevant video on YouTube, noting that the municipal official was riding as a passenger in a car driven by city council deputy Liudmyla Kostenko.
Read alsoKyiv Mayor Klitschko tells about penalties for quarantine violators
After patrol police officers routinely stopped the car that had its headlights off, the passenger reportedly tried to intimidate the officers, bragging about his status and threatening them with consequences for causing trouble to the driver.
The report claims Slonchak went even further and got out of the car to punch a police officer.
He was immediately apprehended, Kyiv Operativniy wrote.
The driver, in turn, has reportedly refused to pass DUI tests.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has responded to the incident, saying he would announce his decision at today's briefing.
UPDATE:
Klitschko said he had dismissed Slonchak from his post.
"I'd like to inform you that I fired Deputy Chairman of the Kyiv City State Administration, Volodymyr Slonchak. I think you saw in the news what happened last night. I will not allow anyone to discredit municipal authorities, including and primarily those who represent it. I apologize to law enforcement officers and Kyiv residents for such unworthy behavior of the deputy head of the Kyiv City State Administration," the mayor told a briefing.


unian--2020-04-27--Coronavirus in Ukraine: 9,009 lab-confirmed cases as of Monday morning

In the past day , 11 lethal cases were reported , as well as 24 recoveries .
Ukraine 's Health Ministry has reported 392 new laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours , which brings the total number to 9,009 .
That 's including 220 fatalities and 864 recoveries , according to the Public Health Center .
In the past day , 11 lethal cases were reported , as well as 24 recoveries .
As of now , the coronavirus has been recorded in the following regions : Vinnytsia region ( 398 cases ) ; Volyn region ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ; Donetsk region ( 52 ) ; Zhytomyr region ( 351 ) ; Zakarpattia region ( 375 ) ; Zaporizhia ( 204 ) ; Ivano-Frankivsk region ( 761 ) ; Kirovohrad region ( 337 ) ; the city of Kyiv ( 1,220 ) and Kyiv region ( 570 ) ; Lviv region ( 358 ) ; Luhansk region ( 29 ) ; Mykolaiv region ( 115 ) ; Odesa region ( 240 ) ; Poltava region ( 173 ) ; Rivne region ( 522 ) ; Sumy region ( 95 ) ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region ( 196 ) ; Kherson region ( 88 ) ; Khmelnytsky region ( 72 ) ; Chernivtsi region ( 1,375 ) ; Cherkasy region ( 267 ) ; and Chernihiv region ( 35 ) .
No data are available from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .

In the past day, 11 lethal cases were reported, as well as 24 recoveries.
Ukraine's Health Ministry has reported 392 new laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, which brings the total number to 9,009.
That's including 220 fatalities and 864 recoveries, according to the Public Health Center.
In the past day, 11 lethal cases were reported, as well as 24 recoveries.
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Read alsoKharkiv governor reports coronavirus outbreak in local mental health center: 11 cases confirmed
As of now, the coronavirus has been recorded in the following regions: Vinnytsia region (398 cases); Volyn region (254); Dnipropetrovsk region (310); Donetsk region (52); Zhytomyr region (351); Zakarpattia region (375); Zaporizhia (204); Ivano-Frankivsk region (761); Kirovohrad region (337); the city of Kyiv (1,220) and Kyiv region (570); Lviv region (358); Luhansk region (29); Mykolaiv region (115); Odesa region (240); Poltava region (173); Rivne region (522); Sumy region (95); Ternopil region (612); Kharkiv region (196); Kherson region (88); Khmelnytsky region (72); Chernivtsi region (1,375); Cherkasy region (267); and Chernihiv region (35).
No data are available from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.


unian--2020-04-27--Ukraine reports 11 enemy attacks in Donbas on April 26

No casualties were reported over the past day .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on April 26 mounted 11 attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
`` On April 26 , armed formations of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 11 times , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on April 27 , 2020 .
Russia-led forces opened fire from proscribed 152mm artillery systems , 120mm and 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , weapons installed on infantry fighting vehicles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and rifles .
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Lebedynske , Shyrokyne , Bohdanivka , Novotroyitske , Starohnativka , Novotoshkivske , Khutir Vilny , and Krymske .
Read alsoZelensky positive to put end to war in Donbas within his cadence Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy attack .
Losses among enemy forces are being verified .
`` Since Monday midnight , Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Katerynivka , using 120mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casualties were reported over the past day .

No casualties were reported over the past day.
Russia's hybrid military forces on April 26 mounted 11 attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
"On April 26, armed formations of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 11 times," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on April 27, 2020.
Russia-led forces opened fire from proscribed 152mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, weapons installed on infantry fighting vehicles, an anti-aircraft gun, heavy machine guns, and rifles.
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Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Lebedynske, Shyrokyne, Bohdanivka, Novotroyitske, Starohnativka, Novotoshkivske, Khutir Vilny, and Krymske.
Read alsoZelensky positive to put end to war in Donbas within his cadence
Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy attack. Losses among enemy forces are being verified.
"Since Monday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Katerynivka, using 120mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and rifles " the update said.
No casualties were reported over the past day.


unian--2020-04-27--UOC-MP representative denies reports all Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra priests contract COVID-19

Only three or four persons are in hospital now .
Representative of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate ( UOC-MP ) , Metropolitan Klyment has denied that all priests and monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery contracted the novel coronavirus .
Klyment explained in a comment for the Ukrainian online newspaper Ukrayinska Pravda that the Russian media outlet RBC had quoted him incorrectly .
He said he had meant that almost everyone in the Lavra who were ill had recovered .
`` All the monks who belong to the Lavra underwent testing for the virus , there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Health Ministry informed that over 100 people had the infection , however , the information seemed to be two or three weeks old , '' he said .
`` And as of today almost everyone has recovered , so saying that there are 100 patients there today is incorrect .
Three or four persons are in hospital now . ''
He also said that he was citing data from the Health Ministry .
Metropolitan Klyment had earlier told Russia 's RBC that all priests in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra had been infected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heads the Lavra , was among those who have already recovered .
Three have persons died of the coronavirus .
It became known on April 13 that the monastery was to be closed for COVID-19-related quarantine .

Only three or four persons are in hospital now.
Representative of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), Metropolitan Klyment has denied that all priests and monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery contracted the novel coronavirus.
Klyment explained in a comment for the Ukrainian online newspaper Ukrayinska Pravda that the Russian media outlet RBC had quoted him incorrectly.
He said he had meant that almost everyone in the Lavra who were ill had recovered.
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Read alsoUkraine's police open criminal cases over lockdown violations by Moscow Patriarchate church members
"All the monks who belong to the Lavra underwent testing for the virus, there were over 200 not 100 monks. But the Health Ministry informed that over 100 people had the infection, however, the information seemed to be two or three weeks old," he said. "And as of today almost everyone has recovered, so saying that there are 100 patients there today is incorrect. Three or four persons are in hospital now."
He also said that he was citing data from the Health Ministry.
Metropolitan Klyment had earlier told Russia's RBC that all priests in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra had been infected with the coronavirus.
Metropolitan Pavel, who heads the Lavra, was among those who have already recovered. Three have persons died of the coronavirus.
It became known on April 13 that the monastery was to be closed for COVID-19-related quarantine.


unian--2020-04-27--Finnish agriculture facing issues over Ukraine travel ban

Finland gave permission for 1,500 workers to come to Finland ; just 200 have arrived from Ukraine so far .
Farmers in Finland are facing a setback in harvesting crops following a decision by the Ukrainian government to bar nationals from traveling abroad for seasonal work .
The Finnish government has granted 1,500 work permits for foreign seasonal workers this year , compared to roughly three times as many under normal circumstances , YLE reports .
However , according to the farmers ' lobby paper Maaseudun Tulevaisuus , Ukraine will not allow any of its citizens to travel abroad to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other country .
Last week one flight bringing seasonal farm workers arrived in Finland , but because of the new government decree in Kyiv , it will be the only one landing in Finland .
Additional workers were supposed to arrive in the weeks ahead , but now it looks like farmers will have to turn to local manpower to bring in their crops .
`` But now I also hope that producers get this message quickly .
We will not be getting more people from Ukraine , at least for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because spring harvesting needs to start soon , '' Agriculture Ministry permanent secretary Jaana Husu-Kallio told MT .
So far , just under 200 Ukrainian workers have managed to make it to Finland for work .
They will mostly take up positions as foremen on farms in southern Finland .
Marko Mäki-Hakola , business development director of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners , MTK , told Yle on Thursday that once the Ukrainians get to work , producers will be able to hire inexperienced Finnish workers with an easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasonal workers to enter the country in spite of its own travel restrictions because the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry deemed that they were essential for securing Finland 's food supply .

Finland gave permission for 1,500 workers to come to Finland; just 200 have arrived from Ukraine so far.
Farmers in Finland are facing a setback in harvesting crops following a decision by the Ukrainian government to bar nationals from traveling abroad for seasonal work.
The Finnish government has granted 1,500 work permits for foreign seasonal workers this year, compared to roughly three times as many under normal circumstances, YLE reports.
However, according to the farmers' lobby paper Maaseudun Tulevaisuus, Ukraine will not allow any of its citizens to travel abroad to take up seasonal work in Finland or any other country.
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Last week one flight bringing seasonal farm workers arrived in Finland, but because of the new government decree in Kyiv, it will be the only one landing in Finland.
Read alsoCzech government opens borders – media
Additional workers were supposed to arrive in the weeks ahead, but now it looks like farmers will have to turn to local manpower to bring in their crops.
"But now I also hope that producers get this message quickly. We will not be getting more people from Ukraine, at least for a while. We need quick decisions now because spring harvesting needs to start soon," Agriculture Ministry permanent secretary Jaana Husu-Kallio told MT.
So far, just under 200 Ukrainian workers have managed to make it to Finland for work. They will mostly take up positions as foremen on farms in southern Finland.
Marko Mäki-Hakola, business development director of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, MTK, told Yle on Thursday that once the Ukrainians get to work, producers will be able to hire inexperienced Finnish workers with an easy mind.
Finland decided to allow foreign seasonal workers to enter the country in spite of its own travel restrictions because the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry deemed that they were essential for securing Finland's food supply.


unian--2020-04-28--Ukraine's Finance Ministry expects two IMF disbursements worth US$3.5 bln by end of 2020

The total volume under the new program should be at least US $ 8 billion .
Ukraine 's Finance Ministry expects two disbursements worth US $ 3.5 billion will be provided by the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) under a new program by the end of 2020 .
`` At the moment , we are talking about US $ 3.5 billion and , accordingly , two tranches .
The first tranche is US $ 1.75 [ billion ] and the second tranche is US $ 1.75 [ billion ] , '' Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said during an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Finance , Tax and Customs Policy .
Read alsoUkraine may receive first US $ 2 bln tranche from IMF in May – MP According to him , talks with the Fund are currently under way .
The total volume of the new two-year program of cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF should be at least US $ 8 billion , the minister said .
Marchenko also said that Ukraine had not applied for an IMF separate loan as part of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Ukraine is working on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structural program ; we have n't applied for a separate credit line .
That is , we believe that under the structural program we could get all the assistance we need , '' he said .
`` If we are negotiating the EFF program , then we are going for this program .
If we had gone for the RFI [ Rapid Financing Instrument ] , we would have got less money for a shorter period under worse conditions , '' he added .
UNIAN memo .
Ukraine and the IMF agreed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 5.5 billion in December 2019 .
The decision on the new program should be approved by the IMF Executive Board , but the exact date for consideration of this issue has not yet been determined because Ukraine has not fulfilled all the conditions for the launch of the new program .

Ukraine's Finance Ministry expects two IMF disbursements worth US$3.5 bln by end of 2020
01:40, 28.04.20 1018
The total volume under the new program should be at least US$8 billion.
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unian--2020-04-28--Zelensky's office says Macron confirms visit to Ukraine after COVID-19 pandemic

The two presidents have had a phone call .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's Office says French President Emmanuel Macron @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine after the COVID-19 pandemic is over .
`` Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated the invitation to @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Ukrainian president 's press service said in a readout of the two @ @ @ @ @ on April 27 .
`` I know you wanted to visit Ukraine .
I will @ @ @ @ @ as soon as the coronavirus pandemic is over and as soon as this visit is @ @ @ @ @ service quoted Zelensky as saying .
Macron confirmed his intention to visit Ukraine , it @ @ @ @ @ earlier , Macron extended the COVID-19-related lockdown in France until May 11 .
This date @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus quarantine in Ukraine .

The two presidents have had a phone call.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Office says French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed his visit to Ukraine after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
"Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated the invitation to Emmanuel Macron to visit Ukraine," the Ukrainian president's press service said in a readout of the two presidents' recent phone call on April 27.
Read alsoGlobal coronavirus cases top three million on Monday evening
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"I know you wanted to visit Ukraine. I will be glad to welcome you as soon as the coronavirus pandemic is over and as soon as this visit is possible," the press service quoted Zelensky as saying.
Macron confirmed his intention to visit Ukraine, it added.
As was reported earlier, Macron extended the COVID-19-related lockdown in France until May 11. This date is also the deadline for the coronavirus quarantine in Ukraine.


unian--2020-04-27--Over 17,000 Ukrainians turn to Ukraine's embassies for help amid worldwide lockdowns – MFA

The Zakhyst ( Protection ) program is designed for those left stranded outside Ukraine after the closure of the border @ @ @ @ @ Over 17,000 citizens of Ukraine have already applied to Ukrainian diplomatic facilities abroad for assistance @ @ @ @ @ ) program ( for those left stranded outside the country after the closure of the @ @ @ @ @ 2020 ) .
`` As many as 17,305 Ukrainian citizens have turned to foreign diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ , seeking assistance , '' Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) said @ @ @ @ @ late on April 27 .
According to it , 45 Ukrainians have already recovered from @ @ @ @ @ COVID 19 , abroad , while 162 are undergoing treatment in 15 countries .
Of @ @ @ @ @ Italy now .
Seven citizens of Ukraine have died of the coronavirus abroad .
As @ @ @ @ @ were 9,009 laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases , including 220 deaths , in Ukraine as of 09:30 @ @ @ @ @ 27 .

The Zakhyst (Protection) program is designed for those left stranded outside Ukraine after the closure of the border late in March 2020.
Over 17,000 citizens of Ukraine have already applied to Ukrainian diplomatic facilities abroad for assistance under the Zakhyst (Protection) program (for those left stranded outside the country after the closure of the Ukrainian border late in March 2020).
"As many as 17,305 Ukrainian citizens have turned to foreign diplomatic institutions via the Zakhyst system, seeking assistance," Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Facebook late on April 27.
Read alsoUkraine sees 2% COVID-19 death rate, epidemic peak expected in early May
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According to it, 45 Ukrainians have already recovered from the novel coronavirus, or COVID 19, abroad, while 162 are undergoing treatment in 15 countries. Of them, 121 are in Italy now. Seven citizens of Ukraine have died of the coronavirus abroad.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 9,009 laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases, including 220 deaths, in Ukraine as of 09:30 a.m. Kyiv time on April 27.


unian--2020-04-27--Ukraine's SBU completes probe into fatal acid attack on Kherson activist Handziuk

Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger is one of the suspects .
The Security Service of Ukraine ( SBU ) has reported it completed a pretrial investigation into a fatal acid attack on Kherson activist Kateryna Handziuk and materials of the case will be forwarded to court .
`` All materials are ready , SBU employees professionally did their job and put together the evidence base that will make it possible to clearly prove the prosecutors ' position in court , '' SBU chief Ivan Bakanov said , according to the SBU press service .
`` I hope this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one .
Those who ordered and carried out the killing of Handziuk will face a proper punishment . ''
As per the investigation , Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger and Oleksiy Levin , an aide to a member of the same council , are suspected of ordering the crime , the SBU said .
Read alsoCourt extends terms of pretrial investigation in activist murder case until July 29 '' According to investigators , Manger is suspected of organizing serious bodily harm to Kateryna Handziuk by preliminary conspiracy with Levin , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levin are suspected of committing crimes under Part 3 of Article 27 , Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 121 of the Criminal Code : SBU investigators informed the suspects , their lawyers , victims and their representatives about the completion of the pretrial investigation , '' the SBU said .
`` All parties were provided access to the materials of the case .
After the defense examines the materials of the criminal investigation , they will be forwarded to the court for consideration on the merits , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activist , advisor to the Mayor of Kherson and acting manager of affairs at Kherson City Council 's executive committee Kateryna Handziuk , 33 , on July 31 , 2018 , survived an acid attack .
She suffered burns to more than 35 % of her body and underwent 11 operations in Kyiv .
Handziuk died on November 4 , 2018 .
The immediate cause of her death was a severed blood clot resulting from the acid attack .
Police originally qualified the attack as an attempted murder committed with extreme cruelty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder .
Six suspects were detained , one of whom , Mykola Novikov , was later released from custody as charges against him had been dropped .
On May 7 , 2019 , the Prosecutor General 's Office sent an indictment against five defendants in the case of the murder : Mykyta Hrabchuk , Volodymyr Vasyanovych , Vyacheslav Vishnevsky , Serhiy Torbin , and Viktor Horbunov .
On June 6 , 2019 , the court announced their sentences .
Torbin , the organizer of the murder , was sentenced to six years and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the actual perpetrator of the crime , was sentenced to six years in prison .
Accused of aiding , Vasyanovych and Horbunov were sentenced to four and three years in prison , respectively ; accomplice Vishnevsky 's sentence is four years ' imprisonment .
Oleksiy Levin , who has a criminal record , as well as Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger and Ihor Pavlovsky , who was an assistant to MP Mykola Palamarchuk , are also suspects in the Handziuk murder case .
Moreover , public activists believe that former Chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and former Deputy Chairman of Kherson Regional State Administration Yevhen Ryshchuk were involved in the crime .
On January 27 , Levin was put into custody in Bulgaria 's Burgas for a 40-day term after detention on January 24 .
On February 22 , the court of the city of Burgas ( Bulgaria ) ruled to extradite Levin to Ukraine .
He was extradited on March 16 and Kyiv 's Pechersky district court on March 17 ruled to remand him in custody until April 2 .
On March 25 , Kyiv 's Shevchenkivsky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Handziuk case until July 29 .

Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger is one of the suspects.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported it completed a pretrial investigation into a fatal acid attack on Kherson activist Kateryna Handziuk and materials of the case will be forwarded to court.
"All materials are ready, SBU employees professionally did their job and put together the evidence base that will make it possible to clearly prove the prosecutors' position in court," SBU chief Ivan Bakanov said, according to the SBU press service. "I hope this case will be considered as a priority one. Those who ordered and carried out the killing of Handziuk will face a proper punishment."
As per the investigation, Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger and Oleksiy Levin, an aide to a member of the same council, are suspected of ordering the crime, the SBU said.
Видео дня
Read alsoCourt extends terms of pretrial investigation in activist murder case until July 29
"According to investigators, Manger is suspected of organizing serious bodily harm to Kateryna Handziuk by preliminary conspiracy with Levin, which led to her death. Manger and Levin are suspected of committing crimes under Part 3 of Article 27, Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 121 of the Criminal Code: SBU investigators informed the suspects, their lawyers, victims and their representatives about the completion of the pretrial investigation," the SBU said.
"All parties were provided access to the materials of the case. After the defense examines the materials of the criminal investigation, they will be forwarded to the court for consideration on the merits," it added.
UNIAN memo. Kherson activist, advisor to the Mayor of Kherson and acting manager of affairs at Kherson City Council's executive committee Kateryna Handziuk, 33, on July 31, 2018, survived an acid attack. She suffered burns to more than 35% of her body and underwent 11 operations in Kyiv. Handziuk died on November 4, 2018. The immediate cause of her death was a severed blood clot resulting from the acid attack. Police originally qualified the attack as an attempted murder committed with extreme cruelty, then its status was changed to completed murder.
Six suspects were detained, one of whom, Mykola Novikov, was later released from custody as charges against him had been dropped. On May 7, 2019, the Prosecutor General's Office sent an indictment against five defendants in the case of the murder: Mykyta Hrabchuk, Volodymyr Vasyanovych, Vyacheslav Vishnevsky, Serhiy Torbin, and Viktor Horbunov. On June 6, 2019, the court announced their sentences. Torbin, the organizer of the murder, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison. Hrabchuk, the actual perpetrator of the crime, was sentenced to six years in prison. Accused of aiding, Vasyanovych and Horbunov were sentenced to four and three years in prison, respectively; accomplice Vishnevsky's sentence is four years' imprisonment.
Oleksiy Levin, who has a criminal record, as well as Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger and Ihor Pavlovsky, who was an assistant to MP Mykola Palamarchuk, are also suspects in the Handziuk murder case.
Moreover, public activists believe that former Chairman of Kherson Regional State Administration Andriy Gordeev and former Deputy Chairman of Kherson Regional State Administration Yevhen Ryshchuk were involved in the crime.
On January 27, Levin was put into custody in Bulgaria's Burgas for a 40-day term after detention on January 24. On February 22, the court of the city of Burgas (Bulgaria) ruled to extradite Levin to Ukraine. He was extradited on March 16 and Kyiv's Pechersky district court on March 17 ruled to remand him in custody until April 2.
On March 25, Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky district court extended the pretrial probe into the Handziuk case until July 29.