unian--2020-02-12--Yermak vows President's Office to guarantee freedom of speech, media independence

Yermak also promised to improve communication channels of the President 's Office .
Andriy Yermak , the newly appointed presidential chief of staff , says the Ukrainian President 's Office will guarantee freedom of speech and media independence .
`` On behalf and as instructed by the president of Ukraine , the President 's Office jointly with other government bodies will guarantee freedom of speech and media independence in our country .
I assure you , '' he said at a briefing on Wednesday , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Yermak also promised to improve communication channels at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , we will be guided by the principles and will do everything to be as open as possible .
We recognize there is a lot to do for better communication .
We have a very professional team , and I think you 'll see very soon how communication of the President 's Office will be at an even higher level .
We will do our best , '' he said .
In addition , according to Yermak , `` these are deeds and results '' that should be `` main speakers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the focus in future .
`` All this [ work ] will be mainly focused on fulfilling all the promises and principles that we declared during Zelensky 's presidential campaign , '' Yermak said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday appointed Yermak as Head of the President 's Office .

Yermak also promised to improve communication channels of the President's Office.
Andriy Yermak, the newly appointed presidential chief of staff, says the Ukrainian President's Office will guarantee freedom of speech and media independence.
"On behalf and as instructed by the president of Ukraine, the President's Office jointly with other government bodies will guarantee freedom of speech and media independence in our country. I assure you," he said at a briefing on Wednesday, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoZelensky's aide Yermak appointed Head of President's Office
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Yermak also promised to improve communication channels at the President's Office.
"In our work, we will be guided by the principles and will do everything to be as open as possible. We recognize there is a lot to do for better communication. We have a very professional team, and I think you'll see very soon how communication of the President's Office will be at an even higher level. We will do our best," he said.
In addition, according to Yermak, "these are deeds and results" that should be "main speakers of the office," therefore they will be the focus in future.
"All this [work] will be mainly focused on fulfilling all the promises and principles that we declared during Zelensky's presidential campaign," Yermak said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday appointed Yermak as Head of the President's Office.


unian--2020-02-12--Mejlis leader on water supply to Crimea: Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians not to be sold for water

Ukraine stopped providing water on to the peninsula after its annexation by Russia .
Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People , former Member of Parliament of Ukraine Refat Chubarov says he considers it unacceptable to discuss the possibility of handling the situation in Donbas at the expense of Crimea .
`` Who is Arakhamia to trade our territory !
?
If someone in the government thinks it is possible to surrender the whole people of the Crimean Tatars , surrender the Ukrainians who are 500,000 there [ in Crimea ] … We must not allow the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any combination involving Donbas , '' Chubarov told TV channel UA : Crimea , according to RFE/RL 's media project Krym/Realii .
Read alsoRuling faction 's head does n't mind water supply to Crimea in exchange for Donbas border This was Chubarov 's response to Chairman of the Servant the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia 's statement that he would personally agree if water were supplied from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea in exchange for full control of the Ukrainian border in Donbas .
Yet , Arakhamia said , it was his personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary faction 's head .
In turn , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's permanent envoy for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Anton Korinevych assured the resumption of water supply on to the peninsula through the North Crimean Canal was ruled out until the end of its occupation .
UNIAN memo .
Water coming from the Dnipro River in mainland Ukraine through the North Crimean Canal provided up to 85 % of the peninsula needs .
After the occupation of Crimea by Russia in the spring of 2014 , the supply of water through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Ukrainian authorities .
Water reserves in Crimea are replenished from natural runoff reservoirs and underground sources .
At the same time , ecologists pay attention to the fact that regular use of water from underground sources led to soil salinization there .
Crimea 's occupying authorities regularly urge local residents to save water on the peninsula .

Ukraine stopped providing water on to the peninsula after its annexation by Russia.
Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, former Member of Parliament of Ukraine Refat Chubarov says he considers it unacceptable to discuss the possibility of handling the situation in Donbas at the expense of Crimea.
"Who is Arakhamia to trade our territory!? If someone in the government thinks it is possible to surrender the whole people of the Crimean Tatars, surrender the Ukrainians who are 500,000 there [in Crimea]… We must not allow the state to sell us for water, for any combination involving Donbas," Chubarov told TV channel UA:Crimea, according to RFE/RL's media project Krym/Realii.
Read alsoRuling faction's head doesn't mind water supply to Crimea in exchange for Donbas border
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This was Chubarov's response to Chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia's statement that he would personally agree if water were supplied from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea in exchange for full control of the Ukrainian border in Donbas.
Yet, Arakhamia said, it was his personal opinion rather than the position of the parliamentary faction's head.
In turn, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's permanent envoy for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Anton Korinevych assured the resumption of water supply on to the peninsula through the North Crimean Canal was ruled out until the end of its occupation.
UNIAN memo. Water coming from the Dnipro River in mainland Ukraine through the North Crimean Canal provided up to 85% of the peninsula needs. After the occupation of Crimea by Russia in the spring of 2014, the supply of water through the canal was stopped by the decision of the Ukrainian authorities.
Water reserves in Crimea are replenished from natural runoff reservoirs and underground sources. At the same time, ecologists pay attention to the fact that regular use of water from underground sources led to soil salinization there. Crimea's occupying authorities regularly urge local residents to save water on the peninsula.


unian--2020-02-12--Ukraine's armored vehicles significantly damaged in first two years of Donbas war – media

The most common cause of damage was fire from rocket-launcher and artillery systems , as well as mortars .
Ukraine 's military says 2,576 units of its weaponized armored vehicles and equipment were damaged between April 2014 and June 2016 in the combat zone of the two easternmost regions where a war with Russia-led forces has still been raging .
Most of the losses – 2,185 units – were caused by enemy shelling , armed clashes , and landmine explosions , the Ukrainian-based Defense Express magazine reported on February 11 , citing data received from the Defense Ministry , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( RFE/RL ) .
Read alsoUkraine reports five enemy attacks in Donbas on Feb 11 Exactly 1,201 infantry fighting vehicles and 440 tanks were damaged during this period , the most among the various armored vehicles .
According to the cited data , the most common cause of damage was fire from rocket-launcher and artillery systems , as well as mortars .
Forty-five percent of the total damage , or 1,159 armored vehicles , were damaged in July-September 2014 .
This occurred around the time when Russia reportedly engaged in systematic cross-border shelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denies .
Russia followed up on the purported shelling from its side of the border with regular forces who crossed into Ukraine 's eastern Luhansk and Donetsk regions in late summer , culminating in the disastrous battle of Ilovaisk in which Ukrainian forces found themselves surrounded .
Altogether , 2,410 armored vehicles , including 475 tanks , were damaged in the first 365 days of the war .
In 2015 , Ukraine lost 410 armored vehicles , including many during the battle for Donetsk airport and near Debaltseve in Donetsk region , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to combined Russian-separatist forces .
Twenty-six armored vehicles were damaged the following year consisting of either infantry fighting vehicles or armored personnel carriers .

The most common cause of damage was fire from rocket-launcher and artillery systems, as well as mortars.
Ukraine's military says 2,576 units of its weaponized armored vehicles and equipment were damaged between April 2014 and June 2016 in the combat zone of the two easternmost regions where a war with Russia-led forces has still been raging.
Most of the losses – 2,185 units – were caused by enemy shelling, armed clashes, and landmine explosions, the Ukrainian-based Defense Express magazine reported on February 11, citing data received from the Defense Ministry, according to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
Read alsoUkraine reports five enemy attacks in Donbas on Feb 11
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Exactly 1,201 infantry fighting vehicles and 440 tanks were damaged during this period, the most among the various armored vehicles.
According to the cited data, the most common cause of damage was fire from rocket-launcher and artillery systems, as well as mortars.
Forty-five percent of the total damage, or 1,159 armored vehicles, were damaged in July-September 2014. This occurred around the time when Russia reportedly engaged in systematic cross-border shelling of Ukrainian positions, something which Moscow denies.
Russia followed up on the purported shelling from its side of the border with regular forces who crossed into Ukraine's eastern Luhansk and Donetsk regions in late summer, culminating in the disastrous battle of Ilovaisk in which Ukrainian forces found themselves surrounded.
Altogether, 2,410 armored vehicles, including 475 tanks, were damaged in the first 365 days of the war.
In 2015, Ukraine lost 410 armored vehicles, including many during the battle for Donetsk airport and near Debaltseve in Donetsk region, a key rail-transportation hub that Kyiv eventually lost to combined Russian-separatist forces.
Twenty-six armored vehicles were damaged the following year consisting of either infantry fighting vehicles or armored personnel carriers.


unian--2020-02-12--NBU strengthens official hryvnia to UAH 24.42 to U.S. dollar on Feb 12

The hryvnia has risen against the dollar for the sixth business day in a row after a week-long slide .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) on February 11 set the official forex rate at UAH 24.42 to the U.S. dollar , which made the country 's national currency stronger by 10 kopiykas .
Read alsoShare of non-performing loans in Ukraine in 2019 below 50 % for the first time in three years The Central Bank fixed the following official forex rates of the hryvnia against key foreign currencies for February 12 : US $ 100 will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of February 11 ) ; EUR 100 will be traded for UAH 2,662.05 ( UAH 2,685.18 as of February 11 ) .
The hryvnia has risen against the dollar for the sixth business day in a row after a week-long slide , according to the NBU website .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ukrainian hryvnia in January weakened by 5.7 % against the U.S. dollar , to UAH 25.03 , and by 4.7 % against the euro , to UAH 27.66 per euro .
Ukraine 's national currency in 2019 strengthened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to UAH 23.69 and against the euro by 16.7 % , to UAH 26.42 .
The hryvnia 's historical low against the U.S. dollar was registered at UAH 30.01 in February 2015 .

NBU strengthens official hryvnia to UAH 24.42 to U.S. dollar on Feb 12
11:32, 12.02.20 3774
The hryvnia has risen against the dollar for the sixth business day in a row after a week-long slide.
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unian--2020-02-12--Call for overhaul of early warning process as coronavirus deaths hit 1,115 – media

As of yesterday , 744 recovered patients have been discharged , while the total number of recovery cases stands at @ @ @ @ @ authority reported 97 new deaths attributable to the coronavirus , which has now been officially @ @ @ @ @ newly-confirmed cases as of Tuesday .
This brings the national totals to 1,113 and 44,653 @ @ @ @ @ yesterday , 744 recovered patients have been discharged , while the total number of recovery @ @ @ @ @ South China Morning Post reported .
Read alsoThe Guardian : Coronavirus 'could infect 60 % @ @ @ @ @ Outside Hubei province – epicentre of the Covid-19 epidemic – new infections on the mainland @ @ @ @ @ day .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Chinese authorities declared an outbreak of pneumonia @ @ @ @ @ at the end of December 2019 .
The virus is transmitted from person to person @ @ @ @ @ lasting from two to 12 days .
On January 30 , the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ with the spread of coronavirus from China .

As of yesterday, 744 recovered patients have been discharged, while the total number of recovery cases stands at 4,740.
China's health authority reported 97 new deaths attributable to the coronavirus, which has now been officially named Covid-19, and 2,015 newly-confirmed cases as of Tuesday. This brings the national totals to 1,113 and 44,653, respectively.
As of yesterday, 744 recovered patients have been discharged, while the total number of recovery cases stands at 4,740, South China Morning Post reported.
Read alsoThe Guardian: Coronavirus 'could infect 60% of global population if unchecked'
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Outside Hubei province – epicentre of the Covid-19 epidemic – new infections on the mainland fell for the eighth consecutive day.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Chinese authorities declared an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan at the end of December 2019.
The virus is transmitted from person to person, with its incubation period lasting from two to 12 days.
On January 30, the World Health Organization declared global emergency in connection with the spread of coronavirus from China.


unian--2020-02-12--Ruling faction's head doesn't mind water supply to Crimea in exchange for Donbas border

Arakhamia 's position is that these are citizens of Ukraine who will use water in Crimea .
Chairman of the Servant the People faction in Ukraine 's parliament David Arakhamia has said he would personally agree if water were supplied from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea in exchange for full control of the Ukrainian border in Donbas .
Read alsoZelensky 's envoy comments on manipulation over resumption of water supplies to Crimea '' I would see it as a reasonable compromise .
I would go for that .
Since anyway citizens of Ukraine will use water in Crimea , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to express his personal position on the situation if Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to broker a deal on Donbas in exchange for Ukraine 's supply of water to Crimea .
At the same time , he said Russia would have to withdraw its troops from Donbas and let Ukraine retake its border .
`` If this is an exchange for the fact that they are withdrawing with all their armed formations to Rostov , and we establish full control over our border .
And it is necessary to supply water to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go for that , '' Arakhamia added .

Arakhamia's position is that these are citizens of Ukraine who will use water in Crimea.
Chairman of the Servant of the People faction in Ukraine's parliament David Arakhamia has said he would personally agree if water were supplied from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea in exchange for full control of the Ukrainian border in Donbas.
Read alsoZelensky's envoy comments on manipulation over resumption of water supplies to Crimea
"I would see it as a reasonable compromise. I would go for that. Since anyway citizens of Ukraine will use water in Crimea," he told Ukrainian TV channel Pryamiy when asked to express his personal position on the situation if Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to broker a deal on Donbas in exchange for Ukraine's supply of water to Crimea.
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At the same time, he said Russia would have to withdraw its troops from Donbas and let Ukraine retake its border.
"If this is an exchange for the fact that they are withdrawing with all their armed formations to Rostov, and we establish full control over our border. And it is necessary to supply water to Crimea for this. I would definitely go for that," Arakhamia added.


unian--2020-02-12--Share of non-performing loans in Ukraine in 2019 below 50% for the first time in three years

The quality of loan portfolios improved across all groups of banks , except those with Russian capital .
The share of non-performing loans ( NPLs ) in Ukraine 's banking system in 2019 is below 50 % for the first time in three years , having shrunk to 48.4 % as of January 1 , 2020 .
Read alsoUkraine 's National Bank to conduct stress testing of 16 banks in 2020 ( List ) '' Loan portfolio quality improved across all bank groups , except banks with Russian capital , '' the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The main improvement factors were the following : an increase in retail lending ( by about 30 % year-over-year ) ; major credit portfolio restructuring of two state-owned banks of over UAH 30 billion ( US $ 1.2 billion ) ; major efforts by banks with foreign capital to optimize portfolios by selling and writing down NPLs on the account of loss allowance ; and appreciation of the hryvnia , Ukraine 's national currency .
`` Today , the share of NPLs remains high , however it poses no major risks to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceeds 95 % , '' the regulator added .
UNIAN memo .
The share of non-performing loans in Ukraine 's banking system in 2018 shrank by 1.69 percentage points , to 52.85 % , or by UAH 35.8 billion ( US $ 1.5 billion ) to UAH 630.8 billion ( US $ 25.8 billion ) as of January 1 , 2019 .

Share of non-performing loans in Ukraine in 2019 below 50% for the first time in three years
10:16, 12.02.20 1325
The quality of loan portfolios improved across all groups of banks, except those with Russian capital.
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unian--2020-02-12--Nord Stream 2: will U.S. be able to slam Putin's energy project

The United States has been drafting new sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline , which is being built to bypass Ukraine and has been designed to deprive the country of its gas transit status along with billions worth of revenues .
This time , a blow to the Gazprom project could actually become `` fatal '' .
According to German media , citing sources in American diplomatic circles , sanctions will affect European companies that are now investing in the pipeline , as well as those that will further receive Russian gas .
More details about those new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early as February or March .
The sole shareholder of Nord Stream 2 is Russia 's Gazprom , which partnered up with Germany 's Wintershall and Uniper , Austrian OMV , French Engie , and British-Dutch Shell .
It is these partner companies who can get a `` slap in the face '' from across the pond .
Finland , Sweden , Germany , and Denmark have all given their consent to laying the pipe in their territorial waters .
The U.S. sanction attacks will not affect these states in general , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , except Germany , have long resisted Russian pressure .
Denmark has almost achieved success in its denials , stalling project implementation for almost 12 months .
It is worth noting that the previous U.S. attempt to slay Nord Stream 2 , taken in December 2019 , did n't work out .
It only hindered deadlines for putting the pipe into operation .
And while sanctions awaited the decision of Congress and signature of U.S. President , construction teams have completed the most part of the laying .
Only 150 kilometers are yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom of the Baltic Sea .
Pressure was exerted on Gazprom contractors – pipe layers .
Although the Swiss-Dutch company Allseas , the key technical partner of the Russians , the world leader in the area , immediately after sanctions were imposed , ceased participation in the project , Russia announced that the construction of the gas pipeline would be completed with their own means .
Gazprom has at its disposal an `` obsolete '' Akademik Chersky pipe-laying ship , which requires significant modernization to complete the construction .
The vessel was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She is set to arrive there on February 22 .
It is not yet known how much time it will take to upgrade the ship but , most likely , the NS2 completion date will be delayed by several months .
Russian President Vladimir Putin , the main mastermind behind Russian gas expansion , acknowledged a certain defeat .
He did n't rule out that the pipeline would start operating , most likely , in the first quarter of 2021 ( initially , Nord Stream 2 was supposed to have been completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year it should have started operating as planned ) .
Germany 's Handelsblatt wrote that the German government raised alarm over the likelihood of new U.S. sanctions against Nord Stream 2 , considering them `` illegal and extraterritorial . ''
Berlin continues supporting the project , assuring the international community that they will continue to try to convince the United States that the pipeline is exclusively commercial project , rather than a political one that would increase Europe 's dependence on Russia .
Another argument voiced by Berlin is that the conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was one of the main reservations to Nord Stream 2 , is allegedly settled .
A new long-term contract for gas transit through Ukraine has been signed , which means that everyone is supposed to be happy with the outcome .
It should be emphasized though that it 's Germany that will benefit most from the project , becoming the key European gas hub , meaning billions of euros in revenues annually .
Apparently , hence the stable gas friendship between Moscow and Berlin .
But international experts cast doubt on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine and Russia in case Gazprom implements their bypass pipe project , given the Kremlin 's traditions of creating force majeure situations from scratch .
Germany believes that Nord Stream 2 , worth $ 10 billion , will be able to be completed within a `` reasonable term '' , with the help of diplomacy .
That is , indignation is out there , albeit very restrained .
Berlin does not dare to get into an open conflict with the United States .
But Washington is not responding to all the persuasion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confrontation ca n't be ruled out .
So will there be sanctions ?
President of the Center for Global Studies `` Strategy XXI '' , Mykhailo Honchar , believes that the new U.S. sanctions are real .
The Americans have successfully hindered the Nord Stream 2 , slowing down its implementation .
But reports that the Russian pipe-laying vessel Akademik Chersky was sent to Singapore for an upgrade show that Russia is not going to abandon its intentions .
Germany and Austria , although they announced their assistance in the process of completing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voiced at the official level by federal governments of both countries in recent weeks ) , in fact , can hardly help the Russians , except at the level of moral and political support .
This is all about bravado .
`` While the Russians are re-equipping their pipe layer and before they bring it to the Baltic Sea and start completing the Nord Stream 2 , they are likely to face new U.S. sanctions – not abstract ones , as it was before , but specific ones .
They will create inconveniences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Honchar recalls that Gazprom does not sell its gas in the United States , although initially there were such plans : at the beginning of the previous decade , Gazprom wanted to supply about 54 billion cubic meters of gas to America in liquefied form .
`` But everything happened not as planned .
And if Gazprom takes risks in the desire to complete the construction of Nord Stream 2 no matter what , it may see a response in blocking both the transactions it carries out through banks with American capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the USA is in no hurry with new sanctions , they just keep it to themselves , '' he says .
At the same time , the wait and see attitude of Gazprom 's European partners is quite predictable : `` In 2017 , the United States began to actively talk about possible sanctions against Nord Stream 2 , but the Europeans immediately said they would stay away .
The fact is that all the European partner companies of Gazprom , to one degree or another , are partners with American companies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes that now the United States is drawing some kind of horror story for Europe , giving it the opportunity to reconsider the options .
Everything is done by analogy with how in 2015 the issue was discussed ( mainly in the USA , to a lesser extent in the EU ) about the possibility of disconnecting Russia from the SWIFT system of international bank settlements .
None of this , due to global trade relations , has happened .
But now , U.S. sanctions against Nord Stream 2 are realistic .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pipeline , but about how Russia uses its oil and gas exports .
This is nothing but the export of corruption to Europe .
And this has been said more than once .
The United States understands what is happening , unlike European politicians .
Therefore , under certain circumstances , America may resort to new harsh sanctions , radical measures , since they realize what Russian politics is evolving to , '' Honchar emphasized .
If Russia manages to complete the Nord Stream 2 and bring it to full design capacity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Ukraine .
This has been repeatedly stated by experts .
Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolyev also spoke about this .
`` I believe that if Nord Stream 2 is completed , there will be no transit through Ukraine , '' he said , adding that the EU gas directive on demonopolization of the market will yield no result .
Recall that Ukraine and Russia signed a new gas transit contract for a period of five years on December 30 , 2019 , with the possibility of extension until 2034 .
The minimum transit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion cubic meters of gas and in the next four years it 's 40 bcm annually .
The tariff will be set by the Ukrainian energy regulator in accordance with the European methodology .
Direct deliveries of Russian gas to Ukraine were not provided for in package agreements .
The parties may consider the possibility of their implementation in the future , but subject to the establishment of prices on the basis of a European hub .
Another condition for inking the deal was that the parties renounced mutual claims in arbitrrations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad transit scenario .
Moreover , according to him , no one knows how well everything has been laid down in the new contract .
`` We only know what we were told .
But the devil is in the details .
Gazprom would have betrayed itself if it had n't made any pitfalls in the document .
Ukraine needs to continue efforts to destroy Nord Stream 2 because it seems we have somewhat relaxed , which is very alarming .
But the Germans and Russians keep stubbornly explaining to Europe and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Ukraine has been resolved and that gas transit through its territory will continue .
Therefore , they say , there is no reason to oppose Nord Stream 2 .
We are dealing with the new composition of the European Commission and the European Parliament .
That is why Russia and Germany are trying to reformat their attitude towards the pipeline .
In this context , we need to intensify efforts so that the project is not implemented .
And this will become a real guarantee that gas transit through Ukraine will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russia , under one pretext or another , will dump the contract .
We have seen this more than once .
Everything possible must be done so that the Russian bypass route is neutralized .
We need to work closely with our American and Polish partners , '' said Honchar .
In other words , Ukraine should do everything so that Nord Stream 2 does n't work out .
Indeed , even if a single meter of the pipeline will be left unfinished , it will not be able to operate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to shift our partners ' focus on the fact that this is also in the interests of the EU , since Nord Stream 2 is not at all about diversification of supplies , it 's not a commercial project as Russian and German politicians assure .
However , a quick result should n't be expected in any case .

The U.S. Congress is drafting a new package of sanctions against participants in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipe project, that's if Russia eventually succeeds in completing it. They will affect European companies, including investors and also future recipients of Russian gas. UNIAN tried to figure out whether the U.S. would be able to sink Putin's project.
The United States has been drafting new sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which is being built to bypass Ukraine and has been designed to deprive the country of its gas transit status along with billions worth of revenues.
This time, a blow to the Gazprom project could actually become "fatal". According to German media, citing sources in American diplomatic circles, sanctions will affect European companies that are now investing in the pipeline, as well as those that will further receive Russian gas. More details about those new sanctions are allegedly set to come as early as February or March.
The sole shareholder of Nord Stream 2 is Russia's Gazprom, which partnered up with Germany's Wintershall and Uniper, Austrian OMV, French Engie, and British-Dutch Shell. It is these partner companies who can get a "slap in the face" from across the pond. Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark have all given their consent to laying the pipe in their territorial waters. The U.S. sanction attacks will not affect these states in general, which is quite logical. All of them, except Germany, have long resisted Russian pressure. Denmark has almost achieved success in its denials, stalling project implementation for almost 12 months.
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It is worth noting that the previous U.S. attempt to slay Nord Stream 2, taken in December 2019, didn't work out. It only hindered deadlines for putting the pipe into operation. And while sanctions awaited the decision of Congress and signature of U.S. President, construction teams have completed the most part of the laying. Only 150 kilometers are yet to be laid out of 1,200 along the bottom of the Baltic Sea.
Pressure was exerted on Gazprom contractors – pipe layers. Although the Swiss-Dutch company Allseas, the key technical partner of the Russians, the world leader in the area, immediately after sanctions were imposed, ceased participation in the project, Russia announced that the construction of the gas pipeline would be completed with their own means.
Gazprom has at its disposal an "obsolete" Akademik Chersky pipe-laying ship, which requires significant modernization to complete the construction. The vessel was urgently sent to Singapore for an upgrade. She is set to arrive there on February 22. It is not yet known how much time it will take to upgrade the ship but, most likely, the NS2 completion date will be delayed by several months.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, the main mastermind behind Russian gas expansion, acknowledged a certain defeat. He didn't rule out that the pipeline would start operating, most likely, in the first quarter of 2021 (initially, Nord Stream 2 was supposed to have been completed by the end of 2019, and this year it should have started operating as planned).
Germany's Handelsblatt wrote that the German government raised alarm over the likelihood of new U.S. sanctions against Nord Stream 2, considering them "illegal and extraterritorial." Berlin continues supporting the project, assuring the international community that they will continue to try to convince the United States that the pipeline is exclusively commercial project, rather than a political one that would increase Europe's dependence on Russia. Another argument voiced by Berlin is that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the transit, which was one of the main reservations to Nord Stream 2, is allegedly settled. A new long-term contract for gas transit through Ukraine has been signed, which means that everyone is supposed to be happy with the outcome.
It should be emphasized though that it's Germany that will benefit most from the project, becoming the key European gas hub, meaning billions of euros in revenues annually. Apparently, hence the stable gas friendship between Moscow and Berlin. But international experts cast doubt on the stability of the transit contract between Ukraine and Russia in case Gazprom implements their bypass pipe project, given the Kremlin's traditions of creating force majeure situations from scratch.
Germany believes that Nord Stream 2, worth $10 billion, will be able to be completed within a "reasonable term", with the help of diplomacy. That is, indignation is out there, albeit very restrained. Berlin does not dare to get into an open conflict with the United States. But Washington is not responding to all the persuasion. At the same time, an ultimatum confrontation can't be ruled out.
So will there be sanctions?
President of the Center for Global Studies "Strategy XXI", Mykhailo Honchar, believes that the new U.S. sanctions are real. The Americans have successfully hindered the Nord Stream 2, slowing down its implementation. But reports that the Russian pipe-laying vessel Akademik Chersky was sent to Singapore for an upgrade show that Russia is not going to abandon its intentions. Germany and Austria, although they announced their assistance in the process of completing the pipeline (such reports have been voiced at the official level by federal governments of both countries in recent weeks), in fact, can hardly help the Russians, except at the level of moral and political support. This is all about bravado.
"While the Russians are re-equipping their pipe layer and before they bring it to the Baltic Sea and start completing the Nord Stream 2, they are likely to face new U.S. sanctions – not abstract ones, as it was before, but specific ones. They will create inconveniences for Gazprom," the expert notes.
Honchar recalls that Gazprom does not sell its gas in the United States, although initially there were such plans: at the beginning of the previous decade, Gazprom wanted to supply about 54 billion cubic meters of gas to America in liquefied form. "But everything happened not as planned. And if Gazprom takes risks in the desire to complete the construction of Nord Stream 2 no matter what, it may see a response in blocking both the transactions it carries out through banks with American capital and assets. I think that now the USA is in no hurry with new sanctions, they just keep it to themselves," he says.
At the same time, the wait and see attitude of Gazprom's European partners is quite predictable: "In 2017, the United States began to actively talk about possible sanctions against Nord Stream 2, but the Europeans immediately said they would stay away. The fact is that all the European partner companies of Gazprom, to one degree or another, are partners with American companies. For example, Shell."
Honchar notes that now the United States is drawing some kind of horror story for Europe, giving it the opportunity to reconsider the options. Everything is done by analogy with how in 2015 the issue was discussed (mainly in the USA, to a lesser extent in the EU) about the possibility of disconnecting Russia from the SWIFT system of international bank settlements. None of this, due to global trade relations, has happened. But now, U.S. sanctions against Nord Stream 2 are realistic.
"And this is not specifically about the pipeline, but about how Russia uses its oil and gas exports. This is nothing but the export of corruption to Europe. And this has been said more than once. The United States understands what is happening, unlike European politicians. Therefore, under certain circumstances, America may resort to new harsh sanctions, radical measures, since they realize what Russian politics is evolving to," Honchar emphasized.
"Gas" realities for Ukraine
If Russia manages to complete the Nord Stream 2 and bring it to full design capacity, it will immediately ignore contractual transit obligations to Ukraine. This has been repeatedly stated by experts. Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolyev also spoke about this. "I believe that if Nord Stream 2 is completed, there will be no transit through Ukraine," he said, adding that the EU gas directive on demonopolization of the market will yield no result.
Recall that Ukraine and Russia signed a new gas transit contract for a period of five years on December 30, 2019, with the possibility of extension until 2034. The minimum transit volume in the first year is 65 billion cubic meters of gas and in the next four years it's 40 bcm annually. The tariff will be set by the Ukrainian energy regulator in accordance with the European methodology. Direct deliveries of Russian gas to Ukraine were not provided for in package agreements. The parties may consider the possibility of their implementation in the future, but subject to the establishment of prices on the basis of a European hub. Another condition for inking the deal was that the parties renounced mutual claims in arbitrrations.
Honchar agrees with the likelihood of a bad transit scenario. Moreover, according to him, no one knows how well everything has been laid down in the new contract.
"We only know what we were told. But the devil is in the details. Gazprom would have betrayed itself if it hadn't made any pitfalls in the document. Ukraine needs to continue efforts to destroy Nord Stream 2 because it seems we have somewhat relaxed, which is very alarming. But the Germans and Russians keep stubbornly explaining to Europe and the rest of the world that the issue with Ukraine has been resolved and that gas transit through its territory will continue. Therefore, they say, there is no reason to oppose Nord Stream 2. We are dealing with the new composition of the European Commission and the European Parliament. That is why Russia and Germany are trying to reformat their attitude towards the pipeline. In this context, we need to intensify efforts so that the project is not implemented. And this will become a real guarantee that gas transit through Ukraine will be preserved. If the pipeline is completed, Russia, under one pretext or another, will dump the contract. We have seen this more than once. Everything possible must be done so that the Russian bypass route is neutralized. We need to work closely with our American and Polish partners," said Honchar.
In other words, Ukraine should do everything so that Nord Stream 2 doesn't work out. Indeed, even if a single meter of the pipeline will be left unfinished, it will not be able to operate. At the same time, it is important to shift our partners' focus on the fact that this is also in the interests of the EU, since Nord Stream 2 is not at all about diversification of supplies, it's not a commercial project as Russian and German politicians assure. However, a quick result shouldn't be expected in any case.
Nana Chornaya


unian--2020-02-12--Ukraine reports five enemy attacks in Donbas on Feb 11

There were no Ukrainian army casualties in the past day .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on Tuesday mounted five @ @ @ @ @ Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
Read alsoUkraine reports five enemy attacks in Donbas on Feb @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire five times on February 11 , '' the @ @ @ @ @ Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on February @ @ @ @ @ enemy opened fire from proscribed 120mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , and @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian positions near the villages of Orikhove and Krymske .
There were no Ukraine army @ @ @ @ @ .
No enemy attacks were reported from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on February 12 @

There were no Ukrainian army casualties in the past day.
Russia's hybrid military forces on Tuesday mounted five attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
Read alsoUkraine reports five enemy attacks in Donbas on Feb 10
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire five times on February 11," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on February 12, 2020.
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The enemy opened fire from proscribed 120mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, and rifles.
Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the villages of Orikhove and Krymske.
There were no Ukraine army casualties in the past day.
No enemy attacks were reported from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on February 12.


unian--2020-02-12--Reuters: Oil jumps as slowdown in new China coronavirus cases eases fuel demand concerns

The demand concerns from the outbreak pushed Brent and WTI to their lowest in 13 months on Monday .
Oil prices climbed on Wednesday as China reported its lowest daily number of new coronavirus cases since late January , stoking investor hopes that fuel demand in the world 's second-largest oil consumer may begin to recover from the epidemic .
Brent crude LCOc1 was up 98 cents , or 1.8 % , at $ 54.99 per barrel at 0335 GMT .
U.S. West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) CLc1 rose 81 cents , or 1.4 % , to $ 50.65 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to data through Tuesday , the growth rate of new coronavirus cases in China has slowed to the lowest since January 30 .
Still , international experts remained cautious over forecasting when the outbreak might reach a peak .
Read alsoUkrainian lawmaker explains why Naftogaz could not be privatized Travel restrictions to and from China and quarantines have cut fuel usage .
The two biggest Chinese refiners have said they will reduce their processing by about 940,000 barrels per day ( bpd ) as a result of the consumption drop , or about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The demand concerns from the outbreak pushed Brent and WTI to their lowest in 13 months on Monday .
Both benchmarks are down more than 20 % from highs reached in January .
The U.S. Energy Information Administration ( EIA ) on Tuesday cut its global oil demand growth forecast for this year by 310,000 bpd as the virus outbreak crimps oil consumption in China .
Demand worries flipped the oil market into a contango last week , a market structure where prices for near-term contracts are lower than those for later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread in Brent LCoC1-LCoc2 is unchanged at 15 cents per barrel from a week earlier , while the WTI contango is at 24 cents a barrel , from 17 cents last week .
On the supply side , the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ) and its allies including Russia , known as OPEC+ , recommended a further cut of 600,000 bpd last week to stem the oil price fall .
However , Russia has been hesitant to commit to the additional cut , while Saudi Arabia wanted global major oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut .
U.S. crude inventories rose by 6 million barrels in the week to February 7 to 438.9 million barrels , beating analysts ' expectations for an increase of 3 million barrels , data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute showed .

The demand concerns from the outbreak pushed Brent and WTI to their lowest in 13 months on Monday.
Oil prices climbed on Wednesday as China reported its lowest daily number of new coronavirus cases since late January, stoking investor hopes that fuel demand in the world's second-largest oil consumer may begin to recover from the epidemic.
Brent crude LCOc1 was up 98 cents, or 1.8%, at $54.99 per barrel at 0335 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) CLc1 rose 81 cents, or 1.4%, to $50.65 a barrel, Reuters said.
According to data through Tuesday, the growth rate of new coronavirus cases in China has slowed to the lowest since January 30. Still, international experts remained cautious over forecasting when the outbreak might reach a peak.
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Read alsoUkrainian lawmaker explains why Naftogaz could not be privatized
Travel restrictions to and from China and quarantines have cut fuel usage. The two biggest Chinese refiners have said they will reduce their processing by about 940,000 barrels per day (bpd) as a result of the consumption drop, or about 7% of their 2019 processing runs.
The demand concerns from the outbreak pushed Brent and WTI to their lowest in 13 months on Monday. Both benchmarks are down more than 20% from highs reached in January.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Tuesday cut its global oil demand growth forecast for this year by 310,000 bpd as the virus outbreak crimps oil consumption in China.
Demand worries flipped the oil market into a contango last week, a market structure where prices for near-term contracts are lower than those for later contracts, indicating ample supplies.
Contango spread in Brent LCoC1-LCoc2 is unchanged at 15 cents per barrel from a week earlier, while the WTI contango is at 24 cents a barrel, from 17 cents last week.
On the supply side, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies including Russia, known as OPEC+, recommended a further cut of 600,000 bpd last week to stem the oil price fall.
However, Russia has been hesitant to commit to the additional cut, while Saudi Arabia wanted global major oil producers to agree a quick oil supply cut.
U.S. crude inventories rose by 6 million barrels in the week to February 7 to 438.9 million barrels, beating analysts' expectations for an increase of 3 million barrels, data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute showed.


unian--2020-02-12--Turkey supports Ukraine's initiative to set up commission on defense cooperation

The defense ministers discussed the possibility of enhancing security cooperation in the Black Sea region , as well as participating in joint exercises and intensifying dialogue at the level of naval forces .
Turkey supports the Ukrainian initiative to create a joint commission on defense cooperation , the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported following a Wednesday meeting at NATO headquarters between Ukraine 's defense chief Andriy Zagorodnyuk and his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar .
Zagorodniuk noted the intensification of military cooperation between the two countries .
In particular , he recalled the signing on February 3 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official visit to Ukraine of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan .
Another important aspect of the discussion was the initiative of the Ukrainian side to create a joint commission on defense cooperation , which the Turkish partners fully supported .
Among other the prospects for defense cooperation , the parties also focused on the possibility of enhancing security cooperation in the Black Sea region , enhancing air defense capabilities in the framework of joint participation in the NATO program ( Air Situation Data Exchange ) with the Turkish Armed Forces , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dialogue at the level of the naval forces .
At the end of the meeting , representatives of the Turkish delegation noted their support to Ukraine within internationally recognized borders and non-recognition of Russia 's occupation of the Crimean peninsula .

The defense ministers discussed the possibility of enhancing security cooperation in the Black Sea region, as well as participating in joint exercises and intensifying dialogue at the level of naval forces.
Turkey supports the Ukrainian initiative to create a joint commission on defense cooperation, the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported following a Wednesday meeting at NATO headquarters between Ukraine's defense chief Andriy Zagorodnyuk and his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar.
Zagorodniuk noted the intensification of military cooperation between the two countries. In particular, he recalled the signing on February 3 of an agreement on defense cooperation during the official visit to Ukraine of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
Another important aspect of the discussion was the initiative of the Ukrainian side to create a joint commission on defense cooperation, which the Turkish partners fully supported.
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Read alsoUkraine, Turkey sign framework agreement on cooperation in defense sector
Among other the prospects for defense cooperation, the parties also focused on the possibility of enhancing security cooperation in the Black Sea region, enhancing air defense capabilities in the framework of joint participation in the NATO program (Air Situation Data Exchange) with the Turkish Armed Forces, as well as participation in joint exercises and intensification of dialogue at the level of the naval forces.
At the end of the meeting, representatives of the Turkish delegation noted their support to Ukraine within internationally recognized borders and non-recognition of Russia's occupation of the Crimean peninsula.


unian--2020-02-12--European Commission planning to give Ukraine's economy new "drive"

The Commissioner said it was about all areas which would contribute to economy growth and new jobs .
The new @ @ @ @ @ is set to give a new `` drive '' to Ukraine 's economy to make @ @ @ @ @ , says European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi .
`` This Commission is @ @ @ @ @ stronger economic drive in the Eastern Partnership .
Having seen already the progress that provides @ @ @ @ @ accelerate our work , to build together a strong , resilient economy , market economy @ @ @ @ @ the people of the country , '' Várhelyi said Wednesday during a joint press conference @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian Prime Minister , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
The European Commissioner believes work @ @ @ @ @ `` where we can bring growth and jobs '' back to Ukraine .

European Commission planning to give Ukraine's economy new "drive"
23:10, 12.02.20 1702
The Commissioner said it was about all areas which would contribute to economy growth and new jobs.
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unian--2020-02-12--Facebook removes Russian accounts over Ukraine interference

The individuals behind the accounts posed as locals as part of what appears to be a military intelligence operation .
Facebook has removed three unconnected networks of accounts , Pages and Groups for engaging in foreign or government interference – which is coordinated inauthentic behavior on behalf of a government or foreign actor – on Facebook and Instagram , according to Nathaniel Gleicher , Head of Facebook 's Security Policy .
The first operation originated in Russia and primarily targeted Ukraine and its neighboring countries .
The second originated in Iran and focused mainly on the US .
The third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted audiences in Myanmar , the report says .
Each of them created networks of accounts to mislead others about who they were and what they were doing .
`` We 're constantly working to detect and stop this type of activity because we do n't want our services to be used to manipulate people .
We 're taking down these Pages , Groups and accounts based on their behavior , not the content they posted .
In each of these cases , the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that was the basis for our action , '' the report says .
In the latest sweep , Facebook removed 78 Facebook accounts , 11 Pages , 29 Groups and four Instagram accounts for violating its policy against foreign or government interference .
This activity originated in Russia and focused primarily on Ukraine and neighboring countries .
The individuals behind this activity posed as locals and used fake accounts – some of which had already been detected and disabled by our automated systems – to manage Groups and Pages , post and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these accounts represented themselves as citizen journalists and tried to contact policymakers , journalists and other public figures in the region .
The Page admins and account owners typically posted content in Russian , English and Ukrainian about local and political news including public figures in Ukraine , Russian military engagement in Syria , alleged SBU leaks related to ethnic tensions in Crimea and the downing of the Malaysian airliner in Ukraine in 2014 .
Although the people behind this network attempted to conceal their identities and coordination , our investigation found links @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 accounts followed one or more of these Pages , about 6,150 accounts joined at least one of these Groups and around 100 people followed one or more of these Instagram accounts .
Read alsoUkraine 's culture minister : Only 8 % of Ukrainians can distinguish fake from truth '' We found this activity as part of our internal investigations into Russia-linked , suspected coordinated inauthentic behavior in the region , '' Facebook reports .
The report also included a sample of the content posted by some of the Pages in question : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the MH17 investigation team ? ''
Malaysian authorities ask for the proof that Russia is to be responsible for the tragedy of the MH17 Malaysia Airlines in Donbass region in 2014 , said the country 's prime minister Mahathir bin Mohamad .
According to him , Malaysia agreed with the investigation report made in Netherlands , but only until the clause which indicates that the plane was hit with a missile by Russia .
`` They blame Russia , but where is the proof ?
We know that the missile that hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it could also have been produced in Ukraine , '' he mentioned .
Netherlands and all the `` Civilized World '' have already relaxed , being sure that this catastrophe will disappear from the agenda quietly and unnoticed , becoming just another mystery like Kennedy Assassination or the 9/11 .
Proved , did n't prove , found , did n't find – what 's the difference ?
They already started to forget the PROMISED TRIBUNAL… The funding for the 'investigation ' has been already issued by three countries up until 2023 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to allocate the funds… So they just sat there , did n't bother anyone , got the bucks while having imitated the frenzied activity , and..here you go !
They have to write it anew , and this time for REAL.. And what has gotten into the Malaysian prime minister , who in one announcement nullified all the 5-year-long 'work ' and 'achievements ' of the Europeans ?
?
? )
It seems to me that this summer will be hot for some… '' '' Shortage of 200 tonnes of fuel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 46th Unified Supply Center Link : `` Treason of the Armed Forces of Ukraine '' : Poltorak revoked the grade title from military officers due to the scandalous embezzlement of 200 tonnes of fuel . ''

The individuals behind the accounts posed as locals as part of what appears to be a military intelligence operation.
Facebook has removed three unconnected networks of accounts, Pages and Groups for engaging in foreign or government interference – which is coordinated inauthentic behavior on behalf of a government or foreign actor – on Facebook and Instagram, according to Nathaniel Gleicher, Head of Facebook's Security Policy.
The first operation originated in Russia and primarily targeted Ukraine and its neighboring countries. The second originated in Iran and focused mainly on the US. The third network originated in Myanmar and Vietnam and targeted audiences in Myanmar, the report says.
Each of them created networks of accounts to mislead others about who they were and what they were doing.
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"We're constantly working to detect and stop this type of activity because we don't want our services to be used to manipulate people. We're taking down these Pages, Groups and accounts based on their behavior, not the content they posted. In each of these cases, the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action," the report says.
Read alsoSBU busts "bot farm" operating massive number of fake accounts in Russian, "DPR" favor
In the latest sweep, Facebook removed 78 Facebook accounts, 11 Pages, 29 Groups and four Instagram accounts for violating its policy against foreign or government interference. This activity originated in Russia and focused primarily on Ukraine and neighboring countries.
The individuals behind this activity posed as locals and used fake accounts – some of which had already been detected and disabled by our automated systems – to manage Groups and Pages, post and comment on various content.
Some of these accounts represented themselves as citizen journalists and tried to contact policymakers, journalists and other public figures in the region. The Page admins and account owners typically posted content in Russian, English and Ukrainian about local and political news including public figures in Ukraine, Russian military engagement in Syria, alleged SBU leaks related to ethnic tensions in Crimea and the downing of the Malaysian airliner in Ukraine in 2014. Although the people behind this network attempted to conceal their identities and coordination, our investigation found links to Russian military intelligence services.
About 500 accounts followed one or more of these Pages, about 6,150 accounts joined at least one of these Groups and around 100 people followed one or more of these Instagram accounts.
Read alsoUkraine's culture minister: Only 8% of Ukrainians can distinguish fake from truth
"We found this activity as part of our internal investigations into Russia-linked, suspected coordinated inauthentic behavior in the region," Facebook reports.
The report also included a sample of the content posted by some of the Pages in question:
"Reshare text: Hot summer for the MH17 investigation team?" Malaysian authorities ask for the proof that Russia is to be responsible for the tragedy of the MH17 Malaysia Airlines in Donbass region in 2014, said the country's prime minister Mahathir bin Mohamad. According to him, Malaysia agreed with the investigation report made in Netherlands, but only until the clause which indicates that the plane was hit with a missile by Russia. "They blame Russia, but where is the proof? We know that the missile that hit the plane was of the Russian type, but it could also have been produced in Ukraine," he mentioned. Netherlands and all the "Civilized World" have already relaxed, being sure that this catastrophe will disappear from the agenda quietly and unnoticed, becoming just another mystery like Kennedy Assassination or the 9/11. Proved, didn't prove, found, didn't find – what's the difference? They already started to forget the PROMISED TRIBUNAL… The funding for the 'investigation' has been already issued by three countries up until 2023, teams of bureaucrats formed, all lined up to allocate the funds… So they just sat there, didn't bother anyone, got the bucks while having imitated the frenzied activity, and..here you go! They have to write it anew, and this time for REAL.. And what has gotten into the Malaysian prime minister, who in one announcement nullified all the 5-year-long 'work' and 'achievements' of the Europeans???) It seems to me that this summer will be hot for some…"
Another post said:
"Shortage of 200 tonnes of fuel and faulty canned goods found during the inspection in the 46th Unified Supply Center Link: "Treason of the Armed Forces of Ukraine": Poltorak revoked the grade title from military officers due to the scandalous embezzlement of 200 tonnes of fuel."


unian--2020-02-12--Ukraine next year set to update DCFTA with the EU – PM

Preparatory work in this direction will begin in the near future , Honcharuk says .
Ukraine is set to update the trade part of the Association Agreement with the European Union , says Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk .
Preparatory work in this direction will begin in the near future to make sure that the updated document is signed next year , Honcharuk told a joint press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday with European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi .
`` We are now looking into starting preparations for updating the Association Agreement in the trade part .
Such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , so we must be prepared for this , '' he said .
Read alsoPoland willing to get more information about Ukraine 's plan to upgrade Association Agreement with EU Commissioner Várhelyi stressed that the EU also planned this year to complete all preparatory work for the revision of the trade part of the agreement .
UNIAN memo .
The Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine fully entered into force on September 1 , 2017 .
The Association Agreement , including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area ( DCFTA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together : it promotes deeper political ties and stronger economic links , as well as respect for common European values .
The DCFTA provides a framework for modernizing Ukraine 's trade relations and economic development by opening up markets and harmonizing laws , standards and regulations with EU and international norms .
The latter will help Ukraine integrate Eu standards into key sectors of the country 's economy .

Ukraine next year set to update DCFTA with the EU – PM
21:50, 12.02.20 1702
Preparatory work in this direction will begin in the near future, Honcharuk says.
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unian--2020-02-12--Donbas elections "impossible" until foreign troops withdrawn – new Presidential Office chief Yermak

At the same time , he says the team has a clear plan for holding elections throughout Ukraine .
Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak says holding elections in the war-torn Donbas is impossible until foreign troops and illegal armed groups are withdrawn and control over the border is regained by Ukraine .
`` It is impossible to hold elections if there are any foreign military groups in the territory , any illegally armed people , and while border of Ukraine remains beyond the control of the Ukrainian government .
This is spelled out in Ukrainian law .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % according to Ukrainian law , '' Yermak told his first Kyiv briefing after being appointed Head of the Presidential Administration .
Read alsoInternational law may yet contain Putin in Ukraine – Atlantic Council '' It would be logical if the elections were held throughout Ukraine .
Donbas , just like Crimea , is the territory of Ukraine .
There are conditions without which [ holding elections ] is impossible .
We on the Ukrainian side are ready to fulfill all the agreements that were reached , primarily in Paris , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for what should happen so that in late October , elections could be held throughout Ukraine , in line with Ukrainian laws , '' said Yermak .
According to the Presidential Office chief , some compromises could be reached during talks , but not to the detriment of Ukraine 's interests .

At the same time, he says the team has a clear plan for holding elections throughout Ukraine.
Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak says holding elections in the war-torn Donbas is impossible until foreign troops and illegal armed groups are withdrawn and control over the border is regained by Ukraine.
"It is impossible to hold elections if there are any foreign military groups in the territory, any illegally armed people, and while border of Ukraine remains beyond the control of the Ukrainian government. This is spelled out in Ukrainian law. And we plan to conduct the elections 100% according to Ukrainian law," Yermak told his first Kyiv briefing after being appointed Head of the Presidential Administration.
Read alsoInternational law may yet contain Putin in Ukraine – Atlantic Council
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"It would be logical if the elections were held throughout Ukraine. Donbas, just like Crimea, is the territory of Ukraine. There are conditions without which [holding elections] is impossible. We on the Ukrainian side are ready to fulfill all the agreements that were reached, primarily in Paris," he said.
"We have a clear plan for what should happen so that in late October, elections could be held throughout Ukraine, in line with Ukrainian laws," said Yermak.
According to the Presidential Office chief, some compromises could be reached during talks, but not to the detriment of Ukraine's interests.


unian--2020-02-12--Minsk talks: next disengagement area in Donbas warzone practically agreed – Ukraine envoy's press se

Minsk talks: next disengagement area in Donbas warzone practically agreed – Ukraine envoy's press secretary

Work is still ongoing on coordinating two more such areas .
Parties to the negotiations of the Trilateral Contact Group for Donbas Settlement have practically agreed that one of the three new sections for disengagement of forces and means from the demarcation line would be the area near the village of Hnutove , Donetsk region .
That 's according to Darka Olifer , press secretary for Ukraine 's representative to the TCG , ex-president Leonid Kuchma .
`` One of the disengagement sites in the area of Hnutove , which had been previously proposed by the Ukrainian side , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinating other areas , '' Olifer wrote on Facebook .
Attention is focused on the need to ensure a complete and comprehensive ceasefire , which , Olifer says , is now being violated by occupation forces .
As UNIAN reported earlier , disengagement of forces in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska took place in June 2019 , near Zolote – in late October , and near Bohdanivka and Petrivske – in November .
The Normandy Four leaders ( Ukraine , Germany , France , and Russia ) during their Paris summit on December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group on the pullback of forces and means at three more sites .
It was tentatively agreed that disengagement should take place before the end of March 2020 .
At the same time , it is not yet known in which areas it will be carried out .

Work is still ongoing on coordinating two more such areas.
Parties to the negotiations of the Trilateral Contact Group for Donbas Settlement have practically agreed that one of the three new sections for disengagement of forces and means from the demarcation line would be the area near the village of Hnutove, Donetsk region.
That's according to Darka Olifer, press secretary for Ukraine's representative to the TCG, ex-president Leonid Kuchma.
"One of the disengagement sites in the area of Hnutove, which had been previously proposed by the Ukrainian side, has been practically agreed. Work continues on coordinating other areas," Olifer wrote on Facebook.
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Read alsoOSCE Chairperson-in-Office: "Long road ahead to lasting peace" in Donbas
Attention is focused on the need to ensure a complete and comprehensive ceasefire, which, Olifer says, is now being violated by occupation forces.
As UNIAN reported earlier, disengagement of forces in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska took place in June 2019, near Zolote – in late October, and near Bohdanivka and Petrivske – in November. The Normandy Four leaders (Ukraine, Germany, France, and Russia) during their Paris summit on December 9, 2019, supported the agreement reached within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group on the pullback of forces and means at three more sites.
It was tentatively agreed that disengagement should take place before the end of March 2020. At the same time, it is not yet known in which areas it will be carried out.


unian--2020-02-12--Ukraine's National Bank calls January inflation slowdown "expected"

Inflation will return to the target range by the end of the year , as a result of high domestic demand and further easing of the NBU 's monetary policy .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) says a slowdown in inflation in January 2020 to 3.2 % in annual terms was expected , and that it corresponds to the forecast .
The inflation rate will be below the target range of 5 % plus/minus 1 percentage point within the next months , still reflecting the effect of last year 's hryvnia appreciation , lower global energy prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of certain food products , the regulator said on its website on February 11 .
`` However , by the end of the year , inflation will return to the target range as a result of high domestic demand and further easing of the NBU 's monetary policy , '' the report said .
Read alsoInflation in Ukraine slows down to 3.2 % in annual terms As UNIAN reported earlier , inflation in Ukraine in January 2020 amounted to 3.2 % year-on-year , slowing down from 4.1 % in December .
In late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its forecast for consumer price growth in Ukraine in 2020 to 4.8 % from 5 % previously projected .
The national budget of Ukraine for 2020 is based on the government 's macroeconomic forecast with an inflation rate of 5.5 % .

Ukraine's National Bank calls January inflation slowdown "expected"
19:50, 12.02.20 693
Inflation will return to the target range by the end of the year, as a result of high domestic demand and further easing of the NBU's monetary policy.
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unian--2020-02-12--Leading party faction chief apologizes over "freshwater for Crimea" statement

Arakhamia says his words were `` taken out of context '' .
Chairman of Ukraine Parliament 's leading Servant of the People faction , David Arakhamia on Wednesday apologized to Ukrainians for his words regarding possible resumption of freshwater supplies to the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula in exchange for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Donbas .
The words he said at a TV panel show were `` taken out of context '' , the MP claimed following massive outrage his statement caused among Ukrainians .
These words `` made a lot of noise , and today we 're forced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he wrote on Facebook .
Arakhamia says the faction never raised the issue of restoring water supply to the occupied Crimea .
`` Our position has been and remains unhindered – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea is an illegally annexed part of Ukraine , the restoration of sovereignty over which we will seek by all legal means , '' Arakhamia emphasized .
However , he noted that he never authored the idea of resuming water supplies to the peninsula in exchange for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the occupied part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch the show , you will see that it was the moderator who voiced such an option , then inquiring my personal opinion on the issue , '' Arakhamia emphasized .
He believes that the question was worded as if there are no alternatives .
`` And I replied that I would consider this a sufficient compromise .
And I repeated three times that this was my personal position , '' the head of the Servant of the People faction emphasized .
`` The issue of compromises is , in fact , very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is better to have water flowing than to see soldiers ' blood shedding .
Some strongly disagree with this .
But we all definitely agree that we want a better future for our country , but not at the expense of concessions on the issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity , '' he added .
Arakhamia underlined serious legal and diplomatic content behind such an allegedly simple question as water supplies .
`` And you ca n't address the issue within 30 seconds at a talk show .
And let it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future , '' he said .
`` I 'd like to apologize to the citizens of Ukraine , IDPs , Crimeans , whom my words may have insulted , even though they were taken out of the general context and actually were an interpretation of assumptions I had never voiced , '' added Arakhamia .
Read alsoZelensky 's envoy comments on manipulation over resumption of water supplies to Crimea '' I grew up in Mykolayiv ; Crimeans are our neighbors .
I love Crimea very much , and we will never allow any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our territories .
Crimea was , is , and will be a part of Ukraine , '' the faction chair summed up .
According to UNIAN , David Arahamia , while speaking at a TV panel show , suggested he would agree to a compromise regarding the resumption of water supply to the occupied Crimea .
The host asked Arakhamia what his position would be if the situation arose where Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to make concessions regarding Donbas in exchange for Ukraine resuming water supplies to the annexed Crimea .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while getting a great advantage in the negotiations on Donbass , my personal position is that I 'll consider this a sufficient compromise .
I would go for it because it 's Ukrainian citizens who will be using water in Crimea , '' Arakhamia said .
The newly-appointed Head of the Presidential Office , Andriy Yermak , said this statement was Arakhamia 's `` personal opinion '' .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People , former Member of Parliament of Ukraine Refat Chubarov said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of ensuring Donbas settlement at the expense of Crimea .
`` Who is Arakhamia to trade our territory !
?
If someone in the government thinks it is possible to surrender the whole people of the Crimean Tatars , surrender the Ukrainians who are 500,000 there [ in Crimea ] … We must not allow the state to sell us for water , for any combination involving Donbas , '' Chubarov told TV channel UA : Crimea .
Earlier , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's permanent envoy for the Autonomous Republic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water supply on to the peninsula through the North Crimean Canal was ruled out until the end of its occupation .
UNIAN memo .
Water coming from the Dnipro River in mainland Ukraine through the North Crimean Canal provided up to 85 % of the peninsula needs .
After the occupation of Crimea by Russia in the spring of 2014 , the supply of water through the canal was stopped by the decision of the Ukrainian authorities .
Water reserves in Crimea are replenished from natural runoff reservoirs and underground sources .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fact that regular use of water from underground sources led to soil salinization there .
Crimea 's occupying authorities regularly urge local residents to save water on the peninsula .

Arakhamia says his words were "taken out of context".
Chairman of Ukraine Parliament's leading Servant of the People faction, David Arakhamia on Wednesday apologized to Ukrainians for his words regarding possible resumption of freshwater supplies to the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula in exchange for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Donbas.
The words he said at a TV panel show were "taken out of context", the MP claimed following massive outrage his statement caused among Ukrainians.
These words "made a lot of noise, and today we're forced to make excuses for what was never there," he wrote on Facebook.
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Arakhamia says the faction never raised the issue of restoring water supply to the occupied Crimea. "Our position has been and remains unhindered – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea is an illegally annexed part of Ukraine, the restoration of sovereignty over which we will seek by all legal means," Arakhamia emphasized.
However, he noted that he never authored the idea of resuming water supplies to the peninsula in exchange for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the occupied part of Donbas.
"If you carefully watch the show, you will see that it was the moderator who voiced such an option, then inquiring my personal opinion on the issue," Arakhamia emphasized.
He believes that the question was worded as if there are no alternatives. "And I replied that I would consider this a sufficient compromise. And I repeated three times that this was my personal position," the head of the Servant of the People faction emphasized.
"The issue of compromises is, in fact, very difficult for our society. Some believe that it is better to have water flowing than to see soldiers' blood shedding. Some strongly disagree with this. But we all definitely agree that we want a better future for our country, but not at the expense of concessions on the issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added.
Arakhamia underlined serious legal and diplomatic content behind such an allegedly simple question as water supplies.
"And you can't address the issue within 30 seconds at a talk show. And let it be a lesson for me for the future," he said.
"I'd like to apologize to the citizens of Ukraine, IDPs, Crimeans, whom my words may have insulted, even though they were taken out of the general context and actually were an interpretation of assumptions I had never voiced," added Arakhamia.
Read alsoZelensky's envoy comments on manipulation over resumption of water supplies to Crimea
"I grew up in Mykolayiv; Crimeans are our neighbors. I love Crimea very much, and we will never allow any form of legalization of the illegal annexation of our territories. Crimea was, is, and will be a part of Ukraine," the faction chair summed up.
According to UNIAN, David Arahamia, while speaking at a TV panel show, suggested he would agree to a compromise regarding the resumption of water supply to the occupied Crimea. The host asked Arakhamia what his position would be if the situation arose where Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to make concessions regarding Donbas in exchange for Ukraine resuming water supplies to the annexed Crimea.
"If you bring water to Crimea, while getting a great advantage in the negotiations on Donbass, my personal position is that I'll consider this a sufficient compromise. I would go for it because it's Ukrainian citizens who will be using water in Crimea," Arakhamia said.
The newly-appointed Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, said this statement was Arakhamia's "personal opinion".
As UNIAN reported earlier, Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, former Member of Parliament of Ukraine Refat Chubarov said he considered it unacceptable to discuss the possibility of ensuring Donbas settlement at the expense of Crimea.
"Who is Arakhamia to trade our territory!? If someone in the government thinks it is possible to surrender the whole people of the Crimean Tatars, surrender the Ukrainians who are 500,000 there [in Crimea]… We must not allow the state to sell us for water, for any combination involving Donbas," Chubarov told TV channel UA:Crimea.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's permanent envoy for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Anton Korinevych assured the resumption of water supply on to the peninsula through the North Crimean Canal was ruled out until the end of its occupation.
UNIAN memo. Water coming from the Dnipro River in mainland Ukraine through the North Crimean Canal provided up to 85% of the peninsula needs. After the occupation of Crimea by Russia in the spring of 2014, the supply of water through the canal was stopped by the decision of the Ukrainian authorities.
Water reserves in Crimea are replenished from natural runoff reservoirs and underground sources. At the same time, ecologists pay attention to the fact that regular use of water from underground sources led to soil salinization there. Crimea's occupying authorities regularly urge local residents to save water on the peninsula.


unian--2020-02-12--Ukraine may upgrade all major highways within two to three years – Ukravtodor

The country is launching large-scale road construction from March 1 .
Head of Ukravtodor Automobile Road Agency Oleksandr Kubrakov says Ukraine 's main highways network could be upgraded within two or three years .
`` I think the country has a chance to get good roads and renew their main network in two or three years .
But we can show a truly unprecedented result and construction scope as early as this year , '' he said while presenting the government 's plans during the `` Knit Ukraine Together : Security , Construction , Financing '' event in Kyiv on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care how many kilometers [ of roads ] we will laid .
If they see that something is happening in their regions and normal roads are emerging , this is the result of our work .
But we do n't reject the plan for road construction in terms of kilometers , '' he added .
Read alsoPM Honcharuk vows quality roads connecting all major cities in three to five years As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk announced the launch of large-scale construction of new roads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 .
According to Zelensky , it is planned to repair 4,000 kilometers of roads of state importance .
A record high sum worth UAH 85 billion ( US $ 3.5 billion ) will be allocated for the project .
In addition , UAH 22.2 billion ( US $ 909 million ) will be spent on the overhaul of local roads .

Ukraine may upgrade all major highways within two to three years – Ukravtodor
18:30, 12.02.20 6677
The country is launching large-scale road construction from March 1.
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unian--2020-02-12--Because of Sytnyk, state receives US$9.6 mln from VAB Bank assets sale instead of US$327.6 mln – Bak

Because of Sytnyk, state receives US$9.6 mln from VAB Bank assets sale instead of US$327.6 mln – Bakhmatyuk

Former owner of VAB Bank and owner of UkrLandFarming and Avangard Group of Companies Oleg Bakhmatyuk has made a statement on the sale of VAB Bank assets by the Deposit Guarantee Fund .
Thanks to the destructive actions of Director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) , Artem Sytnyk , the state got a mere UAH 234 million ( US $ 9.6 million ) of the proposed UAH 8 billion ( US $ 327.6 million ) , Bakhmatyuk says , while his company , which pays billions in taxes to the budget and employs 27,000 Ukrainians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ukrainian News reports .
Bakhmatyuk 's statement on the sale of VAB Bank assets by the Deposit Guarantee Fund at an auction for UAH 234 million has been posted on the official website of the UkrLandFarming Group of Companies .
`` I would like to congratulate Mr. Sytnyk and his entire 'clique ' on yesterday 's 'big victory . '
Yesterday , the Deposit Guarantee Fund issued a press release , stating they had sold all assets of VAB Bank for UAH 234 million .
I , as a shareholder , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have applied with official letters , proposing to consider the possibility of getting UAH 8 billion .
Instead , the budget received only UAH 234 million , '' he said .
In his statement , Bakhmatyuk notes the situation around UkrLandFarming and Avangard , and himself as a bank shareholder , consciously retaining a constructive position and offering Ukraine 's budget much more than it gets from selling assets for nothing , has shaped not in the state 's interests : `` I urged and still urge them : save the company that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the state budget , that employs 27,000 Ukrainians and that pays billions in wages .
And the state would have gotten 40 times more than it received , having sold assets at a bidding .
But NABU Director Sytnyk and those who help him destroy the company are not interested in bringing funds back to the state .
They are only interested in their own promotion and satisfaction of own ambitions .
And I 'm sure they will be held accountable for this , sooner or later , when someone clearly calculates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how much it actually received as a result of their actions . ''
Bakhmatyuk recalled that the experience of the United States and European countries proves that a peaceful settlement as a result of agreements reached between the state and businesses provides significantly higher budget revenues and enables businesses to work in such critical situations .
`` Even more so , if this business is an important participant in the economic processes in Ukraine , '' says Bakhmatyuk .
`` But people who are trying to destroy the company are not interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge budget funds and destroy those who produce these funds .
They are not interested in anything except their own promotion and satisfaction of own ambitions .
I believe this should receive a fair assessment , even if not today – after all , these people will not hold their posts forever . ''
The UkrLandFarming shareholder said a constructive conversation at the negotiating table and a peaceful settlement of such issues are important primarily for the observance of state interests .
`` The budget needs to be filled , while the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slaughter a chicken laying golden eggs ?
Are they destroying a company that is budget-shaping , adequately representing Ukraine on international markets and ensuring the country 's export potential ?
These are the questions the Ukrainian authorities must answer .
While declaring willingness to achieve Ukraine 's economic development , they fall hostage to the ambitions of a handful of people with destructive intentions and actions , '' Bakhmatyuk said .
As reported earlier , former owner of VAB Bank Oleg Bakhmatyuk offered to pay the bank debt to the state in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mechanisms .
The businessman has not yet received a response to his proposal from the National Bank of Ukraine and the Deposit Guarantee Fund .
Meanwhile , NABU began interrogating 10,000 employees of Bakhmatyuk 's agrarian companies .
According to the agricultural holding 's press service , this was caused by a conflict of interest on the part of NABU Director Artem Sytnyk – the court had found him guilty of corruption , and he was put in the register of corrupt officials .
He is facing dismissal from his post .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case was the advisor to Bakhmatyuk 's sister .

Former owner of VAB Bank and owner of UkrLandFarming and Avangard Group of Companies Oleg Bakhmatyuk has made a statement on the sale of VAB Bank assets by the Deposit Guarantee Fund. Thanks to the destructive actions of Director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), Artem Sytnyk, the state got a mere UAH 234 million (US$9.6 million) of the proposed UAH 8 billion (US$327.6 million), Bakhmatyuk says, while his company, which pays billions in taxes to the budget and employs 27,000 Ukrainians, is facing a threat of destruction, Ukrainian News reports.
Bakhmatyuk's statement on the sale of VAB Bank assets by the Deposit Guarantee Fund at an auction for UAH 234 million has been posted on the official website of the UkrLandFarming Group of Companies. "I would like to congratulate Mr. Sytnyk and his entire 'clique' on yesterday's 'big victory.' Yesterday, the Deposit Guarantee Fund issued a press release, stating they had sold all assets of VAB Bank for UAH 234 million. I, as a shareholder, both two years ago and most recently, have applied with official letters, proposing to consider the possibility of getting UAH 8 billion. Instead, the budget received only UAH 234 million," he said.
In his statement, Bakhmatyuk notes the situation around UkrLandFarming and Avangard, and himself as a bank shareholder, consciously retaining a constructive position and offering Ukraine's budget much more than it gets from selling assets for nothing, has shaped not in the state's interests: "I urged and still urge them: save the company that is capable of generating billions in taxes to the state budget, that employs 27,000 Ukrainians and that pays billions in wages. And the state would have gotten 40 times more than it received, having sold assets at a bidding. But NABU Director Sytnyk and those who help him destroy the company are not interested in bringing funds back to the state. They are only interested in their own promotion and satisfaction of own ambitions. And I'm sure they will be held accountable for this, sooner or later, when someone clearly calculates how much the state could have received and how much it actually received as a result of their actions."
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Bakhmatyuk recalled that the experience of the United States and European countries proves that a peaceful settlement as a result of agreements reached between the state and businesses provides significantly higher budget revenues and enables businesses to work in such critical situations. "Even more so, if this business is an important participant in the economic processes in Ukraine," says Bakhmatyuk. "But people who are trying to destroy the company are not interested in creating anything. These individuals consume huge budget funds and destroy those who produce these funds. They are not interested in anything except their own promotion and satisfaction of own ambitions. I believe this should receive a fair assessment, even if not today – after all, these people will not hold their posts forever."
The UkrLandFarming shareholder said a constructive conversation at the negotiating table and a peaceful settlement of such issues are important primarily for the observance of state interests. "The budget needs to be filled, while the economy must not be destroyed. Does anyone slaughter a chicken laying golden eggs? Are they destroying a company that is budget-shaping, adequately representing Ukraine on international markets and ensuring the country's export potential? These are the questions the Ukrainian authorities must answer. While declaring willingness to achieve Ukraine's economic development, they fall hostage to the ambitions of a handful of people with destructive intentions and actions," Bakhmatyuk said.
As reported earlier, former owner of VAB Bank Oleg Bakhmatyuk offered to pay the bank debt to the state in the amount of UAH 8 billion using restructuring mechanisms. The businessman has not yet received a response to his proposal from the National Bank of Ukraine and the Deposit Guarantee Fund. Meanwhile, NABU began interrogating 10,000 employees of Bakhmatyuk's agrarian companies. According to the agricultural holding's press service, this was caused by a conflict of interest on the part of NABU Director Artem Sytnyk – the court had found him guilty of corruption, and he was put in the register of corrupt officials. He is facing dismissal from his post. The main witness for the prosecution in that case was the advisor to Bakhmatyuk's sister.


unian--2020-02-12--Kremlin spokesman busts idea of water supply to Crimea in exchange for Donbas border

Peskov stressed Crimea could not be a subject of `` any exchange . ''
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has busted the idea of exchanging water supplies from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea for full control by the Ukrainian authorities of the border in Donbas .
`` As for Crimea , this is a Russian region and , of course , the water supply of this region is provided within the existing development programs .
If there are any proposals for additional water supply on a commercial or other basis , they can be considered , '' Peskov told journalists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correspondent in Russia regarding Chairman of the Servant the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia 's statement that he would personally agree if water were supplied from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea in exchange for full control of the Ukrainian border in Donbas .
Read alsoMejlis leader on water supply to Crimea : Crimean Tatars , Ukrainians not to be sold for water Peskov stressed Crimea could not be a subject of `` any exchange . ''
`` As for Donbas , this is an internal Ukrainian problem , and you know we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settlement , '' he said .
Answering a clarifying question from UNIAN whether it is possible to ensure border control by Ukraine in exchange for water to Crimea , Peskov replied : `` The issue of border control must first be discussed with representatives of Donbas , representatives of the two 'self-proclaimed republics . '
It is very difficult to say something without such contacts .
So far , with a high degree of certainty , we may assume they will oppose changing the essence of the Minsk agreements , which were also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
As UNIAN reported earlier , Chairman of the Servant the People faction in Ukraine 's parliament David Arakhamia said he would personally agree if water were supplied from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea in exchange for full control of the Ukrainian border in Donbas .
Yet , Arakhamia said , it was his personal opinion rather than the position of the parliamentary faction 's head .

Peskov stressed Crimea could not be a subject of "any exchange."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has busted the idea of exchanging water supplies from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea for full control by the Ukrainian authorities of the border in Donbas.
"As for Crimea, this is a Russian region and, of course, the water supply of this region is provided within the existing development programs. If there are any proposals for additional water supply on a commercial or other basis, they can be considered," Peskov told journalists, commenting on a question from an UNIAN correspondent in Russia regarding Chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia's statement that he would personally agree if water were supplied from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea in exchange for full control of the Ukrainian border in Donbas.
Read alsoMejlis leader on water supply to Crimea: Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians not to be sold for water
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Peskov stressed Crimea could not be a subject of "any exchange."
"As for Donbas, this is an internal Ukrainian problem, and you know we are doing everything possible to contribute to its settlement," he said.
Answering a clarifying question from UNIAN whether it is possible to ensure border control by Ukraine in exchange for water to Crimea, Peskov replied: "The issue of border control must first be discussed with representatives of Donbas, representatives of the two 'self-proclaimed republics.' It is very difficult to say something without such contacts. So far, with a high degree of certainty, we may assume they will oppose changing the essence of the Minsk agreements, which were also signed by representatives of those two regions."
As UNIAN reported earlier, Chairman of the Servant of the People faction in Ukraine's parliament David Arakhamia said he would personally agree if water were supplied from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea in exchange for full control of the Ukrainian border in Donbas.
Yet, Arakhamia said, it was his personal opinion rather than the position of the parliamentary faction's head.


unian--2020-02-12--PM Honcharuk says government's privatization strategy for state enterprises to ensure industrial dev

The sale of unprofitable state-owned enterprises , or the so-called `` large-scale privatization , '' is one of the government 's priority programs .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk says the government believes that state-owned strategically important enterprises should be sold wholly or partly , as the general condition of most of them is unsatisfactory , while the relevant strategy is ready for each such enterprise .
`` For people , the industry is a symbol of the country 's development .
But a huge part of the industrial sector has not been upgraded for the time being .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model .
Why ?
Because a huge share of industry is in state ownership .
Each [ appointed ] CEO set own management , depleted [ the resources ] , and they actually cut and pulled everything out , concluded unprofitable contracts , put them [ the enterprises ] into debt , etc .
Therefore , a huge number of large state-run enterprises have been brought to a completely miserable and terrible state , '' he told the Ukrainian online newspaper Ukrayinska Pravda on February 10 .
According to Honcharuk , industrial development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's economic growth for society , as this symbolizes the availability of jobs , wages and citizens ' solvency .
Therefore , the sale of unprofitable state-owned enterprises , or the so-called `` large-scale privatization , '' is one of the government 's priority programs since there is a request for it among Ukrainians .
The prime minister says gradual privatization is the only way to revive such enterprises .
He also assured that the government has a clear strategy for each of the assets , in particular , for such important and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generating company Centrenergo , the national railway operator PJSC Ukrzaliznytsia , the country 's largest chemical giant Odesa Portside Chemical Plant , etc .

PM Honcharuk says government's privatization strategy for state enterprises to ensure industrial development
16:47, 12.02.20 1383
The sale of unprofitable state-owned enterprises, or the so-called "large-scale privatization," is one of the government's priority programs.
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