unian--2020-12-18--Ukraine places additional eurobonds worth $600 mln

The greatest demand was on the part of investors from the U.S. , UK , and continental Europe .
Ukraine on December 18 carried out transactions for the additional placement of external government loan bonds ( eurobonds ) in the amount of $ 600 million at a rate of 7.253 % , maturing on March 15 , 2033 , worth an outstanding total of $ 2 billion .
That 's according to the Ministry of Finance .
The additional issue saw a yield of 6.20 % and an offer price at a secondary placement at 108.914 % .
Eurobonds are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to trading on the regulated market of the Euronext Dublin exchange .
The investor base of the entire transaction is predominantly composed of asset management funds ( 85 % ) , hedge funds ( 13 % ) , as well as pension and insurance funds ( 2 % ) .
`` The greatest demand was on the part of investors from the United States , United Kingdom , and continental Europe , who purchased most of the additional eurobond placement – their shares were 52 % , 37 % , and 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 % of the additional placement , '' Ministry of Finance said Read alsoFinance ministry borrows almost UAH 51.5 blnThe funds from the additional placement were reportedly transferred to the accounts of the State Treasury Service to be used to finance the state budget .
On December 11 , Ukraine authorities did the pricing of an additional eurobond issue in the amount of $ 600 million .
In July , Ukraine placed 12-year eurobonds maturing in March 2033 for $ 2 billion at 7.25 % per annum .
Due to the said issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 and 2022 for a total amount of $ 846.15 million .

Ukraine places additional eurobonds worth $600 mln
21:45, 18.12.20 844
The greatest demand was on the part of investors from the U.S., UK, and continental Europe.
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unian--2020-12-18--IMF reveals date for SBA review start

IMF reveals date for SBA review start

The mission plans to resume meetings in January 2021 .
The International Monetary Fund 's mission will start the first review of the latest Stand-By Arrangement for Ukraine on December 21-23 , 2020 .
That 's according to Gosta Ljungman , the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) Resident Representative in Ukraine .
The mission plans to resume meetings in January 2021 , after the New Year holidays , the statement adds .
Read alsoBudget 2021 in line with IMF expectations , finance minister saysUkraine and IMF : Background On June 9 , 2020 , the IMF 's Executive Board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) for Ukraine with funding equivalent to SDR 3.6 billion ( about US $ 5 billion ) aimed at helping Ukraine overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic .
On June 12 , Ukraine received the first tranche of the IMF loan under the SBA worth $ 2.1 billion .
The Ministry of Finance planned to receive the second tranche under the same arrangement before year-end .
On November 17 , President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke over the phone with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva , saying Ukraine had fulfilled all the `` structural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the existing Stand-By Arrangement .
In late November , the finance ministry reported on the successful completion of talks with the IMF on the main parameters of the Budget 2021 draft , which was one of the major prerequisites for starting the review of the Stand-By Arrangement .

IMF reveals date for SBA review start
20:45, 18.12.20 3430
The mission plans to resume meetings in January 2021.
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unian--2020-12-18--Ukraine updates list of safe travel destinations

From now on , upon returning from one of the most popular travel destinations , Ukrainians will have to undergo self-isolation .
The Ministry of Health has updated the list of `` red '' and `` green '' zone countries as of December 18 , 2020 .
That 's according to the press service of the State Agency for Tourism Development .
Compared to the previous week , Turkey , a destination that is popular among Ukrainian tourists , is now in the `` red '' zone , which means that upon arrival from this country , Ukrainians will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to cut this period short after receiving a negative PCR test for COVID-19 .
Meanwhile , Turkey introduced strict quarantine , which is set to turn into full lockdown by New Year 's holidays .
Also , a number of European countries have been moved to the `` red '' zone , including Denmark , Latvia , Estonia , and Bosnia and Herzegovina .
Read alsoLockdown , explained : What bans await Ukrainians if full-blown quarantine introducedAt the same time , of the popular tourist destinations , in the `` green '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again upped the requirements for coronavirus tests for Ukrainian tourists ) , while Bulgaria , Croatia and Montenegro are still `` red '' ... Also `` green '' are such tourist destinations as the Dominican Republic , the United Arab Emirates , Tanzania , Mexico , the Seychelles , the Maldives , as well as Thailand , which has recently re-opened to Ukrainians .
As of December 18 , a total of 47 countries remain in the `` red '' zone for Ukrainians ( against 38 last week ) , including : Austria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hungary , Georgia , Denmark , Estonia , Cyprus , Latvia , Lithuania , Luxembourg , North Macedonia , Portugal , Serbia , Slovenia , USA , Turkey , Croatia , Czech Republic , Montenegro , Switzerland , Sweden , and others .
Upon arriving from the red zone countries , Ukrainians must undergo self-isolation using the government-supported mobile application `` Dii Vdoma '' [ Act at Home ] .
Early termination of self-isolation period is allowed after the return of a negative PCR test .
To enter Ukraine , all foreigners need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment .
Persons arriving from red zone countries are not subject to observation if they have a negative PCR test on them , run within 48 hours prior to arrival .
As of December 18 , 145 countries are in the green zone for Ukrainians , including Australia , Albania , Belgium , Belarus , Brazil , United Kingdom , Canada , China , Colombia , Cuba , Greece , Germany , Egypt , Finland , France , Israel , India , Ireland , Iceland , Japan , Kazakhstan , Kenya , Latvia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morocco , Mexico , Moldova , Nepal , New Zealand , Norway , Paraguay , Peru , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Slovakia , Spain , Sri Lanka , Thailand , Tunisia , UAE , Uzbekistan , and others .
Upon returning from these countries , citizens are not obliged to take a COVID-19 test or go for self-isolation .
At the same time , the Ukrainian government notes that the green zone does not imply that no entry restrictions have been imposed by local authorities .
Most of these countries do have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among other things , could prohibit the entry of foreign tourists .
The rules of entry to each country can be found on MFA Ukraine 's trip advisor website .
A complete list of `` red '' and `` green '' countries can be found on the site of the health ministry .

From now on, upon returning from one of the most popular travel destinations, Ukrainians will have to undergo self-isolation.
The Ministry of Health has updated the list of "red" and "green" zone countries as of December 18, 2020.
That's according to the press service of the State Agency for Tourism Development.
Compared to the previous week, Turkey, a destination that is popular among Ukrainian tourists, is now in the "red" zone, which means that upon arrival from this country, Ukrainians will have to go for self-isolation, while being allowed to cut this period short after receiving a negative PCR test for COVID-19.
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Meanwhile, Turkey introduced strict quarantine, which is set to turn into full lockdown by New Year's holidays.
Also, a number of European countries have been moved to the "red" zone, including Denmark, Latvia, Estonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Read alsoLockdown, explained: What bans await Ukrainians if full-blown quarantine introducedAt the same time, of the popular tourist destinations, in the "green" zone remain Albania and Egypt (which again upped the requirements for coronavirus tests for Ukrainian tourists), while Bulgaria, Croatia and Montenegro are still "red"... Also "green" are such tourist destinations as the Dominican Republic, the United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, Mexico, the Seychelles, the Maldives, as well as Thailand, which has recently re-opened to Ukrainians.
"Red" zone countries
As of December 18, a total of 47 countries remain in the "red" zone for Ukrainians (against 38 last week), including: Austria, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Georgia, Denmark, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, USA, Turkey, Croatia, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Switzerland, Sweden, and others.
Upon arriving from the red zone countries, Ukrainians must undergo self-isolation using the government-supported mobile application "Dii Vdoma" [Act at Home]. Early termination of self-isolation period is allowed after the return of a negative PCR test.
To enter Ukraine, all foreigners need a valid insurance policy that covers COVID-19 treatment. Persons arriving from red zone countries are not subject to observation if they have a negative PCR test on them, run within 48 hours prior to arrival.
"Green" zone countries
As of December 18, 145 countries are in the green zone for Ukrainians, including Australia, Albania, Belgium, Belarus, Brazil, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Greece, Germany, Egypt, Finland, France, Israel, India, Ireland, Iceland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Maldives, Malta, Morocco, Mexico, Moldova, Nepal, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tunisia, UAE, Uzbekistan, and others.
Upon returning from these countries, citizens are not obliged to take a COVID-19 test or go for self-isolation.
At the same time, the Ukrainian government notes that the green zone does not imply that no entry restrictions have been imposed by local authorities. Most of these countries do have quarantine restrictions in place, which, among other things, could prohibit the entry of foreign tourists. The rules of entry to each country can be found on MFA Ukraine's trip advisor website.
A complete list of "red" and "green" countries can be found on the site of the health ministry.


unian--2020-12-18--Deadly An-26 crash: Investigators name accident cause

A number of violations were committed at several stages – from flight preparation , start of flight , and to midair crisis .
The immediate cause of the An-26 disaster in Kharkiv region that took lives of dozens of air force cadets and crew in September this year was a combination of errors on the part of the flight captain amid the lack of proper reaction from flight control staff .
`` In the course of a large-scale set of investigative efforts carried out within criminal proceedings , based on the results of a military examination , irrefutable evidence was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight preparation rules , flight rules , and aircraft operation rules , '' the State Bureau of Investigation 's official , Serhiy Lichik , told a briefing on Friday , December 18 , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
Read alsoAn-26 crash : Several commanders served with charge papersSo far , three officials have been charged in the case , while this only marks the first phase of the investigation , Lichik has noted .
The degree of guilt and responsibility of each military official involved will be determined in the course of further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliberate violation of flight rules led to the deadly crash .
A number of violations were committed at several stages – from flight preparation , start of flight , and to midair crisis , the official noted .
According to the SBI , during the last takeoff , a failure was detected in the left engine .
“ Accordingly , as regards this failure , the crew were supposed to proceed with takeoff , since the acceleration speed was fit for it , and the aircraft had already passed the runway point from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a safe landing .
In fact , it stalled and fell uncontrollably after the engines ' power was wrongly regulated .
The crew could n't lead the plane out of this state due to the ultra-low altitude , '' chief of an SBI investigative unit Vadym Pryimachok said .
The official added that flight control staff , who were aware that they had allowed a pilot with insufficient skills to fly the plane , were supposed to intervene and ensure a safe flight and safe landing .
Read alsoFather of cadet killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Donbas warzone in 2014An-26 crash : Background • On September 26 , an An-26 military plane crashed by the highway while approaching the Chuhuiv military airfield .
• Kharkiv-based Air Force University 's crew and cadets were on board – a total of 27 people .
Twenty-five were killed at the crash site and one of the two survivors later died in hospital .
Thus , only one person survived in the crash .
• According to the SBU Security Service , the plane 's captain reported left engine failure to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly before the crash .
• Ukraine 's Defense Minister Andriy Taran , citing aviation experts , said one of the sensors in the engine of the An-26 transport military aircraft failed , as a result of which the plane 's wing caught on the ground as it was approaching the airfield near Chuhuiv before plunging and setting ablaze .
• On October 28 , a government commission named the causes behind the incident .
The main ones are the lack of effective control over the organization and performance of flights by Kharkiv @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight rules .
• The An-26 that crashed on September 25 was manufactured in 1977 .
It had been operated as a training aircraft for the Air Force .

A number of violations were committed at several stages – from flight preparation, start of flight, and to midair crisis.
The immediate cause of the An-26 disaster in Kharkiv region that took lives of dozens of air force cadets and crew in September this year was a combination of errors on the part of the flight captain amid the lack of proper reaction from flight control staff.
"In the course of a large-scale set of investigative efforts carried out within criminal proceedings, based on the results of a military examination, irrefutable evidence was obtained indicating systemic and systematic violations of flight preparation rules, flight rules, and aircraft operation rules," the State Bureau of Investigation's official, Serhiy Lichik, told a briefing on Friday, December 18, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
Read alsoAn-26 crash: Several commanders served with charge papersSo far, three officials have been charged in the case, while this only marks the first phase of the investigation, Lichik has noted.
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The degree of guilt and responsibility of each military official involved will be determined in the course of further investigation which could expose how negligence and deliberate violation of flight rules led to the deadly crash.
A number of violations were committed at several stages – from flight preparation, start of flight, and to midair crisis, the official noted.
According to the SBI, during the last takeoff, a failure was detected in the left engine.
“Accordingly, as regards this failure, the crew were supposed to proceed with takeoff, since the acceleration speed was fit for it, and the aircraft had already passed the runway point from which it would have been possible to make a safe landing. In fact, it stalled and fell uncontrollably after the engines' power was wrongly regulated. The crew couldn't lead the plane out of this state due to the ultra-low altitude," chief of an SBI investigative unit Vadym Pryimachok said.
The official added that flight control staff, who were aware that they had allowed a pilot with insufficient skills to fly the plane, were supposed to intervene and ensure a safe flight and safe landing.
Read alsoFather of cadet killed in An26 crash died in plane downing in Donbas warzone in 2014An-26 crash: Background


unian--2020-12-18--Ukraine furious over icon presented to Lavrov in Bosnia and Herzegovina – media

Prosecutors have already launched an investigation into the Ukrainian diplomats ' note .
The Ukrainian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina has demanded explanations from Sarajevo after Russia 's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov during his visit received a 300-year-old Ukrainian icon , originally from Luhansk , as a present from local authorities .
That 's according to Europeiska Pravda , referring to the Klix.ba news site .
It is alleged that one of the members of Bosnia and Herzegovina 's Presidium , head of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik , presented the icon to Lavrov on December 14 while Russia 's foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The local news site says the embassy requested information on the origin of the 300-year-old icon , which was allegedly originally discovered .
The Ukrainian side recalls that the city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine has been temporarily occupied by Russia since 2014 , and the lack of information about the icon , which is part of Ukraine 's cultural heritage , would mean support for Russia 's aggressive policy and military action against Ukraine .
Read alsoBosnian presidency members snub Russia 's Lavrov over `` disrespect '' Journalists claim that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ icon , proving its authenticity and that it belongs to Ukraine .
Following the original report , Dnevni avaz reported that the prosecutor 's office of Bosnia and Herzegovina `` received information from the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turković , saying that the ministry had got a note from the Ukrainian embassy .
A case has been opened and will be investigated . ''
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina also sent a letter to the State Agency for Investigation and Defense requesting a proper investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Ukrainian Embassy .
Zeljko Komsic , Bosnia 's Croat member of the presidency , said Dodik needs to clarify how the icon ended up in his hands , Al Jazeera reports .
`` If it 's true that this is an icon that comes from Ukraine , which was brought from Ukraine to Banja Luka , during the conflict in Ukraine , if it was stolen … then someone needs to go to jail , '' Komsic said .

Prosecutors have already launched an investigation into the Ukrainian diplomats' note.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina has demanded explanations from Sarajevo after Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov during his visit received a 300-year-old Ukrainian icon, originally from Luhansk, as a present from local authorities.
That's according to Europeiska Pravda, referring to the Klix.ba news site.
It is alleged that one of the members of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Presidium, head of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, presented the icon to Lavrov on December 14 while Russia's foreign minister was on a working visit.
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The local news site says the embassy requested information on the origin of the 300-year-old icon, which was allegedly originally discovered in Luhansk.
The Ukrainian side recalls that the city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine has been temporarily occupied by Russia since 2014, and the lack of information about the icon, which is part of Ukraine's cultural heritage, would mean support for Russia's aggressive policy and military action against Ukraine.
Read alsoBosnian presidency members snub Russia's Lavrov over "disrespect"Journalists claim that there is a stamp on the back of the icon, proving its authenticity and that it belongs to Ukraine.
Following the original report, Dnevni avaz reported that the prosecutor's office of Bosnia and Herzegovina "received information from the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turković, saying that the ministry had got a note from the Ukrainian embassy. A case has been opened and will be investigated."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina also sent a letter to the State Agency for Investigation and Defense requesting a proper investigation into the allegations based on a note from the Ukrainian Embassy.
Zeljko Komsic, Bosnia's Croat member of the presidency, said Dodik needs to clarify how the icon ended up in his hands, Al Jazeera reports.
"If it's true that this is an icon that comes from Ukraine, which was brought from Ukraine to Banja Luka, during the conflict in Ukraine, if it was stolen … then someone needs to go to jail," Komsic said.


unian--2020-12-18--Elderly villager steals Lexus, leaves bicycle on crime scene

This was a spontaneous act , police are confident .
In Ukraine 's Chernihiv region to the north-east of Kyiv , a village resident , 80 , with no criminal record , was arrested for car theft in a bizarre incident that unfolded on Thursday , December 17 .
The owner of a posh Lexus went on his business to a village council just for several minutes , leaving the car running , before coming back to find his vehicle missing , police reported .
By the car , someone left a rusty bicycle in what looked like petty compensation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police patrol teams were able to locate the runaway car and blocked it on a motorway dozens kilometers away from the crime scene , in the village of Rozhny , Kyiv region .
To their great amusement , behind the wheel was an 80-year-old man , a local village resident , who bluntly admitted he had spotted a nice car with an engine running and just could not resist the temptation .
Read alsoSheremet murder trial : Court leaves Antonenko behind barsThe culprit did leave his bike on the scene , right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police believe the man had not been plotting to steal the car .
Despite his senior age , the pensioner is now facing up to eight years in prison , in line with Part 2 Art .
289 of the Criminal Procedural Code of Ukraine .

This was a spontaneous act, police are confident.
In Ukraine's Chernihiv region to the north-east of Kyiv, a village resident, 80, with no criminal record, was arrested for car theft in a bizarre incident that unfolded on Thursday, December 17.
The owner of a posh Lexus went on his business to a village council just for several minutes, leaving the car running, before coming back to find his vehicle missing, police reported.
By the car, someone left a rusty bicycle in what looked like petty compensation for the steal.
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Within an hour, police patrol teams were able to locate the runaway car and blocked it on a motorway dozens kilometers away from the crime scene, in the village of Rozhny, Kyiv region.
To their great amusement, behind the wheel was an 80-year-old man, a local village resident, who bluntly admitted he had spotted a nice car with an engine running and just could not resist the temptation.
Read alsoSheremet murder trial: Court leaves Antonenko behind barsThe culprit did leave his bike on the scene, right by the car, it was confirmed.
Police believe the man had not been plotting to steal the car.
Despite his senior age, the pensioner is now facing up to eight years in prison, in line with Part 2 Art. 289 of the Criminal Procedural Code of Ukraine.


unian--2020-12-19--Kyiv mayor reports over 1,300 new COVID-19 cases as of Dec 19

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 99,694 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 1,364 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of December 19 , 2020 .
`` In the past day , another 1,364 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus , including 52 healthcare workers .
There were 20 fatalities , '' Klitschko reported via Telegram on Saturday .
According to the city mayor , 726 women aged 19 to 89 and 538 men aged 18 to 88 are among those infected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec 19The new cases include 42 girls aged one to 17 years and 58 boys aged 11 months to 17 years .
Klitschko said 82 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
He added that 734 people had recovered in the past day .
In total , 31,949 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district ( 342 ) , Desniansky district ( 266 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The death toll in the city stands at 1,699 .
• Ukraine said 11,742 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 19 , 2020 .
• The total number of confirmed cases grew to 956,123 .

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 99,694.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 1,364 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of December 19, 2020.
"In the past day, another 1,364 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including 52 healthcare workers. There were 20 fatalities," Klitschko reported via Telegram on Saturday.
"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 99,694."
According to the city mayor, 726 women aged 19 to 89 and 538 men aged 18 to 88 are among those infected.
Read alsoCabinet introduces new quarantine restrictions from Dec 19The new cases include 42 girls aged one to 17 years and 58 boys aged 11 months to 17 years.
Klitschko said 82 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
He added that 734 people had recovered in the past day.
In total, 31,949 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (342), Desniansky district (266), and Dniprovsky district (196).
The death toll in the city stands at 1,699.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments


unian--2020-12-19--U.S. FDA authorizes Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use

The U.S. public has already started receiving the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted an emergency use authorization for Moderna , Inc 's COVID-19 vaccine , the second vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 .
`` The FDA statement came after the agency 's vaccine advisory panel voted almost unanimously — 20 in favor , with one abstention — that the benefits of the highly effective vaccine outweighed its risks for people 18 years of age and older , '' The Washington Post wrote on December 18 .
Read alsoUkraine has equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Today , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization ( EUA ) for the second vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2 ) .
The emergency use authorization allows the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. for use in individuals 18 years of age and older , '' the FDA said on its website on December 18 .
`` Moderna vaccine overwhelmingly approved .
Distribution to start immediately , '' U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
The U.S. has already started inoculations with the vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech .
• On December 1 , British authorities championed the approval for mass use of a vaccine jointly produced by the American Pfizer and the German BioNTech , while two other vaccines – the U.S.-made Moderna and the British AstraZeneca – were pending regulatory review .
• On December 8 , Britain was the first country among Western powers to start mass vaccination against coronavirus .
Highest risk groups , including medics and social workers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• In Israel , the second phase of clinical trial on volunteers will start in the coming days of the Brilife vaccine , developed by the Weizmann Institute for Biological Research .
• Meanwhile , in Ukraine , the Ministry of Health has drawn up the schedule for upcoming vaccination against COVID-19 .
The country is expected to receive the vaccine in the first half of 2021 .
In total , Kyiv expects to receive 8 million doses at the first stage .
• On December 6 , Chairman of the Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council of National Security and Defense , Academician Serhiy Komisarenko said mass vaccination could launch in Ukraine no earlier than mid-2021 .

The U.S. public has already started receiving the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted an emergency use authorization for Moderna, Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, the second vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019.
"The FDA statement came after the agency's vaccine advisory panel voted almost unanimously — 20 in favor, with one abstention — that the benefits of the highly effective vaccine outweighed its risks for people 18 years of age and older," The Washington Post wrote on December 18.
Read alsoUkraine has equipment for Pfizer, BioNTech vaccine – expert"Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the second vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The emergency use authorization allows the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. for use in individuals 18 years of age and older," the FDA said on its website on December 18.
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"Moderna vaccine overwhelmingly approved. Distribution to start immediately," U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter on Friday.
The U.S. has already started inoculations with the vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech.
Vaccination against COVID-19 has started: Latest


unian--2020-12-19--Donbas war update: Ukraine reports five ceasefire violations on Dec 18

No casualties were reported in the past day .
The Command of Ukraine 's Armed Forces has reported five violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Friday , December 18 .
Read alsoEnemy sniper wounds Ukrainian soldier in Donbas '' In the past day , December 18 , the Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire five times , '' the press center of the Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:30 Kyiv time on December 19 , 2020 .
In particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the village of Vodiane in the Pryazovia area ( the north coast of the Sea of Azov ) .
Also , the invaders remotely planted 12 POM-2 anti-personnel mines in that area in front of Ukrainian positions , using portable mining kits PKM-1 .
What is more , three ceasefire violations were recorded near the town of Avdiyivka where the enemy troops fired hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers , small arms , and under-barrel grenade launchers .
The shots posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian soldiers so the Joint Forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HQ said .
Since midnight , enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops .
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 .
• On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more such violations over the latest period .

No casualties were reported in the past day.
The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported five violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Friday, December 18.
Read alsoEnemy sniper wounds Ukrainian soldier in Donbas"In the past day, December 18, the Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire five times," the press center of the Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:30 Kyiv time on December 19, 2020.
In particular, the enemy fired 120mm mortars near the village of Vodiane in the Pryazovia area (the north coast of the Sea of Azov). Also, the invaders remotely planted 12 POM-2 anti-personnel mines in that area in front of Ukrainian positions, using portable mining kits PKM-1.
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What is more, three ceasefire violations were recorded near the town of Avdiyivka where the enemy troops fired hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers, small arms, and under-barrel grenade launchers.
The shots posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian soldiers so the Joint Forces did not return fire, the JFO HQ said.
Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military.
Donbas ceasefire: Background


unian--2020-12-19--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 75.7 mln

The overall death toll is 1,675,292 people , while 42,690,706 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 75.7 million patients as of December 19 .
As many as 75,700,844 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:27 on December 19 , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
Read alsoUkraine updates list of safe travel destinationsThe overall death toll is 1,675,292 people , while 42,690,706 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States ( 313,660 people ) , Brazil ( 185,650 ) , India ( 145,136 ) , Mexico ( 117,249 ) , Italy ( 67,894 ) , the United Kingdom ( 66,640 ) , and France ( 60,345 ) .
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States ( 17,465,147 confirmed cases ) , India ( 10,004,599 ) , Brazil ( 7,162,978 ) , Russia ( 2,764,843 ) , France ( 2,499,529 ) , the United Kingdom ( 1,982,828 ) , and Turkey ( 1,982,090 ) .
As many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .

The overall death toll is 1,675,292 people, while 42,690,706 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 75.7 million patients as of December 19.
As many as 75,700,844 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:27 on December 19, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
Read alsoUkraine updates list of safe travel destinationsThe overall death toll is 1,675,292 people, while 42,690,706 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
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The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (313,660 people), Brazil (185,650), India (145,136), Mexico (117,249), Italy (67,894), the United Kingdom (66,640), and France (60,345).
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (17,465,147 confirmed cases), India (10,004,599), Brazil (7,162,978), Russia (2,764,843), France (2,499,529), the United Kingdom (1,982,828), and Turkey (1,982,090).
As many as 191 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-12-19--COVID-19: Number of recoveries exceeds that of new cases, fifth day in row, on Dec 19

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 956,123 .
Ukraine said 11,742 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 19 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 956,123 as of December 19 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
Read alsoCabinet introduces new quarantine restrictions from Dec 19As many as 574,536 patients , including 13,314 in the past day , have recovered , which exceeded the number of confirmed new daily cases for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll has hit 16,469 with 213 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours .
The government reported 365,118 active cases as of December 19 .
In total , there have been 1,052,919 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
`` In the past day , 11,742 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 547 children and 481 healthcare workers .
Some 2,865 new patients were hospitalized , '' Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Saturday .
In total , 60,089 tests were conducted in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular , there were 39,258 PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) tests run , as well as 20,831 ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) tests .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv ( 1,364 ) , Odesa region ( 1,161 ) , Zaporizhia region ( 829 ) , Kyiv region ( 827 ) , and Dnipropetrovsk region ( 667 ) .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Ukraine negotiating with all vaccine producers , except Russia – PM Shmyhal • PM Shmyhal : Quarantine in Ukraine may last until late Feb • Health Ministry expects first vaccines from COVAX in March 2021

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 956,123.
Ukraine said 11,742 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 19, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 956,123 as of December 19, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
Read alsoCabinet introduces new quarantine restrictions from Dec 19As many as 574,536 patients, including 13,314 in the past day, have recovered, which exceeded the number of confirmed new daily cases for the fifth day in a row.
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The death toll has hit 16,469 with 213 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours.
The government reported 365,118 active cases as of December 19. In total, there have been 1,052,919 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
"In the past day, 11,742 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 547 children and 481 healthcare workers. Some 2,865 new patients were hospitalized," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Saturday.
In total, 60,089 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 39,258 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests run, as well as 20,831 ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv (1,364), Odesa region (1,161), Zaporizhia region (829), Kyiv region (827), and Dnipropetrovsk region (667).
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
More news reports


unian--2020-12-19--Hryvnia weakens to U.S. dollar on Dec 21

The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 34.10 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has set the official forex rate for December 21 at UAH 27.83 to the U.S. dollar , which made the country 's national currency weaken by one kopiyka .
Read alsoDiia portal receives first applications for one-time relief aid to employees , entrepreneurs – PMThe official forex rate against the euro for Monday is fixed at UAH 34.10 per euro – the hryvnia lost two kopiykas in value since Friday , according to the NBU website .
The central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates of the hryvnia against key foreign currencies for December 21 : US $ 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,782.84 ( UAH 2,781.84 as of December 18 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH 3,410.18 ( UAH 3,407.89 as of December 18 ) .
By 16:00 Kyiv time on December 18 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank forex market settled at UAH 27.89/27.91 to the dollar , while those against the euro were at UAH 34.17/34.20 .
The National Bank set the official forex rate for December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollar , thus weakening the country 's national currency by eight kopiykas .

Hryvnia weakens to U.S. dollar on Dec 21
23:45, 19.12.20 279
The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 34.10 per euro.
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unian--2020-12-19--Ukraine reports 165 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Dec 19

Some 338 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 165 as of the morning of December 19 .
Read alsoKyiv mayor reports over 1,300 new COVID-19 cases as of Dec 19 '' As of 10:00 Kyiv time on December 19 , some 3,032 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus .
In total , 9,834 people have recovered and 35 have died during the pandemic , '' the press service of the Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine wrote on Facebook on Saturday .
`` Some 165 new COVID-19 cases were registered in the past 24 hours . ''
Of those newly-infected , 19 people have been hospitalized , while the rest are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under doctors ' supervision .
Currently , their state of health is satisfactory .
Some 338 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 63 people .
• Ukraine said 11,742 new active COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours as of December 19 , 2020 .
• The total number of confirmed cases grew to 956,123 .

Some 338 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation).
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 165 as of the morning of December 19.
Read alsoKyiv mayor reports over 1,300 new COVID-19 cases as of Dec 19"As of 10:00 Kyiv time on December 19, some 3,032 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In total, 9,834 people have recovered and 35 have died during the pandemic," the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on Saturday. "Some 165 new COVID-19 cases were registered in the past 24 hours."
Of those newly-infected, 19 people have been hospitalized, while the rest are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under doctors' supervision. Currently, their state of health is satisfactory.
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Some 338 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation). The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 63 people.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments


unian--2020-12-19--Six Ukrainian sailors captured amid pirate attack on vessel off Nigeria

Diplomats are taking measures to free the Ukrainian citizens .
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleg Nikolenko says pirates have captured six Ukrainian sailors from the Stevia cargo vessel off the coast of Nigeria .
Nikolenko added that the embassies of Ukraine in Nigeria and Albania ( the shipowner is an Albanian company ) are taking appropriate measures to free the Ukrainian citizens .
Read alsoPirates attack vessel off Nigeria , kidnap six Ukrainian sailors – MFANow the case is under the special control of the Consular Service at Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seafarers Journal , there were 15 crew members on board of the Stevia vessel that was attacked in the Gulf of Guinea .
Armed pirates took eight crew members hostage and fled in an unknown direction .
The daughter of one of the captured sailors told Seafarers Journal that her father is the chief mate of the vessel and he is definitely among the hostages .
She says six Ukrainians out of eight hostages are captain , chief mate , second mate , chief engineer , electro-technical officer , and wiper .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board .
• Seven Ukrainian sailors released from pirate captivity in Africa

Diplomats are taking measures to free the Ukrainian citizens.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleg Nikolenko says pirates have captured six Ukrainian sailors from the Stevia cargo vessel off the coast of Nigeria.
"As a result of a pirate attack on the vessel off the coast of Nigeria on December 16, eight crew members have been captured, including six Ukrainian nationals," he told UNIAN on Saturday.
Nikolenko added that the embassies of Ukraine in Nigeria and Albania (the shipowner is an Albanian company) are taking appropriate measures to free the Ukrainian citizens.
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Read alsoPirates attack vessel off Nigeria, kidnap six Ukrainian sailors – MFANow the case is under the special control of the Consular Service at Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the involved Ukrainian embassies.
According to Seafarers Journal, there were 15 crew members on board of the Stevia vessel that was attacked in the Gulf of Guinea. Armed pirates took eight crew members hostage and fled in an unknown direction.
The daughter of one of the captured sailors told Seafarers Journal that her father is the chief mate of the vessel and he is definitely among the hostages.
She says six Ukrainians out of eight hostages are captain, chief mate, second mate, chief engineer, electro-technical officer, and wiper. There are seven crew members left on the board.
More news reports


unian--2020-12-19--Swissmedic approves Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine

The data available so far showed a comparable , high level of effectiveness in all age groups examined .
The Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products ( Swissmedic ) has granted approval for the first Covid-19 vaccine in Switzerland , jointly produced by the American Pfizer and the German BioNTech .
`` According to the data evaluated by the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products , the vaccination protection seven days after the second vaccination is over 90 % .
It is the world 's first approval in an ordinary process , '' the Ukrainian media outlet European Pravda said on December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website .
Read alsoU.S .
FDA authorizes Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for emergency useSwissmedic received an application for the approval of the coronavirus vaccine two months ago .
The data available so far showed a comparable , high level of effectiveness in all age groups examined and met the safety requirements .
`` People aged 16 and over can be vaccinated against the new type of coronavirus ( SARS-CoV-2 ) , taking into account the official vaccination recommendations of the federal government .
For optimal vaccination protection , two intramuscular vaccinations are recommended at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report said .
Swissmedic is also considering applications for the approval of the Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines .
• On December 1 , British authorities championed the approval for mass use of a vaccine jointly produced by the American Pfizer and the German BioNTech , while two other vaccines – the U.S.-made Moderna and the British AstraZeneca – were pending regulatory review .
• On December 8 , Britain was the first country among Western powers to start mass vaccination against coronavirus .
Highest risk groups , including medics and social workers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• In Israel , the second phase of clinical trial on volunteers will start in the coming days of the Brilife vaccine , developed by the Weizmann Institute for Biological Research .
• Meanwhile , in Ukraine , the Ministry of Health has drawn up the schedule for upcoming vaccination against COVID-19 .
The country is expected to receive the vaccine in the first half of 2021 .
In total , Kyiv expects to receive 8 million doses at the first stage .
• On December 6 , Chairman of the Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council of National Security and Defense , Academician Serhiy Komisarenko said mass vaccination could launch in Ukraine no earlier than mid-2021 .

The data available so far showed a comparable, high level of effectiveness in all age groups examined.
The Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic) has granted approval for the first Covid-19 vaccine in Switzerland, jointly produced by the American Pfizer and the German BioNTech.
"According to the data evaluated by the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, the vaccination protection seven days after the second vaccination is over 90%. It is the world's first approval in an ordinary process," the Ukrainian media outlet European Pravda said on December 19, referring to the regulator's website.
Read alsoU.S. FDA authorizes Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for emergency useSwissmedic received an application for the approval of the coronavirus vaccine two months ago. The data available so far showed a comparable, high level of effectiveness in all age groups examined and met the safety requirements.
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"People aged 16 and over can be vaccinated against the new type of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), taking into account the official vaccination recommendations of the federal government. For optimal vaccination protection, two intramuscular vaccinations are recommended at least 21 days apart," the report said.
Swissmedic is also considering applications for the approval of the Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines.
Vaccination against COVID-19 has started: Latest


unian--2020-12-20--Zelensky: In 2021, Ukraine to launch major judicial reform

The head of state says judges of the Constitutional Court will not succeed in `` destroying the anti-corruption structure '' .
President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will next year start implementing a `` global '' judicial reform .
`` We have launched the High Anti-Corruption Court , and sentences have already been handed down – it has been working for over a year already , '' Zelensky told in an interview with the New York Times , the President 's Office wrote in a report delivered in Ukrainian .
`` I believe this is important since the courts are Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the High Anti-Corruption Court , now we 're 'at war 'with a few judges of the Constitutional Court who seek to destroy the anti-corruption structure in Ukraine .
They wo n't succeed .
We will reformat this all , '' the head of state added .
`` And the next big step is a global judicial reform in Ukraine , which we will launch next year since many laws have already been drafted and stages for the implementation of these reforms have been prepared , '' Zelensky said .
• Law reinstating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be improved – EU

The head of state says judges of the Constitutional Court will not succeed in "destroying the anti-corruption structure".
President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will next year start implementing a "global" judicial reform.
"We have launched the High Anti-Corruption Court, and sentences have already been handed down – it has been working for over a year already," Zelensky told in an interview with the New York Times, the President's Office wrote in a report delivered in Ukrainian.
"I believe this is important since the courts are Ukraine's sore spot, and now there is the High Anti-Corruption Court, now we're 'at war 'with a few judges of the Constitutional Court who seek to destroy the anti-corruption structure in Ukraine. They won't succeed. We will reformat this all," the head of state added.
"And the next big step is a global judicial reform in Ukraine, which we will launch next year since many laws have already been drafted and stages for the implementation of these reforms have been prepared," Zelensky said.
Constitutional Court row: Background


unian--2020-12-20--USAFE Band sings Carol of the Bells as tribute to U.S.-Ukraine partnership

The tune was originally composed by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych before acquiring world-wide fame with the English lyrics .
The U.S. Air Force in Europe Band has sent Christmas and New Year greetings to the Ukrainian people by performing Carol of the Bells , a song inspired by a Ukrainian `` Shchedryk '' , originally produced by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych before acquiring worldwide fame .
The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has posted on Facebook a holiday message by Lieutenant Colonel Cristina Moore Urrutia , Commander of USAFE Band , on behalf of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carol of the Bells as a `` tribute to the U.S.-Ukraine partnertship .
Ukraine has no greater partner than the United States which stands with you in your efforts to ascertain sovereignty and territorial integrity .
We wish you all the best this holiday season , '' Cristina Moore Urrutia said .
`` Shchedryk '' is a Ukrainian shchedrivka , or New Year 's song , known in English as `` The Little Swallow '' .
It was arranged by composer and teacher Mykola Leontovych in 1916 , and tells a story of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sing of wealth that will come with the following spring , as per Wikipedia .
`` Shchedryk '' was later adapted as an English Christmas carol , `` Carol of the Bells '' , by Peter J. Wilhousky following a performance of the original song by Alexander Koshetz 's Ukrainian National Chorus at Carnegie Hall on October 5 , 1921 .
Wilhousky copyrighted and published his new lyrics ( which were not based on the Ukrainian lyrics ) in 1936 , and the song became popular in the United States and Canada , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The tune was originally composed by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych before acquiring world-wide fame with the English lyrics.
The U.S. Air Force in Europe Band has sent Christmas and New Year greetings to the Ukrainian people by performing Carol of the Bells, a song inspired by a Ukrainian "Shchedryk", originally produced by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych before acquiring worldwide fame.
The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has posted on Facebook a holiday message by Lieutenant Colonel Cristina Moore Urrutia, Commander of USAFE Band, on behalf of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa.
The Band has performed Carol of the Bells as a "tribute to the U.S.-Ukraine partnertship. Ukraine has no greater partner than the United States which stands with you in your efforts to ascertain sovereignty and territorial integrity. We wish you all the best this holiday season," Cristina Moore Urrutia said.
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Memo
"Shchedryk" is a Ukrainian shchedrivka, or New Year's song, known in English as "The Little Swallow". It was arranged by composer and teacher Mykola Leontovych in 1916, and tells a story of a swallow flying into a household to sing of wealth that will come with the following spring, as per Wikipedia.
"Shchedryk" was later adapted as an English Christmas carol, "Carol of the Bells", by Peter J. Wilhousky following a performance of the original song by Alexander Koshetz's Ukrainian National Chorus at Carnegie Hall on October 5, 1921. Wilhousky copyrighted and published his new lyrics (which were not based on the Ukrainian lyrics) in 1936, and the song became popular in the United States and Canada, where it became strongly associated with Christmas.


unian--2020-12-20--Day in Donbas: Russian-backed forces seven times violate truce on Dec 19

The enemy also deployed drones toward Ukraine 's positions .
Russian-controlled forces in eastern Ukraine 's Donbas violated the ceasefire a total of seven times over the past day , December 19 .
The attacks brought no casualties , the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters wrote in a morning update on the situation in the warzone on Sunday , December 20 .
The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops , using grenade launchers and small arms , near the settlement of Pivdenne .
In the vicinity of Shymy , enemy forces opened fire from automatic heavy grenade launchers and heavy machine guns .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward NATO in exchange for peace with RussiaMachine guns were fired at Ukrainian positions in an act of provocation in the suburb of Avdiyivka .
Near Vodiane , grenade launchers of various types and small arms were employed .
Enemy forces also engaged Ukrainian troops close to Pavlopil , using UAVs to spot AGS fire .
Another enemy drone crossing the line of contact was spotted near Vodiane .
Ukrainian forces applied e-warfare tools to suppress the enemy drone .
Given that the latest enemy attacks posed no immediate threat to the lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops refrained from returning fire .
Since day-start on Sunday , no ceasefire violations have been reported along the entire contact line .
• Rada extends law on Donbas special status for another year • Putin : Russia to `` build up support '' for occupied Donbas

The enemy also deployed drones toward Ukraine's positions.
Russian-controlled forces in eastern Ukraine's Donbas violated the ceasefire a total of seven times over the past day, December 19.
The attacks brought no casualties, the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters wrote in a morning update on the situation in the warzone on Sunday, December 20.
The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops, using grenade launchers and small arms, near the settlement of Pivdenne. In the vicinity of Shymy, enemy forces opened fire from automatic heavy grenade launchers and heavy machine guns.
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Read alsoUkraine not to give up path toward NATO in exchange for peace with RussiaMachine guns were fired at Ukrainian positions in an act of provocation in the suburb of Avdiyivka. Near Vodiane, grenade launchers of various types and small arms were employed.
Enemy forces also engaged Ukrainian troops close to Pavlopil, using UAVs to spot AGS fire. Another enemy drone crossing the line of contact was spotted near Vodiane. Ukrainian forces applied e-warfare tools to suppress the enemy drone.
Given that the latest enemy attacks posed no immediate threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian soldiers, government troops refrained from returning fire.
Since day-start on Sunday, no ceasefire violations have been reported along the entire contact line.
Donbas: Other reports


unian--2020-12-20--COVID-19: Over 3,000 hospitalized in past day

The largest number of new cases was registered in Odesa region , the city of Kyiv , as well as @ @ @ @ @ Kharkiv regions .
Ukraine reported 8,325 new active daily coronavirus cases as of the morning @ @ @ @ @ .
This brings the total number recorded since the onset of the pandemic to 964,448 @ @ @ @ @ reported on Facebook .
Throughout the entire quarantine period , Ukraine saw 16,585 lethal cases @ @ @ @ @ alsoUkraine updates list of safe travel destinationsOver the past day , the stats are as @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours , the largest number of confirmed cases was registered in Odesa region ( @ @ @ @ @ 756 ) , as well as Zaporizhia ( 675 ) , Kyiv ( 592 ) @ @ @ @ @ ) regions .
• PM Shmyhal : Quarantine in Ukraine may last until late Feb @ @ @ @ @ vaccine producers , except Russia – PM Shmyhal • COVID-19 : Number of recoveries exceeds @ @ @ @ @ fifth day in row , on Dec 19

The largest number of new cases was registered in Odesa region, the city of Kyiv, as well as Zaporizhia, Kyiv, and Kharkiv regions.
Ukraine reported 8,325 new active daily coronavirus cases as of the morning of Sunday, December 20.
This brings the total number recorded since the onset of the pandemic to 964,448, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov reported on Facebook.
Throughout the entire quarantine period, Ukraine saw 16,585 lethal cases and 581,162 recoveries.
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Read alsoUkraine updates list of safe travel destinationsOver the past day, the stats are as follows:
Hospitalized: 3,037;
Deaths: 116;
Recoveries: 6,626;
Tests run: 39,941 (including PCR: 32,234; and ELISA: 7,707).
Over the last 24 hours, the largest number of confirmed cases was registered in Odesa region (814), Kyiv (756), as well as Zaporizhia (675), Kyiv (592), and Kharkiv (520) regions.
Related reports


unian--2020-12-20--Ukraine not to give up path toward NATO in exchange for peace with Russia

Neither Minsk agreements nor the Normandy Four accords contain any reservations on Ukraine 's NATO membership prospects .
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky says the country is ready to amend the Constitution toward further decentralization , in accordance with the Minsk Agreements on Donbas settlement .
When asked by a New York Times journalist , whether Ukraine is ready to fulfill Russia 's demands to amend the Constitution , to drop NATO prospects as a price for peace , Zelensky replied that neither the Minsk Agreements nor Normandy Four accords contain any reservations on NATO membership , the Presidential Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the direction of which we sometimes hear from Russia in the media space – here they know my position , I told Putin directly that I do n't agree here .
I understand that we want separate powers , the right to choose , so that no one then speculates on language issues , so that the Donbas residents speak as they want – please , to all these issues , I believe , we should be as liberal as possible , '' the president said , according to his press service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed that Ukraine is ready to pass amendments to the Constitution related to decentralization .
Read alsoZelensky tops rating of trust in politicians in Ukraine – poll '' We want people on the ground to have more authority , more choice , so that they manage money , rather than just receive tasks from the central government that keep coming down .
We 've been doing this anyway .
If we want more preferences in this direction of Donbas , these are the compromises that we could go for – these are normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without compromises , I understand that .
But there must be logic everywhere .
In all actions , in all compromises , there must be logic .
Logic and result , '' Zelensky said .
• Ukraine may get NATO MAP in 2023 if several conditions met – expert • NATO Allies ready to step up support to Ukraine , Georgia – Stoltenberg • NATO , Ukraine to conduct joint drills in 2021 as part of platform to counter hybrid warfare

Neither Minsk agreements nor the Normandy Four accords contain any reservations on Ukraine's NATO membership prospects.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky says the country is ready to amend the Constitution toward further decentralization, in accordance with the Minsk Agreements on Donbas settlement.
When asked by a New York Times journalist, whether Ukraine is ready to fulfill Russia's demands to amend the Constitution, to drop NATO prospects as a price for peace, Zelensky replied that neither the Minsk Agreements nor Normandy Four accords contain any reservations on NATO membership, the Presidential Office reports.
"On changing the Constitution in the direction of which we sometimes hear from Russia in the media space – here they know my position, I told Putin directly that I don't agree here. I understand that we want separate powers, the right to choose, so that no one then speculates on language issues, so that the Donbas residents speak as they want – please, to all these issues, I believe, we should be as liberal as possible," the president said, according to his press service's report delivered in Ukrainian.
He stressed that Ukraine is ready to pass amendments to the Constitution related to decentralization.
Read alsoZelensky tops rating of trust in politicians in Ukraine – poll"We want people on the ground to have more authority, more choice, so that they manage money, rather than just receive tasks from the central government that keep coming down. We've been doing this anyway. If we want more preferences in this direction of Donbas, these are the compromises that we could go for – these are normal compromises. The war won't end without compromises, I understand that. But there must be logic everywhere. In all actions, in all compromises, there must be logic. Logic and result," Zelensky said.
Related coverage


unian--2020-12-20--Russia to "return" to Bosnia icon gifted to Lavrov over "Ukrainian heritage" row

There are signs showing the icon is of Ukrainian origin and had been stolen from the war-torn region in Donbas .
Russia announced on December 19 that it is returning a centuries-old Orthodox icon that was given to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during his latest visit after Ukrainian diplomats claimed it was a protected treasure smuggled from Ukraine .
`` The icon will be returned to its donors for further clarification on its history via Interpol , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry told journalists , according to RFE/RL .
An image of the artifact and its seal had suggested it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luhansk , which has been under the occupation of Russian-controlled forces since 2014 .
Read alsoUkraine preparing sanctions against Russia over Crimean winery – ReznikovIts seal clearly stated that it was Ukrainian `` cultural heritage '' under protection of authorities in the Odesa region .
The Ukrainian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina this week demanded explanations from Sarajevo after Russia 's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov during his visit received as a gift a 300-year-old Ukrainian icon , originally from Luhansk , as a gift from one of the members of Bosnia 's ethnically-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milorad Dodik .
Lavrov 's visit to Bosnia was also marred by another scandal as the Croat and Muslim Bosniak members of the country 's three-man presidency declined to meet Russia 's top diplomat .
The top officials – Zeljko Komsic and Sefik Dzaferovic – said Lavrov , whose nation promotes Serbian interests in Bosnia , had shown disrespect towards their state , Reuters reports .

There are signs showing the icon is of Ukrainian origin and had been stolen from the war-torn region in Donbas.
Russia announced on December 19 that it is returning a centuries-old Orthodox icon that was given to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during his latest visit after Ukrainian diplomats claimed it was a protected treasure smuggled from Ukraine.
"The icon will be returned to its donors for further clarification on its history via Interpol," the Russian Foreign Ministry told journalists, according to RFE/RL.
An image of the artifact and its seal had suggested it might be from the Ukrainian city of Luhansk, which has been under the occupation of Russian-controlled forces since 2014.
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Read alsoUkraine preparing sanctions against Russia over Crimean winery – ReznikovIts seal clearly stated that it was Ukrainian "cultural heritage" under protection of authorities in the Odesa region.
Background
The Ukrainian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina this week demanded explanations from Sarajevo after Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov during his visit received as a gift a 300-year-old Ukrainian icon, originally from Luhansk, as a gift from one of the members of Bosnia's ethnically-based power-sharing Presidium, head of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik.
Lavrov's visit to Bosnia was also marred by another scandal as the Croat and Muslim Bosniak members of the country's three-man presidency declined to meet Russia's top diplomat.
The top officials – Zeljko Komsic and Sefik Dzaferovic – said Lavrov, whose nation promotes Serbian interests in Bosnia, had shown disrespect towards their state, Reuters reports.


unian--2020-12-20--Russian psyops: Radio posing as Ukrainian station spins Kremlin propaganda targeting troops

Army FM Online has nothing to do with the original Army FM , Ukraine 's defense ministry notes .
Russian propaganda pundits have apparently created a mobile app offering access to a radio station designed to resemble the Ukrainian Army FM – all to circulate subversive propaganda among Ukrainian troops .
The application in question is Army FM Online , the Ukrainian defense ministry 's press service reported , adding that it has been tailored to confuse users searching for an authentic Army FM – the First Ukrainian Military Radio .
The ministry suggests the app is part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toolkit .
“ The enemy has never abandoned attempts to find new ways of influencing the Ukrainian soldiers , trying to penetrate Ukraine 's information space using modern technology .
In November in the town of Shchastia , Luhansk region , Russia 's Kombat FM radio started broadcasting on a frequency close to that of Ukraine 's Army FM .
Also , a lookalike 'Army FM Online ' application has emerged , which has nothing to do with the 'First Ukrainian Military Radio ' [ Army FM ] .
It broadcasts enemy propaganda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoSBU charges members of `` Sapfir '' group with encroachment on national securityThe ministry has also noted provocative activity in the chat that 's part of a Dzura application designed for the military , where anonymous users circulate disinformation on decreasing allowances for soldiers , poorer quality food rations , etc .
`` We urge you to remain vigilant when installing mobile applications and consuming their content , '' the ministry 's press service warned , welcoming soldiers to stick to the truthful radio reporting by Army FM via armyfm.com.ua Ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , GRU operatives posing as ordinary Ukrainians tapped out online comments aimed at riling up pro-Russian citizens against the protesters , whom they called `` zapadentsy '' – or `` westerners , '' as per the Washington Post .
The military spies posted physical threats on social media against Yanukovych allies in southeastern Ukraine to bolster Moscow ’ s claim that radical Ukrainians were inciting violence against Russians in the region Russia-controlled forces in Donbas since the onset of hostilities have used intimidating and confusing text messages sent out to Ukrainian soldiers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capabilities .
Intimidating texts would be sent from cell-site simulators , aimed at shatter soldiers ' morale .
But sometimes , the texts would be disguised as being sent by Ukrainian troops themselves and meant to sow confusion and discord .
Other times , fake texts appear to come from the Ukrainian government in Kyiv .
`` In one tactic , soldiers receive texts telling them they are 'surrounded and abandoned , ' '' U.S. Army Col. Liam Collins wrote .
`` Minutes later , their families receive a text stating , 'Your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which often prompts a call or text to the soldiers , '' Collins wrote .
`` Minutes later , soldiers receive another message telling them to `` retreat and live , '' followed by an artillery strike to the location where a large group of cellphones was detected . ''

Army FM Online has nothing to do with the original Army FM, Ukraine's defense ministry notes.
Russian propaganda pundits have apparently created a mobile app offering access to a radio station designed to resemble the Ukrainian Army FM – all to circulate subversive propaganda among Ukrainian troops.
The application in question is Army FM Online, the Ukrainian defense ministry's press service reported, adding that it has been tailored to confuse users searching for an authentic Army FM – the First Ukrainian Military Radio.
The ministry suggests the app is part of the aggressor state Russia's propaganda and psyop toolkit.
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“The enemy has never abandoned attempts to find new ways of influencing the Ukrainian soldiers, trying to penetrate Ukraine's information space using modern technology. In November in the town of Shchastia, Luhansk region, Russia's Kombat FM radio started broadcasting on a frequency close to that of Ukraine's Army FM. Also, a lookalike 'Army FM Online' application has emerged, which has nothing to do with the 'First Ukrainian Military Radio' [Army FM]. It broadcasts enemy propaganda music," the defense ministry noted.
Read alsoSBU charges members of "Sapfir" group with encroachment on national securityThe ministry has also noted provocative activity in the chat that's part of a Dzura application designed for the military, where anonymous users circulate disinformation on decreasing allowances for soldiers, poorer quality food rations, etc.
"We urge you to remain vigilant when installing mobile applications and consuming their content," the ministry's press service warned, welcoming soldiers to stick to the truthful radio reporting by Army FM via armyfm.com.ua
Infowars: Related reports
Ahead of Russia's annexation attempt in Crimea, GRU operatives posing as ordinary Ukrainians tapped out online comments aimed at riling up pro-Russian citizens against the protesters, whom they called "zapadentsy" – or "westerners," as per the Washington Post.
The military spies posted physical threats on social media against Yanukovych allies in southeastern Ukraine to bolster Moscow’s claim that radical Ukrainians were inciting violence against Russians in the region
Russia-controlled forces in Donbas since the onset of hostilities have used intimidating and confusing text messages sent out to Ukrainian soldiers' phones to affect the country's defense capabilities.
Intimidating texts would be sent from cell-site simulators, aimed at shatter soldiers' morale.
But sometimes, the texts would be disguised as being sent by Ukrainian troops themselves and meant to sow confusion and discord.
Other times, fake texts appear to come from the Ukrainian government in Kyiv.
"In one tactic, soldiers receive texts telling them they are 'surrounded and abandoned,'" U.S. Army Col. Liam Collins wrote.
"Minutes later, their families receive a text stating, 'Your son is killed in action,' which often prompts a call or text to the soldiers," Collins wrote. "Minutes later, soldiers receive another message telling them to "retreat and live," followed by an artillery strike to the location where a large group of cellphones was detected."


unian--2020-12-20--Zelensky: Biden could contribute to Normandy Four talks

Also , the Ukrainian president is convinced Ukraine ca n't do without the U.S. on the Crimea issue .
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy believes that United States President-elect Joe Biden could contribute to the process of the Normandy Four negotiations after he takes office .
`` The situation is terrible , so I can fairly say that Donbas is dying without Ukraine , '' Zelensky told the New York Times , according to his press service , which posted on its website the Ukrainian translation of the interview .
`` Secondly , he spoke about security in Europe , and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not enough anymore to talk simply about putting the war to an end .
What should be done next ?
We need reintegration of Donbas , '' Zelensky said .
He added that reintegration requires `` strong businesses , strong technology , security , and money . ''
`` And we envisage a free economic zone in the territory of Donbas , so that there are certain preferences for businesses to come in .
And here the United States could play a key role , '' the president noted .
Read alsoUkraine not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exchange for peace with RussiaHe added that the United States today is the guarantor of global security and a major strategic player , `` therefore , such steps could sooner bring the end to the war in Donbas and lead to the start of large-scale construction , large-scale reintegration of Donbas . ''
Also , Zelensky says , the United States can not do without in the Crimea issue .
`` Now we are creating the Crimean Platform and , of course , we would like to see in it those countries that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the return and the end of occupation of Crimea .
The return of Crimea and our territorial integrity .
And the United States could be a leader on this path , '' he said .

Also, the Ukrainian president is convinced Ukraine can't do without the U.S. on the Crimea issue.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy believes that United States President-elect Joe Biden could contribute to the process of the Normandy Four negotiations after he takes office.
"The situation is terrible, so I can fairly say that Donbas is dying without Ukraine," Zelensky told the New York Times, according to his press service, which posted on its website the Ukrainian translation of the interview.
"Therefore, I believe that the United States could have great influence. I believe that President Biden could strengthen our negotiations in the Normandy format, including because he understands well the issues of Ukraine and Russia," Zelensky added.
"Secondly, he spoke about security in Europe, and, thirdly, we believe that it's not enough anymore to talk simply about putting the war to an end. What should be done next? We need reintegration of Donbas," Zelensky said.
He added that reintegration requires "strong businesses, strong technology, security, and money." "And we envisage a free economic zone in the territory of Donbas, so that there are certain preferences for businesses to come in. And here the United States could play a key role," the president noted.
Read alsoUkraine not to give up path toward NATO in exchange for peace with RussiaHe added that the United States today is the guarantor of global security and a major strategic player, "therefore, such steps could sooner bring the end to the war in Donbas and lead to the start of large-scale construction, large-scale reintegration of Donbas."
Also, Zelensky says, the United States cannot do without in the Crimea issue.
"Now we are creating the Crimean Platform and, of course, we would like to see in it those countries that will be key players, key guarantors of the return and the end of occupation of Crimea. The return of Crimea and our territorial integrity. And the United States could be a leader on this path," he said.


unian--2020-12-20--Week's balance: Rada passes Budget 2021, hryvnia strengthens, entrepreneurs rally

The Verkhovna Rada adopted the state budget for 2021 with a deficit of 5.5 % of GDP , the hryvnia kept strengthening , while entrepreneurs continued their protest action against the introduction of a lockdown and tougher fiscalization – these are the key economic developments of the outgoing week .
The third week of December was marked by the passing of a new law on which the country 's economic development will depend next year : the Verkhovna Rada approved the government-proposed bill on the state budget 2021 with a deficit of 5.5 % of gross domestic product .
Reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Finance Serhiy Marchenko noted that the state budget draft was balanced and realistic .
`` The budget is balanced , realistic , and we are clearly confident – both the Ministry of Finance and the government – that we will fulfill it , there is no doubt about that , '' the minister said .
`` Budget revenues amounted to UHA 1.092 trillion , these are real funds that the state intends to receive next year without raising taxes or putting pressure on businesses .
This is supported by detailed calculation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finance chief said the expenditures were laid down at UAH 1.347 trillion , while the deficit was reduced between the first and second reading by UAH 23.7 billion , from 6 % to 5.5 % of GDP , amounting to UAH 246.6 billion .
`` The sum is sufficient to finance all the priorities .
Each hryvnia of our taxpayers will be used efficiently , for its intended purpose , '' Marchenko said .
The minister also said the parameters of the budget 2021 were in line with the estimates drawn by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We continue to move within the framework of cooperation with the IMF .
In general , the parameters of the 2021 budget are in line with the estimates of the Fund 's experts , which proves that we are moving in the right direction , '' concluded Marchenko .
In the outgoing week , the Ukrainian national currency continued to strengthen – slowly but surely .
On Monday , the official exchange rate against the dollar stood at UAH 27.97 , having beefed up by another 15 kopiykas , up to UAH 27.82 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the chief economist with the Dragon Capital investment company , Olena Belan , the main reasons behind the short-term strengthening are the rising prices for domestic exports and revived demand on the part of non-residents for domestic government loan bonds .
`` Since year-start , steel has risen in price by one and a half times , reaching almost $ 700 per tonne , the highest level since 2011 , while prices for wheat and corn increased by 19 % and 32 % , respectively , due to lower harvests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attractiveness of government bonds for foreign investors has gone up , due to resumed cooperation with the IMF and higher yield , up to 10 % -12 % .
Over the past two weeks , non-residents have expanded their portfolio of Ukraine 's government bonds by more than $ 200 million following a nine-month period of continued investment decline , '' Belan said .
Roboforex analyst Andriy Hoilov believes that confidence on the part of international financial organizations toward Ukraine favorably influences the hryvnia 's exchange rate against the euro and the dollar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on providing assistance to Ukraine in the amount of $ 300 million .
Thus , the markets receive confirmation of confidence in our country from international financial organizations , which has a favorable effect on the national currency 's exchange rate against the euro and the dollar , '' he said .
Last week , a pro-active part of Ukrainian entrepreneurs continued their protest rally in the capital demanding that the government give up on their plan to introduce a cash register mandate for all and allow then working during the upcoming lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallied in the e government quarter , including outside the Verkhovna Rada , before moving to the city 's Maidan Square .
For several days already , the activists have remained in the streets 24/7 .
In order to partially calm the entrepreneurs ' anger , the Verkhovna Rada adopted a new legislation that allows businessmen and employees , whose activities will be subject to a ban during the strict restrictions period in January , to file an application for government assistance in the amount of UAH 8,000 .
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the campaign launch , more than 5,000 entrepreneurs filed such applications , and by the end of the outgoing week , more than 200,000 Ukrainians had successfully applied for a one-time aid via the government-supported mobile app Diia .
This week , Ukraine ratified a major agreement on political cooperation , free trade , and strategic partnership with the United Kingdom .
In the light of Brexit , it was extremely important for Kyiv to strike a deal with London on a new mode of bilateral cooperation .
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations with the UK to a qualitatively new level .
`` Optimal conditions will be created for free trade between our countries , which will facilitate the entry of Ukrainian companies with their goods to the UK market .
Besides , due to this agreement , we will strengthen political partnership , transform it into a strategic partnership with Britain in countering Russian aggression targeting our country .
We will introduce a new format of relations , which will ensure regular exchange and coordination of key international positions between London and Kyiv , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament rostrum .
The penultimate week of the outgoing year will see Catholic and Protestant celebrations of Christmas , as well as intensified preparations for the New Year , while the parliament will leave for holidays until mid-January and the State Statistics Service will publish data on the volume of GDP for three quarters of the outgoing year .
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The Verkhovna Rada adopted the state budget for 2021 with a deficit of 5.5% of GDP, the hryvnia kept strengthening, while entrepreneurs continued their protest action against the introduction of a lockdown and tougher fiscalization – these are the key economic developments of the outgoing week.
The third week of December was marked by the passing of a new law on which the country's economic development will depend next year: the Verkhovna Rada approved the government-proposed bill on the state budget 2021 with a deficit of 5.5% of gross domestic product.
Reporting on the bill in parliament, Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko noted that the state budget draft was balanced and realistic.
"The budget is balanced, realistic, and we are clearly confident – both the Ministry of Finance and the government – that we will fulfill it, there is no doubt about that," the minister said.
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"Budget revenues amounted to UHA 1.092 trillion, these are real funds that the state intends to receive next year without raising taxes or putting pressure on businesses. This is supported by detailed calculation," added Marchenko.
Also, the finance chief said the expenditures were laid down at UAH 1.347 trillion, while the deficit was reduced between the first and second reading by UAH 23.7 billion, from 6% to 5.5% of GDP, amounting to UAH 246.6 billion.
"The sum is sufficient to finance all the priorities. Each hryvnia of our taxpayers will be used efficiently, for its intended purpose," Marchenko said.
The minister also said the parameters of the budget 2021 were in line with the estimates drawn by the International Monetary Fund's experts.
"We continue to move within the framework of cooperation with the IMF. In general, the parameters of the 2021 budget are in line with the estimates of the Fund's experts, which proves that we are moving in the right direction," concluded Marchenko.
Strengthening hryvnia
In the outgoing week, the Ukrainian national currency continued to strengthen – slowly but surely. On Monday, the official exchange rate against the dollar stood at UAH 27.97, having beefed up by another 15 kopiykas, up to UAH 27.82, by the end of the week.
According to the chief economist with the Dragon Capital investment company, Olena Belan, the main reasons behind the short-term strengthening are the rising prices for domestic exports and revived demand on the part of non-residents for domestic government loan bonds.
"Since year-start, steel has risen in price by one and a half times, reaching almost $700 per tonne, the highest level since 2011, while prices for wheat and corn increased by 19% and 32%, respectively, due to lower harvests. At the same time, the attractiveness of government bonds for foreign investors has gone up, due to resumed cooperation with the IMF and higher yield, up to 10%-12%. Over the past two weeks, non-residents have expanded their portfolio of Ukraine's government bonds by more than $200 million following a nine-month period of continued investment decline," Belan said.
Roboforex analyst Andriy Hoilov believes that confidence on the part of international financial organizations toward Ukraine favorably influences the hryvnia's exchange rate against the euro and the dollar.
"The World Bank has agreed on providing assistance to Ukraine in the amount of $ 300 million. Thus, the markets receive confirmation of confidence in our country from international financial organizations, which has a favorable effect on the national currency's exchange rate against the euro and the dollar," he said.
Outraged entrepreneurs
Last week, a pro-active part of Ukrainian entrepreneurs continued their protest rally in the capital demanding that the government give up on their plan to introduce a cash register mandate for all and allow then working during the upcoming lockdown scheduled for January 8-24.
Protesters first rallied in the e government quarter, including outside the Verkhovna Rada, before moving to the city's Maidan Square. For several days already, the activists have remained in the streets 24/7.
In order to partially calm the entrepreneurs' anger, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a new legislation that allows businessmen and employees, whose activities will be subject to a ban during the strict restrictions period in January, to file an application for government assistance in the amount of UAH 8,000.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that in the first 10 hours into the campaign launch, more than 5,000 entrepreneurs filed such applications, and by the end of the outgoing week, more than 200,000 Ukrainians had successfully applied for a one-time aid via the government-supported mobile app Diia.
This week, Ukraine ratified a major agreement on political cooperation, free trade, and strategic partnership with the United Kingdom. In the light of Brexit, it was extremely important for Kyiv to strike a deal with London on a new mode of bilateral cooperation.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the ratification would bring Ukraine's relations with the UK to a qualitatively new level.
"Optimal conditions will be created for free trade between our countries, which will facilitate the entry of Ukrainian companies with their goods to the UK market. Besides, due to this agreement, we will strengthen political partnership, transform it into a strategic partnership with Britain in countering Russian aggression targeting our country. We will introduce a new format of relations, which will ensure regular exchange and coordination of key international positions between London and Kyiv," the top diplomat said from a parliament rostrum.
The penultimate week of the outgoing year will see Catholic and Protestant celebrations of Christmas, as well as intensified preparations for the New Year, while the parliament will leave for holidays until mid-January and the State Statistics Service will publish data on the volume of GDP for three quarters of the outgoing year.
Bohdan Slutsky


unian--2020-12-21--Rapid pace of mortgage lending growth unique for Ukraine – NBU report

The key driver of lending recovery is a substantial drop in the cost of loans .
The rise of mortgage lending rise seen in Ukraine is an unprecedented phenomenon for the country , the National Bank of Ukraine reports .
`` Since September , financial system fully restored its financial intermediation function and gradually increases loan portfolio , with the fastest growth in lending to SMEs .
Moreover , mortgage lending is on the rise since July .
This is an unprecedented phenomenon for Ukraine , given the depth of the crisis and remarkable uncertainty , '' the central bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key driver of lending recovery is a substantial drop in the cost of loans .
In view of their sufficient capital and liquidity as well as an ongoing decline in interest rates , the banks stand ready to further support businesses and households through loans , thus promoting economic recovery .
Ukrainian banking sector remains highly profitable thanks to resilient operating incomes and the absence of large credit losses .
Net fee and commission income declined only for a while as the crisis peaked , and swiftly recovered in later months .
Under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will fall further .
At the same time , there is little space for decrease in deposit rates , which are already historically lowest for Ukrainian banking sector .
Therefore , narrowing margins on lending is the key risk for banks over the next years .
Banks enjoy sufficient capital , but must prepare for novel requirements to capital .
Read alsoNBU buys almost $ 300 mln on interbank marketCapital adequacy of the banking sector stands well above the minimum requirements .
The crisis impact on banks ' capital `` turned out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June based on express stress test . ''
`` This is a result of lesser economic shock compared to assumptions under the stress test and resilience of loan portfolio , '' the report reads .
Over the next two years , the National Bank will introduce several new requirements to bank capital .
They all aim at removing certain gaps in regulation and to harmonize Ukrainian rules with the Basel Committee recommendations .
In 2021 , the banks have to prepare for phasing in of requirements to capital to cover operating and market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pillar 1 Basel recommendations into Ukrainian legislation .
`` Moreover , gradual introduction of increased risk weights for Ukrainian government securities denominated in foreign currency is to start next year , '' the report says .
`` This requirement will remove the discrepancy between the banks ' capital and amount of credit risk they assumed on their balance sheets . ''

The key driver of lending recovery is a substantial drop in the cost of loans.
The rise of mortgage lending rise seen in Ukraine is an unprecedented phenomenon for the country, the National Bank of Ukraine reports.
"Since September, financial system fully restored its financial intermediation function and gradually increases loan portfolio, with the fastest growth in lending to SMEs. Moreover, mortgage lending is on the rise since July. This is an unprecedented phenomenon for Ukraine, given the depth of the crisis and remarkable uncertainty," the central bank's Financial Stability Report says.
The key driver of lending recovery is a substantial drop in the cost of loans. In view of their sufficient capital and liquidity as well as an ongoing decline in interest rates, the banks stand ready to further support businesses and households through loans, thus promoting economic recovery.
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Ukrainian banking sector remains highly profitable thanks to resilient operating incomes and the absence of large credit losses. Net fee and commission income declined only for a while as the crisis peaked, and swiftly recovered in later months. Under maintained macroeconomic stability, rates on loans will fall further.
At the same time, there is little space for decrease in deposit rates, which are already historically lowest for Ukrainian banking sector. Therefore, narrowing margins on lending is the key risk for banks over the next years.
Banks enjoy sufficient capital, but must prepare for novel requirements to capital.
Read alsoNBU buys almost $300 mln on interbank marketCapital adequacy of the banking sector stands well above the minimum requirements.
The crisis impact on banks' capital "turned out to be milder than the NBU assessed in June based on express stress test."
"This is a result of lesser economic shock compared to assumptions under the stress test and resilience of loan portfolio," the report reads.
Over the next two years, the National Bank will introduce several new requirements to bank capital. They all aim at removing certain gaps in regulation and to harmonize Ukrainian rules with the Basel Committee recommendations. In 2021, the banks have to prepare for phasing in of requirements to capital to cover operating and market risks, thus completing the adoption of Pillar 1 Basel recommendations into Ukrainian legislation.
"Moreover, gradual introduction of increased risk weights for Ukrainian government securities denominated in foreign currency is to start next year," the report says. "This requirement will remove the discrepancy between the banks' capital and amount of credit risk they assumed on their balance sheets."


unian--2020-12-21--Blue, black wheat to be grown in Ukraine

Domestic farmers are willing to keep up with current trends in agriculture and food production .
Ukrainian agrarians are set for the first time to harvest black- and blue-colored winter wheat .
A farm located in Khmelnytsky region 's Krasyliv district will be engaged in the project , AgroPortal wrote on December 19 .
This decision was prompted by the agrarians ' desire to keep up with current trends in agriculture and food production .
They also seek to be competitive in bakery markets .
`` Not only do we plan to sell the obtained grain and flour , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own bakeries for special types of bread .
In terms of specifications , the new wheat is not inferior to its traditional varieties , '' the report said .
`` Regarding harvest , certain issues are likely to arise .
After all , we traditionally sow high-yielding varieties of red wheat , which yields , as a rule , at least 8 tonnes per hectare ( t/ha ) , whereas black grain wheat – a mere 5-6 ( t/ha ) , '' the publication said .
Read alsoUkraine exports almost 23 mln tonnes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of colored grains were adapting to cultivation in Ukraine at Odesa-based Breeding and Genetic Institute during the last decade .
Prices of such original wheat are expected to be high since experimental production is expensive .
Moreover , the farm in Krasyliv district is involved in organic farming .

Blue, black wheat to be grown in Ukraine
16:05, 21.12.20 5530
Domestic farmers are willing to keep up with current trends in agriculture and food production.
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unian--2020-12-21--Ukraine poll: 85% of respondents identify primarily as Ukrainian citizens

Only 2.9 % of the respondents still reflect on what once was their Soviet citizenship .
Some 85 % of respondents across Ukraine identify primarily as Ukrainian citizens , according to a nationwide survey conducted by Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and Kyiv International Institute of Sociology ( KIIS ) , whose results were transmitted to UNIAN .
At the same time , all-national identity prevails in all regions without significant variations : 90 % in the western region , and 83 % in the eastern parts of the country .
Regional identity is shared by only 7 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's legacyIt is worth noting 2.9 % of the respondents still consider themselves citizens of the USSR , 0.3 % – citizens of Europe , and 1.6 % – citizens of the world .
Another 1.6 % identify with their own ethnic group or nation .
None of the respondents identified as citizens of Russia .
Another 0.7 % found the survey 's question difficult to answer .
Most of those reflecting on `` Soviet '' citizenship live in the country 's south ( 5 % ) , almost the same number is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , while 2.3 % of such respondents live in the central regions , and only 0.7 % in the west .
Most of the citizens who say they primarily belong to their region of residence before identifying as citizens of Ukraine live in the east ( 12.5 % ) , south ( 7.1 % ) , west ( 5.4 % ) , and center ( 5.3 % ) .
A nationwide survey was conducted on December 5-13 , 2020 , in all regions of Ukraine , except for Crimea and the occupied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A total of 2,004 respondents aged 18 and older were interviewed through face-to-face interviews .
The margin of error does not exceed 3.3 % .
The survey was financed in the framework of the MATRA project of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands .

Only 2.9% of the respondents still reflect on what once was their Soviet citizenship.
Some 85% of respondents across Ukraine identify primarily as Ukrainian citizens, according to a nationwide survey conducted by Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), whose results were transmitted to UNIAN.
At the same time, all-national identity prevails in all regions without significant variations: 90% in the western region, and 83% in the eastern parts of the country. Regional identity is shared by only 7% of respondents.
Read alsoUSSR 2.0: Putin's legacyIt is worth noting 2.9% of the respondents still consider themselves citizens of the USSR, 0.3% – citizens of Europe, and 1.6% – citizens of the world.
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Another 1.6% identify with their own ethnic group or nation.
None of the respondents identified as citizens of Russia.
Another 0.7% found the survey's question difficult to answer.
Most of those reflecting on "Soviet" citizenship live in the country's south (5%), almost the same number is seen in the east (4.9%), while 2.3% of such respondents live in the central regions, and only 0.7% in the west. Most of the citizens who say they primarily belong to their region of residence before identifying as citizens of Ukraine live in the east (12.5%), south (7.1%), west (5.4%), and center (5.3%).
A nationwide survey was conducted on December 5-13, 2020, in all regions of Ukraine, except for Crimea and the occupied areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. A total of 2,004 respondents aged 18 and older were interviewed through face-to-face interviews. The margin of error does not exceed 3.3%.
The survey was financed in the framework of the MATRA project of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.