unian--2020-08-20--Handziuk murder: Suspects Manger, Levin to be held in custody until Oct 18

The two are being charged with ordering and organizing fatal acid attack on the Kherson activist .
Kyiv 's Dniprovsky District Court has ruled to remand in custody Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger and Oleksiy Levin , an aide to a member of the same council , until October 18 on charges of ordering and organizing a fatal acid attack on Kherson activist Kateryna Handziuk on July 31 , 2018 .
The relevant ruling was handed down by a judge during a court hearing on August 20 , which was streamed via Facebook by lawyer Masi Nayyem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levin were put into custody without the right to bail .
Read alsoVictim of Kherson acid attack activist Kateryna Handziuk diesKherson activist , advisor to the Mayor of Kherson and acting manager of affairs at Kherson City Council 's executive committee Kateryna Handziuk , 33 , on July 31 , 2018 , survived an acid attack .
She suffered burns to more than 35 % of her body and underwent 11 operations in Kyiv .
Handziuk died on November 4 , 2018 .
The immediate cause of her death was a severed blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police originally qualified the attack as an attempted murder committed with extreme cruelty , then its status was changed to completed murder .
Six suspects were detained , one of whom , Mykola Novikov , was later released from custody as charges against him had been dropped .
On May 7 , 2019 , the Prosecutor General 's Office forwarded to court an indictment against five defendants in the case of the murder : Mykyta Hrabchuk , Volodymyr Vasyanovych , Vyacheslav Vishnevsky , Serhiy Torbin , and Viktor Horbunov .
On June 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty verdicts .
Torbin , the organizer of the murder , was sentenced to six years and six months in prison .
Hrabchuk , the actual perpetrator of the crime , was sentenced to six years in prison .
Accused of aiding , Vasyanovych and Horbunov were sentenced to four and three years in prison , respectively ; accomplice Vishnevsky 's sentence is four years ' imprisonment .
Read alsoUkraine 's SBU completes probe into fatal acid attack on Kherson activist HandziukOleksiy Levin , who has a criminal record , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ihor Pavlovsky , who was an assistant to MP Mykola Palamarchuk , are also suspects in the Handziuk murder case .
Moreover , public activists believe that former Chairman of Kherson Regional State Administration Andriy Gordeev and former Deputy Chairman of Kherson Regional State Administration Yevhen Ryshchuk were involved in the crime .
On January 27 , Levin was taken into police custody in Bulgaria 's Burgas for a 40-day term after detention on January 24 .
On February 22 , the court of the city of Burgas ( Bulgaria ) ruled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was extradited on March 16 and Kyiv 's Pechersky district court on March 17 ruled that he should be remanded in custody until April 2 .
On March 25 , Kyiv 's Shevchenkivsky district court extended the pretrial probe into the Handziuk case until July 29 .
On July 28 , prosecutors of the Prosecutor General 's Office in Ukraine forwarded to court an indictment against Manger and Levin .

The two are being charged with ordering and organizing fatal acid attack on the Kherson activist.
Kyiv's Dniprovsky District Court has ruled to remand in custody Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger and Oleksiy Levin, an aide to a member of the same council, until October 18 on charges of ordering and organizing a fatal acid attack on Kherson activist Kateryna Handziuk on July 31, 2018.
The relevant ruling was handed down by a judge during a court hearing on August 20, which was streamed via Facebook by lawyer Masi Nayyem.
By the court ruling, Manger and Levin were put into custody without the right to bail.
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Handziuk murder case
Read alsoVictim of Kherson acid attack activist Kateryna Handziuk diesKherson activist, advisor to the Mayor of Kherson and acting manager of affairs at Kherson City Council's executive committee Kateryna Handziuk, 33, on July 31, 2018, survived an acid attack. She suffered burns to more than 35% of her body and underwent 11 operations in Kyiv. Handziuk died on November 4, 2018.
The immediate cause of her death was a severed blood clot resulting from the acid attack. Police originally qualified the attack as an attempted murder committed with extreme cruelty, then its status was changed to completed murder. Six suspects were detained, one of whom, Mykola Novikov, was later released from custody as charges against him had been dropped.
On May 7, 2019, the Prosecutor General's Office forwarded to court an indictment against five defendants in the case of the murder: Mykyta Hrabchuk, Volodymyr Vasyanovych, Vyacheslav Vishnevsky, Serhiy Torbin, and Viktor Horbunov.
On June 6, 2019, the court handed down guilty verdicts. Torbin, the organizer of the murder, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison. Hrabchuk, the actual perpetrator of the crime, was sentenced to six years in prison. Accused of aiding, Vasyanovych and Horbunov were sentenced to four and three years in prison, respectively; accomplice Vishnevsky's sentence is four years' imprisonment.
Read alsoUkraine's SBU completes probe into fatal acid attack on Kherson activist HandziukOleksiy Levin, who has a criminal record, as well as Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger and Ihor Pavlovsky, who was an assistant to MP Mykola Palamarchuk, are also suspects in the Handziuk murder case. Moreover, public activists believe that former Chairman of Kherson Regional State Administration Andriy Gordeev and former Deputy Chairman of Kherson Regional State Administration Yevhen Ryshchuk were involved in the crime. On January 27, Levin was taken into police custody in Bulgaria's Burgas for a 40-day term after detention on January 24. On February 22, the court of the city of Burgas (Bulgaria) ruled to extradite Levin to Ukraine. He was extradited on March 16 and Kyiv's Pechersky district court on March 17 ruled that he should be remanded in custody until April 2. On March 25, Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky district court extended the pretrial probe into the Handziuk case until July 29.
On July 28, prosecutors of the Prosecutor General's Office in Ukraine forwarded to court an indictment against Manger and Levin.


unian--2020-08-20--Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas agrees on four new disengagement sites

The Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) consisting of representatives of Ukraine , Russia , the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe ( OSCE ) , has agreed on four new disengagement sites in Donbas Eastern Ukraine .
The decision was reached at a recent TCG meeting in the format of a video conference with the participation of the new head of the Ukrainian delegation , Leonid Kravchuk , and the first deputy head of the delegation , Vitold Fokin , according to the press service of the Ukrainian President 's Office .
According to the press service , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreements reached by the Normandy leaders .
Also , the Ukrainian side supported the need to develop a framework decision of the TCG on mine action , which will help to optimize further work on this issue .
The humanitarian subgroup also reached progress on issues related the mutual release of detainees .
`` The Ukrainian side has once again emphasized the importance of fulfilling all agreements on confirming the list of mutual release of the detained persons and confirmed the information about the persons checked by the participants in the consultations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 , President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Leonid Kravchuk as chairman of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk .
• On August 4 , Kravchuk announced that Vitold Fokin was offered the position of `` communications coordinator for all parties '' within the TCG .

The parties selected 20 more demining areas.
The Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) consisting of representatives of Ukraine, Russia, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), has agreed on four new disengagement sites in Donbas Eastern Ukraine.
The decision was reached at a recent TCG meeting in the format of a video conference with the participation of the new head of the Ukrainian delegation, Leonid Kravchuk, and the first deputy head of the delegation, Vitold Fokin, according to the press service of the Ukrainian President's Office.
"The subgroup on security issues has reached an agreement on 20 demining sites within the updated plan sealed in the December 9, 2019 communique of the Paris Normandy Four summit," the statement said.
According to the press service, this will facilitate the implementation of the agreements reached by the Normandy leaders.
Read alsoPrisoner swap: Ukraine submits list with 100 names to OSCE
Also, the Ukrainian side supported the need to develop a framework decision of the TCG on mine action, which will help to optimize further work on this issue.
The humanitarian subgroup also reached progress on issues related the mutual release of detainees.
"The Ukrainian side has once again emphasized the importance of fulfilling all agreements on confirming the list of mutual release of the detained persons and confirmed the information about the persons checked by the participants in the consultations," it said.
Kravchuk and Fokin in TCG


unian--2020-08-20--Ukraine overtakes China in number of registered COVID-19 cases

More than half of all infected worldwide have recovered .
The world has already seen 22,328,069 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection since the outbreak of the pandemic , that 's as of 6:30 Kyiv time on August 20 .
At the same time , 14 261 142 patients have recovered , according to an interactive map of COVID-19 spread , developed by Johns Hopkins University .
The United States , as before , remains on the top of the list in terms of the number of reported cases : 5,529 347 , Brazil goes next with 3,456,652 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Russia with 935,066 cases officially reported .
Read alsoUkraine 's Health Ministry : Hospitals ready to treat about 34,000 COVID-19 patientsUkraine ranks 15th worldwide with 98,658 cases , having surpassed China , the country where the coronavirus is believed to have originated ( 89,527 cases ) .
Since the outbreak of the pandemic , 786,303 COVID-19 related fatalities have been reported .
Ukraine on August 19 reported the highest-ever daily spike in COVID-19 cases : 1,967 .
In Kyiv alone , a sharp rise by 215 cases have been reported on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vitaliy Klitschko .

More than half of all infected worldwide have recovered.
The world has already seen 22,328,069 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection since the outbreak of the pandemic, that's as of 6:30 Kyiv time on August 20.
At the same time, 14 261 142 patients have recovered, according to an interactive map of COVID-19 spread, developed by Johns Hopkins University.
The United States, as before, remains on the top of the list in terms of the number of reported cases: 5,529 347, Brazil goes next with 3,456,652 cases, then comes India with 2,767,273 cases, and Russia with 935,066 cases officially reported.
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Read alsoUkraine's Health Ministry: Hospitals ready to treat about 34,000 COVID-19 patientsUkraine ranks 15th worldwide with 98,658 cases, having surpassed China, the country where the coronavirus is believed to have originated (89,527 cases).
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, 786,303 COVID-19 related fatalities have been reported.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: latest developments
Ukraine on August 19 reported the highest-ever daily spike in COVID-19 cases: 1,967.
In Kyiv alone, a sharp rise by 215 cases have been reported on August 19, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko.


unian--2020-08-20--Russian opposition's Navalny reportedly poisoned, now unconscious

The plane Navalny was taking had to make an emergency landing .
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was hospitalized with signs of poisoning .
That 's per his press secretary Kira Yarmysh , who took to Twitter to break the news .
Navalny felt sick on the plane he was flying to the city of Tomsk .
His rapidly deteriorating condition forced the captain to do an emergency landing in Omsk .
`` We assume that Alexei was poisoned with something poured into his tea .
It was the only thing he drank this morning .
Doctors say the toxin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexei is unconscious , '' the spokesperson wrote .
Read alsoDiplomat from Russian mission to WTO oversaw secret hit squad – mediaLater , Kira Yarmysh added that Navalny had been admitted to a local intensive care unit .
In July 2019 , Navalny detained after a rally for admitting independent candidates to the elections to the Moscow City Duma , and the very next day he was hospitalized with signs of poisoning .
Then the doctors diagnosed an `` acute allergic reaction . ''
Navalny said the skin on his face , neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
At the same time , Navalny 's doctor complained that the cause of skin irritation had not been ultimately identified .
Who is Navalny and what is his stance on Ukraine Alexey Navalny is a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin .
He has produced multiple probes into local corruption in Russian regions .
Navalny positions himself as a Russian nationalist .
In 2012 , he advocated a geopolitical union of Russia , Ukraine , and Belarus under Moscow 's leadership .
In June 2017 , Navalny admitted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and promised to withdraw troops once he becomes president .
In 2014 , Navalny and his brother were convicted for embezzlement and further legalization of funds .
In the U.S. , the court verdict was branded as aimed at suppressing and punishing political activism , while the EU assessed it as politically driven .

The plane Navalny was taking had to make an emergency landing.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was hospitalized with signs of poisoning.
That's per his press secretary Kira Yarmysh, who took to Twitter to break the news.
Navalny felt sick on the plane he was flying from the city of Tomsk.
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His rapidly deteriorating condition forced the captain to do an emergency landing in Omsk.
"We assume that Alexei was poisoned with something poured into his tea. It was the only thing he drank this morning. Doctors say the toxin absorbed faster through hot liquid. Now Alexei is unconscious," the spokesperson wrote.
Read alsoDiplomat from Russian mission to WTO oversaw secret hit squad – mediaLater, Kira Yarmysh added that Navalny had been admitted to a local intensive care unit.
Previous poisoning suspicion
In July 2019, Navalny detained after a rally for admitting independent candidates to the elections to the Moscow City Duma, and the very next day he was hospitalized with signs of poisoning. Then the doctors diagnosed an "acute allergic reaction." Navalny said the skin on his face, neck and ears was "burning and itching". At the same time, Navalny's doctor complained that the cause of skin irritation had not been ultimately identified.
Who is Navalny and what is his stance on Ukraine
Alexey Navalny is a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has produced multiple probes into local corruption in Russian regions.
Navalny positions himself as a Russian nationalist. In 2012, he advocated a geopolitical union of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus under Moscow's leadership.
In June 2017, Navalny admitted that the Russian military were fighting in Donbas, and promised to withdraw troops once he becomes president.
In 2014, Navalny and his brother were convicted for embezzlement and further legalization of funds. In the U.S., the court verdict was branded as aimed at suppressing and punishing political activism, while the EU assessed it as politically driven.


unian--2020-08-21--Belarus' Defense Minister warns against escalation of protests into civil war or military conflict

He says human life is losing its value day by day .
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin says protests in Belarus could escalate into a civil war or a military conflict , therefore , if necessary , the army will shoot to kill .
`` We may have a civil war ; the price of human life is losing its value day by day .
This is terrible .
A military conflict may happen – it is already a reality today .
Our task is to prevent it , '' Khrenin was quoted as saying at a meeting behind closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry , the General Staff and the Armed Forces , the Belarusian publication Nasha Niva reported on August 20 .
Read alsoBelarus launches criminal probe into `` seizure of power '' by opposition The minister also said that it would be impossible to destroy the state until the army is on the side of the government .
`` We must fight , if necessary , arms in hands .
For the country , for ourselves , for our families , '' he said .
The official compared the army to a sentry who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the violator and not shoot to kill '' `` But if the sentry follows all instructions or if he is in danger , he is obliged to shoot to kill , '' he said .
• On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• Thousands of residents of Belarus took to the streets to protest what they believe is a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently cracked down on protesters .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9 .
On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .
• According to human rights activists , at least five people were killed during clashes with riot police , seven more are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The activists say about 200-300 people were detained as political prisoners .
• On August 19 , the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus and said work had begun to introduce sanctions over electoral fraud and violence against protesters .

He says human life is losing its value day by day.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin says protests in Belarus could escalate into a civil war or a military conflict, therefore, if necessary, the army will shoot to kill.
"We may have a civil war; the price of human life is losing its value day by day. This is terrible. A military conflict may happen – it is already a reality today. Our task is to prevent it," Khrenin was quoted as saying at a meeting behind closed doors with military chiefs of the Defense Ministry, the General Staff and the Armed Forces, the Belarusian publication Nasha Niva reported on August 20.
Read alsoBelarus launches criminal probe into "seizure of power" by opposition
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The minister also said that it would be impossible to destroy the state until the army is on the side of the government.
"You and we are the only hope. Our morale is high," he said.
"We must fight, if necessary, arms in hands. For the country, for ourselves, for our families," he said.
The official compared the army to a sentry who "is ready to shoot upwards to stop the violator and not shoot to kill" "But if the sentry follows all instructions or if he is in danger, he is obliged to shoot to kill," he said.
Belarus protests in brief


unian--2020-08-21--Zelensky: Ukraine sends POW swap lists to Donbas

Some 100 people are expected to be exchanged from each side .
President Volodymyr Zelensky says the Ukrainian side has handed over lists for the swap of prisoners of war ( POW ) as part of the work of the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) , but it has not yet received such lists from Russia and the occupying administrations in Donbas .
`` We have submitted lists for the exchange , but we have not yet received lists from the other side , '' he said in a comment to the media during his working trip to Kherson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an UNIAN correspondent .
The president also mentioned agreements on demining and disengagement in Donbas .
`` No one wanted to listen to anything , there have been arguments for a long time… We reached an agreement .
20 demining sites .
It is also about saving lives , '' he said .
• On April 16 , 2020 , the mutual release of detainees took place in two stages in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
Twenty Ukrainian citizens were released .
These were mainly civilians , as well as two soldiers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 7 , head of the President 's Office Andriy Yermak said that Ukraine was preparing for an exchange of detainees held in Russia-occupied parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
• On August 20 , the President 's Office reported that the TCG 's humanitarian subgroup had made progress on the mutual release of detainees .
Some 100 people are expected to be exchanged from each side .
The exchange is planned to be brokered by the OSCE .

Some 100 people are expected to be exchanged from each side.
President Volodymyr Zelensky says the Ukrainian side has handed over lists for the swap of prisoners of war (POW) as part of the work of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), but it has not yet received such lists from Russia and the occupying administrations in Donbas.
"We have submitted lists for the exchange, but we have not yet received lists from the other side," he said in a comment to the media during his working trip to Kherson region on August 20, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoZelensky expects Normandy Four summit after advisers' meeting
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The president also mentioned agreements on demining and disengagement in Donbas.
"No one wanted to listen to anything, there have been arguments for a long time… We reached an agreement. 20 demining sites. It is also about saving lives," he said.


unian--2020-08-20--Rally held outside FSB building in Moscow in support of Navalny, detentions reported

Similar events were held in other cities , namely Novosibirsk , Perm , Saint Petersburg , Murmansk .
A rally was held outside the FSB building in Moscow in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny , who was hospitalized in Omsk on August 20 presumably after poisoning .
This was reported by the Telegram channel Avtozak LIVE .
Several dozen people came out to the FSB building on Thursday evening , there were media representatives among them Police detained those who raised posters or shouted slogans in support of the opposition leader .
At least six such cases were reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities , namely Novosibirsk , Perm , Saint Petersburg , Murmansk , according to a Russian-based news agency .
Read alsoCCTV video shows who gives coma-causing tea to Navalny ( Video ) In particular , in Murmansk they detained Violetta Grudina , coordinator of Navalny 's local headquarters , as she had come out with a poster which said that the opposition leader had been poisoned .
• On the morning of August 20 , Navalny was hospitalized with signs of poisoning .
Navalny started feeling ill when returning to Moscow from Tomsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried off the plane on a stretcher after it made an emergency landing at Omsk .
• A spokesperson for Navalny assumes that he was poisoned with something mixed into his tea .
• The media reported that Navalny could have been poisoned with sodium oxybutyrate , a central nervous system depressant that causes hallucinations , anxiety , confusion , and pathological thinking .
• After poisoning , Navalny is in a coma , being on a ventilator .
• Russia 's law enforcement agencies are not yet considering a theory that Navalny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media reports , Navalny may be collecting materials for a probe into members of Vladimir Putin 's party .

Similar events were held in other cities, namely Novosibirsk, Perm, Saint Petersburg, Murmansk.
A rally was held outside the FSB building in Moscow in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was hospitalized in Omsk on August 20 presumably after poisoning.
This was reported by the Telegram channel Avtozak LIVE.
Several dozen people came out to the FSB building on Thursday evening, there were media representatives among them
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Police detained those who raised posters or shouted slogans in support of the opposition leader. At least six such cases were reported.
Similar events were held in other cities, namely Novosibirsk, Perm, Saint Petersburg, Murmansk, according to a Russian-based news agency.
Read alsoCCTV video shows who gives coma-causing tea to Navalny (Video)
In particular, in Murmansk they detained Violetta Grudina, coordinator of Navalny's local headquarters, as she had come out with a poster which said that the opposition leader had been poisoned.
Poisoning of Navalny: Known facts


unian--2020-08-20--Lviv reschedules town hall meeting as some members test positive for COVID-19

Since the beginning of the pandemic , 12,631 cases have been recorded in the city of Lviv and Lviv region alone .
Lviv had to reschedule a session of its city council as some members of the council and officials have tested positive for COVID-19 .
`` The session has been slated , '' head of the Department of the Council 's Secretariat Yury Lukashevskyy said on Facebook on August 20 .
`` It became known at a meeting of the council 's board that some of the members [ of the council ] and officials who were supposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
It was decided to postpone the plenary session as was proposed by the heads of the [ political parties ' ] factions . ''
Coronavirus in Ukraine and Lviv : What is known • In the past day , there were 2,134 new coronavirus cases in Ukraine .
The total number of COVID-19 cases was 98,537 , including 2,184 deaths .
• Since the beginning of the pandemic , 12,631 cases have been recorded in the city of Lviv and Lviv region alone .
Of them , there were 344 fatal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , another 183 cases were confirmed in the region .

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 12,631 cases have been recorded in the city of Lviv and Lviv region alone.
Lviv had to reschedule a session of its city council as some members of the council and officials have tested positive for COVID-19.
"The session has been slated," head of the Department of the Council's Secretariat Yury Lukashevskyy said on Facebook on August 20. "It became known at a meeting of the council's board that some of the members [of the council] and officials who were supposed to deliver their reports had tested positive for COVID-19. It was decided to postpone the plenary session as was proposed by the heads of the [political parties'] factions."
Read alsoUkraine publishes reviewed list of quarantine zones (Map)
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Coronavirus in Ukraine and Lviv: What is known


unian--2020-08-20--Kyiv belongs to yellow zone after latest review of quarantine zoning

The new zoning will take effect on August 24 .
Kyiv is now in the yellow zone following the latest review of quarantine-related zoning .
It was reviewed at a meeting of the State Commission on Industry-Related and Environmental Safety and Emergencies on August 20 , Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleh Nemchinov said on Telegram .
The new zoning will take effect on August 24 .
Quarantine in Kyiv : Rules of the yellow zone The Ukrainian capital has reimposed restrictions and bans in line with the new epidemic zoning requirements determined by the government .
The major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should wear face masks in public buildings and on public transport ; • the number of people at mass ( cultural , sports , entertainment , religious , advertising ) events should be limited to one person per five square meters of the area of a building or territory if the event is held outdoors ; • occupancy of cinemas and cultural institutions should not exceed 50 % of seats ; • the number of passengers on public transport should not be more than the number of seats ; • there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities where elderly people are staying , except for those that provide services in crisis mode .
• The adaptive quarantine in Ukraine was introduced on August 1 .
The Ukrainian regions were split into the red , green , orange zones depending on the bed occupancy rate in hospitals , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and the dynamics of growth of new cases per day .
• Quarantine-related curbs differ in each zone .
The mildest ones are in the green zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone will have to introduce the toughest restrictive measures .
• Kyiv was first attributed to the green zone .
But after updated rules for the quarantine zone became effective in Ukraine on August 17 , Kyiv was included in the yellow zone .
• The government extended the quarantine in Ukraine until August 31 .

The new zoning will take effect on August 24.
Kyiv is now in the yellow zone following the latest review of quarantine-related zoning.
It was reviewed at a meeting of the State Commission on Industry-Related and Environmental Safety and Emergencies on August 20, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleh Nemchinov said on Telegram.
Read alsoUkraine publishes reviewed list of quarantine zones (Map)
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The new zoning will take effect on August 24.
Quarantine in Kyiv: Rules of the yellow zone
The Ukrainian capital has reimposed restrictions and bans in line with the new epidemic zoning requirements determined by the government.
The major rules are the following:
people should wear face masks in public buildings and on public transport;
citizens must have identity documents;
the number of people at mass (cultural, sports, entertainment, religious, advertising) events should be limited to one person per five square meters of the area of a building or territory if the event is held outdoors;
occupancy of cinemas and cultural institutions should not exceed 50% of seats;
the number of passengers on public transport should not be more than the number of seats;
there will be a ban on visits to social welfare facilities where elderly people are staying, except for those that provide services in crisis mode.
Quarantine in Ukraine


unian--2020-08-20--Ukraine publishes reviewed list of quarantine zones

The new zoning will take effect on August 24 .
Ukraine has published a reviewed list of quarantine zones depending on the epidemiological situation .
More populated localities were included in the so-called red zone .
This was reported by Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleh Nemchinov on Telegram .
The new zoning will take effect on August 24 .
• the town of Kolomyia , as well as Horodenka , Kosiv , and Tysmenytsia districts of Ivano-Frankivsk region ; • the towns of Dubno and Ostroh , as well as Kostopil , Radyvyliv , and Rivnensky districts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chernivtsi , as well as Zastavna and Kitsman districts in Chernivtsi region .
• the town of Volodymyr-Volynsky , as well as Lutsk , Lyubeshiv , and Manevychi districts of Volyn region ; • the city of Uzhgorod and the town of Chop , as well as Mizhhirya , Perechyn , Tyachiv , and Uzhgorod districts of Zakarpattia region ; • the city of Ivano-Frankivsk , the towns of Burshtyn and Kalush , as well as Bohorodchany , Kalush , Kolomyia , and Nadvirna districts of Ivano-Frankivsk region ; • The city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drohobych , Morshyn , Novyi Rozdil , Stryy , Truskavets , and Chervonohrad , as well as Brody , Busk , Horodok , Drohobych , Zhydachiv , Zhovkva , Zolochiv , Kamianka-Buzka , Mykolaiv , Mostyska , Peremyshlyany , Pustomyty , Radekhiv , Sambir , Skoliv , Sokal , Starosambir , Stryi , Turkiv , and Yavoriv districts of Lviv region ; • the town of Izmail , as well as Bolhrad , Mykolaiv , Ovidiopol , and Sarata districts of Odesa region ; • the town of Varash , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Ostroh districts of Rivne region ; • the city of Ternopil , the towns of Berezhany and Chortkiv , as well as Berezhany and Ternopil districts of Ternopil region ; • the city of Kharkiv , as well as Bohodukhiv and Pervomaisky districts of Kharkiv region ; • the town of Novodnistrovsk , as well as Vyzhnytsia , Hertsa , Hlyboka , Kelmentsi , Novoselytsia , Putyla , Sokyryany , Storozhynets , and Khotyn districts of Chernivtsi region .
• the city of Lutsk and the town of Novovolynsk , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ratnivsky , and Starovyzhivsky districts of Volyn region ; • the city of Zhytomyr , the towns of Korosten and Novohrad-Volynskyi , as well as Andrushivsky , Berdychivsky , Brusylivsky , Yemilchynsky , Zhytomyrsky , Korostensky , Luhynsky , Ovrutsky , Popilnyansky , Pulynsky , Romanivsky , Chernyakhivsky , and Chudnivsky districts of Zhytomyr region ; • the towns of Mukachevo and Khust , as well as Vynohradivsky , Irshavsky , Mukachivsky , Rakhivsky , and Svalyavsky districts of Zakarpattia region ; • the town of Yaremche , as well as Verkhovynsky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rozhnyativsky , Sniatynsky , and Tlumatsky districts of Ivano-Frankivsk region ; • the towns of Boryspil , Brovary , Bucha , Pereyaslav , and Fastiv , as well as Boryspilsky , Brovarsky , Vasylkivsky , Makarivsky , and Fastivsky districts of Kyiv region ; • the city of Odesa , the towns of Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky , Chornomorsk , Podilsk , Teplodar , and Yuzhne , as well as Ananyivsky , Artsyzsky , Berezivsky , Bilyaivsky , Ivanivsky , Lymansky , Podilsky , and Savransky districts of Odesa region ; • the city of Rivne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Demydivsky , Koretsky , Mlynivsky , Rokytnivsky and Sarnensky districts of Rivne region ; • the city of Sumy , as well as Krolevetsky , Nedryhailivsky , Okhtyrsky , Sumsky , and Trostyanetsky districts of Sumy region ; • the city of Khmelnytsky , the towns of Netishyn and Slavuta , as well as Bilohirsky , Volochisky , Krasylivsky , Letychivsky , Novoushytsky , Slavutsky , and Starosynyavsky districts of Khmelnytsky region .
The remaining towns , cities , districts , and regions belong to thegreen zone .
The epidemic-related risk levels @ @ @ @ @ @

The new zoning will take effect on August 24.
Ukraine has published a reviewed list of quarantine zones depending on the epidemiological situation. More populated localities were included in the so-called red zone.
This was reported by Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleh Nemchinov on Telegram.
The new zoning will take effect on August 24.
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Read alsoUkraine overtakes China in number of registered COVID-19 cases (Map)
The red zone will include:
the town of Kolomyia, as well as Horodenka, Kosiv, and Tysmenytsia districts of Ivano-Frankivsk region;
the town of Sambir, Lviv region;
the town of Bilyaivka, Odesa region;
the towns of Dubno and Ostroh, as well as Kostopil, Radyvyliv, and Rivnensky districts of Rivne region;
the city of Chernivtsi, as well as Zastavna and Kitsman districts in Chernivtsi region.
The orange zone will include:
the town of Volodymyr-Volynsky, as well as Lutsk, Lyubeshiv, and Manevychi districts of Volyn region;
the city of Uzhgorod and the town of Chop, as well as Mizhhirya, Perechyn, Tyachiv, and Uzhgorodsky districts of Zakarpattia region;
the city of Ivano-Frankivsk, the towns of Burshtyn and Kalush, as well as Bohorodchany, Kalush, Kolomyia, and Nadvirna districts of Ivano-Frankivsk region;
Kyiv-Sviatoshynsky district of Kyiv region;
The city of Lviv, the towns of Boryslav, Drohobych, Morshyn, Novyi Rozdil, Stryy, Truskavets, and Chervonohrad, as well as Brody, Busk, Horodok, Drohobych, Zhydachiv, Zhovkva, Zolochiv, Kamianka-Buzka, Mykolaiv, Mostyska, Peremyshlyany, Pustomyty, Radekhiv, Sambir, Skoliv, Sokal, Starosambir, Stryi, Turkiv, and Yavoriv districts of Lviv region;
the town of Izmail, as well as Bolhrad, Mykolaiv, Ovidiopol, and Sarata districts of Odesa region;
the town of Varash, as well as Hoshcha, Dubno, Zarichne, Zdolbuniv, and Ostroh districts of Rivne region;
the city of Ternopil, the towns of Berezhany and Chortkiv, as well as Berezhany and Ternopil districts of Ternopil region;
the city of Kharkiv, as well as Bohodukhiv and Pervomaisky districts of Kharkiv region;
the town of Novodnistrovsk, as well as Vyzhnytsia, Hertsa, Hlyboka, Kelmentsi, Novoselytsia, Putyla, Sokyryany, Storozhynets, and Khotyn districts of Chernivtsi region.
The yellow zone will include:
the city of Kyiv;
the city of Lutsk and the town of Novovolynsk, as well as Horokhivsky, Ivanychivsky, Kivertsivsky, Ratnivsky, and Starovyzhivsky districts of Volyn region;
the city of Zhytomyr, the towns of Korosten and Novohrad-Volynskyi, as well as Andrushivsky, Berdychivsky, Brusylivsky, Yemilchynsky, Zhytomyrsky, Korostensky, Luhynsky, Ovrutsky, Popilnyansky, Pulynsky, Romanivsky, Chernyakhivsky, and Chudnivsky districts of Zhytomyr region;
the towns of Mukachevo and Khust, as well as Vynohradivsky, Irshavsky, Mukachivsky, Rakhivsky, and Svalyavsky districts of Zakarpattia region;
the town of Yaremche, as well as Verkhovynsky, Halytsky, Dolynsky, Rohatynsky, Rozhnyativsky, Sniatynsky, and Tlumatsky districts of Ivano-Frankivsk region;
the towns of Boryspil, Brovary, Bucha, Pereyaslav, and Fastiv, as well as Boryspilsky, Brovarsky, Vasylkivsky, Makarivsky, and Fastivsky districts of Kyiv region;
the city of Odesa, the towns of Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky, Chornomorsk, Podilsk, Teplodar, and Yuzhne, as well as Ananyivsky, Artsyzsky, Berezivsky, Bilyaivsky, Ivanivsky, Lymansky, Podilsky, and Savransky districts of Odesa region;
the city of Rivne, as well as Bereznivsky, Volodymyretsky, Demydivsky, Koretsky, Mlynivsky, Rokytnivsky, and Sarnensky districts of Rivne region;
the city of Sumy, as well as Krolevetsky, Nedryhailivsky, Okhtyrsky, Sumsky, and Trostyanetsky districts of Sumy region;
Buchatsky, Husiatynsky, Zalishchytsky, Zbarasky, Kozivsky, Lanovetsky, Pidvolochysky, Terebovlyansky, and Chortkivsky districts of Ternopil region;
Valkivsky, Velykoburlutsky, Vovchansky, Zmiyivsky, Zolochivsky, Krasnokutsky, Kupyansky, Novovodolazsky, Kharkivsky, and Chuhuyivsky districts of Kharkiv region;
the city of Khmelnytsky, the towns of Netishyn and Slavuta, as well as Bilohirsky, Volochisky, Krasylivsky, Letychivsky, Novoushytsky, Slavutsky, and Starosynyavsky districts of Khmelnytsky region.
The remaining towns, cities, districts, and regions belong to the green zone.
The epidemic-related risk levels are reviewed every 14 days.
Quarantine zones in Ukraine


unian--2020-08-20--CCTV video shows who gives coma-causing tea to Navalny

The politician 's allies assume that he was poisoned with something mixed into his tea .
A CCTV video has captured the moment showing who gave Russian opposition politician , fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin Alexei Navalny a cup of tea having drunk which he went into coma .
Before boarding his flight , Navalny got the tea at a Tomsk airport cafe from his aide Ilya Pakhomov , according to the Mash channel on Telegram .
`` The CCTV video from Tomsk Airport shows that Alexei sits down at a table without the drink .
Later , Navalny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of FBK [ the Anti-Corruption Foundation set up by Navalny ] , brings him the cup .
Thus , no one at the counter knew for whom the drink was being prepared , '' the channel says .
Yet , those who comment on the video on YouTube point to the bad quality of the footage , which makes it hard to draw any conclusion .
• On the morning of August 20 , Navalny was hospitalized with signs of poisoning .
• Navalny started feeling ill when returning to Moscow from Tomsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was carried off the plane on a stretcher after it made an emergency landing at Omsk .
• A spokesperson for Navalny assumes that he was poisoned with something mixed into his tea .
• At the airport , one of the passengers took a picture of the politician holding the cup .
• Doctors have not yet announced Navalny 's official diagnosis .
It is known that he is in a coma , but his condition is stable .
• The Kremlin said it was monitoring media reports on Navalny 's condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The politician's allies assume that he was poisoned with something mixed into his tea.
A CCTV video has captured the moment showing who gave Russian opposition politician, fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin Alexei Navalny a cup of tea having drunk which he went into coma.
Before boarding his flight, Navalny got the tea at a Tomsk airport cafe from his aide Ilya Pakhomov, according to the Mash channel on Telegram.
Read alsoNavalny in coma, massive police presence in hospital
"The CCTV video from Tomsk Airport shows that Alexei sits down at a table without the drink. Later, Navalny's aide Ilya Pakhomov, an employee of FBK [the Anti-Corruption Foundation set up by Navalny], brings him the cup. Thus, no one at the counter knew for whom the drink was being prepared," the channel says.
Yet, those who comment on the video on YouTube point to the bad quality of the footage, which makes it hard to draw any conclusion.
Poisoning of Navalny: Known facts


unian--2020-08-20--Zelensky expects Normandy Four summit after advisers' meeting

Advisers to the Normandy leaders are scheduled to meet late in August .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he expects that the leaders of the Normandy Four ( Ukraine , Germany , France , and the Russian Federation ) will gather for a summit after a meeting of their advisers .
Zelensky told journalists during a working trip to Kherson region on August 20 that the advisers were scheduled to meet late in August , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
`` They 've confirmed the Normandy-format advisers ' meeting , which means that after the advisers we will wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summit , '' Zelensky said .
The Ukrainian president pointed to the progress of the peace talks on Donbas .
`` Today , the negotiation process is not standing still .
So , am I satisfied ?
I am .
Do I want more ?
Yes , '' he said , according to the presidential press service .
• Journalist Serhiy Garmash , who was engaged by the Ukrainian side in the work of the Trilateral Contact Group on the settlement of the Donbas crisis , had previously announced that advisers involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 28 .
• On August 19 , the Kremlin announced preparations for a meeting of advisers to the Normandy leaders .

Advisers to the Normandy leaders are scheduled to meet late in August.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he expects that the leaders of the Normandy Four (Ukraine, Germany, France, and the Russian Federation) will gather for a summit after a meeting of their advisers.
Zelensky told journalists during a working trip to Kherson region on August 20 that the advisers were scheduled to meet late in August, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
"They've confirmed the Normandy-format advisers' meeting, which means that after the advisers we will wait for further developments and Normandy leaders' summit," Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president pointed to the progress of the peace talks on Donbas.
"Today, the negotiation process is not standing still. So, am I satisfied? I am. Do I want more? Yes," he said, according to the presidential press service.
Normandy summit 2020 in brief


unian--2020-08-20--Law enforcers raid Ukrzaliznytsia offices in Kyiv, Vinnytsia

The SBU Security Service exposed a corruption scheme , resulting in almost US $ 439,239 in losses incurred to the state .
The Ministry of INternal Affairs of Ukraine says law enforcers are searching premises of the Ukrainian national railways company PJSC Ukrzaliznytsia in the cities of Vinnytsia and Kyiv .
The Ministry adds that , together with the SBU Security Service they exposed a corruption scheme that incurred almost UAH 12 million ( US $ 439,239 ) in losses to the state .
The Ukrzaliznytsia branch in 2019-2020 allocated over 60 million ( US $ 2.2 million ) for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolling stock .
Organizers behind the scheme have won the bidding and received the money .
`` Examinations conducted as part of the probe established the real value of inventory and showed an unjustified overstatement of prices , which caused damage to the state in the amount of almost UAH 12 million , '' the report said .
Read alsoUkraine 's government approves Ukrzaliznytsia 's 2020 financial planCriminal proceedings have been opened under Part 5 of Article 191 the Criminal code of Ukraine ( misappropriation , embezzlement or conversion or property by malversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 , 2020 , raided Ukrzaliznytsia 's facilities as part of a pretrial investigation into possible abuse of office and tax evasion .
• On May 22 , 2020 , the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) and the Special Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office ( SAPO ) searched premises of Ukrzaliznytsia officials and representatives of private companies in a case of abuse in the procurement of software for the electronic purchase of tickets for the Kyiv-Boryspil rail service .

Law enforcers raid Ukrzaliznytsia offices in Kyiv, Vinnytsia
16:40, 20.08.20 1914
The SBU Security Service exposed a corruption scheme, resulting in almost US$439,239 in losses incurred to the state.
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unian--2020-08-21--Ukraine anti-trust watchdog opens case against Roshen

The group of companies had signs of a monopoly position on the market in 2018-2019 .
The Anti-Monopoly Committee of Ukraine ( AMCU ) has opened a case against the Roshen group of companies ( Roshen Confectionery Corporation ) on the grounds of abuse of monopoly position on the syrup market .
Roshen is Ukraine 's largest producer of corn syrup in Ukraine .
In 2018-2019 , the group of companies had signs of a monopoly position on the market , the AMCU press service said on its website on August 21 .
`` According to the information available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Roshen group of companies set different prices in 2018 , as well as different conditions for the purchase of syrup for a certain group of consumers , namely confectioneries , '' the report said .
In 2019 , Roshen strengthened its market power due to the ban on imports of syrups from Russia , while increasing prices of syrups of its own production for all buyers .
`` At the same time , during the probe that preceded the initiation of the case , the AMCU established no objective grounds for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Read alsoUkrainian media outlet names most expensive national brandsSuch actions by Roshen with regard to counterparts on the confectionery market could lead to the prevention , elimination or restriction of competition , the statement notes .
Roshen Corporation is one of the largest Ukrainian confectionery manufacturers , producing 450,000 tonnes of confectionery annually .
It was founded by ex-President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko .
Roshen has a factory in Kyiv , two production sites in Vinnytsa , a factory in Kremenchuk ( Ukraine ) , two production sites at Lipetsk confectionery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factory ( Lithuania ) , Bonbonetti Choco Kft ( Budapest , Hungary ) , as well as Bershadmoloko butter and milk factory , which supplies raw milk to the corporation 's factories .
On May 25 , 2020 , it was reported that Roshen was suing a Russian company over the Romashka ( Chamomile ) candy label .
On January 29 , 2020 , it became known that Roshen was in litigation with an ice cream maker over the Kyiv Cake brand .
In September 2019 , Roshen sued for the exclusive right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Ukraine anti-trust watchdog opens case against Roshen
16:30, 21.08.20 4310
The group of companies had signs of a monopoly position on the market in 2018-2019.
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unian--2020-08-21--Zelensky instructs Defense Ministry to sign contract with Ukroboronprom's plant

According to Pallada CEO , the enterprise has been independently looking for buyers .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's Office says the Defense Ministry will sign a contract in September 2020 to purchase three berths from Kherson-based state-run Pallada plant , part of Ukraine 's state-owned Ukroboronprom Concern .
During a wording trip to Kherson region , the president visited the plant , where the latter 's CEO complained to Zelensky about the lack of government orders .
According to the CEO , the enterprise is independently looking for buyers of its products .
During a phone conversation with Deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed that Pallada would prepare a package of documents for the order related to three berths by the end of the month .
Read alsoUkraine to showcase upgraded Uragan MLRS at arms expo '' We encourage everything that will allow supporting the enterprises and keeping people 's jobs , '' Zelensky said .
Employees also complained about the lack of professionals for such plants as Pallada , and asked about the possibility to set up a relevant training program for workers .
Almost half of Defense Ministry 's tenders failed in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tenders , accounting for 44.7 % of the total number of announced tenders , with the total expected value of UAH 3.46 billion ( US $ 125.9 million ) were canceled .

Zelensky instructs Defense Ministry to sign contract with Ukroboronprom's plant
16:05, 21.08.20 1358
According to Pallada CEO, the enterprise has been independently looking for buyers.
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unian--2020-08-21--Independence referendum: how Ukrainians would vote today

Absolute majority of Ukrainians would support the country 's independence if faced with such question today , poll says .
If the referendum on the proclamation of Ukraine 's independence were held today , it would see absolute support for the move , says a recent nationwide poll conducted by the Democratic Initiatives Foundation together with the Razumkov Center .
`` If the referendum on the proclamation of state independence of Ukraine took place today , it would certainly have been won by independence supporters with 84.4 % against 15.6 % against , '' noted the report presented at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN correspondent reports .
Taking into account data on respondents who found the question difficult to answer or those who would not come to the polls , less than 13 % of citizens would oppose independence , while almost 68 % would vote for it .
Despite such absolute support for independence , significant regional , age , and party differences can be traced , the authors of the poll note .
In Ukraine 's western region , opponents amount to under 1 % , and in the east – to almost 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respondents , the more they support the country 's independence .
Read alsoExpert explains threats to Ukraine stemming from Russia-Belarus union stateThe highest level of support for independence was voiced by the European Solidarity Party supporters ( more than 90 % ) , while the smallest – by those supporting the pro-Russian Opposition Platform – For Life Party .
A nationwide poll was conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation along with the Razumkov Center Sociological Agency on August 14-19 in all regions of Ukraine with the exception of Crimea and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A total of 2,018 respondents aged 18 and over were interviewed face-to-face .
The theoretical sampling error is within 2.3 % .
On Monday , August 24 , Ukrainians will celebrate the 29th anniversary of independence .

Absolute majority of Ukrainians would support the country's independence if faced with such question today, poll says.
If the referendum on the proclamation of Ukraine's independence were held today, it would see absolute support for the move, says a recent nationwide poll conducted by the Democratic Initiatives Foundation together with the Razumkov Center.
"If the referendum on the proclamation of state independence of Ukraine took place today, it would certainly have been won by independence supporters with 84.4% against 15.6% against," noted the report presented at a press conference on August 21, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
If the referendum on the proclamation of state independence of Ukraine took place today, it would certainly have been won by independence supporters
Taking into account data on respondents who found the question difficult to answer or those who would not come to the polls, less than 13% of citizens would oppose independence, while almost 68% would vote for it.
Survey results: differences by region and party affiliation
Despite such absolute support for independence, significant regional, age, and party differences can be traced, the authors of the poll note.
In Ukraine's western region, opponents amount to under 1%, and in the east – to almost 30%.
Also, the younger the respondents, the more they support the country's independence.
Read alsoExpert explains threats to Ukraine stemming from Russia-Belarus union stateThe highest level of support for independence was voiced by the European Solidarity Party supporters (more than 90%), while the smallest – by those supporting the pro-Russian Opposition Platform – For Life Party.
Survey details
A nationwide poll was conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation along with the Razumkov Center Sociological Agency on August 14-19 in all regions of Ukraine with the exception of Crimea and the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
A total of 2,018 respondents aged 18 and over were interviewed face-to-face.
The theoretical sampling error is within 2.3%.
Independence Day
On Monday, August 24, Ukrainians will celebrate the 29th anniversary of independence.


unian--2020-08-21--Naftogaz to boost Egyptian output, eyeing new developments – media

The company had initially planned to sell its Egyptian business in 2017 , but is now ready to further develop concessions .
Ukraine 's state-owned Naftogaz Ukrayiny plans to accelerate oil and gas production at the Alam El Shawish East concession in Egypt and is also looking at options for developing new license areas in the country , it said late August 19 .
Naftogaz 's reserves in Egypt are small , at just 0.4 billion cubic meters ( bcm ) of gas and 8.6 million barrels of liquids , according to the company 's 2019 annual report , spglobal.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sell its Egyptian business in 2017 , but is now ready to further develop concessions .
`` For the effective development of Naftogaz 's assets in Egypt , it is necessary to accelerate the growth of hydrocarbon production in the Alam El Shawish East concession area , as well as to accelerate the implementation of major infrastructure projects , '' Naftogaz said in a statement .
The comments came following a Cairo meeting Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation ( EGPC ) , a partner at the concession .
Read alsoUkraine says no plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ReutersIn 2006 , Naftogaz entered into a production sharing agreement in Egypt for Alam El Shawish East before actually starting extraction in 2014 .
At the time , Naftogaz voiced hopes to produce daily some 7,000 barrels of oil and 0.7 million cubic meters of gas .
Current production data for the concession is unavailable .
Naftogaz said it would also look to further develop its South Wadi El Mahareeth and Wadi El Mahareeth concessions in Egypt 's Eastern Desert following a meeting with its partner there , GANOPE ( Ganoub El-Wadi Holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said late July it started drilling a new gas well in Kherson region .
The design daily flow rate at the Strilkove field is 40,000 cubic meters .

The company had initially planned to sell its Egyptian business in 2017, but is now ready to further develop concessions.
Ukraine's state-owned Naftogaz Ukrayiny plans to accelerate oil and gas production at the Alam El Shawish East concession in Egypt and is also looking at options for developing new license areas in the country, it said late August 19.
Naftogaz's reserves in Egypt are small, at just 0.4 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas and 8.6 million barrels of liquids, according to the company's 2019 annual report, spglobal.com reports.
The company had initially planned to sell its Egyptian business in 2017, but is now ready to further develop concessions.
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"For the effective development of Naftogaz's assets in Egypt, it is necessary to accelerate the growth of hydrocarbon production in the Alam El Shawish East concession area, as well as to accelerate the implementation of major infrastructure projects," Naftogaz said in a statement.
The comments came following a Cairo meeting Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), a partner at the concession.
Read alsoUkraine says no plans to resume gas purchases from Russia – ReutersIn 2006, Naftogaz entered into a production sharing agreement in Egypt for Alam El Shawish East before actually starting extraction in 2014.
At the time, Naftogaz voiced hopes to produce daily some 7,000 barrels of oil and 0.7 million cubic meters of gas. Current production data for the concession is unavailable.
Other assets
Naftogaz said it would also look to further develop its South Wadi El Mahareeth and Wadi El Mahareeth concessions in Egypt's Eastern Desert following a meeting with its partner there, GANOPE (Ganoub El-Wadi Holding Company).
In Ukraine, Naftogaz said late July it started drilling a new gas well in Kherson region. The design daily flow rate at the Strilkove field is 40,000 cubic meters.


unian--2020-08-21--Expert explains threats to Ukraine stemming from Russia-Belarus union state

Ukraine has already strengthened controls on the border with Belarus .
There is a real military threat coming from the Union State of Russia and Belarus , says Ukrainian expert Mykhailo Samus .
A common regional grouping of the Armed Forces of Belarus and Russia operates as part of the Union State , said Samus , who is Deputy Chairman of the Center for Army Research , Conversion and Disarmament , according to RBC-Ukraine .
`` Since the creation of the Union State , for us , Ukraine , a military threat has been constantly present from the territory of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation operates within the Union State , '' the expert explained .
Earlier , the report came that Ukraine had strengthened controls at the border with Belarus after Belarus decided to redeploy more military to the west of the country – toward Poland and Lithuania .
Read alsoLukashenko warns Zelensky against `` fomenting riots '' in BelarusAlso , Ukraine 's military command were alarmed by repeated references to Ukraine in Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko 's public addresses where he alleged foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine , of responsibility `` for fomenting riots '' .
On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
The Central Election Commission said Alexander Lukashenko won a sweeping 80.1 % of the vote , while main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya sealed just 10.1 % .
Thousands of Belarusians took to the streets to contest what they believe is a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently slammed on protesters , detaining thousands , of whom many were badly beaten and injured while in custody .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian President Vladimir Putin , Lukashenko said Russia had promised full-fledged assistance to ensure the country 's security .
Earlier Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed external forces are trying to destabilize Belarus .
On August 16 , Lukashenko press service announced following another conversation between Lukashenko and Putin that the two leaders intend to react jointly `` in the event of an escalation in terms of external threats . ''
On August 19 , the European Union said they did not recognize election results and tentatively agreed on introducing a package of sanctions against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters and vote-rigging .
On August 20 , Belarus prosecutors opened a criminal case into a seizure of power by the opposition .

Ukraine has already strengthened controls on the border with Belarus.
There is a real military threat coming from the Union State of Russia and Belarus, says Ukrainian expert Mykhailo Samus.
A common regional grouping of the Armed Forces of Belarus and Russia operates as part of the Union State, said Samus, who is Deputy Chairman of the Center for Army Research, Conversion and Disarmament, according to RBC-Ukraine.
"Since the creation of the Union State, for us, Ukraine, a military threat has been constantly present from the territory of Belarus, since a common regional grouping of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation operates within the Union State," the expert explained.
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Earlier, the report came that Ukraine had strengthened controls at the border with Belarus after Belarus decided to redeploy more military to the west of the country – toward Poland and Lithuania.
Read alsoLukashenko warns Zelensky against "fomenting riots" in BelarusAlso, Ukraine's military command were alarmed by repeated references to Ukraine in Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko's public addresses where he alleged foreign meddling and warned some foreign leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, of responsibility "for fomenting riots".
Protests in Belarus: background
On August 9, presidential elections were held in Belarus. The Central Election Commission said Alexander Lukashenko won a sweeping 80.1% of the vote, while main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya sealed just 10.1%.
Thousands of Belarusians took to the streets to contest what they believe is a rigged vote count. Riot police violently slammed on protesters, detaining thousands, of whom many were badly beaten and injured while in custody.
On August 15, following phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko said Russia had promised full-fledged assistance to ensure the country's security. Earlier Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed external forces are trying to destabilize Belarus.
On August 16, Lukashenko press service announced following another conversation between Lukashenko and Putin that the two leaders intend to react jointly "in the event of an escalation in terms of external threats."
On August 19, the European Union said they did not recognize election results and tentatively agreed on introducing a package of sanctions against those involved in a violent crackdown on protesters and vote-rigging. On August 20, Belarus prosecutors opened a criminal case into a seizure of power by the opposition.


unian--2020-08-21--Zelensky shames Ukrainians for failing to observe quarantine restrictions

`` No one 's afraid of anything , '' Zelensky noted .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukrainian citizens are no longer afraid of COVID-19 or complying with quarantine restrictions imposed .
`` I wish everyone good health and I ask to be careful .
Especially now , people have ceased in fact to observe any quarantine measures – no one 's afraid of anything , '' the president told journalists during a working trip to Mykolayiv region , as reported by an UNIAN correspondent on August 21 .
`` Believe my family – no one 's afraid until someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said , referring to COVID-19 cases in his family .
Read alsoUkraine publishes reviewed list of quarantine zones ( Map ) According to Zelensky , coronavirus disease lasts three weeks on average `` completely wearing off '' human body .
`` At the beginning of week two , people feel very sick , '' he added .
• Olena Zelenska , Ukraine 's First Lady , tested positive for COVID-19 on June 12 .
• She was hospitalized in Kyiv on June 16 .
• On July 3 , Zelenska recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital , according to the President 's Office .
• On August 21 , the president admitted his 7-year-old son Kyrylo had COVID-19 and underwent treatment along with his mother .
• Ukraine reported 100,643 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of the morning of July 21 .
They include 2,207 deaths and 51,078 recoveries .
• A total of 2,106 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours .

"No one's afraid of anything," Zelensky noted.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukrainian citizens are no longer afraid of COVID-19 or complying with quarantine restrictions imposed.
"I wish everyone good health and I ask to be careful. Especially now, people have ceased in fact to observe any quarantine measures – no one's afraid of anything," the president told journalists during a working trip to Mykolaiv region, as reported by an UNIAN correspondent on August 21.
"Believe my family – no one's afraid until someone near of kin contracts the disease," he said, referring to COVID-19 cases in his family.
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Read alsoUkraine publishes reviewed list of quarantine zones (Map)According to Zelensky, coronavirus disease lasts three weeks on average "completely wearing off" human body.
I wish everyone good health and I ask to be carerful
"At the beginning of week two, people feel very sick," he added.
Coronavirus in Zelensky's family: developments
Olena Zelenska, Ukraine's First Lady, tested positive for COVID-19 on June 12.
She was hospitalized in Kyiv on June 16.
On July 3, Zelenska recovered from COVID-19 before being discharged from the hospital, according to the President's Office.
On August 21, the president admitted his 7-year-old son Kyrylo had COVID-19 and underwent treatment along with his mother.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: latest


unian--2020-08-21--Ukrainian banks' net profit falls by almost 23% in Jan-July

Ukraine 's banking sector saw an increase in revenue and spending over the period under review .
Ukrainian banks ' net profit fell by 22.7 % in January-July 2020 year-on-year ( y-o-y ) , to UAH 28.4 billion ( US $ 1 billion ) .
The banks ' revenue over the period under review increased by 5.5 % y-o-y , to UAH 149.1 billion ( US $ 5.4 billion ) .
Their spending in the seven months of 2020 totaled UAH 120.7 billion ( US $ 4.4 billion ) , which was 15.3 % up y-o-y , the National Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its website .
Net profit ( also net income ) is an entity 's income minus cost of goods sold , expenses , depreciation and amortization , interest , and taxes for an accounting period , according to Wikipedia .
Net profit of Ukrainian banks in January-June 2020 shrank by 23 % y-o-y , to UAH 23.8 billion ( US $ 866.1 million ) Read alsoUkraine needs second IMF tranche – NBU GovernorThe banking system 's profit grew by 23.8 % in the first quarter of 2020 y-o-y , to UAH 16 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's operating banks in 2019 posted a record high result for the second year in a row , having received UAH 59.6 billion , or US $ 2.2 billion , in profit .
Their profit almost tripled against the figure posted in 2018 .
The most profitable were such solvent banks as PrivatBank ( UAH 32.6 billion/US $ 1.2 billion ) , Raiffeisen Bank Aval ( UAH 4.7 billion/US $ 171 million ) , PJSC First Ukrainian International Bank ( FUIB ) , UkrSibbank ( UAH 2.6 billion/US $ 94.6 million each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.5 billion/US $ 91 million ) .
Ukraine 's operating banks in 2018 received UAH 22.3 billion ( US $ 811.5 million ) in net profit , which was a historic maximum indicator .
This was preceded by four unprofitable years for the banking system .
So , the system posted UAH 26.5 billion ( US $ 964.3 million ) in loss in 2017 , UAH 159.4 billion ( US $ 5.8 billion ) in 2016 , UAH 66.6 billion ( US $ 2.4 billion ) in 2015 , and UAH 52.7 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 .

Ukrainian banks' net profit falls by almost 23% in Jan-July
14:00, 21.08.20 983
Ukraine's banking sector saw an increase in revenue and spending over the period under review.
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unian--2020-08-21--DUI punishment to be toughened in Ukraine

Parliamentarians are expected to decide on the issue in the coming months .
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine plans to toughen punishment for drunk driving , says advisor to the Minister , Volodymyr Martynenko .
`` We have initiated [ the move ] and we ask the people 's deputies to toughen [ drivers ' ] liability .
That is , not only to impose fines , but also to allow courts to impose administrative arrest so that we have much fewer drunk drivers [ on roads ] , '' he told Ukraine 24 TV channel on August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision on ensuring tougher responsibility for such offenses depends on Parliament .
According to Martynenko , deputies may take the final decision in the coming months .
`` We are working very hard to this end , together with the people 's deputies .
There is a bill , they are working on it , and I hope that we will get the [ draft ] law by the next session this autumn , '' he said .
Criminal liability for DUI was earlier expected to be applied in the following cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the influence of alcohol , drugs or medication that reduce attention and reaction span ; - Handing the wheel to a person under the influence of alcohol , drugs or medication ; - Consuming alcohol or doing drugs or taking medication following a road accident ( except for those included in the officially approved first-aid kit or prescribed by a doctor ) , or after the vehicle was stopped by police , before an authorized authority conducts a DUI test or before a decision is made to exempt a driver from such test @

Parliamentarians are expected to decide on the issue in the coming months.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine plans to toughen punishment for drunk driving, says advisor to the Minister, Volodymyr Martynenko.
"We have initiated [the move] and we ask the people's deputies to toughen [drivers'] liability. That is, not only to impose fines, but also to allow courts to impose administrative arrest so that we have much fewer drunk drivers [on roads]," he told Ukraine 24 TV channel on August 20.
The official added that the decision on ensuring tougher responsibility for such offenses depends on Parliament.
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According to Martynenko, deputies may take the final decision in the coming months.
"We are working very hard to this end, together with the people's deputies. There is a bill, they are working on it, and I hope that we will get the [draft] law by the next session this autumn," he said.
DUI punishment: latest news
Criminal liability for DUI was earlier expected to be applied in the following cases, according to TSN:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that reduce attention and reaction span;
- Handing the wheel to a person under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication;
- Refusing to undergo a DUI test; and
- Consuming alcohol or doing drugs or taking medication following a road accident (except for those included in the officially approved first-aid kit or prescribed by a doctor), or after the vehicle was stopped by police, before an authorized authority conducts a DUI test or before a decision is made to exempt a driver from such test.


unian--2020-08-21--President Zelensky's son cured from COVID-19

This is the first time information came up that the boy had contracted the virus .
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his 7-year-old son Kyrylo had COVID-19 and underwent treatment along with the First Lady .
`` I will frankly say that this COVID-19 is an awful infection .
There 's no other word .
My wife fell ill and my son , too , by the way .
And they were treated together in the hospital , '' Volodymyr Zelensky told a briefing on Friday , August 21 .
He suggested that children deal with the infection alright , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zelensky 's wife Olena tested positive for coronavirus and got hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia .
The president and children were reported to have tested negative .
Read alsoUkraine publishes reviewed list of quarantine zones ( Map ) On July 3 , it was reported that the First Lady had a negative test , thus confirming her recovery .
The Ministry of Health says 100,643 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Ukraine , of which 2,207 were fatal .
A total of 51,078 patients have recovered so far .
Over the past day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , the highest spike recorded .

This is the first time information came up that the boy had contracted the virus.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his 7-year-old son Kyrylo had COVID-19 and underwent treatment along with the First Lady.
"I will frankly say that this COVID-19 is an awful infection. There's no other word. My wife fell ill and my son, too, by the way. And they were treated together in the hospital," Volodymyr Zelensky told a briefing on Friday, August 21.
He suggested that children deal with the infection alright, more or less.
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In June, Zelensky's wife Olena tested positive for coronavirus and got hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia.
The president and children were reported to have tested negative.
Read alsoUkraine publishes reviewed list of quarantine zones (Map)On July 3, it was reported that the First Lady had a negative test, thus confirming her recovery.
Coronavirus in Ukraine: latest developments
The Ministry of Health says 100,643 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Ukraine, of which 2,207 were fatal.
A total of 51,078 patients have recovered so far.
Over the past day, 2,106 new cases were recorded in Ukraine, the highest spike recorded.


unian--2020-08-21--Chief anti-graft prosecutor quits in Ukraine

Nazar Kholodnytsky 's resignation letter has already been approved .
Head of Ukraine 's Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office ( SAP ) ) Nazar Kholodnytsky has filed for resignation .
His resignation letter has already been signed by Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova , as seen in a photo Kholodnitsky posted on Facebook .
`` Today I can say with confidence that the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office and the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine will fulfill their mission .
I thank my team for their dedication , honesty , and incorruptibility – we have been doing our job with dignity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first five years of work , the SAPO has been tackling corruption schemes in the gas , oil , mining and nuclear energy , banking , public procurement , and at large state-owned enterprises , Kholodnytsky wrote , adding that the volume of investigated damage to the state budget amounts to over UAH 200 billion .
At the same time , SAPO and the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine managed to prevent losses amounting to about UAH 50 billion , Kholodnytsky wrote .
In the first half of 2020 alone , UAH 765 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
Among the accused and prosecuted are `` influential politicians , people 's deputies , and highest state officials . ''
These include 16 people 's deputies , 22 top officials , 47 judges , 68 heads of state enterprises , and 17 senior officials of state bodies .
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor 's Office ( SAPO ) is an independent structural unit of the General Prosecutor of Ukraine , created in 2015 , and is primarily responsible for supporting and overseeing criminal investigations launched by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per Wikipedia .
The prospect of visa liberalization ( visa-free travel to the Schengen Area ) between Ukraine and the European Union was closely linked with the process of creating the SAPO .
In the latest memorandum with the International Monetary Fund signed over the approval of the Stand-by Arrangement , Ukraine committed to advancing good governance efforts and combatting high-level corruption .
`` We will ensure that the country ’ s new anticorruption institutions – the National Anticorruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) , the Special Anticorruption Prosecutor ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anti-Corruption Court ( HACC ) – maintain their independence and integrity ( including by providing them with adequate resources ) , to be able to effectively and credibly investigate , prosecute and adjudicate high-level corruption cases .

Nazar Kholodnytsky's resignation letter has already been approved.
Head of Ukraine's Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) Nazar Kholodnytsky has filed for resignation.
His resignation letter has already been signed by Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova, as seen in a photo Kholodnytsky posted on Facebook.
"Today I can say with confidence that the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office and the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine will fulfill their mission. I thank my team for their dedication, honesty, and incorruptibility – we have been doing our job with dignity," Kholodnytsky wrote.
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Over the first five years of work, the SAPO has been tackling corruption schemes in the gas, oil, mining and nuclear energy, banking, public procurement, and at large state-owned enterprises, Kholodnytsky wrote, adding that the volume of investigated damage to the state budget amounts to over UAH 200 billion.
I thank my team for their dedication, honesty, and incorruptibility
At the same time, SAPO and the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine managed to prevent losses amounting to about UAH 50 billion, Kholodnytsky wrote. In the first half of 2020 alone, UAH 765 million was returned to the budget, he added.
Among the accused and prosecuted are "influential politicians, people's deputies, and highest state officials."
These include 16 people's deputies, 22 top officials, 47 judges, 68 heads of state enterprises, and 17 senior officials of state bodies.
What is SAPO
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) is an independent structural unit of the General Prosecutor of Ukraine, created in 2015, and is primarily responsible for supporting and overseeing criminal investigations launched by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), that's per Wikipedia.
The prospect of visa liberalization (visa-free travel to the Schengen Area) between Ukraine and the European Union was closely linked with the process of creating the SAPO.
In the latest memorandum with the International Monetary Fund signed over the approval of the Stand-by Arrangement, Ukraine committed to advancing good governance efforts and combatting high-level corruption. "We will ensure that the country’s new anticorruption institutions – the National Anticorruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), the Special Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), and the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) – maintain their independence and integrity (including by providing them with adequate resources), to be able to effectively and credibly investigate, prosecute and adjudicate high-level corruption cases.


unian--2020-08-21--Retail trade turnover in Ukraine in Jan-July up 4.2%

In July , the turnover increased by 12.1 % to the previous month .
Retail turnover in Ukraine in January-July 2020 rose by 4.2 % year-on-year , according to the State Statistics Service .
In July , the turnover increased by 12.1 % to the previous month , the report reads .
Read alsoUkrainians leave record-high cashless tips in restaurants in JulyThe State Statistics Service noted that the data provided does not take into account information from the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , and the temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine grew by 3 % in comparable prices in January-June 2020 ( H1 ) year-over-year ( y-o-y ) , to UAH 528.7 billion ( US $ 19 billion ) .
• Retail turnover increased most in Chernihiv region ( by 10.8 % , to UAH 9.9 billion/US $ 356.4 million ) , Luhansk region ( by 10 % to UAH 5 billion/US $ 180 million ) , and Volyn region ( by 7.9 % to UAH 9.8 billion/US $ 352.8 million ) , according to the Ukrainian State Statistics Service .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 1.4 % against June 2019 .
• Retail trade turnover for 2019 was up 10.5 % on year .

Retail trade turnover in Ukraine in Jan-July up 4.2%
12:20, 21.08.20 139
In July, the turnover increased by 12.1% to the previous month.
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unian--2020-08-21--Ukraine strengthens control on Belarus border

The move comes amid recent allegations by Alexander Lukashenko of foreign meddling in Belarus ' affairs , including on the part of Ukraine .
Ukraine has employed additional forces and means to tighten control at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border , the speaker of the State Border Guard Service says .
`` Now we have tightened control at the border with Belarus , since the situation in this country is quite turbulent , '' spokesperson Andriy Demchenko told RBC-Ukraine .
The move was made as soon as the Belarus developments escalated , the official explained .
Ukraine has strengthened the border against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus government to deploy more military at the country 's western borders with Poland and Lithuania .
Read alsoLukashenko warns Zelensky against `` fomenting riots '' in BelarusAlso , Ukraine 's military command was alarmed by repeated references to Ukraine in public addressed by Belarus ' long-time leader Alexander Lukashenko , who claimed `` foreign meddling '' in the country 's internal affairs and warned foreign leaders , including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , of responsibility `` for inciting unrest . ''
On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ won a sweeping 80.1 % of the vote , while main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya sealed just 10.1 % .
Thousands of Belarusians took to the streets to contest what they believe is a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently slammed on protesters , detaining thousands , of whom many were badly beaten and injured while in custody .
On August 15 , following phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin , Lukashenko said Russia had promised full-fledged assistance to ensure the country 's security .
Earlier Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed external forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 16 , Lukashenko press service announced following another conversation between Lukashenko and Putin that the two leaders intend to react jointly `` in the event of an escalation in terms of external threats . ''
On August 19 , the European Union said they did not recognize election results and tentatively agreed on introducing a package of sanctions against those involved in a violent crackdown on protesters and vote-rigging .
On August 20 , Belarus prosecutors opened a criminal case into a seizure of power by the opposition .

The move comes amid recent allegations by Alexander Lukashenko of foreign meddling in Belarus' affairs, including on the part of Ukraine.
Ukraine has employed additional forces and means to tighten control at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, the speaker of the State Border Guard Service says.
"Now we have tightened control at the border with Belarus, since the situation in this country is quite turbulent," spokesperson Andriy Demchenko told RBC-Ukraine.
The move was made as soon as the Belarus developments escalated, the official explained.
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The situation in this country is quite turbulent
Ukraine has strengthened the border against the background of the recent decision by Belarus government to deploy more military at the country's western borders with Poland and Lithuania.
Read alsoLukashenko warns Zelensky against "fomenting riots" in BelarusAlso, Ukraine's military command was alarmed by repeated references to Ukraine in public addressed by Belarus' long-time leader Alexander Lukashenko, who claimed "foreign meddling" in the country's internal affairs and warned foreign leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, of responsibility "for inciting unrest."
Protests in Belarus: background
On August 9, presidential elections were held in Belarus. The Central Election Commission said Alexander Lukashenko won a sweeping 80.1% of the vote, while main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya sealed just 10.1%.
Thousands of Belarusians took to the streets to contest what they believe is a rigged vote count.
Riot police violently slammed on protesters, detaining thousands, of whom many were badly beaten and injured while in custody.
On August 15, following phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko said Russia had promised full-fledged assistance to ensure the country's security.
Earlier Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed external forces are trying to destabilize Belarus.
On August 16, Lukashenko press service announced following another conversation between Lukashenko and Putin that the two leaders intend to react jointly "in the event of an escalation in terms of external threats."
On August 19, the European Union said they did not recognize election results and tentatively agreed on introducing a package of sanctions against those involved in a violent crackdown on protesters and vote-rigging.
On August 20, Belarus prosecutors opened a criminal case into a seizure of power by the opposition.


unian--2020-08-21--From car arson to Tarashcha forest: Fears of Gongadze case repeating in Ukraine

The functions of the state are eroding in Ukraine , while law enforcement are increasingly losing public support .
Under such conditions , journalists and public figures are facing tougher attacks , finding themselves in various unpleasant situations .
There are many examples , from the tragic story of acid attack victim Kateryna Gandziuk to the arson attack on anti-graft activist Vitaliy Shabunin 's house and Skhemy investigative journalists ' car .
It should be noted that Skhemy had been under pressure for quite a while – it 's not the first time their cars get damaged .
Also , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singes of eavesdropping equipment being installed in his apartment .
That is , on the one hand , we have weak government and state institutions , and on the other – a variety of criminal groups that have teamed up with law enforcement and prosecutors .
Attempts to intimidate or threaten independent journalists and activists are likely to stem precisely from this kind of union .
Besides , due to the fact that law enforcement agencies have lost their authority , victims do n't even expect any real assistance .
They do report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they can help them .
We 're seeing a rollback to the 1990s , when the state lost its monopoly on violence .
This setback began somewhere in the middle of Petro Poroshenko 's presidential term and moved on through that of Zelensky .
As a result , anarchy is returning to the streets of Ukrainian cities .
At the same time , it 's not only journalists and public activists who become victims of arbitrariness and violence , but also businesses and representatives of local opposition forces .
The dialogue is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad .
This is the result of corrupt law enforcement , as well as the weak government .
It seems that we have a president with high popular ratings , who is at the same time weak and unable to control the situation .
Besides , there are many objective factors : the ongoing war war , poor socio-economic situation , criminal gangs hired to do a dirty job , as well as unstable war veterans who could also be employed for some kind of reward .
Since there is no reason to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suddenly change , the situation will further worsen for journalists and public figures .
If it all started with `` innocent '' acts like hurling paint at someone , now things are getting much more violent .
And worst of all , there is no inevitable punishment for this violence .
In Ukraine 's regions , at the local level , the situation is even much worse .
If there is still some publicity in Kyiv , it is easier to hide and hush things down at the local turf .
I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend prevails , we might even see a repeat of Gongadze 's story .
Nobody is insured against this .
Journalists are being killed not only in post-Soviet or `` third world '' countries – this is happening everywhere , even in more successful democracies .
For example , a journalist was recently killed in Slovakia , which led to a deep political crisis .
In Ukraine , the situation is more complicated as several structural crises are unfolding simultaneously : economic , ideological ( a divide in society ) , and law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
This is happening against the background of an amorphous government , which tries not to interfere or respond to resonating incidents .
This , in turn , is untying hands of regional elites , corrupt prosecutors , judges , and criminals .
Zelensky has been targeted by the Skhemy investigations as well , so I ca n't rule out that the arson attack is a signal to journalists from the authorities .
However , Skhemy create problems to regional gang lords and corrupt officials , not only the government ...
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure on the team Anatoliy Oktysiuk is a political expert with the Democracy House think tank

The functions of the state are eroding in Ukraine, while law enforcement are increasingly losing public support. Under such conditions, journalists and public figures are facing tougher attacks, finding themselves in various unpleasant situations. There are many examples, from the tragic story of acid attack victim Kateryna Gandziuk to the arson attack on anti-graft activist Vitaliy Shabunin's house and Skhemy investigative journalists' car. It should be noted that Skhemy had been under pressure for quite a while – it's not the first time their cars get damaged. Also, their top reporter Mykhailo Tkach recently found singes of eavesdropping equipment being installed in his apartment.
That is, on the one hand, we have weak government and state institutions, and on the other – a variety of criminal groups that have teamed up with law enforcement and prosecutors. Attempts to intimidate or threaten independent journalists and activists are likely to stem precisely from this kind of union.
In Ukraine, the functions of the state are eroding, while law enforcement are increasingly losing public support
Besides, due to the fact that law enforcement agencies have lost their authority, victims don't even expect any real assistance. They do report the attacks but they don't see how they can help them.
We're seeing a rollback to the 1990s, when the state lost its monopoly on violence. This setback began somewhere in the middle of Petro Poroshenko's presidential term and moved on through that of Zelensky. As a result, anarchy is returning to the streets of Ukrainian cities.
At the same time, it's not only journalists and public activists who become victims of arbitrariness and violence, but also businesses and representatives of local opposition forces. The dialogue is moving towards violence, which is very bad. This is the result of corrupt law enforcement, as well as the weak government. It seems that we have a president with high popular ratings, who is at the same time weak and unable to control the situation.
Besides, there are many objective factors: the ongoing war war, poor socio-economic situation, criminal gangs hired to do a dirty job, as well as unstable war veterans who could also be employed for some kind of reward.
Since there is no reason to expect that the law enforcement system will suddenly change, the situation will further worsen for journalists and public figures. If it all started with "innocent" acts like hurling paint at someone, now things are getting much more violent. And worst of all, there is no inevitable punishment for this violence.
If the trend prevails, we might even see a repeat of Gongadze's story
In Ukraine's regions, at the local level, the situation is even much worse. If there is still some publicity in Kyiv, it is easier to hide and hush things down at the local turf.
I can't rule out that, if the trend prevails, we might even see a repeat of Gongadze's story. Nobody is insured against this. Journalists are being killed not only in post-Soviet or "third world" countries – this is happening everywhere, even in more successful democracies. For example, a journalist was recently killed in Slovakia, which led to a deep political crisis. In Ukraine, the situation is more complicated as several structural crises are unfolding simultaneously: economic, ideological (a divide in society), and law enforcement (merging with the criminal world). This is happening against the background of an amorphous government, which tries not to interfere or respond to resonating incidents. This, in turn, is untying hands of regional elites, corrupt prosecutors, judges, and criminals.
Zelensky has been targeted by the Skhemy investigations as well, so I can't rule out that the arson attack is a signal to journalists from the authorities. However, Skhemy create problems to regional gang lords and corrupt officials, not only the government... So this could be anyone who could put pressure on the team
Anatoliy Oktysiuk is a political expert with the Democracy House think tank


unian--2020-08-21--Hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.48 to U.S. dollar on Aug 21

The official forex rate against the euro for Friday has been fixed at UAH 32.55 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has set the official forex rate for August 21 at UAH 27.48 to the U.S. dollar , which made the country 's national currency weaken by 16 kopiykas .
The official forex rate against the euro for Friday is fixed at UAH 32.55 per euro – the hryvnia gained five kopiykas in value since Thursday , according to the NBU website .
The central bank has fixed the following official forex rates of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 : Read alsoPrinting hryvnia : Economy ministry elaborates on reasons behind inflationUS $ 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,748.12 ( UAH 2,731.60 as of August 20 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH 3,255.29 ( UAH 3,260.44 as of August 20 ) .
By 16:00 Kyiv time on August 20 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank forex market settled at UAH 27.46/27.48 to the dollar , while those against the euro were at UAH 32.53/32.55 .
The National Bank set the official forex rate for August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollar , which made the country 's national currency weaken by nine kopiykas .

Hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.48 to U.S. dollar on Aug 21
11:05, 21.08.20 11144
The official forex rate against the euro for Friday has been fixed at UAH 32.55 per euro.
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unian--2020-08-21--Daily COVID-19 spike reaches new high in Ukraine with 2,106 cases on Aug 21

Ukraine said 2,106 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of August 21 , 2020 , marking yet another highest daily rise .
According to the Health Ministry 's Telegram channel , there were 100,643 laboratory-confirmed cases in Ukraine as of August 21 .
Read alsoSchools in Ukraine 's red quarantine zone to operate online – health ministryAs many as 51,078 patients , including 637 in the past day , have recovered .
The pandemic has already taken 2,207 lives in Ukraine .
In the past 24 hours , 23 fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) tests have been run since the outbreak .
The overall incidence per region is as follows : • 11,328 in the City of Kyiv ; Read alsoZelensky demands more effective COVID-19 awareness campaignData from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
COVID-19 tests were run by the Public Health Center 's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories .
As of the morning of August 21 , 2021 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
In total , there have been 159,185 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
• The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1 .
Ukrainian regions were split into the red , green , orange , and yellow zones depending on hospital load , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and daily spread dynamics .
• Quarantine-related curbs differ in each zone .
The mildest ones are in the green zone , the regions included in the red zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Updated quarantine zoning became effective in Ukraine on August 17 .
• Kyiv was included in the yellow zone .
In Ukrainian schools within the `` orange quarantine zone '' , teachers will be wearing protective face shields in class .
• The new zoning will take effect on August 24 after the latest review of August 20 .

A total number of confirmed cases has reached 100,643.
Ukraine said 2,106 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of August 21, 2020, marking yet another highest daily rise.
According to the Health Ministry's Telegram channel, there were 100,643 laboratory-confirmed cases in Ukraine as of August 21.
Read alsoSchools in Ukraine's red quarantine zone to operate online – health ministryAs many as 51,078 patients, including 637 in the past day, have recovered.
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The pandemic has already taken 2,207 lives in Ukraine. In the past 24 hours, 23 fatalities were reported.
In total, 1,378,519 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been run since the outbreak.
The overall incidence per region is as follows:
3,478 cases in Vinnytsia region;
4,989 in Volyn region;
1,894 in Dnipropetrovsk region;
1,183 in Donetsk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
2,695 in Zhytomyr region;
6,771 in Zakarpattia region;
1,234 in Zaporizhia region;
7,462 in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
751 in Kirovohrad region;
11,328 in the City of Kyiv;
4,805 in Kyiv region;
12,793 in Lviv region;
213 in Luhansk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
912 in Mykolayiv region;
5,578 in Odesa region;
614 in Poltava region;
8,238 in Rivne region;
1,124 in Sumy region;
4,116 in Ternopil region;
7,033 in Kharkiv region;
329 in Kherson region;
1,828 in Khmelnytsky region;
8,505 in Chernivtsi region;
1,219 in Cherkasy region; and
1,366 in Chernihiv region.
Read alsoZelensky demands more effective COVID-19 awareness campaignData from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
COVID-19 tests were run by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories.
As of the morning of August 21, 2021, the Center had received 2500 reports of suspected cases. In total, there have been 159,185 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
Quarantine in Ukraine