unian--2020-06-03--RFE/RL: U.S. Defense Secretary Esper invited to Moscow military parade

The June 24 parade on Moscow 's Red Square is to mark the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has invited U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper to a military parade in Moscow later this month , the Defense Ministry says .
The Russian ministry said Shoigu made the invitation during a telephone conversation on June 2 , without saying whether Esper had accepted it , RFE/RL reported .
The June 24 parade on Moscow 's Red Square is to mark the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditionally holds the parade on May 9 , but the grand celebration was postponed over the coronavirus pandemic that is still triggering thousands of new infections each day .
Relations between Washington and Moscow remain strained over a range of issues including the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine .
During their phone conversation , Shoigu and Esper discussed arms control and cooperation to fight the coronavirus epidemic , according to the Russian Defense Ministry .
The ministry said the talks also touched upon measures to `` de-conflict and stabilize the situation in Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security of military contingents in Afghanistan and elsewhere .

The June 24 parade on Moscow's Red Square is to mark the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has invited U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper to a military parade in Moscow later this month, the Defense Ministry says.
The Russian ministry said Shoigu made the invitation during a telephone conversation on June 2, without saying whether Esper had accepted it, RFE/RL reported.
Read alsoPutin postpones May 9 parade over coronavirus
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The June 24 parade on Moscow's Red Square is to mark the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Russia traditionally holds the parade on May 9, but the grand celebration was postponed over the coronavirus pandemic that is still triggering thousands of new infections each day.
Relations between Washington and Moscow remain strained over a range of issues including the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.
During their phone conversation, Shoigu and Esper discussed arms control and cooperation to fight the coronavirus epidemic, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The ministry said the talks also touched upon measures to "de-conflict and stabilize the situation in Syria, as well as to ensure the security of military contingents in Afghanistan and elsewhere.


unian--2020-06-03--Ukraine's hryvnia continues strengthening, set at UAH 26.80 to U.S. dollar on June 3

The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 29.92 per euro .
The National Bank @ @ @ @ @ has set the official forex rate for June 3 at UAH 26.80 to the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ country 's national currency strengthen by two kopiykas .
The central bank has fixed the @ @ @ @ @ the hryvnia against key foreign currencies for June 3 : US $ 100 will be @ @ @ @ @ UAH 2,681.81 as of June 2 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH @ @ @ @ @ of June 2 ) .
By 17:00 Kyiv time on June 2 , hryvnia quotations @ @ @ @ @ interbank forex market settled at UAH 26.79/26.81 to the dollar , while those against the @ @ @ @ @ .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the National Bank set the official forex rate of @ @ @ @ @ June 2 , at UAH 26.82 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country @ @ @ @ @ five kopiykas .

Ukraine's hryvnia continues strengthening, set at UAH 26.80 to U.S. dollar on June 3
09:50, 03.06.20 10918
The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 29.92 per euro.
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unian--2020-06-03--One Ukrainian soldier wounded amid nine enemy attacks in Donbas on June 2

According to intelligence data , one member of Russia-led forces was killed on June 2 .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on June 2 mounted nine attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action .
`` The Russian Federation 's armed formations violated the ceasefire nine times in the past day , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on June 3 .
`` As a result , one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's JFO HQ reports enemy death toll in Donbas in May Russian-led forces opened fire from proscribed 152mm artillery systems , 82mm mortars , as well as grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , sniper rifles , and small arms .
In addition , the enemy used unguided missiles .
Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the villages of Starohnativka , Pavlopil , Bohdanivka , Vodiane , Mayorsk , Novozvanivka , and Khutir Vilny .
The Joint Forces returned fire in response to each enemy attack .
According to intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was killed on June 2 .
The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on June 3 .
No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported since Wednesday midnight .

According to intelligence data, one member of Russia-led forces was killed on June 2.
Russia's hybrid military forces on June 2 mounted nine attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action.
"The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire nine times in the past day," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on June 3. "As a result, one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in enemy shelling."
Read alsoUkraine's JFO HQ reports enemy death toll in Donbas in May
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Russian-led forces opened fire from proscribed 152mm artillery systems, 82mm mortars, as well as grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, sniper rifles, and small arms. In addition, the enemy used unguided missiles.
Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the villages of Starohnativka, Pavlopil, Bohdanivka, Vodiane, Mayorsk, Novozvanivka, and Khutir Vilny.
The Joint Forces returned fire in response to each enemy attack. According to intelligence data, one member of Russia-led forces was killed on June 2.
The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on June 3.
No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported since Wednesday midnight.


unian--2020-06-03--Reuters: Brent oil rises to $40 amid hopes for output cuts, recovery

Brent crude futures for August rose 43 cents , or 1.1 % , at $ 40 a barrel , by 0252 GMT .
Oil rose on Wednesday , with Brent at $ 40 for the first time since March , as optimism mounted that major producers will extend production cuts and a recovery from the coronavirus pandemic will spur fuel demand .
Brent crude futures for August rose 43 cents , or 1.1 % , at $ 40 a barrel , by 0252 GMT .
The contract climbed to as high as $ 40.42 , the highest since March 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as reported by Reuters .
U.S. West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) crude futures gained 68 cents , or 1.9 % , at $ 37.49 a barrel .
It rose to as much as $ 37.88 , also the highest since March 6 .
The contract ended the previous session up 3.9 % .
Both benchmarks have risen sharply in recent weeks from the lows of April , buoyed by a continuing recovery in China , the epicentre of the virus outbreak , while other economies are slowly opening up after lockdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ) and other major producers including Russia , a group known as OPEC+ , may extend production cuts of 9.7 million barrels per day ( bpd ) , or about 10 % of global output , into July or August , sources told Reuters .
The cuts are currently due to run through May and June , scaling back to a reduction of 7.7 million bpd from July to December , but Saudi Arabia has been pushing to keep the deeper cuts in place for longer @

Brent crude futures for August rose 43 cents, or 1.1%, at $40 a barrel, by 0252 GMT.
Oil rose on Wednesday, with Brent at $40 for the first time since March, as optimism mounted that major producers will extend production cuts and a recovery from the coronavirus pandemic will spur fuel demand.
Brent crude futures for August rose 43 cents, or 1.1%, at $40 a barrel, by 0252 GMT. The contract climbed to as high as $40.42, the highest since March 6, after gaining 3.3% on Tuesday, as reported by Reuters.
Read alsoUkraine's NSDC secretary insists on balanced operation of electricity market
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U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 68 cents, or 1.9%, at $37.49 a barrel. It rose to as much as $37.88, also the highest since March 6. The contract ended the previous session up 3.9%.
Both benchmarks have risen sharply in recent weeks from the lows of April, buoyed by a continuing recovery in China, the epicentre of the virus outbreak, while other economies are slowly opening up after lockdowns to contain its spread.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other major producers including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, may extend production cuts of 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd), or about 10% of global output, into July or August, sources told Reuters.
The cuts are currently due to run through May and June, scaling back to a reduction of 7.7 million bpd from July to December, but Saudi Arabia has been pushing to keep the deeper cuts in place for longer.


unian--2020-06-03--No time to go soft on Putin – The American Interest

Putin continues his aggression against Ukraine and refuses to comply with any obligations under the 2015 Minsk Agreement calling on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine 's Donbas territory .
Amid pandemic and unrest , U.S. President Donald Trump wants to reward Vladimir Putin with G-7 membership and a visit to Washington .
With attention focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and the national unrest following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis , several recent statements by President Trump concerning the G-7 meeting have gone largely unnoticed , David J. Kramer , Director of European and Eurasian Studies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Human Rights and Diplomacy at Florida International University 's Steven J .
Green School of International and Public Affairs wrote in his piece on The American Interest .
First , Trump decided he would host the gathering in person at the end of June in Washington , despite concerns over coronavirus , until German Chancellor Angela Merkel balked at attending and forced Trump to postpone the meeting to September .
More disturbingly , Trump indicated his intention to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend .
This is an outrageous idea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately , the author believes .
The idea of inviting Putin to the United States follows a number of recent conversations between Trump and the Russian leader as well as shipments of medical assistance to and from Russia .
It comes on the heels of recent comments by Trump in which he said , `` Russia and us have developed a very good relationship .
As you know , we worked on the oil problem together . ''
It is one thing to help Russians during a time of crisis , even one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Along with the United States and Brazil , Russia ranks among the top three countries with the highest number of COVID-19 cases ; many observers and experts believe Russian authorities are grossly undercounting the number of deaths due to the virus .
But it is another thing entirely to make nice with Putin by inviting him to Washington , the article says .
Putin has done nothing to deserve kid-gloves treatment , the author says .
On the contrary , Russia 's leader has continued to engage in reckless behavior that poses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The explosion of COVID-19 cases in Russia has not slowed Putin ’ s hostile actions ; he may even assume Western leaders are too distracted by the pandemic to respond to his provocations .
Putin must be contained and confronted , not offered an open hand and an invitation to the States .
Kramer recalls that Putin continues his aggression against Ukraine and refuses to comply with any obligations under the 2015 Minsk Agreement calling on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine 's Donbas territory .
Putin has been clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Ukrainian control , after Moscow illegally annexed it in 2014 .
More than 14,000 Ukrainians have been killed in this war – it 's not a frozen conflict – and some 2 million have been displaced .
In Georgia , Russian forces have moved the demarcation line from the 2008 ceasefire agreement following Russia ’ s invasion of that country deeper into Georgian-controlled territory .
For a dozen years , Russia has occupied 20 % of Georgian land and paid no price for doing so .
Russian intimidation continues toward other neighboring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy cutoffs and pressure to host military bases are common tactics used by the Kremlin to get its way in the region .
Russia has been trying to lure Turkey , which maintains the second-largest military in the NATO alliance , into its orbit and is stirring up anti-Western sentiment in the Western Balkans – and even tried to launch a coup in Montenegro in 2016 .
Putin 's military intervention in Syria , which has included war crimes , kept the murderous Bashar al-Assad in power .
Read alsoRussia may try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into voting Most recently , Putin has sent mercenary forces to Libya in support of rebel General Khalifa Haftar 's efforts to overthrow the recognized government in Tripoli , and the Pentagon has accused Russia of sending warplanes to tip the balance in favor of Haftar .
An invitation to Putin to Washington should spark outrage on Capitol Hill , the author suggests .
A trip to the United States could be a boost to Putin and lend him international legitimacy at a time when his own ratings inside Russia are reaching record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would conclude that Trump is writing them off .
It would signal that the leader responsible for interference in the 2016 election and likely again this year is welcome on U.S. soil .
Fellow G-7 leaders should boycott such a meeting if their Russian counterpart is there .
Thankfully , UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have already pledged to do so .

Putin continues his aggression against Ukraine and refuses to comply with any obligations under the 2015 Minsk Agreement calling on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine's Donbas territory.
Amid pandemic and unrest, U.S. President Donald Trump wants to reward Vladimir Putin with G-7 membership and a visit to Washington.
With attention focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and the national unrest following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, several recent statements by President Trump concerning the G-7 meeting have gone largely unnoticed, David J. Kramer, Director of European and Eurasian Studies and Senior Fellow in the Vaclav Havel Program on Human Rights and Diplomacy at Florida International University's Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs wrote in his piece on The American Interest.
First, Trump decided he would host the gathering in person at the end of June in Washington, despite concerns over coronavirus, until German Chancellor Angela Merkel balked at attending and forced Trump to postpone the meeting to September. More disturbingly, Trump indicated his intention to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend. This is an outrageous idea, and Putin's invitation should be rescinded immediately, the author believes.
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The idea of inviting Putin to the United States follows a number of recent conversations between Trump and the Russian leader as well as shipments of medical assistance to and from Russia. It comes on the heels of recent comments by Trump in which he said, "Russia and us have developed a very good relationship. As you know, we worked on the oil problem together." It is one thing to help Russians during a time of crisis, even one exacerbated by inept leadership from the Kremlin. Along with the United States and Brazil, Russia ranks among the top three countries with the highest number of COVID-19 cases; many observers and experts believe Russian authorities are grossly undercounting the number of deaths due to the virus. But it is another thing entirely to make nice with Putin by inviting him to Washington, the article says.
Putin has done nothing to deserve kid-gloves treatment, the author says. On the contrary, Russia's leader has continued to engage in reckless behavior that poses a direct threat to American national interests. The explosion of COVID-19 cases in Russia has not slowed Putin’s hostile actions; he may even assume Western leaders are too distracted by the pandemic to respond to his provocations. Putin must be contained and confronted, not offered an open hand and an invitation to the States.
Read alsoEU's chief diplomat takes position against readmitting Russia to G7
Kramer recalls that Putin continues his aggression against Ukraine and refuses to comply with any obligations under the 2015 Minsk Agreement calling on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine's Donbas territory. Putin has been clear that Russia will not return the Crimean peninsula to Ukrainian control, after Moscow illegally annexed it in 2014. More than 14,000 Ukrainians have been killed in this war – it's not a frozen conflict – and some 2 million have been displaced.
In Georgia, Russian forces have moved the demarcation line from the 2008 ceasefire agreement following Russia’s invasion of that country deeper into Georgian-controlled territory. For a dozen years, Russia has occupied 20% of Georgian land and paid no price for doing so. Russian intimidation continues toward other neighboring states, too, especially Belarus. Energy cutoffs and pressure to host military bases are common tactics used by the Kremlin to get its way in the region.
Russia has been trying to lure Turkey, which maintains the second-largest military in the NATO alliance, into its orbit and is stirring up anti-Western sentiment in the Western Balkans – and even tried to launch a coup in Montenegro in 2016. Putin's military intervention in Syria, which has included war crimes, kept the murderous Bashar al-Assad in power.
Read alsoRussia may try to drag occupied Donbas residents with Russian passports into voting
Most recently, Putin has sent mercenary forces to Libya in support of rebel General Khalifa Haftar's efforts to overthrow the recognized government in Tripoli, and the Pentagon has accused Russia of sending warplanes to tip the balance in favor of Haftar.
An invitation to Putin to Washington should spark outrage on Capitol Hill, the author suggests. A trip to the United States could be a boost to Putin and lend him international legitimacy at a time when his own ratings inside Russia are reaching record lows. It would demoralize Ukrainians who would conclude that Trump is writing them off. It would signal that the leader responsible for interference in the 2016 election and likely again this year is welcome on U.S. soil. Fellow G-7 leaders should boycott such a meeting if their Russian counterpart is there. Thankfully, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have already pledged to do so.


unian--2020-06-03--"Magnets”: Zelensky announces projects for tourism development

They could be interesting to potential investors , President suggests .
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a number of projects soon to be presented , poised to help attract tourists to different Ukrainian regions .
While on a working trip to Khmelnytsky region , Zelensky noted the importance of developing Ukrainian tourism , the President 's Office reports .
A number of regional projects set to be presented could be interesting for investors , Zelensky suggests .
`` On Tourism .
Tomorrow we will be visiting Kamianets-Podilskyi , along with representatives of tour operators and air carriers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ really attractive towns .
We will meet there and discuss the said topics .
This is one of the main issues , '' the president said .
Read alsoUkraine International Airlines resuming flights between Kyiv and Odesa as quarantine eases '' There are several programs we 're currently developing .
These are 'magnets ' – the so-called magnets of attraction for particular regions of our country , '' Zelensky said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , today , June 3 , President Zelensky arrived on a two-day working trip in Khmelnytsky region .

They could be interesting to potential investors, President suggests.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a number of projects soon to be presented, poised to help attract tourists to different Ukrainian regions.
While on a working trip to Khmelnytsky region, Zelensky noted the importance of developing Ukrainian tourism, the President's Office reports.
A number of regional projects set to be presented could be interesting for investors, Zelensky suggests.
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"On Tourism. Tomorrow we will be visiting Kamianets-Podilskyi, along with representatives of tour operators and air carriers. This is one of the old and really attractive towns. We will meet there and discuss the said topics. This is one of the main issues," the president said.
Read alsoUkraine International Airlines resuming flights between Kyiv and Odesa as quarantine eases
"There are several programs we're currently developing. These are 'magnets' – the so-called magnets of attraction for particular regions of our country," Zelensky said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, today, June 3, President Zelensky arrived on a two-day working trip in Khmelnytsky region.


unian--2020-06-03--Ukraine International Airlines resuming flights between Kyiv and Odesa as quarantine eases

At stage 1 , the carrier will only perform two round flights .
Ukraine 's largest air carrier , Ukraine International Airlines ( UIA ) , will resume regular flights on route Kyiv ( KBP ) – Odesa ( ODS ) – Kyiv ( KBP ) starting June 5 , according to the company press service .
The move is due to today 's decision by Cabinet to allow from June 5 resuming regular domestic flights .
UIA is offering tickets for Kyiv-Odesa one-hour flights for Friday and Saturday , June 5 and 6 ( starting at UAH 1,514 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Monday and Tuesday , June 8 and 9 ( starting at UAH 1,497 ) .
Read alsoUkraine , Israel not to resume air travel in near future – ambassador At stage 1 , UIA will perform only two return flights .
Most likely , the decision on a further schedule will be made based on demand dynamics .
UIA stresses the need for passengers to follow health regulations , comply with social distancing rules and wear face masks in airports and onboard the plane .
According to UNIAN.Tourism , Ukraine plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .

Ukraine International Airlines resuming flights between Kyiv and Odesa as quarantine eases
22:00, 03.06.20 2461
At stage 1, the carrier will only perform two round flights.
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unian--2020-06-03--Lukashenko sacks Belarus government

Lukashenko sacks Belarus government

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has signed a decree on the dismissal of the country 's government .
On the morning of Wednesday , June 3 , Lukashenko held a meeting where proposals on a new government composition were discussed , BELTA agency reported .
At that meeting , Lukashenko linked the move to remove the entire cabinet with the upcoming presidential election .
The country 's president noted that changes in government composition would not be significant : `` It 's not worth expecting any revolution amid government change . ''
Lukashenko said he had started planning the upgrade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that 's per his office 's website .
The head of state said that even back then , some new ministers joined the government , while their predecessors were fired either at their own request , due to reshuffles , or over their failure to perform properly .
`` Those who today are unable to cope with such volumes [ of tasks ] during this crisis period , of course , they need to be replaced and offered another job , '' Lukashenko added .
Also , he noted that there would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , since the country is in crisis because of the coronavirus pandemic .
He said that the country should engage more pro-actively , especially in the economic sphere , in order to get out of the crisis with minimal losses .
At the same time , in his opinion , Belarus managed to survive the pandemic the easy way .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Lukashenko previously submitted paperwork , confirming he is running for re-election .
A possible victory in the August vote could bring Lukashenko his sixth consecutive presidential term .

Earlier, Lukashenko held a meeting to discuss nominations for government posts.
President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has signed a decree on the dismissal of the country's government.
On the morning of Wednesday, June 3, Lukashenko held a meeting where proposals on a new government composition were discussed, BELTA agency reported.
At that meeting, Lukashenko linked the move to remove the entire cabinet with the upcoming presidential election.
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The country's president noted that changes in government composition would not be significant: "It's not worth expecting any revolution amid government change."
Lukashenko said he had started planning the upgrade of the Belarusian government six months ago, that's per his office's website.
The head of state said that even back then, some new ministers joined the government, while their predecessors were fired either at their own request, due to reshuffles, or over their failure to perform properly.
Read alsoKremlin's hybrid scripts for Belarus - media
"Those who today are unable to cope with such volumes [of tasks] during this crisis period, of course, they need to be replaced and offered another job," Lukashenko added.
Also, he noted that there would be no large-scale changes in government composition, since the country is in crisis because of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said that the country should engage more pro-actively, especially in the economic sphere, in order to get out of the crisis with minimal losses.
At the same time, in his opinion, Belarus managed to survive the pandemic the easy way.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Lukashenko previously submitted paperwork, confirming he is running for re-election. A possible victory in the August vote could bring Lukashenko his sixth consecutive presidential term.


unian--2020-06-03--Cabinet wants to allow revoking Ukrainian drivers' licenses for multiple violations of speed limit

Violators will be obliged to once again pass the exam to get their license back .
The Cabinet of Ministers will submit to the Verkhovna Rada a bill allowing to revoke licenses of drivers who breach the speed limit multiple times , said Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Anton Gerashchenko .
Commenting on the launch from June 1 of speed cameras on Ukrainian highways and motorways , Gerashchenko said it 's not only fines that such violators will be facing if they fail to obey the new speed limit rules .
`` If someone 's fines accumulate , like , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then such person shall have their driver 's license revoked and pass the exam , '' the official said , adding that `` there is no place on our roads for those who may kill people , '' he said .
The need for such law is due to certain outrageous cases where a certain driver broke the speed limit 14 times within just 48 hours , according to the video evidence obtained from speed cameras .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on June 1 , a certified system of speed cameras @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The first batch of cameras was installed in Kyiv and along highways in Kyiv region in places with the highest record of deadly road accidents .
Such speed cameras will be gradually installed throughout Ukraine .

Violators will be obliged to once again pass the exam to get their license back.
The Cabinet of Ministers will submit to the Verkhovna Rada a bill allowing to revoke licenses of drivers who breach the speed limit multiple times, said Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Anton Gerashchenko.
Commenting on the launch from June 1 of speed cameras on Ukrainian highways and motorways, Gerashchenko said it's not only fines that such violators will be facing if they fail to obey the new speed limit rules.
"If someone's fines accumulate, like, to over ten or fifteen a month, then such person shall have their driver's license revoked and pass the exam," the official said, adding that "there is no place on our roads for those who may kill people," he said.
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Read alsoTraffic speed cameras launched in Kyiv
The need for such law is due to certain outrageous cases where a certain driver broke the speed limit 14 times within just 48 hours, according to the video evidence obtained from speed cameras.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on June 1, a certified system of speed cameras was launched in Ukraine on June 1. The first batch of cameras was installed in Kyiv and along highways in Kyiv region in places with the highest record of deadly road accidents.
Such speed cameras will be gradually installed throughout Ukraine.


unian--2020-06-03--Daredevil activists go for pro-Ukrainian stunt in occupied Donbas

Leaflets with pro-Ukrainian slogans were posted across towns in the occupied areas .
An underground activist organization coordinated efforts in the occupied Donbas to spread the word about what they believe is important for the local population to remember .
`` Donetsk region is part of Ukraine , even its occupied areas , '' read paper leaflets , loads of which were posted on walls and lamp poles across towns in the occupied territories .
Separate groups of like-minded citizens earlier held a series of secret meetings where a decision was made to unite in a larger organization that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Donbas Liberation '' , the Ukrainian TSN news service reports .
The outlet 's sources say some of the Committee 's members are those who used to be ardent supporters of the so-called `` Russian world '' ideas back in 2014 , at the onset of Russian aggression in Donbas .
The leaflets were printed in Russian , spreading messages of the need for resistance to the occupation .
It took less than a day though for the occupation authorities to make sure the leaflets were destroyed .
Earlier , Ukrainian troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact to deliver pro-Ukrainian leaflets to the occupied Donbas .

Leaflets with pro-Ukrainian slogans were posted across towns in the occupied areas.
An underground activist organization coordinated efforts in the occupied Donbas to spread the word about what they believe is important for the local population to remember.
"Donetsk region is part of Ukraine, even its occupied areas," read paper leaflets, loads of which were posted on walls and lamp poles across towns in the occupied territories.
Separate groups of like-minded citizens earlier held a series of secret meetings where a decision was made to unite in a larger organization that will go by the name of "Committee for Donbas Liberation", the Ukrainian TSN news service reports.
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The outlet's sources say some of the Committee's members are those who used to be ardent supporters of the so-called "Russian world" ideas back in 2014, at the onset of Russian aggression in Donbas.
The leaflets were printed in Russian, spreading messages of the need for resistance to the occupation.
It took less than a day though for the occupation authorities to make sure the leaflets were destroyed.
Earlier, Ukrainian troops showed military UAVs penetrating the line of contact to deliver pro-Ukrainian leaflets to the occupied Donbas.


unian--2020-06-03--Kremlin propaganda goals in wake of U.S. protests

Russia 's major propaganda narratives are similar to those promoted by the Soviets at the time of the Cold War .
Russia 's strategic goal is to weaken U.S. government institutions and undermine the country 's image both within its borders and internationally , a U.S.-based think tank believes .
Alongside the major foreign policy goal , by covering in mass media acts of violence and human rights violations on foreign soil , the Kremlin is also set to address internal political issues , IGTDS reports .
Emotional media coverage allows Russia to reinforce in the information space the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia 's major propaganda narratives are similar to those promoted by the Soviets at the time of the Cold War and focus on : – Lawlessness on the part of law enforcement ; – Questionable legitimacy of U.S. government ; and The Kremlin 's intention to further fuel the existing contradictions between the GOP and the Dems is of course on the list as well .
According to the Kremlin 's idea , captions of violent acts amid U.S. protests are supposed to be in contrast with the Russian government 's actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim are democratically acceptable measures to be taken by the authorities .
In the medium term , Russian government media will cover protests in Russia with a reference to the events in Minnesota .
In 2013 , when Vladimir Putin faced poor ratings , Russia was covered the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine the same way .
The key narrative was that protests against the authorities are unacceptable as they would inevitably result in violence , casualties , and instability .
However , in the case of Kremlin-backed rallies , like protests in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France , Russian narratives , on the contrary , target foreign governments hostile to , competing with Russia , or impeding the developments favorable to the Kremlin .
While covering the latest developments in the U.S. , a Russian online outlet affiliated to Russia 's military intelligence highlights that `` the Democrats give their 'black electorate ' ( who mainly vote for the party ) their own way in everything '' .
So on the eve of the U.S. presidential election the Kremlin 's campaign seeks to provoke the Democrats and Republicans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimate goal is to disrupt the vote as such and undermine the United States democracy , which has traditionally been a role model of public expression .

Russia's major propaganda narratives are similar to those promoted by the Soviets at the time of the Cold War.
Russia's strategic goal is to weaken U.S. government institutions and undermine the country's image both within its borders and internationally, a U.S.-based think tank believes.
Alongside the major foreign policy goal, by covering in mass media acts of violence and human rights violations on foreign soil, the Kremlin is also set to address internal political issues, IGTDS reports.
Emotional media coverage allows Russia to reinforce in the information space the idea that western democracies have been badly compromised.
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Russia's major propaganda narratives are similar to those promoted by the Soviets at the time of the Cold War and focus on:
– Racial inequality;
– Lawlessness on the part of law enforcement;
– Questionable legitimacy of U.S. government; and
– Social injustice.
The Kremlin's intention to further fuel the existing contradictions between the GOP and the Dems is of course on the list as well.
Read alsoRussia bills U.S. $660K for "humanitarian aid"
According to the Kremlin's idea, captions of violent acts amid U.S. protests are supposed to be in contrast with the Russian government's actions to suppress opposition, which Russia will claim are democratically acceptable measures to be taken by the authorities. In the medium term, Russian government media will cover protests in Russia with a reference to the events in Minnesota. In 2013, when Vladimir Putin faced poor ratings, Russia covered the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine the same way. The key narrative was that protests against the authorities are unacceptable as they would inevitably result in violence, casualties, and instability.
However, in the case of Kremlin-backed rallies, like protests in Catalonia and "Yellow Vests" in France, Russian narratives, on the contrary, target foreign governments hostile to, competing with Russia, or impeding the developments favorable to the Kremlin.
While covering the latest developments in the U.S., a Russian online outlet affiliated to Russia's military intelligence highlights that "the Democrats give their 'black electorate' (who mainly vote for the party) their own way in everything".
So on the eve of the U.S. presidential election the Kremlin's campaign seeks to provoke the Democrats and Republicans to butt heads massively. Obviously, the ultimate goal is to disrupt the vote as such and undermine the United States democracy, which has traditionally been a role model of public expression.


unian--2020-06-03--Parliament passes bill on inventory of Ukrainian forests

The last time the government did an inventory was in 2011 .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , on June 2 passed at the second reading and as a whole the bill on amendments to the Forest Code of Ukraine , which provides for a fresh inventory of Ukrainian forests .
An overwhelming 322 MPs backed Bill No .
2379 with the required minimum of 226 votes , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
The explanatory note to the bill says the amount of budgetary funds needed to conduct a national forest inventory is estimated at about UAH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per year .
The estimated level of required costs varies from UAH 7.7 million ( US $ 287,313 ) to UAH 12.6 million ( US $ 470,149 ) in some years due to the need to purchase software , devices , equipment and vehicles .
According to Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection Iryna Stavchuk , last time the government did an inventory of forests was in 2011 and therefore there is no complete information about the country 's forest fund .
As UNIAN reported earlier , in April 2015 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On peculiarities of state regulation of activities of business entities related to the sale and export of timber '' ( regarding the moratorium on the export of raw timber and lumber ) .
The legislation introduced a 10-year moratorium on the export of these products outside the customs territory of Ukraine .

Parliament passes bill on inventory of Ukrainian forests
18:40, 03.06.20 4950
The last time the government did an inventory was in 2011.
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unian--2020-06-03--Agri-exports from Ukraine up 2% in Jan-May

Grains , oils , and processed products traditionally prevail in the county 's export structure .
Ukraine in January-May 2020 exported agricultural products worth US $ 9.07 billion , which was 2 % up year-over-year ( y-o-y ) .
`` In January-May 2020 , exports of agricultural and food products stood at US $ 9.072 billion , which was 2 % , or US $ 180.3 million up from the corresponding period in 2019 , '' the press service of the Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture said on June 3 .
It is noted that grains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevail in the county 's export structure .
Read alsoNearly US $ 30 mln worth of grain gone from Ukraine 's State Reserve , audit reveals In particular , Ukraine increased shipments of the following products : sunflower , safflower , and cottonseed oils ( by US $ 421.3 million/+ 22.4 % ) ; barley ( by US $ 107.6 million/by 2.4 times ) ; wheat ( by US $ 100 million/+ 10.3 % ; cake , and solid waste from vegetable fats and oils production ( by US $ 44 million/+ 9.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mustard oil has also increased significantly ( by 18.7 times ) .
UNIAN memo .
Ukraine in 2019 updated its historical record in agri-exports , having supplied agricultural products worth US $ 22.4 billion , which was almost 20 % up from 2018 .
At the same time , Ukraine 's agri-food shipment to the European Union accounted for 33.5 % of the country 's agri-exports .

Agri-exports from Ukraine up 2% in Jan-May
18:00, 03.06.20 632
Grains, oils, and processed products traditionally prevail in the county's export structure.
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unian--2020-06-03--Presidential Chief of Staff Yermak: Ukraine unhappy with slow Minsk talks

In Berlin , particular attention was paid to joint efforts to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine .
President Volodymyr Zelensky 's Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak says Ukraine is extremely unhappy with the slow pace of the Minsk talks on Donbas .
`` Ukraine is categorically not satisfied with slow progress within the Minsk format .
Therefore , we are doing our best to make the negotiations more efficient , '' he said at a meeting with his German counterparts in Berlin on June 2 , according to the presidential press service .
In Berlin , particular attention was paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eastern Ukraine .
Yermak briefed German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on details of the negotiations within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) in Minsk .
He also announced a reshuffle and raising of Ukrainian delegates ' status in the TCG .
`` We have not only proposed video conferencing 24/7 .
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has significantly expanded the Ukrainian delegation in the Minsk [ Trilateral Contact ] Group and raised the status of its members , '' Yermak said .
During the negotiations , the parties discussed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recent Normandy summit in Paris in December 2019 .
The Ukrainian side thanked the German counterparts for support within the Normandy format as well as for backing reforms , it said .
The representatives of Ukraine and Germany discussed , among other things , issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged experience in countering the coronavirus pandemic .
As UNIAN reported , Zelensky on May 5 approved the composition of Ukraine 's delegation to the TCG on Donbas .
It is led by ex-president Leonid Kuchma .
Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first deputy and Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Oleksandr Merezhko is his deputy .
Deputy Minister of Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture Yulia Svyrydenko became Ukraine 's envoy to the working subgroup on social and economic issues .
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada 's Committee for Legal Affairs Andriy Kostin was appointed as Ukraine 's envoy to the working subgroup on political issues .
Deputy Defense Minister Oleksandr Polishchuk represents Ukraine in the working subgroup on security issues .
Halyna Tretyakova , the chairperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Policy and Protection of Veterans ' Rights , defends Ukraine 's interests in the working subgroup on humanitarian issues .

In Berlin, particular attention was paid to joint efforts to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky's Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak says Ukraine is extremely unhappy with the slow pace of the Minsk talks on Donbas.
"Ukraine is categorically not satisfied with slow progress within the Minsk format. Therefore, we are doing our best to make the negotiations more efficient," he said at a meeting with his German counterparts in Berlin on June 2, according to the presidential press service.
Read alsoYermak names condition for unblocking Ukrainian prisoners' release from Russian captivity
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In Berlin, particular attention was paid to joint efforts to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine.
Yermak briefed German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on details of the negotiations within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) in Minsk. He also announced a reshuffle and raising of Ukrainian delegates' status in the TCG.
"We have not only proposed video conferencing 24/7. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has significantly expanded the Ukrainian delegation in the Minsk [Trilateral Contact] Group and raised the status of its members," Yermak said.
During the negotiations, the parties discussed the implementation of the agreements reached at a recent Normandy summit in Paris in December 2019.
The Ukrainian side thanked the German counterparts for support within the Normandy format as well as for backing reforms, it said.
The representatives of Ukraine and Germany discussed, among other things, issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged experience in countering the coronavirus pandemic.
As UNIAN reported, Zelensky on May 5 approved the composition of Ukraine's delegation to the TCG on Donbas. It is led by ex-president Leonid Kuchma. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov is his first deputy and Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Oleksandr Merezhko is his deputy.
Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture Yulia Svyrydenko became Ukraine's envoy to the working subgroup on social and economic issues.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada's Committee for Legal Affairs Andriy Kostin was appointed as Ukraine's envoy to the working subgroup on political issues.
Deputy Defense Minister Oleksandr Polishchuk represents Ukraine in the working subgroup on security issues.
Halyna Tretyakova, the chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans' Rights, defends Ukraine's interests in the working subgroup on humanitarian issues.


unian--2020-06-03--Number of cyber attacks on Ukraine's government agencies grows by 56% within week

The vast majority of DDoS attacks targeted the websites of the Ukrainian President 's Office .
Ukraine 's State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection says the system of government agencies ' secure access to the Internet blocked 10,767 various cyber attacks within a week , from May 27 to June 2 , which was 56 % up from the previous week .
`` The system of government agencies ' secure access to the Internet blocked 10,767 different types of attacks , which was 56 % up from the previous week .
Application level attacks in the network accounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % ) .
Moreover , 25 DDoS attacks were blocked , the vast majority of which targeted the websites of the Office of the President of Ukraine , '' the agency 's press service said on June 2 .
In just a week , the cyber defense system of state information resources and critical infrastructure facilities recorded 115,459 suspicious events , which was 7 % up from the previous week .
The vast majority of recorded suspicious incidents included the detection of non-standard protocols or events ( 66 % ) , network scan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of network trojan malware ( 3 % ) , web attacks ( 2 % ) , and attempts to obtain administrator rights ( 2 % ) .
`` The government 's Cert-UA response team during this period registered and processed 2,451 cyber incidents , which was 27 % down from the preceding week , '' the report said .
The vast majority of processed incidents belong to the UACOM domain zone ( about 99 % ) .
The largest number of incidents relates to the spread of malicious software ( accounted for 94 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phishing ( 4 % ) , the press service added .

The vast majority of DDoS attacks targeted the websites of the Ukrainian President's Office.
Ukraine's State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection says the system of government agencies' secure access to the Internet blocked 10,767 various cyber attacks within a week, from May 27 to June 2, which was 56% up from the previous week.
Read alsoUkraine releases video tutorials on cybersecurity
"The system of government agencies' secure access to the Internet blocked 10,767 different types of attacks, which was 56% up from the previous week. Application level attacks in the network accounted for the lion's share (99%). Moreover, 25 DDoS attacks were blocked, the vast majority of which targeted the websites of the Office of the President of Ukraine," the agency's press service said on June 2.
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In just a week, the cyber defense system of state information resources and critical infrastructure facilities recorded 115,459 suspicious events, which was 7% up from the previous week. The vast majority of recorded suspicious incidents included the detection of non-standard protocols or events (66%), network scan attempts (27%), detection of network trojan malware (3%), web attacks (2%), and attempts to obtain administrator rights (2%).
"The government's Cert-UA response team during this period registered and processed 2,451 cyber incidents, which was 27% down from the preceding week," the report said.
The vast majority of processed incidents belong to the UACOM domain zone (about 99%). The largest number of incidents relates to the spread of malicious software (accounted for 94% of the total number) and phishing (4%), the press service added.


unian--2020-06-03--Ukraine's PM submits new nominations to Cabinet posts – Razumkov

Lawmakers may endorse the candidates at a parliamentary meeting on Thursday .
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro @ @ @ @ @ Denys Shmyhal has submitted new nominations to Cabinet posts , which are to be approved @ @ @ @ @ a parliamentary meeting on Wednesday , Razumkov instructed the relevant committees to consider the prime @ @ @ @ @ meetings on Wednesday , June 3 , and `` provide conclusions for possible consideration of @ @ @ @ @ meeting tomorrow [ Thursday , June 4 ] , '' an UNIAN correspondent said .
@ @ @ @ @ did not elaborate on the nominations .
At the same time , draft resolutions on @ @ @ @ @ as Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and the appointment of @ @ @ @ @ have been registered on the parliament 's website .
Other registered draft resolutions concern the @ @ @ @ @ Minister of Culture and Information Policy and Roman Abramovsky as Minister of Environmental Protection and @ @ @ @ @

Lawmakers may endorse the candidates at a parliamentary meeting on Thursday.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov has said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has submitted new nominations to Cabinet posts, which are to be approved by parliament.
Read alsoMP Oleksandr Tkachenko tapped for culture minister in Ukraine
Speaking at a parliamentary meeting on Wednesday, Razumkov instructed the relevant committees to consider the prime minister's submissions at their meetings on Wednesday, June 3, and "provide conclusions for possible consideration of these issues at a parliamentary meeting tomorrow [Thursday, June 4]," an UNIAN correspondent said.
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However, the parliament speaker did not elaborate on the nominations.
At the same time, draft resolutions on the dismissal of Vadym Prystaiko as Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and the appointment of Olha Stefanishyna to this post have been registered on the parliament's website. Other registered draft resolutions concern the appointment of Oleksandr Tkachenko as Minister of Culture and Information Policy and Roman Abramovsky as Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine.


unian--2020-06-03--IMF to decide on tranche for Ukraine by June 10 – PM Shmyhal

Shmyhal listed the benchmarks of the new SBA between Ukraine and the Fund .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says Ukraine 's government expects the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) to make a final decision by June 10 on the allocation of the first tranche for Ukraine under a new Stand-By Arrangement ( SBA ) .
`` Today we can say an IMF Executive Board meeting will take place by June 10 , during which a final decision will be made on Ukraine 's disbursement , '' he said at a government meeting on June 3 .
Read alsoIMF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved soon – phone talk with Zelensky Shmyhal listed the benchmarks of the new SBA between Ukraine and the Fund .
These are transparency of the activities of state-owned banks and state-owned enterprises ( SOEs ) , strengthening of corporate governance of SOEs , an independent Antimonopoly Committee , customs and tax reform , healthcare reform , as well as bringing gas prices to market levels .
`` These are the things Ukraine should do both with the IMF and without it .
We need this , and this is a movement toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , an IMF staff team led by Ivanna Vladkova Hollar concluded remote discussions with the Ukrainian authorities on May 21 and reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies for a new 18-month SBA .
The new SBA , with a requested access of SDR 3.6 billion ( equivalent to US $ 5 billion ) , aims to provide balance of payments and budget support to help the authorities address the effects of the COVID-19 shock , while consolidating achievements to date , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce key vulnerabilities .
The National Bank of Ukraine predicts the first US $ 2 billion disbursement from the IMF will arrive in the second quarter of 2020 .

IMF to decide on tranche for Ukraine by June 10 – PM Shmyhal
16:05, 03.06.20 857
Shmyhal listed the benchmarks of the new SBA between Ukraine and the Fund.
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unian--2020-06-03--Kyiv mayor reports 62 new COVID-19 cases in past day

Thirty-eight people recovered from the disease in the past 24 hours Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose by 62 in the past day .
`` In the past day , another 62 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus .
There were 10 healthcare workers among them , '' he said on Telegram on June 3 .
Read alsoRestrictions on entry to be introduced in Kyiv subway from June 1 The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 3,133 .
According to Klitschko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 16 men aged 30 to 83 are among those infected .
In addition , three girls ( aged 5 , 7 and 16 ) and five boys under the age of 14 tested positive for the coronavirus .
Klitschko said 13 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Solomyansky district ( 10 ) , Desniansky district ( nine ) , as well as Dniprovsky and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thirty-eight people recovered from the disease in the past day , he said .
In total , 756 Kyiv residents have already recovered .
As UNIAN reported earlier , as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 3 , the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine was 24,823 ; of them , 483 cases were registered in the past 24 hours .

Thirty-eight people recovered from the disease in the past 24 hours
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose by 62 in the past day.
"In the past day, another 62 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus. There were 10 healthcare workers among them," he said on Telegram on June 3.
Read alsoRestrictions on entry to be introduced in Kyiv subway from June 1
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The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 3,133.
According to Klitschko, 38 women aged 24 to 94 and 16 men aged 30 to 83 are among those infected. In addition, three girls (aged 5, 7 and 16) and five boys under the age of 14 tested positive for the coronavirus.
Klitschko said 13 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Solomyansky district (10), Desniansky district (nine), as well as Dniprovsky and Shevchenkivsky districts (eight each).
Thirty-eight people recovered from the disease in the past day, he said.
In total, 756 Kyiv residents have already recovered.
As UNIAN reported earlier, as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 3, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine was 24,823; of them, 483 cases were registered in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-06-04--Environmental disaster over lack of water unfolding in occupied Crimea

The dry soil is now seen where there used to be a water-storage basin .
An environmental disaster has been @ @ @ @ @ residents face consequences of the lack of water on the peninsula .
Read alsoUkraine calls @ @ @ @ @ violations by Russia of Crimean Tatars ' rights , freedoms In particular , photos showing @ @ @ @ @ , where the Simferopol reservoir is disappearing , were posted on social networks by blogger @ @ @ @ @ @ KrimRT ) on June 3 .
The dry soil is now seen where there @ @ @ @ @ basin .
`` The Simferopol reservoir is now a puddle , '' reads the post @ @ @ @ @ Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Nariman Dzhelalov earlier said that there was an acute @ @ @ @ @ the major cities of Russia-annexed Crimea , namely Sevastopol and Simferopol .

The dry soil is now seen where there used to be a water-storage basin.
An environmental disaster has been unfolding in Russian-occupied Crimea as residents face consequences of the lack of water on the peninsula.
Read alsoUkraine calls on international community to condemn violations by Russia of Crimean Tatars' rights, freedoms
In particular, photos showing the disaster in annexed Crimea, where the Simferopol reservoir is disappearing, were posted on social networks by blogger RoksolanaToday&Crimea25% (@KrimRT) on June 3.
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The dry soil is now seen where there used to be a water-storage basin.
"The Simferopol reservoir is now a puddle," reads the post.
Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Nariman Dzhelalov earlier said that there was an acute shortage of drinking water in the major cities of Russia-annexed Crimea, namely Sevastopol and Simferopol.


unian--2020-06-04--PM Shmyhal says Ukraine manages to cope with COVID-19 challenges in spring

The COVID-19 case fatality rate in Ukraine remains lower than in most countries .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says @ @ @ @ @ the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic in spring 2020 .
`` We believe that Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ challenges it faced this spring .
These were very difficult months as risks were huge @ @ @ @ @ to act quickly , '' he said in his address to the Verkhovna Rada , @ @ @ @ @ June 4 .
`` Since the beginning of the pandemic , there has been no @ @ @ @ @ health care system , as was in the most developed countries in Europe and the @ @ @ @ @ Our doctors are not overloaded , while the COVID-19 case fatality rate remains lower than @ @ @ @ @ and the rest of the world , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier @ @ @ @ @ cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 4 , including 747 @ @ @ @ @ .
Some 588 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours .

The COVID-19 case fatality rate in Ukraine remains lower than in most countries.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says Ukraine managed to cope with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic in spring 2020.
Read alsoUkraine's Health Ministry elaborates on quarantine measures after June 22
"We believe that Ukraine has adequately coped with the challenges it faced this spring. These were very difficult months as risks were huge, and it was necessary to act quickly," he said in his address to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, on June 4.
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"Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been no collapse in our country's health care system, as was in the most developed countries in Europe and the rest of the world. Our doctors are not overloaded, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate remains lower than in most countries of Europe and the rest of the world," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 25,411 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 4, including 747 COVID-19 deaths and 11,042 recoveries. Some 588 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-06-04--Health Ministry elaborates on COVID-19 death rate dynamics in Ukraine

The ministry calls on Ukrainians to observe the social distancing and personal hygiene rules .
The Ukrainian Health Ministry 's Public Health Center says the COVID-19 death rate per 100,000 people in Ukraine as of June 3 was 3 % .
`` As of June 3 , the incidence of COVID-19 cases in Ukraine was 59.3 per 100,000 people , while the death rate was 3 % .
For comparison , the death rate was 2.5 % as of April 30 , '' the Public Health Center said on Facebook on June 3 .
A daily increase in laboratory-confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3.5 % against the figure reported as of June 2 .
In this regard , even under conditions of the easing of the coronavirus-related quarantine , the ministry recommends observing the social distancing and personal hygiene rules .
`` The COVID-19 virus can survive for hours or even days on surfaces .
Physical distancing helps to limit contact with contaminated surfaces and infected people outdoors , '' the agency added .
In particular , complying with the social distancing rules , people can safeguard themselves against other people 's bodily fluids during coughing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection .
The physical distancing rules are especially important for people who face a higher risk of complications from COVID-19 ( those who are over 50 years old , with concomitant diseases ) .
Therefore , close contacts with others indoors and outdoors should be limited .
It is noted that there is no vaccine or medication against COVID-19 for the time being .
So , one of the most effective ways of protecting and preventing the spread of the infection is to remember the rules of physical distancing and daily hygiene , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , there were 24,823 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 3 , including 735 COVID-19 deaths and 10,440 recoveries .
On June 4 , the number of confirmed cases grew to 25,411 with 12 new deaths in the past 24 hours .

The ministry calls on Ukrainians to observe the social distancing and personal hygiene rules.
The Ukrainian Health Ministry's Public Health Center says the COVID-19 death rate per 100,000 people in Ukraine as of June 3 was 3%.
Read alsoAbout 6,300 people undergo high accuracy testing to detect COVID-19 antibodies
"As of June 3, the incidence of COVID-19 cases in Ukraine was 59.3 per 100,000 people, while the death rate was 3%. For comparison, the death rate was 2.5% as of April 30," the Public Health Center said on Facebook on June 3.
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A daily increase in laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of June 3 was 3.5% against the figure reported as of June 2.
In this regard, even under conditions of the easing of the coronavirus-related quarantine, the ministry recommends observing the social distancing and personal hygiene rules.
"The COVID-19 virus can survive for hours or even days on surfaces. Physical distancing helps to limit contact with contaminated surfaces and infected people outdoors," the agency added.
In particular, complying with the social distancing rules, people can safeguard themselves against other people's bodily fluids during coughing or sneezing, which can cause coronavirus infection.
The physical distancing rules are especially important for people who face a higher risk of complications from COVID-19 (those who are over 50 years old, with concomitant diseases). Therefore, close contacts with others indoors and outdoors should be limited.
It is noted that there is no vaccine or medication against COVID-19 for the time being. So, one of the most effective ways of protecting and preventing the spread of the infection is to remember the rules of physical distancing and daily hygiene, the Center added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 24,823 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 3, including 735 COVID-19 deaths and 10,440 recoveries. On June 4, the number of confirmed cases grew to 25,411 with 12 new deaths in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-06-04--Ukraine to stop levying war tax on income on government bonds

The relevant amendments were introduced in the Tax Code .
Ukraine will stop levying 1.5 % war tax on coupon and investment incomes on government domestic loan bonds from May 23 , 2020 , due to changes in legislation .
The relevant changes are stipulated in Law No .
466-IX `` On amendments to the Tax Code regarding the improvement of tax administration , the elimination of technical and logical inconsistencies in tax legislation , '' adopted by the Verkhovna Rada in January 2020 , the Ukrainian economic news portal Ekonomichna Pravda reported .
`` This is a big step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with households .
It 's necessary to ease [ their ] access to the market and widely inform about it so that the purchase of government bonds becomes as simple and understandable as opening a bank deposit , '' Head of the ICU 's brokerage services department Yevgeniya Gryshchenko said .
`` After all , the bonds win in terms of reliability , and their profitability is attractive .
The next and close step in promoting this tool will be the opportunity for individuals to open a securities account remotely and buy or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
The changes in the legislation do not require any additional actions from the holders of securities , as the respective taxation will be suspended automatically .
As UNIAN reported earlier , in late April , the Finance Ministry returned to the domestic borrowing market after a few weeks off , having resumed weekly auctions to place government domestic loan bonds .
Panic on global markets caused by the rapid spread of the coronavirus had weakened local currencies of emerging markets and triggered the stock market crash .
As a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of developing economies , including Ukraine .

Ukraine to stop levying war tax on income on government bonds
14:20, 04.06.20 2355
The relevant amendments were introduced in the Tax Code.
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unian--2020-06-04--Ukraine to lift restrictions on farmland purchases by foreigners under condition – Zelensky

According to the president , the restrictions will be lifted only when Ukrainian farmers get access to lending at low rates .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine will lift restrictions on farmland purchases by foreigners only after it provides domestic farmers with the opportunity to take loans at low rates for this purpose .
`` It is right that everyone has the opportunity to buy agricultural land .
This will definitely happen after certain decisions .
We could not open the purchase of farmland to everyone , including foreign companies , since they have completely different credit terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with business representatives in Khmelnytsky region on June 3 , 2020 .
`` Our strategy is very simple – we will first make comprehensible and proper lending conditions so that our people , farmers could take loans at 2 % , and then we may open the farmland market to everyone , '' Zelensky said .
According to the president , the authorities will protect long-term leases of farmland by foreign companies that have long been on the Ukrainian market .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on April 28 , 2020 , Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain legislative acts of Ukraine on the conditions of circulation of farmland No .
552-IX , which was approved by the Verkhovna Rada on March 31 , 2020 .
The law provides for gradual land reform : from July 1 , 2021 , only individual citizens of Ukraine will be able to buy up to 100 hectare of agricultural land .
During the second stage , which starts on January 1 , 2024 , the limit will grow to 10,000 ha , and legal entities will also be able to buy farmland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreigners , legal entities with foreign shareholders and legal entities whose beneficiaries can not be identified or whose beneficiaries are registered in offshore zones , as well as to persons under special economic and other sanctions .

Ukraine to lift restrictions on farmland purchases by foreigners under condition – Zelensky
13:55, 04.06.20 2464
According to the president, the restrictions will be lifted only when Ukrainian farmers get access to lending at low rates.
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unian--2020-06-04--Health minister names Ukraine's regions with largest number of COVID-19 cases in past day

In total , 14,301 tests were conducted in the country over the period under review .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym @ @ @ @ @ with the largest number of COVID-19 cases reported in the country in the past day @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv fails to comply with quarantine easing – health ministry '' In terms of the @ @ @ @ @ of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in Lviv region ( 85 @ @ @ @ @ ( 53 ) , and the city of Kyiv ( 77 ) , '' he @ @ @ @ @ 4 .
In total , 14,301 tests were conducted in the country in the past @ @ @ @ @ there were 10,563 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction ( PCR @ @ @ @ @ the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) method .
As UNIAN reported @ @ @ @ @ laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 4 , including @ @ @ @ @ recoveries .
Some 588 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours .

In total, 14,301 tests were conducted in the country over the period under review.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has named three regions with the largest number of COVID-19 cases reported in the country in the past day.
Read alsoCOVID-19 incidence in Kyiv fails to comply with quarantine easing – health ministry
"In terms of the regions, the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in Lviv region (85 cases), Zhytomyr region (53), and the city of Kyiv (77)," he told a briefing on June 4.
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In total, 14,301 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 10,563 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and 3,738 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 25,411 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 4, including 747 COVID-19 deaths and 11,042 recoveries. Some 588 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-06-04--Ruling faction's head: Bill to legalize gambling may be put to vote soon

Some 3,500 amendments to the bill have been submitted for its second reading .
Chairman of the Servant of the People faction in Ukraine 's parliament David Arakhamia says a bill that legalizes gambling may be put to the vote in a week .
`` I hope we will put it to the vote in a week and legalize this business , '' he told a Ukrainian TV channel , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Arakhamia said 3,500 amendments to the bill had been submitted , and it is necessary to hold several meetings of the relevant committee for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may get almost US $ 189 mln from gambling legalization – official As UNIAN reported earlier , a bill on the legalization of gambling in Ukraine passed its first reading on January 16 , 2020 .
The relevant bill on state regulation of activities regarding the organization and conduct of gambling ( No .
2285-d ) was backed by 260 lawmakers with the required minimum being 226 votes .
The bill introduces an exclusive list of gambling activities allowed in Ukraine , namely the organization and conduct of gambling in casinos and online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bookmaker 's facilities and online ; lottery issuing and holding ; and organizing and conducting online poker games .
On May 18 , Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov said the bill could be considered in early June .

Ruling faction's head: Bill to legalize gambling may be put to vote soon
13:15, 04.06.20 2172
Some 3,500 amendments to the bill have been submitted for its second reading.
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unian--2020-06-04--Poroshenko declares almost US$29 mln in 2019 income

Poroshenko is the ultimate beneficiary in 28 companies .
Former Ukrainian President , MP from the European Solidarity Party Petro Poroshenko declared UAH 773 million ( US $ 28.9 million ) in income in 2019 , which is half as much as in 2018 .
The relevant assets declaration has been published in the state register of declarations by persons authorized to perform state functions or local government .
The lion 's share of the income , or over UAH 606.3 million ( US $ 22.6 million ) , is a dividend from PJSC CNCIF Prime Assets Capital through which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAH 33.08 million ( US $ 1.2 million ) from the sale of part of shares in the International Investment Bank .
He also received almost UAH 16 million ( US $ 598,131 ) as income on deposits from the same bank .
What is more , the former president received UAH 6.18 million ( US $ 231,215 ) in compensation for moral damages and reimbursement of legal expenses in litigation with the BBC company .
Poroshenko accused the agency of disseminating false information .
The MP also declared over UAH 108.7 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment of income on government domestic loan bonds .
In 2019 , Poroshenko spent UAH 584.4 million ( US $ 21.8 million ) on a contribution to the election fund as a presidential candidate in Ukraine .
Last year , the former president paid UAH 187 million ( US $ 6.99 million ) in war tax and other types of tax .
Poroshenko received a salary of UAH 128,500 ( US $ 4,803 ) as president , almost UAH 10,000 ( US $ 374 ) as a member of the European Solidarity Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,944 ) as a lawmaker .
In addition , Poroshenko received UAH 2.5 million ( US $ 93,458 ) as the return of collateral for registration as a presidential candidate .
According to the declaration , Poroshenko is the ultimate beneficiary in 28 companies .
Poroshenko is the owner of a house with outbuildings ( 1,331 square meters ) and three land plots ( about 4.2 ha ) in the village of Kozyn in Kyiv region .
He also owns three land plots in the capital city of Kyiv ( almost 1.25 ha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner of an apartment of 134.06 square meters in Kyiv , an apartment of 82.15 square meters in Kyiv , an apartment of 68.20 square meters in Kyiv , and the Lebid ( Swan ) recreation center ( 2,425 square meters ) in Odesa region .
The former president owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI minivan .
The declaration also mentions 2015 Mercedes-BENZ S 500L 4Matic and 2015 Mercedes-BENZ S600L sedans as official cars .
He also declared two Breguet and one Patek Philippe wristwatches .
Other valuable assets include furniture , @ @ @ @ @ @

Poroshenko declares almost US$29 mln in 2019 income
12:50, 04.06.20 1153
Poroshenko is the ultimate beneficiary in 28 companies.
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unian--2020-06-04--Kyiv mayor reports 77 new COVID-19 cases in past day

Ninety-three people recovered from the disease in the past day .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose by 77 in the past day .
`` In the past day , another 77 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus .
There were 15 healthcare workers among them , '' he said on Telegram on June 4 .
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 3,210 .
According to Klitschko , 39 women aged 22 to 78 and 26 men aged 24 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition , nine girls ( from one to 17 years old ) and three boys ( one of them is two years old , and others are aged 13 ) tested positive for the coronavirus .
Klitschko said 11 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsia district ( 15 ) , Podilsky district ( 12 ) , and Shevchenkivsky district ( 10 ) .
Ninety-three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past day , he said .
In total , 849 Kyiv residents have already recovered .
As UNIAN reported earlier , as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 4 , the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine was 25,411 ; of them , 588 cases were registered in the past 24 hours .

Ninety-three people recovered from the disease in the past day.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose by 77 in the past day.
Read alsoHealth minister lists Ukraine's leading regions by COVID-19 cases in past day
"In the past day, another 77 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus. There were 15 healthcare workers among them," he said on Telegram on June 4.
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The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 3,210.
According to Klitschko, 39 women aged 22 to 78 and 26 men aged 24 to 82 are among those infected. In addition, nine girls (from one to 17 years old) and three boys (one of them is two years old, and others are aged 13) tested positive for the coronavirus.
Klitschko said 11 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsia district (15), Podilsky district (12), and Shevchenkivsky district (10).
Ninety-three people recovered from the disease in the past day, he said.
In total, 849 Kyiv residents have already recovered.
As UNIAN reported earlier, as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 4, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine was 25,411; of them, 588 cases were registered in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-06-04--Ukrainian lawmakers vote for new culture and information policy minister's appointment

Tkachenko 's nomination was backed by the Servant of the People faction at a meeting on June 1 .
Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ appointment of Member of Parliament from the Servant of the People parliamentary faction Oleksandr Tkachenko @ @ @ @ @ Culture and Information Policy Minister .
Some 263 MPs voted for the decision .
As @ @ @ @ @ Servant of the People faction on June 1 supported Tkachenko 's nomination for the ministerial @ @ @ @ @ , Verkhovna Rada Chairman Dmytro Razumkov said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal had submitted new nominations @ @ @ @ @ by parliament .
The Verkhovna Rada 's Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy recommended that @ @ @ @ @ appointment .

Tkachenko's nomination was backed by the Servant of the People faction at a meeting on June 1.
Ukrainian lawmakers have voted for the appointment of Member of Parliament from the Servant of the People parliamentary faction Oleksandr Tkachenko as the country's new Culture and Information Policy Minister.
Some 263 MPs voted for the decision.
Read alsoUkraine's parliament appoints Stefanishyna as Deputy PM for Euro-Atlantic integration
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As UNIAN reported earlier, the Servant of the People faction on June 1 supported Tkachenko's nomination for the ministerial post.
On June 3, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Dmytro Razumkov said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal had submitted new nominations to Cabinet posts for approval by parliament.
The Verkhovna Rada's Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy recommended that lawmakers vote for Tkachenko's appointment.


unian--2020-06-04--Ukraine's parliament appoints Stefanishyna as Deputy PM for Euro-Atlantic integration

The ex-deputy PM , Prystaiko , may be tapped as Ukraine 's ambassador to the United Kingdom .
Ukraine 's @ @ @ @ @ as Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration .
The decision was backed by @ @ @ @ @ .
Prior to Stefanishyna 's appointment , this post was vacated by Vadym Prystaiko .
@ @ @ @ @ his dismissal stipulated in resolution No .
3583 .
The Servant of the People parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's ambassador to the United Kingdom .
As UNIAN reported , the Verkhovna Rada @ @ @ @ @ on June 4 considered some Cabinet-related dismissals and appointments .

The ex-deputy PM, Prystaiko, may be tapped as Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Ukraine's parliament has appointed Olha Stefanishyna as Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.
The decision was backed by 255 lawmakers on June 4.
Read alsoUkraine's PM submits new nominations to Cabinet posts – Razumkov
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Prior to Stefanishyna's appointment, this post was vacated by Vadym Prystaiko. Some 296 MPs voted for his dismissal stipulated in resolution No. 3583.
The Servant of the People parliamentary faction said Prystaiko could become Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom.
As UNIAN reported, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, on June 4 considered some Cabinet-related dismissals and appointments.


unian--2020-06-04--U.S. senators to back expanding Nord Stream 2 sanctions to insurers – media

The bill is expected to be introduced on Thursday , June 4 .
A bipartisan group of senators is planning to introduce legislation that would expand U.S. sanctions against Gazprom PJSC 's Nord Stream 2 pipeline between Russia and Germany by taking aim at insurance companies that work with Russian vessels on completion of the project .
A draft of the measure obtained by Bloomberg spells out that previously enacted sanctions apply to all pipe-laying activities and insurance .
It expands sanctions to companies that provide `` underwriting services or insurance or reinsurance '' for vessels working on the pipeline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services or facilities for technology upgrades or installation of welding equipment for , or retrofitting or tethering '' of vessels .
The bill , which is expected to be introduced Thursday , would extend sanctions to anyone who provides port facilities to pipe-laying vessels and tethering services .
Bloomberg says Senator Ted Cruz , one of the lead sponsors of the legislation , said the pipeline poses `` a critical threat to America 's national security and must not be completed . ''
Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to circumvent the sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
The bill will state that anyone involved in the project in any capacity will `` face crippling and immediate American sanctions , '' Cruz said .
Senator Jeanne Shaheen , a New Hampshire Democrat , said the pipeline `` threatens Ukraine , Europe 's energy independence and gives Russia an opening to exploit our allies '' and that `` Congress must once again take decisive action and stand in this pipeline 's path . ''
Shaheen and Cruz last year secured sanctions against the pipeline as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After President Donald Trump signed the NDAA into law , AllSeas Group SA stopped work on the pipeline , bringing the project to a halt just weeks before the expected completion .
Gazprom , the owner of the pipeline and the gas that 's supposed to flow through it , has now moved two Russian vessels into the area to continue work .
The U.S. is seeking to block completion of the project over longstanding concern that additional flows of Russian gas would increase the Kremlin 's political leverage over European Union countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy more U.S. liquefied natural gas instead .
The Russian government said last year that sanctions would not derail the Nord Stream 2 project .
The two vessels targeted by the sanctions -- the Akademik Cherskiy and Fortuna -- each have some of the tools needed to complete the pipeline but would have to be tethered together to carry out the work , according to a person familiar with the matter .
The legislation also includes measures to prevent sanctions evasions by moving the ships from company to company .
As UNIAN reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 15 refused to exempt Nord Stream 2 from the EU Gas Directive rules .
The reason for the refusal is that the project had not been implemented by May 23 , which was a condition for its exemption from the restrictive rules .
UNIAN memo .
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
It should connect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline .
The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019 .
The pipeline will be 1,220 km long .
The project is being implemented by Russia 's Gazprom in alliance with European companies – ENGIE , OMV , Shell , Uniper , and Wintershall .
Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US $ 3 billion annually .
The project is also highly criticized by the U.S. , Poland , and the Baltic States .
On December 20 , U.S. President Donald Trump enacted the U.S. defense budget for 2020 , which provides , inter alia , sanctions against companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipelines .
After that , the Swiss company Allseas suspended participation in the construction of Nord Stream 2 .
On December 30 , it became known that the company had withdrawn from participation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left the Baltic Sea .
On January 11 , 2020 , Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia could complete the construction of Nord Stream 2 independently , and the pipeline would start operating , most likely , in the first quarter of 2021 .

The bill is expected to be introduced on Thursday, June 4.
A bipartisan group of senators is planning to introduce legislation that would expand U.S. sanctions against Gazprom PJSC's Nord Stream 2 pipeline between Russia and Germany by taking aim at insurance companies that work with Russian vessels on completion of the project.
A draft of the measure obtained by Bloomberg spells out that previously enacted sanctions apply to all pipe-laying activities and insurance. It expands sanctions to companies that provide "underwriting services or insurance or reinsurance" for vessels working on the pipeline as well as those that provide "services or facilities for technology upgrades or installation of welding equipment for, or retrofitting or tethering" of vessels.
The bill, which is expected to be introduced Thursday, would extend sanctions to anyone who provides port facilities to pipe-laying vessels and tethering services.
Видео дня
Bloomberg says Senator Ted Cruz, one of the lead sponsors of the legislation, said the pipeline poses "a critical threat to America's national security and must not be completed." Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to circumvent the sanctions passed by Congress last year, Cruz said in a statement.
The bill will state that anyone involved in the project in any capacity will "face crippling and immediate American sanctions," Cruz said.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, said the pipeline "threatens Ukraine, Europe's energy independence and gives Russia an opening to exploit our allies" and that "Congress must once again take decisive action and stand in this pipeline's path."
Shaheen and Cruz last year secured sanctions against the pipeline as part of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. After President Donald Trump signed the NDAA into law, AllSeas Group SA stopped work on the pipeline, bringing the project to a halt just weeks before the expected completion. Gazprom, the owner of the pipeline and the gas that's supposed to flow through it, has now moved two Russian vessels into the area to continue work.
Read alsoU.S. mulling new sanctions against Nord Stream 2
The U.S. is seeking to block completion of the project over longstanding concern that additional flows of Russian gas would increase the Kremlin's political leverage over European Union countries. Washington has repeatedly urged Europe to buy more U.S. liquefied natural gas instead.
The Russian government said last year that sanctions would not derail the Nord Stream 2 project.
The two vessels targeted by the sanctions -- the Akademik Cherskiy and Fortuna -- each have some of the tools needed to complete the pipeline but would have to be tethered together to carry out the work, according to a person familiar with the matter. The legislation also includes measures to prevent sanctions evasions by moving the ships from company to company.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the German Federal Network Agency on May 15 refused to exempt Nord Stream 2 from the EU Gas Directive rules. The reason for the refusal is that the project had not been implemented by May 23, which was a condition for its exemption from the restrictive rules.
UNIAN memo. The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. It should connect Russia's Ust-Lug and Germany's Greifswald.
This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019. The pipeline will be 1,220 km long.
The project is being implemented by Russia's Gazprom in alliance with European companies – ENGIE, OMV, Shell, Uniper, and Wintershall.
Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country, while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US$3 billion annually. The project is also highly criticized by the U.S., Poland, and the Baltic States.
On December 20, U.S. President Donald Trump enacted the U.S. defense budget for 2020, which provides, inter alia, sanctions against companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipelines. After that, the Swiss company Allseas suspended participation in the construction of Nord Stream 2.
On December 30, it became known that the company had withdrawn from participation in the project, its ships had already left the Baltic Sea.
On January 11, 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia could complete the construction of Nord Stream 2 independently, and the pipeline would start operating, most likely, in the first quarter of 2021.


unian--2020-06-04--Reuters: Ukrainian computer game featuring Hitler in Moscow angers Kremlin

Starni Games , its Ukraine-based developer , in a statement released on Reddit , has denied glorifying Nazism .
The Kremlin on Wednesday accused a Ukrainian computer game developer of glorifying Nazism by producing a game which features Adolf Hitler overseeing a fictional World War Two victory parade in Moscow , a charge the developer rejects .
The game , `` Strategic Mind : Blitzkrieg , '' invites players to take command of the German army during World War Two and offers different fictional scenarios depending on the outcome , Reuters said .
Read alsoExperts on children 's `` upbringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resembles `` Hitler Jügend '' One such fictional scenario depicts a Nazi victory parade in the heart of Moscow and shows Hitler reviewing it as German tanks rumble across Red Square and planes screech overhead .
`` Here we can only express extreme regret that this game is available in our country , especially during the year when we are marking 75 years of ( the Soviet ) victory .
This game , for us , is nothing other than Nazi propaganda and is unacceptable , '' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies would take measures , said Peskov .
One Russian senator has raised the possibility of criminal proceedings against the game 's developers .
Starni Games , its Ukraine-based developer , in a statement released on Reddit , has denied glorifying Nazism .
`` ...
In no way ( are ) we trying to glorify the Nazi ideology , we strongly condemn their deeds , '' the statement said .
`` We 've created a historical game with alternate history possibilities : if the player loses , there are Soviet troops taking ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins one of the battles German troops are taking Moscow . ''
Nor , the statement said , did the game portray Hitler in a positive light .
Russia had planned to mark the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany on May 9 with a military parade across Red Square .
President Vladimir Putin was forced to postpone it until June 24 however due to the coronavirus outbreak .

Starni Games, its Ukraine-based developer, in a statement released on Reddit, has denied glorifying Nazism.
The Kremlin on Wednesday accused a Ukrainian computer game developer of glorifying Nazism by producing a game which features Adolf Hitler overseeing a fictional World War Two victory parade in Moscow, a charge the developer rejects.
The game, "Strategic Mind: Blitzkrieg," invites players to take command of the German army during World War Two and offers different fictional scenarios depending on the outcome, Reuters said.
Read alsoExperts on children's "upbringing" in occupied Donbas: This somehow resembles "Hitler Jügend"
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One such fictional scenario depicts a Nazi victory parade in the heart of Moscow and shows Hitler reviewing it as German tanks rumble across Red Square and planes screech overhead.
"Here we can only express extreme regret that this game is available in our country, especially during the year when we are marking 75 years of (the Soviet) victory. This game, for us, is nothing other than Nazi propaganda and is unacceptable," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
The Kremlin hoped relevant Russian government agencies would take measures, said Peskov.
One Russian senator has raised the possibility of criminal proceedings against the game's developers.
Starni Games, its Ukraine-based developer, in a statement released on Reddit, has denied glorifying Nazism.
"...In no way (are) we trying to glorify the Nazi ideology, we strongly condemn their deeds," the statement said. "We've created a historical game with alternate history possibilities: if the player loses, there are Soviet troops taking (the) Reichstag, and if he wins one of the battles German troops are taking Moscow."
Nor, the statement said, did the game portray Hitler in a positive light.
Russia had planned to mark the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany on May 9 with a military parade across Red Square. President Vladimir Putin was forced to postpone it until June 24 however due to the coronavirus outbreak.


unian--2020-06-04--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 25,000 on June 4

Of them , 588 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 25,000 on Thursday morning .
`` According to the Public Health Center , there were 25,411 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 4 , '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on June 4 .
Of them , 588 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
Overall incidence per region is the following : 1,077 cases in Vinnytsia region ; 986 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region ; 174 in Donetsk region ; 833 in Zhytomyr region ; 1,257 in Zakarpattia region ; 469 in Zaporizhia region ; 1,491 in Ivano-Frankivsk region ; 526 in Kirovohrad region ; 3,210 in the city of Kyiv ; 1,673 in Kyiv region ; 1,915 in Lviv region ; 51 in Luhansk region ; 295 in Mykolayiv region ; 933 in Odesa region ; 272 in Poltava region ; 1,905 in Rivne region ; 177 in Sumy region ; 1,220 in Ternopil region ; 1,166 in Kharkiv region ; 179 in Kherson region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Chernivtsi region ; 429 in Cherkasy region ; 238 in Chernihiv region .
Data 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 conducted by the Public Health Center 's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories .
As of the morning of June 4 , 2020 , the Center had received 1,162 reports of suspected cases .
In total , there have been 62,300 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths have already been recorded in the country .
Some 11,042 patients have recovered .
As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 24,823 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 3 , including 735 COVID-19 deaths and 10,440 recoveries .
Some 483 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours .

Of them, 588 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 25,000 on Thursday morning.
"According to the Public Health Center, there were 25,411 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 4," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on June 4.
Of them, 588 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
Видео дня
Read alsoHealth minister lists Ukraine's leading regions by COVID-19 cases in past day
Overall incidence per region is the following: 1,077 cases in Vinnytsia region; 986 in Volyn region; 957 in Dnipropetrovsk region; 174 in Donetsk region; 833 in Zhytomyr region; 1,257 in Zakarpattia region; 469 in Zaporizhia region; 1,491 in Ivano-Frankivsk region; 526 in Kirovohrad region; 3,210 in the city of Kyiv; 1,673 in Kyiv region; 1,915 in Lviv region; 51 in Luhansk region; 295 in Mykolayiv region; 933 in Odesa region; 272 in Poltava region; 1,905 in Rivne region; 177 in Sumy region; 1,220 in Ternopil region; 1,166 in Kharkiv region; 179 in Kherson region; 497 in Khmelnytsky region; 3,481 in Chernivtsi region; 429 in Cherkasy region; 238 in Chernihiv region.
Data 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 conducted by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories. As of the morning of June 4, 2020, the Center had received 1,162 reports of suspected cases. In total, there have been 62,300 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
A total of 747 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country. Some 11,042 patients have recovered.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 24,823 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 3, including 735 COVID-19 deaths and 10,440 recoveries. Some 483 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours.