unian--2020-05-27--RFE/RL: Ukrainian court finds Lviv student guilty of torching RFE/RL reporter's car

The 19-year-old university student admitted his guilt to the court and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors .
A Ukrainian court has found a university student guilty of torching an RFE/RL reporter 's car , a decision that the media organization 's president said brings prosecutors closer to apprehending the organizers of the premeditated crime .
A court in the western city of Lviv on May 25 handed down a suspended five-year sentence with a three-year probation period to Yakob Sarakhman for setting Halyna Tereshchuk 's car ablaze on the night of January 30 , Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university student admitted his guilt to the court and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors , Tereshchuk 's lawyer , Oleh Mytsyk , said .
Police have not provided a motive for the crime , but many reporters in Ukraine have been attacked , and even killed , over the years due to their investigative work .
Ukraine ranked 96th out of 180 countries in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index .
`` The conviction is an important first step in holding accountable the perpetrators of this hateful crime .
The arson attack not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorized her family , but it was a worrisome attempt to intimidate independent journalism in Ukraine , '' RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in a statement .
`` I call on the Ukrainian authorities to identify and prosecute those who ordered the attack in addition to the individual who carried it out . ''
Police have named two other suspects in the arson attack : Mykhaylo Cherdak , a local police official , and Vadym Dmytrenko , an unemployed individual with a criminal record .
Cherdak is in hiding and his whereabouts unknown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The 19-year-old university student admitted his guilt to the court and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.
A Ukrainian court has found a university student guilty of torching an RFE/RL reporter's car, a decision that the media organization's president said brings prosecutors closer to apprehending the organizers of the premeditated crime.
A court in the western city of Lviv on May 25 handed down a suspended five-year sentence with a three-year probation period to Yakob Sarakhman for setting Halyna Tereshchuk's car ablaze on the night of January 30, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported.
The 19-year-old university student admitted his guilt to the court and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, Tereshchuk's lawyer, Oleh Mytsyk, said.
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Read alsoUkraine detains Moldovan suspected of torching RFE/RL correspondent's car in Lviv – media
Police have not provided a motive for the crime, but many reporters in Ukraine have been attacked, and even killed, over the years due to their investigative work. Ukraine ranked 96th out of 180 countries in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index.
"The conviction is an important first step in holding accountable the perpetrators of this hateful crime. The arson attack not only targeted an RFE/RL colleague, and terrorized her family, but it was a worrisome attempt to intimidate independent journalism in Ukraine," RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in a statement.
"I call on the Ukrainian authorities to identify and prosecute those who ordered the attack in addition to the individual who carried it out."
Police have named two other suspects in the arson attack: Mykhaylo Cherdak, a local police official, and Vadym Dmytrenko, an unemployed individual with a criminal record.
Cherdak is in hiding and his whereabouts unknown, while Dmytrenko is under house arrest.


unian--2020-05-27--Ukraine's central bank forecasts economy will shrink by 6-7% in 2020

The NBU 's deputy governor says the situation could be worse than expected .
The National Bank of Ukraine has revised its forecast for the country 's economy , projecting it will shrink by 6-7 % in 2020 against the previously expected 5 % .
`` Based on the decline seen in the first quarter along with indicators of industrial production and transportation in April , I think the decline may be more serious than expected , '' the Ukrainian economic news portal Ekonomichna Pravda quoted NBU Deputy Governor Dmytro Solohub as saying .
`` Accordingly , if we extrapolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we could speak about a decline by 6-7 % rather than 5 % , as it was until now .
But under these circumstances , it 's not such a big difference – everything is moving approximately within the same scenario , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Central Bank previously predicted that Ukraine 's GDP would decrease by 11 % in the second quarter of 2020 .
The NBU noted that the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Ukrainian economy will be relatively short-term , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced business activity , consumption and employment .
Reducing global demand also limits the country 's export opportunities .

Ukraine's central bank forecasts economy will shrink by 6-7% in 2020
21:55, 27.05.20 2964
The NBU's deputy governor says the situation could be worse than expected.
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unian--2020-05-27--Ukrainian airline switches to cargo to weather COVID crisis – media

The impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the airline industry has prompted several carriers to seek state aid .
Ukrainian low-cost airline SkyUp says it is finding strength in a crisis after converting most of its planes to carry cargo to keep its fleet in the skies .
Eight of its eleven orange-and-white 737-800 and 900 Boeing planes have had seats removed and nets placed in between the remaining rows to carry freight , Reuters said .
Some smaller items are squeezed in the overhead hand luggage compartments .
The privately-owned airline , which launched two years ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it brought medical supplies to Ukraine from China .
It has since done around 250 cargo flights and won contracts in countries such as Britain , France and Germany .
The impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the airline industry has prompted several carriers to seek state aid .
But SkyUp says it has kept most of its staff , who work either from home or in the office to handle the cargo operations .
`` This virus gave us new strength and pushed us to look for new areas in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khainatsky told Reuters .
`` Being a passenger airline , we never dreamt of doing cargo shipments .
The crisis forced us to do it .
That is why during crisis times , our airline is adapting and we are quickly shifting from one business to another . ''

The impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the airline industry has prompted several carriers to seek state aid.
Ukrainian low-cost airline SkyUp says it is finding strength in a crisis after converting most of its planes to carry cargo to keep its fleet in the skies.
Eight of its eleven orange-and-white 737-800 and 900 Boeing planes have had seats removed and nets placed in between the remaining rows to carry freight, Reuters said.
Some smaller items are squeezed in the overhead hand luggage compartments.
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Read alsoKyiv Sikorsky Airport facing bankruptcy amid COVID-19 without state support
The privately-owned airline, which launched two years ago, delivered its first cargo shipment in April when it brought medical supplies to Ukraine from China.
It has since done around 250 cargo flights and won contracts in countries such as Britain, France and Germany.
The impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the airline industry has prompted several carriers to seek state aid.
But SkyUp says it has kept most of its staff, who work either from home or in the office to handle the cargo operations.
"This virus gave us new strength and pushed us to look for new areas in business," SkyUp Director General Yevhen Khainatsky told Reuters.
"Being a passenger airline, we never dreamt of doing cargo shipments. The crisis forced us to do it. That is why during crisis times, our airline is adapting and we are quickly shifting from one business to another."


unian--2020-05-27--Ukraine's government approves economy recovery program – minister

The program foresees , among other things , access to finance , modernization , sustainable development of the economy .
Ukrainian Minister for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko says Ukraine 's government approved an economy recovery program at a meeting on Wednesday , May 27 .
The program is laid down in an extensive document that includes more than 230 specific measures that will be available for discussion after the program is approved .
`` First , the task of the program and the directions that have been developed include ensuring the safe functioning of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern not only the development of the economy , but also its safe functioning , '' the minister said , adding that the document was backed in keeping with a comprehensive reform program , having complemented it .
All initiatives may be divided into short-term , medium-term and strategic ( preventive ) ones .
Short-term initiatives include the development of industry standards for business management and temporary tax exemption ; medium-term motions envisage providing assistance in production of dual-use goods and a state order for the manufacture of medical products ; and strategic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as review of trade and economic relations with the European Union .
The program involves the introduction of protectionism , that is , the protection of domestic goods from foreign counterparts .
`` As part of these measures , we detailed such areas as improving legislation , protecting the national interests , improving the legal framework in the field of trade protection , shielding domestic producers from manifestations of unfair and growing imports through the use of trade protection tools , as well as protecting rights using the tools of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
The program has the block `` sectoral measures , '' which clearly prescribes support for industry , agriculture , energy sector , transport , infrastructure , IT , communications technology , and the service sector .
This refers to reducing tax pressure , facilitating access to finances , reducing prices of raw materials and electricity , as well as ensuring the uninterrupted sale of products for agricultural sector through the establishment of distribution channels and export promotion .
Support for the energy sector involves increasing market transparency and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy resources .
As for the transport sector , it is envisaged to continue reforms at the state-run Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority ( USPA ) and Ukrainian national railways company PJSC Ukrzaliznytsia .
Moreover , the program provides for the launch of river transportation and expansion of public-private partnerships .
The program block in the context of the functional area consists of such subsections as supporting small- and medium-sized businesses , stimulating international trade , attracting investment , stimulating the development of innovations , creating jobs and developing the labor market , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that the program is `` rests on three pillars , '' namely access to finance , access to markets , and ensuring modernization and sustainable development of the economy .
The government approved the program subject to its revision within three days .
As UNIAN reported earlier , officials and experts agree that the domestic economy this year may decline by over 5 % .

Ukraine's government approves economy recovery program – minister
18:59, 27.05.20 2052
The program foresees, among other things, access to capital, modernization, sustainable development of the economy.
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unian--2020-05-27--"Unprecedented move": Russia envoy to OSCE trying to interrupt Ukrainian speech on Crimea

Unfortunately , Ukraine 's dialogue with Russia has turned into a monologue , a Ukrainian MP said earlier .
A @ @ @ @ @ meeting has tried to prevent and interrupt addresses by Ukrainian representatives at the online conference @ @ @ @ @ in the occupied Crimea .
That 's according to RFE/RL 's Ukrainian service citing the @ @ @ @ @ [ A ] n unprecedented move in OSCE in Vienna : the representative from # @ @ @ @ @ & interrupt speeches they do n't like from # Ukraine & another expert on the @ @ @ @ @ Sea & Azov Sea , '' RFE/RL correspondent Rikard Jozwiak tweeted Wednesday .
Read also @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Kuleba names three tactical tasks in issue of Crimea de-occupation Russia 's envoy @ @ @ @ @ Lukashevich .
`` When we communicate with Russia on issues related to the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ access of the ICRC and the OSCE mission , unfortunately , our dialogue has turned @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian MP Iryna Vereshchuk said earlier .

Unfortunately, Ukraine's dialogue with Russia has turned into a monologue, a Ukrainian MP said earlier.
A Russian official at the OSCE meeting has tried to prevent and interrupt addresses by Ukrainian representatives at the online conference in Vienna on the situation in the occupied Crimea.
That's according to RFE/RL's Ukrainian service citing the agency's correspondent.
an unprecedented move in OSCE in Vienna: the representative from #Russia is trying to prevent & interrupt speeches they don't like from #Ukraine & another expert on the security situation in the Black Sea & Azov Sea. #Crimea — Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) May 27, 2020
"[A]n unprecedented move in OSCE in Vienna: the representative from #Russia is trying to prevent & interrupt speeches they don't like from #Ukraine & another expert on the security situation in the Black Sea & Azov Sea," RFE/RL correspondent Rikard Jozwiak tweeted Wednesday.
Read also"Pragmatic calculation": Foreign Minister Kuleba names three tactical tasks in issue of Crimea de-occupation
Russia's envoy to the OSCE is Aleksandr Lukashevich.
"When we communicate with Russia on issues related to the pandemic, toward ceasing fire, allowing access of the ICRC and the OSCE mission, unfortunately, our dialogue has turned into a monologue," Ukrainian MP Iryna Vereshchuk said earlier.


unian--2020-05-27--You won’t attract investment without state intervention – Mykola Shchurikov about the chemical indus

You won’t attract investment without state intervention – Mykola Shchurikov about the chemical industry development strategy

The main problem is the inability to compete with importers .
Their share in the domestic fertilizer market has exceeded 70 % .
Mykola Shchurikov proposes the use of healthy industrial protectionism from the state to save the chemical industry in Ukraine in a crisis .
The 1st Deputy Director of Odessa Port Plant wrote about this in his column at LIGA.net .
Shchurikov notes that in recent years , the Ukrainian chemical industry has lost thousands of industry enterprises , and tens of thousands of people have lost their jobs .
The main problem is the inability to compete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic fertilizer market has exceeded 70 % .
One of the main problems is the import of Russian fertilizer through other countries in order to avoid customs duties .
The second negative factor affecting the chemical industry is a decrease in exports and its raw material orientation .
Mykola Shchurikov believes that the state , which sets the rules of the game , should take responsibility for the situation .
`` Finally to recognize that the chemical industry is a key industry that needs to be supported at the state level .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastern Europe , we can meet the demand for almost all types of mineral fertilizers , reducing the dependence of the economy on imports .
Moreover , this production is at least 8 % of our country 's GDP .
Growing competition ( including Asian producers ) and the constant emergence of new challenges in the global market of chemical and petrochemical products without adaptation measures exacerbate the situation , '' writes Shchurikov .
He offers concrete steps that can help the chemical industry .
`` I 'm talking about the price of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures of the domestic market – to end counterfeit products in the domestic market of plant protection products and mineral fertilizers , '' the expert added .
As an example of modern state protectionism Mykola Shchurikov mentions the work of WTO members such as Turkey , Belarus , the Russian Federation and Uzbekistan .
`` The development strategy of the chemical industry of Ukraine until 2030 provides an increase in the share of domestic chemical products in the domestic chemical product market from the current 25 % to 35–40 % .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitive resource base – and here we ca n't do without investment and innovative projects .
But again , you wo n't attract investment without state intervention , because creating the notorious 'investment climate ' is the exclusive prerogative of the state , '' the expert summed up .

The main problem is the inability to compete with importers. Their share in the domestic fertilizer market has exceeded 70%.
Mykola Shchurikov proposes the use of healthy industrial protectionism from the state to save the chemical industry in Ukraine in a crisis.
The 1st Deputy Director of Odessa Port Plant wrote about this in his column at LIGA.net.
Shchurikov notes that in recent years, the Ukrainian chemical industry has lost thousands of industry enterprises, and tens of thousands of people have lost their jobs.
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The main problem is the inability to compete with importers. Their share in the domestic fertilizer market has exceeded 70%. One of the main problems is the import of Russian fertilizer through other countries in order to avoid customs duties. The second negative factor affecting the chemical industry is a decrease in exports and its raw material orientation.
Mykola Shchurikov believes that the state, which sets the rules of the game, should take responsibility for the situation. "Finally to recognize that the chemical industry is a key industry that needs to be supported at the state level. We have the most powerful production base in Eastern Europe, we can meet the demand for almost all types of mineral fertilizers, reducing the dependence of the economy on imports. Moreover, this production is at least 8% of our country's GDP. Growing competition (including Asian producers) and the constant emergence of new challenges in the global market of chemical and petrochemical products without adaptation measures exacerbate the situation," writes Shchurikov.
He offers concrete steps that can help the chemical industry. "I'm talking about the price of gas for chemical companies and the protective measures of the domestic market – to end counterfeit products in the domestic market of plant protection products and mineral fertilizers," the expert added.
As an example of modern state protectionism Mykola Shchurikov mentions the work of WTO members such as Turkey, Belarus, the Russian Federation and Uzbekistan.
"The development strategy of the chemical industry of Ukraine until 2030 provides an increase in the share of domestic chemical products in the domestic chemical product market from the current 25% to 35–40%. Of course, we also need to create a competitive resource base – and here we can't do without investment and innovative projects. But again, you won't attract investment without state intervention, because creating the notorious 'investment climate' is the exclusive prerogative of the state," the expert summed up.


unian--2020-05-27--Ukraine approves draft memo with U.S. company on LNG supplies

The relevant draft memo was approved at a government meeting on Wednesday .
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a draft memorandum of cooperation with the U.S. company Louisiana Natural Gas Exports on the supply of liquefied natural gas to Ukraine .
The relevant draft was approved at a government meeting on Wednesday .
`` The Energy Ministry has worked out a draft memorandum of cooperation between Louisiana Natural Gas Exports and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on assistance in supplying gas to Ukraine and improving gas infrastructure , which provides for exploring the possibility of diversifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies of liquefied natural gas and developing cross-border gas infrastructure in Ukraine and EU , `` said Ukraine 's Acting Minister of Energy and Environmental Policy Olha Buslavets , reporting on the draft decision .
As UNIAN reported earlier , in March this year , the then Minister of Energy and Environmental Policy Oleksiy Orzhel said Ukraine intends to conclude a ten-year or twenty-year contract for the supply of large volumes of natural gas from the United States through Poland .
He said such a long-term contract for gas supplies from the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations with Russia .
At the same time , Orzhel did not disclose details about the volume of purchases , only noting they would be large .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine in 2019 boosted natural gas imports by 34.4 % , or by 3.65 bcm , up to 14.25 bcm .
The country in 2018 reduced natural gas imports by 24.6 % from 2017 , to 10.59 bcm .

Ukraine approves draft memo with U.S. company on LNG supplies
16:40, 27.05.20 1893
The relevant draft memo was approved at a government meeting on Wednesday.
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unian--2020-05-27--Germany ex-chancellor's insult of Ukrainian envoy "despicable" – deputy foreign minister

Schroeder 's comment is a warning to other Russia supporters in Europe : do n't get involved with Russian money .
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasyl Bodnar has commented on the recent statement by former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder , now chairing the board of directors at Rosneft , who branded Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Andrij Melnyk a `` midget '' .
`` It 's despicable and low for a former chancellor of Germany but , as they say , 'live with the lame and you will limp . '
Schroeder 's comment is a warning to other Russian supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Russian money !
Meanwhile , we wo n't allow offending our envoy , '' Bodnar wrote on Facebook .
As reported earlier , Gerhard Schroeder started a podcast , and in its first episode insulted the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany , Andrij Melnyk , who earlier publicly criticized the former national top official for his calls on the EU to lift Russia sanctions .
Schroeder snapped , referring to Melnyk as `` midget '' from Ukraine .
This May , Ambassador Melnyk also came into a public spotlight when he publicly turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of World War 2 in Europe alongside the head of the Russian embassy .
`` Not even in my worst nightmare could I imagine laying wreaths alongside a representative of the country that has for more than six years been cynically waging a bloody war in eastern Ukraine , '' Melnyk said , asking the city hall for understanding .

Schroeder's comment is a warning to other Russia supporters in Europe: don't get involved with Russian money.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasyl Bodnar has commented on the recent statement by former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, now chairing the board of directors at Rosneft, who branded Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Andrij Melnyk a "midget".
"It's despicable and low for a former chancellor of Germany but, as they say, 'live with the lame and you will limp.' Schroeder's comment is a warning to other Russian supporters in Europe: don't get involved with Russian money! Meanwhile, we won't allow offending our envoy," Bodnar wrote on Facebook.
As reported earlier, Gerhard Schroeder started a podcast, and in its first episode insulted the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Andrij Melnyk, who earlier publicly criticized the former national top official for his calls on the EU to lift Russia sanctions.
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Read alsoU.S. mulling new sanctions against Nord Stream 2
Schroeder snapped, referring to Melnyk as "midget" from Ukraine.
This May, Ambassador Melnyk also came into a public spotlight when he publicly turned down Berlin mayor's invitation to mark the end of World War 2 in Europe alongside the head of the Russian embassy.
"Not even in my worst nightmare could I imagine laying wreaths alongside a representative of the country that has for more than six years been cynically waging a bloody war in eastern Ukraine," Melnyk said, asking the city hall for understanding.


unian--2020-05-27--Ukraine's hryvnia may strengthen to UAH 21 to U.S. dollar by year-end – expert

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Ukraine's hryvnia may strengthen to UAH 21 to U.S. dollar by year-end – expert
16:00, 27.05.20 44324
As soon as Ukraine gets money from the IMF, macroeconomic stability will be maintained, expert said.
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unian--2020-05-27--U.S. accuses Russia of sending jets to Libya

Russian military aircraft are likely to provide close air support and offensive fires for the Wagner Group PMC that is supporting the Libyan National Army 's fight , the report states .
The U.S. military has accused Russia of sending fighter jets to Libya to support Russian mercenaries there .
There was no immediate response from the Russian Defense Ministry to the U.S. Africa command ( Africom ) allegation , the BBC reports .
Earlier this month a leaked UN report spoke of hundreds of mercenaries from the shadowy Wagner Group operating in Libya .
Russia backs renegade Gen Khalifa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed the presence of Wagner mercenaries in Libya .
There have been many reports – though not from Russian officials – about Wagner deployments in Syria , eastern Ukraine and other hotspots , including the Central African Republic .
The Russian government denies any state involvement in the militant group .
According to the UN-recognized Government of National Accord ( GNA ) , more than 1,000 Wagner fighters fled an area south of Tripoli aboard Russian transport planes , having been pushed back by GNA troops .
The U.S. Africom statement on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighter aircraft to Libya in order to support Russian state-sponsored private military contractors ( PMCs ) operating on the ground there . ''
`` Russian military aircraft are likely to provide close air support and offensive fires for the Wagner Group PMC that is supporting the Libyan National Army 's fight , '' it said .
`` The Russian fighter aircraft arrived in Libya , from an airbase in Russia , after transiting Syria where it is assessed they were repainted to camouflage their Russian origin . ''
Turkey is supporting the GNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newspaper earlier reported that eight Russian MiG-29 and Su-24 warplanes had flown from Syria to Libya to help the LNA .
That report quoted GNA Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha .
U.S. Army Gen Stephen Townsend , commanding Africom , said : `` Russia is clearly trying to tip the scales in its favour in Libya ... using government-supported mercenary groups like Wagner '' .
`` We watched as Russia flew fourth generation jet fighters to Libya - every step of the way .
Neither the LNA nor private military companies can arm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support - support they are getting from Russia . ''

Russian military aircraft are likely to provide close air support and offensive fires for the Wagner Group PMC that is supporting the Libyan National Army's fight, the report states.
The U.S. military has accused Russia of sending fighter jets to Libya to support Russian mercenaries there.
There was no immediate response from the Russian Defense Ministry to the U.S. Africa command (Africom) allegation, the BBC reports.
Earlier this month a leaked UN report spoke of hundreds of mercenaries from the shadowy Wagner Group operating in Libya. Russia backs renegade Gen Khalifa Haftar's army.
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Russia has not confirmed the presence of Wagner mercenaries in Libya. There have been many reports – though not from Russian officials – about Wagner deployments in Syria, eastern Ukraine and other hotspots, including the Central African Republic.
The Russian government denies any state involvement in the militant group.
According to the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), more than 1,000 Wagner fighters fled an area south of Tripoli aboard Russian transport planes, having been pushed back by GNA troops.
The U.S. Africom statement on Tuesday said: "Moscow recently deployed military fighter aircraft to Libya in order to support Russian state-sponsored private military contractors (PMCs) operating on the ground there."
NEWS: Russia deploys military fighter aircraft to Libya
-----
"For too long, Russia has denied the full extent of its involvement in the ongoing Libyan conflict. Well, there is no denying it now." - Gen. Townsend
Release: https://t.co/HpLdwUJxcr
Photos: https://t.co/raTal1LKPapic.twitter.com/dVtsWKPYZ5 — US AFRICOM (@USAfricaCommand) May 26, 2020
"Russian military aircraft are likely to provide close air support and offensive fires for the Wagner Group PMC that is supporting the Libyan National Army's fight," it said.
"The Russian fighter aircraft arrived in Libya, from an airbase in Russia, after transiting Syria where it is assessed they were repainted to camouflage their Russian origin."
Read alsoErgodan says 2,000 Russian mercenaries deployed in Libya
Turkey is supporting the GNA in Tripoli, and Turkey's Sabah newspaper earlier reported that eight Russian MiG-29 and Su-24 warplanes had flown from Syria to Libya to help the LNA. That report quoted GNA Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha.
U.S. Army Gen Stephen Townsend, commanding Africom, said: "Russia is clearly trying to tip the scales in its favour in Libya... using government-supported mercenary groups like Wagner".
"We watched as Russia flew fourth generation jet fighters to Libya - every step of the way. Neither the LNA nor private military companies can arm, operate and sustain these fighters without state support - support they are getting from Russia."


unian--2020-05-28--Ukrainian MP puts forward corruption allegations against acting energy minister

Leros has submitted the relevant application to the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption .
Ukrainian Member of Parliament with the Servant of the People faction , Geo Leros , has come forward with public allegations against Ukraine 's acting Minister of Energy and Environmental Policy , Olha Buslavets , who he claims must be put on the list of registered corruption-related offenders .
`` The [ acting ] minister acted amid an actual conflict of interest , when on May 8 she directly issued in relation to the subdivision of [ Ukraine 's national nuclear energy generating company ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previously withdrawn subdivision where her son is employed , '' MP wrote on Facebook on May 28 .
Read alsoCrisis in energy sector : Ukrainian TPPs generate more energy than NPPs in spring , first time on record In particular , the acting minister 's son , Stanislav , is employed with Energoatom 's subdivision , the day-ahead market trade department .
So , the official , upon taking office , is making sure her son retains his job , the deputy claims .
The fact is that on February 23 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vitaliy Shubin , approved a new structure of Energoatom , of which its subdivision , Energoatom-Trading , is no longer part .
Having taken her post , Buslavets immediately attempted to save her son 's job as he can lose it as soon as Energoatom 's approved structure is implemented , '' he wrote .
That 's why absurd `` separate orders '' appear , where Buslavets instructs the Energoatom CEO to work with a number of his subordinates , including the acting minister 's son .
`` In terms of the rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of interest in the official 's actions .
So this is pure corruption , using one 's powers in own interests , '' he said .
Leros believes acting minister Buslavets is acting in the interests of oligarchs .
`` I consider actions by Buslavets as an [ acting ] minister as those being performed exclusively in the interests of the oligarchs .
Today Energoatom incurs a billion hryvnias in monthly losses .
Respectively , the profit is in the oligarchs ' hands .
Moreover , it 's not the ministers but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Akhmetov who are preparing a plan for saving the energy sector , '' the MP said .
MP added that `` the monopolist '' has planted an affiliated acting minister and now Ukraine is buying thermal and alternative energy ( generated by Akhmetov 's DTEK energy holding ) , destroying cheap nuclear power , while citizens are held hostages to the circumstances , unable to influence the process .
`` The [ acting ] minister , abusing her official position , is dealing with her son 's employment issues .
We ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put an end to this lawlessness , '' MP summed up .
Leros says he has submitted an application to the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption ( NAPC ) related to the private interest of Buslavets in the state-run enterprise Energoatom .

Ukrainian MP puts forward corruption allegations against acting energy minister
15:20, 28.05.20 2464
Leros has submitted the relevant application to the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption.
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unian--2020-05-28--Putin planned to launch large-scale offensive, split Ukraine "along the Dnipro River" by 2020, gener

Putin planned to launch large-scale offensive, split Ukraine "along the Dnipro River" by 2020, general claims

Another military escalation had allegedly been scheduled for this spring .
Former deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine , Lieutenant-General ( Reserve ) Ihor Romanenko has said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian army 's general staff , together with political and military analysts , have been trying throughout the past year to impose their rules of the game on Ukraine , employing diplomatic means .
They had been aiming to force Kyiv into signing agreements with the Kremlin puppet forces in Donbas that would be primarily in the Kremlin 's interests , he told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that diplomatic attempts yielded no effect , while the Kremlin also failed to exert sufficient economic pressure on Ukraine since the country is already almost independent of Russia in the matter of gas and oil supplies .
Therefore , the only option Putin had available was military escalation .
`` This had happened before , when Ukraine was coerced into signing treaties beneficial to Putin following acts of Russian armed aggression .
For example , it was the case in the aftermath of the Ilovaisk battles in August 2014 , where many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke the agreement on safe retreat of Ukrainian forces from the encirclement ] .
The situation was even worse after the battles of Debaltseve in February 2015 , '' he said .
That is why Putin was planning another military escalation in Ukraine for this spring to once again force Kyiv to make concessions .
Moscow would have put forward an ultimatum , Romanenko says , to pass all Russia-required laws within a week , threatening to develop the incursion if Ukraine resists .
For these purposes , Russians could invade and capture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond the currently occupied areas of Donbas .
`` Most likely , they could have divided our country along the Dnipro River to once again try to set up the so-called 'Novorossiya ' , '' the military expert said .
Had Russia gained new ground , they would have insisted during talks with the participation of the leaders of Ukraine , Russia , France and Germany that the Ukrainian side agree to the disengagement of forces .
The Kremlin planned to complete such a `` victorious march '' in Ukraine by the Victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dictate their conditions from a position of power .

Another military escalation had allegedly been scheduled for this spring.
Former deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant-General (Reserve) Ihor Romanenko has said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian army's general staff, together with political and military analysts, have been trying throughout the past year to impose their rules of the game on Ukraine, employing diplomatic means.
They had been aiming to force Kyiv into signing agreements with the Kremlin puppet forces in Donbas that would be primarily in the Kremlin's interests, he told the Ukrainian Fakty daily newspaper.
The general said that diplomatic attempts yielded no effect, while the Kremlin also failed to exert sufficient economic pressure on Ukraine since the country is already almost independent of Russia in the matter of gas and oil supplies.
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Therefore, the only option Putin had available was military escalation.
"This had happened before, when Ukraine was coerced into signing treaties beneficial to Putin following acts of Russian armed aggression. For example, it was the case in the aftermath of the Ilovaisk battles in August 2014, where many Ukrainian soldiers died [after Russian military broke the agreement on safe retreat of Ukrainian forces from the encirclement]. The situation was even worse after the battles of Debaltseve in February 2015," he said.
Read alsoZelensky explains why one-on-one meeting with Putin needed
That is why Putin was planning another military escalation in Ukraine for this spring to once again force Kyiv to make concessions.
Moscow would have put forward an ultimatum, Romanenko says, to pass all Russia-required laws within a week, threatening to develop the incursion if Ukraine resists.
For these purposes, Russians could invade and capture eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, beyond the currently occupied areas of Donbas.
"Most likely, they could have divided our country along the Dnipro River to once again try to set up the so-called 'Novorossiya'," the military expert said.
Had Russia gained new ground, they would have insisted during talks with the participation of the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany that the Ukrainian side agree to the disengagement of forces.
The Kremlin planned to complete such a "victorious march" in Ukraine by the Victory parade on May 9, and then to dictate their conditions from a position of power.


unian--2020-05-28--TCG to discuss lists for prisoner swap at next Minsk talks – Ukraine President's Office

However , the date and format of the next TCG meeting are yet to be reported .
The Trilateral Contact @ @ @ @ @ Donbas settlement ( Ukraine , Russia , OSCE ) will discuss the lists for the @ @ @ @ @ next meeting in Minsk .
`` In the framework of the humanitarian group , an @ @ @ @ @ the lists for the mutual release of held persons at the next meeting , '' @ @ @ @ @ Office of the President of Ukraine said , following a regular meeting of the TCG @ @ @ @ @ a video conference .
However , the date and format of the next TCG meeting @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN reported earlier , a mutual exchange of detainees between Ukraine and Russia-controlled parts of @ @ @ @ @ place in two stages on April 16 .
Twenty Ukrainians returned home .
On April @ @ @ @ @ Zelensky said talks on a new swap of prisoners with the Russian Federation were under @ @

However, the date and format of the next TCG meeting are yet to be reported.
The Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on Donbas settlement (Ukraine, Russia, OSCE) will discuss the lists for the mutual prisoner swap at the next meeting in Minsk.
"In the framework of the humanitarian group, an agreement was reached to discuss the lists for the mutual release of held persons at the next meeting," the press service of the Office of the President of Ukraine said, following a regular meeting of the TCG held in the format of a video conference.
Read alsoUkrainian troops in Donbas shoot down enemy UAV
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However, the date and format of the next TCG meeting are not reported.
As UNIAN reported earlier, a mutual exchange of detainees between Ukraine and Russia-controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions took place in two stages on April 16. Twenty Ukrainians returned home.
On April 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said talks on a new swap of prisoners with the Russian Federation were under way.


unian--2020-05-28--Every fourth Kyiv resident ready to choose among ruling party candidates for mayor's post – poll

According to experts , Oleksandr Tkachenko has a high potential to compete with Vitaliy Klitschko .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko is leading in the latest polls on candidates for the next mayoral elections , while candidate with the Servant of the People Party , Oleksandr Tkachenko , may become his main competitor .
Over 40 % of respondents are ready to vote for the incumbent mayor of Kyiv , according to a study by the Sociological Monitoring Center .
In turn , only a candidate from the Servant of the People Party may compete with Klitschko , the poll suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respondents are ready to vote for a mayoral candidate from the ruling party `` Servant of the People '' .
Some 42.5 % of respondents are ready to vote for Klitschko , 12.4 % could support Andriy Palchevskyi , 7.2 % - Oleksandr Tkachenko , and 6.8 % – showman Serhiy Prytula .
`` Not only has Klitschko a high rating , he also has an anti-rating .
According to the study , a strong candidate from the Servant of the People may compete in the second round .
But the presidential party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to select a strong candidate and start the fight for the mayor 's chair as soon as possible , '' said Director of the Sociological Monitoring Center Dmytro Dmytruk .
Read alsoOutrage as MP 's restaurant in Kyiv keeps working for VIPs amid quarantine – media According to experts , Tkachenko has a high potential to resist Klitschko .
`` He is showing good dynamics .
Kyiv residents take him more seriously than other potential candidates from the ruling party .
If Tkachenko starts a more pro-active campaign , if he 's supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has nice chances for the second round , '' Head of the Penta Center for Applied Political Research Volodymyr Fesenko said .
Regarding the positions of Palchevskyi , experts believe his current rating is temporary .
`` He started a PR campaign earlier .
A very pro-active campaign , but it will be over .
He is associated mainly with pro-Russian forces .
And now he is in second place , because the Servant of the People Party has n't actively started the campaign , '' Fesenko said .

According to experts, Oleksandr Tkachenko has a high potential to compete with Vitaliy Klitschko.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko is leading in the latest polls on candidates for the next mayoral elections, while candidate with the Servant of the People Party, Oleksandr Tkachenko, may become his main competitor.
Over 40% of respondents are ready to vote for the incumbent mayor of Kyiv, according to a study by the Sociological Monitoring Center.
In turn, only a candidate from the Servant of the People Party may compete with Klitschko, the poll suggests. A total of 26.5% of respondents are ready to vote for a mayoral candidate from the ruling party "Servant of the People".
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Some 42.5% of respondents are ready to vote for Klitschko, 12.4% could support Andriy Palchevskyi, 7.2% - Oleksandr Tkachenko, and 6.8% – showman Serhiy Prytula.
"Not only has Klitschko a high rating, he also has an anti-rating. According to the study, a strong candidate from the Servant of the People may compete in the second round. But the presidential party is hindered by uncertainty. They need to select a strong candidate and start the fight for the mayor's chair as soon as possible," said Director of the Sociological Monitoring Center Dmytro Dmytruk.
Read alsoOutrage as MP's restaurant in Kyiv keeps working for VIPs amid quarantine – media
According to experts, Tkachenko has a high potential to resist Klitschko.
"He is showing good dynamics. Kyiv residents take him more seriously than other potential candidates from the ruling party. If Tkachenko starts a more pro-active campaign, if he's supported by the party and president, he has nice chances for the second round," Head of the Penta Center for Applied Political Research Volodymyr Fesenko said.
Regarding the positions of Palchevskyi, experts believe his current rating is temporary.
"He started a PR campaign earlier. A very pro-active campaign, but it will be over. He is associated mainly with pro-Russian forces. And now he is in second place, because the Servant of the People Party hasn't actively started the campaign," Fesenko said.


unian--2020-05-28--Epidemiologist says Ukraine may face second wave of coronavirus

Despite the fact that quarantine is still in place , people stop wearing masks and gather in groups .
Head of the Epidemiology Department of Kharkiv Medical University Tetiana Chumachenko has said the second wave of coronavirus is possible in Ukraine after the easing of quarantine .
Speaking on Ukraine 24 TV channel , she said it depends on maintaining social distancing , crowds , as well as measures the government will choose to take .
`` We have the entire population sensitive to the virus , almost all people , with the exception of 20,000 who 've already been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person meets with someone who 's sensitive to the virus remains high .
It depends on maintaining social distancing , crowds , and measures the government will take .
The epidemic potential of the virus has n't subsided yet , the virus has found humans as hosts .
It feels real good , and we should n't expect that virulence will decrease .
The virulence will rise , which means the disease wo n't be gone , '' she said .
Read alsoNumber of Ukrainian border guards with COVID-19 grows to 43 According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on other countries that have opened their tourist season , which means there is a high probability of encountering new sources of infection and bringing it into the country .
The doctor said the main path of the virus spread is aerosol where a person exhales the pathogen when someone sneezes , coughs , talks , or screams .
`` The virus is released into the external environment and sees favorable conditions , so it 's able to penetrate a susceptible organism within three seconds .
If someone sneezes , it can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite the fact that quarantine continues , people stop wearing masks and gather in groups .
This is unacceptable , '' the doctor said .

Despite the fact that quarantine is still in place, people stop wearing masks and gather in groups.
Head of the Epidemiology Department of Kharkiv Medical University Tetiana Chumachenko has said the second wave of coronavirus is possible in Ukraine after the easing of quarantine.
Speaking on Ukraine 24 TV channel, she said it depends on maintaining social distancing, crowds, as well as measures the government will choose to take.
"We have the entire population sensitive to the virus, almost all people, with the exception of 20,000 who've already been ill. The likelihood that an infected person meets with someone who's sensitive to the virus remains high. It depends on maintaining social distancing, crowds, and measures the government will take. The epidemic potential of the virus hasn't subsided yet, the virus has found humans as hosts. It feels real good, and we shouldn't expect that virulence will decrease. The virulence will rise, which means the disease won't be gone," she said.
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Read alsoNumber of Ukrainian border guards with COVID-19 grows to 43
According to Chumachenko, the situation also depends on other countries that have opened their tourist season, which means there is a high probability of encountering new sources of infection and bringing it into the country. The doctor said the main path of the virus spread is aerosol where a person exhales the pathogen when someone sneezes, coughs, talks, or screams.
"The virus is released into the external environment and sees favorable conditions, so it's able to penetrate a susceptible organism within three seconds. If someone sneezes, it can be 3-5 meters, not just 1.5 m. Despite the fact that quarantine continues, people stop wearing masks and gather in groups. This is unacceptable," the doctor said.


unian--2020-05-28--Puppet "DPR" leader's Russian supervisor arrives in occupied Donetsk – media

Obviously , COVID-19 quarantine does n't apply to such figures , the publication notes .
A political strategist known as @ @ @ @ @ in the occupied city of Donetsk late last week , journalists have revealed .
He @ @ @ @ @ self-styled `` leader '' of the so-called `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` @ @ @ @ @ and monitoring his popular ratings , as reported by the Spektr online outlet with reference @ @ @ @ @ is noted Chaika had until 2016 been working in the occupation administration led by Alexander @ @ @ @ @ in a blast in the occupied Donetsk on August 31 , 2018 .

Obviously, COVID-19 quarantine doesn't apply to such figures, the publication notes.
A political strategist known as Dmitry Chaika arrived from Russia in the occupied city of Donetsk late last week, journalists have revealed.
He is tasked with supervising the self-styled "leader" of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR") Denis Pushilin and monitoring his popular ratings, as reported by the Spektr online outlet with reference to own sources.
Read alsoDonbas warlord's official residence address in Russia revealed – media
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It is noted Chaika had until 2016 been working in the occupation administration led by Alexander Zakharchenko.
Alexander Zakharchenko died in a blast in the occupied Donetsk on August 31, 2018.


unian--2020-05-28--Investment in Ukrainian agriculture shrinks by 35% in Q1

The largest decline in investment was recorded in the forestry and logging sectors .
Head of the Department of Investment and Logistics at the National Scientific Center `` Institute of Agrarian Economics '' Oleksandr Zakharchuk says the investment in agriculture , hunting and related services in January-March 2020 ( Q1 ) shrank by 35 % year-over-year ( y-o-y ) , to UAH 7 billion ( US $ 259.3 million ) .
`` A 35.3 % disinvestment in the agricultural sector of the economy over the three months of 2020 is one of the largest declines in investment in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in eastern Ukraine and the temporary loss [ as result of the Russian occupation ] of territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions , '' the Center 's press service quoted Zakharchuk as saying on May 28 .
Read alsoCapital investment in Ukrainian economy shrinks by 35.5 % in Q1 The largest decline in investment in the agricultural sector was recorded in forestry and logging , where investment decreased by 67.1 % to UAH 33.5 million ( US $ 1.2 million ) y-o-y .
`` Such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed by the government over the coronavirus pandemic .
However , the decline in investment occurred even earlier , in 2019 .
It is the result of the government 's inconsistent and imperfect investment policy in the agricultural sector , where the principles of residual allocation of budget funds for investment measures in agriculture dominate , '' he said .
Zakharchuk believes that the government should focus on implementing measures to increase the performance of agricultural enterprises and create an effective tool for state support of innovative and investment activities of agricultural producers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The expert noted that , total capital investment in the national economy over the period under review amounted to only UAH 76.9 billion ( US $ 2.8 billion ) , which was 29 % down from UAH 108.3 billion ( US $ 4 billion ) y-o-y , according to the State Statistics Service .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the government has fully preserved the amount of state support ( UAH 4 billion/US $ 148 million ) to farmers in 2020 after changes required to tackle the coronavirus spread in Ukraine had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In particular , the funds were earmarked for such key areas as livestock , farming , and gardening , as well as compensation for the price of agricultural machinery and interest on loans .

Investment in Ukrainian agriculture shrinks by 35% in Q1
12:40, 28.05.20 1643
The largest decline in investment was recorded in the forestry and logging sectors.
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unian--2020-05-28--Russia says sanction lift condition for ceasefire – spokesperson for Ukraine's mission to UN

According to Nikolenko , even if sanctions are theoretically lifted , Russia will not adhere to a ceasefire .
Spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN Oleg Nikolenko has said Russia announced at a meeting of the UN Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict that there would be no global ceasefire if sanctions remain in place .
`` In this regard we find highly relevant the Secretary-General 's Appeal for Global Ceasefire of March 23 , 2020 .
But this SG call will be incomplete without referencing to his appeal to waive sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to respond to the pandemic .
The same appeal was expressed by the High Commissioner on Human Rights who stressed that in the context of global pandemic the policy of impeding medical efforts in one country heightens the risk for all of us , '' Russia said in a statement posted by Nikolenko on Facebook .
Read alsoRussia disregards duty to ensure public health in occupied territories – Ukraine in UN '' Previously , we have only heard that sanctions hinder humanitarian assistance in fighting COVID-19 .
That did n't help , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practices – blackmail , '' the diplomat said .
In his opinion , the statement of the Russian Federation explains why violence continues in Ukraine , Syria , Libya and other places where Russia is a party to the conflict .
`` But we know very well that , even if the sanctions are theoretically lifted , there will be no ceasefire .
The Russians will always find a reason to pursue with their aggressive policy , '' Nikolenko said .

According to Nikolenko, even if sanctions are theoretically lifted, Russia will not adhere to a ceasefire.
Spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN Oleg Nikolenko has said Russia announced at a meeting of the UN Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict that there would be no global ceasefire if sanctions remain in place.
"In this regard we find highly relevant the Secretary-General's Appeal for Global Ceasefire of March 23, 2020. But this SG call will be incomplete without referencing to his appeal to waive sanctions, which can undermine countries' capacity to respond to the pandemic. The same appeal was expressed by the High Commissioner on Human Rights who stressed that in the context of global pandemic the policy of impeding medical efforts in one country heightens the risk for all of us," Russia said in a statement posted by Nikolenko on Facebook.
Read alsoRussia disregards duty to ensure public health in occupied territories – Ukraine in UN
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"Previously, we have only heard that sanctions hinder humanitarian assistance in fighting COVID-19. That didn't help, so they decided to return to the old practices – blackmail," the diplomat said.
In his opinion, the statement of the Russian Federation explains why violence continues in Ukraine, Syria, Libya and other places where Russia is a party to the conflict.
"But we know very well that, even if the sanctions are theoretically lifted, there will be no ceasefire. The Russians will always find a reason to pursue with their aggressive policy," Nikolenko said.


unian--2020-05-28--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 22,000 on May 28

Of them , 477 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 22,000 on Thursday morning .
`` According to the Public Health Center , there were 22,382 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on May 28 , '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on May 28 .
Of them , 477 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
Overall incidence per region : 947 cases in Vinnytsia region ; 851 in Volyn region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Donetsk region ; 673 in Zhytomyr region ; 1,124 in Zakarpattia region ; 425 in Zaporizhia region ; 1,339 in Ivano-Frankivsk region ; 495 in Kirovohrad region ; 2,793 in the city of Kyiv ; 1,517 in Kyiv region ; 1,513 in Lviv region ; 45 in Luhansk region ; 282 in Mykolayiv region ; 861 in Odesa region ; 268 in Poltava region ; 1,588 in Rivne region ; 166 in Sumy region ; 1,131 in Ternopil region ; 981 in Kharkiv region ; 177 in Kherson region ; 386 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 401 in Cherkasy region ; 140 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 May 28 , 2020 , the Center had received 1,110 reports of suspected cases .
In total , there have been 55,995 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths have already been recorded in the country .
Some 8,439 ( +444 ) patients have recovered .
As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 21,905 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of May 27 , including 658 COVID-19 deaths and 7,995 recoveries .
Some 321 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours .

Of them, 477 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 22,000 on Thursday morning.
"According to the Public Health Center, there were 22,382 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on May 28," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on May 28.
Of them, 477 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
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Overall incidence per region: 947 cases in Vinnytsia region; 851 in Volyn region; 920 in Dnipropetrovsk region; 158 in Donetsk region; 673 in Zhytomyr region; 1,124 in Zakarpattia region; 425 in Zaporizhia region; 1,339 in Ivano-Frankivsk region; 495 in Kirovohrad region; 2,793 in the city of Kyiv; 1,517 in Kyiv region; 1,513 in Lviv region; 45 in Luhansk region; 282 in Mykolayiv region; 861 in Odesa region; 268 in Poltava region; 1,588 in Rivne region; 166 in Sumy region; 1,131 in Ternopil region; 981 in Kharkiv region; 177 in Kherson region; 386 in Khmelnytsky region; 3,201 in Chernivtsi region; 401 in Cherkasy region; 140 in Chernihiv region.
Read alsoNumber of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia-occupied Crimea exceeds 500
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 May 28, 2020, the Center had received 1,110 reports of suspected cases. In total, there have been 55,995 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
A total of 669 (+11) COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country. Some 8,439 (+444) patients have recovered.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 21,905 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of May 27, including 658 COVID-19 deaths and 7,995 recoveries. Some 321 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-05-28--Ukraine's infrastructure minister elaborates on inland water transport bill

Ukraine has 4,000 km of potential inland waterways , while actually using less than 10 % of the river transport capacity .
Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii says the passing by Ukraine 's parliament of the bill on inland water transport will increase the volume of annual cargo traffic to 30 million tonnes within three to five years , bringing UAH 13 billion–UAH 16 billion ( US $ 481.5 billion–US $ 592.6 billion ) per year .
`` First , we expect that freight traffic grow from the current 12 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes a year after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That is , 2020 will be a preparatory year , but we 'll see a more rapid growth over the next two years , '' he said during an online press conference with Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine , Ambassador Matti Maasikas on May 27 .
`` Secondly , the development of shipbuilding will help create new jobs and attract Ukrainian and foreign investment .
Thirdly , the law will help reduce traffic on roads since transporting 1 million tonnes of goods via inland waterways in four years will reduce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion [ US $ 37 million ] as a pair of barges and a tug are able to transport as much cargo as 250 trucks , '' he said .
The minister also stressed that Ukraine has 4,000 km of potential inland waterways , while actually using less than 10 % of the river transport capacity .
Read alsoRada launches reform of river transportation : details of bill passed at first reading '' The adoption of the law on inland water transport will contribute to expanding access to the transport market and liberalizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the integration of the latter in the national and global network of companies in the supply chain .
This will also facilitate the creation of appropriate conditions for private investment in the reconstruction and construction of river port facilities , regulating inland water transport , using vessels , rivers and their fairways , ensuring the clear legal status of river ports and terminals , and inland water transport infrastructure , '' he added .
In turn , Matti Maasikas said that the Ukrainian river network has the potential to become the basis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added , reforms are needed to this end , and the adoption of a new law would be the first step toward this goal .
According to Maasikas , the European Commission in January 2019 launched the project related to promoting the transport development of the Dnipro River to support the Ukrainian authorities in reforming the inland waterways .
Now assistance is being provided in the development of a new law on inland water transport and by-laws , as well as in training and building-up the capacity of various state bodies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport , which are required for the sector to operate at a proper level .
Maasikas stressed that once legislation is adopted , Ukraine will receive more investment from Europe .
As UNIAN reported earlier , in 2019 , the volume of transportation along the Dnipro River increased by 19 % from 2018 , to 11.8 million tonnes .

Ukraine's infrastructure minister elaborates on inland water transport bill
11:40, 28.05.20 1411
Ukraine has 4,000 km of potential inland waterways, while actually using less than 10% of the river transport capacity.
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unian--2020-05-28--German court rules not to extradite ex-MP Onyshchenko to Ukraine

The court also canceled a warrant for Onyshchenko 's arrest .
The Higher Regional Court of Oldenburg in Germany has ruled not to extradite former Ukrainian Member of Parliament Oleksandr Onyshchenko who is wanted in Ukraine for alleged fraud and money laundering .
The ruling is based on the judges ' decision that it was not possible to establish whether Onyshchenko 's case in Ukraine was not politically motivated , according to Deutsche Welle 's Ukrainian Service .
What is more , the judges suggested that if Onyshchenko was extradited , Ukraine would not be able to ensure international law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Convention on Human Rights .
Therefore , they said his extradition was unacceptable .
The judges refer to a report by the Council of Europe , which includes materials collected in 2017-2018 on `` inhuman conditions of detention of prisoners [ in Ukraine ] , degrading human dignity . ''
The court also canceled a warrant for Onyshchenko 's arrest .
As UNIAN reported , agents of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) in December 2015 began a pretrial investigation into the theft of funds during the extraction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's joint operation agreements , as a result of which the state suffered losses amounting to about UAH 3 billion , or US $ 111.1 million .
Investigators established that from January 2013 to June 2016 , the suspects illegally seized UAH 1.6 billion ( US $ 59.3 million ) , received from gas sales , inflicting damage to Ukrgazvydobuvannya in the amount of over UAH 740 million ( US $ 27.4 million ) .
Detectives found that 29 persons had been involved in the crimes .
Seven of them , in particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Onyshchenko , were put on the wanted list .
The Verkhovna Rada deprived Onyshchenko of parliamentary immunity , and also voted for his detention and arrest .
But before that , using parliamentary immunity , he managed to flee Ukraine .
On November 14 , NABU chief Artem Sytnyk said Onyshchenko could be extradited from Spain to Ukraine as early as in December 2019 .
At the end of November , Onyshchenko announced that he was going to return to Kyiv on December 13 .
As evidence , he demonstrated a ticket for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv , which was scheduled for December 13 .
On November 29 , he was detained in Germany 's Aachen at the request of NABU and the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office ( SAPO ) .

The court also canceled a warrant for Onyshchenko's arrest.
The Higher Regional Court of Oldenburg in Germany has ruled not to extradite former Ukrainian Member of Parliament Oleksandr Onyshchenko who is wanted in Ukraine for alleged fraud and money laundering.
The ruling is based on the judges' decision that it was not possible to establish whether Onyshchenko's case in Ukraine was not politically motivated, according to Deutsche Welle's Ukrainian Service.
What is more, the judges suggested that if Onyshchenko was extradited, Ukraine would not be able to ensure international law regarding conditions in prisons, in particular the European Convention on Human Rights. Therefore, they said his extradition was unacceptable.
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The judges refer to a report by the Council of Europe, which includes materials collected in 2017-2018 on "inhuman conditions of detention of prisoners [in Ukraine], degrading human dignity."
The court also canceled a warrant for Onyshchenko's arrest.
Read alsoFugitive MP Onyshchenko detained in Germany – media
As UNIAN reported, agents of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) in December 2015 began a pretrial investigation into the theft of funds during the extraction and sale of natural gas under Ukrgazvydobuvannya's joint operation agreements, as a result of which the state suffered losses amounting to about UAH 3 billion, or US$111.1 million.
Investigators established that from January 2013 to June 2016, the suspects illegally seized UAH 1.6 billion (US$59.3 million), received from gas sales, inflicting damage to Ukrgazvydobuvannya in the amount of over UAH 740 million (US$27.4 million). Detectives found that 29 persons had been involved in the crimes. Seven of them, in particular, the organizer of the scheme, Onyshchenko, were put on the wanted list.
The Verkhovna Rada in summer 2016 deprived Onyshchenko of parliamentary immunity, and also voted for his detention and arrest. But before that, using parliamentary immunity, he managed to flee Ukraine.
On November 14, NABU chief Artem Sytnyk said Onyshchenko could be extradited from Spain to Ukraine as early as in December 2019.
At the end of November, Onyshchenko announced that he was going to return to Kyiv on December 13. As evidence, he demonstrated a ticket for a Ryanair economy flight from Barcelona to Kyiv, which was scheduled for December 13.
On November 29, he was detained in Germany's Aachen at the request of NABU and the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO).


unian--2020-05-28--Ukraine's central bank speaks of hryvnia's post-quarantine prospects

The regulator expects no significant demand for foreign currency .
After the quarantine is lifted , the demand for foreign currency will gradually recover , while the Ukrainian hryvnia will fluctuate in both directions depending on supply and demand on the interbank market , said Dmytro Solohub , Deputy Governor of the National Bank .
`` I do n't think everyone will wake up one day and rush to buy foreign currency simultaneously .
The economy will recover gradually , and so will demand , accordingly .
But weakening will also affect exports .
Therefore , the rate will fluctuate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and demand on the interbank market , '' Solohub said , according to liga.net .
Tracing the activity of exporters and importers in the foreign exchange market during a pandemic , it is obvious that the main industries have been quite pro-active in selling foreign currency in recent months , including both agricultural companies and industrial players like machine builders .
`` For example , Ukraine took advantage of the moment and increased the supply of sunflower oil , as some of our competitors imposed restrictions on the export of sunflower seeds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sellers of foreign currency .
As for demand , for example , travel companies have n't bought foreign currency since March , whereas in March-May 2019 they bought $ 200 million , '' Solohub said .
The deputy head of the National Bank also explained why the dollar began to strengthen in the second half of May for the first time in 1.5 months .
`` We 've been having a floating rate for five years now .
It 's a normal situation where it rises first , then falls , then rises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is market .
There 's no point in focusing on this , '' he said .
Solohub also named the reasons for the hryvnia revaluation in April and May .
`` There were different factors .
For example , seasonal ones .
Always , May 20 has been the date of Q1 income tax payment so companies would sell foreign currency for settlements .
There 's also quarantine , certainly .
We analyzed the market data from March to the first half of May , and it was clearly seen that many bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March hype .
Then they had to sell it , '' Solohub said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on May 21 , International Monetary Fund officials , headed by Ivana Vladkova-Hollar , held remote discussions with the Ukrainian authorities before reaching a staff-level agreement on a new 18-month stand-by program worth nearly $ 5 billion to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Read alsoUkraine 's hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.00 to U.S. dollar on May 28 The National Bank of Ukraine predicts receipt of the first IMF tranche worth $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
On Thursday , May 28 , the National Bank of Ukraine set the official hryvnia exchange rate against the U.S. dollar at UAH 27.00 , that is , the hryvnia has been sliding against the dollar for the third day in a row – this time by 10 kopiykas .

Ukraine's central bank speaks of hryvnia's post-quarantine prospects
11:00, 28.05.20 7048
The regulator expects no significant demand for foreign currency.
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unian--2020-05-28--Self-proclaimed republics in Donbas not to cancel "combat readiness"

This position was announced by Russia 's envoy to the TCG .
The two self-proclaimed republics in Donbas – the `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) and the `` Luhansk People 's Republic '' ( `` LPR '' ) – are not going to cancel the so-called `` combat readiness . ''
`` Steps must be taken to de-escalate , and Donbas insists on discussing and taking additional measures .
Before the additional measures are taken , it is difficult to talk about canceling the decisions of Donetsk and Luhansk on combat readiness , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group ( TCG ) Boris Gryzlov said following a TCG video conference on May 27 , the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported .
Read alsoUkraine 's leader unveils existence of Plan B and Plan C on Donbas The Russians accused the Ukrainian side of allegedly refusing to discuss additional measures to comply with the ceasefire in Ukraine 's east .
It became known on May 20 that the `` DPR '' and the `` LPR '' had placed their troops on combat alert .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to this statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Ukraine would call an emergency meeting of the TCG .

This position was announced by Russia's envoy to the TCG.
The two self-proclaimed republics in Donbas – the "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR") and the "Luhansk People's Republic" ("LPR") – are not going to cancel the so-called "combat readiness."
"Steps must be taken to de-escalate, and Donbas insists on discussing and taking additional measures. Before the additional measures are taken, it is difficult to talk about canceling the decisions of Donetsk and Luhansk on combat readiness," Russia's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Boris Gryzlov said following a TCG video conference on May 27, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported.
Read alsoUkraine's leader unveils existence of Plan B and Plan C on Donbas
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The Russians accused the Ukrainian side of allegedly refusing to discuss additional measures to comply with the ceasefire in Ukraine's east.
It became known on May 20 that the "DPR" and the "LPR" had placed their troops on combat alert. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to this statement during a recent press conference, saying that Ukraine would call an emergency meeting of the TCG.


unian--2020-05-28--Russia disregards duty to ensure public health in occupied territories – Ukraine in UN

Moscow is using the recent aggravation of the humanitarian situation as a smokescreen for further attacks on the rights and freedoms of Crimea residents .
As the party to the conflict , Russia persists in disregarding its duty of an occupying power under international humanitarian law to ensure and maintain public health of the population , Sergiy Kyslytsya , Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations , said , speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict on Wednesday .
Ukraine has become an example of consequences of violation by one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of norms and principles of international law , including international humanitarian law , Kyslytsya recalls .
`` For more than six years , the Russian aggression continues to take lives of civilians in my country .
This international armed conflict and the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as well as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol turned the subject of protection of civilians for my country from academic to a very practical and daily issue , '' he said .
In the context of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the state of protection of life and health of civilians in the temporarily occupied territories became more alarming and needs special attention of the international community .
Read alsoRussia issues over 200,000 passports to Ukrainians in Donbas – Ukraine 's envoy to UN As the party to the conflict , Russia persists in disregarding its duty of an occupying power under international humanitarian law to ensure and maintain public health of the population and uses the recent aggravation of the humanitarian situation as a smokescreen for further attacks on the rights and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic did not stop the Russian authorities from announcing conscription into the occupying army of the Russian Federation , which is a war crime .
In March 2020 , a decree by the Russian President to deprive Ukrainian citizens of a right to own land in Crimea became yet another uncouth demonstration of Moscow 's disregard for its responsibilities under international humanitarian law .
Moreover , for more than three years , the occupying power has been showing utmost disrespect for the International Court of Justice by ignoring its order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People .
Also , Russia continues to block proper and unhindered access of international monitoring missions , to the occupied territories .
In this situation , Ukraine demands that the Russian Federation `` ensure unhindered access there to Ukrainian competent authorities and medical staff and provide – on a constant basis – exhaustive information on the spread of coronavirus disease in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and on measures it undertakes to assist the population of these territories to cope with the pandemic . ''
`` Russia should make all efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the occupied territory to other areas and neighboring states , '' the Ukrainian Permanent Representative said .
As a party to core international instruments related to the protection of civilians , Ukraine constantly promotes and supports all efforts aimed at strengthening their implementation and advocate ensuring respect of human rights and international humanitarian law at both bilateral and multilateral forums , the diplomat stressed .
By contrast , the other party to the conflict – the Russian Federation – is ignoring the General Assembly resolutions and the OHCHR recommendations , `` practicing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international humanitarian law '' , according to the ambassador .

Moscow is using the recent aggravation of the humanitarian situation as a smokescreen for further attacks on the rights and freedoms of Crimea residents.
As the party to the conflict, Russia persists in disregarding its duty of an occupying power under international humanitarian law to ensure and maintain public health of the population, Sergiy Kyslytsya, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, said, speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict on Wednesday.
Ukraine has become an example of consequences of violation by one of the permanent members of the Security Council of norms and principles of international law, including international humanitarian law, Kyslytsya recalls.
"For more than six years, the Russian aggression continues to take lives of civilians in my country. This international armed conflict and the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as well as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol turned the subject of protection of civilians for my country from academic to a very practical and daily issue," he said.
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In the context of the spread of the acute respiratory disease COVID-19, the state of protection of life and health of civilians in the temporarily occupied territories became more alarming and needs special attention of the international community.
Read alsoRussia issues over 200,000 passports to Ukrainians in Donbas – Ukraine's envoy to UN
As the party to the conflict, Russia persists in disregarding its duty of an occupying power under international humanitarian law to ensure and maintain public health of the population and uses the recent aggravation of the humanitarian situation as a smokescreen for further attacks on the rights and freedoms of Crimea residents.
The spread of the pandemic did not stop the Russian authorities from announcing conscription into the occupying army of the Russian Federation, which is a war crime. In March 2020, a decree by the Russian President to deprive Ukrainian citizens of a right to own land in Crimea became yet another uncouth demonstration of Moscow's disregard for its responsibilities under international humanitarian law.
Moreover, for more than three years, the occupying power has been showing utmost disrespect for the International Court of Justice by ignoring its order to restore the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People. Also, Russia continues to block proper and unhindered access of international monitoring missions, to the occupied territories.
In this situation, Ukraine demands that the Russian Federation "ensure unhindered access there to Ukrainian competent authorities and medical staff and provide – on a constant basis – exhaustive information on the spread of coronavirus disease in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and on measures it undertakes to assist the population of these territories to cope with the pandemic."
"Russia should make all efforts to prevent the spreading of the COVID-19 from the occupied territory to other areas and neighboring states," the Ukrainian Permanent Representative said.
As a party to core international instruments related to the protection of civilians, Ukraine constantly promotes and supports all efforts aimed at strengthening their implementation and advocate ensuring respect of human rights and international humanitarian law at both bilateral and multilateral forums, the diplomat stressed.
Read alsoMFA Ukraine calls on int'l community to jointly debunk Russian propaganda myths
By contrast, the other party to the conflict – the Russian Federation – is ignoring the General Assembly resolutions and the OHCHR recommendations, "practicing a 'cherry-picking' approach to the obligations under international humanitarian law", according to the ambassador.


unian--2020-05-28--Pentagon moves to provide additional military aid to Ukraine, citing progress on reforms – CNN

The package is the second half of the $ 250 million in Ukraine Security Assistance that was appropriated by Congress in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act .
The Pentagon has notified Congress that Ukraine 's government has made the necessary progress on key institutional reforms , thereby justifying an additional $ 125 million in new military assistance , including patrol boats armed with remote-controlled 30mm autocannons , according to a U.S. defense official and a congressional aide .
That certification that Kyiv was making progress in countering corruption , improving transparency and boosting civilian oversight was required by law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CNN reported .
The package is the second half of the $ 250 million in Ukraine Security Assistance that was appropriated by Congress in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act .
Read alsoIMF , Ukraine reach staff level agreement on new SBA over COVID-19 pandemic A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment Wednesday on the assistance , citing a department policy of not commenting on arms packages that are under congressional review .
The new assistance package includes mobile radar systems designed to detect and track incoming artillery and rocket fire , dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 100 `` tactical tablets '' and the two patrol boats , the latter of which is seen as particularly important given Ukraine 's tensions with Russia in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on January 14 , Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Volodymyr Yelchenko said the United States may provide Ukraine with up to US $ 700 million in aid in 2020 .

The package is the second half of the $250 million in Ukraine Security Assistance that was appropriated by Congress in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.
The Pentagon has notified Congress that Ukraine's government has made the necessary progress on key institutional reforms, thereby justifying an additional $125 million in new military assistance, including patrol boats armed with remote-controlled 30mm autocannons, according to a U.S. defense official and a congressional aide.
That certification that Kyiv was making progress in countering corruption, improving transparency and boosting civilian oversight was required by law to permit the assistance package moving forward, CNN reported.
The package is the second half of the $250 million in Ukraine Security Assistance that was appropriated by Congress in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.
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Read alsoIMF, Ukraine reach staff level agreement on new SBA over COVID-19 pandemic
A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment Wednesday on the assistance, citing a department policy of not commenting on arms packages that are under congressional review.
The new assistance package includes mobile radar systems designed to detect and track incoming artillery and rocket fire, dozens of ambulances, secure communications equipment, including 100 "tactical tablets" and the two patrol boats, the latter of which is seen as particularly important given Ukraine's tensions with Russia in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on January 14, Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Volodymyr Yelchenko said the United States may provide Ukraine with up to US$700 million in aid in 2020.


unian--2020-05-28--Ukraine's hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.00 to U.S. dollar on May 28

The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 29.72 per euro .
The National Bank @ @ @ @ @ on May 27 set the official forex rate of the hryvnia for Thursday , May @ @ @ @ @ to the U.S. dollar , which made the country 's national currency weaken by 10 @ @ @ @ @ been weakening for the third consecutive day .
The official forex rate against the euro @ @ @ @ @ UAH 29.72 per euro – the hryvnia has lost 21 kopiykas in value since Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ bank forecasts economy will shrink by 6-7 % in 2020 By 16:00 Kyiv time on @ @ @ @ @ against the dollar on the interbank forex market settled at UAH 26.95/26.98 to the dollar @ @ @ @ @ euro were at UAH 29.68/29.71 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the National Bank set @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , May 27 , at UAH 26.90 to the U.S. dollar , which made @ @ @ @ @ weaken by three kopiykas .

Ukraine's hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.00 to U.S. dollar on May 28
09:40, 28.05.20 2975
The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 29.72 per euro.
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unian--2020-05-28--Ukrainian troops in Donbas shoot down enemy UAV

Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Novotroyitske , Shyrokyne , Starohnativka , Luhanske , Krymske , and @ @ @ @ @ military forces on May 27 mounted seven attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern @ @ @ @ @ Federation 's armed formations violated the ceasefire seven times in the past day , '' @ @ @ @ @ 's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on @ @ @ @ @ Russia-led forces opened fire , employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of @ @ @ @ @ .
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Novotroyitske , Shyrokyne , Starohnativka @ @ @ @ @ and Novoluhanske .
Ukrainian defenders spotted an enemy UAV near the town of Maryinka .
@ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian military brought it down .
The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 @ @ @ @ @ May 28 .
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops over the period under review @

Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Novotroyitske, Shyrokyne, Starohnativka, Luhanske, Krymske, and Novoluhanske.
Russia's hybrid military forces on May 27 mounted seven attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
"The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire seven times in the past day," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 28, 2020.
Russia-led forces opened fire, employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, and rifles.
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Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Novotroyitske, Shyrokyne, Starohnativka, Luhanske, Krymske, and Novoluhanske.
Read alsoDonbas warlord's official residence address in Russia revealed – media
Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling.
Ukrainian defenders spotted an enemy UAV near the town of Maryinka. Using non-proscribed weapons, the Ukrainian military brought it down.
The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on May 28.
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops over the period under review.


unian--2020-05-28--Merkel speaks for keeping Russia sanctions in place

Economic restrictions have been imposed over Russia 's aggression against Ukraine .
The EU sanction policy toward Russia must be preserved , German Chancellor Angela Merkel said , speaking at the event organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation .
At the same time , she added that new impulses must be provided to the dialogue between the European Union and Moscow , ZN.ua reports .
`` Russia has repeatedly violated this canon of rules and values , Russia created a number of unresolved conflicts in our immediate neighborhood , annexed the Crimean peninsula in violation of international law .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine and meddles in Western democracies using hybrid instruments , '' Merkel said .
Violations of the fundamental rules of international law must be named by their actual names , the German chancellor stressed .
Therefore , the policy of sanctions will be maintained until progress is seen in settling the conflict in Ukraine 's Donbas .
`` If there is no progress in the Minsk process , we will need to keep the sanctions .
On the other hand , the EU presidency gives us the opportunity to provide new impetus to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As UNIAN reported earlier , the U.S. is mulling new sanctions against Nord Stream-2 , while the outgoing ambassador suggested that Germany should `` stop feeding the beast '' .

Economic restrictions have been imposed over Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
The EU sanction policy toward Russia must be preserved, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, speaking at the event organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
At the same time, she added that new impulses must be provided to the dialogue between the European Union and Moscow, ZN.ua reports.
"Russia has repeatedly violated this canon of rules and values, Russia created a number of unresolved conflicts in our immediate neighborhood, annexed the Crimean peninsula in violation of international law. It supports puppet regimes in parts of eastern Ukraine and meddles in Western democracies using hybrid instruments," Merkel said.
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Violations of the fundamental rules of international law must be named by their actual names, the German chancellor stressed.
Read alsoGermany ex-chancellor's insult of Ukrainian envoy "despicable" – deputy foreign minister
Therefore, the policy of sanctions will be maintained until progress is seen in settling the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas.
"If there is no progress in the Minsk process, we will need to keep the sanctions. On the other hand, the EU presidency gives us the opportunity to provide new impetus to our relations," said Merkel.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the U.S. is mulling new sanctions against Nord Stream-2, while the outgoing ambassador suggested that Germany should "stop feeding the beast".


unian--2020-05-29--Ukraine reopening 66 checkpoints on its border with EU, Moldova

Checkpoints on the border with Belarus and Russia remain temporarily closed .
Ukraine is reopening 66 checkpoints on its border @ @ @ @ @ Union member states and Moldova .
This is stipulated in relevant amendments to a Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ according to Ukraine 's State Border Service .
`` Sixty-six checkpoints on the Ukrainian side @ @ @ @ @ resuming their work from 00:00 Kyiv time on May 29 , 2020 , '' it @ @ @ @ @ Border Service of Ukraine has informed the neighboring countries , in particular EU member states @ @ @ @ @ , about the re-launch of the checkpoints on the Ukrainian side , as the list @ @ @ @ @ to resume their work does not include those on the sections of the state border @ @ @ @ @ Federation , '' the agency said .
Meanwhile , the entry-exit checkpoints along the contact @ @ @ @ @ regions remain closed until June 22 inclusive .

Ukraine reopening 66 checkpoints on its border with EU, Moldova
02:40, 29.05.20 7197
Checkpoints on the border with Belarus and Russia remain temporarily closed.
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unian--2020-05-29--Ukraine's chief banker: Most of problems on labor market unrelated to COVID-19

The second cause is low productivity .
Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) Yakiv Smolii says that most of the problems on the country 's labor market are not related to the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) crisis .
`` Most of the problems in the Ukrainian labor market are not related to COVID-19 .
First , one of the systemic problems of the Ukrainian economy has for years been the mismatch between job seeker skills and employer requirements , '' he said during the annual research conference of the National Bank of Ukraine and Narodowy Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year , a third of companies cited labor shortages as being one of the key factors limiting production , according to business surveys .
This partially explains why unemployment in 2019 was quite high despite significant demand for labor from businesses , '' he said .
The second cause is low productivity .
`` Despite having grown over the past 15 years , productivity is still too low .
Ukraine is below the top one hundred countries in an ILO [ International Labour Organization ] ranking of countries by productivity .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower not only compared to EU member states , but also relative to several former Soviet countries , '' he said .
The third cause is a reduction in the population and aging .
`` Ukraine ranks 12th in the world in terms of population decline , according to World Bank data .
Overall , Ukraine has 11 pensioners per 10 employees .
As a result , the Pension Fund needs constant additional contributions from the state budget .
This diverts public funds from being spent on investment and education , and weighs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workload on employed individuals further increases the already elevated levels of informal employment .
In 2019 , one in five workers in Ukraine was employed informally , '' he said .
The fourth factor is labor migration .
`` About three million Ukrainians work abroad .
Some of them are seasonal workers .
Last year , an average of approximately 2.5 million citizens [ of Ukraine ] were abroad at a given point in time , according to NBU estimates .
For us , this presents a double challenge .
Not only does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of labor resources and labor productivity in Ukraine , but also it makes our economy heavily dependent on remittances , '' he said .
Ukraine ranks 12th globally in terms of total incoming remittances and is in the top 15 countries by the remittances to GDP ratio ( not counting island states ) .
The fifth factor is low labor force participation .
`` In particular , the labor force participation of women in Ukraine is insufficient compared to Europe .
While the labor force participation of men in the population aged 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of women is 49 % .
This is due to difficulties with accessing childcare services , and the low availability of part-time employment .
In its turn , low labor force participation puts a drag on potential GDP growth , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the NBU forecasts that unemployment in Ukraine in the second quarter of 2020 will grow to 11.5 % .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal previously said that the number of the officially registered unemployed in Ukraine soared by almost 10 times compared with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine .

The second cause is low productivity.
Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Yakiv Smolii says that most of the problems on the country's labor market are not related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
"Most of the problems in the Ukrainian labor market are not related to COVID-19. First, one of the systemic problems of the Ukrainian economy has for years been the mismatch between job seeker skills and employer requirements," he said during the annual research conference of the National Bank of Ukraine and Narodowy Bank Polski on May 28.
"Late last year, a third of companies cited labor shortages as being one of the key factors limiting production, according to business surveys. This partially explains why unemployment in 2019 was quite high despite significant demand for labor from businesses," he said.
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Read alsoNBU forecasts unemployment peak in Ukraine in Q2
The second cause is low productivity. "Despite having grown over the past 15 years, productivity is still too low. Ukraine is below the top one hundred countries in an ILO [International Labour Organization] ranking of countries by productivity. In 2019, labor productivity in Ukraine was lower not only compared to EU member states, but also relative to several former Soviet countries," he said.
The third cause is a reduction in the population and aging. "Ukraine ranks 12th in the world in terms of population decline, according to World Bank data. Overall, Ukraine has 11 pensioners per 10 employees. As a result, the Pension Fund needs constant additional contributions from the state budget. This diverts public funds from being spent on investment and education, and weighs on potential GDP growth. The high workload on employed individuals further increases the already elevated levels of informal employment. In 2019, one in five workers in Ukraine was employed informally," he said.
The fourth factor is labor migration. "About three million Ukrainians work abroad. Some of them are seasonal workers. Last year, an average of approximately 2.5 million citizens [of Ukraine] were abroad at a given point in time, according to NBU estimates. For us, this presents a double challenge. Not only does labor migration affect the quantity and quality of labor resources and labor productivity in Ukraine, but also it makes our economy heavily dependent on remittances," he said. Ukraine ranks 12th globally in terms of total incoming remittances and is in the top 15 countries by the remittances to GDP ratio (not counting island states).
The fifth factor is low labor force participation. "In particular, the labor force participation of women in Ukraine is insufficient compared to Europe. While the labor force participation of men in the population aged 15 and older is 65%, that of women is 49%. This is due to difficulties with accessing childcare services, and the low availability of part-time employment. In its turn, low labor force participation puts a drag on potential GDP growth," he said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the NBU forecasts that unemployment in Ukraine in the second quarter of 2020 will grow to 11.5%.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal previously said that the number of the officially registered unemployed in Ukraine soared by almost 10 times compared with the figure before the introduction of the nationwide quarantine.