unian--2020-07-23--Lutsk terrorist remanded in custody for 60 days without right to post bail

The suspect has decided not to appeal against the court 's ruling .
Maksym Kryvosh , a terrorist who took 13 bus passengers hostage in the city of Lutsk , has been remanded in custody for 60 days without the right to post bail .
The ruling was taken by a Lutsk court , which satisfied a motion filed by prosecutors , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
`` A preventive measure in the form of detention for 60 days since his actual arrest , that is , until September 18 , should be applied to Maksym Kryvosh , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lutsk 's City District Court Lyudmyla Prysiazhnyuk said the motion to remand Kryvosh in custody had been filed by an investigator from the Investigation Department of the SBU branch in Volyn region .
Kryvosh 's lawyer told reporters that an appeal against the court 's decision would not be filed , as was decided by his client .
Being present in the courtroom , Kryvosh called the seizure of the hostages a performance .
He denied reports that the hostage situation had allegedly been staged .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Kryvosh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in Lutsk on the morning of July 21 .
The hostages were freed almost 10 hours after .
The hostage situation ended without casualties after President Volodymyr Zelensky had spoken with the hostage-taker by phone and agreed to one of his demands .
Police said Kryvosh ranted against `` the system '' in his negotiations , called the country 's oligarchs and officials `` terrorists , '' and demanded that people watch the 2005 documentary film 'Earthlings ' about the suffering endured by animals at farms , research labs , and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a short video on Facebook recommending that people watch the documentary .
The video was deleted after Kryvosh 's capture .

The suspect has decided not to appeal against the court's ruling.
Maksym Kryvosh, a terrorist who took 13 bus passengers hostage in the city of Lutsk, has been remanded in custody for 60 days without the right to post bail.
The ruling was taken by a Lutsk court, which satisfied a motion filed by prosecutors, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoSpox explains Zelensky's move to join negotiations with hostage-taker
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"A preventive measure in the form of detention for 60 days since his actual arrest, that is, until September 18, should be applied to Maksym Kryvosh," the court ruling says.
Judge of Lutsk's City District Court Lyudmyla Prysiazhnyuk said the motion to remand Kryvosh in custody had been filed by an investigator from the Investigation Department of the SBU branch in Volyn region.
Kryvosh's lawyer told reporters that an appeal against the court's decision would not be filed, as was decided by his client.
Being present in the courtroom, Kryvosh called the seizure of the hostages a performance. He denied reports that the hostage situation had allegedly been staged.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Kryvosh, 44, seized a bus with 13 people in Lutsk on the morning of July 21. The hostages were freed 12 hours after. The hostage situation ended without casualties after President Volodymyr Zelensky had spoken with the hostage-taker by phone and agreed to one of his demands.
Police said Kryvosh ranted against "the system" in his negotiations, called the country's oligarchs and officials "terrorists," and demanded that people watch the 2005 documentary film 'Earthlings' about the suffering endured by animals at farms, research labs, and other locations. In response, Zelensky posted a short video on Facebook recommending that people watch the documentary. The video was deleted after Kryvosh's capture.


unian--2020-07-23--Man armed with grenade frees Ukrainian police hostage, runs to forest – media

It was the second hostage-taking in Ukraine in three days .
An armed man , who took a senior policeman hostage in the central Ukrainian city of Poltava on Thursday and drove off with him , has abandoned both the car and the officer and run into a forest , the police said .
It was the second hostage-taking in Ukraine in three days , Reuters said .
On Tuesday , an armed man held 13 people captive on a bus for hours before releasing them .
Police were trying to arrest a man suspected of car theft when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kill one of the officers , Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said on Facebook .
After negotiations , the man exchanged the police officer for police colonel Vitaliy Shyyan and drove off with him in a car provided by police .
Gerashechenko and local authorities say police allowed the man to leave the town `` for the safety of citizens . ''
`` The intruder left the car in the middle of the road and ran to the forest .
A special operation to detain a dangerous armed criminal is underway .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the police said on Facebook .
The hostage-taker was identified as Roman Skrypnyk , 32 , according to Ukraine 's Interior Ministry .
He has a criminal record ( theft , fraud , production and distribution of drugs ) .

It was the second hostage-taking in Ukraine in three days.
An armed man, who took a senior policeman hostage in the central Ukrainian city of Poltava on Thursday and drove off with him, has abandoned both the car and the officer and run into a forest, the police said.
It was the second hostage-taking in Ukraine in three days, Reuters said.
On Tuesday, an armed man held 13 people captive on a bus for hours before releasing them.
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Read alsoGrenade-wielding suspect takes cop hostage in Ukraine's Poltava (Photo)
Police were trying to arrest a man suspected of car theft when he took out a grenade and threatened to kill one of the officers, Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said on Facebook.
After negotiations, the man exchanged the police officer for police colonel Vitaliy Shyyan and drove off with him in a car provided by police.
Gerashechenko and local authorities say police allowed the man to leave the town "for the safety of citizens."
"The intruder left the car in the middle of the road and ran to the forest. A special operation to detain a dangerous armed criminal is underway. The hostage was released. He is unharmed," the police said on Facebook.
The hostage-taker was identified as Roman Skrypnyk, 32, according to Ukraine's Interior Ministry. He has a criminal record (theft, fraud, production and distribution of drugs).


unian--2020-07-23--Kyiv's Dnipro Hotel to be transformed into e-sports hotel

The hotel will have training areas , an e-sports scene , special rooms for professional players , as well as the world 's best players ' lounge .
Founder of the Natus Vincere e-sports organization , Oleksandr Kokhanovsky , says Dnipro Hotel located in the heart of Kyiv will be transformed into an e-sports venue .
`` The winner of the auction related to the sale of Dnipro Hotel is represented by Ukrainian IT professionals rather than Russian oligarchs .
We 'll turn it into the world 's first-ever hotel fully designed to host e-sports events .
There will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special rooms for professional players , as well as the world 's best players ' lounge , '' he wrote on Facebook on July 23 .
Kokhanovsky says he planned to present the project in September , but due to the recent hype on the Internet about the hotel 's acquisition he decided to make the announcement earlier .
Kokhanovsky stressed that the renovated Dnipro Hotel would be part of a project to consolidate Ukraine in the global e-sports arena .
`` I 've been representing Ukraine in e-sports world for all my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market with great opportunities for our country 's economy .
So it 's time to present Ukraine to this world , '' he added .

The hotel will have training areas, an e-sports scene, special rooms for professional players, as well as the world's best players' lounge.
Founder of the Natus Vincere e-sports organization, Oleksandr Kokhanovsky, says Dnipro Hotel located in the heart of Kyiv will be transformed into an e-sports venue.
"The winner of the auction related to the sale of Dnipro Hotel is represented by Ukrainian IT professionals rather than Russian oligarchs. We'll turn it into the world's first-ever hotel fully designed to host e-sports events. There will be training areas, an e-sports arena, special rooms for professional players, as well as the world's best players' lounge," he wrote on Facebook on July 23.
Kokhanovsky says he planned to present the project in September, but due to the recent hype on the Internet about the hotel's acquisition he decided to make the announcement earlier.
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Read alsoKyiv's Dnipro Hotel sold for US$41 mln – SPF
Kokhanovsky stressed that the renovated Dnipro Hotel would be part of a project to consolidate Ukraine in the global e-sports arena.
"I've been representing Ukraine in e-sports world for all my life. This is a huge global market with great opportunities for our country's economy. So it's time to present Ukraine to this world," he added.


unian--2020-07-24--Real estate prices grow in Ukraine in Jan-June 2020

One-room apartments have risen most in the secondary market , or by 12.9 % .
Apartments on the secondary market in January-June 2020 rose in price by 9.5 % year-over-year ( y-o-y ) , while on the primary market they were up 6.9 % .
One-room apartments have risen most onthe secondary market , by 12.9 % .
Two-room apartments became 9.8 % more expensive , while prices of three-room apartments went up by 6.4 % , as reported by the State Statistics Service of Ukraine .
As for the cost of apartments on the primary market in H1 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ y-o-y .
Read alsoUkraine 's PM : It 's already possible to talk about mortgage at 10 % Three-room apartments have risen in price most , or by 7.6 % .
One-room apartments cost 7.4 % more , and three-room apartments went up in price by 6 % .
The data were provided without taking into account the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , Sevastopol and part of the Anti-Terrorist Operation zone .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's housing stock grew by 0.9 % from January 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and amounted to 993.3 million square meters of total area .

Real estate prices grow in Ukraine in Jan-June 2020
16:20, 24.07.20 5384
One-room apartments have risen most in the secondary market, or by 12.9%.
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unian--2020-07-24--European Commission's macro-financial assistance not to affect hryvnia rate – PM

The loan is divided into two tranches , EUR 600 million each .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says a EUR 1.2 billion disbursement for Ukraine provided by the European Commission under a macro-financial assistance ( MFA ) program will not affect the rate of the hryvnia , Ukraine 's national currency , against the U.S. dollar in any way .
`` The allocation of macro-financial assistance , based on the memorandum signed today , will not affect the rate of [ the hryvnia against ] the U.S. dollar in any way .
The situation remains stable , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Brussels on July 23 .
According to Shmyhal , the loan is divided into two tranches of EUR 600 million each .
The first disbursement is unconditional .
It will be provided after the ratification of the memorandum by the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament .
The second one will be allocated after the implementation of reforms that the government plans to complete this year or in early 2021 .
Funds of the macro-financial assistance will be channeled into the national budget to help Ukraine overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The program is designed for 12 months .
The loan is issued for 14.5 years , which is extremely attractive conditions for Ukraine .
This will reduce the burden of paying off foreign debts and support [ the country ] in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic , '' Shmyhal said .
Ukraine and the European Commission on July 23 , 2020 , signed a Memorandum and a Loan Agreement during a working visit to Brussels of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal , Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko , and newly appointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( NBU ) Kyrylo Shevchenko .
According to Shmyhal , a EUR 1.2 billion disbursement for Ukraine is the largest one provided by the European Commission under a macro-financial assistance ( MFA ) program that is exceptional in nature and is envisaged for 10 countries to overcome the negative consequences of the pandemic .
The prime minister stressed that the Cabinet had no plans to hold a dialogue with the National Bank on the additional issue of the national currency .

European Commission's macro-financial assistance not to affect hryvnia rate – PM
16:00, 24.07.20 1870
The loan is divided into two tranches, EUR 600 million each.
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unian--2020-07-24--Ukraine may boost fines for domestic violence by magnitudes

Currently , the maximum fine is UAH 680 .
Ukraine may increase fines for domestic violence by hundreds of times .
Relevant bill No .
3908 has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine , the RBC Ukraine news agency reports .
Currently , the first-time offense provides for a fine from UAH 170 ( US $ 6.1 ) to UAH 340 ( US $ 12.2 ) , while the offense repeated within a year will result in fine ranging from UAH 340 to UAH 680 ( US $ 24.4 ) .
`` Due to the ongoing inflationary processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recent years , such fines have lost their protective and punitive functions and are no longer effective means of deterring violators , '' the explanatory note says .
The draft legislation proposes to increase the fine for domestic violence , gender-based violence , i.e .
deliberate action ( or inaction ) of physical , psychological or economic nature ( the use of violence that did not entail bodily harm , threat , insult or harassment , deprivation of accommodation , food , clothing , other property or means to which the victim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
, as a result of which harm could be or was caused to the victim 's physical or mental health .
Its size is proposed to be set at the level of 1,000-2,000 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens , i.e .
UAH 17,000-34,000 ( US $ 610-1,220 ) .
In addition , for repeated violations within 12 months , the bill provides for a fine worth 2,000-4,000 such minimums , i.e .
UAH 34,000-68,000 ( US $ 1,220-2,440 ) .

Currently, the maximum fine is UAH 680.
Ukraine may increase fines for domestic violence by hundreds of times.
Relevant bill No. 3908 has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the RBC Ukraine news agency reports.
Currently, the first-time offense provides for a fine from UAH 170 (US$6.1) to UAH 340 (US$12.2), while the offense repeated within a year will result in fine ranging from UAH 340 to UAH 680 (US$24.4).
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"Due to the ongoing inflationary processes in the country and hryvnia depreciation over the recent years, such fines have lost their protective and punitive functions and are no longer effective means of deterring violators," the explanatory note says.
Read alsoQuarantine compounds Ukraine's domestic violence problem – Euronews
The draft legislation proposes to increase the fine for domestic violence, gender-based violence, i.e. deliberate action (or inaction) of physical, psychological or economic nature (the use of violence that did not entail bodily harm, threat, insult or harassment, deprivation of accommodation, food, clothing, other property or means to which the victim has rights provided by law, etc.), as a result of which harm could be or was caused to the victim's physical or mental health. Its size is proposed to be set at the level of 1,000-2,000 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens, i.e. UAH 17,000-34,000 (US$610-1,220).
In addition, for repeated violations within 12 months, the bill provides for a fine worth 2,000-4,000 such minimums, i.e. UAH 34,000-68,000 (US$1,220-2,440).


unian--2020-07-24--SBU suspects ex-chief of defense company of inflicting US$179,340 in damage

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SBU suspects ex-chief of defense company of inflicting US$179,340 in damage
15:20, 24.07.20 1922
The enterprise earlier received funding from Ukraine's Defense Ministry to purchase a batch of small arms from Western partners.
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unian--2020-07-24--Def. Ministry reveals opportunities for Ukraine as NATO's Enhanced Opportunities Partner

Ukraine officials will be able to hold positions at NATO Headquarters and command structures .
The Defense Ministry has elaborated on the range of opportunities provided to Ukraine after it gained the status of NATO 's Enhanced Opportunities Partner ( EOP ) .
Speaking at a press conference on Friday , the officer of the Main Directorate for military cooperation and verification of the Armed Forces of Ukraine , Captain Yulia Schukina , said Ukraine will be able to participate in the planning of NATO operations and gain access to all NATO exercises , which will allow access to best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assets .
Besides , Ukraine officials will be able to hold positions at NATO Headquarters and command structures .
According to Schukina , participation in the EOP also provides for the deepening of cooperation to maintain security in the Black Sea .
Read alsoMeeting of NATO-Ukraine Commission focuses on reforms , developments in Donbas '' The program also provides joint counteraction to cyber threats , international terrorism , and organized crime .
Another advantage that is relevant in terms of combating current challenges and threats is the admission of representatives of the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercises and the expansion of opportunities to participate in training activities on this topic , '' she said .
The spokesperson stressed that the list of benefits is not exhaustive .
NATO may offer additional opportunities to each individual EOP member state , depending on national needs .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the North Atlantic Council on June 12 recognized Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner .

Ukraine officials will be able to hold positions at NATO Headquarters and command structures.
The Defense Ministry has elaborated on the range of opportunities provided to Ukraine after it gained the status of NATO's Enhanced Opportunities Partner (EOP).
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the officer of the Main Directorate for military cooperation and verification of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Captain Yulia Schukina, said Ukraine will be able to participate in the planning of NATO operations and gain access to all NATO exercises, which will allow access to best practices and priority certification of forces and assets.
Besides, Ukraine officials will be able to hold positions at NATO Headquarters and command structures.
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According to Schukina, participation in the EOP also provides for the deepening of cooperation to maintain security in the Black Sea.
Read alsoMeeting of NATO-Ukraine Commission focuses on reforms, developments in Donbas
"The program also provides joint counteraction to cyber threats, international terrorism, and organized crime. Another advantage that is relevant in terms of combating current challenges and threats is the admission of representatives of the state with the EOP to NATO cyber security exercises and the expansion of opportunities to participate in training activities on this topic," she said.
The spokesperson stressed that the list of benefits is not exhaustive. NATO may offer additional opportunities to each individual EOP member state, depending on national needs.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the North Atlantic Council on June 12 recognized Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner.


unian--2020-07-24--Dubious "breakthrough": Ukraine bringing Russia-imposed "reconciliation" scenario closer

Following the latest meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement , another ceasefire initiative was agreed – from midnight on July 27 , 2020 .
Or , as the President 's Office said , referring to the agreement as a `` breakthrough '' : `` We agreed on the application of measures to strengthen the ceasefire regime . ''
Let alone the fact that the very wording is rather weird – after all , parties can either cease fire or continue hostilities , so there can be no half-measures – it is n't entirely clear what the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Federation , as usual , through its proxy forces , announced that an agreement had been reached on additional ceasefire measures , without waiting for an official press release by the OSCE Special Representative , or even for the completion of talks .
Following the TCG meeting , it was also they who published the full text of the `` List of additional measures to strengthen and control the current indefinite ceasefire regime . ''
At the same time , no clarification came from the Ukrainian negotiating team of what had actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement about the `` breakthrough '' that appeared on the President 's Office website .
Later , the OSCE published a release similar to that posted by Russian-led forces .
It is worth recalling that immediately after the slowdown in developments on the concept of the `` Advisory Council '' [ the body that would envisage direct contacts between Ukrainian authorities and Russian-led forces in Donbas ] in the form that emerged in Head of President 's Office Andriy Yermak 's minutes of meeting , the Russian side , through its proxies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional ceasefire measures , which implied direct communication of the so-called `` representatives of the JCCC [ Joint Ceasefire Control and Coordination Center ] of the LPR-DPR '' with Ukraine 's senior military command .
In other words , Russia never for a moment gave up the idea of pushing for direct negotiations between Ukraine and the illegal armed groups in the occupied areas .
An attempt to implement this very concept is seen in the new ceasefire deal .
Besides the fact that the Armed Forces of Ukraine and illegal armed groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties to military confrontation ( by analogy with the Package of Measures ) , the text mentions the establishment and use of an additional negotiating mechanism to respond to ceasefire violations with the assistance of the JCCC in its current composition .
Meanwhile , the JCCC in its current composition consists of only Ukrainian reps .
Hence a logical question : will Ukrainian representatives be allowed into the occupied territory in order to monitor compliance with the ceasefire regime by the illegal armed groups ?
The option seems unlikely .
Initially , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The latter withdrew in 2017 on a far-fetched pretext .
In reality though , Russians sought nothing else but to have the Ukrainian side face the need to communicate directly with Russian proxies , who declared that they were now a party to this format and were actively developing this narrative .
All news about the efforts of the military subgroup at the TCG would be published by representatives of occupation administrations on a resource titled `` JCCC DPR '' .
Also , militants sporting uniform of a fake `` JCCC LPR-DPR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a violation of the TCG Framework Decision of September 20 , 2016 .
The Ukrainian side has failed to react to these violations the way it should have : after all , if we stress the fact that the JCCC consisted of Ukraine and Russia envoys , and only JCCC representatives were allowed access to the disengagement zones according to the TCG Framework Decision of 2016 , militants with sham `` JCCC '' stripes were present there in a gross violation of disengagement conditions .
Therefore , Ukraine had every right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( after an extraordinary meeting of the TCG related to the violation of disengagement conditions – if such violations had not been eliminated ) .
Today 's and future speculation by Russia over the JCCC composition is a direct consequence of Ukraine 's overly mild reactions a year ago .
There 's no doubt such speculation will expand and become more evident .
Besides , the prescribed algorithm for engaging return fire in the event of offensive action looks frankly absurd : parties can only return fire if the launch of a coordination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responding to enemy provocations , it is required that the affected party contact the JCCC and notify TCG representatives of their intention to return fire , it appears… Presumably , the enemy is supposed to politely wait until all approvals required have been in place , and not leave their firing positions , right ?
... Will this agreement actually work ?
The simple answer is no .
And the signatures of the Normandy Four leaders , which Zelensky seeks to employ , will change nothing .
Moreover , the deal 's peculiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost completely repeat the design of the Package of Measures - Ukraine and the occupied areas of Donbas portrayed as warring adversaries in the agreement 's text , as well as a letter of N4 leaders in support of the deal .
Only one thing is clear today : Russia does n't abandon its plans to replace its true role in the conflict with that of a mediator .
Maria Kucherenko is a project manager at the Center for Civil Society Studies

Following the latest meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement, another ceasefire initiative was agreed – from midnight on July 27, 2020. Or, as the President's Office said, referring to the agreement as a "breakthrough": "We agreed on the application of measures to strengthen the ceasefire regime." Let alone the fact that the very wording is rather weird – after all, parties can either cease fire or continue hostilities, so there can be no half-measures – it isn't entirely clear what the "breakthrough" is actually about.
The Russian Federation, as usual, through its proxy forces, announced that an agreement had been reached on additional ceasefire measures, without waiting for an official press release by the OSCE Special Representative, or even for the completion of talks. Following the TCG meeting, it was also they who published the full text of the "List of additional measures to strengthen and control the current indefinite ceasefire regime." At the same time, no clarification came from the Ukrainian negotiating team of what had actually been agreed – only a rather vague statement about the "breakthrough" that appeared on the President's Office website. Later, the OSCE published a release similar to that posted by Russian-led forces.
Russia never for a moment abandoned the idea of pushing for direct negotiations between Ukraine and the illegal armed groups in the occupied areas
It is worth recalling that immediately after the slowdown in developments on the concept of the "Advisory Council" [the body that would envisage direct contacts between Ukrainian authorities and Russian-led forces in Donbas] in the form that emerged in Head of President's Office Andriy Yermak's minutes of meeting, the Russian side, through its proxies, started pushing through precisely the draft of additional ceasefire measures, which implied direct communication of the so-called "representatives of the JCCC [Joint Ceasefire Control and Coordination Center] of the LPR-DPR" with Ukraine's senior military command. In other words, Russia never for a moment gave up the idea of pushing for direct negotiations between Ukraine and the illegal armed groups in the occupied areas.
An attempt to implement this very concept is seen in the new ceasefire deal. Besides the fact that the Armed Forces of Ukraine and illegal armed groups of the occupied Donbas are presented as parties to military confrontation (by analogy with the Package of Measures), the text mentions the establishment and use of an additional negotiating mechanism to respond to ceasefire violations with the assistance of the JCCC in its current composition.
Meanwhile, the JCCC in its current composition consists of only Ukrainian reps. Hence a logical question: will Ukrainian representatives be allowed into the occupied territory in order to monitor compliance with the ceasefire regime by the illegal armed groups? The option seems unlikely.
Initially, the JCCC consisted of Ukrainian and Russian officers. The latter withdrew in 2017 on a far-fetched pretext. In reality though, Russians sought nothing else but to have the Ukrainian side face the need to communicate directly with Russian proxies, who declared that they were now a party to this format and were actively developing this narrative. All news about the efforts of the military subgroup at the TCG would be published by representatives of occupation administrations on a resource titled "JCCC DPR". Also, militants sporting uniform of a fake "JCCC LPR-DPR" attended pilot disengagement sites, which was a violation of the TCG Framework Decision of September 20, 2016.
Today's and future speculation by Russia over the JCCC composition is a direct consequence of Ukraine's overly mild reactions a year ago. There's no doubt such speculation will expand and become more evident
The Ukrainian side has failed to react to these violations the way it should have: after all, if we stress the fact that the JCCC consisted of Ukraine and Russia envoys, and only JCCC representatives were allowed access to the disengagement zones according to the TCG Framework Decision of 2016, militants with sham "JCCC" stripes were present there in a gross violation of disengagement conditions. Therefore, Ukraine had every right to bring its forces back to previous positions (after an extraordinary meeting of the TCG related to the violation of disengagement conditions – if such violations had not been eliminated).
Today's and future speculation by Russia over the JCCC composition is a direct consequence of Ukraine's overly mild reactions a year ago. There's no doubt such speculation will expand and become more evident. Besides, the prescribed algorithm for engaging return fire in the event of offensive action looks frankly absurd: parties can only return fire if the launch of a coordination mechanism fails. That is, before responding to enemy provocations, it is required that the affected party contact the JCCC and notify TCG representatives of their intention to return fire, it appears… Presumably, the enemy is supposed to politely wait until all approvals required have been in place, and not leave their firing positions, right?...
Will this agreement actually work? The simple answer is no. And the signatures of the Normandy Four leaders, which Zelensky seeks to employ, will change nothing. Moreover, the deal's peculiar wording and the signatures under them will almost completely repeat the design of the Package of Measures - Ukraine and the occupied areas of Donbas portrayed as warring adversaries in the agreement's text, as well as a letter of N4 leaders in support of the deal.
Only one thing is clear today: Russia doesn't abandon its plans to replace its true role in the conflict with that of a mediator.
Maria Kucherenko is a project manager at the Center for Civil Society Studies


unian--2020-07-24--Naftogaz could gain control over CHPPs ahead of heating season, govt suggests

Naftogaz could gain control over CHPPs ahead of heating season, govt suggests
14:20, 24.07.20 1646
This is due to the need to resolve the issue of debts of CHPPs managed by the State Property Fund, which could lead to them failing to receive gas.
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unian--2020-07-24--PM Shmyhal: State could buy govt bonds on secondary market

PM Shmyhal: State could buy govt bonds on secondary market
14:00, 24.07.20 1301
The decision on expediency of the move is made by the Finance Ministry.
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unian--2020-07-24--No going back to "old normal" – WHO chief

More than 15 million cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to WHO , and almost 620,000 deaths .
The best way to suppress COVID-19 transmission and save lives is by engaging individuals and communities to manage their own risk and take evidence-based decisions to protect their own health and that of those around them , World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing on Thursday , July 23 .
The pandemic has disrupted the lives of billions of people , the top health official noted .
`` It 's completely understandable that people want to get on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be going back to the 'old normal ' .
The pandemic has already changed the way we live our lives , '' Ghebreyesus said .
Part of adjusting to the `` new normal '' is finding is `` about making good choices '' , the official stressed .
Read alsoUkraine announces changes to adaptive quarantine rules from Aug 1 '' It may not be your life , but your choices could be the difference between life and death for someone you love , or for a complete stranger , '' he underlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that most people are still susceptible to this virus .
As long as it ’ s circulating , everyone is at risk . ''
`` Just because cases might be at a low level where you live , that doesn ’ t make it safe to let down your guard , '' the WHO chief said .
More than 15 million cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to WHO , and almost 620,000 deaths .

More than 15 million cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to WHO, and almost 620,000 deaths.
The best way to suppress COVID-19 transmission and save lives is by engaging individuals and communities to manage their own risk and take evidence-based decisions to protect their own health and that of those around them, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing on Thursday, July 23.
The pandemic has disrupted the lives of billions of people, the top health official noted.
"It's completely understandable that people want to get on with their lives. But we will not be going back to the 'old normal'. The pandemic has already changed the way we live our lives," Ghebreyesus said.
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Part of adjusting to the "new normal" is finding is "about making good choices", the official stressed.
Read alsoUkraine announces changes to adaptive quarantine rules from Aug 1
"It may not be your life, but your choices could be the difference between life and death for someone you love, or for a complete stranger," he underlined, adding that everyone "must remember that most people are still susceptible to this virus. As long as it’s circulating, everyone is at risk."
"Just because cases might be at a low level where you live, that doesn’t make it safe to let down your guard," the WHO chief said.
More than 15 million cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to WHO, and almost 620,000 deaths.


unian--2020-07-24--U.S. Senate backs $250 mln in security aid for Ukraine

Now the bill should be considered by the House of Representatives and then signed by the U.S. president .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ Defense Authorization Act ( NDAA ) for 2021 Fiscal Year , which provides $ 250 @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine .
Among other things , the bill `` provides $ 250 million in security @ @ @ @ @ a long-term plan for assistance to Ukraine , and supports NATO designation of Ukraine as @ @ @ @ @ ' '' The bill was backed by 86 senators , while 14 opposed it , @ @ @ @ @ Senate 's website .
In general , the 60th annual National Defense Authorization Act supports @ @ @ @ @ billion in fiscal year 2021 funding for national defense , consistent with the 2019 Bipartisan @ @ @ @ @ is yet to be considered by the House of Representatives and then signed by the @ @ @

Now the bill should be considered by the House of Representatives and then signed by the U.S. president.
U.S. Senate has backed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2021 Fiscal Year, which provides $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine.
Among other things, the bill "provides $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine, requires a long-term plan for assistance to Ukraine, and supports NATO designation of Ukraine as an 'enhanced opportunities partner.'"
The bill was backed by 86 senators, while 14 opposed it, as reported on the U.S. Senate's website.
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Read alsoU.S. Javelin anti-tank systems: Ukraine gets military aid worth over US$60 mln
In general, the 60th annual National Defense Authorization Act supports a total of $740.5 billion in fiscal year 2021 funding for national defense, consistent with the 2019 Bipartisan Budget Agreement.
The bill is yet to be considered by the House of Representatives and then signed by the U.S. president.


unian--2020-07-24--EU urges Russia to fully implement Minsk accords, use its influence on armed formations it backs

At the same time , Borrell reaffirmed that the EU 's sanctions against the Russian Federation remain in place .
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell has urged Russia to fully implement the Minsk agreements and uses its influence on the armed formations it backs .
During a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Brussels , the officials discussed the state of play with regard to the implementation of the Minsk agreements , according to the EU 's press release of July 23 , 2020 .
Borrell commended the efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Minsk agreements and reiterated the EU 's continuous , full support for Ukraine 's sovereignty and territorial integrity .
In this regard , he welcomed the latest agreement made at the regular meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group regarding additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire as of July 27 , aiming to ensure compliance with a comprehensive , sustainable and unlimited ceasefire and stressed the need for progress on the measures agreed in the Normandy Format Paris Summit in December 2019 .
Read alsoUN backs agreement on new ceasefire in Donbas – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High Representative also reiterated the EU 's expectation that Russia reciprocates Ukraine 's efforts , fully implements the Minsk agreements , and uses its influence on the armed formations it backs , '' reads the report .
At the same time , the High Representative/Vice-President reaffirmed that the EU 's sanctions against the Russian Federation remain in place .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22 held a video conference during which the parties agreed on a new , full and comprehensive ceasefire in Donbas , eastern Ukraine @

At the same time, Borrell reaffirmed that the EU's sanctions against the Russian Federation remain in place.
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell has urged Russia to fully implement the Minsk agreements and uses its influence on the armed formations it backs.
During a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Brussels, the officials discussed the state of play with regard to the implementation of the Minsk agreements, according to the EU's press release of July 23, 2020.
Borrell commended the efforts of President Zelensky in the implementation of the Minsk agreements and reiterated the EU's continuous, full support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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In this regard, he welcomed the latest agreement made at the regular meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group regarding additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire as of July 27, aiming to ensure compliance with a comprehensive, sustainable and unlimited ceasefire and stressed the need for progress on the measures agreed in the Normandy Format Paris Summit in December 2019.
Read alsoUN backs agreement on new ceasefire in Donbas – spokesperson for Ukraine's mission
"The High Representative also reiterated the EU's expectation that Russia reciprocates Ukraine's efforts, fully implements the Minsk agreements, and uses its influence on the armed formations it backs," reads the report.
At the same time, the High Representative/Vice-President reaffirmed that the EU's sanctions against the Russian Federation remain in place.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22 held a video conference during which the parties agreed on a new, full and comprehensive ceasefire in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.


unian--2020-07-24--Journalists expose Donbas executioners

Journalists expose Donbas executioners

The fates of some people were decided by so-called `` military tribunals '' established by Igor Girkin .
Journalists have named the Russian-backed terrorists who ordered the extrajudicial executions of Ukrainians at the beginning of the bloody war in Donbas in 2014 .
The fates of some people were decided by so-called `` military tribunals '' established by Igor Girkin , a former Russian intelligence officer better known at the time by his nom de guerre Igor Strelkov , on the basis of a draconian law conceived by dictator Josef Stalin and imposed shortly after Germany invaded the Soviet Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an RFE/RL investigation .
The decree handed down by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. on June 22 , 1941 , and invoked by Girkin and his Russia-backed forces in 2014 , allowed for capital punishment – a penalty abolished by Ukraine in 2000 and not imposed in Russia , where a moratorium has been in place since 1996 – for crimes Girkin called `` grave '' but ranged from petty theft to murder .
It is noted at least three residents of the town of Slovyansk were executed under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pichko , Dmytro Slavov , and Mykola Lukyanov .
Girkin was aided by at least nine men who participated in the `` military tribunals '' and condemned Pichko , Slavov , and Lukyanov to death .
Using documents recovered from Girkin 's former office at the city 's security service headquarters , open-source investigative methods , and interviews with dozens of alleged torture victims , witnesses , and family members of the victims , RFE/RL has determined the identities of and new details about seven of the nine men who served on Girkin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Building on clues inside the documents that include typed and handwritten first names , patronymics , military callsigns , and signatures , RFE/RL has tracked down and identified seven of the nine men who aided Girkin in the `` tribunals '' and are directly responsible for the executions of Pichko , Lukyanov , and Slavov .
Including Girkin , they are : Viktor Anosov a.k.a .
`` Nose '' ( Nos ) , Vyacheslav Apraksimov a.k.a .
`` Baloo '' ( Balu ) , Mikhail Nikolayev a.k.a .
`` Grey-Hair '' ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown ) a.k.a .
`` Lawyer '' ( Advokat ) , Aleksandr Zyubanov a.k.a .
`` Bison '' ( Zubr ) , Sergei Trifonov a.k.a .
`` Trifon '' ( Trifon ) , Pavel Volovoi a.k.a .
`` Mad Dog '' ( Besheny ) , Sergei Zdrylyuk a.k.a .
`` Abwehr '' ( Abver ) , and a person a.k.a .
`` Beria . ''
As UNIAN reported earlier , a Russian citizen , the leader of one of the Russia-controlled illegal armed formations , former self-styled `` Minister of Defense '' of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' ( `` DPR '' ) , was notified of a suspected violation of the laws and customs of war .

The fates of some people were decided by so-called "military tribunals" established by Igor Girkin.
Journalists have named the Russian-backed terrorists who ordered the extrajudicial executions of Ukrainians at the beginning of the bloody war in Donbas in 2014.
The fates of some people were decided by so-called "military tribunals" established by Igor Girkin, a former Russian intelligence officer better known at the time by his nom de guerre Igor Strelkov, on the basis of a draconian law conceived by dictator Josef Stalin and imposed shortly after Germany invaded the Soviet Union in World War II, according to an RFE/RL investigation.
The decree handed down by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. on June 22, 1941, and invoked by Girkin and his Russia-backed forces in 2014, allowed for capital punishment – a penalty abolished by Ukraine in 2000 and not imposed in Russia, where a moratorium has been in place since 1996 – for crimes Girkin called "grave" but ranged from petty theft to murder.
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It is noted at least three residents of the town of Slovyansk were executed under such "laws," namely Oleksiy Pichko, Dmytro Slavov, and Mykola Lukyanov.
Read alsoBellingcat: Key MH17 figure identified as senior FSB official
Girkin was aided by at least nine men who participated in the "military tribunals" and condemned Pichko, Slavov, and Lukyanov to death. Using documents recovered from Girkin's former office at the city's security service headquarters, open-source investigative methods, and interviews with dozens of alleged torture victims, witnesses, and family members of the victims, RFE/RL has determined the identities of and new details about seven of the nine men who served on Girkin's "military tribunals" in Slovyansk.
Building on clues inside the documents that include typed and handwritten first names, patronymics, military callsigns, and signatures, RFE/RL has tracked down and identified seven of the nine men who aided Girkin in the "tribunals" and are directly responsible for the executions of Pichko, Lukyanov, and Slavov.
Including Girkin, they are: Viktor Anosov a.k.a. "Nose" (Nos), Vyacheslav Apraksimov a.k.a. "Baloo" (Balu), Mikhail Nikolayev a.k.a. "Grey-Hair" (Sedoi), Yury Vladimirovich (surname unknown) a.k.a. "Lawyer" (Advokat), Aleksandr Zyubanov a.k.a. "Bison" (Zubr), Sergei Trifonov a.k.a. "Trifon" (Trifon), Pavel Volovoi a.k.a. "Mad Dog" (Besheny), Sergei Zdrylyuk a.k.a. "Abwehr" (Abver), and a person a.k.a. "Beria."
Read alsoUkraine puts Russian terrorist Girkin on wanted list
As UNIAN reported earlier, a Russian citizen, the leader of one of the Russia-controlled illegal armed formations, former self-styled "Minister of Defense" of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR"), was notified of a suspected violation of the laws and customs of war.


unian--2020-07-24--UN backs new ceasefire deal in Donbas – Ukraine mission's spox

Guterres calls on all parties to fully abide by the agreed terms and focus efforts on the protection of civilians who continue to suffer the most from the ongoing hostilities .
Spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN Oleg Nikolenko has said UN Secretary General António Guterres backed the agreement reached during the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group regarding additional measures aimed at ensuring a comprehensive , sustainable and unlimited ceasefire in Donbas .
`` The Secretary-General takes note of the agreement reached during yesterday 's meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group regarding additional measures aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlimited ceasefire in Eastern Ukraine .
He calls on all parties to fully abide by the agreed terms and focus efforts on the protection of civilians who continue to suffer the most from the ongoing hostilities , '' Nikolenko wrote on Facebook on July 24 , 2020 .
Read alsoZelensky : New Donbas ceasefire deal awaits signing by all Normandy Four leaders '' The Secretary-General urges all concerned to take further measures in this spirit , to ensure renewed momentum in the ongoing peace efforts by the Normandy Four , the Trilateral Contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by easing humanitarian access and conditions along the contact line , and enabling progress in the implementation of the Minsk Agreements in line with Security Council resolution 2202 ( 2015 ) , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22 held a video conference during which the parties agreed on a new , full and comprehensive ceasefire in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .

Guterres calls on all parties to fully abide by the agreed terms and focus efforts on the protection of civilians who continue to suffer the most from the ongoing hostilities.
Spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN Oleg Nikolenko has said UN Secretary General António Guterres backed the agreement reached during the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group regarding additional measures aimed at ensuring a comprehensive, sustainable and unlimited ceasefire in Donbas.
"The Secretary-General takes note of the agreement reached during yesterday's meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group regarding additional measures aimed at ensuring a comprehensive, sustainable and unlimited ceasefire in Eastern Ukraine. He calls on all parties to fully abide by the agreed terms and focus efforts on the protection of civilians who continue to suffer the most from the ongoing hostilities," Nikolenko wrote on Facebook on July 24, 2020.
Read alsoZelensky: New Donbas ceasefire deal awaits signing by all Normandy Four leaders
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"The Secretary-General urges all concerned to take further measures in this spirit, to ensure renewed momentum in the ongoing peace efforts by the Normandy Four, the Trilateral Contact Group, and the OSCE, including by easing humanitarian access and conditions along the contact line, and enabling progress in the implementation of the Minsk Agreements in line with Security Council resolution 2202 (2015)," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22 held a video conference during which the parties agreed on a new, full and comprehensive ceasefire in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.


unian--2020-07-24--Russian lawyer names potential targets of Kremlin's aggression

Incumbent authorities in Russia act on the same principle as Hitler , says Polozov .
Besides Ukraine , which has already suffered from the invasion of Russian troops , another two countries could become the Kremlin 's next targets .
`` Ukraine is at risk , '' Polozov told UNIAN 's Roman Tsymbaliuk .
`` The occupation of just Crimea and the east of your country was a forced measure .
In fact , their plans were far-reaching , up to and including creating a land corridor to Transnistria via Mykolaiv , Kherson , and Odesa regions . ''
Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` The Kremlin is watching closely the ongoing election campaign in this country , because the entire infrastructure is ready for acceding to the Russian Federation .
Everyone there speaks Russian , legislative acts have been brought into line thanks to the so-called Union State . ''
`` The third direction is Kazakhstan , especially its northern parts , home to a fairly large number of Russian speakers , '' Polozov stressed .
He believes that `` since the time of Hitler , no one has invented anything new : one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incumbent authorities in Russia `` act on the same principle , trying to get back the breakaway fragments of the empire employing the linguistic issue '' .
`` If people spoke Russian in Alaska , they would have rattle sabers there , too , although it is clear that they would n't be able to seize it .
Threats to neighbors are real .
After all , failing to deliver in domestic politics , failing to make people 's lives better and richer , they are forced to maintain a social contract with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through such external aggressive , expansive actions , '' the lawyer concluded .

Incumbent authorities in Russia act on the same principle as Hitler, says Polozov.
Besides Ukraine, which has already suffered from the invasion of Russian troops, another two countries could become the Kremlin's next targets.
"Ukraine is at risk," Polozov told UNIAN's Roman Tsymbaliuk. "The occupation of just Crimea and the east of your country was a forced measure. In fact, their plans were far-reaching, up to and including creating a land corridor to Transnistria via Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Odesa regions."
Belarus is also under threat, the lawyer added. "The Kremlin is watching closely the ongoing election campaign in this country, because the entire infrastructure is ready for acceding to the Russian Federation. Everyone there speaks Russian, legislative acts have been brought into line thanks to the so-called Union State."
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"The third direction is Kazakhstan, especially its northern parts, home to a fairly large number of Russian speakers," Polozov stressed.
Read alsoU.S. works to bolster Ukraine's Navy – media
He believes that "since the time of Hitler, no one has invented anything new: one language, one nation" so the incumbent authorities in Russia "act on the same principle, trying to get back the breakaway fragments of the empire employing the linguistic issue".
"If people spoke Russian in Alaska, they would have rattle sabers there, too, although it is clear that they wouldn't be able to seize it. Threats to neighbors are real. After all, failing to deliver in domestic politics, failing to make people's lives better and richer, they are forced to maintain a social contract with the people of Russia and their legitimacy through such external aggressive, expansive actions," the lawyer concluded.


unian--2020-07-24--Zelensky: New Donbas ceasefire deal awaits signing by all Normandy Four leaders

The president has noted that Ukraine is fulfilling its part of the Minsk agreements , and that the whole world sees it .
President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that an agreement on a complete and comprehensive ceasefire on the delimitation line in Donbas should be signed by the leaders of the Normandy Four on July 27 , which will raise the deal 's status and increase chances of parties adhering to the agreements reached .
`` We really have a lot of professionals who are in constant negotiations in the format of a TCG [ Trilateral Contact Group ] meeting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step for our whole country – a permanent ceasefire .
This document is now awaiting the signing by all parties to the Normandy Group .
I believe that all parties – Ukraine , France , Germany and Russia – will sign it , and from the 27th , I believe the time may come when there will be a permanent ceasefire , '' Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists during a visit to the Stanytsia Luhanska checkpoint as part of the working trip to Donbas , his Office reported .
The president has noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders of the Normandy Four , which raises its status .
The president thanked Ukraine 's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group and other officials involved for their efforts toward bringing peace back to Donbas .
Also , the president also thanked the OSCE for the `` difficult and important work '' within the TCG .
At the same time , Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that the agreements reached do not deprive the Ukrainian military of the opportunity to engage in self-defense .
For his part , Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the right to defense .
At the same time , he stressed that Ukraine has the political will toward a permanent ceasefire , and expressed hope that `` the other side '' will also be able to demonstrate this .
The president has noted that Ukraine is fulfilling its part of the Minsk agreements , and that the whole world sees it .
`` The other party must also demonstrate willingness to comply with them , '' Zelensky said .
The details of the agreements reached will be worked out separately by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is a generalized statement ; we should just work on this statement in detail within the Minsk format – there is such an agreement .
In the Minsk format , everything should be elaborated : all responsible persons , when and how the information shall be transmitted .
So this will be a separate story , it 's very long , '' the head of state said .
`` We want to decipher each point of 'Minsk ' .
Then we will see whether we are able to do it or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and who will be responsible , '' Zelensky said .

The president has noted that Ukraine is fulfilling its part of the Minsk agreements, and that the whole world sees it.
President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that an agreement on a complete and comprehensive ceasefire on the delimitation line in Donbas should be signed by the leaders of the Normandy Four on July 27, which will raise the deal's status and increase chances of parties adhering to the agreements reached.
"We really have a lot of professionals who are in constant negotiations in the format of a TCG [Trilateral Contact Group] meeting and who have agreed on a very serious step for our whole country – a permanent ceasefire. This document is now awaiting the signing by all parties to the Normandy Group. I believe that all parties – Ukraine, France, Germany and Russia – will sign it, and from the 27th, I believe the time may come when there will be a permanent ceasefire," Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists during a visit to the Stanytsia Luhanska checkpoint as part of the working trip to Donbas, his Office reported.
The president has noted that the agreement will be signed by all leaders of the Normandy Four, which raises its status.
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Read alsoUkraine reiterates conditions for holding elections in occupied Donbas
The president thanked Ukraine's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group and other officials involved for their efforts toward bringing peace back to Donbas. Also, the president also thanked the OSCE for the "difficult and important work" within the TCG.
At the same time, Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that the agreements reached do not deprive the Ukrainian military of the opportunity to engage in self-defense.
For his part, Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran added that Article 51 of the UN Charter talks about the right to defense. At the same time, he stressed that Ukraine has the political will toward a permanent ceasefire, and expressed hope that "the other side" will also be able to demonstrate this.
The president has noted that Ukraine is fulfilling its part of the Minsk agreements, and that the whole world sees it. "The other party must also demonstrate willingness to comply with them," Zelensky said.
The details of the agreements reached will be worked out separately by the TCG within the Minsk format.
"This is a generalized statement; we should just work on this statement in detail within the Minsk format – there is such an agreement. In the Minsk format, everything should be elaborated: all responsible persons, when and how the information shall be transmitted. So this will be a separate story, it's very long," the head of state said.
"We want to decipher each point of 'Minsk'. Then we will see whether we are able to do it or not, how we will do it, and who will be responsible," Zelensky said.


unian--2020-07-24--Facebook not taking down misleading Trump ad showing clash between protesters and police in Ukraine

Facebook has not removed the advert , though it now appears to be inactive .
On Tuesday , U.S. President Donald Trump 's reelection campaign posted a Facebook ad that misleadingly used a picture from a 2014 Ukraine protest to illustrate `` chaos and violence . ''
The picture 's photographer confirmed to Business Insider on Wednesday that the image is of pro-democracy protesters in Ukraine six years ago .
Facebook has not removed the advert , though it now appears to be inactive .
A source close to Facebook told Business Insider the platform will not delete the ad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its third-party fact-checking program .
The ad , which was released on Facebook on Tuesday , sought to contrast `` public safety '' with `` chaos & violence '' with two images .
The first showed Trump listening to law-enforcement officials , while the second showed an image of protesters appearing to attack a police officer .
However , the image of the protesters was not taken in America in 2020 , but in Kyiv , Ukraine , in March 2014 .
The picture 's photographer , Mstyslav Chernov , confirmed the date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Insider on Wednesday .
Though the advert did not explicitly claim the picture is from the U.S. , it comes at a time when civil unrest in American cities has become a key GOP campaigning point .
Before it went inactive , the ad had been distributed to pro-Trump groups like `` Evangelicals for Trump . ''
As of Thursday , fewer than 1,000 people have seen it , according to the advertising archive .
Though politicians are exempt from Facebook 's third-party fact-checking program , they can still be punished if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violates the platform 's rules .
Facebook has previously removed Trump campaign adverts over issues of census misinformation , copyright infringement and use of hate organization symbols as well .
Trump has said he supports the right to peaceful protest during the swell of activism that followed the police killing of George Floyd .
However , his campaign has amped up rhetoric against what it says are violent protesters , and the issue has become a major focus for Trump 's administration and reelection campaign .
Trump has sent federal agents to quell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of local officials – and has threatened to send more to other Democrat-led cities .
The city 's leaders have warned that the move will only amplify tensions between law enforcement and protesters .
A video uploaded to Trump 's YouTube channel on Wednesday , which included clips of brawling and disorderly protesters , is titled : `` Far-left fascists have turned Portland into a violent hellscape . ''

Facebook has not removed the advert, though it now appears to be inactive.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump's reelection campaign posted a Facebook ad that misleadingly used a picture from a 2014 Ukraine protest to illustrate "chaos and violence."
The picture's photographer confirmed to Business Insider on Wednesday that the image is of pro-democracy protesters in Ukraine six years ago.
Facebook has not removed the advert, though it now appears to be inactive.
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A source close to Facebook told Business Insider the platform will not delete the ad, and that politicians are exempt from its third-party fact-checking program.
The ad, which was released on Facebook on Tuesday, sought to contrast "public safety" with "chaos & violence" with two images. The first showed Trump listening to law-enforcement officials, while the second showed an image of protesters appearing to attack a police officer.
Read alsoFacebook: Trump posts misleading ad using Ukraine photo – BBC
However, the image of the protesters was not taken in America in 2020, but in Kyiv, Ukraine, in March 2014. The picture's photographer, Mstyslav Chernov, confirmed the date and location of the image to Business Insider on Wednesday.
Though the advert did not explicitly claim the picture is from the U.S., it comes at a time when civil unrest in American cities has become a key GOP campaigning point.
Before it went inactive, the ad had been distributed to pro-Trump groups like "Evangelicals for Trump." As of Thursday, fewer than 1,000 people have seen it, according to the advertising archive.
Though politicians are exempt from Facebook's third-party fact-checking program, they can still be punished if they incite violence or voter suppression, which violates the platform's rules.
Facebook has previously removed Trump campaign adverts over issues of census misinformation, copyright infringement and use of hate organization symbols as well.
Trump has said he supports the right to peaceful protest during the swell of activism that followed the police killing of George Floyd.
However, his campaign has amped up rhetoric against what it says are violent protesters, and the issue has become a major focus for Trump's administration and reelection campaign.
Trump has sent federal agents to quell protests in Portland – against the wishes of local officials – and has threatened to send more to other Democrat-led cities. The city's leaders have warned that the move will only amplify tensions between law enforcement and protesters.
A video uploaded to Trump's YouTube channel on Wednesday, which included clips of brawling and disorderly protesters, is titled: "Far-left fascists have turned Portland into a violent hellscape."


unian--2020-07-24--Zelensky "concerned and upset" over torching of anti-graft activist's home

The president says he expects law enforcement to carry out an effective probe .
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday night commented on the arson attack on the house of Vitaliy Shabunin , head of a prominent `` Anti-corruption Action Center '' NGO .
The president posted his response on Facebook .
The attack shows that `` our society ca n't come to its senses following multiple tragedies and social upheavals , ca n't abandon uncivilized dealings , ca n't stop playing a game of demonstrative violence , '' according to Zelensky .
`` Personally , I 'm very concerned and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is happening in other countries , but Ukraine , in my opinion , should already emerge from the conflicts of the era .
Obviously , each such case casts a shadow on the reputation of our state , our new government institutions , and especially our law enforcement .
Unfortunately , this is a really ugly story .
Because , regardless of views , position , social activity , everyone in our country has an absolute right to inviolability – of themselves and their own home .
This is an axiom for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president wrote .
Zelensky noted that we need answers from law enforcement agencies .
`` And I expect law enforcement to sort it out quickly cross the t 's and dot the i 's .
Who did it ?
Why did they do it ?
And why is that someone acting so brazenly towards , above all , public activists who , indeed , they often raise complicated issues of social order , '' he said .
The head of state stated that he feels for Shabunin and all Ukrainians who find themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Culprits must be identified and prosecuted .
That 's it – identified and prosecuted .
And we , the society , are yet to learn to be tolerant of those who speak up on controversial issues , who express their stance actively and regularly .
'Society of dialogue – not society of violence ' – this is a credo that should become an axiom for us , '' Zelensky summed up .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Anti-corruption Action Center NGO chief Vitaliy Shabunin on Thursday , July 23 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .

The president says he expects law enforcement to carry out an effective probe.
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday night commented on the arson attack on the house of Vitaliy Shabunin, head of a prominent "Anti-corruption Action Center" NGO.
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The president posted his response on Facebook.
The attack shows that "our society can't come to its senses following multiple tragedies and social upheavals, can't abandon uncivilized dealings, can't stop playing a game of demonstrative violence," according to Zelensky.
"Personally, I'm very concerned and upset. Yes, I understand that this is happening in other countries, but Ukraine, in my opinion, should already emerge from the conflicts of the era. Obviously, each such case casts a shadow on the reputation of our state, our new government institutions, and especially our law enforcement. Unfortunately, this is a really ugly story. Because, regardless of views, position, social activity, everyone in our country has an absolute right to inviolability – of themselves and their own home. This is an axiom for mature and civilized countries," the president wrote.
Read alsoProminent anti-graft NGO chief reports arson at his Kyiv home
Zelensky noted that we need answers from law enforcement agencies. "And I expect law enforcement to sort it out quickly cross the t's and dot the i's. Who did it? Why did they do it? And why is that someone acting so brazenly towards, above all, public activists who, indeed, they often raise complicated issues of social order," he said.
The head of state stated that he feels for Shabunin and all Ukrainians who find themselves in unpleasant situations over their civil stance.
"Culprits must be identified and prosecuted. That's it – identified and prosecuted. And we, the society, are yet to learn to be tolerant of those who speak up on controversial issues, who express their stance actively and regularly. 'Society of dialogue – not society of violence' – this is a credo that should become an axiom for us," Zelensky summed up.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Anti-corruption Action Center NGO chief Vitaliy Shabunin on Thursday, July 23, reported an arson attack on his Kyiv home.


unian--2020-07-24--Almost thousand new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine in past day

As many as 34,886 patients have already recovered .
Ukraine has reported 972 new active cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 over the past day , bringing the total number to 62,823 as of the morning of July 24 .
The daily incidence rate became third-highest reported from late June : 1,109 cases were registered on June 26 and 994 cases – on June 25 .
The death toll in Ukraine now is 1,571 people , including 20 who died in the past 24 hours , according to the interactive map of Ukraine 's National Security and Defense Council .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 886 in the past day , have already recovered .
Read alsoUkraine announces changes to adaptive quarantine rules from Aug 1 The number of active COVID-19 cases as of the morning of July 24 was 26,366 .
Overall incidence per region is as follows : 7,396 in the city of Kyiv ; Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
A total of 937,006 polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) tests have been conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health Center 's virological reference laboratory and regional labs .
As of the morning of July 24 , 2020 , the Center had received 1,334 reports of suspected cases .
In total , there have been 113,589 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 61,851 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of July 23 .
They include 1,551 deaths and 34,000 recoveries .
Some 856 new cases were recorded on that day .

As many as 34,886 patients have already recovered.
Ukraine has reported 972 new active cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 over the past day, bringing the total number to 62,823 as of the morning of July 24.
The daily incidence rate became third-highest reported from late June: 1,109 cases were registered on June 26 and 994 cases – on June 25.
The death toll in Ukraine now is 1,571 people, including 20 who died in the past 24 hours, according to the interactive map of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.
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As many as 34,886 patients, including 886 in the past day, have already recovered.
Read alsoUkraine announces changes to adaptive quarantine rules from Aug 1
The number of active COVID-19 cases as of the morning of July 24 was 26,366.
Overall incidence per region is as follows:
8,588 cases in Lviv region;
7,396 in the city of Kyiv;
5,485 in Chernivtsi region;
5,399 in Rivne region;
4,706 in Zakarpattia region;
3,852 in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
3,446 in Volyn region;
3,421 in Kyiv region;
3,277 in Kharkiv region;
2,749 in Odesa region;
2,604 in Ternopil region;
2,462 in Vinnytsia region;
1,670 in Zhytomyr region;
1,302 in Dnipropetrovsk region;
1,021 in Khmelnytsky region;
888 in Cherkasy region;
830 in Donetsk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
712 in Zaporizhia region;
689 in Kirovohrad region;
679 in Chernihiv region;
536 in Mykolayiv region;
397 in Sumy region;
378 in Poltava region;
218 in Kherson region; and
118 in Luhansk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts).
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
A total of 937,006 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been conducted.
COVID-19 tests were run by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional labs. As of the morning of July 24, 2020, the Center had received 1,334 reports of suspected cases. In total, there have been 113,589 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 61,851 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of July 23. They include 1,551 deaths and 34,000 recoveries. Some 856 new cases were recorded on that day.


unian--2020-07-24--Hryvnia continues weakening, set at UAH 27.88 to U.S. dollar on July 24

Hryvnia continues weakening, set at UAH 27.88 to U.S. dollar on July 24
10:20, 24.07.20 10174
On July 23, the official forex rate to the dollar stood at UAH 27.78.
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unian--2020-07-24--Inflation continuing to accelerate gradually – NBU

Inflation is continuing to accelerate gradually , albeit remaining below the target range , the NBU said .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) says inflation is continuing to accelerate gradually and will return to the target range this year .
`` Inflation is continuing to accelerate gradually , albeit remaining below the 5 % ± 1 pp target range .
Inflation will continue to rise gradually and will return to the 5 % +/- 1 pp target range this year , '' the NBU said on July 23 , 2020 , '' Inflation rose to 2.4 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in July according to NBU assessments .
Inflation was mainly driven by raw food prices , which grew due to unfavorable weather .
The inflation expectations of businesses and households have also worsened .
At the same time , price growth has been restrained by weak domestic demand , benign FX market conditions , and relatively low energy prices , '' the NBU said .
In H2 2020 , inflation will accelerate somewhat ( to 4.7 % as of the year-end ) due to a number of factors – both external and internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth will be driven by loose monetary and fiscal policies , which will mitigate the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic , and support consumer demand and business activity .
Second , higher energy prices and the lower fruit harvest will affect prices , '' the regulator said .
Moreover , inflation will remain within the target range in 2021–2022 .
In 2019 , inflation in Ukraine slowed to 4.1 % and became minimal in the past six years .
Ukraine 's Consumer Price Index ( CPI ) slowed to 1.7 % in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 2020 .
The NBU raised its inflation forecast for 2020 to 6 % from the 4.8 % projected earlier , which remained within the benchmark set at 5 % +/- 1 pp .
On July 20 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky officially introduced Kyrylo Shevchenko as new NBU Governor .
In his speech , Shevchenko said inflation would be kept under control , while monetary policies would be balanced .

Inflation is continuing to accelerate gradually, albeit remaining below the target range, the NBU said.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) says inflation is continuing to accelerate gradually and will return to the target range this year.
"Inflation is continuing to accelerate gradually, albeit remaining below the 5% ± 1 pp target range. Inflation will continue to rise gradually and will return to the 5% +/- 1 pp target range this year," the NBU said on July 23, 2020,
Changing inflation
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"Inflation rose to 2.4% in June, and continued to accelerate in July according to NBU assessments. Inflation was mainly driven by raw food prices, which grew due to unfavorable weather. The inflation expectations of businesses and households have also worsened. At the same time, price growth has been restrained by weak domestic demand, benign FX market conditions, and relatively low energy prices," the NBU said.
Forecasts
In H2 2020, inflation will accelerate somewhat (to 4.7% as of the year-end) due to a number of factors – both external and internal.
"First, the faster price growth will be driven by loose monetary and fiscal policies, which will mitigate the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and support consumer demand and business activity. Second, higher energy prices and the lower fruit harvest will affect prices," the regulator said.
Moreover, inflation will remain within the target range in 2021–2022.
Background
In 2019, inflation in Ukraine slowed to 4.1% and became minimal in the past six years.
Ukraine's Consumer Price Index (CPI) slowed to 1.7% in May 2020 year-over-year from 2.1% in April 2020.
The NBU raised its inflation forecast for 2020 to 6% from the 4.8% projected earlier, which remained within the benchmark set at 5% +/- 1 pp.
On July 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky officially introduced Kyrylo Shevchenko as new NBU Governor.
In his speech, Shevchenko said inflation would be kept under control, while monetary policies would be balanced.


unian--2020-07-24--Ukraine sings Memorandum, Loan Agreement with European Commission – PM Shmyhal

Ukraine sings Memorandum, Loan Agreement with European Commission – PM Shmyhal
09:40, 24.07.20 5200
This EUR 1.2 billion disbursement for Ukraine is the largest one provided by the EC under the macro-financial assistance program that is exceptional in nature.
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unian--2020-07-24--Ukraine reports eight enemy attacks in Donbas on July 23

No casualties have been reported among Ukrainian troops over the period under review .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on July 23 mounted eight attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
`` The Russian Federation 's armed formations violated the ceasefire eight 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 July 24 , 2020 .
Russia-led forces fired proscribed 120mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , and small arms .
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Novotoshkivske , Prychepylivka , and Orikhove .
Read alsoOSCE special representative lists measures to strengthen ceasefire in Donbas agreed by TCG Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling .
According to Ukrainian intelligence reports , two invaders were wounded on July 23 .
`` Since Friday midnight , Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions three times near Starohnativka , using 120mm and mortars , tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns , and heavy machine guns , '' the update said .
No casualties have been reported among Ukrainian troops over the period under review @

No casualties have been reported among Ukrainian troops over the period under review.
Russia's hybrid military forces on July 23 mounted eight attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
"The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire eight 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 July 24, 2020.
Russia-led forces fired proscribed 120mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, and small arms.
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Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Starohnativka, Hnutove, Novotoshkivske, Prychepylivka, and Orikhove.
Read alsoOSCE special representative lists measures to strengthen ceasefire in Donbas agreed by TCG
Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling. According to Ukrainian intelligence reports, two invaders were wounded on July 23.
"Since Friday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions three times near Starohnativka, using 120mm and mortars, tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns, and heavy machine guns," the update said.
No casualties have been reported among Ukrainian troops over the period under review.


unian--2020-07-24--Culture minister Tkachenko announces national media literacy project

The challenge is about countering Russian propaganda and ensuring that quality media content fills the domestic information space .
Ukraine 's Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko says the work has started on an all-Ukrainian media literacy project .
`` Today , I gathered at the ministry key stakeholders who already have experience in promoting media literacy .
I 'll bring the issue to a systemic state level .
I 'm consolidating my work in order to strategically scale the process in the country , '' Tkachenko wrote on Facebook Thursday .
The challenge is about countering Russian propaganda and ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information space , the minister noted .
• The question is urgent .
Only by addressing it will we be able to mold an information culture , learn to distinguish news from fakes , do fact-checking , and form critical thinking .
• The project must have wide coverage .
Quality rather than quantity – covering as much of the population as possible .
• The audience is both children ( to ensure that they begin to adapt properly to the online environment from their childhood days ) , teens , and adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Integration of the future media literacy program into thehumanitarian bloc .
Training for schoolchildren and university students , as well as for teachers and lecturers .
And it 's not just about journalism-related jobs .
• Existing experience and practices on media literacy must be taken into account .
It is in public collaboration and government support that we will be able to achieve tangible results .
• Passing amendments to the regulatory framework , because we are talking about public policy .
• The task of the product is to become interesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to naturally want to be engaged .
• The final form is a matter of strategic planning , but interaction with projects should be both offline and online : TV , radio , and the Diia application , '' wrote the minister .
In conclusion , Oleksandr Tkachenko announced his intention to get together with MPs , the Ministry of Education , and the Ministry of Education and Science to form a vision of the project .
`` Yevhenia Kravchuk will be in charge from the Humanitarian and Information Policy Committee .
Within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an action plan and discuss it once again with all interested parties , '' he wrote .

The challenge is about countering Russian propaganda and ensuring that quality media content fills the domestic information space.
Ukraine's Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko says the work has started on an all-Ukrainian media literacy project.
"Today, I gathered at the ministry key stakeholders who already have experience in promoting media literacy. I'll bring the issue to a systemic state level. I'm consolidating my work in order to strategically scale the process in the country," Tkachenko wrote on Facebook Thursday.
The challenge is about countering Russian propaganda and ensuring that quality media content fills the domestic information space, the minister noted.
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Read alsoNew culture minister Tkachenko speaks of ways to counter Russian propaganda
"I clearly understand that:
The question is urgent. Only by addressing it will we be able to mold an information culture, learn to distinguish news from fakes, do fact-checking, and form critical thinking.
The project must have wide coverage. Quality rather than quantity – covering as much of the population as possible.
The audience is both children (to ensure that they begin to adapt properly to the online environment from their childhood days), teens, and adults.
Educational changes are required. Integration of the future media literacy program into thehumanitarian bloc. Training for schoolchildren and university students, as well as for teachers and lecturers. And it's not just about journalism-related jobs.
Existing experience and practices on media literacy must be taken into account. It is in public collaboration and government support that we will be able to achieve tangible results.
Passing amendments to the regulatory framework, because we are talking about public policy.
The task of the product is to become interesting to wide audiences and to lead them to naturally want to be engaged.
The final form is a matter of strategic planning, but interaction with projects should be both offline and online: TV, radio, and the Diia application," wrote the minister.
In conclusion, Oleksandr Tkachenko announced his intention to get together with MPs, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Education and Science to form a vision of the project.
"Yevhenia Kravchuk will be in charge from the Humanitarian and Information Policy Committee. Within a month, we will work out an action plan and discuss it once again with all interested parties," he wrote.


unian--2020-07-25--Kyiv court sees no violation in Zelensky's assets declaration

Under Article 105 of the Constitution of Ukraine , the President enjoys the right of immunity during his or her tenure .
Kyiv 's Pechersky district court has ruled that there is no administrative violation in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's assets declaration .
The ruling was issued by judge Svitlana Smyk , according to the website of the State Register of Court Rulings .
Read alsoNACP hands over two administrative protocols to Zelensky The court examined a protocol drawn up by Chairman of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention ( NACP ) Oleksandr Novikov against the President of Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 52 of the Law of Ukraine on Prevention of Corruption , as the president had failed to inform about considerable changes in his assets dated July 17 , 2019 .
The changes were related , in particular , to the purchase of government domestic loan bonds worth US $ 99,941.38 , which was the equivalent to UAH 2,584,692 at the Central Bank 's official forex rate as of the abovementioned date .
The court decided to close the administrative case against Zelensky based on the absence of the event and crime in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Article 105 of the Constitution of Ukraine , the President enjoys the right of immunity during his or her tenure .
In particular , while in office , the President of Ukraine can not be held criminally liable and no criminal case can be initiated against him .
As UNIAN reported earlier , NACP on July 8 handed over two administrative protocols to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the failure to notify the authority of significant changes in his property status .
The press service of the president 's secretariat said on July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the violation .
`` In 2019 , the president 's family received funds as redemption of government domestic loan bonds in the total amount of UAH 5.1 million ( US $ 189,380 ) and spent UAH 5.2 million ( US $ 193,093 ) on the purchase of government domestic loan bonds , '' the press service said .
`` Accordingly , the value of these bonds exceeded 50 subsistence levels .
According to the law , Volodymyr Zelensky had to submit notifications of significant changes in property status to the Register of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the purchase and sale of the bonds . ''

Under Article 105 of the Constitution of Ukraine, the President enjoys the right of immunity during his or her tenure.
Kyiv's Pechersky district court has ruled that there is no administrative violation in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's assets declaration.
The ruling was issued by judge Svitlana Smyk, according to the website of the State Register of Court Rulings.
Read alsoNACP hands over two administrative protocols to Zelensky
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The court examined a protocol drawn up by Chairman of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) Oleksandr Novikov against the President of Ukraine for infringements on Part 2 of Article 52 of the Law of Ukraine on Prevention of Corruption, as the president had failed to inform about considerable changes in his assets as of July 17, 2019. The changes were related, in particular, to the purchase of government domestic loan bonds worth US$99,941.38, which was the equivalent to UAH 2,584,692 at the Central Bank's official forex rate as of the above-mentioned date.
The court decided to close the administrative case against Zelensky based on the absence of the event and crime in the act.
The court indicated that under Article 105 of the Constitution of Ukraine, the President enjoys the right of immunity during his or her tenure. In particular, while in office, the President of Ukraine cannot be held criminally liable and no criminal case can be initiated against him.
As UNIAN reported earlier, NACP on July 8 handed over two administrative protocols to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the failure to notify the authority of significant changes in his property status.
The press service of the president's secretariat said on July 7 that Zelensky had personally informed NACP of the violation.
"In 2019, the president's family received funds as redemption of government domestic loan bonds in the total amount of UAH 5.1 million (US$189,380) and spent UAH 5.2 million (US$193,093) on the purchase of government domestic loan bonds," the press service said. "Accordingly, the value of these bonds exceeded 50 subsistence levels. According to the law, Volodymyr Zelensky had to submit notifications of significant changes in property status to the Register of Declarations within 10 days from the time of the purchase and sale of the bonds."


unian--2020-07-24--U.S. intel: Russia continues positioning military equipment in Libya via PMC Wagner

The U.S. assesses that Russia supplied Wagner forces operating in Libya with fighter aircraft , military armored vehicles , air defense systems .
U.S. Africa Command ( AFRICOM ) has received new evidence that the Russian Federation continues positioning military equipment in Libya and supplying weapons to the front line through Private Military Company ( PMC ) Wagner Group .
`` Russia continues to play an unhelpful role in Libya by delivering supplies and equipment to the Wagner group .
Imagery continues to unmask their consistent denials , '' U.S. Marine Corps Maj.Gen .
Bradford Gering , AFRICOM director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on AFRICOM 's official website .
According to him , it is assessed that the Russian Federation continues to violate UN Security Council Resolution UNSCR 1970 by actively providing military equipment and fighters to the front lines of the Libya conflict .
The U.S. assesses that Russia supplied Wagner forces operating in Libya with fighter aircraft , military armored vehicles , air defense systems , and supplies .
The latest imagery details the extent of equipment being supplied to Wagner .
Russian military cargo aircraft , including IL-76s , continue to supply Wagner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including SA-22s , are present in Libya and operated by Russia , the Wagner Group or their proxies .
Photos also show Wagner utility trucks and Russian mine-resistant , ambushprotected armored vehicles are also present in Libya .
`` The type and volume of equipment demonstrates an intent toward sustained offensive combat action capabilities , not humanitarian relief , and indicates the Russian Ministry of Defense is supporting these operations , '' Gering said .

The U.S. assesses that Russia supplied Wagner forces operating in Libya with fighter aircraft, military armored vehicles, air defense systems.
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has received new evidence that the Russian Federation continues positioning military equipment in Libya and supplying weapons to the front line through Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner Group.
"Russia continues to play an unhelpful role in Libya by delivering supplies and equipment to the Wagner group. Imagery continues to unmask their consistent denials," U.S. Marine Corps Maj.Gen. Bradford Gering, AFRICOM director of operations, said in a statement posted on AFRICOM's official website.
Read alsoBloody trail of Russian military in Libya – media
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According to him, it is assessed that the Russian Federation continues to violate UN Security Council Resolution UNSCR 1970 by actively providing military equipment and fighters to the front lines of the Libya conflict.
The U.S. assesses that Russia supplied Wagner forces operating in Libya with fighter aircraft, military armored vehicles, air defense systems, and supplies.
The latest imagery details the extent of equipment being supplied to Wagner. Russian military cargo aircraft, including IL-76s, continue to supply Wagner fighters. Russian air defense equipment, including SA-22s, are present in Libya and operated by Russia, the Wagner Group or their proxies. Photos also show Wagner utility trucks and Russian mine-resistant, ambush-protected armored vehicles are also present in Libya.
"The type and volume of equipment demonstrates an intent toward sustained offensive combat action capabilities, not humanitarian relief, and indicates the Russian Ministry of Defense is supporting these operations," Gering said.


unian--2020-07-24--PS752: Black box transcript confirms illegal interference with jet downed in Iran – media

An international team examining the black boxes from the jet has completed a preliminary analysis of the data in France .
The transcript from the black boxes from a Ukrainian jet accidentally shot down by Iran on January 8 confirms the fact of illegal interference with the plane , Ukraine 's deputy foreign minister wrote on Twitter on Friday .
Yevhen Yenin said Kyiv was expecting an Iranian delegation to visit Ukraine next week for talks , Reuters reported .
The Canadian Transportation Safety Board said on Thursday an international team examining the black boxes from the jet had completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France .
`` Grateful to all partners who helped bring this moment closer .
Black boxes from # PS752 were read out and deciphered successfully .
The transcript confirmed the fact of illegal interference with the plane , '' Yenin wrote on Twitter .
Iranian forces say they downed the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 jet after mistaking it for a missile at a time of high tensions with the United States .
All 176 people on board were killed .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said this month that it was too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting down of the airliner and that many questions remained unanswered .
President Volodymyr Zelensky said in February that Kyiv was not satisfied with the amount of compensation Iran had offered .

An international team examining the black boxes from the jet has completed a preliminary analysis of the data in France.
The transcript from the black boxes from a Ukrainian jet accidentally shot down by Iran on January 8 confirms the fact of illegal interference with the plane, Ukraine's deputy foreign minister wrote on Twitter on Friday.
Yevhen Yenin said Kyiv was expecting an Iranian delegation to visit Ukraine next week for talks, Reuters reported.
Read alsoPreliminary analysis of PS752 flight recorders in France completed
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The Canadian Transportation Safety Board said on Thursday an international team examining the black boxes from the jet had completed a preliminary analysis of the data in France.
"Grateful to all partners who helped bring this moment closer. Black boxes from #PS752 were read out and deciphered successfully. The transcript confirmed the fact of illegal interference with the plane," Yenin wrote on Twitter.
Iranian forces say they downed the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 jet after mistaking it for a missile at a time of high tensions with the United States. All 176 people on board were killed.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said this month that it was too soon to blame human error for the shooting down of the airliner and that many questions remained unanswered.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said in February that Kyiv was not satisfied with the amount of compensation Iran had offered.


unian--2020-07-24--Ukraine harvests over 20 mln tonnes of new grain

The ministry forecasts Ukraine may harvest 68 million tonnes of grain and leguminous crops this year .
Ukrainian farmers have launched the harvesting campaign in all regions of Ukraine ; the yield of new grain is 20.6 million tonnes now .
`` As of July 23 , Ukrainian agricultural producers had harvested 20.6 million tonnes of grain and leguminous crops from 5.7 million hectares ( ha ) , which was 38 % of the forecast , '' the press service of Ukraine 's Ministry of Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture said .
`` In total , farmers harvested 21.9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rapeseed ( including 7 million tonnes in the past week ) from 6.3 million ha , '' it said .
In particular , 12.8 million tonnes of wheat was threshed from 3.5 million ha ( 53 % to the forecast ) ; the yield of barley was 6.4 million tonnes from 1.7 million ha ( 75 % to the forecast ) ; that of peas was 385,000 tonnes from 173,000 ha ( 74 % to the forecast ) .
In addition , 1.2 million tonnes of rapeseed was harvested from 623,000 ha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ministry says that the following regions are in the lead by yields : Dnipropetrovsk region with 2.7 million tonnes from 787,000 ha , Zaporizhia region with 2.7 million tonnes from 776,000 ha , Kherson region with 2.5 million tonnes from 823,000 ha , Mykolaiv region with 2.5 million tonnes from 844,000 ha , and Donetsk region with 2.2 million tonnes from 596,000 ha .
The ministry forecasts Ukraine may harvest 68 million tonnes of grain and leguminous crops this year .
The yield of oilseeds in 2020 is expected at 20 @ @ @

Ukraine harvests over 20 mln tonnes of new grain
20:40, 24.07.20 1573
The ministry forecasts Ukraine may harvest 68 million tonnes of grain and leguminous crops this year.
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unian--2020-07-24--Russia continues arming Donbas via uncontrolled border sections – intel

Over twenty 120mm mortars and 1,500 tonnes of fuel were delivered to the 1st ( Donetsk ) and 2nd ( @ @ @ @ @ The Ukrainian Defense Ministry 's Main Intelligence Directorate has said Russia continues supplying weapons , @ @ @ @ @ , and other military equipment to the temporarily occupied districts in Ukraine 's Donetsk and @ @ @ @ @ border sections .
`` In particular , over twenty 120mm mortars and about 1,500 tonnes @ @ @ @ @ to formations and units of the 1st ( Donetsk ) and 2nd ( Luhansk ) @ @ @ @ @ occupying forces since July 16 , '' according to the ministry 's daily report on @ @ @ @ @ Forces Operation zone .
In addition , Russia-controlled armed formations are also provided with infantry @ @ @ @ @ carriers and other types of weapons , which are repaired and upgraded by enterprises of @ @ @ @ @

Over twenty 120mm mortars and 1,500 tonnes of fuel were delivered to the 1st (Donetsk) and 2nd (Luhansk) Army Corps.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate has said Russia continues supplying weapons, ammunition, fuel and lubricants, and other military equipment to the temporarily occupied districts in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions through the uncontrolled border sections.
"In particular, over twenty 120mm mortars and about 1,500 tonnes of fuel have been delivered to formations and units of the 1st (Donetsk) and 2nd (Luhansk) Army Corps of the Russian occupying forces since July 16," according to the ministry's daily report on the situation in the Joint Forces Operation zone.
Read alsoJournalists expose Donbas executioners
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In addition, Russia-controlled armed formations are also provided with infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers and other types of weapons, which are repaired and upgraded by enterprises of the Russian defense industry.