unian--2020-09-24--Hryvnia slightly strengthens to U.S. dollar on Sept 24

The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 32.96 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has set the official forex rate for September 24 at UAH 28.19 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by one kopiyka .
Read alsoForex swings .
Should we expect dollar at UAH 30 at year-endThe official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 32.96 per euro – the hryvnia gained 16 kopiykas in value since Wednesday , according to the NBU website .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forex rates of the hryvnia against key foreign currencies for September 23 : US $ 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,818.74 ( UAH 2,820.59 as of September 23 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH 3,296.09 ( UAH 3,311.51 as of September 23 ) .
By 16:00 Kyiv time on September 23 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank forex market settled at UAH 28.23/28.25 to the dollar , while those against the euro were at UAH 32.98/33.00 .
The National Bank set the official forex rate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollar .
Thus , the country 's national currency remained almost unchanged compared to the previous day , September 22 , when the official rate was set at UAH 28.2022 per U.S. dollar .

The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 32.96 per euro.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has set the official forex rate for September 24 at UAH 28.19 to the U.S. dollar, which let the country's national currency strengthen by one kopiyka.
Read alsoForex swings. Should we expect dollar at UAH 30 at year-endThe official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 32.96 per euro – the hryvnia gained 16 kopiykas in value since Wednesday, according to the NBU website.
Regulator's rate
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The central bank has fixed the following official forex rates of the hryvnia against key foreign currencies for September 23:
US$100 will be quoted at UAH 2,818.74 (UAH 2,820.59 as of September 23);
EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH 3,296.09 (UAH 3,311.51 as of September 23).
Interbank rate
By 16:00 Kyiv time on September 23, hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank forex market settled at UAH 28.23/28.25 to the dollar, while those against the euro were at UAH 32.98/33.00.
Forex rate for September 23
The National Bank set the official forex rate for September 23 at UAH 28.2059 per U.S. dollar.
Thus, the country's national currency remained almost unchanged compared to the previous day, September 22, when the official rate was set at UAH 28.2022 per U.S. dollar.


unian--2020-09-24--Reuters: Oil falls as demand growth concerns outweigh U.S. stock drawdown

A stronger dollar makes oil , priced in U.S. dollars , less attractive to global buyers .
Oil prices dropped on Thursday , weighed down by concerns that U.S. economic recovery is slowing as the coronavirus outbreak lingers , while a renewed wave of COVID-19 cases in Europe have led to reimposed travel restrictions in several countries .
The jitters over demand and economic outlook due to the coronavirus resurgence have prompted a rally in the dollar as investors turned to safer assets , adding pressure to oil prices .
A stronger dollar makes oil , priced in U.S. dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as reported by Reuters .
U.S. West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) crude futures fell 60 cents , or 1.5 % , to $ 39.33 a barrel at 0445 GMT , while Brent crude futures dropped 47 cents , or 1.1 % , to $ 41.30 a barrel .
Read alsoIndustrial output slowing down in annual termsBoth benchmarks climbed slightly on Wednesday after government data showed U.S. crude and fuel stockpiles dropped last week .
Gasoline inventories fell more than expected , sliding by 4 million barrels , and distillate stockpiles posted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Still , fuel demand in the U.S. remains subdued as the pandemic limits travel .
The four-week average of gasoline demand was 8.5 million barrels per day ( bpd ) last week , the government data showed , down 9 % from a year earlier .
• Pompeo : U.S. working to build coalition to prevent Nord Stream 2 completion • Reuters : Oil falls after surprise rise in U.S. crude inventories

A stronger dollar makes oil, priced in U.S. dollars, less attractive to global buyers.
Oil prices dropped on Thursday, weighed down by concerns that U.S. economic recovery is slowing as the coronavirus outbreak lingers, while a renewed wave of COVID-19 cases in Europe have led to reimposed travel restrictions in several countries.
The jitters over demand and economic outlook due to the coronavirus resurgence have prompted a rally in the dollar as investors turned to safer assets, adding pressure to oil prices. A stronger dollar makes oil, priced in U.S. dollars, less attractive to global buyers, as reported by Reuters.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 60 cents, or 1.5%, to $39.33 a barrel at 0445 GMT, while Brent crude futures dropped 47 cents, or 1.1%, to $41.30 a barrel.
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Read alsoIndustrial output slowing down in annual termsBoth benchmarks climbed slightly on Wednesday after government data showed U.S. crude and fuel stockpiles dropped last week. Gasoline inventories fell more than expected, sliding by 4 million barrels, and distillate stockpiles posted a surprise drawdown of 3.4 million barrels.
Still, fuel demand in the U.S. remains subdued as the pandemic limits travel. The four-week average of gasoline demand was 8.5 million barrels per day (bpd) last week, the government data showed, down 9% from a year earlier.
More news reports


unian--2020-09-25--National police to be armed with Tasers

National police to be armed with Tasers

In September-October , the police will start using the first batch of 200 TASER X2 double shot stun guns .
The National Police of Ukraine is preparing to adopt for service non-lethal weapons delivering an electric shock for better safety of both citizens and police officers .
The National Police press service has confirmed the relevant information to UNIAN .
According to the supplier , the National Police will start using the first 200 Taser X2 devices as early as September or October this year .
It is expected that the `` de-escalation tool will help officers deal with threatening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty and reduce the possible associated injury to citizens and themselves . ''
Read alsoCyber police expose card skimming ringDeputy Minister of Internal Affairs Anton Gerashchenko noted that the Tasers are an absolutely new tool for law enforcement in Ukraine : '' We have carefully researched and continue to monitor the experience of these devices ' use in many countries around the world , and we believe that equipping our units with such an innovative device will make their work of ensuring public order much more effective . ''
• The TASER X2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a backup shot and warning arc to increase voluntary surrenders .
• The TASER X2 's backup shot removes the need to manually reload in the case of a missed shot or clothing disconnect .
• Dual lasers eliminate aiming guesswork and enhance accuracy by allowing the user to see exactly where the top and bottom probes will enter a target .

In September-October, the police will start using the first batch of 200 TASER X2 double shot stun guns.
The National Police of Ukraine is preparing to adopt for service non-lethal weapons delivering an electric shock for better safety of both citizens and police officers.
The National Police press service has confirmed the relevant information to UNIAN.
"This is a medically certified non-lethal weapon that immobilizes active offenders, but, unlike firearms or rubber pistols, inflicts no serious, life-threatening gunshot wounds," the press service said.
According to the supplier, the National Police will start using the first 200 Taser X2 devices as early as September or October this year.
It is expected that the "de-escalation tool will help officers deal with threatening situations as safely as possible while on duty and reduce the possible associated injury to citizens and themselves."
Read alsoCyber police expose card skimming ringDeputy Minister of Internal Affairs Anton Gerashchenko noted that the Tasers are an absolutely new tool for law enforcement in Ukraine:
"We have carefully researched and continue to monitor the experience of these devices' use in many countries around the world, and we believe that equipping our units with such an innovative device will make their work of ensuring public order much more effective."
Taser X2


unian--2020-09-24--PM hopes stock market to launch "in a year"

The Cabinet is already in consultations with experts on the issue .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says the government @ @ @ @ @ implementing the idea of launching a stock market in Ukraine .
The statement came as @ @ @ @ @ American Chamber of Commerce on September 24 , the Cabinet 's press service reports .
@ @ @ @ @ that consultations with specialists on the formation of the stock market in Ukraine had already @ @ @ @ @ that ACC representatives would join the process .
At the same time , according to @ @ @ @ @ Government is working to facilitate business on the indicators that form the Doing Business ranking @ @ @ @ @ `` structural beacons '' contained in the programs of Ukraine 's international financial partners .
@ @ @ @ @ , sustainable '' economic recovery by year-endThe Cabinet head called the development of the National @ @ @ @ @ to improve Ukraine 's investment attractiveness .
Earlier , PM Shmyhal said launching the stock @ @ @ @ @ priority task as it could attract billions in investment .

PM hopes stock market to launch "in a year"
23:45, 24.09.20 316
The Cabinet is already in consultations with experts on the issue.
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unian--2020-09-24--Unemployment on rise, stats agency says

Unemployment on rise, stats agency says

The unemployment rate in the second quarter rose to 9.9 % .
The unemployment rate in Ukraine in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter increased by 1.3 percentage points , from 8.6 % to 9.9 % , which is 1.7 million people in absolute terms .
That 's according to the State Statistics Service .
The number of employed citizens aged 15-70 years in the second quarter of 2020 stood at 15.6 million , the report reads .
The employment rate of the population aged 15-70 was at 55.2 % .
Read alsoVerkhovna Rada 's Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service noted that the data are provided without taking into account the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , Sevastopol , and part of the temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
The unemployment rate in January-March 2020 compared to the previous quarter decreased by 0.1 percentage points , down to 8.6 % , which in absolute terms equals 1.5 million people .
According to the macroeconomic forecast of the Cabinet of Ministers for the next three years , the unemployment rate for the population aged 15 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , 8.5 % in 2022 , and 8 % in 2023 .

Unemployment on rise, stats agency says
23:15, 24.09.20 1099
The unemployment rate in the second quarter rose to 9.9%.
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unian--2020-09-24--Kyiv to be out of "orange" zone of quarantine bans

The easing will be enforced on Monday , September 28 .
Kyiv has been excluded from the `` orange '' quarantine zone , having been moved to the `` yellow '' one , which implies certain mitigations in quarantine mode .
Ukrainian minister Oleh Nemchynov has announced the revision of the quarantine zoning , speaking at the latest meeting of the State Commission on Fuel and Energy Security .
The new zoning will take effect from Monday , September 28 , and will last for 14 days .
Read alsoZelensky : Ukraine now seeing second wave of COVID-19Kyiv has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since September 14 , with a set of rather strict restrictions introduced .
In particular , operations were restricted of catering establishments , hostels , and fitness clubs .
In the `` red zone , '' public transport is banned .
At the same time , passengers of transiting transport are allowed to disembark ( plus all restrictions set for the `` orange '' zone ) .
In the `` orange zone , '' accommodation facilities ( hostels , tourist centers , etc . )
, except for hotels , shall be closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from operating in the night hours ; scheduled hospitalizations are suspended ; gyms , fitness clubs , and art establishments shall suspend operations ; new shifts are proscribed to children 's vacation camps .
Mass events are allowed with 1 person per 20 square meters social distancing rules and attendance under 100 ( plus restrictions on the yellow zone ) .
In the `` yellow zone , '' visits are banned to geriatric centers , except for persons providing crisis intervention services ( plus restrictions on the `` green zone '' ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ green '' zone : mandated masks in indoor public settings ; mass events with 1 person per 5 square meters social distancing rules ; movie theaters with no more than 50 % seat sold , passenger transportation only in seated setting .

The easing will be enforced on Monday, September 28.
Kyiv has been excluded from the "orange" quarantine zone, having been moved to the "yellow" one, which implies certain mitigations in quarantine mode.
Ukrainian minister Oleh Nemchynov has announced the revision of the quarantine zoning, speaking at the latest meeting of the State Commission on Fuel and Energy Security.
The new zoning will take effect from Monday, September 28, and will last for 14 days.
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Read alsoZelensky: Ukraine now seeing second wave of COVID-19Kyiv has been in the "orange" quarantine zone since September 14, with a set of rather strict restrictions introduced. In particular, operations were restricted of catering establishments, hostels, and fitness clubs.
Restrictions in quarantine zones
In the "red zone," public transport is banned. At the same time, passengers of transiting transport are allowed to disembark (plus all restrictions set for the "orange" zone).
In the "orange zone," accommodation facilities (hostels, tourist centers, etc.), except for hotels, shall be closed; entertainment establishments and restaurants are banned from operating in the night hours; scheduled hospitalizations are suspended; gyms, fitness clubs, and art establishments shall suspend operations; new shifts are proscribed to children's vacation camps. Mass events are allowed with 1 person per 20 square meters social distancing rules and attendance under 100 (plus restrictions on the yellow zone).
In the "yellow zone," visits are banned to geriatric centers, except for persons providing crisis intervention services (plus restrictions on the "green zone").
The following restrictions apply in the "green" zone: mandated masks in indoor public settings; mass events with 1 person per 5 square meters social distancing rules; movie theaters with no more than 50% seat sold, passenger transportation only in seated setting.


unian--2020-09-24--Cyber police expose card skimming ring

Cyber police expose card skimming ring

The group has completed a total of nearly 4,000 illicit transactions worth over UAH 1.5 million , according to preliminary estimates .
Ukraine 's cyber police have nabbed a gang of bank card skimmers who managed to illegally withdraw over UAH 1.5 million from citizens ' accounts .
The five suspects who are set to be tried had manufactured and installed in multiple ATMs skimming devices that would copy bank card data from the magnetic tape , law enforcers report .
Besides skimming devices in card slots , the perpetrators would also install mini cameras to have a sneak peek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage two , the gang would make clone cards to cash money from victims ' accounts .
The group has completed a total of nearly 4,000 illicit transactions worth over UAH 1.5 million , according to preliminary estimates .
Read alsoData leak from Cloudflare service poses no threat to government portals – SBULaw enforcers have pressed charges against all five perpetrators , related to fraud and cybercrime .
The suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property .
The court is yet to rule on whether to remand suspects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested over using banknote on string to replenish account • Ukraine embarks on development of cybersecurity strategy after recent cyber attacks

The group has completed a total of nearly 4,000 illicit transactions worth over UAH 1.5 million, according to preliminary estimates.
Ukraine's cyber police have nabbed a gang of bank card skimmers who managed to illegally withdraw over UAH 1.5 million from citizens' accounts.
The five suspects who are set to be tried had manufactured and installed in multiple ATMs skimming devices that would copy bank card data from the magnetic tape, law enforcers report.
Besides skimming devices in card slots, the perpetrators would also install mini cameras to have a sneak peek at users' pin codes.
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At stage two, the gang would make clone cards to cash money from victims' accounts.
The group has completed a total of nearly 4,000 illicit transactions worth over UAH 1.5 million, according to preliminary estimates.
Police seized material evidence retrieved in eight warranted searches.
Read alsoData leak from Cloudflare service poses no threat to government portals – SBULaw enforcers have pressed charges against all five perpetrators, related to fraud and cybercrime.
The suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
The court is yet to rule on whether to remand suspects in custody.
Cybercrime: Other news reports


unian--2020-09-24--Ukraine, Slovakia share common vision of risks posed by Nord Stream 2 – Zelensky

The president noted that such projects carry serious future risks for the EU and its unity .
Ukraine and Slovakia have a common vision of Europe 's energy security and the threats posed by the Nord Stream 2 project , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during his Bratislava visit .
`` It 's gratifying that we have a common vision of Europe 's energy security and an accord on the fact that projects such as Nord Stream 2 carry serious future risks for the EU and its unity , '' Zelensky told reporters following a meeting with Slovak President Zuzana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Read alsoPompeo : U.S. working to build coalition to prevent Nord Stream 2 completionThe president has also stressed that the country thanks Slovakia for its key role in ensuring the reverse gas flow to Ukraine .
• On July 16 , the United States offered that investor companies reconsider their participation in Russia 's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project .
• U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that the State Department intended to impose sanctions against NS2 investors .
• The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry welcomed the United States ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hinder completion of the pipe construction .
• The project envisages two branches of a gas pipeline with a total annual capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of gas flowing from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
• The new pipeline bypassing Ukraine was initially set to be completed by the end of 2019 , along with the already existing Nord Stream 1 .
But due to the sanctions that the U.S. Congress approved at the end of 2019 , the companies involved in the NS2 laying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The founder of Nord Stream 2 AG is the Russian Gazprom .
The project is financed by European companies – French Engie , Austrian OMV , British-Dutch Shell , and German Uniper and Wintershall .

Ukraine, Slovakia share common vision of risks posed by Nord Stream 2 – Zelensky
21:00, 24.09.20 799
The president noted that such projects carry serious future risks for the EU and its unity.
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unian--2020-09-24--Ukraine, China talk expanding agri-supplies

Also , Ukraine 's geographical location is an important factor for finding opportunities in the Ukraine-China-EU triangle .
Ukrainian and Chinese officials have discussed potential cooperation and new projects in the field of industry , infrastructure , and agri-industrial complex , the Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture reported following the meeting of Minister Ihor Petrashko with Chinese Ambassador Fan Xianrong .
`` Regarding the agri-industrial complex , it was including about expanding the range of agricultural products on the markets of both parties and higher trade volumes between Ukraine and China , '' says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grain , legumes harvestPetrashko has stressed that trade with China is a strategically important area for Ukraine .
`` China is No .
1 in terms of trade among Ukraine 's partners worldwide ( provided that we consider trade with the EU as with individual countries ) .
The potential for cooperation is enormous , so we strongly support the deepening of our trade and economic cooperation , '' the statement reads .
Petrashko says Ukraine 's geographical location is an important factor for finding opportunities in the Ukraine-China-EU triangle .
The minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU and the start of trade liberalization with China could provide significant advantages in the future toward the implementation of joint strategic projects .
• The trade turnover between Ukraine and China in 2019 amounted to $ 12.8 billion , which was 30.5 % above the level of 2018 .
• For the six months of 2020 , mutual trade increased to $ 6.6 billion , which is 21.4 % more on year .

Ukraine, China talk expanding agri-supplies
20:15, 24.09.20 855
Also, Ukraine's geographical location is an important factor for finding opportunities in the Ukraine-China-EU triangle.
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unian--2020-09-24--Hunter Biden's job at Burisma "awkward" for U.S. anticorruption policy in Ukraine – report

U.S. senators claim that Hunter Biden , while working at Burisma , was involved in millions of dollars in questionable transactions .
United States senators who investigated a possible conflict of interest during Hunter Biden 's work in Ukraine believe that his position on Burisma 's board has been awkward for U.S. anti-corruption policy in the country .
This is stated in a report by U.S .
Senators Ron Johnson ( R-Wis. ) , chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , and Chuck Grassley ( R-Iowa ) , chairman of the Senate Finance Committee , published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pravda .
`` Hunter Biden ’ s role on Burisma ’ s board hindered the efforts of dedicated career-service individuals who were fighting for anticorruption measures in Ukraine [ … ] Unfortunately , U.S. officials had no other choice but to endure the 'awkward [ ness ] ' of continuing to push an anticorruption agenda in Ukraine while the vice president ’ s son sat on the board of a Ukrainian company with a corrupt owner , earning tens of thousands of dollars a month , '' the full report reads .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into U.S. election process over leaksAccording to the senators , they are aware of two U.S. officials who earlier spoke up on the issue .
In early 2015 , former Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv , Ukraine , George Kent raised concerns to officials in Vice President Joe Biden 's office about the perception of a conflict of interest with respect to Hunter Biden 's role on Burisma 's board .
In October 2015 , senior State Department official Amos Hochstein raised concerns with Vice President Biden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Hunter Biden 's position on Burisma 's board enabled Russian disinformation efforts and risked undermining U.S. policy in Ukraine .
The senators , based on their investigation , claim that Hunter Biden during his work at Burisma was involved in questionable transactions worth millions of dollars .
On May 19 , 2020 , Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach , an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump 's lawyer Rudy Giuliani , released heavily edited audio recordings he said he had received from `` investigative journalists '' of what he claims are phone conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , former State Department head John Kerry , and former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko made at the time the said politicians held the said offices .
The conversations , in Derkach 's opinion , testify to `` international corruption '' and Ukraine being `` governed '' from beyond .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked that his country be left out of November 's U.S. presidential election after Derkach published tapes presumably intended to affect Joe Biden , the rival of incumbent President Donald Trump .
Volodymyr Zelensky denied involvement in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between ex-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko , his predecessor , and told the Telegraph he did not want the scandal to undermine Ukraine 's strategic alliance with the United States .
Audio quality and background noises in leaked tapes of what MP Derkach says are phone conversations between Petro Poroshenko and U.S. officials suggest they were recorded on the Ukrainian side , in the office where Poroshenko held talks with his counterparts .
The investigation has been launched into eavesdropping on presidential communications .
Seven ex-ambassadors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine have addressed politicians of both countries over the opening of proceedings regarding alleged meddling by the then U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in the then Ukrainian Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin 's activity .
`` We strongly condemn these efforts to divide our two countries and call on officials in both to avoid steps that will only erode the bilateral relationship and alienate our countries from one another , '' they said in a joint statement posted by the Atlantic Council on May 26 .
Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leaked recordings .
On June 22 , Derkach convened a press conference to release what he said were leaked recordings he allegedly got from `` investigative journalists '' of communications between ex-President Petro Poroshenko and ex-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden , which , in his opinion testify to `` international corruption '' and Ukraine being `` governed '' externally .
On July 9 , Derkach released another part of the recordings of Poroshenko 's purported conversations with Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin .
On September 10 , U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influence the 2020 U.S. presidential election , '' branding him a `` Russian agent . ''
On September 16 , Derkach claimed millions of dollars had been withdrawn from Ukraine to the accounts of a company affiliated with Hunter Biden , son of former U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden .

U.S. senators claim that Hunter Biden, while working at Burisma, was involved in millions of dollars in questionable transactions.
United States senators who investigated a possible conflict of interest during Hunter Biden's work in Ukraine believe that his position on Burisma's board has been awkward for U.S. anti-corruption policy in the country.
This is stated in a report by U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, published on September 23, according to European Pravda.
"Hunter Biden’s role on Burisma’s board hindered the efforts of dedicated career-service individuals who were fighting for anticorruption measures in Ukraine […] Unfortunately, U.S. officials had no other choice but to endure the 'awkward[ness]' of continuing to push an anticorruption agenda in Ukraine while the vice president’s son sat on the board of a Ukrainian company with a corrupt owner, earning tens of thousands of dollars a month," the full report reads.
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Read alsoZelensky: Ukraine mustn't be dragged into U.S. election process over leaksAccording to the senators, they are aware of two U.S. officials who earlier spoke up on the issue.
In early 2015, former Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, George Kent raised concerns to officials in Vice President Joe Biden's office about the perception of a conflict of interest with respect to Hunter Biden's role on Burisma's board.
"The presence of Hunter Biden on the Burisma board was very awkward for all U.S. officials pushing an anticorruption agenda in Ukraine," the senators quoted him in their report as saying.
In October 2015, senior State Department official Amos Hochstein raised concerns with Vice President Biden, as well as with Hunter Biden, that Hunter Biden's position on Burisma's board enabled Russian disinformation efforts and risked undermining U.S. policy in Ukraine.
The senators, based on their investigation, claim that Hunter Biden during his work at Burisma was involved in questionable transactions worth millions of dollars.
So-called Derkach tapes and Biden row: Background
On May 19, 2020, Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, released heavily edited audio recordings he said he had received from "investigative journalists" of what he claims are phone conversations between former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, former State Department head John Kerry, and former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko made at the time the said politicians held the said offices. The conversations, in Derkach's opinion, testify to "international corruption" and Ukraine being "governed" from beyond.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked that his country be left out of November's U.S. presidential election after Derkach published tapes presumably intended to affect Joe Biden, the rival of incumbent President Donald Trump.
Volodymyr Zelensky denied involvement in the first portion of leaks last month of conversations between ex-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, his predecessor, and told the Telegraph he did not want the scandal to undermine Ukraine's strategic alliance with the United States.
Audio quality and background noises in leaked tapes of what MP Derkach says are phone conversations between Petro Poroshenko and U.S. officials suggest they were recorded on the Ukrainian side, in the office where Poroshenko held talks with his counterparts.
The investigation has been launched into eavesdropping on presidential communications.
Seven ex-ambassadors of the United States of America to Ukraine have addressed politicians of both countries over the opening of proceedings regarding alleged meddling by the then U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in the then Ukrainian Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin's activity. "We strongly condemn these efforts to divide our two countries and call on officials in both to avoid steps that will only erode the bilateral relationship and alienate our countries from one another," they said in a joint statement posted by the Atlantic Council on May 26.
Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said the U.S. had not sent any inquiries regarding the leaked recordings.
On June 22, Derkach convened a press conference to release what he said were leaked recordings he allegedly got from "investigative journalists" of communications between ex-President Petro Poroshenko and ex-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, which, in his opinion testify to "international corruption" and Ukraine being "governed" externally.
On July 9, Derkach released another part of the recordings of Poroshenko's purported conversations with Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On September 10, U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Derkach over his "efforts to influence the 2020 U.S. presidential election," branding him a "Russian agent."
On September 16, Derkach claimed millions of dollars had been withdrawn from Ukraine to the accounts of a company affiliated with Hunter Biden, son of former U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden.


unian--2020-09-24--China's Skyrizon, Ukraine's DCH Group reapply to AMCU to have stake purchase in Motor Sich approved

Chinese investors ' concern is related to the financial losses they suffered by injecting US $ 1 billion , as well as the `` deplorable '' state of Motor Sich performance .
Ukrainian businessman Oleksandr Yaroslavsky 's DCH Group and their partners , China 's Skyrizon Aircraft Holdings Limited , have reapplied to the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine ( AMCU ) to have the purchase of a stake in Ukraine 's aerospace giant Motor Sich approved .
That is according to the DCH 's press service .
Chinese shareholders of Motor Sich have not been able to start managing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's assets have been blocked due to a number of freezes imposed in three-year-old criminal cases in which `` there are no suspects and they are not even being investigated . ''
The AMCU , under formal pretexts , has not considered the application , previously filed by Skyrizon together with Ukraine 's state-run Ukroboronprom Concern , But after the government `` practically refused '' to engage in the Motor Sich issue , joined efforts with DCH , `` one of the most powerful Ukrainian diversified business groups . ''
Seeing the actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort and an attempt to expropriate investment , Chinese investors at Skyrizon sent a claim to the Cabinet of Ministers , represented by the Justice Ministry , about their intention to initiate international arbitration against the State of Ukraine to receive compensation worth US $ 3.5 billion in losses .
Moreover , an interdepartmental working group represented by the President 's Office , the National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) , the AMCU , the Prosecutor General 's Office ( PGO ) , the SBU Security Service of Ukraine , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the current legislation . ''
Chinese investors ' concern is related to the financial losses they suffered by injecting US $ 1 billion , as well as the `` deplorable '' state of Motor Sich performance .
Read alsoU.S .
warns Ukraine of `` malign '' Chinese investment '' Motor Sich is rapidly declining , and we as investors are incurring huge losses , '' said Wang Jing , a key shareholder in Beijing Xinwei Technology Group and Beijing Skyrizon , which acquired shares in Motor Sich in 2016 , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news agency September 22 .
According to Wang Jing , the situation around Motor Sich is outside the realm of business : `` As an investor , I 'm very surprised with one question – why no one but us really cares about the survival of Motor Sich ?
In order to gain a bigger market share in the world 's largest , fastest-growing Chinese market , gain a stronger position and gain development prospects , the company must formulate and implement a strategic medium- and long-term plan for the development of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rhetorical question on who will be responsible for tens of thousands of unemployed professionals in the event of the bankruptcy of a company with more than century-old history , the investor said .
Chinese envoy tells U.S. not to meddle in Ukraine 's affairs – media Motor Sich acquisition and U.S. reaction : background Motor Sich is one of the world 's leading manufacturers of engines for the aviation industry .
After it abandoned its role of a traditional supplier to Russian aviation , it ended up at the epicenter of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese Skyrizon Aircraft Holdings Limited took over 41 % of the capital and then sealed the majority .
The shares were frozen in 2017 pending an investigation by Ukraine 's security service ( SBU ) .
On August 25 , 2019 , PR Director of OJSC Motor Sich Anatoliy Malysh announced that China 's Skyrizon and Xinwei Group had already applied to the Antimonopoly Committee for the approval of the deal to acquire over 50 % of Motor Sich 's shares .
The Wall Street Journal , citing sources in the U.S. administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to prevent the Chinese company from buying the Ukrainian Motor Sich plant , as this would significantly boost China 's defense positions .
On August 28 , 2019 , the then-U.S. presidential adviser John Bolton said in Kyiv about risks of selling part of the Ukrainian Motor Sich to the Chinese side .
According to him , China is playing a dishonest game in the United States and is stealing military technology .
It was reported that Erik Prince , a private security contractor and informal adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian aerospace asset , Motor Sich .
A Kyiv court in April 2020 rejected an appeal by Chinese investors to unfreeze Motor Sich 's shares .
In August 2020 , Ukrainian privately-owned conglomerate DCH said it had signed an agreement to buy a 25 % stake in Motor Sich from Chinese investor Skyrizon Aircraft Holding Limited .
The DCH deal needs approval from Ukraine 's national regulator , the State Antimonopoly Committee .
In late July , the son of Vyacheslav Boguslayev , who had long been at the helm of Motor Sich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Liguria for over EUR 10 million .

China's Skyrizon, Ukraine's DCH Group reapply to AMCU to have stake purchase in Motor Sich approved
18:40, 24.09.20 2282
Chinese investors' concern is related to the financial losses they suffered by injecting US$1 billion, as well as the "deplorable" state of Motor Sich performance.
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unian--2020-09-24--Zelensky names next steps required toward Donbas settlement

Over the past year Ukraine had proved it is willing to achieve peace , the president stressed .
The next steps toward resolving the conflict in Donbas should be the withdrawal of the illegal armed groups and the return of Ukraine 's control over the state border , President Volodymyr Zelenksy told the UN General Assembly .
Over the past year , Ukraine has proved its desire to establish peace in Donbas and hopes for further unity and support of the international community in resolving the conflict peacefully , Zelensky noted , speaking at the general debate of the 75th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , September 23 .
The Ukrainian leader noted that a comprehensive ceasefire was enforced in Donbas on July 27 , which , despite enemy attempts to disrupt it , gives hope for a sustainable `` silence , '' the President 's Office reported .
`` The next steps on this path should be : withdrawal of illegal armed groups and weapons from the occupied territories , return of control over the state border and , finally , restoration of Ukraine 's territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders , '' the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past year Ukraine had proved it is willing to achieve peace .
`` We managed to unblock the dialogue , we resumed meetings of the leaders of the Normandy format countries , we made significant progress in the mutual release of detainees , '' the president said .
Read alsoCrimea invaders force locals to drop Ukrainian passports– envoy to UNThe president expressed gratitude to Ukraine 's international partners for helping and supporting the country in the peaceful settlement of the Donbas conflict .
`` We look forward to further unity of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am convinced that the UN should play an important role in restoring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine , as well as the authority of international law , '' Volodymyr Zelensky said .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 .
• The new ceasefire regime was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July 27 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period .

Over the past year Ukraine had proved it is willing to achieve peace, the president stressed.
The next steps toward resolving the conflict in Donbas should be the withdrawal of the illegal armed groups and the return of Ukraine's control over the state border, President Volodymyr Zelenksy told the UN General Assembly.
Over the past year, Ukraine has proved its desire to establish peace in Donbas and hopes for further unity and support of the international community in resolving the conflict peacefully, Zelensky noted, speaking at the general debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, September 23.
The Ukrainian leader noted that a comprehensive ceasefire was enforced in Donbas on July 27, which, despite enemy attempts to disrupt it, gives hope for a sustainable "silence," the President's Office reported.
"The next steps on this path should be: withdrawal of illegal armed groups and weapons from the occupied territories, return of control over the state border and, finally, restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders," the president said.
Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that over the past year Ukraine had proved it is willing to achieve peace.
"We managed to unblock the dialogue, we resumed meetings of the leaders of the Normandy format countries, we made significant progress in the mutual release of detainees," the president said.
Read alsoCrimea invaders force locals to drop Ukrainian passports– envoy to UNThe president expressed gratitude to Ukraine's international partners for helping and supporting the country in the peaceful settlement of the Donbas conflict.
"We look forward to further unity of the international community on this issue. I am convinced that the UN should play an important role in restoring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as the authority of international law," Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Donbas ceasefire: Background


unian--2020-09-24--Only President of Turkmenistan congratulates Lukashenko on inauguration

Most of countries did not recognize Lukashenko as Belarus ' president .
Only President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has congratulated Alexander Lukashenko on his inauguration as President of the Republic of Belarus .
This was reported by Turkmenistan 's state agency , Turkmenistan Today , on Wednesday evening .
The date of the inauguration ceremony was not officially announced and the ambassadors of other countries to Belarus were not invited .
Lukashenko said that `` according to the laws of Belarus , we should not inform Western countries and anyone else beforehand . ''
`` This is our country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one criticism – either [ they see ] a secret or a sacrament there .
You know , about two thousand people , along with the military , were invited to the inauguration event .
And it is almost impossible to keep it secret , '' he said on Thursday , September 24 .
Most of the countries did not recognize the legitimacy of Alexander Lukashenko 's new term of presidency .
Among them there are 27 countries of the European Union , Great Britain , the United States , Canada , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inauguration ceremony , the leaders of the Russian Federation , Turkey , Venezuela , Azerbaijan , Armenia , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Moldova , Tajikistan , and Uzbekistan , as well as unrecognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia congratulated Lukashenko on the so-called `` victory . ''
There was no official congratulation from the leader of China on the inauguration , but there was a statement by spokesman for China 's Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin , who expressed support for Lukashenko .
`` China respects the choice made by the people of Belarus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country , '' Russia 's news agency , RIA Novosti , quotes him as saying .
Russian President Vladimir Putin 's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov , in turn , said that the Russian leader had not congratulated Lukashenko on the inauguration as there was no need , Russia 's TASS agency said .
`` The [ Russian ] President congratulated President Lukashenko on his victory in the elections both by telephone and then in person during a recent working visit by the President of Belarus to Sochi , '' the spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , there is `` no obligatory '' protocol for congratulations on the inauguration , because `` the congratulations have already been offered . ''
More news reports on the subject : • Rada calls Belarus elections out as `` unfair '' , backs EU sanctions on Minsk • Tikhanovskaya vows security guarantees to Lukashenko if he gives up power in Belarus

Most of countries did not recognize Lukashenko as Belarus' president.
Only President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has congratulated Alexander Lukashenko on his inauguration as President of the Republic of Belarus.
This was reported by Turkmenistan's state agency, Turkmenistan Today, on Wednesday evening.
Read alsoLukashenko reportedly sworn in as Belarus president – local media
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"In his address, the President of Turkmenistan wished peace, further progress and prosperity to the people of Belarus," it said.
The date of the inauguration ceremony was not officially announced and the ambassadors of other countries to Belarus were not invited.
Lukashenko said that "according to the laws of Belarus, we should not inform Western countries and anyone else beforehand."
"This is our country's own business. And there is only one criticism – either [they see] a secret or a sacrament there. You know, about two thousand people, along with the military, were invited to the inauguration event. And it is almost impossible to keep it secret," he said on Thursday, September 24.
Most of the countries did not recognize the legitimacy of Alexander Lukashenko's new term of presidency. Among them there are 27 countries of the European Union, Great Britain, the United States, Canada, as well as Ukraine.
Prior to the inauguration ceremony, the leaders of the Russian Federation, Turkey, Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as unrecognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia congratulated Lukashenko on the so-called "victory."
There was no official congratulation from the leader of China on the inauguration, but there was a statement by spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin, who expressed support for Lukashenko. "China respects the choice made by the people of Belarus, the presidential election is an internal affair of the country," Russia's news agency, RIA Novosti, quotes him as saying.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, in turn, said that the Russian leader had not congratulated Lukashenko on the inauguration as there was no need, Russia's TASS agency said.
"The [Russian] President congratulated President Lukashenko on his victory in the elections both by telephone and then in person during a recent working visit by the President of Belarus to Sochi," the spokesman for the Kremlin said.
According to him, there is "no obligatory" protocol for congratulations on the inauguration, because "the congratulations have already been offered."
More news reports on the subject:


unian--2020-09-25--Ukraine publishes update on countries in COVID-19 red and green zones

It also provides data on the number of active cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in each country .
Ukraine 's Health Ministry has published an updated list of countries in the COVID-19 red and green zones .
The full list is available on the ministry 's website .
Read alsoUkraine not to extend entry ban for foreigners – source It provides data on the number of active cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus per 100,000 people in each country as of September 25 .
The list of the 35 countries in the red zone includes Andorra , Argentina , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Herzegovina , Brazil , Cape Verde , Chile , Colombia , Costa Rica , the Czech Republic , France , Hungary , Iraq , Israel , Kuwait , Lebanon , Libya , Luxembourg , the Maldives , Malta , Moldova , Monaco , Montenegro , the Netherlands , Oman , Panama , Paraguay , Peru , Qatar , Spain , Trinidad and Tobago , the United Arab Emirates , and the United States of America , etc .
The number of active COVID-19 patients in Ukraine as of September 25 was 109.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports on the subject : • Zelensky : Ukraine now seeing second wave of COVID-19 • Kyiv to be out of `` orange '' zone of quarantine bans • COVID-19 : Over 3,500 new active cases reported on Sept 25

It also provides data on the number of active cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in each country.
Ukraine's Health Ministry has published an updated list of countries in the COVID-19 red and green zones.
The full list is available on the ministry's website.
Read alsoUkraine not to extend entry ban for foreigners – source
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It provides data on the number of active cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus per 100,000 people in each country as of September 25.
The list of the 35 countries in the red zone includes Andorra, Argentina, the Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Luxembourg, the Maldives, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America, etc.
The number of active COVID-19 patients in Ukraine as of September 25 was 109.5 people per 100,000 citizens.
More news reports on the subject:


unian--2020-09-25--The Economist: Ukraine's anti-corruption court bares its teeth

In its first year it has racked up some real if modest achievements .
The officials who ran Ukraine before its revolution in 2014 are believed to have stolen billions of dollars .
One crony gave Viktor Yanukovych , when he was president , a solid gold loaf of bread .
So nabbing a regional forestry official for a $ 10,000 bribe may seem like small potatoes .
But the sentencing on August 28 of Oleksandr Levkivsky , who stands to serve four years in prison for taking a kickback to let out public land , is a big deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is among the first officials convicted by Ukraine 's High Anti-Corruption Court ( HACC ) , which began work a year ago .
The court was set up at the behest of the IMF , which demanded an independent anti-corruption mechanism , among other things , in exchange for the billions of dollars in credit Ukraine needs to keep its economy afloat .
The HACC has handed down 17 verdicts so far ( almost all of them guilty ) , and is hearing scores more cases .
But after years of being robbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small fry .
They want bigger fish hooked .
The HACC 's 38 judges were selected in a multi-round competition , with help from international experts .
Some of the cases they hear are brought by an anti-corruption prosecutor supervised by the prosecutor general , but others come from the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) , an independent agency .
The judges have proved willing to push back against investigators : in Mr. Levkivsky 's case , they dismissed evidence that was gathered illegally .
`` There is no question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' says Andrii Borovyk of Transparency International Ukraine , an anti-corruption watchdog .
Read alsoMP from ruling party freed on bail in corruption probe , to wear ankle monitorBut efforts to beat graft are under constant attack .
In August the Constitutional Court ruled that since the constitution does not give the president the power to select NABU 's head , Artem Sytnyk , the respected prosecutor picked to run the agency in 2015 , had been illegally appointed .
Mr. Sytnyk refuses to step down , saying the ruling is retaliation for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the court has now ruled that NABU itself was established on dubious legal grounds .
It is no coincidence that pressure is increasing just as the new court hits its stride , says Vadym Valko , a legal expert who closely follows NABU .
The judges are hearing a number of high-profile cases , including ones involving the mayor of Odessa and a former tax chief .
But collecting smaller victories , rather than focusing on big fish in order to satisfy public pressure , may be a better strategy .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' says Matthew Murray , a former official in Barack Obama 's administration who helped push for the HACC .
The court 's chief justice , Olena Tanasevych , wrote recently that sometimes `` it seems as though absolutely everyone is dissatisfied . ''
That may mean her team is on the right track .
• Anti-graft court rules to detain aide to lawmaker in bribery case , bail set at US $ 35,660

In its first year it has racked up some real if modest achievements.
The officials who ran Ukraine before its revolution in 2014 are believed to have stolen billions of dollars. One crony gave Viktor Yanukovych, when he was president, a solid gold loaf of bread. So nabbing a regional forestry official for a $10,000 bribe may seem like small potatoes.
But the sentencing on August 28 of Oleksandr Levkivsky, who stands to serve four years in prison for taking a kickback to let out public land, is a big deal, The Economist reported.
Mr. Levkivsky is among the first officials convicted by Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC), which began work a year ago. The court was set up at the behest of the IMF, which demanded an independent anti-corruption mechanism, among other things, in exchange for the billions of dollars in credit Ukraine needs to keep its economy afloat.
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The HACC has handed down 17 verdicts so far (almost all of them guilty), and is hearing scores more cases. But after years of being robbed, many Ukrainians are not satisfied with small fry. They want bigger fish hooked.
The HACC's 38 judges were selected in a multi-round competition, with help from international experts. Some of the cases they hear are brought by an anti-corruption prosecutor supervised by the prosecutor general, but others come from the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), an independent agency. The judges have proved willing to push back against investigators: in Mr. Levkivsky's case, they dismissed evidence that was gathered illegally.
"There is no question about the professionalism of this court," says Andrii Borovyk of Transparency International Ukraine, an anti-corruption watchdog.
Read alsoMP from ruling party freed on bail in corruption probe, to wear ankle monitorBut efforts to beat graft are under constant attack. In August the Constitutional Court ruled that since the constitution does not give the president the power to select NABU's head, Artem Sytnyk, the respected prosecutor picked to run the agency in 2015, had been illegally appointed. Mr. Sytnyk refuses to step down, saying the ruling is retaliation for NABU's investigations into judicial corruption, but the court has now ruled that NABU itself was established on dubious legal grounds.
It is no coincidence that pressure is increasing just as the new court hits its stride, says Vadym Valko, a legal expert who closely follows NABU. The judges are hearing a number of high-profile cases, including ones involving the mayor of Odessa and a former tax chief. But collecting smaller victories, rather than focusing on big fish in order to satisfy public pressure, may be a better strategy.
"Make sure that due process works," says Matthew Murray, a former official in Barack Obama's administration who helped push for the HACC.
The court's chief justice, Olena Tanasevych, wrote recently that sometimes "it seems as though absolutely everyone is dissatisfied." That may mean her team is on the right track.
More news reports


unian--2020-09-25--Ukraine not to extend entry ban for foreigners – source

The ban is in effect until September 28 .
Ukraine 's government does not plan to extend an entry ban @ @ @ @ @ is in effect until September 28 .
`` The decision is not planned to be @ @ @ @ @ to be in effect , '' a source in the government told UNIAN .
• @ @ @ @ @ , the Cabinet extended the adaptive quarantine across Ukraine until November 1 .
• Then @ @ @ @ @ entry ban for foreigners from August 29 until September 28 , with a number of @ @ @ @ @ foreign nationals .
• One of such exceptions was reportedly made for Belarusian citizens fleeing @ @ @ @ @ .
• Late on Thursday , August 27 , the Cabinet declared that the borders @ @ @ @ @ earlier , from midnight on August 28 .

The ban is in effect until September 28.
Ukraine's government does not plan to extend an entry ban for foreign nationals, which is in effect until September 28.
"The decision is not planned to be extended, it will cease to be in effect," a source in the government told UNIAN.
Read also Travel amid COVID-19 restrictions: Ukraine updates list of red, green zone countries Temporary entry ban for foreigners: Background


unian--2020-09-25--World Bank to lend US$65 mln for road repairs in Ukraine's Luhansk region

The loan agreement is expected to be signed by the end of 2020 .
Ukraine 's Infrastructure Ministry says the World Bank will lend US $ 65 million for upgrading road infrastructure in the country 's Luhansk region as part of a new project , titled `` Eastern Ukraine : Reconnect , Recover , Revitalize . ''
Read alsoFinance Ministry greenlights public access to urban developers ' permitsThe move has also been approved by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ( IBRD ) , the ministry 's press service said on September 24 .
`` Thanks to the Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are upgrading a record number of highways this year , that is over 6,000 kilometers of public roads of state and local importance .
However , this is not enough to completely renew Ukraine 's entire road network , including in the country 's east , which suffered the most from Russia 's aggression .
This will require more than one annual national budget , '' the press service quoted Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii as saying .
`` The projects envisages the upgrading of about 183 kilometers of public roads of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chuhuiv - Milove ; R-66 the Demyno-Oleksandrivka checkpoint - Svatove - Lysychansk - Luhansk ; T-13-02 the Taniushivka checkpoint - Starobilsk - Bakhmut , '' the press service added .
The ministry says the loan agreement is expected to be signed by the end of this year .
Ukraine 's draft nation budget for 2021 provides for a 16 % increase in spending on the road sector , to UAH 150 billion ( US $ 5.3 billion ) against UAH 129.3 billion ( US $ 4.6 billion ) in 2020 .

World Bank to lend US$65 mln for road repairs in Ukraine's Luhansk region
15:45, 25.09.20 1372
The loan agreement is expected to be signed by the end of 2020.
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unian--2020-09-25--Kyiv, 22 regions not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs as of Sept 25 – health ministry

Only two regions , namely Kirovohrad and Kherson , are ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs .
Ukraine 's Health Ministry says the city of Kyiv and 22 Ukrainian regions are not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs .
The epidemiological situation as of September 25 did not let Kyiv and such regions as Vinnytsia , Volyn , Dnipropetrovsk , Donetsk , Zhytomyr , Zakarpattia , Zaporizhia , Ivano-Frankivsk , Kyiv , Luhansk , Lviv , Mykolaiv , Odesa , Poltava , Rivne , Sumy , Ternopil , Kharkiv , Khmelnytsky , Cherkasy , Chernivtsi and Chernihiv enter the next stage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on its website .
Read alsoHealth minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeOnly two regions , namely Kirovohrad and Kherson , are ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs .
Such criteria reflect measures to control the spread of the virus , hospitals ' capacities , and the ability of the healthcare system as a whole to counter the spread of COVID-19 , the ministry said .
• Ukraine said 3,565 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 25 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases grew to 191,671 .

Only two regions, namely Kirovohrad and Kherson, are ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs.
Ukraine's Health Ministry says the city of Kyiv and 22 Ukrainian regions are not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs.
The epidemiological situation as of September 25 did not let Kyiv and such regions as Vinnytsia, Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Zakarpattia, Zaporizhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Luhansk, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Rivne, Sumy, Ternopil, Kharkiv, Khmelnytsky, Cherkasy, Chernivtsi and Chernihiv enter the next stage of easing the coronavirus-related quarantine, the ministry said on its website.
Read alsoHealth minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeOnly two regions, namely Kirovohrad and Kherson, are ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs.
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Such criteria reflect measures to control the spread of the virus, hospitals' capacities, and the ability of the healthcare system as a whole to counter the spread of COVID-19, the ministry said.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest


unian--2020-09-25--Police to trace Ukrainian users of Russian VKontakte social network – NSDC

The NSDC and other state agencies , together with international partners , are planning to completely close access to VKontakte in Ukraine .
Secretary of Ukraine 's National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) Oleksiy Danilov says government agencies will trace people using Russia 's VKontakte social network in Ukraine .
`` This is also their responsibility .
The fact is that now the system that is starting to work will allow us to have information about those who use that social network .
They all will be on the books .
If they continue to distribute Russian content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to deal with them , '' he said during the online conference `` Digital transformation of the state : prospects and risks of cyber security '' on Friday , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
In addition , Danilov said the NSDC and other government agencies , together with international partners , were planning to completely close access to VKontakte in Ukraine in the near future .
Ukraine embarks on development of cybersecurity strategy after recent cyber attacks Background • Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree greenlighting a new set of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to Russian-based social networks .
The document came into force on May 17 , 2017 .
• The ban was introduced in a bid to counter Russia 's hybrid information warfare , including propaganda , manipulation of public opinion , and disinformation , as well as cyber threats coming from Russian intelligence .
• On May 15 , 2020 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extended the ban earlier enforced on a number of Russian social networks and sites in Ukraine .
• Representatives of the VKontakte social network have recently announced they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and resumed the work of the mobile app .
• According to the NSDC , the updated work of the proxy ( an intermediary server that allows access to a specific page on the Internet ) in the VKontakte mobile app is aimed at collecting data by Russian special services on the citizens of Ukraine and other persons who use the application .
• On September 14 , Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko ordered to check reports on bypassing the ban on VKontakte in Ukraine , which was imposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network .

The NSDC and other state agencies, together with international partners, are planning to completely close access to VKontakte in Ukraine.
Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Oleksiy Danilov says government agencies will trace people using Russia's VKontakte social network in Ukraine.
"This is also their responsibility. The fact is that now the system that is starting to work will allow us to have information about those who use that social network. They all will be on the books. If they continue to distribute Russian content in Ukraine, the National Police will have to deal with them," he said during the online conference "Digital transformation of the state: prospects and risks of cyber security" on Friday, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
In addition, Danilov said the NSDC and other government agencies, together with international partners, were planning to completely close access to VKontakte in Ukraine in the near future.
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Read also Ukraine embarks on development of cybersecurity strategy after recent cyber attacks Background


unian--2020-09-25--Over 5,000 COVID-19 cases, 100 fatalities reported in occupied Crimea since start of pandemic

Some 103 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in the past day .
Experts @ @ @ @ @ Group ( CHRG ) say 5,044 COVID-19 cases , including 100 fatalities , have been @ @ @ @ @ the start of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Some 103 new COVID-19 cases were recorded @ @ @ @ @ of Sevastopol in the past day , '' the CHRG said on Facebook on September @ @ @ @ @ occupying authorities ' data .
Read alsoHealth minister : Over 12,600 children , 14,300 healthcare @ @ @ @ @ , 19 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past day .
• Ukraine said @ @ @ @ @ had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 25 @ @ @ @ @ total number of confirmed cases grew to 191,671 .

Some 103 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in the past day.
Experts from the Crimean Human Rights Group (CHRG) say 5,044 COVID-19 cases, including 100 fatalities, have been registered in Russian-occupied Crimea since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Some 103 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in the past day," the CHRG said on Facebook on September 25, referring to the occupying authorities' data.
Read alsoHealth minister: Over 12,600 children, 14,300 healthcare workers contract COVID-19In Sevastopol alone, 19 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past day.
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COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest


unian--2020-09-25--U.S. elections: Former Ukrainian ambassadors elaborate on possible impacts on Ukraine

The elections are scheduled for November 3 .
Former Ukrainian ambassadors have shared their views of possible impacts of the U.S. presidential elections on Ukraine .
They gave their forecasts for different scenarios , according to the Ukrainian news agency RBC Ukraine .
Former Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States and former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostiantyn Hryshchenko is convinced that the likelihood of a favorable scenario for Ukraine in the event of Donald Trump 's election is low .
The top diplomat says the incumbent U.S. president does not link the impeachment case to certain individuals , but correlates it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposes his point of view on specialists , the intelligence community , all those who traditionally have hammered out the chief executive 's position , '' Hryshchenko explained , adding that Trump 's attempts to improve relations with the Kremlin carry objective risks for Ukraine .
The diplomat called Joe Biden 's behavior more predictable for Ukraine .
`` Biden 's policy will most likely be similar to that of President Obama , but not necessarily .
I think he is tougher and more decisive than Obama .
He has his own questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to influence , including the course of the current campaign , but this will not be the main thing for him , '' Hryshchenko said .
Another former Ukrainian ambassador to the United States , Valeriy Chaly , believes that Ukraine needs to more actively express its position in relations between the two countries .
Simultaneously with the presidential elections in the United States , elections are taking place in more than a third of the Senate , the entire House of Representatives , many governors ' positions and legislative agencies of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress for Ukrainian issues is no less important than who wins the presidential elections , '' Chaly added .
• The 59th U.S. presidential elections will be held on November 3 .
According to the country 's electoral system , voters select electors who vote for the President of the United States .
• The Republican candidate is the incumbent head of the White House , Donald Trump , and the Democratic candidate is Joe Biden .

The elections are scheduled for November 3.
Former Ukrainian ambassadors have shared their views of possible impacts of the U.S. presidential elections on Ukraine.
They gave their forecasts for different scenarios, according to the Ukrainian news agency RBC Ukraine.
Read alsoU.S. Senate committee approves Dayton as ambassadorial nominee for Ukraine
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Former Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States and former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostiantyn Hryshchenko is convinced that the likelihood of a favorable scenario for Ukraine in the event of Donald Trump's election is low. The top diplomat says the incumbent U.S. president does not link the impeachment case to certain individuals, but correlates it with the entire country.
"He imposes his point of view on specialists, the intelligence community, all those who traditionally have hammered out the chief executive's position," Hryshchenko explained, adding that Trump's attempts to improve relations with the Kremlin carry objective risks for Ukraine.
The diplomat called Joe Biden's behavior more predictable for Ukraine.
"Biden's policy will most likely be similar to that of President Obama, but not necessarily. I think he is tougher and more decisive than Obama. He has his own questions to ask many figures in Ukraine who tried to influence, including the course of the current campaign, but this will not be the main thing for him," Hryshchenko said.
Another former Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, Valeriy Chaly, believes that Ukraine needs to more actively express its position in relations between the two countries.
"A wait-and-see position is wrong. It is a big mistake to think that bipartisan support is provided to Ukraine automatically. We need to constantly show why Ukraine is important to the United States, we must not be afraid of active actions," Chaly said.
Simultaneously with the presidential elections in the United States, elections are taking place in more than a third of the Senate, the entire House of Representatives, many governors' positions and legislative agencies of the States.
"The configuration of Congress for Ukrainian issues is no less important than who wins the presidential elections," Chaly added.
U.S. elections: Details


unian--2020-09-25--Lithuania calls for halt to Nord Stream 2 project

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Lithuania calls for halt to Nord Stream 2 project
13:40, 25.09.20 1095
In total, 47 parliamentarians voted in favor of the relevant resolution, while one abstained.
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unian--2020-09-25--Kyiv mayor reports 380 new COVID-19 cases, nine fatalities in past day

As of today , the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 21,045 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose by 380 in the past day .
`` In the past day , another 380 residents of Kyiv tested positive for coronavirus , including 10 healthcare workers .
There were nine fatalities , '' Klitschko reported via Telegram on September 25 .
Read alsoHealth minister : Over 12,600 children , 14,300 healthcare workers contract COVID-19 '' As of today , the total number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21,045 . ''
According to the city mayor , 198 women aged 18 to 83 and 153 men aged 18 to 93 are among those infected .
Twelve girls ( from four months to 16 years old ) and 17 boys ( from two to 17 years old ) have tested positive .
Klitschko said 49 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
He added that 96 people had recovered in the past day .
In total , 6,255 Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district ( 90 ) , Dniprovsky district ( 56 ) , and Desniansky district ( 54 ) .
The total death toll in the city is 342 cases .
• The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1 .
The Ukrainian regions were split into the green , yellow , orange , and red zones depending on hospital load , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and daily spread dynamics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The mildest ones are in the green zone , the regions included in the red zone will have to introduce the toughest restrictions .
• On August 26 , the Cabinet of Ministers extended the adaptive quarantine until November 1 .
• On September 10 , the government reviewed the borders of COVID-19 quarantine zones .
The reviewed zoning regulations took effect on September 14 .
Kyiv became part of the orange zone , with the second-toughest bans after the red zone .
• Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine yet .

As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 21,045.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose by 380 in the past day.
"In the past day, another 380 residents of Kyiv tested positive for coronavirus, including 10 healthcare workers. There were nine fatalities," Klitschko reported via Telegram on September 25.
Read alsoHealth minister: Over 12,600 children, 14,300 healthcare workers contract COVID-19"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 21,045."
Видео дня
According to the city mayor, 198 women aged 18 to 83 and 153 men aged 18 to 93 are among those infected.
Twelve girls (from four months to 16 years old) and 17 boys (from two to 17 years old) have tested positive.
Klitschko said 49 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
He added that 96 people had recovered in the past day.
In total, 6,255 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (90), Dniprovsky district (56), and Desniansky district (54).
The total death toll in the city is 342 cases.
Quarantine in Ukraine: background


unian--2020-09-25--Ukraine reports 40 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Sept 25

Some 777 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 40 as of the morning of September 25 .
`` As of 10:00 Kyiv time on September 25 , some 602 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus .
In total , 2,050 people have recovered and 10 have died during the pandemic , '' the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were registered in the past 24 hours . ''
Read alsoHealth minister : Over 12,600 children , 14,300 healthcare workers contract COVID-19Of those newly-infected , 15 people have been hospitalized , while another 25 are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under doctors ' supervision .
Currently , their state of health is satisfactory .
Some 777 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 184 people .
• Ukraine said 3,565 new active COVID-19 cases had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours as of September 25 , 2020 .
• The total number of confirmed cases grew to 191,671 .

Some 777 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation).
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 40 as of the morning of September 25.
"As of 10:00 Kyiv time on September 25, some 602 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In total, 2,050 people have recovered and 10 have died during the pandemic," the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on September 25. "Forty new COVID-19 cases were registered in the past 24 hours."
Read alsoHealth minister: Over 12,600 children, 14,300 healthcare workers contract COVID-19Of those newly-infected, 15 people have been hospitalized, while another 25 are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under doctors' supervision. Currently, their state of health is satisfactory.
Видео дня
Some 777 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation). The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 184 people.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest


unian--2020-09-25--NSDC chief says Ukraine cannot retake occupied Crimea by military means now

He sees active cooperation with partners and tougher sanctions against Russia as Ukraine 's main ways to get Crimea back .
Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) Serhiy Kryvonos says Ukraine can not currently retake Russia-occupied Crimea by military means .
`` We clearly understand that Ukraine can not solve the problem by force at this stage .
Because there are problems .
This is , firstly , the war in Donbas .
To wage a war on two fronts , even legally retaking our lands – we wo n't manage it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read alsoCrimea invaders force locals to drop Ukrainian passports– envoy to UNAccording to the official , active cooperation with world leaders and the buildup of sanctions against Russia is the main task for Ukraine to regain Crimea .
`` These sanctions should bring Russia to such a level to make them either give up Crimea or – let 's say – be broke .
Simultaneously , [ we should ] strengthen the country 's defense capability , which will allow [ us ] to act with the use of military means , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In late July , Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the finalization of the concept of the `` Crimea is Ukraine '' international platform and that a consultative and advisory format with the transition to a negotiation format was supposed at first .
• On August 24 , Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Ukraine would offer Germany to join the future international platform .
• Russia annexed Ukraine 's Crimea in March 2014 after its troops had occupied the peninsula .
An illegal referendum was held for Crimeans to decide on accession to Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 96.77 % of the Crimean population had voted for joining Russia .
• On March 18 , 2014 , the so-called agreement on the accession of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to Russia was signed in the Kremlin .
• The West did not recognize the annexation in response to which sanctions against Russia were introduced .
• Ukraine 's parliament voted to designate February 20 , 2014 , as the official date when the temporary occupation of Crimea began .

He sees active cooperation with partners and tougher sanctions against Russia as Ukraine's main ways to get Crimea back.
Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Serhiy Kryvonos says Ukraine cannot currently retake Russia-occupied Crimea by military means.
"We clearly understand that Ukraine cannot solve the problem by force at this stage. Because there are problems. This is, firstly, the war in Donbas. To wage a war on two fronts, even legally retaking our lands – we won't manage it," he told the Dom TV channel.
Read alsoCrimea invaders force locals to drop Ukrainian passports– envoy to UNAccording to the official, active cooperation with world leaders and the buildup of sanctions against Russia is the main task for Ukraine to regain Crimea.
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"These sanctions should bring Russia to such a level to make them either give up Crimea or – let's say – be broke. Simultaneously, [we should] strengthen the country's defense capability, which will allow [us] to act with the use of military means, if necessary," he added.
International platform for end of Crimea occupation
In late July, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the finalization of the concept of the "Crimea is Ukraine" international platform and that a consultative and advisory format with the transition to a negotiation format was supposed at first.
On August 24, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Ukraine would offer Germany to join the future international platform.
Russian occupation of Crimea


unian--2020-09-25--Health minister: Over 12,600 children, 14,300 healthcare workers contract COVID-19

In the past day , 3,565 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 239 children and 155 healthcare workers @ @ @ @ @ Stepanov says 12,630 children and 14,392 healthcare workers have contracted the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) @ @ @ @ @ epidemic .
`` In the past day , 3,565 people tested positive for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ 155 healthcare workers .
Some 742 new patients were hospitalized .
There were 70 deaths @ @ @ @ @ he said at a briefing on September 25 , as reported by the Health Ministry @ @ @ @ @ minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeThe overall death toll is 3,827 people @ @ @ @ @ patients have already recovered .
• Ukraine said 3,565 new active COVID-19 cases had been @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours as of September 25 , 2020 .
• The total number @ @ @ @ @ 191,671 .

In the past day, 3,565 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 239 children and 155 healthcare workers.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says 12,630 children and 14,392 healthcare workers have contracted the coronavirus (COVID-19) since the start of the epidemic.
"In the past day, 3,565 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 239 children and 155 healthcare workers. Some 742 new patients were hospitalized. There were 70 deaths and 1,675 recoveries," he said at a briefing on September 25, as reported by the Health Ministry on Facebook.
Read alsoHealth minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeThe overall death toll is 3,827 people.
Видео дня
As many as 85,133 patients have already recovered.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest


unian--2020-09-25--MP from ruling party freed on bail in corruption probe, to wear ankle monitor

Ukrainian MP from the Servant of the People parliamentary faction Oleksandr Yurchenko has been released on bail in a bribery case and will be wearing an ankle monitor .
`` Yurchenko posted bail and got an ankle monitor – an electronic means of control .
The bail was posted yesterday , '' the press service of the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office ( SAPO ) told UNIAN .
Zelensky comments on bribery case against lawmaker from ruling party Corruption scandal in Verkhovna Rada • The National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) during a sting operation involving an undercover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanded through an intermediary US $ 13,000 for submitting proposals to the draft law on solid waste recycling and another $ 200,000 for bribing parliamentary committee members to approve the proposals to be filed .
• On September 15 , Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova announced in parliament that she saw no reason to serve Yurchenko with charge papers in the bribery case .
• The SAPO said that the aide to the lawmaker , Ivan Feshchenko , had been served with charge papers and is suspected of complicity in the bribery case involving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the investigation , the aide acted as an intermediary in obtaining US $ 13,000 for submitting the proposals .
He is also charged with the solicitation of a further US $ 200,000 bribe .
The court ruled to arrest Feshchenko , setting bail of over UAH 1 million .
He was eventually bailed out and got out of the detention center .
• On September 17 , Venediktova officially pressed criminal charges against Yurchenko and signed a motion to the court asking to remand him in custody .
He is facing charges under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 of Article 27 and Part 4 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code .
• The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine on September 21 partly satisfied the prosecutors ' motion and ruled to remand in custody Yurchenko , who had been charged in a corruption-related criminal investigation .
The bail was set at UAH 3,001,656 ( US $ 106,253 ) , instead of UAH 6 million ( US $ 212,389 ) initially sought by prosecutors .

The bail was posted yesterday.
Ukrainian MP from the Servant of the People parliamentary faction Oleksandr Yurchenko has been released on bail in a bribery case and will be wearing an ankle monitor.
"Yurchenko posted bail and got an ankle monitor – an electronic means of control. The bail was posted yesterday," the press service of the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) told UNIAN.
Read also Zelensky comments on bribery case against lawmaker from ruling party Corruption scandal in Verkhovna Rada


unian--2020-09-25--Kravchuk on relocating Donbas talks from Minsk: "Not yet raising the issue"

The official says it should be decided by the three parties involved .
Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) on Donbas Leonid Kravchuk says Ukraine is not raising the issue of relocating TCG meetings from Minsk to another place , and the venue itself is irrelevant for a videoconferencing format .
`` We are not yet raising the issue of relocating the meeting or holding it somewhere physically .
And for events in a video format it does n't matter where the participants are located , '' he told Ukraine 24 TV channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement that the TCG talks in Minsk make no sense and would be held in Vienna .
`` Of course , if we talk about a certain person 's opinion – yes , now there are no such prerequisites for gathering in Minsk , as both the coronavirus and the political situation there are not conducive to meetings , but this is my personal opinion , '' he added .
Read alsoKravchuk schools Russia 's Gryzlov at Minsk talks over Donbas statusAccording to him , the issue is to be decided by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the procedure that must be followed .
For example , how is the group called ?
The Trilateral Contact Group .
The leading role is played by the moderator , the OSCE , and 'trilateral ' means Ukraine , Russia and the OSCE .
Thus , a joint solution is needed to decide where the group should meet .
Ukraine , as well as Russia alone can not resolve this issue , '' he said .
Kravchuk reiterated Russia had already attempted to unilaterally appoint a meeting place for the next meeting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Russia offered a physical meeting in Minsk , but the moderator made an appropriate statement , saying that under such conditions , given the coronavirus , there were no possibilities .
And we accept and adhere to this position , '' he said .
• On July 28 , Leonid Kuchma concluded his mission as Ukraine 's representative to the TCG at the Minsk talks on Donbas .
• On July 30 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky officially appointed Kravchuk as Ukraine 's representative to the TCG .
• On August 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine ( 1990-1992 ) Vitold Fokin a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the TCG .
• Kravchuk supposed negotiations on Donbas might be relocated from Minsk , Belarus amid the events in that country .
• Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Dmytro Razumkov says he sees no grounds for relocating the TCG peace talks platform from Minsk .
• On September 15 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the possible relocation of the TCG talks from Minsk was not relevant .

The official says it should be decided by the three parties involved.
Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on Donbas Leonid Kravchuk says Ukraine is not raising the issue of relocating TCG meetings from Minsk to another place, and the venue itself is irrelevant for a videoconferencing format.
"We are not yet raising the issue of relocating the meeting or holding it somewhere physically. And for events in a video format it doesn't matter where the participants are located," he told Ukraine 24 TV channel, commenting on journalist Dmitriy Gordon's statement that the TCG talks in Minsk make no sense and would be held in Vienna.
"Of course, if we talk about a certain person's opinion – yes, now there are no such prerequisites for gathering in Minsk, as both the coronavirus and the political situation there are not conducive to meetings, but this is my personal opinion," he added.
Read alsoKravchuk schools Russia's Gryzlov at Minsk talks over Donbas statusAccording to him, the issue is to be decided by the three parties involved.
"There is the procedure that must be followed. For example, how is the group called? The Trilateral Contact Group. The leading role is played by the moderator, the OSCE, and 'trilateral' means Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE. Thus, a joint solution is needed to decide where the group should meet. Ukraine, as well as Russia alone cannot resolve this issue," he said.
Kravchuk reiterated Russia had already attempted to unilaterally appoint a meeting place for the next meeting.
"There has already been a case that Russia offered a physical meeting in Minsk, but the moderator made an appropriate statement, saying that under such conditions, given the coronavirus, there were no possibilities. And we accept and adhere to this position," he said.
TCG on Donbas in Minsk


unian--2020-09-25--Health minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spike

In total , 47,883 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has listed the regions that are in the lead by the number of new COVID-19 cases confirmed in the past day .
`` Speaking per each region , the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv ( 380 cases ) , Kharkiv region ( 297 ) , Ternopil region ( 245 ) , Dnipropetrovsk region ( 225 ) , and Lviv region ( 215 ) , '' he said at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported by the Health Ministry on Facebook .
Read alsoKyiv , 22 regions not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs – health ministryIn total , 47,883 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
In particular , there were 27,397 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) method and 20,386 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) method .
• Ukraine said 3,565 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of confirmed cases grew to 191,671 .

In total, 47,883 tests were conducted in the country in the past day.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has listed the regions that are in the lead by the number of new COVID-19 cases confirmed in the past day.
"Speaking per each region, the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv (380 cases), Kharkiv region (297), Ternopil region (245), Dnipropetrovsk region (225), and Lviv region (215)," he said at a briefing on September 25, as reported by the Health Ministry on Facebook.
Read alsoKyiv, 22 regions not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs – health ministryIn total, 47,883 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 27,397 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and 20,386 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
Видео дня
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest


unian--2020-09-25--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 32.2 mln

The overall death toll is 983,042 people , while 22,237,989 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 32.2 million patients as of September 25 .
Read alsoZelensky elaborates on fight against COVID-19 pandemicAs many as 32,234,685 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:23 on September 25 , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
The overall death toll is 983,042 people , while 22,237,989 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States ( 202,818 people ) , Brazil ( 139,808 ) , India ( 92,290 ) , Mexico ( 75,439 ) , the United Kingdom ( 41,991 ) , Italy ( 35,781 ) , and Peru ( 31,870 ) .
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States ( 6,978,851 confirmed cases ) , India ( 5,818,570 ) , Brazil ( 4,657,702 ) , Russia ( 1,123,976 ) , Colombia ( 790,823 ) , Peru ( 782,695 ) , Mexico ( 715,457 ) , and Spain ( 704,209 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been affected by the virus .

The overall death toll is 983,042 people, while 22,237,989 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 32.2 million patients as of September 25.
Read alsoZelensky elaborates on fight against COVID-19 pandemicAs many as 32,234,685 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:23 on September 25, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
The overall death toll is 983,042 people, while 22,237,989 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
Видео дня
The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (202,818 people), Brazil (139,808), India (92,290), Mexico (75,439), the United Kingdom (41,991), Italy (35,781), and Peru (31,870).
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (6,978,851 confirmed cases), India (5,818,570), Brazil (4,657,702), Russia (1,123,976), Colombia (790,823), Peru (782,695), Mexico (715,457), and Spain (704,209).
As many as 188 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-09-25--COVID-19: Over 3,500 new active cases reported on Sept 25

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 191,671 .
Ukraine said 3,565 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 25 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 191,671 , as seen on the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
Read alsoUkraine redraws COVID-19 quarantine zones : UpdatesAs many as 85,133 patients , including 1,675 in the past day , have recovered .
The death toll is 3,827 with 70 fatalities recorded in the past day .
There were 102,711 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In total , there have been 256,970 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv ( 380 cases ) , Kharkiv region ( 297 ) , Ternopil region ( 245 ) , Dnipropetrovsk region ( 225 ) , and Lviv region ( 215 ) .
The overall incidence per region is as follows : • 21,045 ( +380 ) in the city of Kyiv ; Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
• The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1 .
The Ukrainian regions were split into the green , yellow , orange , and red zones depending on hospital load , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and daily spread dynamics .
• Quarantine-related curbs differ in each zone .
The mildest ones are in the green zone , the regions included in the red zone will have to introduce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Cabinet of Ministers extended the adaptive quarantine until November 1 .
• On September 10 , the government reviewed the borders of COVID-19 quarantine zones .
The reviewed zoning regulations took effect on September 14 .
Kyiv became part of the orange zone , with the second-toughest bans after the red zone .
• Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry has no plans to introduce a new lockdown in Ukraine yet .

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 191,671.
Ukraine said 3,565 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 25, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 191,671, as seen on the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
Read alsoUkraine redraws COVID-19 quarantine zones: UpdatesAs many as 85,133 patients, including 1,675 in the past day, have recovered.
Видео дня
The death toll is 3,827 with 70 fatalities recorded in the past day.
There were 102,711 active cases as of September 25. In total, there have been 256,970 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv (380 cases), Kharkiv region (297), Ternopil region (245), Dnipropetrovsk region (225), and Lviv region (215).
The overall incidence per region is as follows:
21,045 (+380) in the city of Kyiv;
19,465 (+215) cases in Lviv region;
16,490 (+297) in Kharkiv region;
13,736 (+174) in Chernivtsi region;
13,080 (+128) in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
12,579 (+245) in Ternopil region;
12,470 (+161) in Odesa region;
11,774 (+153) in Rivne region;
9,490 (+74) in Zakarpattia region;
8,430 (+144) in Kyiv region;
7,362 (+127) in Volyn region;
5,653 (+97) in Vinnytsia region;
5,403 (+141) in Zhytomyr region;
5,361 (+176) in Khmelnytsky region;
4,917 (+225) in Dnipropetrovsk region;
3,770 (+123) in Chernihiv region;
3,474 (+122) in Sumy region;
3,459 (+104) in Cherkasy region;
3,428 (+140) in Zaporizhia region;
2,851 (+84) in Donetsk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
2,782 (+65) in Mykolaiv region;
1,752 (+75) in Poltava region;
1,052 (+13) in Kirovohrad region;
954 (+49) in Kherson region; and
894 (+53) 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.
Quarantine in Ukraine: background