unian--2020-08-01--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 17.6 mln

The overall death toll is 679,600 people , while 10,342,362 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 17.6 million patients as of August 1 .
As many as 17,601,361 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 11:35 on August 1 , 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 679,600 people , while 10,342,362 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
Read alsoOver 1,100 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll was recorded in the United States ( 153,314 people ) , Brazil ( 92,475 ) , Mexico ( 46,688 ) , the United Kingdom ( 46,204 ) , India ( 36,511 ) , Italy ( 35,141 ) , and France ( 30,268 ) .
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States ( 4,562,170 confirmed cases ) , Brazil ( 2,662,485 ) , India ( 1,695,988 ) , Russia ( 843,890 ) , South Africa ( 493,183 ) , Mexico ( 424,637 ) , Peru ( 407,492 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom ( 304,800 ) , and Iran ( 304,204 ) .
As many as 188 countries have been affected by the virus .

The overall death toll is 679,600 people, while 10,342,362 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 17.6 million patients as of August 1.
As many as 17,601,361 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 11:35 on August 1, 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 679,600 people, while 10,342,362 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
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Read alsoOver 1,100 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine in past day
The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (153,314 people), Brazil (92,475), Mexico (46,688), the United Kingdom (46,204), India (36,511), Italy (35,141), and France (30,268).
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (4,562,170 confirmed cases), Brazil (2,662,485), India (1,695,988), Russia (843,890), South Africa (493,183), Mexico (424,637), Peru (407,492), Chile (355,667), the United Kingdom (304,800), and Iran (304,204).
As many as 188 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-08-01--Over 1,100 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine in past day

The death toll is 1,709 , including 16 fatalities in the past 24 hours .
Some 1,172 new cases of @ @ @ @ @ reported in Ukraine in the past day , bringing the total number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ morning of August 1 .
Read alsoNew rules of adaptive quarantine come into force on @ @ @ @ @ government The death toll is 1,709 , including 16 fatalities in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ map by Ukraine 's National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 39,308 patients @ @ @ @ @ past day , have already recovered .
Over the past day , most COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ ( 145 ) , Ivano-Frankivsk region ( 123 ) , Odesa region ( 101 ) @ @ @ @ @ of Kyiv ( 101 ) .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine on July 31 @ @ @ @ @ .

The death toll is 1,709, including 16 fatalities in the past 24 hours.
Some 1,172 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported in Ukraine in the past day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 71,056 as of the morning of August 1.
Read alsoNew rules of adaptive quarantine come into force on Aug 1 – Ukraine's government
The death toll is 1,709, including 16 fatalities in the past 24 hours, according to the interactive map by Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.
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As many as 39,308 patients, including 556 in the past day, have already recovered.
Over the past day, most COVID-19 cases were recorded in Lviv region (145), Ivano-Frankivsk region (123), Odesa region (101), and the capital city of Kyiv (101).
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine on July 31 reported 1,090 new COVID-19 cases.


unian--2020-08-01--Truce in Donbas: Ukraine reports four incidents on July 31

There were no casualties among the Ukrainian soldiers in the past day .
Ukraine reported four incidents on Friday , July 31 , when Russia 's hybrid military forces violated the newly-agreed truce in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
`` The Russian Federation 's armed formations violated the ceasefire four times in the past day , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on August 1 , 2020 .
Read alsoJournalists find more graves of Russian troops killed in Ukraine 's Donbas warzone In particular , Russia-led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and small arms near the villages of Vodiane , Pivdenne and Luhanske .
`` Isolated random shots did not pose a threat to life and health , so our soldiers did not fire back .
The Joint Forces complied with the ceasefire and were ready to adequately respond to possible insidious actions by the enemy , '' reads the report .
There were no casualties among the Ukrainian soldiers in the past day .
Since Saturday midnight , no attacks by Russian Federation 's armed formations have been recorded , the JFO HQ @ @

There were no casualties among the Ukrainian soldiers in the past day.
Ukraine reported four incidents on Friday, July 31, when Russia's hybrid military forces violated the newly-agreed truce in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
"The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire four times in the past day," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on August 1, 2020.
Read alsoJournalists find more graves of Russian troops killed in Ukraine's Donbas warzone
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In particular, Russia-led forces opened fire from automatic grenade launchers and small arms near the villages of Vodiane, Pivdenne and Luhanske.
"Isolated random shots did not pose a threat to life and health, so our soldiers did not fire back. The Joint Forces complied with the ceasefire and were ready to adequately respond to possible insidious actions by the enemy," reads the report.
There were no casualties among the Ukrainian soldiers in the past day.
Since Saturday midnight, no attacks by Russian Federation's armed formations have been recorded, the JFO HQ said.


unian--2020-08-01--Ukraine's health minister: Almost 5,000 children, about 8,700 healthcare workers contract COVID-19

In the past day , 1,172 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 68 children and 39 healthcare workers @ @ @ @ @ Stepanov says 4,998 children and 8,693 healthcare workers have contracted the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Read alsoUkraine reports 16 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Aug @ @ @ @ @ day , 1,172 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 68 children and 39 @ @ @ @ @ new patients were hospitalized .
There were 16 deaths and 556 recoveries , '' he @ @ @ @ @ July 31 .
The overall death toll is 1,709 people .
As many as 39,308 @ @ @ @ @ As UNIAN reported earlier , 1,172 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported @ @ @ @ @ day , bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 71,056 as of the morning @ @ @ @

In the past day, 1,172 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 68 children and 39 healthcare workers.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says 4,998 children and 8,693 healthcare workers have contracted the coronavirus (COVID-19) since the start of the pandemic.
Read alsoUkraine reports 16 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Aug 1
"In the past day, 1,172 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 68 children and 39 healthcare workers. Some 232 new patients were hospitalized. There were 16 deaths and 556 recoveries," he said at a briefing on July 31.
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The overall death toll is 1,709 people.
As many as 39,308 patients have already recovered.
As UNIAN reported earlier, 1,172 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported in Ukraine in the past day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 71,056 as of the morning of August 1.


unian--2020-08-01--Ukraine reports 16 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Aug 1

Some 572 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 16 as of the morning of August 1 .
Read alsoUkraine reports 34 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of July 31 '' As of 10:00 Kyiv time on August 1 , some 196 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus .
In total , 652 people have recovered and five have died during the pandemic , '' the press service of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on August 1 .
`` Sixteen new COVID-19 cases were registered in the past 24 hours . ''
Of those newly-infected , eight people have been hospitalized , while another eight are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under doctors ' supervision .
Currently , their state of health is satisfactory .
Some 572 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
As UNIAN reported earlier , 1,172 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported in Ukraine in the past day , bringing the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the morning of August 1 .

Some 572 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation).
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 16 as of the morning of August 1.
Read alsoUkraine reports 34 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of July 31
"As of 10:00 Kyiv time on August 1, some 196 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In total, 652 people have recovered and five have died during the pandemic," the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on August 1. "Sixteen new COVID-19 cases were registered in the past 24 hours."
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Of those newly-infected, eight people have been hospitalized, while another eight are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under doctors' supervision. Currently, their state of health is satisfactory.
Some 572 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation).
As UNIAN reported earlier, 1,172 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported in Ukraine in the past day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 71,056 as of the morning of August 1.


unian--2020-08-01--Ukraine's Health Ministry predicts about 4,000 deaths from COVID-19

Currently , Ukraine is moving according to the `` yellow '' scenario .
Ukraine 's Deputy Health Minister , Chief @ @ @ @ @ said the ministry predicts about 4,000 deaths from COVID-19 .
Read alsoUkraine may face greatest @ @ @ @ @ season – health ministry '' When we first presented forecasts a month ago , Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ 'yellow-green ' scenario .
Currently , our dynamics reflects the 'yellow ' scenario ... and @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said at a briefing on August 1 , an UNIAN correspondent reports @ @ @ @ @ , 1,172 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported in Ukraine in the @ @ @ @ @ total number of confirmed cases to 71,056 as of the morning of August 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ , including 16 fatalities in the past 24 hours .
As many as 39,308 patients @ @ @ @ @ past day , have already recovered .

Currently, Ukraine is moving according to the "yellow" scenario.
Ukraine's Deputy Health Minister, Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said the ministry predicts about 4,000 deaths from COVID-19.
Read alsoUkraine may face greatest spread of COVID-19 during flu season – health ministry
"When we first presented forecasts a month ago, Ukraine was moving according to the 'yellow-green' scenario. Currently, our dynamics reflects the 'yellow' scenario... and we predict about 4,000 deaths…," he said at a briefing on August 1, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
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As UNIAN reported earlier, 1,172 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported in Ukraine in the past day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 71,056 as of the morning of August 1. The death toll is 1,709, including 16 fatalities in the past 24 hours. As many as 39,308 patients, including 556 in the past day, have already recovered.


unian--2020-08-01--Some 1,590 COVID-19 cases, 43 fatalities reported in occupied Crimea since start of pandemic

Some 42 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in the past day .
Experts @ @ @ @ @ Group ( CHRG ) say 1,590 COVID-19 cases , including 43 fatalities , have been @ @ @ @ @ the start of the coronavirus pandemic .
Read alsoUkraine changes entry rules for foreigners , @ @ @ @ @ health official '' Some 42 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Crimea and the city @ @ @ @ @ day , '' the CHRG said on Facebook on August 1 , referring to the @ @ @ @ @ In Sevastopol alone , five new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past day .
@ @ @ @ @ cases have been confirmed in the city since the start of the pandemic .
As @ @ @ @ @ new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported in Ukraine in the past day @ @ @ @ @ of confirmed cases to 71,056 as of the morning of August 1 .

Some 42 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 1,590 COVID-19 cases, including 43 fatalities, have been registered in Russian-occupied Crimea since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Read alsoUkraine changes entry rules for foreigners, Ukrainians returning from abroad – health official
"Some 42 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in the past day," the CHRG said on Facebook on August 1, referring to the occupying authorities' data.
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In Sevastopol alone, five new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past day.
In total, 349 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the city since the start of the pandemic.
As UNIAN reported earlier, 1,172 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported in Ukraine in the past day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 71,056 as of the morning of August 1.


unian--2020-08-01--Ukraine's JFO HQ reports enemy death toll in Donbas in July

From July 1 to July 26 , the enemy 's irreplaceable losses totaled : 61 killed and 50 wounded .
@ @ @ @ @ ( JFO HQ ) has disclosed the enemy death toll in Donbas , eastern Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ alsoTruce in Donbas : Ukraine reports four incidents on July 31 '' From July 1 @ @ @ @ @ enemy 's irreplaceable losses totaled : 61 killed and 50 wounded , '' the JFO @ @ @ @ @ August 1 , 2020 .
In addition , the Russian occupying forces lost 12 pieces @ @ @ @ @ .
According to intelligence data , with the beginning of a full and comprehensive truce @ @ @ @ @ casualties totaled : three killed and four injured .
This happened due to careless handling @ @ @ @ @ drug use , suicide attempts , etc .

From July 1 to July 26, the enemy's irreplaceable losses totaled: 61 killed and 50 wounded.
The Joint Forces Operation Headquarters (JFO HQ) has disclosed the enemy death toll in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, for July.
Read alsoTruce in Donbas: Ukraine reports four incidents on July 31
"From July 1 to July 26, the enemy's irreplaceable losses totaled: 61 killed and 50 wounded," the JFO HQ wrote on Facebook on August 1, 2020.
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In addition, the Russian occupying forces lost 12 pieces of weapons and military equipment.
According to intelligence data, with the beginning of a full and comprehensive truce, Russian occupying forces' casualties totaled: three killed and four injured. This happened due to careless handling of weapons, alcohol and drug use, suicide attempts, etc.


unian--2020-08-01--Ukraine's Health Ministry publishes list of red-zone, green-zone countries in terms of COVID-19 spre

Ukraine's Health Ministry publishes list of red-zone, green-zone countries in terms of COVID-19 spread

The list is formed according to two indicators : the number of patients per 100,000 people and the increase in new patients .
Ukraine 's Health Ministry has published a list of red-zone and green-zone countries in terms of COVID-19 spread .
The relevant list of countries with a wide spread of COVID-19 as of July 31 has been published on the ministry 's website .
Read alsoNew rules of adaptive quarantine come into force on Aug 1 – Ukraine 's government The list is formed according to two indicators : the number of patients per 100,000 people and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of red-zone countries is the following : the United States , Israel , Brazil , Montenegro , Armenia , Kazakhstan , Moldova , Romania , Serbia , Switzerland , Canada , France , Poland , Germany , Czech Republic , Kyrgyzstan , Japan , etc .
The list of green-zone countries includes Sweden , Portugal , Belarus , Croatia , the United Kingdom , Egypt , Italy , Greece , Sri Lanka , Estonia , Latvia , etc .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine changed the rules of entry for foreigners and @ @ @ @ @ @

The list is formed according to two indicators: the number of patients per 100,000 people and the increase in new patients.
Ukraine's Health Ministry has published a list of red-zone and green-zone countries in terms of COVID-19 spread.
The relevant list of countries with a wide spread of COVID-19 as of July 31 has been published on the ministry's website.
Read alsoNew rules of adaptive quarantine come into force on Aug 1 – Ukraine's government
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The list is formed according to two indicators: the number of patients per 100,000 people and the increase in new patients.
The list of red-zone countries is the following: the United States, Israel, Brazil, Montenegro, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Switzerland, Canada, France, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, etc.
The list of green-zone countries includes Sweden, Portugal, Belarus, Croatia, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Italy, Greece, Sri Lanka, Estonia, Latvia, etc.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine changed the rules of entry for foreigners and Ukrainians who return from abroad.


unian--2020-08-01--Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 27.68 to U.S. dollar on Aug 3

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Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 27.68 to U.S. dollar on Aug 3
18:40, 01.08.20 6242
The official forex rate against the euro for August 3 is set at UAH 32.78 per euro.
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unian--2020-08-01--Ukraine changes entry rules for foreigners, Ukrainians returning from abroad – health official

People who arrive from green-zone countries must have an insurance policy and will be allowed to enter the territory of Ukraine without self-isolation and testing .
Ukraine 's Deputy Health Minister , Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said the country changed the rules of entry for foreigners and Ukrainians who return from abroad .
`` The border crossing rules for foreigners and Ukrainians who return from abroad are changing from August 1 ... People who arrive from green-zone countries must have an insurance policy and will be allowed to enter the territory of Ukraine without self-isolation and testing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 1 , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
Read alsoOver 1,100 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine in past day According to Liashko , Ukrainians and foreigners who travel from red-zone countries must have an insurance policy , and must either undergo 14-day self-isolation , or undergo a PCR testing within 24 hours , or arrive in Ukraine with the results of testing made no later than 48 hours before the border crossing .
The official also said Ukraine had changed the criteria to determine which zone the country belongs to .
Liashko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries would be published on the Health Ministry 's official website in the near future .

People who arrive from green-zone countries must have an insurance policy and will be allowed to enter the territory of Ukraine without self-isolation and testing.
Ukraine's Deputy Health Minister, Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said the country changed the rules of entry for foreigners and Ukrainians who return from abroad.
"The border crossing rules for foreigners and Ukrainians who return from abroad are changing from August 1... People who arrive from green-zone countries must have an insurance policy and will be allowed to enter the territory of Ukraine without self-isolation and testing," he said at a briefing on August 1, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
Read alsoOver 1,100 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine in past day
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According to Liashko, Ukrainians and foreigners who travel from red-zone countries must have an insurance policy, and must either undergo 14-day self-isolation, or undergo a PCR testing within 24 hours, or arrive in Ukraine with the results of testing made no later than 48 hours before the border crossing.
The official also said Ukraine had changed the criteria to determine which zone the country belongs to. Liashko said these criteria and the list of countries would be published on the Health Ministry's official website in the near future.


unian--2020-08-02--Week's balance: Cabinet approves updated macro forecast, hryvnia stabilizes, while electricity tarif

Week's balance: Cabinet approves updated macro forecast, hryvnia stabilizes, while electricity tariffs rise

In the last week of July , the government approved the revised forecast of economic and social development for the next three years .
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says the updated macro forecast envisages the return to the trajectory of economic growth as early as next year , with a tentative increase in GDP by 4.6 % .
Minimum wage in 2021 will grow first to UAH 6,250 and by the end of the year – to UAH 6,500 .
In 2022 , minimum wage will stand at UAH 6,700 , and in 2023 – at UAH 7,200 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GDP fall in 2020 at 4.8 % .
`` Our baseline forecast remains unchanged for Ukraine .
This is a 4.8 % decrease in GDP in 2020 .
We see that Ukraine is moving by the scenario developed by the Ministry of Economy .
The Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance so far confirm movement in line with this scenario , '' PM said .
Also , the prime minister noted that in order to achieve economic growth , it is necessary to focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ensuring domestic investment , and improving the business climate .
Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko predicted that the Ukrainian economy would start to recover by the end of this year , with the dynamics reviving next year .
`` Already in Q4 2020 , we expect a gradual economic recovery .
Economic dynamics are expected to revive in 2021 .
This will be the budget of growth for citizens ' wellbeing and the country 's economy , '' the minister emphasized .
As for the hryvnia , the updated macro forecast revised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29.1 hryvnia to the U.S. dollar .
Meanwhile , the economic crisis in Ukraine is ongoing .
In the outgoing week , the National Bank estimated the country 's GDP decline in the second quarter of 2020 at 11 % in annual terms .
The main factors for the deterioration were severe quarantine restrictions on certain types of activities , as well as a decline in agricultural output due to the late start of early grain crops harvesting .
According to the National Bank , Ukraine 's GDP forecast for 2020 has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the continued low demand within the country amid quarantine .
`` The GDP forecast for 2020 has been revised towards a significant drop – about 6 % .
The continued adaptive quarantine in a number of areas and the still-depressed domestic demand will hold the economic recovery back .
A slow exit from the crisis in other countries will narrow opportunities for a quick recovery of exports , '' the NBU report says .
The National Bank also said that public and publicly guaranteed debt in 2020 will increase to 62 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget deficit , a fall in nominal GDP , as well as a hryvnia exchange rate that is weaker than at the end of last year .
In the future , the indicator will decline by 2-3 percentage points annually , thanks to economic growth and a balanced fiscal policy .
Ukrainian experts believe that the forecast of the International Monetary Fund published in June regarding the fall of the Ukrainian economy in 2020 to 8.2 % is more realistic than those drafted by the government and the National Bank .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with its relative stability .
The national currency , at the official rate , fluctuated around UAH 27.69 per dollar .
As a result , the National Bank on Monday , August 3 , set the hryvnia to the dollar at the level of UAH 27.68 , that is , the national currency has strengthened by 1 kopiyka against the previous indicator .
The head of the Ukrainian government in the outgoing week once again assured that he does not intend to interfere with the work of the National Bank and push it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heating up inflation .
The government does not plan to stimulate industrial development in this way .
More financial news came from the Ministry of Finance where settlements were completed on the last week 's issue of Eurobonds worth $ 2 billion at 7.253 % maturing in 2033 .
The transaction allowed Ukraine to optimize its external debt servicing and reduce financing risks for the coming years .
Also , the State Statistics Service announced an increase in the average nominal wage of a full-time employee in June on year by 7.4 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time , real wages in June increased by almost 10 % against the previous month , and by almost 5 % on year .
In the last week of July , news came from S & P Global Ratings , which raised the long-term credit rating of Ukrzaliznytsia from CCC to B- , which means that the company is fulfilling its obligations under the securities issued .
This is a good signal for the stable functioning of the Ukrainian railway operator , which provides more than 80 percent of freight and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The energy company YASNO ( previously operating under the DTEK brand ) , which provides electricity to consumers in Kyiv , has announced an increase in the cost of electricity for small non-household consumers .
From August 1 , small and medium-sized businesses in the capital city will , on average , pay 6 % more for electricity consumption .
Changes in prices for services are associated with an increase in transmission and distribution tariffs , which have been approved by the National energy regulator NEURC .
It is worth recalling that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for electricity distribution for regional energy companies , also doubling the tariff for the state-owned Ukrenergo .
This means that entrepreneurs across the country are facing an increase in electricity tariffs .
In addition , in the outgoing week , the regulator temporarily increased the electricity price ceiling on the day-ahead market and the intraday market at night hours from UAH 959 to UAH 1,229 per MWh .
This will also allow producers to sell electricity at higher prices .
The regulator explained the step by claiming that thermal generation sells electricity at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its cost , since the current price restriction does not allow covering the cost of generation .
It is noteworthy that in Ukraine , two-thirds of the coal-fired TPP and CHPP assets belong to Rinat Akhmetov 's DTEK energy holding .
Meanwhile , the Antimonopoly Committee is looking into the regulator 's actions , having accused NEURC of inaction on the electric energy market , which creates conditions for businesses to violate anti-trust legislation .
At the same time , the decline in electricity consumption across country amid quarantine forces generators to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Statistics Service , power plants in Ukraine for the six months of this year reduced electricity generation by 11.4 % on year – to 70 billion kWh .
Thermal power plants ' generation was down 16.4 % , nuclear – down by 7.7 % , and hydroelectric – by 22.5 % .
At the same time , alternative electricity generation ( solar and wind ) for the six months of 2020 increased by 12.9 % and 19.6 % , respectively .
On the last working day of July , President Volodymyr Zelensky signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tariffs for solar and wind power plants .
The document will provide incentives for a fair pricing of alternative energy in Ukraine .
The next week will be marked by revolutionary changes in the energy market .
From August 1 , a competitive gas market for household customers will start operating in Ukraine , where each consumer will be able to independently select their supplier .
Also , the State Treasury will publish data on dynamics of the single treasury account and a report on the state budget revenues .

The government has approved the three-year macroeconomic forecast, the National Bank has worsened its economic outlook for 2020, the hryvnia has stabilized, while electricity tariffs have gone up – these are the main economic developments of the outgoing week.
In the last week of July, the government approved the revised forecast of economic and social development for the next three years. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says the updated macro forecast envisages the return to the trajectory of economic growth as early as next year, with a tentative increase in GDP by 4.6%. Minimum wage in 2021 will grow first to UAH 6,250 and by the end of the year – to UAH 6,500. In 2022, minimum wage will stand at UAH 6,700, and in 2023 – at UAH 7,200.
The updated macroeconomic forecast confirmed the estimate of the GDP fall in 2020 at 4.8%.
"Our baseline forecast remains unchanged for Ukraine. This is a 4.8% decrease in GDP in 2020. We see that Ukraine is moving by the scenario developed by the Ministry of Economy. The Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance so far confirm movement in line with this scenario," PM said.
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Also, the prime minister noted that in order to achieve economic growth, it is necessary to focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses, developing industry, supporting national producers, ensuring domestic investment, and improving the business climate.
Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko predicted that the Ukrainian economy would start to recover by the end of this year, with the dynamics reviving next year.
"Already in Q4 2020, we expect a gradual economic recovery. Economic dynamics are expected to revive in 2021. This will be the budget of growth for citizens' wellbeing and the country's economy," the minister emphasized.
As for the hryvnia, the updated macro forecast revised the national currency rate for 2021 to UAH 29.1 hryvnia to the U.S. dollar.
Economic crisis
Meanwhile, the economic crisis in Ukraine is ongoing. In the outgoing week, the National Bank estimated the country's GDP decline in the second quarter of 2020 at 11% in annual terms. The main factors for the deterioration were severe quarantine restrictions on certain types of activities, as well as a decline in agricultural output due to the late start of early grain crops harvesting.
According to the National Bank, Ukraine's GDP forecast for 2020 has been revised downward to 6% due to the continued low demand within the country amid quarantine.
"The GDP forecast for 2020 has been revised towards a significant drop – about 6%. The continued adaptive quarantine in a number of areas and the still-depressed domestic demand will hold the economic recovery back. A slow exit from the crisis in other countries will narrow opportunities for a quick recovery of exports," the NBU report says.
The National Bank also said that public and publicly guaranteed debt in 2020 will increase to 62% of GDP due to an increase in the budget deficit, a fall in nominal GDP, as well as a hryvnia exchange rate that is weaker than at the end of last year. In the future, the indicator will decline by 2-3 percentage points annually, thanks to economic growth and a balanced fiscal policy.
Ukrainian experts believe that the forecast of the International Monetary Fund published in June regarding the fall of the Ukrainian economy in 2020 to 8.2% is more realistic than those drafted by the government and the National Bank.
Stable hryvnia and Eurobond issue
In the outgoing week, the hryvnia pleased Ukrainians with its relative stability. The national currency, at the official rate, fluctuated around UAH 27.69 per dollar. As a result, the National Bank on Monday, August 3, set the hryvnia to the dollar at the level of UAH 27.68, that is, the national currency has strengthened by 1 kopiyka against the previous indicator.
The head of the Ukrainian government in the outgoing week once again assured that he does not intend to interfere with the work of the National Bank and push it toward weakening the hryvnia exchange rate and heating up inflation. The government does not plan to stimulate industrial development in this way.
More financial news came from the Ministry of Finance where settlements were completed on the last week's issue of Eurobonds worth $2 billion at 7.253% maturing in 2033. The transaction allowed Ukraine to optimize its external debt servicing and reduce financing risks for the coming years.
Also, the State Statistics Service announced an increase in the average nominal wage of a full-time employee in June on year by 7.4% - up to UAH 11,579. At the same time, real wages in June increased by almost 10% against the previous month, and by almost 5% on year.
In the last week of July, news came from S&P Global Ratings, which raised the long-term credit rating of Ukrzaliznytsia from CCC to B-, which means that the company is fulfilling its obligations under the securities issued. This is a good signal for the stable functioning of the Ukrainian railway operator, which provides more than 80 percent of freight and about half of passenger traffic across country.
Growth in electricity prices
The energy company YASNO (previously operating under the DTEK brand), which provides electricity to consumers in Kyiv, has announced an increase in the cost of electricity for small non-household consumers.
From August 1, small and medium-sized businesses in the capital city will, on average, pay 6% more for electricity consumption. Changes in prices for services are associated with an increase in transmission and distribution tariffs, which have been approved by the National energy regulator NEURC.
It is worth recalling that since August, NEURC has revised tariffs for electricity distribution for regional energy companies, also doubling the tariff for the state-owned Ukrenergo. This means that entrepreneurs across the country are facing an increase in electricity tariffs.
In addition, in the outgoing week, the regulator temporarily increased the electricity price ceiling on the day-ahead market and the intraday market at night hours from UAH 959 to UAH 1,229 per MWh. This will also allow producers to sell electricity at higher prices.
The regulator explained the step by claiming that thermal generation sells electricity at night hours on the indicated markets below its cost, since the current price restriction does not allow covering the cost of generation. It is noteworthy that in Ukraine, two-thirds of the coal-fired TPP and CHPP assets belong to Rinat Akhmetov's DTEK energy holding.
Meanwhile, the Antimonopoly Committee is looking into the regulator's actions, having accused NEURC of inaction on the electric energy market, which creates conditions for businesses to violate anti-trust legislation.
At the same time, the decline in electricity consumption across country amid quarantine forces generators to reduce output volumes. According to the State Statistics Service, power plants in Ukraine for the six months of this year reduced electricity generation by 11.4% on year – to 70 billion kWh.
Thermal power plants' generation was down 16.4%, nuclear – down by 7.7%, and hydroelectric – by 22.5%.
At the same time, alternative electricity generation (solar and wind) for the six months of 2020 increased by 12.9% and 19.6%, respectively. On the last working day of July, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law lowering feed-in "green" tariffs for solar and wind power plants. The document will provide incentives for a fair pricing of alternative energy in Ukraine.
The next week will be marked by revolutionary changes in the energy market. From August 1, a competitive gas market for household customers will start operating in Ukraine, where each consumer will be able to independently select their supplier. Also, the State Treasury will publish data on dynamics of the single treasury account and a report on the state budget revenues.
Anna Bredikhina


unian--2020-08-02--Kravchuk names first steps he intends to take in Donbas settlement talks

The new head of the Ukrainian delegation is set to raise the issue of creating a fund for the restoration of Donbas , as well as a free economic zone .
First President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk , who has been recently appointed President 's Envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement in Minsk , has named his priority steps in talks .
The new delegation chair set to raise the issue of establishing a fund for the restoration of Donbas , as well as a free economic zone , he told Ukraine 24 TV channel .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nature .
Let 's start with the Budapest Memorandum .
Back then , Ukraine laid down its nuclear weapons – 175 missiles .
Each missile had five warheads , so that 's 1,000 in total .
Each launch site cost a billion dollars at the time , which would be around $ 300 billion nowadays .
And this step by Ukraine was very important for reducing the nuclear arsenals and expenditures on the nuclear arsenals of nuclear powers that are still out there , '' said the first president .
Kravchuk says Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise the issue of establishing a special fund to restore the war-torn Donbas .
Read alsoKravchuk says Ukraine 's first PM could join TCG talks '' If we discuss this and present the idea in a broader sense , through diplomatic efforts by all of us together , and if Russia shows support ...
I want [ to see ] the Donbas Reanimation Fund – people will start immediately doing some concrete things , '' he said .
Another initiative is about setting up a free economic zone in Donbas .
`` When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free economic zone , which included Donetsk , Luhansk , and Dnipropetrovsk regions .
Then everyone forgot about it .
I think now this also needs to be done – not only in government-controlled territories but in all areas .
And when people engage in concrete things , investments will start flowing there .
And there 'll be no need to talk about any special status for Donbas , '' said Ukraine 's first president .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Leonid Kravchuk said that for the sake of peace in Donbas he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .

The new head of the Ukrainian delegation is set to raise the issue of creating a fund for the restoration of Donbas, as well as a free economic zone.
First President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk, who has been recently appointed President's Envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement in Minsk, has named his priority steps in talks.
The new delegation chair set to raise the issue of establishing a fund for the restoration of Donbas, as well as a free economic zone, he told Ukraine 24 TV channel.
"The first step is of an offensive nature. Let's start with the Budapest Memorandum. Back then, Ukraine laid down its nuclear weapons – 175 missiles. Each missile had five warheads, so that's 1,000 in total. Each launch site cost a billion dollars at the time, which would be around $300 billion nowadays. And this step by Ukraine was very important for reducing the nuclear arsenals and expenditures on the nuclear arsenals of nuclear powers that are still out there," said the first president.
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Kravchuk says Ukraine in this regard has the right to raise the issue of establishing a special fund to restore the war-torn Donbas.
Read alsoKravchuk says Ukraine's first PM could join TCG talks
"If we discuss this and present the idea in a broader sense, through diplomatic efforts by all of us together, and if Russia shows support... I want [to see] the Donbas Reanimation Fund – people will start immediately doing some concrete things," he said.
Another initiative is about setting up a free economic zone in Donbas.
"When I was president, we created a free economic zone, which included Donetsk, Luhansk, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Then everyone forgot about it. I think now this also needs to be done – not only in government-controlled territories but in all areas. And when people engage in concrete things, investments will start flowing there. And there'll be no need to talk about any special status for Donbas," said Ukraine's first president.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Leonid Kravchuk said that for the sake of peace in Donbas he was ready to engage in dialogue with representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.


unian--2020-08-02--Ukraine to allow at least 5,000 visitors to Uman for Rosh Hashanah – media

In pre-coronavirus times , about 30,000 Jews from around the world would spend Rosh Hashanah in Uman every year .
@ @ @ @ @ to allow at least 5,000 people to visit Uman for Rosh Hashanah , according to @ @ @ @ @ Yaakov Dov Bleich , JTA reported .
The government may increase the number to as @ @ @ @ @ visitors will be banned from joining gatherings of over 30 people and will be required @ @ @ @ @ according to The Yeshiva World .
The government is also considering other measures such as @ @ @ @ @ at the airport and/or requiring travelers to download software on their phones , `` but @ @ @ @ @ is not putting a stop to it , '' Rav Bleich said .
In pre-coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ from around the world would spend Rosh Hashanah in Uman every year .
As UNIAN @ @ @ @ @ Health Ministry has published a list of red-zone and green-zone countries in terms of COVID-19 @ @

In pre-coronavirus times, about 30,000 Jews from around the world would spend Rosh Hashanah in Uman every year.
The Ukrainian government has agreed to allow at least 5,000 people to visit Uman for Rosh Hashanah, according to Rabbi Rav Yaakov Dov Bleich, JTA reported.
The government may increase the number to as high as 8,000 but all visitors will be banned from joining gatherings of over 30 people and will be required to wear face masks, according to The Yeshiva World.
The government is also considering other measures such as testing visitors for the coronavirus at the airport and/or requiring travelers to download software on their phones, "but basically, the Ukrainian government is not putting a stop to it," Rav Bleich said.
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Read alsoCOVID-19 update for Ukraine: 1,112 new active cases, 235 recoveries.
In pre-coronavirus times, about 30,000 Jews from around the world would spend Rosh Hashanah in Uman every year.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Health Ministry has published a list of red-zone and green-zone countries in terms of COVID-19 spread.


unian--2020-08-02--MFA Ukraine explains why severing diplomatic ties with Russia no option

There are legal aspects aside from political ones , Kuleba noted .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba explained why it is impossible to break off diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation .
In an interview with the Glavcom , he opined that Ukraine did the right thing when it stopped short of severing diplomatic relations with Russia in the heat of Russian aggression .
`` Of course , it was the right thing .
Also , we 're doing the right thing by not deploying our ambassador back to the Russian Federation .
But this is only the tip of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ layer of things related to someone not being allowed somewhere .
All this is n't surprising , since there is an ongoing war between us , '' Kuleba said .
He was also asked if Ukraine could follow the path of Georgia , which severed diplomatic ties and chose the option of European mediation in dealing with the aggressor state .
Read alsoFM Kuleba elaborates on compromises Ukraine ready to make to regain control over Donbas '' Okay , let 's assume we could severe diplomatic relations with Russia in 2014 .
Which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our interests ?
Which country would you like to see as a representative of our interests ? ''
Kuleba asked .
Not every country has a diplomatic mission in a number of Russian cities where Ukraine does .
`` Let 's take Poland .
We have hundreds of political prisoners , court hearings that need to be attended .
We have a consulate general in Rostov-on-Don , while there 's no Polish consulate in the city .
Therefore , we need a practical approach to all of this , '' the minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 would 've been the right gesture , and I 've never denied it .
Legally though , from the perspective of protecting the interests of our citizens , whom Russia has essentially been hunting down in the occupied Crimea and across its territories , it would 've been a mistake .
We need a limited diplomatic presence there to protect the interests of Ukrainian citizens in the Russian Federation , '' Kuleba said , noting that he considers the current configuration `` the most balanced and effective one . ''
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke about the compromises Ukraine was ready to go for in negotiations with Russia in order to regain control of the occupied Donbas .

There are legal aspects aside from political ones, Kuleba noted.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba explained why it is impossible to break off diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation.
In an interview with the Glavcom, he opined that Ukraine did the right thing when it stopped short of severing diplomatic relations with Russia in the heat of Russian aggression.
"Of course, it was the right thing. Also, we're doing the right thing by not deploying our ambassador back to the Russian Federation. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. There is a whole layer of things related to someone not being allowed somewhere. All this isn't surprising, since there is an ongoing war between us," Kuleba said.
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He was also asked if Ukraine could follow the path of Georgia, which severed diplomatic ties and chose the option of European mediation in dealing with the aggressor state.
Read alsoFM Kuleba elaborates on compromises Ukraine ready to make to regain control over Donbas
"Okay, let's assume we could severe diplomatic relations with Russia in 2014. Which country would have taken over the representation of our interests? Which country would you like to see as a representative of our interests?" Kuleba asked.
Not every country has a diplomatic mission in a number of Russian cities where Ukraine does.
"Let's take Poland. We have hundreds of political prisoners, court hearings that need to be attended. We have a consulate general in Rostov-on-Don, while there's no Polish consulate in the city. Therefore, we need a practical approach to all of this," the minister said.
"Politically, severing relations in 2014 would've been the right gesture, and I've never denied it. Legally though, from the perspective of protecting the interests of our citizens, whom Russia has essentially been hunting down in the occupied Crimea and across its territories, it would've been a mistake. We need a limited diplomatic presence there to protect the interests of Ukrainian citizens in the Russian Federation," Kuleba said, noting that he considers the current configuration "the most balanced and effective one."
As UNIAN reported earlier, earlier Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke about the compromises Ukraine was ready to go for in negotiations with Russia in order to regain control of the occupied Donbas.


unian--2020-08-02--COVID-19 update for Ukraine: 1,112 new active cases, 235 recoveries

Ukraine 's National Security and Defense Council reports 1,112 new active cases of COVID-19 recorded across the country over the @ @ @ @ @ a total of cases reported since the start of pandemic to 72,168 , according to @ @ @ @ @ Monitoring System .
The largest number of positive COVID-19 tests in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ ( 115 ) and Lviv region ( 112 ) .
Also , over the past @ @ @ @ @ and 16 died .
According to the NSDC , since the outbreak of the epidemic @ @ @ @ @ died of COVID-19 , while 39,543 successfully recovered .
The number of active cases as @ @ @ @ @ 2 stood at 30,900 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ministry of Health predicts @ @ @ @ @

Sixteen patients died over the past day.
Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council reports 1,112 new active cases of COVID-19 recorded across the country over the past day.
This brings a total of cases reported since the start of pandemic to 72,168, according to the NSDC's Coronavirus Epidemic Monitoring System.
The largest number of positive COVID-19 tests in the past 24 hours was seen in Ivano-Frankivsk region (115) and Lviv region (112).
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Read alsoUkraine's Health Ministry predicts about 4,000 deaths from COVID-19
Also, over the past day, 235 people recovered and 16 died.
According to the NSDC, since the outbreak of the epidemic in Ukraine, 1,725 people died of COVID-19, while 39,543 successfully recovered.
The number of active cases as of the morning of August 2 stood at 30,900.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Ministry of Health predicts about 4,000 COVID-19 fatalities.


unian--2020-08-02--Russian security agencies using religion as tool to meddle in Ukraine – intelligence chief

The Kremlin is sowing splits in society through Russian Orthodoxy .
Ukraine 's Foreign Intelligence Service ( SZR ) has pointed to a threat of the emerging paramilitary groups within the framework of communities led by the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine , formerly known as the `` Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate ) .
That 's according to the SZR chief Valeriy Kondratiuk , who wrote a column for the ZN.ua online publication .
Kremlin 's `` special project '' involves the attempts `` to create and legalize paramilitary groups in Ukrainian regions within the framework of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ functions '' , Kondratiuk wrote .
Read alsoMetropolitan Epifaniy : OCU 's autocephaly to be recognized by other churches despite pressure from Russia '' This is about the revival of the pro-Russian 'Cossack ' organizations , attempting to duplicate police functions on protecting public order at the local level .
Such cases have already been recorded in Kyiv , Vinnytsia , and Zaporizhia regions , '' the intelligence chief says .
One of the forms of Kremlin pressure on Ukraine is through promoting the idea of a `` Russian Orthodox Church '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of levers on the religious sphere , Russian special services use the ROC both as 'hard ' power ( to inspire rallies that could easily turn into show-off clashes with law enforcement or provocateurs ) and as 'soft ' power ( influencing the minds of worshipers ) , '' explained Kondratiuk .
`` To this end , Russia uses all techniques available to hinder the process of formation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine , manipulating the feelings of Ukrainian believers and trying in every possible way to preserve its influence on them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The Kremlin is sowing splits in society through Russian Orthodoxy.
Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service (SZR) has pointed to a threat of the emerging paramilitary groups within the framework of communities led by the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, formerly known as the "Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate).
That's according to the SZR chief Valeriy Kondratiuk, who wrote a column for the ZN.ua online publication.
Kremlin's "special project" involves the attempts "to create and legalize paramilitary groups in Ukrainian regions within the framework of religious communities, taking up law enforcement functions", Kondratiuk wrote.
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Read alsoMetropolitan Epifaniy: OCU's autocephaly to be recognized by other churches despite pressure from Russia
"This is about the revival of the pro-Russian 'Cossack' organizations, attempting to duplicate police functions on protecting public order at the local level. Such cases have already been recorded in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, and Zaporizhia regions," the intelligence chief says.
One of the forms of Kremlin pressure on Ukraine is through promoting the idea of a "Russian Orthodox Church", he added.
"While in possession of levers on the religious sphere, Russian special services use the ROC both as 'hard' power (to inspire rallies that could easily turn into show-off clashes with law enforcement or provocateurs) and as 'soft' power (influencing the minds of worshipers)," explained Kondratiuk.
"To this end, Russia uses all techniques available to hinder the process of formation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, manipulating the feelings of Ukrainian believers and trying in every possible way to preserve its influence on them," the top intelligence operative concluded.


unian--2020-08-02--Donbas war update: two Ukrainian troops injured while enemy resorts to provocative fire

Joint Forces did not return fire , the report notes .
Ukraine 's Joint Forces in Donbas report three incidents @ @ @ @ @ opened indirect fire .
On Saturday night , the adversary fired small arms , provoking @ @ @ @ @ positions outside the village of Pisky .
Joint Forces did not return fire , the @ @ @ @ @ were reported , the JFO HQ press service says , adding that two servicemen were @ @ @ @ @ soldiers sustained shrapnel injuries by stepping on an explosive device , while another and the @ @ @ @ @ at one of the strongholds .
Both troops were promptly evac 'd to the nearest @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , no enemy shellings have been recorded in the Joint Forces Operation zone .
@ @ @ @ @ on July 31 Russian-controlled armed groups violated the earlier-proclaimed ceasefire four times .

Joint Forces did not return fire, the report notes.
Ukraine's Joint Forces in Donbas report three incidents where the Russian-controlled armed groups opened indirect fire.
On Saturday night, the adversary fired small arms, provoking Ukrainian troops at their defense positions outside the village of Pisky.
Joint Forces did not return fire, the report notes.
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No losses were reported, the JFO HQ press service says, adding that two servicemen were wounded.
Read alsoOSCE reports 60 civilian casualties in Donbas since year-start
One of the soldiers sustained shrapnel injuries by stepping on an explosive device, while another and the second defender injured his hand at one of the strongholds. Both troops were promptly evac'd to the nearest hospitals.
Since day-start on Sunday, no enemy shellings have been recorded in the Joint Forces Operation zone.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on July 31 Russian-controlled armed groups violated the earlier-proclaimed ceasefire four times.


unian--2020-08-02--Russia's Wagner mercenaries detained in Minsk claim were transiting to Turkey "to see Hagia Sophia"

So far , the suspects have been delivering contradictory testimony .
Several members of the Russian Private Miltary Company Wagner , whom Belarusian law enforcers earlier detained just outside Minsk amid a tense presidential election campaign have told detectives they had allegedly been transiting via Minsk to to Istanbul , where they planned to `` check out Hagia Sophia '' , that 's per the chair of Belarus Investigation Committee Ivan Noskevich .
`` I must say that during interrogations they offer the most contradictory testimony , in particular , that the group allegedly intended to fly from Minsk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group , the rest note completely different final destinations in other countries .
As for those who allegedly were supposed to fly to Turkey , they also claimed varying purposes of visit .
Someone said they planned to sunbathe , some said they planned to have a vacation , some – supposedly to guard some facilities , and some said they were intending to check out Hagia Sophia , '' the official said .
At the same time , Noskevich referred to the group 's alleged Turkey trip as a pre-planned alibi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the airport , although they did have tickets on them .
Read also '' Little green men '' in Belarus : Dozens of militants detained near Minsk part of Russia 's PMC Wagner – media ( Video ) Instead , they first checked into the IVV Hotel in Minsk , where they 'd prebooked rooms .
When they were checking out , they notified staff they were leaving for the airport , while in fact moving to the Belorusochka resort facility , where they were eventually detained .
Another detail revealed is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chat in one of the messengers where their senior coordinated his subordinates in matters like their daily routine , roll calls , also reporting general assembly time .
Also , they received an order there to burn their old tickets at the resort facility .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on June 29 , thirty-two Russian militants with the Wagner PMC were detained outside Minsk , while another suspect was nabbed in the south of Belarus .
Among the suspects were those who are believed to have fought against Ukrainian government forces in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they had been tipped about the arrival of over 200 militants to destabilize the country during the election campaign .
Belarus has asked the Ukrainian authorities to verify information on the involvement of the detainees in crimes committed on Ukraine territory .

So far, the suspects have been delivering contradictory testimony.
Several members of the Russian Private Miltary Company Wagner, whom Belarusian law enforcers earlier detained just outside Minsk amid a tense presidential election campaign have told detectives they had allegedly been transiting via Minsk to to Istanbul, where they planned to "check out Hagia Sophia", that's per the chair of Belarus Investigation Committee Ivan Noskevich.
"I must say that during interrogations they offer the most contradictory testimony, in particular, that the group allegedly intended to fly from Minsk to Istanbul, claim less than half of the group, the rest note completely different final destinations in other countries. As for those who allegedly were supposed to fly to Turkey, they also claimed varying purposes of visit. Someone said they planned to sunbathe, some said they planned to have a vacation, some – supposedly to guard some facilities, and some said they were intending to check out Hagia Sophia," the official said.
At the same time, Noskevich referred to the group's alleged Turkey trip as a pre-planned alibi, since the group never came to the airport, although they did have tickets on them.
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Read also"Little green men" in Belarus: Dozens of militants detained near Minsk part of Russia's PMC Wagner – media (Video)
Instead, they first checked into the IVV Hotel in Minsk, where they'd prebooked rooms. When they were checking out, they notified staff they were leaving for the airport, while in fact moving to the Belorusochka resort facility, where they were eventually detained.
Another detail revealed is that the mercenaries had been using a group chat in one of the messengers where their senior coordinated his subordinates in matters like their daily routine, roll calls, also reporting general assembly time. Also, they received an order there to burn their old tickets at the resort facility.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on June 29, thirty-two Russian militants with the Wagner PMC were detained outside Minsk, while another suspect was nabbed in the south of Belarus.
Among the suspects were those who are believed to have fought against Ukrainian government forces in the Donbas warzone.
Belarus law enforcement said they had been tipped about the arrival of over 200 militants to destabilize the country during the election campaign.
Belarus has asked the Ukrainian authorities to verify information on the involvement of the detainees in crimes committed on Ukraine territory.


unian--2020-08-02--Ukraine police shoot Ukraine hostage-taker dead after week-long search operation

The man had been on the run for a week .
A suspect who had earlier taken a senior detective hostage in Ukraine 's Poltava region , resisting arrest for carjacking , before escaping the pursuit , was located and eventually shot by a sniper in a tense police operation .
Once confronted by a police search unit in his hideout at an abandoned house in a rural area of Poltava region on Saturday , the culprit somehow managed to take another police operative hostage .
The suspect with a criminal record , identified Roman Skrypnyk , was standing behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was taken down by a sniper , a senior police official said .
Read alsoLutsk terrorist remanded in custody for 60 days without right to post bail ( Photos ) The hostage police officer successfully jumped clear of an explosion that followed just seconds after the suspect was shot and let go of the armed grenade .
An armed man , who took a senior policeman hostage in the central Ukrainian city of Poltava on Thursday and drove off with him , has abandoned both the car and the officer and run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier the same week , another hostage situation unfolded in Lutsk , western Ukraine , where a man seized a commuter bus with 12 passengers and a driver , issuing bizarre demands to authorities , including that the Ukrainian president promote a certain documentary on social networks .
The man eventually surrendered to police after Volodymyr Zelensky talked to him over the phone and actually posted a short video clip of himself promoting the film .
All hostages were safely released without casualties .

The man had been on the run for a week.
A suspect who had earlier taken a senior detective hostage in Ukraine's Poltava region, resisting arrest for carjacking, before escaping the pursuit, was located and eventually shot by a sniper in a tense police operation.
Once confronted by a police search unit in his hideout at an abandoned house in a rural area of Poltava region on Saturday, the culprit somehow managed to take another police operative hostage.
The suspect with a criminal record, identified Roman Skrypnyk, was standing behind the hostage, wielding a grenade when he was taken down by a sniper, a senior police official said.
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Read alsoLutsk terrorist remanded in custody for 60 days without right to post bail (Photos)
The hostage police officer successfully jumped clear of an explosion that followed just seconds after the suspect was shot and let go of the armed grenade.
An armed man, who took a senior policeman hostage in the central Ukrainian city of Poltava on Thursday and drove off with him, has abandoned both the car and the officer and run into a forest, the police said.
Warning: Graphic video
Earlier the same week, another hostage situation unfolded in Lutsk, western Ukraine, where a man seized a commuter bus with 12 passengers and a driver, issuing bizarre demands to authorities, including that the Ukrainian president promote a certain documentary on social networks.
The man eventually surrendered to police after Volodymyr Zelensky talked to him over the phone and actually posted a short video clip of himself promoting the film.
All hostages were safely released without casualties.


unian--2020-08-02--Ukraine's top intelligence official talks Russian threats in media domain

The main element of destabilizing the Ukrainian society from within is `` manipulation of protest sentiments , built including on patriotism .
Head of Ukraine 's Foreign Intelligence Service Valeriy Kondratiuk has elaborated on major threats coming from Russian in the information space .
In an op-ed Kondratiuk penned for ZN.ua , he wrote Russia 's attempts to dominate the Ukrainian information space are among the prerequisites for building up aggression against the country .
`` The Kremlin plans to intensify its information and psychological warfare .
To this end , social networks , targeted information operations , fake news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employed , '' Kondratiuk wrote .
`` It is worth recalling manipulation of versions regarding flight MH17 downed by Russian invaders , allegations about Ukraine 'training terrorists for ISIS ' , and false information spins about the alleged use of the Ukrainian territory for setting up secret biological weapons research labs , '' the intel chief wrote .
`` We should also keep in mind the norm laid down in the updated version of Russia 's constitution on the impossibility of alienating territories , as well as criminal liability for public calls to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who says Crimea belongs to Ukraine could be prosecuted in Russia . ''
The main element of destabilizing the Ukrainian society from within is `` manipulation of protest sentiments , built including on patriotism ( among the most actively exploited issues are language and religion , claims of 'external control ' over Ukraine , including due to dependence on the IMF and other Western institutions and governments ) .
The Kremlin spares no financial or human resources in this regard , Kondratiuk stresses .
`` Provocations are being inspired and widely covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' on 'opposition ' pro-Russian forces .
False information is being spread internationally about 'Ukrainian mercenaries ' in conflict regions , participation of Ukrainians in mass unrest on foreign soil , '' he wrote in the op-ed .
The latest example of such a special information operation was related to protests in Serbia .
The Kremlin has spread fake news about the involvement of `` mercenaries from Ukraine '' in protests in Belgrade sparked over people 's discontent with new COVID-19 curfew rules .
The activities of pro-Russian TV channels in Ukraine also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the Ukrainian government , Kondratiuk concluded .
Russian government 's strategic goals , despite all cosmetic statements by the authorities in Moscow , remain unchanged : bringing Ukraine back into the orbit of total influence , eliminating its national identity and independence , establishing external control over the ongoing processes in the country , and ultimately terminating Ukraine as a sovereign state , '' the intelligence chief says .

The main element of destabilizing the Ukrainian society from within is "manipulation of protest sentiments, built including on patriotism.
Head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service Valeriy Kondratiuk has elaborated on major threats coming from Russian in the information space.
In an op-ed Kondratiuk penned for ZN.ua, he wrote Russia's attempts to dominate the Ukrainian information space are among the prerequisites for building up aggression against the country.
"The Kremlin plans to intensify its information and psychological warfare. To this end, social networks, targeted information operations, fake news, and disinformation campaigns are being actively employed," Kondratiuk wrote.
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"It is worth recalling manipulation of versions regarding flight MH17 downed by Russian invaders, allegations about Ukraine 'training terrorists for ISIS', and false information spins about the alleged use of the Ukrainian territory for setting up secret biological weapons research labs," the intel chief wrote. "We should also keep in mind the norm laid down in the updated version of Russia's constitution on the impossibility of alienating territories, as well as criminal liability for public calls to this end. From now on, anyone who says Crimea belongs to Ukraine could be prosecuted in Russia."
The main element of destabilizing the Ukrainian society from within is "manipulation of protest sentiments, built including on patriotism (among the most actively exploited issues are language and religion, claims of 'external control' over Ukraine, including due to dependence on the IMF and other Western institutions and governments).
Read alsoCulture minister Tkachenko announces national media literacy project
The Kremlin spares no financial or human resources in this regard, Kondratiuk stresses. "Provocations are being inspired and widely covered in media involving attacks by alleged 'nationalists' on 'opposition' pro-Russian forces. False information is being spread internationally about 'Ukrainian mercenaries' in conflict regions, participation of Ukrainians in mass unrest on foreign soil," he wrote in the op-ed.
The latest example of such a special information operation was related to protests in Serbia. The Kremlin has spread fake news about the involvement of "mercenaries from Ukraine" in protests in Belgrade sparked over people's discontent with new COVID-19 curfew rules.
The activities of pro-Russian TV channels in Ukraine also require comprehensive assessment and response on the part of the Ukrainian government, Kondratiuk concluded.
Russian government's strategic goals, despite all cosmetic statements by the authorities in Moscow, remain unchanged: bringing Ukraine back into the orbit of total influence, eliminating its national identity and independence, establishing external control over the ongoing processes in the country, and ultimately terminating Ukraine as a sovereign state," the intelligence chief says.


unian--2020-08-02--Kravchuk roots for "dialogue" to resolve Donbas crisis

Ukraine 's new top envoy to the TCG says it 's impossible to achieve peace without talking to anyone .
First President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk , who was recently appointed to lead the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement , says that , for the sake of peace , he is ready to engage in a dialogue with representatives of the occupied territories .
Speaking on the air of Ukraine 24 TV channel , he said it would be impossible to achieve peace without talking to anyone .
`` There are people who could partake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President 's Office signs a decree on the appointment of [ first PM of Ukraine Vitold ] Fokin to a position in the Minsk Group .
He could both invite someone and talk with them about what they really want , '' Kravchuk said .
To seek ways to address any issue , parties should `` be in contact , negotiate , and go step by step '' , according to Kravchuk .
Read alsoKravchuk names two first steps he intends to take in Donbas settlement talks '' I 'm not talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make things clearer ...
There are people there who are not engaged , say , purely in political issues , perhaps some researchers , perhaps someone else , who could from both sides start communicating at their level so that it is n't immediately seen as state level .
So once they 've drawn a roadmap , which has been coordinated with Kyiv , and with the regions where those people came from , then the question of a higher level of meetings could be raised to make a finalized decision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exact positions and steps , '' he added .
`` If we want to achieve anything , if we want peace in Donbas , how can we achieve peace without talking to anyone ?
The UN and OSCE forces will come , deploy their troops , put on white helmets , and that 's it ?
There wo n't be any such thing , '' Kravchuk said .
At the same time , he clarified that he was ready to talk to anyone , but he would never sign documents harming Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking to someone have already signed Minsk agreements , where until now we have n't been able to take precise and clear positions , '' he said .
Earlier , Kravchuk appeared via video conference on the air of a Russian propaganda TV show .
As UNIAN reported earlier , President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed first President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk to lead the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk .

Ukraine's new top envoy to the TCG says it's impossible to achieve peace without talking to anyone.
First President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk, who was recently appointed to lead the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement, says that, for the sake of peace, he is ready to engage in a dialogue with representatives of the occupied territories.
Speaking on the air of Ukraine 24 TV channel, he said it would be impossible to achieve peace without talking to anyone.
"There are people who could partake in talks. For example, the President's Office signs a decree on the appointment of [first PM of Ukraine Vitold] Fokin to a position in the Minsk Group. He could both invite someone and talk with them about what they really want," Kravchuk said.
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To seek ways to address any issue, parties should "be in contact, negotiate, and go step by step", according to Kravchuk.
Read alsoKravchuk names two first steps he intends to take in Donbas settlement talks
"I'm not talking about direct negotiations with their 'leaders', to make things clearer... There are people there who are not engaged, say, purely in political issues, perhaps some researchers, perhaps someone else, who could from both sides start communicating at their level so that it isn't immediately seen as state level. So once they've drawn a roadmap, which has been coordinated with Kyiv, and with the regions where those people came from, then the question of a higher level of meetings could be raised to make a finalized decision. Now there is a question of clarifying the exact positions and steps," he added.
"If we want to achieve anything, if we want peace in Donbas, how can we achieve peace without talking to anyone? The UN and OSCE forces will come, deploy their troops, put on white helmets, and that's it? There won't be any such thing," Kravchuk said.
At the same time, he clarified that he was ready to talk to anyone, but he would never sign documents harming Ukraine.
"Ultra-patriots who criticize me for talking to someone have already signed Minsk agreements, where until now we haven't been able to take precise and clear positions," he said.
Earlier, Kravchuk appeared via video conference on the air of a Russian propaganda TV show.
As UNIAN reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed first President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk to lead the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk.


unian--2020-08-02--Border guards' spearhead units to switch from Kalashnikovs to Ukraine-made assault rifles

The UAR-15 rifle is produced in Ukraine using domestic and U.S.-made components .
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ in line with EU and NATO standards , the agency 's press service has reported @ @ @ @ @ Response Detachment `` Dozor '' have received new 5.56x45mm UAR-15 assault rifles .
This is @ @ @ @ @ by NATO Allies , the report notes .
The plan is that the UAR-15 will @ @ @ @ @ .
The new rifle has a modular layout , the upper part of the receiver @ @ @ @ @ for mounting sights and other tactical accessories .
The `` Carbine '' gas system is @ @ @ @ @ block , which ensures smooth operation of the automated system .
The modular design allows @ @ @ @ @ components , including forend , pistol grip , and others , thus making the rifle @ @ @ @ @ produced in Ukraine using domestic and U.S.-made components .
The barrel and the trigger mechanism @ @ @ @ @ directly depends , are manufactured by the U.S.-based Daniel Defense .

The UAR-15 rifle is produced in Ukraine using domestic and U.S.-made components.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine is being reformed and re-equipped in line with EU and NATO standards, the agency's press service has reported.
Read alsoUkraine's arms exporter doubles profit during lockdown
The 10th Separate Rapid Response Detachment "Dozor" have received new 5.56x45mm UAR-15 assault rifles. This is the most common caliber used by NATO Allies, the report notes.
The plan is that the UAR-15 will completely replace the Soviet-made Kalashnikovs.
The new rifle has a modular layout, the upper part of the receiver and forend have Picatinny rails for mounting sights and other tactical accessories.
The "Carbine" gas system is applied with an adjustable gas block, which ensures smooth operation of the automated system. The modular design allows for easy replacement of various components, including forend, pistol grip, and others, thus making the rifle user-friendly.
The rifle is produced in Ukraine using domestic and U.S.-made components.
The barrel and the trigger mechanism, on which fire accuracy directly depends, are manufactured by the U.S.-based Daniel Defense.


unian--2020-08-03--Ukraine Defenders rally on Independence Day to demand adoption of law on collaborators

Activists will demand that the president submit the bill to Parliament as urgent .
Anton Kolumbet , a member of the organizing committee of the March of Defenders of Ukraine , has said this year 's march on Independence Day on August 24 will put forward the demand for the adoption of a law on the protection of statehood from collaboration and agents of hostile influence .
`` This year , we will demand that the president of Ukraine submit to the Verkhovna Rada a bill on the protection of statehood from collaboration and agents of hostile influence as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a press conference hosted by UNIAN .
Kolumbet explained that the bill introduces into the legal field of Ukraine a concept of collaboration as cooperation with an enemy , assistance in the implementation of aggressive actions , assistance to the adversary during the preparation and conduct of aggression .
According to Kolumbet , any complicity in joint actions with the adversary aimed at harming Ukraine should be regarded as collaboration , that is , a collaborator is any citizen of Ukraine who assists occupiers , someone who in one way or the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in organizational , informational ways , or through media .
He explained what the concept of `` agents of hostile influence '' means .
According to Kolumbet , these are legal entities acting as enemy collaborators , while hiding behind some formal , legal status .
The bill divides agents of influence into the three groups : media agents , that is , those who work for the adversary hiding behind the status of a media outlet ; non-government agents of hostile influence – non-profits working for Russia ; and political parties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain signs of undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine , Kolumbet said .
He also added a separate presentation of the bill would be held ahead of Independence Day , and that the march participants will demand that the president submit it to the Verkhovna Rada as soon as possible .

Activists will demand that the president submit the bill to Parliament as urgent.
Anton Kolumbet, a member of the organizing committee of the March of Defenders of Ukraine, has said this year's march on Independence Day on August 24 will put forward the demand for the adoption of a law on the protection of statehood from collaboration and agents of hostile influence.
"This year, we will demand that the president of Ukraine submit to the Verkhovna Rada a bill on the protection of statehood from collaboration and agents of hostile influence as an urgent one," he said at a press conference hosted by UNIAN.
Kolumbet explained that the bill introduces into the legal field of Ukraine a concept of collaboration as cooperation with an enemy, assistance in the implementation of aggressive actions, assistance to the adversary during the preparation and conduct of aggression.
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According to Kolumbet, any complicity in joint actions with the adversary aimed at harming Ukraine should be regarded as collaboration, that is, a collaborator is any citizen of Ukraine who assists occupiers, someone who in one way or the other contributes to the enemy's efforts – in organizational, informational ways, or through media.
Read alsoUkraine's top intelligence official talks Russian threats in media domain
He explained what the concept of "agents of hostile influence" means. According to Kolumbet, these are legal entities acting as enemy collaborators, while hiding behind some formal, legal status.
The bill divides agents of influence into the three groups: media agents, that is, those who work for the adversary hiding behind the status of a media outlet; non-government agents of hostile influence – non-profits working for Russia; and political parties, whose actions, statements and program principles contain signs of undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, Kolumbet said.
He also added a separate presentation of the bill would be held ahead of Independence Day, and that the march participants will demand that the president submit it to the Verkhovna Rada as soon as possible.


unian--2020-08-03--NBU releases inflation outlook for 2021

NBU releases inflation outlook for 2021

The central bank is confident that the economy needs a stimulating monetary policy .
The Ukrainian economy is beginning to recover from crisis , but still needs a stimulating monetary policy , as stated following the discussion involving members of the National Bank 's monetary policy committee on the key rate level .
In the context of a high level of uncertainty over the spread of coronavirus , citizens and enterprises are likely to remain being rather restrained in their consumer and investment decisions .
This will slow down the recovery in business activity .
Accordingly , the economy needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press service wrote .
According to the data released by the NBU , the inflation trend has reversed in recent months .
The rise in energy prices on world markets and the gradual recovery in demand accelerated the rise in prices .
At the end of this year , inflation will be close to the NBU 's target of 5 % .
But in 2021 it may grow closer to the upper limit of the target range of 5 % + / - 1 p.p .
In such conditions , keeping the key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution .
On the one hand , the key rate is holding at a record low , leaving enough room for banks to further reduce deposit and lending rates .
Previous key rate cuts have not yet fully affected bank rates .
On the other hand , the decision is aimed at ensuring moderate inflation in 2021-2022 , which is important for sustainable economic growth .
Maintaining the rate at 6 % was supported by seven of 10 committee members .
Three spoke in favor of reducing the rate to 5.5 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the key rate .
Five members expect the rate to remain at the current level at least until the end of 2020 .
Three see potential room for further declines in the short term .
Two suggested the possibility of a rate hike at the end of this year .
The International Monetary Fund has worsened the forecast for the fall of the Ukrainian economy in 2020 to 8.2 % from 7.7 % , which was released in April .
According to its forecasts , the recovery of the Ukrainian economy after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pre-crisis indicators may continue until 2023-2024 .
The Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture , in an updated macro forecast for the next three years , predicts an increase in the gross domestic product of Ukraine in 2021 by 4.6 % , and in 2022 and 2023 – by 4.3 and 4.7 % , respectively .
Since June 12 , the National Bank of Ukraine has reduced the key rate to a historic low of 6 % per annum .
On July 23 , 2020 , the National Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same level – at 6 % per annum after reducing it in June for the eighth time in a row – to a historical minimum .
On July 31 , 2020 , the National Bank of Ukraine estimated the GDP decline in Q2 2020 at 11 % in annual terms .

NBU releases inflation outlook for 2021
16:05, 03.08.20 827
The central bank is confident that the economy needs a stimulating monetary policy.
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unian--2020-08-03--SBU detain Uzbek national who threatened to set off bomb in Kyiv bank

Bomb squads are working on the scene .
The SBU Security Service of Ukraine 's specops unit detained in a raid a perpetrator , identified as Uzbekistan 's Sukhrob Karimov , who threatened to blow up a bank office in the capital city of Kyiv and claimed he was carrying a bomb in his backpack .
`` The terrorist was captured alive .
There was no explosion .
He will face a trial and a long prison sentence , '' Ukraine 's Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook .
Bomb squads are still working on the scene .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine Serhiy Pun also confirmed the successful raid .
`` The operation was a success .
The attacker has been arrested , '' he told a briefing .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on August 3 , at 12:00 , a manager at the Universal Bank JSC ( Shevchenkivskyi district , Leonardo business center ) called the police and reported that an unidentified man under the age of 35 had entered the branch and said he had a bomb in his backpack .
The man himself asked bank managers to call the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thunder '' was initiated .
Police began negotiations with the terrorist and offered that he surrender .
Earlier , police terminated a suspect who had been on the run after taking hostage and then letting go a senior police official .

Bomb squads are working on the scene.
The SBU Security Service of Ukraine's specops unit detained in a raid a perpetrator, identified as Uzbekistan's Sukhrob Karimov, who threatened to blow up a bank office in the capital city of Kyiv and claimed he was carrying a bomb in his backpack.
"The terrorist was captured alive. There was no explosion. He will face a trial and a long prison sentence," Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook.
Bomb squads are still working on the scene.
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Read alsoBomb threat reported at Kyiv business center (Photo, live)
Deputy Head of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine Serhiy Pun also confirmed the successful raid.
"The operation was a success. The attacker has been arrested," he told a briefing.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on August 3, at 12:00, a manager at the Universal Bank JSC (Shevchenkivskyi district, Leonardo business center) called the police and reported that an unidentified man under the age of 35 had entered the branch and said he had a bomb in his backpack. The man himself asked bank managers to call the police.
A special police protocol "Thunder" was initiated. Police began negotiations with the terrorist and offered that he surrender.
Earlier, police terminated a suspect who had been on the run after taking hostage and then letting go a senior police official.


unian--2020-08-03--No PCR test required to travel between green, red quarantine zones in Ukraine, officials say

Traveling between the green-zone and red-zone areas is possible only by car .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has elaborated on admissible ways for individuals to travel from the green quarantine zones to red ones within the country .
While public transport is banned in red zones from August 3 , people are still able to get there by cars , the top health official explained , speaking at today 's briefing .
`` Traveling between the green-zone and red-zone areas is possible only by car if the number of persons is no more than five in a vehicle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
No negative PCR tests are required to travel from one zone to another .
Read alsoNew rules of adaptive quarantine come into force in Ukraine on Aug 3 As UNIAN reported earlier , the new rules of adaptive quarantine shall be applied in Ukraine starting today , August 3 .
In particular , cities and districts are divided into four zones depending on the epidemiological situation .
Under the new rules , Ukraine is divided into several zones : green , yellow , orange , and red , depending on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ternopil authorities have refused to comply with the government 's new rules , saying the decision to assign the cities to the red zone was unfounded .

Traveling between the green-zone and red-zone areas is possible only by car.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has elaborated on admissible ways for individuals to travel from the green quarantine zones to red ones within the country.
While public transport is banned in red zones from August 3, people are still able to get there by cars, the top health official explained, speaking at today's briefing.
"Traveling between the green-zone and red-zone areas is possible only by car if the number of persons is no more than five in a vehicle, excluding children under 14," Stepanov said.
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No negative PCR tests are required to travel from one zone to another.
Read alsoNew rules of adaptive quarantine come into force in Ukraine on Aug 3
As UNIAN reported earlier, the new rules of adaptive quarantine shall be applied in Ukraine starting today, August 3. In particular, cities and districts are divided into four zones depending on the epidemiological situation.
Under the new rules, Ukraine is divided into several zones: green, yellow, orange, and red, depending on the COVID-19 threat levels.
However, Lutsk and Ternopil authorities have refused to comply with the government's new rules, saying the decision to assign the cities to the red zone was unfounded.


unian--2020-08-03--Three parties in lead in Kyiv ahead of local elections – poll

About 11 % of respondents have not decided whom to vote for .
Three parties are in lead in the rating of political forces in the city of Kyiv ahead of the local elections .
If the elections to the City Council were held today , 19.8 % of those who decided and intend to vote would back the European Solidarity Party , 19.3 % would vote for the Servant of the People Party , and 17.1 % for the UDAR party , according to a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group .
The Opposition Platform - For Life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Batkivshchyna Party – 5.7 % , the Party of Sharij – 5 % , the Holos Party – 4.6 % , the Peremoha ( Victory ) Palchevskoho Party – 4.5 % , the Syla I Chest ' ( Strength and Honor ) Party - 3.0 % , the All-Ukrainian Union Svoboda – 2.5 % .
The rating of other political forces is less than 2 % .
At the same time , about 11 % of respondents remain undecided .
According to sociologists , since August last year , the Servant of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend , while the European Solidarity and UDAR ratings have been moving upward .
As for the elections of Kyiv mayor , incumbent Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko is still in the lead , while he is not set to win in one round .
According to a phone survey of Kyiv residents , Klitschko is now supported by 41.7 % of those who have decided and intend to take part in the voting .
The rating of other candidates is the following : Serhiy Prytula ( from the Holos Party ) would gain 11.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the People Party ) – 9.4 % , Andriy Palchevskyi ( self-nomination ) – 9.0 % , Oleksiy Honcharenko ( the European Solidarity Party ) – 5.4 % , Oleksandr Popov ( self-nomination ) – 4.5 % , Vadym Rabinovych ( the Opposition Platform - For Life Party ) – 3.5 % , Oleksandr Omelchenko ( the Unity Party ) – 3.3 % , Andriy Illenko ( the All-Ukrainian Union Svoboda ) – 2.6 % , Vitaliy Nestor ( the Batkivshchyna Party ) – 2.1 % , Boryslav Bereza ( self-nomination ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Syla I Chest ' Party ) – 0.8 % .
`` Another candidate '' is backed by 4.4 % .
Some 8.5 % of the respondents are undecided which of the candidates to support , while another 1.6 % said they would not take part in voting in local elections .
UNIAN memo .
The poll was conducted on July 26-27 with the use of the CATI method ( computer-assisted telephone interviews ) based on a random selection of mobile phone numbers among the population aged 18 and older .
The sample @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region and type of settlement .
The sample frame is 2,000 respondents .
The margin of error is no more than 2.2 % .

About 11% of respondents have not decided whom to vote for.
Three parties are in lead in the rating of political forces in the city of Kyiv ahead of the local elections.
If the elections to the City Council were held today, 19.8% of those who decided and intend to vote would back the European Solidarity Party, 19.3% would vote for the Servant of the People Party, and 17.1% for the UDAR party, according to a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group.
The Opposition Platform - For Life Party would gain 8.0%, the Batkivshchyna Party – 5.7%, the Party of Sharij – 5%, the Holos Party – 4.6%, the Peremoha (Victory) Palchevskoho Party – 4.5%, the Syla I Chest' (Strength and Honor) Party - 3.0%, the All-Ukrainian Union Svoboda – 2.5%. The rating of other political forces is less than 2%.
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At the same time, about 11% of respondents remain undecided.
According to sociologists, since August last year, the Servant of the People rating has seen a stable negative trend, while the European Solidarity and UDAR ratings have been moving upward.
As for the elections of Kyiv mayor, incumbent Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko is still in the lead, while he is not set to win in one round.
Read alsoUkraine's Luhansk governor says local elections in frontline zone impossible
According to a phone survey of Kyiv residents, Klitschko is now supported by 41.7% of those who have decided and intend to take part in the voting. The rating of other candidates is the following: Serhiy Prytula (from the Holos Party) would gain 11.6%, Iryna Vereshchuk (the Servant of the People Party) – 9.4%, Andriy Palchevskyi (self-nomination) – 9.0%, Oleksiy Honcharenko (the European Solidarity Party) – 5.4%, Oleksandr Popov (self-nomination) – 4.5%, Vadym Rabinovych (the Opposition Platform - For Life Party) – 3.5%, Oleksandr Omelchenko (the Unity Party) – 3.3%, Andriy Illenko (the All-Ukrainian Union Svoboda) – 2.6%, Vitaliy Nestor (the Batkivshchyna Party) – 2.1%, Boryslav Bereza (self-nomination) – 2%, Mykhailo Pozhyvanov (the Syla I Chest' Party) – 0.8%. "Another candidate" is backed by 4.4%.
Some 8.5% of the respondents are undecided which of the candidates to support, while another 1.6% said they would not take part in voting in local elections.
UNIAN memo. The poll was conducted on July 26-27 with the use of the CATI method (computer-assisted telephone interviews) based on a random selection of mobile phone numbers among the population aged 18 and older. The sample is representative of age, gender, region and type of settlement. The sample frame is 2,000 respondents. The margin of error is no more than 2.2%.


unian--2020-08-03--NBU spends almost US$500 mln to support hryvnia

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NBU spends almost US$500 mln to support hryvnia
The regulator sold most currency on July 20-24, namely US$347.8 million.
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unian--2020-08-03--Son of Ukrainian aerospace giant's ex-owner buys island off Italy coast

In Middle Ages , the island served as a refuge for saints and popes .
Oleksandr Boguslayev bought it from the nine owner families .
Gallinara island in Italy 's Liguria was sold a few days ago for over EUR 10 million to a son of Ukraine 's Vyacheslav Boguslayev , who had long been at the helm of Motor Sich , one of the world 's leading manufacturers of aircraft , missile , and helicopter engines , Corriere della Serra reports .
Motor Sich , after it abandoned its role of a traditional supplier to Russian aviation , ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomatic spat since in 2017 the Chinese Skyrizon Aviation took over 41 % of the capital and then sealed the majority .
The U.S. has called out the deal , while a Ukrainian court has frozen the deal .
Yet another appeal by Skyrizon was denied in March .
But it is precisely with Bejing 's investment that the shareholder managers , including the Boguslayevs , probably made money , the newspaper suggests .
The island is a nature reserve rich in history , 1.5 kilometers off the coast between Albenga and Alassio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centuries and then , for the last 150 years , to wealthy bankers and industrialists .
In Middle Ages , the island served as a refuge for saints and popes .
The buyer , Zaporizhia-born Oleksandr Boguslayev , 42 , is a Ukrainian resident in the Principality but with citizenship of Grenada , the Caribbean island , the report reads .
He bought it from the nine owner families .

In Middle Ages, the island served as a refuge for saints and popes. Oleksandr Boguslayev bought it from the nine owner families.
Gallinara island in Italy's Liguria was sold a few days ago for over EUR 10 million to a son of Ukraine's Vyacheslav Boguslayev, who had long been at the helm of Motor Sich, one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft, missile, and helicopter engines, Corriere della Serra reports.
Motor Sich, after it abandoned its role of a traditional supplier to Russian aviation, ended up at the epicenter of an international diplomatic spat since in 2017 the Chinese Skyrizon Aviation took over 41% of the capital and then sealed the majority.
Read alsoMedia: Chinese buyer of Ukraine's Motor Sich declares bankruptcy
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The U.S. has called out the deal, while a Ukrainian court has frozen the deal. Yet another appeal by Skyrizon was denied in March.
But it is precisely with Bejing's investment that the shareholder managers, including the Boguslayevs, probably made money, the newspaper suggests.
The island is a nature reserve rich in history, 1.5 kilometers off the coast between Albenga and Alassio, which belonged to the Church for centuries and then, for the last 150 years, to wealthy bankers and industrialists.
In Middle Ages, the island served as a refuge for saints and popes.
The buyer, Zaporizhia-born Oleksandr Boguslayev, 42, is a Ukrainian resident in the Principality but with citizenship of Grenada, the Caribbean island, the report reads. He bought it from the nine owner families.


unian--2020-08-03--FC Dynamo Kyiv president says would sell club

FC Dynamo Kyiv president says would sell club
13:35, 03.08.20 347
However, there have been no offers on the part of potential buyers
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