unian--2020-08-06--Zelensky appoints notorious ex-interior ministry official deputy office chief

The appointee will be responsible for law enforcement .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Oleh Tatarov as Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine .
`` Oleh Tatarov 's tasks will include the formation of national policy in the field of law enforcement , expert and analytical support for the operation of the Office of the President of Ukraine , ensuring national security guarantees in the areas of law enforcement , combating corruption and protecting human rights , '' says the respective presidential decree signed on August 5 .
Read alsoYanukovych 's interior minister wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feb 2014 – general Oleg Tatarov is Doctor of Law , Professor , Honored Lawyer of Ukraine , attorney .
For a long time he worked in the internal affairs bodies , in particular , he held the position of deputy head of the Main Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine , and since 2014 he has been engaged in law practice and headed the bar association .
He is fluent in English .
According to the lb.ua news outlet , Tatarov worked as deputy head of the Main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headed by Vitaliy Zakharchenko during Viktor Yanukovych 's presidency .
Ukrainian investigators are probing Zakharchenko 's role in Maidan dispersals .
In April , the Initiative Group of Maidan Victims demanded that Zelensky explain the possible appointment of Tatarov as deputy head of the President 's Office .
`` According to our information , preparations for the appointment of one more ally of Yanukovych and Zakharchenko , who was deputy head of the Interior Ministry 's Main Investigation Department at that time , Oleh Tatarov , are under way at the President ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then .

The appointee will be responsible for law enforcement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Oleh Tatarov as Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
"Oleh Tatarov's tasks will include the formation of national policy in the field of law enforcement, expert and analytical support for the operation of the Office of the President of Ukraine, ensuring national security guarantees in the areas of law enforcement, combating corruption and protecting human rights," says the respective presidential decree signed on August 5.
Read alsoYanukovych's interior minister wanted to use 50,000 policemen to disperse Maidan in Feb 2014 – general
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Oleg Tatarov is Doctor of Law, Professor, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine, attorney. For a long time he worked in the internal affairs bodies, in particular, he held the position of deputy head of the Main Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, and since 2014 he has been engaged in law practice and headed the bar association. He is fluent in English.
According to the lb.ua news outlet, Tatarov worked as deputy head of the Main Investigation Department when the Interior Ministry was headed by Vitaliy Zakharchenko during Viktor Yanukovych's presidency. Ukrainian investigators are probing Zakharchenko's role in Maidan dispersals.
In April, the Initiative Group of Maidan Victims demanded that Zelensky explain the possible appointment of Tatarov as deputy head of the President's Office. "According to our information, preparations for the appointment of one more ally of Yanukovych and Zakharchenko, who was deputy head of the Interior Ministry's Main Investigation Department at that time, Oleh Tatarov, are under way at the President’s Office," the group said then.


unian--2020-08-06--Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 27.70 to U.S. dollar on Aug 6

The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 32.90 per euro .
The National Bank @ @ @ @ @ on August 5 set the official forex rate for August 6 at UAH 27.70 to @ @ @ @ @ let the country 's national currency strengthen by 12 kopiykas .
The official forex rate @ @ @ @ @ is fixed at UAH 32.90 per euro – the hryvnia lost 18 kopiykas in value @ @ @ @ @ the NBU website .
The central bank has fixed the following official forex rates of @ @ @ @ @ currencies for August 6 : US $ 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,770.28 ( @ @ @ @ @ 5 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH 3,290.12 ( UAH 3,272.34 as @ @ @ @ @ As UNIAN reported earlier , the NBU set the official forex rate for August 5 @ @ @ @ @ U.S. dollar .

Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 27.70 to U.S. dollar on Aug 6
11:55, 06.08.20 4413
The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 32.90 per euro.
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unian--2020-08-06--Zelensky's advisor submits resignation letter

Novikov did not disclose the reasons behind his step-down .
Ihor Novikov , a freelance advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , has written a letter of resignation .
`` I 've decided to keep up with Maksym Bakhmatov [ ex-advisor to Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko ] , '' Novikov wrote on Facebook on August 5 .
Novikov did not disclose reasons behind his step-down .
He attached to the post a photo of himself holding the resignation letter dated August 5 .
Novikov came into international spotlight following a Congressional testimony by William Taylor , former charge d'affaires a.i @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The diplomat described a conversation between Kurt Volker , the then-U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine negotiations , with chief of Ukrainian President 's Office Andriy Yermak and Zelensky 's aide Ihor Novikov .
Taylor told congressional investigators that after Volker urged the two Ukrainians to steer clear of charging Poroshenko , they had an emotional response , according to The Daily Beast .
“ [ T ] hey responded , take a look at this , ” Taylor said .
Then he said that Yermak and Novikov showed Taylor and Volker pictures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a brother , one was a cousin—who had been killed or wounded in the east.
” “ [ T ] hey said , Poroshenko is responsible for this , ” Taylor told investigators .
Earlier , an advisor to Kyiv Mayor Maksym Bakhmatov said that , together with the Transformation Office , he would withdraw from the Kyiv City State Administration over `` political turbulence '' .
As UNIAN reported earlier , First Prime Minister of Ukraine ( 1990-1992 ) Vitold Fokin was tapped to become a new member of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Donbas settlement .

Novikov did not disclose the reasons behind his step-down.
Ihor Novikov, a freelance advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has written a letter of resignation.
"I've decided to keep up with Maksym Bakhmatov [ex-advisor to Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko]," Novikov wrote on Facebook on August 5.
Novikov did not disclose reasons behind his step-down.
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He attached to the post a photo of himself holding the resignation letter dated August 5.
Novikov came into international spotlight following a Congressional testimony by William Taylor, former charge d'affaires a.i. at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. The diplomat described a conversation between Kurt Volker, the then-U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine negotiations, with chief of Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak and Zelensky's aide Ihor Novikov.
Read alsoZelensky makes another reshuffle in intelligence community
Taylor told congressional investigators that after Volker urged the two Ukrainians to steer clear of charging Poroshenko, they had an emotional response, according to The Daily Beast.
“[T]hey responded, take a look at this,” Taylor said. Then he said that Yermak and Novikov showed Taylor and Volker pictures on their cellphones “of their relatives—one was a brother, one was a cousin—who had been killed or wounded in the east.”
“[T]hey said, Poroshenko is responsible for this,” Taylor told investigators.
Earlier, an advisor to Kyiv Mayor Maksym Bakhmatov said that, together with the Transformation Office, he would withdraw from the Kyiv City State Administration over "political turbulence".
As UNIAN reported earlier, First Prime Minister of Ukraine (1990-1992) Vitold Fokin was tapped to become a new member of the country's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement.


unian--2020-08-06--SBU detains member of notorious 'Vostok Battalion' involved in Donetsk airport battles

Ukraine 's SBU Security Service has detained a member of the Russia-controlled notorious `` Vostok Battalion , '' who was @ @ @ @ @ airport in 2014 .
According to investigators , a local resident of the Ukrainian-controlled city @ @ @ @ @ , voluntarily joined the so-called Vostok Battalion in 2014 , the SBU 's press service @ @ @ @ @ August 5 .
`` He was a machine gunner of a militant unit deployed near @ @ @ @ @ as the town of Avdiyivka and the village of Pisky , '' it said .
@ @ @ @ @ left the war zone and fled to Russia , where he has been hiding from @ @ @ @ @ detained the former militant after he had secretly arrived in the territory controlled by the @ @ @ @ @ investigators informed the defendant that he is facing charges under Part 1 of Article 258-3 @ @ @ @ @ group or terrorist organization ) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine .
Investigative actions are @ @ @

He secretly arrived in Ukrainian-controlled territory.
Ukraine's SBU Security Service has detained a member of the Russia-controlled notorious "Vostok Battalion," who was involved in battles near Donetsk airport in 2014.
According to investigators, a local resident of the Ukrainian-controlled city of Mariupol in Donetsk region, voluntarily joined the so-called Vostok Battalion in 2014, the SBU's press service reported on its website on August 5.
Read alsoIdentifying persons linked to MH17 downing: fresh report by Bellingcat
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"He was a machine gunner of a militant unit deployed near Donetsk Airport, as well as the town of Avdiyivka and the village of Pisky," it said.
In 2015, the suspect left the war zone and fled to Russia, where he has been hiding from justice.
Ukrainian law enforcers detained the former militant after he had secretly arrived in the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities.
The SBU investigators informed the defendant that he is facing charges under Part 1 of Article 258-3 (participation in a terrorist group or terrorist organization) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Investigative actions are under way.


unian--2020-08-06--Ukraine reports another record spike in COVID-19 cases on Aug 6

In total , 76,808 COVID-19 cases have already been detected in Ukraine .
Ukraine 's authorities on Thursday , August @ @ @ @ @ of new active COVID-19 cases increased by 1,318 over the past 24 hours .
This @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic , as evidenced by the NSDC map of COVID-19 spread @ @ @ @ @ patients , including 997 in the past day , have recovered .
In total , @ @ @ @ @ been detected in Ukraine .
The pandemic has taken 1,819 lives with 31 fatalities recorded @ @ @ @ @ Over the past day , most COVID-19 cases were recorded in Lviv region ( 197 @ @ @ @ @ 142 ) , Ivano-Frankivsk region ( 127 ) , Odesa region ( 110 ) , @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv ( 180 ) .
In total , 1,116,641 polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic start .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine on August 5 reported 1,271 @ @ @ @

In total, 76,808 COVID-19 cases have already been detected in Ukraine.
Ukraine's authorities on Thursday, August 6, said the number of new active COVID-19 cases increased by 1,318 over the past 24 hours.
This marked a new high since the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, as evidenced by the NSDC map of COVID-19 spread.
As many as 42,524 patients, including 997 in the past day, have recovered.
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In total, 76,808 COVID-19 cases have already been detected in Ukraine.
The pandemic has taken 1,819 lives with 31 fatalities recorded over the past day.
Read alsoFour Ukrainian regions may see tougher quarantine bans
Over the past day, most COVID-19 cases were recorded in Lviv region (197), Kharkiv region (142), Ivano-Frankivsk region (127), Odesa region (110), and the capital city of Kyiv (180).
In total, 1,116,641 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been run since the pandemic start.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine on August 5 reported 1,271 new COVID-19 cases.


unian--2020-08-06--FC Shakhtar through to UEFA Europa League quarterfinals after dominating VfL Wolfsburg

The team will face either Basel or Eintracht .
Ukrainian Football Club Shakhtar Donetsk on August 5 celebrated a 3:0 win over Germany 's VfL Wolfsburg in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 .
`` 3-0 in Kyiv and 5-1 on aggregate .
Shakhtar beat Wolfsburg and will face Basel or Eintracht in the quarterfinals .
The opponents will be drawn on August 6 .
The knockout quarterfinal will take place in Germany on August 11 , '' FC Shakhtar reported on its website on August 5 .
The game took place at Kyiv 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score on 89th , Solomon made it 2:0 ( 90+1 ' ) , and Moraes delivered a nice finish on 90+3 ' .
The teams played their first-leg match in Germany back in March , where the Miners sealed a 2-1 win .
The second leg was postponed for nearly five months over the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions .
The UEFA Europa League is an annual football club competition organized by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs .
Clubs qualify for the competition based on their performance in their national leagues and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The team will face either Basel or Eintracht.
Ukrainian Football Club Shakhtar Donetsk on August 5 celebrated a 3:0 win over Germany's VfL Wolfsburg in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16.
"3-0 in Kyiv and 5-1 on aggregate. Shakhtar beat Wolfsburg and will face Basel or Eintracht in the quarterfinals. The opponents will be drawn on August 6. The knockout quarterfinal will take place in Germany on August 11," FC Shakhtar reported on its website on August 5.
Read alsoFC Shakhtar Donetsk crowned Ukraine champions, see fans via Zoom (Photo)
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The game took place at Kyiv's NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium.
Moraes opened the score on 89th, Solomon made it 2:0 (90+1'), and Moraes delivered a nice finish on 90+3'.
The teams played their first-leg match in Germany back in March, where the Miners sealed a 2-1 win. The second leg was postponed for nearly five months over the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
The UEFA Europa League is an annual football club competition organized by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. Clubs qualify for the competition based on their performance in their national leagues and cup competitions, according to Wikipedia.


unian--2020-08-06--Zelensky makes another reshuffle in intelligence community

The president has appointed a new chief of military intelligence .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Vasyl Burba , head @ @ @ @ @ of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine ( GUR ) .
The relevant Decree ( @ @ @ @ @ signed on Wednesday , August 5 , On the same day , with Decree No @ @ @ @ @ of state appointed a new GRU chief , Kyrylo Budanov .
Vasyl Burba took the @ @ @ @ @ , 2016 , after being appointed by the then President Petro Poroshenko 's Decree .
@ @ @ @ @ on June 5 , Volodymyr Zelensky appointed a new head of the Foreign Intelligence Service @ @ @ @ @ , after dismissing Valeriy Yevdokimov .
In a recent op-ed Kondratiuk penned for ZN.ua , @ @ @ @ @ for another military incursion in Ukraine .
The Kremlin views its army as a tool @ @ @ @ @ , so issuing an order to invade another state is only a matter of time @ @ @ @ @ he wrote .

The president has appointed a new chief of military intelligence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Vasyl Burba, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR).
The relevant Decree (No. 307/2020) was signed on Wednesday, August 5,
On the same day, with Decree No. 308/2020, the head of state appointed a new GRU chief, Kyrylo Budanov.
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Read alsoUkraine's top intelligence official talks Russian threats in media domain
Vasyl Burba took the GUR helm on October 15, 2016, after being appointed by the then President Petro Poroshenko's Decree.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on June 5, Volodymyr Zelensky appointed a new head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Valeriy Kondratiuk, after dismissing Valeriy Yevdokimov.
In a recent op-ed Kondratiuk penned for ZN.ua, he said Russia could go for another military incursion in Ukraine.
The Kremlin views its army as a tool to satisfy foreign policy ambitions, so issuing an order to invade another state is only a matter of time and opportunity for Moscow, he wrote.


unian--2020-08-06--Donbas truce: Ukraine reports enemy provocation on contact line

No casualties were reported in the past day .
Russia 's hybrid military forces in Donbas on August 5 fired a grenade in an act of provocation amid the recently-agreed ceasefire .
The enemy employed an under-barrel grenade launcher near the village of Shumy , the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation wrote in a morning update on Facebook on August 6 .
`` Isolated random shots posed no threat to life and health , so our soldiers held fire .
Joint Forces complied with the ceasefire , being ready to adequately respond to possible insidious actions by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoUkraine 's Security and Defense Council on Donbas truce : `` Seventh day without heavy weapons '' No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops over the past day .
Since Thursday midnight , no attacks by Russian Federation 's armed formations have been recorded , the JFO HQ said .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a complete and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July 27 .
• On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
• Ukraine reported more fire provocations were reported over the past few days .

No casualties were reported in the past day.
Russia's hybrid military forces in Donbas on August 5 fired a grenade in an act of provocation amid the recently-agreed ceasefire.
The enemy employed an under-barrel grenade launcher near the village of Shumy, the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation wrote in a morning update on Facebook on August 6.
"Isolated random shots posed no threat to life and health, so our soldiers held fire. Joint Forces complied with the ceasefire, being ready to adequately respond to possible insidious actions by the adversary," reads the report.
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Read alsoUkraine's Security and Defense Council on Donbas truce: "Seventh day without heavy weapons"
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops over the past day.
Since Thursday midnight, no attacks by Russian Federation's armed formations have been recorded, the JFO HQ said.
Background


unian--2020-08-06--Four Ukrainian regions may see tougher quarantine bans

For the past five days , the COVID-19 incidence dynamics in these areas has been on the rise .
In Ukraine , Rivne , Khmelnytsky , Chernihiv , and Kharkiv regions may see a strengthening of COVID-19 quarantine restrictions as early as next week , from August 11 , that 's per Tymofiy Mylovanov , head of the Kyiv School of Economics , which has been helping the health ministry on coronavirus analytics .
At the moment , these regions are in the `` green zone '' , Mylovanov wrote on Facebook .
These regions could be pulled from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that the number of COVID-19 cases has been growing for the past five consecutive days .
`` Since Monday , four new regions may cease to be 'green ' ... We are talking about Rivne , Khmelnytsky , Chernihiv , and Kharkiv regions , where for five days in a row at least one of the indicators set by government has been on the rise – the new cases rate or growth dynamics , '' Mylovanov wrote .
The expert says the National Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergencies is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide on whether to pursue with the move .
• The new rules of adaptive quarantine have been enforced in Ukraine since August 3 .
• Cities and districts were divided into four zones depending on the epidemiological situation .
• Lutsk and Ternopil authorities have defied government orders to strengthen quarantine measures after being assigned to the toughest `` red '' zone .
City officials claim the red zone decision was unfounded .
• Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Wednesday , August 5 , appealed to Health Minister Maksym Stepanov to set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukrainian cities to discuss zoning issues .

For the past five days, the COVID-19 incidence dynamics in these areas has been on the rise.
In Ukraine, Rivne, Khmelnytsky, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv regions may see a strengthening of COVID-19 quarantine restrictions as early as next week, from August 11, that's per Tymofiy Mylovanov, head of the Kyiv School of Economics, which has been helping the health ministry on coronavirus analytics.
At the moment, these regions are in the "green zone", Mylovanov wrote on Facebook.
These regions could be pulled from the "green zone" due to the fact that the number of COVID-19 cases has been growing for the past five consecutive days.
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"Since Monday, four new regions may cease to be 'green' ... We are talking about Rivne, Khmelnytsky, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv regions, where for five days in a row at least one of the indicators set by government has been on the rise – the new cases rate or growth dynamics," Mylovanov wrote.
Read alsoUkraine reports record daily rise in COVID-19 cases
The expert says the National Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergencies is set to convene on August 7 to decide on whether to pursue with the move.
Background


unian--2020-08-07--Ukraine's Health Minister hopes daily COVID-19 testing to reach 25,000 PCR tests in September

Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says that the number of polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) tests per day in September is planned to increase to 25,000 .
`` When I became health minister , we did 200 tests per day ... Today , there were almost 18,000 tests in the past 24 hours .
Our task is to reach about 25,000 tests per day in September , '' he said at a briefing amid a working visit to Lviv , which was live-streamed on Facebook on August 6 , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoUkraine reports another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 Algorithms were approved according to which testing of people with coronavirus symptoms should be carried out as quickly as possible , he added .
`` Of course , it [ the delay ] is related to the fact that there are not enough people who can do it , there is not enough equipment , '' the minister said .
In his words , although the number of tests had increased significantly in the past four months , `` there are indeed some problems . ''
`` We clearly know how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 76,808 confirmed coronavirus cases as of the morning of August 6 .
Of them , 1,318 were confirmed in the past day , which became a new record daily jump .

Today's number is 18,000 tests.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says that the number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests per day in September is planned to increase to 25,000.
"When I became health minister, we did 200 tests per day... Today, there were almost 18,000 tests in the past 24 hours. Our task is to reach about 25,000 tests per day in September," he said at a briefing amid a working visit to Lviv, which was live-streamed on Facebook on August 6, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoUkraine reports another record spike in COVID-19 cases on Aug 6
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Algorithms were approved according to which testing of people with coronavirus symptoms should be carried out as quickly as possible, he added.
"Of course, it [the delay] is related to the fact that there are not enough people who can do it, there is not enough equipment," the minister said.
In his words, although the number of tests had increased significantly in the past four months, "there are indeed some problems." "We clearly know how to solve them," Stepanov added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 76,808 confirmed coronavirus cases as of the morning of August 6. Of them, 1,318 were confirmed in the past day, which became a new record daily jump.


unian--2020-08-07--Russia to cut spending on annexed Crimea

The costs will be reduced in the next two years .
Russia wants to cut spending on annexed Crimea by 8.5 billion rubles , or US $ 116 million , next year , to 76.1 billion rubles , or US $ 1.04 billion .
This is reported by the Russian media , referring to a decision by Russia 's Finance Ministry .
Financing in 2022 will be reduced by 9.1 billion rubles , or US $ 124.3 million , to 82.3 billion rubles , or US $ 1.124 billion , the document said .
Read alsoPanama to punish its ships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also , the Russians will cut funding under state programs for the development of the Far Eastern and North Caucasian regions and the Arctic zone by 11.1 billion rubles ( US $ 151.6 million ) , 5.4 billion rubles ( US $ 73.7 million ) , and 10.9 million rubles ( US $ 148.8 million ) , respectively .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Russia annually spends about US $ 5 billion a year on the war in Donbas .
In addition to military spending , Russia also pays salaries to the so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The costs will be reduced in the next two years.
Russia wants to cut spending on annexed Crimea by 8.5 billion rubles, or US$116 million, next year, to 76.1 billion rubles, or US$1.04 billion.
This is reported by the Russian media, referring to a decision by Russia's Finance Ministry.
Financing in 2022 will be reduced by 9.1 billion rubles, or US$124.3 million, to 82.3 billion rubles, or US$1.124 billion, the document said.
Видео дня
Read alsoPanama to punish its ships if they enter ports in occupied Crimea
Also, the Russians will cut funding under state programs for the development of the Far Eastern and North Caucasian regions and the Arctic zone by 11.1 billion rubles (US$151.6 million), 5.4 billion rubles (US$73.7 million), and 10.9 million rubles (US$148.8 million), respectively.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Russia annually spends about US$5 billion a year on the war in Donbas. In addition to military spending, Russia also pays salaries to the so-called state employees in the temporarily occupied territories.


unian--2020-08-06--U.S. senators put German port on notice for involvement in Russia's Nord Stream 2

U.S .
Senators Ted Cruz ( R-Texas ) , member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , Tom Cotton ( R-Ark . )
, and Ron Johnson ( R-Wis. ) on August 5 sent a letter to Fährhafen Sassnitz GmbH , which operates Mukran Port , alerting them to their exposure to sanctions related to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project .
Mukran Port provides services to vessels that Russia has indicated will be used for the project , and reportedly stores pipes to be installed as part of the pipeline , Cruz said in a press release on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bicameral , and intra-agency consensus in the United States government that has produced a range of sanctions authorities and mandates that will be leveled against any company that participates in the project , '' the press release said .
In the letter , the Senators wrote : `` This letter serves as formal legal notice that these goods , services , support , and provisioning risk exposing Fährhafen Sassnitz GmbH and Mukran Port , as well as your board members , corporate officers , shareholders , and employees , to crushing legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be mandated to impose .
These sanctions include potentially fatal measures that will cut off Fährhafen Sassnitz GmbH from the United States commercially and financially .
The only responsible course of action is for Fährhafen Sassnitz GmbH to exercise contractual options that it has available to cease these activities . ''
They added : `` Your provisioning of the Fortuna or Akademik Cherskiy will certainly have become sanctionable the instant that either vessel dips a pipe into the water to construct the Nord Stream 2 pipeline , or engages in any pipe-laying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your exposure extends to any activities related to goods , services , or support of the pipeline .
The law requires that 'the President shall ' issue the designations . ''
In June 2020 , Sens .
Cruz , Jeanne Shaheen ( D-N.H ) , Tom Cotton , Ron Johnson , and John Barrasso ( R-Wyo . )
, introduced new legislation clarifying and expanding the sanctions of their bipartisan 2019 bill , the Protecting Europe 's Energy Security Act , which advanced out of the Foreign Relations Committee with overwhelming support and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Authorization Act of 2020 last year .
The new legislation clarifying these sanctions was also recently included in the Senate passed FY21 National Defense Authorization Act .
Mukran Port is the corporate master brand of Fährhafen Sassnitz GmbH with the following shareholders : the town of Sassnitz owns 90 % , while Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania , a state of Germany , has 10 % .
A spokesman for the company said that its management would not comment on the letter as its content was within the competence of the state and federal governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service .

The letter serves as formal legal notice.
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) on August 5 sent a letter to Fährhafen Sassnitz GmbH, which operates Mukran Port, alerting them to their exposure to sanctions related to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project.
Mukran Port provides services to vessels that Russia has indicated will be used for the project, and reportedly stores pipes to be installed as part of the pipeline, Cruz said in a press release on his website.
Read alsoPoland fines Gazprom $57 mln over Nord Stream 2
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"There is a bipartisan, bicameral, and intra-agency consensus in the United States government that has produced a range of sanctions authorities and mandates that will be leveled against any company that participates in the project," the press release said.
In the letter, the Senators wrote: "This letter serves as formal legal notice that these goods, services, support, and provisioning risk exposing Fährhafen Sassnitz GmbH and Mukran Port, as well as your board members, corporate officers, shareholders, and employees, to crushing legal and economic sanctions, which our government will be mandated to impose. These sanctions include potentially fatal measures that will cut off Fährhafen Sassnitz GmbH from the United States commercially and financially. The only responsible course of action is for Fährhafen Sassnitz GmbH to exercise contractual options that it has available to cease these activities."
They added: "Your provisioning of the Fortuna or Akademik Cherskiy will certainly have become sanctionable the instant that either vessel dips a pipe into the water to construct the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, or engages in any pipe-laying activity relevant to the project, but your exposure extends to any activities related to goods, services, or support of the pipeline. The law requires that 'the President shall' issue the designations."
In June 2020, Sens. Cruz, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H), Tom Cotton, Ron Johnson, and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), introduced new legislation clarifying and expanding the sanctions of their bipartisan 2019 bill, the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act, which advanced out of the Foreign Relations Committee with overwhelming support and was signed into law in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020 last year. The new legislation clarifying these sanctions was also recently included in the Senate passed FY21 National Defense Authorization Act.
Mukran Port is the corporate master brand of Fährhafen Sassnitz GmbH with the following shareholders: the town of Sassnitz owns 90%, while Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a state of Germany, has 10%.
A spokesman for the company said that its management would not comment on the letter as its content was within the competence of the state and federal governments, according to Deutsche Welle's Russian service.


unian--2020-08-06--Ukraine expects to swap 100 prisoners with Russia-controlled Donbas within weeks – media

The swap would be second this year and the fourth since Zelensky became president in 2019 .
Ukraine expects to @ @ @ @ @ each side with Russian-controlled parts of Donbas within weeks .
This was disclosed by President @ @ @ @ @ staff , Andriy Yermak , in a comment for Reuters on Thursday during a visit @ @ @ @ @ alsoZelensky 's Office announces new prisoner swap with Donbas soon Yermak , the head of @ @ @ @ @ a key Ukrainian negotiator , told Reuters that Kyiv had submitted a list of about @ @ @ @ @ the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
He said the @ @ @ @ @ same number .
While there was no date for the exchange , he said , @ @ @ @ @ will be soon .
I think it 's within weeks . ''
The swap would @ @ @ @ @ the fourth since Zelensky became president in 2019 .
Yermak was accompanying Zelensky on a @ @ @ @ @ he met soldiers and civilians in the area .

The swap would be second this year and the fourth since Zelensky became president in 2019.
Ukraine expects to exchange around 100 prisoners on each side with Russian-controlled parts of Donbas within weeks.
This was disclosed by President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, in a comment for Reuters on Thursday during a visit to eastern Ukraine.
Read alsoZelensky's Office announces new prisoner swap with Donbas soon
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Yermak, the head of the president's office and a key Ukrainian negotiator, told Reuters that Kyiv had submitted a list of about 100 people to mediators at the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
He said the Russian-controlled forces submitted around the same number. While there was no date for the exchange, he said, "I hope that it will be soon. I think it's within weeks."
The swap would be second this year and the fourth since Zelensky became president in 2019.
Yermak was accompanying Zelensky on a visit to the frontline where he met soldiers and civilians in the area.


unian--2020-08-06--Ukrainian envoy says Ukraine may initiate new Budapest Memorandum if Minsk talks fail

The Budapest Memorandum was signed on December 5 , 1994 .
Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) and first president of independent Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk says that if Minsk talks on Donbas in the TCG format come to a standstill , the Ukrainian side can initiate the signing of a new Budapest Memorandum .
`` I think we will not renew , but expand .
We will think about a new version of the document , '' he commented on Obozrevatel TV on the Budapest format and the Budapest memorandum .
In particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany , as one of the leading European countries , Poland and other countries should join in as signatories to the document .
The new version of the Budapest memorandum should propose not only `` statements and intent , '' but also suggest a clear tool for implementing the principles declared in it , Kravchuk said .
`` This issue is not to be removed from the agenda , and we will initiate it if everything comes to a dead end .
But I do not believe that this deadlock will continue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Budapest Memorandum was signed on December 5 , 1994 .
According to the document , Ukraine received guarantees of territorial integrity in exchange for renouncing its nuclear status .
The memorandum was signed by the leaders of Ukraine , the United States , Russia , and the United Kingdom .
On July 30 , Kravchuk became head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group for the peaceful settlement of the situation in Donbas , having replaced Leonid Kuchma .

The Budapest Memorandum was signed on December 5, 1994.
Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) and first president of independent Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk says that if Minsk talks on Donbas in the TCG format come to a standstill, the Ukrainian side can initiate the signing of a new Budapest Memorandum.
"I think we will not renew, but expand. We will think about a new version of the document," he commented on Obozrevatel TV on the Budapest format and the Budapest memorandum.
Read alsoKravchuk in TCG: cons and pros
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In particular, according to the first president, Germany, as one of the leading European countries, Poland and other countries should join in as signatories to the document.
The new version of the Budapest memorandum should propose not only "statements and intent," but also suggest a clear tool for implementing the principles declared in it, Kravchuk said.
"This issue is not to be removed from the agenda, and we will initiate it if everything comes to a dead end. But I do not believe that this deadlock will continue," he said.
As was reported, the Budapest Memorandum was signed on December 5, 1994. According to the document, Ukraine received guarantees of territorial integrity in exchange for renouncing its nuclear status. The memorandum was signed by the leaders of Ukraine, the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
On July 30, Kravchuk became head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group for the peaceful settlement of the situation in Donbas, having replaced Leonid Kuchma.


unian--2020-08-06--Ukraine's Central Bank, IFC sign memorandum to accelerate financial inclusion in the country

The partnership is supported by Switzerland and the United Kingdom .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) and IFC , a member of the World Bank Group , on August 6 signed a Memorandum of Understanding on joint efforts to accelerate financial inclusion in the country by expanding access to credit and promoting electronic payments for Ukrainians and small businesses .
The Memorandum of Understanding between the National Bank of Ukraine and IFC was signed by Kyrylo Shevchenko , NBU Governor , and Jason Pellmar , IFC Regional Manager for Ukraine , Belarus , and Moldova , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This cooperation agreement is part of IFC 's four-year Ukraine Financial Inclusion for Growth Program , implemented in partnership with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO and the UK Government 's Good Governance Fund , '' the NBU said .
According to the World Bank Group 's Global Findex database , around 40 % of Ukraine 's adult population lacks an account at a financial institution , while most account holders still use their bank cards to withdraw cash .
The new partnership aims to : • Introduce new financial products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make financial services more accessible , higher quality and broadly used by Ukrainians ; and The partnership within the Memorandum will also facilitate the creation of competitive market conditions for financial service providers aiming to decrease transaction costs for customers and to open new opportunities for business growth in digital financial services .
`` My main goal as NBU Governor is to increase the welfare of Ukrainians .
The NBU will welcome and support the efforts of our international partners in this direction , '' said Kyrylo Shevchenko , NBU Governor .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step forward .
Involvement of citizens into the financial system , access to financial services , protection of clients of financial institutions are the priorities of our joint work . ''
IFC will also provide technical assistance to the National Bank of Ukraine , helping it develop a national financial inclusion strategy .
`` Responsible finance solutions can lead to breakthrough opportunities for Ukraine , enabling individuals and businesses to access much-needed financial services .
It is also crucial to open the market for investors , fueling the country with sustainable growth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manager for Ukraine , Belarus , and Moldova .
`` Building on our global experience , IFC will help Ukraine to expand access to finance to underserved segments by improving and promoting the use of digital financial services , introducing principles of consumer protection and supporting the transformation of a credit reporting system . ''
Supporting responsible and inclusive financial services is an important part of IFC 's strategy in Europe and Central Asia .
To date , the World Bank Group has helped over 65 institutions worldwide to implement responsible finance solutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sustainable energy finance , mobile banking , agri-finance , and credit reporting .

The partnership is supported by Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, on August 6 signed a Memorandum of Understanding on joint efforts to accelerate financial inclusion in the country by expanding access to credit and promoting electronic payments for Ukrainians and small businesses.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the National Bank of Ukraine and IFC was signed by Kyrylo Shevchenko, NBU Governor, and Jason Pellmar, IFC Regional Manager for Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova, the NBU said on its website.
Read alsoWorld Bank appoints new Country Director for Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine
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"This cooperation agreement is part of IFC's four-year Ukraine Financial Inclusion for Growth Program, implemented in partnership with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO and the UK Government's Good Governance Fund," the NBU said.
According to the World Bank Group's Global Findex database, around 40% of Ukraine's adult population lacks an account at a financial institution, while most account holders still use their bank cards to withdraw cash. The new partnership aims to:
Introduce new financial products for Ukrainians and small businesses;
Expand access to savings accounts and secure loans;
Make financial services more accessible, higher quality and broadly used by Ukrainians; and
Develop a comprehensive regulatory framework to protect consumer rights.
The partnership within the Memorandum will also facilitate the creation of competitive market conditions for financial service providers aiming to decrease transaction costs for customers and to open new opportunities for business growth in digital financial services.
"My main goal as NBU Governor is to increase the welfare of Ukrainians. The NBU will welcome and support the efforts of our international partners in this direction," said Kyrylo Shevchenko, NBU Governor. "The Memorandum of Understanding is an important step forward. Involvement of citizens into the financial system, access to financial services, protection of clients of financial institutions are the priorities of our joint work."
IFC will also provide technical assistance to the National Bank of Ukraine, helping it develop a national financial inclusion strategy. "Responsible finance solutions can lead to breakthrough opportunities for Ukraine, enabling individuals and businesses to access much-needed financial services. It is also crucial to open the market for investors, fueling the country with sustainable growth," said Jason Pellmar, IFC Regional Manager for Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova. "Building on our global experience, IFC will help Ukraine to expand access to finance to underserved segments by improving and promoting the use of digital financial services, introducing principles of consumer protection and supporting the transformation of a credit reporting system."
Supporting responsible and inclusive financial services is an important part of IFC's strategy in Europe and Central Asia. To date, the World Bank Group has helped over 65 institutions worldwide to implement responsible finance solutions across microfinance, insurance, housing finance, sustainable energy finance, mobile banking, agri-finance, and credit reporting.


unian--2020-08-06--Ukraine's economy ministry estimates GDP decline in H1 at 6.5%

The decline in the second quarter alone is estimated at 11 % .
Ukraine 's Ministry for Development of Economy @ @ @ @ @ a decline in the country 's GDP in the first half ( H1 ) of @ @ @ @ @ , while the decline in the second quarter ( Q2 ) alone is estimated at @ @ @ @ @ January-June , foreign economic activity decreased by 7.7 % ( 7.3 % in January-May ) @ @ @ @ @ decrease in GDP was estimated by the Economy Ministry at 6.5 % , '' the @ @ @ @ @ review for H1 2020 .
The decline in Q2 2020 against Q4 2019 was 11 @ @ @ @ @ less than previously expected , i.e .
a 14 % decline .
As UNIAN reported @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine estimated the decline in GDP in the second quarter of 2020 at 11 @ @ @ @ @

Ukraine's economy ministry estimates GDP decline in H1 at 6.5%
18:57, 06.08.20 1653
The decline in the second quarter alone is estimated at 11%.
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unian--2020-08-06--Montenegro fully reopens for Ukrainians

Montenegro fully reopens for Ukrainians

Previously , Ukrainians were banned from entering the country by car .
Montenegro has allowed Ukrainian citizens to enter its territory without restrictions , since Ukraine has been put on the safe `` green zone '' list .
`` Montenegro has included Ukraine in its green zone list and allowed Ukrainians to cross in without restrictions .
Many thanks our Montenegrin friends and partners for their trust and cooperation , '' the Embassy of Ukraine in Montenegro wrote on Facebook .
Previously , Ukrainians were banned from entering the country by cars .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that 39 countries had reopened borders for Ukrainians .
Among them are : Afghanistan , Albania , Antigua and Barbuda , the Bahamas , Belarus , Bulgaria , Burundi , Cambodia , The Comoros , Ecuador , Egypt , Ethiopia , Iran , Iraq , Ireland , Jamaica , Kenya , Lebanon , Maldives , Mexico , Montenegro , North Macedonia , Pakistan , Puerto Rico , Saint Lucia ( an Eastern Caribbean island nation ) , Serbia , Slovenia , Somalia , South Korea , South Sudan , Tanzania , Tunisia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom , the United States , and Zambia .
In turn , Ukraine has changed entry rules for foreigners and Ukrainians returning from abroad .

Previously, Ukrainians were banned from entering the country by car.
Montenegro has allowed Ukrainian citizens to enter its territory without restrictions, since Ukraine has been put on the safe "green zone" list.
"Montenegro has included Ukraine in its green zone list and allowed Ukrainians to cross in without restrictions. Many thanks our Montenegrin friends and partners for their trust and cooperation," the Embassy of Ukraine in Montenegro wrote on Facebook.
Previously, Ukrainians were banned from entering the country by cars.
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Read alsoBulgaria fully reopens borders to Ukrainians, dropping PCR testing, quarantine requirements
As UNIAN reported earlier, on July 22, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced that 39 countries had reopened borders for Ukrainians. Among them are: Afghanistan, Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belarus, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, The Comoros, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lebanon, Maldives, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia (an Eastern Caribbean island nation), Serbia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, the UAE, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zambia.
In turn, Ukraine has changed entry rules for foreigners and Ukrainians returning from abroad.


unian--2020-08-06--Zelensky appoints notorious ex-interior ministry official as his deputy chief of staff

The appointee will be responsible for law enforcement .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Oleh Tatarov as Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine .
`` Oleh Tatarov 's tasks will include the formation of national policy in the field of law enforcement , expert and analytical support for the operation of the Office of the President of Ukraine , ensuring national security guarantees in the areas of law enforcement , combating corruption and protecting human rights , '' says the respective presidential decree signed on August 5 .
Read alsoYanukovych 's interior minister wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feb 2014 – general Oleg Tatarov is Doctor of Law , Professor , Honored Lawyer of Ukraine , attorney .
For a long time he worked in the internal affairs bodies , in particular , he held the position of deputy head of the Main Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine , and since 2014 he has been engaged in law practice and headed the bar association .
He is fluent in English .
According to the lb.ua news outlet , Tatarov worked as deputy head of the Main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headed by Vitaliy Zakharchenko during Viktor Yanukovych 's presidency .
Ukrainian investigators are probing Zakharchenko 's role in Maidan dispersals .
In April , the Initiative Group of Maidan Victims demanded that Zelensky explain the possible appointment of Tatarov as deputy head of the President 's Office .
`` According to our information , preparations for the appointment of one more ally of Yanukovych and Zakharchenko , who was deputy head of the Interior Ministry 's Main Investigation Department at that time , Oleh Tatarov , are under way at the President ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then .

The appointee will be responsible for law enforcement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Oleh Tatarov as Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
"Oleh Tatarov's tasks will include the formation of national policy in the field of law enforcement, expert and analytical support for the operation of the Office of the President of Ukraine, ensuring national security guarantees in the areas of law enforcement, combating corruption and protecting human rights," says the respective presidential decree signed on August 5.
Read alsoYanukovych's interior minister wanted to use 50,000 policemen to disperse Maidan in Feb 2014 – general
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Oleg Tatarov is Doctor of Law, Professor, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine, attorney. For a long time he worked in the internal affairs bodies, in particular, he held the position of deputy head of the Main Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, and since 2014 he has been engaged in law practice and headed the bar association. He is fluent in English.
According to the lb.ua news outlet, Tatarov worked as deputy head of the Main Investigation Department when the Interior Ministry was headed by Vitaliy Zakharchenko during Viktor Yanukovych's presidency. Ukrainian investigators are probing Zakharchenko's role in Maidan dispersals.
In April, the Initiative Group of Maidan Victims demanded that Zelensky explain the possible appointment of Tatarov as deputy head of the President's Office. "According to our information, preparations for the appointment of one more ally of Yanukovych and Zakharchenko, who was deputy head of the Interior Ministry's Main Investigation Department at that time, Oleh Tatarov, are under way at the President’s Office," the group said then.


unian--2020-08-07--Operations at over 40% of industrial enterprises not affected by quarantine in Ukraine – poll

At the same time , 37 % of enterprises reduced output and 21 % put it on full halt .
The coronavirus pandemic in the initial stages did not affect ( except for the introduction of additional measures toward employees ' health protection ) the work of 41 % of Ukrainian industrial enterprises , says a recent survey .
The research by Resource Efficient and Clean Production Center , conducted from April 20 to May 8 among 82 industrial enterprises , says about 37 % of enterprises reduced output and 21 % put it on full halt .
The coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 58 % of large enterprises .
At the same time , 59 % of medium-sized enterprises reduced output , and 35 % of smaller ones ceased production altogether .
The survey also showed that 67 % of industrial enterprises identify employees ' logistical issues the main negative factor ; 59 % point to the additional costs for personal protective equipment , and 59 % - the issue of marketing their products .
Some 45 % of enterprises have stated their readiness to resume work in post-quarantine period , albeit with some complications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resume full-fledged work immediately .
According to the poll , 63 % of companies believe tax cuts would best help them resume work ; 59 % believe that consulting assistance to find new markets and supply channels is most relevant , while 39 % identify loans and grants available as the most effective assistance in resuming full-fledged work .
Also , 80 % of enterprises did not start additional production of coronavirus PPE ( masks , antiseptics , etc . )
and only 11 % of surveyed enterprises produced PPE to cover own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 82 industrial enterprises , 35 % of which are large ones , 33 % - medium-sized , and 32 % - small .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the decline in industrial output in Ukraine in June 2020 slowed down to 5.6 % year-on-year after dropping by 12.2 % in May .

Operations at over 40% of industrial enterprises not affected by quarantine in Ukraine – poll
16:30, 07.08.20 450
At the same time, 37% of enterprises reduced output and 21% put it on full halt.
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unian--2020-08-07--Ukraine exports 3.2 mln tonnes of grain since new MY

In particular , 1.67 million tonnes of wheat was exported .
Ukrainian agrarian exported 3.24 million tonnes of grain in @ @ @ @ @ MY , July 2020 - June 2021 ) , which was 1.2 million tonnes down @ @ @ @ @ The figures were reported by the agrarian department of Ukraine 's Ministry for Development of @ @ @ @ @ .
In particular , 1.67 million tonnes of wheat was exported , exports of barley @ @ @ @ @ those of maize were 498,000 tonnes , and rye 200 tonnes .
Also , 21,800 @ @ @ @ @ wheat and other types of grain was shipped abroad , which was 6,800 tonnes down @ @ @ @ @ ministry predicts the harvest of grain and leguminous crops in Ukraine in 2020 may total @ @ @ @ @ the yield of oilseeds is projected at 20 million tonnes .
Ukraine in the 2019-2020 @ @ @ @ @ million tonnes of flour , grain and legumes to foreign markets .

Ukraine exports 3.2 mln tonnes of grain since new MY
16:05, 07.08.20 411
In particular, 1.67 million tonnes of wheat was exported.
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unian--2020-08-07--Kharkiv now in "red zone" of COVID-19 quarantine as Ukraine reviews zoning Aug 7

The cities of Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv remained in the orange zone .
The city of Kharkiv has got into the `` red zone '' as Ukraine authorities completed a weekly review of its recently-introduced quarantine zoning on August 7 .
The Kitsmansky district of Chernivtsi region remained in the red zone , while Kharkiv and the Kostopilsky district of Rivne region were added to the red-zone list , the Health Ministry 's updated interactive map shows .
Read alsoSenior health official explains conditions for Ukraine regions to be cleared of `` red '' quarantine zone The cities of Ivano-Frankivsk and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The town of Lutsk was moved from the red zone to orange .
Moreover , the town of Chernivtsi and the Rivnensky district of Rivne region , the Lutsky and Liubashivsky districts of Volyn region , Horodenkivsky district of Ivano-Frankivsk region , Mykolayivsky , Peremyshlsky , and Pustomytivsky districts of Lviv region have been put into the orange zone .
Depending on the epidemiological situation , all regions in Ukraine are divided into several zones from August 1 : green , yellow , orange , and red according to the COVID-19 risk levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than one person per five square meters ; • Movie screenings in theaters with no more than 50 % seats sold ; and Visits to care homes for the elderly , except for cases where critical situations require response .
• New shifts in children 's camps ; and • Public events ( except those hosting one person per 20 square meters , with overall attendance of under 100 ) .
Regions could be assigned to different zones if changes are observed in one of the defined indicators within five days in a @ @

The cities of Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv remained in the orange zone.
The city of Kharkiv has got into the "red zone" as Ukraine authorities completed a weekly review of its recently-introduced quarantine zoning on August 7.
The Kitsmansky district of Chernivtsi region remained in the red zone, while Kharkiv and the Kostopilsky district of Rivne region were added to the red-zone list, the Health Ministry's updated interactive map shows.
Read alsoSenior health official explains conditions for Ukraine regions to be cleared of "red" quarantine zone
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The cities of Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv remained in the orange zone.
The town of Lutsk was moved from the red zone to orange.
Moreover, the town of Chernivtsi and the Rivnensky district of Rivne region, the Lutsky and Liubashivsky districts of Volyn region, Horodenkivsky district of Ivano-Frankivsk region, Mykolayivsky, Peremyshlsky, and Pustomytivsky districts of Lviv region have been put into the orange zone.
Background
Depending on the epidemiological situation, all regions in Ukraine are divided into several zones from August 1: green, yellow, orange, and red according to the COVID-19 risk levels.
Green zone rules envisage:
Mandated face masks or respirators in public locations;
Mass events with no more than one person per five square meters;
Movie screenings in theaters with no more than 50% seats sold; and
Public transport carrying seated passengers only.
Yellow zone (+ green zone rules) restrictions include:
Visits to care homes for the elderly, except for cases where critical situations require response.
Orange zone (+ yellow zone restrictions) bans cover:
Accommodation establishments (hostels, tourist bases, etc.), except hotels;
Entertainment facilities, restaurants at night;
Scheduled hospitalizations;
Gyms, fitness centers, cultural institutions;
New shifts in children's camps; and
Public events (except those hosting one person per 20 square meters, with overall attendance of under 100).
Red zone (+ orange zone restriction) bans cover:
Public transport;
Educational institutions; and
Shopping malls, cafes, and restaurants.
Regions could be assigned to different zones if changes are observed in one of the defined indicators within five days in a row.


unian--2020-08-07--Zelensky explains appointment of former Yanukovych-era official

It 's unfair to label Oleh Tatarov as representative of the `` old '' regime , while `` the main thing is for people to remain honest . ''
President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the appointment to a senior post in his Office of Oleg Tatarov , a former official with the Ministry of Internal Affairs who was had been in service during the rule of Viktor Yanukovych As the president spoke with journalists in Donetsk region 's Maryinka during his Donbas visit on Thursday , he was asked why a representative of the `` old '' regime had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as seen in a stream broadcast by his press service .
In response , Zelensky said that `` specialists , the head of my Office , and any unit chief are entitled to select [ personnel ] at their own discretion . ''
`` We all lived during the Yanukovych rule , but some fled along with Mr. Yanukovych , '' Zelensky added .
`` In fact , many normal people remained , the ones who did n't betray Ukraine .
It seems to me that this is n't fair to label all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yanukovych 's rule as the `` old '' regime , '' Zelensky said .
`` For me , everyone who was in power under Mr [ Petro ] Poroshenko [ Zelensky 's predecessor at the president 's post ] is also old regime , but there were experienced people there , too .
The main thing is for people to remain honest .
Now it seems to me that in our country , in order to change Ukraine , the most important thing is the moral side , which many deputies lack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most important feature of modern times , '' he summed up .
As UNIAN reported , on August 5 , President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Oleh Tatarov Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine .
Oleg Tatarov is Doctor of Law , Professor , Honored Lawyer of Ukraine , attorney .
For a long time he worked in the internal affairs bodies , in particular , he held the position of deputy head of the Main Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine , and since 2014 he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headed the bar association .
He is fluent in English .
According to the lb.ua news outlet , Tatarov worked as deputy head of the Main Investigation Department when the Interior Ministry was headed by Vitaliy Zakharchenko during Viktor Yanukovych 's presidency .
Ukrainian investigators are probing Zakharchenko 's role in a crackdown on Maidan protesters .

It's unfair to label Oleh Tatarov as representative of the "old" regime, while "the main thing is for people to remain honest."
President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the appointment to a senior post in his Office of Oleg Tatarov, a former official with the Ministry of Internal Affairs who was had been in service during the rule of Viktor Yanukovych
As the president spoke with journalists in Donetsk region's Maryinka during his Donbas visit on Thursday, he was asked why a representative of the "old" regime had been appointed deputy chief of his Office, as seen in a stream broadcast by his press service.
In response, Zelensky said that "specialists, the head of my Office, and any unit chief are entitled to select [personnel] at their own discretion."
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"We all lived during the Yanukovych rule, but some fled along with Mr. Yanukovych," Zelensky added. "In fact, many normal people remained, the ones who didn't betray Ukraine. It seems to me that this isn't fair to label all those who headed some agencies during Viktor Yanukovych's rule as the "old" regime," Zelensky said.
Read alsoZelensky explains Kravchuk pick for top spot in TCG
"For me, everyone who was in power under Mr [Petro] Poroshenko [Zelensky's predecessor at the president's post] is also old regime, but there were experienced people there, too. The main thing is for people to remain honest. Now it seems to me that in our country, in order to change Ukraine, the most important thing is the moral side, which many deputies lack, while to refrain from temptation is the most important feature of modern times," he summed up.
As UNIAN reported, on August 5, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Oleh Tatarov Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Oleg Tatarov is Doctor of Law, Professor, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine, attorney. For a long time he worked in the internal affairs bodies, in particular, he held the position of deputy head of the Main Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, and since 2014 he has been engaged in law practice and headed the bar association.
He is fluent in English. According to the lb.ua news outlet, Tatarov worked as deputy head of the Main Investigation Department when the Interior Ministry was headed by Vitaliy Zakharchenko during Viktor Yanukovych's presidency. Ukrainian investigators are probing Zakharchenko's role in a crackdown on Maidan protesters.


unian--2020-08-07--Zelensky comments on latest intelligence reshuffle

The new GUR chief is a young , although truly experienced , professional .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has commented on the recent appointment of a new chief of Ukraine 's military intelligence .
Speaking with journalists in Maryinka during his working trip to Donbas on Thursday , Zelensky referred to Kyrylo Budanov , the newly-appointed Head of the Defense Ministry 's Main Intelligence Directorate [ GUR } , as an `` outstanding hero of modern Ukraine '' , according to the president 's press service .
`` What I see happening in the Army , what we see is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the east .
They are definitely heroes .
As for the GUR , we have replaced the GUR head for a new face , a young man , who is n't a rookie though .
He is a very experienced professional , truly an outstanding hero of modern Ukraine , '' Zelensky said .
Read alsoUkraine 's Defense Ministry responds to Russia 's statements on possible arming of Donbas As UNIAN reported earlier , on August 5 , Zelensky appointed Kyrylo Budanov chief of military intelligence .
He replaced Vasyl Burba , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The President 's Office noted that the reshuffle is due to the need to reformat and intensify the agency 's work , in the search for and toward the implementation of modern approaches and views on addressing security issues .

The new GUR chief is a young, although truly experienced, professional.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has commented on the recent appointment of a new chief of Ukraine's military intelligence.
Speaking with journalists in Maryinka during his working trip to Donbas on Thursday, Zelensky referred to Kyrylo Budanov, the newly-appointed Head of the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate [GUR}, as an "outstanding hero of modern Ukraine", according to the president's press service.
"What I see happening in the Army, what we see is strong and experienced people in this war in the east. They are definitely heroes. As for the GUR, we have replaced the GUR head for a new face, a young man, who isn't a rookie though. He is a very experienced professional, truly an outstanding hero of modern Ukraine," Zelensky said.
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Read alsoUkraine's Defense Ministry responds to Russia's statements on possible arming of Donbas
As UNIAN reported earlier, on August 5, Zelensky appointed Kyrylo Budanov chief of military intelligence. He replaced Vasyl Burba, who had been in office since 2016.
The President's Office noted that the reshuffle is due to the need to reformat and intensify the agency's work, in the search for and toward the implementation of modern approaches and views on addressing security issues.


unian--2020-08-07--Kyivkhlib bakery on lockdown after major COVID-19 outbreak – Klitschko

Some 37 employees contracted the virus , which is almost half of the entire staff .
A PJSC Kyivkhlib bakery unit was put in quarantine immediately after the COVID-19 outbreak among employees was confirmed .
`` Three employees of Kyivkhlib 's bakery unit 8 reported to doctors ' with coronavirus symptoms .
Tests have been run , confirming they had COVID-19 .
Later , the entire staff , that is , 77 employees , was examined and tested .
Thirty-seven people tested positive , '' Klitschko told an online briefing on Friday , August 7 , an UNIAN correspondent reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bakery unit was put on lockdown , while its premises underwent disinfection .
Read alsoUkraine hit by another daily record high in COVID-19 cases on Aug 7 All those who had contracted the virus and contact persons self-isolated .
Also , an official with the Solomyansky district education office tested positive for COVID-19 , the mayor said .
`` To date , 62 contact persons have been identified .
Three of them have coronavirus symptoms , '' Klitschko added .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the city rose by 186 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 7 , the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city stands at 9,178 .

Some 37 employees contracted the virus, which is almost half of the entire staff.
A PJSC Kyivkhlib bakery unit was put in quarantine immediately after the COVID-19 outbreak among employees was confirmed.
"Three employees of Kyivkhlib's bakery unit 8 reported to doctors' with coronavirus symptoms. Tests have been run, confirming they had COVID-19. Later, the entire staff, that is, 77 employees, was examined and tested. Thirty-seven people tested positive," Klitschko told an online briefing on Friday, August 7, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
According to the Kyiv mayor, the bakery unit was put on lockdown, while its premises underwent disinfection.
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Read alsoUkraine hit by another daily record high in COVID-19 cases on Aug 7
All those who had contracted the virus and contact persons self-isolated.
Also, an official with the Solomyansky district education office tested positive for COVID-19, the mayor said.
"To date, 62 contact persons have been identified. Three of them have coronavirus symptoms," Klitschko added.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the city rose by 186 over the past day. As of August 7, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city stands at 9,178.


unian--2020-08-07--Ukraine sends Russia list of illegally detained Crimean Tatars for next swap

Zelensky during his latest phone talks Putin had initiated a discussion on the release of 22 Crimean Tatars .
Head @ @ @ @ @ President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak says Russia received a list for the swap of Crimean @ @ @ @ @ temporarily occupied peninsula .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his latest conversation with Russian President @ @ @ @ @ discussion on the release of 22 Crimean Tatars , who were being illegally held in @ @ @ @ @ 's Office reports .
`` The list has already been transferred to the Russian side @ @ @ @ @ issue will also be resolved , '' Yermak said as he traveled along with the @ @ @ @ @ to Donbas .
Read alsoUkraine reaffirms readiness for 'all-for-all ' swap of detainees in Donbas @ @ @ @ @ reiterated Zelensky had requested the release of Crimean Tatar Ruslan Suleimanov , whose toddler son @ @ @ @ @ During the phone call , the two leaders discussed the implementation of the agreements reached @ @ @ @ @ Paris on December 9 , 2019 .

Zelensky during his latest phone talks Putin had initiated a discussion on the release of 22 Crimean Tatars.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak says Russia received a list for the swap of Crimean Tatars illegally held in the temporarily occupied peninsula.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his latest conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin had initiated a discussion on the release of 22 Crimean Tatars, who were being illegally held in occupied Crimea, the President's Office reports.
"The list has already been transferred to the Russian side. And we expect this issue will also be resolved," Yermak said as he traveled along with the president on a working trip to Donbas.
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Read alsoUkraine reaffirms readiness for 'all-for-all' swap of detainees in Donbas
In addition, the official reiterated Zelensky had requested the release of Crimean Tatar Ruslan Suleimanov, whose toddler son had tragically died recently.
Background
On July 26, 2020, Zelensky held a phone conversation with Putin.
During the phone call, the two leaders discussed the implementation of the agreements reached during the Normandy summit in Paris on December 9, 2019.


unian--2020-08-07--Ukraine's international reserves hit eight-year high in July

Reserves were through the month thanks to the successful placement of eurobonds .
Ukraine 's international reserves grew by 1 % in July and stood at US $ 28.802 billion as of August 1 , 2020 , having hit an eight-year high since the autumn of 2012 .
Reserves were growing throughout the month thanks to the government 's successful placement of eurobonds , as reported by the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) .
Overall , changes in international reserves were driven by the following factors : • , the government 's servicing of public debt .
Forex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the government in July were US $ 1.75 billion , including US $ 1.12 billion on the account of sovereign Eurobond placement and US $ 608.2 million – FX domestic government debt securities placement .
At the same time , the government spent US $ 1.5 billion on servicing and repaying public debt denominated in foreign currency .
Of that amount , US $ 767 million were paid for hryvnia-denominated domestic government debt securities , while the rest was paid to discharge obligations to foreign lenders ; • , the NBU 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for currency on interbank FX market somewhat exceeded supply , thus the NBU renewed interventions to sell foreign currency and alleviate excessive fluctuations .
Last month interventions amounted to US $ 498.7 million .
At the same time , on some days the situation on the FX market was favorable and the NBU encouraged replenishment of reserves on the account of purchased FX currency .
Overall , such interventions amounted to US $ 130 million ; and • , the revaluation of financial instruments ( due to changes in their market value and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their value increased by US $ 406.3 million .
Currently , international reserves cover 4.9 months of future imports .
This is sufficient for Ukraine to meet its obligations , and for the government and the NBU to conduct their current operations , the regulator said .
The country 's international reserves as of July 1 totaled US $ 28.516 billion , which was 12.4 % up from the figure reported as of June 1 .
Ukraine 's international reserves in 2019 grew by 22 % , to US $ 25.3 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having hit a seven-year high since December 2012 .

Reserves were through the month thanks to the successful placement of eurobonds.
Ukraine's international reserves grew by 1% in July and stood at US$28.802 billion as of August 1, 2020, having hit an eight-year high since the autumn of 2012.
Reserves were growing throughout the month thanks to the government's successful placement of eurobonds, as reported by the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU).
Read alsoUkraine's National Bank keeps key policy rate at 6%
Видео дня
Overall, changes in international reserves were driven by the following factors:
First , the government's servicing of public debt. Forex (FX) earnings for the benefit of the government in July were US$1.75 billion, including US$1.12 billion on the account of sovereign Eurobond placement and US$608.2 million – FX domestic government debt securities placement. At the same time, the government spent US$1.5 billion on servicing and repaying public debt denominated in foreign currency. Of that amount, US$767 million were paid for hryvnia-denominated domestic government debt securities, while the rest was paid to discharge obligations to foreign lenders;
, the government's servicing of public debt. Forex (FX) earnings for the benefit of the government in July were US$1.75 billion, including US$1.12 billion on the account of sovereign Eurobond placement and US$608.2 million – FX domestic government debt securities placement. At the same time, the government spent US$1.5 billion on servicing and repaying public debt denominated in foreign currency. Of that amount, US$767 million were paid for hryvnia-denominated domestic government debt securities, while the rest was paid to discharge obligations to foreign lenders; Second , the NBU's FX interbank transactions In July, demand for currency on interbank FX market somewhat exceeded supply, thus the NBU renewed interventions to sell foreign currency and alleviate excessive fluctuations. Last month interventions amounted to US$498.7 million. At the same time, on some days the situation on the FX market was favorable and the NBU encouraged replenishment of reserves on the account of purchased FX currency. Overall, such interventions amounted to US$130 million; and
, the NBU's FX interbank transactions In July, demand for currency on interbank FX market somewhat exceeded supply, thus the NBU renewed interventions to sell foreign currency and alleviate excessive fluctuations. Last month interventions amounted to US$498.7 million. At the same time, on some days the situation on the FX market was favorable and the NBU encouraged replenishment of reserves on the account of purchased FX currency. Overall, such interventions amounted to US$130 million; and Third , the revaluation of financial instruments (due to changes in their market value and in FX rate). Last month, their value increased by US$406.3 million.
Currently, international reserves cover 4.9 months of future imports. This is sufficient for Ukraine to meet its obligations, and for the government and the NBU to conduct their current operations, the regulator said.
Background
The country's international reserves as of July 1 totaled US$28.516 billion, which was 12.4% up from the figure reported as of June 1.
Ukraine's international reserves in 2019 grew by 22%, to US$25.3 billion as of January 1, 2020, having hit a seven-year high since December 2012.


unian--2020-08-07--Sale of mothballed prisons to go in "three waves" in Ukraine – Justice Minister

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Sale of mothballed prisons to go in "three waves" in Ukraine – Justice Minister
13:10, 07.08.20 15168
New detention centers will be built in industrial zones or beyond city limits.
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unian--2020-08-07--Fighting propaganda: Twitter to label state-affiliated media accounts

Labels will only be applied to accounts from the countries represented in the five permanent members of the UN Security Council : China , France , Russian Federation , the United Kingdom , and the United States .
Twitter is expanding the types of political accounts the platform labels .
The social network will add new labels to Twitter accounts of key government officials , including foreign ministers , institutional entities , ambassadors , official spokespeople , and key diplomatic leaders , Twitter said in a statement .
Also , the new labels will be applied to accounts belonging to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and/or their senior staff .
At the moment , labels will only be applied to accounts from the countries represented in the five permanent members of the UN Security Council : China , France , Russian Federation , the United Kingdom , and the United States .
`` We believe this is an important step so that when people see an account discussing geopolitical issues from another country , they have context on its national affiliation and are better informed about who they represent , '' Twitter said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state exercises control over editorial content through financial resources , direct or indirect political pressures , and/or control over production and distribution , '' the statement reads .
Read alsoRussian propagandists come up with bizarre `` Ukrainian trace '' in Beirut blast – media Unlike independent media , state-affiliated media frequently use their news coverage as a means to advance a political agenda , Twitter noted .
The company believes that `` people have the right to know when a media account is affiliated directly or indirectly with a state actor '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like the BBC in the UK or NPR in the U.S. for example , will not be labeled .
The platform will also no longer amplify state-affiliated media accounts or their Tweets through the recommendation systems including on the home timeline , notifications , and search .
As reported earlier , Twitter in July experienced a breach , where perpetrators took 'control of many highly-visible ( including verified ) accounts '' and tweeted on their behalf , according to the company statement .
The platform has `` taken significant steps to limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our investigation is ongoing . ''

Labels will only be applied to accounts from the countries represented in the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Twitter is expanding the types of political accounts the platform labels.
The social network will add new labels to Twitter accounts of key government officials, including foreign ministers, institutional entities, ambassadors, official spokespeople, and key diplomatic leaders, Twitter said in a statement.
Also, the new labels will be applied to accounts belonging to state-affiliated media entities, their editors-in-chief, and/or their senior staff.
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At the moment, labels will only be applied to accounts from the countries represented in the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
"We believe this is an important step so that when people see an account discussing geopolitical issues from another country, they have context on its national affiliation and are better informed about who they represent," Twitter said in a statement.
"State-affiliated media is defined as outlets where the state exercises control over editorial content through financial resources, direct or indirect political pressures, and/or control over production and distribution," the statement reads.
Read alsoRussian propagandists come up with bizarre "Ukrainian trace" in Beirut blast – media
Unlike independent media, state-affiliated media frequently use their news coverage as a means to advance a political agenda, Twitter noted.
The company believes that "people have the right to know when a media account is affiliated directly or indirectly with a state actor".
State-financed media organizations with editorial independence, like the BBC in the UK or NPR in the U.S. for example, will not be labeled.
The platform will also no longer amplify state-affiliated media accounts or their Tweets through the recommendation systems including on the home timeline, notifications, and search.
As reported earlier, Twitter in July experienced a breach, where perpetrators took 'control of many highly-visible (including verified) accounts" and tweeted on their behalf, according to the company statement.
The platform has "taken significant steps to limit access to internal systems and tools while our investigation is ongoing."


unian--2020-08-07--Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 27.68 to U.S. dollar on Aug 7

Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 27.68 to U.S. dollar on Aug 7
12:20, 07.08.20 18379
The official forex rate against the euro for Friday is fixed at UAH 32.80 per euro.
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unian--2020-08-07--Lukashenko comments on idea of Belarus merging with Russia into Union State

The country 's long-time leader also spoke about the alleged proposal to head the new state 's parliament .
President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus believes that creating a Union State with Russia is no longer an option .
`` First of all , Belarusians themselves would n't accept this '' Lukashenko said in an interview with Ukraine 's Dmitry Gordon , seen by RBC-Ukraine .
Lukashenko said the corresponding union of the two countries would be `` impossible '' .
`` Even if I agreed to unification on the most favorable terms for Belarus , Belarusians would no longer accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this , and they never will be ...
The nation is overripe .
This would have been possible 20 or 25 years ago , when the Soviet Union collapsed .
Now it 's not , '' the president said .
Lukashenko separately commented on reports about the alleged proposal to head the parliament of the Union State .
`` I would never agree to this .
I 'm not some warehouse chief , '' the head of Belarus added .
As reported earlier , Lukashenko had already announced the impossibility of Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 2019 , Belarusian Ambassador to Russia claimed that Alexander Lukashenko and Russia 's Vladimir Putin had agreed to create a single parliament and government within the framework of the idea to merge the two countries into a Union State .
Putin 's hybrid mix of Tsarist and Soviet Russian nationalism led to the establishment in 2007 of the Russkiy Mir Foundation ( 'Russian World Foundation '' ) , followed by the emergence of a `` Russian World '' doctrine calling on the Russian government to intervene on behalf of Russians throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an op-ed for the Atlantic Council .
`` Although the term is subject to different interpretations , the `` Russian World ' concept broadly aims to unite the three modern eastern Slavic nations ( Russia , Belarus and Ukraine ) under Moscow 's leadership , with the population of this informal empire bound together by the Russian language and the Russian Orthodox Church .
This mirrors Soviet and Tsarist historical narratives which depicted Russians , Belarusians and Ukrainians as fraternal nations born together in the medieval Kyiv Rus and destined to remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his time in power , Putin has consistently promoted Russia 's ancient ties to the Kyiv Rus state as a way of furthering eastern Slavic unity .

The country's long-time leader also spoke about the alleged proposal to head the new state's parliament.
President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus believes that creating a Union State with Russia is no longer an option.
"First of all, Belarusians themselves wouldn't accept this" Lukashenko said in an interview with Ukraine's Dmitry Gordon, seen by RBC-Ukraine.
Lukashenko said the corresponding union of the two countries would be "impossible".
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"Even if I agreed to unification on the most favorable terms for Belarus, Belarusians would no longer accept this. The people are not ready for this, and they never will be... The nation is overripe. This would have been possible 20 or 25 years ago, when the Soviet Union collapsed. Now it's not," the president said.
Read alsoZelensky asks Lukashenko to extradite part of detained PMC Wagner mercenaries
Lukashenko separately commented on reports about the alleged proposal to head the parliament of the Union State.
"I would never agree to this. I'm not some warehouse chief," the head of Belarus added.
As reported earlier, Lukashenko had already announced the impossibility of Belarus acceding to the Russian Federation.
In November 2019, Belarusian Ambassador to Russia claimed that Alexander Lukashenko and Russia's Vladimir Putin had agreed to create a single parliament and government within the framework of the idea to merge the two countries into a Union State.
Background
Putin's hybrid mix of Tsarist and Soviet Russian nationalism led to the establishment in 2007 of the Russkiy Mir Foundation ('Russian World Foundation"), followed by the emergence of a "Russian World" doctrine calling on the Russian government to intervene on behalf of Russians throughout the former Soviet bloc, Taras Kuzio wrote in an op-ed for the Atlantic Council.
"Although the term is subject to different interpretations, the "Russian World' concept broadly aims to unite the three modern eastern Slavic nations (Russia, Belarus and Ukraine) under Moscow's leadership, with the population of this informal empire bound together by the Russian language and the Russian Orthodox Church. This mirrors Soviet and Tsarist historical narratives which depicted Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians as fraternal nations born together in the medieval Kyiv Rus and destined to remain united," Kuzio wrote.
Throughout his time in power, Putin has consistently promoted Russia's ancient ties to the Kyiv Rus state as a way of furthering eastern Slavic unity.


unian--2020-08-07--Donbas truce: Ukraine reports two violations since midnight Aug 7

No provocative fire was reported on Friday .
Russia 's hybrid military forces in Donbas on August 6 did not resort to provocations amid the recently-agreed ceasefire .
At the same , the Joint Forces complied with the ceasefire , being ready to adequately respond to possible insidious actions by the adversary , the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation wrote in a morning update on Facebook on August 7 .
However , since Friday midnight , enemy troops have opened fire twice , using small arms to stage an act of provocation near the village of Novoluhanske @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launcher near the village of Shumy .
Read alsoUkraine expects to swap 100 prisoners with Russia-controlled Donbas within weeks – media '' Isolated random shots posed no threat to life and health , so our soldiers held fire , '' reads the report .
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops over the period under review .
The situation is under full control of Ukrainian military .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 .
• The new ceasefire regime was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July 27 .
• On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
• Ukraine reported more fire provocations were reported over the past few days .

No provocative fire was reported on Friday.
Russia's hybrid military forces in Donbas on August 6 did not resort to provocations amid the recently-agreed ceasefire.
At the same, the Joint Forces complied with the ceasefire, being ready to adequately respond to possible insidious actions by the adversary, the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation wrote in a morning update on Facebook on August 7.
However, since Friday midnight, enemy troops have opened fire twice, using small arms to stage an act of provocation near the village of Novoluhanske, as well as an under-barrel grenade launcher near the village of Shumy.
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Read alsoUkraine expects to swap 100 prisoners with Russia-controlled Donbas within weeks – media
"Isolated random shots posed no threat to life and health, so our soldiers held fire," reads the report.
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops over the period under review.
The situation is under full control of Ukrainian military.
Background


unian--2020-08-07--Confiscated lions, bears to be handed over to Ukraine's national park administrations, charities

Three lions and six bears confiscated by orders of Ukrainian courts have been donated to nature parks and charities .
That 's according to a statement by the Justice Ministry .
A Commission in Vasylivsky office of Ukraine 's executive service has handed over : • Malvina , the Himalayan bear - to the International Charitable Foundation `` Save the Wild '' Charity ; • Brown bears Balu and Timosha – to the Synevyr National Nature Reserve ; • Lions Ricci , Witold and Bagheera – to the Naton Charitable Foundation ; and • Brown bears Potap , Anna and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ a rehabilitation center located in the Roztochia nature reserve ] .
`` The free transfer of confiscated animals to new owners is a result of joint efforts by the Ministry of Justice and civic activists .
The old order , according to which confiscated animals were sold at open auctions by a court ruling , has sparked controversy , '' said Deputy Minister of Justice for Executive Service Andriy Haichenko .
Read alsoMeme turning into reality : Debtors ' pet dogs put up for auction sale From now on the sale of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is prohibited , the press service quotes the official as saying .
As UNIAN reported earlier , in late June the Cabinet adopted a resolution of the Ministry of Justice on amending the Procedure for disposing of property confiscated by a court ruling and transferred to the state executive service .
The procedure is supplemented by provisions governing the sale of animals confiscated by court .
Cats , dogs , and other pets shall be transferred free of charge to animal shelters or other pet care facilities .
Wild animals shall not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shall be transferred free of charge to animal shelters , zoos , or other relevant animal care facilities .
Unsold farm animals shall be transferred free of charge to individuals or legal entities in line with the current legislation .

New rules ban auctioning animals off.
Three lions and six bears confiscated by orders of Ukrainian courts have been donated to nature parks and charities.
That's according to a statement by the Justice Ministry.
A Commission in Vasylivsky office of Ukraine's executive service has handed over:
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Malvina, the Himalayan bear - to the International Charitable Foundation "Save the Wild" Charity;
Brown bears Balu and Timosha – to the Synevyr National Nature Reserve;
Lions Ricci, Witold and Bagheera – to the Naton Charitable Foundation; and
Brown bears Potap, Anna and Masha – to Bear Shelter Domazhir Ltd [a rehabilitation center located in the Roztochia nature reserve].
"The free transfer of confiscated animals to new owners is a result of joint efforts by the Ministry of Justice and civic activists. The old order, according to which confiscated animals were sold at open auctions by a court ruling, has sparked controversy," said Deputy Minister of Justice for Executive Service Andriy Haichenko.
Read alsoMeme turning into reality: Debtors' pet dogs put up for auction sale
From now on the sale of animals at the OpenMarket - CETAM auction is prohibited, the press service quotes the official as saying.
As UNIAN reported earlier, in late June the Cabinet adopted a resolution of the Ministry of Justice on amending the Procedure for disposing of property confiscated by a court ruling and transferred to the state executive service.
The procedure is supplemented by provisions governing the sale of animals confiscated by court.
Cats, dogs, and other pets shall be transferred free of charge to animal shelters or other pet care facilities.
Wild animals shall not be put up for sale either. They shall be transferred free of charge to animal shelters, zoos, or other relevant animal care facilities.
Unsold farm animals shall be transferred free of charge to individuals or legal entities in line with the current legislation.


unian--2020-08-07--Ukraine hit by another daily record high in COVID-19 cases on Aug 7

The pandemic has taken 1,852 lives in Ukraine .
Ukraine 's authorities on Friday , August 7 , said the @ @ @ @ @ cases increased by 1,453 over the past 24 hours .
This marked a new high @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , as evidenced by the map of COVID-19 spread , compiled by the National @ @ @ @ @ As many as 43,055 patients , including 531 in the past day , have recovered @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 cases have been detected in Ukraine .
The pandemic has taken 1,852 lives with @ @ @ @ @ past day .
Most COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours were recorded in the @ @ @ @ @ 186 ) , Odesa region ( 156 ) , Lviv region ( 152 ) , @ @ @ @ @ , Ivano-Frankivsk region ( 131 ) , and Rivne region ( 100 ) .
As @ @ @ @ @ on August 6 reported 1,318 new COVID-19 cases .
Four Ukrainian regions may see tougher @ @ @ @ @ the new zoning concept .

The pandemic has taken 1,852 lives in Ukraine.
Ukraine's authorities on Friday, August 7, said the number of new active COVID-19 cases increased by 1,453 over the past 24 hours.
This marked a new high since the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, as evidenced by the map of COVID-19 spread, compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 43,055 patients, including 531 in the past day, have recovered.
Видео дня
In total, 78,261 COVID-19 cases have been detected in Ukraine.
The pandemic has taken 1,852 lives with 33 fatalities recorded over the past day.
Read alsoUkraine's Health Minister hopes daily COVID-19 testing to reach 25,000 PCR tests in September
Most COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours were recorded in the capital city of Kyiv (186), Odesa region (156), Lviv region (152), Kharkiv region (146), Ivano-Frankivsk region (131), and Rivne region (100).
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine on August 6 reported 1,318 new COVID-19 cases.
Four Ukrainian regions may see tougher quarantine restrictions in line with the new zoning concept.


unian--2020-08-07--More foreign currency sold than bought on Ukraine's cash forex market in July

More foreign currency sold than bought on Ukraine's cash forex market in July
10:15, 07.08.20 671
This trend continued for the eight month in a row.
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unian--2020-08-07--U.S. sending texts to Russians, offering reward for election meddling evidence

The U.S. Embassy has confirmed to local media that the texts are authentic .
The U.S. Embassy in the Russian Federation started sending out text messages to Russians proposing to report evidence on interference in the American presidential elections .
The message contains a link to the verified account of the U.S. Department of State 's Rewards for Justice ( RFJ ) program on Twitter .
Among those who received the message was a deputy of the Yekaterinburg Duma Timofey Zhukov , who published the relevant screenshot .
The U.S. Embassy in Russia has confirmed to It 's My City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The campaign also employs social networks , including Twitter , diplomats add .
The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee in April 2020 released its review of a joint assessment issued by U.S. intelligence agencies of Russia 's coordinated campaign to influence the 2016 presidential election .
Read alsoZelensky : Ukraine must n't be dragged into U.S. election process over leaks In its heavily redacted 158-page report , the committee found that the Intelligence Community Assessment commissioned by former President Barack Obama in late 2016 `` presents a coherent and well-constructed intelligence basis for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 U.S. presidential election . ''
The report was unanimously approved by senators on the committee , UNIAN reported citing CBS News .
The committee review said interviews with those involved in drafting the ICA showed that `` analysts were under no politically motivated pressure to reach specific conclusions . ''
The ICA 's principal finding , delivered with `` high confidence , '' was that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered an influence campaign aimed at the 2016 election and designed to undermine confidence in the U.S. electoral process .

The U.S. Embassy has confirmed to local media that the texts are authentic.
The U.S. Embassy in the Russian Federation started sending out text messages to Russians proposing to report evidence on interference in the American presidential elections.
A $10 million reward has been announced, Znak.com reports.
The message contains a link to the verified account of the U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program on Twitter.
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Among those who received the message was a deputy of the Yekaterinburg Duma Timofey Zhukov, who published the relevant screenshot.
The U.S. Embassy in Russia has confirmed to It's My City the authenticity of texts in question.
The campaign also employs social networks, including Twitter, diplomats add.
Background
The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee in April 2020 released its review of a joint assessment issued by U.S. intelligence agencies of Russia's coordinated campaign to influence the 2016 presidential election.
Read alsoZelensky: Ukraine mustn't be dragged into U.S. election process over leaks
In its heavily redacted 158-page report, the committee found that the Intelligence Community Assessment commissioned by former President Barack Obama in late 2016 "presents a coherent and well-constructed intelligence basis for the case of unprecedented Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election."
The report was unanimously approved by senators on the committee, UNIAN reported citing CBS News.
The committee review said interviews with those involved in drafting the ICA showed that "analysts were under no politically motivated pressure to reach specific conclusions." The ICA's principal finding, delivered with "high confidence," was that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered an influence campaign aimed at the 2016 election and designed to undermine confidence in the U.S. electoral process.