unian--2020-05-14--Life or death: civil aviation is struggling to survive the pandemic

No international flights should be expected in Ukraine any time before mid-June , as evidenced by the Cabinet 's plan to restore regular passenger traffic that the source in the Ministry of Infrastructure showed UNIAN .
It is difficult to foresee what will happen to carriers and airports over this period .
After all , Ukrainian passenger aircraft have been on standby since late March , when the borders were closed for regular passenger flights due to the threat of the novel coronavirus spread .
As a result , the number of flights in the Ukrainian airspace decreased by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air traffic decreased by 90 % !
In fact , the number of daily flights has dropped by magnitudes worldwide .
The International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) says air traffic across Europe fell by 90 % on year .
Of course , the steep plunge of civil aviation can not pass without a trace .
Both airports and carriers are suffering massive losses .
IATA says the total revenue of passenger carriers in 2020 will decrease by more than half against last year – that 's by $ 314 billion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose about $ 100 billion in revenue .
However , the situation on the market is further deteriorating .
After all , even the current forecast turned out to be nearly 70 % worse than the most pessimistic scenario that IATA offered a month and a half ago .
In this situation , air carriers are forced to optimize operations .
For example , Hungary 's Wizz Air budget carrier has announced they are cutting almost 20 % of staff along with reducing salaries .
Ireland 's Ryanair also plans to cut up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airways , KLM , Lufthansa , United , and other major carriers are reducing their route network , freezing investment , and laying off staff .
Ukrainian carriers are no less suffering from the pandemic lockdowns and are therefore forced to take painful steps .
Thus , the largest carrier , UIA , currently estimates its losses at $ 60 million .
`` Today , this amount has n't changed ; however , it may increase if unprofitable activities ( lack of flights , aircraft maintenance ) will last longer than originally planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN .
Also , the carrier has already launched an optimization program that will affect both the number of aircraft and personnel .
`` However , now it is difficult to talk about specific figures because there is no approved final restart plan .
In any case , we understand that as flights relaunch , the company will no longer be the same as it was before the pandemic , '' UIA believes .
Along with carriers , Ukrainian airports are suffering as well .
The `` Airports of Ukraine '' Association notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian aviation enterprises is insufficient , which does n't allow to ensure their functioning in the conditions of continued quarantine .
`` Without the support of the state , airports and UkSATSE are unable to perform their tasks , including in the interests of security and defense of the state , and will be forced to cease their operations and flights in the Ukrainian airspace , '' the Association said in an appeal to the government and president .
Companies that ensure the functioning of civil aviation are also in need of support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kryklii , UkSATSE requires needs funding from UAH 150 million to UAH 200 million per month for wages and utilities alone .
The civil aviation industry will not be able to survive this difficult time without external assistance .
After all , such a large-scale shutdown occurred for the first time in its history .
According to aviation expert Bohdan Dolintse , more than a hundred countries have already introduced various mechanisms of state support .
For example , the Netherlands and France together decided to allocate about EUR 11 billion to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an aid package for Lufthansa is being discussed , along with an option of government partnering up with the company .
SAS ( Scandinavian Airlines ) will receive EUR 500 million from Sweden , EUR 137 million from Denmark , and some more money from Norway , too .
Financing mainly goes to long-term lending at almost zero interest .
Some countries , such as Italy , have decided to nationalize their national carriers .
Kirill Novikov , an aviation expert and advisor to the minister of infrastructure , says the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support to both carriers and aircraft manufacturers .
`` Fewer flights also mean lower aircraft production .
Hundreds of thousands of people work at factories .
In total , about 65 million people are employed in global aviation - manufacturers , carriers , and related businesses .
That is why it is important to avoid mass layoffs , '' he said .
Ukraine can not yet boast of large-scale support for its aviation industry .
At the moment , the government has only reduced the rate of dividends to the state budget from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-owned airports `` Boryspil '' and `` Lviv '' .
Minister Kryklii adds that the ministry will ask the government to adopt a state program to support the aviation industry .
`` In my opinion , state budget funds in such a situation should be allocated for supporting companies that create jobs and pay taxes .
We are considering the possibility of financial assistance , discussing with state banks the issue of extending the term of existing loans , restructuring , allocation of loans on favorable terms , '' Kriklii told UNIAN .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ available loans for Ukrainian air carriers is also being discussed .
Another tool to support the aviation industry is to reduce or abolish the excise tax on aviation fuel , Novikov says .
`` But here is an important point .
When we talk about reducing a tax for a certain branch of business , it implies related industries .
All airports and handlers will talk about reducing excise taxes .
Therefore , government must shape up priorities : some are anchor businesses so we provide benefits to such businesses .
I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic and regional development , '' the expert said .
According to Novikov , the introduction of market incentives , which could be the abolition of VAT on domestic transportation , would also contribute to the recovery of carriers .
This list of possible instruments of government does n't end here .
According to Dolintse , it would be effective to support aviation companies by providing a grace period for the payment of single social contribution for wages .
The expert adds , to help carriers survive the crisis , they could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lease payments .
`` After all , almost all aircraft of Ukrainian carriers are being leased .
So it makes sense to talk about target tools .
It can be direct lending from the state or it can be lending jointly with commercial banks , '' he said .
At the same time , Dolintse emphasizes that due to the not-so-transparent ownership structure , it remains unclear whether there will be any support on the part of the owners of Ukrainian carriers .
`` Small carriers , mostly charter ones , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declare bankruptcy and reenter the market as a new legal entity .
There is a large number of companies on the charter market that operate for one or two years and then disappear .
Planes migrate from company to company .
If we talk about large carriers like UIA , SkyUp , or Wind Rose , it 's important for them to maintain stability , '' said the expert .
In May , quarantine measures began to weaken , and the world 's civil aviation is actively reviving along the way .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled flights from several European cities : Budapest , Vienna , and London .
Some carriers have even started selling tickets for their flights from Ukraine .
Wizz Air opened sales on flights from May 23 , Czech Airlines – from May 24 , and Lufthansa – from June 1 .
However , the Ministry of Infrastructure has already stated that carriers have been misleading passengers because the decision on scheduled flights will be made exclusively by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine .
Obviously , it is still a long way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predict that this time the consequences of COVID-19 will be much more serious than the impact of any other known factor in history .
Therefore , the recovery of the industry is unlikely to occur six months into the start of decline , as it happened before after the major crises .
For Ukraine , Dolintse says , the situation will begin to level off no earlier than next year .
`` But a full recovery of the market will take one and a half to two years and depend on the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 50 % of international passenger flights should be restored by year-end , '' the expert said .
Thus , subject to the prompt removal of all restrictive measures , quarterly indicators of passenger traffic should be restored in the summer of 2021 .
However , expert Novikov believes not everyone will survive such a long idle period .
`` I think that after the crisis , the number of carriers may decrease , '' he said .
However , SkyUp said they are convinced that they have enough stamina to get through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to cut the number of aircraft .
We have now converted seven of them for freight .
When air traffic between the country 's regions and the borders start to reopen , we will return to passenger transportation .
However , freight will remain in the company 's portfolio , '' the company has told UNIAN .
Time will tell who will be able to survive , but it is already clear that the aviation crisis will have an impact on passengers .
After all , waiting for a `` pre-pandemic '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air carriers will be forced to start a tough fight for customers .
According to Dolintse , the crisis may seem cost-effective primarily for budget carriers , who may lower prices to seize the market .
Indeed , Ryanair have already stated they are ready to sell tickets for just 99 cents .
`` They can occupy the niche quite aggressively in areas where there was fierce competition with classic carriers .
In general , budget carriers have a reserve of resources to survive and then invest in the development of routes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leased aircraft and due to lucrative contracts at airports , '' said the expert .
At the same time , classic carriers fly to more expensive airports , so their ticket prices , Dolintse says , will be 10-20 % higher .
`` The reason is that in the initial stages the aircraft load will be lower while costs will remain constant , '' said the expert .
The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a tremendous blow to the world 's civil aviation .
In response to the unprecedented challenge , governments around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carriers .
The Ukrainian government , which can not provide funding at the U.S. or European level , needs to offer tools to help save Ukrainian aviation companies as soon as possible .
The fate of national civil aviation depends on this .

The crisis provoked by the coronavirus pandemic dealt a severe blow to civil aviation worldwide. Air carriers around the world are laying off personnel, while some have already filed for bankruptcy. Governments of the world's leading economies are allocating enormous funds to help one of the key industries. But what can Ukraine do to save its aviation?
No international flights should be expected in Ukraine any time before mid-June, as evidenced by the Cabinet's plan to restore regular passenger traffic that the source in the Ministry of Infrastructure showed UNIAN.
It is difficult to foresee what will happen to carriers and airports over this period. After all, Ukrainian passenger aircraft have been on standby since late March, when the borders were closed for regular passenger flights due to the threat of the novel coronavirus spread. As a result, the number of flights in the Ukrainian airspace decreased by a stunning 96%. Over April, air traffic decreased by 90%!
In fact, the number of daily flights has dropped by magnitudes worldwide. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says air traffic across Europe fell by 90% on year.
Видео дня
Of course, the steep plunge of civil aviation cannot pass without a trace. Both airports and carriers are suffering massive losses. IATA says the total revenue of passenger carriers in 2020 will decrease by more than half against last year – that's by $314 billion.
At the same time, airports will lose about $100 billion in revenue. However, the situation on the market is further deteriorating. After all, even the current forecast turned out to be nearly 70% worse than the most pessimistic scenario that IATA offered a month and a half ago.
Layoffs amid force majeure
In this situation, air carriers are forced to optimize operations. For example, Hungary's Wizz Air budget carrier has announced they are cutting almost 20% of staff along with reducing salaries. Ireland's Ryanair also plans to cut up to 3,000 jobs and salaries. British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, United, and other major carriers are reducing their route network, freezing investment, and laying off staff.
Ukrainian carriers are no less suffering from the pandemic lockdowns and are therefore forced to take painful steps. Thus, the largest carrier, UIA, currently estimates its losses at $60 million.
"Today, this amount hasn't changed; however, it may increase if unprofitable activities (lack of flights, aircraft maintenance) will last longer than originally planned," the UIA press service told UNIAN.
Also, the carrier has already launched an optimization program that will affect both the number of aircraft and personnel.
"However, now it is difficult to talk about specific figures because there is no approved final restart plan. In any case, we understand that as flights relaunch, the company will no longer be the same as it was before the pandemic," UIA believes.
Along with carriers, Ukrainian airports are suffering as well. The "Airports of Ukraine" Association notes that currently the amount of funds of Ukrainian aviation enterprises is insufficient, which doesn't allow to ensure their functioning in the conditions of continued quarantine.
"Without the support of the state, airports and UkSATSE are unable to perform their tasks, including in the interests of security and defense of the state, and will be forced to cease their operations and flights in the Ukrainian airspace," the Association said in an appeal to the government and president.
Companies that ensure the functioning of civil aviation are also in need of support. According to Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Kryklii, UkSATSE requires needs funding from UAH 150 million to UAH 200 million per month for wages and utilities alone.
Lifebuoy for those drowning
The civil aviation industry will not be able to survive this difficult time without external assistance. After all, such a large-scale shutdown occurred for the first time in its history.
According to aviation expert Bohdan Dolintse, more than a hundred countries have already introduced various mechanisms of state support. For example, the Netherlands and France together decided to allocate about EUR 11 billion to support Air France - KLM.
In Germany, an aid package for Lufthansa is being discussed, along with an option of government partnering up with the company. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) will receive EUR 500 million from Sweden, EUR 137 million from Denmark, and some more money from Norway, too. Financing mainly goes to long-term lending at almost zero interest. Some countries, such as Italy, have decided to nationalize their national carriers.
Kirill Novikov, an aviation expert and advisor to the minister of infrastructure, says the United States, Europe, and China offer support to both carriers and aircraft manufacturers.
"Fewer flights also mean lower aircraft production. Hundreds of thousands of people work at factories. In total, about 65 million people are employed in global aviation - manufacturers, carriers, and related businesses. That is why it is important to avoid mass layoffs," he said.
Ukraine cannot yet boast of large-scale support for its aviation industry. At the moment, the government has only reduced the rate of dividends to the state budget from 90% to 30% for the state-owned airports "Boryspil" and "Lviv".
Minister Kryklii adds that the ministry will ask the government to adopt a state program to support the aviation industry.
"In my opinion, state budget funds in such a situation should be allocated for supporting companies that create jobs and pay taxes. We are considering the possibility of financial assistance, discussing with state banks the issue of extending the term of existing loans, restructuring, allocation of loans on favorable terms," Kryklii told UNIAN.
The Minister stressed that the program of available loans for Ukrainian air carriers is also being discussed.
Another tool to support the aviation industry is to reduce or abolish the excise tax on aviation fuel, Novikov says.
"But here is an important point. When we talk about reducing a tax for a certain branch of business, it implies related industries. All airports and handlers will talk about reducing excise taxes. Therefore, government must shape up priorities: some are anchor businesses so we provide benefits to such businesses. I'm convinced that aviation is the locomotive of economic and regional development," the expert said.
According to Novikov, the introduction of market incentives, which could be the abolition of VAT on domestic transportation, would also contribute to the recovery of carriers.
This list of possible instruments of government doesn't end here.
According to Dolintse, it would be effective to support aviation companies by providing a grace period for the payment of single social contribution for wages. The expert adds, to help carriers survive the crisis, they could be offered coverage of interest or partial coverage of lease payments.
"After all, almost all aircraft of Ukrainian carriers are being leased. So it makes sense to talk about target tools. It can be direct lending from the state or it can be lending jointly with commercial banks," he said.
At the same time, Dolintse emphasizes that due to the not-so-transparent ownership structure, it remains unclear whether there will be any support on the part of the owners of Ukrainian carriers.
"Small carriers, mostly charter ones, which own one or two planes, may declare bankruptcy and reenter the market as a new legal entity. There is a large number of companies on the charter market that operate for one or two years and then disappear. Planes migrate from company to company. If we talk about large carriers like UIA, SkyUp, or Wind Rose, it's important for them to maintain stability," said the expert.
Surviving at any cost
In May, quarantine measures began to weaken, and the world's civil aviation is actively reviving along the way. For example, Wizz Air has already resumed scheduled flights from several European cities: Budapest, Vienna, and London.
Some carriers have even started selling tickets for their flights from Ukraine. Wizz Air opened sales on flights from May 23, Czech Airlines – from May 24, and Lufthansa – from June 1. However, the Ministry of Infrastructure has already stated that carriers have been misleading passengers because the decision on scheduled flights will be made exclusively by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Obviously, it is still a long way to go to full recovery. Aviation experts predict that this time the consequences of COVID-19 will be much more serious than the impact of any other known factor in history.
Therefore, the recovery of the industry is unlikely to occur six months into the start of decline, as it happened before after the major crises. For Ukraine, Dolintse says, the situation will begin to level off no earlier than next year.
"But a full recovery of the market will take one and a half to two years and depend on the economic situation in the country. Domestic traffic and 50% of international passenger flights should be restored by year-end," the expert said.
Thus, subject to the prompt removal of all restrictive measures, quarterly indicators of passenger traffic should be restored in the summer of 2021.
However, expert Novikov believes not everyone will survive such a long idle period.
"I think that after the crisis, the number of carriers may decrease," he said.
However, SkyUp said they are convinced that they have enough stamina to get through the crisis.
"There are no plans to cut the number of aircraft. We have now converted seven of them for freight. When air traffic between the country's regions and the borders start to reopen, we will return to passenger transportation. However, freight will remain in the company's portfolio," the company has told UNIAN.
Time will tell who will be able to survive, but it is already clear that the aviation crisis will have an impact on passengers. After all, waiting for a "pre-pandemic" passenger flow would be futile, so air carriers will be forced to start a tough fight for customers.
According to Dolintse, the crisis may seem cost-effective primarily for budget carriers, who may lower prices to seize the market. Indeed, Ryanair have already stated they are ready to sell tickets for just 99 cents.
"They can occupy the niche quite aggressively in areas where there was fierce competition with classic carriers. In general, budget carriers have a reserve of resources to survive and then invest in the development of routes. This is due to the lack of leased aircraft and due to lucrative contracts at airports," said the expert.
At the same time, classic carriers fly to more expensive airports, so their ticket prices, Dolintse says, will be 10-20% higher.
"The reason is that in the initial stages the aircraft load will be lower while costs will remain constant," said the expert.
The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a tremendous blow to the world's civil aviation. In response to the unprecedented challenge, governments around the world are allocating significant funds to help carriers. The Ukrainian government, which cannot provide funding at the U.S. or European level, needs to offer tools to help save Ukrainian aviation companies as soon as possible. The fate of national civil aviation depends on this.
Oleksandr Kunytsky


unian--2020-05-14--People should take subway trains only in urgent cases once Kyiv Metro reopens – Klitschko

The mayor said many people had gone back to work once quarantine easing was introduced and the city is seeing heavy traffic so he appealed to the government regarding Metro reopening .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has called on the residents of the capital city to comply with social distancing and other safety rules , as well as take subway trains only in urgent cases once the Kyiv Metro relaunches .
`` Kyiv , like many other cities across the country , started introducing relaxation of restrictions .
But I 'd like to appeal to Kyiv residents : those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue doing that .
Because it is safer for your health .
Employers should also think about safety of their employees .
Optimize their working schedule .
Follow all rules and sanitary standards .
Let 's not create a collapse now !
That 's because the virus has n't gone anywhere , '' he said during an online press conference on May 14 .
The mayor said many people had gone back to work once quarantine easing was introduced and the city is seeing heavy traffic so he appealed to the government regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to emphasize : this does not mean that it will be used without taking into account the situation where we 've been living for over two months .
Be reasonable , think safety first !
Indeed , the subway operates in many European cities .
But there are no crowds , while people use it only when necessary , following the rules .
And even if you 're tired of hearing this , I 'll still repeat : if you neglect your health and the health of your families , no one can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and demand this from those around you , '' Klitschko said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city rose by 52 in the past day .
Two cases were lethal .
As of today , there are 2,012 confirmed COVID-19 cases , including 42 deaths , in the capital city .

The mayor said many people had gone back to work once quarantine easing was introduced and the city is seeing heavy traffic so he appealed to the government regarding Metro reopening.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has called on the residents of the capital city to comply with social distancing and other safety rules, as well as take subway trains only in urgent cases once the Kyiv Metro relaunches.
"Kyiv, like many other cities across the country, started introducing relaxation of restrictions. But I'd like to appeal to Kyiv residents: those who can work remotely so far, please continue doing that. Because it is safer for your health. Employers should also think about safety of their employees. Optimize their working schedule. Follow all rules and sanitary standards. Let's not create a collapse now! That's because the virus hasn't gone anywhere," he said during an online press conference on May 14.
Read alsoCoronavirus lockdowns leave 46 surrogacy infants stranded in Kyiv hotel
Видео дня
The mayor said many people had gone back to work once quarantine easing was introduced and the city is seeing heavy traffic so he appealed to the government regarding Metro reopening.
"But I want to emphasize: this does not mean that it will be used without taking into account the situation where we've been living for over two months. Be reasonable, think safety first! Indeed, the subway operates in many European cities. But there are no crowds, while people use it only when necessary, following the rules. And even if you're tired of hearing this, I'll still repeat: if you neglect your health and the health of your families, no one can save you! Follow the safety rules and demand this from those around you," Klitschko said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city rose by 52 in the past day. Two cases were lethal. As of today, there are 2,012 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 42 deaths, in the capital city.


unian--2020-05-14--Key suspect in MH17 case arrested in occupied Donetsk – media

The terrorist was reportedly detained outside his house in occupied Donetsk on March 11 .
However , journalists claim the man was arrested in a criminal case non-related to MH17 .
Leonid Kharchenko , one of the key suspects involved in the crash of flight МН17 over Donbas in 2014 , has been arrested in the occupied city of Donetsk .
Kharchenko is one of the four persons charged by Dutch prosecutors in the MH17 case , according to the BBC 's Ukrainian service .
In 2014 , Kharchenko , nom de guerre `` Krot '' ( `` Mole '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the illegal reconnaissance units of the so-called `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) .
The terrorist was reportedly detained outside his house in occupied Donetsk on March 11 .
However , journalists claim the man was arrested in a case non-related to MH17 .
`` Ridiculous accusations : the alleged participation in an illegal raid back in 2014 , as well as illegal firearm possession .
According to the first charge , the victims have no complaints against him .
On the second , that handgun was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Security ' in 2019 to ensure personal safety in the case of MH17 , '' an informed source said .
According to Kharchenko 's friends , someone `` seeks to isolate '' him to prevent the Ukrainian intelligence from abducting him .
However , this is `` a very strange way to protect someone '' , they add .
Last year , the SBU Security Service of Ukraine brought from the occupied Donbas to Kyiv former `` DPR '' missile specialist Volodymyr Tsemakh , who is also considered a person of interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In September 2019 , he was handed over to Moscow at the Kremlin 's request as part of a major prisoner swap effort .
He is now living in the occupied Donbas .
Ukraine put Kharchenko on wanted list in July 2015 .
He was accused of setting up a terrorist group and charged with the involvement in the MH17 downing .

The terrorist was reportedly detained outside his house in occupied Donetsk on March 11. However, journalists claim the man was arrested in a criminal case non-related to MH17.
Leonid Kharchenko, one of the key suspects involved in the crash of flight МН17 over Donbas in 2014, has been arrested in the occupied city of Donetsk.
Kharchenko is one of the four persons charged by Dutch prosecutors in the MH17 case, according to the BBC's Ukrainian service.
In 2014, Kharchenko, nom de guerre "Krot" ("Mole"), was the commander of one of the illegal reconnaissance units of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR").
Видео дня
The terrorist was reportedly detained outside his house in occupied Donetsk on March 11. However, journalists claim the man was arrested in a case non-related to MH17.
Read alsoECHR rejects ban on MH17 suspect Tsemakh's extradition to Netherlands
"Ridiculous accusations: the alleged participation in an illegal raid back in 2014, as well as illegal firearm possession. According to the first charge, the victims have no complaints against him. On the second, that handgun was issued to him by the 'Ministry of State Security' in 2019 to ensure personal safety in the case of MH17," an informed source said.
According to Kharchenko's friends, someone "seeks to isolate" him to prevent the Ukrainian intelligence from abducting him. However, this is "a very strange way to protect someone", they add.
Last year, the SBU Security Service of Ukraine brought from the occupied Donbas to Kyiv former "DPR" missile specialist Volodymyr Tsemakh, who is also considered a person of interest, involved in the MH17 downing.
In September 2019, he was handed over to Moscow at the Kremlin's request as part of a major prisoner swap effort. He is now living in the occupied Donbas.
Read alsoBellingcat: Key MH17 figure identified as senior FSB official
Ukraine put Kharchenko on wanted list in July 2015. He was accused of setting up a terrorist group and charged with the involvement in the MH17 downing.


unian--2020-05-14--IKEA launches online sales in Ukraine

IKEA launches online sales in Ukraine

Earlier , only a preview was available for Ukrainian users .
The Swedish-founded furniture giant IKEA Group has launched online sales of its products in Ukraine .
The purchase function is available on the company website .
Earlier , only a preview was available for Ukrainian users .
Buyers can choose where and how to pick up their purchase .
This can be done for free at one of the points of delivery in Kyiv , namely Auchan Rive Gauche and Metro stores , or through home delivery .
As UNIAN reported earlier , IKEA planned to open its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer 2019 .
In July 2018 , IKEA began recruiting employees for its first store in Ukraine .
The company later postponed the opening ceremony to the end of 2019 .
In October 2018 , the founder of the Mandarin Plaza Group , Vagif Aliyev , announced that IKEA might open its second store in Ukraine with an area of 30,000 square meters at Kyiv 's new shopping mall Lisovyi on Brovarsky Prospekt in early 2020 .
He also said that IKEA shops would be open in other shopping centers under construction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world 's largest retail chains and sells ready-to-assemble furniture , kitchen appliances , and home accessories .
It was established in Sweden in 1943 .
There are several companies operating under the IKEA brand with different owners .
The IKEA Group includes manufacturing companies , store distributions sites , pick-up and order points , as well as 315 retail outlets in 27 countries .
In total , the IKEA Group operates in 42 countries .

Earlier, only a preview was available for Ukrainian users.
The Swedish-founded furniture giant IKEA Group has launched online sales of its products in Ukraine.
The purchase function is available on the company website.
Earlier, only a preview was available for Ukrainian users.
Видео дня
Buyers can choose where and how to pick up their purchase. This can be done for free at one of the points of delivery in Kyiv, namely Auchan Rive Gauche and Metro stores, or through home delivery.
Read alsoKyiv sees first day of quarantine easing
As UNIAN reported earlier, IKEA planned to open its first store in Kyiv-based Ocean Mall in late summer 2019. In July 2018, IKEA began recruiting employees for its first store in Ukraine. The company later postponed the opening ceremony to the end of 2019.
In October 2018, the founder of the Mandarin Plaza Group, Vagif Aliyev, announced that IKEA might open its second store in Ukraine with an area of 30,000 square meters at Kyiv's new shopping mall Lisovyi on Brovarsky Prospekt in early 2020. He also said that IKEA shops would be open in other shopping centers under construction.
UNIAN memo. IKEA is one of the world's largest retail chains and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances, and home accessories. It was established in Sweden in 1943. There are several companies operating under the IKEA brand with different owners.
The IKEA Group includes manufacturing companies, store distributions sites, pick-up and order points, as well as 315 retail outlets in 27 countries. In total, the IKEA Group operates in 42 countries.


unian--2020-05-15--Ukraine gets ready to launch massive COVID-19 antibody testing

The massive testing spree is expected to launch as early as next week .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has said the Ministry is preparing to approve an algorithm for mass ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) diagnostic tests to detect COVID-19 antibodies .
If everything goes according to the plan , antibody testing may start next week , he said at a President Zelensky-chaired intercom meeting on the fight against the coronavirus , the press service of the Office of the President said on May 15 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's Chief Medical Officer , Deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be launching a new type of tests to detect the coronavirus infection – the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) method .
`` ELISA will significantly expand testing in Ukraine , since it is much more affordable unlike PCR testing , '' Liashko told Ukrainian Radio on Wednesday , May 13 .
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 17,000 as of May 15 Also , Ukraine will increase the number of devices operating with a polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) .
`` We are often reproached about performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , we do n't do as many tests as Germany or the U.S. , but given our capacities , in February we could test 200-500 samples .
Now we 're able to test 10,000 per day , '' Liashko added .
On April 26 , Stepanov said that the massive use of ELISA testing is possible only after the authorizes would be absolutely sure that they are reliable .
According to the minister , there is a difference between ELISA testing and PCR testing : ELISA tests determine antibodies to the causative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether a person has encountered an infection or has been ill , whereas PCR tests determine the presence of a genome in the body .
`` That is why we are working with PCR tests to diagnose the COVID-19 coronavirus , as only they can show with full confidence whether a person is infected , '' Stepanov summed up .

The massive testing spree is expected to launch as early as next week.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has said the Ministry is preparing to approve an algorithm for mass ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) diagnostic tests to detect COVID-19 antibodies.
If everything goes according to the plan, antibody testing may start next week, he said at a President Zelensky-chaired intercom meeting on the fight against the coronavirus, the press service of the Office of the President said on May 15.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Health Minister Viktor Liashko had said Ukraine would be launching a new type of tests to detect the coronavirus infection – the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
Видео дня
"ELISA will significantly expand testing in Ukraine, since it is much more affordable unlike PCR testing," Liashko told Ukrainian Radio on Wednesday, May 13.
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 17,000 as of May 15
Also, Ukraine will increase the number of devices operating with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
"We are often reproached about performing a small number of tests. Of course, we don't do as many tests as Germany or the U.S., but given our capacities, in February we could test 200-500 samples. Now we're able to test 10,000 per day," Liashko added.
On average, Ukraine's daily PCR testing rate stands at 7,000-8,000.
On April 26, Stepanov said that the massive use of ELISA testing is possible only after the authorizes would be absolutely sure that they are reliable.
According to the minister, there is a difference between ELISA testing and PCR testing: ELISA tests determine antibodies to the causative agent of infection, that is, whether a person has encountered an infection or has been ill, whereas PCR tests determine the presence of a genome in the body. "That is why we are working with PCR tests to diagnose the COVID-19 coronavirus, as only they can show with full confidence whether a person is infected," Stepanov summed up.


unian--2020-05-15--Beyond Minsk talks: Why Russia's Kozak flew to see Merkel and how Kremlin seeks to outplay Kyiv

`` I will strive for good relations with Russia because I think there is every reason to continue our diplomatic efforts , but it is does not make things easier , '' German Chancellor Angela Merkel said , speaking at the Bundestag , responding to questions about the current situation in diplomatic relations between Russia and Germany .
The question concerned a recently arrested Russian national who allegedly hacked the Chancellor 's e-mail .
Merkel does n't understand why , on the one hand , she is building up friendly diplomatic relations with the Russians , and on the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his own free will or on command from higher offices , penetrates her email .
On the same day that Merkel called the exposure of a Russian hacker a `` terrible episode '' in bilateral relations between the two countries , Deputy Chief of Staff Dmitry Kozak paid a visit to Berlin .
His mission , however , was n't about offering an apology for the cyberattack .
He sought to discuss the situation in the Ukrainian Donbas .
Interestingly enough , the Germans turned a blind eye to the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus lockdown did n't stop the Russian government plane from bringing Mr Kozak to Germany .
It appears that this visit was truly important for the Germans .
In contrast , Merkel chose a video link format to talk with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal… Berlin has long been looking and will continue to look for high-quality , direct communication with Moscow without anyone eavesdropping , so to speak .
This is about normal bilateral relations .
However , when it comes to discussing a third country , when the topic is war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is really worth involving Kyiv .
And the fact that the meeting was held without Ukraine suggests two things .
First , it ca n't be ruled out that a plan for Donbas settlement is being drafted without Ukraine 's participation , only to be presented to Kyiv later .
Secondly , the Kremlin is playing ahead of Kyiv 's plans .
In particular , those on strengthening the so-called advisory group , which will now work in an expanded format .
Kozak 's own comment in the follow-up to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These consultations will provide additional impetus to the intensification of talks both in the Normandy format and in the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk .
Appropriate signals will be offered . ''
So such visits and such statements are an attempt to seize the initiative from Kyiv and present things as if everything has already been decided for Ukraine without its participation .
After all , Moscow has repeatedly sent signals , claiming that Kyiv has no unanimous position on Donbas .
Therefore , Russia suggests , if Ukraine is unable to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and France are to resolve all issues in Donbas .
Now the competition is ongoing between Kyiv and Moscow in terms of whose strategy will ultimately be better .
Kyiv must have its own plan for the return the Donbas territories it has temporarily lost control of and consistently impose this plan on the members of the Normandy Four .
After all , if Ukraine has no such plan , it will definitely be offered by Moscow , Berlin or Paris .
And it is unlikely to meet Ukraine 's interests .
Therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get things out of the deadlock could only be welcomed .
But will the expansion of the `` advisory group '' to strengthen our positions in Minsk talks be unilateral ?
The question remains open .
I should recall that the initial version of the `` advisory group '' failed , having faced fierce criticism on the part of both the leading party and their opponents .
After that , the presidential office decided to increase representation to the TCG ... Paris and Berlin are most likely to stand against such an agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal , either .
But if Russians do support it , they will insist on Kyiv 's direct talks with the occupation administrations in Luhansk and Donetsk .
They 'll praise the idea and call on Kyiv and rogue regions ( read Russian puppets ) do the do , only not to involve Moscow .
The Kremlin is gaining confidence in terms of its stance taking into account the volatile political situation in Ukraine , especially with regard to the strategies of Donbas deoccupation and holding elections .
Taras Semeniuk is an analyst @ @

"I will strive for good relations with Russia because I think there is every reason to continue our diplomatic efforts, but it is does not make things easier," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, speaking at the Bundestag, responding to questions about the current situation in diplomatic relations between Russia and Germany. The question concerned a recently arrested Russian national who allegedly hacked the Chancellor's e-mail.
Merkel doesn't understand why, on the one hand, she is building up friendly diplomatic relations with the Russians, and on the other – the Russian man, be it on his own free will or on command from higher offices, penetrates her email.
Berlin has long been looking and will continue to look for high-quality, direct communication with Moscow without anyone eavesdropping, so to speak. This is about normal bilateral relations
On the same day that Merkel called the exposure of a Russian hacker a "terrible episode" in bilateral relations between the two countries, Deputy Chief of Staff Dmitry Kozak paid a visit to Berlin. His mission, however, wasn't about offering an apology for the cyberattack. He sought to discuss the situation in the Ukrainian Donbas. Interestingly enough, the Germans turned a blind eye to the fact that Kozak is an EU-sanctioned official. The coronavirus lockdown didn't stop the Russian government plane from bringing Mr Kozak to Germany. It appears that this visit was truly important for the Germans. In contrast, Merkel chose a video link format to talk with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal…
Berlin has long been looking and will continue to look for high-quality, direct communication with Moscow without anyone eavesdropping, so to speak. This is about normal bilateral relations. However, when it comes to discussing a third country, when the topic is war in Ukraine rather than a football friendly, it is really worth involving Kyiv. And the fact that the meeting was held without Ukraine suggests two things.
First, it can't be ruled out that a plan for Donbas settlement is being drafted without Ukraine's participation, only to be presented to Kyiv later.
Secondly, the Kremlin is playing ahead of Kyiv's plans. In particular, those on strengthening the so-called advisory group, which will now work in an expanded format. Kozak's own comment in the follow-up to his Berlin visit confirms this suggestion: "These consultations will provide additional impetus to the intensification of talks both in the Normandy format and in the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk. Appropriate signals will be offered."
So such visits and such statements are an attempt to seize the initiative from Kyiv and present things as if everything has already been decided for Ukraine without its participation. After all, Moscow has repeatedly sent signals, claiming that Kyiv has no unanimous position on Donbas. Therefore, Russia suggests, if Ukraine is unable to deal with this, then Russia, Germany and France are to resolve all issues in Donbas. Now the competition is ongoing between Kyiv and Moscow in terms of whose strategy will ultimately be better.
Kyiv must have its own plan for the return the Donbas territories it has temporarily lost control of and consistently impose this plan on the members of the Normandy Four. After all, if Ukraine has no such plan, it will definitely be offered by Moscow, Berlin or Paris. And it is unlikely to meet Ukraine's interests.
Kyiv must have its own plan for the return the Donbas territories it has temporarily lost control of and consistently impose this plan on the members of the Normandy Four
Therefore, Andriy Yermak’s attempts to get things out of the deadlock could only be welcomed. But will the expansion of the "advisory group" to strengthen our positions in Minsk talks be unilateral? The question remains open. I should recall that the initial version of the "advisory group" failed, having faced fierce criticism on the part of both the leading party and their opponents. After that, the presidential office decided to increase representation to the TCG...
Paris and Berlin are most likely to stand against such an agenda. Moscow has not yet supported the proposal, either. But if Russians do support it, they will insist on Kyiv's direct talks with the occupation administrations in Luhansk and Donetsk. They'll praise the idea and call on Kyiv and rogue regions (read Russian puppets) do the do, only not to involve Moscow.
The Kremlin is gaining confidence in terms of its stance taking into account the volatile political situation in Ukraine, especially with regard to the strategies of Donbas deoccupation and holding elections.
Taras Semeniuk is an analyst with KyivStratPro


unian--2020-05-15--Ukraine launches consultancy to help citizens find info on victims of Soviet repression

The archive has accumulated data from 1917 to 1991 .
Ukraine has set up a consultancy to assist those searching for information about persons repressed throughout the Soviet period , that 's according to the Sectoral State Archive of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance .
The launch of the new service is timed to Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repression , the statement reads .
`` In the Consultation Center , anyone will be able to receive consultations , people will be assisted in learning about the fate of the persons repressed in 1917-1991 , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sectoral State Archive of the Ukrainian Institute of National Rememberance , Ihor Kulik , notes : `` The Holodomor of 1932-1933 , the Holodomor of 1921-1923 , and that of 1946-1947 , the Great Terror , deportations , political arrests , and killings ...
Millions of people fell victim to these hateful experiments .
However , by far not all names have been established .
Many are n't aware of their family history because of the torn pages of their ancestors ' lives .
The goal of the newly created Center is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the search for the truth both about their relatives and about their country . ''
Applications to the Consultation Center are free of charge .
It is noted that today Ukraine is a leader in access to the archives of Soviet repressive bodies among countries of the post-Soviet space .
Ukraine allowed public access to these documents in April 2015 , along with the opportunity to freely copy and publish them .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Chairman of the State Archival Service of Ukraine , Anatoly Khromov , spoke on the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state documents .

The archive has accumulated data from 1917 to 1991.
Ukraine has set up a consultancy to assist those searching for information about persons repressed throughout the Soviet period, that's according to the Sectoral State Archive of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance.
The launch of the new service is timed to Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repression, the statement reads.
"In the Consultation Center, anyone will be able to receive consultations, people will be assisted in learning about the fate of the persons repressed in 1917-1991," the archive says.
Видео дня
Read alsoZelensky commemorates World War II victims on Remembrance Day
Director of the Sectoral State Archive of the Ukrainian Institute of National Rememberance, Ihor Kulik, notes: "The Holodomor of 1932-1933, the Holodomor of 1921-1923, and that of 1946-1947, the Great Terror, deportations, political arrests, and killings ... Millions of people fell victim to these hateful experiments. However, by far not all names have been established. Many aren't aware of their family history because of the torn pages of their ancestors' lives. The goal of the newly created Center is to support people who have decided to start the search for the truth both about their relatives and about their country."
Applications to the Consultation Center are free of charge.
It is noted that today Ukraine is a leader in access to the archives of Soviet repressive bodies among countries of the post-Soviet space. Ukraine allowed public access to these documents in April 2015, along with the opportunity to freely copy and publish them.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Chairman of the State Archival Service of Ukraine, Anatoly Khromov, spoke on the issue of the lack of space for storing state documents.


unian--2020-05-15--Kyiv mayor reports 56 new COVID-19 cases, one fatality in past day

There are 2,068 confirmed COVID-19 cases , including 43 deaths , in the capital city .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kyiv rose by 56 in the past day , Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has reported .
`` In the past 24 hours , the number of Kyiv residents who tested positive increased by 56 , including nine healthcare workers .
Unfortunately , one case was lethal .
As of today , there are 2,068 confirmed COVID-19 cases , including 43 deaths , in the capital city , '' he said during an online briefing on May 15 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 to 78 and 19 men aged 30 to 80 are among those infected .
Also tested positive two girls and eight boys under the age of 17 .
Read alsoPeople should take subway trains only in urgent cases once Kyiv Metro reopens – Klitschko Klitschko said 12 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors .
Eleven people recovered from the disease in the past day , he said .
In total , 200 Kyiv residents have already recovered @

There are 2,068 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 43 deaths, in the capital city.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kyiv rose by 56 in the past day, Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has reported.
"In the past 24 hours, the number of Kyiv residents who tested positive increased by 56, including nine healthcare workers. Unfortunately, one case was lethal. As of today, there are 2,068 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 43 deaths, in the capital city," he said during an online briefing on May 15.
According to Klitschko, 27 women aged 21 to 78 and 19 men aged 30 to 80 are among those infected. Also tested positive two girls and eight boys under the age of 17.
Видео дня
Read alsoPeople should take subway trains only in urgent cases once Kyiv Metro reopens – Klitschko
Klitschko said 12 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors.
Eleven people recovered from the disease in the past day, he said. In total, 200 Kyiv residents have already recovered.


unian--2020-05-15--Ukrainian farmers to receive compensation for lost crops over drought – economy ministry

Most of the funds will be distributed to farmers in Odesa region .
The economy ministry sees the need to allocate monetary compensation to farmers for lost crops over drought at the rate of UAH 4,500-UAH 5,000 ( US $ 169-US $ 187 ) per hectare of affected crops , says Ukrainian Deputy Minister for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture Taras Vysotskyi '' We see the need to allocate non-refundable one-time aid .
That is about UAH 4,500-UAH 5,000 per hectare , according to our estimates .
Although there wo n't depend on regions , we understand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 % -75 % , or even 85 % [ of the funding ] , '' the official told an online conference on May 15 .
Read alsoUSDA forecasts decline in Ukraine 's wheat exports in MY 2020-2021 to 19 mln tonnes According to Vysotskyi , the compensation tool should be as simple as possible : agricultural producers shall confirm their status , while the Ukrainian Weather Forecast Center shall additionally confirm the area of the crops that have been damaged .
At the moment , the ministry is seeking for a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are looking for a legal way how to do it faster .
We can allocate money from a fund formed to fight against coronavirus , considering this [ drought ] as force majeure .
There is an opportunity [ to allocate ] funds from the budget , but this is a longer procedure , '' Vysotskyi added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , farmers in Odesa region expect that grain crops will shrink by 50 % , to 1.2 million tonnes , due to the spring drought .
According to official figures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or 2.6 % of the total sown area under winter crops in March-April .
The economy ministry believes that rains in May will partially improve the situation with the 2020 harvest , projecting a 65-68 million tonnes gross yield .

Ukrainian farmers to receive compensation for lost crops over drought – economy ministry
14:00, 15.05.20 6127
Most of the funds will be distributed to farmers in Odesa region.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-05-15--Ukrainian nuclear units' operating capacity falls to historic low while electricity prices go up – G

At the same time , the working load at coal-fired power plants have increased .
Total operating capacity of Ukraine 's nuclear units has fallen to a historic minimum as another unit ( No .
3 ) at Yuzhnoukrainsk nuclear power plants ( NPP ) was halted for emergency repairs on the evening of May 14 , says Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy , Housing and Utilities , Andriy Gerus .
`` The total operating capacity of nuclear units fell to 6,780 MW , which accounts for under 49 % of nuclear power plants ' total capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum .
This has never happened in Ukraine 's history , '' he wrote on Facebook on May 14 .
According to Gerus , a month ago , nuclear units ' capacity stood at 9,150 MW , that is 35 % up , although the weather was not very different from today .
`` The market has already responded to the shutdown of nuclear units as the price of electricity has increased by 15 % in recent days .
This is logical , the greater the restriction of competition , the higher the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time , the working load at coal-fired power plants ( TPPs ) have additionally increased , as some of them operate three to five units .
Gerus earlier said that the state would fall short of billions of hryvnias , while electricity tariffs for consumers would grow due to the Energy and Environmental Policy Ministry 's decision to shut off certain nuclear power units at Ukraine 's national nuclear energy generating company Energoatom , which generates the cheapest electricity on the market .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the state-run enterprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power plants , in late April was forced to put unit No .
3 at Rivne NPP on standby due to the predicted increase in generation of electricity from renewables and at thermal power plants , most of which are owned by Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov .
The updated balance of the energy system , approved by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Policy , provides for the withdrawal of Energoatom 's three nuclear units into a forced outage .
However , thermal energy is more expensive than nuclear power , which affects @ @ @

Ukrainian nuclear units' operating capacity falls to historic low while electricity prices go up – Gerus
13:40, 15.05.20 966
At the same time, the working load at coal-fired power plants have increased.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-05-15--Germany refuses to exempt Russian Nord Stream 2 from EU Gas Directive rules

For Nord Stream 2 AG , this may mean the pipeline can only be half loaded .
The German Federal Network Agency has refused to exempt Nord Stream 2 from the EU Gas Directive rules .
The reason for the refusal is that the project has not been implemented until May 23 , which was a condition for its exemption from restrictive rules , kommersant reported with reference to TASS .
In particular , the Directive requires that offshore pipelines coming to EU countries comply with the rules for the unbundling of gas supply and transportation , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nord Stream 2 AG , this may mean the pipeline can only be half loaded .
In early May , the German government announced it intends to provide political support to companies working on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .
The United States earlier imposed sanctions on the project in December , demanding that the pipe-laying companies cease operations within the project immediately .
UNIAN memo .
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
It should connect Russia 's Ust-Lug and Germany 's Greifswald .
This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline .
The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019 .
The pipeline will be 1,220 km long .
The project is being implemented by Russia 's Gazprom in alliance with European companies – ENGIE , OMV , Shell , Uniper , and Wintershall .
Ukraine stands against the construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most likely lose its status of a gas transit country , while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US $ 3 billion annually .
The project is also highly criticized by the U.S. , Poland , and the Baltic States .
On December 20 , U.S. President Donald Trump enacted the U.S. defense budget for 2020 , which provides , inter alia , sanctions against companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipelines .
After that , the Swiss company Allseas suspended participation in the construction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks with U.S. on how to ultimately `` bury '' Russia 's Nord Stream 2 – Naftogaz CEO On December 30 , it became known that the company had withdrawn from participation in the project , its ships had already left the Baltic Sea .
On January 11 , 2020 , Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia could complete the construction of Nord Stream 2 independently , and the pipeline would start operating , most likely , in the first quarter of 2021 .

Germany refuses to exempt Russian Nord Stream 2 from EU Gas Directive rules
13:20, 15.05.20 4220
For Nord Stream 2 AG, this may mean the pipeline can only be half loaded.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-05-15--Kyiv, Moscow square off over legal arrangements for Black Sea – media

The act of publicly raising these `` lawfare '' ideas sets the stage for Ukraine to also advance its position on the future status of Russian-occupied Crimea .
Moscow 's continuing efforts to reduce the Black Sea to the status of a de facto Russian lake have forced Ukraine to seek increasingly inventive means of pushing back .
Recently , some Ukrainian commentators have begun calling for a Timor Sea-type resolution for the territorial delimitation of the Black Sea that would involve Georgia and other littoral states as well as the Russian Federation .
Additionally , some have called on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the position , floated by the Turkish government , that a new canal bypassing central Istanbul would not fall under the terms of the 1936 Montreux Convention , effectively annulling that nearly century-old accord , reads an article on the Jamestown Foundation website .
These exchanges have so far remained mostly at the level of expert commentaries rather than official declarations .
Yet , they provide a window into the thinking in Kyiv , where officials are clearly hopeful that they can invoke international law against the Russians .
The act of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sets the stage for Ukraine to also advance its position on the future status of Russian-occupied Crimea .
Indeed , a revision of Montreux can not help but provide Ukraine with new possibilities to enlist Western support .
Bohdan Ustimenko , a leading Ukrainian specialist on the legal issues surrounding the Black Sea , recently argued that Ukraine , in order to secure a delimitation of the Black Sea , must insist on international backing for `` forcible conciliation '' in defining that body ; and to this end , it must involve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in defining the sea border .
The first use of the international legal mechanisms Ustimenko favors – which is allowed for by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ( UNCLOS ) treaty – was in 2016 , when UN-mandated negotiations led to Australia recognizing a delimitation agreement with East Timor .
The Ukrainian expert argued that by invoking this precedent , `` we will have more opportunities to show the international community what is occurring in the Black Sea and how crudely Russia is violating our rights ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow us to more effectively achieve success in international bodies because the procedure of conciliation , in fact , takes place under the aegis of the United Nations '' .
The initial response from Moscow was outrage at the suggestion that the UN rules applied in this case with regard to Russia .
UNCLOS rules do allow for arbitration , but before they can be applied , Kira Sazonova of the Russian Academy of Economics and State Service says , there will have to be agreement on the status of Crimea because sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the littoral areas .
Given that Kyiv and Moscow have irreconcilable differences on that point , any talk of international hearings is , at a minimum , premature .
Given this division , Moscow would seem well-positioned to block any moves toward a UN tribunal on the delimitation of the Black Sea .
In contrast , Ukraine has reason to be more hopeful about Turkey 's plans to possibly de facto annul the Montreux Convention as a result of its construction of a canal that does not pass through Istanbul and thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall under the convention .
The 1936 convention limits the number and tonnage of naval vessels belonging to non-littoral states in the Black Sea at any one time .
Nikolai Mikhalchenko , the honorary president of the Ukrainian Academy of Political Sciences , speaks for many in Kyiv that abolishing or circumventing Montreux would be enormously beneficial to Ukraine .
As such , he contends , the country should actively support Ankara , if the latter pushes to exclude the new bypass canal from Montreux 's limitations .
Russia 's attitudes toward Montreux @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Moscow often argues that it is vital to the defense of the post-World War II order that the Vladimir Putin administration wants enshrined permanently .
But on the other hand , the Russian government dislikes those provisions of Montreux that some in Moscow see as limiting the Kremlin 's ability to project force into the Mediterranean ; as such , it has considered seeking its modification .
But now , seeing Ukraine 's possible moves to more closely coordinate its position on the Black Sea and the Montreux Convention with Georgia as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position on Montreux is likely to harden .
So for the foreseeable future , Moscow appears committed to backing the status quo rather than allowing Kyiv ( or Ankara ) to change anything .

The act of publicly raising these "lawfare" ideas sets the stage for Ukraine to also advance its position on the future status of Russian-occupied Crimea.
Moscow's continuing efforts to reduce the Black Sea to the status of a de facto Russian lake have forced Ukraine to seek increasingly inventive means of pushing back. Recently, some Ukrainian commentators have begun calling for a Timor Sea-type resolution for the territorial delimitation of the Black Sea that would involve Georgia and other littoral states as well as the Russian Federation.
Additionally, some have called on Kyiv to come out strongly in favor of the position, floated by the Turkish government, that a new canal bypassing central Istanbul would not fall under the terms of the 1936 Montreux Convention, effectively annulling that nearly century-old accord, reads an article on the Jamestown Foundation website.
These exchanges have so far remained mostly at the level of expert commentaries rather than official declarations. Yet, they provide a window into the thinking in Kyiv, where officials are clearly hopeful that they can invoke international law against the Russians. The act of publicly raising these "lawfare" ideas sets the stage for Ukraine to also advance its position on the future status of Russian-occupied Crimea. Indeed, a revision of Montreux cannot help but provide Ukraine with new possibilities to enlist Western support.
Видео дня
Read alsoRussia calls Ukrainians in Crimea "foreigners", treads on land ownership rights
Bohdan Ustimenko, a leading Ukrainian specialist on the legal issues surrounding the Black Sea, recently argued that Ukraine, in order to secure a delimitation of the Black Sea, must insist on international backing for "forcible conciliation" in defining that body; and to this end, it must involve Tbilisi, which also has an interest in defining the sea border. The first use of the international legal mechanisms Ustimenko favors – which is allowed for by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) treaty – was in 2016, when UN-mandated negotiations led to Australia recognizing a delimitation agreement with East Timor.
The Ukrainian expert argued that by invoking this precedent, "we will have more opportunities to show the international community what is occurring in the Black Sea and how crudely Russia is violating our rights; and at the same time, this will allow us to more effectively achieve success in international bodies because the procedure of conciliation, in fact, takes place under the aegis of the United Nations".
The initial response from Moscow was outrage at the suggestion that the UN rules applied in this case with regard to Russia. UNCLOS rules do allow for arbitration, but before they can be applied, Kira Sazonova of the Russian Academy of Economics and State Service says, there will have to be agreement on the status of Crimea because sea borders are defined relative to the ownership of the littoral areas. Given that Kyiv and Moscow have irreconcilable differences on that point, any talk of international hearings is, at a minimum, premature.
Given this division, Moscow would seem well-positioned to block any moves toward a UN tribunal on the delimitation of the Black Sea.
In contrast, Ukraine has reason to be more hopeful about Turkey's plans to possibly de facto annul the Montreux Convention as a result of its construction of a canal that does not pass through Istanbul and thus, some have argued, would not fall under the convention. The 1936 convention limits the number and tonnage of naval vessels belonging to non-littoral states in the Black Sea at any one time. Nikolai Mikhalchenko, the honorary president of the Ukrainian Academy of Political Sciences, speaks for many in Kyiv that abolishing or circumventing Montreux would be enormously beneficial to Ukraine. As such, he contends, the country should actively support Ankara, if the latter pushes to exclude the new bypass canal from Montreux's limitations.
Read alsoCrimean children taught Russia didn't invade Crimea – rights group
Russia's attitudes toward Montreux are complicated. On the one hand, Moscow often argues that it is vital to the defense of the post-World War II order that the Vladimir Putin administration wants enshrined permanently. But on the other hand, the Russian government dislikes those provisions of Montreux that some in Moscow see as limiting the Kremlin's ability to project force into the Mediterranean; as such, it has considered seeking its modification.
But now, seeing Ukraine's possible moves to more closely coordinate its position on the Black Sea and the Montreux Convention with Georgia as well as Turkey, Russia's own position on Montreux is likely to harden. So for the foreseeable future, Moscow appears committed to backing the status quo rather than allowing Kyiv (or Ankara) to change anything.


unian--2020-05-15--EU not to revise conditions of visa-free travel with Ukraine

The visa-free travel issue is not connected with the epidemic developments .
The European Commission has no intentions to revise the conditions of visa-free travel with Ukraine neither in connection with the coronavirus crisis nor for any other reasons .
In an interview with the European Pravda online news outlet , Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations ( DG NEAR ) Katarína Mathernová said she had never heard even discussions about this in Brussels .
According to the official , the visa-free travel issue is not connected with the epidemic .
The official also said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of visa liberalization for Ukraine for any other reasons .
In addition , Mathernová said he could not predict when Ukrainians would be able to travel to the EU again because there is no clarity about the opening of borders even inside the Schengen zone .
According to her , the EU created `` green lines '' for goods , but there are many restrictions in place for passenger traffic .
Earlier , the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Ukrainians were unlikely to have issues crossing the border with the European countries after the @ @ @ @ @ @

The visa-free travel issue is not connected with the epidemic developments.
The European Commission has no intentions to revise the conditions of visa-free travel with Ukraine neither in connection with the coronavirus crisis nor for any other reasons.
In an interview with the European Pravda online news outlet, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) Katarína Mathernová said she had never heard even discussions about this in Brussels. According to the official, the visa-free travel issue is not connected with the epidemic.
The official also said she was also not aware of the threat of visa liberalization for Ukraine for any other reasons.
Видео дня
Read alsoUkraine reveals priority destinations for resuming post-quarantine air traffic
In addition, Mathernová said he could not predict when Ukrainians would be able to travel to the EU again because there is no clarity about the opening of borders even inside the Schengen zone. According to her, the EU created "green lines" for goods, but there are many restrictions in place for passenger traffic.
Earlier, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Ukrainians were unlikely to have issues crossing the border with the European countries after the end of the coronavirus pandemic.


unian--2020-05-15--Zelensky extends ban on Russian social networks in Ukraine

NSDC Secretary has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the restriction .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday extended the ban earlier enforced on a number of Russian social networks and sites in Ukraine .
The corresponding decree has enacted the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of May 14 , 2020 `` On the application , cancellation , and amendment of personal special economic and other restrictive measures ( sanctions ) . ''
The restriction implementation will be overseen by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine , Oleksiy Danilov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the date of its publication .
Read alsoSBU seeing spike in activity of Russian intelligence networks in Ukraine The ban applies to social networks Odnoklassniki and VKontakte , Mail.ru and Yandex services .
As reported by UNIAN , on May 13 , the Verkhovna Rada adopted a decision to support the continued blocking of Russian social networks and sites .
UNIAN memo .
The ban was initially introduced in 2017 in a bid to counter Russia 's hybrid information warfare , including propaganda , manipulation of public opinion , and disinformation , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence .

NSDC Secretary has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the restriction.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday extended the ban earlier enforced on a number of Russian social networks and sites in Ukraine.
The corresponding decree has enacted the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of May 14, 2020 "On the application, cancellation, and amendment of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions)."
The restriction implementation will be overseen by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksiy Danilov.
Видео дня
The decree comes into force from the date of its publication.
Read alsoSBU seeing spike in activity of Russian intelligence networks in Ukraine
The ban applies to social networks Odnoklassniki and VKontakte, Mail.ru and Yandex services.
As reported by UNIAN, on May 13, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a decision to support the continued blocking of Russian social networks and sites.
UNIAN memo. The ban was initially introduced in 2017 in a bid to counter Russia's hybrid information warfare, including propaganda, manipulation of public opinion, and disinformation, as well as cyber threats coming from Russian intelligence.


unian--2020-05-15--Kyiv businessman appeals to Zelensky to help probe his toddler son's murder

Soboliev added he would provide all evidence independently collected in the case .
Kyiv Regional City Council member and restaurateur Viacheslav Soboliev has appealed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with a request to help investigate an assassination attempt on his life , as a result of which his three-year-old son was shot dead .
`` I do n't know who covers up for the masterminds behind an attempt on me and who was involved in the death of my son , but I know for sure that all culprits will see well-deserved punishment .
I 've got enough facts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unfortunately , there is no trust in law enforcement agencies , '' he wrote on Facebook .
Soboliev added he would provide all evidence he had independently collected in the case .
`` Therefore , I am addressing our president .
I am ready to provide you with all information that I have managed to collect over this time .
Believe me , it 's enough to stop the ongoing lawlessness and prevent new killings , '' he said .
Read alsoTwo suspects in attempt on Soboliev 's life , his son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Video ) As UNIAN reported earlier , unidentified perpetrators on December 1 , 2019 , opened fire on a Range Rover outside a Kyiv restaurant .
Besides Viacheslav Soboliev , an assassination target , who was driving the car , his three-year-old son was also in the car .
The toddler was killed in the incident .
On April 30 , 2020 , another suspect was charged in the case .

Soboliev added he would provide all evidence independently collected in the case.
Kyiv Regional City Council member and restaurateur Viacheslav Soboliev has appealed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with a request to help investigate an assassination attempt on his life, as a result of which his three-year-old son was shot dead.
"I don't know who covers up for the masterminds behind an attempt on me and who was involved in the death of my son, but I know for sure that all culprits will see well-deserved punishment. I've got enough facts and eyewitness evidence to this end. But, unfortunately, there is no trust in law enforcement agencies," he wrote on Facebook.
Soboliev added he would provide all evidence he had independently collected in the case.
Видео дня
"Therefore, I am addressing our president. I am ready to provide you with all information that I have managed to collect over this time. Believe me, it's enough to stop the ongoing lawlessness and prevent new killings," he said.
Read alsoTwo suspects in attempt on Soboliev's life, his son's murder served with charge papers (Video)
As UNIAN reported earlier, unidentified perpetrators on December 1, 2019, opened fire on a Range Rover outside a Kyiv restaurant.
Besides Viacheslav Soboliev, an assassination target, who was driving the car, his three-year-old son was also in the car. The toddler was killed in the incident.
On December 2, 2019, Kyiv police arrested a group of suspects.
On April 30, 2020, another suspect was charged in the case.


unian--2020-05-15--Ukraine expects first IMF tranche in week or two, presidential official says

Ukraine has imposed lockdown measures on many businesses since March and its economy is expected to shrink around 5 % this year as a result of the pandemic .
Ukraine expects to receive the first loan tranche from a new International Monetary Fund deal within a week or two though the total size of the programme is still being finalised , a presidential official told Reuters on Thursday .
Ukraine 's Parliament passed a banking bill on Wednesday , clearing the last hurdle for a new IMF deal to support Ukraine 's economy struggling through the coronavirus pandemic , Reuters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief of President Volodymyr Zelensky ’ s office , said by phone that the bill 's passage and other steps were `` clear evidence that there is a big commitment to proceed with the reforms ” in Ukraine .
Read alsoEU to give Ukraine EUR 500 mln in macro-financial assistance after IMF – European commissioner Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal ’ s government previously said it expected a $ 5 billion IMF deal but Kovaliv said the exact figures and a timeline for disbursing the loans would be finalized next week .
Ukraine has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March and its economy is expected to shrink around 5 % this year as a result of the pandemic .
There is some cause for optimism .
Ukraine for the first time on Thursday recorded more recoveries from the coronavirus than new cases .
But while Kyiv has gradually started easing restrictions , Kovaliv said it was premature to try to set a date for lifting the lockdown entirely , saying it depended partly on whether people complied with the lockdown rules still in place .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will complete before May 15 .
According to Gerry Rice , Director of the IMF 's Communications Department and IMF Spokesman , the focus of talks between the IMF and Ukraine has shifted toward an 18-month stand-by financing program which will help the country tackle the consequences of the pandemic in the economy and health care .
It could serve as a reserve option as Ukraine authorities are yet to fulfill conditions required to receive funds in the framework of the Extended Fund Facility in the amount of US $ 5.5 billion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Ukraine has imposed lockdown measures on many businesses since March and its economy is expected to shrink around 5% this year as a result of the pandemic.
Ukraine expects to receive the first loan tranche from a new International Monetary Fund deal within a week or two though the total size of the programme is still being finalised, a presidential official told Reuters on Thursday.
Ukraine's Parliament passed a banking bill on Wednesday, clearing the last hurdle for a new IMF deal to support Ukraine's economy struggling through the coronavirus pandemic, Reuters reports.
Yulia Kovaliv, the deputy chief of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, said by phone that the bill's passage and other steps were "clear evidence that there is a big commitment to proceed with the reforms” in Ukraine.
Видео дня
Read alsoEU to give Ukraine EUR 500 mln in macro-financial assistance after IMF – European commissioner
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal’s government previously said it expected a $5 billion IMF deal but Kovaliv said the exact figures and a timeline for disbursing the loans would be finalized next week.
Ukraine has imposed lockdown measures on many businesses since March and its economy is expected to shrink around 5% this year as a result of the pandemic.
There is some cause for optimism. Ukraine for the first time on Thursday recorded more recoveries from the coronavirus than new cases.
But while Kyiv has gradually started easing restrictions, Kovaliv said it was premature to try to set a date for lifting the lockdown entirely, saying it depended partly on whether people complied with the lockdown rules still in place.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Ukrainian government expects the talks with the IMF will complete before May 15.
According to Gerry Rice, Director of the IMF's Communications Department and IMF Spokesman, the focus of talks between the IMF and Ukraine has shifted toward an 18-month stand-by financing program which will help the country tackle the consequences of the pandemic in the economy and health care. It could serve as a reserve option as Ukraine authorities are yet to fulfill conditions required to receive funds in the framework of the Extended Fund Facility in the amount of US$5.5 billion, which the parties discussed in December 2019.


unian--2020-05-15--U.S. White House submits to Senate Keith Dayton nomination for Ukraine envoy post

Former U.S. envoy Marie Yovanovitch completed her mission in late May 2019 .
The U.S. White House has sent to @ @ @ @ @ Keith Dayton as U.S. envoy to Ukraine .
`` Keith W. Dayton , of Washington @ @ @ @ @ and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ukraine , '' as reported by @ @ @ @ @ 14 , 2020 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , U.S. President Donald Trump tapped Keith @ @ @ @ @ U.S. ambassador to Ukraine .
Keith W. Dayton currently serves as the Director of the @ @ @ @ @ Garmisch , Germany , a position he has held since 2010 .
He also serves @ @ @ @ @ Defense Advisor to Ukraine .
His current service follows a four-decade career in the United @ @ @ @ @ 2010 with the rank of Lieutenant General .
Former U.S .
Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch completed @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .

Former U.S. envoy Marie Yovanovitch completed her mission in late May 2019.
The U.S. White House has sent to the Senate the nomination of Keith Dayton as U.S. envoy to Ukraine.
"Keith W. Dayton, of Washington, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ukraine," as reported by the White House on May 14, 2020.
As UNIAN reported earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump tapped Keith W. Dayton to serve as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine.
Видео дня
Keith W. Dayton currently serves as the Director of the George C. Marshall Center in Garmisch, Germany, a position he has held since 2010. He also serves concurrently as Senior United States Defense Advisor to Ukraine. His current service follows a four-decade career in the United States Army, retiring in 2010 with the rank of Lieutenant General.
Former U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch completed her mission in late May 2019.


unian--2020-05-15--Ukraine's Health Minister: Kyiv subway may reopen on May 25 if quarantine rules observed

The criteria were developed by Health Ministry experts , namely epidemiologists and virologists .
Ukraine 's Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the Kyiv subway may reopen on May 25 if all coronavirus-related quarantine rules are observed .
`` I would like to stress that we will deliver very detailed proposals regarding the stages of quitting the quarantine , which will be stipulated in a government decree – all criteria are considered there without exception : under what conditions , in particular , city transport services and the subway may be relaunched .
If these criteria are met , that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then we do not see any problem , '' he said during an online briefing on May 14 , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Stepanov said the criteria had been developed by Health Ministry experts , namely epidemiologists and virologists .
Later , the Health Ministry 's press said on Facebook , citing Stepanov , that the ministry would allow the Kyiv subway to resume work on May 25 .
`` In response to Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko 's request sent to the Cabinet of Ministers for relaunching the subway from May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green light if all epidemiological indicators allow and all the criteria for this stage of easing [ the quarantine ] are met , '' it said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Kyiv Mayor Klitschko on May 13 called on the government to green-light the relaunch of the subway in the capital city from May 25 .
According to him , the city has been facing massive traffic jams as more people have started commuting after some lockdown-related curbs were lifted on May 11 .
The mayor emphasized that the city 's authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subway in usual mode .
This will redistribute the flow of passengers and normalize the operation of all public transport services in the capital .
However , Head of the Main Department of Ukraine 's State Food Safety and Consumer Protection Service Oleh Ruban told the Segodnya newspaper that subways in Ukraine would be relaunched no earlier than on June 1 amid a decrease in the number of COVID-19 patients .
However , some restrictions on passengers ' admission will remain in place ; among them are such quarantine-related rules as social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular deep-cleaning of subway stations .
There will also be curbs on the number of passengers .
`` For example , no more than 100 people will be allowed to enter subway cars , while the departure of each train from the station will be monitored , '' he said , adding that the figure is approximate .
The limitations may be the following : there should be 10 square meters of space per person in subway cars or there should be a distance of 1.5 meters between two persons .
The authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ municipal guards in handling passenger flows at subway stations and in subway cars .
`` Yes , there will be problems with people standing in lines and with crowds of people in the [ subway ] cars .
But technically , all this can be regulated if we explain [ the rules ] to citizens in advance , '' Ruban added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers in March introduced a nationwide quarantine to counter the spread of coronavirus infection , after which the lockdown regime was extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the government further extended the lockdown until May 22 , having lifted some quarantine-related curbs from May 11 .
In particular , hair , nail , beauty salons , dentists , lawyers , offices of notaries , auditors , psychologists were allowed to reopen .
The subway service is available in three Ukrainian cities , namely Kyiv , Kharkiv , and Dnipro .

The criteria were developed by Health Ministry experts, namely epidemiologists and virologists.
Ukraine's Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the Kyiv subway may reopen on May 25 if all coronavirus-related quarantine rules are observed.
"I would like to stress that we will deliver very detailed proposals regarding the stages of quitting the quarantine, which will be stipulated in a government decree – all criteria are considered there without exception: under what conditions, in particular, city transport services and the subway may be relaunched. If these criteria are met, that is, if Kyiv meets these criteria, then we do not see any problem," he said during an online briefing on May 14, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoInfrastructure minister opposes Kyiv subway reopening on May 25
Видео дня
Stepanov said the criteria had been developed by Health Ministry experts, namely epidemiologists and virologists.
Later, the Health Ministry's press said on Facebook, citing Stepanov, that the ministry would allow the Kyiv subway to resume work on May 25.
"In response to Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko's request sent to the Cabinet of Ministers for relaunching the subway from May 25, the Health Ministry gives the green light if all epidemiological indicators allow and all the criteria for this stage of easing [the quarantine] are met," it said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Kyiv Mayor Klitschko on May 13 called on the government to green-light the relaunch of the subway in the capital city from May 25. According to him, the city has been facing massive traffic jams as more people have started commuting after some lockdown-related curbs were lifted on May 11. The mayor emphasized that the city's authorities insisted on resuming the work of the subway in usual mode. This will redistribute the flow of passengers and normalize the operation of all public transport services in the capital.
However, Head of the Main Department of Ukraine's State Food Safety and Consumer Protection Service Oleh Ruban told the Segodnya newspaper that subways in Ukraine would be relaunched no earlier than on June 1 amid a decrease in the number of COVID-19 patients.
However, some restrictions on passengers' admission will remain in place; among them are such quarantine-related rules as social distancing, wearing personal protective gear, and regular deep-cleaning of subway stations.
There will also be curbs on the number of passengers. "For example, no more than 100 people will be allowed to enter subway cars, while the departure of each train from the station will be monitored," he said, adding that the figure is approximate.
The limitations may be the following: there should be 10 square meters of space per person in subway cars or there should be a distance of 1.5 meters between two persons.
The authorities also plan to involve police officers and municipal guards in handling passenger flows at subway stations and in subway cars.
"Yes, there will be problems with people standing in lines and with crowds of people in the [subway] cars. But technically, all this can be regulated if we explain [the rules] to citizens in advance," Ruban added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers in March introduced a nationwide quarantine to counter the spread of coronavirus infection, after which the lockdown regime was extended until May 11.
On May 4, the government further extended the lockdown until May 22, having lifted some quarantine-related curbs from May 11.
In particular, hair, nail, beauty salons, dentists, lawyers, offices of notaries, auditors, psychologists were allowed to reopen.
The subway service is available in three Ukrainian cities, namely Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro.


unian--2020-05-15--Ukraine reveals priority destinations for resuming post-quarantine air traffic

Infrastructure ministry , air carriers , and the State Aviation Administration are in active negotiations .
The Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine has revealed countries that are seen as primary destinations for air carriers once the national lockdown is eased and air traffic is resumed .
The ministry is now in discussions on restarting charter flights after the quarantine is relaxed , said ministry spokeswoman Oksana Herasimova , according to RBC-Ukraine .
So far , the ministry , air carriers , and the State Aviation Administration are actively negotiating on the dates and procedures for relaunching international air services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ charter flights is being discussed .
As soon as another country confirms such a possibility , we will quickly reopen , '' said Herasimova .
Read alsoLife or death : civil aviation is struggling to survive the pandemic Herasimova noted that Egypt , Turkey , and Georgia are among the first countries with which Ukraine can resume air traffic .
As for air travel to and from the European Union , the factor of competition with large European carriers will play a role , the spokeswoman added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine could restore domestic and international flights simultaneously as carriers were seeing no sense in the staged relaunch .

Ukraine reveals priority destinations for resuming post-quarantine air traffic
10:40, 15.05.20 13293
Infrastructure ministry, air carriers, and the State Aviation Administration are in active negotiations.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-05-15--Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.68 to U.S. dollar on May 15

The official forex rate against the euro for Friday is fixed at UAH 28.79 per euro .
The National Bank @ @ @ @ @ on May 14 set the official forex rate of the hryvnia for Friday , May @ @ @ @ @ to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by one @ @ @ @ @ rate against the euro for Friday is fixed at UAH 28.79 per euro – the @ @ @ @ @ in value since Thursday .
Read alsoCash in circulation outside banks in Ukraine grows by @ @ @ @ @ May 14 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank currency market by the @ @ @ @ @ UAH 26.67/26.69 to the dollar , while those against the euro – at UAH 28.76/28.78 @ @ @ @ @ , the National Bank set the official forex rate for Thursday , May 14 , @ @ @ @ @ U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by 11 kopiykas .
@ @ @ @ @ seen gains against the U.S. dollar for the second consecutive day .

Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.68 to U.S. dollar on May 15
10:20, 15.05.20 3717
The official forex rate against the euro for Friday is fixed at UAH 28.79 per euro.
Помогите проекту
Support us