unian--2020-05-29--IMF's Stand-By Arrangement with Ukraine to be approved soon – phone talk with Zelensky

The transition to the stand-by program greatly facilitates the allocation of financial support during the pandemic .
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) will soon approve the first disbursement under a new Stand-By Arrangement ( SBA ) with Ukraine for the next 18 months .
This was disclosed by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in a recent phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , the presidential press service reported on May 29 .
`` Thank you for the stable partnership and constructive dialogue .
I am glad that the IMF Board will approve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near future , '' Zelensky told Georgieva .
The IMF managing director also welcomed the adoption of the law on improving the mechanisms regulating banking activities , noting that it protects taxpayers in Ukraine .
The two officials agreed that the transition to the stand-by program greatly facilitates the allocation of financial support during the pandemic .
What is more , they discussed the coronavirus crisis in the world and in Ukraine .
`` Unfortunately , the statistics of those infected per day in Ukraine are still quite high , but at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have recovered has been growing .
We have been on the plateau of morbidity for more than a week now , '' Zelensky said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , an IMF staff team led by Ivanna Vladkova Hollar concluded remote discussions with the Ukrainian authorities on May 21 and reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies for a new 18-month SBA .
The new SBA , with a requested access of SDR 3.6 billion ( equivalent to US $ 5 billion ) , aims to provide balance of payments and budget support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the COVID-19 shock , while consolidating achievements to date , and moving forward on important structural reforms to reduce key vulnerabilities .
The National Bank of Ukraine predicts the first US $ 2 billion disbursement from the IMF will arrive in the second quarter of 2020 .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on May 29 that Ukraine expected the IMF 's Executive Board would decide on the SBA at a meeting on June 5 , and the first tranche worth US $ 1.9 billion would be transferred the following day .

The transition to the stand-by program greatly facilitates the allocation of financial support during the pandemic.
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will soon approve the first disbursement under a new Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with Ukraine for the next 18 months.
This was disclosed by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in a recent phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the presidential press service reported on May 29.
"Thank you for the stable partnership and constructive dialogue. I am glad that the IMF Board will approve the program of cooperation with Ukraine in the near future," Zelensky told Georgieva.
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Read alsoUkraine expects US$5 bln IMF loan approval on June 5 – PM Shmyhal
The IMF managing director also welcomed the adoption of the law on improving the mechanisms regulating banking activities, noting that it protects taxpayers in Ukraine.
The two officials agreed that the transition to the stand-by program greatly facilitates the allocation of financial support during the pandemic.
What is more, they discussed the coronavirus crisis in the world and in Ukraine. "Unfortunately, the statistics of those infected per day in Ukraine are still quite high, but at the same time the number of those who have recovered has been growing. We have been on the plateau of morbidity for more than a week now," Zelensky said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, an IMF staff team led by Ivanna Vladkova Hollar concluded remote discussions with the Ukrainian authorities on May 21 and reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies for a new 18-month SBA.
The new SBA, with a requested access of SDR 3.6 billion (equivalent to US$5 billion), aims to provide balance of payments and budget support to help the authorities address the effects of the COVID-19 shock, while consolidating achievements to date, and moving forward on important structural reforms to reduce key vulnerabilities.
The National Bank of Ukraine predicts the first US$2 billion disbursement from the IMF will arrive in the second quarter of 2020.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on May 29 that Ukraine expected the IMF's Executive Board would decide on the SBA at a meeting on June 5, and the first tranche worth US$1.9 billion would be transferred the following day.


unian--2020-05-29--Two U.S. bombers fly over Ukraine in integration with Ukrainian fighter jets

The flight also included integration and interoperability training with Polish F-16s and MiG-29s and Romanian F-16s and MiG-21s .
Two heavy bombers of the United States Air Force conducted a flight over Ukraine in integration with Ukrainian fighter jets .
`` Two B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth Air Force Base , South Dakota , conducted a long-range , long duration strategic Bomber Task Force mission throughout Europe and the Black Sea region , May 29 , 2020 , '' the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said in a statement on May 29 .
`` This marked the first time that a Bomber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flankers and MiG-29 Fulcrums and Turkish KC-135s , '' it said .
`` Bomber Task Force missions to Europe demonstrate commitment to our allies and partners all while providing a clear deterrence message to any adversary , '' said Gen. Jeff Harrigian , U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander .
`` The integration of our strategic bomber presence across Europe proves that the U.S. , alongside any ally or partner , stands ready to deter , and if needed , can employ these capabilities together . ''
The flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Polish F-16s and MiG-29s and Romanian F-16s and MiG-21s , which provided escort and combat patrol overwatch in the Black Sea region .
A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing , RAF Mildenhall , England , Turkish and U.S. KC-135s based out of Incirlik Air Base , Turkey , and other NATO aerial refueling aircraft enabled the B-1 to complete the round trip from Ellsworth Air Force Base without delay , while also providing aerial refueling support to the U.S. partner-nation aircraft .
Additionally , the B-1s integrated with Greek F-16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , North Macedonia .
`` The Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate to our NATO Allies , including our newest member – North Macedonia – that these strategic missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge around the globe , '' said Gen. Tod D. Wolters , U.S. European Command commander .
`` The integration and interoperability with our NATO Allies during these missions , be it aerial tanker support or fighter escorts , are indelible actions that show the Alliance is as strong as I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ familiarize aircrew with air bases , airspace , and operations in different geographic combatant commands .
These missions build proficiency and confidence , and they demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in our history , '' the statement said .

The flight also included integration and interoperability training with Polish F-16s and MiG-29s and Romanian F-16s and MiG-21s.
Two heavy bombers of the United States Air Force conducted a flight over Ukraine in integration with Ukrainian fighter jets.
"Two B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, conducted a long-range, long duration strategic Bomber Task Force mission throughout Europe and the Black Sea region, May 29, 2020," the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said in a statement on May 29.
"This marked the first time that a Bomber Task Force mission integrated with Ukrainian Su-27 Flankers and MiG-29 Fulcrums and Turkish KC-135s," it said.
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Read alsoU.S. accuses Russia of sending jets to Libya
"Bomber Task Force missions to Europe demonstrate commitment to our allies and partners all while providing a clear deterrence message to any adversary," said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander. "The integration of our strategic bomber presence across Europe proves that the U.S., alongside any ally or partner, stands ready to deter, and if needed, can employ these capabilities together."
The flight also included integration and interoperability training with Polish F-16s and MiG-29s and Romanian F-16s and MiG-21s, which provided escort and combat patrol overwatch in the Black Sea region.
A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, Turkish and U.S. KC-135s based out of Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, and other NATO aerial refueling aircraft enabled the B-1 to complete the round trip from Ellsworth Air Force Base without delay, while also providing aerial refueling support to the U.S. partner-nation aircraft.
Additionally, the B-1s integrated with Greek F-16 air policing for an overflight of Skopje, North Macedonia.
"The Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate to our NATO Allies, including our newest member – North Macedonia – that these strategic missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge around the globe," said Gen. Tod D. Wolters, U.S. European Command commander. "The integration and interoperability with our NATO Allies during these missions, be it aerial tanker support or fighter escorts, are indelible actions that show the Alliance is as strong as I've ever witnessed."
"Bomber missions familiarize aircrew with air bases, airspace, and operations in different geographic combatant commands. These missions build proficiency and confidence, and they demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in our history," the statement said.


unian--2020-05-29--Ukraine to launch interest rate swap on interbank market

The introduction of this tool is expected to facilitate credit programs for businesses and households .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has approved regulations on interest rate swap operations on the country 's interbank market , which will introduce a new tool that will boost long-term lending by banks .
The relevant conditions for conducting such operations are stipulated in NBU Board resolution No .
67 dated May 28 , which will enter into force on May 30 , according to the NBU 's press service .
`` The National Bank undertakes many efforts to prop up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quarantine .
We have lowered the key rate to 8 % and see prerequisites for a further cut .
We have introduced long-term refinancing of banks for up to five years so that they are not afraid of taking NBU funds and injecting them into the economy .
Now we are preparing for the launch of an interest rate swap , which will reduce banks ' risks linked with interest rates and encourage them to roll out lending , '' the press service quoted NBU Deputy Governor Oleh Churiy as saying .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate swap suggests that one side offers its counterparty a fixed interest rate , which is charged on a conditional amount , and the other side offers a floating interest rate , which will be calculated on the basis of the Ukrainian Index of Interbank Rates ( UIIR ) .
When agreed , the counterparties calculate a difference in interest rate payments , so banks could minimize their interest rate risks when lending .
`` A rate on bank deposits almost always vary and may increase while it is fixed for the borrower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For its part , thanks to such operations , the National Bank will be able to make monetary transmission more impactful .
Interest rates in the economy will more flexibly respond to the National Bank 's monetary decisions and changes in the value of loans on the interbank credit market .
Thus , the introduction of an interest rate swap will not only stimulate the launch of credit programs for businesses and households , but will also facilitate further reductions in interest rates in the economy , '' it said .
The NBU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after its feature set is ready and the depository system is prepared for handling such operations approximately in the second half of June .
The National Bank will carry out interest rate swap transactions as auctions where bids are placed for the amount participants are willing to buy in terms of quantity and price via the Bloomberg , Refinitiv terminals or any other advanced software and hardware system with the necessary functionality .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the NBU and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ( EBRD ) agreed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forex UAH/USD swap facility to support Ukrainian businesses amid the pandemic .
The forex swap facility terminates in two years but can be extended .
The minimum amount of one tranche under a forex swap agreement is US $ 25 million , while each tranche comes with a minimum term of up to three months and can be rolled over .

Ukraine to launch interest rate swap on interbank market
20:50, 29.05.20 1037
The introduction of this tool is expected to facilitate credit programs for businesses and households.
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unian--2020-05-29--Reuters: Wizz Air expands with new bases in Italy, Cyprus, Ukraine and Albania

Eleven new aircraft will be deployed at the new bases and there will be 50 new routes .
Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air said it was expanding by opening four new bases in Milan in Italy , Larnaca in Cyprus , Lviv in Ukraine and Tirana in Albania , as it plans to stimulate air travel with its low cost ticket prices .
The airline , which is listed in London , used to be mainly focused on central and eastern Europe but is now expanding into western Europe , in Italy , Spain and Britain , Reuters said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is struggling to survive the pandemic The coronavirus pandemic has halted air travel , leaving many airlines struggling without revenues , but Wizz has a strong balance sheet and was one of the first airlines to restart flights .
`` We see the potential to re-stimulate demand for low-cost travel and contribute to the vital recovery of tourism in these markets , '' said Chief Executive Jozsef Varadi .
Eleven new aircraft will be deployed at the new bases and there will be 50 new routes , the airline added in a statement @ @ @

Eleven new aircraft will be deployed at the new bases and there will be 50 new routes.
Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air said it was expanding by opening four new bases in Milan in Italy, Larnaca in Cyprus, Lviv in Ukraine and Tirana in Albania, as it plans to stimulate air travel with its low cost ticket prices.
The airline, which is listed in London, used to be mainly focused on central and eastern Europe but is now expanding into western Europe, in Italy, Spain and Britain, Reuters said.
Read alsoLife or death: civil aviation is struggling to survive the pandemic
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The coronavirus pandemic has halted air travel, leaving many airlines struggling without revenues, but Wizz has a strong balance sheet and was one of the first airlines to restart flights.
"We see the potential to re-stimulate demand for low-cost travel and contribute to the vital recovery of tourism in these markets," said Chief Executive Jozsef Varadi.
Eleven new aircraft will be deployed at the new bases and there will be 50 new routes, the airline added in a statement on Friday.


unian--2020-05-29--Restrictions on entry to be introduced in Kyiv subway from June 1

An increase in passenger traffic is expected in the subway from Monday .
Deputy Director of Kyiv Metropoliten ( Metro ) Natalia Makohon says restrictions on entry will be introduced in the capital 's subway from Monday , June 1 , so that passengers could observe social distancing amid easing of the coronavirus quarantine .
An increase in passenger traffic is expected in the subway from Monday , she told Ukraine 24 TV channel , as reported by the Novoe Vremya news outlet on May 29 .
On May 25 , the first day when the subway was relaunched , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whereas it increased to 540,000 passengers on Thursday , May 28 , she said .
`` The number of people in the subway has been growing .
We are preparing for the relaunch of public transportation in Kyiv region .
So , there will be more passengers ...
Accordingly , limits could be introduced at the entrance to the subway to stretch the passenger flow to ensure social distancing , '' she said .
Makohon noted that the restrictions would be introduced in case of a significant increase in passenger traffic to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing .
Subway stations are expected to operate with one or two front doors open instead of three .
There is nothing new in this approach as the system operates in such mode after mass events , concerts , and football matches .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Kyiv subway was allowed to reopen on May 25 as part of the easing of the coronavirus quarantine .
The subway services were halted on March 18 over the spread of the coronavirus .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko earlier suggested that entry to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours .

An increase in passenger traffic is expected in the subway from Monday.
Deputy Director of Kyiv Metropoliten (Metro) Natalia Makohon says restrictions on entry will be introduced in the capital's subway from Monday, June 1, so that passengers could observe social distancing amid easing of the coronavirus quarantine.
An increase in passenger traffic is expected in the subway from Monday, she told Ukraine 24 TV channel, as reported by the Novoe Vremya news outlet on May 29.
On May 25, the first day when the subway was relaunched, the flow of passengers numbered 310,000 people, whereas it increased to 540,000 passengers on Thursday, May 28, she said.
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Read alsoPublic transport resumes regular operations in Kyiv amid quarantine easing
"The number of people in the subway has been growing. We are preparing for the relaunch of public transportation in Kyiv region. So, there will be more passengers... Accordingly, limits could be introduced at the entrance to the subway to stretch the passenger flow to ensure social distancing," she said.
Makohon noted that the restrictions would be introduced in case of a significant increase in passenger traffic to be coupled with an inability to observe social distancing.
Subway stations are expected to operate with one or two front doors open instead of three. There is nothing new in this approach as the system operates in such mode after mass events, concerts, and football matches.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Kyiv subway was allowed to reopen on May 25 as part of the easing of the coronavirus quarantine. The subway services were halted on March 18 over the spread of the coronavirus.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko earlier suggested that entry to certain subway stations be limited during peak hours.


unian--2020-05-29--Vodafone Ukraine reports issues with voice services in number of cities

However , the company has not yet announced when technical problems would be fixed .
Vodafone Ukraine , one of Ukraine 's leading mobile communications operator , says its voice services are partially unavailable in a number of cities .
`` Over the hour , voice services may not be available in certain cities .
We have unforeseen technical problems , but we are already working on their operational solution .
Now the problem relates directly to voice services , the Internet network operates as usual .
Therefore , for now , we ask you to use instant messengers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company said on Facebook on May 29 .
However , the company has not yet announced when technical problems would be fixed .
At the same time , users also report disruptions in mobile internet connection .
They note relevant problems in the cities of Kyiv , Chernihiv , Zaporizhia , Kharkiv , etc .
Earlier , Ukraine 's telecom giant Ukrtelecom apologized about nationwide outages , working to resolve the issue .
As UNIAN reported earlier , VF Ukraine PrJSC in the first quarter of 2020 increased revenue by 28 % year-over-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 163.1 million ) .
UNIAN memo .
Vodafone Ukraine is one of the major mobile operators in Ukraine .
The company provides services in GSM and CDMA-450 standards to more than 20 million subscribers .

Vodafone Ukraine reports issues with voice services in number of cities
16:40, 29.05.20 2565
However, the company has not yet announced when technical problems would be fixed.
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unian--2020-05-29--Ukraine's finance ministry redeems US$1 bln U.S. guaranteed eurobonds

The eurobond under the U.S. guarantee was issued with a nominal amount of US $ 1 billion in 2015 at a yield of 1.847 % per year .
Ukraine 's Finance Ministry on May 28 redeemed the second issue of eurobonds ( worth over US $ 1 billion ) guaranteed by the United States .
`` Despite the global crisis and challenges for the emerging markets , Ukraine continues to meet its debt obligations on time and in full .
The funds received under the U.S. guarantee during 2014-2016 years provided significant support to the state budget at a difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine .
We are grateful to our partners in the United States for their help during the previous crisis caused by [ Russia 's ] armed aggression and annexation of part of Ukraine , and now , during the global economic crisis caused by the spread of coronavirus , '' the ministry 's press service quoted Yuriy Butsa , Government Commissioner for Public Debt Management , as saying on May 29 .
The eurobond under the U.S. guarantee was issued with a nominal amount of US $ 1 billion in 2015 at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is the second out of three U.S.-guaranteed notes issued in 2014-2016 at an interest rate of less than 2 % per annum , the first of which was repaid in May 2019 .
The redemption of the eurobonds issued in 2016 will be in September 2021 , the report said .
As UNIAN reported , Ukraine 's public debt-to-GDP ratio in 2019 decreased to 44.3 % .

Ukraine's finance ministry redeems US$1 bln U.S. guaranteed eurobonds
16:30, 29.05.20 985
The eurobond under the U.S. guarantee was issued with a nominal amount of US$1 billion in 2015 at a yield of 1.847% per year.
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unian--2020-05-29--Ukraine to lift foreigners' entry ban imposed over COVID-19 – FM Kuleba

The Ukrainian government is determined to liberalize the procedure for entry of foreign citizens into Ukraine .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister @ @ @ @ @ plans to lift the entry ban of foreigners imposed over the spread of COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ government is gradually lifting restrictions imposed over the coronavirus pandemic , and we are resuming @ @ @ @ @ '' he said at a joint press conference with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó in @ @ @ @ @ `` The second issue that needs to be addressed is changing the rules for foreigners @ @ @ @ @ probably aware that this issue is difficult to resolve in a number of European countries @ @ @ @ @ to liberalize the procedure , and , accordingly , two elements , namely the reopening @ @ @ @ @ to cross in subject to certain rules , will let us tackle the issue and @ @ @ @ @ Kuleba said .

The Ukrainian government is determined to liberalize the procedure for entry of foreign citizens into Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine plans to lift the entry ban of foreigners imposed over the spread of COVID-19.
"Indeed, the Ukrainian government is gradually lifting restrictions imposed over the coronavirus pandemic, and we are resuming operations at border checkpoints," he said at a joint press conference with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó in Budapest on May 29.
Read alsoInt'l air travel recovery: MFA Ukraine elaborates on destinations
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"The second issue that needs to be addressed is changing the rules for foreigners entering Ukraine. You are probably aware that this issue is difficult to resolve in a number of European countries, but we are determined to liberalize the procedure, and, accordingly, two elements, namely the reopening of checkpoints and allowing foreigners to cross in subject to certain rules, will let us tackle the issue and resume free movement," Kuleba said.


unian--2020-05-29--EU approves EUR 500 mln in macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

The EU has now provided Ukraine with EUR 3.8 billion in MFA loans since 2014 .
The European Commission , on behalf of the EU , has approved the disbursement of a EUR 500 million loan to Ukraine as part of its fourth macro-financial assistance ( MFA ) programme .
`` Ukraine remains high on the European agenda .
We continue political , financial and technical support , especially during this time of crisis , to support Ukraine 's reform agenda for building a more resilient economy .
Under the EU 's fourth macro-financial assistance programme Ukraine has completed necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disbursement of EUR 500 million .
As part of helping our neighbours cope with the fallout of the pandemic , we will provide Ukraine with further emergency MFA assistance of EUR 1.2 billion , '' Valdis Dombrovskis , Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People , also responsible for MFA to Ukraine , said , as reported by the European Commission in a press release on May 29 , 2020 .
It is noted with this disbursement , the EU has now provided Ukraine with EUR 3.8 billion in MFA loans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of MFA the EU has disbursed to any single partner country .

The EU has now provided Ukraine with EUR 3.8 billion in MFA loans since 2014.
The European Commission, on behalf of the EU, has approved the disbursement of a EUR 500 million loan to Ukraine as part of its fourth macro-financial assistance (MFA) programme.
"Ukraine remains high on the European agenda. We continue political, financial and technical support, especially during this time of crisis, to support Ukraine's reform agenda for building a more resilient economy. Under the EU's fourth macro-financial assistance programme Ukraine has completed necessary reform benchmarks and we are preparing a disbursement of EUR 500 million. As part of helping our neighbours cope with the fallout of the pandemic, we will provide Ukraine with further emergency MFA assistance of EUR 1.2 billion," Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People, also responsible for MFA to Ukraine, said, as reported by the European Commission in a press release on May 29, 2020.
Read alsoUkraine expects US$5 bln IMF loan approval on June 5 – PM Shmyhal
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It is noted with this disbursement, the EU has now provided Ukraine with EUR 3.8 billion in MFA loans since 2014. This is the largest amount of MFA the EU has disbursed to any single partner country.


unian--2020-05-29--Ukraine expects US$5 bln IMF loan approval on June 5 – PM Shmyhal

The first tranche of US $ 1.9 billion may be disbursed the following day .
Ukraine expects the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) to approve a US $ 5 billion ( 4.05 billion pounds ) loan package at a board meeting on June 5 and the first tranche of US $ 1.9 billion to be disbursed the following day , Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Friday .
Ukraine needs the loans to weather an economic shock caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Gross domestic product could fall by 12 % in the second quarter of this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in an interview to Reuters .
He also said the government would allow wheat exporters to export freely for the next two months .
Read alsoIMF , Ukraine reach staff level agreement on new SBA over COVID-19 pandemic As UNIAN reported earlier , an IMF staff team led by Ivanna Vladkova Hollar concluded remote discussions with the Ukrainian authorities on May 21 and reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies for a new 18-month Stand-By Arrangement ( SBA ) .
The National Bank of Ukraine predicts receipt of the first IMF tranche @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second quarter of 2020 .

The first tranche of US$1.9 billion may be disbursed the following day.
Ukraine expects the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to approve a US$5 billion (4.05 billion pounds) loan package at a board meeting on June 5 and the first tranche of US$1.9 billion to be disbursed the following day, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Friday.
Ukraine needs the loans to weather an economic shock caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Gross domestic product could fall by 12% in the second quarter of this year, according to a preliminary estimate, Shmyhal said in an interview to Reuters.
He also said the government would allow wheat exporters to export freely for the next two months.
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Read alsoIMF, Ukraine reach staff level agreement on new SBA over COVID-19 pandemic
As UNIAN reported earlier, an IMF staff team led by Ivanna Vladkova Hollar concluded remote discussions with the Ukrainian authorities on May 21 and reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies for a new 18-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA).
The National Bank of Ukraine predicts receipt of the first IMF tranche worth US$2 billion in the second quarter of 2020.


unian--2020-05-29--Two dozen arrests following massive shootout between rivaling gangs in Brovary

Reports claim the showdown is part of a turf war , due to the redistribution of control over commuter bus routes to Kyiv .
About a hundred perpetrators Friday morning were involved in a shootout at a shuttle bus parking lot in the town of Brovary just outside Kyiv .
Eyewitnesses reported dozens of shots fired at the site in what is alleged to be a showdown between rivaling groups competing for control of lucrative bus routes to Kyiv .
Police arrived shortly after the incident broke out , detaining 11 armed men involved in the showdown , speaker for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told Ukrainian Pravda .
During a massive raid , including in Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia regions , where some perpetrators fled , police apprehended another ten men , bringing the total number of detainees to 21 .
At least three persons involved in the shootout were wounded , said deputy interior minister Anton Gerashchenko , who added that the clash was a result of non-transparent distribution of licenses for commuter bus operators on the part of Kyiv region officials .
None of the detainees turned out to be local .
Eyewitnesses posted videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of armed men firing shotguns and carbines .
The Fakty newspaper reported that the incident had occurred at 07:00 on Friday between groups competing for control over passenger transportation to Kyiv .
Prior to the incident , one of those groups exerted pressure on passengers , urging them to use their services instead of hitchhiking , hailing taxies or opting for their rivaling company .

Reports claim the showdown is part of a turf war, due to the redistribution of control over commuter bus routes to Kyiv.
About a hundred perpetrators Friday morning were involved in a shootout at a shuttle bus parking lot in the town of Brovary just outside Kyiv.
Eyewitnesses reported dozens of shots fired at the site in what is alleged to be a showdown between rivaling groups competing for control of lucrative bus routes to Kyiv.
Police arrived shortly after the incident broke out, detaining 11 armed men involved in the showdown, speaker for the Kyiv Region PD, Vitalia Hrokholska, told Ukrainian Pravda.
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During a massive raid, including in Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia regions, where some perpetrators fled, police apprehended another ten men, bringing the total number of detainees to 21.
At least three persons involved in the shootout were wounded, said deputy interior minister Anton Gerashchenko, who added that the clash was a result of non-transparent distribution of licenses for commuter bus operators on the part of Kyiv region officials.
Масові затримання @police_kyiv_obl зловмисників і вилучення зброї у Броварах після ранкових сутичок і стрілянини. pic.twitter.com/s8wd6bYFSt — Artem Shevchenko (@Artem_Shewa) May 29, 2020
None of the detainees turned out to be local.
Eyewitnesses posted videos on social networks showing a large group of armed men firing shotguns and carbines.
The Fakty newspaper reported that the incident had occurred at 07:00 on Friday between groups competing for control over passenger transportation to Kyiv. Prior to the incident, one of those groups exerted pressure on passengers, urging them to use their services instead of hitchhiking, hailing taxies or opting for their rivaling company.


unian--2020-05-30--Kyiv mayor reports 55 new COVID-19 cases, one fatality in past day

Forty people recovered from the disease in the past day .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city rose by 55 in the past day .
`` In the past day , the number of Kyiv residents who tested positive [ for the coronavirus ] increased by 55 , including seven healthcare workers .
There was one fatality .
As of today , there are 2,904 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the capital city , '' he said during an online briefing on May 30 .
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Klitschko , 34 women aged 21 to 77 and 19 men aged 21 to 81 are among those infected .
In addition , one girl ( 15 years old ) and one boy ( three years old ) tested positive for the coronavirus .
Klitschko said 13 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
Forty people recovered from the disease in the past day , he said .
In total , 637 Kyiv residents have already recovered .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an outbreak of the virus was recorded in one capital dormitory on Haharina Avenue .
It was closed for quarantine .
One patient died in the hospital , while another three were hospitalized with mild cases .
All other dormitory residents are on self-isolation , they are being examined by doctors , '' Klitschko said .

Forty people recovered from the disease in the past day.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city rose by 55 in the past day.
"In the past day, the number of Kyiv residents who tested positive [for the coronavirus] increased by 55, including seven healthcare workers. There was one fatality. As of today, there are 2,904 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the capital city," he said during an online briefing on May 30.
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 23,000 on May 29
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According to Klitschko, 34 women aged 21 to 77 and 19 men aged 21 to 81 are among those infected. In addition, one girl (15 years old) and one boy (three years old) tested positive for the coronavirus.
Klitschko said 13 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
Forty people recovered from the disease in the past day, he said. In total, 637 Kyiv residents have already recovered.
"I would like to note that yesterday an outbreak of the virus was recorded in one capital dormitory on Haharina Avenue. It was closed for quarantine. One patient died in the hospital, while another three were hospitalized with mild cases. All other dormitory residents are on self-isolation, they are being examined by doctors," Klitschko said.


unian--2020-05-30--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 5.9 mln

The overall death toll is 365,361 people , while 2,506,811 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of @ @ @ @ @ world exceeded 5.9 million patients as of the morning of May 30 .
As many @ @ @ @ @ had been reported as of 12:32 on May 30 , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ Center for Systems Science and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
Read @ @ @ @ @ with World Health Organization over virus – media The overall death toll is 365,361 people @ @ @ @ @ have already recovered .
The three countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the @ @ @ @ @ cases ) , Brazil ( 465,166 ) , and Russia ( 396,575 ) .
The @ @ @ @ @ in the United States ( 102,836 people ) , the United Kingdom ( 38,243 ) @ @ @ @ @ , France ( 28,717 ) , Brazil ( 27,878 ) , and Spain ( 27,121 @ @ @ @ @ 188 countries have been affected by the virus .

The overall death toll is 365,361 people, while 2,506,811 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 5.9 million patients as of the morning of May 30.
As many as 5,944,550 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 12:32 on May 30, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
Read alsoTrump says terminating U.S. relationship with World Health Organization over virus – media
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The overall death toll is 365,361 people, while 2,506,811 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The three countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (1,747,087 confirmed cases), Brazil (465,166), and Russia (396,575).
The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (102,836 people), the United Kingdom (38,243), Italy (33,229), France (28,717), Brazil (27,878), and Spain (27,121).
As many as 188 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-05-30--Ukraine's hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.87 to U.S. dollar on June 1

The official forex rate against the euro for Monday is fixed at UAH 29.93 per euro .
The National Bank @ @ @ @ @ on May 29 set the official forex rate of the hryvnia for Monday , June @ @ @ @ @ to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by four @ @ @ @ @ debt-to-GDP ratio decreases to about 55.8 % in April The official forex rate against the @ @ @ @ @ at UAH 29.93 per euro – the hryvnia lost 31 kopiykas in value since Friday @ @ @ @ @ website .
By 16:00 Kyiv time on May 29 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar @ @ @ @ @ settled at UAH 26.84/26.87 to the dollar , while those against the euro were at @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier , the National Bank set the official forex rate for Friday , May @ @ @ @ @ to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by nine @ @ @ @ @ .

Ukraine's hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.87 to U.S. dollar on June 1
12:25, 30.05.20 2951
The official forex rate against the euro for Monday is fixed at UAH 29.93 per euro.
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unian--2020-05-30--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 23,000 on May 29

Of them , 393 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 23,000 on Saturday morning .
`` According to the Public Health Center , there were 23,204 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on May 29 , '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on May 30 .
Of them , 393 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
Overall incidence per region : 958 cases in Vinnytsia region ; 887 in Volyn region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Donetsk region ; 699 in Zhytomyr region ; 1,171 in Zakarpattia region ; 440 in Zaporizhia region ; 1,379 in Ivano-Frankivsk region ; 506 in Kirovohrad region ; 2,904 in the city of Kyiv ; 1,556 in Kyiv region ; 1,619 in Lviv region ; 46 in Luhansk region ; 288 in Mykolayiv region ; 883 in Odesa region ; 268 in Poltava region ; 1,680 in Rivne region ; 168 in Sumy region ; 1,160 in Ternopil region ; 1,025 in Kharkiv region ; 178 in Kherson region ; 432 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 401 in Cherkasy region ; 159 in Chernihiv region .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
COVID-19 tests were conducted by the Public Health Center 's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories .
As of the morning of May 30 , 2020 , the Center had received 929 reports of suspected cases .
In total , there have been 57,935 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been recorded in the country .
Some 9,311 patients have recovered .

Of them, 393 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 23,000 on Saturday morning.
"According to the Public Health Center, there were 23,204 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on May 29," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on May 30.
Of them, 393 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
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Read alsoUkraine to lift foreigners' entry ban imposed over COVID-19 – FM Kuleba
Overall incidence per region: 958 cases in Vinnytsia region; 887 in Volyn region; 933 in Dnipropetrovsk region; 158 in Donetsk region; 699 in Zhytomyr region; 1,171 in Zakarpattia region; 440 in Zaporizhia region; 1,379 in Ivano-Frankivsk region; 506 in Kirovohrad region; 2,904 in the city of Kyiv; 1,556 in Kyiv region; 1,619 in Lviv region; 46 in Luhansk region; 288 in Mykolayiv region; 883 in Odesa region; 268 in Poltava region; 1,680 in Rivne region; 168 in Sumy region; 1,160 in Ternopil region; 1,025 in Kharkiv region; 178 in Kherson region; 432 in Khmelnytsky region; 3,306 in Chernivtsi region; 401 in Cherkasy region; 159 in Chernihiv region.
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
COVID-19 tests were conducted by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories. As of the morning of May 30, 2020, the Center had received 929 reports of suspected cases. In total, there have been 57,935 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
A total of 696 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country. Some 9,311 patients have recovered.


unian--2020-05-30--One Ukrainian soldier wounded amid 13 enemy attacks in Donbas on May 29

According to intelligence data , one member of Russia-led forces was wounded on May 29 .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on May 29 mounted 13 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action .
`` The Russian Federation 's armed formations violated the ceasefire 13 times in the past day , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 30 .
`` As a result , one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened fire from proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and small arms .
Read alsoTCG to discuss lists for prisoner swap at next Minsk talks – Ukraine President 's Office Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the town of Avdiyivka , and the villages of Bohdanivka , Nevelske , Berezove , Novotroyitske , Lebedynske , Starohnativka , Luhanske , Hladosove , Novhorodske , and Krymske .
The Joint Forces returned fire in response to each enemy attack .
According to intelligence data , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 29 .
In addition , the enemy shelled disengagement site No .
2 Zolote in the evening , using tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns .
`` Since Saturday midnight , Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near Avdiyivka , using grenade launchers of various types and heavy machine guns , '' the update said .
There have been no Ukrainian army casualties since Saturday midnight .

According to intelligence data, one member of Russia-led forces was wounded on May 29.
Russia's hybrid military forces on May 29 mounted 13 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action.
"The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire 13 times in the past day," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 30. "As a result, one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in enemy shelling."
Russian-led forces opened fire from proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.
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Read alsoTCG to discuss lists for prisoner swap at next Minsk talks – Ukraine President's Office
Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the town of Avdiyivka, and the villages of Bohdanivka, Nevelske, Berezove, Novotroyitske, Lebedynske, Starohnativka, Luhanske, Hladosove, Novhorodske, and Krymske.
The Joint Forces returned fire in response to each enemy attack. According to intelligence data, one member of Russia-led forces was wounded on May 29.
In addition, the enemy shelled disengagement site No. 2 Zolote in the evening, using tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns.
"Since Saturday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near Avdiyivka, using grenade launchers of various types and heavy machine guns," the update said.
There have been no Ukrainian army casualties since Saturday midnight.


unian--2020-05-30--NYT: SpaceX launches two astronauts to orbit, igniting new spaceflight era

The Falcon 9 carried a Crew Dragon capsule , which was scheduled to rendezvous with the International Space Station on Sunday morning .
The United States opened a new era of human space travel on Saturday as a private company for the first time launched astronauts into orbit , nearly a decade after the government retired the storied space shuttle program in the aftermath of national tragedy .
Two American astronauts lifted off at 3:22 p.m. from a familiar setting , the same Florida launchpad that once served Apollo missions and the space shuttles .
But the rocket and capsule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a new sight for many – built and operated not by NASA but SpaceX , the company founded by the billionaire Elon Musk to pursue his dream of sending colonists to Mars , The New York Times ( NYT ) reported .
Crowds of spectators including U.S. President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence watched and cheered as the countdown ticked to zero , and the engines of a Falcon 9 rocket roared to life .
Rising slowly at first , the rocket then shot like a sleek , silvery javelin into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Florida 's weather had precluded an earlier launch attempt .
It was a moment of triumph and perhaps nostalgia for the country , a welcome reminder of America 's global pre-eminence in science , technological innovation and private enterprise at a time its prospects and ambitions have been clouded by the coronavirus pandemic , economic uncertainty and political strife .
Hundreds of thousands around the world watched the launch online and on television , many from self-imposed quarantine in their homes .
The Falcon 9 carried a Crew Dragon capsule , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Space Station on Sunday morning .
Aboard are two veterans of the astronauts corps , Robert L. Behnken and Douglas O. Hurley .
Each is married to another astronaut – Mr. Behnken to Megan McArthur and Mr. Hurley to Karen Nyberg .
NASA selected the two men along with a group of their colleagues to be the first customers of space capsules built by private companies .
It was the first launch of NASA astronauts from the United States since the retirement of the space shuttles in 2011 .
In the years since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space program to transport its astronauts to the space station .
And with this success , NASA , to its own delight , has begun ceding this task to SpaceX and other companies , and it opens new possibilities for entrepreneurs looking to make money off the planet .
As a bonus for the good start to the mission , the booster stage successfully landed on a floating platform in the Atlantic , now a routine feat for SpaceX .
SpaceX has never taken people to space before .
Its Crew Dragon is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of SpaceX 's original Dragon capsule , which has been used many times to carry cargo , but not people , to the space station .
Crew Dragon has space for up to seven people but will have only four seats for NASA missions .
If this launch succeeds , it will ferry four astronauts to the space station later in the year .

The Falcon 9 carried a Crew Dragon capsule, which was scheduled to rendezvous with the International Space Station on Sunday morning.
The United States opened a new era of human space travel on Saturday as a private company for the first time launched astronauts into orbit, nearly a decade after the government retired the storied space shuttle program in the aftermath of national tragedy.
Two American astronauts lifted off at 3:22 p.m. from a familiar setting, the same Florida launchpad that once served Apollo missions and the space shuttles. But the rocket and capsule that lofted them out of the atmosphere were a new sight for many – built and operated not by NASA but SpaceX, the company founded by the billionaire Elon Musk to pursue his dream of sending colonists to Mars, The New York Times (NYT) reported.
Crowds of spectators including U.S. President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence watched and cheered as the countdown ticked to zero, and the engines of a Falcon 9 rocket roared to life.
Rising slowly at first, the rocket then shot like a sleek, silvery javelin into cloudy, humid skies, three days after Florida's weather had precluded an earlier launch attempt.
Read alsoReuters: Weather postpones SpaceX's first astronaut launch from Florida
It was a moment of triumph and perhaps nostalgia for the country, a welcome reminder of America's global pre-eminence in science, technological innovation and private enterprise at a time its prospects and ambitions have been clouded by the coronavirus pandemic, economic uncertainty and political strife. Hundreds of thousands around the world watched the launch online and on television, many from self-imposed quarantine in their homes.
The Falcon 9 carried a Crew Dragon capsule, which was scheduled to rendezvous with the International Space Station on Sunday morning.
Aboard are two veterans of the astronauts corps, Robert L. Behnken and Douglas O. Hurley. Each is married to another astronaut – Mr. Behnken to Megan McArthur and Mr. Hurley to Karen Nyberg. NASA selected the two men along with a group of their colleagues to be the first customers of space capsules built by private companies.
It was the first launch of NASA astronauts from the United States since the retirement of the space shuttles in 2011. In the years since, NASA has paid Russia’s space program to transport its astronauts to the space station. And with this success, NASA, to its own delight, has begun ceding this task to SpaceX and other companies, and it opens new possibilities for entrepreneurs looking to make money off the planet.
As a bonus for the good start to the mission, the booster stage successfully landed on a floating platform in the Atlantic, now a routine feat for SpaceX.
SpaceX has never taken people to space before. Its Crew Dragon is a gumdrop-shaped capsule – an upgraded version of SpaceX's original Dragon capsule, which has been used many times to carry cargo, but not people, to the space station.
Crew Dragon has space for up to seven people but will have only four seats for NASA missions. If this launch succeeds, it will ferry four astronauts to the space station later in the year.


unian--2020-05-30--AP: Ukraine's soccer restart disrupted by positive tests

The league said players and staff from last-placed Karpaty Lviv had tested positive ahead of Sunday 's match against Mariupol @ @ @ @ @ restarted Saturday but one game was called off when an unspecified number of soccer players @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
The league said players and staff from last-placed Karpaty Lviv had tested @ @ @ @ @ match against Mariupol , according to the Associated Press ( AP ) .
They are @ @ @ @ @ in self-isolation , Karpaty said , adding that the squad would undergo more testing Monday @ @ @ @ @ its first games since March 15 , with Kolos and Desna kicking off the opening @ @ @ @ @ rounds left .
The league is due to finish July 19 with a European qualification @ @ @ @ @ .
According to UEFA rankings , Ukraine is the second strongest league in Europe now @ @ @ @ @

The league said players and staff from last-placed Karpaty Lviv had tested positive ahead of Sunday's match against Mariupol.
The Ukrainian Premier League restarted Saturday but one game was called off when an unspecified number of soccer players and staff tested positive for the coronavirus.
The league said players and staff from last-placed Karpaty Lviv had tested positive ahead of Sunday's match against Mariupol, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Read alsoUkraine football: Premier League to restart with classic derby
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They aren't showing symptoms and are in self-isolation, Karpaty said, adding that the squad would undergo more testing Monday.
The league is playing its first games since March 15, with Kolos and Desna kicking off the opening match.
There are nine rounds left. The league is due to finish July 19 with a European qualification playoff following 10 days later.
According to UEFA rankings, Ukraine is the second strongest league in Europe now playing, behind Germany.


unian--2020-05-30--Ukraine reports 20 new COVID-19 cases in its armed forces as of May 30

Some 452 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the @ @ @ @ @ by 20 as of the morning of May 30 .
`` As of 10:00 Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ some 107 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine have acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused @ @ @ @ @ In total , 111 people recovered and three died during the pandemic , '' according @ @ @ @ @ the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine .
Some 452 servicemen are @ @ @ @ @ ) .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the number of confirmed cases of the novel @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday morning .
Of them , 393 cases were reported in the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ 696 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country .
Some 9,311 patients have @ @

Some 452 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation).
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 20 as of the morning of May 30.
Read alsoAbout 6,300 people undergo high accuracy testing to detect COVID-19 antibodies
"As of 10:00 Kyiv time on May 30, some 107 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine have acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In total, 111 people recovered and three died during the pandemic," according to the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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Some 452 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation).
As UNIAN reported earlier, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 23,000 on Saturday morning. Of them, 393 cases were reported in the past 24 hours. A total of 696 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country. Some 9,311 patients have recovered.


unian--2020-05-30--Surrogacy in Ukraine: 11 couples arrive from Argentina to pick up their babies

Eleven couples have arrived from Argentina to Ukraine to pick up their babies born from surrogate mothers .
A charter flight landed at Kyiv 's Boryspil International Airport tonight , according to RFE/RL 's Ukrainian service .
Those arrived were met by Ambassador of Argentina to Ukraine Elena Leticia Teresa Mikusinski .
Prior to that , the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry had given permission to parents from Argentina to cross in Ukraine who could not pick up their children born from surrogate mothers due to closed borders .
All foreigners must undergo a mandatory observation .
After that , they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an opportunity to return home .
The mother of one of the babies , Andrea Montero , said Argentina had closed the borders until September , and if they were not allowed to enter before that time , they had no idea how to live in a foreign country with a baby for several months .
As UNIAN reported earlier , nearly 50 infants born to surrogate mothers in the Biotexcom clinic were stranded in one of Kyiv 's hotels under medical supervision amid a national COVID-19 lockdown while their biological parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make it to Ukraine .
Ukrainian Ombudsperson Liudmyla Denysova said she had received appeals from a number of such parents to help them cross in to pick up their babies .

A charter flight landed at Kyiv's Boryspil International Airport tonight.
Eleven couples have arrived from Argentina to Ukraine to pick up their babies born from surrogate mothers.
A charter flight landed at Kyiv's Boryspil International Airport tonight, according to RFE/RL's Ukrainian service.
Those arrived were met by Ambassador of Argentina to Ukraine Elena Leticia Teresa Mikusinski. Prior to that, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry had given permission to parents from Argentina to cross in Ukraine who could not pick up their children born from surrogate mothers due to closed borders.
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Read alsoSurrogacy in Ukraine: Parliament mulls criminalizing violations
All foreigners must undergo a mandatory observation. After that, they will draw up children's passports and look for an opportunity to return home.
The mother of one of the babies, Andrea Montero, said Argentina had closed the borders until September, and if they were not allowed to enter before that time, they had no idea how to live in a foreign country with a baby for several months.
As UNIAN reported earlier, nearly 50 infants born to surrogate mothers in the Biotexcom clinic were stranded in one of Kyiv's hotels under medical supervision amid a national COVID-19 lockdown while their biological parents, all foreign nationals, were struggling to make it to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Ombudsperson Liudmyla Denysova said she had received appeals from a number of such parents to help them cross in to pick up their babies.


unian--2020-05-30--OSCE SMM reports explosion close to its patrol in Luhansk region

It is noted the patrol was unable to assess the weapon used and the direction of fire .
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) to Ukraine has reported an explosion close to its patrol near the village of Molodizhne in Luhansk region .
`` On May 29 , an SMM patrol comprising five members and two vehicles was positioned at a checkpoint of the armed formations about 1.7km south-west of Molodizhne ( non-government-controlled , 63km west of Luhansk ) .
A patrol member was outside his vehicle , interacting with the members of the armed formations in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was blocked by an improvised barrier , '' the OSCE SMM said in a spot report on May 29 , 2020 .
`` At about 13:37 , the patrol members heard an undetermined explosion at an assessed distance of 100m south-south-west , and the patrol member outside the vehicle felt a shockwave while members of the armed formations near the checkpoint took cover , '' reads the report .
It is noted the patrol was unable to assess the weapon used and the direction of fire .
`` A member of the armed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SMM immediately left the area and returned safely to its base in non-government-controlled Luhansk city , '' the report says .

It is noted the patrol was unable to assess the weapon used and the direction of fire.
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine has reported an explosion close to its patrol near the village of Molodizhne in Luhansk region.
"On May 29, an SMM patrol comprising five members and two vehicles was positioned at a checkpoint of the armed formations about 1.7km south-west of Molodizhne (non-government-controlled, 63km west of Luhansk). A patrol member was outside his vehicle, interacting with the members of the armed formations in order to move across the checkpoint, which was blocked by an improvised barrier," the OSCE SMM said in a spot report on May 29, 2020.
Read alsoOSCE reports 44 civilian victims in Donbas hostilities since early 2020
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"At about 13:37, the patrol members heard an undetermined explosion at an assessed distance of 100m south-south-west, and the patrol member outside the vehicle felt a shockwave while members of the armed formations near the checkpoint took cover," reads the report.
It is noted the patrol was unable to assess the weapon used and the direction of fire.
"A member of the armed formations removed the barrier, and the SMM immediately left the area and returned safely to its base in non-government-controlled Luhansk city," the report says.


unian--2020-05-30--Ukraine to resume air traffic no earlier than June 15 – PM Shmyhal

Not all countries have opened borders yet .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said international and domestic air traffic will be resumed no earlier than June 15 .
`` Not all countries have opened borders yet .
We 're monitoring the dynamics of opening the borders of partner countries , neighboring states , '' he said during a `` Freedom of Speech by Savik Shuster '' panel show on Ukraine TV channel on May 29 .
`` There is a preliminary agreement with air carriers that there is no destination to fly before June 15 , so we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After June 15 , those countries that will accommodate [ flights ] , obviously , will gradually resume regular flights , '' Shmyhal said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ukrainian State Air Traffic Services Enterprise ( UkSATSE ) published a report on plans of foreign countries to restore regular flights .
Turkey has declared readiness for an early resumption of air traffic with Ukraine , while negotiations are yet to be finalized .
Also , after the approval of the relevant safety protocols at the interstate level , regular flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also , some countries are planning to launch international flights in the near future .
`` In particular , Austria , Romania , Azerbaijan , Slovakia , Greece , and Georgia have restrictions on flights until the end of May .
In early June , Turkey plans to resume international air travel .
In Estonia , restrictions will be in place until June 7 .
Bulgaria , Indonesia , Iceland , Cyprus , Costa Rica , Luxembourg , Macedonia , Portugal , Egypt , and Israel will open their air gates no earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
In addition , it will be possible to carry out Kyiv - Sofia flights in early July .
In addition , the borders of Cuba , Thailand , and Moldova will be closed until late June , while the Dominican Republic and Armenia will reopen from July .
`` Some countries did n't restrict international air traffic amid the coronavirus pandemic , including Belarus , the UK , Iran , Ireland , Korea , Mexico , Germany , the Netherlands , and the Czech Republic ( although the airport in Prague @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , remains one of the few carriers worldwide to have retained its cargo and passenger traffic to a number of countries in Western Europe , Asia and Australia , '' reads the report .

Not all countries have opened borders yet.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said international and domestic air traffic will be resumed no earlier than June 15.
"Not all countries have opened borders yet. We're monitoring the dynamics of opening the borders of partner countries, neighboring states," he said during a "Freedom of Speech by Savik Shuster" panel show on Ukraine TV channel on May 29.
"There is a preliminary agreement with air carriers that there is no destination to fly before June 15, so we will not resume regular flights before June 15. After June 15, those countries that will accommodate [flights], obviously, will gradually resume regular flights," Shmyhal said.
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Read alsoUkraine to lift foreigners' entry ban imposed over COVID-19 – FM Kuleba
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Ukrainian State Air Traffic Services Enterprise (UkSATSE) published a report on plans of foreign countries to restore regular flights.
Turkey has declared readiness for an early resumption of air traffic with Ukraine, while negotiations are yet to be finalized.
Also, after the approval of the relevant safety protocols at the interstate level, regular flights will soon be restored with Georgia.
Also, some countries are planning to launch international flights in the near future.
"In particular, Austria, Romania, Azerbaijan, Slovakia, Greece, and Georgia have restrictions on flights until the end of May. In early June, Turkey plans to resume international air travel. In Estonia, restrictions will be in place until June 7. Bulgaria, Indonesia, Iceland, Cyprus, Costa Rica, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Portugal, Egypt, and Israel will open their air gates no earlier than June 15," the report says.
In addition, it will be possible to carry out Kyiv - Sofia flights in early July.
In addition, the borders of Cuba, Thailand, and Moldova will be closed until late June, while the Dominican Republic and Armenia will reopen from July.
"Some countries didn't restrict international air traffic amid the coronavirus pandemic, including Belarus, the UK, Iran, Ireland, Korea, Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic (although the airport in Prague is on lockdown). Qatar Airways, remains one of the few carriers worldwide to have retained its cargo and passenger traffic to a number of countries in Western Europe, Asia and Australia," reads the report.


unian--2020-05-30--About 6,300 people undergo high accuracy testing to detect COVID-19 antibodies

The minister said 10,811 tests with the use of polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) and 1,560 ELISA tests had been conducted in Ukraine over the past day .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has said about 6,300 people underwent high accuracy testing , using ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) method , to detect coronavirus antibodies .
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 23,000 on May 29 Speaking at a briefing on May 30 , the minister said 10,811 tests with the use of polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) and 1,560 ELISA tests had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Stepanov , 393 COVID-19 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
Most cases were recorded in Lviv ( 56 people ) and Rivne ( 52 people ) regions , as well as in the capital city of Kyiv ( 55 people ) .
Sixty-four people were hospitalized , 17 fatalities were recorded , while 377 people recovered in the past day .
In total , 23,204 people have contracted the virus in Ukraine since the pandemic , including 1,700 children and 4,475 healthcare workers .
A total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country , while 9,311 patients have recovered .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's Health Ministry on May 20 issued an order to introduce laboratory testing for coronavirus with the use of enzyme immunoassay method .

The minister said 10,811 tests with the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 1,560 ELISA tests had been conducted in Ukraine over the past day.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has said about 6,300 people underwent high accuracy testing, using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method, to detect coronavirus antibodies.
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 23,000 on May 29
Speaking at a briefing on May 30, the minister said 10,811 tests with the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 1,560 ELISA tests had been conducted in Ukraine over the past day.
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According to Stepanov, 393 COVID-19 cases were reported in the past 24 hours. Most cases were recorded in Lviv (56 people) and Rivne (52 people) regions, as well as in the capital city of Kyiv (55 people).
Sixty-four people were hospitalized, 17 fatalities were recorded, while 377 people recovered in the past day. In total, 23,204 people have contracted the virus in Ukraine since the pandemic, including 1,700 children and 4,475 healthcare workers. A total of 696 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country, while 9,311 patients have recovered.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Health Ministry on May 20 issued an order to introduce laboratory testing for coronavirus with the use of enzyme immunoassay method.


unian--2020-05-30--Week's balance: quarantine concessions, economic recovery in turbo mode, and manipulation on energy

Week's balance: quarantine concessions, economic recovery in turbo mode, and manipulation on energy market

The last week of May was marked by the partial removal of anti-epidemic restrictions across Ukraine as part of the transition to an adaptive quarantine model , which somewhat revived the national economy .
Since Monday , following ground transport , subway resumed its work , while city fairs and markets were also reopened .
In addition , Ukrainians were allowed to work out at open-door sports grounds , while children can now play at outdoor playgrounds .
From Saturday , May 30 , shopping malls reopen in Kyiv ( except for entertainment zones ) , as well as hotels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotels can work exclusively in takeaway mode .
From Monday , June 1 , railway transport will be launched , including on long-distance and international routes .
Officials emphasize that , despite partial quarantine concessions , Ukrainians need to remember the need to maintain social distancing , regular use of sanitizer , and the importance of wearing face masks in order to avoid a resurgence in the COVID-19 incidence .
The Ministry of Health also notes that people over sixty should remain on self-isolation .
The quarantine delivered a significant blow to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Statistics Service , capital investment in the first quarter of 2020 decreased by 35.5 % on year , to UAH 76.9 billion .
The largest drop in investment was recorded in art , sports , entertainment , and recreation , air transport , as well as catering .
The greatest growth was observed in electric communications , information , and telecom .
The share of unprofitable enterprises in January-March increased from 27.2 % to 40.8 % .
Large and medium-sized enterprises in the first three months of the year reported losses of about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAH 111 billion seen in the same period last year .
The second quarter 's performance , obviously , wo n't please Ukrainians with positive dynamics , given the long idle period of a lion 's share of entrepreneurs .
Therefore , the government faces an extremely important task – to support national economy and breathe new life into it .
The Cabinet of Ministers at a meeting on May 27 approved a program to stimulate the domestic economy to overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic .
As noted by the Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ihor Petrashko , the program is an extensive document , which includes more than 230 specific measures .
`` First of all , the task of the program and the directions that have been developed include ensuring the safe functioning of the economy , since the challenges posed by the coronavirus concern not only the development of the economy , but also its safe functioning , '' the minister said , adding that the document was adopted in accordance with a comprehensive reform program , complementing it .
All initiatives presented in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medium-term , and strategic ( preventive ) ones .
Short-term measures include the development of industry standards for businesses and temporary exemption from taxation ; medium-term ones include providing assistance in the production of dual-use goods and a state order for the production of medical supplies ; and strategic ones are emergency cooperation with partner states and revision of trade and economic relations with the European Union .
The program involves introduction of protectionism , that is , the protection of domestic goods from foreign competition .
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawlessness '' in the implementation of the economic recovery program .
`` Speaking of healthy economic nationalism… We 're only talking about sound things .
We 're aware that in protecting Ukrainian producers , we will only employ the range of tools given to us by the rules of the World Trade Organization , as well as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade .
Therefore , we are n't going to engage in economic 'lawlessness ' .
We will act according to the rules established by the WTO , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloc of `` sectoral measures '' , which clearly prescribes support for industry , agriculture , energy , transport , infrastructure , information and communication technologies , as well as the service sector .
Energy support involves increasing market transparency and reducing energy dependence by increasing energy production .
To support the transport sector , The program envisages continued reform of the Administration of Seaports and Ukrzaliznytsia railway operator , the launch of inland water transport , and the expansion of private-state partnerships .
The government emphasized that the program stands `` on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , access to markets , as well as ensuring modernization and sustainable development .
As Shmyhal noted , the government has set itself the goal of improving Ukraine 's position in the Doing Business ranking and entering the TOP-30 among 190 countries .
The implementation of the program approved will allow national economy to return to growth in the second half of 2020 , he believes .
At the same time , the government predicts that as a result of the coronacrisis , Ukraine 's gross domestic product may decline for 2020 by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Verkhovna Rada introduced `` anti-crisis '' amendments to the state budget 2020 , increasing its deficit almost threefold , to UAH 298.4 billion , or 7.5 % of GDP .
By the way , according to the Ministry of Finance , in April Ukraine 's public debt grew by 1.3 % in dollar terms , up to $ 81.4 billion .
Another important event of the last week of May , which drew public attention , was the collapse in prices on the energy market , which , according to Andriy Gerus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and utilities , was a result of large-scale manipulation .
`` The electricity market has recently been seeing large-scale manipulation .
More than 20,000 MWh , or about 30 % of the market , disappeared from applications for purchase on the day-ahead market , which led to a price plunge .
On Monday-Wednesday , the price dropped 35 % on week , '' Gerus wrote on Facebook on Wednesday .
As was later noted by an energy regulator ( NEURC ) , it 's DTEK Group of Companies owned by Rinat Akhmetov which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fall in prices is clearly artificial , since it does n't reflect the actual demand and supply of electricity in the Ukrainian energy grid .
NEURC has analyzed the situation and came to the conclusion that such a price plunge in the market was caused by the actions of the DTEK Group of Companies which significantly reduced the purchase of electricity on the day-ahead market , '' the regulator said in a statement .
To address the issue , NEURC decided to set the minimum electricity prices for the day and night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting , a draft decision was submitted on determining the minimum prices on the day-ahead market at UAH 980 per MW in the daytime and UAH 567 per MW at night .
In addition , in the past week , for the first time in Ukraine 's history , nuclear power plants produced less electricity than expensive and non-environmentally friendly coal stations , as a result of record-high capacity limitations imposed on NPPs , which are now operating at historic lows , generating about 6,630 MW .
`` This means that less nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is making it to the market , while more thermal energy is coming in .
Firstly , thermal is more expensive , and secondly , coal is burned in the process of thermal generation , which imposes a burden on the environment as this is a rather hazardous process , '' said Dmytro Kisylevsky , deputy head of the parliamentary committee on economic development .
The capacity of nuclear power plants , he says , is limited in connection with the current policy of the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of consumers , since this will lead to an increase in the cost of electricity , and therefore – that of goods .
`` For a reason incomprehensible to me , generation of cheap electricity has been limited , while expensive generation has been raised .
So much for the energy ministry 's policies , and they are n't in the interests of consumers because the more expensive the electricity , the more consumers will pay for it .
The consumer will pay more in the store , because the products , goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price because electricity is part of the cost of any goods , '' the MP noted .
Obviously , such turbulence in the energy market will affect electricity bills and further aggravate the current situation in which the national economy has found itself .
By the way , in Ukraine , the price of household electricity has n't changed since 2017 , amounting to UAH 0.9 per 1 kWh if users consume below 100 kWh a month .
If consumption is above that limit , the price is UAH 1.68 per kWh .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week was the government decision to once again split the core Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection into two separate ministries .
Just in September 2019 , the Cabinet moved to merge the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Ecology into one .
The first week of June promises to be no less eventful .
Ukraine will continue the gradual lifting of quarantine restrictions , which means that more and more entrepreneurs will be able to return to work .
The government will continue to make moves toward stabilization , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of important bills .

Ukrainian authorities continue to relax quarantine restrictions, which gives entrepreneurs hope for survival; the government approved a program to stimulate the economy to overcome the effects of the crisis; while the energy market is shaking from large-scale manipulation in the electricity sector – these are the main economic developments of the outgoing week.
The last week of May was marked by the partial removal of anti-epidemic restrictions across Ukraine as part of the transition to an adaptive quarantine model, which somewhat revived the national economy. Since Monday, following ground transport, subway resumed its work, while city fairs and markets were also reopened. In addition, Ukrainians were allowed to work out at open-door sports grounds, while children can now play at outdoor playgrounds.
From Saturday, May 30, shopping malls reopen in Kyiv (except for entertainment zones), as well as hotels (not hostels). Restaurants in hotels can work exclusively in takeaway mode. From Monday, June 1, railway transport will be launched, including on long-distance and international routes.
Officials emphasize that, despite partial quarantine concessions, Ukrainians need to remember the need to maintain social distancing, regular use of sanitizer, and the importance of wearing face masks in order to avoid a resurgence in the COVID-19 incidence. The Ministry of Health also notes that people over sixty should remain on self-isolation.
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The quarantine delivered a significant blow to the national economy. According to the State Statistics Service, capital investment in the first quarter of 2020 decreased by 35.5% on year, to UAH 76.9 billion. The largest drop in investment was recorded in art, sports, entertainment, and recreation, air transport, as well as catering. The greatest growth was observed in electric communications, information, and telecom.
The share of unprofitable enterprises in January-March increased from 27.2% to 40.8%. Large and medium-sized enterprises in the first three months of the year reported losses of about UAH 5 billion against profit of over UAH 111 billion seen in the same period last year.
The second quarter's performance, obviously, won't please Ukrainians with positive dynamics, given the long idle period of a lion's share of entrepreneurs. Therefore, the government faces an extremely important task – to support national economy and breathe new life into it.
Economic recovery
The Cabinet of Ministers at a meeting on May 27 approved a program to stimulate the domestic economy to overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. As noted by the Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko, the program is an extensive document, which includes more than 230 specific measures.
"First of all, the task of the program and the directions that have been developed include ensuring the safe functioning of the economy, since the challenges posed by the coronavirus concern not only the development of the economy, but also its safe functioning," the minister said, adding that the document was adopted in accordance with a comprehensive reform program, complementing it.
All initiatives presented in the program can be divided into short-term, medium-term, and strategic (preventive) ones. Short-term measures include the development of industry standards for businesses and temporary exemption from taxation; medium-term ones include providing assistance in the production of dual-use goods and a state order for the production of medical supplies; and strategic ones are emergency cooperation with partner states and revision of trade and economic relations with the European Union.
The program involves introduction of protectionism, that is, the protection of domestic goods from foreign competition. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine will not engage in economic "lawlessness" in the implementation of the economic recovery program.
"Speaking of healthy economic nationalism… We're only talking about sound things. We're aware that in protecting Ukrainian producers, we will only employ the range of tools given to us by the rules of the World Trade Organization, as well as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Therefore, we aren't going to engage in economic 'lawlessness'. We will act according to the rules established by the WTO," he said.
Also, the program contains a bloc of "sectoral measures", which clearly prescribes support for industry, agriculture, energy, transport, infrastructure, information and communication technologies, as well as the service sector. Energy support involves increasing market transparency and reducing energy dependence by increasing energy production. To support the transport sector, The program envisages continued reform of the Administration of Seaports and Ukrzaliznytsia railway operator, the launch of inland water transport, and the expansion of private-state partnerships.
The government emphasized that the program stands "on three pillars" – access to finance, access to markets, as well as ensuring modernization and sustainable development.
As Shmyhal noted, the government has set itself the goal of improving Ukraine's position in the Doing Business ranking and entering the TOP-30 among 190 countries. The implementation of the program approved will allow national economy to return to growth in the second half of 2020, he believes. At the same time, the government predicts that as a result of the coronacrisis, Ukraine's gross domestic product may decline for 2020 by 4-8% year-on-year.
Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada introduced "anti-crisis" amendments to the state budget 2020, increasing its deficit almost threefold, to UAH 298.4 billion, or 7.5% of GDP.
By the way, according to the Ministry of Finance, in April Ukraine's public debt grew by 1.3% in dollar terms, up to $81.4 billion.
Energy turbulence
Another important event of the last week of May, which drew public attention, was the collapse in prices on the energy market, which, according to Andriy Gerus, head of the parliamentary committee on energy and utilities, was a result of large-scale manipulation.
"The electricity market has recently been seeing large-scale manipulation. More than 20,000 MWh, or about 30% of the market, disappeared from applications for purchase on the day-ahead market, which led to a price plunge. On Monday-Wednesday, the price dropped 35% on week," Gerus wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
As was later noted by an energy regulator (NEURC), it's DTEK Group of Companies owned by Rinat Akhmetov which stands behind the manipulation. "Such a fall in prices is clearly artificial, since it doesn't reflect the actual demand and supply of electricity in the Ukrainian energy grid. NEURC has analyzed the situation and came to the conclusion that such a price plunge in the market was caused by the actions of the DTEK Group of Companies which significantly reduced the purchase of electricity on the day-ahead market," the regulator said in a statement.
To address the issue, NEURC decided to set the minimum electricity prices for the day and night periods. So, at the next meeting, a draft decision was submitted on determining the minimum prices on the day-ahead market at UAH 980 per MW in the daytime and UAH 567 per MW at night. In addition, in the past week, for the first time in Ukraine's history, nuclear power plants produced less electricity than expensive and non-environmentally friendly coal stations, as a result of record-high capacity limitations imposed on NPPs, which are now operating at historic lows, generating about 6,630 MW.
"This means that less nuclear energy, which is the cheapest, is making it to the market, while more thermal energy is coming in. Firstly, thermal is more expensive, and secondly, coal is burned in the process of thermal generation, which imposes a burden on the environment as this is a rather hazardous process," said Dmytro Kisylevsky, deputy head of the parliamentary committee on economic development.
The capacity of nuclear power plants, he says, is limited in connection with the current policy of the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection, which isn't aimed at protecting the interests of consumers, since this will lead to an increase in the cost of electricity, and therefore – that of goods.
"For a reason incomprehensible to me, generation of cheap electricity has been limited, while expensive generation has been raised. So much for the energy ministry's policies, and they aren't in the interests of consumers because the more expensive the electricity, the more consumers will pay for it. The consumer will pay more in the store, because the products, goods that we buy will go up in price because electricity is part of the cost of any goods," the MP noted.
Obviously, such turbulence in the energy market will affect electricity bills and further aggravate the current situation in which the national economy has found itself. By the way, in Ukraine, the price of household electricity hasn't changed since 2017, amounting to UAH 0.9 per 1 kWh if users consume below 100 kWh a month. If consumption is above that limit, the price is UAH 1.68 per kWh.
Another important event in the energy sector this week was the government decision to once again split the core Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection into two separate ministries. Just in September 2019, the Cabinet moved to merge the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Ecology into one.
The first week of June promises to be no less eventful. Ukraine will continue the gradual lifting of quarantine restrictions, which means that more and more entrepreneurs will be able to return to work. The government will continue to make moves toward stabilization, while the Verkhovna Rada will consider a number of important bills.
Nadiia Burbela


unian--2020-05-30--Ukraine, Hungary seek to overcome impasse over language law impeding NATO initiatives – media

The May 29 trip to Budapest is Kuleba 's first non-virtual visit as foreign minister since the introduction of restrictive measures to slow down the coronavirus pandemic .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto have discussed Kyiv-Budapest bilateral ties at a time Hungary is blocking NATO initiatives because of a restrictive language law in Ukraine .
The May 29 trip to Budapest is Kuleba 's first non-virtual visit as foreign minister since the introduction of restrictive measures to slow down the coronavirus pandemic .
He assumed the post of foreign minister in early March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment and trade cooperation , joint efforts to implement infrastructure projects in Ukraine 's western region of Zakarpattia where there is a sizeable Hungarian minority , and ways to further coordinate against the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic .
At a press conference after the talks , Kuleba said that `` the time has come to open a new chapter in bilateral relations , find mutually beneficial solutions , double our efforts for the benefit of our people , countries , and the continent in general . ''
Szijjarto said that his country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ties with Ukraine , expressing hope that the issue of Ukraine 's laws on education and languages will be resolved , paving the way for better understanding .
Hungary has been blocking NATO initiatives aimed at building closer ties with Ukraine since September 2017 in response to a new language law that overturned legislation allowing minorities in Ukraine to introduce their languages in regions where they represent more than 10 percent of the population .
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ( PACE ) criticized the new law , saying it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate balance between the official language and the languages of national minorities . ''
`` We do not want to keep blocking [ NATO initiatives ] , our goal is to reach agreements .
We want to close all discussions related to [ Ukraine 's ] law on education and language , and we want to reach a solution that will be acceptable for Hungarians [ in Ukraine 's western Zakarpattia region ] , '' Szijjarto said .
Kuleba also passed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's invitation to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban @ @ @ @

The May 29 trip to Budapest is Kuleba's first non-virtual visit as foreign minister since the introduction of restrictive measures to slow down the coronavirus pandemic.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto have discussed Kyiv-Budapest bilateral ties at a time Hungary is blocking NATO initiatives because of a restrictive language law in Ukraine.
The May 29 trip to Budapest is Kuleba's first non-virtual visit as foreign minister since the introduction of restrictive measures to slow down the coronavirus pandemic. He assumed the post of foreign minister in early March, RFE/RL wrote.
The two ministers discussed investment and trade cooperation, joint efforts to implement infrastructure projects in Ukraine's western region of Zakarpattia where there is a sizeable Hungarian minority, and ways to further coordinate against the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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At a press conference after the talks, Kuleba said that "the time has come to open a new chapter in bilateral relations, find mutually beneficial solutions, double our efforts for the benefit of our people, countries, and the continent in general."
Read alsoUkraine to lift foreigners' entry ban imposed over COVID-19 – FM Kuleba
Szijjarto said that his country is also looking forward to developing closer ties with Ukraine, expressing hope that the issue of Ukraine's laws on education and languages will be resolved, paving the way for better understanding.
Hungary has been blocking NATO initiatives aimed at building closer ties with Ukraine since September 2017 in response to a new language law that overturned legislation allowing minorities in Ukraine to introduce their languages in regions where they represent more than 10 percent of the population.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) criticized the new law, saying it "does not appear to strike an appropriate balance between the official language and the languages of national minorities."
"We do not want to keep blocking [NATO initiatives], our goal is to reach agreements. We want to close all discussions related to [Ukraine's] law on education and language, and we want to reach a solution that will be acceptable for Hungarians [in Ukraine's western Zakarpattia region]," Szijjarto said.
Kuleba also passed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's invitation to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to visit Ukraine.


unian--2020-05-31--Number of detainees in Brovary shootout incident grows to 30: Interior Ministry

Eleven have been remanded in custody for two months .
The number of detainees in a Brovary shootout incident on May 29 has grown to 30 , the Interior Ministry of Ukraine said ; 23 of them have suspect status .
`` As of today , May 31 , police officers have detained 30 people involved in the crime .
Twenty-three of them have been served with the notice of charges , '' the ministry said on its website on May 31 .
Court rulings have been delivered on 11 of them – they will be remanded in custody for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up bail .
The Interior Ministry recalled that the shootout was the result of a feud on the market of passenger transportation services between Kyiv and the suburban town of Brovary .
As UNIAN reported , a shootout incident between representatives of minibus transportation firms was reported in Brovary , Kyiv region , on the morning of May 29 .
Three persons were injured , two of them with gunshot wounds are in hospital now .
Over 100 people took part in the clashes , the ministry said .
One bus with armed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the other group came from Kyiv in three buses .
Law enforcement agencies began a pretrial investigation into the case under Part 4 of Article 296 ( hooliganism ) , Part 1 of Article 263 ( illegal handling of weapons , ammunition and explosives ) , Part 2 of Article 194 ( intentional destruction or damage to property ) , as well as Article 15 , Part 2 of Article 115 ( attempted homicide with two or more victims ) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine .

Eleven suspects have been remanded in custody for two months.
The number of detainees in a May 29 shootout incident in the town of Brovary has grown to 30, the Interior Ministry of Ukraine said; 23 of them have suspect status.
"As of today, May 31, police officers have detained 30 people involved in the crime. Twenty-three of them have been served with the notice of charges," the ministry said on its website on May 31.
Read alsoInterior Minister Avakov on Brovary shootout incident: 28 people detained (Video)
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Court rulings have been delivered on 11 of them – they will be remanded in custody for 60 days without the right to put up bail.
The Interior Ministry recalled that the shootout was the result of a feud on the market of passenger transportation services between Kyiv and the suburban town of Brovary.
As UNIAN reported, a shootout incident between representatives of minibus transportation firms was reported in Brovary, Kyiv region, on the morning of May 29. Three persons were injured, two of them with gunshot wounds are in hospital now.
Over 100 people took part in the clashes, the ministry said. One bus with armed men arrived from the city of Vinnytsia, and the other group came from Kyiv in three buses.
Law enforcement agencies began a pretrial investigation into the case under Part 4 of Article 296 (hooliganism), Part 1 of Article 263 (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition and explosives), Part 2 of Article 194 (intentional destruction or damage to property), as well as Article 15, Part 2 of Article 115 (attempted homicide with two or more victims) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.