unian--2020-12-23--Ukraine to use Turkish technology to build Navy corvettes

Ukraine thus aims to boost security in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov .
Ukraine will build corvettes for its Navy using Turkish technology , Turkish media report .
Okean shipyard in Mykolaiv has been tasked to produce new warships , Daily Sabah wrote , referring to the company press service .
In the framework of defense cooperation agreements signed between the two countries in October and on December , a memorandum was signed with Turkey 's Defense Industries Presidency ( SSB ) to produce corvettes for the Ukrainian Navy .
Along with procuring a number of unmanned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ukraine decided to strengthen its Navy capabilities with Turkey 's MILGEM ( National Ship ) Ada-class corvettes .
Read alsoDefense ministry signs direct contracts with foreign arms suppliersUkraine thus aims to boost security in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov .
The Ada-class corvette is capable of determination , location , classification , identification , and destruction of air , surface and underwater targets as well as naval gunfire support .
In addition to avoiding any potential threats , MILGEM anti-submarine combat frigates , which boast advance radar-evading technologies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and patrol , coastal and infrastructure protection , and security missions in the exclusive economic zones ( EEZs ) .
Ukraine ’ s Okean ( Ocean ) Shipyard which is located in Mykolaiv province is the third major ship construction yard in the area .
It operates modern production facilities ( medium and heavy tonnage lines ) supplied by world-acclaimed companies .
• Zelensky vows not to reduce Ukrainian army budget in 2021

Ukraine to use Turkish technology to build Navy corvettes
11:55, 23.12.20 431
Ukraine thus aims to boost security in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
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unian--2020-12-23--MFA comments on Putin's vow to build up support for occupied Donbas

Russia has made every effort to effectively block the peace process , diplomats recall .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said that the promise of more help to the occupied Donbas , voiced by Russian President Vladimir Putin at his latest press conference , constitutes a gross violation of Ukrainian legislation , its sovereignty , and territorial integrity .
That 's according to a comment the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued to the inquiry by the Gordon news outlet .
`` The Russian Federation can actually help Donbas if it ceases its gross violations of international law – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops and mercenaries from the temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
We consider the provision of so-called aid and the supply of 'humanitarian ' or any other cargo to the territories temporarily occupied by Russia in Donetsk and Luhansk regions without Ukraine 's official consent as a gross violation of Ukrainian legislation , sovereignty and territorial integrity , '' diplomats said .
Read alsoRussia blocking talks on Donbas settlement action plan – ReznikovThey also noted Ukraine 's loyalty to the implementation of the Minsk and Normandy agreements .
`` Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process of consultations in the Trilateral Contact Group on the Donbas conflict settlement and the implementation of the agreements reached within the framework of the Normandy format were effectively blocked .
To bring the negotiation process from this state , Russia must finally take a decision to pull its armed formations from Donbas , '' the foreign ministry stressed .
What Putin said on Donbas At a press conference on December 17 , Putin said Russia would `` build up support '' for the occupied areas of Donbas .
`` We , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue doing this .
We will even be building up our support for Donbas .
This applies both to the support for production , the solution of social issues , and infrastructure issues , etc.
, '' Putin said .

Russia has made every effort to effectively block the peace process, diplomats recall.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said that the promise of more help to the occupied Donbas, voiced by Russian President Vladimir Putin at his latest press conference, constitutes a gross violation of Ukrainian legislation, its sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
That's according to a comment the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued to the inquiry by the Gordon news outlet.
"The Russian Federation can actually help Donbas if it ceases its gross violations of international law – ceases aggression against Ukraine, withdraws its troops and mercenaries from the temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. We consider the provision of so-called aid and the supply of 'humanitarian' or any other cargo to the territories temporarily occupied by Russia in Donetsk and Luhansk regions without Ukraine's official consent as a gross violation of Ukrainian legislation, sovereignty and territorial integrity," diplomats said.
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Read alsoRussia blocking talks on Donbas settlement action plan – ReznikovThey also noted Ukraine's loyalty to the implementation of the Minsk and Normandy agreements.
"Russia has made every effort to effectively block the process of consultations in the Trilateral Contact Group on the Donbas conflict settlement and the implementation of the agreements reached within the framework of the Normandy format were effectively blocked. To bring the negotiation process from this state, Russia must finally take a decision to pull its armed formations from Donbas," the foreign ministry stressed.
What Putin said on Donbas
At a press conference on December 17, Putin said Russia would "build up support" for the occupied areas of Donbas. "We, Russia, have supported Donbas, and will continue doing this. We will even be building up our support for Donbas. This applies both to the support for production, the solution of social issues, and infrastructure issues, etc.," Putin said.


unian--2020-12-23--Hryvnia keeps dipping: fresh rates for Dec 23

The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 34.57 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has set the official forex rate for December 23 at UAH 28.25 to the U.S. dollar , which made the country 's national currency weaken by 21 kopiykas .
The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 34.57 per euro – the hryvnia lost 39 kopiykas in value since Tuesday , according to the NBU website .
Read alsoInt ' l reserves exceed US $ 28 bln – NBUThe central bank has fixed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against key foreign currencies for December 23 : • US $ 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,825.13 ( UAH 2,803.91 as of December 22 ) ; • EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH 3,456.69 ( UAH 3,418.11 as of December 22 ) .
By 16:00 Kyiv time on December 22 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank forex market settled at UAH 28.40/28.42 to the dollar , while those against the euro were at UAH 34.73/34.76 .
The National Bank set the official forex rate for December 22 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thus weakening the country 's national currency by 21 kopiykas .

Hryvnia keeps dipping: fresh rates for Dec 23
11:05, 23.12.20 21360
The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 34.57 per euro.
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unian--2020-12-23--Ukroboronprom transfers repaired MiG-29 jet fighter to Air Forces

The aircraft was damaged during a landing incident in June 2020 .
State-run Ukroboronprom has transferred a repaired MiG-29 jet @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine .
The aircraft was handled by Lviv 's State Aircraft Repair Plant , @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoDefense Ministry , Antovov to sign contract on three An-178 by year-end It @ @ @ @ @ this year amid a landing incident .
During the repair work , specialists replaced damaged @ @ @ @ @ repaired the airframe , painted and varnished its coating .
After the operability of all @ @ @ @ @ flights were carried out , the repaired jet fighter returned to the site of its @ @ @ @ @ is the main combat aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force , capable of performing air @ @ @ @ @ targets .

Ukroboronprom transfers repaired MiG-29 jet fighter to Air Forces (Photos)
10:40, 23.12.20 4678
The aircraft was damaged during a landing incident in June 2020.
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unian--2020-12-23--Donbas war update: Russian proxies employ banned artillery, mortars Dec 22

No casualties were reported in the past day .
The Command of Ukraine 's Armed Forces has reported nine violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Tuesday , December 22 .
`` In the past day , December 22 , nine ceasefire violations were recorded in the area the Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) , '' the press center of the Ukrainian JFO Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on December 23 , 2020 .
In particular , enemy troops fired proscribed 122mm artillery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The invaders also used grenade launchers of various systems in the same direction , as well as remotely planted eight POM-2 anti-personnel mines .
Read alsoMissing Ukrainian soldier reportedly in captivity in DonbasWhat is more , the Russian Federation 's armed formations fired 120mm and 82mm mortars near the villages of Luhanske and Pivdenne , as well as heavy machine guns and automatic rifles near the latter settlement .
The shots posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian soldiers so the Joint Forces did not return fire , the JFO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past day .
Since midnight , enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops .
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 .
• On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reported more such violations over the latest period .

No casualties were reported in the past day.
The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported nine violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Tuesday, December 22.
"In the past day, December 22, nine ceasefire violations were recorded in the area the Joint Forces Operation (JFO)," the press center of the Ukrainian JFO Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on December 23, 2020.
In particular, enemy troops fired proscribed 122mm artillery systems near the village of Vodiane. The invaders also used grenade launchers of various systems in the same direction, as well as remotely planted eight POM-2 anti-personnel mines.
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Read alsoMissing Ukrainian soldier reportedly in captivity in DonbasWhat is more, the Russian Federation's armed formations fired 120mm and 82mm mortars near the villages of Luhanske and Pivdenne, as well as heavy machine guns and automatic rifles near the latter settlement.
The shots posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian soldiers so the Joint Forces did not return fire, the JFO HQ said.
No casualties were reported in the past day.
Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military.
Donbas ceasefire: Background


unian--2020-12-23--Number of new daily COVID-19 cases sharply up Dec 23

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 989,642 .
Ukraine reported a drastic increase in the number of new active COVID-19 cases that had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 23 , 2020 , against the latest weekend .
That 's , 10,136 against 6,545 , registered as of December 21 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 989,642 as of December 23 , 2020 , As many as 615,660 patients , including 15,372 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The death toll has hit 17,172 with 275 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours .
Read alsoFrance could help Ukraine get coronavirus vaccine – ZelenskyThe government reported 356,810 active cases as of December 23 .
In total , there have been 1,086,954 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
In total , 61,445 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
In particular , there were 41,219 PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) tests run , as well as 20,226 ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv ( 1,381 ) , Zaporizhia region ( 887 ) , Kyiv region ( 809 ) , Odesa region ( 792 ) , and Kharkiv region ( 591 ) .
The overall incidence per region is as follows : • 103,663 cases in the city of Kyiv ; Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 989,642.
Ukraine reported a drastic increase in the number of new active COVID-19 cases that had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 23, 2020, against the latest weekend.
That's, 10,136 against 6,545, registered as of December 21, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 989,642 as of December 23, 2020,
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As many as 615,660 patients, including 15,372 in the past day, have recovered.
The death toll has hit 17,172 with 275 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours.
Read alsoFrance could help Ukraine get coronavirus vaccine – ZelenskyThe government reported 356,810 active cases as of December 23. In total, there have been 1,086,954 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
"In the past day, 10,136 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 537 children and 422 healthcare workers. Some 2,979 new patients were hospitalized," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
In total, 61,445 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 41,219 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests run, as well as 20,226 ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv (1,381), Zaporizhia region (887), Kyiv region (809), Odesa region (792), and Kharkiv region (591).
The overall incidence per region is as follows:
103,663 cases in the city of Kyiv;
66,295 in Odesa region;
66,243 in Kharkiv region;
57,906 in Lviv region;
54,831 in Kyiv region;
54,625 in Dnipropetrovsk region;
49,341 in Zaporizhia region;
42,300 in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
39,251 in Rivne region;
38,721 in Chernivtsi region;
38,501 in Sumy region;
37,142 in Khmelnytsky region;
36,975 in Zhytomyr region;
35,938 in Cherkasy region;
33,102 in Donetsk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
32,945 in Poltava region;
32,738 in Ternopil region;
31,490 in Volyn region;
27,970 in Mykolaiv region;
27,723 in Chernihiv region;
27,391 in Zakarpattia region;
21,259 in Vinnytsia region;
16,162 in Kherson region;
9,181 in Luhansk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts); and
7,949 in Kirovohrad region.
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.


unian--2020-12-23--Kyiv court orders SBI to open case against Zelensky over death of soldier in Donbas

The claim was filed by the victim 's father .
Kyiv 's Pechersky District Court has ordered the State Bureau of Investigation ( SBI ) to open proceedings against President Volodymyr Zelensky over the death of serviceman Yaroslav Zhuravel in Donbas .
Thus , the court satisfied the claim filed by the victim 's father , Serhiy Zhuravel .
This was disclosed by latter in a comment to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty ( RFE/RL ) Ukrainian-language service .
In particular , he accuses the president of inaction , which led to the death of his son .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Office of the Prosecutor General and the State Bureau of Investigation , demanding the case be opened .
After unsuccessful attempts , he turned to two Kyiv-based courts – the city 's Pechersky and Shevchenkivsky district courts .
`` The Pechersky District Court has already taken a decision , the Shevchenkivsky one has not yet .
The court 's ruling is binding .
Its text is available now , and my authorized person has sent it to the State Bureau of Investigation .
There should be a reaction in 10-12 days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 , an evacuation group came under fire during an operation to evacuate a killed Ukrainian reconnaissance officer in the gray zone near the village of Zaitseve in Donbas .
• The Ukrainian side said that under agreements , there should have been a ceasefire , as the servicemen had white helmets , which was confirmed by footage captured by a drone .
• Sergeant Yaroslav Zhuravel , who had wounds , remained on the battlefield after an attack on the group .
He died after the loss of blood .
Russia-led forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the incident , on July 21 .

The claim was filed by the victim's father.
Kyiv's Pechersky District Court has ordered the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to open proceedings against President Volodymyr Zelensky over the death of serviceman Yaroslav Zhuravel in Donbas. Thus, the court satisfied the claim filed by the victim's father, Serhiy Zhuravel.
This was disclosed by latter in a comment to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Ukrainian-language service.
Read alsoMissing Ukrainian soldier reportedly in captivity in Donbas
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In particular, he accuses the president of inaction, which led to the death of his son. He said that he had previously applied to the Office of the Prosecutor General and the State Bureau of Investigation, demanding the case be opened. After unsuccessful attempts, he turned to two Kyiv-based courts – the city's Pechersky and Shevchenkivsky district courts.
"The Pechersky District Court has already taken a decision, the Shevchenkivsky one has not yet. The court's ruling is binding. Its text is available now, and my authorized person has sent it to the State Bureau of Investigation. There should be a reaction in 10-12 days," he said.
Yaroslav Zhuravel's death


unian--2020-12-23--Gov't not to impose cap on grain exports – Ukraine's Grain Association

Export volumes are in line with the agreements reached under the Memorandum .
The Ukrainian Grain Association ( UGA ) says the government has no plans to impose restrictions on the exports of grains and oilseeds .
The Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture and relevant associations discussed the issue at a meeting earlier this week , the UGA 's press service said on its website .
Government officials assured that the export volumes are in line with the Memorandum signed between the ministry and the leading industry associations .
Therefore , the government will initiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to meet its commitments on grain exports and food security around the world .
As of December 18 , 2020 , according to the ministry , Ukraine exported 23.8 million tonnes of grain , including 12.2 million tonnes of wheat , 3.7 million tonnes of barley , and 7.5 million tonnes of corn , '' the press service said .
Read alsoHarvest 2020 : Challenge for farmers , rising food pricesIn turn , the Ukrainian Grain Association stressed that businesses would continue to adhere to the agreements reached under the Memorandum .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economy , Trade and Agriculture and traders agreed that wheat exports should not exceed 17.5 million tonnes in the new marketing year ( MY , July 2020 - June 2021 ) , while those of rye 16,000 tonnes .
• Ukraine in MY 2019-2020 updated its record for the exports of grain , legumes , and flour , having supplied 57.2 million tonnes of the produce onto foreign markets .
• Ukrainian agrarians exported 22.89 million tonnes of grain in MY 2020-2021 as of December 11 , 2020 , which was 3.8 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from December 11 , 2019 .

Export volumes are in line with the agreements reached under the Memorandum.
The Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA) says the government has no plans to impose restrictions on the exports of grains and oilseeds.
The Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade, and Agriculture and relevant associations discussed the issue at a meeting earlier this week, the UGA's press service said on its website.
Government officials assured that the export volumes are in line with the Memorandum signed between the ministry and the leading industry associations. Therefore, the government will initiate no export caps.
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"Ukraine will continue to meet its commitments on grain exports and food security around the world. As of December 18, 2020, according to the ministry, Ukraine exported 23.8 million tonnes of grain, including 12.2 million tonnes of wheat, 3.7 million tonnes of barley, and 7.5 million tonnes of corn," the press service said.
Read alsoHarvest 2020: Challenge for farmers, rising food pricesIn turn, the Ukrainian Grain Association stressed that businesses would continue to adhere to the agreements reached under the Memorandum.
Background


unian--2020-12-22--France could help Ukraine get coronavirus vaccine – Zelensky

The President of Ukraine had a telephone conversation with his French counterpart .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephone conversation with his French counterpart , Emmanuel Macron , during which he raised the issue of France 's assistance in obtaining a licensed , high-quality vaccine against COVID-19 .
The Office of the President of Ukraine said this on its website .
Read alsoCOVID-19 : Expert says new mutant strain already in Ukraine The two leaders agreed to further coordinate efforts for the solidarity-based distribution of the certified vaccine .
Zelensky also wished the French president a speedy recovery from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which Macron celebrated the day before .
Macron confirmed his intention to make an official visit to Ukraine as soon as the epidemic situation allows .
• On December 22 , Ukraine 's Health Ministry approved a plan for vaccination of the population against COVID-19 .
The goal of this plan is to cover at least 50 % of the population of Ukraine ( 20 million people ) with COVID-19 vaccination during 2021-2022 .
• The Health Ministry 's Public Health Center predicts that Ukraine will most likely receive vaccines produced by @ @ @ @ @

The President of Ukraine had a telephone conversation with his French counterpart.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephone conversation with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, during which he raised the issue of France's assistance in obtaining a licensed, high-quality vaccine against COVID-19.
The Office of the President of Ukraine said this on its website.
Read alsoCOVID-19: Expert says new mutant strain already in Ukraine
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The two leaders agreed to further coordinate efforts for the solidarity-based distribution of the certified vaccine.
"I thank you for agreeing to help accelerate the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is a gesture of true friendship," Zelensky told Macron.
Zelensky also wished the French president a speedy recovery from coronavirus and congratulated him on his birthday, which Macron celebrated the day before.
Macron confirmed his intention to make an official visit to Ukraine as soon as the epidemic situation allows.
Pending vaccination campaign in Ukraine


unian--2020-12-22--Servant of the People elaborates on plans to return to "grand reforms" in Jan

In particular , these will be bills on reforming the SBU Security Service of Ukraine and the Bureau of Economic Security .
The ruling Servant of the People parliamentary faction has elaborated on bills the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , plans to consider in January 2021 .
Chairman of the faction David Arakhamia and leader of the Servant of the People Party , First Deputy Chairman of the faction Oleksandr Korniyenko announced this at a briefing , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
`` We have postponed the grand reforms for a certain period , but we want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and adopt them through an accelerated procedure , '' Arakhamia said .
He clarified that the matter concerns the bills on the so-called capital amnesty , the creation of the Bureau of Economic Security , the reform of the SBU Security Service , and others .
In turn , Korniyenko noted that the judicial reform in Ukraine is always relevant , and `` we will also somehow approach it . ''
`` And just yesterday , an ad hoc group led by [ MP Denys ] Monastyrsky registered a bill on the reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also , I think , be adopted in the coming weeks , '' he said .
In addition , Korniyenko noted that the implementation of the Grand Restoration project would start in 2021 , within the framework of which it is planned to restore 100 monuments of cultural heritage .
`` This is a kind of Grand Construction 2.0 , '' he explained .
Among other things , the MP noted that they would try to bring the bill on the resumption of competitions for the civil service back onto the agenda and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the main achievements and failures of the Servant of the People faction in the past year , Arakhamia named among the achievements is the adoption of laws on the land market , inland waterways , and financial markets .
The next plenary week will be from January 26 to January 29 , 2021 .
• Chance for revival of Ukraine 's river transport : New legislation brings new incentives

In particular, these will be bills on reforming the SBU Security Service of Ukraine and the Bureau of Economic Security.
The ruling Servant of the People parliamentary faction has elaborated on bills the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, plans to consider in January 2021.
Chairman of the faction David Arakhamia and leader of the Servant of the People Party, First Deputy Chairman of the faction Oleksandr Korniyenko announced this at a briefing, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoRuling party member: Extending Donbas status sends peace deal signal
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"We have postponed the grand reforms for a certain period, but we want to get back to them in January and adopt them through an accelerated procedure," Arakhamia said.
He clarified that the matter concerns the bills on the so-called capital amnesty, the creation of the Bureau of Economic Security, the reform of the SBU Security Service, and others.
In turn, Korniyenko noted that the judicial reform in Ukraine is always relevant, and "we will also somehow approach it."
"And just yesterday, an ad hoc group led by [MP Denys] Monastyrsky registered a bill on the reform of the Constitutional Court ... This will also, I think, be adopted in the coming weeks," he said.
In addition, Korniyenko noted that the implementation of the Grand Restoration project would start in 2021, within the framework of which it is planned to restore 100 monuments of cultural heritage.
"This is a kind of Grand Construction 2.0," he explained.
Among other things, the MP noted that they would try to bring the bill on the resumption of competitions for the civil service back onto the agenda and vote for it.
Answering a question about the main achievements and failures of the Servant of the People faction in the past year, Arakhamia named among the achievements is the adoption of laws on the land market, inland waterways, and financial markets.
The next plenary week will be from January 26 to January 29, 2021.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-12-22--Ukraine produces almost 1 mln tonnes of sugar since Sept 5

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Ukraine produces almost 1 mln tonnes of sugar since Sept 5
19:59, 22.12.20 1621
Thirty sugar refineries are currently operating in Ukraine.
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unian--2020-12-22--MICHELIN Guide inspectors see borscht as part of Russian culinary heritage

The Guide will unveil its first selection for Russia in 2021 .
The MICHELIN Guide 's inspectors have arrived in @ @ @ @ @ research local cuisine where they include borscht , a traditional Ukrainian first course .
This @ @ @ @ @ Guide 's website on December 21 .
They are particularly excited about `` vegetables and @ @ @ @ @ , unique flavors to gourmets ' favorites first courses such as borscht or rassolnik .
@ @ @ @ @ its first selection for Russia in 2021 .
`` Moscow will join the new culinary @ @ @ @ @ Guide , which has recently expanded to Beijing , Slovenia , and California , '' @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said that the culture of cooking Ukrainian borscht will be @ @ @ @ @ National List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine on the recommendation of the expert @ @ @ @ @ and Information Policy Ministry .

The Guide will unveil its first selection for Russia in 2021.
The MICHELIN Guide's inspectors have arrived in Moscow, Russia, to research local cuisine where they include borscht, a traditional Ukrainian first course.
This was reported on the MICHELIN Guide's website on December 21.
Read alsoPrice of borsch vegetable set slumps in summer
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They are particularly excited about "vegetables and fragrant herbs that give lively, unique flavors to gourmets' favorites first courses such as borscht or rassolnik."
The Guide will unveil its first selection for Russia in 2021.
"Moscow will join the new culinary destinations selected by the MICHELIN Guide, which has recently expanded to Beijing, Slovenia, and California," it said.
Borscht as a symbol of Ukrainian national cuisine
Earlier, Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said that the culture of cooking Ukrainian borscht will be included in Elements of the National List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine on the recommendation of the expert council under Ukraine's Culture and Information Policy Ministry.


unian--2020-12-22--Defense Ministry, Antovov to sign contract on three An-178 by year-end

Defense Ministry , Antovov to sign contract on three An-178 by year-end It was Vice Prime Minister and Minister for @ @ @ @ @ earlier informed about the possible contract .

Defense Ministry, Antovov to sign contract on three An-178 by year-end
17:59, 22.12.20 1799
It was Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Strategic Industries Oleh Urusky who earlier informed about the possible contract.
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unian--2020-12-23--Trump vetoes Defense Authorization Act for 2021 with US$250 mln in aid for Ukraine's army

He says the document is a `` gift '' to China and Russia .
Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump has vetoed his country 's the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 , which provides for U.S. $ 250 million in aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .
As reported on the White House 's website , Trump believes that the document , previously approved by Congress , `` fails to include critical national security measures . ''
Trump is returning the Act to the House of Representatives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China and Russia .
`` The Act also restricts the President ’ s ability to preserve our Nation ’ s security by arbitrarily limiting the amount of military construction funds that can be used to respond to a national emergency .
In a time when adversaries have the means to directly attack the homeland , the President must be able to safeguard the American people without having to wait for congressional authorization , '' Trump said .
`` …I can not support this bill , '' he concluded .
• Earlier , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US $ 740.5 billion bill , which foresees , among other things , US $ 250 million in assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and sanctions against companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream gas pipelines .
• In total , the U.S. plans to spend US $ 69 billion on operations abroad .
• Among the points that are contained in the law , there is a requirement for the U.S. President to impose sanctions against Turkey within 30 days for its purchase of Russian @ @ @ @ @

He says the document is a "gift" to China and Russia.
Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump has vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which provides for U.S.$250 million in aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
As reported on the White House's website, Trump believes that the document, previously approved by Congress, "fails to include critical national security measures."
Read also"Major Contract": Ukraine to buy weapons from UK
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Trump is returning the Act to the House of Representatives, calling it a "gift" to China and Russia.
"The Act also restricts the President’s ability to preserve our Nation’s security by arbitrarily limiting the amount of military construction funds that can be used to respond to a national emergency. In a time when adversaries have the means to directly attack the homeland, the President must be able to safeguard the American people without having to wait for congressional authorization," Trump said.
"…I cannot support this bill," he concluded.
Previous developments


unian--2020-12-23--U.S. expands sanctions over undermining of Belarusian democracy

Law enforcers involved in the crackdown on protesters were included in the sanctions list .
The United States has expanded restrictive measures against individuals and legal entities from Belarus who are involved in efforts to undermine democracy in that country .
This is said in a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on December 23 .
Read alsoUkraine aligns itself with EU restrictive measures against Belarus '' Today , the United States is taking action against individuals and entities involved in efforts to undermine Belarusian democracy .
Specifically , the U.S .
Departments of State and of Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals and four entities involved in electoral fraud and human rights abuses surrounding the fraudulent election in Belarus in August , and the authorities '' subsequent , brutal crackdown , '' the statement said .
The U.S. Department of the Treasury targeted perpetrators of the violent crackdown .
According to it , Hennady Kazakevich is being designated pursuant to E.O .
13405 for being responsible for , or having participated in , actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Belarus .
As Deputy Minister of the Interior and Chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the actions of the Criminal Police in their role of carrying out previously sanctioned Alexander Lukashenko 's policy of violently cracking down on pro-democracy protests in Belarus .
The Minsk Special Purpose Police Unit ( Minsk OMON ) , the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of the Minsk City Executive Committee ( Minsk GUVD ) , and KGB Alpha have been involved in the violent post-election crackdown on and suppression of peaceful protests in Minsk .
In addition , the U.S. Department of State has taken action pursuant to Presidential Proclamation ( PP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for undermining Belarusian democracy and has imposed visa restrictions on them .
To date , the U.S. Department of State has imposed visa restrictions pursuant to PP 8015 on a total of 63 individuals for their involvement in undermining democracy in Belarus , in the fraudulent August 9 presidential election , and in the subsequent violent crackdown that continues to this day .
Earlier , since 2006 , sanctions were imposed against 25 Belarusian individuals and 13 legal entities .
The United States says it continues to support international efforts to independently investigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights abuses surrounding the election , and the crackdown that has followed .
`` We stand with the brave people of Belarus and support their right to free and fair elections , '' Pompeo said .

Law enforcers involved in the crackdown on protesters were included in the sanctions list.
The United States has expanded restrictive measures against individuals and legal entities from Belarus who are involved in efforts to undermine democracy in that country.
This is said in a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on December 23.
Read alsoUkraine aligns itself with EU restrictive measures against Belarus
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"Today, the United States is taking action against individuals and entities involved in efforts to undermine Belarusian democracy. Specifically, the U.S. Departments of State and of Treasury have exercised their respective authorities against 40 individuals and four entities involved in electoral fraud and human rights abuses surrounding the fraudulent election in Belarus in August, and the authorities'' subsequent, brutal crackdown," the statement said.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury targeted perpetrators of the violent crackdown.
According to it, Hennady Kazakevich is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13405 for being responsible for, or having participated in, actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Belarus.
As Deputy Minister of the Interior and Chief of the Criminal Police, Kazakevich was responsible for the actions of the Criminal Police in their role of carrying out previously sanctioned Alexander Lukashenko's policy of violently cracking down on pro-democracy protests in Belarus. The Minsk Special Purpose Police Unit (Minsk OMON), the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of the Minsk City Executive Committee (Minsk GUVD), and KGB Alpha have been involved in the violent post-election crackdown on and suppression of peaceful protests in Minsk.
In addition, the U.S. Department of State has taken action pursuant to Presidential Proclamation (PP) 8015 to identify 39 individuals responsible for undermining Belarusian democracy and has imposed visa restrictions on them. To date, the U.S. Department of State has imposed visa restrictions pursuant to PP 8015 on a total of 63 individuals for their involvement in undermining democracy in Belarus, in the fraudulent August 9 presidential election, and in the subsequent violent crackdown that continues to this day.
Earlier, since 2006, sanctions had been imposed against 25 Belarusian individuals and 13 legal entities.
The United States says it continues to support international efforts to independently investigate electoral irregularities in Belarus, the human rights abuses surrounding the election, and the crackdown that has followed.
"We stand with the brave people of Belarus and support their right to free and fair elections," Pompeo said.
Protests in Belarus: Key events


unian--2020-12-23--Cabinet approves concept for economic development of Ukraine-controlled Donbas

It will lay the groundwork for a future strategy for the development of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers has approved the concept of economic development of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
This is reported on the government 's portal .
As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov says the document is designed to address social and economic issues in the government-controlled territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
`` This concept will form the basis for the development of the Strategy for Economic Development of Donetsk and Luhansk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about the territory controlled by the government .
Now we have room for experiment and creation of grounds for the international community to start considering the future Strategy of Economic Development for this region first and other regions of Ukraine then as a component of their own economic policy , '' Reznikov said .
According to him , before 2014 , Donetsk and Luhansk regions were extremely strong industrial and agricultural parts of Ukraine , but they were destroyed by Russia 's armed aggression .
`` Let me reiterate – the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the minimum economic recovery of Donetsk and Luhansk regions will require about US $ 20 billion .
These figures are approximate , but the only thing that is clear right now is that they are exorbitant and to solve these problems at the expense of the national budget , donors or new loans are impossible .
Only investors are capable of this , '' Reznikov said .
He explained that the approach of the concept of the future strategy is based on creating opportunities and incentives for investment through : identifying territories and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incentives by channeling part of enterprises ' profits into reinvestment in their own development ; using international commercial arbitration standards ; insuring against military and political risks ; as well as developing infrastructure .
It is noted that the concept was supported taking into account the completion within one day of technical and legal amendments together with the Finance and Economy Ministries .
`` I will share some details .
NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine is about to launch a project to develop the Yuzivska gas field .
The site is located in Donetsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment project that fits perfectly into the key principles of our concept .
After all , these are Ukrainian investments and additional taxes , and jobs , community development , and , in the long term , international investment , '' he added .
In pursuance of the government 's decision on the adoption of the concept , the Ministry of Reintegration plans to develop a Strategy for the Economic Development of Donetsk and Luhansk regions based on 42 international cases and submit it for approval to the Cabinet of Ministers by April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development of vegetable production until 2025 • Cabinet to present new economic strategy in 1Q • New economic strategy for eastern Ukraine to be tabled to parliament in spring 2021 – minister 's advisor

Cabinet approves concept for economic development of Ukraine-controlled Donbas
21:59, 23.12.20 2451
It will lay the groundwork for a future strategy for the development of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
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unian--2020-12-23--Ukraine could additionally get 8 mln doses of COVID-19 vaccine for free – health official

The official says the additional doses are still a `` potential opportunity . ''
Ukraine could receive an additional 8 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for free as part of the COVAX Facility , in addition to the already guaranteed 8 million .
Thus , the total number of doses to be provided could reach 16 million .
This was announced by Ukraine 's Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko in an interview for Radio NV .
Read alsoFrance could help Ukraine get coronavirus vaccine – Zelensky He specified that an additional 8 million doses are still a `` potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on at least 8 million doses of the vaccine , that is , this is the calculated number of doses in accordance with 20 % of the total population .
We are continuing negotiations with them [ the World Health Organization , WHO ] to ensure more doses .
Everything will depend on the total the cost of vaccines that fall into the COVAX portfolio .
There is a potential possibility that Ukraine may be given 16 million doses through this facility – it 's under discussion , but there are no guarantees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % guarantee , 16 [ million ] is a potential opportunity , '' he explained .
Together with vaccines , the GAVI Alliance ( formerly the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation ) will also supply syringes and biological safety boxes to Ukraine , he added .
• On November 18 , the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility ( COVAX ) confirmed the reports on plans to provide Ukraine with a free vaccine against the coronavirus disease .
In particular , about 4 million Ukrainian nationals will be able to get vaccinated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it became known that proper vaccination includes two shots at a price of US $ 7 each .
• On December 4 , the Verkhovna Rada allowed a fast-track procedure for the approval of clinical trials and state registration for vaccines or other immunobiological medications to be used to prevent the coronavirus .
• On December 6 , Chairman of the Commission on Biosafety and Biological Protection under the Council of National Security and Defense , Academician Serhiy Komisarenko said mass vaccination could be launched in Ukraine no earlier than the middle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister , Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko said COVAX had officially approved over 8 million doses of a free COVID-19 vaccine for Ukraine .
• On December 17 , Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said Ukraine expects to get the first doses of vaccines approved by COVAX in March 2021 .

The official says the additional doses are still a "potential opportunity."
Ukraine could receive an additional 8 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for free as part of the COVAX Facility, in addition to the already guaranteed 8 million. Thus, the total number of doses to be provided could reach 16 million.
This was announced by Ukraine's Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko in an interview for Radio NV.
Read alsoFrance could help Ukraine get coronavirus vaccine – Zelensky
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He specified that an additional 8 million doses are still a "potential opportunity."
"Ukraine could count on at least 8 million doses of the vaccine, that is, this is the calculated number of doses in accordance with 20% of the total population. We are continuing negotiations with them [the World Health Organization, WHO] to ensure more doses. Everything will depend on the total the cost of vaccines that fall into the COVAX portfolio. There is a potential possibility that Ukraine may be given 16 million doses through this facility – it's under discussion, but there are no guarantees yet. Eight million is a 100% guarantee, 16 [million] is a potential opportunity," he explained.
Together with vaccines, the GAVI Alliance (formerly the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation) will also supply syringes and biological safety boxes to Ukraine, he added.
Vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine


unian--2020-12-23--Poor harvest affects Ukraine's GDP in Q3 – National Bank

Meanwhile , the easing of quarantine restrictions and the recovery in consumer demand in Q3 boosted trade in the country .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) says the grain harvest in 2020 , which was below the target and down against the figure reported in 2019 , has affected the country 's growth domestic product ( GDP ) in the third quarter ( Q3 ) of 2020 , and it may maintain its negative impact on the GDP in Q4 .
`` By types of activity , all sectors of the economy improved their performance [ in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them increased production compared to last year .
Agriculture continued to be a significant contributor to the fall in GDP due to a poorer harvest this year , '' the regulator 's press service said on its website on December 22 .
At the same time , the further contraction of investment remains a key factor behind the drop in GDP .
Meanwhile , the easing of quarantine restrictions and the recovery in consumer demand amid fewer opportunities for external tourism boosted trade and slowed the decline in the value added of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was demonstrated by hotels and restaurants , arts , sports , entertainment , and real estate transactions , the report said .
In Q4 2020 , the further spread of COVID-19 and the tightening of quarantine restrictions will hinder economic recovery .
The National Bank forecasts a deterioration in consumer sentiment and businesses ' expectations .
`` Agriculture will continue to be a significant contributor to the fall in GDP .
Meantime , a further easing of fiscal policy and higher government spending on social support , healthcare , and road infrastructure may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the press service added .
• Ukraine 's gross domestic product in the third quarter of 2020 declined by 3.5 % year-over-year , according to the State Statistics Service .
• The Ministry for Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture said the grain harvest in 2020 totaled 65.4 million tonnes , which was almost 7 million tonnes down against 2019 .

Poor harvest affects Ukraine's GDP in Q3 – National Bank
18:59, 23.12.20 870
Meanwhile, the easing of quarantine restrictions and the recovery in consumer demand in Q3 boosted trade in the country.
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unian--2020-12-23--Poll: Ukrainians name key challenges for country

Most of respondents point out the authorities ' incompetence behind a possible economic crisis .
Ukrainian citizens consider corruption , the war in Donbas , the economic crisis , the authorities ' incompetence , and the coronavirus epidemic as key national challenges .
That is according to findings of the survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group on December 16-30 , as reported on the agency 's website on December 23 .
Meanwhile , at the personal level , the low quality of healthcare services is added to said challenges , while the economic crisis is already tops the 'rating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Most of respondents ( 63 % ) point out the incompetence of the authorities behind a possible economic crisis , although a quarter of those polled believe that the economic downturn will be triggered by the coronavirus .
Another 9 % of respondents consider the hostilities in Donbas to be the cause of such crises .
At the same time , the number of those who explain the situation in the economy by the authorities ' incompetence has grown from 53 % to 63 % over the past six months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16-20 via face-to-face interviews among the population aged 18 and older .
• Some 2,000 adult respondents were polled in all regions of Ukraine except Crimea and other Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine , namely certain districts in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
• The margin of error is no more than 2.2 % .

Most of respondents point out the authorities' incompetence behind a possible economic crisis.
Ukrainian citizens consider corruption, the war in Donbas, the economic crisis, the authorities' incompetence, and the coronavirus epidemic as key national challenges.
That is according to findings of a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group on December 16-20, as reported on the agency's website on December 23.
Read alsoPoll: 32% of Ukrainians satisfied with Zelensky's performance
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Meanwhile, at the personal level, the low quality of healthcare services is added to said challenges, while the economic crisis already tops the 'rating of problems,'" the report said.
Most of respondents (63%) point out the incompetence of the authorities behind a possible economic crisis, although a quarter of those polled believe that the economic downturn will be triggered by the coronavirus. Another 9% of respondents consider hostilities in Donbas to be the cause behind such crises. At the same time, the number of those who explain the situation in the economy by the authorities' incompetence has grown from 53% to 63% over the past six months.
Poll: Details


unian--2020-12-24--FM Kuleba: Ukraine's short-term goal in relations with Russia to achieve "peaceful coexistence"

Ukraine needs a serious , substantive , and calm conversation about Russia despite the emotional public reaction to the topic .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says Ukraine 's short-term goal in relations with the Russian Federation is to achieve the principle of peaceful coexistence .
`` Without a strategy of relations with the Russian Federation , we can not guarantee our security and clearly build strategic prospects for the development of our economy , even if we take , for example , the issues of economic transit through the Russian Federation or those economic restrictions that the Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods to its market , '' he said at an online briefing on Thursday , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
According to Kuleba , Ukraine `` should learn how to live with the Russia that we have at our side . ''
`` And to this end , we need to look at it very soberly , with a cool head .
I can say with absolute responsibility that the understanding of the need for this strategy exists not only in the Foreign Ministry .
And I speak with my colleagues in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Council of Ukraine , we discuss this , and there are certain developments .
The National Institute for Strategic Studies has recently published such a conceptual document on approaches to building relations with the Russian Federation , '' the minister said .
`` I personally think – this is my opinion and this is what I , as a minister , bring into my conversations with colleagues on this topic – I believe the short-term goal in our relations with the Russian Federation is to achieve the principle of peaceful coexistence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ukraine .
It 's a fact .
We must end this war , bring peace back to Ukraine , restore our territorial integrity , but we understand Russia will not change if we do so , even if we achieve this result , and Russia 's strategic goals toward Ukraine remain unchanged .
These are destructive forces .
Therefore , achieving the principle of peaceful coexistence would meet the interests of Ukraine , '' Kuleba said .
Read alsoCrimean Platform to become epicenter of Russia 's hybrid war against Ukraine in 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a change in policy – this is already a long-term goal – when Russia realizes the inevitability of Ukrainian independence , Ukrainian sovereignty , Ukrainian existence as part of the Western world , a member of NATO and the European Union , we can move on to the principle of coexistence , i.e .
coexistence where we just tolerate each other , so to speak , and look at new opportunities , and then it may be possible to look further and look at what we may reach with the Russian Federation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted Ukraine can not change its geographical position , and this is the main thing that everyone should understand .
`` It is very difficult to raise this topic in a broad context since we see the emotional reaction on the part of the public to any talk about Russia , but Ukraine needs a serious , substantive , and calm conversation on Russia , '' Kuleba concluded .

Ukraine needs a serious, substantive, and calm conversation about Russia despite the emotional public reaction to the topic.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says Ukraine's short-term goal in relations with the Russian Federation is to achieve the principle of peaceful coexistence.
"Without a strategy of relations with the Russian Federation, we cannot guarantee our security and clearly build strategic prospects for the development of our economy, even if we take, for example, the issues of economic transit through the Russian Federation or those economic restrictions that the Russian Federation may impose on the access of Ukrainian goods to its market," he said at an online briefing on Thursday, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
According to Kuleba, Ukraine "should learn how to live with the Russia that we have at our side."
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"And to this end, we need to look at it very soberly, with a cool head. I can say with absolute responsibility that the understanding of the need for this strategy exists not only in the Foreign Ministry. And I speak with my colleagues in the government and in the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, we discuss this, and there are certain developments. The National Institute for Strategic Studies has recently published such a conceptual document on approaches to building relations with the Russian Federation," the minister said.
"I personally think – this is my opinion and this is what I, as a minister, bring into my conversations with colleagues on this topic – I believe the short-term goal in our relations with the Russian Federation is to achieve the principle of peaceful coexistence. Now there is war ongoing between Russia and Ukraine. It's a fact. We must end this war, bring peace back to Ukraine, restore our territorial integrity, but we understand Russia will not change if we do so, even if we achieve this result, and Russia's strategic goals toward Ukraine remain unchanged. These are destructive forces. Therefore, achieving the principle of peaceful coexistence would meet the interests of Ukraine," Kuleba said.
Read alsoCrimean Platform to become epicenter of Russia's hybrid war against Ukraine in 2021 – FM Kuleba"Later, with a change in policy – this is already a long-term goal – when Russia realizes the inevitability of Ukrainian independence, Ukrainian sovereignty, Ukrainian existence as part of the Western world, a member of NATO and the European Union, we can move on to the principle of coexistence, i.e. coexistence where we just tolerate each other, so to speak, and look at new opportunities, and then it may be possible to look further and look at what we may reach with the Russian Federation," the foreign minister said.
Kuleba noted Ukraine cannot change its geographical position, and this is the main thing that everyone should understand.
"It is very difficult to raise this topic in a broad context since we see the emotional reaction on the part of the public to any talk about Russia, but Ukraine needs a serious, substantive, and calm conversation on Russia," Kuleba concluded.


unian--2020-12-24--Cabinet has no plans to limit air travel on New Year holidays – FM Kuleba

Kuleba has appealed to Ukrainians to observe safety measures when traveling .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says the government has no plans to impose travel restrictions , including those on flights , on the New Year holidays .
He made the comment during an online briefing on December 24 , as reported by an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoUpcoming lockdown : Rules for public transport , explained '' I think , the next issue is an important concern to many people , that is our plans to halt flights over the pandemic , or to limit travel during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity and assure that there are no such plans , '' he said .
`` The government understands that people have settled down for the holidays .
So , it does n't plan to impose any restrictions on air travel , '' the minister assured .
At the same time , Kuleba asked Ukrainians to observe maximum safety measures when traveling and remember that the pandemic is raging .
`` Let 's hope that nothing force majeure will happen in the coming weeks worldwide .
I mean , force majeure related to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reconsider our decision .
But now the government 's position is as I said , '' he added .
On December 9 , the Ukrainian government adopted a decision to put Ukraine on a tougher lockdown from January 8 to January 24 , 2021 .
The Cabinet also extended the quarantine-related curbs in the so-called orange quarantine zone until February 28 , 2021 .
In addition , the government allowed catering establishments to operate until 01:00 on New Year 's Eve instead of 23:00 set earlier .

Cabinet has no plans to limit air travel on New Year holidays – FM Kuleba
16:05, 24.12.20 544
Kuleba has appealed to Ukrainians to observe safety measures when traveling.
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unian--2020-12-24--Kyiv mayor reports over 1,300 new COVID-19 cases, 23 deaths as of Dec 24

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 105,040 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 1,377 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of December 24 , 2020 .
`` In the past day , another 1,377 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus , including 36 healthcare workers .
There were 23 fatalities , '' Klitschko reported via Telegram on Thursday .
`` As of today , the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 105,040 . ''
According to the city mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 530 men aged 18 to 95 are among those infected .
Read alsoCOVID-19 : In easing , Cabinet allows cafes , restaurants to work throughout New Year 's nightThe new cases include 29 girls aged two to 17 years and 22 boys aged 10 months to 17 years .
Klitschko said 69 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
He added that 833 people had recovered in the past day .
In total , 35,761 Kyiv residents have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district ( 275 ) , Dniprovsky district ( 212 ) , and Desniansky district ( 200 ) .
The death toll in the city stands at 1,802 .
Ukraine said 11,490 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 24 , 2020 , while a total number of confirmed cases had reached 1,001,132 .
As many as 631,435 patients , including 15,775 in the past day , have recovered .
The death toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past 24 hours .

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 105,040.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 1,377 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of December 24, 2020.
"In the past day, another 1,377 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including 36 healthcare workers. There were 23 fatalities," Klitschko reported via Telegram on Thursday.
"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 105,040."
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According to the city mayor, 798 women aged 18 to 87 and 530 men aged 18 to 95 are among those infected.
Read alsoCOVID-19: In easing, Cabinet allows cafes, restaurants to work throughout New Year's nightThe new cases include 29 girls aged two to 17 years and 22 boys aged 10 months to 17 years.
Klitschko said 69 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
He added that 833 people had recovered in the past day.
In total, 35,761 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (275), Dniprovsky district (212), and Desniansky district (200).
The death toll in the city stands at 1,802.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments
Ukraine said 11,490 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 24, 2020, while a total number of confirmed cases had reached 1,001,132.
As many as 631,435 patients, including 15,775 in the past day, have recovered.
The death toll has hit 17,395 with 223 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-12-24--Crimean Platform to become epicenter of Russia's hybrid war against Ukraine in 2021 – FM Kuleba

Russians are trying to discredit the idea in every possible way .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says the Crimean Platform to end Russia 's occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula will become one of the epicenters of Russia 's hybrid war against Ukraine in 2021 .
At an online briefing on Thursday , the top diplomat expressed satisfaction with Russia 's reaction to the idea of creating the Crimean Platform , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
`` The reaction is very nervous : they are trying to discredit the idea in every possible way .
We 've been receiving a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channels .
They are nervous and making every effort to compromise this initiative , '' Kuleba said .
According to the minister , the truth is on the side of Ukraine .
Read alsoForeign Minister Kuleba lists seven diplomatic successes in 2020 '' We know we are doing a right and fair thing .
We have a sufficient number of allies on our side to achieve success in the issue , '' Kuleba added .
Crimean Platform to end Russian occupation of the peninsula At the end of July , Prime Minister Denys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the international platform , `` Crimea is Ukraine . ''
In the beginning , it is expected to be a consultative and advisory format , which will grow into a negotiation format .
On August 24 , Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced that Ukraine would propose that Germany could join the future international platform for the end of the occupation of Crimea .
Read alsoThe aggressor must be punished : Why 2021 is important for Ukraine in international courtsOn September 23 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , who participated in the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UN General Assembly , called on partners to join the international platform for the end of the Russian occupation of Crimea .
On October 6 , the president announced that the European Union is ready to join the platform .
The summit on the launch of the Crimean platform may be held as early as May 2021 .
The Platform will operate at several levels .
The first , the highest one , is political level , which will involve heads of states and governments .
The second level is that of top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is inter-parliamentary level , and the fourth will involve non-governmental experts .
An expert network will be created to enhance the effectiveness of government action , as well as to attract additional intellectual resources to the platform 's work .
• Russia 's annexation attempt took place in March 2014 after its troops had occupied the peninsula .
An illegal referendum was held for Crimeans to decide on accession to Russia .
De-facto Crimean authorities reported that allegedly 96.77 % of the Crimean population had voted for joining Russia .
• On March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the accession of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to Russia was signed in the Kremlin .
• The West did not recognize the annexation in response to which sanctions against Russia were introduced .
• Ukraine 's parliament voted to designate February 20 , 2014 , as the official date when the temporary occupation of Crimea began .

Russians are trying to discredit the idea in every possible way.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says the Crimean Platform to end Russia's occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula will become one of the epicenters of Russia's hybrid war against Ukraine in 2021.
At an online briefing on Thursday, the top diplomat expressed satisfaction with Russia's reaction to the idea of creating the Crimean Platform, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
"The reaction is very nervous: they are trying to discredit the idea in every possible way. We've been receiving a lot of reports about this from various channels. They are nervous and making every effort to compromise this initiative," Kuleba said.
According to the minister, the truth is on the side of Ukraine.
Read alsoForeign Minister Kuleba lists seven diplomatic successes in 2020"We know we are doing a right and fair thing. We have a sufficient number of allies on our side to achieve success in the issue," Kuleba added.
Crimean Platform to end Russian occupation of the peninsula
At the end of July, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the finalization of the concept of the international platform, "Crimea is Ukraine." In the beginning, it is expected to be a consultative and advisory format, which will grow into a negotiation format.
On August 24, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced that Ukraine would propose that Germany could join the future international platform for the end of the occupation of Crimea.
Read alsoThe aggressor must be punished: Why 2021 is important for Ukraine in international courtsOn September 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who participated in the general debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, called on partners to join the international platform for the end of the Russian occupation of Crimea.
On October 6, the president announced that the European Union is ready to join the platform.
The summit on the launch of the Crimean platform may be held as early as May 2021.
The Platform will operate at several levels. The first, the highest one, is political level, which will involve heads of states and governments. The second level is that of top diplomats and defense chiefs, the third is inter-parliamentary level, and the fourth will involve non-governmental experts. An expert network will be created to enhance the effectiveness of government action, as well as to attract additional intellectual resources to the platform's work.
Russian occupation of Crimea


unian--2020-12-24--IMF mission's review of SBA for Ukraine to last most of Jan – Envoy Rashkovan

IMF mission's review of SBA for Ukraine to last most of Jan – Envoy Rashkovan
14:50, 24.12.20 590
All scheduled meetings were held successfully in the first three days.
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unian--2020-12-24--U.S. preparing new sanctions to impede Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline – media

The outgoing Trump administration is readying a fresh round of congressionally mandated sanctions `` in the very near future . ''
The United States is urging European allies and private companies to halt work that could help build the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline and is preparing wider sanctions on the Russian project in coming weeks , senior Trump administration officials said on Wednesday .
The outgoing Trump administration is readying a fresh round of congressionally mandated sanctions `` in the very near future '' that it believes could deal a fatal blow to the Russia-to-Germany project led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , as reported by Reuters .
The officials declined to identify which entities could face sanctions for the previously unreported work , but said they were not targeting specific governments or government officials .
Several European entities were involved , but some were `` unwitting '' of the implications for the pipeline , said one official , adding they could still escape sanctions if they made `` a good faith effort to unwind their involvement . ''
Read alsoRussia 's Nord Stream 2 never be launched with new U.S. sanctions – U.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
It should connect Russia 's Ust-Lug and Germany 's Greifswald .
This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline .
The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019 .
The pipeline will be 1,220 km long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia 's Gazprom in alliance with European companies – ENGIE , OMV , Royal Dutch Shell , Uniper , and Wintershall .
Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country , while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US $ 3 billion annually .
The project is also highly criticized by the U.S. , Poland , and the Baltic States .
On July 15 , U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that the participants in the Nord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Countering America 's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act , CAATSA .
On July 16 , the U.S. recommended that investment companies reconsider their participation in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project .
On July 23 , the U.S. Senate approved the draft National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 , which , among other things , contains additional sanctions against the companies involved in the construction of Nord Stream 2 .
Ukraine 's Foreign Ministry welcomed the United States ' readiness to impose sanctions on investment companies involved in the completion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and quality assurance firm DNV GL has suspended work on Nord Stream 2 on fears of being sanctioned by the United States .

The outgoing Trump administration is readying a fresh round of congressionally mandated sanctions "in the very near future."
The United States is urging European allies and private companies to halt work that could help build the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline and is preparing wider sanctions on the Russian project in coming weeks, senior Trump administration officials said on Wednesday.
The outgoing Trump administration is readying a fresh round of congressionally mandated sanctions "in the very near future" that it believes could deal a fatal blow to the Russia-to-Germany project led by state gas company Gazprom, three officials said, as reported by Reuters.
"We've been getting body blow on body blow to this, and now we're in the process of driving a stake through the project heart," said one of the officials, who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity.
The officials declined to identify which entities could face sanctions for the previously unreported work, but said they were not targeting specific governments or government officials.
Several European entities were involved, but some were "unwitting" of the implications for the pipeline, said one official, adding they could still escape sanctions if they made "a good faith effort to unwind their involvement."
Read alsoRussia's Nord Stream 2 never be launched with new U.S. sanctions – U. S. SenatorNord Stream 2: Background
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. It should connect Russia's Ust-Lug and Germany's Greifswald. This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline.
The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019.
The pipeline will be 1,220 km long. The project is being implemented by Russia's Gazprom in alliance with European companies – ENGIE, OMV, Royal Dutch Shell, Uniper, and Wintershall. Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country, while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US$3 billion annually. The project is also highly criticized by the U.S., Poland, and the Baltic States.
On July 15, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that the participants in the Nord Stream 2 project would fall under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, CAATSA.
On July 16, the U.S. recommended that investment companies reconsider their participation in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
On July 23, the U.S. Senate approved the draft National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which, among other things, contains additional sanctions against the companies involved in the construction of Nord Stream 2.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry welcomed the United States' readiness to impose sanctions on investment companies involved in the completion of the project.
Norway's risk management and quality assurance firm DNV GL has suspended work on Nord Stream 2 on fears of being sanctioned by the United States.


unian--2020-12-24--Ukraine puts gold deposit up for online auction, first time ever

Ukraine puts gold deposit up for online auction, first time ever
14:00, 24.12.20 2080
It was acquired by Spys Ukraine LLC for a period of five years.
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unian--2020-12-24--Grain exports down by 16% as of Dec 23

Grain exports down by 16% as of Dec 23

Grain exports down by 16% as of Dec 23
13:35, 24.12.20 949
Shipments of Ukrainian flour dropped by more than 50%.
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unian--2020-12-24--Health Ministry working to increase COVAX vaccine quota to 16 mln doses

Health Ministry working to increase COVAX vaccine quota to 16 mln doses
13:10, 24.12.20 187
An agreement has now been reached on 8 million doses.
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unian--2020-12-24--Hryvnia keeps sliding: fresh rates for Dec 24

Hryvnia keeps sliding: fresh rates for Dec 24
12:45, 24.12.20 6843
The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 34.62 per euro.
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unian--2020-12-24--MFA Ukraine reacts to Russia's move to put Markiv on int'l wanted list

The diplomats emphasize Russia 's replacement of law enforcement functions with political persecution .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine considers `` null and void ' the decision by Russia 's Investigative Committee to charge Ukrainian Guardsman Vitaliy Markiv of murder and put him on the wanted list .
That 's according to a commentary by MFA Ukraine 's spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko .
`` We believe that the decision by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation to press 'charges ' of murder against Ukrainian National Guard serviceman Vitaliy Markiv and put him on the international wanted list is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
As stated by Nikolenko , the Investigative Committee of Russia once again resorts to replacing law enforcement functions with fulfilling political orders .
`` This also applies to exploiting Interpol for politically motivated persecution , '' the spokesman said .
Read alsoMarkiv initially charged in Italy at the behest of Russian propaganda – Interior MinistryIn this regard , he assures that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine will fulfill its functions and ensure the protection of the rights and interests of the Ukrainian citizen .
The Ministry of Internal Affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bureau of Interpol in Ukraine sent to the General Secretariat of Interpol information about a possible act of provocation by the Russian Federation regarding the intention to put National Guard 's Senior Sergeant Vitaliy Markiv on the international wanted list , which is contrary to the Organization 's charter .
The disclosure in open sources of the Russian Investigative Committee 's intention to put Markiv on the international wanted list using Interpol tools contradicts Article 3 of the Organization 's Charter and violates the rules for information processing , since Markiv 's accusations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Platoon Commander of the 1st Operational Battalion of Ukraine 's National Guard Senior Sergeant Vitaliy Markiv was detained in Italy on June 30 , 2017 , on suspicion of complicity in the murder of an Italian journalist and a Russian translator in Sloviansk ( Donbas ) on May 24 , 2014 .
On July 12 , 2019 , a jury in the city of Pavia sentenced Markiv to 24 years in prison .
The verdict was successfully appealed .
On November 3 , 2020 , Markiv was acquitted .
The next day he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Basmanny Court of Moscow warranted Markiv 's arrest .
The warrant was handed down in absentia in the case of the alleged `` murder of the two persons in Donetsk region . ''
MFA Ukraine 's communications department chief Artem Shevchenko says Russia thus seeks to restrict Markiv 's international travel .

The diplomats emphasize Russia's replacement of law enforcement functions with political persecution.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine considers "null and void' the decision by Russia's Investigative Committee to charge Ukrainian Guardsman Vitaliy Markiv of murder and put him on the wanted list.
That's according to a commentary by MFA Ukraine's spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko.
"We believe that the decision by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation to press 'charges' of murder against Ukrainian National Guard serviceman Vitaliy Markiv and put him on the international wanted list is null and void," the commentary says.
Видео дня
As stated by Nikolenko, the Investigative Committee of Russia once again resorts to replacing law enforcement functions with fulfilling political orders. "This also applies to exploiting Interpol for politically motivated persecution," the spokesman said.
Read alsoMarkiv initially charged in Italy at the behest of Russian propaganda – Interior MinistryIn this regard, he assures that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine will fulfill its functions and ensure the protection of the rights and interests of the Ukrainian citizen.
Markiv case: Background
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine said that the National Central Bureau of Interpol in Ukraine sent to the General Secretariat of Interpol information about a possible act of provocation by the Russian Federation regarding the intention to put National Guard's Senior Sergeant Vitaliy Markiv on the international wanted list, which is contrary to the Organization's charter.
The disclosure in open sources of the Russian Investigative Committee's intention to put Markiv on the international wanted list using Interpol tools contradicts Article 3 of the Organization's Charter and violates the rules for information processing, since Markiv's accusations are unfounded and politically biased.
Who is Vitaliy Markiv
Deputy Platoon Commander of the 1st Operational Battalion of Ukraine's National Guard Senior Sergeant Vitaliy Markiv was detained in Italy on June 30, 2017, on suspicion of complicity in the murder of an Italian journalist and a Russian translator in Sloviansk (Donbas) on May 24, 2014.
On July 12, 2019, a jury in the city of Pavia sentenced Markiv to 24 years in prison.
The verdict was successfully appealed. On November 3, 2020, Markiv was acquitted. The next day he returned to Ukraine.
On December 11, the Basmanny Court of Moscow warranted Markiv's arrest. The warrant was handed down in absentia in the case of the alleged "murder of the two persons in Donetsk region."
MFA Ukraine's communications department chief Artem Shevchenko says Russia thus seeks to restrict Markiv's international travel.


unian--2020-12-24--Trump pardons Manafort, known in Ukraine for working with Yanukovych team

Manafort is one of the most high-profile former advisers of the U.S. president , both of whom were indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller , went to trial , and were convicted by juries of multiple crimes .
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening announced 26 new pardons , including for longtime ally Roger Stone , former campaign chairman Paul Manafort , and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner 's father , Charles .
The pardons extend Trump 's streak of wielding his clemency powers for criminals who are loyalists , well-connected or adjacent to his family , CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Stone reward two of the most high-profile and widely condemned former advisers of the President , both of whom were indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller , went to trial and were convicted by juries of multiple crimes , '' the report reads .
Read alsoReuters : Trump ex-campaign aide Manafort leaves prison for home amid coronavirusManafort , who is serving home confinement , admitted his crimes and initially agreed to cooperate with Mueller then lied to prosecutors , while Stone never cooperated after lying to Congress to protect the President .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison for bank and tax fraud , illegal foreign lobbying and witness tampering conspiracies before being released because of the Covid-19 pandemic , while Stone 's sentence for obstruction of Congress and threatening a witness was commuted by Trump earlier this year days before he was set to surrender .
Charles Kushner , meanwhile , had been prosecuted by then-U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Chris Christie in the early 2000s for tax evasion , witness tampering and illegal campaign contributions .
The Manafort and Stone pardons also play into Trump 's crusade to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both men had been prime targets whom investigators believed could have shared the truth about still unresolved questions around the President 's campaign and Russian election interference if they had been willing .
Manafort was convicted by a jury of tax and banking crimes in August 2018 , then pleaded guilty to conspiracy against the U.S. and conspiracy to obstruct justice .
As part of a plea deal cut in September 2018 , Manafort admitted to money laundering , tax fraud and illegal foreign lobbying connected to his years of lucrative work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including a former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych who sought refuge in Russia , as well as defrauding banks to supplement his income with cash through mortgages .
He also agreed to cooperate with the prosecutors from Mueller 's office -- before lying during those interview sessions .
A federal judge ruled his intentional lies voided his earlier plea deal .
Manafort was first sent to prison in June 2018 when prosecutors discovered he was conspiring with a Russian-intelligence-connected colleague in Moscow , Konstantin Kilimnik , in an attempt to coax witnesses who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also charged by Mueller .
He has not received a pardon .
Manafort was eventually sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison , but he moved to home confinement in May when the Justice Department released several nonviolent inmates because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The indictment against Manafort said he and his ex-business partner Rick Gates had received tens of millions of dollars , working for Viktor Yanukovych 's entourage .
In particular , in 2006-2015 they acted as unregistered agents of the pro-Russian Ukrainian government , the Party of Regions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sentenced in the U.S. , the then-Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko launched criminal cases against the American 's former employers in Ukraine .
The problem , he said , is that they paid Manafort while being on civil service .
This , he suggested , could be in breach of Ukrainian legislation that prohibits conducting private business by civil servants .
Among those whom the investigation may target , Lutsenko named oligarch Rinat Akhmetov , who was a member of parliament when he was paying Manafort .
In 2017 , the Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Donald Trump administration regarding lethal aid to the Ukrainian Army repelling Russian attacks .

Manafort is one of the most high-profile former advisers of the U.S. president, both of whom were indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller, went to trial, and were convicted by juries of multiple crimes.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening announced 26 new pardons, including for longtime ally Roger Stone, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner's father, Charles.
The pardons extend Trump's streak of wielding his clemency powers for criminals who are loyalists, well-connected or adjacent to his family, CNN reported.
"The pardons of Manafort and Stone reward two of the most high-profile and widely condemned former advisers of the President, both of whom were indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller, went to trial and were convicted by juries of multiple crimes," the report reads.
Видео дня
Read alsoReuters: Trump ex-campaign aide Manafort leaves prison for home amid coronavirusManafort, who is serving home confinement, admitted his crimes and initially agreed to cooperate with Mueller then lied to prosecutors, while Stone never cooperated after lying to Congress to protect the President. Manafort spent close to two years in prison for bank and tax fraud, illegal foreign lobbying and witness tampering conspiracies before being released because of the Covid-19 pandemic, while Stone's sentence for obstruction of Congress and threatening a witness was commuted by Trump earlier this year days before he was set to surrender.
Charles Kushner, meanwhile, had been prosecuted by then-U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Chris Christie in the early 2000s for tax evasion, witness tampering and illegal campaign contributions.
The Manafort and Stone pardons also play into Trump's crusade to undermine the findings of the Mueller investigation. Both men had been prime targets whom investigators believed could have shared the truth about still unresolved questions around the President's campaign and Russian election interference if they had been willing.
Manafort was convicted by a jury of tax and banking crimes in August 2018, then pleaded guilty to conspiracy against the U.S. and conspiracy to obstruct justice. As part of a plea deal cut in September 2018, Manafort admitted to money laundering, tax fraud and illegal foreign lobbying connected to his years of lucrative work as a political consultant for Ukrainian politicians, including a former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych who sought refuge in Russia, as well as defrauding banks to supplement his income with cash through mortgages.
He also agreed to cooperate with the prosecutors from Mueller's office -- before lying during those interview sessions. A federal judge ruled his intentional lies voided his earlier plea deal.
Manafort was first sent to prison in June 2018 when prosecutors discovered he was conspiring with a Russian-intelligence-connected colleague in Moscow, Konstantin Kilimnik, in an attempt to coax witnesses who might testify against him. Kilimnik was also charged by Mueller. He has not received a pardon.
Manafort was eventually sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison, but he moved to home confinement in May when the Justice Department released several nonviolent inmates because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Memo
The indictment against Manafort said he and his ex-business partner Rick Gates had received tens of millions of dollars, working for Viktor Yanukovych's entourage. In particular, in 2006-2015 they acted as unregistered agents of the pro-Russian Ukrainian government, the Party of Regions. and the Opposition Bloc.
After Manafort was sentenced in the U.S., the then-Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko launched criminal cases against the American's former employers in Ukraine. The problem, he said, is that they paid Manafort while being on civil service. This, he suggested, could be in breach of Ukrainian legislation that prohibits conducting private business by civil servants. Among those whom the investigation may target, Lutsenko named oligarch Rinat Akhmetov, who was a member of parliament when he was paying Manafort.
In 2017, the Ukrainian government halted the investigation amid talks with the Donald Trump administration regarding lethal aid to the Ukrainian Army repelling Russian attacks.


unian--2020-12-24--COVID-19: In easing, Cabinet allows cafes, restaurants to work throughout New Year's night

An earlier restriction obliged catering establishments to close doors at 1:00 on the holiday night .
The Cabinet of Ministers has allowed restaurants and cafes to remain open until 7:00 on New Year 's night – from December 31 to January 1 .
That 's according to Government Decree No .
1301 of December 23 .
Earlier , a quarantine-related restriction was imposed , obliging catering establishments to close doors at 1:00 at night .
Prior to the latest announcement , chief of the Food and Consumer Service 's Kyiv branch Oleh Ruban claimed extended working hours in cafes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to a spike in COVID-19 incidence .
Read alsoUkraine in world 's TOP 20 countries with largest number of COVID-19 casesMeanwhile , a number of European countries have introduced tough lockdown measures covering the holiday period , including Italy , Germany , and the Netherlands .
From December 19 , new quarantine restrictions apply throughout Ukraine .
• Events in educational facilities ( performances , celebrations , concerts ) with participating children from more than one group/class and audience ; • Museums , exhibitions , galleries , etc.
, if there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meters ; • Catering establishments – from 23:00 to 7:00 ( except for delivery and take-out ) .
Settlement transactions shall be terminated at 22:00 .
On New Year 's night restaurants and cafes will be allowed to remain open until 01:00 ; and • Religious events in indoor settings with more than one person per 5 square meters ; and in outdoor settings if the 1.5-meter social distancing rule is not observed .
The government is set to introduce a tougher lockdown across Ukraine from January 8 to January 24 , 2021 @

An earlier restriction obliged catering establishments to close doors at 1:00 on the holiday night.
The Cabinet of Ministers has allowed restaurants and cafes to remain open until 7:00 on New Year's night – from December 31 to January 1.
That's according to Government Decree No. 1301 of December 23.
Earlier, a quarantine-related restriction was imposed, obliging catering establishments to close doors at 1:00 at night.
Видео дня
Prior to the latest announcement, chief of the Food and Consumer Service's Kyiv branch Oleh Ruban claimed extended working hours in cafes and restaurants on a holiday night would not lead to a spike in COVID-19 incidence.
Read alsoUkraine in world's TOP 20 countries with largest number of COVID-19 casesMeanwhile, a number of European countries have introduced tough lockdown measures covering the holiday period, including Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Quarantine in Ukraine: Latest
From December 19, new quarantine restrictions apply throughout Ukraine.
The newly adopted bans apply to:
Events in educational facilities (performances, celebrations, concerts) with participating children from more than one group/class and audience;
Festivities, banquets, workshops, public events in entertainment and catering establishments;
Museums, exhibitions, galleries, etc., if there is more than one visitor per 10 square meters;
Catering establishments – from 23:00 to 7:00 (except for delivery and take-out). Settlement transactions shall be terminated at 22:00. On New Year's night restaurants and cafes will be allowed to remain open until 01:00; and
Religious events in indoor settings with more than one person per 5 square meters; and in outdoor settings if the 1.5-meter social distancing rule is not observed.
The government is set to introduce a tougher lockdown across Ukraine from January 8 to January 24, 2021.


unian--2020-12-24--Accounting Chamber estimates Ukrainians' costs of servicing state debts

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Accounting Chamber estimates Ukrainians' costs of servicing state debts
11:05, 24.12.20 1972
Every seventh hryvnia of state budget revenue is spent on servicing the debt.
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unian--2020-12-24--Ukraine in world's top 20 in terms of coronavirus deaths

A total of 1,730,663 people have died worldwide since the onset of the pandemic .
As of 8:30 on December 24 , Ukraine ranked nineteenth in terms of coronavirus deaths , along with Turkey and Chile .
That 's according to Johns Hopkins University data .
Since the onset of the pandemic , 78,704,434 people have been infected worldwide .
Read alsoUkraine could additionally get 8 mln doses of COVID-19 vaccine for free – health officialThe USA ( 18,458,373 ) , India ( 10,123,778 ) , Brazil ( 7,365,517 ) , Russia ( 2,905,196 ) , and France ( 2,562,615 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the overall number of COVID-19 cases confirmed .
A total of 1,730,663 people have died since the start of the pandemic .
Most deaths from coronavirus complications were recorded in the United States , Brazil , and India .
• Diplomats to make efforts to ensure COVID-19 vaccine supply to Ukraine ASAP – lawmaker • Ukraine not to suspend flights from Britain over new COVID-19 strain • Ukraine to alter PCR tests by late Dec over new COVID-19 variant – health official • France could help Ukraine get coronavirus vaccine – Zelensky

A total of 1,730,663 people have died worldwide since the onset of the pandemic.
As of 8:30 on December 24, Ukraine ranked nineteenth in terms of coronavirus deaths, along with Turkey and Chile.
That's according to Johns Hopkins University data.
Since the onset of the pandemic, 78,704,434 people have been infected worldwide.
Видео дня
Read alsoUkraine could additionally get 8 mln doses of COVID-19 vaccine for free – health officialThe USA (18,458,373), India (10,123,778), Brazil (7,365,517), Russia (2,905,196), and France (2,562,615) form the top 5 in terms of the overall number of COVID-19 cases confirmed.
Ukraine ranks 16th – between Iran and Peru.
A total of 1,730,663 people have died since the start of the pandemic.
Most deaths from coronavirus complications were recorded in the United States, Brazil, and India.
COVID-19: Other reports


unian--2020-12-24--Russian billionaire might be involved in illegal seizure of Ukrainian icon in Donbas – media

Malofeev is a fan of religious works of art .
Bosnian journalists suggest that Russian billionaire Konstantin Malofeev might be involved in the illegal relocation of an ancient Ukrainian icon from Russia-occupied Donbas to Sarajevo , which was later handed over to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as a gift .
This was reported by BBC News Ukrainian referring to a corresponding report by investigative journalists .
Read alsoRussia to `` return '' to Bosnia icon gifted to Lavrov over `` Ukrainian heritage '' row Konstantin Malofeev is a fan of religious works of art .
He also owns the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was also suspected of involvement in sponsoring Russia-controlled illegal formations in Donbas .
Journalists investigated activities of his so-called the Saint Basil the Great Charitable Foundation .
Over the years , the Russian billionaire was generous and reportedly gave away icons to his closest allies .
He also met with the Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina , Milorad Dodik , several times .
The publication recalls that in 2014 , fighters from Bosnia and Herzegovina flew to Donbas to fight on the side of Russian mercenaries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Bosnia and Herzegovina , Milorad Dodik , presented a Ukrainian icon to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov .
After that , the Ukrainian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina demanded an explanation from that country 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs as for how the icon had got into the country .
• Subsequently , the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that they would return the icon to the side that had presented it so that its history could be traced through Interpol .
• According to local media reports , the icon is almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian city of Luhansk , which is now occupied by Russia .
• The Ukrainian Ministry of Culture and Information Policy intends to appeal to law enforcement agencies with a request to establish a chain of the icon 's movement from Ukraine to Bosnia and Herzegovina .
• The prosecutor 's office of Bosnia and Herzegovina has opened a respective criminal case .

Malofeev is a fan of religious works of art.
Bosnian journalists suggest that Russian billionaire Konstantin Malofeev might be involved in the illegal relocation of an ancient Ukrainian icon from Russia-occupied Donbas to Sarajevo, which was later handed over to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as a gift.
This was reported by BBC News Ukrainian referring to a corresponding report by investigative journalists.
Read alsoRussia to "return" to Bosnia icon gifted to Lavrov over "Ukrainian heritage" row
Видео дня
Konstantin Malofeev is a fan of religious works of art. He also owns the Tsargrad website, which spreads Kremlin propaganda. He was also suspected of involvement in sponsoring Russia-controlled illegal formations in Donbas.
Journalists investigated activities of his so-called the Saint Basil the Great Charitable Foundation. Over the years, the Russian billionaire was generous and reportedly gave away icons to his closest allies. He also met with the Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milorad Dodik, several times.
The publication recalls that in 2014, fighters from Bosnia and Herzegovina flew to Donbas to fight on the side of Russian mercenaries.
Preceding events