unian--2020-08-18--Public expectations about hryvnia rate worsen significantly – survey

The Consumer Confidence Index in July 2020 increased by 1.7 points to June .
Public expectations about the hryvnia exchange rate in the next three months have deteriorated significantly , according to a monthly survey by the Info Sapiens research agency .
Consumer Confidence Index ( CCI ) in Ukraine in July 2020 increased by 1.7 points to June , to 66.7 points , while the Index of Devaluation Expectations ( IDE ) also rose by 19.1 points to 161.8 points , Info Sapiens said in its survey published on July 18 .
In July , Index of Economic Expectations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same at 70.8 points .
Read alsoFourteen Ukrainian banks get over US $ 176 mln in refinancing in totalIn July , the Index of Expectations of Changes in Unemployment remains stable at 150.0 , which is 3.1 points down from June .
Index of Inflationary Expectations increased insignificantly from June , by 2.2 points , to 185.2 .
In general , the Consumer Confidence Index in July 2020 did not change significantly against June .
The biggest changes among the components of the Index were the expectations of economic development over the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Info Sapiens analysts said .
The Index of Expectations of Economic Development over the next five years dropped by 6 percentage points , to 79.7 .
The correction of this index continues : it returns to normal level after the maximum value recorded in August 2019 following the presidential elections .
Propensity to consume , on the contrary , increases after the low value recorded in April 2020 during strict quarantine .
The Index of Propensity to Consume has almost returned to the level of March 2020 , '' analysts said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflation outlook for 2020 to 6 % from 4.8 % predicted earlier , while leaving it within the target range of 5 % +/- 1 pp .
The State Statistics Service of Ukraine said inflation remained unchanged as of August 10 , 2020 .
Inflation in Ukraine in 2019 slowed to 4.1 % , hitting a six-year low .

The Consumer Confidence Index in July 2020 increased by 1.7 points to June.
Public expectations about the hryvnia exchange rate in the next three months have deteriorated significantly, according to a monthly survey by the Info Sapiens research agency.
Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) in Ukraine in July 2020 increased by 1.7 points to June, to 66.7 points, while the Index of Devaluation Expectations (IDE) also rose by 19.1 points to 161.8 points, Info Sapiens said in its survey published on July 18.
In July, Index of Economic Expectations (ІЕE) has almost remained the same at 70.8 points.
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Read alsoFourteen Ukrainian banks get over US$176 mln in refinancing in totalIn July, the Index of Expectations of Changes in Unemployment remains stable at 150.0, which is 3.1 points down from June.
Index of Inflationary Expectations increased insignificantly from June, by 2.2 points, to 185.2.
In general, the Consumer Confidence Index in July 2020 did not change significantly against June. The biggest changes among the components of the Index were the expectations of economic development over the next five years and the propensity to consume, Info Sapiens analysts said.
The Index of Expectations of Economic Development over the next five years dropped by 6 percentage points, to 79.7. The correction of this index continues: it returns to normal level after the maximum value recorded in August 2019 following the presidential elections.
Propensity to consume, on the contrary, increases after the low value recorded in April 2020 during strict quarantine. The Index of Propensity to Consume has almost returned to the level of March 2020," analysts said.
Inflation in Ukraine: background
The National Bank of Ukraine raised the inflation outlook for 2020 to 6% from 4.8% predicted earlier, while leaving it within the target range of 5% +/- 1 pp.
The State Statistics Service of Ukraine said inflation remained unchanged as of August 10, 2020.
Inflation in Ukraine in 2019 slowed to 4.1%, hitting a six-year low.


unian--2020-08-18--U.S. Congress reacts to Putin's offer to provide "military assistance" to Lukashenko

Congressmen say they stand with the people of Belarus demanding a freer , more democratic country .
United States Congressmen Michael McCaul , Republican Leader on the House Foreign Affairs Committee , and Eliot Engel , the Committee Chairman , have condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin 's offer to send military assistance to Belarusamid ongoing peaceful protests against last Sunday 's disputed presidential election .
`` Likewise , as the Kremlin tries to undermine yet another European country 's sovereignty and independence , we strongly condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin 's reckless offer to provide military assistance to the Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement of August 17 , 2020 .
The officials said they stand with the people of Belarus as they continue to exercise their rights to protest and to demand a freer , more democratic country .
Read alsoEU does not recognize Belarus election results '' We urge the Administration to continue to reject Moscow 's aggression and to work with our European allies to support the Belarusian people , to demand the thousands of detained peaceful demonstrators and political prisoners are released , to condemn the Belarusian authorities ' excessive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus 's sovereign right to chart its own future , '' reads the statement .
On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
Thousands of residents of Belarus took to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently cracked down on protesters .
Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9 .
On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .

Congressmen say they stand with the people of Belarus demanding a freer, more democratic country.
United States Congressmen Michael McCaul, Republican Leader on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Eliot Engel, the Committee Chairman, have condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer to send military assistance to Belarusamid ongoing peaceful protests against last Sunday's disputed presidential election.
"Likewise, as the Kremlin tries to undermine yet another European country's sovereignty and independence, we strongly condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin's reckless offer to provide military assistance to the Lukashenko regime in Belarus," the congressmen said in a statement of August 17, 2020.
The officials said they stand with the people of Belarus as they continue to exercise their rights to protest and to demand a freer, more democratic country.
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Read alsoEU does not recognize Belarus election results"We urge the Administration to continue to reject Moscow's aggression and to work with our European allies to support the Belarusian people, to demand the thousands of detained peaceful demonstrators and political prisoners are released, to condemn the Belarusian authorities' excessive use of violence, and to defend Belarus's sovereign right to chart its own future," reads the statement.
Belarus protests: developments
On August 9, presidential elections were held in Belarus.
The country's Central Election Commission announced the final election results. In particular, 80.1% of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, 10.1% voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, 1.67% for Anna Kanopatskaya, 1.2% for Andrey Dmitriev, and 1.14% for Sergei Cherechnya. Some 4.59% voted against all candidates.
Thousands of residents of Belarus took to the streets to protest what they believe is a rigged vote count. Riot police violently cracked down on protesters.
Belarus' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9. On the evening of August 13, the authorities started to release detainees.


unian--2020-08-18--Ukraine to showcase upgraded Uragan MLRS at arms expo

The defense giant has submitted the relevant application along with those for other types of weapons and hardware .
Ukroboronprom , a state-owned manufacturer of military hardware , will showcase the upgraded Uragan multiple launch rocket system ( MLRS ) on the Tatra chassis at the Arms and Security 2020 international exhibition .
The defense giant has submitted the relevant application along with those for other types of weapons and hardware , according to the Ukrainian Military Portal .
Read alsoUkroboronprom sees net profit rise by 7 % in H1Most likely , the Tatra-815 model will be used .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various MLR systems , including the 122mm BM-21 Grad .
• The Armed Forces of Ukraine have accepted for service the Dozor-B tactical combat wheeled vehicle developed by the Kharkiv 's Morozov Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering .
• SE Mykolayiv Armored Plant handed to the Defense Ministry a batch of upgraded BRDM-2L1 armored reconnaissance patrol vehicles .
• Ukroboronprom 's enterprises will repair three An-32B transport aircraft for the Air Force of Sri Lanka .
• Ukroboronprom plans to launch mass production of Ukrainian-made Vilkha-M multiple rocket launcher ( MRL ) systems @ @ @

Ukraine to showcase upgraded Uragan MLRS at arms expo
15:00, 18.08.20 4098
The defense giant has submitted the relevant application along with those for other types of weapons and hardware.
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Dictator's death

A massive March of Freedom was held in Minsk last Sunday – an event truly unprecedented for the post-Soviet country .
And on Monday , August 17 , an indefinite national strike was launched .
Belarusians , who had been ruled by Alexander Lukashenko for 26 years already , were outraged by his latest brazen move to what they believe was rig the vote count .
Sasha the 3 % , as the latest memes brand Mr Lukashenko , drew himself another re-election with a staggering 80.1 % of the vote ( that 's per the Central election Commission ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials cracked down hard on peaceful protesters , people have one demand to the `` mustachioed roach '' ( yes , it 's another derogatory nickname for Lukashenko courtesy of Belarusian activists ) : `` Go away ! ''
It seems that `` Batska '' [ `` Father '' in Belarusian , a decades-long reference to Lukashenko ] is not going to leave though .
On Monday , addressing workers at the MKZT plant , Alexander Lukashenko said he did not intend to set up new elections .
`` We have held the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will be no other elections , '' he said .
Well , it 's not a safe thing to say .
After all , although Lukashenko may be flattered by the label of `` Europe 's last dictator '' , he should n't forget how cracking down on people , which can never last forever , ended for other tyrants .
It would take too long to list them all , but even if we recall a few most prominent ones , Batska 's prospects do n't seem to be too rosy.The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested by his own entourage Perhaps , heart attacks , strokes , and aneurysms are seen as an easy cause death for such people , no matter how cynical this may sound in the 21st century .
Moreover , it ca n't be ruled out that this , too , happened with some help from their allies .
For example , Pol Pot , the bloodiest dictator of our time ( some sources say , during his reign of Kampuchea ( Cambodia ) , killed up to 3 million people in a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was arrested by his own entourage .
He was put on house arrest and set to be handed to the new Cambodian authorities for prosecution or extradited to the United States .
However , Pol Pot did not live to see this .
According to the formal version , he died of heart failure , but some say he was actually poisoned .
By the way , few people knew Pol Pot by sight , unlike Benito Mussolini .
When Duce attempted to flee Italy in April 1945 along with a detachment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group of local guerillas .
They let the Germans go , while nabbing Mussolini , who had been sporting the Luftwaffe uniform .
Being an easily recognizable figure played a cruel joke on him .
Soon he was executed along with his mistress , while their bodies were transported to Milan and hung by their feet at one of the squares .
The Italians would come up and beat the body of their late leader and spit in his face .
The level of hate was so great that Mussolini 's body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in connection with the latest developments in Belarus , people most often recall rather recent events that rocked Romania just a few decades ago .
Nicolae Ceausescu , despite his powerful Securitate security agency having intimidated the population for years ( there is an opinion that in the mid-1980s , every third Romanian was their informant ) , has failed to retain power .
Ceausescu 's speech at a rally in Bucharest in front of `` vetted proletarians '' who were specially brought in , went down in history .
During his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval .
Instead , they chanted `` Step down ! ''
and `` Rat ! ''
Indeed , very similar to what happened to Lukashenko on Monday .
In Ceausescu 's fate , that rally was the beginning of his end .
The escape of the Ceausescu couple from Bucharest ended with their detention ( moreover , it was their driver who handed them down for prosecution ) .
The trial was swift , and the verdict was `` capital punishment '' .
By the way , Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Soon the death penalty was abolished .
Saddam Hussein was luckier , one might say .
At least his trial was not a sham show .
It had been almost two years since Hussein 's arrest by the U.S. military in 2003 before trial started .
Precisely for this trial , death penalty was restored in Iraq .
In 2006 , Saddam Hussein was hanged .
The video of the execution , recorded on a mobile phone and leaked to world media , was a shocker to many : when a noose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chants were heard : `` Down with the dictatorship ! ''
and `` Go to hell ! ''
So no matter how much people fear and idolize their authoritarian leader , no matter how much power those leaders amass in their hands , boasting of being the ultimate decision-makers and seeing a `` dictator '' status as a compliment , one thing is obvious : tyrants always end bad .

A massive March of Freedom was held in Minsk last Sunday – an event truly unprecedented for the post-Soviet country. And on Monday, August 17, an indefinite national strike was launched. Belarusians, who had been ruled by Alexander Lukashenko for 26 years already, were outraged by his latest brazen move to what they believe was rig the vote count. Sasha the 3%, as the latest memes brand Mr Lukashenko, drew himself another re-election with a staggering 80.1% of the vote (that's per the Central election Commission).
After the atrocities began as security officials cracked down hard on peaceful protesters, people have one demand to the "mustachioed roach" (yes, it's another derogatory nickname for Lukashenko courtesy of Belarusian activists): "Go away!"
It seems that "Batska" is not going to leave though
It seems that "Batska" ["Father" in Belarusian, a decades-long reference to Lukashenko] is not going to leave though. On Monday, addressing workers at the MKZT plant, Alexander Lukashenko said he did not intend to set up new elections. "We have held the elections. Unless you kill me, there will be no other elections," he said.
Well, it's not a safe thing to say. After all, although Lukashenko may be flattered by the label of "Europe's last dictator", he shouldn't forget how cracking down on people, which can never last forever, ended for other tyrants.
It would take too long to list them all, but even if we recall a few most prominent ones, Batska's prospects don't seem to be too rosy.The bloodiest dictator, Pol Pot, was arrested by his own entourage
Perhaps, heart attacks, strokes, and aneurysms are seen as an easy cause death for such people, no matter how cynical this may sound in the 21st century. Moreover, it can't be ruled out that this, too, happened with some help from their allies. For example, Pol Pot, the bloodiest dictator of our time (some sources say, during his reign of Kampuchea (Cambodia), killed up to 3 million people in a country with a population of 8.5 million) was arrested by his own entourage. He was put on house arrest and set to be handed to the new Cambodian authorities for prosecution or extradited to the United States. However, Pol Pot did not live to see this. According to the formal version, he died of heart failure, but some say he was actually poisoned.
By the way, few people knew Pol Pot by sight, unlike Benito Mussolini. When Duce attempted to flee Italy in April 1945 along with a detachment of Germans, the convoy was confronted by a group of local guerillas. They let the Germans go, while nabbing Mussolini, who had been sporting the Luftwaffe uniform. Being an easily recognizable figure played a cruel joke on him. Soon he was executed along with his mistress, while their bodies were transported to Milan and hung by their feet at one of the squares. The Italians would come up and beat the body of their late leader and spit in his face. The level of hate was so great that Mussolini's body was eventually disfigured beyond recognition.
In connection with the Belarus developments, people most often recall the Ceausescu story
However, in connection with the latest developments in Belarus, people most often recall rather recent events that rocked Romania just a few decades ago. Nicolae Ceausescu, despite his powerful Securitate security agency having intimidated the population for years (there is an opinion that in the mid-1980s, every third Romanian was their informant), has failed to retain power. Ceausescu's speech at a rally in Bucharest in front of "vetted proletarians" who were specially brought in, went down in history. During his address, "proletarians" expressed no approval. Instead, they chanted "Step down!" and "Rat!" Indeed, very similar to what happened to Lukashenko on Monday.
Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu were the last individuals to be executed in Romania
In Ceausescu's fate, that rally was the beginning of his end. The escape of the Ceausescu couple from Bucharest ended with their detention (moreover, it was their driver who handed them down for prosecution). The trial was swift, and the verdict was "capital punishment". By the way, Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu were the last individuals to be executed in Romania. Soon the death penalty was abolished.
Saddam Hussein was luckier, one might say. At least his trial was not a sham show. It had been almost two years since Hussein's arrest by the U.S. military in 2003 before trial started. Precisely for this trial, death penalty was restored in Iraq. In 2006, Saddam Hussein was hanged. The video of the execution, recorded on a mobile phone and leaked to world media, was a shocker to many: when a noose was put around Hussein's neck, chants were heard: "Down with the dictatorship!" and "Go to hell!"
Tyrants always end bad
So no matter how much people fear and idolize their authoritarian leader, no matter how much power those leaders amass in their hands, boasting of being the ultimate decision-makers and seeing a "dictator" status as a compliment, one thing is obvious: tyrants always end bad.


unian--2020-08-18--Ukrainians leave record-high cashless tips in restaurants in July

An average tip in July was US $ 2.56 .
Ukraine 's largest state-owned PrivatBank says Ukrainian citizens in July 2020 paid more than UAH 3.3 million ( US $ 120,835 ) in cashless tips to waiters of cafes and restaurants , which has become a record high amount since the cashless tipping technology was launched by the bank .
During the first month of quarantine easing , PrivatBank 's customers paid 44,000 cashless tips in catering establishments , the bank 's press service said on its website on August 18 .
Read alsoUkraine 's retail trade turnover reaches pre-quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood at UAH 70 ( US $ 2.56 ) , while an average bill in the first month of quarantine easing was UAH 180 ( US $ 6.59 ) .
`` Cashless tips are a great way to support staff and development of establishments in the industry that has been affected most by the coronavirus pandemic and the introduction of quarantine measures , '' the press service quoted Head of Retail Business at PrivatBank Yevhen Vasiltsov as saying .
The cashless tip service in POS-terminals was launched in December 2018 .
By paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors can choose the size of tips to be credited to a waiter 's salary card .
Since year-start , Ukrainian citizens have paid for their purchases over 30 % more often using bank cards and digital wallets , despite the overall decline in trade over quarantine restrictions .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) said that Ukrainians had been using less cash in their payment transactions as of August 7 , 2020 , opting for cashless .

Ukrainians leave record-high cashless tips in restaurants in July
14:20, 18.08.20 1811
An average tip in July was US$2.56.
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unian--2020-08-18--Ukraine's first PM Fokin officially joins TCG talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed first Prime Minister of Ukraine ( 1990-1992 ) Vitold Fokin a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) on Donbas settlement .
Relevant Decree No .
327/2020 of August 18 , 2020 , has been posted by the President 's Office on its website .
Read alsoPotential pick for spot in TCG team , ex-PM Fokin `` watches too much TV '' , delegation member saysThe document says Zelensky appointed Fokin as first deputy head of the delegation ( by agreement ) .
Vitold Fokin ( ethnic Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1932 .
Under the Communist rule , he was a member of the Communist Party ( CPU ) Commission in 1976-1981 , member of the Central Committee of the CPU in 1981-1991 , MP of the 11th convocation of the Ukrainian SSR 's Verkhovna Rada in 1988-1989 .
From 1990 to 1992 , under the presidency of Leonid Kravchuk , he was Prime Minister of Ukraine .
He was one of the first politicians to receive a lawmaker 's mandate in an independent Ukraine .
Fokin was among signatories of the agreement between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Russia , which covered a Russian ruble-based common economic policy .
The transition to the national currency , the hryvnia , required prior notification .
In 1993 , Fokin was President of the International Fund for Humanitarian and Economic Relations of Ukraine and Russia .
Fokin first appeared at a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on August 4 , he was invited by Leonid Kravchuk .
Serhiy Harmash , a Donbas-born chief editor of the Ostrov outlet , who is part of the Ukrainian negotiating team representing certain areas of Donetsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's address that his words had surprised him .
`` I have n't heard for a long while the expression 'people of Donbas ' in my circle .
It 's apparent he watches too much TV ...
There was an impression that the ex-prime minister had arrived not from a village outside Kyiv , but from the occupied territory .
But this is also useful .
I just wish he 's sincere in his concern for the people and the country , while everything else ( if he agrees to work in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harsh realities of Moscow 's unwillingness to go for any compromises , '' Harmash said .
On July 30 , Leonid Kravchuk , Ukraine 's first president , became new head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group for the peaceful settlement in Donbas , having replaced Leonid Kuchma , also a former president of Ukraine .
On July 31 , Kravchuk hinted that Vitold Fokin , who was Ukraine 's Prime Minister during Kravchuk 's cadence , could join the team soon .
He would supposedly be coordinating communications among @ @ @ @

President Zelensky has signed the relevant decree.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed first Prime Minister of Ukraine (1990-1992) Vitold Fokin a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on Donbas settlement.
Relevant Decree No. 327/2020 of August 18, 2020, has been posted by the President's Office on its website.
Read alsoPotential pick for spot in TCG team, ex-PM Fokin "watches too much TV", delegation member saysThe document says Zelensky appointed Fokin as first deputy head of the delegation (by agreement).
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Who is Vitold Fokin
Vitold Fokin (ethnic Russian) was born in Dnipropetrovsk region in 1932. Under the Communist rule, he was a member of the Communist Party (CPU) Commission in 1976-1981, member of the Central Committee of the CPU in 1981-1991, MP of the 11th convocation of the Ukrainian SSR's Verkhovna Rada in 1988-1989.
From 1990 to 1992, under the presidency of Leonid Kravchuk, he was Prime Minister of Ukraine. He was one of the first politicians to receive a lawmaker's mandate in an independent Ukraine.
Relations with Russia
Fokin was among signatories of the agreement between the governments of Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, which covered a Russian ruble-based common economic policy. The transition to the national currency, the hryvnia, required prior notification.
In 1993, Fokin was President of the International Fund for Humanitarian and Economic Relations of Ukraine and Russia.
Statements on Donbas
Fokin first appeared at a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on August 4, he was invited by Leonid Kravchuk. Sergiy Garmash, a Donbas-born chief editor of the Ostrov outlet, who is part of the Ukrainian negotiating team representing certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, said after Fokin's address that his words had surprised him.
"I haven't heard for a long while the expression 'people of Donbas' in my circle. It's apparent he watches too much TV... There was an impression that the ex-prime minister had arrived not from a village outside Kyiv, but from the occupied territory. But this is also useful. I just wish he's sincere in his concern for the people and the country, while everything else (if he agrees to work in the delegation) will be erased by the harsh realities of Moscow's unwillingness to go for any compromises," Garmash said.
Ukraine's delegation to TCG: latest reshuffles
On July 30, Leonid Kravchuk, Ukraine's first president, became new head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group for the peaceful settlement in Donbas, having replaced Leonid Kuchma, also a former president of Ukraine.
On July 31, Kravchuk hinted that Vitold Fokin, who was Ukraine's Prime Minister during Kravchuk's cadence, could join the team soon. He would supposedly be coordinating communications among all parties involved.


unian--2020-08-18--Schools in Ukraine's red quarantine zone to operate online – health ministry

Health official has urged Ukrainians to comply with the anti-epidemic rules to prevent coronavirus spread .
Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said schools in the red quarantine zone will operate online from September 1 .
`` I think if we all comply with the anti-epidemic rules specified in our recommendations , this will allow us to effectively and in a timely manner prevent the spread of coronavirus , start the academic year , and finish it the way we expect , i.e .
in the usual offline form , '' he said during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic : how to organize the academic year 2020-2021 , '' an UNIAN correspondent reports .
However , according to Liashko , schools in the red zone will operate differently .
Read alsoTown in Ukraine 's Lviv region refuses to toughen coronavirus quarantine '' At the same time , we understand if there are schools in the red zone , online learning will be introduced pending the red-zone period , '' he added .
Reviewed quarantine zoning became effective in Ukraine on August 17 .
In particular , Kyiv was included in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine was introduced on August 1 .
The Ukrainian regions were split into the red , green , orange zones depending on hospital load , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests run , the incidence , and the dynamics of daily growth .
Quarantine-related curbs differ by zone .
The mildest ones are in the green zone , while the red zone shall impose the toughest bans .

Health official has urged Ukrainians to comply with the anti-epidemic rules to prevent coronavirus spread.
Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said schools in the red quarantine zone will operate online from September 1.
"I think if we all comply with the anti-epidemic rules specified in our recommendations, this will allow us to effectively and in a timely manner prevent the spread of coronavirus, start the academic year, and finish it the way we expect, i.e. in the usual offline form," he said during the August 2020 conference titled "Education in a pandemic: how to organize the academic year 2020-2021," an UNIAN correspondent reports.
Online training will be introduced pending the red-zone period.
However, according to Liashko, schools in the red zone will operate differently.
Read alsoTown in Ukraine's Lviv region refuses to toughen coronavirus quarantine"At the same time, we understand if there are schools in the red zone, online learning will be introduced pending the red-zone period," he added.
Quarantine in Ukraine
Reviewed quarantine zoning became effective in Ukraine on August 17. In particular, Kyiv was included in the yellow zone. The adaptive quarantine in Ukraine was introduced on August 1.
The Ukrainian regions were split into the red, green, orange zones depending on hospital load, the average number of PCR and ELISA tests run, the incidence, and the dynamics of daily growth.
Quarantine-related curbs differ by zone. The mildest ones are in the green zone, while the red zone shall impose the toughest bans.


unian--2020-08-18--Kyiv mayor reports 88 new COVID-19 cases in past day

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has reached 10,730 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose by 88 in the past day .
`` In the past day , another 88 residents of Kyiv tested positive for coronavirus , including four healthcare workers .
There was one fatality , '' he wrote on Telegram on August 18 .
`` As of today , the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 10,730 . ''
Read alsoKyiv tightening quarantine : new `` yellow zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged 18 to 70 , and 34 men aged 20 to 79 among those infected .
Two girls ( 11 and 14 years old ) and five boys ( from five to 17 years old ) have tested positive .
Klitschko said eight new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
Seventy-five people recovered from the disease in the past day , he said .
In total , 3,455 Kyiv residents have already recovered .
The highest number of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district ( 17 ) , Holosiyivsky district ( 13 ) , and Sviatoshynsky and Dniprovsky districts ( 11 each ) .
The total death toll in the city is 155 cases .
Ukraine saw a new record daily high of 1,847 coronavirus cases as of August 15 .
The country 's Health Ministry reported a sharp increase in the number of patients with a severe course of the coronavirus disease .
The ministry has called on the regions to get ready for the second wave of COVID-19 in Ukraine .
Ukraine said 1,616 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country in the past 24 hours as of August 18 , 2020 .

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has reached 10,730.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose by 88 in the past day.
"In the past day, another 88 residents of Kyiv tested positive for coronavirus, including four healthcare workers. There was one fatality," he wrote on Telegram on August 18. "As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 10,730."
Read alsoKyiv tightening quarantine: new "yellow zone" bansAccording to Klitschko, 47 women aged 18 to 70, and 34 men aged 20 to 79 among those infected.
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Two girls (11 and 14 years old) and five boys (from five to 17 years old) have tested positive.
Klitschko said eight new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
Seventy-five people recovered from the disease in the past day, he said.
In total, 3,455 Kyiv residents have already recovered.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (17), Holosiyivsky district (13), and Sviatoshynsky and Dniprovsky districts (11 each).
The total death toll in the city is 155 cases.
COVID-19 in Ukraine
Ukraine saw a new record daily high of 1,847 coronavirus cases as of August 15.
The country's Health Ministry reported a sharp increase in the number of patients with a severe course of the coronavirus disease.
The ministry has called on the regions to get ready for the second wave of COVID-19 in Ukraine.
Ukraine said 1,616 new COVID-19 cases had been reported across the country in the past 24 hours as of August 18, 2020.


unian--2020-08-18--Major int'l brands pull commercials from Belarusian TV – media

Retailers , banks , mobile operators , and other businesses have abandoned television advertising .
Major international companies have suspended advertising campaigns on Belarusian TV channels , including state ones .
Retailers , banks , mobile operators , and other businesses have made the move , as reported by Marketing.by .
Read alsoLukashenko to protesters : `` No new vote unless you kill me '' With reference to players on the advertising market , the report says such international brands as Danone and Nestle have withdrawn commercials from Belarusian TV channels .
`` Most of our clients have suspended ad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some time , starting last week , because television does n't pull ads at once , it takes several days , especially if it 's a large client , '' said Alexander Vasilevich , head of the Vondel/Hepta advertising agency .
Part of the staff with the Belarusian state-owned channels went on strike on August 17 .
• On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
• The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• Thousands of residents of Belarus took to the streets to protest what they believe is a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently cracked down on protesters .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9 .
On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .

Major int'l brands pull commercials from Belarusian TV – media
13:00, 18.08.20 1900
Retailers, banks, mobile operators, and other businesses have abandoned television advertising.
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unian--2020-08-18--Ukraine ready to expand agri-exports to Israel – Deputy PM

The launch of the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and Israel is critical , the official believes .
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna says Ukraine is ready to guarantee uninterrupted supplies of food and raw materials to other countries , as well as to expand exports of agricultural products to Israel against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` We understand that the spread of coronavirus around the world has a negative impact on the global economy .
That is why today we should look for common ways to intensify economic and investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet 's press service quoted Stefanishyna as saying on August 17 .
In these circumstances , the launch of the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and Israel is critical , according to the official .
`` At that , we reaffirm our readiness for further cooperation in the agricultural sector with Israel and the sustainable export of Ukrainian agricultural products to the Israeli market , '' Stefanishyna added .
`` We reaffirm our readiness for further cooperation in the agricultural sector with Israel '' In April 2020 , Ukraine supported a statement made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) on ensuring open and predictable trade in agricultural and food products during the coronavirus pandemic .
• Ukraine and Israel signed the Free Trade Agreement on January 21 , 2019 .
The aim is to create a legal basis for the liberalization of markets for the parties ' industrial and agricultural goods .
• In July 2019 , deputies of the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , ratified the Free Trade Agreement with Israel , which opens wide opportunities for domestic producers to conquer the strategic market .
• On August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zelensky signed into law a bill , passed by the Rada on July 11 , to ratify the agreement between Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers and the Government of Israel on a free trade area .
• The Israeli side is yet to ratify the deal .

The launch of the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and Israel is critical, the official believes.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna says Ukraine is ready to guarantee uninterrupted supplies of food and raw materials to other countries, as well as to expand exports of agricultural products to Israel against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We understand that the spread of coronavirus around the world has a negative impact on the global economy. That is why today we should look for common ways to intensify economic and investment cooperation between our countries," the Cabinet's press service quoted Stefanishyna as saying on August 17.
In these circumstances, the launch of the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and Israel is critical, according to the official.
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"At that, we reaffirm our readiness for further cooperation in the agricultural sector with Israel and the sustainable export of Ukrainian agricultural products to the Israeli market," Stefanishyna added.
"We reaffirm our readiness for further cooperation in the agricultural sector with Israel"
WTO statement
In April 2020, Ukraine supported a statement made by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on ensuring open and predictable trade in agricultural and food products during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ukraine-Israel FTA developments


unian--2020-08-18--Canada, Ireland do not recognize Belarus election results

Canada calls for free and fair elections to be held .
Canada and Ireland have not recognized presidential election results in Belarus , and called for holding new elections .
`` Canada does not accept the results of this fraudulent presidential election .
We call for free & fair elections & a thorough investigation by the OSCE , '' Canada 's Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne wrote on Twitter on August 17 , 2020 .
At the same time , Ireland 's Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney have condemned the human rights abuses in Belarus .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to release all civilians who were unjustly detained and we fully support the initiation of a process of targeted sanctions , '' he said in a statement on August 17 , 2020 .
On August 14 , the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus and said work had begun to introduce sanctions over electoral fraud and violence against protesters .
Ukraine said it `` generally shares '' the position voiced by the EU , stopping short of direct non-recognition or recognition of election results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election result must be reviewed and those responsible for mistreatments of peaceful demonstrators must be sanctioned .
Estonia and Lithuania have agreed not to buy electricity from the Belarusian NPPs .
Pope Francis made a special address dedicated to the situation in Belarus , calling for an end to violence .
EU leaders will discuss the latest developments in Belarus on August 19 .

Canada calls for free and fair elections to be held.
Canada and Ireland have not recognized presidential election results in Belarus, and called for holding new elections.
"Canada does not accept the results of this fraudulent presidential election. We call for free & fair elections & a thorough investigation by the OSCE," Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne wrote on Twitter on August 17, 2020.
Canada condemns the crackdown against peaceful protestors following the presidential election in #Belarus.
Canada does not accept the results of this fraudulent presidential election. We call for free & fair elections & a thorough investigation by the @OSCE.
My statement: pic.twitter.com/2b8arynHeT — François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) 🇨🇦 (@FP_Champagne) August 17, 2020
At the same time, Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney have condemned the human rights abuses in Belarus.
"We will continue to press the Belarusian authorities to release all civilians who were unjustly detained and we fully support the initiation of a process of targeted sanctions," he said in a statement on August 17, 2020.
Presidential elections in Belarus: global reactions
On August 14, the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus and said work had begun to introduce sanctions over electoral fraud and violence against protesters.
Ukraine said it "generally shares" the position voiced by the EU, stopping short of direct non-recognition or recognition of election results.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the election result must be reviewed and those responsible for mistreatments of peaceful demonstrators must be sanctioned.
Estonia and Lithuania have agreed not to buy electricity from the Belarusian NPPs.
Pope Francis made a special address dedicated to the situation in Belarus, calling for an end to violence.
EU leaders will discuss the latest developments in Belarus on August 19.
The European Parliament declared Alexander Lukashenko persona non grata.


unian--2020-08-18--Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 27.31 to U.S. dollar on Aug 18

The official forex rate against the euro for Tuesday has been fixed at UAH 32.37 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has set the official forex rate for August 18 at UAH 27.31 to the U.S. dollar , strengthening the national currency by four kopiykas .
The official forex rate against the euro for Tuesday is fixed at UAH 32.37 per euro – the hryvnia weakened by six kopiykas in value since Monday , according to the NBU website .
The central bank has fixed the following official forex rates of the hryvnia against key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alsoCentral bank 's net int ' l reserves grow to over US $ 17.5 bln in JulyUS $ 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,730.61 ( UAH 2,734.74 as of August 17 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH 3,237.41 ( UAH 3,230.82 as of August 17 ) .
By 16:00 Kyiv time on August 17 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank forex market settled at UAH 27.27/27.29 to the dollar , while those against the euro were at UAH 32.33/32.35 .
The National Bank set the official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27.35 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by six kopiykas .

Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 27.31 to U.S. dollar on Aug 18
12:00, 18.08.20 8189
The official forex rate against the euro for Tuesday has been fixed at UAH 32.37 per euro.
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unian--2020-08-18--Town in Ukraine's Lviv region refuses to toughen coronavirus quarantine

The local council asks police not to fine working retail outlets .
Members of Sambir Town Council in Lviv region have refused to toughen coronavirus-related quarantine rules in the town , which was a demand by the state biosecurity commission .
The council passed a respective decision on August 17 , according to the news portal zaxid.net .
On that day , dozens of entrepreneurs gathered for a rally outside the council 's building in a protest against a total lockdown .
Members of the local council say that the decision by the State Commission on Industry-Related and Environmental Safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red quarantine zone is contrary to the Constitution of Ukraine .
Therefore , public transport companies and entrepreneurs who work , in particular , in the retail sector and catering were allowed to work as usual , but they should meet quarantine-related requirements .
The council also asked the police not to fine entrepreneurs who continue working contrary to the state commission 's decision .
Separately , an appeal to the president , the Health Ministry , and Lviv Regional State Administration was adopted to withdraw Sambir from the red zone .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real incidence of coronavirus cases .
• Updated rules for the quarantine zone became effective in Ukraine on August 17 .
In particular , Kyiv was included in the yellow zone .
• The adaptive quarantine in Ukraine was introduced on August 1 .
The Ukrainian regions were split into the red , green , orange zones depending on the bed occupancy rate in hospitals , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and the dynamics of growth of new cases per day .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The mildest ones are in the green zone , the regions included in the red zone will have to introduce the toughest restrictive measures .

The local council asks police not to fine working retail outlets.
Members of Sambir Town Council in Lviv region have refused to toughen coronavirus-related quarantine rules in the town, which was a demand by the state biosecurity commission.
The council passed a respective decision on August 17, according to the news portal zaxid.net.
Read alsoCOVID-19 in Ukraine: authorities report 1,464 cases in past day
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On that day, dozens of entrepreneurs gathered for a rally outside the council's building in a protest against a total lockdown.
Members of the local council say that the decision by the State Commission on Industry-Related and Environmental Safety and Emergencies to include Sambir in the red quarantine zone is contrary to the Constitution of Ukraine.
Therefore, public transport companies and entrepreneurs who work, in particular, in the retail sector and catering were allowed to work as usual, but they should meet quarantine-related requirements.
The council also asked the police not to fine entrepreneurs who continue working contrary to the state commission's decision.
Separately, an appeal to the president, the Health Ministry, and Lviv Regional State Administration was adopted to withdraw Sambir from the red zone. They say it does not correspond to the real incidence of coronavirus cases.
Quarantine in Ukraine


unian--2020-08-18--Normandy Four leaders' advisors to meet Aug 28 – media

Ukraine will be represented by Andriy Yermak , chief of the President 's Office .
The meeting of political advisors to leaders of the Normandy Four states ( Ukraine , Russia , Germany , and France ) will be held on August 28 .
That 's according to Serhiy Harmash , Ukraine 's member to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement , Obozrevatel reports .
`` The Normandy [ Four ] meeting at the level of political advisors is scheduled for August 28 , '' Harmash is quoted as saying .
Read alsoUkraine interested in preserving `` Normandy-Minsk infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Head of the President 's Office Andriy Yermak , and Russia – by Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Dmitry Kozak .
The Normandy Format talks ( French : Format Normandie ) involve the representatives of four countries , Germany , Russia , Ukraine and France , who met informally during the D-Day celebration in Normandy on June 6 , 2014 , and who aim to resolve the war in Donbas .
It operates mainly through telephone calls between the leaders and their respective ministers of foreign affairs .
Following the Normandy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , leaders of Ukraine , Germany , France , and Russia agreed on a communique in support of the agreement within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) on the disengagement of forces in three additional areas of Donbas .
It was determined that disengagement was to be completed before the end of March 2020 , although it has n't yet .
Earlier , forces disengaged in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska ( June 2019 ) , near Zolote ( late October 2019 ) , and in the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
On July 7 , Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Reznikov suggested that a meeting of the Normandy Four leaders in Berlin could take place as early as August .
Since midnight on July 27 , a full and comprehensive ceasefire has been in effect along the contact line in the zone of the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas .
The relevant agreement was sealed by the parties to the TCG ( Ukraine , Russia , and OSCE ) on July 22 .

Ukraine will be represented by Andriy Yermak, chief of the President's Office.
The meeting of political advisors to leaders of the Normandy Four states (Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France) will be held on August 28.
That's according to Sergiy Garmash, Ukraine's member to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement, Obozrevatel reports.
"The Normandy [Four] meeting at the level of political advisors is scheduled for August 28," Garmash is quoted as saying.
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Read alsoUkraine interested in preserving "Normandy-Minsk infrastructure" – foreign ministerUkraine will be represented by Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak, and Russia – by Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Dmitry Kozak.
What is Normandy Format
The Normandy Format talks (French: Format Normandie) involve the representatives of four countries, Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France, who met informally during the D-Day celebration in Normandy on June 6, 2014, and who aim to resolve the war in Donbas. It operates mainly through telephone calls between the leaders and their respective ministers of foreign affairs.
Normandy Four: latest developments
Following the Normandy summit in Paris on December 9, 2019, leaders of Ukraine, Germany, France, and Russia agreed on a communique in support of the agreement within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on the disengagement of forces in three additional areas of Donbas.
It was determined that disengagement was to be completed before the end of March 2020, although it hasn't yet.
Earlier, forces disengaged in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska (June 2019), near Zolote (late October 2019), and in the area of Bohdanivka and Petrivske (November 2019).
On July 7, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Reznikov suggested that a meeting of the Normandy Four leaders in Berlin could take place as early as August.
Since midnight on July 27, a full and comprehensive ceasefire has been in effect along the contact line in the zone of the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas.
The relevant agreement was sealed by the parties to the TCG (Ukraine, Russia, and OSCE) on July 22.


unian--2020-08-18--Norwegian arrested in Oslo on charges of spying for Russia

Norway security operatives say the suspect has handed to a foreign power information that could harm national interests .
Norway 's security police on Saturday , August 15 , detained a Norwegian citizen in Oslo and pressed espionage charges .
The individual , who has worked with the DNV GL AS classification firm , is being accused of handing to a foreign power sensitive information that could harm national interests , Bloomberg reports citing NTB The indictment is based on meetings the suspect had with Russian intelligence operatives , the report says referring to a police source .
The suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his lawyer .
`` The man is accused of having handed information to a foreign state that could harm basic national interests , '' the Norwegian Police Security Service tweeted on Monday , August 17 .
Read alsoEU ambassadors agree on sanctions against Russia , China for cyberattacks – journalistDNV will fully cooperate with police in what its spokesman says is a `` very serious matter . ''
DNV GL is a classification society and advisor for the maritime industry , the technical advisor to the oil and gas industry , also delivering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the energy value chain including renewables and energy management .
It is a provider of digital solutions for managing risk , as well as improving safety and asset performance for ships , pipelines , processing plants , offshore structures , electric grids , etc .
Three diplomats at the Russian Embassy in Oslo were identified by newspaper Aftenposten in May 2020 as having ties to Russia 's military intelligence agency known as GRU , earlier accused of murder and poisonings in addition to spying , while Norway 's police security agency PST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence agents operating in Norway `` is much higher . ''
Also in May 2020 , the SBU security service of Ukraine pressed espionage charges against the GRU operative for recruiting the then-deputy chief of protocol of the Prime Minister of Ukraine , thus inciting him into treason .
In July 2020 , a U.S. sailor was charged for leaking classified information to a Russian national , according to DailyMail .
Prague police in the Czech Republic in July 2020 arrested a Russian diplomat over the illegal purchases of live ammunition , including @ @ @ @

Norway security operatives say the suspect has handed to a foreign power information that could harm national interests.
Norway's security police on Saturday, August 15, detained a Norwegian citizen in Oslo and pressed espionage charges.
The individual, who has worked with the DNV GL AS classification firm, is being accused of handing to a foreign power sensitive information that could harm national interests, Bloomberg reports citing NTB
The indictment is based on meetings the suspect had with Russian intelligence operatives, the report says referring to a police source.
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The suspect has denied the accusation, as per his lawyer.
PST pågrep lørdag 15. august en norsk borger i Oslo. Mannen er siktet for å ha overlevert informasjon til fremmed stat som kan skade grunnleggende nasjonale interesser, § 123 og § 124. Han blir fremstilt for varetektsfengsling i Oslo tingrett mandag 17. august kl 1500. — PST (@PSTnorge) August 17, 2020
"The man is accused of having handed information to a foreign state that could harm basic national interests," the Norwegian Police Security Service tweeted on Monday, August 17.
Read alsoEU ambassadors agree on sanctions against Russia, China for cyberattacks – journalistDNV will fully cooperate with police in what its spokesman says is a "very serious matter."
What is DNV GL
DNV GL is a classification society and advisor for the maritime industry, the technical advisor to the oil and gas industry, also delivering testing, certification, and advisory services to the energy value chain including renewables and energy management. It is a provider of digital solutions for managing risk, as well as improving safety and asset performance for ships, pipelines, processing plants, offshore structures, electric grids, etc.
Russian spies: other cases
Three diplomats at the Russian Embassy in Oslo were identified by newspaper Aftenposten in May 2020 as having ties to Russia's military intelligence agency known as GRU, earlier accused of murder and poisonings in addition to spying, while Norway's police security agency PST claims the "real number" of intelligence agents operating in Norway "is much higher."
Also in May 2020, the SBU security service of Ukraine pressed espionage charges against the GRU operative for recruiting the then-deputy chief of protocol of the Prime Minister of Ukraine, thus inciting him into treason.
In July 2020, a U.S. sailor was charged for leaking classified information to a Russian national, according to DailyMail.
Prague police in the Czech Republic in July 2020 arrested a Russian diplomat over the illegal purchases of live ammunition, including for sniper rifles.


unian--2020-08-18--Ukraine's government decides to limit Hasidim trips to Uman amid Rosh Hashanah

In 2019 , more than 30,000 pilgrims came to the town to celebrate the 5780th Jewish New Year .
Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers has backed a motion by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to limit foreigners ' trips to the town of Uman during Rosh Hashanah celebrations this year .
This was reported by the Interior Ministry 's press service .
Interior Minister Arsen Avakov noted that `` from 30,000 to 50,000 Hasidim come to Uman from different countries every year to celebrate , conduct various religious rites and visit holy places during three days . ''
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event during the pandemic poses great risks of the spread of the virus not only amid participants in the event , but also local residents .
`` We respect the national traditions of different peoples and religious communities , and every year we do everything to ensure the highest security standards .
However , in recent weeks , Ukraine has recorded a spike in confirmed coronavirus cases .
A similar situation is observed in other states .
This makes the governments of those countries re-impose tighter quarantine restrictions .
We 've heard reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting and come to the conclusion that the epidemiological situation in the country and in the world is not favorable for mass events , especially when foreigners are involved , '' Avakov said .
The minister added that his ministry had reached a similar agreement with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate , who decided that an annual procession to mark Christianization of Kyivan Rus would not be held amid the pandemic .
Therefore , he said he hoped for the Hasidic religious community 's understanding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't give permission for pilgrimage of thousands of Hasidim to Uman Avakov also noted that his ministry would ensure all technical measures needed to implement the quarantine-related restrictions in Uman .
At the same time , the United Jewish Community of Ukraine says yesterday 's proposal by the Ministry of Internal Affairs , supported by the Ukrainian government , to introduce technical restrictions on the entry of foreigners into Uman does not yet constitute a complete ban on the pilgrimage of the Bratslav Hasidim .
Technical restrictions are yet to be explained by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that a certain number of pilgrims have already allegedly arrived in Uman .
The organization has called on mass media to refrain from speculation on the topic and confusing the audiences by claiming that the pilgrimage has been fully banned .
Celebration of Rosh Hashanah in Uman : What is known • On July 14 , Uman Mayor Oleksandr Tsebriy said following consultations with the country 's Foreign Ministry that he was ready to block the city 's entrances in the event of Hasidic pilgrims ' mass arrivals to celebrate the Jewish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman during Rosh Hashanah would not take place over the coronavirus pandemic this year .
• The Israeli Foreign Ministry called on the Ukrainian authorities to take measures to prevent mass gatherings of people in Uman to counter the spread of COVID-19 .
• On August 11 , Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Oleh Nemchinov said following a meeting of the State Commission on Industry-Related and Environmental Safety and Emergencies that from 5,000 to 10,000 Hasidim pilgrims are expected in Uman during this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more than 30,000 pilgrims came to the town to celebrate the 5780th Jewish New Year .
This year , Rosh Hashanah will begin on September 18 .

In 2019, more than 30,000 pilgrims came to the town to celebrate the 5780th Jewish New Year.
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has backed a motion by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to limit foreigners' trips to the town of Uman during Rosh Hashanah celebrations this year.
This was reported by the Interior Ministry's press service.
Interior Minister Arsen Avakov noted that "from 30,000 to 50,000 Hasidim come to Uman from different countries every year to celebrate, conduct various religious rites and visit holy places during three days." According to him, this format of a mass event during the pandemic poses great risks of the spread of the virus not only amid participants in the event, but also local residents.
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"We respect the national traditions of different peoples and religious communities, and every year we do everything to ensure the highest security standards. However, in recent weeks, Ukraine has recorded a spike in confirmed coronavirus cases. A similar situation is observed in other states. This makes the governments of those countries re-impose tighter quarantine restrictions. We've heard reports by the relevant ministers at a government meeting and come to the conclusion that the epidemiological situation in the country and in the world is not favorable for mass events, especially when foreigners are involved," Avakov said.
The minister added that his ministry had reached a similar agreement with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, who decided that an annual procession to mark Christianization of Kyivan Rus would not be held amid the pandemic. Therefore, he said he hoped for the Hasidic religious community's understanding.
Read alsoUkraine's MFA: Cabinet doesn't give permission for pilgrimage of thousands of Hasidim to Uman
Avakov also noted that his ministry would ensure all technical measures needed to implement the quarantine-related restrictions in Uman.
At the same time, the United Jewish Community of Ukraine says yesterday's proposal by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, supported by the Ukrainian government, to introduce technical restrictions on the entry of foreigners into Uman does not yet constitute a complete ban on the pilgrimage of the Bratslav Hasidim. Technical restrictions are yet to be explained by Ukraine authorities, the report says, adding that a certain number of pilgrims have already allegedly arrived in Uman.
The organization has called on mass media to refrain from speculation on the topic and confusing the audiences by claiming that the pilgrimage has been fully banned.
Celebration of Rosh Hashanah in Uman: What is known


unian--2020-08-18--Ukraine reports over 1,600 new COVID-19 cases on Aug 18

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 94,436 .
Ukraine said 1,616 new COVID-19 cases had been reported across @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours as of August 18 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ reported by the Health Ministry via Telegram .
As many as 48,925 patients , including @ @ @ @ @ , have recovered , as seen on the interactive map compiled by the National Security @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has taken 2,116 lives with 27 fatalities recorded over the past day .
Read @ @ @ @ @ awareness campaignIn total , 1,315,409 polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) tests have been run @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine saw a new record daily high of 1,847 coronavirus cases as of August 15 @ @ @ @ @ Ministry reported a sharp increase in the number of patients with a severe course of @ @ @ @ @ ministry has called on the regions to get ready for the second wave of COVID-19 @ @ @

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 94,436.
Ukraine said 1,616 new COVID-19 cases had been reported across the country in the past 24 hours as of August 18, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 94,436, as reported by the Health Ministry via Telegram.
As many as 48,925 patients, including 761 in the past day, have recovered, as seen on the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
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The pandemic has taken 2,116 lives with 27 fatalities recorded over the past day.
Read alsoZelensky demands more effective COVID-19 awareness campaignIn total, 1,315,409 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been run since the pandemic start.
Coronavirus in Ukraine
Ukraine saw a new record daily high of 1,847 coronavirus cases as of August 15.
The country's Health Ministry reported a sharp increase in the number of patients with a severe course of the coronavirus disease.
The ministry has called on the regions to get ready for the second wave of COVID-19 in Ukraine.


unian--2020-08-18--Inter beat Shakhtar Donetsk, advancing to Europa League final

With a 5:0 win , Inter advanced to the final for the first time since 1998 .
On August 17 , Ukraine 's FC Shakhtar Donetsk were destroyed by Italy 's FC Inter in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals .
With a 5:0 win , Inter advanced to the final for the first time since 1998 with an emphatic display in Düsseldorf , UEFA reported .
Both teams confidently passed the previous knockout stages : the Miners knocked Benfica , Wolfsburg and Basel off the competition , while the Milanese cruised past Ludogorets , Getafe and Bayer 04 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' managers delivered no surprises in the starting lineups , fielding all the strongest performers for the moment .
Inter will face Sevilla in the final in Cologne on Friday , August 21 .
`` It was a super performance and we made Shakhtar look average , '' Inter manager Antonio Conte has told Sky Sport Italia , according to Daily Mail .
On August 11 , Shakhtar Donetsk thrashed Basel ( Switzerland ) behind closed doors at Gelsenkirchen 's Arena AufSchalke and advanced to semi-finals .
While being a constant presence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only reached UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League group stages twice ( 2005–06 and 2009–10 ) , according to Wikipedia .
In 2009 , Shakhtar won the UEFA Cup over Werder Bremen in the final held in Istanbul , becoming the first team in the independent Ukraine to win a European trophy .

With a 5:0 win, Inter advanced to the final for the first time since 1998.
On August 17, Ukraine's FC Shakhtar Donetsk were destroyed by Italy's FC Inter in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
With a 5:0 win, Inter advanced to the final for the first time since 1998 with an emphatic display in Düsseldorf, UEFA reported.
Both teams confidently passed the previous knockout stages: the Miners knocked Benfica, Wolfsburg and Basel off the competition, while the Milanese cruised past Ludogorets, Getafe and Bayer 04, according to Shakhtar's press service.
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Teams' managers delivered no surprises in the starting lineups, fielding all the strongest performers for the moment.
Inter will face Sevilla in the final in Cologne on Friday, August 21.
"It was a super performance and we made Shakhtar look average," Inter manager Antonio Conte has told Sky Sport Italia, according to Daily Mail.
Shakhtar in Europa League
On August 11, Shakhtar Donetsk thrashed Basel (Switzerland) behind closed doors at Gelsenkirchen's Arena AufSchalke and advanced to semi-finals.
While being a constant presence in Champions League group stages, Shakhtar have only reached UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League group stages twice (2005–06 and 2009–10), according to Wikipedia.
In 2009, Shakhtar won the UEFA Cup over Werder Bremen in the final held in Istanbul, becoming the first team in the independent Ukraine to win a European trophy.


unian--2020-08-18--Zelensky says events in Belarus could have significant impact on Ukraine

The Ukrainian leader held a meeting with chiefs of Ukraine 's intelligence and law enforcement agencies .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that events in Belarus could have a significant impact on Ukraine .
`` The Head of State noted that the events in this country could significantly affect Ukraine , '' the presidential press service reported on August 17 .
Developments in Belarus were on the agenda of a meeting between the president and chiefs of Ukraine 's intelligence and law enforcement agencies , as well as some regional governors .
During the meeting , they analyzed the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numerous external factors that might influence the development of post-election events .
They also assessed possible scenarios of the further development of today 's domestic political aggravation in the neighboring country , including `` various types of escalation given the so-called hybrid types of world conflicts . ''
In addition , participants in the meeting analyzed direct risks Ukraine is facing under such scenarios .
Recent developments in Belarus in brief • On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
• The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• Thousands of residents of Belarus who disagreed with the results of the presidential elections in that country took to the streets to join protest rallies , which was followed by clashes with riot police .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .
• Lukashenko has repeatedly warned against meddling in Belarus ' domestic affairs .
He had phone calls with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin .
As a result , the Kremlin assured it was ready to provide `` assistance in solving the problems '' in Belarus .
• On August 14 , the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus and said work had begun to introduce sanctions over electoral fraud and @ @ @ @

The Ukrainian leader held a meeting with chiefs of Ukraine's intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that events in Belarus could have a significant impact on Ukraine.
"The Head of State noted that the events in this country could significantly affect Ukraine," the presidential press service reported on August 17.
Read alsoUkraine recalls ambassador from Belarus
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Developments in Belarus were on the agenda of a meeting between the president and chiefs of Ukraine's intelligence and law enforcement agencies, as well as some regional governors.
During the meeting, they analyzed the political situation in Belarus, as well as numerous external factors that might influence the development of post-election events.
They also assessed possible scenarios of the further development of today's domestic political aggravation in the neighboring country, including "various types of escalation given the so-called hybrid types of world conflicts."
In addition, participants in the meeting analyzed direct risks Ukraine is facing under such scenarios.
Recent developments in Belarus in brief


unian--2020-08-18--Donbas truce: Ukraine reports two ceasefire violations by enemy forces on Aug 17

No casualties were reported in the past day .
Ukraine has reported two violations of the latest ceasefire agreements by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Monday , August 17 , .
`` In total , over the past 24 hours , Ukrainian military recorded two violations on the part of the enemy of the agreements reached within the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22 , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Command said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on August 18 , 2020 .
Read alsoPrisoner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ names to OSCEThe enemy fired a grenade near the village of Vodiane in the afternoon .
The shot posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian troops so Joint Forces did not return fire .
Moreover , the enemy violated the truce commencing engineering works near Vodiane near Ukrainian positions .
No casualties were reported in the past day .
Since Tuesday midnight , no attacks by Russian Federation 's armed formations have been recorded , the JFO HQ said .
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 July 27 .
The new ceasefire regime was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July 27 .
On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions .
More provocations have been reported since .

No casualties were reported in the past day.
Ukraine has reported two violations of the latest ceasefire agreements by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Monday, August 17,.
"In total, over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian military recorded two violations on the part of the enemy of the agreements reached within the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Command said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on August 18, 2020.
Read alsoPrisoner swap: Ukraine submits list with 100 names to OSCEThe enemy fired a grenade near the village of Vodiane in the afternoon. The shot posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian troops so Joint Forces did not return fire.
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Moreover, the enemy violated the truce commencing engineering works near Vodiane near Ukrainian positions.
No casualties were reported in the past day.
Since Tuesday midnight, no attacks by Russian Federation's armed formations have been recorded, the JFO HQ said.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military, the report says.
Donbas truce: background
Parties to 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 July 27.
The new ceasefire regime was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July 27.
On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce, Russia's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions. More provocations have been reported since.


unian--2020-08-18--Lukashenko intimidates protesters with Russia's potential "reaction"

Addressing the workers at a local plant , Lukashenko told them to `` calm down , get back to work '' , and meet again in January 2021 .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has intimidated a crowd of protesters with a possible reaction on the part of Russia if Belarus holds a new election , canceling the results of the latest vote .
`` We will not review these elections , their results .
That 's because this is not you who demand this , this is n't workers .
This is a demand coming from above .
And you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chain from Vilnius to Kyiv to show it is necessary to create a cordon sanitaire between Russia and the West .
It 's actually a move against Russia .
Do you want Russia to react ?
I do n't , '' Lukashenko said , addressing workers at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant ( MZKT ) , Belarus 1 TV channel reports .
Speaking to a crowd of protesting workers , many of whom were booing the president , chanting calls for him to step down , Lukashenko said : `` You calm down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January we will meet again and you will tell me what else needs to be done . ''
Lukashenko over the course of the last few days spoke with his Russian counterpart over the phone at least twice , as officially reported .
`` [ A ] t our very first request , comprehensive assistance will be provided [ by Russia ] to ensure the security of the Republic of Belarus , '' said Lukashenko .
In another phone call between the two on Sunday , Putin had told Alexander Lukashenko Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary , as demonstrators gathered for the biggest protests against Lukashenko 's re-election .
Earlier , Lukashenko complained about external interference in his country 's affairs , hinting at a western plot toward a `` color revolution '' , and denied the idea to hold new elections , telling protesters : `` Unless you kill me , there will be no other elections . ''
An OSINT group Conflict Intelligence Team has reported that the Kremlin is deploying its RosGvardia [ Russian Guard ] troops and paddy wagons to the border with Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus amid mounting unrest would constitute `` an invasion '' , Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius has said .

Addressing the workers at a local plant, Lukashenko told them to "calm down, get back to work", and meet again in January 2021.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has intimidated a crowd of protesters with a possible reaction on the part of Russia if Belarus holds a new election, canceling the results of the latest vote.
"We will not review these elections, their results. That's because this is not you who demand this, this isn't workers. This is a demand coming from above. And you will also be put in a human chain from Vilnius to Kyiv to show it is necessary to create a cordon sanitaire between Russia and the West. It's actually a move against Russia. Do you want Russia to react? I don't," Lukashenko said, addressing workers at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT), Belarus 1 TV channel reports.
Do you want Russia to react? I don't.
Speaking to a crowd of protesting workers, many of whom were booing the president, chanting calls for him to step down, Lukashenko said: "You calm down, get back to work, and in January we will meet again and you will tell me what else needs to be done."
Russian assistance to Belarus amid protests
Lukashenko over the course of the last few days spoke with his Russian counterpart over the phone at least twice, as officially reported.
"[A]t our very first request, comprehensive assistance will be provided [by Russia] to ensure the security of the Republic of Belarus," said Lukashenko.
In another phone call between the two on Sunday, Putin had told Alexander Lukashenko Russia was ready to offer military assistance if necessary, as demonstrators gathered for the biggest protests against Lukashenko's re-election.
Earlier, Lukashenko complained about external interference in his country's affairs, hinting at a western plot toward a "color revolution", and denied the idea to hold new elections, telling protesters: "Unless you kill me, there will be no other elections."
An OSINT group Conflict Intelligence Team has reported that the Kremlin is deploying its RosGvardia [Russian Guard] troops and paddy wagons to the border with Belarus.
Russian military assistance to the neighboring Belarus amid mounting unrest would constitute "an invasion", Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius has said.


unian--2020-08-17--Almost 80 people missing in Belarus after bloody crackdown on protests – media

The Internal Affairs Ministry says 122 people are now in local police 's temporary detention facilities .
Some 76 people are listed as missing after a bloody crackdown on protests and mass arrests of protesters in Belarus .
This was reported by the TUT.by news portal , which has launched an online service to help find people who have disappeared after participating in rallies across Belarus .
Read alsoPresident of European Council : Leadership of Belarus must reflect Belarusians ' will Information available on certain missing people includes the number of days they were imprisoned for but the place where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown , it said .
The situation with some of the missing is worse : neither relatives nor civil volunteers know anything about them .
Their names are not on the lists of convicts or those who are kept in detention centers .
There are also cases of when people went missing on the streets under unusual conditions .
For example , the director of a museum from Grodno region disappeared after work .
Meanwhile , Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that 122 people were in local police 's temporary detention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Recent developments in Belarus in brief • On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
• The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• Thousands of residents of Belarus who disagreed with the results of the presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets to join protest rallies , which was followed by clashes with riot police .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9 .
On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .
• Lukashenko has repeatedly warned against meddling in Belarus ' domestic affairs .
He had phone calls with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin .
As a result , the Kremlin assured it was ready to provide `` assistance in solving the problems '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus and said work had begun to introduce sanctions over electoral fraud and violence against protesters .
• Human rights activists reported five deaths during the dispersal of protests by Belarusian riot police .

The Internal Affairs Ministry says 122 people are now in local police's temporary detention facilities.
Some 76 people are listed as missing after a bloody crackdown on protests and mass arrests of protesters in Belarus.
This was reported by the TUT.by news portal, which has launched an online service to help find people who have disappeared after participating in rallies across Belarus.
Read alsoPresident of European Council: Leadership of Belarus must reflect Belarusians' will
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Information available on certain missing people includes the number of days they were imprisoned for but the place where they have been serving the sentence remains unknown, it said.
The situation with some of the missing is worse: neither relatives nor civil volunteers know anything about them. Their names are not on the lists of convicts or those who are kept in detention centers.
There are also cases of when people went missing on the streets under unusual conditions. For example, the director of a museum from Grodno region disappeared after work.
Meanwhile, Belarus' Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that 122 people were in local police's temporary detention facilities as of Monday, August 17.
Recent developments in Belarus in brief


unian--2020-08-19--U.S. Embassy concerned by incidents targeting journalists in Ukraine

The U.S. Embassy has expressed concern by incidents targeting journalists in Ukraine .
`` Free media is a critical element of a vibrant democracy , and journalists must be allowed to report without harassment and intimidation .
We are concerned by recent incidents targeting Radio Svoboda staff , including the burning of a vehicle and the suspected wiretapping of a home .
We appreciate the authorities taking initial steps to look into these incidents and urge a swift and comprehensive investigation , '' the Embassy said in a statement on Facebook on August 18 .
• RFE/RL 's Skhemy [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on August 17 said the car journalists had been using to film their reports was burnt down in Kyiv overnight Monday .
Tkach says the latest material in which this car was involved is titled `` Kings of the Roads , '' featuring top officials violating traffic rules .
• President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky says he hopes the arson attack on the Skhemy car will be investigated as soon as possible and those responsible will be held liable .
• Law enforcers are working to establish the circumstances and perpetrators of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which belonged to the film crew of the Schemes : Corruption in Detail program .
• Earlier this month , Tkach had discovered a hole drilled through his apartment 's ceiling , presumably for a wiretapping device , according to RFE/RL .
Later , the police announced that they had started proceedings on charges of violating the privacy .

The Embassy urges a swift and comprehensive investigation.
The U.S. Embassy has expressed concern over incidents targeting journalists in Ukraine.
"Free media is a critical element of a vibrant democracy, and journalists must be allowed to report without harassment and intimidation. We are concerned by recent incidents targeting Radio Svoboda staff, including the burning of a vehicle and the suspected wiretapping of a home. We appreciate the authorities taking initial steps to look into these incidents and urge a swift and comprehensive investigation," the Embassy said in a statement on Facebook on August 18.
Read alsoPresident's Office condemns arson attack on investigative journalists' car
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Latest incidents targeting the Skhemy project


unian--2020-08-18--Grodno in Belarus meets protesters' demand

The city promises not to prosecute protesters .
The city executive committee of the Belarusian city of Grodno has fulfilled protesters ' demands .
The Grodno City Executive Committee announced this in a statement published on Grodno Plus TV website .
In particular , the city promises not to prosecute protesters , while the opposition will be provided with TV airtime .
Also , the local authorities have allowed rallies in the central squares of Grodno : • once organizers submit an application for holding protests in the city , they will be provided with medical , technical and informational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check facts of citizens ' complaints about causing harm to their health ; • citizens detained for participating in rallies have been released ; • measures have been taken to prevent the use of administrative resources against workers who have taken part in a strike ; • representatives of the democratic community of Grodno , trade unions , political parties and others will have Grodno Plus TV airtime ; • chiefs of the Internal Affairs Department of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee have made a public apology .
• On August 9 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• Thousands of residents of Belarus took to the streets to protest what they believe is a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently cracked down on protesters .
• Belarus ' Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been detained in different cities since August 9 .
On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .
• According to human rights activists , at least five people were killed during clashes with riot police , seven more are in critical condition in intensive care units .
The activists say about 200-300 people were detained as political prisoners .
• Lukashenko has repeatedly warned against meddling in Belarus ' domestic affairs .
He had phone calls with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin .
As a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide `` assistance in solving the problems '' in Belarus .
• On August 14 , the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus and said work had begun to introduce sanctions over electoral fraud and violence against protesters .

The city promises not to prosecute protesters.
The city executive committee of the Belarusian city of Grodno has fulfilled protesters' demands.
The Grodno City Executive Committee announced this in a statement published on Grodno Plus TV website.
Read alsoThousands of Minsk residents gather for evening rally (Photos, video)
Видео дня
In particular, the city promises not to prosecute protesters, while the opposition will be provided with TV airtime.
Also, the local authorities have allowed rallies in the central squares of Grodno:
once organizers submit an application for holding protests in the city, they will be provided with medical, technical and informational;
investigations are under way to check facts of citizens' complaints about causing harm to their health;
citizens detained for participating in rallies have been released;
measures have been taken to prevent the use of administrative resources against workers who have taken part in a strike;
representatives of the democratic community of Grodno, trade unions, political parties and others will have Grodno Plus TV airtime;
chiefs of the Internal Affairs Department of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee have made a public apology.
Belarus protests in brief


unian--2020-08-18--Thousands of Minsk residents gather for evening rally

The event was peaceful , it was held without incidents .
About 10,000 residents of Minsk have gathered on Independence Square in the center of the Belarusian capital on the evening of August 18 .
Participants in the event chanted words of support to workers of enterprises who were taking part in the strike , TUT.by reported .
Some of them shouted , `` Nobody has paid us , '' implying that they were participating in the rally voluntarily , unlike the case with pro-government rallies .
`` Thousands of flashlights were lit on Independence Square .
People are shouting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlet wrote to describe the events in the center of Minsk .
• On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
• The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• Thousands of residents of Belarus took to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently cracked down on protesters .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9 .
On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .
• According to human rights activists , at least five people were killed during clashes with riot police , seven more are in critical condition in intensive care units .
The activists say about 200-300 people were detained as political prisoners .
• Lukashenko has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic affairs .
He had phone calls with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin .
As a result , the Kremlin assured it was ready to provide `` assistance in solving the problems '' in Belarus .
• On August 14 , the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus and said work had begun to introduce sanctions over electoral fraud and violence against protesters .

The event was peaceful, it was held without incidents.
About 10,000 residents of Minsk have gathered on Independence Square in the center of the Belarusian capital on the evening of August 18.
Participants in the event chanted words of support to workers of enterprises who were taking part in the strike, TUT.by reported.
Видео дня
Some of them shouted, "Nobody has paid us," implying that they were participating in the rally voluntarily, unlike the case with pro-government rallies.
"Thousands of flashlights were lit on Independence Square. People are shouting 'Go away,'" the media outlet wrote to describe the events in the center of Minsk.
Belarus protests: Developments


unian--2020-08-18--Stoltenberg: NATO poses no threat to Belarus

NATO 's chief also informed he had had an important discussion with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Belarus .
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says the Alliance does not pose a threat to Belarus .
`` Minsk must demonstrate full respect for fundamental rights .
NATO poses no threat and has no military buildup in the region .
We remain vigilant and ready to defend all Allies , '' Stoltenberg said on Twitter on August 18 .
NATO 's chief also informed he had had an important discussion with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Belarus .
Read alsoLukashenko says Belarusian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
• The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• Thousands of residents of Belarus took to the streets to protest what they believe is a rigged vote count .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9 .
On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .
• According to human rights activists , at least five people were killed during clashes with riot police , seven more are in critical condition in intensive care units .
The activists say about 200-300 people were detained as political prisoners .
• Lukashenko has repeatedly warned against meddling in Belarus ' domestic affairs .
He had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin .
As a result , the Kremlin assured it was ready to provide `` assistance in solving the problems '' in Belarus .
• On August 14 , the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus and said work had begun to introduce sanctions over electoral fraud and violence against protesters .

NATO's chief also informed he had had an important discussion with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Belarus.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says the Alliance does not pose a threat to Belarus.
"Minsk must demonstrate full respect for fundamental rights. NATO poses no threat and has no military buildup in the region. We remain vigilant and ready to defend all Allies," Stoltenberg said on Twitter on August 18.
NATO's chief also informed he had had an important discussion with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Belarus.
Видео дня
Read alsoLukashenko says Belarusian army on full alert on western border
Belarus protests: Developments


unian--2020-08-18--Lukashenko says Belarusian army on full alert on western border

He admitted special operations forces were involved in the dispersal of protests in his country .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says units of the Armed Forces of Belarus are on full alert on the western border .
While meeting with members of the Security Council of Belarus , he also expressed concern over the situation along the country 's western borders , according to the BelTA agency .
`` Representatives of Western nations , including some heads of state , who do n't even know where Belarus is and do n't know what is going on here , have released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These statements indicate that the president was right when we were discussing the matter in the Defense Ministry .
Thank God , we 've reacted to it and deployed combat units of our army on the western borders of the country and set them to full alert .
The defense minister told me that all of that had been done and the relevant units are now ready to carry out their missions . ''
He admitted special operations forces were involved in the dispersal of protests in his country .
`` Let me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongly regret our having to use certain army units , particularly special operations units , to restore order inside the country .
Because there is a certain part of our population .
It 's not that they fail to comprehend it – they are doing it on purpose , '' he said .
He says the `` external component '' makes the military take into account the situation and act accordingly .
`` So , problems are emerging not only inside the country but also outside .
We can clearly see that these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are far from their peak .
Events will unfold accordingly but we understand in what direction they will [ move ] , '' he said .
• On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
• The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of residents of Belarus took to the streets to protest what they believe is a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently cracked down on protesters .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9 .
On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .
• According to human rights activists , at least five people were killed during clashes with riot police , seven more are in critical condition in intensive care units .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as political prisoners .
• Lukashenko has repeatedly warned against meddling in Belarus ' domestic affairs .
He had phone calls with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin .
As a result , the Kremlin assured it was ready to provide `` assistance in solving the problems '' in Belarus .
• On August 14 , the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus and said work had begun to introduce sanctions over electoral fraud and violence against protesters .

He admitted special operations forces were involved in the dispersal of protests in his country.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says units of the Armed Forces of Belarus are on full alert on the western border.
While meeting with members of the Security Council of Belarus, he also expressed concern over the situation along the country's western borders, according to the BelTA agency.
"Representatives of Western nations, including some heads of state, who don't even know where Belarus is and don't know what is going on here, have released statements," he said. "These statements indicate that the president was right when we were discussing the matter in the Defense Ministry. Thank God, we've reacted to it and deployed combat units of our army on the western borders of the country and set them to full alert. The defense minister told me that all of that had been done and the relevant units are now ready to carry out their missions."
He admitted special operations forces were involved in the dispersal of protests in his country.
"Let me stress it one more time: I strongly regret our having to use certain army units, particularly special operations units, to restore order inside the country. Because there is a certain part of our population. It's not that they fail to comprehend it – they are doing it on purpose," he said.
He says the "external component" makes the military take into account the situation and act accordingly.
"So, problems are emerging not only inside the country but also outside. We can clearly see that these are absolutely coordinated actions. But they are far from their peak. Events will unfold accordingly but we understand in what direction they will [move]," he said.
Belarus protests: Developments