unian--2020-11-17--U.S. Chargé d'Affaires names obstacles to Ukraine's European integration

Until Ukraine tackles these challenges , the country 's integration ambitions will remain unrealized , the diplomat believes .
The United States Embassy 's Chargé d'Affaires , a.i .
Kristina A. Kvien says Russian aggression , corruption , and private interests of a certain group of people stand in the way of Ukraine 's Euro-Atlantic integration .
`` Until those challenges are overcome , [ … ] Ukraine will not going to be able to achieve that integration , '' the diplomat said , speaking at the Ukraine Reform Conference `` The Dialogues about Reforms : On the Road to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Package of Reforms Coalition , an UNIAN correspondent reported .
At the same time , the diplomat noted that not all of the challenges are of external nature .
`` Internally , the fight against corruption and vested interests [ of oligarchs ] is equally important and is vital to resisting disinformation , '' Kvien said .
The diplomat has recalled that the people of Ukraine have granted President Volodymyr Zelensky a mandate to fight corruption and make the government work better for average Ukrainians .
Kvien is positive that Zelensky has achieved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immunity and also due to a number of reforms adopted by the Verkhovna Rada , including banking reform and that on farmland market .
At the same time , as Kvien notes , in Ukraine `` oligarchs are further coopting Rada members , judges , and others to undermine the president 's agenda . ''
She is convinced that oligarchs work to have the political system fit their interests .
Chargé d'Affaires has stressed that some vested interests are joining with Russia and Russian proxies to spread anti-western narratives , particularly through media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
embassy elaborates on Derkach sanctionsThese persons , the diplomat says , propagate the claim that Ukraine 's western partners are allegedly trying to externally manage the country 's internal affairs .
`` This narrative , in our view , is particularly dishonest because it basically turns reality on its head , '' said Kvien .
Also , she recalled that the assistance and support by western partners is being provided at Ukraine 's own request .
At the same time , the diplomat said the way to defeating those forces lies with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests to account for their attempts to subvert the will of the Ukrainian people .

Until Ukraine tackles these challenges, the country's integration ambitions will remain unrealized, the diplomat believes.
The United States Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Kristina A. Kvien says Russian aggression, corruption, and private interests of a certain group of people stand in the way of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration.
"Until those challenges are overcome, […] Ukraine will not going to be able to achieve that integration," the diplomat said, speaking at the Ukraine Reform Conference "The Dialogues about Reforms: On the Road to Vilnius," organized by the Reanimation Package of Reforms Coalition, an UNIAN correspondent reported.
"Externally, Ukraine is fighting against Russian aggression on multiple fronts: Russia's occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, the Russian-led conflict in the Donbas, cyber attacks, and disinformation spread both from Russian territory and through Russian-directed Ukrainian proxies, some of whom sit in the Rada even today," said Kvien.
At the same time, the diplomat noted that not all of the challenges are of external nature.
"Internally, the fight against corruption and vested interests [of oligarchs] is equally important and is vital to resisting disinformation," Kvien said.
The diplomat has recalled that the people of Ukraine have granted President Volodymyr Zelensky a mandate to fight corruption and make the government work better for average Ukrainians.
Kvien is positive that Zelensky has achieved certain progress by stripping legislators of their immunity and also due to a number of reforms adopted by the Verkhovna Rada, including banking reform and that on farmland market.
At the same time, as Kvien notes, in Ukraine "oligarchs are further coopting Rada members, judges, and others to undermine the president's agenda." She is convinced that oligarchs work to have the political system fit their interests.
Chargé d'Affaires has stressed that some vested interests are joining with Russia and Russian proxies to spread anti-western narratives, particularly through media holdings and social media.
Read alsoU.S. embassy elaborates on Derkach sanctionsThese persons, the diplomat says, propagate the claim that Ukraine's western partners are allegedly trying to externally manage the country's internal affairs. "This narrative, in our view, is particularly dishonest because it basically turns reality on its head," said Kvien.
Also, she recalled that the assistance and support by western partners is being provided at Ukraine's own request.
"I would argue that certain vested interests are the ones attempting to externally manage Ukraine, Their primary goal is their own personal enrichment achieved by any means possible, including bribery, coercion, and even joining with outside forces that wish to see Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration fail ultimately," noted Kvien.
At the same time, the diplomat said the way to defeating those forces lies with strengthening the institutions that hold those vested interests to account for their attempts to subvert the will of the Ukrainian people.


unian--2020-11-17--Smuggled cigarettes worth over US$700,000 seized in Odesa seaport

The SBU , together with Britain 's HMRC , has blocked a large-scale smuggling attempt .
A major batch of smuggled cigarettes worth UAH 20 million ( over US $ 700,000 ) was seized in the Odesa seaport earlier today , November 17 , according to the Security Service of Ukraine ( SBU ) .
The report says the Ukrainian security agency in cooperation with the Her Majesty 's Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) of the UK government has blocked the illegal import of a large consignment of tobacco products to Ukraine with the intended further partial transit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we received , including from foreign partners , security operatives found in Odesa sea trade port a batch of cigarettes of a world-famous brand with a total weight of almost 16 tonnes , '' the statement said .
The goods were illegally shipped to one of the private container terminals .
Read alsoTax on new passenger cars in Ukraine may soar from 2021At the lowest wholesale prices on the Ukrainian black market , the seized batch would cost almost UAH 20 million .
Perpetrators concealed smuggled cigarette boxes among textile produce to evade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raid was carried out with the assistance of Odesa Customs .
• Law enforcers find almost 60 kg of cocaine at Ukraine 's Pivdenny seaport • Border guards : Man forges diplomatic ID , packs van with cigarettes , attempts to cross out to Hungary

Smuggled cigarettes worth over US$700,000 seized in Odesa seaport
18:00, 17.11.20 639
The SBU, together with Britain's HMRC, has blocked a large-scale smuggling attempt.
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unian--2020-11-17--Deputy Economy Minister: Ukraine needs to revise terms of Association Agreement with EU

Deputy Economy Minister : Ukraine needs to revise terms of Association Agreement with EU He also mentioned that the steepest @ @ @ @ @ occurred between Ukraine and the EU .

Deputy Economy Minister: Ukraine needs to revise terms of Association Agreement with EU
16:59, 17.11.20 381
He also mentioned that the steepest decline in trade in 2020 occurred between Ukraine and the EU.
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unian--2020-11-18--NABU denies reports on alleged closure of Rotterdam+ case

SAPO Prosecutor Ponomarenko earlier filed a motion to close the Rotterdam+ case , however , under a ruling by the HACC , the investigation into the case resumed at the end of October .
The National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) denies reports about the alleged closure of the Rotterdam+ case , saying the investigation into the case has resumed under a ruling by the High Anti-Corruption Court ( HACC ) .
NABU announced this on Twitter on November 17 .
`` The investigation into the Rotterdam+ case has resumed under a ruling by the HACC .
Information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reality .
The applicant withdrew the complaint due to the absence of the subject of the dispute , '' it said .
`` Rotterdam '' or `` Rotterdam Plus '' is a method of determining the cost of coal as fuel for thermal power plants when calculating the forecast wholesale price of electricity in Ukraine .
• On August 8 , 2019 , detectives of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) informed six persons involved in the implementation of the so-called `` Rotterdam+ '' formula that they were suspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to electricity consumers in the amount of UAH 18.87 billion , or US $ 665 million .
• According to NABU , the suspects include ex-chairman of the National Energy and Utilities Regulations Commission ( NEURC ) Dmytro Vovk and ex-deputy of the NEURC energy market department 's head Volodymyr Butovsky .
• All the six suspects are charged under Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine ( abuse of office ) , while representatives of private companies are facing complicity charges .
• Vovk is on the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the HACC delivered its verdict on Vovk and Butovsky in absentia .
The latter is also hiding from the investigation .
• On August 27 , 2020 , the SAPO closed the Rotterdam+ case in the part concerning the suspects due to the failure to establish sufficient evidence of their guilt .
• On September 24 , 2020 , the HACC refused to reopen the case .
Investigating judge Kateryna Shyroka , according to the text of the ruling , did not see any grounds for further investigative search or grounds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been unable to collect sufficient evidence .
`` The conclusion that there is not enough evidence to prove the guilt of the persons in court and that the possibilities for obtaining it have been exhausted appears to be justified .
This indicates the validity of the August 27 decision to close the criminal proceedings dated March 24 , 2017 .
Accordingly , the complaint should be rejected , '' the judge said then .

NABU denies reports on alleged closure of Rotterdam+ case
16:40, 18.11.20 889 Updated
SAPO Prosecutor Vitaliy Ponomarenko earlier filed a motion to close the Rotterdam+ case, however, under a ruling by the HACC, the investigation into the case resumed at the end of October.
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unian--2020-11-18--IMF chief elaborates on 'constructive call' with President Zelensky

They discussed , among other issues , central bank independence and anti-corruption efforts .
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) Kristalina Georgieva has announced she has had a `` constructive call '' with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky .
`` Constructive call with President Zelensky on IMF program implementation , central bank independence and anti-corruption efforts .
Full agreement on actions needed prior to program review , '' she tweeted on November 17 .
• On June 9 , 2020 , the IMF 's Executive Board adopted an 18-month Stand-By Arrangement ( SBA ) for Ukraine with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about US $ 5 billion ) aimed at helping Ukraine overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic .
• On June 12 , 2020 , Ukraine received the first disbursement from the IMF loan under the new 18-month SBA between Ukraine and the Fund in the amount of US $ 2.1 billion .
• On November 17 , 2020 , President Zelensky announced Ukraine had implemented all the structural benchmarks stipulated in the cooperation program with the IMF .
• The Finance Ministry expects to receive the second tranche under the new program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of this year .
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They discussed, among other issues, central bank independence and anti-corruption efforts.
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva has announced she has had a "constructive call" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"Constructive call with President Zelensky on IMF program implementation, central bank independence and anti-corruption efforts. Full agreement on actions needed prior to program review," she tweeted on November 17.
Read alsoLawmaker predicts technical default, "apocalyptic scenario" for Ukraine in 2021
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Ukraine-IMF cooperation


unian--2020-11-18--Cabinet approves draft visa-free agreement with Indonesia

The decision was made without debates .
The Cabinet of Ministers , Ukraine 's government , has approved a draft @ @ @ @ @ the Republic of Indonesia on the mutual abolition of visa requirements .
The decision was @ @ @ @ @ government meeting on Wednesday , an UNIAN correspondent reported .

The decision was made without debates.
The Cabinet of Ministers, Ukraine's government, has approved a draft agreement with the government of the Republic of Indonesia on the mutual abolition of visa requirements.
The decision was made without debates at a government meeting on Wednesday, an UNIAN correspondent reported.


unian--2020-11-18--PM Shmyhal explains how weekend quarantine may lessen load on healthcare

The official assures that the current measure is a balanced alternative to a full lockdown .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said the weekend quarantine introduced by the Cabinet of Ministers last week may stop the constant growth of new coronavirus cases in two to three weeks , as well as flattening the curve when there are 12,000-15,000 new daily cases .
`` The weekend quarantine is a balanced alternative to a full lockdown .
If we all together adhere to the anti-epidemic rules , we will see the result in two to three weeks .
The result is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
In this case , we will be able to somehow lessen the load on the healthcare system and support our doctors .
This is a human resource , and it is not endless , '' he said at a government meeting on Wednesday .
Read alsoEffectiveness of `` weekend quarantine '' to become clear in about two weeks – health ministryAs many as 12,496 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Ukraine in the past day as of the morning of November 18 .
Some 256 deaths were recorded across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cabinet of Ministers decided to introduce the weekend quarantine in Ukraine from November 14 to November 30 .
It is in effect from 00.00 a.m. Saturday to 00.00 a.m. Monday .
• On the weekend , a ban will be in effect in addition to the restrictions provided for on weekdays , namely cafes and restaurants ( except for the take-out service ) , shopping malls and entertainment centers , other entertainment outlets , fitness centers and the like should be closed on Saturdays and Sundays .
• Only grocery stores , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gas stations are allowed to operate .

The official assures that the current measure is a balanced alternative to a full lockdown.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said the weekend quarantine introduced by the Cabinet of Ministers last week may stop the constant growth of new coronavirus cases in two to three weeks, as well as flattening the curve when there are 12,000-15,000 new daily cases.
"The weekend quarantine is a balanced alternative to a full lockdown. If we all together adhere to the anti-epidemic rules, we will see the result in two to three weeks. The result is flattening the curve to 12,000-15,000 new daily cases. In this case, we will be able to somehow lessen the load on the healthcare system and support our doctors. This is a human resource, and it is not endless," he said at a government meeting on Wednesday.
Read alsoEffectiveness of "weekend quarantine" to become clear in about two weeks – health ministryAs many as 12,496 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Ukraine in the past day as of the morning of November 18. Some 256 deaths were recorded across the country.
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Weekend quarantine in Ukraine


unian--2020-11-18--Prisoner swap in Donbas may take place before Dec 24 – TCG speaker

According to Arestovych , political advisers have also begun preparations for the Normandy Four summit .
Spokesman for the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) Oleksiy Arestovych has said a prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia may take place by the end of the year .
`` We offer to conduct the prisoner swap by December 24 , before Christmas , as a gesture of fulfilling our agreements , '' he told Ukrainian Nash ( Our ) TV channel , according to the Novoe Vremya news outlet .
According to Arestovych , political advisers have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It should take place in 2020 .
`` As far as I know , political advisers are negotiating on organizing such a meeting .
Practical work is under way , '' he said .
Read alsoZelensky : Work on freeing Ukrainians from captivity underwayThe official added a meeting in the Normandy format is necessary for Ukraine to sum up the results of last year , as well as making new decisions at the highest political level .
• The Action Plan for Donbas was announced by the Office of the President after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office of the President of Ukraine said then that the plan had to be developed based on the proposals of the participants in the latest Normandy summit .
• On November 5 , the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas announced five key points of the new action plan for the occupied territories .
• On November 10 , the Ukrainian delegation to the TCG said that the Action Plan for Donbas proposed by the Ukrainian side was `` taken as a basis '' by the members of the subgroup @ @ @ @

According to Arestovych, political advisers have also begun preparations for the Normandy Four summit.
Spokesman for the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Oleksiy Arestovych has said a prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia may take place by the end of the year.
"We offer to conduct the prisoner swap by December 24, before Christmas, as a gesture of fulfilling our agreements," he told Ukrainian Nash (Our) TV channel, according to the Novoe Vremya news outlet.
According to Arestovych, political advisers have also begun preparations for the Normandy Four summit. It should take place in 2020.
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"As far as I know, political advisers are negotiating on organizing such a meeting. Practical work is under way," he said.
Read alsoZelensky: Work on freeing Ukrainians from captivity underwayThe official added a meeting in the Normandy format is necessary for Ukraine to sum up the results of last year, as well as making new decisions at the highest political level.
Ukrainian Action Plan for Donbas


unian--2020-11-18--Lawmaker predicts technical default, "apocalyptic scenario" for Ukraine in 2021

He predicts that economic problems in the country will aggravate by September 2021 .
Deputy head of the Ukrainian parliament 's committee on finance , tax and customs policy Yaroslav Zheleznyak , a member of the Holos ( Voice ) parliamentary faction , says that if Ukraine is unable to repay US $ 3 billion in debt in September next year , the country will face a technical default and there is an `` apocalyptic scenario '' looming .
`` If in September 2021 we are unable to repay US $ 3 billion ... if we do not pay off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a technical default .
To be immediately followed by an apocalyptic scenario , which , in fact , is typical for the entire current political cycle in all areas , in particular , in the financial one , '' he said in an interview for the media outlet lb.ua .
He predicts that economic problems in the country will aggravate by September 2021 .
`` If we do not get a disbursement from the IMF , it will be a disaster .
After all , the Fund 's tranche is not just money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else that it is possible to invest in this country stably .
If this signal is not received , in the face of the need to pay off the debts , it will be a huge problem for Ukraine .
There will immediately be a real threat that the incumbent government will be toppled , there will be sequestrating [ assets ] , and so on .
As well as major political upheavals .
And yes – all this is quite real , '' he said .
According to the lawmaker , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not solve problems , but only postpones them .
`` This happens systematically with customs , tax revenues , with privatization receipts ... Everything is like a snowball .
And at some point it will be impossible to jump over that snowball .
Sooner or later , this power will simply fall face down into all this snow , '' he said .
Zheleznyak considers the draft budget for next year to be `` conventionally bad . ''
`` There are significant remarks as for the inflated deficit and unrealistic methods of covering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of raising the minimum wage .
This is a very bad idea from all points – from the economic point of view , and people will not get it .
As a result , more taxes will be paid ...
I know that many of my colleagues , even from the coalition , went and asked to give it up ... but in the end , most of the lawmakers were like those hedgehogs – with tears in their eyes , they continued to climb the cactus , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreseen in the 2021 draft budget on the President 's Office and other governmental institutions .
• The draft national budget for 2021 , which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on September 14 , 2020 , provides for revenue at UAH 1.07 trillion ( US $ 38 billion ) , while spending at UAH 1.35 trillion ( US $ 47.4 billion ) .
The deficit is expected to be 6 % of GDP next year .
The budget deficit is capped at UAH 270 billion ( US $ 9.5 billion ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envisages UAH 104 billion ( US $ 3.6 billion ) in benefits and subsidies .
In total , social expenditures stand at UAH 323 billion ( US $ 11.3 billion ) .
• The bill on Ukraine 's national budget for 2021 passed its first reading in the Verkhovna Rada on November 5 .

Lawmaker predicts technical default, "apocalyptic scenario" for Ukraine in 2021
14:45, 18.11.20 3887
He predicts that economic problems in the country will aggravate by September 2021.
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unian--2020-11-18--Ukraine among leaders by complaints lodged against it with ECHR

Turkey ranks second , while the Russian Federation tops the ranking .
Ukraine has entered the top three countries in terms of the number of complaints lodged against it with the European Court of Human Rights ( ECHR ) .
Some 61,250 pending applications were registered at the ECHR as of October 31 , as reported on the court 's official website .
At the same time , of them , 10,100 complaints ( 16.5 % ) were filed against Ukraine , which ranks third among all countries .
Read alsoNABU refuses to execute ECHR 's ruling – Ukrainian MPTurkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % ) .
The Russian Federation tops the ranking with 14,050 complaints ( 22.9 % ) filed against it .
Ukraine is ahead of Romania ( 8,000 complaints ) , Italy ( 3,400 ) , and Azerbaijan ( 1,950 ) .
• The ECHR has decided not to take urgent measures to protect the temples of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine ( OCU ) in occupied Crimea .
• The applicants demanded that the actions of the Russian occupying authorities in Crimea aimed at expelling the OCU from the center of its Crimean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Princes Vladimir and Olga in Sevastopol , as well as the demolition of the OCU church in Yevpatoria , be stopped .
• According to the ECHR , the Russian occupying authorities ' actions do not pose a serious and irreparable risk of violation of fundamental rights in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights .

Turkey ranks second, while the Russian Federation tops the ranking.
Ukraine has entered the top three countries in terms of the number of complaints lodged against it with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Some 61,250 pending applications were registered at the ECHR as of October 31, as reported on the court's official website.
At the same time, of them, 10,100 complaints (16.5%) were filed against Ukraine, which ranks third among all countries.
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Read alsoNABU refuses to execute ECHR's ruling – Ukrainian MPTurkey ranks second with 10,150 complaints (16.6%).
The Russian Federation tops the ranking with 14,050 complaints (22.9%) filed against it.
Ukraine is ahead of Romania (8,000 complaints), Italy (3,400), and Azerbaijan (1,950).
ECHR's recent decision on Ukrainian churches in Russia-occupied Crimea


unian--2020-11-18--Ukrainians pay US$213,450 in debts and fines via government-developed Diia app

An electronic birth certificate option is also available in the beta version .
Debts and fines totaling UAH 6 million , or US $ 213,450 , have been paid by Ukrainians with the use of the government-developed Diia ( Action ) mobile application .
This is reported by the Diia ( diia_gov ) channel on Telegram .
In particular , they paid 3,800 debts worth UAH 4.2 million ( US $ 149,413 ) and 4,900 fines worth UAH 1.8 million ( US $ 64,037 ) .
To use these features , users must update their app to Diia 2.0 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ information and pay fines for traffic violations ( photo and video recording ) .
As well as such functions as the monitoring and payment of debts for enforcement proceedings are available .
Users can track the change in the status of a debt or fine .
Payment receipts are stored in the application .
Beta testing of the functionality for payment of fines and debts via Diia began in late September .
An electronic birth certificate option is also available in the beta version of the application .
• Early this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Diia mobile application and the Diia.Digital Education national online platform .
• The Diia app is a specially developed application within the framework of the project for the digitalization of public services , created for the citizens of Ukraine .
Using this application , one can store digitized versions of documents .
• Now users of the application could use a number of digital versions of documents via a smartphone : electronic passports ( foreign and ID cards ) , student IDs , driver 's licenses , civil car insurance policy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the like .

Ukrainians pay US$213,450 in debts and fines via government-developed Diia app
13:55, 18.11.20 677
An electronic birth certificate option is also available in the beta version.
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unian--2020-11-18--Zelensky invites newly elected Moldovan President Sandu to visit Ukraine – MFA

Preparations for the visit are under way .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited newly @ @ @ @ @ Sandu to visit Ukraine .
Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) is @ @ @ @ @ the MFA 's Telegram channel quoted Kuleba as saying during a morning TV show , @ @ @ @ @ '' on November 18 .
Read alsoZelensky congratulates Sandu on victory at presidential elections in @ @ @ @ @ newly elected Moldovan president had held the first two phone talks with the leaders of @ @ @ @ @ which is a milestone . ''
• The second round of presidential elections took place @ @ @ @ @ .
• Candidate from the Action and Solidarity Party , former Prime Minister Sandu , @ @ @ @ @ 60 % of the vote .
Incumbent President Igor Dodon was supported by over 40 @ @ @ @

Preparations for the visit are under way.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited newly elected President of Moldova Maia Sandu to visit Ukraine.
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is currently preparing the visit, the MFA's Telegram channel quoted Kuleba as saying during a morning TV show, "Snidanok z 1+1," on November 18.
Read alsoZelensky congratulates Sandu on victory at presidential elections in MoldovaThe foreign minister added the newly elected Moldovan president had held the first two phone talks with the leaders of Ukraine and Romania, "which is a milestone."
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Presidential elections in Moldova: Background


unian--2020-11-18--Kyiv mayor reports 1,213 new daily COVID-19 cases, 23 deaths as of Nov 18

The death toll in the city stands at 1,013 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose by 1,213 in the past day .
`` In the past day , another 1,213 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus , including 39 healthcare workers .
There were 23 fatalities , '' Klitschko said on Telegram on November 18 .
`` As of today , the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 53,855 . ''
According to the city mayor , 673 women aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 to 89 are among those infected .
Read alsoKyiv mayor reports 1,143 new daily COVID-19 cases , 14 deaths as of Nov 17Fifty-one girls ( from 25 days to 17 years old ) and 38 boys ( from two months to 17 years old ) have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Klitschko said 94 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
He added that 430 people had recovered in the past day .
In total , 19,556 Kyiv residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Shevchenkivsky district ( 169 ) , Podilsky district ( 160 ) , and Desniansky district ( 137 ) .
The death toll in the city stands at 1,013 .

The death toll in the city stands at 1,013.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose by 1,213 in the past day.
"In the past day, another 1,213 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including 39 healthcare workers. There were 23 fatalities," Klitschko said on Telegram on November 18.
"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 53,855."
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According to the city mayor, 673 women aged 18 to 94 and 451 men aged 18 to 89 are among those infected.
Read alsoKyiv mayor reports 1,143 new daily COVID-19 cases, 14 deaths as of Nov 17Fifty-one girls (from 25 days to 17 years old) and 38 boys (from two months to 17 years old) have tested positive for COVID-19.
Klitschko said 94 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
He added that 430 people had recovered in the past day.
In total, 19,556 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Shevchenkivsky district (169), Podilsky district (160), and Desniansky district (137).
The death toll in the city stands at 1,013.


unian--2020-11-18--Ukraine reports 148 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Nov 18

Some 379 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 148 as of the morning of November 18 .
`` As of 10:00 Kyiv time on November 18 , some 2,443 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus .
In total , 5,719 people have recovered and 24 have died during the pandemic , '' the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases were registered in the past 24 hours . ''
Read alsoUkraine not going yet to close borders for foreigners – FM KulebaOf those newly-infected , five people have been hospitalized , while another 143 are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under doctors ' supervision .
Currently , their state of health is satisfactory .
Some 379 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 164 people .
• As many as 12,496 new cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past day as of the morning of November 18 .
• The total number of COVID-19 cases confirmed since the start of the epidemic in the country has reached 570,153 .

Some 379 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation).
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 148 as of the morning of November 18.
"As of 10:00 Kyiv time on November 18, some 2,443 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In total, 5,719 people have recovered and 24 have died during the pandemic," the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on November 18. "Some 148 new COVID-19 cases were registered in the past 24 hours."
Read alsoUkraine not going yet to close borders for foreigners – FM KulebaOf those newly-infected, five people have been hospitalized, while another 143 are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under doctors' supervision. Currently, their state of health is satisfactory.
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Some 379 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation). The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 164 people.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments


unian--2020-11-18--Ukrainian paratrooper killed in Donbas

Ukrainian paratrooper killed in Donbas

The circumstances of the incident are being clarified .
A Ukrainian soldier was killed in the Joint Forces Operation ( @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
Read alsoDonbas war update : Ukraine reports two ceasefire violations on Nov @ @ @ @ @ to inform you that a member of the 80th separate air assault brigade , soldier @ @ @ @ @ killed in the Joint Forces Operation zone on November 16 , 2020 , while on @ @ @ @ @ camp .
He was born in Kirovohrad region in 1999 .
The circumstances of the @ @ @ @ @ the investigation is underway ) , '' the brigade 's press service wrote on Facebook @ @ @ @ @ , his wife is pregnant .
The command of the brigade has expressed condolences to @ @ @ @ @ the deceased soldier .

The circumstances of the incident are being clarified.
A Ukrainian soldier was killed in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone in Donbas on Monday.
Read alsoDonbas war update: Ukraine reports two ceasefire violations on Nov 17"We are sad to inform you that a member of the 80th separate air assault brigade, soldier Ivan Serhiyovych Horoshko, was killed in the Joint Forces Operation zone on November 16, 2020, while on duty to guard a base camp. He was born in Kirovohrad region in 1999. The circumstances of the death are being clarified (the investigation is underway)," the brigade's press service wrote on Facebook.
The soldier was married, his wife is pregnant.
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The command of the brigade has expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased soldier.


unian--2020-11-18--Ukraine not going yet to close borders for foreigners – FM Kuleba

So far , the government is not discussing an option of closing the borders .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said the country is not going yet to close the borders for foreigners amid a surge in new coronavirus cases .
`` So far , the government is not discussing the closure of the borders .
But we all understand if it comes to discussing a full lockdown , this issue will arise , '' he said during a morning TV show , `` Snidanok z 1+1 , '' on November 18 .
Read alsoAlmost 12,500 new COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in September , Ukraine introduced a one-month ban on the entry of foreigners .
The decision was taken to prevent large gatherings of tourists from Israel in the town of Uman during the celebration of the Jewish New Year , Rosh Hashanah .
• On November 11 , the Cabinet of Ministers decided to introduce the so-called weekend quarantine starting from November 14 .
• The government repealed the adaptive quarantine system and imposed a nationwide quarantine with curbs for all territories that were in effect in the previous version of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level .
• On November 17 , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , did not back a draft resolution recommending that the Ukrainian government soften the restrictions imposed along with the so-called weekend quarantine .

So far, the government is not discussing an option of closing the borders.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said the country is not going yet to close the borders for foreigners amid a surge in new coronavirus cases.
"So far, the government is not discussing the closure of the borders. But we all understand if it comes to discussing a full lockdown, this issue will arise," he said during a morning TV show, "Snidanok z 1+1," on November 18.
Read alsoAlmost 12,500 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine as of Nov 18Earlier in September, Ukraine introduced a one-month ban on the entry of foreigners. The decision was taken to prevent large gatherings of tourists from Israel in the town of Uman during the celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.
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Weekend quarantine in Ukraine


unian--2020-11-18--Zelensky on IMF program: "All structural benchmarks completed"

The Ukrainian president briefed the IMF chief on reforms and measures taken to overcome the constitutional crisis .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine has implemented all the structural benchmarks stipulated in a program for cooperation with the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) .
According to Zelensky , Ukraine has not stopped at fulfilling its obligations under the stand-by program .
Among other things , Ukraine has approved the reform of customs and tax service , the Ministry of Finance and the National Bank are actively working to reduce the share of non-performing loans in the banking system .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the independence of the National Bank .
The parties also discussed the importance of adopting a balanced budget for 2021 , as well as the risks of the recent decision of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine ( CCU ) to repeal some provisions of anticorruption legislation .
Zelensky says that , as never before , there is a common stand of all anticorruption bodies , NGOs , the diplomatic corps , international partners to resolve the situation and fully restore the country 's anticorruption infrastructure .
Ukraine has restarted the work of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international experts to develop comprehensive bills on judicial reform , he added .
He says that due to the fight against the coronavirus epidemic and the economic challenges associated with COVID-19 , the first revision of the Fund 's program and the launch of the mission would be an important signal for the domestic and foreign markets .
`` Our teams enjoy strong trust and work closely to complete the negotiations and welcome the IMF mission as soon as possible , '' he said .
Georgieva , in turn , stressed that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fund 's team had strengthened the relations between the parties at a high level and allowed achieving tangible progress .
She also noted the quick reaction and measures taken by the Ukrainian authorities after the decision of the CCU , and added that the Fund appreciated the cooperation of NBU Governor Kyrylo Shevchenko with the IMF team .
• On June 9 , 2020 , the IMF 's Executive Board adopted an 18-month Stand-By Arrangement ( SBA ) for Ukraine with funding equivalent to SDR 3.6 billion ( about US $ 5 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic .
• On June 12 , 2020 , Ukraine received the first disbursement from the IMF loan under the new 18-month SBA between Ukraine and the Fund in the amount of US $ 2.1 billion .
• On October 22 , 2020 , NBU Governor Kyrylo Shevchenko said at a briefing that there was no uncertainty in Ukraine 's relations with the International Monetary Fund .
• On November 8 , 2020 , Shevchenko left for an official working visit to Washington , D.C. , to discuss the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and international partners .
During the visit , meetings with top officials of the International Monetary Fund , the World Bank , and the International Finance Corporation ( IFC ) were planned .

The Ukrainian president briefed the IMF chief on reforms and measures taken to overcome the constitutional crisis.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine has implemented all the structural benchmarks stipulated in a program for cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
"To date, all structural benchmarks stipulated for the revision of the IMF program have been completed," he said during a phone conversation with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, the presidential press service said on November 17.
Read alsoNBU governor concludes meetings with IMF partners in Washington
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According to Zelensky, Ukraine has not stopped at fulfilling its obligations under the stand-by program. Among other things, Ukraine has approved the reform of customs and tax service, the Ministry of Finance and the National Bank are actively working to reduce the share of non-performing loans in the banking system.
The president stressed that he consistently supported the independence of the National Bank. The parties also discussed the importance of adopting a balanced budget for 2021, as well as the risks of the recent decision of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine (CCU) to repeal some provisions of anticorruption legislation.
Zelensky says that, as never before, there is a common stand of all anticorruption bodies, NGOs, the diplomatic corps, international partners to resolve the situation and fully restore the country's anticorruption infrastructure. Ukraine has restarted the work of the Legal Reform Commission with the participation of international experts to develop comprehensive bills on judicial reform, he added.
He says that due to the fight against the coronavirus epidemic and the economic challenges associated with COVID-19, the first revision of the Fund's program and the launch of the mission would be an important signal for the domestic and foreign markets.
"Our teams enjoy strong trust and work closely to complete the negotiations and welcome the IMF mission as soon as possible," he said.
Georgieva, in turn, stressed that the work of the prime minister with the Fund's team had strengthened the relations between the parties at a high level and allowed achieving tangible progress. She also noted the quick reaction and measures taken by the Ukrainian authorities after the decision of the CCU, and added that the Fund appreciated the cooperation of NBU Governor Kyrylo Shevchenko with the IMF team.
Ukraine-IMF cooperation


unian--2020-11-18--Almost 12,500 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine as of Nov 18

The total death toll is 10,112 people , including 256 recorded in the past day .
As many as 12,496 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Ukraine in the past day as of the morning of November 18 .
Thus , the total number of COVID-19 cases confirmed since the start of the epidemic in the country has reached 570,153 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
The total death toll is 10,112 people , including 256 recorded in the past day .
Read alsoUkraine expects to get about 8 mln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime ministerMeanwhile , 259,079 patients ( including 8,096 in the past 24 hours ) have already recovered .
There are 650,501 suspected cases as of today .
Most cases of coronavirus were recorded in the city of Kyiv , as well as in Dnipropetrovsk , Cherkasy , Kyiv , and Zaporizhia regions .
• On November 11 , the Cabinet of Ministers decided to introduce the so-called weekend quarantine starting from November 14 .
• The government repealed the adaptive quarantine system and imposed a nationwide quarantine with curbs for all territories that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus quarantine in territories with the orange risk level .

The total death toll is 10,112 people, including 256 recorded in the past day.
As many as 12,496 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Ukraine in the past day as of the morning of November 18.
Thus, the total number of COVID-19 cases confirmed since the start of the epidemic in the country has reached 570,153, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
The total death toll is 10,112 people, including 256 recorded in the past day.
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Read alsoUkraine expects to get about 8 mln doses of COVID-19 vaccine in spring – prime ministerMeanwhile, 259,079 patients (including 8,096 in the past 24 hours) have already recovered. There are 650,501 suspected cases as of today.
Most cases of coronavirus were recorded in the city of Kyiv, as well as in Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Zaporizhia regions.
Weekend quarantine in Ukraine


unian--2020-11-18--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 55.6 mln

The overall death toll is 1,338,668 people , while 35,798,205 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 55.6 million patients as of November 18 .
As many as 55,645,915 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 10:26 on November 18 , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
Read alsoModerna vaccine success gives world more hope – mediaThe overall death toll is 1,338,668 people , while 35,798,205 coronavirus patients have already recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States ( 248,687 people ) , Brazil ( 166,699 ) , India ( 130,993 ) , Mexico ( 99,026 ) , the United Kingdom ( 52,839 ) , Italy ( 46,464 ) , and France ( 46,346 ) .
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States ( 11,359,804 confirmed cases ) , India ( 8,912,907 ) , Brazil ( 5,911,758 ) , France ( 2,087,183 ) , Russia ( 1,954,912 ) , Spain ( 1,510,023 ) , the United Kingdom ( 1,414,359 ) , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 191 countries have been affected by the virus .

The overall death toll is 1,338,668 people, while 35,798,205 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 55.6 million patients as of November 18.
As many as 55,645,915 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 10:26 on November 18, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
Read alsoModerna vaccine success gives world more hope – mediaThe overall death toll is 1,338,668 people, while 35,798,205 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
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The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (248,687 people), Brazil (166,699), India (130,993), Mexico (99,026), the United Kingdom (52,839), Italy (46,464), and France (46,346).
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (11,359,804 confirmed cases), India (8,912,907), Brazil (5,911,758), France (2,087,183), Russia (1,954,912), Spain (1,510,023), the United Kingdom (1,414,359), and Argentina (1,329,005).
As many as 191 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-11-18--Hryvnia set at UAH 28.11 to U.S. dollar on Nov 18

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Hryvnia set at UAH 28.11 to U.S. dollar on Nov 18
10:15, 18.11.20 3699
The national currency against the dollar remained at the level of the previous day.
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unian--2020-11-18--Donbas war update: Ukraine reports two ceasefire violations on Nov 17

No casualties were reported in the past day .
The Command of Ukraine 's Armed Forces has reported two violations of the latest ceasefire agreement by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Tuesday , November 17 .
`` In the past day , November 17 , two ceasefire violations by the Russian Federation 's armed formations were recorded in the areas of responsibility of Ukrainian units , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on November 18 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ drills in Donbas – intelligenceIn particular , the enemy fired an anti-tank grenade launcher near the village of Novotroyitske , as well as an automatic grenade launcher and rifles near the village of Shumy .
No casualties were reported in the past day .
Since midnight , enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops , the JFO HQ said .
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 .
• On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period .

No casualties were reported in the past day.
The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported two violations of the latest ceasefire agreement by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Tuesday, November 17.
"In the past day, November 17, two ceasefire violations by the Russian Federation's armed formations were recorded in the areas of responsibility of Ukrainian units," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on November 18, 2020.
Read alsoRussian occupying forces conduct large military drills in Donbas – intelligenceIn particular, the enemy fired an anti-tank grenade launcher near the village of Novotroyitske, as well as an automatic grenade launcher and rifles near the village of Shumy.
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No casualties were reported in the past day.
Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops, the JFO HQ said.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military.
Donbas ceasefire: Background


unian--2020-11-18--Reuters: Oil mixed as hopes OPEC+ delays supply increase offset demand concerns

Brent crude futures for January LCOc1 rose 3 cents , or 0.1 % , to $ 43.78 a barrel by 0430 GMT , while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for December CLc1 eased 3 cents , or 0.1 % , to $ 41.40 a barrel .
Oil prices were mixed on Wednesday as a bigger-than-expected build in U.S. crude stocks and weaker U.S. retail sales stoked fears over fuel demand , although hopes that OPEC and its allies will delay a planned rise in oil output lent support .
Brent crude futures for January LCOc1 rose 3 cents , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barrel by 0430 GMT , while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for December CLc1 eased 3 cents , or 0.1 % , to $ 41.40 a barrel , as reported by Reuters .
Read alsoReuters : Oil prices edge up as market eyes OPEC+ meeting , vaccine hopesThe American Petroleum Institute ( API ) said on Tuesday that U.S. crude stockpiles rose by 4.2 million barrels last week , well above analysts ' expectations in a Reuters poll for a build of 1.7 million barrels .
Disappointing U.S. retail sales also raised concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 resurgence , he said .
U.S. retail sales increased less than expected in October , restrained by spiraling new COVID-19 infections and declining household income as millions of unemployed Americans lose government financial support .
OPEC+ held a ministerial committee meeting on Tuesday that made no formal recommendation .
The group will hold a full ministerial meeting on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 to discuss policy .

Brent crude futures for January LCOc1 rose 3 cents, or 0.1%, to $43.78 a barrel by 0430 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for December CLc1 eased 3 cents, or 0.1%, to $41.40 a barrel.
Oil prices were mixed on Wednesday as a bigger-than-expected build in U.S. crude stocks and weaker U.S. retail sales stoked fears over fuel demand, although hopes that OPEC and its allies will delay a planned rise in oil output lent support.
Brent crude futures for January LCOc1 rose 3 cents, or 0.1%, to $43.78 a barrel by 0430 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for December CLc1 eased 3 cents, or 0.1%, to $41.40 a barrel, as reported by Reuters.
Read alsoReuters: Oil prices edge up as market eyes OPEC+ meeting, vaccine hopesThe American Petroleum Institute (API) said on Tuesday that U.S. crude stockpiles rose by 4.2 million barrels last week, well above analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a build of 1.7 million barrels.
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Disappointing U.S. retail sales also raised concerns over weaker U.S. consumption in light of the COVID-19 resurgence, he said.
U.S. retail sales increased less than expected in October, restrained by spiraling new COVID-19 infections and declining household income as millions of unemployed Americans lose government financial support.
OPEC+ held a ministerial committee meeting on Tuesday that made no formal recommendation. The group will hold a full ministerial meeting on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 to discuss policy.


unian--2020-11-18--Petition for Sytnyk's dismissal gets over 27,000 signatures, has votes cut down, ends up in archive

The petition calling for the resignation of NABU Director Artem Sytnyk has received the required number of votes – more than 27,000 ( 25,000 signatures are required for the petition to be considered by President ) .
However , for the reasons unknown , the President 's Office failed to count almost half of the signatures and refused to submit the petition to the President .
The President 's Office has sent to the archives a petition for the resignation of NABU Director Artem Sytnyk , which has collected the required number of signatures to be considered by President of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the President 's Office deliberately ignored half of the signatures and even manually reduced the number of votes already counted .
This is a unique case – this has never happened with other petitions on the President 's website .
This is a petition on the President 's website No.22 / 103760-er titled `` Dismiss Sytnyk , Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine . ''
As the period for signature collection expired , 27,245 votes had been registered of those who had signed the petition .
This is enough for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with the existing legislation ( a petition is considered by President if it has received 25,000 signatures ) .
However , only 15,009 votes were counted , that 's , only about half .
Earlier , media had already reported on manipulations by the Department for Citizens ' Appeals of the President 's Office with the enrollment of signatures under a petition for the resignation of NABU Director Artem Sytnyk .
On October 29 , there were 14,528 votes on the signature counter in support of the petition .
But on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer .
It is known that Anna Kilevaya , head of the Department for Citizens ' Appeals , is responsible for addressing petitions at the President 's Office .
In accordance with Article 24 of Law of Ukraine `` On Citizens 'Appeals '' , officials responsible of violating the legislation on citizens ' appeals shall bear civil , administrative or criminal liability provided by Ukrainian legislation .

The petition calling for the resignation of NABU Director Artem Sytnyk has received the required number of votes – more than 27,000 (25,000 signatures are required for the petition to be considered by President). However, for the reasons unknown, the President's Office failed to count almost half of the signatures and refused to submit the petition to the President.
The President's Office has sent to the archives a petition for the resignation of NABU Director Artem Sytnyk, which has collected the required number of signatures to be considered by President of Ukraine. Earlier, media reports said the President's Office deliberately ignored half of the signatures and even manually reduced the number of votes already counted. This is a unique case – this has never happened with other petitions on the President's website.
This is a petition on the President's website No.22 / 103760-er titled "Dismiss Sytnyk, Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine." As the period for signature collection expired, 27,245 votes had been registered of those who had signed the petition. This is enough for the President of Ukraine to consider the petition in accordance with the existing legislation (a petition is considered by President if it has received 25,000 signatures). However, only 15,009 votes were counted, that's, only about half.
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Earlier, media had already reported on manipulations by the Department for Citizens' Appeals of the President's Office with the enrollment of signatures under a petition for the resignation of NABU Director Artem Sytnyk. On October 29, there were 14,528 votes on the signature counter in support of the petition. But on October 30, there was 900 votes fewer.
It is known that Anna Kilevaya, head of the Department for Citizens' Appeals, is responsible for addressing petitions at the President's Office. In accordance with Article 24 of Law of Ukraine "On Citizens 'Appeals", officials responsible of violating the legislation on citizens' appeals shall bear civil, administrative or criminal liability provided by Ukrainian legislation.


unian--2020-11-18--Zelensky tells Cabinet to draft "comprehensive program" of support for businesses amid quarantine

The plan should include tax breaks , credit holidays for existing liabilities , and loan offers on preferential terms .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his address recorded from a hospital where he is undergoing COVID-19 treatment said he expects that the Government will in the coming days adopt a comprehensive program to support Ukrainian businesses for them to survive quarantine-related curbs .
`` I instructed the government , and in the coming days we expect a comprehensive , really , a very important program of measures , which will include tax breaks , credit holidays on existing obligations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sectoral support for businesses that have suffered as a result of quarantine , a support program for people who lost their earnings due to quarantine or were forced to cease their operations , and other important tools available , '' he said .
According to Zelensky , `` this is the oxygen that is vital for small and medium-sized businesses today . ''
Read alsoPM vows support for businesses amid `` weekend quarantine '' bans '' The government must fight for the prosperity of citizens and the life of small and medium-sized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the same address , Zelensky said his second COVID19 test returned positive , so he would be staying at the hospital in Kyiv , performing his duties in isolation .
The recently introduced `` weekend quarantine '' introducing additional restrictions on businesses on Saturdays and Sundays has raised concerns among entrepreneurs over its expediency as many businesses already struggling through COVID-19-related curbs might not survive the new set of bans .
A number of ministers rejected the plan , while the Cabinet still voted it in , while the Verkhovna Rada failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Volodymyr Zelensky is undergoing treatment for COVID-19 in the Feofania Clinic in Kyiv after testing positive for coronavirus .
His office chief Andriy Yermak and a number of other senior officials have also contracted the coronavirus in November .

Zelensky tells Cabinet to draft "comprehensive program" of support for businesses amid quarantine
23:35, 18.11.20 170
The plan should include tax breaks, credit holidays for existing liabilities, and loan offers on preferential terms.
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unian--2020-11-18--Some 4 mln Ukrainians to get free vaccines against COVID-19 in H1 2021 – Health official

COVAX has reportedly confirmed the reports on providing Ukraine with a free vaccine for COVID-19 .
COVAX , the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools , has confirmed the reports on plans to provide Ukraine with a free vaccine against the coronavirus disease , says Deputy Health Minister Viktor Liashko .
`` Today it became known that Ukraine , as one of the countries that are part of the global COVAX mechanism , has the opportunity to receive vaccines against coronavirus disease in doses equal to 20 % of the population , free of charge , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this means that about 4 million Ukrainian nationals will be able to get vaccinated in the first half of 2021 .
Read alsoUN OCHA : Over 9 mln Ukrainians to be pushed into poverty amid coronavirus pandemicAlso , he said that a vaccine candidate being developed by Moderna ( USA ) is included in the global COVAX mechanism .
The Ministry of Health has set before itself the task of `` ensuring immunization of as many people as possible with proven , high-quality , and safe vaccines in 2021 , both through global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state budget of Ukraine . ''
• Health chief tells when Ukraine may get COVID-19 vaccine • WHO outlines timeframe for supply of COVID-19 vaccine to Ukraine • U.S. ready to help Ukraine secure deals for COVID-19 vaccines – health ministry

COVAX has reportedly confirmed the reports on providing Ukraine with a free vaccine for COVID-19.
COVAX, the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools, has confirmed the reports on plans to provide Ukraine with a free vaccine against the coronavirus disease, says Deputy Health Minister Viktor Liashko.
"Today it became known that Ukraine, as one of the countries that are part of the global COVAX Facility, has the opportunity to receive vaccines against coronavirus disease in doses equal to 20% of the population, free of charge," the official wrote.
According to Liashko, this means that about 4 million Ukrainian nationals will be able to get vaccinated in the first half of 2021.
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Read alsoUN OCHA: Over 9 mln Ukrainians to be pushed into poverty amid coronavirus pandemicAlso, he said that a vaccine candidate being developed by Moderna (USA) is included in the global COVAX mechanism.
"The tentative results of the study into this vaccine showed 95% effectiveness in preventing the development of COVID-19," the deputy minister wrote.
The Ministry of Health has set before itself the task of "ensuring immunization of as many people as possible with proven, high-quality, and safe vaccines in 2021, both through global initiatives and at the expense of the state budget of Ukraine."
Vaccines: Other reports


unian--2020-11-18--Surviving quarantine: Ternopil restaurateur tells of reprofiling business into "church" to escape ba

Surviving quarantine: Ternopil restaurateur tells of reprofiling business into "church" to escape bans

Ternopil entrepreneur Taras Kovalchuk , who turned his hospitality businesses into a religious organization on the eve of the weekend quarantine , which allowed him not to close down on Saturday and Sunday , told UNIAN about the nuances of such reprofiling .
`` Dear parishioners , I expect to see you tomorrow , Sunday is no less important… '' these are the words of the owner of the Ternopil-based Leliva Restaurant , Taras Kovalchuk , seeing off his patrons on Saturday night .
On the eve of the introduction of new restrictions , he announced his move to establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Bald , and thus change the concept of his establishments .
In particular , the hostel was renamed into monastery , the restaurant – into monastery 's refectory , and the club – into temple .
UNIAN talked to Taras Kovalchuk in the newly opened `` refectory '' about how his establishments operated during the weekend quarantine and whether further development of the religious organization is in his plans .
At what stage did you declare the founding of your religious organization `` Brotherhood of Bald '' ?
We held a meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drew up a charter .
Lawyers read our paperwork , said everything is fine , so now we will wait for official registration .
If the regional state administration does n't approve the charter , we will sue .
After all , all our documents comply with legislation .
We understand perfectly well that this will take time .
But according to Article 35 of the Constitution , we have the right for meetings as part of our religious organization because we held an official meeting of the founders .
The regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultation , told me that there would be a religious vetting to study our documents .
But in general , our charter is standard , we did n't come up with any new stuff , new gods or cults .
At the level of a joke , we only `` believe '' that God was bald .
How did your close circle generally accept the idea of founding a religious community ?
I did n't expect such publicity .
I understood that we were touching on a painful topic and thought that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea , but the other half would pour mud on me .
I was ready for that .
Now I see that much more people reacted positively to our creative stunt .
It seems that it 's about 90 % support .
I read a lot of accusations of blasphemy against you on Facebook… I suddenly had the idea to create a new religion and my own religious organization .
This idea arose when we , the business , were driven into a corner .
And I clearly see two options : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fire everyone , or I look for ways to prevail .
And when you have this dilemma in your head , and you just need to legally re-register from an individual entrepreneur to a religious organization – for me it 's permissible .
We are talking about protection from the incomprehensible actions of the government , which tries to stifle businesses .
I 'm a Christian , I go to church , I know my priests very well , I lead tours to the cathedral .
In my comments section , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you think this is funny ? ''
.
I wrote back : `` No , this is a response to the actual conditions of today 's life created by the government . ''
We already advise people from almost ten cities in Ukraine , where they also decided to create their own religious organizations to allow for their business to keep working .
But we are well aware that we created the `` Brotherhood of Bald '' to save our business .
We do n't seek to go beyond adequacy .
We defend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At first , we held one picket , then the second , and then the third was already massive – 24 cities of Ukraine protested against weekend quarantine .
The Minister of Culture comes out and says that quarantine is not needed on weekends , mayors say that it 's not needed .
But it still gets enforced .
Well , that 's absurd .
So we 're fighting absurdity with absurdity .
Did the police come to your establishments during weekend raids ?
Yes , the police came and said that because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed to work .
I explained that the Constitution gives us such a right .
But I agreed that the Cabinet of Ministers has indeed made this strange decision .
They go : `` So why do you keep working ? ''
.
I explain to them that today we have a gathering of pilgrims and parishioners of our religious organization .
They laugh as they understand that this is all way too absurd .
At the same time , law enforcement officers are convinced that they must follow the Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forget about the Constitution , which is above the resolution , and which prescribes the rights and freedoms that they are now trying to restrict .
By creating a religious organization , me and some like-minded people want to show this whole absurd situation more vividly and make everyone finally think about it , including government officials .
Ladies and gentlemen , let 's face it – you ca n't fight a pandemic , and you ca n't help businesses .
Then at least do n't interfere , just let us work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Today is the 248th day of quarantine .
Of our staff , no one got sick .
I think this is a significant indicator .
Maybe it 's because we care about the health of our employees and follow safety norms .
Probably because people from risk groups , over the age of 50 , are not actually our target audience .
But the fact remains the fact .
And while the subway is working , public transport is working , a large hardware retail network is working , grocery stores and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed ...
Explain the logic !
Or , forget about logic , just go help businesses , as Europe does .
Now it 's the third quarter of the year , go ask about the figures for the same period , provide payments at 70 % to each registered employee , and then shut them down .
But then I would praise the government at every occasion , saying that we have good guys in power , supporting businesses .
Or , perhaps , if you have launched a `` 5-7-9 '' loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a loan within two weeks .
We have been trying to use the program since June or July , but we only hear : `` Give me another certificate , and now another one , and now sign another document , and another one ... '' And in this way the process drags indefinitely .
Very few entrepreneurs in the region have been able to take advantage of this program .
Did the police draw up reports stating that your establishments were open on weekends ?
I guess they 'll come in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawing protocols today [ Saturday ] , there would have been thousands rallying outside the police station .
These protocols will come later when you are one on one .
But I already have a lawyer on my team , ready to go to court and appeal fines .
It is unlikely that the police are doing this on their own initiative .
It seems that law enforcement have become hostages of the situation… What is the supreme law in Ukraine ?
It 's Constitution .
There is Article 112 of the Constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministers is entitled to pass own decisions that have direct effect .
It 's just that they forget that such decisions must not contradict the existing legislation .
Article 42 of the Constitution clearly states that we have the right to work , to entrepreneurial activity .
If the decision of the Cabinet contradicts these articles , then what the police should be guided by ?
Human rights can only be restricted if a state of emergency imposed in the country .
Go ahead and impose a state of emergency through the Verkhovna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and then the police will do their job .
Businessmen are in-between the grinders now .
The government says we ca n't work , the city council says we can because we have to pay taxes to keep the city alive .
We have a choice : either we shut down and have no means to survive or we do work and get tickets , and possibly fines .
It 's all major stress !
We do n't know what to do .
Then you come to court and refer to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the right to work .
And in court we are told in response that the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers has greater legal force .
If we follow this logic , I suggest that they first be guided by the Constitution .
And they go : `` We are not the Constitutional Court .
If you do n't agree , appeal the Cabinet 's decision .
These double standards are really annoying .
They cause great distrust of the authorities .
Because no one has forgotten how in the spring we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we lost our income , received no salaries , but at the same time a Velur restaurant in Kyiv and the Epicenter retail chain kept working .
So why ca n't I work ?
Do we live in the same legal field ?
Is our Constitution for everyone ?
Do we have one law for some and another law for others ?
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Ternopil entrepreneur Taras Kovalchuk, who turned his hospitality businesses into a religious organization on the eve of the weekend quarantine, which allowed him not to close down on Saturday and Sunday, told UNIAN about the nuances of such reprofiling.
"Dear parishioners, I expect to see you tomorrow, Sunday is no less important…" these are the words of the owner of the Ternopil-based Leliva Restaurant, Taras Kovalchuk, seeing off his patrons on Saturday night. On the eve of the introduction of new restrictions, he announced his move to establish his own religious organization, the Brotherhood of Bald, and thus change the concept of his establishments. In particular, the hostel was renamed into monastery, the restaurant – into monastery's refectory, and the club – into temple. UNIAN talked to Taras Kovalchuk in the newly opened "refectory" about how his establishments operated during the weekend quarantine and whether further development of the religious organization is in his plans.
At what stage did you declare the founding of your religious organization "Brotherhood of Bald"?
We held a meeting of the founders, notarized everything, and drew up a charter. Lawyers read our paperwork, said everything is fine, so now we will wait for official registration.
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If the regional state administration doesn't approve the charter, we will sue. After all, all our documents comply with legislation. We understand perfectly well that this will take time. But according to Article 35 of the Constitution, we have the right for meetings as part of our religious organization because we held an official meeting of the founders.
The regional administration, where I came for a consultation, told me that there would be a religious vetting to study our documents.
But in general, our charter is standard, we didn't come up with any new stuff, new gods or cults. At the level of a joke, we only "believe" that God was bald.
How did your close circle generally accept the idea of founding a religious community?
I didn't expect such publicity. I understood that we were touching on a painful topic and thought that, approximately, 50% would approve of the idea, but the other half would pour mud on me. I was ready for that. Now I see that much more people reacted positively to our creative stunt. It seems that it's about 90% support.
I read a lot of accusations of blasphemy against you on Facebook…
I suddenly had the idea to create a new religion and my own religious organization. This idea arose when we, the business, were driven into a corner. And I clearly see two options: either I die and close my business, fire everyone, or I look for ways to prevail. And when you have this dilemma in your head, and you just need to legally re-register from an individual entrepreneur to a religious organization – for me it's permissible.
We are talking about protection from the incomprehensible actions of the government, which tries to stifle businesses.
I'm a Christian, I go to church, I know my priests very well, I lead tours to the cathedral. In my comments section, one of the priests wrote: "Do you think this is funny?". I wrote back: "No, this is a response to the actual conditions of today's life created by the government."
We already advise people from almost ten cities in Ukraine, where they also decided to create their own religious organizations to allow for their business to keep working.
But we are well aware that we created the "Brotherhood of Bald" to save our business. We don't seek to go beyond adequacy. We defend our rights by all means available. At first, we held one picket, then the second, and then the third was already massive – 24 cities of Ukraine protested against weekend quarantine. The Minister of Culture comes out and says that quarantine is not needed on weekends, mayors say that it's not needed. But it still gets enforced. Well, that's absurd. So we're fighting absurdity with absurdity.
Did the police come to your establishments during weekend raids?
Yes, the police came and said that because of the weekend quarantine, catering establishments are not allowed to work. I explained that the Constitution gives us such a right. But I agreed that the Cabinet of Ministers has indeed made this strange decision. They go: "So why do you keep working?". I explain to them that today we have a gathering of pilgrims and parishioners of our religious organization. They laugh as they understand that this is all way too absurd.
At the same time, law enforcement officers are convinced that they must follow the Cabinet resolution. But for some reason they forget about the Constitution, which is above the resolution, and which prescribes the rights and freedoms that they are now trying to restrict. By creating a religious organization, me and some like-minded people want to show this whole absurd situation more vividly and make everyone finally think about it, including government officials. Ladies and gentlemen, let's face it – you can't fight a pandemic, and you can't help businesses. Then at least don't interfere, just let us work, and we will somehow figure things out.
Today is the 248th day of quarantine. Of our staff, no one got sick. I think this is a significant indicator. Maybe it's because we care about the health of our employees and follow safety norms. Probably because people from risk groups, over the age of 50, are not actually our target audience. But the fact remains the fact. And while the subway is working, public transport is working, a large hardware retail network is working, grocery stores and markets are working, restaurants should be closed... Explain the logic!
Or, forget about logic, just go help businesses, as Europe does. Now it's the third quarter of the year, go ask about the figures for the same period, provide payments at 70% to each registered employee, and then shut them down. But then I would praise the government at every occasion, saying that we have good guys in power, supporting businesses.
Or, perhaps, if you have launched a "5-7-9" loan program, make sure that I could get a loan within two weeks. We have been trying to use the program since June or July, but we only hear: "Give me another certificate, and now another one, and now sign another document, and another one..." And in this way the process drags indefinitely. Very few entrepreneurs in the region have been able to take advantage of this program.
Did the police draw up reports stating that your establishments were open on weekends?
I guess they'll come in a while. Because had they started drawing protocols today [Saturday], there would have been thousands rallying outside the police station. These protocols will come later when you are one on one. But I already have a lawyer on my team, ready to go to court and appeal fines.
It is unlikely that the police are doing this on their own initiative. It seems that law enforcement have become hostages of the situation…
What is the supreme law in Ukraine? It's Constitution. There is Article 112 of the Constitution, which says that the Cabinet of Ministers is entitled to pass own decisions that have direct effect. It's just that they forget that such decisions must not contradict the existing legislation. Article 42 of the Constitution clearly states that we have the right to work, to entrepreneurial activity. If the decision of the Cabinet contradicts these articles, then what the police should be guided by? Human rights can only be restricted if a state of emergency imposed in the country. Go ahead and impose a state of emergency through the Verkhovna Rada, let the president sign it, and then the police will do their job.
Businessmen are in-between the grinders now. The government says we can't work, the city council says we can because we have to pay taxes to keep the city alive. We have a choice: either we shut down and have no means to survive or we do work and get tickets, and possibly fines. It's all major stress! We don't know what to do.
Then you come to court and refer to the decision of the city council that we have the right to work. And in court we are told in response that the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers has greater legal force. If we follow this logic, I suggest that they first be guided by the Constitution. And they go: "We are not the Constitutional Court. If you don't agree, appeal the Cabinet's decision.
These double standards are really annoying. They cause great distrust of the authorities. Because no one has forgotten how in the spring we were all told to shut down, how we lost our income, received no salaries, but at the same time a Velur restaurant in Kyiv and the Epicenter retail chain kept working. So why can't I work? Do we live in the same legal field? Is our Constitution for everyone? Do we have one law for some and another law for others?
Andriy Vatsyk


unian--2020-11-18--Ukraine seeing further demographic decline

In January-September , the population decreased by 199,100 to 41.703 million .
Mortality rate in Ukraine over the nine months of 2020 prevailed significantly over birth rate with an average of 52 newborns against 100 deaths , the State Statistics Service says .
The population in January-September decreased by 199,100 , to nearly 41.703 million as of October 1 , the State Statistics Service of Ukraine reported .
In the said period , 220,657 children were born in Ukraine , while a year earlier their number stood at 233,222 .
Over the nine months of this year , a natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while in January-September 2019 , it was 203,311 .
The number of those who moved to Ukraine during the reporting period exceeded the number of those who left the country by 6,941 .
In the same period last year , the number stood at 10,143 .
Read alsoNational census in Ukraine postponed over coronavirus pandemic – mediaThe stats on the population count cover all regions of Ukraine , except for the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol .
Data on the natural and migration movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donetsk and Luhansk regions , the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , and the city of Sevastopol .
The population of Ukraine in January-August this year decreased by 178,400 , to 41.724 as of September 1 .
According to the State Statistics Service , the population of Ukraine in 2019 was down by 251,000 , to 41.9 million .

In January-September, the population decreased by 199,100 to 41.703 million.
Mortality rate in Ukraine over the nine months of 2020 prevailed significantly over birth rate with an average of 52 newborns against 100 deaths, the State Statistics Service says.
The population in January-September decreased by 199,100, to nearly 41.703 million as of October 1, the State Statistics Service of Ukraine reported.
In the said period, 220,657 children were born in Ukraine, while a year earlier their number stood at 233,222.
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Over the nine months of this year, a natural demographic decline was recorded at 206,030, while in January-September 2019, it was 203,311.
The number of those who moved to Ukraine during the reporting period exceeded the number of those who left the country by 6,941. In the same period last year, the number stood at 10,143.
Read alsoNational census in Ukraine postponed over coronavirus pandemic – mediaThe stats on the population count cover all regions of Ukraine, except for the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.
Data on the natural and migration movement excludes the temporarily occupied territories in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and the city of Sevastopol.
Demographic in Ukraine: Background
The population of Ukraine in January-August this year decreased by 178,400, to 41.724 as of September 1.
According to the State Statistics Service, the population of Ukraine in 2019 was down by 251,000, to 41.9 million.


unian--2020-11-18--Agriproduction in Jan-Oct down by 14%

Agriproduction in Jan-Oct down by 14%

Agricultural enterprises reduced production by 18 % , and households – by 6.8 % .
Agricultural output in Ukraine in January-October 2020 decreased by 14.2 % year-on-year , the State Statistics Service of Ukraine reported .
In particular , agricultural enterprises during the reporting period reduced production by 18.1 % , and households – by 6.8 % , the report reads .
Crop products ' output by all agribusiness entities decreased by 16.9 % ( by enterprises – by 21.2 % , by households - by 7.6 % ) .
Read alsoUkraine estimates economic effect from farmland market launch at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a whole decreased by 2.7 % compared to January-October 2019 ( by enterprises – by 1 % , by households – by 4.5 % ) .
The State Statistics Service noted that the data provided takes no account of information from the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , and part of the temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
Agricultural production in Ukraine increased by 1.1 % in 2019 .
At the same time , agricompanies increased output by 3.3 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 2 % .

Agriproduction in Jan-Oct down by 14%
21:00, 18.11.20 101
Agricultural enterprises reduced production by 18%, and households – by 6.8%.
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unian--2020-11-18--Ukroboronprom: Defense industry reform under threat

The defense giant accuses the newly-formed ministry of strategic industries of interference and blocking reform of the Concern and the industry in general .
Ukroboronprom , Ukraine 's state-owned defense concern , has released a public appeal to President Volodymyr Zelensky , Prime Minister Denysh Shmyhal , National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov , and Rada Defense Committee Chair Oleksandr Zavitnevych , voicing `` concern regarding the curtailment of Ukraine 's defense industry reform and interference into its economic activities by the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine . ''
Despite promises of resolute action , `` for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ministry has been systematically blocking the reform of Ukroboronprom and the defense industry complex as a whole , '' the statement reads .
• The preparation of the defense industry strategy has not even started ; • Ukroboronprom ’ s Individual Ownership Policy has not been approved ; • Consideration of bills on reforming public sector of the defense industry was suspended , at the Ministry 's insistence .
At the same time , in four months , the Ministry has not put forward any alternative proposals ; • Work has still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulations that are necessary for the implementation of the new law on defense procurement due to enter into force on January 1 , 2021 ; • Ukroboronprom ’ s repeated appeals to solve key producers ' issues with pricing , state guarantees , treasury accounts and others have not been studied and considered , while the critical situation with the implementation of the State target program on ammunition and special chemicals has not been resolved ; • Also , the company complains , the Ministry , since its inception , has been interfering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are also strong demands coming in for the dismissal of Ukroboronprom staff responsible for security , exports , GR , and reform , the Concern claims .
`` Such methods directly contradict OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance of State-Owned Enterprises , implementation of which was officially announced by Ukraine ( in particular , by fixing them at the level of the Strategy for Improving the Efficiency of Public Sector entities ) , and may bear the signs of abuse of influence and conflict of interests that lead to corruption risks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine legislation and the Ukroboronprom Charter , it 's the Cabinet of Minister that shall perform the function of owner in relation to Ukroboronprom through appropriate supervision and control by the Supervisory Board .
The Ministry , in turn , shall only formulate `` state policy and appropriate regulation in the defense industry , '' Ukroboronprom says .
Read alsoUkroboronprom to be reorganized into nine holdings , deputy PM saysThe Ministry has no authority to manage state-owned enterprises that do not belong to its sphere of management , the appeal notes .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position of the state leadership to ensuring the defense capabilities of a country in war , '' the defense concern says .
On October 6 , President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Aivaras Abromavicius from the post of Ukroboronprom CEO and appointed Ihor Fomenko its acting chief .
In August , Deputy Prime Minister , Minister for Strategic Industries Oleh Urusky announced the transformation of Ukroboronprom and personnel shifts in its management .
Ukraine 's state-run Ukroboronprom concern was founded in 2010 to ensure the effective operation and management of state-run economic entities involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repair , upgrade , and disposal of weapons , military and special equipment , and ammunition .
Ukroboronprom incorporates about 140 enterprises of Ukraine 's military industrial complex .

Ukroboronprom: Defense industry reform under threat
20:15, 18.11.20 314
The defense giant accuses the newly-formed ministry of strategic industries of interference and blocking reform of the Concern and the industry in general.
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unian--2020-11-18--Constitution could be amended in relation to decentralization reform

The team working on the project includes members of the Commission on Legal Reform under the President , recognized experts in constitutional law , and representatives of the National Academy of Legal Sciences .
In Ukraine , active work is underway to prepare amendments to the Constitution in terms of decentralization .
That 's according to Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Legal Policy Olha Sovhyria ( Servant of the People ) who spoke at the forum `` The Dialogues about Reforms : On the Road to Vilnius , '' an UNIAN correspondent reports .
The team working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission on Legal Reform under the President , recognized experts in constitutional law , and representatives of the National Academy of Legal Sciences , MP has told .
Read alsoPM Shmyhal elaborates on advantages of decentralization for UkrainiansTwo weeks ago , Sovhyria added , the working group met to discuss the main issues that require revision and improvement .
`` Today , due to the fact that there are certain difficulties with amending the Constitution , it turns out that the reform in terms of decentralization is moving a little away from where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She stressed that at first , Parliament adopts a decree on creating districts , a law on the transfer of assets to the newly formed united territorial communities , which is the completion of the decentralization reform , which began in connection with the formation of new districts , while it was necessary to initially start precisely with the changes to the Constitution .
• The task of decentralization reform is to ensure that in 2020 all residents belong to certain united territorial communities ( UTG ) .
• As of May 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the formation of communities in all regions of Ukraine .
• On June 12 , the Government decided to reduce the number of regions from 490 to 129 .

The team working on the project includes members of the Commission on Legal Reform under the President, recognized experts in constitutional law, and representatives of the National Academy of Legal Sciences.
In Ukraine, active work is underway to prepare amendments to the Constitution in terms of decentralization.
That's according to Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Legal Policy Olha Sovhyria (Servant of the People) who spoke at the forum "The Dialogues about Reforms: On the Road to Vilnius," an UNIAN correspondent reports.
The team working on the project includes members of the Commission on Legal Reform under the President, recognized experts in constitutional law, and representatives of the National Academy of Legal Sciences, MP has told.
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Read alsoPM Shmyhal elaborates on advantages of decentralization for UkrainiansTwo weeks ago, Sovhyria added, the working group met to discuss the main issues that require revision and improvement.
"Today, due to the fact that there are certain difficulties with amending the Constitution, it turns out that the reform in terms of decentralization is moving a little away from where it should," MP said.
She stressed that at first, Parliament adopts a decree on creating districts, a law on the transfer of assets to the newly formed united territorial communities, which is the completion of the decentralization reform, which began in connection with the formation of new districts, while it was necessary to initially start precisely with the changes to the Constitution.
Decentralization in Ukraine: Memo


unian--2020-11-18--Courts rule to fine violators only in 4% of all quarantine breach cases

Most of the fines have been issued in the city of Kyiv , as well as Odesa , and Dnipropetrovsk regions .
Since the onset of COVID-19-related quarantine in Ukraine , more than 50,000 administrative cases have been forwarded to courts where law enforcers asked judges to prosecute those breaking the rules imposed .
The Sudova Vlada Ukrayiny , an online outlet covering the issues of the judiciary , says 3,839 case files were resubmitted , 8,597 were returned by courts , including 8,131 due to improper filing .
At the same time , only nearly 4 % of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for perpetrators violating quarantine restrictions .
Read alsoOver 16,300 COVID-19 cases , 322 fatalities reported in occupied Crimea since start of epidemicCourts have considered only half of all cases submitted ( 26,429 ) , and 2,171 violators have ultimately been fined .
As of November 17 , a total of 15,568 cases are yet to be heard in courts .
Most of the administrative fines against those breaching quarantine norms were applied in Kyiv ( 296 ) , as well as Odesa region ( 255 ) , and Dnipropetrovsk region ( 195 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was recorded in Mykolaiv region ( 16 ) .
• Effectiveness of `` weekend quarantine '' to become clear in about two weeks – health ministry • Cabinet reacts to lawmakers ' initiative to consider canceling `` weekend quarantine '' • PM Shmyhal hails weekend quarantine , says it helps slash new COVID-19 cases • Ukraine not going yet to close borders for foreigners – FM Kuleba • PM Shmyhal explains how weekend quarantine may lessen load on healthcare

Most of the fines have been issued in the city of Kyiv, as well as Odesa, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Since the onset of COVID-19-related quarantine in Ukraine, more than 50,000 administrative cases have been forwarded to courts where law enforcers asked judges to prosecute those breaking the rules imposed.
The Sudova Vlada Ukrayiny, an online outlet covering the issues of the judiciary, says 3,839 case files were resubmitted, 8,597 were returned by courts, including 8,131 due to improper filing.
At the same time, only nearly 4% of all cases ended up in an actual fine for perpetrators violating quarantine restrictions.
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Read alsoOver 16,300 COVID-19 cases, 322 fatalities reported in occupied Crimea since start of epidemicCourts have considered only half of all cases submitted (26,429), and 2,171 violators have ultimately been fined.
As of November 17, a total of 15,568 cases are yet to be heard in courts.
Most of the administrative fines against those breaching quarantine norms were applied in Kyiv (296), as well as Odesa region (255), and Dnipropetrovsk region (195).
The lowest number of those fined was recorded in Mykolaiv region (16).
Quarantine in Ukraine: Latest


unian--2020-11-18--English language to become essential in Ukraine Army

This will help achieve better interoperability with NATO forces .
Learning English is becoming an integral part a new military culture being introduced into the Armed Forces of Ukraine , based on Euro-Atlantic values and principles .
In the new system of professional military education , English language testing will become mandatory , the press service of the defense ministry reported .
`` The need for personnel to learn English is one of the main aspects of achieving interoperability with NATO structures , '' the Ministry of Defense said .
The Ministry of Defense noted that the military with knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in international missions and training sessions abroad .
Read alsoNATO says new bill on SBU requires further workMilitary universities and other profile educational facilities are introducing a unified curriculum `` Foreign Language '' in this regard .
• The Alliance has recognized Ukraine an Enhanced Opportunities Partner .
The status is part of the Partnership Interoperability initiative , which aims to maintain and deepen interaction between the Alliance and partner states that have made significant contributions to NATO-sponsored operations and missions .
• From now on , Ukraine will benefit from tailored individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular , this provides for expanded access to programs and exercises on the interoperability of troops .
• Thus , Ukraine has become one of the six NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partners along with Australia , Finland , Georgia , Jordan , and Sweden .
Each Partner has an individual relationship with the Alliance , which is based on areas of common interest .
• Ukraine 's status does not mean an early decision is to be made on NATO membership .
NATO members continue to encourage and support Ukraine in the implementation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security sectors , civilian control and democratic oversight , and the fight against corruption .

This will help achieve better interoperability with NATO forces.
Learning English is becoming an integral part a new military culture being introduced into the Armed Forces of Ukraine, based on Euro-Atlantic values and principles.
In the new system of professional military education, English language testing will become mandatory, the press service of the defense ministry reported.
"The need for personnel to learn English is one of the main aspects of achieving interoperability with NATO structures," the Ministry of Defense said.
The Ministry of Defense noted that the military with knowledge of English will be able to participate in international missions and training sessions abroad.
Read alsoNATO says new bill on SBU requires further workMilitary universities and other profile educational facilities are introducing a unified curriculum "Foreign Language" in this regard.
"Also, the U.S. government is implementing a project to supply new language labs, textbooks, and manuals," the statement said.
Ukraine and NATO: Background