unian--2020-05-13--Ukraine's health minister names dates of next quarantine easing stages

The quarantine relaxation algorithm is expected to be adopted at the next Cabinet meeting .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry plans to move on to the next COVID-19 quarantine easing stages on May 22 , June 1 , June 11 , and so on , as it has a clear algorithm for lifting restrictions .
However , further relaxing of lockdown measures will depend on certain indicators , he added .
`` As per indicators , we also have projected dates when will be able to achieve these indicators .
We have developed reference dates : May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and so on , '' the RBC Ukraine news agency quoted Stepanov as saying on May 13 .
The quarantine relaxation algorithm is expected to be adopted at the next Cabinet meeting , PM added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers in March introduced a nationwide quarantine to counter the spread of coronavirus infection , after which the lockdown regime was extended until May 11 .
On May 4 , the government further extended the lockdown until May 22 , having lifted some quarantine-related curbs from May 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , beauty salons , dentists , lawyers , offices of notaries , auditors , psychologists were allowed to reopen .

The quarantine relaxation algorithm is expected to be adopted at the next Cabinet meeting.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry plans to move on to the next COVID-19 quarantine easing stages on May 22, June 1, June 11, and so on, as it has a clear algorithm for lifting restrictions. However, further relaxing of lockdown measures will depend on certain indicators, he added.
"As per indicators, we also have projected dates when will be able to achieve these indicators. We have developed reference dates: May 22, June 1, June 11 and so on," the RBC Ukraine news agency quoted Stepanov as saying on May 13.
The quarantine relaxation algorithm is expected to be adopted at the next Cabinet meeting, PM added.
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Read alsoStages of transport resumption in Ukraine: details
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers in March introduced a nationwide quarantine to counter the spread of coronavirus infection, after which the lockdown regime was extended until May 11.
On May 4, the government further extended the lockdown until May 22, having lifted some quarantine-related curbs from May 11.
In particular, hair, nail, beauty salons, dentists, lawyers, offices of notaries, auditors, psychologists were allowed to reopen.


unian--2020-05-13--UN sustainable energy project in Ukraine now fighting COVID-19

The HOUSES programme , which continues through September 2020 , is supported by EUR 4 million in European Union funding .
A United Nations project to promote energy efficiency among Ukrainian homeowners has found a second life – informing 1.8 million of the nation 's citizens on how to combat the COVID-19 virus .
Home Owners of Ukraine for Sustainable Energy Efficiency Solutions , also known as HOUSES , was initially designed to help Ukrainians lower their energy costs , better their livelihoods , and reduce the country 's carbon footprint , the UN press service reports .
Since its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians in 24 regions to manage their homeowners ' associations , develop energy efficiency projects and apply for subsidies under the Ukrainian Energy Efficiency Fund .
`` Little did we know at the time we set it up that we could use this same network to communicate urgent information about the pending pandemic , '' said Dafina Gercheva , the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ) resident representative in Ukraine since 2019 .
Read alsoUkraine 's ombudsperson : Ukrainian political prisoner in Russia may have contracted COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinators , 344 local authorities and nearly 4,000 homeowners ' associations , and working with World Health Organization ( WHO ) , UNDP produced more than 100,000 posters detailed information about the new coronavirus , how to avoid contracting it and how to protect families .
Going a step further , many of the homeowners ' associations came up with creative ways to sanitize buildings and footwear , support the elderly and sew protection masks and suits for doctors , medical professionals and vulnerable neighbors , UNDP said .
One community made 1,300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a month .
The HOUSES programme , which continues through September 2020 , is supported by EUR 4 million in European Union funding .

The HOUSES programme, which continues through September 2020, is supported by EUR 4 million in European Union funding.
A United Nations project to promote energy efficiency among Ukrainian homeowners has found a second life – informing 1.8 million of the nation's citizens on how to combat the COVID-19 virus.
Home Owners of Ukraine for Sustainable Energy Efficiency Solutions, also known as HOUSES, was initially designed to help Ukrainians lower their energy costs, better their livelihoods, and reduce the country's carbon footprint, the UN press service reports.
Since its launch in October 2018, it has helped hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians in 24 regions to manage their homeowners' associations, develop energy efficiency projects and apply for subsidies under the Ukrainian Energy Efficiency Fund.
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"Little did we know at the time we set it up that we could use this same network to communicate urgent information about the pending pandemic," said Dafina Gercheva, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative in Ukraine since 2019.
Read alsoUkraine's ombudsperson: Ukrainian political prisoner in Russia may have contracted COVID-19
Piggybacking on HOUSES's network of 24 coordinators, 344 local authorities and nearly 4,000 homeowners' associations, and working with World Health Organization (WHO), UNDP produced more than 100,000 posters detailed information about the new coronavirus, how to avoid contracting it and how to protect families.
Going a step further, many of the homeowners' associations came up with creative ways to sanitize buildings and footwear, support the elderly and sew protection masks and suits for doctors, medical professionals and vulnerable neighbors, UNDP said.
One community made 1,300 masks and 76 suits in the space of a month.
The HOUSES programme, which continues through September 2020, is supported by EUR 4 million in European Union funding.


unian--2020-05-13--Legislator comments on possible timeline of first IMF tranche for Ukraine

The disbursement refers to an 18-month stand-by program worth $ 5 billion .
Head of the Financial , Tax and Customs Policy Parliamentary Committee Danylo Getmantsev says Ukraine may receive from the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) , Ukraine 's key lender , the first tranche worth US $ 1.75 billion within three to four weeks .
`` We expect [ the first disbursement worth $ ] 1.75 billion in three to four weeks , and then the same amount – by the end of the year , '' he told journalists on May 13 , responding to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Getmantsev , `` in general , this refers to an 18-month stand-by program worth $ 5 billion . ''
Read alsoUkraine , IMF discussing new assistance program to deal with COVID-19 impact As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ukrainian government expects the talks with the IMF will complete before May 15 .
According to Gerry Rice , Director of the IMF 's Communications Department and IMF Spokesman , the focus of talks between the IMF and Ukraine has shifted toward an 18-month stand-by financing program which will help the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy and health care .
It could serve as a reserve option as Ukraine authorities are yet to fulfill conditions required to receive funds in the framework of the Extended Fund Facility in the amount of US $ 5.5 billion , which the parties discussed in December 2019 .
On May 12 , Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Ukraine hopes to sign a new memorandum with the International Monetary Fund by the end of May .
Shmyhal has expressed hope that cooperation with the Fund under a new stand-by arrangement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine get a new US $ 5 billion loan package .
Of the amount , US $ 3.5 billion is intended to go directly into the 2020 national budget .

Legislator comments on possible timeline of first IMF tranche for Ukraine
14:00, 13.05.20 1252
The disbursement refers to an 18-month stand-by program worth $5 billion.
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unian--2020-05-13--Stages of transport resumption in Ukraine: details

The first easing phase may launch as early as May 22 .
The Ukrainian government has developed a plan for the resumption of passenger transport in Ukraine , subject to compliance with all anti-epidemic measures .
The Infrastructure Ministry says the process has been divided into three stages , while the first phase may launch on May 22 .
Today , only certain categories of citizens holders of special passes from employers are allowed to use public transport .
On May 22 , the government plans to ease restrictions on public transport ( except minibuses ) .
No specifics have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously , it is about an increase in the allowed number of passengers per vehicle .
Read alsoUkraine president 's office : Subways to be opened last of all transport modes From May 22 , the Infrastructure Ministry plans to resume short range bus services within administrative districts .
From May 29 , railway transport will be allowed within the administrative borders of regions .
On May 29 , it is planned to resume domestic passenger air traffic .
Stage 2 will begin on June 9 with the launch of buses within regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the neighboring countries reopen borders to foreigners ) .
Shuttle minibuses within cities and towns will be allowed to operate in regular mode .
On June 12 , the government will allow traffic of commuter trains in day hours , as well as all passenger trains according to schedule .
The third stage is planned to start after the quarantine is over .
It provides for the launch of international and seasonal trains .
After the end of quarantine , the government intends to reopen international flights to countries that have opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Subway trains in Kyiv , Kharkiv and Dnipro will not relaunch in normal mode until June .
According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal , this may happen after Ukraine passes the peak of COVID-19 incidence .
`` Today , these days we are seeing the peak of incidence rate .
The turning point is when we understand that we have passed the peak and begin to move downward .
City public transport is working .
The question here is our cooperation with the mayors in increasing the number of these transport , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Cabinet is yet to approve the plan for transport restoration .
Accordingly , some adjustments can be added to it .
In general , summarizing the statements voiced by Ukraine officials , the implementation of such a plan , as well as lifting quarantine , will depend on the epidemiological situation .
Therefore , all focus is on coronavirus stats .

Stages of transport resumption in Ukraine: details
13:40, 13.05.20 17835
The first easing phase may launch as early as May 22.
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unian--2020-05-13--Ukraine's parliament passes bill on banking regulation

Some 270 MPs with the required minimum of 226 votes have backed the draft law .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , has passed at second reading a bill on banking regulation .
Some 270 MPs with the required minimum of 226 votes backed in the second reading the adoption of the bill on amendments to some legislative acts of Ukraine regarding the improvement of certain banking regulation mechanisms ( 2571-d ) , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
According to the explanatory note to the bill , it provides for the inevitability of the process of withdrawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant decision of the National Bank can not be canceled or suspended by a court judgment .
At the same time , the law clearly defines the prerequisites and procedure for former owners to receive compensation if they prove in court that the NBU move was illegal .
Read alsoUkraine , IMF discussing new assistance program to deal with COVID-19 impact As UNIAN reported earlier , on March 30 , the Verkhovna Rada adopted at first reading a bill amending some legislative acts of Ukraine on improving certain banking regulation mechanisms ( No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , legislators filed 16,335 amendments to the bill , thus setting a Ukrainian record .
On April 30 , the Rada endorsed a special procedure to streamline consideration of a massive number of amendments filed to the said bill .

Ukraine's parliament passes bill on banking regulation
13:20, 13.05.20 7742
Some 270 MPs with the required minimum of 226 votes have backed the draft law.
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unian--2020-05-13--PM Shmyhal names one of causes behind crisis in Ukraine's electricity market

Imbalances on the market forced the government to negotiate with investors in renewables .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says he is setting up an ad hoc group under the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Policy to understand how the operator of the Ukrainian integrated power grids Ukrenergo issued multiple permits on connection to the energy grid , which became one of the causes of crisis on the electricity market .
`` I 'm ready to set up a working group under the ministry that will study how an unlimited number of permits for connection the energy grid were issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were forced to enter into difficult negotiations and where super-expensive 'green ' energy displaced cheap nuclear power , '' he said during an online broadcast of a meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Energy , Housing and Utilities on May 12 .
According to Shmyhal , investors in renewables significantly increased the capacities of the `` green '' generation at an inflated tariff .
Therefore , the fact of issuing a large number of relevant permits requires investigation .
`` We need to probe this and figure out where it all stems from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's government not to increase power rates for households The prime minister says he supports the development of renewable energy , although it should be cheap , he believes .
At the same time , he admits that amendments to the legislation will be adopted , allowing renewable energy operators to sell their produce under direct contracts .
As UNIAN reported earlier , according to Ukraine 's National Energy and Utilities Regulation Commission ( NEURC ) , the share of electricity from renewables grew to 8 % in Ukraine , which accounted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market .
In 2019 , green power generation in Ukraine grew by 11.6 % .
In late April , renewables ' capacity totaled 7.2 GW .
It is also planned to commission the additional 1 GW facilities in June .
More than 20 % of the country 's renewable energy market belongs to Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov 's DTEK energy holding .
Then come Swedish , Chinese and Ukrainian companies .

PM Shmyhal names one of causes behind crisis in Ukraine's electricity market
13:00, 13.05.20 4212
Imbalances on the market forced the government to negotiate with investors in renewables.
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unian--2020-05-13--Bakhmatyuk reacts to Shabunin's statements: AntAC head lying systematically

The press service of Oleg Bakhmatyuk 's UkrLandFarming agricultural holding has issued a statement accusing the head of the Anti-corruption Action Center ( AntAC ) of systematically spreading lies about the company shareholder .
This way , the agricultural holding has responded to Vitaliy Shabunin 's statements he had recently voiced in TV broadcasts .
`` On April 21 this year , Channel 24 viewers witnessed manipulation by Head of the Anti-corruption Action Center Vitaliy Shabunin , who is a suspect in the case of embezzlement of US $ 133 million in grant funds for treating patients with HIV/AIDS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Shabunin frankly lied that the offer of our shareholder Oleg Bakhmatyuk to settle the debt of VAB Bank and paying the state UAH 8 billion ( US $ 298.5 million ) had been allegedly made under the investigators ' pressure : 'For example , the case of Bakhmatyuk , who is a former owner of VAB Bank now hiding abroad .
Now that he 's almost been caught up with , he 's ready to give UAH 8 billion to the budget just to not go to jail , ' Shabunin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proved that this citizen deliberately lied and misled the TV channel 's audience , '' reads the statement , as reported by Ukrainian News .
However , last week , Shabunin several times voiced these allegations in several TV broadcasts .
`` Therefore , we once again remind Vitaliy Shabunin , suspected by the National Police of stealing assistance from patients , that the offer to pay the government UAH 8 billion of bank debts arising from the major banking crisis of 2014-2015 had first been made by Oleg Bakhmatyuk two years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our shareholder by NABU [ the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ] .
Mr. Shabunin , continuing to voice outright lies either motivated by revenge or fulfilling the other persons ' order – you are better aware of your motives – you offer the public an opportunity to understand the true value of the rest of your claims , too '' the statement says .
Also , Oleg Bakhmatyuk 's company believes the law enforcement agencies will assess Vitaliy Shabunin 's activities as a civic activist .
As reported earlier , owner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oleg Bakhmatyuk offered the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine , the Deposit Guarantee Fund , the National Bank of Ukraine , and the Office of the Prosecutor General a mechanism for repaying debts worth UAH 8 billion of VAB Bank and Financial Initiative Bank that had been removed from the market in 2014-2015 among the other 95 banks affected by the crisis .
The Deposit Guarantee Fund said it believes such a proposal is beneficial to the state .

The press service of Oleg Bakhmatyuk's UkrLandFarming agricultural holding has issued a statement accusing the head of the Anti-corruption Action Center (AntAC) of systematically spreading lies about the company shareholder.
This way, the agricultural holding has responded to Vitaliy Shabunin's statements he had recently voiced in TV broadcasts. "On April 21 this year, Channel 24 viewers witnessed manipulation by Head of the Anti-corruption Action Center Vitaliy Shabunin, who is a suspect in the case of embezzlement of US$133 million in grant funds for treating patients with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Speaking on TV, Shabunin frankly lied that the offer of our shareholder Oleg Bakhmatyuk to settle the debt of VAB Bank and paying the state UAH 8 billion (US$298.5 million) had been allegedly made under the investigators' pressure: 'For example, the case of Bakhmatyuk, who is a former owner of VAB Bank now hiding abroad. Now that he's almost been caught up with, he's ready to give UAH 8 billion to the budget just to not go to jail,' Shabunin said. We refuted Shabunin's statement and proved that this citizen deliberately lied and misled the TV channel's audience," reads the statement, as reported by Ukrainian News.
However, last week, Shabunin several times voiced these allegations in several TV broadcasts. "Therefore, we once again remind Vitaliy Shabunin, suspected by the National Police of stealing assistance from patients, that the offer to pay the government UAH 8 billion of bank debts arising from the major banking crisis of 2014-2015 had first been made by Oleg Bakhmatyuk two years ago, when there was no persecution of our shareholder by NABU [the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine]. Mr. Shabunin, continuing to voice outright lies either motivated by revenge or fulfilling the other persons' order – you are better aware of your motives – you offer the public an opportunity to understand the true value of the rest of your claims, too" the statement says. Also, Oleg Bakhmatyuk's company believes the law enforcement agencies will assess Vitaliy Shabunin's activities as a civic activist.
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As reported earlier, owner of the UkrLandFarming and Avangard Group of Companies Oleg Bakhmatyuk offered the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Deposit Guarantee Fund, the National Bank of Ukraine, and the Office of the Prosecutor General a mechanism for repaying debts worth UAH 8 billion of VAB Bank and Financial Initiative Bank that had been removed from the market in 2014-2015 among the other 95 banks affected by the crisis. The Deposit Guarantee Fund said it believes such a proposal is beneficial to the state.


unian--2020-05-13--Zelensky sends message to Hungary's Orban on Day of Victory over Nazism – media

In a speech on the Day of Victory over the Nazis , in the city of Uzhhorod , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent a not so subtle message to Hungary 's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán .
Zelensky talked about the `` expulsion of invaders '' from Zakarpattia , a clear reference to the illegal 1939 occupation of the area by Hungarian ruler Miklós Horthy , Hungarian Free Press reports .
On May 9 , Ukraine celebrated the Day of Victory and the president traveled to the country 's western part .
He talked about the 50 million victims of World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 million were killed and tortured Ukrainians : `` We defeated Nazism 75 years ago .
It took another 46 years for us to gain an independent Ukrainian state .
And today , for the sixth year in a row , we are defending it . ''
Zelensky also announced the installation of symbolic bells .
`` Yesterday , I was in the Luhansk region , near the first village , where the liberation of Ukraine began in 1942 .
The first bell will be placed there – the Remembrance Bell .
Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the place where the expulsion of the invaders ended .
The Victory Bell will be placed here . ''
The invaders – the Hungarian Army – occupied Zakarpattia in 1939 , and later joined the German Wehrmacht to take over the rest of Ukraine committing unspeakable atrocities , the report reads .
Today far-right Orbán claims that pro-Hitler Horthy was a `` great statesman '' .
`` Not surprisingly Zelensky has refused to meet him so far , '' authors say .
`` In fact Orbán bitterly complained that 'despite repeated attempts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet the new President of Ukraine ' . ''
Hungary has even threatened to block Ukraine 's aspirations of joining NATO and EU because Orbán claims that Ukraine 's language law restricts the right of the ethnic Hungarian minority .
After U.S. politicians raised their concerns that Orbán 's empty posturing represent a security danger for the NATO alliance , Hungarian Foreign Minister , Mr. Szijjártó has backpedaled and `` made a couple of suggestions '' to resolve the situation .
`` Hungary 's criticism miraculously subsided , '' the report reads .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappeared , authors add .
László Brenzovics , `` Orbán 's man '' in Zakarpattia , lost power and corruption accusations have surfaced .
Ildikó Orosz resigned her post as Rector of the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian College , and Andrea Bocskor , Hungary 's Ukraine-born European Parliament member stopped her vicious attacks of Ukrainian politicians .
`` Pro-Putin Orbán has little popular support in Zakarpattia and President Zelensky knows that , '' reads the article .

Today far-right Orbán claims that pro-Hitler Horthy was a "great statesman".
In a speech on the Day of Victory over the Nazis, in the city of Uzhhorod, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent a not so subtle message to Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Zelensky talked about the "expulsion of invaders" from Zakarpattia, a clear reference to the illegal 1939 occupation of the area by Hungarian ruler Miklós Horthy, Hungarian Free Press reports.
On May 9, Ukraine celebrated the Day of Victory and the president traveled to the country's western part. He talked about the 50 million victims of World War II, of which more than 8 million were killed and tortured Ukrainians: "We defeated Nazism 75 years ago. It took another 46 years for us to gain an independent Ukrainian state. And today, for the sixth year in a row, we are defending it."
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Zelensky also announced the installation of symbolic bells. "Yesterday, I was in the Luhansk region, near the first village, where the liberation of Ukraine began in 1942. The first bell will be placed there – the Remembrance Bell. Today, I am in Zakarpattia, near the place where the expulsion of the invaders ended. The Victory Bell will be placed here."
The invaders – the Hungarian Army – occupied Zakarpattia in 1939, and later joined the German Wehrmacht to take over the rest of Ukraine committing unspeakable atrocities, the report reads.
Read alsoHungary to block NATO-Ukraine meetings until minority rights deal reached – media
Today far-right Orbán claims that pro-Hitler Horthy was a "great statesman". "Not surprisingly Zelensky has refused to meet him so far," authors say. "In fact Orbán bitterly complained that 'despite repeated attempts, we've not yet been able to meet the new President of Ukraine'."
Hungary has even threatened to block Ukraine's aspirations of joining NATO and EU because Orbán claims that Ukraine's language law restricts the right of the ethnic Hungarian minority. After U.S. politicians raised their concerns that Orbán's empty posturing represent a security danger for the NATO alliance, Hungarian Foreign Minister, Mr. Szijjártó has backpedaled and "made a couple of suggestions" to resolve the situation. "Hungary's criticism miraculously subsided," the report reads.
Loud ethnic Hungarian lobbyists in Ukraine have disappeared, authors add. László Brenzovics, "Orbán's man" in Zakarpattia, lost power and corruption accusations have surfaced. Ildikó Orosz resigned her post as Rector of the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian College, and Andrea Bocskor, Hungary's Ukraine-born European Parliament member stopped her vicious attacks of Ukrainian politicians.
"Pro-Putin Orbán has little popular support in Zakarpattia and President Zelensky knows that," reads the article.


unian--2020-05-13--UN stocking up over possible global famine due to COVID-19 pandemic

WFP analysis shows that more than a quarter of a billion people could face severe hunger in 2020 .
The @ @ @ @ @ over a possible global famine due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` WFP analysis shows @ @ @ @ @ of a billion people could face severe hunger in 2020 due to the fallout from @ @ @ @ @ wrote on Twitter on May 12 , 2020 .
`` We are pre-positioning 3-month stocks @ @ @ @ @ in or near the most fragile countries , '' it said .
As UNIAN reported @ @ @ @ @ Programme ( WFP ) Executive Director David Beasley has said the world may face multiple @ @ @ @ @ '' within a short few months as the COVID-19 coronavirus spreads .

WFP analysis shows that more than a quarter of a billion people could face severe hunger in 2020.
The United Nations is stocking up over a possible global famine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"WFP analysis shows that more than a quarter of a billion people could face severe hunger in 2020 due to the fallout from COVID19," the UN wrote on Twitter on May 12, 2020.
"We are pre-positioning 3-month stocks of food or cash assistance in or near the most fragile countries," it said.
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WFP analysis shows that more than a quarter of a billion people could face severe hunger in 2020 due to the fallout from #COVID19.
We are pre-positioning 3-month stocks of food or cash assistance in or near the most fragile countries. 🍚🥣 pic.twitter.com/8R5YrVtvGz — World Food Programme (@WFP) May 12, 2020
As UNIAN reported earlier, UN World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director David Beasley has said the world may face multiple famines of "biblical proportions" within a short few months as the COVID-19 coronavirus spreads.


unian--2020-05-13--Ukraine pursues unsuccessful attempts to bring Yanukovych back from Russia despite extradition rejec

Ukraine pursues unsuccessful attempts to bring Yanukovych back from Russia despite extradition rejection history

The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv last week held a hearing in absentia to take into custody fugitive ex-president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych .
Since Ukrainian law enforcement have long established that Yanukovych had been hiding in Russia , both national and international legislation provides for the extradition procedure to be applied .
Extradition is applied in case of criminal prosecution and enforcement of a court sentence .
At the same time , extradition is possible only if the person in question is a citizen of the country initiating it .
If the person is a citizen of the host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be applied , according to the norms of the Minsk Convention on Legal Assistance , to which Ukraine and the Russian Federation are parties .
It is worth noting that extradition is not only about handing out an individual , but also about an official establishment of their place of residence on the territory of the host state and verification of circumstances that could hinder extradition .
Thus , the investigating authorities can establish the citizenship or status of the person in question if any were granted by another state .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence and can be used during an investigation in a criminal proceeding , for example , with the aim of putting a suspect on an interstate or international wanted list .
The provisions of international treaties to which Russia is a party provide for the obligation of parties to extradite persons prosecuted by the competent law enforcement authorities with the aim of bringing them to criminal responsibility .
But , despite the commitments made , Russia often ignores extradition requirements put forward by Ukraine .
For example , Moscow had previously refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv to execute a sentence earlier handed down in Ukraine in another criminal case .
Back then , Russia claimed `` prosecution for political reasons '' as a justification of their decline .
Such kind of justification allows Russia to snub Yanukovych extradition requests under the pretext of compliance with international agreements .
Actually , Russia 's likely rejection of the extradition appeal for Yanukovych becomes obvious .
Another issue in such extradition appeals to the Russian Federation is that , by sending such requests , Ukraine confirms the fact of ongoing international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cooperate with Russia in this regard .
At the same time , since proving the guilt of suspects in criminal cases shall be carried out the framework of procedures provided for by law , extradition is a normal practice during the investigation .
Conducting a full pretrial probe gives hope for the inevitability of punishment for those who fled abroad once they return under the jurisdiction of Ukrainian law enforcement .
Besides , this leaves fewer chances to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights the sentences that have been handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Investment Service Ukraine

The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv last week held a hearing in absentia to take into custody fugitive ex-president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych. Since Ukrainian law enforcement have long established that Yanukovych had been hiding in Russia, both national and international legislation provides for the extradition procedure to be applied. Extradition is applied in case of criminal prosecution and enforcement of a court sentence. At the same time, extradition is possible only if the person in question is a citizen of the country initiating it. If the person is a citizen of the host state, then the extradition tool cannot be applied, according to the norms of the Minsk Convention on Legal Assistance, to which Ukraine and the Russian Federation are parties.
Often, Russia ignores extradition requirements put forward by Ukraine
It is worth noting that extradition is not only about handing out an individual, but also about an official establishment of their place of residence on the territory of the host state and verification of circumstances that could hinder extradition. Thus, the investigating authorities can establish the citizenship or status of the person in question if any were granted by another state. The information obtained shall be recognized as admissible evidence and can be used during an investigation in a criminal proceeding, for example, with the aim of putting a suspect on an interstate or international wanted list.
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The provisions of international treaties to which Russia is a party provide for the obligation of parties to extradite persons prosecuted by the competent law enforcement authorities with the aim of bringing them to criminal responsibility. But, despite the commitments made, Russia often ignores extradition requirements put forward by Ukraine.
Actually, Russia's likely rejection of the extradition appeal for Yanukovych becomes obvious
For example, Moscow had previously refused to extradite ex-president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych to Kyiv to execute a sentence earlier handed down in Ukraine in another criminal case. Back then, Russia claimed "prosecution for political reasons" as a justification of their decline. Such kind of justification allows Russia to snub Yanukovych extradition requests under the pretext of compliance with international agreements.
Actually, Russia's likely rejection of the extradition appeal for Yanukovych becomes obvious.
Another issue in such extradition appeals to the Russian Federation is that, by sending such requests, Ukraine confirms the fact of ongoing international cooperation on ratified treaties and its readiness to cooperate with Russia in this regard.
At the same time, since proving the guilt of suspects in criminal cases shall be carried out the framework of procedures provided for by law, extradition is a normal practice during the investigation. Conducting a full pretrial probe gives hope for the inevitability of punishment for those who fled abroad once they return under the jurisdiction of Ukrainian law enforcement. Besides, this leaves fewer chances to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights the sentences that have been handed out.
Oleksandr Ozerov is an attorney with Investment Service Ukraine


unian--2020-05-13--U.S. hospitals returning Russia-supplied ventilators implicated in deadly fires

They had not been used for treatment , the report says .
Ventilators sent by Russia to the United States @ @ @ @ @ reportedly caused two deadly fires in Russian hospitals are being returned by states , the @ @ @ @ @ said on Tuesday .
The Aventa-M ventilators , which reportedly have been blamed for six @ @ @ @ @ been deployed to hospitals , '' FEMA spokeswoman Janet Montesi said in a statement , @ @ @ @ @ of an abundance of caution , the states are returning the ventilators to FEMA , @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN reported earlier , a fire that set off at a St Petersburg hospital has @ @ @ @ @ had been receiving ventilator treatment in an intensive care unit .

They had not been used for treatment, the report says.
Ventilators sent by Russia to the United States of the same model that reportedly caused two deadly fires in Russian hospitals are being returned by states, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency said on Tuesday.
The Aventa-M ventilators, which reportedly have been blamed for six deaths, "have not been deployed to hospitals," FEMA spokeswoman Janet Montesi said in a statement, Reuters reports.
Read alsoU.S. debunks Russia's "humanitarian aid" claims, says medical supplies fully paid for
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"Out of an abundance of caution, the states are returning the ventilators to FEMA," she said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, a fire that set off at a St Petersburg hospital has killed five coronavirus patients who had been receiving ventilator treatment in an intensive care unit.


unian--2020-05-13--Zelensky instructs health minister, governors to immediately pay increased salaries to COVID-19 doct

Zelensky instructs health minister, governors to immediately pay increased salaries to COVID-19 doctors

Only Poltava region managed to handle the additional payments .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed Health Minister Maksym Stepanov and chairmen of regional state administrations across the country to immediately pay a 300 % increase in salaries to doctors working on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis .
`` President Zelensky held a conference call with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal , Heads of Regional State Administrations , Health Minister Maksym Stepanov , and First Deputy Head of the President 's Office Serhiy Trofimov on the payment of supplements to doctors who work directly with patients infected with COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 12 .
Read alsoUkraine gov't allocates almost US $ 586 mln to hospitals for treating COVID-19 patients – health minister In particular , they discussed a legal conflict over the payment of supplements for March .
Therefore , many regions were guided by a year 2003 order of the Social Policy Ministry , according to which supplements were calculated for hourly work .
Payments for April are made according to a different formula – through signed agreements with the National Health Service of Ukraine , the press service said .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hub hospitals , in-patient facilities helping combat COVID-19 , and mobile crews visiting patients must conclude agreements with the National Health Service of Ukraine .
`` The share of concluded agreements in all four categories is currently small .
And without this , it will be impossible to pay rates increased by up to 300 % .
Although the doctors on the front line have fully deserved it , '' Zelensky said .
The president instructed the health minister and the governors to discuss ways to remove the obstacles to handling the additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tape , we wasted time , doctors received salaries without additional payments .
This needs to be fixed .
I am glad that we all understand each other and are ready to cooperate to resolve this issue , '' Shmyhal told the heads of the regional administrations .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on April 13 , Ukraine 's parliament amended the 2020 budget by allocating funds for the fight against the coronavirus epidemic in the country .
On April 14 , Stepanov said that the funds would be spent on doctors ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment and medicines used to treat COVID-19 patients .
On April 24 , Ukraine 's government endorsed a decision to increase by 300 % the payments for healthcare workers involved in the treatment of coronavirus patients .
At a government meeting on May 6 , the health minister accused the governors of the failure to handle additional payments in the healthcare sector , as budget subsidies worth UAH 905 million ( US $ 33.78 million ) were wired to the regions in March while the sum due to be paid to 5,435 healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 6.78 million ) .
According to Stepanov , the local authorities started to look for ways not to pay the funds and referred to a Social Policy Ministry order dated 2003 , under which doctors should be paid only for hourly work .
Yet , only Poltava region managed to handle all increased payments to COVID-19 doctors .
On May 6 , Zelensky said that the governors might be stripped of their salaries or even posts if the additional fees were not paid to the healthcare workers .

Only Poltava region managed to handle the additional payments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed Health Minister Maksym Stepanov and chairmen of regional state administrations across the country to immediately pay a 300% increase in salaries to doctors working on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.
"President Zelensky held a conference call with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Heads of Regional State Administrations, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov, and First Deputy Head of the President's Office Serhiy Trofimov on the payment of supplements to doctors who work directly with patients infected with COVID-19," the presidential press service said on May 12.
Read alsoUkraine gov't allocates almost US$586 mln to hospitals for treating COVID-19 patients – health minister
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In particular, they discussed a legal conflict over the payment of supplements for March. Therefore, many regions were guided by a year 2003 order of the Social Policy Ministry, according to which supplements were calculated for hourly work. Payments for April are made according to a different formula – through signed agreements with the National Health Service of Ukraine, the press service said. To this end, emergency medical services, hub hospitals, in-patient facilities helping combat COVID-19, and mobile crews visiting patients must conclude agreements with the National Health Service of Ukraine.
"The share of concluded agreements in all four categories is currently small. And without this, it will be impossible to pay rates increased by up to 300%. Although the doctors on the front line have fully deserved it," Zelensky said.
The president instructed the health minister and the governors to discuss ways to remove the obstacles to handling the additional payments.
"Because of bureaucratic red tape, we wasted time, doctors received salaries without additional payments. This needs to be fixed. I am glad that we all understand each other and are ready to cooperate to resolve this issue," Shmyhal told the heads of the regional administrations.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on April 13, Ukraine's parliament amended the 2020 budget by allocating funds for the fight against the coronavirus epidemic in the country.
On April 14, Stepanov said that the funds would be spent on doctors' pay rise, the purchase of medical equipment and medicines used to treat COVID-19 patients.
On April 24, Ukraine's government endorsed a decision to increase by 300% the payments for healthcare workers involved in the treatment of coronavirus patients.
At a government meeting on May 6, the health minister accused the governors of the failure to handle additional payments in the healthcare sector, as budget subsidies worth UAH 905 million (US$33.78 million) were wired to the regions in March while the sum due to be paid to 5,435 healthcare workers was UAH 181.661 million (US$6.78 million). According to Stepanov, the local authorities started to look for ways not to pay the funds and referred to a Social Policy Ministry order dated 2003, under which doctors should be paid only for hourly work.
Yet, only Poltava region managed to handle all increased payments to COVID-19 doctors.
On May 6, Zelensky said that the governors might be stripped of their salaries or even posts if the additional fees were not paid to the healthcare workers.


unian--2020-05-13--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 16,400 on May 13

Of them , 402 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 16,400 on Wednesday morning .
`` According to the Public Health Center , there were 16,425 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on May 13 , '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on May 13 .
Of them , 402 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
Now the novel coronavirus was recorded in the following regions : 628 cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 773 in Dnipropetrovsk region ; 102 in Donetsk region ; 530 in Zhytomyr region ; 764 in Zakarpattia region ; 331 in Zaporizhia region ; 1,144 in Ivano-Frankivsk region ; 428 in Kirovohrad region ; 1,960 in the city of Kyiv ; 1,049 in Kyiv region ; 870 in Lviv region ; 42 in Luhansk region ; 225 in Mykolayiv region ; 680 in Odesa region ; 257 in Poltava region ; 1,045 in Rivne region ; 157 in Sumy region ; 1,028 in Ternopil region ; 672 in Kharkiv region ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khmelnytsky region ; 2,444 in Chernivtsi region ; 346 in Cherkasy region ; 79 in Chernihiv region .
Read alsoZelensky : Current COVID-19 incidence rates allow considering further quarantine easing stages Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
The tests were conducted by the Public Health Center 's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories .
As of the morning of May 13 , 2020 , the Center had received 1,038 reports of suspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been 41,327 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
A total of 439 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country .
Some 3,716 patients have recovered .

Of them, 402 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 16,400 on Wednesday morning.
"According to the Public Health Center, there were 16,425 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on May 13," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on May 13.
Of them, 402 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
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Now the novel coronavirus was recorded in the following regions: 628 cases in Vinnytsia region; 510 in Volyn region; 773 in Dnipropetrovsk region; 102 in Donetsk region; 530 in Zhytomyr region; 764 in Zakarpattia region; 331 in Zaporizhia region; 1,144 in Ivano-Frankivsk region; 428 in Kirovohrad region; 1,960 in the city of Kyiv; 1,049 in Kyiv region; 870 in Lviv region; 42 in Luhansk region; 225 in Mykolayiv region; 680 in Odesa region; 257 in Poltava region; 1,045 in Rivne region; 157 in Sumy region; 1,028 in Ternopil region; 672 in Kharkiv region; 165 in Kherson region; 196 in Khmelnytsky region; 2,444 in Chernivtsi region; 346 in Cherkasy region; 79 in Chernihiv region.
Read alsoZelensky: Current COVID-19 incidence rates allow considering further quarantine easing stages
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
The tests were conducted by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories. As of the morning of May 13, 2020, the Center had received 1,038 reports of suspected COVID-19 cases. In total, there have been 41,327 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
A total of 439 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country. Some 3,716 patients have recovered.


unian--2020-05-13--Dynamo Kyiv striker gets 12-month doping ban

The ban is backdated to December 19 , the date of his provisional suspension .
UEFA banned Ukraine striker Artem @ @ @ @ @ the latter had failed an anti-doping test .
Biesiedin , 24 , recorded an adverse @ @ @ @ @ side Dynamo Kyiv against Malmo in the Europa League group stage in November , the @ @ @ @ @ is backdated to December 19 , the date of his provisional suspension , and no @ @ @ @ @ player .
Biesiedin , who has two international goals , will be free to play @ @ @ @ @ after the tournament was moved .
The event is scheduled to take place across 12 @ @ @ @ @ has been postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic .

The ban is backdated to December 19, the date of his provisional suspension.
UEFA banned Ukraine striker Artem Biesiedin for one year after the latter had failed an anti-doping test.
Biesiedin, 24, recorded an adverse reading after playing for club side Dynamo Kyiv against Malmo in the Europa League group stage in November, the BBC reported.
The ban is backdated to December 19, the date of his provisional suspension, and no appeal was lodged by the player.
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Read alsoUkraine soccer official targeted by FIFA, UEFA investigators – media
Biesiedin, who has two international goals, will be free to play at UEFA's EURO 2021 after the tournament was moved.
The event is scheduled to take place across 12 European cities this summer but has been postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.


unian--2020-05-13--EIB lends EUR 10 mln to Kharkiv for trolleybuses

The EIB has been a partner of Ukraine in financing of public transport infrastructure projects since 2007 .
The European Investment Bank ( EIB ) is to provide a EUR 10 million loan for Kharkiv to purchase 49 new trolleybuses .
This will accelerate the renewal of the fleet with environmentally friendly and energy efficient electric vehicles in Kharkiv , the EU Delegation to Ukraine said on May 12 .
This will be possible due to the participation of Kharkiv in the EIB 's `` Ukraine Urban Public Transport Project '' ( UUPTP ) .
The UUPTP is a EUR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport investments in 11 municipalities in Ukraine .
The Urban Public Transport operations are conducive to a decrease in road accidents via expected modal shift from private cars users to public transport and a reduction in the number of conjunctions in rural areas .
The additional EU-funded technical assistance under this project contributes to assisting the Infrastructure Ministry and participating cities in restructuring and modernization of Ukraine 's urban public transport sector and gradual approximation towards operating standards and policies comparable to those in the EU .
`` Our priority is sustainable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of citizens .
Improving the quality of public transport services which will reduce traffic congestion , as well as make public transport operation more environmentally friendly for residents of Kharkiv , the country 's second largest city , '' Jean-Erik de Zagon , Head of the European Investment Bank in Ukraine , said .
The winner of the tender , Car Assembly Plant No .
1 subsidiary of PJSC AC Bogdan Motors , is to supply Kharkiv with 49 trolleybuses .
The new supply will include 12 two-section and 37 single-section trolleybuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the autonomous run for at least 20 km .
These low floor trolleybuses will provide easy access for the elderly , disabled persons and passengers with baby carriage in public transport services in the city .
The EIB has been a partner of Ukraine in financing of public transport infrastructure projects since 2007 .
During this period , the EIB has signed financial contracts with Ukraine more than EUR 2 billion in various transport infrastructure projects in Ukraine .
Eco-friendly , safe , sustainable electric transport means and its related transport infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank .

The EIB has been a partner of Ukraine in financing of public transport infrastructure projects since 2007.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is to provide a EUR 10 million loan for Kharkiv to purchase 49 new trolleybuses.
This will accelerate the renewal of the fleet with environmentally friendly and energy efficient electric vehicles in Kharkiv, the EU Delegation to Ukraine said on May 12.
This will be possible due to the participation of Kharkiv in the EIB's "Ukraine Urban Public Transport Project" (UUPTP).
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Read alsoEU grants Ukraine EUR 6 bln for infrastructure projects
The UUPTP is a EUR 200 million framework loan for financing urban public transport investments in 11 municipalities in Ukraine. The Urban Public Transport operations are conducive to a decrease in road accidents via expected modal shift from private cars users to public transport and a reduction in the number of conjunctions in rural areas. The additional EU-funded technical assistance under this project contributes to assisting the Infrastructure Ministry and participating cities in restructuring and modernization of Ukraine's urban public transport sector and gradual approximation towards operating standards and policies comparable to those in the EU.
"Our priority is sustainable, long-lasting solutions for the comfort and safety of citizens. Improving the quality of public transport services which will reduce traffic congestion, as well as make public transport operation more environmentally friendly for residents of Kharkiv, the country's second largest city," Jean-Erik de Zagon, Head of the European Investment Bank in Ukraine, said.
The winner of the tender, Car Assembly Plant No. 1 subsidiary of PJSC AC Bogdan Motors, is to supply Kharkiv with 49 trolleybuses. The new supply will include 12 two-section and 37 single-section trolleybuses, one of the trolleybuses will be with the autonomous run for at least 20 km. These low floor trolleybuses will provide easy access for the elderly, disabled persons and passengers with baby carriage in public transport services in the city.
The EIB has been a partner of Ukraine in financing of public transport infrastructure projects since 2007. During this period, the EIB has signed financial contracts with Ukraine more than EUR 2 billion in various transport infrastructure projects in Ukraine. Eco-friendly, safe, sustainable electric transport means and its related transport infrastructure is the main priority of the EU bank.


unian--2020-05-13--Ukraine's hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.80 to U.S. dollar on May 13

The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 29.08 per euro .
The National Bank @ @ @ @ @ on May 12 set the official forex rate of the hryvnia for Wednesday , May @ @ @ @ @ to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by two @ @ @ @ @ rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 29.08 per euro – the @ @ @ @ @ in value since Tuesday .
The U.S. dollar at Kyiv 's exchange booths on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ five kopiykas in value , as the rate was UAH 27.05 per U.S. dollar .
@ @ @ @ @ increased by nine kopiykas , and the rate was UAH 29.29 per euro .
As @ @ @ @ @ National Bank set the official forex rate for May 12 at UAH 26.82 to the @ @ @

Ukraine's hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.80 to U.S. dollar on May 13
09:40, 13.05.20 1001
The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 29.08 per euro.
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unian--2020-05-13--One Ukrainian soldier wounded amid nine enemy attacks in Donbas on May 12

According to intelligence data , five members of Russia-led forces were wounded on May 12 .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on May 12 nine times engaged Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action .
`` The Russian Federation 's armed formations violated the ceasefire nine times in the past day , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 13 .
`` As a result , one serviceman of the Joint Forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian-led forces employed proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars , an anti-tank missile system , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and rifles .
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Pavlopil , Starohnativka , Opytne , Krymske , and Luhanske .
Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy attack .
According to intelligence data , five members of Russia-led forces were wounded on May 12 .
`` Since Wednesday midnight , Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Hnutove , using automatic grenade launchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the update said .
No casualties have been reported among Ukrainian troops since day-start on Wednesday .

According to intelligence data, five members of Russia-led forces were wounded on May 12.
Russia's hybrid military forces on May 12 nine times engaged Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action.
"The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire nine times in the past day," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 13. "As a result, one serviceman of the Joint Forces was wounded in enemy shelling."
Russian-led forces employed proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, an anti-tank missile system, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and rifles.
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Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Pavlopil, Starohnativka, Opytne, Krymske, and Luhanske.
Read alsoZelensky's team offering to include Parl't, Cabinet representatives in Minsk talks
Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy attack. According to intelligence data, five members of Russia-led forces were wounded on May 12.
"Since Wednesday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Hnutove, using automatic grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, and rifles," the update said.
No casualties have been reported among Ukrainian troops since day-start on Wednesday.


unian--2020-05-13--Coronavirus response: NATO Secretary General discusses pandemic with EU defense ministers

In late April , NATO decided to prepare for another wave of COVID-19 outbreak in the fall of 2020 .
Jens Stoltenberg , NATO Secretary General along with the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Tuesday addressed the EU Council of Defense Ministers via video link to discuss the security implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts of both organizations to respond to this challenge .
Stoltenberg welcomed the close cooperation between NATO and the European Union , saying this is `` more important than ever to help our respective members and partners , strengthen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disinformation '' , the NATO press service reports .
Read alsoEU , NATO should work to counter Russia 's hybrid passportization – U.S. strategy consultant Security challenges have not diminished because of COVID-19 and potential adversaries will look to test NATO 's resolve , the secretary general warned .
As NATO responds to the pandemic , `` it is also preparing for the long-term effects of COVID-19 and working to help Allies bolster their resilience '' , stressed Stoltenberg .
In late April , NATO ambassadors held behind closed doors a meeting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare for another wave of COVID-19 outbreak in the fall of 2020 .
It is expected that the plan will be submitted to and approved at NATO 's defense ministerial in late June .

In late April, NATO decided to prepare for another wave of COVID-19 outbreak in the fall of 2020.
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General along with the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Tuesday addressed the EU Council of Defense Ministers via video link to discuss the security implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts of both organizations to respond to this challenge.
Stoltenberg welcomed the close cooperation between NATO and the European Union, saying this is "more important than ever to help our respective members and partners, strengthen the resilience of our populations and fight disinformation", the NATO press service reports.
Read alsoEU, NATO should work to counter Russia's hybrid passportization – U.S. strategy consultant
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Security challenges have not diminished because of COVID-19 and potential adversaries will look to test NATO's resolve, the secretary general warned.
As NATO responds to the pandemic, "it is also preparing for the long-term effects of COVID-19 and working to help Allies bolster their resilience", stressed Stoltenberg.
In late April, NATO ambassadors held behind closed doors a meeting with Stoltenberg where a decision was made to prepare for another wave of COVID-19 outbreak in the fall of 2020. It is expected that the plan will be submitted to and approved at NATO's defense ministerial in late June.


unian--2020-05-14--SBI reports senior customs officer in Odesa detained over bribery

He is facing charges under Part 3 of Article 368 of Ukraine 's Criminal Code .
The State Bureau of Investigation ( SBI ) says the chief of a department at a customs checkpoint in Odesa has been detained on charges of bribery ; investigators are now checking whether senior officials of the Odesa customs are involved .
Investigators of the SBI 's Main Investigations Directorate caught the acting head of a department of a customs checkpoint of the Odesa Customs , which is subordinate to the State Customs Service of Ukraine , red-handed while he was receiving a bribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persons ( Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine ) , the SBI said on Facebook on May 13 .
According to preliminary information , customs officials extorted and systematically took bribes for `` not creating artificial obstacles , '' such as additional inspection of freight , during customs clearance of containers .
The said officer was detained under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code while receiving a new tranche of a bribe in the amount of US $ 1,300 .
Also , SBI investigators are checking whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in the committed crime .
The issue of informing the detainee and his accomplices about suspicion and selecting a preventive measure for them is to be decided .
The criminal proceedings are being supervised by the Prosecutor General 's Office in cooperation with the SBU Security Service of Ukraine in Odesa region .
According to unconfirmed reports , the detainee is an officer of the customs checkpoint in the town of Chornomorsk , while other sources claim that it was Mykhailo Hrybanov , who has worked for the Odesa Port 's customs @ @

He is facing charges under Part 3 of Article 368 of Ukraine's Criminal Code.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) says the chief of a department at a customs checkpoint in Odesa has been detained on charges of bribery; investigators are now checking whether senior officials of the Odesa customs are involved.
Investigators of the SBI's Main Investigations Directorate caught the acting head of a department of a customs checkpoint of the Odesa Customs, which is subordinate to the State Customs Service of Ukraine, red-handed while he was receiving a bribe by prior conspiracy by a group of persons (Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), the SBI said on Facebook on May 13.
Read alsoUkraine's NABU opens proceeding into customs chief Nefyodov – media
Видео дня
According to preliminary information, customs officials reportedly extorted and systematically took bribes for "not creating artificial obstacles," such as additional inspection of freight, during customs clearance of containers.
The said officer was detained under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code while receiving a new tranche of a bribe in the amount of US$1,300.
Also, SBI investigators are checking whether senior officials of the Odesa customs are involved in the committed crime.
The issue of informing the detainee and his accomplices about suspicion and selecting a preventive measure for them is to be decided.
The criminal proceedings are being supervised by the Prosecutor General's Office in cooperation with the SBU Security Service of Ukraine in Odesa region.
According to unconfirmed reports, the detainee is an officer of the customs checkpoint in the town of Chornomorsk in Odesa region, while other sources claim that it was Mykhailo Hrybanov, who has worked for the Odesa Port's customs post.


unian--2020-05-14--NSDC: Ukraine may face water scarcity over climate change

They discussed the need to develop a water strategy .
Ukraine 's National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) advocates the need for an inventory of groundwater sources in the country , given the likelihood of water scarcity caused by the arid climate in the past five years .
An ad hoc group on water security and drinking water reserves gathered on Wednesday , May 13 , to consider such issues as the condition of ground water bodies and forecasts for the availability of ground water to households and Ukraine 's economy this year , the NSDC 's press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Resources Agency says the past five years have been a low-water period , so there is the likelihood of a water shortage in the basins of some rivers that have seen a significant man-caused impact .
NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov says that water scarcity requires measures to optimize the use of water resources and to adjust water consumption .
He also stressed the importance of a complete inventory of groundwater sources and artesian wells that supply drinking water in order to include them into the country 's water supply systems .
The meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds to upgrade centralized water supply systems so that households could have access to quality drinking water .
The need to develop a water strategy in Ukraine was also discussed .
Following the meeting , a protocol decision was passed along with the government 's recommendations aimed at ensuring national water security in 2020 .

They discussed the need to develop a water strategy.
Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) advocates the need for an inventory of groundwater sources in the country, given the likelihood of water scarcity caused by the arid climate in the past five years.
An ad hoc group on water security and drinking water reserves gathered on Wednesday, May 13, to consider such issues as the condition of ground water bodies and forecasts for the availability of ground water to households and Ukraine's economy this year, the NSDC's press service said.
Read alsoUkraine weather in 2019 warmest over 140 years
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The country's Water Resources Agency says the past five years have been a low-water period, so there is the likelihood of a water shortage in the basins of some rivers that have seen a significant man-caused impact.
NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov says that water scarcity requires measures to optimize the use of water resources and to adjust water consumption. He also stressed the importance of a complete inventory of groundwater sources and artesian wells that supply drinking water in order to include them into the country's water supply systems.
The meeting also addressed the need to raise additional funds to upgrade centralized water supply systems so that households could have access to quality drinking water.
The need to develop a water strategy in Ukraine was also discussed.
Following the meeting, a protocol decision was passed along with the government's recommendations aimed at ensuring national water security in 2020.


unian--2020-05-13--WHO says coronavirus could become endemic like HIV – media

There were over 4.26 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide as of Wednesday morning .
The World Health Organization says @ @ @ @ @ could become endemic like HIV .
`` It is important to put this on the @ @ @ @ @ become just another endemic virus in our communities , and this virus may never go @ @ @ @ @ expert Mike Ryan told an online briefing on Wednesday , May 13 , Reuters reported @ @ @ @ @ the disease may `` settle into a long problem , or it may not be @ @ @ @ @ said the world had some control over how it coped with the disease , although @ @ @ @ @ massive effort '' even if a vaccine was found – a prospect he described as @ @ @ @ @ '' As UNIAN reported earlier , there were over 4.26 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ .
The global death toll was almost 292,000 people , over 1.49 million patients have @ @

There were over 4.26 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide as of Wednesday morning.
The World Health Organization says the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 could become endemic like HIV.
"It is important to put this on the table: this virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities, and this virus may never go away," WHO emergencies expert Mike Ryan told an online briefing on Wednesday, May 13, Reuters reported.
Read alsoEU invites Ukraine to join Health Security Committee as observer
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According to him, the disease may "settle into a long problem, or it may not be."
However, he said the world had some control over how it coped with the disease, although this would take a "massive effort" even if a vaccine was found – a prospect he described as a "massive moonshot."
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were over 4.26 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide as of Wednesday morning. The global death toll was almost 292,000 people, over 1.49 million patients have recovered.


unian--2020-05-13--EU invites Ukraine to join Health Security Committee as observer

Ukraine 's invitation is a strong signal of close cooperation in the fight against the novel coronavirus .
The European Union has invited Ukraine to join its Health Security Committee as an observer .
`` Today the EU invited Ukraine to join its Health Security Committee as an observer , '' the EU Delegation to Ukraine said on Facebook on May 13 .
The Health Security Committee is the key body where the EU and its Member States consult each other on coordinating national responses , preparedness and response planning , as well as risk and crisis communication on serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to opt for `` adaptive quarantine '' in June-July , PM says '' Coordinating our activities and sharing information is essential in the current COVID-19 pandemic , '' the EU Delegation said .
`` Ukraine 's invitation is a strong signal of our continued close cooperation in the fight against this disease , '' it added .
The EU Health Security Committee was set up in 2001 at the request of EU Health Ministers as an informal advisory group on health security at European level .
In 2013 Decision 1082/2013/EU , its role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is mandated to reinforce the coordination and sharing of best practice and information on national preparedness activities .
Member States also consult each other within the Committee with a view to coordinating national responses to serious cross border threats to health , including events declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization in accordance with the International Health Regulations .

Ukraine's invitation is a strong signal of close cooperation in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
The European Union has invited Ukraine to join its Health Security Committee as an observer.
"Today the EU invited Ukraine to join its Health Security Committee as an observer," the EU Delegation to Ukraine said on Facebook on May 13.
The Health Security Committee is the key body where the EU and its Member States consult each other on coordinating national responses, preparedness and response planning, as well as risk and crisis communication on serious cross-border threats to health.
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Read alsoUkraine to opt for "adaptive quarantine" in June-July, PM says
"Coordinating our activities and sharing information is essential in the current COVID-19 pandemic," the EU Delegation said.
"Ukraine's invitation is a strong signal of our continued close cooperation in the fight against this disease," it added.
The EU Health Security Committee was set up in 2001 at the request of EU Health Ministers as an informal advisory group on health security at European level. In 2013 Decision 1082/2013/EU, its role was formalized and strengthened.
The Committee is mandated to reinforce the coordination and sharing of best practice and information on national preparedness activities. Member States also consult each other within the Committee with a view to coordinating national responses to serious cross border threats to health, including events declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization in accordance with the International Health Regulations.


unian--2020-05-13--Reuters: Trump ex-campaign aide Manafort leaves prison for home amid coronavirus

Manafort 's sentence stemmed from two criminal cases arising from former U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation .
President Donald Trump 's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort was released from a federal prison in Pennsylvania on Wednesday to finish his sentence at home due to the coronavirus pandemic , his lawyer said , drawing fresh Democratic criticism over Justice Department actions that have benefited Trump associates .
Trump 's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen , imprisoned in a separate case , also is expected to be released based on the threat of the coronavirus , a U.S. official familiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking on condition of anonymity , Reuters said .
Todd Blanche , a lawyer for the Manafort , said the 71-year-old veteran Republican political operative was released from the Federal Correctional Institution , Loretto in Cambria County , Pennsylvania and would serve the remainder of his 7-1/2 year sentence in home confinement in Virginia .
Manafort 's legal team last month asked the U.S. Bureau of Prisons for home confinement rather than continued imprisonment , saying his pre-existing health conditions such as high blood pressure , liver disease and respiratory ailments increased his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
The pathogen has led to a number of deaths amid the close quarters of federal prisons .
Manafort 's sentence stemmed from two criminal cases arising from former U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation that documented Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election to boost Trump 's candidacy .
Manafort 's sentence is due to run until November 2024 .
The U.S. official did not provide information on when Cohen is expected to be let out of Federal Correctional Institution in Otisville , New York .
Cohen was imprisoned for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they had sexual encounters with Trump , financial crimes and lying to Congress .
House of Representatives Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff , a pivotal player in Trump 's impeachment , said Manafort 's release from a prison with no reported coronavirus infections raised troubling questions about the department under Attorney General William Barr , a Trump political loyalist .
One of several former Trump aides charged in Mueller 's investigation , Manafort was convicted by a jury in Virginia in August 2018 on charges including tax fraud and bank fraud , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case the following month in Washington to conspiracy charges .
Manafort earned millions of dollars as an international political consultant to pro-Russia politicians in Ukraine and prosecution evidence showed he dodged more than US $ 6 million in taxes by hiding income in offshore bank accounts .

Manafort's sentence stemmed from two criminal cases arising from former U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.
President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort was released from a federal prison in Pennsylvania on Wednesday to finish his sentence at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, his lawyer said, drawing fresh Democratic criticism over Justice Department actions that have benefited Trump associates.
Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, imprisoned in a separate case, also is expected to be released based on the threat of the coronavirus, a U.S. official familiar with the decision-making regarding inmates said, speaking on condition of anonymity, Reuters said.
Todd Blanche, a lawyer for the Manafort, said the 71-year-old veteran Republican political operative was released from the Federal Correctional Institution, Loretto in Cambria County, Pennsylvania and would serve the remainder of his 7-1/2 year sentence in home confinement in Virginia.
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Read alsoManafort pushed Ukraine hacking theory – media
Manafort's legal team last month asked the U.S. Bureau of Prisons for home confinement rather than continued imprisonment, saying his pre-existing health conditions such as high blood pressure, liver disease and respiratory ailments increased his risks should he become infected with the coronavirus.
The pathogen has led to a number of deaths amid the close quarters of federal prisons.
Manafort's sentence stemmed from two criminal cases arising from former U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that documented Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election to boost Trump's candidacy. Manafort's sentence is due to run until November 2024.
The U.S. official did not provide information on when Cohen is expected to be let out of Federal Correctional Institution in Otisville, New York. Cohen was imprisoned for arranging hush payments to two women who said they had sexual encounters with Trump, financial crimes and lying to Congress.
House of Representatives Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a pivotal player in Trump's impeachment, said Manafort's release from a prison with no reported coronavirus infections raised troubling questions about the department under Attorney General William Barr, a Trump political loyalist.
One of several former Trump aides charged in Mueller's investigation, Manafort was convicted by a jury in Virginia in August 2018 on charges including tax fraud and bank fraud, and then pleaded guilty in a separate case the following month in Washington to conspiracy charges.
Manafort earned millions of dollars as an international political consultant to pro-Russia politicians in Ukraine and prosecution evidence showed he dodged more than US$6 million in taxes by hiding income in offshore bank accounts.


unian--2020-05-13--Ukraine's government expects to get US$10 bln in aid in 2020 – PM Shmyhal

The funding directly depends on the success of talks with the IMF on a new cooperation program .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says Ukraine in 2020 expects to receive more than US $ 10 billion in financial aid .
`` We 've received the first part of an untied loan from Germany .
We also expect to receive another EUR 190,000 .
This aid will also be sectorial .
The funds will be allocated for combating the coronavirus and supporting small- and medium-sized businesses , '' he said during a Q & A hour at the Verkhovna Rada , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoLegislator comments on possible timeline of first IMF tranche for Ukraine '' In total , this year 's financial assistance exceeds US $ 10 billion .
It will be provided from various financial institutions , namely the International Monetary Fund [ IMF ] , European structures , the European Union , and partner countries , '' he said .
According to Shmyhal , most of the aid directly depends on the success of talks with the International Monetary Fund on a new cooperation program .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IMF will end before May 15 .
According to Gerry Rice , Director of the IMF 's Communications Department and IMF Spokesman , the focus of the talks between the IMF and Ukraine has shifted toward an 18-month stand-by arrangement , which will help the country tackle the consequences of the pandemic in the economy and the health care sector .
It could serve as a reserve option as Ukraine 's authorities are yet to fulfill conditions required to receive funds in the framework of the Extended Fund Facility in the amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties discussed in December 2019 .

Ukraine's government expects to get US$10 bln in aid in 2020 – PM Shmyhal
20:25, 13.05.20 1127
The funding directly depends on the success of talks with the IMF on a new cooperation program.
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unian--2020-05-13--Wheat reserves in Ukraine enough for six months – PM Shmyhal

The prime minister stressed the government daily monitors food supplies in Ukraine and quotas for exports or imports .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said wheat reserves in Ukraine will be enough for six months , while export restrictions threaten the loss of Ukrainian agri-businesses ' foreign currency earnings .
`` As for wheat , we have a six-month stock for consumption in Ukraine until a new harvesting campaign starts .
We are working with farmers and agricultural companies , and we analyze weekly how to conduct a grain export policy .
And if we do not export to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a six-month stock , which is definitely enough , there will be ending stocks that will be thrown away , and agricultural companies will lose foreign currency earnings and the budget [ will fall short of revenue ] , '' he said during a Q & A hour on May 13 .
Read alsoUkrainian farmers export over 51 mln tonnes of grain since July 1 The prime minister stressed the government daily monitors food supplies in Ukraine and quotas for exports or imports .
Shmyhal added the government expects an improvement in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rains in Ukraine .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine approved the ceiling for wheat exports in 2019-2020 MY at the level of 20.2 million tonnes .
As of May 8 , 2020 , Ukraine exported 19.2 million tonnes of wheat .

Wheat reserves in Ukraine enough for six months – PM Shmyhal
19:20, 13.05.20 2050
The prime minister stressed the government daily monitors food supplies in Ukraine and quotas for exports or imports.
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unian--2020-05-13--Journalists wary of rigging potential as Putin offers online vote

The draft will be submitted for Duma consideration in the coming days .
The administration of Russian President Vladimir Putin has drafted a bill that will allow remote voting , including by mail , in elections at various levels .
The draft will be submitted for State Duma consideration in the coming days .
New legislation will allow the Central Election Commission to introduce a voting mechanism amid quarantine `` to protect the health of citizens , '' as reported by journalists with the Proekt publication .
The tools being offered include voting by post , online vote , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stations .
In addition , the law may allow for an early vote in the elections to the State Duma , as well as presidential elections .
On the other hand , sources in the ruling United Russia Party claim this form of voting is generally beneficial to the authorities .
It may allow `` better control '' of the result , the report reads , hinting at a massive rigging potential .
New forms of voting will also be needed during the nationwide poll on the Constitution amendments , which resets the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thus allowing his rule to be extended .

The draft will be submitted for Duma consideration in the coming days.
The administration of Russian President Vladimir Putin has drafted a bill that will allow remote voting, including by mail, in elections at various levels.
The draft will be submitted for State Duma consideration in the coming days. New legislation will allow the Central Election Commission to introduce a voting mechanism amid quarantine "to protect the health of citizens," as reported by journalists with the Proekt publication.
The tools being offered include voting by post, online vote, and other forms of casting ballots beyond polling stations. In addition, the law may allow for an early vote in the elections to the State Duma, as well as presidential elections.
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Read alsoKremlin spokesman Peskov confirms he has contracted COVID-19 – Russian media
On the other hand, sources in the ruling United Russia Party claim this form of voting is generally beneficial to the authorities. It may allow "better control" of the result, the report reads, hinting at a massive rigging potential.
New forms of voting will also be needed during the nationwide poll on the Constitution amendments, which resets the count of Vladimir Putin's presidential terms, thus allowing his rule to be extended.


unian--2020-05-13--Ukraine not to resume air travel from May 22 – infrastructure minister

Kryklii reiterated other countries had closed borders for foreign citizens .
Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii has said Ukraine will not resume international air travel from May 22 , urging passengers to refrain from purchasing tickets for flights that a number of air carriers are already selling for the said period .
`` I understand these are affordable , attractive prices , but later , in the future , they will , in the best case , could be exchanged for vouchers , while in fact no one will be able to fly , '' he said , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had closed their borders to foreign citizens .
`` You arrive and at the border they tell you to 'go home . '
That 's it , the ticket 's been wasted .
I do n't get the drive about the purchase of these tickets .
It 's irrelevant now , '' the minister said .
The minister recommended that passengers wait for official statements regarding the restoration of international air travel .
`` The most important thing is when these international flights will be reopened , and only after should you be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine reacted to intentions earlier announced by a number of air carriers to resume flights from Ukraine in late May or June .
The ministry believes such statements are misleading since any resumption of regular air traffic between Ukraine and other countries is off the table at the moment .

Ukraine not to resume air travel from May 22 – infrastructure minister
17:40, 13.05.20 6247
Kryklii reiterated other countries had closed borders for foreign citizens.
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unian--2020-05-13--Massive personal data leak not associated with Diia mobile app – PM Shmyhal

The government 's Diia app is a fully protected system , PM says .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said the massive leak of personal data of Ukrainian citizens , now illegally sold via Telegram , took place over six months ago and has nothing to do with the Diia mobile application .
`` What you see on the internet , this really happened .
Criminal proceedings have been opened into this fact .
This happened over six months ago with older data registries .
The new data bases are fully protected , '' he said during a Q @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prime minister emphasizes `` full protection '' of the Diia mobile application , stating there were no data leaks from it .
As UNIAN reported earlier , several Telegram chatbots were activated recently , offering users to buy personal data .
On May 11 came the reports that the leak might be connected to Diia – a universal digital ID application the government introduced as part of the `` State in Smartphone '' project to facilitate administrative services to Ukrainian citizens .
On May 12 , Ukraine 's Digital Transformation Ministry refuted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data from the Diia digital ID mobile application introduced earlier this year .
`` These rumors are groundless and this is why : Diia has no own database and neither does it accumulate such data ( the mobile application only displays data from various registries ) .
There are 9.5 million driver 's licenses in Ukraine , of which 6.5 million are in Diia .
But it was information on 26 million driver 's licenses that leaked online , '' according to the ministry 's press service .
According to the report , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already conducting an investigation targeting cybercriminals selling citizen 's personal data on the internet .

The government's Diia app is a fully protected system, PM says.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said the massive leak of personal data of Ukrainian citizens, now illegally sold via Telegram, took place over six months ago and has nothing to do with the Diia mobile application.
"What you see on the internet, this really happened. Criminal proceedings have been opened into this fact. This happened over six months ago with older data registries. The new data bases are fully protected," he said during a Q&A hour on May 13.
The prime minister emphasizes "full protection" of the Diia mobile application, stating there were no data leaks from it.
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Read alsoUkraine's digital transformation ministry denies massive leak rumors
As UNIAN reported earlier, several Telegram chatbots were activated recently, offering users to buy personal data.
On May 11 came the reports that the leak might be connected to Diia – a universal digital ID application the government introduced as part of the "State in Smartphone" project to facilitate administrative services to Ukrainian citizens.
On May 12, Ukraine's Digital Transformation Ministry refuted rumors about the alleged leak of personal data from the Diia digital ID mobile application introduced earlier this year.
"These rumors are groundless and this is why: Diia has no own database and neither does it accumulate such data (the mobile application only displays data from various registries). There are 9.5 million driver's licenses in Ukraine, of which 6.5 million are in Diia. But it was information on 26 million driver's licenses that leaked online," according to the ministry's press service.
According to the report, the SBU Security Service of Ukraine is already conducting an investigation targeting cybercriminals selling citizen's personal data on the internet.


unian--2020-05-13--Self-employed Ukrainians allowed not paying single social contribution for idle period

At the same time , seniority and pension payments will not be accrued .
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine , the country 's parliament , adopted a bill abolishing payment of a single social contribution ( SSC ) for self-employed persons .
Member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance , Tax and Customs Policy , Yevhen Petruniak says the law improves current tax standards and prevents double payment of SSC by individual entrepreneurs , who are at the same time registered as self-employed persons , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
`` The draft has been developed with the aim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from persons engaged in independent professional activities , eliminating manifestations of discrimination of payers , and ceasing unjust payments of SSC by self-employed persons if they have not received income from their activities , as well as penalties for non-payment , '' said Petruniak .
Read alsoLegislator comments on possible timeline of first IMF tranche for Ukraine At the same time , seniority and pension payments will not be accrued for the idle period , either .
The explanatory note to the bill says the new norm will also be applied to pensioners @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Self-employed Ukrainians allowed not paying single social contribution for idle period
16:30, 13.05.20 6439
At the same time, seniority and pension payments will not be accrued.
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unian--2020-05-13--Ukraine allowing groups of up to eight in public amid quarantine easing

At the same meeting , the Cabinet allowed cafes and restaurants to seat up to four patrons per table .
The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Wednesday allowed Ukrainians to gather outside in groups of up to eight .
Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov noted that the previous decision by Cabinet to relax quarantine restrictions from May 11 should be expanded .
`` We added another point in terms of the number of people who are allowed to be outside [ in a group ] .
Previously , it was two persons .
Now , we amended it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
At the same meeting , the Cabinet allowed cafes and restaurants to seat up to four patrons per table , while the previous rule allowed two persons max .
Besides open-air seatings subject to 1.5 m social distancing rules , the government is now also allowing summer terraces and canopy settings , that 's besides earlier allowed take away and delivery services .
The decision will be finalized within a few days .
Read alsoUkraine to opt for `` adaptive quarantine '' in June-July , PM says As UNIAN reported earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided to introduce a nationwide quarantine to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus .
The quarantine has so far been extended until May 22 .
Since May 11 , the Cabinet lifted a number of restrictions .

At the same meeting, the Cabinet allowed cafes and restaurants to seat up to four patrons per table.
The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Wednesday allowed Ukrainians to gather outside in groups of up to eight.
Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov noted that the previous decision by Cabinet to relax quarantine restrictions from May 11 should be expanded.
"We added another point in terms of the number of people who are allowed to be outside [in a group]. Previously, it was two persons. Now, we amended it to eight persons," the minister said.
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At the same meeting, the Cabinet allowed cafes and restaurants to seat up to four patrons per table, while the previous rule allowed two persons max.
Besides open-air seatings subject to 1.5 m social distancing rules, the government is now also allowing summer terraces and canopy settings, that's besides earlier allowed take away and delivery services.
The decision will be finalized within a few days.
Read alsoUkraine to opt for "adaptive quarantine" in June-July, PM says
As UNIAN reported earlier, in March 2020, the government decided to introduce a nationwide quarantine to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. The quarantine has so far been extended until May 22.
Since May 11, the Cabinet lifted a number of restrictions.


unian--2020-05-13--PM decries reports on travel ban for Ukrainian labor migrants as "fake news", "lies"

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PM decries reports on travel ban for Ukrainian labor migrants as "fake news", "lies"
16:00, 13.05.20 2221
The Government seeks EU states to provide health security and normal working conditions for Ukrainian workers.
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unian--2020-05-13--Ukraine GDP to contract by 4.5% in 2020 – EBRD

The Bank is expecting Ukraine 's economy to bounce back to growth of 5 % in 2021 .
Ukraine 's GDP will fall by 4.5 % in 2020 as a result of global coronavirus-related shocks and following slower industrial growth recorded in late 2019 to early 2020 .
The Bank is expecting Ukraine 's economy to bounce back to growth of 5 % in 2021 , according to the latest macroeconomic survey published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ( EBRD ) on May 13 , 2020 .
The EBRD 's Regional Economic Prospects report notes the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial markets '' for Ukraine .
Read alsoUkraine economy to fall by 5 % in 2020 , to rebound in following years , NBU chief says A combination of reduced foreign demand and drop in domestic demand due to public health measures put in place to contain the spread of the virus took its toll on the manufacturing and services sectors , argues the report .
The Bank explains that the macro-financial fundamentals remain relatively strong and able to absorb external shocks with record-high level of foreign reserves and the lowest policy rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , National Bank Governor Yakiv Smolii said Ukrainian economy , after falling this year by 5 % , could grow by 4 % annually in the years to come .
The National Bank in April worsened the assessment of real GDP growth dynamics for 2020 from a 3.5 % growth to a 5 % drop .
UNIAN memo .
The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Ukraine and to date has committed more than EUR 14.54 billion in over 460 projects to the country .

The Bank is expecting Ukraine's economy to bounce back to growth of 5% in 2021.
Ukraine's GDP will fall by 4.5% in 2020 as a result of global coronavirus-related shocks and following slower industrial growth recorded in late 2019 to early 2020.
The Bank is expecting Ukraine's economy to bounce back to growth of 5% in 2021, according to the latest macroeconomic survey published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on May 13, 2020.
The EBRD's Regional Economic Prospects report notes the "soaring cost of refinancing debt in international financial markets" for Ukraine.
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Read alsoUkraine economy to fall by 5% in 2020, to rebound in following years, NBU chief says
A combination of reduced foreign demand and drop in domestic demand due to public health measures put in place to contain the spread of the virus took its toll on the manufacturing and services sectors, argues the report.
The Bank explains that the macro-financial fundamentals remain relatively strong and able to absorb external shocks with record-high level of foreign reserves and the lowest policy rate for six years.
As UNIAN reported earlier, National Bank Governor Yakiv Smolii said Ukrainian economy, after falling this year by 5%, could grow by 4% annually in the years to come.
The National Bank in April worsened the assessment of real GDP growth dynamics for 2020 from a 3.5% growth to a 5% drop.
UNIAN memo. The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Ukraine and to date has committed more than EUR 14.54 billion in over 460 projects to the country.


unian--2020-05-14--USDA forecasts decline in Ukraine's wheat exports in MY 2020-2021 to 19 mln tonnes

Forecast is worsened over a decrease in sown areas for wheat , as well as export suspension until September 2020 .
The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) forecasts that Ukraine 's wheat exports in the new marketing year ( MY , July 2020 - June 2021 ) may reach 19 million tonnes , which is about 1.5 million tonnes down from current MY 2019-2020 .
The forecast is worsened due to a decrease in sown areas for wheat , as well as the suspension of exports until September 2020 , according to the USDA 's May report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020-2021 is expected to reach 28 million tonnes , which is almost 1.2 million tonnes down from the previous marketing year .
At the same time , the USDA has raised its forecast for Ukrainian maize shipments abroad by 1 million tonnes , to 33 million tonnes .
The USDA considers a possible record high maize harvest and increased emphasis on exports as main prerequisites for this .
Read alsoWheat reserves in Ukraine enough for six months – PM Shmyhal As reported , maize output in MY 2020-2021 may grow by almost 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic use of the crop will be stimulating maize exports .
Maize harvest in Ukraine in the new season is expected to reach 39 million tonnes , whereas in MY 2019-2020 it stood at about 35.9 million tonnes .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture plans by July to determine shipments of wheat , whose exports may be limited in MY 2020-2021 to ensure the country 's food security .
Ukraine approved the ceiling for wheat exports in MY 2019-2020 at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy ministry believes that a realistic forecast for Ukraine 's grain harvest in 2020 is a 65-68 million tonnes gross yield .
The country 's grain harvest in 2019 amounted to a record-high 75 million tonnes .

USDA forecasts decline in Ukraine's wheat exports in MY 2020-2021 to 19 mln tonnes
15:20, 14.05.20 189
Forecast is worsened over a decrease in sown areas for wheat, as well as export suspension until September 2020.
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