unian--2020-09-15--Zelensky says ending war in Donbas his top priority

Zelensky said the occupied territories of Donbas had faced a humanitarian catastrophe .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the end of war in Donbas and the liberation of Ukrainian territories his top priority .
`` When I promise something , these are not just empty words .
Ending the war and getting Ukrainian territories back is my main priority .
And these are not some romantic promises , '' he told the Austrian newspaper Wiener Zeitung in an interview , as reported by Ukraine 's TSN TV news service .
According to Zelensky , it is not easy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress .
`` We have returned 140 people from captivity .
We held the disengagement of troops .
There 's no shelling there , almost no one dies .
With the exception of one death , there have been no casualties for seven weeks .
Everybody sees it , and Europe sees it too .
Sometimes there are shots from the armed formations .
But we do not answer them , which is good , '' the president said .
Zelensky pointed to the fact that the occupied territories of Donbas had faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of coronavirus .
Read alsoDonbas update : JFO Command reports three ceasefire violations Sept 14 '' But people who live in the occupied part of Donbas also see that Ukrainians are better off on the other side of the front .
Things look sad for the miners in the occupied Donbas : they do n't get adequate wages , while having to cover the high cost of water and electricity .
If at some point people run out of patience , there may be riots , '' the president said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are Ukrainians at heart .
I do n't want them to die .
It 's not easy for these people , many are held in prisons for celebrating holidays like Ukraine 's Independence Day .
Our soldiers , whom we released , said they had been serving sentences alongside pro-Ukrainian convicts .
There are many people there who are pro-Ukraine , '' Zelensky added .
• So-called `` DPR leader '' Denis Pushilin threatened to open fire on Ukrainian army positions from 08:00 a.m. local time on September 7 .
• As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violations by Ukrainian forces of the latest ceasefire agreement sealed on July 22 .
He demanded that Ukrainian troops undo the trenches that had allegedly been dug after July 22 , and warned that they `` have every right '' to act to eliminate the alleged violations .
• In turn , Commander of the Joint Forces , Lieutenant General Volodymyr Kravchenko said the Ukrainian troops had not violated any agreements .
• On September 6 , the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine confirmed there had been no violations of the ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On September 9 , participants in a Trilateral Contact Group meeting agreed on a joint inspection near Shumy with the participation of a representative of the OSCE coordinator .
• The President 's Office said the relevant agreement on the inspection had been reached to refute fake news and prevent new provocations .
• On September 10 , the Office of the President of Ukraine said the `` one-time inspection '' had been suspended over continuous change in the Russian side 's demands .
• At 14:15 local time on September 10 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Ukrainian positions near Shumy .

Zelensky said the occupied territories of Donbas had faced a humanitarian catastrophe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the end of war in Donbas and the liberation of Ukrainian territories his top priority.
"When I promise something, these are not just empty words. Ending the war and getting Ukrainian territories back is my main priority. And these are not some romantic promises," he told the Austrian newspaper Wiener Zeitung in an interview, as reported by Ukraine's TSN TV news service.
According to Zelensky, it is not easy to keep such promises, but there is progress.
Видео дня
"We have returned 140 people from captivity. We held the disengagement of troops. There's no shelling there, almost no one dies. With the exception of one death, there have been no casualties for seven weeks. Everybody sees it, and Europe sees it too. Sometimes there are shots from the armed formations. But we do not answer them, which is good," the president said.
Zelensky pointed to the fact that the occupied territories of Donbas had faced a humanitarian catastrophe, as well as the spread of coronavirus.
Read alsoDonbas update: JFO Command reports three ceasefire violations Sept 14"But people who live in the occupied part of Donbas also see that Ukrainians are better off on the other side of the front. Things look sad for the miners in the occupied Donbas: they don't get adequate wages, while having to cover the high cost of water and electricity. If at some point people run out of patience, there may be riots," the president said.
"I know there are many there who are Ukrainians at heart. I don't want them to die. It's not easy for these people, many are held in prisons for celebrating holidays like Ukraine's Independence Day. Our soldiers, whom we released, said they had been serving sentences alongside pro-Ukrainian convicts. There are many people there who are pro-Ukraine," Zelensky added.
Latest developments in Donbas


unian--2020-09-15--Navalny intends to return to Russia – media

Navalny is fully aware of his condition , he 's fully aware of what happened and he 's fully aware of where he is .
Aleksei Navalny , the Russian opposition leader who is recovering from being poisoned , has spoken to a German prosecutor about the attempt on his life and says he plans to return to Russia as soon as he has recovered , a senior German security official said on Monday .
`` He 's not planning to go into exile in Germany , '' the official said , according to The New York Times .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he wants to continue his mission . ''
`` He 's fully aware of his condition , he 's fully aware of what happened and he 's fully aware of where he is , '' said the official , speaking on condition of anonymity to talk candidly about the case .
In his conversation with the German prosecutor , he refused to cooperate with a Russian request to jointly investigate the case with Germany , the security official said .
Also , Navalny posted his first photo on Instagram since the poisoning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Miss you .
I still can hardly do anything , but yesterday I was able to breathe on my own all day .
All by my own .
No external help , not even a simplest valve in my throat .
Loved it .
An amazing process , underrated by many .
Recommend , '' he wrote .
Read alsoNovichok for Navalny : From Putin with loveNavalny poisoning : background • Russian opposition 's Alexei Navalny felt sick on board the plane he was flying to the city of Tomsk on August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the captain to perform an emergency landing in Omsk .
• Navalny 's press secretary assumed the politician 's tea had been laced with poison .
• Navalny was evacuated from Omsk to Germany on an ambulance aircraft for further medical treatment on Saturday , August 22 .
• Experts with the Bundeswehr laboratory found in Navalny 's body traces of poison from the Novichok group .
In this regard , Berlin called on Moscow to explain the circumstances of the poisoning of the Russian opposition figure .
• On September 10 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress in his recovery and was able to speak again .
• On September 14 , French and Swedish laboratories independently confirmed Navalny had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent of the Novichok group .

Navalny is fully aware of his condition, he's fully aware of what happened and he's fully aware of where he is.
Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who is recovering from being poisoned, has spoken to a German prosecutor about the attempt on his life and says he plans to return to Russia as soon as he has recovered, a senior German security official said on Monday.
"He's not planning to go into exile in Germany," the official said, according to The New York Times.
"He wants to go home to Russia and he wants to continue his mission."
Видео дня
"He's fully aware of his condition, he's fully aware of what happened and he's fully aware of where he is," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity to talk candidly about the case.
In his conversation with the German prosecutor, he refused to cooperate with a Russian request to jointly investigate the case with Germany, the security official said.
Also, Navalny posted his first photo on Instagram since the poisoning.
"Hello, this is Navalny. Miss you. I still can hardly do anything, but yesterday I was able to breathe on my own all day. All by my own. No external help, not even a simplest valve in my throat. Loved it. An amazing process, underrated by many. Recommend," he wrote.
Read alsoNovichok for Navalny: From Putin with loveNavalny poisoning: background


unian--2020-09-15--Water supply to Crimea to be restored once peninsula de-occupied – MFA Ukraine

According to the Ukrainian diplomats , it 's Russian military facilities building up in Crimea , as well as defense industry , that require more water .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) of Ukraine says it will resume water supplies to Crimea as soon as the government regains control over the peninsula that is now being occupied by the Russian Federation .
In a statement released on September 15 , 2020 , the ministry said their position is based on the norms of international law .
`` We state the fact that , while claiming the pretext @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities in Crimea in fact lack water for the accelerated buildup of military facilities and defense enterprises .
Also , it is obvious that the need for water resources is growing amid further colonization of the peninsula , that is , resettlement within a targeted policy of altering Crimea 's demographic composition .
Such actions by the occupying state constitute a war crime .
Their goal is to populate Ukrainian territories by Russian citizens loyal to their country 's expansionist policies and , thus , to consolidate the illegal occupation , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against humanity and war crimes against Ukrainian citizens in the temporarily occupied Crimea include murders , abductions , torture , attacks on human dignity , etc .
These crimes are being investigated in Ukraine and studied by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court as part of a preliminary study of the situation in Ukraine .
Read alsoMP tells of Zelensky 's stance on resumption of water supplies to occupied CrimeaThe Foreign Ministry reiterated the fact that the international community has condemned these crimes , in particular in the annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Human Rights Situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol , Ukraine . ''
At the same time , the statement says water supply to the population of the temporarily occupied Crimea , as well supplies of other resources , food , and medicines , in accordance with the Geneva Convention of August 12 , 1949 , is an obligation of the occupying power , which is the Russian Federation .
`` Any statements about the alleged violation of international law by Ukraine in connection with the cessation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point of view of international law and , obviously , are intended to 'find someone to blame ' for the costs incurred by Russia for the seventh year as a result of the illegal occupation of Crimea and deployment of a large-scale militarization of the peninsula , for which Russian taxpayers pay , '' the foreign ministry said .
• Prior to Crimea occupation by Russia , Ukraine used to cover up to 85 % of the peninsula 's needs for fresh water through the North Crimean Canal .
• After the annexation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Water reserves in Crimea are replenished from natural runoff reservoirs and underground sources .
• Environmentalists say the regular use of water from underground sources has led to soil salinization .
• On September 7 , in Simferopol , Bakhchisarai , and Simferopol districts , due to ongoing drought and shallowing of reservoirs , the third , most severe , stage of water supply restrictions was introduced .
• On the same day , an OHCHR representative said it is Russia who bears responsibility for ensuring water supplies to the occupied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kuleba says restoration of water supply to Crimea would be possible only in the context of the occupied peninsula 's end of occupation .
At the same time , there is no humanitarian crisis with freshwater in occupied Crimea whatsoever , chief of Ukraine 's diplomacy emphasizes .
`` The narrative about the 'humanitarian crisis ' was invented by Russian propaganda in order to convince the world that water supplies to Crimea are necessary . ''

According to the Ukrainian diplomats, it's Russian military facilities building up in Crimea, as well as defense industry, that require more water.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine says it will resume water supplies to Crimea as soon as the government regains control over the peninsula that is now being occupied by the Russian Federation.
In a statement released on September 15, 2020, the ministry said their position is based on the norms of international law.
"We state the fact that, while claiming the pretext of 'humanitarian need', Russian occupation authorities in Crimea in fact lack water for the accelerated buildup of military facilities and defense enterprises. Also, it is obvious that the need for water resources is growing amid further colonization of the peninsula, that is, resettlement within a targeted policy of altering Crimea's demographic composition. Such actions by the occupying state constitute a war crime. Their goal is to populate Ukrainian territories by Russian citizens loyal to their country's expansionist policies and, thus, to consolidate the illegal occupation," the ministry said.
Видео дня
Ukrainian diplomats says crimes against humanity and war crimes against Ukrainian citizens in the temporarily occupied Crimea include murders, abductions, torture, attacks on human dignity, etc. These crimes are being investigated in Ukraine and studied by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court as part of a preliminary study of the situation in Ukraine.
Read alsoMP tells of Zelensky's stance on resumption of water supplies to occupied CrimeaThe Foreign Ministry reiterated the fact that the international community has condemned these crimes, in particular in the annual resolutions of the UN General Assembly 2016-2019 "Human Rights Situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine."
At the same time, the statement says water supply to the population of the temporarily occupied Crimea, as well supplies of other resources, food, and medicines, in accordance with the Geneva Convention of August 12, 1949, is an obligation of the occupying power, which is the Russian Federation.
"Any statements about the alleged violation of international law by Ukraine in connection with the cessation of water supply are void from the point of view of international law and, obviously, are intended to 'find someone to blame' for the costs incurred by Russia for the seventh year as a result of the illegal occupation of Crimea and deployment of a large-scale militarization of the peninsula, for which Russian taxpayers pay," the foreign ministry said.
Water supplies to Crimea: background


unian--2020-09-15--No threat to visa-free travel with EU – FM Kuleba

There will always be someone trying to hamper Ukraine 's European integration efforts .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said there is no threat to the visa-free travel between Ukraine and the European Union .
`` I 'd like to state very clearly there are no threats to visa-free travel with the European Union , '' Kuleba said at the Svoboda Slova [ Freedom of Speech ] TV panel show on Monday , answering a question on whether the appeals submitted to the Constitutional Court allegedly threaten the independence of anti-corruption bodies .
Read alsoKuleba invites Hungary 's FM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister said the anti-corruption infrastructure in Ukraine , including the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine , continues its work .
`` There will always be dialogue , someone will always be dissatisfied with something , but I do n't see any macro threats , '' Kuleba said .
The minister added that it is in the interests of the Ukrainian state to ensure that the anti-corruption infrastructure works .
`` By virtue of my job , I communicate a lot with our partners , and I hear no substantive claims that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kuleba said .
He also said there is no reason to talk about a shift in Ukraine 's foreign policy from the Western vector to the Russian one .
Kuleba added it is necessary to talk about joint efforts that should be made to continue the country 's movement toward the European Union and NATO .
`` There will always be someone grumbling and trying to destroy it , but we will always be stronger .
Since the Ukrainian people are behind us , those who move the country westward , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine has ruled that the presidential decree on the appointment of Director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau Artem Sytnyk was unconstitutional .
Commenting on the said judgment , NABU said the move is `` politically motivated . ''
The Bureau was established in 2014 at the request of Ukraine 's main creditor , the International Monetary Fund .
The Bureau 's government funding is mandated under American and European Union aid programs .
It has an evidence-sharing agreement with the FBI .

There will always be someone trying to hamper Ukraine's European integration efforts.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said there is no threat to the visa-free travel between Ukraine and the European Union.
"I'd like to state very clearly there are no threats to visa-free travel with the European Union," Kuleba said at the Svoboda Slova [Freedom of Speech] TV panel show on Monday, answering a question on whether the appeals submitted to the Constitutional Court allegedly threaten the independence of anti-corruption bodies.
Read alsoKuleba invites Hungary's FM to visit Zakarpattia on Sept 23The foreign minister said the anti-corruption infrastructure in Ukraine, including the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine, continues its work.
Видео дня
"There will always be dialogue, someone will always be dissatisfied with something, but I don't see any macro threats," Kuleba said.
The minister added that it is in the interests of the Ukrainian state to ensure that the anti-corruption infrastructure works.
"By virtue of my job, I communicate a lot with our partners, and I hear no substantive claims that we have destroyed this very anti-corruption infrastructure," Kuleba said.
He also said there is no reason to talk about a shift in Ukraine's foreign policy from the Western vector to the Russian one.
"I don't see any signs that Ukraine could return to the triune brotherhood and sisterhood (with Russia)...," the official said.
Kuleba added it is necessary to talk about joint efforts that should be made to continue the country's movement toward the European Union and NATO.
"There will always be someone grumbling and trying to destroy it, but we will always be stronger. Since the Ukrainian people are behind us, those who move the country westward," the top diplomat said.
NABU row: latest
The Constitutional Court of Ukraine has ruled that the presidential decree on the appointment of Director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau Artem Sytnyk was unconstitutional.
Commenting on the said judgment, NABU said the move is "politically motivated."
The Bureau was established in 2014 at the request of Ukraine's main creditor, the International Monetary Fund. The Bureau's government funding is mandated under American and European Union aid programs. It has an evidence-sharing agreement with the FBI.


unian--2020-09-15--Akhmetov tops Ukraine's richest people rating in 2020, again

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Akhmetov tops Ukraine's richest people rating in 2020, again
12:35, 15.09.20 5184
His fortune is estimated at US$7.3 billion.
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unian--2020-09-15--Kharkiv City Council denies reports on mayor's COVID-19 coma

The official disappeared from the public spotlight three weeks ago .
Kharkiv City Council has officially denied reports that Kharkiv Mayor Hennadiy Kernes has allegedly gone into a coma .
The official is indeed on sick leave , but he in `` full control of the situation in the city , '' an official statement posted on the city council 's website says .
Read alsoTymoshenko speaks up first time after testing COVID-19 positive '' The reports disseminated by certain Kharkiv-based websites alleging that Kharkiv mayor Hennadiy Kernes is in a coma are false , '' it said .
Kharkiv @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are instigated by `` the aggravation of not very successful politicians ' presumption . ''
What has happened to Kernes : Behind the curtains • Kernes , 61 , disappeared from the public spotlight three weeks ago .
He was last seen during public events on City Day on August 23 .
• On the morning of September 11 , journalists spotted a Toyota car with the `` 0202 '' number plate near a municipal hospital 's building .
This number plate is used on the cars of Kernes and his security personnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates running for the mayor 's post in Kharkiv .
The mayoral elections are scheduled for October 25 , 2020 .
He earlier said that he was going to run during the elections as part of the Kernes – Successful Kharkiv Bloc .
Should he win , it will be his third term as mayor .
• On September 14 , ZN.UA , citing sources in the president 's office , reported that Kharkiv Mayor Kernes had been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus , COVID-19 , and gone into a coma .

The official disappeared from the public spotlight three weeks ago.
Kharkiv City Council has officially denied reports that Kharkiv Mayor Hennadiy Kernes has allegedly gone into a coma.
The official is indeed on sick leave, but he in "full control of the situation in the city," an official statement posted on the city council's website says.
Read alsoTymoshenko speaks up first time after testing COVID-19 positive
Видео дня
"The reports disseminated by certain Kharkiv-based websites alleging that Kharkiv mayor Hennadiy Kernes is in a coma are false," it said.
Kharkiv City Council says such deliberately false reports are instigated by "the aggravation of not very successful politicians' presumption."
What has happened to Kernes: Behind the curtains


unian--2020-09-15--FC Shakhtar changes sports partner

FC Shakhtar changes sports partner

The new uniform will be presented ahead of the 2021-2022 season .
FC Shakhtar have signed a five-year contract with @ @ @ @ @ .
The presentation of the Miners ' new kit has been scheduled to coincide with @ @ @ @ @ season , the club 's press service says .
`` I 'm really delighted by @ @ @ @ @ started working with the global sports brand Puma .
This is a step forward for @ @ @ @ @ the complete synergy between our team and the Puma team .
We look in the @ @ @ @ @ is the most important thing in cooperation , '' says Sergei Palkin , FC Shakhtar @ @ @ @ @ the club had cooperated with Nike .
The club also released a promo ad announcing @ @ @ @ @ fans to be allowed on stands for int ' l matches in Ukraine , with @ @

The new uniform will be presented ahead of the 2021-2022 season.
FC Shakhtar have signed a five-year contract with the global sports brand Puma.
The presentation of the Miners' new kit has been scheduled to coincide with the start of the 2021/22 season, the club's press service says.
"I'm really delighted by the fact that we've started working with the global sports brand Puma. This is a step forward for Shakhtar. I can feel the complete synergy between our team and the Puma team. We look in the same direction, and this is the most important thing in cooperation," says Sergei Palkin, FC Shakhtar CEO.
Since 2008, the club had cooperated with Nike.
The club also released a promo ad announcing the deal.
Football in Ukraine: other news


unian--2020-09-15--Sound of depressurized gas trunkline leaves villagers outside Kyiv terrified

Gas transit to Europe has not been interrupted , the energy ministry says .
A high-pressure gas trunkline near the village of Chabany just outside Kyiv depressurized overnight Tuesday , according to the State Emergencies Service , The agency has reported no casualties as a result of the accident .
Depressurization of the 1020mm-wide pipe caused major stir in the surrounding neighborhoods as people took to social networks , terrified by a low-pitch and `` very loud '' sound before they learned about its cause .
People heard a loud humming and then a blast .
A Ukrainian pop singer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was asking on Facebook if anyone was aware of the source of the worrying sound : `` Before the blast , it seemed like a plane was falling .
Does anyone know or heard anything ? ''
`` It sounds like thousand jet fighters , '' a local resident Anatoliy Tushcchenko wrote on Facebook , complaining of the slow response by and lack of information from the emergency services .
Read alsoKyiv house blast : Zelensky hands first 12 certificates for new apartments over to victimsOther netizens who shared the news in local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a space launcher 's exhaust and complained of trembling windows .
The State Emergency Service said the pipe burst open at 00:15 before gas supplies were cut off at 01:10 .
The Ministry of Energy in a statement said gas transit to Europe has not been interrupted .

Gas transit to Europe has not been interrupted, the energy ministry says.
A high-pressure gas trunkline near the village of Chabany just outside Kyiv depressurized overnight Tuesday, according to the State Emergencies Service,
The agency has reported no casualties as a result of the accident.
Depressurization of the 1020mm-wide pipe caused major stir in the surrounding neighborhoods as people took to social networks, terrified by a low-pitch and "very loud" sound before they learned about its cause.
People heard a loud humming and then a blast. A Ukrainian pop singer Gaitana Essami who resides in the area was asking on Facebook if anyone was aware of the source of the worrying sound: "Before the blast, it seemed like a plane was falling. Does anyone know or heard anything?"
"It sounds like thousand jet fighters," a local resident Anatoliy Tushcchenko wrote on Facebook, complaining of the slow response by and lack of information from the emergency services.
Read alsoKyiv house blast: Zelensky hands first 12 certificates for new apartments over to victimsOther netizens who shared the news in local groups on social networks compared the sound to a space launcher's exhaust and complained of trembling windows.
The State Emergency Service said the pipe burst open at 00:15 before gas supplies were cut off at 01:10.
The Ministry of Energy in a statement said gas transit to Europe has not been interrupted.


unian--2020-09-15--Hryvnia continues weakening, set at UAH 28.00 to U.S. dollar on Sept 15

Hryvnia continues weakening, set at UAH 28.00 to U.S. dollar on Sept 15
10:55, 15.09.20 82653
The official rate against the euro for Tuesday has been fixed at UAH 33.25 per euro.
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unian--2020-09-15--COVID-19: Over 2,900 new active cases reported on Sept 15

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 159,702 .
Ukraine said 2,905 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 15 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 159,702 , as seen on the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 70,810 patients , including 1,267 in the past day , have recovered .
The death toll is 3,264 with 53 fatalities recorded in the past day .
There were 85,628 active cases as of September 15 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in Ternopil region ( 390 cases ) , Kharkiv region ( 307 ) , Odesa region ( 306 ) , and the city of Kyiv ( 285 ) .
In total , 1,897,688 polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) tests have been run since the outbreak .
The overall incidence per region is as follows : 17,714 ( +285 ) in the city of Kyiv ; Read alsoRestrictions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' quarantine zone , explainedData from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
COVID-19 tests were run by the Public Health Center 's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories .
As of the morning of September 15 , 2020 , the Center had received 3,159 reports of suspected cases .
In total , there have been 223,258 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the green , yellow , orange , and red zones depending on hospital bed occupancy , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and daily spread dynamics .
Quarantine-related curbs differ in each zone .
The mildest ones are in the green zone , the regions included in the red zone will have to introduce the toughest restrictions .
On August 26 , the Cabinet of Ministers extended the adaptive quarantine until November 1 .
On September 10 , the government reviewed the borders of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulations will take effect on Monday , September 14 .
Kyiv became part of the orange zone , with the second-toughest bans after the red zone .
Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry has no plans to introduce a new lockdown in Ukraine yet .

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 159,702.
Ukraine said 2,905 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 15, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 159,702, as seen on the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 70,810 patients, including 1,267 in the past day, have recovered.
Видео дня
The death toll is 3,264 with 53 fatalities recorded in the past day.
There were 85,628 active cases as of September 15. In total, there have been 223,258 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in Ternopil region (390 cases), Kharkiv region (307), Odesa region (306), and the city of Kyiv (285).
In total, 1,897,688 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been run since the outbreak.
The overall incidence per region is as follows:
17,714 (+285) in the city of Kyiv;
17,243 (+186) cases in Lviv region;
13,160 (+307) in Kharkiv region;
12,394 (+142) in Chernivtsi region;
11,510 (+153) in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
10,635 (+80) in Rivne region;
9,993 (+306) in Odesa region;
9,624 (+390) in Ternopil region;
8,756 (+81) in Zakarpattia region;
7,079 (+118) in Kyiv region;
6,428 (+75) in Volyn region;
4,887 (+43) in Vinnytsia region;
4,470 (+80) in Zhytomyr region;
4,058 (+50) in Khmelnytsky region;
3,430 (+88) in Dnipropetrovsk region;
2,846 (+58) in Chernihiv region;
2,688 (+109) in Cherkasy region;
2,553 (+51) in Sumy region;
2,503 (+100) in Zaporizhia region;
2,154 (+53) in Donetsk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
2,114 (+63) in Mykolaiv region;
1,253 (+30) in Poltava region;
929 (+20) in Kirovohrad region;
661 (+17) in Kherson region; and
620 (+20) in Luhansk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts).
Read alsoRestrictions on hospitalization, scheduled surgeries in "orange" quarantine zone, explainedData from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
COVID-19 tests were run by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories. As of the morning of September 15, 2020, the Center had received 3,159 reports of suspected cases. In total, there have been 223,258 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
Quarantine in Ukraine: background
The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1. The Ukrainian regions were split into the green, yellow, orange, and red zones depending on hospital bed occupancy, the average number of PCR and ELISA tests, the ascertainment rate of COVID-19, and daily spread dynamics.
Quarantine-related curbs differ in each zone. The mildest ones are in the green zone, the regions included in the red zone will have to introduce the toughest restrictions.
On August 26, the Cabinet of Ministers extended the adaptive quarantine until November 1.
On September 10, the government reviewed the borders of COVID-19 quarantine zones. The reviewed zoning regulations will take effect on Monday, September 14. Kyiv became part of the orange zone, with the second-toughest bans after the red zone.
Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry has no plans to introduce a new lockdown in Ukraine yet.


unian--2020-09-15--Zelensky endorses national security strategy

The strategy is based on three principles of state policy in the field of national security .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has endorsed the National Security Strategy of Ukraine .
The president on September 14 , 2020 , signed respective presidential decree No .
392/2020 on a September 14 , 2020 , decision by the National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) on the National Security Strategy of Ukraine , the presidential office reported .
By signing the decree , the president enacted the NSDC decision .
Read alsoUkraine 's NSDC secretary names condition for resumption of water supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behalf of the president , outlines the country 's national security policy .
It lists priorities of Ukraine 's national interests and measures to ensure national security , goals and main directions of state policy in the field of national security .
It also identifies current and potential threats to national security and stipulates national interests of Ukraine , taking into account foreign policy and internal conditions .
The document also highlights major directions of the government 's foreign policy to ensure national interests and security , provides for directions and tasks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector , and identifies resources required for its implementation .
The strategy says that `` Ukraine strives for peace , which is the key to the development of the state , while an individual , his or her life and health , honor and dignity , inviolability and security are the highest social value . ''
The ultimate goal of implementing the strategy is to establish a free , rich , secure Ukraine , in which the law reigns , where everyone can realize their talents and abilities , where people could `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and where their children and grandchildren see their future . ''
The strategy is based on three principles of state policy in the field of national security : • Deterrence – development of security and defense capabilities to deter armed aggression against Ukraine ; • Resilience – the ability of society and the state to quickly adapt to changes in the security environment and maintain sustainable operation , in particular by minimizing external and internal vulnerabilities ; • Interaction – the development of strategic relations with key foreign partners , primarily with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states , the United States ; along with pragmatic cooperation with other states and international organizations based on the national interests of Ukraine .
The priorities of national interests are determined by the following components : pursuing independence and state sovereignty ; restoring territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine ; ensuring social development , primarily by developing human capital ; protecting the rights , freedoms and legitimate interests of citizens of Ukraine .
European and Euro-Atlantic integration is also among the priorities .
Read alsoUkraine 's Defense Council on Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everything well sealed '' The strategy takes into account the latest changes in the situation in the field of national security and defense , which is associated with the crisis in the global economy , the emergence of new factors affecting the international security environment , the spread of the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus , as well as the danger of natural and man-made disasters .
The National Security Strategy of Ukraine is the basis for the development of other strategic documents that will determine the ways and tools for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ukraine 's Military Security Strategy , Ukraine 's Public Security and Civil Defense Strategy , Strategy for the Development of Ukraine 's Defense Industry , Economic Security Strategy , Energy Security Strategy , Environmental Security and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy , Biosafety and Biological Security Strategy , Information Security Strategy , Cybersecurity Strategy , Foreign Policy Strategy , State Security Strategy , Integrated Border Management Strategy , Food Security Strategy , and National Intelligence Program .
• Ukraine 's FM says Crimea Return Strategy his priority in office • Ukrainian PM presents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine • MFA Ukraine calls on U.S. to help create int ' l platform for Crimea deoccupation

The strategy is based on three principles of state policy in the field of national security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has endorsed the National Security Strategy of Ukraine.
The president on September 14, 2020, signed respective presidential decree No. 392/2020 on a September 14, 2020, decision by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) on the National Security Strategy of Ukraine, the presidential office reported.
By signing the decree, the president enacted the NSDC decision.
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Read alsoUkraine's NSDC secretary names condition for resumption of water supplies to Crimea
The strategy, developed on behalf of the president, outlines the country's national security policy. It lists priorities of Ukraine's national interests and measures to ensure national security, goals and main directions of state policy in the field of national security. It also identifies current and potential threats to national security and stipulates national interests of Ukraine, taking into account foreign policy and internal conditions. The document also highlights major directions of the government's foreign policy to ensure national interests and security, provides for directions and tasks of reforming and developing the security and defense sector, and identifies resources required for its implementation.
The strategy says that "Ukraine strives for peace, which is the key to the development of the state, while an individual, his or her life and health, honor and dignity, inviolability and security are the highest social value."
The ultimate goal of implementing the strategy is to establish a free, rich, secure Ukraine, in which the law reigns, where everyone can realize their talents and abilities, where people could "breathe clean air, drink clean water and where their children and grandchildren see their future."
The strategy is based on three principles of state policy in the field of national security:
Deterrence – development of security and defense capabilities to deter armed aggression against Ukraine;
Resilience – the ability of society and the state to quickly adapt to changes in the security environment and maintain sustainable operation, in particular by minimizing external and internal vulnerabilities;
Interaction – the development of strategic relations with key foreign partners, primarily with the European Union and NATO and their member states, the United States; along with pragmatic cooperation with other states and international organizations based on the national interests of Ukraine.
The priorities of national interests are determined by the following components: pursuing independence and state sovereignty; restoring territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine; ensuring social development, primarily by developing human capital; protecting the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of citizens of Ukraine. European and Euro-Atlantic integration is also among the priorities.
Read alsoUkraine's Defense Council on Russian military threat in the south: "Everything well sealed"
The strategy takes into account the latest changes in the situation in the field of national security and defense, which is associated with the crisis in the global economy, the emergence of new factors affecting the international security environment, the spread of the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, as well as the danger of natural and man-made disasters.
The National Security Strategy of Ukraine is the basis for the development of other strategic documents that will determine the ways and tools for its implementation: the Human Development Strategy, Ukraine's Military Security Strategy, Ukraine's Public Security and Civil Defense Strategy, Strategy for the Development of Ukraine's Defense Industry, Economic Security Strategy, Energy Security Strategy, Environmental Security and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, Biosafety and Biological Security Strategy, Information Security Strategy, Cybersecurity Strategy, Foreign Policy Strategy, State Security Strategy, Integrated Border Management Strategy, Food Security Strategy, and National Intelligence Program.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-09-15--Zelensky's chief of staff: Next meeting of advisers to Normandy leaders to expedite new summit

Yermak met with G7 ambassadors to brief them on the course of peace talks on Donbas .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's chief of staff Andriy Yermak says the next meeting of advisers to the presidents of Ukraine , France , Germany , and Russia `` will allow to bring the summit of the leaders of the Normandy Four closer . ''
This was announced at a meeting between Yermak and G7 ambassadors during which he briefed his counterparts on the outcome of the advisers ' recent talks in Berlin , the presidential press service said .
In particular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's stance at the talks , outlining the course of the negotiation process .
He said the parties had agreed that the advisers would meet in the near future , which , in Yermak 's opinion , will help expedite the next Normandy summit .
Ukraine offers a clear-cut plan of action to achieve peace , it suggests specific dates for the implementation of all agreements that were reached during the latest meeting of the Normandy Four leaders in Paris .
`` We are extremely grateful for your support and want to convey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the algorithm by which we are moving towards a peaceful settlement of the military conflict in Donbas as transparently and thoroughly as possible , '' Yermak told the G7 ambassadors .
First of all , he noted that every achievement , in particular the recent ceasefire , which lasted almost six weeks , was made possible thanks to the support of the G7 countries .
To inform Ukrainians about the details of the peace talks and the implementation of this plan , communication will be strengthened , participants in meetings at the level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TCG ) will carry out explanatory work `` to inform about what is happening and what should be done by everyone to achieve peace as soon as possible , '' Yermak said .
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov , Defense Minister Andriy Taran , First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Ruslan Demchenko , Ukraine 's representative in the TCG working group on political issues , MP Andriy Kostin .
• On August 22 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders were originally scheduled to meet on August 28 , to be followed by a foreign ministers ' meeting and a new summit .
The countries were to be represented by Deputy Head of Russia 's presidential administration Dmitry Kozak , Head of the Ukrainian President 's Office Andriy Yermak , aide to the German Chancellor for foreign policy Jan Haecker , and adviser to the French President Emmanuel Bonne .
• On August 25 , it became known that the meeting had been postponed .
• On September 9 , Kremlin Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Normandy Four advisers ' meeting .
• On September 11 , the advisers met in Berlin , the Ukrainian side was represented by Yermak and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov .

Yermak met with G7 ambassadors to brief them on the course of peace talks on Donbas.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak says the next meeting of advisers to the presidents of Ukraine, France, Germany, and Russia "will allow to bring the summit of the leaders of the Normandy Four closer."
This was announced at a meeting between Yermak and G7 ambassadors during which he briefed his counterparts on the outcome of the advisers' recent talks in Berlin, the presidential press service said.
Read alsoPreparations for Normandy Four leaders' summit underway – Zelensky
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In particular, Yermak gave the ambassadors details about Ukraine's stance at the talks, outlining the course of the negotiation process. He said the parties had agreed that the advisers would meet in the near future, which, in Yermak's opinion, will help expedite the next Normandy summit.
Ukraine offers a clear-cut plan of action to achieve peace, it suggests specific dates for the implementation of all agreements that were reached during the latest meeting of the Normandy Four leaders in Paris.
"We are extremely grateful for your support and want to convey to you the position of Ukraine and the algorithm by which we are moving towards a peaceful settlement of the military conflict in Donbas as transparently and thoroughly as possible," Yermak told the G7 ambassadors.
First of all, he noted that every achievement, in particular the recent ceasefire, which lasted almost six weeks, was made possible thanks to the support of the G7 countries.
To inform Ukrainians about the details of the peace talks and the implementation of this plan, communication will be strengthened, participants in meetings at the level of advisors and Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) will carry out explanatory work "to inform about what is happening and what should be done by everyone to achieve peace as soon as possible," Yermak said.
"We understand that communication, in particular with the media, is necessary and important," he said.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov, Defense Minister Andriy Taran, First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Ruslan Demchenko, Ukraine's representative in the TCG working group on political issues, MP Andriy Kostin.
Normandy Four: Latest developments


unian--2020-09-15--Donbas update: JFO Command reports three ceasefire violations Sept 14

No casualties were reported in the past day .
Ukraine has reported three violations of the latest ceasefire agreements by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Monday , September 14 .
`` In the past day , September 14 , Russian Federation 's armed formations three times violated the ceasefire agreements reached on July 22 , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on September 15 , 2020 .
In particular , the enemy opened fire from a hand-held anti-tank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions near the towns of Avdiyivka and Maryinka .
No casualties were reported in the past day .
Read alsoA step short of betrayal : Enemy never made it to inspect Ukraine 's positions in DonbasSince Tuesday midnight , no attacks by Russian Federation 's armed formations have been recorded , the JFO HQ said .
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military , the report reaffirms .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 .
• The new ceasefire regime was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July 27 .
• On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period .

No casualties were reported in the past day.
Ukraine has reported three violations of the latest ceasefire agreements by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Monday, September 14.
"In the past day, September 14, Russian Federation's armed formations three times violated the ceasefire agreements reached on July 22," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on September 15, 2020.
In particular, the enemy opened fire from a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher and rifles on the Ukrainian positions near the towns of Avdiyivka and Maryinka.
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Joint Forces did not return fire.
No casualties were reported in the past day.
Read alsoA step short of betrayal: Enemy never made it to inspect Ukraine's positions in DonbasSince Tuesday midnight, no attacks by Russian Federation's armed formations have been recorded, the JFO HQ said.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military, the report reaffirms.
Donbas ceasefire: background


unian--2020-09-15--Russian paratroopers who fought against Ukraine deployed in Belarus for "joint exercises" – media

It 's the units with the 76th Airborne Assault Division of the Western Military District .
Russian paratroopers who have been earlier deployed in Ukraine 's Donbas warzone to fight against Ukrainian troops , now arrived in Belarus for the Slavic Brotherhood 2020 joint military exercises .
It 's the troops with the 76th Airborne Assault Division of Russia 's Western Military District ( military unit No .
07264 , based in Pskov ) , Ukraine 's OSINT community InformNapalm reports .
`` Against the background of long-lasting mass protests in Belarus against [ Alexander ] Lukashenko 's regime , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military and special hardware were deployed under the cover of these exercises ( that 's according to official data alone ) , '' the statement says .
The OSINT community says a trove of evidence has been gathered proving the unit 's participation in the aggression against Georgia , the Crimea grab , and the Donbas hostilities .
In 2014 , the report stresses , the Division 's 104th Airborne Regiment captured offshore drilling rigs controlled by Ukraine-owned Chornomornaftogazin in the Black Sea off Crimea coast .
Read alsoUkraine steps up border security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ InformNapalm volunteers also learned of the names of 76th Airborne Assault Division 's commanders who had been awarded for their participation in the aggression against Ukraine and Georgia .
• On September 14 , Belarus started the Slavic Brotherhood military drills also involving troops from a neighboring Russia .
• RIA Novosti says the exercise will last until September 25 , with maneuvers being held at a training ground outside Brest .
Russia has deployed its paratroopers from Pskov to take part .
• Units of the Serbian Armed Forces were also supposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the invitation immediately after a diplomatic gaffe involving MFA Russia spox Maria Zakharova 's humiliating comments targeting Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic .

It's the units with the 76th Airborne Assault Division of the Western Military District.
Russian paratroopers who have been earlier deployed in Ukraine's Donbas warzone to fight against Ukrainian troops, now arrived in Belarus for the Slavic Brotherhood 2020 joint military exercises.
It's the troops with the 76th Airborne Assault Division of Russia's Western Military District (military unit No. 07264, based in Pskov), Ukraine's OSINT community InformNapalm reports.
"Against the background of long-lasting mass protests in Belarus against [Alexander] Lukashenko's regime, about 300 military and 70 units of military and special hardware were deployed under the cover of these exercises (that's according to official data alone)," the statement says.
The OSINT community says a trove of evidence has been gathered proving the unit's participation in the aggression against Georgia, the Crimea grab, and the Donbas hostilities.
In 2014, the report stresses, the Division's 104th Airborne Regiment captured offshore drilling rigs controlled by Ukraine-owned Chornomornaftogazin in the Black Sea off Crimea coast.
Read alsoUkraine steps up border security pending Belarus-Russia military drills (Video)InformNapalm volunteers also learned of the names of 76th Airborne Assault Division's commanders who had been awarded for their participation in the aggression against Ukraine and Georgia.
Russian-Belarusian joint exercises in 2020


unian--2020-09-17--EP votes to reject official results of Belarus presidential poll, calls for sanctions

The elections were conducted in flagrant violation of internationally recognized standards .
Members of the European Parliament ( MEPs ) have voted to reject the official results of the August 9 presidential elections in Belarus , saying Alexander Lukashenko should no longer be recognized as president after his term expires ; they have also called for tough sanctions against Minsk .
The relevant resolution was adopted at a European Parliament meeting in Brussels on Thursday , September 17 .
Read alsoBelarus beefing up security on border with Ukraine , shuts down borders with Lithuania , Poland In particular , MEPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violation of all internationally recognized standards .
At the same time , the European Parliament strongly supports EU sanctions against individuals , including Lukashenko , responsible for the falsification of the election results and repression in Belarus .
Moreover , the EU institution calls for the immediate introduction of the sanctions .
In addition , the European Parliament condemned Russia 's hybrid interference in Belarus .
`` The European Parliament condemns the hybrid interference of the Russian Federation in Belarus , notably delegating so-called media experts to the Belarusian state media and advisors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and calls on the Government of the Russian Federation to halt any covert or overt interference in the internal processes of Belarus ; urges the Russian Federation to respect international law and the sovereignty of Belarus ; warns that Alexander Lukashenko has no political or moral mandate to enter into any further contractual relations on behalf of Belarus , including with Russian authorities , which could threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belarus , '' the document reads .
Recent developments in Belarus in brief • On August 9 , presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• Thousands took to the streets to protest what many believe was a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently cracked down on protesters .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since August 9 .
On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .
• On August 16 , the March of Freedom , the largest protest in the history of Belarus , took place in Minsk .
Hundreds of thousands of people joined in .
• Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed `` foreign interference '' in the election and external efforts to foment the protests .
He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin who had promised him comprehensive assistance upon request .
• On August 27 , Putin suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Belarus .
• The European Union declared non-recognition of the Belarus election results and reached an agreement to impose sanctions against Belarusian officials in response to vote rigging and the use of violence against protesters .
• On September 15 , the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a statement on Belarus .
Ukrainian lawmakers said the presidential elections in that country were unfair .
They condemned repression against protesters and vowed support for sanctions to be introduced by the European Union against Belarusian officials .

The elections were conducted in flagrant violation of internationally recognized standards.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voted to reject the official results of the August 9 presidential elections in Belarus, saying Alexander Lukashenko should no longer be recognized as president after his term expires; they have also called for tough sanctions against Minsk.
The relevant resolution was adopted at a European Parliament meeting in Brussels on Thursday, September 17.
Read alsoBelarus beefing up security on border with Ukraine, shuts down borders with Lithuania, Poland
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In particular, MEPs note the elections were conducted in flagrant violation of all internationally recognized standards.
At the same time, the European Parliament strongly supports EU sanctions against individuals, including Lukashenko, responsible for the falsification of the election results and repression in Belarus. Moreover, the EU institution calls for the immediate introduction of the sanctions.
In addition, the European Parliament condemned Russia's hybrid interference in Belarus.
"The European Parliament condemns the hybrid interference of the Russian Federation in Belarus, notably delegating so-called media experts to the Belarusian state media and advisors to the military and law enforcement agencies, and calls on the Government of the Russian Federation to halt any covert or overt interference in the internal processes of Belarus; urges the Russian Federation to respect international law and the sovereignty of Belarus; warns that Alexander Lukashenko has no political or moral mandate to enter into any further contractual relations on behalf of Belarus, including with Russian authorities, which could threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belarus," the document reads.
Recent developments in Belarus in brief


unian--2020-09-17--Three individuals injured in Kyiv restaurant blast – emergency service

Police are investigating the cause of the explosion .
Three individuals were injured in an explosion of a restaurant located at Kyiv 's Andriyivsky Uzviz on September 17 .
The Kyiv Department of Ukraine 's State Emergency Service reported on Facebook .
Read alsoThree mortar shells excavated during repairs at gas distribution station in Kyiv ( Photo ) First reports about a fire in the restaurant located at 19a Andriyivsky Uzviz came at 16:02 local time on September 17 , it said .
`` Firefighters have established a preliminary cause – four 0.75 liter household gas cartridges exploded in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
Three kitchen workers who were nearby were injured , two of them were hospitalized by the ambulance , they had burns and wound-related shock .
Another injured person was given first aid on the spot and refused hospitalization , '' it said .
Two fire extinguishers were used to prevent a new fire ; the initial fire was put out by 16:13 Kyiv time on September 17 .
Police are investigating the cause of the explosion .
• On September 17 , an explosion occurred in a restaurant on Andriyivsky Uzviz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports , the explosion took place at 19a Andriyivsky Uzviz , where the Kanapa restaurant is located .
• Police first reported that two restaurant workers were injured ; no deaths were reported .

Police are investigating the cause of the explosion.
Three individuals were injured in an explosion of a restaurant located at Kyiv's Andriyivsky Uzviz on September 17.
The Kyiv Department of Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported on the incident on Facebook.
Read alsoThree mortar shells excavated during repairs at gas distribution station in Kyiv (Photo)
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First reports about a fire in the restaurant located at 19a Andriyivsky Uzviz came at 16:02 local time on September 17, it said.
"Firefighters have established a preliminary cause – four 0.75 liter household gas cartridges exploded in the kitchen after the stove had been heated up. Three kitchen workers who were nearby were injured, two of them were hospitalized by the ambulance, they had burns and wound-related shock. Another injured person received first aid on the spot and refused hospitalization," it said.
Two fire extinguishers were used to prevent a new fire; the initial fire was put out by 16:13 Kyiv time on September 17.
Police are investigating the cause of the explosion.
Kyiv restaurant blast: Known facts


unian--2020-09-17--SBU opens 52 treason cases since year-start

In most cases , the investigations were to expose Russian special service agents involved in intelligence and subversive operations against @ @ @ @ @ Service of Ukraine has launched 52 criminal proceedings since the beginning of the year to @ @ @ @ @ 27 cases investigating the creation of terrorist groups or organizations .
Two cases each were @ @ @ @ @ espionage and terrorist attacks , as reported by the SBU 's press center .
In @ @ @ @ @ were to expose Russian special service agents involved in intelligence and subversive operations against Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ criminal cases have been opened based on the SBU 's counterintelligence materials since the beginning @ @ @ @ @ this period , 73 offenders were jailed ; of them , 21 verdicts were given @ @ @ @

In most cases, the investigations were to expose Russian special service agents involved in intelligence and subversive operations against Ukraine.
The SBU Security Service of Ukraine has launched 52 criminal proceedings since the beginning of the year to probe high treason along with 27 cases investigating the creation of terrorist groups or organizations.
Two cases each were opened to investigate sabotage, espionage and terrorist attacks, as reported by the SBU's press center.
Read alsoSBU detains member of notorious 'Vostok Battalion' involved in Donetsk airport battles
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In most cases, the investigations were to expose Russian special service agents involved in intelligence and subversive operations against Ukraine.
In particular, Valeriy Shaitanov, the ex-head of the A Squadron of the Special Operations Center, who was detained in April, is facing treason and terrorism charges, as he was in contact with a colonel of Russia's FSB and passed on intelligence information to him, including about operations in the Anti-Terrorist Operation / Joint Forces Operation zone in Donbas.
"A person who led a group of agents of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Federation's Armed Forces was also notified of suspicion. The former Ukrainian serviceman was recruited when he was in the [Russia-]occupied part of Luhansk region. After this, he and three other individuals gathered intelligence information about [Ukraine's] military facilities in Volyn," the SBU said.
In addition, the SBU prevented the transfer by a resident of Luhansk region of secret technical documentation related to domestic aerospace and defense technology. The suspect turned out to be an agent of the Russian special services. He was detained while trying to transfer data to FSB representatives.
In total, 221 criminal cases have been opened based on the SBU's counterintelligence materials since the beginning of the year.
During this period, 73 offenders were jailed; of them, 21 verdicts were given in treason cases.
In particular, ex-law enforcement officer Oleh Smorodinov, who, on the instructions of the FSB, murdered head of the Rivne detention center Ivan Mamchur, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, the SBU said.
Two Ukrainian citizens were sentenced to 12 years in prison for a terrorist attack in Mariupol as a result of which SBU Colonel Oleksandr Kharaberyush was killed. The two acted on the instructions of the so-called "Special Operations Center under the MGB State Security Ministry" of the Russian-controlled terrorist organization "Donetsk People's Republic."
In addition, an agent of Russia's FSB who in July 2020 attempted to blow up containers with ammonia at PrJSC Severodonetsk Azot Association was sentenced to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.
A Chinese citizen, a professor of Xi'an Modern Chemistry Research Institute, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on espionage charges – he collected classified information on developments of facilities of Ukraine's defense industry.
More SBU-related news reports:


unian--2020-09-17--Belarus beefing up security on border with Ukraine, shuts down borders with Lithuania, Poland

The Belarusian leader says that this is a `` forced '' measure .
Belarus is beefing up securing on the border with Ukraine and is to shut down its border with Poland and Lithuania .
This was announced by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko , according to the Belarusian media outlet tut.by .
Meanwhile , according to him , security on the border with Ukraine will be stepped up .
As Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty 's Belarusian service adds , it is not yet clear in practice what this move means .
Lukashenko insists he is not an aggressor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village where everyone protected and helped each other , tut.by said .
He also appealed to the peoples of Lithuania , Poland , and Ukraine : `` Stop your insane politicians , do n't let the war break out . ''
As he was speaking at a forum for women , he called on them not to worry , as `` the men will solve this problem . ''
He also called the situation `` very complicated '' and suggested that `` the situation of the entire Europe is being decided here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to turn into a hot war .
Their arsenal has not so many tools left , and we are on the brink of a terrible disaster .
If they come here , we will have to answer .
We wo n't kneel – even if we face this [ situation ] alone , '' Lukashenko stressed .
Read alsoLukashenko asks Putin for `` some types of weapons '' Recent developments in Belarus in brief • On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
The country 's Central Election Commission announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• Thousands took to the streets to protest what many believe was a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently cracked down on protesters .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9 .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started to release detainees .
• On August 16 , the March of Freedom , the largest protest in the history of Belarus , took place in Minsk .
Hundreds of thousands of people joined in .
• Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed `` foreign interference '' in the election and external efforts to foment the protests .
He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin who had promised him comprehensive assistance upon request .
• On August 27 , Putin suggested sending Russian security forces to suppress protests in Belarus .
• The European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results and reached an agreement to impose sanctions against Belarusian officials in response to vote rigging and the use of violence against protesters .
• On September 15 , the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a statement on Belarus .
Ukrainian lawmakers said the presidential elections in that country were unfair .
They condemned repression against protesters and vowed support for sanctions to be introduced by the European Union against Belarusian officials .

The Belarusian leader says that this is a "forced" measure.
Belarus is beefing up securing on the border with Ukraine and is to shut down its border with Poland and Lithuania.
This was announced by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, according to the Belarusian media outlet tut.by.
"We are forced to withdraw troops from the streets, put half of the army under arms and close the state border in the west – with Lithuania and Poland," Lukashenko said.
Meanwhile, according to him, security on the border with Ukraine will be stepped up.
"We are forced to strengthen the state border, to the greatest regret, with our fraternal Ukraine," he added.
As Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty's Belarusian service adds, it is not yet clear in practice what this move means.
Lukashenko insists he is not an aggressor, mentioning he grew up in a village where everyone protected and helped each other, tut.by said.
"I don't want our country to fight. Moreover, I don't want Belarus and Poland, Lithuania to turn into a theater of military operations where other than our issues will be resolved," he said.
He also appealed to the peoples of Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine: "Stop your insane politicians, don't let the war break out."
As he was speaking at a forum for women, he called on them not to worry, as "the men will solve this problem."
He also called the situation "very complicated" and suggested that "the situation of the entire Europe is being decided here."
"It shouldn't be let to turn into a hot war. Their arsenal has not so many tools left, and we are on the brink of a terrible disaster. If they come here, we will have to answer. We won't kneel – even if we face this [situation] alone," Lukashenko stressed.
Read alsoLukashenko asks Putin for "some types of weapons"
Recent developments in Belarus in brief


unian--2020-09-17--EU, U.S. take note of Ukrainian Rada's decision on commission to select SAPO chief

Further support will depend on transparency in the selection process .
The European Union and the United States take note of a decision taken by the Vekrhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , to appoint a commission that will select candidates for the position of the chief of the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office ( SAPO ) .
This is announced by the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine on Twitter on September 17 .
`` The European Union and the United States take note of the Ukrainian parliament 's decision to appoint members to the commission to choose the Specialized Anti-Corruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a transparent process with candidates ' integrity and merits at its core .
Our further support will depend upon it , '' it said .
• On August 21 , Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova signed an order to dismiss Deputy Prosecutor General and SAPO chief Nazar Kholodnytsky .
• On September 17 , the Verkhovna Rada appointed parliamentary representatives to the commission for handling a competition to select candidates for positions at SAPO , in particular , the post of the SAPO chief .
These are Olensa Busol , Andriy Hudzhal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Romaniuk , Viacheslav Navrotsky , and Yevhen Sobol .
• None What is more , on September 17 , 2020 , MEP , who is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee , Viola von Cramon- Taubadel wrote on Twitter that Ukraine might lose visa-free travel and financial assistance from the European Union over the situation around the appointment of a new SAPO head .
`` Ukraine 's Government is jeopardizing visa-free with the EU and further trance of EUR1.5 billion assistance , '' she said .
• None Ukrainian media reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People Party , Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada 's Committee for Legal Affairs Andriy Kostin might be tapped to head Ukraine 's Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office .

Further support will depend on transparency in the selection process.
The European Union and the United States take note of a decision taken by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, to appoint a commission that will select candidates for the position of the chief of the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO).
This is announced by the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine on Twitter on September 17.
"The European Union and the United States take note of the Ukrainian parliament's decision to appoint members to the commission to choose the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor. The commission needs to embark on a transparent process with candidates' integrity and merits at its core. Our further support will depend upon it," it said.
Read alsoSAPO chief selection: Rada appoints commission members despite western partners' warning
Changing SAPO's chief: Recent developments


unian--2020-09-17--World Bank: Investing in human capital top priority for Ukraine

The bank says it will be boosting financial support for projects to enhance human development globally .
The World Bank has said Ukraine needs more and better targeted investment in education , health care , and social protection in order for the Ukrainian people to reach their full human potential .
That 's according to the Bank 's press service .
In particular , the World Bank noted the country 's low level of human capital development .
`` In Ukraine , a child born today can only expect to achieve 63 % of the productivity of a fully educated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is above the average for countries of a similar level of economic development worldwide , it is below the average of Europe and Central Asia , '' the press release says .
`` Most disconcertingly , and in contrast to most other countries in the region and the world , in Ukraine there has been no improvement in the HCI [ Human Capital Index ] between 2010 and 2020 , '' the press service said .
Read alsoCapital investment in Ukrainian economy shrinks by 34.9 % in H1The World Bank says it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhance human development globally .
The World Bank on September 11 called on Ukraine to speed up the adoption of the laws required for the launch of the farmland market , which is expected to be open in July 2021 .

The bank says it will be boosting financial support for projects to enhance human development globally.
The World Bank has said Ukraine needs more and better targeted investment in education, health care, and social protection in order for the Ukrainian people to reach their full human potential.
That's according to the Bank's press service.
Assessment of human capital in Ukraine
Видео дня
In particular, the World Bank noted the country's low level of human capital development.
"In Ukraine, a child born today can only expect to achieve 63% of the productivity of a fully educated adult in optimal health. While this is above the average for countries of a similar level of economic development worldwide, it is below the average of Europe and Central Asia," the press release says.
Ukraine's Human Capital Index
"Most disconcertingly, and in contrast to most other countries in the region and the world, in Ukraine there has been no improvement in the HCI [Human Capital Index] between 2010 and 2020," the press service said.
Read alsoCapital investment in Ukrainian economy shrinks by 34.9% in H1The World Bank says it will be boosting financial support for projects to enhance human development globally.
Preceding developments
The World Bank on September 11 called on Ukraine to speed up the adoption of the laws required for the launch of the farmland market, which is expected to be open in July 2021.


unian--2020-09-17--SAPO chief selection: Rada appoints commission members despite western partners' warning

MEP , member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Viola von Cramon says Ukraine may lose visa-free travel preferences and financial assistance from the European Union .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , has passed a draft resolution on the appointment of commission members to select a new head of the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office ( SAPO ) .
A total of 239 MPs have backed Resolution No .
4104 , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
Rada is allowed to appoint seven commission members , besides four members appointed by the Prosecutors ' Council .
• , Senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Special Legal Disciplines of the Educational and Scientific Humanitarian Institute of Vernadsky Tavria National University , Doctor of Law ; • , Head of the Department of Doctoral Studies and Adjuncture of the National Academy of Internal Affairs , Doctor of Law , Associate Professor ; • , first deputy chair of the Union of Lawyers of Ukraine ; • , Professor at the Department of Transport Law and Logistics of National Transport University , Candidate of Legal Sciences , Associate Professor ; • , Professor at the Department of Theory of Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Professor at the Department of Criminal Law and Criminology , Lviv State University of Internal Affairs , Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine , Doctor of Law , Professor ; and • , Head of the Department of State and Legal Disciplines and Administrative Law of the Vinnychenko Central Ukrainian State Pedagogical University , Doctor of Law , Professor .
At the same time , MEP , member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Viola von Cramon wrote on Twitter on September 17 , 2020 , that Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the European Union over the situation around the appointment of a new SAPO head .
His resignation letter was signed by Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova .
The European Union , key European powers , and the World Bank have written a letter to the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , as well as the President 's Office , over the draft resolution the parliament intended to pass on September 3 ( the resolution did not pass the Rada on that day ) .
The appeal intended to warn of the possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ composition of the commission formed to select the new chief of the Special Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office .
The selection commission should be formed from among highly reputable candidates with significant experience in the field of combating corruption , the letter said , adding that public confidence in the selection process will largely depend on the composition of the selection committee .
The ambassadors of the G7 countries ( the United States , the United Kingdom , Canada , France , Italy , Germany , and Japan ) in a statement posted September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity of the National Anti-corruption Bureau ( NABU ) of Ukraine , the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office ( SAPO ) , and the High Anti-Corruption Court ( HACC ) .
• The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor 's Office is an independent structural unit of the General Prosecutor of Ukraine , created in 2015 , and is primarily responsible for supporting and overseeing criminal investigations launched by the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) , that 's per Wikipedia .
• The prospect of visa liberalization ( visa-free travel to the Schengen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union was closely linked with the process of creating the SAPO .
• In the latest memorandum with the International Monetary Fund signed over the approval of the Stand-by Arrangement , Ukraine committed to advancing good governance efforts and combatting high-level corruption .
`` We will ensure that the country 's new anticorruption institutions – the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine , the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor 's Office , and the High Anti-Corruption Court ( HACC ) – maintain their independence and integrity ( including by providing them with adequate resources ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate , prosecute and adjudicate high-level corruption cases .

MEP, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Viola von Cramon says Ukraine may lose visa-free travel preferences and financial assistance from the European Union.
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has passed a draft resolution on the appointment of commission members to select a new head of the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO).
A total of 239 MPs have backed Resolution No. 4104, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
Rada is allowed to appoint seven commission members, besides four members appointed by the Prosecutors' Council.
Видео дня
Today, the Verkhovna Rada appointed:
Olena Busol , Senior Researcher, Head of the Department of Special Legal Disciplines of the Educational and Scientific Humanitarian Institute of Vernadsky Tavria National University, Doctor of Law;
, Senior Researcher, Head of the Department of Special Legal Disciplines of the Educational and Scientific Humanitarian Institute of Vernadsky Tavria National University, Doctor of Law; Andriy Hudzhal , Managing Partner at GuDeG Lawyers Association;
, Managing Partner at GuDeG Lawyers Association; Oleksiy Drozd , Head of the Department of Doctoral Studies and Adjuncture of the National Academy of Internal Affairs, Doctor of Law, Associate Professor;
, Head of the Department of Doctoral Studies and Adjuncture of the National Academy of Internal Affairs, Doctor of Law, Associate Professor; Kateryna Koval , first deputy chair of the Union of Lawyers of Ukraine;
, first deputy chair of the Union of Lawyers of Ukraine; Bohdan Romaniuk , Professor at the Department of Transport Law and Logistics of National Transport University, Candidate of Legal Sciences, Associate Professor;
, Professor at the Department of Transport Law and Logistics of National Transport University, Candidate of Legal Sciences, Associate Professor; Viacheslav Navrotsky , Professor at the Department of Theory of Law and Human Rights, Ukrainian Catholic University, Professor at the Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Lviv State University of Internal Affairs, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Law, Professor; and
, Professor at the Department of Theory of Law and Human Rights, Ukrainian Catholic University, Professor at the Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Lviv State University of Internal Affairs, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Law, Professor; and Yevhen Sobol , Head of the Department of State and Legal Disciplines and Administrative Law of the Vinnychenko Central Ukrainian State Pedagogical University, Doctor of Law, Professor.
At the same time, MEP, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Viola von Cramon wrote on Twitter on September 17, 2020, that Ukraine may lose visa-free travel and financial assistance from the European Union over the situation around the appointment of a new SAPO head.
While international community is occupied with #Belarus, 🇺🇦 #Ukraine government is hastily pushing candidates lacking experience & integrity to select #SAPO head. This will not fly
🇺🇦 Government is jeopardizing visa-free with the EU and further trance of €1,5 Billion assistance — Viola von Cramon (@ViolavonCramon) September 17, 2020
Kholodnytsky's resignation, row with Wetern partners over successor's selection
On August 21, SAPO Head Nazar Kholodnytsky filed for resignation.
His resignation letter was signed by Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova.
SAPO Deputy Head Maksym Hryshchuk was appointed the agency's acting head.
The European Union, key European powers, and the World Bank have written a letter to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, as well as the President's Office, over the draft resolution the parliament intended to pass on September 3 (the resolution did not pass the Rada on that day).
The appeal intended to warn of the possible implications of the decision to change the composition of the commission formed to select the new chief of the Special Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office.
The selection commission should be formed from among highly reputable candidates with significant experience in the field of combating corruption, the letter said, adding that public confidence in the selection process will largely depend on the composition of the selection committee.
The ambassadors of the G7 countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, and Japan) in a statement posted September 16 stressed the need to protect the integrity of the National Anti-corruption Bureau (NABU) of Ukraine, the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), and the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC).
What is SAPO


unian--2020-09-17--Health minister elaborates on work of schools, kindergartens, transport amid strict quarantine

State and regional commissions are the ultimate decision-makers in terms of shutting down schools or public transportation .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says quarantine rules and terms of `` zoning '' have been changed in the country , taking into account the epidemiological situation in regions , while the mandatory shutdown of schools and kindergartens over the COVID-19 epidemic has been canceled .
From now on , these are the state and regional commissions on technogenic and ecological safety and emergencies that should take decisions on whether to close schools and kindergartens or stop public transportation , the minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Snidanok z 1+1 '' on September 17 .
`` With regard to the green , yellow , and orange quarantine zones , if 50 % of classes ( groups in kindergartens ) in a particular school have decided to self-isolate , the whole educational facility will be shut down , '' he said .
Read alsoDaily COVID-19 spike in Ukraine hits new high with over 3,500 cases on Sept 17Operations of public transport will also be regulated by a joint decision of the state and regional commissions .
There will no longer be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red zone .
The Minister stressed that the new zoning rules will not influence the number of regions in a particular zone since the criteria for division have remained the same .
`` If hospital load in the region exceeds 75 % five days in a row , such region is put in the orange zone .
We 've also changed the criterion for the number of new cases detected .
We used to have a clear indicator for transition [ to other zone ] .
Now the decision will be taken at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If the coronavirus incidence in a certain settlement exceeds five-times the average across the country for 14 days , it will be put in the red zone , '' the minister explained .
On September 16 , the Cabinet of Ministers changed terms for zoning regions amid the quarantine , as well as the rules for each of the zones .
In particular , the rules for holding cultural events have become the same in the green , yellow , and orange zones .
Institutions included in the orange zone shall indicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as the number of visitors allowed to enter them .
Over 40 % of small-sized businesses in Ukraine are not ready for the second strict nationwide lockdown , according to a poll conducted by the European Business Association ( EBA ) .

State and regional commissions are the ultimate decision-makers in terms of shutting down schools or public transportation.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says quarantine rules and terms of "zoning" have been changed in the country, taking into account the epidemiological situation in regions, while the mandatory shutdown of schools and kindergartens over the COVID-19 epidemic has been canceled.
From now on, these are the state and regional commissions on technogenic and ecological safety and emergencies that should take decisions on whether to close schools and kindergartens or stop public transportation, the minister said at a morning TV show "Snidanok z 1+1" on September 17.
"With regard to the green, yellow, and orange quarantine zones, if 50% of classes (groups in kindergartens) in a particular school have decided to self-isolate, the whole educational facility will be shut down," he said.
Видео дня
Read alsoDaily COVID-19 spike in Ukraine hits new high with over 3,500 cases on Sept 17Operations of public transport will also be regulated by a joint decision of the state and regional commissions. There will no longer be strict restrictions on passenger traffic in the red zone.
The Minister stressed that the new zoning rules will not influence the number of regions in a particular zone since the criteria for division have remained the same.
"If hospital load in the region exceeds 75% five days in a row, such region is put in the orange zone. We've also changed the criterion for the number of new cases detected. We used to have a clear indicator for transition [to other zone]. Now the decision will be taken at the level of the city or districts. If the coronavirus incidence in a certain settlement exceeds five-times the average across the country for 14 days, it will be put in the red zone," the minister explained.
Quarantine in Ukraine: latest developments
On September 16, the Cabinet of Ministers changed terms for zoning regions amid the quarantine, as well as the rules for each of the zones. In particular, the rules for holding cultural events have become the same in the green, yellow, and orange zones. Institutions included in the orange zone shall indicate the area of premises at the entrance, as well as the number of visitors allowed to enter them.
Over 40% of small-sized businesses in Ukraine are not ready for the second strict nationwide lockdown, according to a poll conducted by the European Business Association (EBA).


unian--2020-09-17--Kyiv mayor reports 379 new COVID-19 cases, five fatalities in past day

As of today , the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 18,449 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose by 379 in the past day .
`` In the past day , another 379 residents of Kyiv tested positive for coronavirus , including seven healthcare workers .
There were five fatalities , '' Klitschko reported via Telegram on September 17 .
According to the city mayor , 208 women aged 18 to 76 and 130 men aged 18 to 83 are among those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 16 years old ) and 21 boys ( from three to 17 years old ) have tested positive .
Klitschko said 31 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
Read alsoDaily COVID-19 spike in Ukraine hits new high with over 3,500 cases on Sept 17He added that 82 people had recovered in the past day .
In total , 5,601 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dniprovsky district ( 59 ) , and Desniansky district ( 55 ) .
The total death toll in the city is 296 cases .
• The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1 .
The Ukrainian regions were split into the green , yellow , orange , and red zones depending on hospital bed occupancy , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and daily spread dynamics .
• Quarantine-related curbs differ in each zone .
The mildest ones are in the green zone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to introduce the toughest restrictions .
• On August 26 , the Cabinet of Ministers extended the adaptive quarantine until November 1 .
• On September 10 , the government reviewed the borders of COVID-19 quarantine zones .
The reviewed zoning regulations will take effect on Monday , September 14 .
Kyiv became part of the orange zone , with the second-toughest bans after the red zone .
• Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry has no plans to introduce a new lockdown in Ukraine yet .

As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 18,449.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose by 379 in the past day.
"In the past day, another 379 residents of Kyiv tested positive for coronavirus, including seven healthcare workers. There were five fatalities," Klitschko reported via Telegram on September 17.
"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 18,449."
According to the city mayor, 208 women aged 18 to 76 and 130 men aged 18 to 83 are among those infected.
Twenty girls (from seven to 16 years old) and 21 boys (from three to 17 years old) have tested positive.
Klitschko said 31 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
Read alsoDaily COVID-19 spike in Ukraine hits new high with over 3,500 cases on Sept 17He added that 82 people had recovered in the past day.
In total, 5,601 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (72), Dniprovsky district (59), and Desniansky district (55).
The total death toll in the city is 296 cases.
Quarantine in Ukraine: background


unian--2020-09-17--War in Donbas threat to int'l stability: Zelensky at Rapid Trident 2020 joint military exercise open

War in Donbas threat to int'l stability: Zelensky at Rapid Trident 2020 joint military exercise opening

More than 4,000 troops from nine participating countries will participate in the drills .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took part in the opening ceremony of the Rapid Trident 2020 multinational military drills in Lviv region .
The opening ceremony took place at the Yavoriv training ground during the president 's working trip to Lviv region , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
`` I am glad to start my working trip to Lviv region with a visit to the International Peacekeeping Security Centre .
I am glad to meet with Ukrainian soldiers and our friends – military armies of NATO countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of large-scale international military drills , '' he said .
`` Every time I meet with international leaders , I emphasize : the war in the east [ of Ukraine ] is not only a threat to Ukraine , it 's a threat to the security and stability of all countries in Europe and the world , '' Zelensky said , adding that international partners are in solidarity with Ukraine on the issue .
The president stressed the need to overcome existing challenges and find mechanisms for an adequate response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Ukraine 's integration into NATO .
At the beginning of the week , I approved the National Security Strategy , according to which NATO membership is the strategic course of Ukraine , '' the president said .
Zelensky noted the importance of quickly achieving compatibility of Ukraine 's Armed Forces with the NATO militaries , as well as intensifying reforms that will allow Ukraine to join Membership Action Plan .
• More than 4,000 troops from nine participating countries will participate in the Joint Exercise Rapid Trident 20 taking place Sept. 16-25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yavoriv , Ukraine .
Rapid Trident 20 will include a brigade-level command post exercise and limited platoon-level tactical training .
The exercise aims to enhance security cooperation and coordination between the U.S. , Ukraine , and other partner nations , Army Times reported .
• The war with Russia spurred the Ukrainian government to seek closer defense cooperation with the U.S. and NATO militaries .
U.S. European Command partnered with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in 2015 to establish the JMTG-U and the training center in Yavoriv in order to facilitate the Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and doctrine to NATO-aligned methods of fighting .
• The 10-day training exercise traditionally takes place in the summer and was originally slated for July .
In March , U.S. Army Europe and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense decided to suspend this year 's Rapid Trident due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts and restrictions .
They resumed planning in July before rescheduling the exercise to mid-September .
• The U.S. has slashed the number of troops participating in an annual multinational training with Ukraine by more than half compared to last year .

More than 4,000 troops from nine participating countries will participate in the drills.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took part in the opening ceremony of the Rapid Trident 2020 multinational military drills in Lviv region.
The opening ceremony took place at the Yavoriv training ground during the president's working trip to Lviv region, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
"I am glad to start my working trip to Lviv region with a visit to the International Peacekeeping Security Centre. I am glad to meet with Ukrainian soldiers and our friends – military armies of NATO countries. I congratulate all of you on the start of large-scale international military drills," he said.
"Every time I meet with international leaders, I emphasize: the war in the east [of Ukraine] is not only a threat to Ukraine, it's a threat to the security and stability of all countries in Europe and the world," Zelensky said, adding that international partners are in solidarity with Ukraine on the issue.
The president stressed the need to overcome existing challenges and find mechanisms for an adequate response to tackle them.
"One of these is Ukraine's integration into NATO. At the beginning of the week, I approved the National Security Strategy, according to which NATO membership is the strategic course of Ukraine," the president said.
Zelensky noted the importance of quickly achieving compatibility of Ukraine's Armed Forces with the NATO militaries, as well as intensifying reforms that will allow Ukraine to join Membership Action Plan.
Rapid Trident 2020: background