unian--2020-12-22--Honey, ice cream and buckwheat: Ukrainian exports highs in 2020

The year of 2020 was a difficult one for the entire agricultural sector due to drought , pandemic , and quarantine restrictions .
Despite all this , Ukraine has reached new export peaks , becoming for a number of products a leading supplier in the EU and world markets .
UNIAN has learned which products became an export failure and what markets turned out to be an unexpected discovery .
Ukraine never suspended agricultural exports even in the face of a pandemic and a global lockdown .
Buckwheat became the only commodity to which a temporary export ban applied , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ export volume on year .
Unfavorable weather affected both quality and volume of the country 's grain crops , which shattered hopes of repeating the grain export record of 2019 .
Fortunately , cereals are not Ukraine 's only trump card on global food markets .
There were other success stories this year .
Over the eleven months , Ukraine exported agricultural products worth $ 20 billion , which is practically the same year-on-year .
At the same time , the rising cost of food products on the world market compensated for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weight .
Crops have traditionally brought the lion 's share of foreign exchange earnings – exported grains and vegetable oils were worth a total of over US $ 15 billion .
In late 2020 , global trade revived a little , having adapted to lockdowns and other restrictions .
Also , in December , food exports normally intensify .
Therefore , most likely , the Ukrainian export of agricultural products by the end of 2020 will exceed a $ 22 billion mark , and may even reach $ 23 billion , thus updating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of 2020 , Ukraine exported 69,800 tonnes of honey worth $ 117.5 million , which is a record for the last three years .
Consultant for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO ) , Anna Burka , reported that this year , Ukraine had become the leading honey exporter to the EU , having supplied over 30,000 tonnes .
Noteworthy , Ukraine exhausted the quota for duty-free import of honey to the EU set at 6,000 as long back as January 2020 .
According to the expert , high demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is due to a number of reasons .
It 's the `` uncertainty with the further developments with COVID-19 , and , accordingly , the active formation of stocks for the entire 2020/21 season ; honey crop failure in the EU – according to preliminary estimates , EU honey crops were down by 40 % due to unfavorable weather conditions . ''
As analyst with the UCAB , Ivan Kolodiazhny , told UNIAN , this year Ukraine managed to increase the export of a number of goods that are atypical for the domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products with a skyrocketing rise in export volumes were crustaceans ( up 9.6 times , to about 770 tonnes ) , citrus ( up 8.6 times , to 736 tonnes ) , coconut oil ( up 7.5 times , to 281 tonnes , bovine fat ( by 4.6 times , to 1,600 , and cocoa powder ( up four-fold , up to almost 720 tonnes .
`` Ukraine has significantly increased the export of these items if you look at the percentage increase , although in terms of quantity , their export was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , it is obvious that some of these export positions reflected the re-export of products .
Despite global warming , coconut trees and cocoa beans are not yet seen growing on Ukrainian lands .
Despite the temporary ban on the export of buckwheat , which the Cabinet introduced in April to calm the food panic amid the lockdown , Ukraine has doubled the supply of this cereal abroad against last year , up to 96,200 tonnes .
Main destinations were Poland , Italy , and Indonesia .
Also , Ukraine has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeds of grain and oilseeds : in January-September , exports reached $ 16.5 million , which is 30 % more than for the entire 2019 .
`` These are the best indicators over the past ten years , '' says Oleksandr Zakharchuk , a researcher at the Institute of Agrarian Economics .
At the same time , the 2020 harvest was the worst in the last three years – Ukraine harvested 65.4 million tonnes of grain , which is 7 million tonnes below last year 's figure .
Moreover , bad weather slowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the supply of the export staple , which is corn , lagged behind last year 's figures by 14 % , wheat – by 5 % , and soybeans by half .
It should be noted that crop failures were also seen in a number of other agrarian giants worldwide –Argentina , the U.S. , and France , so Ukraine still has a chance to regain leadership on global markets .
`` Although there is still no final data on the volume of Ukraine 's exports to global markets , there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year 's results , that in 2020 Ukraine will be the largest exporter of sunflower oil and one of the leaders in the export of its main grain crops – corn and wheat , '' said the UCAB analyst Ivan Kolodiazhny .
In the third quarter of 2020 , Ukraine got back into the world 's TOP 3 exporters of chicken to the European Union , after sliding to the fourth position last year .
In general , chicken export over the eleven months brought Ukraine about $ 500 million , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one hand , the decline in exports was influenced by the outbreak of bird flu in January and the ban on imports imposed by several governments .
On the other hand , the demand for chicken in most countries has decreased due to the lockdown and the closure of restaurants , hotels , and tourist complexes .
Although the domestic dairy sector is in a deep crisis , the success of exporting certain types of Ukrainian milk can not but make producers happy .
So far this year , the country has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ milk , and cream 2.6 times , exported twice the last year 's volume of casein , as well as fermented milk products – more by over a half than in 2019 .
`` In monetary terms , imports of dairy products account for about 57 % , and exports – for 43 % .
However , trade indicators in real terms are still encouraging .
Indeed , over 11 months , 101,300 tonnes of dairy products was exported and 83,900 tonnes – imported , '' the Association of Milk Producers reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic has created an opportunity for Ukraine to represent itself as a `` guarantor of global food security . ''
According to the UN , now about 820 million people in the world are chronically malnourished , of which 113 million live in hunger .
The pandemic has already made things bad and will further exacerbate the situation .
The suspension of full-scale transport links has severed resilient food supply chains and showed how vulnerable the global economy can be .
In such conditions , Ukraine 's food potential has acquired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a century after the tragic test of the Holodomor genocide , Ukraine can become 'World Food Basket 2.0 . '
Not the one from which grain is exported for the sake of the 'party 's gold , ' but the one that is able to ensure food security for itself and partners .
It sounds ambitious , albeit realistic , '' Kuleba says .
It is also encouraging that a full-fledged agrarian ministry will re-emerge in Ukraine next year after a relatively short period of being part of the Ministry for Development of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of its priorities should be to further develop national exports , especially value-added food products , and to promote domestic producers at the global level .
Crisis has been rebuilding global economy for almost a year now , giving the strongest powers a chance to climb a step higher in the global food chain .
For Ukraine , with its limitless potential , it is extremely important not to miss this train .
If you see a spelling error on our site , select it and press Ctrl+Enter

The year of 2020 was a difficult one for the entire agricultural sector due to drought, pandemic, and quarantine restrictions. Despite all this, Ukraine has reached new export peaks, becoming for a number of products a leading supplier in the EU and world markets. UNIAN has learned which products became an export failure and what markets turned out to be an unexpected discovery.
Ukraine never suspended agricultural exports even in the face of a pandemic and a global lockdown. Buckwheat became the only commodity to which a temporary export ban applied, but still Ukraine managed to double its export volume on year.
Unfavorable weather affected both quality and volume of the country's grain crops, which shattered hopes of repeating the grain export record of 2019.
Fortunately, cereals are not Ukraine's only trump card on global food markets. There were other success stories this year.
Видео дня
Over the eleven months, Ukraine exported agricultural products worth $20 billion, which is practically the same year-on-year. At the same time, the rising cost of food products on the world market compensated for the slightly lower volumes in terms of physical weight.
Crops have traditionally brought the lion's share of foreign exchange earnings – exported grains and vegetable oils were worth a total of over US$15 billion.
In late 2020, global trade revived a little, having adapted to lockdowns and other restrictions. Also, in December, food exports normally intensify.
Therefore, most likely, the Ukrainian export of agricultural products by the end of 2020 will exceed a $22 billion mark, and may even reach $23 billion, thus updating last year's record.
Setting records
For eleven months of 2020, Ukraine exported 69,800 tonnes of honey worth $117.5 million, which is a record for the last three years.
Consultant for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Anna Burka, reported that this year, Ukraine had become the leading honey exporter to the EU, having supplied over 30,000 tonnes.
Noteworthy, Ukraine exhausted the quota for duty-free import of honey to the EU set at 6,000 as long back as January 2020.
According to the expert, high demand for Ukrainian honey in the European Union is due to a number of reasons.
It's the "uncertainty with the further developments with COVID-19, and, accordingly, the active formation of stocks for the entire 2020/21 season; honey crop failure in the EU – according to preliminary estimates, EU honey crops were down by 40% due to unfavorable weather conditions."
TOP 5 unusual export items
As analyst with the UCAB, Ivan Kolodiazhny, told UNIAN, this year Ukraine managed to increase the export of a number of goods that are atypical for the domestic agricultural sector.
The five most non-standard products with a skyrocketing rise in export volumes were crustaceans (up 9.6 times, to about 770 tonnes), citrus (up 8.6 times, to 736 tonnes), coconut oil (up 7.5 times, to 281 tonnes, bovine fat (by 4.6 times, to 1,600, and cocoa powder (up four-fold, up to almost 720 tonnes.
"Ukraine has significantly increased the export of these items if you look at the percentage increase, although in terms of quantity, their export was relatively minor," the expert noted.
However, it is obvious that some of these export positions reflected the re-export of products. Despite global warming, coconut trees and cocoa beans are not yet seen growing on Ukrainian lands.
Cereals and oilseeds
Despite the temporary ban on the export of buckwheat, which the Cabinet introduced in April to calm the food panic amid the lockdown, Ukraine has doubled the supply of this cereal abroad against last year, up to 96,200 tonnes. Main destinations were Poland, Italy, and Indonesia.
Also, Ukraine has increased the export of planting material – seeds of grain and oilseeds: in January-September, exports reached $16.5 million, which is 30% more than for the entire 2019.
"These are the best indicators over the past ten years," says Oleksandr Zakharchuk, a researcher at the Institute of Agrarian Economics.
At the same time, the 2020 harvest was the worst in the last three years – Ukraine harvested 65.4 million tonnes of grain, which is 7 million tonnes below last year's figure.
Moreover, bad weather slowed down the harvesting campaign, due to which the supply of the export staple, which is corn, lagged behind last year's figures by 14%, wheat – by 5%, and soybeans by half.
It should be noted that crop failures were also seen in a number of other agrarian giants worldwide –Argentina, the U.S., and France, so Ukraine still has a chance to regain leadership on global markets.
"Although there is still no final data on the volume of Ukraine's exports to global markets, there's still some hope, based on last year's results, that in 2020 Ukraine will be the largest exporter of sunflower oil and one of the leaders in the export of its main grain crops – corn and wheat," said the UCAB analyst Ivan Kolodiazhny.
Meat and dairy
In the third quarter of 2020, Ukraine got back into the world's TOP 3 exporters of chicken to the European Union, after sliding to the fourth position last year.
In general, chicken export over the eleven months brought Ukraine about $500 million, which is slightly less than in 2019.
On the one hand, the decline in exports was influenced by the outbreak of bird flu in January and the ban on imports imposed by several governments. On the other hand, the demand for chicken in most countries has decreased due to the lockdown and the closure of restaurants, hotels, and tourist complexes.
Although the domestic dairy sector is in a deep crisis, the success of exporting certain types of Ukrainian milk cannot but make producers happy. So far this year, the country has increased the export of ice cream, milk, and cream 2.6 times, exported twice the last year's volume of casein, as well as fermented milk products – more by over a half than in 2019.
"In monetary terms, imports of dairy products account for about 57%, and exports – for 43%. However, trade indicators in real terms are still encouraging. Indeed, over 11 months, 101,300 tonnes of dairy products was exported and 83,900 tonnes – imported," the Association of Milk Producers reported.
World leadership
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba believes that the coronavirus pandemic has created an opportunity for Ukraine to represent itself as a "guarantor of global food security."
According to the UN, now about 820 million people in the world are chronically malnourished, of which 113 million live in hunger. The pandemic has already made things bad and will further exacerbate the situation.
The suspension of full-scale transport links has severed resilient food supply chains and showed how vulnerable the global economy can be. In such conditions, Ukraine's food potential has acquired a new undeniable significance.
"Almost a century after the tragic test of the Holodomor genocide, Ukraine can become 'World Food Basket 2.0.' Not the one from which grain is exported for the sake of the 'party's gold,' but the one that is able to ensure food security for itself and partners. It sounds ambitious, albeit realistic," Kuleba says.
It is also encouraging that a full-fledged agrarian ministry will re-emerge in Ukraine next year after a relatively short period of being part of the Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade, and Agriculture. One of its priorities should be to further develop national exports, especially value-added food products, and to promote domestic producers at the global level.
Crisis has been rebuilding global economy for almost a year now, giving the strongest powers a chance to climb a step higher in the global food chain. For Ukraine, with its limitless potential, it is extremely important not to miss this train.
Anna Nahorna


unian--2020-12-22--Retail trade turnover in Ukraine in Jan-Nov up 7.8%

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Retail trade turnover in Ukraine in Jan-Nov up 7.8%
12:30, 22.12.20 147
The largest growth was reported in Kyiv, Zaporizhia, and Volyn regions.
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unian--2020-12-22--Mayor of Kyiv's satellite town Brovary robbed in own home

The culprits are still at large while police scrambled to identify and locate them .
A group of five intruders @ @ @ @ @ Ihor Sapozhko in his home in the village of Hnidyn , Kyiv region , on @ @ @ @ @ have broken into his home overnight Tuesday , December 22 , according to the Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ tied the mayor up along with the wife and son before taking money and jewelry @ @ @ @ @ secretary Vitalia Hroholska has told UNIAN .
Read alsoUkrposhta 's cash-in-transit van robbery : Court @ @ @ @ @ informed source has told the Obozrevatel outlet that the attackers held the mayor at gunpoint @ @ @ @ @ money .
The robbers eventually took `` $ 10,000 in cash , as well as @ @ @ @ @ said .
The culprits are still at large while police scrambled to identify and locate @ @ @ @ @ mayor 's family members required medical assistance , police said .

The culprits are still at large while police scrambled to identify and locate them.
A group of five intruders has reportedly attacked Brovary Mayor Ihor Sapozhko in his home in the village of Hnidyn, Kyiv region, on December 21.
The perpetrators have broken into his home overnight Tuesday, December 22, according to the Kyiv Region Police Department.
They tied the mayor up along with the wife and son before taking money and jewelry from the house, press secretary Vitalia Hroholska has told UNIAN.
Видео дня
Read alsoUkrposhta's cash-in-transit van robbery: Court rules to arrest three suspectsAn informed source has told the Obozrevatel outlet that the attackers held the mayor at gunpoint and assaulted him, demanding money.
The robbers eventually took "$10,000 in cash, as well as jewelry," the source said.
The culprits are still at large while police scrambled to identify and locate them.
None of the mayor's family members required medical assistance, police said.
Investigative actions are underway.


unian--2020-12-22--In prank phonecall, Navalny dupes FSB operative into admitting role in poisoning conspiracy

The Kremlin has dismissed the prank call as `` fake '' and a planned provocation .
Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny says he had tricked a Russian secret agent into disclosing details of the botched plot to kill him and had been told that poison had been placed in his underpants .
Before a joint media investigation was released , identifying an FSB-run team of assassins whose attempt on Vladimir Putin critic Alexei Navalny was recently botched , the victim of novichok poisoning decided to call one of the alleged members of the toxins squad , posing as an aide to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports on the reasons why the whole operation failed .
Navalny says one of the men , who he says works for Russia ’ s FSB and appears to have been part of the clean-up team , talked to him for 49 minutes , exposing details of the botched mission , Reuters reports .
The Kremlin has repeatedly rejected any suggestion that Russia tried to kill Navalny , dismissing the latest prank call as `` fake '' and a planned provocation .
In the video published by Navalny , when asked why their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the operative in question , Konstantin Kudryavtsev , says it was probably because the plane he was on at the time made an emergency landing and he was treated professionally and quickly by Russian medics .
Labs in Germany , France and Sweden , and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons , established that Navalny was exposed to a variant of the novichok nerve agent , the other modification of which was used in Salisbury in an assassination attempt targeting a Russian spy turncoat Sergei Skripal , whose daughter was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read alsoNavalny poisoned by FSB elite unit 's operatives : Media reveal namesKonstantin Kudryavtsev stated that the highest concentrations of toxic residue could be found on Navalny ’ s clothes , particularly in `` the inside of Navalny ’ s underpants '' and `` the seams in the crotch area , '' according to Deutsche Welle .
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny felt sick on board the plane he was flying from the city of Tomsk to Moscow on August 20 .
His rapidly deteriorating condition forced the captain to perform an emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Omsk to Berlin 's Charite hospital on an ambulance aircraft for further medical treatment on August 22 .
On September 4 , it was announced that experts with the Bundeswehr laboratory had found traces of poison from the Novichok group in Navalny 's body .
In this regard , Berlin called on Moscow to explain the circumstances of the poisoning of the Russian opposition figure .
On September 10 , it was reported Navalny had made further progress in his recovery and was able to speak again .
On September 14 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent of the Novichok group .
On September 23 , he was discharged from Charite .
He is now convalescing in a secret location .
Read alsoFive countries ' envoys to UN call on Russia to disclose circumstances of Navalny 's poisoningOn September 25 , Navalny 's press secretary , Kira Yarmysh , said that the opposition leader would remain in Germany until the end of his rehabilitation course .
On October 1 , speaking in an interview for Germany 's Der Spiegel , Navalny said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the attempt to poison him with Novichok .
Navalny said he planned to return to Russia .

The Kremlin has dismissed the prank call as "fake" and a planned provocation.
Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny says he had tricked a Russian secret agent into disclosing details of the botched plot to kill him and had been told that poison had been placed in his underpants.
Before a joint media investigation was released, identifying an FSB-run team of assassins whose attempt on Vladimir Putin critic Alexei Navalny was recently botched, the victim of novichok poisoning decided to call one of the alleged members of the toxins squad, posing as an aide to the country's security council seeking individual reports on the reasons why the whole operation failed.
Navalny says one of the men, who he says works for Russia’s FSB and appears to have been part of the clean-up team, talked to him for 49 minutes, exposing details of the botched mission, Reuters reports.
Видео дня
The Kremlin has repeatedly rejected any suggestion that Russia tried to kill Navalny, dismissing the latest prank call as "fake" and a planned provocation.
In the video published by Navalny, when asked why their target survived, the voice allegedly belonging to the operative in question, Konstantin Kudryavtsev, says it was probably because the plane he was on at the time made an emergency landing and he was treated professionally and quickly by Russian medics.
"If it had been a bit longer, then it's possible it would all ... have ended differently," the voice says.
Labs in Germany, France and Sweden, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, established that Navalny was exposed to a variant of the novichok nerve agent, the other modification of which was used in Salisbury in an assassination attempt targeting a Russian spy turncoat Sergei Skripal, whose daughter was also affected in the poisoning attack.
Read alsoNavalny poisoned by FSB elite unit's operatives: Media reveal namesKonstantin Kudryavtsev stated that the highest concentrations of toxic residue could be found on Navalny’s clothes, particularly in "the inside of Navalny’s underpants" and "the seams in the crotch area," according to Deutsche Welle.
Navalny poisoning: Background
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny felt sick on board the plane he was flying from the city of Tomsk to Moscow on August 20. His rapidly deteriorating condition forced the captain to perform an emergency landing in Omsk.
Navalny was evacuated from Omsk to Berlin's Charite hospital on an ambulance aircraft for further medical treatment on August 22.
On September 4, it was announced that experts with the Bundeswehr laboratory had found traces of poison from the Novichok group in Navalny's body. In this regard, Berlin called on Moscow to explain the circumstances of the poisoning of the Russian opposition figure.
On September 10, it was reported Navalny had made further 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.
On September 23, he was discharged from Charite. He is now convalescing in a secret location.
Read alsoFive countries' envoys to UN call on Russia to disclose circumstances of Navalny's poisoningOn September 25, Navalny's press secretary, Kira Yarmysh, said that the opposition leader would remain in Germany until the end of his rehabilitation course.
On October 1, speaking in an interview for Germany's Der Spiegel, Navalny said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was personally behind the attempt to poison him with Novichok. Navalny said he planned to return to Russia.


unian--2020-12-22--Hryvnia weakens to U.S. dollar on Dec 22

Hryvnia weakens to U.S. dollar on Dec 22
11:20, 22.12.20 18206
The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 34.18 per euro.
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unian--2020-12-22--Zelensky says Ukraine expects new IMF disbursement early in 2021

New talks between Kyiv and the IMF began on December 21 .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine expects to receive the next disbursement under the Stand-By Arrangement from the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) in early 2021 .
He announced this during a phone call with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ( EBRD ) Odile Renaud-Basso , the press service of the Office of the President said on December 21 .
Read alsoZelensky thanks EBRD head for loan for road repairs Zelensky noted that , despite the crisis , the Ukrainian banking system 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being implemented .
He also said that an IMF mission was about to start work in Ukraine , and following which it will be decided on the new disbursement in early 2021 .
• On June 9 , 2020 , the IMF 's Executive Board adopted an 18-month Stand-By Arrangement ( SBA ) for Ukraine with funding equivalent to SDR 3.6 billion ( about US $ 5 billion ) aimed at helping Ukraine overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic .
• On June 12 , Ukraine received the first tranche of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 2.1 billion .
The Finance Ministry planned to receive the second tranche under the same arrangement before year-end .
• In late November , the Finance Ministry reported on the successful completion of talks with the IMF on benchmarks of the draft budget for 2021 , which was one of the major prerequisites for starting the SBA review .
• On December 17 , 2020 , Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Ukraine would receive the next tranche from the IMF in February or March 2021 .
• On December 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the IMF began .

New talks between Kyiv and the IMF began on December 21.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine expects to receive the next disbursement under the Stand-By Arrangement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in early 2021.
He announced this during a phone call with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso, the press service of the Office of the President said on December 21.
Read alsoZelensky thanks EBRD head for loan for road repairs
Видео дня
Zelensky noted that, despite the crisis, the Ukrainian banking system's work is stable, and the budget is being implemented.
He also said that an IMF mission was about to start work in Ukraine, and following which it will be decided on the new disbursement in early 2021.
Ukraine and IMF: Background


unian--2020-12-22--Missing Ukrainian soldier reportedly in captivity in Donbas

The serviceman went missing on December 17 .
A Ukrainian soldier who went missing on December 17 is reportedly in captivity in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
This was reported by the press center of the Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Headquarters .
Read alsoUkrainian activist Sinchenko captured in occupied Donetsk , for the third time '' A personnel check at a military unit in the JFO zone on December 17 , 2020 , revealed the absence of one of the unit 's servicemen , '' it said .
A search did not produce a positive result .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ serviceman had been detained by members of illegal armed groups [ controlled by the Russian Federation in Donbas ] , '' the press center said .
The circumstances of the incident are being investigated , it said .
The press center says members of the Russian occupation forces are trying to cynically use this fact to discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine .
• Putin : Russia to `` build up support '' for occupied Donbas • Donbas warzone update : One WIA amid eight truce violations on Dec 17 • Day in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truce on Dec 19 • Donbas warzone update : Two WIAs amid six truce violations on Dec 21

The serviceman went missing on December 17.
A Ukrainian soldier who went missing on December 17 is reportedly in captivity in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
This was reported by the press center of the Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters.
Read alsoUkrainian activist Sinchenko captured in occupied Donetsk, for the third time
Видео дня
"A personnel check at a military unit in the JFO zone on December 17, 2020, revealed the absence of one of the unit's servicemen," it said.
A search did not produce a positive result. "It has been established that the serviceman had been detained by members of illegal armed groups [controlled by the Russian Federation in Donbas]," the press center said.
The circumstances of the incident are being investigated, it said.
The press center says members of the Russian occupation forces are trying to cynically use this fact to discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-12-22--Kremlin prisoner Shumkov to return to Ukraine on Dec 24 – Ombudsperson

Kremlin prisoner Shumkov to return to Ukraine on Dec 24 – Ombudsperson He was abducted by Russian special services in Kherson region on the administrative border with Russia-occupied Crimea in 2017 .
Ukrainian citizen Oleksandr Shumkov is to return to Ukraine from a Russian prison on December 24 .
Ukraine 's Verkhovna Rada Ombudsperson Liudmyla Denisova announced this on Telegram on December 21 .
Read alsoFamilies of Ukrainian political prisoners Russia holds in Crimea rally outside President 's Office ( Photo ) `` On December 24 , Oleksandr Shumkov is returning from a Russian prison to his home country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization Right Sector in August 2017 reported that Shumkov , a serviceman of Chornobai military unit No .
4067 , was abducted by Russian special services on the administrative border between Ukraine 's Kherson region and Russia-occupied Crimea .
• On August 24 , 2017 , a court in Russia 's Bryansk region ruled to arrest Shumkov for 15 days for allegedly failing to comply with a policeman 's request to provide personal belongings for examination .
• In early September 2017 , the Shumkov case was re-categorized .
He was charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of time '' he was allegedly a bodyguard of the then Right Sector leader , Dmytro Yarosh .
• In December 2018 , Shumkov was sentenced to four years in a medium-security prison on charges of committing crime under Part 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ( `` Participation in an extremist organization 's activities '' ) over allegedly being a member of Right Sector , which is outlawed in in Russia .
• Shumkov was imprisoned in penitentiary facility colony No .
4 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region .
• On October 14 , 2019 , Shumkov went on hunger strike over systematic violations by the prison 's administration of his rights and increased psychological pressure on him .
He also demanded that Russia stop `` blackmailing with political prisoners ' involvement '' at Minsk negotiations within the Trilateral Contact Group and Normandy talks .
In addition , Shumkov demanded that Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova respond to his inquiries about the violation of rights in a pretrial detention center .
• On October 22 , Shumkov was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of the hunger strike .
• In November 2019 , relatives of the political prisoner and human rights activists reported that during his stay in the prison hospital in Torzhok , Shumkov got a shot with an unknown substance , possibly psychotropic , because after that his mental state changed dramatically .
• On December 11 , Shumkov said in a letter that Russian FSB officers tried to force him to become a secret witness in a case against another Ukrainian citizen , Ihor Pirozhok , also known as `` Roman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April for alleged preparations for `` a guerrilla war against Russia . ''
• In February and March 2020 , Shumkov repeatedly stated that Russian law enforcement officers had been threatening him with murder .
• On November 1 , his aunt , Liudmyla Shumkova , said that the night before , an employee of the Torzhok colony had inflicted bodily harm on Shumkov in order to provoke him to find a cause for opening another criminal case against him .
If you see a spelling error on our site , select @ @ @ @

Kremlin prisoner Shumkov to return to Ukraine on Dec 24 – Ombudsperson
10:15, 22.12.20 1359
He was abducted by Russian special services in Kherson region on the administrative border with Russia-occupied Crimea in 2017.
Ukrainian citizen Oleksandr Shumkov is to return to Ukraine from a Russian prison on December 24. Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada Ombudsperson Liudmyla Denisova announced this on Telegram on December 21. Read alsoFamilies of Ukrainian political prisoners Russia holds in Crimea rally outside President's Office (Photo) Видео дня "On December 24, Oleksandr Shumkov is returning from a Russian prison to his home country," she wrote. Shumkov's abduction and Russian captivity The Ukrainian organization Right Sector in August 2017 reported that Shumkov, a serviceman of Chornobai military unit No. 4067, was abducted by Russian special services on the administrative border between Ukraine's Kherson region and Russia-occupied Crimea.
On August 24, 2017, a court in Russia's Bryansk region ruled to arrest Shumkov for 15 days for allegedly failing to comply with a policeman's request to provide personal belongings for examination.
In early September 2017, the Shumkov case was re-categorized. He was charged with the fact that "for a long period of time" he was allegedly a bodyguard of the then Right Sector leader, Dmytro Yarosh.
In December 2018, Shumkov was sentenced to four years in a medium-security prison on charges of committing crime under Part 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Participation in an extremist organization's activities") over allegedly being a member of Right Sector, which is outlawed in in Russia.
Shumkov was imprisoned in penitentiary facility colony No. 4 in the town of Torzhok, Russia's Tver region.
On October 14, 2019, Shumkov went on hunger strike over systematic violations by the prison's administration of his rights and increased psychological pressure on him. He also demanded that Russia stop "blackmailing with political prisoners' involvement" at Minsk negotiations within the Trilateral Contact Group and Normandy talks. In addition, Shumkov demanded that Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova respond to his inquiries about the violation of rights in a pretrial detention center.
On October 22, Shumkov was hospitalized after his condition had deteriorated as a result of the hunger strike.
In November 2019, relatives of the political prisoner and human rights activists reported that during his stay in the prison hospital in Torzhok, Shumkov got a shot with an unknown substance, possibly psychotropic, because after that his mental state changed dramatically.
On December 11, Shumkov said in a letter that Russian FSB officers tried to force him to become a secret witness in a case against another Ukrainian citizen, Ihor Pirozhok, also known as "Roman Chirka." The latter was detained in April for alleged preparations for "a guerrilla war against Russia."
In February and March 2020, Shumkov repeatedly stated that Russian law enforcement officers had been threatening him with murder.
On November 1, his aunt, Liudmyla Shumkova, said that the night before, an employee of the Torzhok colony had inflicted bodily harm on Shumkov in order to provoke him to find a cause for opening another criminal case against him.
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unian--2020-12-22--Over 600,000 Ukrainians beat COVID-19 as of Dec 22

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 944,381 .
Ukraine said 8,513 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 22 , 2020 , while 600,288 patients had beaten the disease since the start of the epidemic .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 979,506 as of December 22 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 14,020 patients recovered in the past day .
The death toll has hit 16,897 with 232 fatalities recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government reported 362,321 active cases as of December 22 .
In total , there have been 1,076,449 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
Read alsoUkraine in world 's TOP 20 countries with largest number of COVID-19 cases '' In the past day , 8,513 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 415 children and 368 healthcare workers .
Some 1,318 new patients were hospitalized , '' Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Tuesday .
In total , 46,696 tests were conducted in the country in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were 26,341 PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) tests run , as well as 20,355 ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) tests .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv ( 1,159 ) , Dnipropetrovsk region ( 992 ) , Odesa region ( 914 ) , Zaporizhia region ( 665 ) , and Kyiv region ( 559 ) .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions @ @ @ @ @

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 944,381.
Ukraine said 8,513 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 22, 2020, while 600,288 patients had beaten the disease since the start of the epidemic.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 979,506 as of December 22, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 14,020 patients recovered in the past day.
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The death toll has hit 16,897 with 232 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours.
The government reported 362,321 active cases as of December 22. In total, there have been 1,076,449 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
Read alsoUkraine in world's TOP 20 countries with largest number of COVID-19 cases"In the past day, 8,513 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 415 children and 368 healthcare workers. Some 1,318 new patients were hospitalized," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.
In total, 46,696 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 26,341 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests run, as well as 20,355 ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv (1,159), Dnipropetrovsk region (992), Odesa region (914), Zaporizhia region (665), and Kyiv region (559).
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.


unian--2020-12-22--Donbas warzone update: Two WIAs amid six truce violations on Dec 21

Since midnight , enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops .
The Command of Ukraine 's Armed Forces has reported two soldiers wounded in action ( WIA ) amid six violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Monday , December 21 .
`` In the past day , December 21 , the Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire six times , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:30 Kyiv time on December 22 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and heavy machine guns near the village of Zolote-4 .
Also , the enemy fired 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various systems , heavy machine guns and automatic rifles at the Ukrainian positions near the villages of Pivdenne , Luhanske , and Shumy .
Read alsoPutin : Russia to `` build up support '' for occupied Donbas '' Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded as a result of the shelling near Pivdenne .
They were immediately taken to a hospital and provided with medical assistance .
Both are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What is more , the occupiers fired an anti-tank grenade launcher near the village of Vodiane .
The Joint Forces returned fire , the JFO HQ said .
Since midnight , enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops .
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops.
The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported two soldiers wounded in action (WIA) amid six violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Monday, December 21.
"In the past day, December 21, the Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire six times," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:30 Kyiv time on December 22, 2020.
In particular, enemy troops fired hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and heavy machine guns near the village of Zolote-4. Also, the enemy fired 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns and automatic rifles at the Ukrainian positions near the villages of Pivdenne, Luhanske, and Shumy.
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Read alsoPutin: Russia to "build up support" for occupied Donbas"Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded as a result of the shelling near Pivdenne. They were immediately taken to a hospital and provided with medical assistance. Both are in stable condition," reads the report.
What is more, the occupiers fired an anti-tank grenade launcher near the village of Vodiane.
The Joint Forces returned fire, the JFO HQ said.
Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military.
Donbas ceasefire: Background


unian--2020-12-22--Ukraine in world's TOP 20 countries with largest number of COVID-19 cases

Most deaths have been reported in the United States , Brazil , and India .
Ukraine now ranks 16th in the ranking of countries with the largest confirmed overall number of coronavirus cases .
That 's according to data collected by the John Hopkins University .
As of the morning of December 22 , Ukraine ranks 16 – standing between Iran and Peru – with 998 , 678 cases .
In total , since the onset of the pandemic , 77,364,641 global cases have been confirmed , including 1,702,293 deaths and 43 , 637 , 701 recoveries .
Read also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new daily COVID-19 cases sharply down Dec 21The top five countries in terms of confirmed COVID-19 cases includes the United States ( 18,035,207 ) , India ( 10,075,116 ) , Brazil ( 7,263,619 ) , Russia ( 2,850,042 ) , France ( 2,535,716 ) , the United Kingdom ( 2,079,678 ) and Turkey ( 2,043,704 ) .
Most deaths from coronavirus complications have been reported in the United States , Brazil , and India .
• PM Shmyhal : Quarantine in Ukraine may last until late Feb • Ukraine negotiating with all vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Diplomats to make efforts to ensure COVID-19 vaccine supply to Ukraine ASAP – lawmaker

Most deaths have been reported in the United States, Brazil, and India.
Ukraine now ranks 16th in the ranking of countries with the largest confirmed overall number of coronavirus cases.
That's according to data collected by the Johns Hopkins University.
As of the morning of December 22, Ukraine ranks 16 – standing between Iran and Peru – with 998, 678 cases.
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In total, since the onset of the pandemic, 77,364,641 global cases have been confirmed, including 1,702,293 deaths and 43, 637, 701 recoveries.
Read also"Weekend effect": Number of new daily COVID-19 cases sharply down Dec 21The top five countries in terms of confirmed COVID-19 cases includes the United States (18,035,207), India (10,075,116), Brazil (7,263,619), Russia (2,850,042), France (2,535,716), the United Kingdom (2,079,678) and Turkey (2,043,704).
Most deaths from coronavirus complications have been reported in the United States, Brazil, and India.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest


unian--2020-12-23--Zelensky takes lead in presidential rating, Sluha Narodu Party tops parliamentary ranking – poll

The poll was run on December 16-20 via face-to-face interviews among the population aged 18 and older .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has retained the lead in the presidential rating , while Zelensky 's Sluha Narodu ( Servant of the People ) Party is on top of the parliamentary ranking .
That is according to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group on December 16-30 , as reported on the agency 's website on December 23 .
If the presidential elections had been held in the near future , 26.5 % of respondents among those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their mind would have supported the incumbent president .
Another 14.3 % of respondents would have voted for leader of the European Solidarity Party Petro Poroshenko , 10.1 % for co-chair of the Opposition Platform - For Life Party Yuriy Boyko , and 9.8 % for leader of the Batkivshchyna Party Yulia Tymoshenko .
Read alsoPoll : 32 % of Ukrainians satisfied with Zelensky 's performanceAt the same time , 7.7 % of respondents would vote for Chairman of the political council of the Opposition Platform - For Life Party Viktor Medvedchuk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Strategy Party ( former Prime Minister ) Volodymyr Groysman , 6.0 % for leader of the Syla i Chest ( Strength and Honor ) Party Ihor Smeshko , 4.1 % for Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada ( Ukraine 's parliament ) Dmytro Razumkov , 3.6 % for leader of the Radical Party Oleh Lyashko .
Other politicians have been rated below 3 % .
Meanwhile , the Sluha Narodu Party tops the parliamentary ranking ( 21.1 % ) .
The runner-up is the Opposition Platform - For Life Party ( 17.3 % ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 15.2 % ) , the Batkivshchyna Party ( 10.9 % ) , the Radical Party and the Ukrainian Strategy Party ( 4.8 % each ) , the Za Maibutnie ( For the Future ) Party ( 4.3 % ) , the Syla i Chest Party ( 3.8 % ) , the Holos ( Voice ) Party ( 3.5 % ) , the Party of Sharij and the All-Ukrainian Union Svoboda ( 3.4 % each ) , and Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko 's UDAR Party ( 3.3 % ) .
Other political parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The poll was run on December 16-20 via face-to-face interviews among the population aged 18 and older .
Some 2,000 adult respondents were polled in all regions of Ukraine except Crimea and other Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine , namely certain districts in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
The margin of error is no more than 2.2 % .

The poll was run on December 16-20 via face-to-face interviews among the population aged 18 and older.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has retained the lead in the presidential rating, while Zelensky's Sluha Narodu (Servant of the People) Party is on top of the parliamentary ranking.
That is according to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group on December 16-30, as reported on the agency's website on December 23.
If the presidential elections had been held in the near future, 26.5% of respondents among those who intend to vote and have made up their mind would have supported the incumbent president. Another 14.3% of respondents would have voted for leader of the European Solidarity Party Petro Poroshenko, 10.1% for co-chair of the Opposition Platform - For Life Party Yuriy Boyko, and 9.8% for leader of the Batkivshchyna Party Yulia Tymoshenko.
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Read alsoPoll: 32% of Ukrainians satisfied with Zelensky's performanceAt the same time, 7.7% of respondents would vote for Chairman of the political council of the Opposition Platform - For Life Party Viktor Medvedchuk, 6.4% for leader of the Ukrainian Strategy Party (former Prime Minister) Volodymyr Groysman, 6.0% for leader of the Syla i Chest (Strength and Honor) Party Ihor Smeshko, 4.1% for Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) Dmytro Razumkov, 3.6% for leader of the Radical Party Oleh Lyashko. Other politicians have been rated below 3%.
Meanwhile, the Sluha Narodu Party tops the parliamentary ranking (21.1%). The runner-up is the Opposition Platform - For Life Party (17.3%), followed by the European Solidarity Party (15.2%), the Batkivshchyna Party (10.9%), the Radical Party and the Ukrainian Strategy Party (4.8% each), the Za Maibutnie (For the Future) Party (4.3%), the Syla i Chest Party (3.8%), the Holos (Voice) Party (3.5%), the Party of Sharij and the All-Ukrainian Union Svoboda (3.4% each), and Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko's UDAR Party (3.3%). Other political parties have been rated below 2%.
Poll: Details
The poll was run on December 16-20 via face-to-face interviews among the population aged 18 and older. Some 2,000 adult respondents were polled in all regions of Ukraine except Crimea and other Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine, namely certain districts in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The margin of error is no more than 2.2%.


unian--2020-12-23--MFA Ukraine to dismantle all Huawei equipment – U.S. State Dep.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine decided to dismantle all the equipment of the Chinese company Huawei from the buildings of the department .
`` Thank you PM Denys Shmyhal for supporting the principles of the Clean Network .
Ukraine stands alongside your neighbors in NATO , EU , OECD , and Three Seas who are also committed to safeguarding their nations ' most sensitive information , '' U.S .
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth , Energy , and the Environment Keith Krach wrote on Twitter on December 23 .
Read alsoUkraine beats Europe in open data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal tweeted `` With U/SecState @ KeithJKrach discussed Ukraine-U.S. cooperation in guarding citizens ' privacy & companies ' most sensitive information .
Ukraine supports the principles of the Clean Network and will remain a reliable partner for investments of technological companies from around the world . ''
In Ukraine , Huawei provides a 4G network across Kyiv 's subway network .
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has officially recognized the Chinese Huawei and ZTE telecommunications companies as a national security threat .
The decision came into effect on June 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take similar harsh action against Chinese firms .
In the wake of U.S. sanctions , Huawei , which was accused of collaborating with Chinese intelligence agencies and spying on users , decided to sell the Honor subsidiary for US $ 15.2 billion .

Huawei provides a common 4G network in Kyiv's subway.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine decided to dismantle all the equipment of the Chinese company Huawei from the buildings of the department.
"Thank you PM Denys Shmyhal for supporting the principles of the Clean Network. Ukraine stands alongside your neighbors in NATO, EU, OECD, and Three Seas who are also committed to safeguarding their nations' most sensitive information," U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach wrote on Twitter on December 23.
Read alsoUkraine beats Europe in open data ranking – MinistryPrior to that, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal tweeted "With U/SecState @KeithJKrach discussed Ukraine-U.S. cooperation in guarding citizens' privacy & companies' most sensitive information. Ukraine supports the principles of the Clean Network and will remain a reliable partner for investments of technological companies from around the world."
Видео дня
Background
In Ukraine, Huawei provides a 4G network across Kyiv's subway network.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has officially recognized the Chinese Huawei and ZTE telecommunications companies as a national security threat.
The decision came into effect on June 30.
Washington is pushing its allies to take similar harsh action against Chinese firms.
In the wake of U.S. sanctions, Huawei, which was accused of collaborating with Chinese intelligence agencies and spying on users, decided to sell the Honor subsidiary for US$15.2 billion.


unian--2020-12-23--Kyiv court greenlights special probe into ex-SBU chief within Maidan cases

This authorizes prosecutors to conduct a pretrial investigation against the suspect in his absence ( in absentia ) .
Kyiv 's Pechersk district court has granted the motion submitted by an investigator of the State Bureau of Investigation to carry out a special pretrial probe into the former chairman of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine in the case of crimes against the participants in the Revolution of Dignity , who is hiding from the investigation and the court .
Such a court decision authorizes the prosecution to conduct a pretrial investigation of the suspect in his absence ( in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service of the Office of the Prosecutor General .
The permission has been granted in criminal proceedings on suspicion of the former president of Ukraine , SBU chief and his first deputy , interior minister and his deputy , commander of the Interior Ministry 's internal troops , and other high-ranking officials in an organization as part of a criminal group of illegal obstruction of assemblies , rallies , processions and demonstrations , abuse of power and official powers from February 18 to February 20 , 2014 , which led to grave consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infliction of grievous bodily harm , as well as desertion .
Read alsoChief prosecutor updates on probes into Maidan casesOleksandr Yakymenko served as SBU chief from January 9 , 2013 , to February 24 , 2014 .
After the refusal of the Ukrainian authorities to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union in November 2013 , mass protests began on the central streets of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities .
The escalation of the confrontation led to demands for the resignation of the then government and President Viktor Yanukovych , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers .
Most of the victims died in February 2014 during clashes with security forces downtown Kyiv , as well as from bullets from snipers – over 100 people , hundreds were injured .
The protests that lasted from late November to the end of February 2014 were called Euromaidan , or Maidan , events , and later they were named the Revolution of Dignity .

This authorizes prosecutors to conduct a pretrial investigation against the suspect in his absence (in absentia).
Kyiv's Pechersk district court has granted the motion submitted by an investigator of the State Bureau of Investigation to carry out a special pretrial probe into the former chairman of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine in the case of crimes against the participants in the Revolution of Dignity, who is hiding from the investigation and the court.
Such a court decision authorizes the prosecution to conduct a pretrial investigation of the suspect in his absence (in absentia), according to the press service of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
The permission has been granted in criminal proceedings on suspicion of the former president of Ukraine, SBU chief and his first deputy, interior minister and his deputy, commander of the Interior Ministry's internal troops, and other high-ranking officials in an organization as part of a criminal group of illegal obstruction of assemblies, rallies, processions and demonstrations, abuse of power and official powers from February 18 to February 20, 2014, which led to grave consequences, premeditated and attempted murders, intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm, as well as desertion.
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Read alsoChief prosecutor updates on probes into Maidan casesOleksandr Yakymenko served as SBU chief from January 9, 2013, to February 24, 2014.
Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine
After the refusal of the Ukrainian authorities to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union in November 2013, mass protests began on the central streets of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The escalation of the confrontation led to demands for the resignation of the then government and President Viktor Yanukovych, as well as clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers.
Most of the victims died in February 2014 during clashes with security forces downtown Kyiv, as well as from bullets from snipers – over 100 people, hundreds were injured.
The protests that lasted from late November to the end of February 2014 were called Euromaidan, or Maidan, events, and later they were named the Revolution of Dignity.


unian--2020-12-23--Soldier earlier captured by enemy returned to Ukraine – Delegation to TCG

A Ukrainian soldier went missing in eastern Ukraine 's warzone on December 17 .
The Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral @ @ @ @ @ has said a soldier who had been captured by occupation forces in Donbas was returned @ @ @ @ @ , thanks to the appropriate action on the part of the humanitarian subgroup to the @ @ @ @ @ of one of the mechanized brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine , junior sergeant @ @ @ @ @ recently got to the temporarily uncontrolled territory under circumstances that are being clarified was returned @ @ @ @ @ '' the officials wrote on Telegram .
Read alsoU.S .
disturbed by reports of Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ EmbassyBackground On December 21 , the Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said a Ukrainian soldier @ @ @ @ @ in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , on December 17 , was reportedly in enemy captivity @ @ @ @ @ the serviceman had been detained by members of illegal armed groups .

A Ukrainian soldier went missing in eastern Ukraine's warzone on December 17.
The Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) has said a soldier who had been captured by occupation forces in Donbas was returned to Ukraine.
"Today, thanks to the appropriate action on the part of the humanitarian subgroup to the TCG, a military serviceman of one of the mechanized brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, junior sergeant Oleksandr Ivanovych Pupko who had recently got to the temporarily uncontrolled territory under circumstances that are being clarified was returned to the Ukrainian side," the officials wrote on Telegram.
Read alsoU.S. disturbed by reports of Ukrainian soldier captured in Donbas – EmbassyBackground
Видео дня
On December 21, the Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said a Ukrainian soldier, who had gone missing in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, on December 17, was reportedly in enemy captivity.
It was established that the serviceman had been detained by members of illegal armed groups.


unian--2020-12-23--Poll: 32% of Ukrainians satisfied with Zelensky's performance

At the same time , 30 % of the pollees are satisfied with the work of Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov , 51 % are dissatisfied , and 19 % found it difficult to assess .
A total of 32 % of Ukrainians are satisfied with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's performance .
At the same time , the share of those dissatisfied is 65 % , according to a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group .
At the same time , 30 % of the pollees are satisfied with the work of Verkhovna Rada Chairman Dmytro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 19 % find him difficult to assess ) .
Also , 16 % are satisfied with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal 's performance ( 65 % are dissatisfied and 18 % find him difficult to assess ) .
Citizens are less satisfied with the work of the c government and parliament : almost 80 % gave negative assessments and only about 12 % thought they had been working well .
Read alsoUkraine poll : 85 % of respondents identify primarily as Ukrainian citizensIt is noted 46 % of the respondents said they like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new government , 17 % – decency , and 13 % – independence from oligarchs .
Assessing the features they do not like about the government , respondents were more definite : 40 % said they did not like incompetence , 36 % – dependence on oligarchs , 28 % each – corruption and chaos in work , and 14 % – inefficiency .
At the same time , claims of inefficiency have decreased over the past six months , however those of incompetence , corruption , and chaos in work have grown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resignation and appointment of early elections for the head of state sees no support among 58 % of respondents , while 39 % back it .
On the other hand , the idea of dissolving parliament and holding early elections is supported more ( 58 % ) than not ( 39 % ) .
The initiative to dismiss the government is supported by 60 % of the respondents , while 35 % do not back such a move .
The poll was conducted on December 16-20 through personal formalized ( face-to-face ) interviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 and older .
The margin of error does not exceed 2.2 % .

At the same time, 30% of the pollees are satisfied with the work of Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov, 51% are dissatisfied, and 19% found it difficult to assess.
A total of 32% of Ukrainians are satisfied with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's performance.
At the same time, the share of those dissatisfied is 65%, according to a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group.
"Some 32% of the respondents are satisfied with President Volodymyr Zelensky's performance, while 65% are dissatisfied," the report said.
At the same time, 30% of the pollees are satisfied with the work of Verkhovna Rada Chairman Dmytro Razumkov, (51% are dissatisfied and 19% find him difficult to assess). Also, 16% are satisfied with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal's performance (65% are dissatisfied and 18% find him difficult to assess). Citizens are less satisfied with the work of the c government and parliament: almost 80% gave negative assessments and only about 12% thought they had been working well.
Read alsoUkraine poll: 85% of respondents identify primarily as Ukrainian citizensIt is noted 46% of the respondents said they like the desire for change seen in the new government, 17% – decency, and 13% – independence from oligarchs. Assessing the features they do not like about the government, respondents were more definite: 40% said they did not like incompetence, 36% – dependence on oligarchs, 28% each – corruption and chaos in work, and 14% – inefficiency.
At the same time, claims of inefficiency have decreased over the past six months, however those of incompetence, corruption, and chaos in work have grown.
The idea of the president's resignation and appointment of early elections for the head of state sees no support among 58% of respondents, while 39% back it. On the other hand, the idea of dissolving parliament and holding early elections is supported more (58%) than not (39%). The initiative to dismiss the government is supported by 60% of the respondents, while 35% do not back such a move.
The poll was conducted on December 16-20 through personal formalized (face-to-face) interviews. The study involved 2,000 respondents aged 18 and older. The margin of error does not exceed 2.2%.


unian--2020-12-23--Kyiv mayor reports over 1,300 new COVID-19 cases as of Dec 23

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 103,663 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 1,381 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of December 23 , 2020 .
`` In the past day , another 1,381 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus , including 42 healthcare workers .
There were 30 fatalities , '' Klitschko reported via Telegram on Wednesday .
According to the city mayor , 778 women aged 18 to 90 and 512 men aged 19 to 86 are among those infected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ four months to 17 years and 51 boys aged seven months to 17 years .
Klitschko said 98 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
He added that 947 people had recovered in the past day .
In total , 34,928 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease .
Read alsoFrance could help Ukraine get coronavirus vaccine – ZelenskyThe highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district ( 288 ) , Desniansky district ( 165 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The death toll in the city stands at 1,779 .
Ukraine reported a drastic increase in the number of new active COVID-19 cases that had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 23 , 2020 , against the latest weekend , that is 10,136 against 6,545 , registered as of December 21 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 989,642 as of December 23 , 2020 .

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 103,663.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 1,381 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of December 23, 2020.
"In the past day, another 1,381 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including 42 healthcare workers. There were 30 fatalities," Klitschko reported via Telegram on Wednesday.
"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 103,663."
According to the city mayor, 778 women aged 18 to 90 and 512 men aged 19 to 86 are among those infected.
The new cases include 40 girls aged four months to 17 years and 51 boys aged seven months to 17 years.
Klitschko said 98 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
He added that 947 people had recovered in the past day.
In total, 34,928 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease.
Read alsoFrance could help Ukraine get coronavirus vaccine – ZelenskyThe highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (288), Desniansky district (165), and Dniprovsky district (152).
The death toll in the city stands at 1,779.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments
Ukraine reported a drastic increase in the number of new active COVID-19 cases that had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 23, 2020, against the latest weekend, that is 10,136 against 6,545, registered as of December 21, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 989,642 as of December 23, 2020.


unian--2020-12-23--SBU prevents unique edition of Shevchenko's Kobzar from being smuggled out of Ukraine

The book is one of the last editions released during the author 's lifetime .
The SBU Security Service of @ @ @ @ @ lifetime edition of Kobzar , penned by a globally-acclaimed Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko , from @ @ @ @ @ country .
According to preliminary information , a Kyiv-based intermediary who was acting on behalf @ @ @ @ @ one to have plotted the illegal shipment , as reported by the SBU 's press @ @ @ @ @ say the book is one of the author 's last lifetime publications .
It may @ @ @ @ @ if sold at European auctions .
There are only eight copies of the edition left @ @ @ @ @ official data .
They are considered cultural and historical heritage .
Read alsoRussia to `` @ @ @ @ @ gifted to Lavrov over `` Ukrainian heritage '' rowThe courier was also carrying over 200 @ @ @ @ @ coins and jewelry .
All evidence seized will be sent for further examination .
Once @ @ @ @ @ the rare book may be transferred to Ukraine 's Museum Fund .

The book is one of the last editions released during the author's lifetime.
The SBU Security Service of Ukraine has prevented a unique lifetime edition of Kobzar, penned by a globally-acclaimed Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko, from being smuggled out of the country.
According to preliminary information, a Kyiv-based intermediary who was acting on behalf of European clients was the one to have plotted the illegal shipment, as reported by the SBU's press center.
"He hired a courier who was supposed to take the rare book out through the Yahodyn border checkpoint. SBU officers and investigators found a collection of Kobzar poetry publications by Taras Shevchenko dated 1860 concealed from customs control in the courier's luggage," reads the statement.
Tentative expert conclusions say the book is one of the author's last lifetime publications. It may cost over US$50,000 if sold at European auctions.
There are only eight copies of the edition left in Ukraine, as per official data.
They are considered cultural and historical heritage.
Read alsoRussia to "return" to Bosnia icon gifted to Lavrov over "Ukrainian heritage" rowThe courier was also carrying over 200 ancient Celtic and Roman silver coins and jewelry.
All evidence seized will be sent for further examination.
Once the examination is completed, the rare book may be transferred to Ukraine's Museum Fund.


unian--2020-12-23--Finance Ministry borrows US$786 mln on domestic market

Funds in hryvnias were raised through the sale of nine packages of securities .
Ukraine 's Finance Ministry borrowed UAH 22.209 billion , or US $ 786 million , for the national budget at the latest weekly auction to place government domestic loan bonds held on December 22 .
Funds in hryvnias were raised through the sale of nine packages of securities worth UAH 1.58 billion ( US $ 55.9 million ) , UAH 3.84 billion ( US $ 135.9 million ) , UAH 3.2 billion ( US $ 113.3 million ) , UAH 5.1 billion ( US $ 180.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US $ 53.5 million ) , UAH 182.1 million ( US $ 6.4 million ) , UAH 398.2 million ( US $ 14.1 million ) , UAH 399.7 million ( US $ 14.15 million ) , and UAH 2.17 billion ( US $ 76.8 million ) with 84- , 112- , 196- , 343- , 539- , 784- , 1,043- , 1,246- , and 1,526-day maturity periods , and a weighted average yield of 10.00 % , 10.25 % , 10.75 % , 11.62 % , 11.75 % , 11.85 % , 12.00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and 11.34 % per annum , respectively , the ministry said on its website .
Read alsoUkraine places additional eurobonds worth $ 600 mlnFunds in dollars were raised through the placement of securities worth US $ 138.5 billion with a 358-day maturity period and a weighted average yield of 3.80 % per annum .
In late April , the Finance Ministry returned to the domestic borrowing market after a few weeks off , having resumed weekly auctions to place government domestic loan bonds .
In January-November 2020 , the ministry raised UAH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) to the state budget , as well as US $ 2.9 billion and EUR 788 million .

Finance Ministry borrows US$786 mln on domestic market
14:25, 23.12.20 934
Funds in hryvnias were raised through the sale of nine packages of securities.
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unian--2020-12-23--Ukraine climbs to 13th place in steelmakers' ranking in Nov

The country in January-November 2020 reduced output by 3 % y-o-y .
Ukrainian steelmakers boosted steel production by 30.8 % in November 2020 year-over-year ( y-o-y ) , to 1.73 million tonnes , having risen from the 14th to the 13th spot in the international steelmakers ranking drawn up by the World Steel Association ( WSA ) .
Over the period under review , China remained at the top of the ranking with 87.7 million tonnes ( 8 % up y-o-y ) , the WSA 's press service reported on December 22 .
China is followed by : In total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WSA increased steel output by 6.6 % in November 2020 y-o-y , to 158 million tonnes .
Ukraine in January-November 2020 slashed steel production by 3 % y-o-y , to 18.7 million tonnes .
All the 64 countries ranked by the WSA in the 11 months of 2020 saw a 1.3 % decline in their output y-o-y , having produced 1.67 billion tonnes of steel .
Ukrainian steelmakers in 2019 reduced steel output against 2018 by 1.2 % , to 20.8 million tonnes , having retained the 13th place in the WSA 's @ @

Ukraine climbs to 13th place in steelmakers' ranking in Nov
14:00, 23.12.20 903
The country in January-November 2020 reduced output by 3% y-o-y.
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unian--2020-12-23--International demand for Ukrainian labor force up 40%

Poland , Germany , and the Czech Republic are traditionally the most popular destinations for Ukrainian migrant workers .
The demand for Ukrainian workers abroad has grown by 40 % in the past six months .
`` Poland , Germany , and the Czech Republic are traditionally the most popular destinations for Ukrainian migrant workers , '' as reported by TSN.ua .
According to the information published by the open data platform , foreign employers have posted a total of over 9,500 vacancies .
Neighboring Poland in 2020 most frequently searched for packers , tailors , and construction workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment ringHomecare workers , tillers , and plumbers are in the greatest demand in Germany .
The Czech Republic most often seeks to employ welders , electricians , and drivers .
A significant increase in the number of labor migrants returning home from abroad for the New Year 's holidays is being observed at the border .
Traditionally , most of them cross in in Lviv and Zakarpattia regions .
According to official data , 61,900 Ukrainians moved to work abroad throughout 2020 .
Most of the Ukrainian nationals officially working abroad are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cyprus and Liberia .

International demand for Ukrainian labor force up 40%
13:35, 23.12.20 3023
Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic are traditionally the most popular destinations for Ukrainian migrant workers.
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unian--2020-12-23--The aggressor must be punished: Why 2021 is important for Ukraine in international courts

The year 2021 will be rich in news in the field of international justice related to the armed conflict in Ukraine .
The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court recently completed a preliminary assessment of the situation in Ukraine and will initiate the opening of a full-fledged investigation of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed both in the east of Ukraine and in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea .
Since 2014 , Ukraine has filed several complaints against Russia with the European Court of Human Rights regarding rights violations committed in the occupied territories .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filings into four cases In the wake of this news came the report that the European Court of Human Rights ( ECHR ) has scheduled for September 15 , 2021 , an oral hearing in the case of the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine .
I will dwell in a little more detail on this to show what this will mean for Ukraine and what the implications are .
Since 2014 , Ukraine has filed several complaints against Russia with the European Court of Human Rights regarding rights violations committed in the occupied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has grouped the filings into four cases : human rights violations in Crimea ( 1 ) and in eastern Ukraine ( 2 ) , detention and prosecution of Ukrainian citizens on criminal charges by the Russian Federation ( 3 ) , and the attack on Ukrainian navy servicemen in the Kerch Strait ( 4 ) .
Each case goes through several stages before the Court , and an oral hearing is one of the most important , at which each party must present its arguments to the Court .
Such hearings are public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An oral hearing on the Crimea case took place last year .
In the Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia case , the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights will hold an oral hearing next year .
Until recently , the case was Ukraine v. Russia , but in July this year the Dutch government filed an interstate complaint against Russia over the downing of a Malaysian Boeing MH17 over Ukraine , where 298 people were killed , including 196 Dutch nationals .
Given that the complaint is directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukraine v. Russia case concerning the events in Donbas , the Court decided to combine the two cases into one – Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia .
At the oral hearings , one of the most important issues for the Court to clarify is the question of jurisdiction regarding the Russian Federation .
That is , can Russia be held responsible for human rights violations that occurred in the territory that is de jure part of Ukraine .
The European Court of Justice has already established case law on the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country'sterritory ( for example , in cases concerning the Transnistrian , Cypriot , and Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts ) .
Therefore , at the oral hearings in this case , for the Government of Ukraine it 's very important to provide the Court with convincing arguments and evidence of the actual presence of Russian military servicemen and Russian weapons , as well as Russia 's support for the self-proclaimed `` DPR '' and `` LPR '' entities in the military , economic , political and information areas , as well as to be ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After all , Russia strongly denies its participation in the occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine and , thus , declares that the court shall be dismissed as such .
Although the oral hearing is far from the final stage in the case against Russia , it is clearly a significant step forward in the process and brings us closer to the Court 's final ruling .
The case of Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia is extremely complex and unprecedented for the ECHR , as it covers numerous human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ torture , unlawful deprivation of liberty and the right to a fair trial , committed throughout a long period of armed conflict .
Also , very complex legal-wise is the question of determining jurisdiction , which , in turn , requires the Court to process a huge amount of evidence .
As an example , in the case of Georgia v. Russia , into the events of August 2008 , the European Court is yet to hand down a final judgment next year .
That is , it took the court thirteen years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict , which lasted five days .
And now a few words about the case 's implications .
Of course , first and foremost , it is about justice for victims of mass and brutal human rights violations , the truth about Russia 's responsibility for such crimes .
Besides , victims will be able to receive fair compensation .
For example , in the Cyprus v. Turkey ( 1979 armed conflict ) case , the Court ordered Turkey to pay EUR 30,000,000 in non-pecuniary damage to the families of 1,456 missing persons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greek Cypriots living on the Karpas Peninsula .
It should also be borne in mind that the Court is now considering some 7,000 individual allegations of human rights violations committed during the armed conflict in Ukraine .
Rulings in these individual cases will be made possible only after the ECHR has considered the interstate case .
Vitalia Lebid is a lawyer with the Center for Strategic Affairs at the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union

The year 2021 will be rich in news in the field of international justice related to the armed conflict in Ukraine. The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court recently completed a preliminary assessment of the situation in Ukraine and will initiate the opening of a full-fledged investigation of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed both in the east of Ukraine and in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Since 2014, Ukraine has filed several complaints against Russia with the European Court of Human Rights regarding rights violations committed in the occupied territories. So far, the court has grouped the filings into four cases
In the wake of this news came the report that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has scheduled for September 15, 2021, an oral hearing in the case of the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. I will dwell in a little more detail on this to show what this will mean for Ukraine and what the implications are.
Видео дня
Since 2014, Ukraine has filed several complaints against Russia with the European Court of Human Rights regarding rights violations committed in the occupied territories. So far, the court has grouped the filings into four cases: human rights violations in Crimea (1) and in eastern Ukraine (2), detention and prosecution of Ukrainian citizens on criminal charges by the Russian Federation (3), and the attack on Ukrainian navy servicemen in the Kerch Strait (4).
Each case goes through several stages before the Court, and an oral hearing is one of the most important, at which each party must present its arguments to the Court. Such hearings are public and broadcast live on the ECHR website. An oral hearing on the Crimea case took place last year. In the Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia case, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights will hold an oral hearing next year.
Until recently, the case was Ukraine v. Russia, but in July this year the Dutch government filed an interstate complaint against Russia over the downing of a Malaysian Boeing MH17 over Ukraine, where 298 people were killed, including 196 Dutch nationals. Given that the complaint is directly related to the issues brought up in the Ukraine v. Russia case concerning the events in Donbas, the Court decided to combine the two cases into one – Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia.
At the oral hearings, one of the most important issues for the Court to clarify is the question of jurisdiction regarding the Russian Federation. That is, can Russia be held responsible for human rights violations that occurred in the territory that is de jure part of Ukraine. The European Court of Justice has already established case law on the issue of government's responsibility outside its own country'sterritory (for example, in cases concerning the Transnistrian, Cypriot, and Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts). Therefore, at the oral hearings in this case, for the Government of Ukraine it's very important to provide the Court with convincing arguments and evidence of the actual presence of Russian military servicemen and Russian weapons, as well as Russia's support for the self-proclaimed "DPR" and "LPR" entities in the military, economic, political and information areas, as well as to be ready to counter Russia's reservations in these matters. After all, Russia strongly denies its participation in the occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine and, thus, declares that the court shall be dismissed as such.
At the oral hearings, one of the most important issues for the Court to clarify is the question of jurisdiction regarding the Russian Federation. That is, can Russia be held responsible for human rights violations that occurred in the territory that is de jure part of Ukraine
Although the oral hearing is far from the final stage in the case against Russia, it is clearly a significant step forward in the process and brings us closer to the Court's final ruling. The case of Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia is extremely complex and unprecedented for the ECHR, as it covers numerous human rights violations, such as murder, torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty and the right to a fair trial, committed throughout a long period of armed conflict. Also, very complex legal-wise is the question of determining jurisdiction, which, in turn, requires the Court to process a huge amount of evidence. As an example, in the case of Georgia v. Russia, into the events of August 2008, the European Court is yet to hand down a final judgment next year. That is, it took the court thirteen years to assess the events of the Georgian-Russian conflict, which lasted five days.
The case of Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia is extremely complex and unprecedented for the ECHR
And now a few words about the case's implications. Of course, first and foremost, it is about justice for victims of mass and brutal human rights violations, the truth about Russia's responsibility for such crimes. Besides, victims will be able to receive fair compensation. For example, in the Cyprus v. Turkey (1979 armed conflict) case, the Court ordered Turkey to pay EUR 30,000,000 in non-pecuniary damage to the families of 1,456 missing persons and EUR 60,000,000 in non-pecuniary damages to Greek Cypriots living on the Karpas Peninsula.
It should also be borne in mind that the Court is now considering some 7,000 individual allegations of human rights violations committed during the armed conflict in Ukraine. Rulings in these individual cases will be made possible only after the ECHR has considered the interstate case.
Vitalia Lebid is a lawyer with the Center for Strategic Affairs at the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union


unian--2020-12-23--Foreign Minister Kuleba lists seven diplomatic successes in 2020

Beefing up security in Ukraine and increasing sanction-related pressure on Russia are among them .
Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba has listed seven main successes of Ukraine 's diplomacy in 2020 .
He shared the Top-7 achievements on Facebook on December 22 .
Beefing up security in Ukraine tops the list , he said .
Read alsoUkraine 's FM Kuleba : Tikhanovskaya must decide on her position on Crimea '' Ukraine was recognized as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner for NATO and entered the club of the Alliance 's six closest partners in the world .
Arms were delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct purchase of Javelins , the decision to provide and sell modern Mark VI patrol boats ) .
Security , defense and military-technical agreements were signed with Turkey ( Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicles , the Navy , engines ) , an agreement to develop the Navy ( 1.25 billion pounds ) was struck with Great Britain , '' Kuleba recalled .
Another achievement is `` raising Russia 's costs for aggression against Ukraine , '' he said .
`` [ We ] did not let the Russian Federation make sanctions against it less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieved an increase in sanctions pressure .
The prosecutors of the International Criminal Court in The Hague found sufficient grounds to start an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity in the context of Russian aggression in Crimea and Donbas since 2014 , '' he said .
The minister called the assistance to citizens and the healthcare system in countering the spread of COVID-19 as the third success of Ukrainian diplomats .
`` We attracted humanitarian aid from the United States , Italy , Azerbaijan , Turkey , Slovakia , Poland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the United Arab Emirates , Singapore , China , Japan , the Republic of Korea .
From Vietnam there were 900 ventilators worth US $ 10 million , 50 ventilators from Denmark , 50 ventilators from Hungary , etc .
In total , there were more than 1,500 ventilators , more than 300,000 tests + 1.5 million express tests from the UAE in December .
Other materials and equipment for fighting the pandemic ( face masks , respirators , protective clothing , thermometers , etc . )
exceeded 4 million units , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the release of many Ukrainians from behind bars abroad as the fourth success .
Kuleba considers the leadership shown by Ukraine in bilateral relations and in Central Europe in general to be the fifth success .
`` Ukraine has become a co-author of a new regional format 'Lublin Triangle . '
For the first time in 70 years , we headed the Danube Commission .
For the first time we nominated a candidate for the post of BSEC Secretary General .
Policy is proactive in relations with neighbors : Poland , Slovakia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events in Belarus , '' he added .
In addition , he recalled the signing of a historic agreement with Great Britain , which begins a qualitatively new level of strategic partnership .
The sixth success , according to Kuleba , is assistance to Ukrainian exporters in the world .
According to him , the Council of Exporters and Investors under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been turned into an effective agency .
`` Here are several case studies : we with Malaysia held the largest online conference of businesses in Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , opened the Singapore market for Ukrainian ready-made meat products from poultry and pork + poultry meat according to halal standards ; helped to conclude an agreement on the first trial batch of Ukrainian honey in Kuwait , helped seven new Ukrainian food producers to enter the Swedish market , helped a Ukrainian beer producer in Thailand to establish contacts with Thai colleagues , the possibility of supplying malt is being considered ; Korea has approved Health Certificate forms for exports of products of certain types of animal husbandry from Ukraine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the free trade zone between Ukraine and the State of Israel would start working from January 1 , 2021 .
The minister believes that the free trade zone creates new opportunities for businesses and a boost to trade .
The minister called the completion of the first stage of large-scale digitalization as the seventh success of the Foreign Ministry .
`` The electronic queue is available in all 116 embassies and consulates abroad .
The commercial operation of the e-consul modules has begun .
And much , much more has been done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we have managed to liberalize the visa policy for entering Ukraine .
But all this can not be squeezed into one Facebook post , '' he said .

Beefing up security in Ukraine and increasing sanction-related pressure on Russia are among them.
Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba has listed seven main successes of Ukraine's diplomacy in 2020.
He shared the Top-7 achievements on Facebook on December 22.
Beefing up security in Ukraine tops the list, he said.
Видео дня
Read alsoUkraine's FM Kuleba: Tikhanovskaya must decide on her position on Crimea
"Ukraine was recognized as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner for NATO and entered the club of the Alliance's six closest partners in the world. Arms were delivered from the United States (the first direct purchase of Javelins, the decision to provide and sell modern Mark VI patrol boats). Security, defense and military-technical agreements were signed with Turkey (Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicles, the Navy, engines), an agreement to develop the Navy (1.25 billion pounds) was struck with Great Britain," Kuleba recalled.
Another achievement is "raising Russia's costs for aggression against Ukraine," he said.
"[We] did not let the Russian Federation make sanctions against it less loose under the pretext of COVID-19 and achieved an increase in sanctions pressure. The prosecutors of the International Criminal Court in The Hague found sufficient grounds to start an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity in the context of Russian aggression in Crimea and Donbas since 2014," he said.
The minister called the assistance to citizens and the healthcare system in countering the spread of COVID-19 as the third success of Ukrainian diplomats.
"We attracted humanitarian aid from the United States, Italy, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Slovakia, Poland, and many other countries – EU members, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea. From Vietnam there were 900 ventilators worth US$10 million, 50 ventilators from Denmark, 50 ventilators from Hungary, etc. In total, there were more than 1,500 ventilators, more than 300,000 tests + 1.5 million express tests from the UAE in December. Other materials and equipment for fighting the pandemic (face masks, respirators, protective clothing, thermometers, etc.) exceeded 4 million units," he said.
He also mentioned the release of many Ukrainians from behind bars abroad as the fourth success.
Kuleba considers the leadership shown by Ukraine in bilateral relations and in Central Europe in general to be the fifth success.
"Ukraine has become a co-author of a new regional format 'Lublin Triangle.' For the first time in 70 years, we headed the Danube Commission. For the first time we nominated a candidate for the post of BSEC Secretary General. Policy is proactive in relations with neighbors: Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Moldova and regarding events in Belarus," he added.
In addition, he recalled the signing of a historic agreement with Great Britain, which begins a qualitatively new level of strategic partnership.
The sixth success, according to Kuleba, is assistance to Ukrainian exporters in the world. According to him, the Council of Exporters and Investors under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been turned into an effective agency.
"Here are several case studies: we with Malaysia held the largest online conference of businesses in Ukraine and Malaysia (more than 300 companies), opened the Singapore market for Ukrainian ready-made meat products from poultry and pork + poultry meat according to halal standards; helped to conclude an agreement on the first trial batch of Ukrainian honey in Kuwait, helped seven new Ukrainian food producers to enter the Swedish market, helped a Ukrainian beer producer in Thailand to establish contacts with Thai colleagues, the possibility of supplying malt is being considered; Korea has approved Health Certificate forms for exports of products of certain types of animal husbandry from Ukraine," he said.
He also recalled that the free trade zone between Ukraine and the State of Israel would start working from January 1, 2021. The minister believes that the free trade zone creates new opportunities for businesses and a boost to trade.
The minister called the completion of the first stage of large-scale digitalization as the seventh success of the Foreign Ministry.
"The electronic queue is available in all 116 embassies and consulates abroad. The commercial operation of the e-consul modules has begun. And much, much more has been done) In particular, I am glad that we have managed to liberalize the visa policy for entering Ukraine. But all this cannot be squeezed into one Facebook post," he said.


unian--2020-12-23--Ukraine set to create web portal on incidents, crimes in occupied Crimea, Donbas

Eyewitness testimony , archival data , media information , decisions and resolutions of international organizations , photo and video material will be published on the site .
Ukraine will create a first web portal on key incidents and crimes in the temporarily occupied territories .
The Memorandum of Cooperation to consolidate efforts to preserve the documented facts of crimes in the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea , Donetsk and Luhansk regions , providing for the creation of an appropriate Internet portal , has been signed by the representative office of the president of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance , the International Renaissance Foundation , and the Prometheus Security Environment Research Center , as reported by the press service of the President 's Office .
Eyewitness testimony , archival data , media reports , decisions and resolutions of international organizations , photo and video material will be published on the website .
`` First , there will be the first 30 entries about crimes committed in the temporarily occupied territory : human rights , war crimes , ecology , economy , etc .
There will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool : by name , location , or period , '' said Head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance Anton Drobovych .
The key requirement for the entire project is reliability , objectivity , and being based on official data .
In particular , the portal will reflect the results achieved by the Department for Supervision of Criminal Proceedings in relation to crimes committed in armed conflict , the Office of the Prosecutor General , as well as facts and evidence documented by NGOs .
Read alsoMFA comments on Putin 's vow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Prosecutor General Gunduz Mamedov said law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor 's office had since 2014 been recording and investigating crimes committed in the temporarily occupied territories .
These are over 20,000 criminal offenses , including war crimes and crimes against humanity .
Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation Oleksandr Sushko believes the creation of such a portal will help Ukraine more systematically convey to the international community information on crimes and incidents in the temporarily occupied territories .

Eyewitness testimony, archival data, media information, decisions and resolutions of international organizations, photo and video material will be published on the site.
Ukraine will create a first web portal on key incidents and crimes in the temporarily occupied territories.
The Memorandum of Cooperation to consolidate efforts to preserve the documented facts of crimes in the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions, providing for the creation of an appropriate Internet portal, has been signed by the representative office of the president of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, the International Renaissance Foundation, and the Prometheus Security Environment Research Center, as reported by the press service of the President's Office.
Eyewitness testimony, archival data, media reports, decisions and resolutions of international organizations, photo and video material will be published on the website.
Видео дня
"First, there will be the first 30 entries about crimes committed in the temporarily occupied territory: human rights, war crimes, ecology, economy, etc. There will be a system with a convenient search tool: by name, location, or period," said Head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance Anton Drobovych.
The key requirement for the entire project is reliability, objectivity, and being based on official data. In particular, the portal will reflect the results achieved by the Department for Supervision of Criminal Proceedings in relation to crimes committed in armed conflict, the Office of the Prosecutor General, as well as facts and evidence documented by NGOs.
Read alsoMFA comments on Putin's vow to build up support for occupied DonbasUkrainian Deputy Prosecutor General Gunduz Mamedov said law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor's office had since 2014 been recording and investigating crimes committed in the temporarily occupied territories. These are over 20,000 criminal offenses, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation Oleksandr Sushko believes the creation of such a portal will help Ukraine more systematically convey to the international community information on crimes and incidents in the temporarily occupied territories.