unian--2020-02-19--Russian arms supplies to occupied Donbas dwarf many European armies – Ukraine envoy to UN

More than 1.4 million residents of Donbas are now IDPs , the diplomat recalls .
Chief of Ukraine 's Permanent Mission to the United Nations , Ambassador Serhiy Kyslytsya says Russia in last year alone supplied to Donbas over 4,000 tonnes of weapons and munitions .
`` We should not lose sight of the broader context of the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine , '' the envoy told a UN Security Council ( UNSC ) meeting in New York City on February 18 .
Kyslytsya noted that `` six years of Russia 's military invasion in Donbas left over 13,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` More than 1.4 million residents of Donbas are now IDPs , '' the envoy added .
Read alsoDonbas escalation : Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops , try to penetrate line of contact ( Video ) '' The seized areas turned into a land of fear and terror .
Local economy destroyed , equipment of enterprises wrecked or moved to Russia .
More than 3.4 million people need humanitarian assistance this year .
On top of that , this territory , according to the UN , has already become one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Kyslytsya said .
`` The Russian Federation continues to supply its occupation forces with the weaponry , regular troops and mercenaries to the extent that now they dwarf many European armies , '' the diplomat noted , elaborating on the numbers : around 500 tanks , around 1,000 armored combat vehicles , almost 130 MLR systems , and nearly 800 artillery systems .
`` Just last year , the Russian Federation sent into the occupied territories of Donbas over 4,000 tonnes of weapons and munitions , '' said Kyslytsya .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UN Security Council that the Kremlin `` continues to pursue a strategy of escalation in Donbas in flagrant violation of Russia 's obligations they have undertaken as a party to the Minsk agreements , ''

More than 1.4 million residents of Donbas are now IDPs, the diplomat recalls.
Chief of Ukraine's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Serhiy Kyslytsya says Russia in last year alone supplied to Donbas over 4,000 tonnes of weapons and munitions.
"We should not lose sight of the broader context of the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine," the envoy told a UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting in New York City on February 18.
Kyslytsya noted that "six years of Russia's military invasion in Donbas left over 13,000 people killed and more than 27,000 wounded."
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"More than 1.4 million residents of Donbas are now IDPs," the envoy added.
Read alsoDonbas escalation: Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops, try to penetrate line of contact (Video)
"The seized areas turned into a land of fear and terror. Local economy destroyed, equipment of enterprises wrecked or moved to Russia. More than 3.4 million people need humanitarian assistance this year. On top of that, this territory, according to the UN, has already become one of the most mine-contaminated in the world," Kyslytsya said.
"The Russian Federation continues to supply its occupation forces with the weaponry, regular troops and mercenaries to the extent that now they dwarf many European armies," the diplomat noted, elaborating on the numbers: around 500 tanks, around 1,000 armored combat vehicles, almost 130 MLR systems, and nearly 800 artillery systems.
"Just last year, the Russian Federation sent into the occupied territories of Donbas over 4,000 tonnes of weapons and munitions," said Kyslytsya.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Serhiy Kyslytsya told the UN Security Council that the Kremlin "continues to pursue a strategy of escalation in Donbas in flagrant violation of Russia's obligations they have undertaken as a party to the Minsk agreements,"


unian--2020-02-19--Volker explains what Russia seeks to achieve by occupying Ukrainian territories

The international community has only one option to restrain Russian aggression , which is to help Ukraine , Volker stresses .
Former U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine negotiations , Kurt Volker , believes Russia 's strategic mission in Ukraine is about regaining control .
In an interview with Europeiska Pravda , published in Ukrainian , Volker suggested Russia had not yet achieved its strategic goal , which is to ensure that the government emerges in Kyiv that would be obedient to Moscow or that Ukraine collapses .
At the same time , he stressed that the most preferable option for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Volker added that nobody considers the possibility that Ukraine will return the temporarily occupied territories by force because it would be impossible to do so .
Read alsoUkraine 's envoy at UNSC : Kremlin continues strategy of escalation in Donbas The only option available , the former official believes , is to keep creating conditions for Putin to himself decide that he should withdraw from Ukraine .
This means helping Ukraine , Volker elaborated , enhancing the capability to resist Russian aggression , and to show the Kremlin that the occupation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As UNIAN reported , Volker had been a U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine since July 7 , 2017 , until he stepped down following a U.S. intelligence whistleblower came forward , alleging that U.S. President Donald Trump pressured President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky .
The report also mentioned Volker as one of the officials aware of the developments in question .

The international community has only one option to restrain Russian aggression, which is to help Ukraine, Volker stresses.
Former U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine negotiations, Kurt Volker, believes Russia's strategic mission in Ukraine is about regaining control.
In an interview with Europeiska Pravda, published in Ukrainian, Volker suggested Russia had not yet achieved its strategic goal, which is to ensure that the government emerges in Kyiv that would be obedient to Moscow or that Ukraine collapses.
At the same time, he stressed that the most preferable option for Russia is to seal control over Ukraine.
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Volker added that nobody considers the possibility that Ukraine will return the temporarily occupied territories by force because it would be impossible to do so.
Read alsoUkraine's envoy at UNSC: Kremlin continues strategy of escalation in Donbas
The only option available, the former official believes, is to keep creating conditions for Putin to himself decide that he should withdraw from Ukraine.
This means helping Ukraine, Volker elaborated, enhancing the capability to resist Russian aggression, and to show the Kremlin that the occupation of Ukrainian territories does harm to Russia.
As UNIAN reported, Volker had been a U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine since July 7, 2017, until he stepped down following a U.S. intelligence whistleblower came forward, alleging that U.S. President Donald Trump pressured President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. The report also mentioned Volker as one of the officials aware of the developments in question.


unian--2020-02-19--Ukraine approves almost US$1 bln in state defense order for 2020

The Ukrainian government was tasked with finalizing the document .
Ukraine 's National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) , chaired by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , on February 18 approved the state defense order ( SDO ) for 2020 in the amount of UAH 25.848 billion , or US $ 1.058 billion .
Based on the results of the consideration of the issue , the Cabinet of Ministers was tasked with finalizing the document with due regard to proposals aimed at boosting the combat capabilities of the country 's armed forces and the development of deterrence forces , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under the approved document , UAH 25.848 billion in funding will be provided in 2020 for the implementation of the SDO , which is 16 % more than is 2019 .
Fourteen state customers will participate in the implementation of the SDO , '' it said .
Read alsoUkraine 's NSDC to cooperate with global IT giants in countering cyber threats Among other things , the government was tasked with submitting draft laws to parliament to create favorable conditions for inviting foreign investment to the defense industry , as well as for ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The state defense order provides for further development and procurement under major projects for developing missile weapons .
The government was also instructed to provide full funding , without reducing the relevant state budget expenditures or redistribution to other needs , and to amend a number of national targeted defense-industrial programs in terms of their extension , '' it said .
`` The decision also contains orders for other ministries , agencies and government defense procurers . ''
Joint efforts by the Ukrainian president , the parliament and the government made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense and security of the state to UAH 245.8 billion ( US $ 10.06 billion ) , which is almost by UAH 30 billion ( US $ 1.23 billion ) more than in 2019 .
`` The military sector will also have an additional state-guaranteed financial resource of UAH 10 billion ( US $ 409 million ) for the implementation of programs related to the enhancement of the state 's defense capability and security .
This is the first time that our military are going to receive such an amount of state guarantees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier , speaking after a NSDC meeting on February 18 , NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov denied allegations that the new defense order did not provide for the financing of missile programs .

The Ukrainian government was tasked with finalizing the document.
Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), chaired by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on February 18 approved the state defense order (SDO) for 2020 in the amount of UAH 25.848 billion, or US$1.058 billion.
Based on the results of the consideration of the issue, the Cabinet of Ministers was tasked with finalizing the document with due regard to proposals aimed at boosting the combat capabilities of the country's armed forces and the development of deterrence forces, the NSDC press service said.
"Under the approved document, UAH 25.848 billion in funding will be provided in 2020 for the implementation of the SDO, which is 16% more than is 2019. Fourteen state customers will participate in the implementation of the SDO," it said.
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Read alsoUkraine's NSDC to cooperate with global IT giants in countering cyber threats
Among other things, the government was tasked with submitting draft laws to parliament to create favorable conditions for inviting foreign investment to the defense industry, as well as for ensuring financial stabilization and support of its enterprises.
"The state defense order provides for further development and procurement under major projects for developing missile weapons. The government was also instructed to provide full funding, without reducing the relevant state budget expenditures or redistribution to other needs, and to amend a number of national targeted defense-industrial programs in terms of their extension," it said. "The decision also contains orders for other ministries, agencies and government defense procurers."
Joint efforts by the Ukrainian president, the parliament and the government made it possible to increase financial resources for defense and security of the state to UAH 245.8 billion (US$10.06 billion), which is almost by UAH 30 billion (US$1.23 billion) more than in 2019.
"The military sector will also have an additional state-guaranteed financial resource of UAH 10 billion (US$409 million) for the implementation of programs related to the enhancement of the state's defense capability and security. This is the first time that our military are going to receive such an amount of state guarantees," it said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, speaking after a NSDC meeting on February 18, NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov denied allegations that the new defense order did not provide for the financing of missile programs.


unian--2020-02-19--Ukraine reports one KIA, six WIA amid 22 enemy attacks in Donbas on Feb 18

The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 152mm and 122mm artillery systems , 120mm and 82mm mortars , tank weapons , cannons installed on infantry fighting vehicles , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and small arms .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on February 18 mounted 22 attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action ( KIA ) and another six as wounded in action ( WIA ) .
`` The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 22 times on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed and another six were wounded as a result of enemy shelling , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said in an update posted on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on February 19 .
The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 152mm and 122mm artillery systems , 120mm and 82mm mortars , tank weapons , cannons installed on infantry fighting vehicles , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and small arms .
Read alsoDonbas escalation : Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Video ) Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Popasna , and the villages of Berezove , Shyrokyne , Pyshchevyk , Krymske , Novotoshkivske , Orikhove , Khutir Vilny , Zolote-4 , Luhanske , and Novoluhanske .
In addition , the enemy attempted to storm the Ukrainian observation posts near Orikhove .
Ukrainian defenders suppressed enemy fire and forced the enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group to retreat .
Ukraine ultimately lost no ground in the area .
The enemy requested a ceasefire , the report says .
According to intelligence data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six were seriously wounded as a result of the clash .
`` Since Wednesday midnight , Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Lebedynske , using 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and rifles , '' the update said .

The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 152mm and 122mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars, tank weapons, cannons installed on infantry fighting vehicles, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.
Russia's hybrid military forces on February 18 mounted 22 attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA) and another six as wounded in action (WIA).
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 22 times on February 18. One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another six were wounded as a result of enemy shelling," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said in an update posted on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on February 19.
The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 152mm and 122mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars, tank weapons, cannons installed on infantry fighting vehicles, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.
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Read alsoDonbas escalation: Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops, try to penetrate line of contact (Video)
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Popasna, and the villages of Berezove, Shyrokyne, Pyshchevyk, Krymske, Novotoshkivske, Orikhove, Khutir Vilny, Zolote-4, Luhanske, and Novoluhanske.
In addition, the enemy attempted to storm the Ukrainian observation posts near Orikhove. Ukrainian defenders suppressed enemy fire and forced the enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group to retreat. Ukraine ultimately lost no ground in the area. The enemy requested a ceasefire, the report says. According to intelligence data, four invaders were killed and another six were seriously wounded as a result of the clash.
"Since Wednesday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Lebedynske, using 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and rifles," the update said.
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops Wednesday morning.


unian--2020-02-19--Following enemy offensive in Donbas, Ukraine postpones presentation of national dialogue platform

The new date is yet to be announced .
The presentation of the National Platform for Reconciliation and Unity , scheduled for tomorrow , February 19 , has been postponed in the wake of the latest escalation in eastern Ukraine 's Donbas war zone .
`` A cynical provocation to thwart peace initiatives , '' Serhiy Syvokho , an advisor to the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council , said , commenting on the enemy offensive repelled Tuesday .
`` There is no other word to describe what happened today [ Tuesday ] in the area of Zolote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had our doubts and weighed our cons and pros , but we ultimately decided to postpone the presentation of the National Platform for Reconciliation , '' Syvokho wrote on Facebook .
`` Once again : not to cancel , but to postpone .
We continue our work to establish a dialogue between ordinary people .
[ The work is ] non-public , systemic , and ongoing , '' wrote Syvokho .
He added that the new date for the presentation was yet to be reported .
Read alsoDonbas escalation : Russian occupation forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line of contact ( Video ) On February 15 , ahead of the ruling party congress , Syvokho announced presentation of the National Platform of Reconciliation and Unity `` Peace of Donbas '' .
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference , President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky ruled out the possibility of direct dialogue between the Ukrainian authorities and representatives of occupation administrations in eastern Ukraine 's Donbas .
At the same time , he said Ukraine was `` ready for dialogue with the civilian population of these territories , '' In the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacked Ukrainian defense positions in Donbas near the settlements Novotoshkivske , Orikhove , Krymske , and Khutir Vilniy in Luhansk region .
The invaders employed 152 mm , 122 mm 120 mm mortars , large machine guns , tanks , and grenade launchers of various types .
Under fire cover , the enemy moved to an active offensive , attempting to advance across the line of contact .
One Ukrainian military serviceman was killed in action and another four were wounded .
The enemy attack was timed with the anniversary of the fierce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered major losses .
President Zelensky called the attack `` provocation '' aimed at disrupting the settlement process and said the offensive `` will not change the country 's course toward ending the war . ''

The new date is yet to be announced.
The presentation of the National Platform for Reconciliation and Unity, scheduled for tomorrow, February 19, has been postponed in the wake of the latest escalation in eastern Ukraine's Donbas war zone.
"A cynical provocation to thwart peace initiatives," Serhiy Syvokho, an advisor to the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, said, commenting on the enemy offensive repelled Tuesday.
"There is no other word to describe what happened today [Tuesday] in the area of Zolote. It wasn't easy – we had our doubts and weighed our cons and pros, but we ultimately decided to postpone the presentation of the National Platform for Reconciliation," Syvokho wrote on Facebook.
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"Once again: not to cancel, but to postpone. We continue our work to establish a dialogue between ordinary people. [The work is] non-public, systemic, and ongoing," wrote Syvokho.
He added that the new date for the presentation was yet to be reported.
Read alsoDonbas escalation: Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops, try to penetrate line of contact (Video)
On February 15, ahead of the ruling party congress, Syvokho announced presentation of the National Platform of Reconciliation and Unity "Peace of Donbas".
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky ruled out the possibility of direct dialogue between the Ukrainian authorities and representatives of occupation administrations in eastern Ukraine's Donbas. At the same time, he said Ukraine was "ready for dialogue with the civilian population of these territories,"
In the early hours of Tuesday, Russian occupation forces attacked Ukrainian defense positions in Donbas near the settlements Novotoshkivske, Orikhove, Krymske, and Khutir Vilniy in Luhansk region. The invaders employed 152 mm, 122 mm 120 mm mortars, large machine guns, tanks, and grenade launchers of various types.
Under fire cover, the enemy moved to an active offensive, attempting to advance across the line of contact.
One Ukrainian military serviceman was killed in action and another four were wounded.
The enemy attack was timed with the anniversary of the fierce battles of Debaltseve, where Ukrainian troops suffered major losses.
President Zelensky called the attack "provocation" aimed at disrupting the settlement process and said the offensive "will not change the country's course toward ending the war."


unian--2020-02-19--Russia issues over 200,000 passports to Ukrainians in Donbas – Ukraine's envoy to UN

On April 24 , 2019 , Putin signed a decree on a simplified procedure for granting Russian citizenship to residents of Russia-occupied districts of Ukraine 's east .
Chief of Ukraine 's Permanent Mission to the United Nations , Ambassador Serhiy Kyslytsya says Russia has issued over 200,000 passports to Ukrainians living in the occupied parts of Donbas .
`` Russia also pursues illegal passportization in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas , which has now reached an industrial level – more than 200,000 persons were issued Russian passports there , '' the envoy told a UN Security Council ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on February 18 .
Read alsoMFA Ukraine condemns Putin 's decree on expedited naturalization of Ukrainians in Donbas As UNIAN reported earlier , Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 24 , 2019 , signed a decree on a simplified procedure for granting Russian citizenship to residents of Russia-occupied districts of Ukraine 's east .
On May 1 , Putin signed another decree under which more categories of Ukrainian citizens are able to obtain Russian citizenship with the use of the simplified procedure , in particular , these are citizens of Ukraine who do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as stateless persons who were born and permanently resided in Crimea and left the peninsula before March 18 , 2014 , as well as their children , spouses , and parents .

On April 24, 2019, Putin signed a decree on a simplified procedure for granting Russian citizenship to residents of Russia-occupied districts of Ukraine's east.
Chief of Ukraine's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Serhiy Kyslytsya says Russia has issued over 200,000 passports to Ukrainians living in the occupied parts of Donbas.
"Russia also pursues illegal passportization in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas, which has now reached an industrial level – more than 200,000 persons were issued Russian passports there," the envoy told a UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting in New York City on February 18.
Read alsoMFA Ukraine condemns Putin's decree on expedited naturalization of Ukrainians in Donbas
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As UNIAN reported earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 24, 2019, signed a decree on a simplified procedure for granting Russian citizenship to residents of Russia-occupied districts of Ukraine's east.
On May 1, Putin signed another decree under which more categories of Ukrainian citizens are able to obtain Russian citizenship with the use of the simplified procedure, in particular, these are citizens of Ukraine who do not have citizenship of another state, as well as stateless persons who were born and permanently resided in Crimea and left the peninsula before March 18, 2014, as well as their children, spouses, and parents.


unian--2020-02-20--MFA Ukraine hopes Russia sanctions to be maintained till Crimea deoccupation

Makeiev recalls that most countries have condemned Russian aggression .
Political Director of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleksii Makeiev has said the ministry hopes international sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation over the occupation of Crimea will be maintained until the end of occupation of the peninsula .
Speaking at a round table titled `` Crimea : six years on .
Ways of and mechanisms for peninsula de-occupation , '' he recalled that , according to Ukrainian legislation , February 20 was defined as the day of the beginning of the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine , and today over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains under occupation , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
In this regard , the efforts of Ukrainian diplomats in the international arena focus on the policy of non-recognition of the occupation of Ukrainian territories , he said .
Read alsoUkraine military in Donbas find ammunition available only to Russian army Makeiev stressed that most countries had condemned Russian aggression , and Ukraine 's international partners in the European Union , in the G7 , imposed sanctions against Russia for aggression and the beginning of the occupation of Crimea .
`` And these sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rather difficult task for Ukrainian diplomats , they will continue until the end of Crimea occupation , '' Makeiev said .
The official said the directives to all Ukrainian delegations during any negotiations with international partners tell of the need to raise such issues , in particular , of restoring Ukrainian sovereignty in Crimea and Donbas .
`` For our part , we also continue to do everything to keep the topic on the agenda .
We pursue Russia in international judicial instances which have corresponding jurisdiction , and we will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The diplomat also said it is necessary to talk more not only about the policy toward the end of occupation , but also about that of reintegration .
`` It would be great if we could reintegrate Donbas and Crimea as soon as possible , but we also need to understand that , unfortunately , today the Russian Federation acts totally irresponsibly in the international arena , not willing to discuss the issue of Crimea and trying to get rid of the Donbas issue , '' the diplomat said .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to maintain an international coalition in its support .
`` I 'm sure it can not be shaken in any way , but the reintegration policy should complement our foreign policy efforts , '' he added .

Makeiev recalls that most countries have condemned Russian aggression.
Political Director of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleksii Makeiev has said the ministry hopes international sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation over the occupation of Crimea will be maintained until the end of occupation of the peninsula.
Speaking at a round table titled "Crimea: six years on. Ways of and mechanisms for peninsula de-occupation," he recalled that, according to Ukrainian legislation, February 20 was defined as the day of the beginning of the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine, and today over 7% of the territory of Ukraine remains under occupation, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
In this regard, the efforts of Ukrainian diplomats in the international arena focus on the policy of non-recognition of the occupation of Ukrainian territories, he said.
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Read alsoUkraine military in Donbas find ammunition available only to Russian army
Makeiev stressed that most countries had condemned Russian aggression, and Ukraine's international partners in the European Union, in the G7, imposed sanctions against Russia for aggression and the beginning of the occupation of Crimea. "And these sanctions will continue, and although this is a rather difficult task for Ukrainian diplomats, they will continue until the end of Crimea occupation," Makeiev said.
The official said the directives to all Ukrainian delegations during any negotiations with international partners tell of the need to raise such issues, in particular, of restoring Ukrainian sovereignty in Crimea and Donbas.
"For our part, we also continue to do everything to keep the topic on the agenda. We pursue Russia in international judicial instances which have corresponding jurisdiction, and we will continue to do that," Makeiev said.
The diplomat also said it is necessary to talk more not only about the policy toward the end of occupation, but also about that of reintegration.
Read alsoNew shelling shows Russian force in Ukraine – EUObserver
"It would be great if we could reintegrate Donbas and Crimea as soon as possible, but we also need to understand that, unfortunately, today the Russian Federation acts totally irresponsibly in the international arena, not willing to discuss the issue of Crimea and trying to get rid of the Donbas issue," the diplomat said.
At the same time, Makeiev said Ukraine manages to maintain an international coalition in its support. "I'm sure it cannot be shaken in any way, but the reintegration policy should complement our foreign policy efforts," he added.


unian--2020-02-20--Ukraine's economy ministry: Next state support program for agrarians to be developed for three years

The 2021-2023 support program is introducing new areas , namely agricultural insurance and support for processing .
Ukraine 's Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture Ministry says the state support program for agrarians , which will follow the current one-year program of state support for 2020 , will be developed for three years ( 2021-2023 ) and made public in July this year .
`` The ministry and the Agrarian Committee have decided to announce a plan of state support for 2021-2023 in early July .
All potential recipients will have a clear understanding of what to expect in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Minister of Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture Taras Vysotskyi said as reported by the agency 's press service on February 20 .
Read alsoUkraine exports almost 39 mln tonnes of grain since July 1 In addition , the ministry plans to introduce new areas of support for farmers , namely agricultural insurance and support for agricultural product processing .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the national budget for 2020 had envisaged UAH 4 billion ( US $ 163 million ) , as well as an additional UAH 240 million ( US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support of agricultural sector and creation of a fund to partially guarantee loans for land purchases .
In particular , UAH 1.2 billion ( US $ 48.9 million ) is provided for the loan compensation program , UAH 1 billion ( US $ 40.8 million ) for partial compensation of the cost of agricultural machinery and equipment , UAH 1 billion for support of livestock , as well as UAH 400 million ( US $ 16.3 ) for horticulture and farming .

Ukraine's economy ministry: Next state support program for agrarians to be developed for three years
16:20, 20.02.20 225
The 2021-2023 support program is introducing new areas, namely agricultural insurance and support for processing.
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unian--2020-02-20--Both Ukrainians who contracted coronavirus on board cruise ship successfully recovered – MP

In total , there are 25 Ukrainians on board the Diamond Princess .
Ukrainian MP from the Servant of the People parliamentary faction , Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Healthcare Mykhailo Radutsky has said two Ukrainians infected with the novel coronavirus on board a quarantined cruise ship off Japan coast have recovered .
Speaking about the Diamond Princess crew members , who were taken to a hospital in Japan , Radutsky told journalists : `` Not a single media outlet applauded the fact that they had recovered .
And statistics is that there 's 15 % of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' an UNIAN correspondent reports .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the first case of the coronavirus involving a citizen of Ukraine on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship was reported on February 9 .
The quarantine regime was introduced from 07:00 on February 5 for a period of 14 days .
In total , there are 3,700 people from 56 countries on board the ship , of which 2,700 are passengers and the remaining are crew members , including 25 Ukrainians .
On February 10 , Director of the Consular Service Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serhiy Pohoreltsev reported a second confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection involving a citizen of Ukraine on board the cruise ship .

In total, there are 25 Ukrainians on board the Diamond Princess.
Ukrainian MP from the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Healthcare Mykhailo Radutsky has said two Ukrainians infected with the novel coronavirus on board a quarantined cruise ship off Japan coast have recovered.
Speaking about the Diamond Princess crew members, who were taken to a hospital in Japan, Radutsky told journalists: "Not a single media outlet applauded the fact that they had recovered. And statistics is that there's 15% of those who recovered, including two Ukrainians," an UNIAN correspondent reports.
Read alsoZelensky comments on Wuhan evacuation effort, shames opponents
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As UNIAN reported earlier, the first case of the coronavirus involving a citizen of Ukraine on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship was reported on February 9.
The quarantine regime was introduced from 07:00 on February 5 for a period of 14 days. In total, there are 3,700 people from 56 countries on board the ship, of which 2,700 are passengers and the remaining are crew members, including 25 Ukrainians.
On February 10, Director of the Consular Service Department of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Serhiy Pohoreltsev reported a second confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection involving a citizen of Ukraine on board the cruise ship.


unian--2020-02-20--Ukraine exports almost 39 mln tonnes of grain since July 1

Ukrainian farmers have already shipped abroad some 16.26 million tonnes of wheat .
Ukrainian agribusinesses exported 38.98 million tonnes of grain from July 1 , 2019 , the start of the 2019-2020 marketing year ( MY ) , to February 20 , 2020 , which was 7.9 million tonnes up from the relevant period of MY 2018-2019 or 75 % of the economy ministry 's target .
In particular , Ukraine exported 16.26 million tonnes of wheat , 3.9 million tonnes of barley , 18.25 million tonnes of maize , and 5,000 tonnes of rye , the Ukrainian Economic Development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service said .
Over the period under review , agrarians also shipped 246,000 tonnes of flour from wheat and other types of grain to foreign customers , which was 83,100 tonnes up against the relevant period of MY 2018-2019 , the report said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian farmers in 2019 harvested 75 million tonnes of grain , of which 54 million tonnes will be exported to foreign markets , according to the ministry .
Ukrainian agribusinesses in MY 2018-2019 exported 49.7 million tonnes of grain , which was a record @ @ @ @ @ @

Ukraine exports almost 39 mln tonnes of grain since July 1
15:40, 20.02.20 737
Ukrainian farmers have already shipped abroad some 16.26 million tonnes of wheat.
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unian--2020-02-20--Ukraine's agricultural products imports from EU account for over 50% of food imports in 2019

Poland has been topping the ranking of main agricultural suppliers to Ukraine since 2017 .
Ukraine 's agricultural products imports from the European Union in 2019 were estimated US $ 3.13 billion , which accounted for more than 50 % of the country 's food imports in monetary terms .
`` Shipments from Europe in monetary terms grew from US $ 2.695 billion in 2018 to US $ 3.133 billion in 2019 .
For the first time over Ukraine 's independence , the share of European countries has exceeded half of domestic imports of agricultural products , reaching 51 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Scientific Center `` Institute of Agrarian Economics '' said on February 20 .
Poland has been topping the ranking of the agricultural suppliers since 2017 .
In 2019 , Ukraine imported from Poland farm produce worth US $ 659 million , which was 20 % up from 2018 .
In total , Ukraine 's agri-food imports in 2019 stood at US $ 6.1 billion , which was 11 % up year-on-year .
At the same time , food imports from Asian countries were estimated at more than US $ 1.125 billion ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America at US $ 453 million ( 7.4 % ) and from Africa at US $ 282 million ( 4.6 % ) .
Traditionally , the following product groups account for the lion 's share of Ukraine 's food product imports : fruit and berry products ( US $ 673 million ) , fish and mollusks ( US $ 645 million ) , tobacco ( US $ 496 million ) , various food products ( US $ 440 million ) , oilseeds ( US $ 340 million ) , as well as cocoa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million ) .
In total , the said products accounted for 55 % of Ukraine 's total agri-food imports in monetary terms .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine in 2019 updated its historical record of agri-exports , having supplied to foreign markets agricultural products worth US $ 22.4 billion , which was almost 20 % up from 2018 .
At the same time , Ukraine 's agri-food shipment to the European Union accounted for 33.5 % of the country 's agri-exports .

Ukraine's agricultural products imports from EU account for over 50% of food imports in 2019
15:20, 20.02.20 963
Poland has been topping the ranking of main agricultural suppliers to Ukraine since 2017.
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unian--2020-02-20--Ukraine military in Donbas find ammunition available only to Russian army

This is yet another evidence of Russian involvement in the Donbas war , which will be provided to the International Criminal Court in The Hague .
A high-impulse thermobaric explosive has been found during a demining effort clearance in Donbas , within the zone of the Joint Forces Operation .
`` In the area of the Joint Forces Operation , work continues on documenting more facts of arms supplies by the Russian Federation to the illegal armed groups in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk and Donetsk regions , '' the press center of the Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a TBG-7V high-impulse thermobaric shell ( for an RPG -7V grenade launcher ) , manufactured in Russia in 2003 .
It was found during mine clearance near the disengagement site in Stanytsia Luhanska .
`` The specified ammunition is not manufactured in Ukraine and is n't in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine .
It is used exclusively by the army of the Russian Federation , '' the JFO HQ said .
The prosecutor 's office of Luhansk region , together with the officers of the SBU 's Military Counterintelligence and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are part of the Joint Forces , have documented the fact .
The new piece of evidence has been attached to the case file as part of criminal proceedings under Part 2 of Article 437 ( conducting an aggressive war ) and Part 1 of Article 438 ( violation of the laws and customs of war ) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine .
According to investigators , this type of weapon is used by representatives of the Russian armed forces and the Russian occupying administration in Luhansk region to carry out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Later , material evidence will be forwarded to the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court as another proof of Russia 's involvement in the armed conflict affecting eastern Ukraine .

This is yet another evidence of Russian involvement in the Donbas war, which will be provided to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
A high-impulse thermobaric explosive has been found during a demining effort clearance in Donbas, within the zone of the Joint Forces Operation.
"In the area of the Joint Forces Operation, work continues on documenting more facts of arms supplies by the Russian Federation to the illegal armed groups in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk and Donetsk regions," the press center of the Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Command said.
The evidence revealed was a TBG-7V high-impulse thermobaric shell (for an RPG -7V grenade launcher), manufactured in Russia in 2003.
Видео дня
It was found during mine clearance near the disengagement site in Stanytsia Luhanska.
"The specified ammunition is not manufactured in Ukraine and isn't in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is used exclusively by the army of the Russian Federation," the JFO HQ said.
Read alsoNew shelling shows Russian force in Ukraine – EUObserver
The prosecutor's office of Luhansk region, together with the officers of the SBU's Military Counterintelligence and the Pivnich [North] tactical group, which are part of the Joint Forces, have documented the fact. The new piece of evidence has been attached to the case file as part of criminal proceedings under Part 2 of Article 437 (conducting an aggressive war) and Part 1 of Article 438 (violation of the laws and customs of war) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
According to investigators, this type of weapon is used by representatives of the Russian armed forces and the Russian occupying administration in Luhansk region to carry out military aggression against the Ukrainian armed forces.
Later, material evidence will be forwarded to the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court as another proof of Russia's involvement in the armed conflict affecting eastern Ukraine.


unian--2020-02-20--Ukraine honoring memory of Heavenly Hundred heroes on sixth anniversary of Maidan massacre

On this day six years ago , Ukraine went through the most tragic phase of the Revolution of Dignity .
Today , February 20 , 2020 , Ukraine is honoring the memory of the Heavenly Hundred heroes on the sixth anniversary of bloody shootings at the Maidan Square during the Revolution of Dignity .
On this day six years ago , Ukraine went through the most tragic phase of the Revolution of Dignity .
On February 18-20 , 2014 , more than a hundred people died downtown Kyiv , several dozen went missing , over a thousand were injured , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To stop arbitrary moves of the then-authorities , on the morning of February 18 , 2014 , protesters set for a march toward the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine , which was named the `` Peaceful Offensive . ''
Citizens demanded that the authorities take steps to overcome the crisis and resolve the situation in the country , first of all , limiting the powers of president of Ukraine by amending the Constitution .
Police forces , acting on the instruction of law enforcement leadership , grossly violating Ukrainian legislation , applied excessive violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the so-called titushkas ( hired armed thugs ) .
As a result , on February 18 , 23 people died on Instytutska and Hrushevskoho streets , Kripostny Lane , and Mariinsky Park , while 509 were injured .
In September 2014 , after the overthrow of the criminal regime , Ukraine opened a probe into the crimes against Maidan protesters .
The shooting began on the morning of February 20 and lasted two hours .
Seventy activists were killed that day .
In general , according to the Ukrainian Health Ministry , 82 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February 20 , 2014 .
The events on Instytutska Street became the last turning point of the Revolution of Dignity , after which the Yanukovych regime lost what was left of its support .
On the afternoon of February 20 , law enforcers in Lviv region and SBU operatives in Zakarpattia region flipped to the side of the protesters .
In addition , this day was the beginning of the end of the Party of Regions – the then head of Kyiv City State Administration Volodymyr Makeienko and Chairman of Vinnytsia Regional State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials to leave the party , followed by dozens more `` regionals '' in the next few days .
An emergency parliament meeting was held late on February 20 .
At about 22:00 , the Verkhovna Rada passed a resolution `` On condemning the use of violence , which led to the deaths of civilians in Ukraine . ''
The document declared the actions of law enforcement agencies illegal , banned the use of any types of weapons and special means against participants in protests , and instructed the Cabinet of Ministers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ministry of Internal Affairs , the Ministry of Defense and their subordinate security forces to `` immediately cease and prevent further use of force . ''
Some 236 MPs backed the resolution , including 35 `` regionals '' and 35 incumbent lawmakers .
On February 21 , 2014 , the official authorities of Ukraine legally recognized killed protesters as victims of the Maidan .
On this very day , a farewell to the slain activists took place at the Maidan .
The victims were collectively named `` Heavenly Hundred '' in vigil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a total of 328 MPs removed Viktor Yanukovych from the post of president of Ukraine .
In turn , the latter released a televised message to the nation , where he labeled the events of February 18-20 as `` coup d'etat '' and defied the decisions adopted by the Verkhovna Rada .
At the same time , he fled the country along with his family and a number of associates , also taking money and other assets .
At that moment , the Verkhovna Rada finally condemned the actions of the regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately rejected compromise agreements earlier with the president , who had already begun to prepare his escape from his Mezhyhiria residence .
Finally , as the Ukrainian parliament later admitted , it was on February 20 when Russia began the active phase of the annexation of Crimea .
Today , law enforcement authorities are investigating over 2,000 episodes of crimes at the Maidan , committed from November 21 , 2013 , to February 21 , 2014 .
Some of the cases were brought to court .
Over the years , 442 persons have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against 288 people have been sent to courts , while 52 persons were found guilty of committing crimes , and 45 were convicted .
The prosecution of the alleged organizers of the Maidan dispersal is an extremely complicated issue since a significant part of them fled the country , in particular , to Russia .
Over 90 persons have been declared wanted by the Office of the Prosecutor General in Maidan cases .

On this day six years ago, Ukraine went through the most tragic phase of the Revolution of Dignity.
Today, February 20, 2020, Ukraine is honoring the memory of the Heavenly Hundred heroes on the sixth anniversary of bloody shootings at the Maidan Square during the Revolution of Dignity.
On this day six years ago, Ukraine went through the most tragic phase of the Revolution of Dignity.
On February 18-20, 2014, more than a hundred people died downtown Kyiv, several dozen went missing, over a thousand were injured, and hundreds were detained and tortured.
To stop arbitrary moves of the then-authorities, on the morning of February 18, 2014, protesters set for a march toward the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which was named the "Peaceful Offensive." Citizens demanded that the authorities take steps to overcome the crisis and resolve the situation in the country, first of all, limiting the powers of president of Ukraine by amending the Constitution. Police forces, acting on the instruction of law enforcement leadership, grossly violating Ukrainian legislation, applied excessive violence and firearms while dispersing the march alongside the so-called titushkas (hired armed thugs).
As a result, on February 18, 23 people died on Instytutska and Hrushevskoho streets, Kripostny Lane, and Mariinsky Park, while 509 were injured. In September 2014, after the overthrow of the criminal regime, Ukraine opened a probe into the crimes against Maidan protesters.
The shooting began on the morning of February 20 and lasted two hours. Seventy activists were killed that day.
In general, according to the Ukrainian Health Ministry, 82 protesters were killed from February 18 to February 20, 2014.
The events on Instytutska Street became the last turning point of the Revolution of Dignity, after which the Yanukovych regime lost what was left of its support. On the afternoon of February 20, law enforcers in Lviv region and SBU operatives in Zakarpattia region flipped to the side of the protesters. In addition, this day was the beginning of the end of the Party of Regions – the then head of Kyiv City State Administration Volodymyr Makeienko and Chairman of Vinnytsia Regional State Administration Serhiy Tatusiak were among the first officials to leave the party, followed by dozens more "regionals" in the next few days.
An emergency parliament meeting was held late on February 20. At about 22:00, the Verkhovna Rada passed a resolution "On condemning the use of violence, which led to the deaths of civilians in Ukraine." The document declared the actions of law enforcement agencies illegal, banned the use of any types of weapons and special means against participants in protests, and instructed the Cabinet of Ministers, the SBU Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defense and their subordinate security forces to "immediately cease and prevent further use of force." Some 236 MPs backed the resolution, including 35 "regionals" and 35 incumbent lawmakers.
On February 21, 2014, the official authorities of Ukraine legally recognized killed protesters as victims of the Maidan. On this very day, a farewell to the slain activists took place at the Maidan. The victims were collectively named "Heavenly Hundred" in vigil addresses.
On February 22, 2014, a total of 328 MPs removed Viktor Yanukovych from the post of president of Ukraine. In turn, the latter released a televised message to the nation, where he labeled the events of February 18-20 as "coup d'etat" and defied the decisions adopted by the Verkhovna Rada. At the same time, he fled the country along with his family and a number of associates, also taking money and other assets.
At that moment, the Verkhovna Rada finally condemned the actions of the regime of Viktor Yanukovych, and Maidan activists ultimately rejected compromise agreements earlier with the president, who had already begun to prepare his escape from his Mezhyhiria residence.
Finally, as the Ukrainian parliament later admitted, it was on February 20 when Russia began the active phase of the annexation of Crimea.
Today, law enforcement authorities are investigating over 2,000 episodes of crimes at the Maidan, committed from November 21, 2013, to February 21, 2014. Some of the cases were brought to court. Over the years, 442 persons have already been declared suspects, 186 indictments against 288 people have been sent to courts, while 52 persons were found guilty of committing crimes, and 45 were convicted.
The prosecution of the alleged organizers of the Maidan dispersal is an extremely complicated issue since a significant part of them fled the country, in particular, to Russia. Over 90 persons have been declared wanted by the Office of the Prosecutor General in Maidan cases.


unian--2020-02-20--Nearly 142,000 cases of domestic violence reported in Ukraine in 2019

Mobile police teams dealing with such cases have been set up in all regional centers .
Some 142,000 cases of domestic violence were reported to the police in Ukraine in 2019 .
`` In 2019 , 142,000 reports of cases of domestic violence were received .
In 2019 , 107,000 protocols were drawn up under the article 'domestic violence , ' about 16,000 of urgent prohibiting orders were issued , while 72,834 persons were put on preventive lists , '' Deputy Interior Minister Kateryna Pavlichenko said , speaking at the international forum `` Ukraine on the path to overcoming domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correspondent reports .
At the same time , the official says , mobile police teams dealing with cases of domestic violence have been set up in all large cities across Ukraine .
`` Mobile teams to combat cases of domestic violence are operating in all regional centers , as well as towns such as Bila Tserkva , Kramatorsk and Berdyansk .
And today they are already proving their effectiveness .
We 're now considering increasing the number of such mobile teams .
At the same time , the National Police are intensifying work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence , '' she said .
Pavlichenko also stresses due attention being given to measures to prevent cases of domestic violence .
As UNIAN reported earlier , in September 2019 , the police created mobile groups to combat domestic violence .
In 2020 , it is planned to create such mobile patrols in all cities with populations over 50,000 .
In addition , a hotline will be launched in Ukraine for victims of human trafficking , domestic violence , gender-based violence , violence against children , or those facing a threat of such @ @

Mobile police teams dealing with such cases have been set up in all regional centers.
Some 142,000 cases of domestic violence were reported to the police in Ukraine in 2019.
"In 2019, 142,000 reports of cases of domestic violence were received. In 2019, 107,000 protocols were drawn up under the article 'domestic violence,' about 16,000 of urgent prohibiting orders were issued, while 72,834 persons were put on preventive lists," Deputy Interior Minister Kateryna Pavlichenko said, speaking at the international forum "Ukraine on the path to overcoming domestic and gender-based violence," an UNIAN correspondent reports.
Read alsoUkraine police investigating 1,500 criminal cases related to domestic violence
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At the same time, the official says, mobile police teams dealing with cases of domestic violence have been set up in all large cities across Ukraine.
"Mobile teams to combat cases of domestic violence are operating in all regional centers, as well as towns such as Bila Tserkva, Kramatorsk and Berdyansk. And today they are already proving their effectiveness. We're now considering increasing the number of such mobile teams. At the same time, the National Police are intensifying work of all units involved in tackling domestic violence," she said.
Pavlichenko also stresses due attention being given to measures to prevent cases of domestic violence.
As UNIAN reported earlier, in September 2019, the police created mobile groups to combat domestic violence.
In 2020, it is planned to create such mobile patrols in all cities with populations over 50,000.
In addition, a hotline will be launched in Ukraine for victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, gender-based violence, violence against children, or those facing a threat of such violence.


unian--2020-02-20--Customs chief Nefyodov labels pretrial probe into his alleged offence "black PR"

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Customs chief Nefyodov labels pretrial probe into his alleged offence "black PR"
14:00, 20.02.20 1628
On January 23, an unnamed individual lodged a claim with NABU alleging that a group of individuals led by Nefyodov "had systematically taken bribes for delivering uncertified panels to Ukraine on the basis of a fictitious audit of supplier plants.
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unian--2020-02-20--Bloomberg: Ukraine seeks to move on with U.S. now that impeachment is over

The Ukrainian government does n't believe its relationship with the U.S. needs to be `` reset , '' Prystaiko said .
Ukraine wants to move on in its relationship with the U.S. after the country was pulled into domestic politics during the impeachment process of President Donald Trump , the country 's foreign minister said .
The Ukrainian government is `` happy that the whole investigation , the whole impeachment part , is over , '' Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said Wednesday in an interview with Bloomberg Television in New York .
`` We hope that nobody will poke their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we are trying to do here , staying away from your local affairs , with your elections , especially in the electoral year , '' Bloomberg reported .
Ukraine was pulled into a bitter U.S. political fight after a phone call between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky set the impeachment process in motion .
The president was acquitted by the Senate last month for pressuring the Ukrainian government to announce investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden to help his re-election .
Senator Chris Murphy , a Democrat , said in Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was time for Republicans and Democrats to get past the crisis and support Ukraine with security assistance .
Murphy spoke during a visit along with Republican Senators Ron Johnson and John Barrasso .
Witnesses in the House impeachment inquiry said Trump held up such aid for months last year to pressure Zelensky to announce probes into Biden and the Democrats .
The Ukrainian government does n't believe its relationship with the U.S. needs to be `` reset , '' Prystaiko said .
Ukraine was `` dragged '' into this affair but `` we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations , '' he added .
Ukraine remains locked in a bitter struggle with Russia after President Vladimir Putin annexed Crimea in 2014 in a conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives .
Talks mediated by Germany and France have yielded some progress , including prisoner exchanges , but there 's still no resolution in sight .
A Ukrainian soldier died Tuesday as Russian occupation forces sought to advance beyond territorial lines established under a five-year-old peace accord , Ukraine 's military said .
The incident comes just days after the Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine policy to Dmitry Kozak .
Ukraine has been at war with Russia for six years because `` we are making the same choice as American people did – market-driven economy and the just democratic freedoms , '' Prystaiko said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Prystaiko called on Ukraine 's partners in the United States not to drag the country into the context of internal political struggle .
`` As far as impeachment is concerned , this topic has already been mentioned so often and we 're so – I beg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we 'd like to say once again : 'Please do n't drag us into this – and , first of all , it 's not about you , journalists , but about the American side – please , do n't drag us into your internal political processes ' , '' Prystaiko said .

The Ukrainian government doesn't believe its relationship with the U.S. needs to be "reset," Prystaiko said.
Ukraine wants to move on in its relationship with the U.S. after the country was pulled into domestic politics during the impeachment process of President Donald Trump, the country's foreign minister said.
The Ukrainian government is "happy that the whole investigation, the whole impeachment part, is over," Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said Wednesday in an interview with Bloomberg Television in New York. "We hope that nobody will poke their nose in our elections. That's what we are trying to do here, staying away from your local affairs, with your elections, especially in the electoral year," Bloomberg reported.
Ukraine was pulled into a bitter U.S. political fight after a phone call between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky set the impeachment process in motion. The president was acquitted by the Senate last month for pressuring the Ukrainian government to announce investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden to help his re-election.
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Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat, said in Kyiv last week after meeting Zelensky that it was time for Republicans and Democrats to get past the crisis and support Ukraine with security assistance. Murphy spoke during a visit along with Republican Senators Ron Johnson and John Barrasso. Witnesses in the House impeachment inquiry said Trump held up such aid for months last year to pressure Zelensky to announce probes into Biden and the Democrats.
The Ukrainian government doesn't believe its relationship with the U.S. needs to be "reset," Prystaiko said. Ukraine was "dragged" into this affair but "we don't believe that it affected our relations," he added.
Read alsoUkraine's FM slams "12 Steps Toward Greater Security in Ukraine" plan
Ukraine remains locked in a bitter struggle with Russia after President Vladimir Putin annexed Crimea in 2014 in a conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Talks mediated by Germany and France have yielded some progress, including prisoner exchanges, but there's still no resolution in sight.
A Ukrainian soldier died Tuesday as Russian occupation forces sought to advance beyond territorial lines established under a five-year-old peace accord, Ukraine's military said. The incident comes just days after the Kremlin offered grounds for encouragement by handing control of Ukraine policy to Dmitry Kozak.
Ukraine has been at war with Russia for six years because "we are making the same choice as American people did – market-driven economy and the just democratic freedoms," Prystaiko said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Prystaiko called on Ukraine's partners in the United States not to drag the country into the context of internal political struggle.
"As far as impeachment is concerned, this topic has already been mentioned so often and we're so – I beg your pardon for this word – tired that we'd like to say once again: 'Please don't drag us into this – and, first of all, it's not about you, journalists, but about the American side – please, don't drag us into your internal political processes'," Prystaiko said.


unian--2020-02-20--Mortars, artillery, and tanks: Ukraine's Defense Ministry shows aftermath of massive shelling in Luh

Mortars, artillery, and tanks: Ukraine's Defense Ministry shows aftermath of massive shelling in Luhansk region

One Ukrainian military serviceman was killed in action and another six were wounded in enemy shelling on February 18 .
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has shown the aftermath of the latest enemy shelling in Luhansk region on February 18 amid a `` marked spike '' of ceasefire violations , as the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission put it .
The relevant video has been published on the ministry 's official website .
Ukrainian soldiers serving in the Popasna district have said terrorists employed weapons proscribed by the Minsk agreements .
`` This was all happening simultaneously , for about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along a wide front sector – they opened fire both at us and our neighboring units .
They employed artillery , mortars , and even tanks ...
Apparently , the enemy hoped they would penetrate our defense positions but they did n't expect a decent and adequate rebuff , '' one of the soldiers said .
`` On February 18 , the illegal armed groups violated the ceasefire 22 times .
Ukrainian positions were attacked from proscribed 152mm and 122mm artillery systems , 120mm and 82mm mortars , tanks , infantry fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , heavy machine guns , and other small arms .
In particular , the enemy launched 16 artillery shells and 18 mortar shells near the town of Popasna in Luhansk region , '' the ministry said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , one Ukrainian military serviceman was killed in action and another six were wounded in enemy shelling on February 18 .

One Ukrainian military serviceman was killed in action and another six were wounded in enemy shelling on February 18.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has shown the aftermath of the latest enemy shelling in Luhansk region on February 18 amid a "marked spike" of ceasefire violations, as the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission put it.
The relevant video has been published on the ministry's official website.
Ukrainian soldiers serving in the Popasna district have said terrorists employed weapons proscribed by the Minsk agreements.
Видео дня
Read alsoNew shelling shows Russian force in Ukraine – EUObserver
"This was all happening simultaneously, for about five hours, in a coordinated manner, along a wide front sector – they opened fire both at us and our neighboring units. They employed artillery, mortars, and even tanks... Apparently, the enemy hoped they would penetrate our defense positions but they didn't expect a decent and adequate rebuff," one of the soldiers said.
"On February 18, the illegal armed groups violated the ceasefire 22 times. Ukrainian positions were attacked from proscribed 152mm and 122mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and other small arms. In particular, the enemy launched 16 artillery shells and 18 mortar shells near the town of Popasna in Luhansk region," the ministry said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, one Ukrainian military serviceman was killed in action and another six were wounded in enemy shelling on February 18.


unian--2020-02-20--Zelensky comments on Wuhan evacuation effort, shames opponents

The president says the `` decade-long policy '' of dividing Ukrainians into the right and wrong kinds is the thing of the past .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has addressed the issue of the evacuation of Ukrainians from China 's Wuhan , the city at the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak .
Zelensky noted all citizens had undergone a preliminary medical examination and were healthy .
According to him , the evacuees will be placed on quarantine in a secured medical center of the National Guard in the village of Novi Sanzhary , Poltava region , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel '' It will be completely isolated , operating in a strict regime of bacteriological safety .
It will probably be the most protected facility in the country for the next two weeks , '' Zelensky said .
The president emphasized there was no health hazard .
However , there is a threat of `` forgetting that we are all people and we are all Ukrainians .
Each of us .
Including those who stayed in Wuhan during the outbreak . ''
Read alsoUkrainians evacuated from China to be quarantined in medical center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us can be proud of the same humane reaction .
Attempts to block highways , block a hospital , and prevent Ukrainian citizens from getting back to Ukraine – this shows by no means the best side of our character .
Especially when we remember that most passengers are people who are under 30 years of age .
To many of us , they are almost like children , '' Zelensky explained .
The president says the `` decade-long policy '' of dividing Ukrainians into the right and wrong kinds is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ era is over .
We will fight for every Ukrainian who is in trouble , wherever they are .
We will save , evacuate , and swap .
Ukraine will not surrender its citizens .
This will be our government policy – I guarantee this .
But public reaction should be the same – I really hope so , '' the statement says .

The president says the "decade-long policy" of dividing Ukrainians into the right and wrong kinds is the thing of the past.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has addressed the issue of the evacuation of Ukrainians from China's Wuhan, the city at the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Zelensky noted all citizens had undergone a preliminary medical examination and were healthy. According to him, the evacuees will be placed on quarantine in a secured medical center of the National Guard in the village of Novi Sanzhary, Poltava region, according to the statement published on the president's Telegram channel
"It will be completely isolated, operating in a strict regime of bacteriological safety. It will probably be the most protected facility in the country for the next two weeks," Zelensky said.
Видео дня
The president emphasized there was no health hazard. However, there is a threat of "forgetting that we are all people and we are all Ukrainians. Each of us. Including those who stayed in Wuhan during the outbreak."
Read alsoUkrainians evacuated from China to be quarantined in medical center outside Poltava
"Unfortunately, not all of us can be proud of the same humane reaction. Attempts to block highways, block a hospital, and prevent Ukrainian citizens from getting back to Ukraine – this shows by no means the best side of our character. Especially when we remember that most passengers are people who are under 30 years of age. To many of us, they are almost like children," Zelensky explained.
The president says the "decade-long policy" of dividing Ukrainians into the right and wrong kinds is the thing of the past.
"This era is over. We will fight for every Ukrainian who is in trouble, wherever they are. We will save, evacuate, and swap. Ukraine will not surrender its citizens. This will be our government policy – I guarantee this. But public reaction should be the same – I really hope so," the statement says.


unian--2020-02-20--Ukrainians evacuated from China to be quarantined in medical center outside Poltava

The evacuation procedure sparked a number of local rallies across Ukraine 's regions amid conflicting reports in mass media and social networks regarding the possible quarantine site and spins alleging lack of precaution anti-hazard measures on the part of authorities .
Ukrainian citizens and foreigners evacuated from China will be brought for a 14-day quarantine to the National Guard 's Novi Sanzhary medical center in Poltava region .
People will be kept there `` under observation '' , with a strict regime of sanitary-epidemiological control and safety ensured , the Interior Ministry 's press service said .
The ministry underlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will respond to any unlawful attempts to prevent the placement of evacuees at the said facility or violation of the observation regime .
The ministry said there were no threats to public health , while active preventive measures were being taken jointly with the Health Ministry .
Read alsoEvacuation plane from Wuhan arrives in Kyiv for refueling before flying to Kharkiv ( Photo ) The statement comes amid local rallies outside the villages of Novi Sanzhary and Leliukhivka , where roads were being blocked by local residents who feared that the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placement of evacuees from China in a local facility .
The evacuation routine sparked a number of local rallies in other regions as well over the past days amid conflicting reports in mass media and social networks , including provocative ones , regarding the possible quarantine site and spins alleging lack of precaution anti-hazard measures on the part of authorities .

The evacuation procedure sparked a number of local rallies across Ukraine's regions amid conflicting reports in mass media and social networks regarding the possible quarantine site and spins alleging lack of precaution anti-hazard measures on the part of authorities.
Ukrainian citizens and foreigners evacuated from China will be brought for a 14-day quarantine to the National Guard's Novi Sanzhary medical center in Poltava region.
People will be kept there "under observation", with a strict regime of sanitary-epidemiological control and safety ensured, the Interior Ministry's press service said.
The ministry underlined that police forces and the National Guard will respond to any unlawful attempts to prevent the placement of evacuees at the said facility or violation of the observation regime.
Видео дня
The ministry said there were no threats to public health, while active preventive measures were being taken jointly with the Health Ministry.
Read alsoEvacuation plane from Wuhan arrives in Kyiv for refueling before flying to Kharkiv (Photo)
The statement comes amid local rallies outside the villages of Novi Sanzhary and Leliukhivka, where roads were being blocked by local residents who feared that the novel coronavirus might affect the region due to the placement of evacuees from China in a local facility.
The evacuation routine sparked a number of local rallies in other regions as well over the past days amid conflicting reports in mass media and social networks, including provocative ones, regarding the possible quarantine site and spins alleging lack of precaution anti-hazard measures on the part of authorities.


unian--2020-02-20--Ukraine's Cabinet eases procedure for subsoil use to attract investors

Ukraine's Cabinet eases procedure for subsoil use to attract investors
12:20, 20.02.20 212
The government's goal is to create more transparent conditions and reduce the administrative burden on investors.
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unian--2020-02-20--Ukraine demands that Russia start fulfilling int'l obligations, ensure immediate ceasefire in Donbas

Today is the sixth anniversary of the start of Russia 's armed aggression against Ukraine .
Ukraine requires Russia to proceed with the unconditional fulfillment of its obligations as a party to the international armed conflict , an immediate ceasefire , and the beginning of settlement in Donbas based on agreements reached within the framework of international negotiation formats .
`` On February 20 , 2014 , Russian troops began the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol , undermining peace and security on the continent .
By its illegal actions , Russia violated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form the foundation of international relations in the modern world , forming the basis for maintaining peace and stability – the principles of the non-application of force or the threat of force , respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of independent states , as well as the inviolability of borders , '' reads a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released on the sixth anniversary of the start of the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine .
The ministry emphasizes that the consequences of international crimes committed by Russia are tragic – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tens of thousands of dead and wounded , one and a half million internally displaced persons , and millions of Ukrainian citizens forced to live in the temporarily occupied territories in the face of terror and systemic violations of human rights .
`` Russia also ignores its international obligations as an occupying state .
The very manifestation of Ukrainian identity is a serious crime in the eyes of the invaders .
Crimean Tatars , the indigenous people of Crimea , are being subjected to repression .
Politically motivated prosecution based on trumped-up charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occupying authorities .
Crimes of the invaders include illegal conscription to the Russian armed forces , a systemic policy of resettlement of Russian residents to the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories aimed at altering demographics , compulsory passportization of Ukrainian citizens , and accelerated militarization of the occupied territories , '' the statement says .
The Foreign Ministry calls on the international community to further intensify political , diplomatic , and economic pressure on the Russian Federation to make the Kremlin cease its armed aggression against Ukraine , release illegally detained citizens of Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and international courts , liberate temporarily occupied territories , and put Russia back into the international legal field .
The ministry also expresses gratitude to international partners for their political and practical support in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine .

Today is the sixth anniversary of the start of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine.
Ukraine requires Russia to proceed with the unconditional fulfillment of its obligations as a party to the international armed conflict, an immediate ceasefire, and the beginning of settlement in Donbas based on agreements reached within the framework of international negotiation formats.
"On February 20, 2014, Russian troops began the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, undermining peace and security on the continent. By its illegal actions, Russia violated the fundamental principles of international law, which form the foundation of international relations in the modern world, forming the basis for maintaining peace and stability – the principles of the non-application of force or the threat of force, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of independent states, as well as the inviolability of borders," reads a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released on the sixth anniversary of the start of the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine.
Read alsoNew shelling shows Russian force in Ukraine – EUObserver
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The ministry emphasizes that the consequences of international crimes committed by Russia are tragic – the occupation of part of Ukraine, tens of thousands of dead and wounded, one and a half million internally displaced persons, and millions of Ukrainian citizens forced to live in the temporarily occupied territories in the face of terror and systemic violations of human rights.
"Russia also ignores its international obligations as an occupying state. The very manifestation of Ukrainian identity is a serious crime in the eyes of the invaders. Crimean Tatars, the indigenous people of Crimea, are being subjected to repression. Politically motivated prosecution based on trumped-up charges has become common practice for the Russian occupying authorities. Crimes of the invaders include illegal conscription to the Russian armed forces, a systemic policy of resettlement of Russian residents to the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories aimed at altering demographics, compulsory passportization of Ukrainian citizens, and accelerated militarization of the occupied territories," the statement says.
The Foreign Ministry calls on the international community to further intensify political, diplomatic, and economic pressure on the Russian Federation to make the Kremlin cease its armed aggression against Ukraine, release illegally detained citizens of Ukraine, implement relevant decisions of international organizations and international courts, liberate temporarily occupied territories, and put Russia back into the international legal field.
The ministry also expresses gratitude to international partners for their political and practical support in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.


unian--2020-02-20--New shelling shows Russian force in Ukraine – EUObserver

The explosions occurred every ten seconds for three hours .
Shelling in east Ukraine was so intense on Tuesday ( 18 February ) that there were 1,094 explosions in the town of Kadiivka alone between 5:35 and 8:30 , international monitors have said .
That amounted to an explosion every ten seconds for three hours , EUobserver reported .
The `` marked spike in ceasefire violations '' in the Luhansk region went on for six hours and included 2,500 explosions in total , as well as `` bursts '' of heavy machine gun and small arms fire , the monitors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) , also said in a report out on Wednesday .
The OSCE did not say who was responsible .
But the Ukrainian army said the spike came when `` Russian occupation troops '' shelled it with high-caliber artillery and mortars before launching a ground assault `` through the frontline '' , resulting in one fatality on each side .
The Ukrainian version was broadly corroborated by the EU 's embassy in Kyiv on Tuesday .
`` These offensive attempts by Russia-backed armed formations go completely against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambassador to Ukraine , Matti Maasikas , said .
`` The EU expects Russia to make full and immediate use of its influence on the armed formations it backs in this regard '' , he added .
Five EU countries also placed Russia at the scene in a statement at the United Nations Security Council ( UNSC ) in New York the same day .
`` We call on the sides for full compliance with the ceasefire and in particular on Russia to use its considerable influence over the armed formations it backs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Germany , and Poland said .
Russia 's show of force might have been meant to gain leverage in ongoing peace talks with Ukraine , France , and Germany .
But whatever its political logic , for some it also highlighted the implausibility of Russia 's old claim – that it has no armed forces in east Ukraine .
`` It would be wrong to say the Kremlin is responsible for whatever happens there , '' the Kremlin 's spokesman , Dmitri Peskov , said on Tuesday .
And previous Russian denials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The OSCE , for instance , spotted Russian-type tanks , rocket launchers , artillery , anti-aircraft guns , and armored personnel carriers in what it referred to only as `` non-government controlled areas '' in east Ukraine in its recent reports .
Read alsoDonbas escalation : Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops , try to penetrate line of contact ( Video ) EU diplomats also tend to speak of `` Russia-backed formations '' or `` foreign armed forces '' instead of `` Russian troops '' in east Ukraine .
But for Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lie to Russian claims that the Ukrainian military was fighting local separatists .
`` The Russian Federation continues to supply its occupation forces [ in the region ] with weaponry , regular troops , and mercenaries to the extent that they now dwarf many European armies , '' Ukraine 's UN ambassador , Serhiy Kyslytsya , said at the UNSC on Tuesday .
There were some 500 Russian tanks , 1,000 armored combat vehicles , 130 rocket-launch systems , and 800 artillery systems in Russia-occupied east Ukraine , he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent over 4,000 tonnes of weapons and munitions into the occupied territories in Donbas [ in east Ukraine ] , '' Kyslytsya said .
`` Yet another cynical Russian attack in Donbas , '' Ukraine 's EU ambassador , Mykola Tochytskyi , added in Brussels .
`` We informed the EU about Russia 's escalation and urged our partners to react resolutely , '' Tochytskyi said .
And for their part , Ukrainian military officers have , in the past , agreed .
`` When I say the enemy , you understand this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miners ca n't find a tank in their mines and learn how to drive it without special training , '' a Ukrainian colonel who commanded the 93rd brigade in Luhansk last year told EUobserver at the time .

The explosions occurred every ten seconds for three hours.
Shelling in east Ukraine was so intense on Tuesday (18 February) that there were 1,094 explosions in the town of Kadiivka alone between 5:35 and 8:30, international monitors have said.
That amounted to an explosion every ten seconds for three hours, EUobserver reported.
The "marked spike in ceasefire violations" in the Luhansk region went on for six hours and included 2,500 explosions in total, as well as "bursts" of heavy machine gun and small arms fire, the monitors, from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), also said in a report out on Wednesday.
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The OSCE did not say who was responsible.
But the Ukrainian army said the spike came when "Russian occupation troops" shelled it with high-caliber artillery and mortars before launching a ground assault "through the frontline", resulting in one fatality on each side.
The Ukrainian version was broadly corroborated by the EU's embassy in Kyiv on Tuesday.
"These offensive attempts by Russia-backed armed formations go completely against the agreed ceasefire," the EU's ambassador to Ukraine, Matti Maasikas, said.
"The EU expects Russia to make full and immediate use of its influence on the armed formations it backs in this regard", he added.
Five EU countries also placed Russia at the scene in a statement at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York the same day.
"We call on the sides for full compliance with the ceasefire and in particular on Russia to use its considerable influence over the armed formations it backs," Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, and Poland said.
Russia's show of force might have been meant to gain leverage in ongoing peace talks with Ukraine, France, and Germany.
But whatever its political logic, for some it also highlighted the implausibility of Russia's old claim – that it has no armed forces in east Ukraine.
"It would be wrong to say the Kremlin is responsible for whatever happens there," the Kremlin's spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, said on Tuesday.
And previous Russian denials have spawned diplomatic euphemisms over the years.
The OSCE, for instance, spotted Russian-type tanks, rocket launchers, artillery, anti-aircraft guns, and armored personnel carriers in what it referred to only as "non-government controlled areas" in east Ukraine in its recent reports.
Read alsoDonbas escalation: Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops, try to penetrate line of contact (Video)
EU diplomats also tend to speak of "Russia-backed formations" or "foreign armed forces" instead of "Russian troops" in east Ukraine.
But for Ukrainian diplomats the intensity of enemy firepower gave the lie to Russian claims that the Ukrainian military was fighting local separatists.
"The Russian Federation continues to supply its occupation forces [in the region] with weaponry, regular troops, and mercenaries to the extent that they now dwarf many European armies," Ukraine's UN ambassador, Serhiy Kyslytsya, said at the UNSC on Tuesday.
There were some 500 Russian tanks, 1,000 armored combat vehicles, 130 rocket-launch systems, and 800 artillery systems in Russia-occupied east Ukraine, he said.
"Just last year, the Russian Federation sent over 4,000 tonnes of weapons and munitions into the occupied territories in Donbas [in east Ukraine]," Kyslytsya said.
"Yet another cynical Russian attack in Donbas," Ukraine's EU ambassador, Mykola Tochytskyi, added in Brussels.
"We informed the EU about Russia's escalation and urged our partners to react resolutely," Tochytskyi said.
And for their part, Ukrainian military officers have, in the past, agreed.
"When I say the enemy, you understand this is the Russian Federation... Yesterday's miners can't find a tank in their mines and learn how to drive it without special training," a Ukrainian colonel who commanded the 93rd brigade in Luhansk last year told EUobserver at the time.


unian--2020-02-20--IMF mission arrives in Kyiv

IMF mission arrives in Kyiv

IMF mission arrives in Kyiv
11:20, 20.02.20 817
Ukraine and the IMF in December 2019 reached a staff-level agreement on a new three-year EFF worth $5.5 billion.
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unian--2020-02-20--NBU lets official hryvnia weaken to UAH 24.52 to U.S. dollar on Feb 20

NBU lets official hryvnia weaken to UAH 24.52 to U.S. dollar on Feb 20
11:00, 20.02.20 1718
The official forex rate of the hryvnia against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 26.49.
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unian--2020-02-20--Evacuation plane from Wuhan arrives in Kyiv for refueling before flying to Kharkiv

According to crew and paramedics , everyone on board the aircraft is healthy and able to continue the trip .
A chartered plane sent by Ukraine 's government to evacuate Ukrainians from the Chinese city of Wuhan , the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak , has arrived in Boryspil International Airport , Kyiv region , for refueling before departing to Kharkiv .
According to crew and paramedics , everyone on board the aircraft is healthy and able to continue the trip .
As UNIAN reported , the flight was being carried out by SkyUp Airlines , the plane departed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was scheduled to arrive in Ukraine at 07:45 Kyiv time on February 20 .
Read alsoPolice to cordon off quarantine site set to host Ukrainians evacuated from Wuhan Seventy-three people were allowed to board the aircraft .
Three citizens of Ukraine and one female foreigner were banned from boarding during check-in .
On board the plane are 29 foreigners , namely eight citizens of Argentina , five citizens of Dominican Republic and Ecuador each , four El Salvador nationals , two persons from Kazakhstan and Costa Rica each , and one from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The two Kazakh citizens were expected to get off the plane during a stopover in Almaty .

According to crew and paramedics, everyone on board the aircraft is healthy and able to continue the trip.
A chartered plane sent by Ukraine's government to evacuate Ukrainians from the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak, has arrived in Boryspil International Airport, Kyiv region, for refueling before departing to Kharkiv.
According to crew and paramedics, everyone on board the aircraft is healthy and able to continue the trip.
As UNIAN reported, the flight was being carried out by SkyUp Airlines, the plane departed at 00:30 local time on February 20 and was scheduled to arrive in Ukraine at 07:45 Kyiv time on February 20.
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Read alsoPolice to cordon off quarantine site set to host Ukrainians evacuated from Wuhan
Seventy-three people were allowed to board the aircraft. Three citizens of Ukraine and one female foreigner were banned from boarding during check-in. On board the plane are 29 foreigners, namely eight citizens of Argentina, five citizens of Dominican Republic and Ecuador each, four El Salvador nationals, two persons from Kazakhstan and Costa Rica each, and one from Israel, Montenegro, and Panama each. The two Kazakh citizens were expected to get off the plane during a stopover in Almaty.


unian--2020-02-20--Painting stolen by Nazis from Ukraine during WW2 to be returned from U.S.

The repatriation of the art object became possible due to successful cooperation between diplomats and special agencies of the two states .
`` An Amorous Couple '' painting by Pierre Louis Goudreaux stolen during World War 2 is set to be finally returned to Ukraine , Ukraine 's Permanent Mission to the United Nations reported .
On February 19 , 2020 , Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko participated in the official handover ceremony of `` An Amorous Couple '' painting , which was held in New York , the Mission wrote on Facebook .
The painting had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 from the Khanenko Family National Museum in Kyiv and then discovered in the U.S .
The repatriation of the art object became possible due to successful cooperation between diplomats and special agencies of the two states .
Read alsoU.S .
plans to hand over to Ukraine Navy another three Island-class patrol boats in 2021 U.S. officials earlier said the painting had been missing for years , held by a London private collector and then in Massachusetts .
It resurfaced in 2013 when it was listed on a website for an unnamed New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was bought from a Missouri auction house in 1993 by a New York dealer who had consigned it to the auction house .
In recent years , U.S. officials have stepped up efforts to locate art seized from Ukraine by Nazi forces and return it to Ukraine .
In December 2018 , U.S. authorities moved to claim a 107-year-old painting of Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible that was stolen from a Ukrainian art museum during World War 2 .

The repatriation of the art object became possible due to successful cooperation between diplomats and special agencies of the two states.
"An Amorous Couple" painting by Pierre Louis Goudreaux stolen during World War 2 is set to be finally returned to Ukraine, Ukraine's Permanent Mission to the United Nations reported.
On February 19, 2020, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko participated in the official handover ceremony of "An Amorous Couple" painting, which was held in New York, the Mission wrote on Facebook.
The painting had been stolen by Nazis during World War 2 from the Khanenko Family National Museum in Kyiv and then discovered in the U.S.
Видео дня
The repatriation of the art object became possible due to successful cooperation between diplomats and special agencies of the two states.
Read alsoU.S. plans to hand over to Ukraine Navy another three Island-class patrol boats in 2021
U.S. officials earlier said the painting had been missing for years, held by a London private collector and then in Massachusetts. It resurfaced in 2013 when it was listed on a website for an unnamed New York auction house.
The FBI determined it was bought from a Missouri auction house in 1993 by a New York dealer who had consigned it to the auction house.
In recent years, U.S. officials have stepped up efforts to locate art seized from Ukraine by Nazi forces and return it to Ukraine.
In December 2018, U.S. authorities moved to claim a 107-year-old painting of Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible that was stolen from a Ukrainian art museum during World War 2.


unian--2020-02-20--Anti-corruption court makes NABU open pretrial probe into customs chief Nefyodov's alleged offence

Anti-corruption court makes NABU open pretrial probe into customs chief Nefyodov's alleged offence
10:00, 20.02.20 3276
The damage done to the state allegedly exceeds US$1.64 million.
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unian--2020-02-20--Russia upping military presence "even in the Arctic": OSINT group

The expert explains buildup of Russian troops along Ukraine borders .
The increase in combat capabilities of Russian army grouping on the border with Ukraine is a consequence of the Kremlin 's `` military spree '' , according to the coordinator of the `` Information Resistance '' OSINT Group , military expert Kostiantyn Mashovets .
While Russia is strengthening its military presence in all directions , there is no definite forecast regarding a possible decision by Kremlin leadership to go for any large-scale offensive , Mashovets told Obozrevatel .
The comment came following an earlier statement by a representative of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildup of Russian military forces along the borders of Ukraine .
According to the expert , the Kremlin is pumping up its military potential both in the annexed Crimea and in the occupied territories of Donbas , `` both in the Arctic , in the north-western and south-western directions . ''
Read alsoRussia selecting Donbas terrorists for May 9 parade in Moscow – OSINT group At the same time , the expert notes , in order to draw conclusions about preparations for a large-scale offensive , it is necessary to have firm intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grouping , its armament , how amassed it is , and what kind of reserves it has at its disposal . ''
`` Then we would be able to conclude what actions it is intended for and how it can be used , '' Mashovets explained .
At the same time , he stressed that the strengthening of the Russian army can not be considered a way of psychological pressure on Ukraine .
Read alsoPompeo : Russia is `` aggressive '' in Arctic , China 's work there also needs watching – media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildup of combat capability , upgrading offensive weapons , and everthing else… Can it be just about making anyone anxious ? ''
he asked .

The expert explains buildup of Russian troops along Ukraine borders.
The increase in combat capabilities of Russian army grouping on the border with Ukraine is a consequence of the Kremlin's "military spree", according to the coordinator of the "Information Resistance" OSINT Group, military expert Kostiantyn Mashovets.
While Russia is strengthening its military presence in all directions, there is no definite forecast regarding a possible decision by Kremlin leadership to go for any large-scale offensive, Mashovets told Obozrevatel.
The comment came following an earlier statement by a representative of the GUR military intelligence on a significant buildup of Russian military forces along the borders of Ukraine.
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According to the expert, the Kremlin is pumping up its military potential both in the annexed Crimea and in the occupied territories of Donbas, "both in the Arctic, in the north-western and south-western directions."
Read alsoRussia selecting Donbas terrorists for May 9 parade in Moscow – OSINT group
At the same time, the expert notes, in order to draw conclusions about preparations for a large-scale offensive, it is necessary to have firm intelligence data on "the composition of the grouping, its armament, how amassed it is, and what kind of reserves it has at its disposal."
"Then we would be able to conclude what actions it is intended for and how it can be used," Mashovets explained.
At the same time, he stressed that the strengthening of the Russian army cannot be considered a way of psychological pressure on Ukraine.
Read alsoPompeo: Russia is "aggressive" in Arctic, China's work there also needs watching – media
"Imagine a cost of a nationwide buildup of combat capability, upgrading offensive weapons, and everthing else… Can it be just about making anyone anxious?" he asked.


unian--2020-02-20--Ukrainian soldier wounded amid 11 enemy attacks on Feb 19

The enemy opened fire , employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and small arms .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on February 19 mounted 11 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action .
`` Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire 11 times on February 19 , '' the press center of the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on February 20 .
`` One member of Joint Forces was wounded amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire , employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and small arms .
In addition , snipers were active .
Read alsoDonbas escalation : Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops , try to penetrate line of contact ( Video ) Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the towns of Maryinka and Krasnohorivka , and the villages of Lebedynske , Slavne , Vasylivka , Shyrokyne , Novotroyitske , Luhanske , and Orikhove .
`` Since Thursday midnight , Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 120mm mortars , cannons installed on infantry fighting vehicles , and grenade launchers of various types , '' the update said .
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops Thursday morning .

The enemy opened fire, employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.
Russia's hybrid military forces on February 19 mounted 11 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action.
"Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire 11 times on February 19," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on February 20. "One member of Joint Forces was wounded amid enemy shelling."
The enemy opened fire, employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms. In addition, snipers were active.
Видео дня
Read alsoDonbas escalation: Russian occupation forces attack Ukrainian troops, try to penetrate line of contact (Video)
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the towns of Maryinka and Krasnohorivka, and the villages of Lebedynske, Slavne, Vasylivka, Shyrokyne, Novotroyitske, Luhanske, and Orikhove.
"Since Thursday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Novomykhailivka, using 120mm mortars, cannons installed on infantry fighting vehicles, and grenade launchers of various types," the update said.
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops Thursday morning.