unian--2020-02-28--In retaliation move, Turkey bombs Assad's forces in Idlib overnight Friday

Earlier , 33 Turkish troops were killed in an airstrike by Russia-supported Syrian government forces .
Videos have been posted @ @ @ @ @ unmanned aerial vehicles showing what is reported to be massive strikes by Turkish air forces @ @ @ @ @ hardware , and personnel in Syria 's Idlib `` de-escalation zone '' .
The move @ @ @ @ @ the latest deadly air raid by Assad forces that killed at least 33 Turkish soldiers @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier by Anadolu , a rally was held February 28 outside Russia 's consulate @ @ @ @ @ Russia 's support for the Assad troops in Syria .
Turkey is convening on Friday @ @ @ @ @ line with Article 4 of the NATO Treaty , according to Jens Stoltenberg , the @ @ @

Earlier, 33 Turkish troops were killed in an airstrike by Russia-supported Syrian government forces.
Videos have been posted on Twitter, shot by unmanned aerial vehicles showing what is reported to be massive strikes by Turkish air forces on enemy convoys, military hardware, and personnel in Syria's Idlib "de-escalation zone".
The move is seen as retaliation for the latest deadly air raid by Assad forces that killed at least 33 Turkish soldiers in the area.
Also, Turkey bombed enemy headquarters and ammunition depots.
Видео дня
İDLİB'TEN SICAK GÖRÜNTÜLER
İdlib'de askerlerimize yapılan alçak saldırıya karşı yapılan misillemede Suriye rejiminin çok sayıda tank ve topçu unsuru imha edildi. pic.twitter.com/7wtRdDCscT — Yeni Şafak (@yenisafak) February 28, 2020
As reported earlier by Anadolu, a rally was held February 28 outside Russia's consulate in Istanbul in protest against Russia's support for the Assad troops in Syria.
Turkey is convening on Friday an extraordinary NATO meeting in line with Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, according to Jens Stoltenberg, the Alliance chief.


unian--2020-02-28--Number of recovered from COVID-19 reaches 36,533 worldwide – media

The number of deaths from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus in China amounted to 2,788 , an increase of 44 people per day .
The number of people who successfully recovered from the novel COVID-19 coronavirus has reached 36,533 as of today .
In total , 93 % of those infected recovered , while the rest , namely 2,858 people ( about 7 % ) , died , Deutsche Welle reported with reference to Worldometer .
Of those who are still infected , 82 % ( 35,889 people ) have a mild course of the disease , while 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical or serious condition .
The National Health Commission provides a separate statistics on China .
The number of deaths from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus in China amounted to 2,788 , an increase of 44 people per day .
The number of confirmed cases of infection increased by 327 and reached 79,000 in mainland China .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Chinese authorities reported an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan late in December 2019 .
The causative agent of the disease was a new type of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from person to person , with the incubation period lasting at least two weeks .
On January 30 , the World Health Organization declared an international emergency over the spread of the novel coronavirus from China .

The number of deaths from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus in China amounted to 2,788, an increase of 44 people per day.
The number of people who successfully recovered from the novel COVID-19 coronavirus has reached 36,533 as of today.
In total, 93% of those infected recovered, while the rest, namely 2,858 people (about 7%), died, Deutsche Welle reported with reference to Worldometer.
Of those who are still infected, 82% (35,889 people) have a mild course of the disease, while 18% (8,009 people) are in critical or serious condition.
Видео дня
The National Health Commission provides a separate statistics on China. The number of deaths from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus in China amounted to 2,788, an increase of 44 people per day. The number of confirmed cases of infection increased by 327 and reached 79,000 in mainland China.
Read alsoCoronavirus update: First case confirmed in Lithuania
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Chinese authorities reported an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan late in December 2019.
The causative agent of the disease was a new type of coronavirus, COVID-19. The virus is transmitted from person to person, with the incubation period lasting at least two weeks.
On January 30, the World Health Organization declared an international emergency over the spread of the novel coronavirus from China.


unian--2020-02-28--Ukraine's state budget deficit grows to US$3.3 bln – Finance Ministry

Get a complete information picture of the day by subscribing to UNIAN ’ s news feeds .
For more information @ @ @ @

Ukraine's state budget deficit grows to US$3.3 bln – Finance Ministry
11:40, 28.02.20 1948
On March 20, 2020, the ministry will publicly report on the implementation of the state budget in 2019.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-02-28--NBU strengthens official hryvnia to UAH 24.56 to U.S. dollar on Feb 28

NBU strengthens official hryvnia to UAH 24.56 to U.S. dollar on Feb 28
11:20, 28.02.20 1226
The official forex rate against the euro for Friday is fixed at UAH 26.93 per euro.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-02-28--NATO to hold extraordinary meeting on attacks in Idlib

The de-escalation zone is currently home to four million civilians .
At Turkey 's request , NATO will hold an @ @ @ @ @ on Turkish military in Idlib , northwestern Syria .
Late Thursday , at least 33 @ @ @ @ @ dozens injured in an airstrike by Assad regime forces in the Idlib de-escalation zone , @ @ @ @ @ Today , the NATO council meets at Turkey 's request to consult under Article 4 @ @ @ @ @ Treaty on the situation in Syria , '' NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ Turkey and Russia agreed to turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone in which acts of @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , more than 1,300 civilians have been killed in attacks by @ @ @ @ @ in the zone since then as ceasefire violations continue .
The de-escalation zone is currently @ @ @ @ @ , including hundreds of thousands displaced in recent years by regime forces throughout the war-torn @ @

The de-escalation zone is currently home to four million civilians.
At Turkey's request, NATO will hold an extraordinary meeting Friday over attacks on Turkish military in Idlib, northwestern Syria.
Late Thursday, at least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed and dozens injured in an airstrike by Assad regime forces in the Idlib de-escalation zone, according to Anadolu.
"Today, the NATO council meets at Turkey's request to consult under Article 4 of NATO's founding Washington Treaty on the situation in Syria," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter.
Видео дня
Read alsoThirty-three Turkish soldiers killed in Syrian air raid in Idlib
In September 2018, Turkey and Russia agreed to turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone in which acts of aggression are expressly prohibited.
At the same time, more than 1,300 civilians have been killed in attacks by the regime and Russian forces in the zone since then as ceasefire violations continue.
The de-escalation zone is currently home to four million civilians, including hundreds of thousands displaced in recent years by regime forces throughout the war-torn country.


unian--2020-02-28--Ukraine reports one KIA, one WIA amid six enemy attacks in Donbas on Feb 27

The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 120mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and rifles .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on February 27 mounted six attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action ( KIA ) and another one as wounded in action ( WIA ) .
`` The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire six times on February 27 .
One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another one was wounded as a result of enemy shelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said in an update posted on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on February 28 .
Read alsoZolote residents in Donbas : We 're caught in-between warring sides : `` Bang ! ''
– a shell is flying over our heads .
We constantly wonder which `` bang '' will eventually hit us The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 120mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and rifles .
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Krasnohorivka , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Novotoshkivske , and Orikhove .
`` Since Friday midnight , Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Vodiane , using hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers , heavy machine guns , and rifles , '' the update said .
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops Friday morning .

The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 120mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and rifles.
Russia's hybrid military forces on February 27 mounted six attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA) and another one as wounded in action (WIA).
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire six times on February 27. One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another one was 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 28.
Read alsoZolote residents in Donbas: We're caught in-between warring sides: "Bang!" – a shell is flying over our heads. We constantly wonder which "bang" will eventually hit us
Видео дня
The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 120mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and rifles.
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Krasnohorivka, and the villages of Novomykhailivka, Starohnativka, Novotoshkivske, and Orikhove.
"Since Friday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Vodiane, using hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, and rifles," the update said.
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops Friday morning.


unian--2020-02-28--Coronavirus detected in Belarus

Coronavirus detected in Belarus

The Iraninan student who recently arrived from Baku , Azerbaijan , has tested positive .
The first case of the @ @ @ @ @ in Belarus , local health officials say .
An Iranian citizen who arrived on a @ @ @ @ @ , on February 22 tested positive after a lab examination on February 27 , says @ @ @ @ @ patient and those who had got in contact with him were placed in isolated premises @ @ @ @ @ Hospital .
The young man 's condition is satisfactory , '' the health ministry said @ @ @ @ @ Chinese authorities reported an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan late in December @ @ @ @ @ of the disease was a new type of coronavirus , COVID-19 .
The virus is @ @ @ @ @ , with the incubation period lasting at least two weeks .
On January 30 , @ @ @ @ @ an international emergency over the spread of the novel coronavirus from China .

The Iraninan student who recently arrived from Baku, Azerbaijan, has tested positive.
The first case of the novel coronavirus infection was reported in Belarus, local health officials say.
An Iranian citizen who arrived on a flight from Baku, Azerbaijan, on February 22 tested positive after a lab examination on February 27, says the report.
"The patient and those who had got in contact with him were placed in isolated premises of the Minsk Infectious Diseases Hospital. The young man's condition is satisfactory," the health ministry said.
Видео дня
UNIAN memo. The Chinese authorities reported an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan late in December 2019.
Read alsoCoronavirus update: First case confirmed in Lithuania
The causative agent of the disease was a new type of coronavirus, COVID-19. The virus is transmitted from person to person, with the incubation period lasting at least two weeks.
On January 30, the World Health Organization declared an international emergency over the spread of the novel coronavirus from China.


unian--2020-02-28--Thirty-three Turkish soldiers killed in Syrian air raid in Idlib

UN Secretary-General Guterres warns risk of escalation `` grows by the hour '' and calls for an immediate ceasefire .
At least 33 Turkish soldiers have been killed in an air raid by Syrian government forces in the northwestern Idlib province , the governor in the southeastern province of Hatay said early on Friday , raising an earlier death toll , while also threatening an escalation of conflict and another refugee crisis .
The deaths are the largest number of fatalities suffered by Turkey in a single day since it began sending thousands of troops into Idlib in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to seize the war-torn country 's last opposition-held stronghold , which is home to more than three million people , according to Al Jazeera .
The ferocious bombing campaign and ground assault have displaced nearly one million people since December , more than half of whom are children .
In response , Turkey warned it is attacking `` all known targets of the Syrian regime '' .
In a statement , UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed `` grave concern '' of an escalation of violence and called for an immediate ceasefire .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying it is `` very concerned '' about the reported attack , adding `` we are standing by our NATO ally Turkey . ''
`` We stand by our NATO ally Turkey and continue to call for an immediate end to this despicable offensive by the Assad regime , Russia and Iranian-backed forces , '' a State Department representative said .
Through his spokesman , NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also issued a statement condemning the `` indiscriminate '' airstrikes by the Syrian regime and Russian forces .
Syria 's Bashar al-Assad and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their attack on Turkish troops in northwestern Idlib , Turkey 's vice president said Friday , according to Anadolu news agency .
Assad regime elements `` will pay a heavy price for this treacherous attack , '' Oktay said in a written statement .
Ankara has vowed to retaliate against the `` illegitimate '' Syrian regime in the wake of the attack .

UN Secretary-General Guterres warns risk of escalation "grows by the hour" and calls for an immediate ceasefire.
At least 33 Turkish soldiers have been killed in an air raid by Syrian government forces in the northwestern Idlib province, the governor in the southeastern province of Hatay said early on Friday, raising an earlier death toll, while also threatening an escalation of conflict and another refugee crisis.
The deaths are the largest number of fatalities suffered by Turkey in a single day since it began sending thousands of troops into Idlib in recent weeks, amid a Russia-backed Syrian government offensive to seize the war-torn country's last opposition-held stronghold, which is home to more than three million people, according to Al Jazeera.
The ferocious bombing campaign and ground assault have displaced nearly one million people since December, more than half of whom are children.
Видео дня
In response, Turkey warned it is attacking "all known targets of the Syrian regime".
Read alsoSyrian Army officially takes control of Greater Aleppo, Russia deploying "little green men" – media
In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed "grave concern" of an escalation of violence and called for an immediate ceasefire.
The U.S. State Department also weighed in, saying it is "very concerned" about the reported attack, adding "we are standing by our NATO ally Turkey."
"We stand by our NATO ally Turkey and continue to call for an immediate end to this despicable offensive by the Assad regime, Russia and Iranian-backed forces," a State Department representative said.
Through his spokesman, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also issued a statement condemning the "indiscriminate" airstrikes by the Syrian regime and Russian forces.
Syria's Bashar al-Assad and regime elements will pay a heavy price for their attack on Turkish troops in northwestern Idlib, Turkey's vice president said Friday, according to Anadolu news agency.
Assad regime elements "will pay a heavy price for this treacherous attack," Oktay said in a written statement.
Ankara has vowed to retaliate against the "illegitimate" Syrian regime in the wake of the attack.


unian--2020-02-28--Zelensky approves state defense order for 2020-2022

The spending in 2020 is set at UAH 26 billion ( over $ 1 billion ) .
President of Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ the country 's government defense order for the next three years .
The corresponding decree @ @ @ @ @ on the president 's website .
Control over the implementation of the decision by the @ @ @ @ @ rests with its secretary Oleksiy Danilov .
The order comes into force from the day @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier , on February 18 , the NSDC adopted the state defense order for @ @ @ @ @ UAH 25.848 billion '' According to the adopted document , in 2020 , the implementation @ @ @ @ @ provides for financing in the amount of UAH 25.848 billion , which is 16 % @ @ @ @ @ Fourteen state-owned customers will participate in the state defense order , '' the NSDC said @

The spending in 2020 is set at UAH 26 billion (over $1 billion).
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday approved the country's government defense order for the next three years.
The corresponding decree of February 27 was published on the president's website.
Control over the implementation of the decision by the National Security and Defense Council rests with its secretary Oleksiy Danilov.
Видео дня
Read alsoNATO to continue supporting Ukrainian Army development – deputy chief of representative office
The order comes into force from the day of publication.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on February 18, the NSDC adopted the state defense order for 2020 in the amount of UAH 25.848 billion
"According to the adopted document, in 2020, the implementation of the state defense order provides for financing in the amount of UAH 25.848 billion, which is 16% more than in 2019. Fourteen state-owned customers will participate in the state defense order," the NSDC said.


unian--2020-02-28--Shakhtar Donetsk make it to Europa League Round of 16 after amazing comeback in Lisbon

In Round of 32 return leg , Shakhtar met with Benfica away .
Shakhtar drew with Benfica 3-3 on Thursday and , based on the aggregate score of 5-4 , advanced to the Europa League Round of 16 .
The first leg in Kharkiv ended in the Ukrainian club 's 2-1 win , Shaktar 's press service recalls .
In Lisbon , Benfica got off to a powerful start and quickly opened the scoring in the 9th .
Less than three minutes later , Shakhtar 's Moraes equalized , but before the first half was over , Benfica was once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The second half started with an even faster exchange of goals .
A Ukrainian defender 's mistake led to an unfortunate goal but just a couple of minutes later Shakhtar 's Taras Stepanenko headed it right home after a corner kick , making it 3-2 .
As Alan Patrick later planted the ball into the back of the net off the pitch surface , making it 3-3 , the Lisbon team had to score at least twice more , but failed .
The Miners will know their opponents at the next stage today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off at 14:00 Kyiv time .

In Round of 32 return leg, Shakhtar met with Benfica away.
Shakhtar drew with Benfica 3-3 on Thursday and, based on the aggregate score of 5-4, advanced to the Europa League Round of 16.
Видео дня
The first leg in Kharkiv ended in the Ukrainian club's 2-1 win, Shaktar's press service recalls.
In Lisbon, Benfica got off to a powerful start and quickly opened the scoring in the 9th. Less than three minutes later, Shakhtar's Moraes equalized, but before the first half was over, Benfica was once again ahead of the Ukrainian team.
Read alsoUkraine's long jumper Bekh-Romanchuk wins gold at World Athletics Indoor Tour in France
The second half started with an even faster exchange of goals. A Ukrainian defender's mistake led to an unfortunate goal but just a couple of minutes later Shakhtar's Taras Stepanenko headed it right home after a corner kick, making it 3-2.
As Alan Patrick later planted the ball into the back of the net off the pitch surface, making it 3-3, the Lisbon team had to score at least twice more, but failed.
The Miners will know their opponents at the next stage today, February 28. The draw kicks off at 14:00 Kyiv time.


unian--2020-02-28--Coronavirus update: First case confirmed in Lithuania

The patient has been isolated in a hospital in the city of Siauliai , showing slight symptoms and no fever .
Lithuania officials have reported the first confirmed case of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus on its territory .
A woman , 39 , tested positive upon her return this week from a visit to Italy 's Verona , according to Kommersant .
The patient has been isolated in a hospital in the city of Siauliai , showing slight symptoms and no fever .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Head of the Crisis Management Center at the Consular Services Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MFA ) Maksym Kovalenko has said Ukraine is not going to evacuate its citizens from Italy yet .
The comment came following a report that a Ukrainian woman was hospitalized in Italy having tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
She is not in critical condition .
UNIAN memo .
The Chinese authorities reported an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan late in December 2019 .
The causative agent of the disease was a new type of coronavirus , COVID-19 .
The virus is transmitted from person to person , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
On January 30 , the World Health Organization declared an international emergency over the spread of the novel coronavirus from China .

The patient has been isolated in a hospital in the city of Siauliai, showing slight symptoms and no fever.
Lithuania officials have reported the first confirmed case of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus on its territory.
A woman, 39, tested positive upon her return this week from a visit to Italy's Verona, according to Kommersant.
The patient has been isolated in a hospital in the city of Siauliai, showing slight symptoms and no fever.
Видео дня
As UNIAN reported earlier, Head of the Crisis Management Center at the Consular Services Department of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Maksym Kovalenko has said Ukraine is not going to evacuate its citizens from Italy yet.
The comment came following a report that a Ukrainian woman was hospitalized in Italy having tested positive for the novel coronavirus. She is not in critical condition.
UNIAN memo. The Chinese authorities reported an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan late in December 2019. The causative agent of the disease was a new type of coronavirus, COVID-19.
The virus is transmitted from person to person, with the incubation period lasting at least two weeks.
On January 30, the World Health Organization declared an international emergency over the spread of the novel coronavirus from China.


unian--2020-02-27--Some 70% Ukrainians see no success in government actions on situation in Donbas – poll

Only 25 % of citizens find the efforts successful .
The latest poll says 70 % of Ukrainians consider the government 's actions to resolve the situation in Donbas unsuccessful .
That 's according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology ( KIIS ) , which conducted the survey February 21-25 .
`` In assessing the success of the authorities in resolving the conflict in Donbas , there was a deterioration compared to December : only 25 % of respondents believe that the government is successful ( in December it was 40 % ) , and 70 % - that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 50 % ) , '' says the press release .
Read alsoNew count says almost 1.5 mln IDPs registered in Ukraine The survey was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviews based on a random selection of respondents .
The sample is representative of the adult population ( aged 18 years and over ) .
The sample excludes territories that are temporarily beyond the control of Ukrainian authorities – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
A total of 1,500 interviews were conducted , while a sampling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not exceed 3 % .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the majority of Ukrainians ( 63 % ) show no support for the idea of granting amnesty to those who took part in Donbas hostilities against the Ukrainian troops , while 62 % oppose the granting and consolidation in the Constitution of a `` special status '' for certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .

Only 25% of citizens find the efforts successful.
The latest poll says 70% of Ukrainians consider the government's actions to resolve the situation in Donbas unsuccessful.
That's according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), which conducted the survey February 21-25.
"In assessing the success of the authorities in resolving the conflict in Donbas, there was a deterioration compared to December: only 25% of respondents believe that the government is successful (in December it was 40%), and 70% - that it is unsuccessful (in December it was 50%)," says the press release.
Видео дня
Read alsoNew count says almost 1.5 mln IDPs registered in Ukraine
The survey was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviews based on a random selection of respondents. The sample is representative of the adult population (aged 18 years and over). The sample excludes territories that are temporarily beyond the control of Ukrainian authorities – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
A total of 1,500 interviews were conducted, while a sampling error with a probability of 0.95 does not exceed 3%.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the majority of Ukrainians (63%) show no support for the idea of granting amnesty to those who took part in Donbas hostilities against the Ukrainian troops, while 62% oppose the granting and consolidation in the Constitution of a "special status" for certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.


unian--2020-02-27--Ukraine's defense chief explains pros of Minsk Agreements

If updated , they could lay down another sequence of measures that would be in line with Ukrainian legislation .
Minsk agreements are useful for Ukraine as they provide for the return of the occupied territories , says Minister of Defense Andriy Zagorodnyuk .
In an interview with LB.ua , the top defense official said the government was ready to fulfill the agreements it `` inherited '' from 2015 .
`` They were drafted under certain circumstances , which are now irrelevant .
They have nuances that could be interpreted ambiguously .
This applies to security and border , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be altered , the minister believes , which may lead to the new sequence of measures being established .
`` First , control over the border , then holding of elections , '' Zagorodnyuk explained .
Read alsoUkraine must not end Donbas war at expense of territories or sovereignty , top security official says '' We have a clear outline of actions .
There are Minsk agreements , negotiations .
And if any modifications can be raised , this will be discussed .
Now we , as the Ministry of Defense , follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the minister .
Answering a question about his personal opinion regarding the possibility for upgrading the agreements , the defense chief said that `` any agreement can be improved . ''
`` From a security perspective , the Minsk agreements are suitable for us , since they provide for the handing back of territories back under Ukraine 's control , the disarmament of illegal groups , and pullback of foreign troops , '' the minister said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said Ukraine had been working on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite Russia 's position on the issue .

If updated, they could lay down another sequence of measures that would be in line with Ukrainian legislation.
Minsk agreements are useful for Ukraine as they provide for the return of the occupied territories, says Minister of Defense Andriy Zagorodnyuk.
In an interview with LB.ua, the top defense official said the government was ready to fulfill the agreements it "inherited" from 2015.
"They were drafted under certain circumstances, which are now irrelevant. They have nuances that could be interpreted ambiguously. This applies to security and border," the minister said.
Видео дня
The agreements can be altered, the minister believes, which may lead to the new sequence of measures being established.
"First, control over the border, then holding of elections," Zagorodnyuk explained.
Read alsoUkraine must not end Donbas war at expense of territories or sovereignty, top security official says
"We have a clear outline of actions. There are Minsk agreements, negotiations. And if any modifications can be raised, this will be discussed. Now we, as the Ministry of Defense, follow the documents that we have," said the minister.
Answering a question about his personal opinion regarding the possibility for upgrading the agreements, the defense chief said that "any agreement can be improved."
"From a security perspective, the Minsk agreements are suitable for us, since they provide for the handing back of territories back under Ukraine's control, the disarmament of illegal groups, and pullback of foreign troops," the minister said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said Ukraine had been working on a new version of the Minsk agreements, despite Russia's position on the issue.


unian--2020-02-27--Ukraine in world's top 3 poultry meat suppliers to EU in 2019 – report

Ukraine in world's top 3 poultry meat suppliers to EU in 2019 – report
22:30, 27.02.20 1694
Last year, Ukraine increased exports to the EU by 8.6%.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-02-27--Kyiv court rules SBU raid on 1+1 journalist Denys Danko's flat as unlawful

The 1+1 Media Group informs about developments around cases related to SBU searches in the editorial office of the Sekretni Materialy ( Secret Materials ) project and journalists ' flats on February 5 , 2020 .
Kyiv 's Shevchenkivsky district court on February 27 , 2020 , held hearings on a claim filed after a raid conducted by the SBU Security Service of Ukraine in TV Channel 1+1 journalist Denys Danko 's premises and the seizure of his belongings .
The court ruled that the search had been conducted unlawfully .
Read alsoSBU chief says Channel 1+1 searched as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's recordings The court ordered that the investigators immediately return all belongings seized during the raid .
The court 's ruling only confirms the position that was previously voiced by the 1+1 Media Group that the SBU had acted unlawfully , wrongfully and groundlessly .
Court hearings on a claim filed by the media holding in response to the search and seizure of system units of PCs from the company 's office were rescheduled for March 4 , as the investigator had failed to appear at the first hearings .
According to 1+1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and interests of the media group and its employees and informing the public about the further course of events .
It should be mentioned that the 1+1 Media Group appealed to the President of Ukraine , the SBU chief , authorized representatives of the Verkhovna Rada ( Ukraine 's parliament ) , government agencies and regulators , diplomatic missions and international organizations with a request to pay attention to the extraordinary and unprecedented actions of the Security Service of Ukraine during the pretrial investigation .
The group insists on the prevention of direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is provided for in Article 34 of the Constitution of Ukraine .

The 1+1 Media Group informs about developments around cases related to SBU searches in the editorial office of the Sekretni Materialy (Secret Materials) project and journalists' flats on February 5, 2020.
Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky district court on February 27, 2020, held hearings on a claim filed after a raid conducted by the SBU Security Service of Ukraine in TV Channel 1+1 journalist Denys Danko's premises and the seizure of his belongings.
The court ruled that the search had been conducted unlawfully.
Read alsoSBU chief says Channel 1+1 searched as part of probe into leak of PM Honcharuk's recordings
Видео дня
The court ordered that the investigators immediately return all belongings seized during the raid.
The court's ruling only confirms the position that was previously voiced by the 1+1 Media Group that the SBU had acted unlawfully, wrongfully and groundlessly.
Court hearings on a claim filed by the media holding in response to the search and seizure of system units of PCs from the company's office were rescheduled for March 4, as the investigator had failed to appear at the first hearings.
According to 1+1 Media, it continues protecting the rights and interests of the media group and its employees and informing the public about the further course of events.
It should be mentioned that the 1+1 Media Group appealed to the President of Ukraine, the SBU chief, authorized representatives of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament), government agencies and regulators, diplomatic missions and international organizations with a request to pay attention to the extraordinary and unprecedented actions of the Security Service of Ukraine during the pretrial investigation. The group insists on the prevention of direct infringements on the freedom of speech, which is provided for in Article 34 of the Constitution of Ukraine.


unian--2020-02-27--Ukraine's justice system employee caught mining crypto at work – media

An IT staffer at Ukraine 's State Judicial Administration has been charged with illegally mining cryptocurrency at his workplace .
The prosecutor 's office in Kyiv reported Wednesday that , together with other agencies , it has completed an investigation into the court administration department employee who illegally exploited government data systems .
The unnamed individual is said to have taken advantage of the equipment and internet bandwidth allocated for Ukraine 's court documents database and the Judiciary web portal to mine cryptocurrency from January to May 2018 .
He is additionally alleged to have exploited workplace servers to host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a website for motorcycle fans , the prosecutor 's office said , according to Yahoo !
Finance .
The employee has been charged with illegal intervention in the work of computers and computer networks , and malware distribution .
According to Ukraine 's criminal code , if found guilty , the perpetrator faces up to six years in prison and a ban on government jobs .
The news follows a handful of other cases of illegal mining by government employees in the country .
Last November , Ukraine 's railway administration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company ’ s power capacity in the city of Lviv .
In August , law enforcement uncovered an illicit crypto mining facility at the Yuzhnoukrainsk Nuclear Power Plant .

An IT staffer at Ukraine's State Judicial Administration has been charged with illegally mining cryptocurrency at his workplace.
The prosecutor's office in Kyiv reported Wednesday that, together with other agencies, it has completed an investigation into the court administration department employee who illegally exploited government data systems.
The unnamed individual is said to have taken advantage of the equipment and internet bandwidth allocated for Ukraine's court documents database and the Judiciary web portal to mine cryptocurrency from January to May 2018. He is additionally alleged to have exploited workplace servers to host external websites, including three online stores and a website for motorcycle fans, the prosecutor's office said, according to Yahoo!Finance.
Read alsoIn Ukraine, cyberpolice operative demanded bribe in cryptocurrency
Видео дня
The employee has been charged with illegal intervention in the work of computers and computer networks, and malware distribution. According to Ukraine's criminal code, if found guilty, the perpetrator faces up to six years in prison and a ban on government jobs.
The news follows a handful of other cases of illegal mining by government employees in the country. Last November, Ukraine's railway administration, Ukrzaliznytsia, caught employees mining crypto using the company’s power capacity in the city of Lviv. In August, law enforcement uncovered an illicit crypto mining facility at the Yuzhnoukrainsk Nuclear Power Plant.


unian--2020-02-27--Absolute majority of Ukrainians consider anti-corruption efforts unsuccessful – poll

Most Ukrainians see no progress in the investigation of high-profile criminal cases .
More than 80 % of Ukrainian citizens consider the fight against corruption at the highest government levels unsuccessful , that 's according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology ( KIIS ) February 21-25 .
`` The fight against corruption in the highest government levels is unsuccessful , 83 % of respondents believe ( in December it was 76 % ) , while 12 % see success ( in December it was 17 % ) , '' the KIIS said .
Also , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no progress in the investigation of high-profile criminal cases : 80 % of respondents thought so in February ( 71 % in December ) , only 11 % note success ( in December it was 17 % ) .
The survey was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviews based on a random selection of respondents .
The sample is representative of the adult population ( aged 18 years and over ) .
The sample excludes territories that are temporarily beyond the control of Ukrainian authorities – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and certain areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 1,500 interviews were conducted , while a sampling error with a probability of 0.95 does not exceed 3 % .
As UNIAN reported earlier , among the priority changes that Ukrainians expect from the president are cessation of hostilities in eastern Ukraine , strengthening of anti-graft measures , industrial revival , raising social standards , and improving the quality of health care .

Most Ukrainians see no progress in the investigation of high-profile criminal cases.
More than 80% of Ukrainian citizens consider the fight against corruption at the highest government levels unsuccessful, that's according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) February 21-25.
"The fight against corruption in the highest government levels is unsuccessful, 83% of respondents believe (in December it was 76%), while 12% see success (in December it was 17%)," the KIIS said.
Also, sociologists say the majority of Ukrainians see no progress in the investigation of high-profile criminal cases: 80% of respondents thought so in February (71% in December), only 11% note success (in December it was 17%).
Видео дня
Read alsoUkraine ranks 126th in TI's Corruption Perception Index 2019
The survey was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviews based on a random selection of respondents. The sample is representative of the adult population (aged 18 years and over). The sample excludes territories that are temporarily beyond the control of Ukrainian authorities – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
A total of 1,500 interviews were conducted, while a sampling error with a probability of 0.95 does not exceed 3%.
As UNIAN reported earlier, among the priority changes that Ukrainians expect from the president are cessation of hostilities in eastern Ukraine, strengthening of anti-graft measures, industrial revival, raising social standards, and improving the quality of health care.


unian--2020-02-27--Ukraine cuts steel output in January, ranks 12th in WSA list

Ukraine cuts steel output in January, ranks 12th in WSA list
19:50, 27.02.20 861
All the 64 countries ranked increased steel output by 2.1% in January 2019 y-o-y, to 154.4 million tonnes.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-02-27--EU remains committed to non-recognition of Crimea annexation

European Union 's Permanent Mission to the OSCE has assured that the EU remains committed to non-recognition of the illegal @ @ @ @ @ diplomats noted that at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna , the sixth anniversary was @ @ @ @ @ annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by Russia .
The delegation says the EU remains committed @ @ @ @ @ measures '' , to `` non-recognition '' of this act , which was `` in @ @ @ @ @ OSCE commitments .
`` Human rights situation in Crimea deteriorates since Russia 's illegal annexation @ @ @ @ @ opposing the annexation and restriction on fundamental freedoms and persecution of Crimean Tatars .
EU @ @ @ @ @ international human rights standards , '' the separate tweet reads .
The tweets were complimented @ @ @ @ @ hashtag .

EU diplomats call for full compliance with international human rights standards
European Union's Permanent Mission to the OSCE has assured that the EU remains committed to non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea.
EU diplomats noted that at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, the sixth anniversary was being marked of the illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by Russia.
The delegation says the EU remains committed, "including through restrictive measures", to "non-recognition" of this act, which was "in violation of international law and OSCE commitments.
Видео дня
We mark @OSCE Permanent Council today 6 yrs since #Russia illegally annexed #Crimea. This act which we do NOT & will NOT recognize is violation of intl law & #OSCE commitments. Remain committed to non-recognition policy including through restrictive measures. #CrimeaisUkraine — EU at OSCE 🇪🇺 (@EUOSCE) February 27, 2020
"Human rights situation in Crimea deteriorates since Russia's illegal annexation: systematic repression of those opposing the annexation and restriction on fundamental freedoms and persecution of Crimean Tatars. EU calls for full compliance with international human rights standards," the separate tweet reads.
The tweets were complimented with a "CrimeaisUkraine" hashtag.


unian--2020-02-27--NBU Deputy Governor Dmytro Solohub: Most of IMF requirements for a new program have been met. And wo

NBU Deputy Governor Dmytro Solohub: Most of IMF requirements for a new program have been met. And work on prior actions that have not yet been completed is almost finished

Ukrainian authorities speak of the need to accelerate economic growth , with the ambitious goal of rising 40 % in five years .
It is clear that the existing annual GDP growth rate of about 3 % is negligible for a tangible improvement in the well-being of Ukrainian citizens .
In order for new jobs to emerge in Ukraine , and wages and social standards to actually increase , the pace must be at least twice as high .
The Ukrainian economy needs large-scale financial injections to accelerate .
Foreign investors are not in a hurry to invest money in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is not enough favorable .
Therefore , the only hope for accelerating growth is bank lending , which last year declined in almost all segments except consumer lending .
How does lending affect the economy ?
Suppose a young family has got a mortgage loan to buy an apartment .
In this case , in addition to meeting the needs of the individual family , the income will be received and taxes will be paid by the developer and the creditor bank .
Or , if an entrepreneur gets a loan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow them to get income and pay taxes for themselves and their employees .
If a large company repairs its equipment using credit money , it will be able to increase production and revenues and , again , pay more taxes .
And so the circle goes .
Meanwhile , there are n't many willing to get loans in Ukraine as they are too costly .
Even after a rather significant decrease in rates by banks last year , average rates for businesses are about 15 % per annum , for mortgages - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – about 33 % per annum .
Comparing these rates with those of neighboring European countries , Ukrainian borrowers overpay on loans three to five times .
To find out why lending rates in Ukraine are still so high if they can decline to an acceptable level , and whether there will be any significant impact on the national economy by the global coronavirus epidemic , UNIAN spoke with Dmitro Solohub , Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine .
When will lending rates in Ukraine be reduced to the level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Lending rates depend on the value of the deposits and the margin .
Margin , in turn , consists of various components , including the cost of funding , cost of risk to the bank , and administrative costs .
There are two main components – deposit rates and cost of risk .
The deposit rate is always determined by the inflation rate in the country , the overall macroeconomic stability .
For example , if there is more than ten percent inflation in the country , the deposit rate may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the European Union , deposit rates are very low as inflation is low , too .
The second component is the cost of risk , which depends , among other things , on the state of the judiciary .
When a bank lends , it immediately imposes a certain probability of default .
Due to the many years of the negative experience of unsuccessful recovery of debts from borrowers who would re-issue collateral and evade paying off debt , the cost of risk remains high in Ukraine .
A normal and effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
And banks understand that if a loan is not repaid by the borrower , there is collateral , there 's court , and a bankruptcy proceeding through which the loan can be repaid .
Thus , the reduction of credit rates in Ukraine depends on the reduction of inflation and the transformation of the judicial system .
And above all , the value of resources is important , because , without it , loans will not fall in price .
How many years of stably low inflation will it take to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already stabilized inflation at a low level of around five percent , but this is still higher than that of the EU , as our economy is growing faster .
If the economy grows faster , it generates higher inflation .
This is a normal situation .
Ukraine is currently undergoing changes that are already behind in developed European countries .
With stable low inflation in the next two to four years , one can expect a decrease in deposit rates , probably up to six-seven percent , and on loans - to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of resources for banks is already unambiguous , as apart from retail deposits there are current customer accounts and corporate deposits at which rates are lower .
The cost of resources will continue to decline .
When the NBU 's discount rate is seven percent and inflation is five percent , the rates will obviously be lower than they are now .
Why did the National Bank choose a five percent inflation target ?
Perhaps to stimulate lending it is necessary to reduce it , for example , to two percent ?
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corresponds to the situation in the Ukrainian economy .
Choose not the level we want , but the optimum indicator .
Most countries in the world that have a successful history of declining inflation have reached two to three percent .
Ukraine will follow this path .
But it is too early to lower the target after the previous goal was only one year old .
The economy is undergoing structural changes that began in 2015-2016 .
Last year 's revaluation of the hryvnia became the first such episode in the history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These trends need to be analyzed and early steps avoided .
It is possible to revise the target in the future , but I can not say exactly when it will be .
If there is low inflation in the world , it is clear that in two or three to four years we will reach the target .
But only if inflation in the country remains at a stable low level and in the presence of normal rates of economic growth .
At present , the target is similar to that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much higher .
In some post-Soviet countries - Georgia , Armenia , Russia - the target is lower .
The National Bank recently announced a new instrument for stimulating lending - the interest rate swap .
What is the essence of this tool and how will it help banks ?
Bank deposits generally have a maturity of up to one year , while loans have two to three years or more .
When a bank lends , it fixes the rate for several years , but deposit rates can change several times during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed to interest rate risk , which impedes long-term lending .
An interest rate swap will allow banks to set a rate and avoid interest rate risk .
Bids have been declining so far , but this trend may change .
Declining inflation is behind us and we are entering a different period .
What can be done to encourage customers to place deposits for longer ?
This is a matter of macroeconomic stability , confidence in the banking system .
Gradually , the terms of deposits are extended .
But it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate are standard market instruments in the world .
There are also no ten-year deposits in other countries .
They are mainly placed for one to two years .
Can you comment on the situation on the government bonds market , where the volume of placement fell significantly and after a long decline the rates increased ?
This is a matter for the Ministry of Finance .
But in my opinion , this is a normal market situation .
The market goes through different phases - high rates change low and vice versa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Similar processes occur in the foreign exchange market - the rate is moving in different directions , volumes are changing .
It is a standard market process driven by supply and demand .
Regarding the pressing isseu , the coronavirus : the NBU has repeatedly stated that this situation will not have a significant impact on the Ukrainian economy .
But , for example , there was a statement about the daily loss of Russia 's economy due to this factor of about a billion rubles .
As in Russia , China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How much is our economy losing ?
If we analyze the Ukrainian currency market , we still do not see any effect .
There has been a fall in the global financial markets , but they have already played down .
For example , the profitability of Ukrainian eurobonds has declined again after growth .
Prices for Ukrainian imports have declined substantially .
For example , oil has fallen ten percent since the beginning of the year .
At the same time , export prices have declined slightly .
There is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exporters supplying products to China have not reduced their revenue .
There were some problems with logistics , but now they are solved .
More than half of our exports to China are grain , food , and meal .
Demand for these products has not decreased either from China or the world market .
In my opinion , this situation had a short-term effect .
There may be some impact in the future , but globally we do not see any problems for the Ukrainian economy .
The International Monetary Fund 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What are the expectations of this mission : will we finally get a new program , or is it an intermediate stage of dialogue ?
This is the usual standard dialogue with the IMF .
All program parameters are clear , the previous steps that Ukraine is expecting from the Fund to announce a new cooperation program are approved by the Board of Directors .
We are working in this direction .
During the visit of the IMF mission to Kyiv , representatives of the Fund met with a number of government agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting with representatives of the Fund at the NBU we discussed the usual issues : economic growth , inflation dynamics , monetary policy , the state of the banking system .
There were no new questions .
In the IMF , we have no questions at all : the National Bank pursues monetary policy goals .
As you know , at the technical level , an agreement has already been reached on an extended three-year funding program .
Ukraine has complied with most of the IMF requirements for the new program .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet been completed has almost come to an end .

Lending rates in Ukraine are several times higher than those in European countries. NBU Deputy Chairman Dmytro Solohub sat down with UNIAN to tell about the reasons for such pricing by banks, the likelihood of cheaper loans, and the impact of the coronavirus epidemic on the national economy.
Ukrainian authorities speak of the need to accelerate economic growth, with the ambitious goal of rising 40% in five years. It is clear that the existing annual GDP growth rate of about 3% is negligible for a tangible improvement in the well-being of Ukrainian citizens. In order for new jobs to emerge in Ukraine, and wages and social standards to actually increase, the pace must be at least twice as high.
The Ukrainian economy needs large-scale financial injections to accelerate. Foreign investors are not in a hurry to invest money in our country due to the investment climate which is not enough favorable. Therefore, the only hope for accelerating growth is bank lending, which last year declined in almost all segments except consumer lending.
How does lending affect the economy? Suppose a young family has got a mortgage loan to buy an apartment. In this case, in addition to meeting the needs of the individual family, the income will be received and taxes will be paid by the developer and the creditor bank. Or, if an entrepreneur gets a loan to open a coffee shop, this will allow them to get income and pay taxes for themselves and their employees. If a large company repairs its equipment using credit money, it will be able to increase production and revenues and, again, pay more taxes. And so the circle goes.
Видео дня
Meanwhile, there aren't many willing to get loans in Ukraine as they are too costly. Even after a rather significant decrease in rates by banks last year, average rates for businesses are about 15% per annum, for mortgages - about 20%, for consumer lending – about 33% per annum. Comparing these rates with those of neighboring European countries, Ukrainian borrowers overpay on loans three to five times.
To find out why lending rates in Ukraine are still so high if they can decline to an acceptable level, and whether there will be any significant impact on the national economy by the global coronavirus epidemic, UNIAN spoke with Dmitro Solohub, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine.
When will lending rates in Ukraine be reduced to the level of European countries? Is it even possible?
Lending rates depend on the value of the deposits and the margin. Margin, in turn, consists of various components, including the cost of funding, cost of risk to the bank, and administrative costs. There are two main components – deposit rates and cost of risk.
The deposit rate is always determined by the inflation rate in the country, the overall macroeconomic stability. For example, if there is more than ten percent inflation in the country, the deposit rate may not be five percent. In Eastern Europe and the European Union, deposit rates are very low as inflation is low, too.
The second component is the cost of risk, which depends, among other things, on the state of the judiciary. When a bank lends, it immediately imposes a certain probability of default. Due to the many years of the negative experience of unsuccessful recovery of debts from borrowers who would re-issue collateral and evade paying off debt, the cost of risk remains high in Ukraine.
A normal and effective judicial system is observed in the EU countries. And banks understand that if a loan is not repaid by the borrower, there is collateral, there's court, and a bankruptcy proceeding through which the loan can be repaid.
Thus, the reduction of credit rates in Ukraine depends on the reduction of inflation and the transformation of the judicial system. And above all, the value of resources is important, because, without it, loans will not fall in price.
How many years of stably low inflation will it take to cut lending rates significantly?
We have already stabilized inflation at a low level of around five percent, but this is still higher than that of the EU, as our economy is growing faster. If the economy grows faster, it generates higher inflation. This is a normal situation.
Ukraine is currently undergoing changes that are already behind in developed European countries. With stable low inflation in the next two to four years, one can expect a decrease in deposit rates, probably up to six-seven percent, and on loans - to a single level.
The average cost of resources for banks is already unambiguous, as apart from retail deposits there are current customer accounts and corporate deposits at which rates are lower. The cost of resources will continue to decline. When the NBU's discount rate is seven percent and inflation is five percent, the rates will obviously be lower than they are now.
Why did the National Bank choose a five percent inflation target? Perhaps to stimulate lending it is necessary to reduce it, for example, to two percent?
It is necessary to choose an indicator that corresponds to the situation in the Ukrainian economy. Choose not the level we want, but the optimum indicator. Most countries in the world that have a successful history of declining inflation have reached two to three percent. Ukraine will follow this path. But it is too early to lower the target after the previous goal was only one year old.
The economy is undergoing structural changes that began in 2015-2016. Last year's revaluation of the hryvnia became the first such episode in the history of Ukraine. Economy options are changing. These trends need to be analyzed and early steps avoided.
It is possible to revise the target in the future, but I cannot say exactly when it will be. If there is low inflation in the world, it is clear that in two or three to four years we will reach the target. But only if inflation in the country remains at a stable low level and in the presence of normal rates of economic growth.
At present, the target is similar to that in Turkey, but their actual inflation is much higher. In some post-Soviet countries - Georgia, Armenia, Russia - the target is lower.
The National Bank recently announced a new instrument for stimulating lending - the interest rate swap. What is the essence of this tool and how will it help banks?
Bank deposits generally have a maturity of up to one year, while loans have two to three years or more. When a bank lends, it fixes the rate for several years, but deposit rates can change several times during this period. Therefore, banks are exposed to interest rate risk, which impedes long-term lending. An interest rate swap will allow banks to set a rate and avoid interest rate risk. Bids have been declining so far, but this trend may change. Declining inflation is behind us and we are entering a different period.
What can be done to encourage customers to place deposits for longer?
This is a matter of macroeconomic stability, confidence in the banking system. Gradually, the terms of deposits are extended. But it should be noted that a swap and floating rate are standard market instruments in the world. There are also no ten-year deposits in other countries. They are mainly placed for one to two years.
Can you comment on the situation on the government bonds market, where the volume of placement fell significantly and after a long decline the rates increased?
This is a matter for the Ministry of Finance. But in my opinion, this is a normal market situation. The market goes through different phases - high rates change low and vice versa. The market is looking for balance. Similar processes occur in the foreign exchange market - the rate is moving in different directions, volumes are changing. It is a standard market process driven by supply and demand.
Regarding the pressing isseu, the coronavirus: the NBU has repeatedly stated that this situation will not have a significant impact on the Ukrainian economy. But, for example, there was a statement about the daily loss of Russia's economy due to this factor of about a billion rubles. As in Russia, China is our country's largest trading partner. How much is our economy losing?
If we analyze the Ukrainian currency market, we still do not see any effect. There has been a fall in the global financial markets, but they have already played down. For example, the profitability of Ukrainian eurobonds has declined again after growth. Prices for Ukrainian imports have declined substantially. For example, oil has fallen ten percent since the beginning of the year. At the same time, export prices have declined slightly.
There is also no effect on demand indicators. Ukrainian exporters supplying products to China have not reduced their revenue. There were some problems with logistics, but now they are solved. More than half of our exports to China are grain, food, and meal. Demand for these products has not decreased either from China or the world market. In my opinion, this situation had a short-term effect. There may be some impact in the future, but globally we do not see any problems for the Ukrainian economy.
The International Monetary Fund's mission is currently operating in Kyiv. What are the expectations of this mission: will we finally get a new program, or is it an intermediate stage of dialogue?
This is the usual standard dialogue with the IMF. All program parameters are clear, the previous steps that Ukraine is expecting from the Fund to announce a new cooperation program are approved by the Board of Directors. We are working in this direction. During the visit of the IMF mission to Kyiv, representatives of the Fund met with a number of government agencies, including the NBU. During the meeting with representatives of the Fund at the NBU we discussed the usual issues: economic growth, inflation dynamics, monetary policy, the state of the banking system. There were no new questions. In the IMF, we have no questions at all: the National Bank pursues monetary policy goals.
As you know, at the technical level, an agreement has already been reached on an extended three-year funding program. Ukraine has complied with most of the IMF requirements for the new program. And work on the steps that have not yet been completed has almost come to an end.
Olha Hordienko


unian--2020-02-27--Kyiv council approves list of municipal objects to be sold

Kyiv City Council on Thursday approved a list of 120 objects of municipal property to be put up for privatization .
Sixty-two of 95 deputies supported the decision at Council meeting , according to a UNIAN correspondent .
The draft decision , which was included on the agenda as an urgent one , initially had 90 objects on the list , but 40 more objects were added at the initiative of the Property Department of the Kyiv City State Administration and individual deputies of the Kyiv City Council .
At the same time , at the initiative of the profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were later removed from the list .
During the debate , municipal deputy Leonid Antonenko ( Kyiv Team ) , who was recently appointed first deputy chairman of the State Property Fund , said that if the decision was adopted it would still be illegal .
He said the decision-making procedure was being violated .
`` With today 's decision , you are creating problems not only for filling the budget , but also for those who , being unaware that the law is being violated , will come and acquire these facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SOEs within 2020 privatization campaign An article has been violated that stipulates that the privatization procedure involves the adoption by the local council of a decision on the privatization of municipal property .
This means that the deputies must determine how each of these 130 objects should be privatized – by acquisition or through a bidding .
Let me remind you that the previous list was privatized by acquisition of 60 % of objects that were included in the program ( of privatization ) , the rest – only four objects – were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added that the deputies of the City Council should be making a decision on each object separately .
In addition , Antonenko drew the attention of the deputies to the fact that the list included objects where Kyiv Council had recently extended lease agreements .
`` Thirty objects out of 130 – this is every 4th object that is included in this list , has a tenant who has extended the terms of the contract by 9-10 years in the past or the month before last .
Today , these objects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Antonenko .
The Department of Communal Property of the Kyiv City State Administration , whose representative attended the meeting , assured that he saw no violations in the procedure and in the prepared draft decision .

Privatization is scheduled for 2020-2021.
Kyiv City Council on Thursday approved a list of 120 objects of municipal property to be put up for privatization.
Sixty-two of 95 deputies supported the decision at Council meeting, according to a UNIAN correspondent.
The draft decision, which was included on the agenda as an urgent one, initially had 90 objects on the list, but 40 more objects were added at the initiative of the Property Department of the Kyiv City State Administration and individual deputies of the Kyiv City Council.
Видео дня
At the same time, at the initiative of the profile commission, 10 objects on Trukhanivska Street were later removed from the list.
Privatization is scheduled for 2020-2021.
During the debate, municipal deputy Leonid Antonenko (Kyiv Team), who was recently appointed first deputy chairman of the State Property Fund, said that if the decision was adopted it would still be illegal.
He said the decision-making procedure was being violated. "With today's decision, you are creating problems not only for filling the budget, but also for those who, being unaware that the law is being violated, will come and acquire these facilities.
Read alsoUkraine plans to sell five SOEs within 2020 privatization campaign
An article has been violated that stipulates that the privatization procedure involves the adoption by the local council of a decision on the privatization of municipal property. This means that the deputies must determine how each of these 130 objects should be privatized – by acquisition or through a bidding. Let me remind you that the previous list was privatized by acquisition of 60% of objects that were included in the program (of privatization), the rest – only four objects – were privatized through biddings," Antonenko said.
He added that the deputies of the City Council should be making a decision on each object separately.
In addition, Antonenko drew the attention of the deputies to the fact that the list included objects where Kyiv Council had recently extended lease agreements.
"Thirty objects out of 130 – this is every 4th object that is included in this list, has a tenant who has extended the terms of the contract by 9-10 years in the past or the month before last. Today, these objects are included in the privatization list," said Antonenko.
The Department of Communal Property of the Kyiv City State Administration, whose representative attended the meeting, assured that he saw no violations in the procedure and in the prepared draft decision.


unian--2020-02-27--National Interest: Ukraine is getting stronger: What if it could take on Russia?

Ukraine does n't have nuclear weapons and probably wo n't ever be as strong as Russia .
But Kyiv has become much , much more formidable than Moscow ever anticipated or wanted .
Ukraine and the Russian-backed , separatist [ sic ] forces of Donetsk and Luhansk remain locked in a shooting war that , since 2014 , has claimed around thirteen thousand Ukrainian lives and displaced over two million more .
Ukraine 's Armed Forces entered the Donbas conflict in a decrepit state ; in the words of Ukrainian General Viktor Muzhenko , as `` an army in ruins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principal challenges : Ukraine sold or decommissioned a great swathe of its vast , but aging , Soviet military inheritance over the 1990s and 2000s ; and the Ukrainian army suffered from poor training , rampant corruption , and flagging morale , Mark Episkopos , a frequent contributor to The National Interest , wrote in an article on February 26 , 2020 .
Read alsoU.S .
may provide Ukraine with up to US $ 700 mln in aid in 2020 – envoy With the assistance of U.S. and NATO military advisors , Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latter problem over the past several years ; though much remains to be done , Ukraine 's army is slowly taking the shape of a centralized professional fighting force .
The same , however , can not be said of Ukraine 's difficult path to military hardware modernization .
Congress has so far approved two lethal aid packages to Ukraine , with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expected to request further military aid at his upcoming summit with President Donald Trump .
What does Ukraine need , what is it asking for , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prodigious price tags and congratulatory news headlines belie an altogether unsettling reality : U.S. military aid to Ukraine has been strategically , and even tactically , inconsequential .
The bulk of previous military aid shipments consisted of small arms , anti-ECM ( electronic countermeasures ) technology , and miscellaneous personnel gear such as night-vision goggles .
These are all important tools in their own right , but not nearly enough to guarantee Ukrainian success in retaking the separatist-held [ sic ] regions of Donbas , let alone in fending off a hypothetical Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree that the centerpiece of the previous 250 million dollar lethal aid package , Javelin anti-tank missiles , are `` mainly symbolic '' due to the dearth of heavy armor operated by the Donetsk and Luhansk separatist [ sic ] forces .
The current congressional plan to provide Ukraine with portable surface-to-air missile launchers is even more symbolic – the separatists [ sic ] have no fighter jets , and the Russian air force can not conduct military operations over Donbas airspace without triggering an international crisis that would increase the chances of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. sign contract for delivery of second batch of Javelin – defense ministry The Washington-Kyiv military relationship finds itself entangled in a Catch-22 situation : If the goal of U.S. lethal aid is to shift the balance of power in Donbas or to prepare Ukraine to singlehandedly resist a full-fledged Russian military offensive , then much more drastic action is needed – however , said action would only invite Russian escalation and thus leave Ukraine 's security interests even worse off .
It is for this reason that Ukraine is unlikely to receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Patriot missile system that Kyiv sought to purchase earlier last year .
There are , however , pragmatic military reforms that the Ukrainian army can implement in the short term to stake out a better position in the Donbas war .
Main battle tanks ( MBT 's ) like Ukraine 's T-84 and T-80 are unwieldy given the urban nature of the conflict , but there is a clear operational rationale for replacing Ukraine 's bloated , aging roster of over 800 BMP-2 's with a leaner force of modernized heavy infantry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps in this direction with their upcoming BMP-1UMD , an evolution of the Soviet BMP-1 with digitized controls , a German-made engine , and revamped armaments suite .
Meanwhile , a more robust network of counter-battery radars and modern transport vehicles can mitigate the impact of separatist [ sic ] artillery attacks .
Future lethal aid packages would reflect a more realistic vision of Ukraine 's military needs if they were grounded in these kinds of practical concerns , rather than niche missile launchers that may never see the operational light of day @

Ukraine doesn't have nuclear weapons and probably won't ever be as strong as Russia. But Kyiv has become much, much more formidable than Moscow ever anticipated or wanted.
Ukraine and the Russian-backed, separatist [sic] forces of Donetsk and Luhansk remain locked in a shooting war that, since 2014, has claimed around thirteen thousand Ukrainian lives and displaced over two million more.
Ukraine's Armed Forces entered the Donbas conflict in a decrepit state; in the words of Ukrainian General Viktor Muzhenko, as "an army in ruins." Kyiv was confronted with two principal challenges: Ukraine sold or decommissioned a great swathe of its vast, but aging, Soviet military inheritance over the 1990s and 2000s; and the Ukrainian army suffered from poor training, rampant corruption, and flagging morale, Mark Episkopos, a frequent contributor to The National Interest, wrote in an article on February 26, 2020.
Read alsoU.S. may provide Ukraine with up to US$700 mln in aid in 2020 – envoy
Видео дня
With the assistance of U.S. and NATO military advisors, Ukraine has made significant strides in addressing the latter problem over the past several years; though much remains to be done, Ukraine's army is slowly taking the shape of a centralized professional fighting force.
The same, however, cannot be said of Ukraine's difficult path to military hardware modernization. Congress has so far approved two lethal aid packages to Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expected to request further military aid at his upcoming summit with President Donald Trump.
What does Ukraine need, what is it asking for, and what has it gotten thus far?
Prodigious price tags and congratulatory news headlines belie an altogether unsettling reality: U.S. military aid to Ukraine has been strategically, and even tactically, inconsequential.
The bulk of previous military aid shipments consisted of small arms, anti-ECM (electronic countermeasures) technology, and miscellaneous personnel gear such as night-vision goggles. These are all important tools in their own right, but not nearly enough to guarantee Ukrainian success in retaking the separatist-held [sic] regions of Donbas, let alone in fending off a hypothetical Russian military invasion west of Donbas. Experts agree that the centerpiece of the previous 250 million dollar lethal aid package, Javelin anti-tank missiles, are "mainly symbolic" due to the dearth of heavy armor operated by the Donetsk and Luhansk separatist [sic] forces. The current congressional plan to provide Ukraine with portable surface-to-air missile launchers is even more symbolic – the separatists [sic] have no fighter jets, and the Russian air force cannot conduct military operations over Donbas airspace without triggering an international crisis that would increase the chances of direct Western intervention.
Read alsoUkraine, U.S. sign contract for delivery of second batch of Javelin – defense ministry
The Washington-Kyiv military relationship finds itself entangled in a Catch-22 situation: If the goal of U.S. lethal aid is to shift the balance of power in Donbas or to prepare Ukraine to singlehandedly resist a full-fledged Russian military offensive, then much more drastic action is needed – however, said action would only invite Russian escalation and thus leave Ukraine's security interests even worse off. It is for this reason that Ukraine is unlikely to receive strategically meaningful military aid, such as the Patriot missile system that Kyiv sought to purchase earlier last year.
There are, however, pragmatic military reforms that the Ukrainian army can implement in the short term to stake out a better position in the Donbas war. Main battle tanks (MBT's) like Ukraine's T-84 and T-80 are unwieldy given the urban nature of the conflict, but there is a clear operational rationale for replacing Ukraine's bloated, aging roster of over 800 BMP-2's with a leaner force of modernized heavy infantry fighting vehicles. Ukraine is reportedly taking steps in this direction with their upcoming BMP-1UMD, an evolution of the Soviet BMP-1 with digitized controls, a German-made engine, and revamped armaments suite. Meanwhile, a more robust network of counter-battery radars and modern transport vehicles can mitigate the impact of separatist [sic] artillery attacks.
Future lethal aid packages would reflect a more realistic vision of Ukraine's military needs if they were grounded in these kinds of practical concerns, rather than niche missile launchers that may never see the operational light of day.


unian--2020-02-27--Over 10 countries ban Ukrainian poultry supplies over bird flu outbreak

Get a complete information picture of the day by subscribing to UNIAN ’ s news feeds .
For more information @ @ @ @

Over 10 countries ban Ukrainian poultry supplies over bird flu outbreak
16:39, 27.02.20 836
The European Union has partially lifted the ban on poultry shipments from the entire territory of Ukraine.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-02-27--Ukraine's government allocates US$3 bln for repairs, construction of roads in 2020

Ukraine's government allocates US$3 bln for repairs, construction of roads in 2020
16:14, 27.02.20 1564
The ministry plans to upgrade and build at least 4,000 km of public highways of national importance this year.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-02-27--Ukraine not going to evacuate its citizens from Italy yet – MFA

The consular service is in constant contact with Ukrainians who are abroad , including in Italy .
Head of the @ @ @ @ @ Consular Services Department of Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) Maksym Kovalenko @ @ @ @ @ going to evacuate its citizens from Italy yet .
Read alsoUkrainian woman tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ critical condition – MFA ( Video ) '' At this point , we are not @ @ @ @ @ of Ukrainians ] from Italy , '' he said , according to the Ukrainian media @ @ @ @ @ same time , the consular service is in constant contact with Ukrainians who are abroad @ @ @ @ @ Kovalenko stressed all requests of citizens of Ukraine had been taken into account .
As @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian woman was hospitalized in Italy after having tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ condition .

The consular service is in constant contact with Ukrainians who are abroad, including in Italy.
Head of the Crisis Management Center at the Consular Services Department of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Maksym Kovalenko has said Ukraine is not going to evacuate its citizens from Italy yet.
Read alsoUkrainian woman tested positive for coronavirus in Italy not in critical condition – MFA (Video)
"At this point, we are not talking about the evacuation [of Ukrainians] from Italy," he said, according to the Ukrainian media outlet lb.ua.
Видео дня
At the same time, the consular service is in constant contact with Ukrainians who are abroad, including in Italy.
Kovalenko stressed all requests of citizens of Ukraine had been taken into account.
As UNIAN reported earlier, a Ukrainian woman was hospitalized in Italy after having tested positive for the novel coronavirus. She is not in critical condition.


unian--2020-02-27--First case of coronavirus reportedly registered in Poland – media

The first case of the novel coronavirus in Poland has reportedly been registered in the Polish city of Łódź .
@ @ @ @ @ positive for the coronavirus , Poland 's Express Ilustrowany reported on February 27 .
She @ @ @ @ @ and returned to Poland on February 22 ; she was feeling unwell .
According to @ @ @ @ @ for the coronavirus showed a positive result , she is being examined .
There is @ @ @ @ @ refutation of the report about the coronavirus case in Poland .
As UNIAN reported earlier @ @ @ @ @ an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan late in December 2019 .
The @ @ @ @ @ was a new type of coronavirus , COVID-19 .
The virus is transmitted from person @ @ @ @ @ incubation period lasting at least two weeks .
On January 30 , the World Health @ @ @ @ @ over the spread of the novel coronavirus from China .

A 25-year-old woman has tested positive for coronavirus.
The first case of the novel coronavirus in Poland has reportedly been registered in the Polish city of Łódź.
A 25-year-old woman has tested positive for the coronavirus, Poland's Express Ilustrowany reported on February 27.
Read alsoUkrainian woman tested positive for coronavirus hospitalized in Italy – media
Видео дня
She spent a month in Thailand and returned to Poland on February 22; she was feeling unwell.
According to media reports, the test for the coronavirus showed a positive result, she is being examined.
There is no yet official confirmation or refutation of the report about the coronavirus case in Poland.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Chinese authorities reported an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan late in December 2019.
The causative agent of the disease was a new type of coronavirus, COVID-19. The virus is transmitted from person to person, with the incubation period lasting at least two weeks.
On January 30, the World Health Organization declared an international emergency over the spread of the novel coronavirus from China.


unian--2020-02-27--Ukrainian farmers export over 40 mln tonnes of grain since July 1

Ukrainian farmers export over 40 mln tonnes of grain since July 1
14:57, 27.02.20 567
Ukraine has already shipped some 16.45 million tonnes of wheat abroad.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-02-27--Bakhmatyuk's companies pay over US$313 mln in taxes to consolidated budget

The amount of taxes and fees Ukraine 's consolidated budget received from the UkrLandFarming and Avangard Group of Companies owned by Oleg Bakhmatyuk for three years was UAH 7.722 billion ( US $ 313.2 million ) .
During 2017-2019 , UkrLandFarming and Avangard Group of Companies paid UAH 7.722 billion to the country 's consolidated budget ; of this amount , UAH 3.9 billion ( US $ 158.2 million ) was transferred to the national budget alone , the press service of one of the country 's largest agri-holdings said in a statement on its official website , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , VAT payments to the national budget amounted to UAH 2.1 billion ( US $ 85.2 million ) , corporate profit tax to UAH 31.4 million ( US $ 1.27 million ) , single social security tax to UAH 1.5 billion ( US $ 60.9 million ) , and war tax to UAH 234 million ( US $ 9.5 million ) .
The company transferred UAH 3.65 billion , or US $ 148.1 million , to local budgets .
In particular , payments of personal income tax totaled UAH 2.4 billion ( US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single tax ( group 4 ) amounted to UAH 449 million ( US $ 18.2 million ) , and land tax and land lease tax to UAH 779 million ( US $ 31.6 million ) .
Other taxes and fees stood at UAH 167 million ( US $ 6.77 million ) .
In addition , the company says it is a decent employer , providing jobs to about 27,000 Ukrainians , and generates about 1 % of Ukraine 's GDP .
The company also said it had received UAH 449 million ( US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the three years , of which subsidies for cows and young cattle were paid only in the last two years .
This industry is traditionally subsidized in EU countries .
In 2019 , the amount of subsidies received by the group of companies was only UAH 12 million ( US $ 486,815 ) out of UAH 4 billion ( US $ 162.2 million ) allocated by the government for agri-businesses .
The UkrLandFarming and Avangard Group of Companies is one of the largest agricultural holdings in the country by the size of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 600 towns and villages in 22 Ukrainian regions .
The group of companies is engaged in grain and oilseed farming , seeds production , cattle breeding , and egg production .
The agricultural holding 's enterprises are among the largest taxpayers in Ukraine .

The amount of taxes and fees Ukraine's consolidated budget received from the UkrLandFarming and Avangard Group of Companies owned by Oleg Bakhmatyuk for three years was UAH 7.722 billion (US$313.2 million).
During 2017-2019, UkrLandFarming and Avangard Group of Companies paid UAH 7.722 billion to the country's consolidated budget; of this amount, UAH 3.9 billion (US$158.2 million) was transferred to the national budget alone, the press service of one of the country's largest agri-holdings said in a statement on its official website, according to the Ukrainian News Agency.
In particular, VAT payments to the national budget amounted to UAH 2.1 billion (US$85.2 million), corporate profit tax to UAH 31.4 million (US$1.27 million), single social security tax to UAH 1.5 billion (US$60.9 million), and war tax to UAH 234 million (US$9.5 million).
Видео дня
The company transferred UAH 3.65 billion, or US$148.1 million, to local budgets. In particular, payments of personal income tax totaled UAH 2.4 billion (US$97.4 million), those of single tax (group 4) amounted to UAH 449 million (US$18.2 million), and land tax and land lease tax to UAH 779 million (US$31.6 million).
Other taxes and fees stood at UAH 167 million (US$6.77 million).
In addition, the company says it is a decent employer, providing jobs to about 27,000 Ukrainians, and generates about 1% of Ukraine's GDP.
The company also said it had received UAH 449 million (US$18.2 million) in budget subsidies in the three years, of which subsidies for cows and young cattle were paid only in the last two years. This industry is traditionally subsidized in EU countries. In 2019, the amount of subsidies received by the group of companies was only UAH 12 million (US$486,815) out of UAH 4 billion (US$162.2 million) allocated by the government for agri-businesses.
The UkrLandFarming and Avangard Group of Companies is one of the largest agricultural holdings in the country by the size of the land bank. Its enterprises operate in 600 towns and villages in 22 Ukrainian regions. The group of companies is engaged in grain and oilseed farming, seeds production, cattle breeding, and egg production. The agricultural holding's enterprises are among the largest taxpayers in Ukraine.


unian--2020-02-27--OSCE: Issues related to new disengagement sites in Donbas "require further elaboration"

Grau once again called on the sides to remain committed to the comprehensive ceasefire .
The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) , Ambassador Heidi Grau has said issues related to new disengagement sites in Donbas `` require further elaboration . ''
`` Along with the general security situation in the conflict zone , the Security Working Group focused on the issues related to the definition of additional areas for the disengagement of forces and hardware .
The sides dedicated a lot of time and effort to this issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Grau told the press after a meeting of the TCG and its working groups in Minsk on February 26 , 2020 .
`` Ceasefire is a key provision of the Minsk agreements .
In this context , recent events are alarming .
Last week , we all witnessed an exceptional spike in ceasefire violations in Luhansk region , including with the use of Minsk-prohibited weapons .
Once again , the civilian population has paid a heavy price .
It is unacceptable , '' she said .
Grau once again called on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprehensive ceasefire .
According to her , mine action issues were also raised .
`` I would like to remind you that mines are still the main cause of casualties among civilians – this year , eight out of 14 victims , '' she said .
In addition , the Humanitarian Working Group discussed questions regarding the exchange of detainees , ways to ensure an effective search for missing persons as well as the possibilities of opening new crossing points across the line of contact .
Moreover , the Economic Working Group paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pension payments and water supplies in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions ( CADR and CALR ) .
`` The Political Working Group focused on issues related to the special status of CADR and CALR as well as the implementation of the 'Steinmeier formula ' into Ukrainian legislation , '' Grau said .

Grau once again called on the sides to remain committed to the comprehensive ceasefire.
The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau has said issues related to new disengagement sites in Donbas "require further elaboration."
"Along with the general security situation in the conflict zone, the Security Working Group focused on the issues related to the definition of additional areas for the disengagement of forces and hardware. The sides dedicated a lot of time and effort to this issue, but it still requires further elaboration," Grau told the press after a meeting of the TCG and its working groups in Minsk on February 26, 2020.
Read alsoOSCE Chairperson-in-Office Rama calls on Russia to implement Minsk accords
Видео дня
"Ceasefire is a key provision of the Minsk agreements. In this context, recent events are alarming. Last week, we all witnessed an exceptional spike in ceasefire violations in Luhansk region, including with the use of Minsk-prohibited weapons. Once again, the civilian population has paid a heavy price. It is unacceptable," she said.
Grau once again called on the sides to remain committed to the comprehensive ceasefire.
According to her, mine action issues were also raised.
"I would like to remind you that mines are still the main cause of casualties among civilians – this year, eight out of 14 victims," she said.
In addition, the Humanitarian Working Group discussed questions regarding the exchange of detainees, ways to ensure an effective search for missing persons as well as the possibilities of opening new crossing points across the line of contact.
Moreover, the Economic Working Group paid particular attention to the issues related to pension payments and water supplies in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADR and CALR).
"The Political Working Group focused on issues related to the special status of CADR and CALR as well as the implementation of the 'Steinmeier formula' into Ukrainian legislation," Grau said.


unian--2020-02-27--Ukraine lifts ban on private firms' space-related activities

Ukraine lifts ban on private firms' space-related activities
13:29, 27.02.20 2691
The move is expected to boost investment in the sector in the first quarter of 2020.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-02-27--Ukrainian officer posts update on enemy death toll in Donbas on Feb 26

Five invaders were killed on Wednesday .
Officer of the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ update on the enemy death toll in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , in the past @ @ @ @ @ 26 , 2020 , the losses of Russian occupying forces included : five people were @ @ @ @ @ was wounded , '' he wrote on Telegram on February 27 .
As UNIAN reported @ @ @ @ @ military forces on February 26 mounted 10 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas , @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded and another one as killed in a booby-trap blast .

Five invaders were killed on Wednesday.
Officer of the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Anatoliy Shtefan has posted an update on the enemy death toll in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, in the past day.
Read alsoOSCE Chairperson-in-Office Rama calls on Russia to implement Minsk accords
"On February 26, 2020, the losses of Russian occupying forces included: five people were killed, and another one was wounded," he wrote on Telegram on February 27.
Видео дня
Shtefan monitors reports on enemy losses on social media.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Russia's hybrid military forces on February 26 mounted 10 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with two Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded and another one as killed in a booby-trap blast.


unian--2020-02-27--Ukrainian woman tested positive for coronavirus in Italy not in critical condition – MFA

Her positive result should be finally confirmed by the Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome .
Director of the Consular Service Department of Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Serhiy Pohoreltsev has said a Ukrainian woman who has tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Italy is not in critical condition .
According to him , two confirmed cases were reported in Naples .
Read alsoUkrainian border guards , doctors to check body temperature of passengers from Italy ( Video ) '' One of the two is a Ukrainian , 26 , working in the north , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to the south to visit her parents in the city of Salerno , Cilento region .
Her positive coronavirus result should be finally confirmed by the Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome , '' he told UNIAN .
Pohoreltsev added the Ukrainian was in Naples Cotugno Hospital 's infectious disease ward .
`` The condition is not critical , the relatives she visited are placed in quarantine .
The Consulate General of Ukraine in Naples is in contact with the local headquarters , '' he added .
The diplomat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring the situation in all countries regarding the coronavirus .
As UNIAN reported earlier , a Ukrainian woman was hospitalized in Italy after having tested positive for the novel coronavirus .

Her positive result should be finally confirmed by the Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome.
Director of the Consular Service Department of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Serhiy Pohoreltsev has said a Ukrainian woman who has tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Italy is not in critical condition.
According to him, two confirmed cases were reported in Naples.
Read alsoUkrainian border guards, doctors to check body temperature of passengers from Italy (Video)
Видео дня
"One of the two is a Ukrainian, 26, working in the north, in the city of Cremona, who came to the south to visit her parents in the city of Salerno, Cilento region. Her positive coronavirus result should be finally confirmed by the Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome," he told UNIAN.
Pohoreltsev added the Ukrainian was in Naples Cotugno Hospital's infectious disease ward.
"The condition is not critical, the relatives she visited are placed in quarantine. The Consulate General of Ukraine in Naples is in contact with the local headquarters," he added.
The diplomat also said the Foreign Ministry was constantly monitoring the situation in all countries regarding the coronavirus.
As UNIAN reported earlier, a Ukrainian woman was hospitalized in Italy after having tested positive for the novel coronavirus.


unian--2020-02-27--Ukraine's economy ministry to raise US$5 bln from sale of state enterprises

Ukraine's economy ministry to raise US$5 bln from sale of state enterprises
12:12, 27.02.20 538
The ministry hopes that new owners of the state assets to be sold will invest additional funds in the enterprises.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-02-27--OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Rama calls on Russia to implement Minsk accords

Rama also said that the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship would support the way forward for a peaceful resolution of the conflict .
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama had a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on February 26 during which he called on Russia to implement the Minsk peace agreements on Donbas .
`` The crisis in and around Ukraine is today the most pressing security challenge in Europe .
Addressing this is a top priority for Albania 's OSCE Chairmanship , not least to stabilize the security situation and ease the hardship of civilians living in conflict-affected areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the OSCE said in a press release on February 26 , 2020 .
Read alsoOSCE SMM : Recent developments in eastern Ukraine positive , but full implementation of ceasefire required Rama also said that the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship would support the way forward for a peaceful resolution of the conflict .
`` In doing so , we will do our utmost to ensure respect for OSCE principles and commitments .
And we will strongly encourage the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements , supporting the efforts of the Trilateral Contact Group and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He stressed the importance of continuing to build on the positive steps made in the last months , including at the Paris Normandy Summit .
Emphasizing his full support to the work of the dedicated women and men of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine , Rama said : `` The Mission needs to be given safe , secure and unhindered access in order to fully implement its mandate , together with the necessary support and resources it requires . ''

Rama also said that the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship would support the way forward for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama had a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on February 26 during which he called on Russia to implement the Minsk peace agreements on Donbas.
"The crisis in and around Ukraine is today the most pressing security challenge in Europe. Addressing this is a top priority for Albania's OSCE Chairmanship, not least to stabilize the security situation and ease the hardship of civilians living in conflict-affected areas in eastern Ukraine," Rama stressed, the OSCE said in a press release on February 26, 2020.
Read alsoOSCE SMM: Recent developments in eastern Ukraine positive, but full implementation of ceasefire required
Видео дня
Rama also said that the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship would support the way forward for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. "In doing so, we will do our utmost to ensure respect for OSCE principles and commitments. And we will strongly encourage the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements, supporting the efforts of the Trilateral Contact Group and the process of the Normandy Format."
He stressed the importance of continuing to build on the positive steps made in the last months, including at the Paris Normandy Summit.
Emphasizing his full support to the work of the dedicated women and men of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, Rama said: "The Mission needs to be given safe, secure and unhindered access in order to fully implement its mandate, together with the necessary support and resources it requires."


unian--2020-02-27--Economy ministry explains slowdown in Ukraine's GDP growth in Q4 2019

Economy ministry explains slowdown in Ukraine's GDP growth in Q4 2019
11:26, 27.02.20 968
Strengthening of the hryvnia, Ukraine's national currency, was one of the causes behind the decline in the economic growth rate.
Помогите проекту
Support us