unian--2020-05-19--"Biden-Kerry-Poroshenko tapes" reveal push for prosecutor general's dismissal

In one episode , ex-president Poroshenko discussed Yuriy Lutsenko as a candidate to replace Shokin .
Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach on May 19 made public leaked audio recordings of phone conversations held by former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State John Kerry with ex-President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko .
At a press event held in Kyiv on Tuesday , Derkach said U.S. officials asked that Petro Poroshenko ensure the dismissal of the-then Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin .
One of the conversations on the said issues was allegedly recorded on December 3 , 2015 , where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is heard saying : `` I just wanted to try to urge you to see if there 's a way to get by this problem of replacing the prosecutor general , you know , [ Viktor ] Shokin because per my perception , he 's blocked the cleanup of the Prosecutor General 's Office , '' said Kerry .
The next audio recording is dated March 22 , 2016 , where Derkach claims the voices of Joe Biden and Petro Poroshenko are heard .
Biden allegedly claims that the condition for providing $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the change of the prosecutor general and the government : `` [ … ] there is a new government and a new attorney general , I am prepared to do a public signing of the commitment for the billion dollars . ''
In turn , Poroshenko offered that Biden to look into Yuriy Lutsenko , the then-leader of the pro-president 's BPP faction , as a candidate for the prosecutor general 's post to replace Shokin : `` Extremely strong motivation .
One of the possible candidates was leader of my faction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public figure .
If you think that a politically motivated figure would be not very good from your point of view , I 'll recall this proposal .
Because nobody knows that I 'm gon na propose Lutsenko . ''
At the same time , Poroshenko asks Biden to influence the Samopomich faction in the Ukrainian Parliament on the issue of supporting the candidate for a new prime minister .
Audio quality and background noises in leaked tapes of what MP Derkach says are phone conversations between Petro Poroshenko and U.S. officials suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in the office where Poroshenko held talks with his counterparts .
The recordings made public on today , on May 19 , have been cropped , which leaves certain responses to leaked statements cut out .
As reported earlier , the then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden bragged that Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin had been dismissed only after threatened on behalf of the U.S. president not to provide Ukraine with a $ 1 billion in loan guarantees .

In one episode, ex-president Poroshenko discussed Yuriy Lutsenko as a candidate to replace Shokin.
Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach on May 19 made public leaked audio recordings of phone conversations held by former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State John Kerry with ex-President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.
At a press event held in Kyiv on Tuesday, Derkach said U.S. officials asked that Petro Poroshenko ensure the dismissal of the-then Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin.
One of the conversations on the said issues was allegedly recorded on December 3, 2015, where the voice that's purportedly John Kerry's is heard saying: "I just wanted to try to urge you to see if there's a way to get by this problem of replacing the prosecutor general, you know, [Viktor] Shokin because per my perception, he's blocked the cleanup of the Prosecutor General's Office," said Kerry.
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The next audio recording is dated March 22, 2016, where Derkach claims the voices of Joe Biden and Petro Poroshenko are heard.
Read also"Critical": Biden put pressure on Poroshenko on PrivatBank nationalization, leak claims
Biden allegedly claims that the condition for providing $1 billion in loan guarantees to Ukraine is the change of the prosecutor general and the government: "[…] there is a new government and a new attorney general, I am prepared to do a public signing of the commitment for the billion dollars."
In turn, Poroshenko offered that Biden to look into Yuriy Lutsenko, the then-leader of the pro-president's BPP faction, as a candidate for the prosecutor general's post to replace Shokin: "Extremely strong motivation. One of the possible candidates was leader of my faction [Yuriy] Lutsenko who is a public figure. If you think that a politically motivated figure would be not very good from your point of view, I'll recall this proposal. Because nobody knows that I'm gonna propose Lutsenko."
At the same time, Poroshenko asks Biden to influence the Samopomich faction in the Ukrainian Parliament on the issue of supporting the candidate for a new prime minister.
Audio quality and background noises in leaked tapes of what MP Derkach says are phone conversations between Petro Poroshenko and U.S. officials suggest they were recorded on the Ukrainian side, in the office where Poroshenko held talks with his counterparts.
The recordings made public on today, on May 19, have been cropped, which leaves certain responses to leaked statements cut out.
As reported earlier, the then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden bragged that Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin had been dismissed only after threatened on behalf of the U.S. president not to provide Ukraine with a $1 billion in loan guarantees.


unian--2020-05-19--Ukraine cuts sugar exports by over 50% in April

Ukrsugar experts have worsened their forecast for sugar exports in the current marketing year from 300,000 tonnes to 120,000 tonnes .
Ukraine 's National Association of Sugar Producers `` Ukrsugar '' says the country in April 2020 reduced sugar exports by over 50 % , to 9,100 tonnes against 19,600 tonnes posted in March 2020 .
`` At the end of March , we saw some recovery ay the London Stock Exchange .
As a result , the demand for Ukrainian sugar grew slightly and producers were able to supply almost 20,000 tonnes of sugar to the foreign markets to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago : Libya ( 7,000 tonnes ) , Turkey ( 4,800 tonnes ) , and Palestine ( 3,700 tonnes ) , '' the Association 's press service said on May 19 .
`` But in April , the global developments , the COVID-19 pandemic , and the exchange rate change created unfavorable conditions for Ukrainian producers , so we returned to the usual volumes for the month at 9,100 tonnes , '' the press service quoted Ukrsugar analyst Nazar Mikhaylovyn as saying .
Read alsoCorona crisis no obstacle to hryvnia : what to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sugar deliveries hardly changed : 5,700 tonnes was supplied to Turkey , 800 tonnes to Libya , and 600 tonnes to Moldova and Romania each .
During eight months of the current marketing year ( MY , September 2019 - August 2020 ) Ukrainian producers exported 76,400 tonnes of sugar , which was almost 75 % down from the figure posted over the same period in MY 2018-22019 .
`` This is a fairly predictable figure , as most of 'our ' markets are occupied by Russian sugar as overproduction and convenient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more profitable , '' the analyst said .
In total , the Association 's experts have revised downward their forecast for sugar exports this year by more than 50 % .
`` Taking into account all these factors , sugar exports are expected at 120,000 tonnes in MY 2019-2020 , although at the beginning of the year the export potential was estimated at more than 300,000 tonnes , '' the analyst summed up .
In MY 2018-2019 , Ukrainian producers exported 409,800 tonnes of sugar worth US $ 144.3 million .

Ukraine cuts sugar exports by over 50% in April
20:00, 19.05.20 1797
Ukrsugar experts have worsened their forecast for sugar exports in the current marketing year from 300,000 tonnes to 120,000 tonnes.
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unian--2020-05-19--Ukrainian diplomats in talks on regular international flights relaunch

Ukraine will not be waiting for the relevant requests from other states , taking a pro-active stance on the matter .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has already begun negotiations on the reopening of air passenger traffic with other countries , suspended due to the global spread of the coronavirus .
An informed source in the diplomatic circles says the Foreign Ministry at a government meeting held May 18 said Ukraine should move proactively on the issue of relaunching international flights , taking into account two factors .
One of them is that the strategy of reopening regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbound and inbound flights so that citizens could both depart to a certain destination and also return if needed .
Another factor is about considering the epidemiologic developments in foreign destinations .
Following the meeting , Ukrainian embassies were instructed to research the schedule and rules by which air traffic is going to relaunch in EU member states and other destinations popular among Ukrainian tourists .
The information has to be accumulated before direct talks could be held with foreign governments on the reopening of regular international flights .
`` We have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source said .
As reported earlier , a Schengen zone entry ban will be in place until June 15 for non-EU citizens , subject to certain exemptions , including for permanent residents , labor migrants , etc .
European countries are yet to decide on whether to extend travel restrictions beyond the said date .

Ukrainian diplomats in talks on regular international flights relaunch
19:20, 19.05.20 6561
Ukraine will not be waiting for the relevant requests from other states, taking a pro-active stance on the matter.
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unian--2020-05-19--Ukraine's Yermak, Kuleba to visit Berlin for consultations on Donbas settlement

Officials are expected to discuss issues aimed to help unblock the work of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk .
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba are planning to visit Berlin on June 2 to conduct consultations on Donbas settlement within the Normandy Four and the Trilateral Contact Group .
That 's according to UNIAN 's informed source in diplomatic circles .
During the visit , consultations are set to be held with the advisor to the Federal Chancellor for International Affairs , Jan Hecker , and Foreign Minister Heiko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first meeting in Minsk talks on Donbas settlement The officials are expected to discuss issues aimed to help unblock the work of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk , including toward opening more checkpoints along the line of contact , agreeing on another ceasefire effort , and conducting another stage of prisoner swap .
Earlier , on May 16 , the Presidential Office reported that Andriy Yermak had held a meeting with the G7 Ambassadors and the head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine .
At the meeting , Yermak said that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit to Berlin alongside foreign minister Kuleba , where consultations on ways to increase the efficiency of the Normandy format and Minsk talks would continue .

Officials are expected to discuss issues aimed to help unblock the work of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba are planning to visit Berlin on June 2 to conduct consultations on Donbas settlement within the Normandy Four and the Trilateral Contact Group.
That's according to UNIAN's informed source in diplomatic circles.
During the visit, consultations are set to be held with the advisor to the Federal Chancellor for International Affairs, Jan Hecker, and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.
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Read alsoRenewed Ukrainian delegation holds first meeting in Minsk talks on Donbas settlement
The officials are expected to discuss issues aimed to help unblock the work of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk, including toward opening more checkpoints along the line of contact, agreeing on another ceasefire effort, and conducting another stage of prisoner swap.
Earlier, on May 16, the Presidential Office reported that Andriy Yermak had held a meeting with the G7 Ambassadors and the head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine.
At the meeting, Yermak said that in the coming weeks he would pay a visit to Berlin alongside foreign minister Kuleba, where consultations on ways to increase the efficiency of the Normandy format and Minsk talks would continue.


unian--2020-05-19--"Critical": Biden put pressure on Poroshenko on PrivatBank nationalization, leak claims

Biden allegedly asked Poroshenko to support the then-head of the central bank to determine the date for proceeding with nationalization .
Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden , in a telephone conversation with ex-President Petro Poroshenko held when both held respective offices insisted that the latter support the decision on the nationalization of PrivatBank in 2016 .
That 's according to a leaked audio recording of the said conversation , made public by MP Andriy Derkach on Tuesday , May 19 , TSN reports .
`` In 2016 , the only outposts remained PrivatBank and 1+1 TV channel .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grab it with the right to control the 1+1 Channel , he decided to push this thing through along with Biden .
But even here Poroshenko could n't without scheming .
He says that before 'raiding ' Privat and [ Ihor ] Kolomoisky 's media assets , the vote for the state budget must first be held because 'if we now begin to seize Privat , Kolomoisky 's representatives in Parliament wo n't give their votes for the budget , '' Derkach said .
To prove his point , he made public what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recording of phone talks held by Poroshenko and Biden .
The audio quality and background noises suggest the recording was made on the Ukrainian side , at the office where Petro Poroshenko was speaking on the phone .
The voice that is purportedly Joe Biden 's says : `` Let me ask you one thing before I forget .
PrivatBank .
I understand the governor of the [ national ] bank is tentative about setting a date certain for the transition to take place .
And I 'm being told second-hand , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure , that she is unsure of the date until she gets an agreement from you .
I told… Here 's what I told them .
I told them to get back to her , set a date , and I will talk to you about the date because this is getting very , very close .
And I do n't want that to happen .
I do n't want Trump to get into the position where he thinks he is about to buy onto a policy where the financial system is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be looked to to pour more money into Ukraine .
That 's how he 'll think about it before he gets sophisticated enough to know the detail .
So anything you can do to push the PrivatBank to closure so that the IMF loan comes forward I would respectfully suggest this is critically important to your economic as well as physical security . ''
`` I know it 's difficult , I know Kolomoisky is a pain the ass and a problem for everybody but it really is critical that you guys figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard saying .
`` I just want you to give the governor of the bank some spine , let her know that you 'll be standing there when she sets a date and moves forward , '' Biden supposedly told Poroshenko over the phone .
In turn , the then-president of Ukraine said he was expecting to see the audit report by Ernst & Young before he convenes the NBU governor , prime minister , finance minister , and security officers to take a decision on the date .
He adds that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` we have a voting of the budget in Parliament '' where `` Kolomoisky has a significant number of members of parliament '' .
Poroshenko explains : `` Prime minister asked me to vote budget first and launch the process '' '' This is confidential information but… '' Petro Poroshenko added , to which Biden replied : `` I 'll keep that with me . ''
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine authorities made a decision to nationalize PrivatBank on December 18 , 2016 .

Biden allegedly asked Poroshenko to support the then-head of the central bank to determine the date for proceeding with nationalization.
Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, in a telephone conversation with ex-President Petro Poroshenko held when both held respective offices insisted that the latter support the decision on the nationalization of PrivatBank in 2016.
That's according to a leaked audio recording of the said conversation, made public by MP Andriy Derkach on Tuesday, May 19, TSN reports.
"In 2016, the only outposts remained PrivatBank and 1+1 TV channel. Since Petro Oleksiyovych [Poroshenko] sought to grab it with the right to control the 1+1 Channel, he decided to push this thing through along with Biden. But even here Poroshenko couldn't without scheming. He says that before 'raiding' Privat and [Ihor] Kolomoisky's media assets, the vote for the state budget must first be held because 'if we now begin to seize Privat, Kolomoisky's representatives in Parliament won't give their votes for the budget," Derkach said.
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To prove his point, he made public what he claims is a purportedly leaked audio recording of phone talks held by Poroshenko and Biden.
The audio quality and background noises suggest the recording was made on the Ukrainian side, at the office where Petro Poroshenko was speaking on the phone.
The voice that is purportedly Joe Biden's says: "Let me ask you one thing before I forget. PrivatBank. I understand the governor of the [national] bank is tentative about setting a date certain for the transition to take place. And I'm being told second-hand, and I know this is her position for sure, that she is unsure of the date until she gets an agreement from you. I told… Here's what I told them. I told them to get back to her, set a date, and I will talk to you about the date because this is getting very, very close. And I don't want that to happen. I don't want Trump to get into the position where he thinks he is about to buy onto a policy where the financial system is going to collapse and he is going to be looked to to pour more money into Ukraine. That's how he'll think about it before he gets sophisticated enough to know the detail. So anything you can do to push the PrivatBank to closure so that the IMF loan comes forward I would respectfully suggest this is critically important to your economic as well as physical security."
Read alsoUkrainian businessman Kolomoisky wins suit against ex-NBU Governor Gontareva
"I know it's difficult, I know Kolomoisky is a pain the ass and a problem for everybody but it really is critical that you guys figure this one out," he is heard saying.
"I just want you to give the governor of the bank some spine, let her know that you'll be standing there when she sets a date and moves forward," Biden supposedly told Poroshenko over the phone.
In turn, the then-president of Ukraine said he was expecting to see the audit report by Ernst&Young before he convenes the NBU governor, prime minister, finance minister, and security officers to take a decision on the date.
He adds that this will be happening after November 22 because "we have a voting of the budget in Parliament" where "Kolomoisky has a significant number of members of parliament".
Poroshenko explains: "Prime minister asked me to vote budget first and launch the process"
"This is confidential information but…" Petro Poroshenko added, to which Biden replied: "I'll keep that with me."
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine authorities made a decision to nationalize PrivatBank on December 18, 2016.


unian--2020-05-19--SBU on interview with Russian terrorist Girkin: It was interviewer's initiative

It was conducted in 2014 but posted on YouTube six years later .
Ukraine 's SBU Security Service says that notorious interviews conducted by Ukrainian media figure and host Dmitriy Gordon with Igor Girkin ( nom de guerre Strelkov ) , a Russian military veteran and an ex-member of the terrorist organization `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) , and with former turncoat prosecutor from Crimea and incumbent member of Russia 's Duma Natalia Poklonskaya were the interviewer 's initiative .
`` Meanwhile , SBU employees have already been analyzing all the facts mentioned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence of the seizure of the territory of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the actual unleashing of war in the east of our country , '' the SBU said in a statement on May 19 .
Read alsoGordon : Interview with terrorist Girkin done under SBU supervision , evidence sent to intl court As was reported earlier , the interview with Girkin was prepared in 2014 but was posted on YouTube six years later , on May 18 , 2020 .
Gordon said the interviews with Girkin and Poklonskaya had been conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services . ''
A few hours prior to Gordon 's official statement , the SBU said they would probe into the interview with Girkin .

It was conducted in 2014 but posted on YouTube six years later.
Ukraine's SBU Security Service says that notorious interviews conducted by Ukrainian media figure and host Dmitriy Gordon with Igor Girkin (nom de guerre Strelkov), a Russian military veteran and an ex-member of the terrorist organization "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR"), and with former turncoat prosecutor from Crimea and incumbent member of Russia's Duma Natalia Poklonskaya were the interviewer's initiative.
"Meanwhile, SBU employees have already been analyzing all the facts mentioned in these interviews for their use as additional evidence of the seizure of the territory of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the actual unleashing of war in the east of our country," the SBU said in a statement on May 19.
Read alsoGordon: Interview with terrorist Girkin done under SBU supervision, evidence sent to intl court
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As was reported earlier, the interview with Girkin was prepared in 2014 but was posted on YouTube six years later, on May 18, 2020.
Gordon said the interviews with Girkin and Poklonskaya had been conducted "in collaboration with the Ukrainian special services."
A few hours prior to Gordon's official statement, the SBU said they would probe into the interview with Girkin.


unian--2020-05-19--Lawmakers vote down resolutions seeking cancellation of voting results on bill on banking regulation

The parliament passed the finalized bill on banking regulation on May 13 .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , voted down two draft resolutions seeking the cancellation of voting results on the bill on banking regulation earlier passed in the second reading and as a whole .
Resolution No .
2571-d-p was backed by 78 MPs with the required minimum of 226 votes .
Resolution No .
2571-d-p1 , which also provides for the cancellation of the Verkhovna Rada 's vote results on the bill on banking regulation , was supported by 84 MPs .
As UNIAN reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acts of Ukraine on improving certain banking regulation mechanisms ( No .
2571-d ) passed its first reading on March 30 .
A number of lawmakers and experts called the bill unconstitutional and claimed it was at variance with many existing laws .
In total , 16,586 amendments were submitted to the second reading of the bill .
On April 30 , the Verkhovna Rada decided to apply a special procedure for the consideration of draft laws in the second reading , provided for in Article 119-1 of the law on the Rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill No .
2571-d. On May 13 , the parliament passed the finalized draft law on banking regulation .

Lawmakers vote down resolutions seeking cancellation of voting results on bill on banking regulation
16:45, 19.05.20 1189
The parliament passed the finalized bill on banking regulation on May 13.
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unian--2020-05-19--Low salaries and corruption: Ukrainians rank acute problems

Corruption ranked second with 91.2 % of votes .
Ukrainians consider the high cost of living and low salaries to be the most serious problems , while corruption ranks second .
A total of 92.2 % of respondents said the high cost of living and low salaries ( 67 % consider the problem to be very serious , 25.2 % call it rather serious ) were among the Top 5 problems , according to a monthly survey conducted by Info Sapiens , as reported by the RBC Ukraine media outlet .
Corruption ranked second with 91.2 % of votes ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very serious and 22.2 % call it rather serious ) .
Some 90.7 % of respondents called the high cost and low quality of healthcare services among the most serious problems ( 67.3 % consider the problem to be very serious , 23.4 % call it rather serious ) .
In addition , 89.8 % of respondents mentioned the war in Donbas ( 72.7 % consider the problem to be very serious , 17.1 % call it rather serious ) .
Injustice in the judicial system was mentioned by 86 % ( 59.9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious , 26.1 % call it rather serious ) .
The second wave of the survey was conducted March 4 through April 8 , 2020 .
Some 2,516 people were personally interviewed as part of a nationally representative survey .
The program is funded by the European Union and is co-financed and implemented by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs .
As UNIAN reported earlier , according to a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group , as of mid-May 2020 , every third Ukrainian ( 32 % ) said the country was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pollees ( 51 % ) said the direction was wrong .
The remaining 17 % found it difficult to answer .
At the same time , according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology ( KIIS ) , Ukrainians are afraid of the crisis twice as much as the coronavirus .
As of April 2020 , some 54 % of Ukrainians were more afraid of the economic consequences of quarantine restrictions than the coronavirus epidemics .

Corruption ranked second with 91.2% of votes.
Ukrainians consider the high cost of living and low salaries to be the most serious problems, while corruption ranks second.
A total of 92.2% of respondents said the high cost of living and low salaries (67% consider the problem to be very serious, 25.2% call it rather serious) were among the Top 5 problems, according to a monthly survey conducted by Info Sapiens, as reported by the RBC Ukraine media outlet.
Read alsoMost Ukrainians consider quarantine restrictions optimal – poll
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Corruption ranked second with 91.2% of votes (69% consider the problem to be very serious and 22.2% call it rather serious).
Some 90.7% of respondents called the high cost and low quality of healthcare services among the most serious problems (67.3% consider the problem to be very serious, 23.4% call it rather serious).
In addition, 89.8% of respondents mentioned the war in Donbas (72.7% consider the problem to be very serious, 17.1% call it rather serious).
Injustice in the judicial system was mentioned by 86% (59.9% consider the problem to be very serious, 26.1% call it rather serious).
The second wave of the survey was conducted March 4 through April 8, 2020. Some 2,516 people were personally interviewed as part of a nationally representative survey. The program is funded by the European Union and is co-financed and implemented by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As UNIAN reported earlier, according to a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group, as of mid-May 2020, every third Ukrainian (32%) said the country was moving in the right direction; half of the pollees (51%) said the direction was wrong. The remaining 17% found it difficult to answer.
At the same time, according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), Ukrainians are afraid of the crisis twice as much as the coronavirus. As of April 2020, some 54% of Ukrainians were more afraid of the economic consequences of quarantine restrictions than the coronavirus epidemics.


unian--2020-05-19--Rally outside Cabinet's building: Parents demanding kindergartens reopen

It was initiated by parents who lose income due to the inability to combine work and childcare .
A rally is taking place outside the building of the Cabinet of Ministers in Kyiv on Tuesday , May 19 , as parents are demanding that kindergartens reopen in Ukraine .
Read alsoKyiv mayor reports 38 new COVID-19 cases , three fatalities in past day It was initiated by parents who lose income due to the inability to combine work and childcare .
At the same time , the parents of children with special educational needs , who require constant care with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an acute problem .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Ukraine would be switching to an `` adaptive quarantine '' option from May 22 .
It foresees that curbs will be lifted gradually .
In particular , public transportation and commuter services will be relaunched from May 22 , kindergartens and subways will reopen from May 25 .
Hotels and churches will work with some restrictions , sports events will be allowed without attendance .
However , hostels , restaurants in hotels , swimming pools will remain closed @

It was initiated by parents who lose income due to the inability to combine work and childcare.
A rally is taking place outside the building of the Cabinet of Ministers in Kyiv on Tuesday, May 19, as parents are demanding that kindergartens reopen in Ukraine.
Read alsoKyiv mayor reports 38 new COVID-19 cases, three fatalities in past day
It was initiated by parents who lose income due to the inability to combine work and childcare.
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At the same time, the parents of children with special educational needs, who require constant care with the involvement of specialists, are facing an acute problem.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Ukraine would be switching to an "adaptive quarantine" option from May 22. It foresees that curbs will be lifted gradually. In particular, public transportation and commuter services will be relaunched from May 22, kindergartens and subways will reopen from May 25. Hotels and churches will work with some restrictions, sports events will be allowed without attendance. However, hostels, restaurants in hotels, swimming pools will remain closed.


unian--2020-05-19--Food prices in Ukraine grow by 2.2% in April

Prices of fruit and eggs in the fourth month rose most .
Director of the National Scientific Center `` Institute of Agrarian Economics '' Yuriy Lupenko says food prices in Ukraine in April 2020 grew by 2.2 % from March 2020 , but the coronavirus-related quarantine restrictions had no significant effect on price hikes .
`` Consumer food prices in Ukraine in April 2020 increased by 2.2 % compared with March .
Prices in March grew by 0.4 % compared with February .
Relatively low price jumps demonstrate that consumer good prices did not grow as much as they potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from March 12 , 2020 , '' the Center 's press service quoted Lupenko as saying on May 19 .
The absence of massive , excess demand and insignificant price hikes in March-April could be explained by a decrease in Ukrainians ' purchasing power .
Prices of fruit in April grew most ( by 12.8 % ) due to the seasonal factor and the temporary shutdown of wholesale and retail food markets .
Prices of eggs were also noticeably higher ( by 9.4 % ) , although they were on the decline prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these goods do not belong to the category of staples that are stocked for a long time , '' the report said .
Meanwhile , prices of staples rose slightly in April .
In particular , prices of pasta grew by 1.9 % , those of meat and meat products were up by 0.9 % , sunflower oil rose in price by 0.3 % , while creamery butter prices remained unchanged .
The only exception was sugar , as its prices rose by 2.9 % in March and by 4.8 % in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than quarantine restrictions .
`` Yet , the increase in food prices in April was the highest since June 2017 .
Compared to April 2019 , consumer food prices grew by 2.5 % , '' it said .

Food prices in Ukraine grow by 2.2% in April
16:05, 19.05.20 1795
Prices of fruit and eggs in the fourth month rose most.
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unian--2020-05-19--Reuters: Russian pipe-laying vessel moors at Nord Stream 2 hub in Germany

Germany 's energy regulator on Friday declined to grant a waiver of European Union gas directives to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline .
A Russian pipe-laying vessel , Academic Cherskiy , and which Moscow can use to finish laying pipes for the Nord Stream 2 gas project , has moored near the German logistics hub in Mukran , Refinitiv Eikon tracking data showed on Monday .
Led by the state gas company Gazprom , Nord Stream 2 had to suspend pipelaying works late last year , hit by fresh U.S. sanctions , Reuters said .
The project is aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 110 billion cubic metres per year .
Cherskiy , bought by Gazprom in 2016 , has sailed from the Russian Pacific port of Nakhodka where it was docked in December when the U.S. sanctions put the plan to finish the remaining 160-km stretch near the Danish island of Bornholm on hold , according to the Refinitiv Eikon data .
Nord Stream 2 declined to comment on the timeline but , without naming specifically Cherskiy in a statement to Reuters , said that it was `` forced to look for new solutions to lay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nord Stream 2 as well as the companies supporting our project are convinced that the soonest possible commissioning of the pipeline is in the interest of Europe 's energy security , '' the consortium said in an email .
Gazprom did not reply to a request for a comment .
The original pipepayer , the Swiss-Dutch company Allseas , stopped works due to the sanctions and President Vladimir Putin has said that Nord Stream 2 , aimed at bypassing Ukraine , could be now launched by end-2020 or early next year .
Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , declined to grant a waiver of European Union gas directives to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline , dealing a fresh blow to the project to carry gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea .
The Nord Stream 2 consortium also includes Uniper , Wintershall-Dea , Royal Dutch Shell , OMV and Engie .

Germany's energy regulator on Friday declined to grant a waiver of European Union gas directives to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
A Russian pipe-laying vessel, Academic Cherskiy, and which Moscow can use to finish laying pipes for the Nord Stream 2 gas project, has moored near the German logistics hub in Mukran, Refinitiv Eikon tracking data showed on Monday.
Led by the state gas company Gazprom, Nord Stream 2 had to suspend pipelaying works late last year, hit by fresh U.S. sanctions, Reuters said.
The project is aimed at doubling existing undersea flows to Germany to 110 billion cubic metres per year.
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Read alsoGermany refuses to exempt Russian Nord Stream 2 from EU Gas Directive rules
Cherskiy, bought by Gazprom in 2016, has sailed from the Russian Pacific port of Nakhodka where it was docked in December when the U.S. sanctions put the plan to finish the remaining 160-km stretch near the Danish island of Bornholm on hold, according to the Refinitiv Eikon data.
Nord Stream 2 declined to comment on the timeline but, without naming specifically Cherskiy in a statement to Reuters, said that it was "forced to look for new solutions to lay the remaining 6%".
"Nord Stream 2 as well as the companies supporting our project are convinced that the soonest possible commissioning of the pipeline is in the interest of Europe's energy security," the consortium said in an email.
Gazprom did not reply to a request for a comment.
The original pipepayer, the Swiss-Dutch company Allseas, stopped works due to the sanctions and President Vladimir Putin has said that Nord Stream 2, aimed at bypassing Ukraine, could be now launched by end-2020 or early next year.
Germany's energy regulator on Friday, however, declined to grant a waiver of European Union gas directives to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, dealing a fresh blow to the project to carry gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea.
The Nord Stream 2 consortium also includes Uniper, Wintershall-Dea, Royal Dutch Shell, OMV and Engie.


unian--2020-05-19--Gordon: Interview with terrorist Girkin done under SBU supervision, evidence sent to intl court

Ukraine 's deputy prosecutor general reportedly thanked the journalist for getting the testimony .
Ukrainian media figure and host Dmitriy Gordon whose interview with Igor Girkin ( nom de guerre Strelkov ) , a Russian military veteran and an ex-member of the terrorist organization `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) , has sparked massive public outrage in Ukraine , says it was done in cooperation with the country 's SBU Security Service .
`` Interviews with [ former turncoat prosecutor from Crimea and incumbent member of Russia 's Duma ] Natalia Poklonskaya and Igor Girkin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian special services .
No one has ever done such interviews before , and no one in Ukraine has ever interviewed Poklonskaya or Girkin regarding treason and crimes committed with the participation of these individuals in Ukrainian territory , '' he said in a follow-up video on May 18 after the interview with Girkin became available to the public .
Read alsoOutrage in Ukraine over interviews with Russian warlord , Crimea turncoat ex-prosecutor The interview was prepared in 2014 but was posted on YouTube six years later , on May 18 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drives with materials of the two interviews were sent to an international court in The Hague .
`` These statements by Poklonskaya and Girkin will become main testimonies in the trial of the case of annexing Crimea and unleashing the massacre in Donbas , '' Gordon said .
Ukrainian Deputy Prosecutor General Gyunduz Mamedov , in turn , says what Girkin said during the interview could be used in criminal cases .
`` Everyone does their job .
The journalist conducts an interview , and I , as the prosecutor in charge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is said and investigate the facts , '' he told the Ukrainian news outlet Censor.NET .
`` Therefore , in this case , I can only express my gratitude for the testimony that our society and law enforcement agencies have heard .
Including about the MH17 tragedy . ''
According to Mamedov , the international Joint Investigation Team ( JIT ) , in which he represents the interests of Ukraine , is currently collecting evidence .
`` Investigators often use open sources which subsequently serve as proof in court .
I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president 's press conference whose materials were used as proof that he was aware of the trial where he was a suspect .
Nobody was going after the journalists who participated in that conference , they thus helped the investigation , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the interview with Girkin ( `` Strelkov '' ) , a Russian military veteran who led Moscow 's proxy forces in Donbas at the onset of Kremlin 's aggression in Ukraine 's east and who is one of the four suspects in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was broadcast on Gordon 's YoutTube channel on May 18 , 2020 .
A few hours prior to Gordon 's official statement , the SBU said they would probe into the interview conducted by Gordon with Girkin .

Ukraine's deputy prosecutor general reportedly thanked the journalist for getting the testimony.
Ukrainian media figure and host Dmitriy Gordon whose interview with Igor Girkin (nom de guerre Strelkov), a Russian military veteran and an ex-member of the terrorist organization "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR"), has sparked massive public outrage in Ukraine, says it was done in cooperation with the country's SBU Security Service.
"Interviews with [former turncoat prosecutor from Crimea and incumbent member of Russia's Duma] Natalia Poklonskaya and Igor Girkin were conducted by me in collaboration with the Ukrainian special services. No one has ever done such interviews before, and no one in Ukraine has ever interviewed Poklonskaya or Girkin regarding treason and crimes committed with the participation of these individuals in Ukrainian territory," he said in a follow-up video on May 18 after the interview with Girkin became available to the public.
Read alsoOutrage in Ukraine over interviews with Russian warlord, Crimea turncoat ex-prosecutor
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The interview was prepared in 2014 but was posted on YouTube six years later, on May 18, 2020.
According to Gordon, flash drives with materials of the two interviews were sent to an international court in The Hague.
"These statements by Poklonskaya and Girkin will become main testimonies in the trial of the case of annexing Crimea and unleashing the massacre in Donbas," Gordon said.
Ukrainian Deputy Prosecutor General Gyunduz Mamedov, in turn, says what Girkin said during the interview could be used in criminal cases.
"Everyone does their job. The journalist conducts an interview, and I, as the prosecutor in charge of the investigation of war crimes, analyze what is said and investigate the facts," he told the Ukrainian news outlet Censor.NET. "Therefore, in this case, I can only express my gratitude for the testimony that our society and law enforcement agencies have heard. Including about the MH17 tragedy."
According to Mamedov, the international Joint Investigation Team (JIT), in which he represents the interests of Ukraine, is currently collecting evidence.
"Investigators often use open sources which subsequently serve as proof in court. I can give as an example the fourth Ukrainian president's press conference whose materials were used as proof that he was aware of the trial where he was a suspect. Nobody was going after the journalists who participated in that conference, they thus helped the investigation," he said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the interview with Girkin ("Strelkov"), a Russian military veteran who led Moscow's proxy forces in Donbas at the onset of Kremlin's aggression in Ukraine's east and who is one of the four suspects in the MH17 downing trial ongoing in the Netherlands, was broadcast on Gordon's YoutTube channel on May 18, 2020.
A few hours prior to Gordon's official statement, the SBU said they would probe into the interview conducted by Gordon with Girkin.


unian--2020-05-20--Ukraine's leader unveils existence of Plan B and Plan C on Donbas

The Minsk process has slowed over the coronavirus epidemic .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled the existence of Plan B and Plan C on Donbas , but the Minsk agreements remain a priority .
`` I 'm giving myself a few more months to resolve this , so that we find this diplomatic way out of the situation under the Minsk agreements , '' he said at a press conference on the first year of his presidency , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
`` I would not like to go to either Plan B or Plan C , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen the first plan fails , '' he said .
`` As for 'Minsk ' and this track , we will fight for it to the end , because sanctions against the Russian Federation are connected with the Minsk agreements .
And you know everyone wants to lift them – not only Russia , but also many European countries .
I know their economies are also suffering over these sanctions .
But , as I said , we will fight for them for a year , '' he said .
According to Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus epidemic .

The Minsk process has slowed over the coronavirus epidemic.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled the existence of Plan B and Plan C on Donbas, but the Minsk agreements remain a priority.
"I'm giving myself a few more months to resolve this, so that we find this diplomatic way out of the situation under the Minsk agreements," he said at a press conference on the first year of his presidency, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoUkraine's envoy calling meeting over "LPR" statement on combat readiness – Zelensky
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"I would not like to go to either Plan B or Plan C, although they exist. But it may happen the first plan fails," he said.
"As for 'Minsk' and this track, we will fight for it to the end, because sanctions against the Russian Federation are connected with the Minsk agreements. And you know everyone wants to lift them – not only Russia, but also many European countries. I know their economies are also suffering over these sanctions. But, as I said, we will fight for them for a year," he said.
According to Zelensky, the Minsk process has slowed over the coronavirus epidemic.


unian--2020-05-20--Ukraine's president pledges all national roads will be repaired by end of his tenure

The number of public roads of state importance that will be built and repaired in 2020 will exceed the past year 's figure by nine times .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged that all roads of state importance that are about 25,000 kilometers long will be repaired by the end of his tenure .
`` Our task is to build all state roads that link [ parts of ] our country , that is about 25,000 [ kilometers of ] roads .
We will complete all national roads before the end of our term in office , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 on his one-year tenure , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
The number of public roads of state importance that will be built and repaired in 2020 will exceed the past year 's figure by nine times , Zelensky said .
`` The implementation of the Great Construction program is under way ... We have really increased by nine times the number of roads we will build this year .
Despite the problems , the economic crisis , COVID-19 , we will build roads .
How many ?
Some 4,200 km or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much money we have .
But it will be almost nine times up from the past year , '' he said .
At the same time , Zelensky emphasized that the situation with local roads envisages not so fast development .
`` We have no influence there yet .
But I think we 'll have influence there after the local elections .
So , we will build all roads in towns and cities , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ukrainian government plans to allocate UAH 85 billion ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction of roads of national importance , while UAH 22 billion ( US $ 829.5 million ) is earmarked for local roads .

Ukraine's president pledges all national roads will be repaired by end of his tenure
14:55, 20.05.20 2588
The number of public roads of state importance that will be built and repaired in 2020 will exceed the past year's figure by nine times.
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unian--2020-05-20--Zelensky explains why one-on-one meeting with Putin needed

According to him , society has a mixed attitude to direct talks between Zelensky and Putin .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr @ @ @ @ @ one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is needed .
Read alsoZelensky ready for any @ @ @ @ @ – press conference '' There are some things you can understand only when you are @ @ @ @ @ are some answers to what you can and [ what you ] want , and @ @ @ @ @ them when you are one on one to draw crystal clear conclusions and proceed with @ @ @ @ @ , '' Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv on May 20 on the @ @ @ @ @ , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Zelensky says `` society has a mixed assessment @ @ @ @ @ Zelensky and President Putin . ''
`` I 'm sure we should do this without @ @ @ @ @ , but to do simultaneously , as a separate track , '' he added .

According to him, society has a mixed attitude to direct talks between Zelensky and Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has explained why a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is needed.
Read alsoZelensky ready for any format of talks with Putin – press conference
"There are some things you can understand only when you are one on one. There are some answers to what you can and [what you] want, and it is better to hear them when you are one on one to draw crystal clear conclusions and proceed with another plan, Plan B," Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv on May 20 on the first year of his presidency, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
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Zelensky says "society has a mixed assessment of direct talks between President Zelensky and President Putin."
"I'm sure we should do this without dropping Minsk [talks], but to do simultaneously, as a separate track," he added.


unian--2020-05-20--Transportation between regions in Ukraine not to be launched yet – Zelensky

Only six Ukrainian regions see a decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said public transportation between the regions in Ukraine will not be launched yet amid the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic .
Read alsoUkraine 's health minister : Public transport may relaunch after regions meet certain criteria '' Reasonably good statistics [ on the COVID-19 incidence rate ] allow us to launch some stages [ of the easing of lockdown restrictions ] earlier .
For example , the launch of municipal and commuter transportation will be considered today at a government meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services from [ May ] 22 .
So far , we can not provide transportation between the regions since only six of them are ready for this .
Only six regions demonstrate normal statistics , where there is a decrease in the number of [ COVID-19 ] cases , '' the president said at a press conference on May 20 , as reported by an UNIAN correspondent .
As was reported , the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine was 19,230 on Wednesday morning .
Of them , 354 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours .
The death toll was 564 cases .

Transportation between regions in Ukraine not to be launched yet – Zelensky
14:20, 20.05.20 5547
Only six Ukrainian regions see a decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases.
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unian--2020-05-20--Zelensky promises 10% mortgage loans in Ukraine

The president has been pressing for this for a year now .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said mortgage loans @ @ @ @ @ % per annum in Ukraine soon .
`` For a year now I 've been @ @ @ @ @ initiative ] already with the second government so that we [ Ukrainians ] could have @ @ @ @ @ In the near future , we will have mortgage at 10 % for every Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ time in many years , '' he said at a press conference on May 20 @ @ @ @ @ according to an UNIAN correspondent .
`` It seems to me that this is a @ @ @ @ @ president added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , former Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said @ @ @ @ @ rate on mortgage loans in Ukraine to 9 % in the autumn of 2020 .

Zelensky promises 10% mortgage loans in Ukraine
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The president has been pressing for this for a year now.
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unian--2020-05-20--One presidential term not enough to fulfill all promises – Zelensky

He says his decision on running for the second term depends on public support .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says one presidential term is not enough to fulfill all promises .
`` Honestly , sincerely – one is not enough , '' he said at a press conference on the first year of his presidency , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Answering a clarifying question whether he would run for the second term , Zelensky said he would need to think it over whether to run for another term .
`` I 'll think about this , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has 10 % , 15 % or 16 % at the beginning of any election campaign – if they have such figures – has no right to run for president .
Because this means one thing – society does not support them .
I 'm going for one term , as I said , I see the work is hard , no one will say thank you .
But if support from the people of Ukraine is strong , I can think it over .
I will think , '' the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not going to run for the second presidential term .

He says his decision on running for the second term depends on public support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says one presidential term is not enough to fulfill all promises.
"Honestly, sincerely – one is not enough," he said at a press conference on the first year of his presidency, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoAlmost 60% of Ukrainians trust in President Zelensky – poll
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Answering a clarifying question whether he would run for the second term, Zelensky said he would need to think it over whether to run for another term.
"I'll think about this," he said. "I believe any president who has 10%, 15% or 16% at the beginning of any election campaign – if they have such figures – has no right to run for president. Because this means one thing – society does not support them. I'm going for one term, as I said, I see the work is hard, no one will say thank you. But if support from the people of Ukraine is strong, I can think it over. I will think," the president said.
Earlier, Zelensky said he was not going to run for the second presidential term.


unian--2020-05-20--Zelensky: Avakov must bring Sheremet murder case to end

The president stresses the criminals must be punished .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Interior Minister Arsen Avakov should bring the case of journalist Pavel Sheremet 's murder to an end .
`` Avakov is not my child 's godfather or my close friend .
On the contrary , some of his allies are definitely not my friends .
Is he a strong minister ?
Yes .
Is the situation complicated now ?
I think yes .
But his responsibility today is Sheremet 's case .
And yes – he began this case , he must bring it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that all those responsible are punished , '' Zelensky said at a press conference on the first year of his presidency , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoRFE/RL : Lawyers of Ukrainian army medic suspected in Sheremet murder case say they have 'proof ' of her innocence As UNIAN reported earlier , Sheremet was assassinated in a car blast in the center of Kyiv on the morning of July 20 , 2016 .
On December 12 , 2019 , police said they suspected five persons of complicity in the crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrii Antonenko , army volunteer and pediatric surgeon Yulia Kuzmenko ( nom de guerre `` Lysa , '' or `` Fox '' ) , nurse with a paratrooper unit Yana Duhar , and a family couple of army volunteers Inna Hryshchenko ( `` Puma '' ) and Vladyslav Hryshchenko ( `` Bucha '' ) .
Law enforcers claim that the goal of the Sheremet assassination was to destabilize the social and political situation in Ukraine .
Antonenko , Kuzmenko and Duhar were notified of suspicion on December 12 , 2019 .
The court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody , while Duhar was placed under house arrest 24/7 .

The president stresses the criminals must be punished.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Interior Minister Arsen Avakov should bring the case of journalist Pavel Sheremet's murder to an end.
"Avakov is not my child's godfather or my close friend. On the contrary, some of his allies are definitely not my friends. Is he a strong minister? Yes. Is the situation complicated now? I think yes. But his responsibility today is Sheremet's case. And yes – he began this case, he must bring it to an end, until the result, so that all those responsible are punished," Zelensky said at a press conference on the first year of his presidency, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoRFE/RL: Lawyers of Ukrainian army medic suspected in Sheremet murder case say they have 'proof' of her innocence
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As UNIAN reported earlier, Sheremet was assassinated in a car blast in the center of Kyiv on the morning of July 20, 2016.
On December 12, 2019, police said they suspected five persons of complicity in the crime: former Donbas war volunteer and musician Andrii Antonenko, army volunteer and pediatric surgeon Yulia Kuzmenko (nom de guerre "Lysa," or "Fox"), nurse with a paratrooper unit Yana Duhar, and a family couple of army volunteers Inna Hryshchenko ("Puma") and Vladyslav Hryshchenko ("Bucha").
Law enforcers claim that the goal of the Sheremet assassination was to destabilize the social and political situation in Ukraine.
Antonenko, Kuzmenko and Duhar were notified of suspicion on December 12, 2019. The court decided to remand Antonenko and Kuzmenko in custody, while Duhar was placed under house arrest during hours of darkness.


unian--2020-05-20--Local elections to be held in autumn after COVID-19 – Zelensky

Local polls to elect members of village , town , city , district and regional councils are scheduled for October @ @ @ @ @ of village , town and city mayors .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the local @ @ @ @ @ held in autumn after the COVID-19 epidemic is over .
Read alsoUkraine 's CEC enables @ @ @ @ @ elections at place of actual residence '' So far , the local elections will be @ @ @ @ @ ends .
There is no question about this .
Local elections means people elect local @ @ @ @ @ at a press conference on the first year of his presidency , according to an @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier , local polls to elect members of village , town , city , @ @ @ @ @ scheduled for October 25 along with the election of village , town and city mayors @

Local polls to elect members of village, town, city, district and regional councils are scheduled for October 25 along with the election of village, town and city mayors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the local elections in Ukraine will be held in autumn after the COVID-19 epidemic is over.
Read alsoUkraine's CEC enables IDPs to vote in local elections at place of actual residence
"So far, the local elections will be held if the COVID-19 epidemic ends. There is no question about this. Local elections means people elect local authorities," he said at a press conference on the first year of his presidency, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
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As UNIAN reported earlier, local polls to elect members of village, town, city, district and regional councils are scheduled for October 25 along with the election of village, town and city mayors.


unian--2020-05-20--Zelensky says his party's primaries to be held before Kyiv mayoral elections

The Servant of the People Party will nominate its candidate .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced primaries will be held by the ruling party , Servant of the People , before the mayoral elections in Kyiv , and he will support the party 's nominee .
`` As for the primaries .
In Kyiv , I will support a candidate for the mayor of Kyiv who will be nominated by the Servant of the People Party .
Will the primaries be held ?
Yes , they will !
Will only members of the Servant of the People Party be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly be candidates from the Servant of the People , that is , those who are members of the Servant of the People , and there will be independent people who are ready to fight at open primaries at a meeting of our Servant of the People faction , '' he said at a press conference in Kyiv on May 20 .
`` I 'll support the best one , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , President Zelensky on May 20 gave a press conference in Kyiv to mark his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor , Vitaliy Klitschko , assumed his office in June 2014 .

The Servant of the People Party will nominate its candidate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced primaries will be held by the ruling party, Servant of the People, before the mayoral elections in Kyiv, and he will support the party's nominee.
"As for the primaries. In Kyiv, I will support a candidate for the mayor of Kyiv who will be nominated by the Servant of the People Party. Will the primaries be held? Yes, they will! Will only members of the Servant of the People Party be competing during the primaries? There will certainly be candidates from the Servant of the People, that is, those who are members of the Servant of the People, and there will be independent people who are ready to fight at open primaries at a meeting of our Servant of the People faction," he said at a press conference in Kyiv on May 20.
Read alsoZelensky's year in office: Parting with illusions, retaining people's trust
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"I'll support the best one," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, President Zelensky on May 20 gave a press conference in Kyiv to mark his one-year anniversary in office.
The incumbent mayor, Vitaliy Klitschko, assumed his office in June 2014.


unian--2020-05-20--Ukraine reports five new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of May 20

In total , 45 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were recorded as confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 20 .
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by five as of the morning of May 20 .
`` As of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 20 , some 45 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus .
In total , 82 people recovered and two died during the pandemic .
Five new cases of acute respiratory illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook .
Read alsoAnother COVID-19 case reported in Ukraine Army as of May 17 In particular , three servicemen in Kyiv region , one serviceman in Odesa region , and one employee of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kyiv region contracted COVID-19 over the past day .
They are undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors .
Currently , their state of health is satisfactory and they have no symptoms of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 39 people .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 19,200 on Wednesday morning .
A total of 564 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country .
Some 5,955 patients have recovered .

In total, 45 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were recorded as confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 20.
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by five as of the morning of May 20.
"As of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 20, some 45 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In total, 82 people recovered and two died during the pandemic. Five new cases of acute respiratory illness COVID-19 were recorded in the past day," the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook.
Read alsoAnother COVID-19 case reported in Ukraine Army as of May 17
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In particular, three servicemen in Kyiv region, one serviceman in Odesa region, and one employee of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kyiv region contracted COVID-19 over the past day. They are undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors. Currently, their state of health is satisfactory and they have no symptoms of the disease.
Some 143 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation). The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 39 people.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 19,200 on Wednesday morning. A total of 564 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country. Some 5,955 patients have recovered.


unian--2020-05-20--Zelensky's year in office: Parting with illusions, retaining people's trust

There is such a concept as `` honeymoon '' for any newly-elected president .
This is a period of high expectations , a time when the new head of state is mainly seen in positive colors .
In Ukraine , it 's usually the first three to four months in office , maybe five .
In this sense , Volodymyr Zelensky 's popular rating 12 months into taking office is rather unique .
Compared to Poroshenko , Yanukovych , or Yushchenko , Zelensky is seeing a record-high level of people 's confidence a year since he took the helm of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some disappointment has already mounted .
It 's always been the case with any presidents .
Yanukovych , Poroshenko and Yushchenko all had more Ukrainians distrusting them than those showing support in the same timeframe .
Zelensky is seeing a slightly different situation .
Even given that disappointment , still , 57 % of Ukrainians trust their president , while 37 % do n't .
So there 's a positive balance .
Zelensky 's popular rating remains really high .
Some 39 % would support him in the first round of elections if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moreover , up to 75 % would be ready to vote for him again in round 2 if he was paired with any major rivals .
However , once again , public assessments economic developments and those of the state in general are mostly critical .
Half of Ukrainians believe that the developments are leading the country in the wrong direction .
At the same time , Zelensky 's ratings remain high .
A real paradox here .
So how could this be explained ?
Ukrainians , especially Zelensky 's supporters , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see that he 's trying , seeking to resolve the problems that have mounted .
Wherever he succeeds , people take note .
For example , they recall his personal role in the release of hostages or the efforts to tackle the coronavirus .
In general , if we talk about president 's achievements over the year , I 'd note that Zelensky became an impetus for renewal .
We 've seen the most sweeping change of senior officials since the 1990s .
And this is important because the country had begun to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see new faces , and Zelensky delivered .
On the other hand , the new faces brought along disappointment .
Both Ukrainians and Zelensky himself are disappointed in many .
The President saw it was n't enough to be a `` new face '' .
Officials have to be more efficient and more honest .
Not all rookies turned out to be like that .
And this was a real downer for Zelensky .
Now he 's looking for the new cadres ( which is noticeable ) who would be more effective , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new ones .
Another disappointment for Zelensky was a failure to quickly settle all pressing issues .
One of the promises he just could n't live up to was to bring peace .
For six months , he had been putting pressure on Putin , Merkel , and Macron to hold the Norman Four summit .
This he managed to achieve .
But it turned out that negotiations were n't enough .
He was yet to get concessions from Russia , which turned out to be a much bigger problem .
Zelensky 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough – Putin 's good will is also needed .
Zelensky , apparently , harbored illusions about Putin ; perhaps , he believed it was possible to persuade Putin and achieve peace .
But it turned out that Putin is n't that malleable .
The path to peace appeared to be longer and more difficult than Zelensky expected .
The president faced exactly the same problems in fighting corruption .
His team promised high-profile arrests , but ...
It turned out that our law enforcement system was slow , sluggish , and bureaucracy-ridden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of law enforcement chiefs .
He did try to get this cart of issues out of a deep puddle , but this didn ’ t work at first dashing attempt .
Now he is forced to choose another tactic – a slower , although systemic , siege and the search for effective means ...
Wherever he could do something in a quick move , he succeeded .
But wherever it was required to seek compromises , resources , wherever it took time , he didn ’ t .
Now he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his capacities – the corona crisis .
This changed plans for the second year of presidency .
Instead of looking for tools to accelerate socio-economic development ( something he had sought ) , he will have to fight , along with the government , to minimize the effects of the crisis .
As we can see , achievements and drawbacks are closely intertwined .
But there is a criterion for assessing the results of the president 's performance over these 12 months – what voters think of him .
And , judging by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider this year a failure .
Zelensky has retained a certain safety cushion of people 's trust even despite criticism .
Where assessments are more critical , Ukrainians see that the problem is not only about Zelensky ( people retain a more positive attitude to Zelensky than to other top officials ) .
Perhaps they realize that he had no political experience and no team prior to the election campaign – he only had to form the core of that team after he won the election The fact that Zelensky stays out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , plays a huge role .
We did see reverberating scandals involving ministers , MPs , the presidential office chief 's brother… Zelensky evaded all of those .
Ukrainians see that he does n't personally embezzle anything and neither is he personally involved in corruption .
This surely plays in his favor , although criticism keeps mounting .
So this year was not a failure for Zelensky , although it was a tough one .
It was a year of certain personal disappointments and the rejection of many of his illusions , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fesenko is a political scientist , head of the board of the Penta Center for Applied Political Studies

There is such a concept as "honeymoon" for any newly-elected president. This is a period of high expectations, a time when the new head of state is mainly seen in positive colors. In Ukraine, it's usually the first three to four months in office, maybe five. In this sense, Volodymyr Zelensky's popular rating 12 months into taking office is rather unique. Compared to Poroshenko, Yanukovych, or Yushchenko, Zelensky is seeing a record-high level of people's confidence a year since he took the helm of the state.
It is clear that some disappointment has already mounted. It's always been the case with any presidents. Yanukovych, Poroshenko and Yushchenko all had more Ukrainians distrusting them than those showing support in the same timeframe. Zelensky is seeing a slightly different situation. Even given that disappointment, still, 57% of Ukrainians trust their president, while 37% don't. So there's a positive balance. Zelensky's popular rating remains really high. Some 39% would support him in the first round of elections if they were to be held now. Moreover, up to 75% would be ready to vote for him again in round 2 if he was paired with any major rivals.
In general, if we talk about president's achievements over the year, I'd note that Zelensky became an impetus for renewal
However, once again, public assessments economic developments and those of the state in general are mostly critical. Half of Ukrainians believe that the developments are leading the country in the wrong direction. At the same time, Zelensky's ratings remain high. A real paradox here.
So how could this be explained? Ukrainians, especially Zelensky's supporters, have been seeing his pro-active stance. They see that he's trying, seeking to resolve the problems that have mounted. Wherever he succeeds, people take note. For example, they recall his personal role in the release of hostages or the efforts to tackle the coronavirus.
In general, if we talk about president's achievements over the year, I'd note that Zelensky became an impetus for renewal. We've seen the most sweeping change of senior officials since the 1990s. And this is important because the country had begun to slide into stagnation. Ukrainians wanted to see new faces, and Zelensky delivered.
On the other hand, the new faces brought along disappointment. Both Ukrainians and Zelensky himself are disappointed in many. The President saw it wasn't enough to be a "new face". Officials have to be more efficient and more honest. Not all rookies turned out to be like that. And this was a real downer for Zelensky. Now he's looking for the new cadres (which is noticeable) who would be more effective, more experienced in office rather than just new ones.
Another disappointment for Zelensky was a failure to quickly settle all pressing issues. One of the promises he just couldn't live up to was to bring peace. For six months, he had been putting pressure on Putin, Merkel, and Macron to hold the Norman Four summit. This he managed to achieve. But it turned out that negotiations weren't enough. He was yet to get concessions from Russia, which turned out to be a much bigger problem.
Zelensky has retained a certain safety cushion of people's trust even despite criticism
Zelensky's personal efforts to this end aren't enough – Putin's good will is also needed. Zelensky, apparently, harbored illusions about Putin; perhaps, he believed it was possible to persuade Putin and achieve peace. But it turned out that Putin isn't that malleable. The path to peace appeared to be longer and more difficult than Zelensky expected.
The president faced exactly the same problems in fighting corruption. His team promised high-profile arrests, but ... It turned out that our law enforcement system was slow, sluggish, and bureaucracy-ridden. Zelensky was even forced to sack a number of law enforcement chiefs. He did try to get this cart of issues out of a deep puddle, but this didn’t work at first dashing attempt. Now he is forced to choose another tactic – a slower, although systemic, siege and the search for effective means...
Wherever he could do something in a quick move, he succeeded. But wherever it was required to seek compromises, resources, wherever it took time, he didn’t.
Now he has a new problem that has severely limited his capacities – the corona crisis. This changed plans for the second year of presidency. Instead of looking for tools to accelerate socio-economic development (something he had sought), he will have to fight, along with the government, to minimize the effects of the crisis.
The fact that Zelensky stays out of any shady, let alone scandalous situations, plays a huge role
As we can see, achievements and drawbacks are closely intertwined. But there is a criterion for assessing the results of the president's performance over these 12 months – what voters think of him. And, judging by the latest polls, they don't consider this year a failure. Zelensky has retained a certain safety cushion of people's trust even despite criticism. Where assessments are more critical, Ukrainians see that the problem is not only about Zelensky (people retain a more positive attitude to Zelensky than to other top officials). Perhaps they realize that he had no political experience and no team prior to the election campaign – he only had to form the core of that team after he won the election The fact that Zelensky stays out of any shady, let alone scandalous situations, plays a huge role. We did see reverberating scandals involving ministers, MPs, the presidential office chief's brother… Zelensky evaded all of those. Ukrainians see that he doesn't personally embezzle anything and neither is he personally involved in corruption. This surely plays in his favor, although criticism keeps mounting.
So this year was not a failure for Zelensky, although it was a tough one. It was a year of certain personal disappointments and the rejection of many of his illusions, the year when he gained experience.
Volodymyr Fesenko is a political scientist, head of the board of the Penta Center for Applied Political Studies


unian--2020-05-20--Ukraine's envoy calling meeting over "LPR" statement on combat readiness – Zelensky

Russia-controlled Donbas websites reported the leaders of the so-called `` republics '' had placed their troops on alert .
Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian President and Ukraine 's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) at @ @ @ @ @ Leonid Kuchma is calling an emergency TCG meeting over a statement by leader of the @ @ @ @ @ Republic '' ( `` LPR '' ) Leonid Pasechnik on combat readiness .
Read alsoZelensky @ @ @ @ @ talks with Putin – press conference '' To understand what Leonid Kuchma is doing now @ @ @ @ @ a letter and is convening an emergency meeting of the Minsk Contact Group over Pasechnik @ @ @ @ @ said at a press conference on the first year of his presidency , according to @ @ @ @ @ Donbas websites reported the leaders of the so-called `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' and @ @ @ @ @ '' had placed their troops on alert .

Russia-controlled Donbas websites reported the leaders of the so-called "republics" had placed their troops on alert.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says former Ukrainian President and Ukraine's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) at the Minsk talks on Donbas Leonid Kuchma is calling an emergency TCG meeting over a statement by leader of the so-called "Luhansk People's Republic" ("LPR") Leonid Pasechnik on combat readiness.
Read alsoZelensky ready for any format of talks with Putin – press conference
"To understand what Leonid Kuchma is doing now – today he has written a letter and is convening an emergency meeting of the Minsk Contact Group over Pasechnik's statement," Zelensky said at a press conference on the first year of his presidency, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
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Russia-controlled Donbas websites reported the leaders of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic" had placed their troops on alert.


unian--2020-05-20--Zelensky ready for any format of talks with Putin – press conference

According to Zelensky , Germany and France have agreed a meeting in the Normandy format should be held immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is ready for any format of talks with his Russian counterpart , Vladimir Putin , for the return of Ukrainian territories and the release of political prisoners .
`` As for the Russian president , we must agree with him ...
The Minsk format is a priority , but no one cancels other formats .
I am ready for any format that can bring us closer to the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territories and people .
To any format .
I do not care .
We need results , '' he said at a press conference on the first year of his presidency , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoU.S .
on Zelensky 's first anniversary in office : `` We commend the progress achieved '' Zelensky reiterated three prisoner swaps had already taken place , as a result of which 135 people were freed from the captivity of the so-called `` republics '' and from Russia .
`` And now we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible swap after COVID-19 [ pandemic ] .
I want us , despite COVID-19 , to talk about this , about the return of our political prisoners who are in Russia or in Crimean prisons .
There is a result , it is measured in human lives , '' he said .
The president said he had not held phone conversations with Putin during the pandemic .
`` Now , everyone is engaged in their own country over the coronavirus .
We do not let the issue of the return of our people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappear off the radar screen .
We do n't , '' Zelensky said .
According to him , Germany and France have agreed a meeting in the Normandy format should be held immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides .

According to Zelensky, Germany and France have agreed a meeting in the Normandy format should be held immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is ready for any format of talks with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for the return of Ukrainian territories and the release of political prisoners.
"As for the Russian president, we must agree with him... The Minsk format is a priority, but no one cancels other formats. I am ready for any format that can bring us closer to the end of war and the return of our territories and people. To any format. I do not care. We need results," he said at a press conference on the first year of his presidency, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoU.S. on Zelensky's first anniversary in office: "We commend the progress achieved"
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Zelensky reiterated three prisoner swaps had already taken place, as a result of which 135 people were freed from the captivity of the so-called "republics" and from Russia.
"And now we are talking with the Russian Federation about a possible swap after COVID-19 [pandemic]. I want us, despite COVID-19, to talk about this, about the return of our political prisoners who are in Russia or in Crimean prisons. There is a result, it is measured in human lives," he said.
The president said he had not held phone conversations with Putin during the pandemic.
"Now, everyone is engaged in their own country over the coronavirus. We do not let the issue of the return of our people, our territories and illegally annexed Crimea disappear off the radar screen. We don't," Zelensky said.
According to him, Germany and France have agreed a meeting in the Normandy format should be held immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.


unian--2020-05-20--Another treason case opened against Poroshenko amid audio recording leak – media

A flash drive with recordings of phone calls between Poroshenko and the two former high-ranking U.S. officials was added to the materials of the case .
The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has opened another case against former President Petro Poroshenko on charges of treason amid the leak of audio recordings made public by Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach .
The information was included in the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations .
The probe began under Part 1 of Article 111 ( high treason ) and Part 2 of Article 364 ( abuse of power or official position ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pravda online newspaper reported citing its sources .
A flash drive with audio recordings of phone calls between Poroshenko and former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State John Kerry was added to the materials of the case .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach on May 19 made public leaked audio recordings of phone conversations held by Biden , Kerry and Poroshenko .
In particular , the then Ukrainian president Poroshenko discussed a lot of issues of domestic politics with the U.S. politicians , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dismissal of the then Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin , and the appointment of Yuriy Lutsenko to the post of prosecutor general , etc .

A flash drive with recordings of phone calls between Poroshenko and the two former high-ranking U.S. officials was added to the materials of the case.
The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has opened another case against former President Petro Poroshenko on charges of treason amid the leak of audio recordings made public by Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach.
Read also"Critical": Biden put pressure on Poroshenko on PrivatBank nationalization, leak claims
The information was included in the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations. The probe began under Part 1 of Article 111 (high treason) and Part 2 of Article 364 (abuse of power or official position) of the Criminal Code, the Ukrayinska Pravda online newspaper reported citing its sources.
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A flash drive with audio recordings of phone calls between Poroshenko and former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State John Kerry was added to the materials of the case.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach on May 19 made public leaked audio recordings of phone conversations held by Biden, Kerry and Poroshenko. In particular, the then Ukrainian president Poroshenko discussed a lot of issues of domestic politics with the U.S. politicians, such as tariffs, the nationalization of PrivatBank, the dismissal of the then Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin, and the appointment of Yuriy Lutsenko to the post of prosecutor general, etc.


unian--2020-05-20--Zelensky announces signing of memorandum with IMF in May

The president said he would shortly enact the banking law .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced at a press conference on his first anniversary in office that he will soon sign a memorandum with the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) on financial assistance to Ukraine .
`` I 'm about to enact the banking law – the last step towards signing the memorandum between the state of Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund .
We will sign this memorandum – I am sure that we will sign it in May .
It can not be delayed , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoUkraine expects first IMF tranche in week or two , presidential official says According to him , the banking law will soon arrive for him to sign .
`` The banking law will be submitted to me tomorrow or the day after tomorrow , maybe even today .
And the doors will be opened to the IMF assistance we were seeking very much – you all have seen this – even with the support of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US $ 2 billion disbursement in IMF aid may arrive in the second quarter of 2020 .
Spokesman for the International Monetary Fund Gerry Rice said earlier that the focus of IMF-Ukraine talks had shifted to a new financing program that will help the country to cope with the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic in the economy and the health sector .
It may become a backup program , since the Ukrainian authorities have not yet fulfilled the conditions for the three-year Extended Fund Facility program worth US $ 5.5 billion , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Zelensky announces signing of memorandum with IMF in May
11:45, 20.05.20 1861
The president said he would shortly enact the banking law.
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unian--2020-05-20--U.S. on Zelensky's first anniversary in office: "We commend the progress achieved"

America stands firmly with the people of Ukraine in support of a democratic , prosperous Ukraine .
The United States has congratulated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his administration on their first anniversary in office .
`` At the time of President Zelensky 's election , the United States warmly welcomed his commitment to implement the reforms necessary to move Ukraine into a new era marked by stability , prosperity , democracy , and further integration into Europe .
We commend the progress achieved this year , '' says a statement posted on the website of the U.S. Embassy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 130 Ukrainians unjustly detained by Russia and its proxies have returned to their families .
The government completed unbundling of its natural gas sector , an important step in strengthening Ukraine 's energy security .
Decentralization efforts to empower local communities have moved forward .
Ukraine has implemented many of the reforms necessary to establish a new IMF [ International Monetary Fund ] program , '' it said .
Read alsoUkraine expects first IMF tranche in week or two , presidential official says The United States says it supports the work that remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing , illegal aggression on Ukrainian territory and by the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` As President Zelensky and his team press forward with dismantling Ukraine 's oligarchic system , strengthening the rule of law , and ensuring the independence and integrity of anti-corruption and law enforcement institutions , we will continue to work with the administration to achieve its objectives , and we call on Rada members , and local and regional officials , to resist attempts by vested interests to slow progress , '' it said .
According to the statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his presidency , the United States stands firmly with the people of Ukraine in support of a democratic , prosperous Ukraine , secure in its internationally recognized borders .

America stands firmly with the people of Ukraine in support of a democratic, prosperous Ukraine.
The United States has congratulated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his administration on their first anniversary in office.
"At the time of President Zelensky's election, the United States warmly welcomed his commitment to implement the reforms necessary to move Ukraine into a new era marked by stability, prosperity, democracy, and further integration into Europe. We commend the progress achieved this year," says a statement posted on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv on May 20.
"Over 130 Ukrainians unjustly detained by Russia and its proxies have returned to their families. The government completed unbundling of its natural gas sector, an important step in strengthening Ukraine's energy security. Decentralization efforts to empower local communities have moved forward. Ukraine has implemented many of the reforms necessary to establish a new IMF [International Monetary Fund] program," it said.
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Read alsoUkraine expects first IMF tranche in week or two, presidential official says
The United States says it supports the work that remains, which is complicated by Russia's ongoing, illegal aggression on Ukrainian territory and by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"As President Zelensky and his team press forward with dismantling Ukraine's oligarchic system, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring the independence and integrity of anti-corruption and law enforcement institutions, we will continue to work with the administration to achieve its objectives, and we call on Rada members, and local and regional officials, to resist attempts by vested interests to slow progress," it said.
According to the statement, as President Zelensky enters the second year of his presidency, the United States stands firmly with the people of Ukraine in support of a democratic, prosperous Ukraine, secure in its internationally recognized borders.


unian--2020-05-20--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 19,200 on May 20

Of them , 354 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 19,200 on Wednesday morning .
`` According to the Public Health Center , there were 19,230 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on May 20 , '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on May 20 .
Of them , 354 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
Read alsoQuarantine in Ukraine to last until June 22 – health ministry ( Video ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following regions : 766 cases in Vinnytsia region ; 676 in Volyn region ; 849 in Dnipropetrovsk region ; 133 in Donetsk region ; 583 in Zhytomyr region ; 922 in Zakarpattia region ; 385 in Zaporizhia region ; 1,246 in Ivano-Frankivsk region ; 450 in Kirovohrad region ; 2,410 in the city of Kyiv ; 1,261 in Kyiv region ; 1,136 in Lviv region ; 42 in Luhansk region ; 264 in Mykolayiv region ; 792 in Odesa region ; 265 in Poltava region ; 1,217 in Rivne region ; 164 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region ; 836 in Kharkiv region ; 172 in Kherson region ; 280 in Khmelnytsky region ; 2,796 in Chernivtsi region ; 381 in Cherkasy region ; 115 in Chernihiv region .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
The tests were conducted by the Public Health Center 's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories .
As of the morning of May 20 , 2020 , the Center had received 1,154 reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have been 48,328 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
A total of 564 ( +16 ) COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country .
Some 5,955 ( +323 ) patients have recovered .

Of them, 354 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 19,200 on Wednesday morning.
"According to the Public Health Center, there were 19,230 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on May 20," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on May 20.
Of them, 354 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
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Read alsoQuarantine in Ukraine to last until June 22 – health ministry (Video)
Now the novel coronavirus was recorded in the following regions: 766 cases in Vinnytsia region; 676 in Volyn region; 849 in Dnipropetrovsk region; 133 in Donetsk region; 583 in Zhytomyr region; 922 in Zakarpattia region; 385 in Zaporizhia region; 1,246 in Ivano-Frankivsk region; 450 in Kirovohrad region; 2,410 in the city of Kyiv; 1,261 in Kyiv region; 1,136 in Lviv region; 42 in Luhansk region; 264 in Mykolayiv region; 792 in Odesa region; 265 in Poltava region; 1,217 in Rivne region; 164 in Sumy region; 1,089 in Ternopil region; 836 in Kharkiv region; 172 in Kherson region; 280 in Khmelnytsky region; 2,796 in Chernivtsi region; 381 in Cherkasy region; 115 in Chernihiv region.
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
The tests were conducted by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories. As of the morning of May 20, 2020, the Center had received 1,154 reports of suspected COVID-19 cases. In total, there have been 48,328 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
A total of 564 (+16) COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country. Some 5,955 (+323) patients have recovered.


unian--2020-05-20--U.S. allocates US$15.5 mln for Ukraine to counter coronavirus

Nearly US $ 5 billion in total U.S. assistance was injected into Ukraine in the past 20 years .
The United States has allocated US $ 15.5 million for Ukraine to counter the novel coronavirus .
`` Ukraine : $ 15.5 million in total assistance includes $ 13.1 million in health and IDA humanitarian assistance that will improve the ability of local health care institutions to care for the sick and combat further spread of COVID-19 while increasing public communication to lower contagion risk , '' the U.S. Department of State said in an update on May 19 .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 – health ministry ( Video ) These funds will also mitigate secondary impacts such as loss of livelihoods and public services to vulnerable populations , including conflict-affected communities in eastern Ukraine , it said .
`` It also includes $ 2.4 million in MRA [ Migration and Refugee Assistance ] humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations during the pandemic , '' it said .
Over the past 20 years , the U.S. invested nearly $ 5 billion in total assistance to Ukraine , including nearly $ 362 million for health .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 15 backed the European Commission 's proposal that EUR 1.2 billion be lent to Ukraine as macro-financial assistance ( MFA ) to overcome the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic .

Nearly US$5 billion in total U.S. assistance was injected into Ukraine in the past 20 years.
The United States has allocated US$15.5 million for Ukraine to counter the novel coronavirus.
"Ukraine: $15.5 million in total assistance includes $13.1 million in health and IDA humanitarian assistance that will improve the ability of local health care institutions to care for the sick and combat further spread of COVID-19 while increasing public communication to lower contagion risk," the U.S. Department of State said in an update on May 19.
Read alsoQuarantine in Ukraine to last until June 22 – health ministry (Video)
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These funds will also mitigate secondary impacts such as loss of livelihoods and public services to vulnerable populations, including conflict-affected communities in eastern Ukraine, it said.
"It also includes $2.4 million in MRA [Migration and Refugee Assistance] humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations during the pandemic," it said.
Over the past 20 years, the U.S. invested nearly $5 billion in total assistance to Ukraine, including nearly $362 million for health.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the European Parliament on May 15 backed the European Commission's proposal that EUR 1.2 billion be lent to Ukraine as macro-financial assistance (MFA) to overcome the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.


unian--2020-05-20--Ukraine's hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.52 to U.S. dollar on May 20

The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 29.02 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has set the official forex rate for May 20 at UAH 26.52 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by five kopiykas .
Read alsoDeposits in Ukraine 's banks in April up 3.8 % in hryvnia , down 4.9 % in U.S. dollars The central bank has fixed the following official forex rates of the hryvnia against key foreign currencies for May 20 : US $ 100 will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of May 19 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,902.17 ( UAH 2,879.10 as of May 19 ) .
By 16:00 Kyiv time on May 19 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank forex market settled at UAH 26.55/26.58 to the dollar , while those against the euro were at UAH 29.07/29.10 .
The U.S. dollar at Kyiv 's exchange booths in the first half of May 19 lost five kopiykas in value , as the rate was UAH 26.75 per U.S. dollar , while the forex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euro remained at UAH 29.00 per euro .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the National Bank set the official forex rate for Tuesday , May 19 , at UAH 26.57 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by seven kopiykas .
Thus , the hryvnia saw gains against the U.S. dollar for the fifth consecutive day .

Ukraine's hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.52 to U.S. dollar on May 20
10:30, 20.05.20 2604
The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 29.02 per euro.
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