unian--2020-07-29--Ukraine marks Army's Special Operation Forces Day

The holiday has been marked annually since 2016 .
The holiday has been marked annually since 2016 .
The then President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree `` On the Day of Special Operation Forces , '' having established a holiday `` aimed at further developing national military traditions , taking into account the important role of the Special Operation Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ensuring the defense capability of the state . ''
SOF are a separate part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces .
It includes special forces units and subdivisions of information and psychological special operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the field of intelligence , military support , etc .
to carry out special assignments .
Today , Lieutenant General Ihor Luniov is Commander of the Special Operation Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine .
President Volodymyr Zelensky has congratulated Ukrainian SOF soldiers on their professional holiday .
In the greeting text , he said SOF are rightfully called Ukraine 's military elite since they professionally perform the most difficult and dangerous combat tasks .
`` Your exploits are not openly spoken about , and your faces always remain hidden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high level of your training , hardening , invincibility of spirit , courage and determination .
On this day I also would like to mention SOF soldiers who died in the battles for independence and the sovereignty of our state .
Eternal memory to them !
We all thank the soldiers in gray berets for the worthy fulfillment of their mission to protect the territorial integrity , independence and sovereignty of Ukraine ! ''
the president said .

The holiday has been marked annually since 2016.
Ukraine marks Army's Special Operation Forces (SOF) Day today, July 29.
Holiday's date and history
The holiday has been marked annually since 2016. The then President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree "On the Day of Special Operation Forces," having established a holiday "aimed at further developing national military traditions, taking into account the important role of the Special Operation Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ensuring the defense capability of the state."
Read alsoUkraine set to have Norwegian instructors train SOF troops
SOF are a separate part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It includes special forces units and subdivisions of information and psychological special operations. They are called upon to operate in the field of intelligence, military support, etc. to carry out special assignments.
Today, Lieutenant General Ihor Luniov is Commander of the Special Operation Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Greetings on Army's Special Operation Forces Day
President Volodymyr Zelensky has congratulated Ukrainian SOF soldiers on their professional holiday. In the greeting text, he said SOF are rightfully called Ukraine's military elite since they professionally perform the most difficult and dangerous combat tasks.
"Your exploits are not openly spoken about, and your faces always remain hidden, but we are all confident in the high level of your training, hardening, invincibility of spirit, courage and determination. On this day I also would like to mention SOF soldiers who died in the battles for independence and the sovereignty of our state. Eternal memory to them! We all thank the soldiers in gray berets for the worthy fulfillment of their mission to protect the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Ukraine!" the president said.
Video: Training of Ukraine Army's Special Operation Forces


unian--2020-07-29--OSCE records 111 violations on first day of truce in Donbas

All the ceasefire violations were recorded between 09:45 and 11:35 on July 27 .
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( @ @ @ @ @ 111 violations on the first day of the newly-agreed truce in Donbas .
`` Starting @ @ @ @ @ , following agreement reached at the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22 @ @ @ @ @ the ceasefire , the SMM recorded 111 ceasefire violations , all in Donetsk region ( @ @ @ @ @ bursts and shots of small-arms-fire ) , '' the OSCE SMM said in a daily @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
All the ceasefire violations were recorded between 09:45 and 11:35 on July 27 @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN reported earlier , Russia 's hybrid military forces on July 28 fired one provocative @ @ @ @ @ in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , amid the newly-agreed truce .

All the ceasefire violations were recorded between 09:45 and 11:35 on July 27.
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine recorded 111 violations on the first day of the newly-agreed truce in Donbas.
Read alsoRussian-led forces violate new truce in Donbas – JFO Commander
"Starting at 00:01 on July 27, following agreement reached at the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22 regarding additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire, the SMM recorded 111 ceasefire violations, all in Donetsk region (including 21 explosions and 90 bursts and shots of small-arms-fire)," the OSCE SMM said in a daily report on July 28, 2020.
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All the ceasefire violations were recorded between 09:45 and 11:35 on July 27, it said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Russia's hybrid military forces on July 28 fired one provocative shot from a grenade launcher in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, amid the newly-agreed truce.


unian--2020-07-29--Health minister lists top Ukrainian regions in lead by new COVID-19 cases

These are Lviv , Ivano-Frankivsk , and Kharkiv regions , as well as the city of Kyiv .
Ukrainian Health @ @ @ @ @ three regions that are in the lead by the number of new COVID-19 cases confirmed @ @ @ @ @ `` Speaking per each region , the highest number of confirmed cases in the past @ @ @ @ @ Lviv region ( 149 cases ) , the city of Kyiv ( 132 ) , @ @ @ @ @ , and Kharkiv region ( 78 ) , '' he said during an online briefing @ @ @ @ @ to an UNIAN correspondent .
In total , 31,201 tests were conducted in the country @ @ @ @ @ In particular , there were 14,939 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain @ @ @ @ @ and 16,262 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) method .
@ @ @ @ @ 1,022 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported in Ukraine in the past @ @ @ @ @ number of confirmed cases to 67,597 as of the morning of July 29 .

These are Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kharkiv regions, as well as the city of Kyiv.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has listed three regions that are in the lead by the number of new COVID-19 cases confirmed in the past day.
Read alsoNine Ukrainian regions not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs – health ministry
"Speaking per each region, the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in Lviv region (149 cases), the city of Kyiv (132), Ivano-Frankivsk region (118), and Kharkiv region (78)," he said during an online briefing on July 29, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
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In total, 31,201 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 14,939 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and 16,262 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
As UNIAN reported earlier, 1,022 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported in Ukraine in the past day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 67,597 as of the morning of July 29.


unian--2020-07-29--Truce in Donbas: Ukraine reports one provocative incident in past day

There were no Ukrainian army casualties .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on July 28 fired one provocative shot from @ @ @ @ @ , eastern Ukraine , amid the newly-agreed truce .
Read alsoKremlin names condition for Russia @ @ @ @ @ Donbas '' In the past day , units of the Joint Forces recorded only one @ @ @ @ @ Federation 's armed formations from an under-barrel grenade launcher near the village of Shumy .
@ @ @ @ @ provocative , so our soldiers did not fire back , '' the press center of @ @ @ @ @ said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on July 29 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ army casualties , it said .
`` It should be emphasized that measures of a @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian soldiers to return fire when the enemy violates the [ peace ] agreements and @ @ @ @ @ of [ Ukrainian ] servicemen , '' it said .
The enemy did not attack @ @ @ @ @ 07:00 Kyiv time on July 29 .

There were no Ukrainian army casualties.
Russia's hybrid military forces on July 28 fired one provocative shot from a grenade launcher in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, amid the newly-agreed truce.
Read alsoKremlin names condition for Russia's return to JCCC in Donbas
"In the past day, units of the Joint Forces recorded only one shot fired by the Russian Federation's armed formations from an under-barrel grenade launcher near the village of Shumy. The shot was random and provocative, so our soldiers did not fire back," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on July 29, 2020.
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There were no Ukrainian army casualties, it said.
"It should be emphasized that measures of a full and comprehensive ceasefire allow Ukrainian soldiers to return fire when the enemy violates the [peace] agreements and jeopardizes the life and health of [Ukrainian] servicemen," it said.
The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on July 29.


unian--2020-07-29--Over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine in past day

The death toll is 1,650 , including 21 fatalities in the past 24 hours .
Some 1,022 new cases of @ @ @ @ @ reported in Ukraine in the past day , bringing the total number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ morning of July 29 .
The death toll is 1,650 , including 21 fatalities in @ @ @ @ @ according to the interactive map by Ukraine 's National Security and Defense Council .
As @ @ @ @ @ including 650 in the past day , have already recovered .
Over the past day @ @ @ @ @ recorded in Lviv region ( 149 ) , the capital city of Kyiv ( 132 @ @ @ @ @ ( 118 ) .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine on July 28 reported 919 @ @ @ @

The death toll is 1,650, including 21 fatalities in the past 24 hours.
Some 1,022 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were reported in Ukraine in the past day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 67,597 as of the morning of July 29.
Read alsoNine Ukrainian regions not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs – health ministry
The death toll is 1,650, including 21 fatalities in the past 24 hours, according to the interactive map by Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.
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As many as 37,394 patients, including 650 in the past day, have already recovered.
Over the past day, most COVID-19 cases were recorded in Lviv region (149), the capital city of Kyiv (132), and Ivano-Frankivsk region (118).
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine on July 28 reported 919 new COVID-19 cases.


unian--2020-07-29--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 16.7 mln

The overall death toll is 660,407 people , while 9,750,452 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 16.7 million patients as of July 29 .
As many as 16,739,530 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:34 on July 29 , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
The overall death toll is 660,407 people , while 9,750,452 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The highest death toll was recorded in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brazil ( 88,539 ) , the United Kingdom ( 45,963 ) , Mexico ( 44,876 ) , Italy ( 35,123 ) , India ( 34,193 ) , and France ( 30,226 ) .
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States ( 4,352,083 confirmed cases ) , Brazil ( 2,483,191 ) , India ( 1,531,669 ) , Russia ( 822,060 ) , South Africa ( 459,761 ) , Mexico ( 402,697 ) , Peru ( 395,005 ) , Chile ( 349,800 ) , and the United Kingdom ( 302,295 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been affected by the virus .

The overall death toll is 660,407 people, while 9,750,452 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 16.7 million patients as of July 29.
As many as 16,739,530 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:34 on July 29, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
The overall death toll is 660,407 people, while 9,750,452 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
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Read alsoBulgaria eases travel bans for tourists from Ukraine, Balkans – media
The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (149,258 people), Brazil (88,539), the United Kingdom (45,963), Mexico (44,876), Italy (35,123), India (34,193), and France (30,226).
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (4,352,083 confirmed cases), Brazil (2,483,191), India (1,531,669), Russia (822,060), South Africa (459,761), Mexico (402,697), Peru (395,005), Chile (349,800), and the United Kingdom (302,295).
As many as 188 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-07-29--Ukraine's Defense Council on Russian military threat in the south: "Everything well sealed"

Ukrainian military drills are scheduled in September simultaneously with Russia 's Caucasus 2020 exercises .
The Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) has shared its estimates of a military threat from the side of the Russian Federation in Ukraine 's south , saying that `` everything is well sealed . ''
`` As for Mykolaiv and Kherson regions [ the south of Ukraine ] , everything is well sealed .
But we understand who could unleash a war with us – this is the Russian Federation .
It is a big mistake to underestimate its strength , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 TV Channel .
Read alsoUkraine 's NSDC warns Russian army drills in Crimea may turn into `` active phase of hostilities '' According to him , Ukraine is not alone in countering the Russian threat .
`` We have partners who are working with us on these issues , '' he said .
`` Large-scale NATO exercises in the Black Sea – Sea Breeze – have recently ended .
You saw how many countries had participated .
There is a strong understanding that we can not be left alone in such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with [ Russian ] Caucasus 2020 , and [ they may be held ] in rather unexpected places .
Where will the exercises take place in September ?
Let 's wait and see , '' he said .
When asked whether such exercises could annoy Russia , Danilov replied : `` What do you mean 'annoy ? '
We live in our own country , our task is to defend it .
If someone is annoyed by our behavior , it 's not a matter of our attention . ''

Ukrainian military drills are scheduled in September simultaneously with Russia's Caucasus 2020 exercises.
The Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) has shared its estimates of a military threat from the side of the Russian Federation in Ukraine's south, saying that "everything is well sealed."
"As for Mykolaiv and Kherson regions [the south of Ukraine], everything is well sealed. But we understand who could unleash a war with us – this is the Russian Federation. It is a big mistake to underestimate its strength," NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov told Ukraine 24 TV Channel.
Read alsoUkraine's NSDC warns Russian army drills in Crimea may turn into "active phase of hostilities"
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According to him, Ukraine is not alone in countering the Russian threat. "We have partners who are working with us on these issues," he said.
"Large-scale NATO exercises in the Black Sea – Sea Breeze – have recently ended. You saw how many countries had participated. There is a strong understanding that we cannot be left alone in such a situation. There may be drills simultaneously with [Russian] Caucasus 2020, and [they may be held] in rather unexpected places. Where will the exercises take place in September? Let's wait and see," he said.
When asked whether such exercises could annoy Russia, Danilov replied: "What do you mean 'annoy?' We live in our own country, our task is to defend it. If someone is annoyed by our behavior, it's not a matter of our attention."


unian--2020-07-29--Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 27.69 to U.S. dollar on July 29

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Hryvnia strengthens to UAH 27.69 to U.S. dollar on July 29
09:25, 29.07.20 4752
The official forex rate against the euro for July 29 is set at UAH 32.45 per euro.
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unian--2020-07-29--Reuters: Oil rises after surprise drop in U.S. inventories offsets demand concerns

Brent crude futures LCOc1 were up by 14 cents , or 0.3 % , at $ 43.36 a barrel by @ @ @ @ @ 0.4 % on Tuesday .
Oil prices rose on Wednesday after an industry report showed @ @ @ @ @ United States fell against expectations , giving the market a boost amid record increases of @ @ @ @ @ and elsewhere .
Read alsoVolume of gas stocked in Ukrainian storage facilities exceeds last year @ @ @ @ @ crude futures LCOc1 were up by 14 cents , or 0.3 % , at $ @ @ @ @ @ GMT , after dropping 0.4 % on Tuesday , as reported by Reuters .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ CLc1 gained 2 cents , or 0.1 % , to $ 41.06 a barrel , @ @ @ @ @ the previous session .
Inventories of crude oil in the U.S. dropped by 6.8 million @ @ @ @ @ million barrels , data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute showed on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ an increase of 357,000 barrels .
U.S. government data is due Wednesday .

Brent crude futures LCOc1 were up by 14 cents, or 0.3%, at $43.36 a barrel by 0326 GMT, after dropping 0.4% on Tuesday.
Oil prices rose on Wednesday after an industry report showed that crude inventories in the United States fell against expectations, giving the market a boost amid record increases of coronavirus infections in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Read alsoVolume of gas stocked in Ukrainian storage facilities exceeds last year's record – Ukrtransgaz
Brent crude futures LCOc1 were up by 14 cents, or 0.3%, at $43.36 a barrel by 0326 GMT, after dropping 0.4% on Tuesday, as reported by Reuters.
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U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures CLc1 gained 2 cents, or 0.1%, to $41.06 a barrel, having dropped 1.4% in the previous session.
Inventories of crude oil in the U.S. dropped by 6.8 million barrels last week to 531 million barrels, data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute showed on Tuesday.
Analysts' expectations were for an increase of 357,000 barrels. U.S. government data is due Wednesday.


unian--2020-07-29--Donbas settlement: Vice PM names countries he would involve in talks with Russia

It 's high time to `` build a new platform '' for raising the issue of Crimea , Reznikov added .
There is a need to involve other states in negotiations with the Russian Federation on Donbas settlement , says Vice Prime Minister for the reintegration of temporarily occupied territories Oleksiy Reznikov .
In this context , speaking with Radio NV , Reznikov recalled the Budapest Memorandum and its signatories – the United States and the United Kingdom .
`` It seems to me that , as serious players at the international platform , as strategic partners of Ukraine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join the negotiations and help Ukraine restore our territorial integrity and sovereignty within the internationally-recognized borders , '' Reznikov said .
Vice PM added that it is high time to `` build a new platform '' for raising the issue of Crimea .
As UNIAN reported earlier , in recent days some media reports have suggested that Oleksiy Reznikov could replace Leonid Kuchma at the helm of Ukraine 's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement in Minsk after the former president announced resignation .
At the same time , other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Leonid Kravchuk , is likely to become Kuchma 's successor in Minsk talks .
Unlike Reznikov , Kravchuk holds no official position in the Ukrainian government ( and neither did Kuchma ) , while head of Russia 's delegation Boris Gryzlov is also not part of the incumbent Russian power vertical .

It's high time to "build a new platform" for raising the issue of Crimea, Reznikov added.
There is a need to involve other states in negotiations with the Russian Federation on Donbas settlement, says Vice Prime Minister for the reintegration of temporarily occupied territories Oleksiy Reznikov.
In this context, speaking with Radio NV, Reznikov recalled the Budapest Memorandum and its signatories – the United States and the United Kingdom.
"It seems to me that, as serious players at the international platform, as strategic partners of Ukraine, it would be great if they could join the negotiations and help Ukraine restore our territorial integrity and sovereignty within the internationally-recognized borders," Reznikov said.
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Vice PM added that it is high time to "build a new platform" for raising the issue of Crimea.
Read alsoKravchuk may replace Kuchma at Minsk talks – Zelensky
As UNIAN reported earlier, in recent days some media reports have suggested that Oleksiy Reznikov could replace Leonid Kuchma at the helm of Ukraine's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement in Minsk after the former president announced resignation.
At the same time, other reports say another former president of Ukraine, Leonid Kravchuk, is likely to become Kuchma's successor in Minsk talks. Unlike Reznikov, Kravchuk holds no official position in the Ukrainian government (and neither did Kuchma), while head of Russia's delegation Boris Gryzlov is also not part of the incumbent Russian power vertical.


unian--2020-07-29--Ukrainian man illegally held in occupied Donbas "in critical condition" – Ombudsperson

He has dramatically lost weight amid cancer suspicion , while his family were not allowed to hand over any medications .
Ukrainian political prisoner Valeriy Matiushenko , illegally held at a colony in the occupied part of Donetsk region , is in critical condition , Verkhovna Rada Human Rights Envoy Liudmila Denisova wrote on Facebook '' Valeriy Matiushenko , illegally held by the Russian occupation administration in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region at the Makiyivka correctional colony No .
32 , is now in critical condition .
Over the past two months , the Ukrainian citizen has rapidly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 kg .
There is a suspicion of cancer , '' she wrote .
According to the Ombudsperson , the administration of the penitentiary facility offered that the Ukrainian man be admitted to a prison hospital , but the transfer would take over three weeks .
Due his `` critical state of health '' , he may not survive such transfer , the report reads .
Denisova added that yesterday , Matiushenko 's relatives were denied handing over at least some medications due to what prison administration claimed was the lack of drugstore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership of the International Committee of the Red Cross 's Ukraine office , the ICRC sub-delegation in Donetsk to urgently visit Valeriy Matiushenko , facilitate his immediate hospitalization , and provision of qualified medical assistance .
I ask the OSCE coordinator to the TCG , Toni Frisch , to personally intervene and facilitate provision of appropriate assistance , and raise the issue of his release for health reasons , '' the Ombudsperson wrote .

He has dramatically lost weight amid cancer suspicion, while his family were not allowed to hand over any medications.
Ukrainian political prisoner Valeriy Matiushenko, illegally held at a colony in the occupied part of Donetsk region, is in critical condition, Verkhovna Rada Human Rights Envoy Liudmila Denisova wrote on Facebook
"Valeriy Matiushenko, illegally held by the Russian occupation administration in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region at the Makiyivka correctional colony No. 32, is now in critical condition. Over the past two months, the Ukrainian citizen has rapidly lost weight – now he weighs below 60 kg. There is a suspicion of cancer," she wrote.
According to the Ombudsperson, the administration of the penitentiary facility offered that the Ukrainian man be admitted to a prison hospital, but the transfer would take over three weeks. Due his "critical state of health", he may not survive such transfer, the report reads.
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Read alsoUkraine's ombudsperson: 36,000 Ukrainian children recognized victims of armed conflict
Denisova added that yesterday, Matiushenko's relatives were denied handing over at least some medications due to what prison administration claimed was the lack of drugstore receipts.
"I call on the leadership of the International Committee of the Red Cross's Ukraine office, the ICRC sub-delegation in Donetsk to urgently visit Valeriy Matiushenko, facilitate his immediate hospitalization, and provision of qualified medical assistance. I ask the OSCE coordinator to the TCG, Toni Frisch, to personally intervene and facilitate provision of appropriate assistance, and raise the issue of his release for health reasons," the Ombudsperson wrote.


unian--2020-07-29--Zelensky tells government to prepare for Oct 25 local elections across Ukraine amid COVID-19 restric

Zelensky tells government to prepare for Oct 25 local elections across Ukraine amid COVID-19 restrictions

The head of state noted the need to work out mechanisms , procedures , and funding in order to protect @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to express their will at the polls .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed @ @ @ @ @ for the holding of local elections on October 25 amid restrictions imposed due to the @ @ @ @ @ issued the instructions during a regular conference call on Thursday , the President 's Office @ @ @ @ @ obvious that the upcoming elections will be held against the background of certain restrictions due @ @ @ @ @ now we need to think over mechanisms , procedures , and funding to protect Ukrainians @ @ @ @ @ to freely vote for their candidates , '' Zelensky said .
In turn , Interior @ @ @ @ @ to ensuring a sufficient number of forces to protect public order during voting .
As @ @ @ @ @ July 15 , the Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution scheduling the next local elections for @ @ @ @ @

The head of state noted the need to work out mechanisms, procedures, and funding in order to protect Ukrainians and give them the opportunity to express their will at the polls.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed the relevant authorities to prepare for the holding of local elections on October 25 amid restrictions imposed due to the spread of COVID-19.
Zelensky issued the instructions during a regular conference call on Thursday, the President's Office reported.
Read alsoUkraine's Luhansk governor says local elections in frontline zone impossible
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"It is obvious that the upcoming elections will be held against the background of certain restrictions due to coronavirus infection, and now we need to think over mechanisms, procedures, and funding to protect Ukrainians and give them the opportunity to freely vote for their candidates," Zelensky said.
In turn, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov drew attention to ensuring a sufficient number of forces to protect public order during voting.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on July 15, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution scheduling the next local elections for October 25, 2020.


unian--2020-07-29--Ceasefire violations by enemy in Donbas "non-systemic", senior military official says

The Commander-in-Chief says the situation in the zone of the Joint Forces operation remains stable .
Isolated cases of comprehensive ceasefire violations by Ukraine 's adversaries in Donbas are non-systemic , says Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ruslan Khomchak .
Speaking at a traditional conference call chaired by President Volodymyr Zelensky , Khomchak said the ceasefire is being implemented on both sides , according to the press service of the President 's Office .
Since the launch of the latest full and comprehensive ceasefire , no casualties have been reported among Ukrainian troops , the senior military official said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Joint Forces Operation zone , the situation remains stable and under control .
No reports on COVID-19 active cases have been reported .
Read alsoTruce in Donbas : Ukraine reports one provocative incident in past day As UNIAN reported earlier , since midnight on July 27 , a full and comprehensive ceasefire has been operating along the contact line in the Joint Forces Operation zone in Donbas .
The ceasefire agreement was reached by participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on Donbas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , the Kremlin said they could not guarantee ceasefire implementation in Donbas .
According to the JFO HQ , on the first day of the ceasefire in Donbas , three enemy attacks were recorded .
Today , on July 29 , Zelensky stressed that Ukraine has been fully complying with its ceasefire obligations , doing its utmost to preserve it , while control over the observance of a sustainable ceasefire by the opposing side depends on the Russian Federation .

The Commander-in-Chief says the situation in the zone of the Joint Forces operation remains stable.
Isolated cases of comprehensive ceasefire violations by Ukraine's adversaries in Donbas are non-systemic, says Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ruslan Khomchak.
Speaking at a traditional conference call chaired by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Khomchak said the ceasefire is being implemented on both sides, according to the press service of the President's Office.
Since the launch of the latest full and comprehensive ceasefire, no casualties have been reported among Ukrainian troops, the senior military official said.
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Also, he noted that the situation in the Joint Forces Operation zone, the situation remains stable and under control. No reports on COVID-19 active cases have been reported.
Read alsoTruce in Donbas: Ukraine reports one provocative incident in past day
As UNIAN reported earlier, since midnight on July 27, a full and comprehensive ceasefire has been operating along the contact line in the Joint Forces Operation zone in Donbas.
The ceasefire agreement was reached by participants in the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE) on Donbas settlement on July 22.
At the same time, the Kremlin said they could not guarantee ceasefire implementation in Donbas. According to the JFO HQ, on the first day of the ceasefire in Donbas, three enemy attacks were recorded.
Today, on July 29, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine has been fully complying with its ceasefire obligations, doing its utmost to preserve it, while control over the observance of a sustainable ceasefire by the opposing side depends on the Russian Federation.


unian--2020-07-29--Breaking lethargic spells: Will Belarus change after presidential election

Belarus has reached a certain point in its development , which is marked with the dusk of the Lukashenko era .
And the question is not even whether the nation 's `` batska '' [ father ] will once again be able to either seal the overwhelming support of the voters or falsify election results .
Something has become too obvious : figuratively speaking , the fruit is overripe .
That is , Alexander Lukashenko 's continued rule in Belarus for a few more years would be clearly too much politics-wise .
Now there 's no doubt that Belarusian society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face on their TV screens .
Incidentally , Russians are just as weary of their longtime leader , too … In fact , Russia and Belarus today are moving along in the same direction of a gradual heat-up of a widespread public discontent .
However , I believe the upcoming presidential election in Belarus will play no extraordinary role .
If Lukashenko stays in power , it will simply be the last page of his long-running play .
In my opinion , the opposition processes that are currently unfolding in Belarus have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any major government shifts like the potential removal of Lukashenko from the country 's helm .
After all , as before , a significant part of Belarusians still trust Lukashenko , and it 's they who will form the base of his electoral success this time .
However , this does n't mean the Belarusian opposition should cease its efforts – on the contrary , it must draw conclusions from the latest developments , crystallize its shape , and raise adequate leaders .
Because Belarusian `` opposition figures '' we 're seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditional as they are for the most part pro-Moscow politicians who depend on Russia either financially , or politically , or ideologically .
So if such politicians eventually come to power in Belarus , we should n't expect any extraordinary shifts or radical changes .
Their coming to power would n't change anything in the Belarus-Ukraine relations , either .
Indeed , this would be a step forward ; however , it would unlikely be serious or noticeable to us .
In other words , it does n't matter to Ukraine today whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by anyone from among the current opposition leaders .
Lukashenko is ceasing to be a legitimate political figure , even if he wins the election ( although we will never know what the actual election results will be ) .
Talking of positive things about Lukashenko , he is a more or less stable player , which is important in politics .
Instead , we know almost nothing about the new political figures and we also have no clue , who stands behind them , what their actual political agendas are , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , how they see further Ukrainian-Belarusian relations , as well as those between Minsk and Moscow , what is their attitude to the European Union and NATO , and what is their stance on security issues .
All these questions are yet to be addressed .
Therefore , to claim that any new figure in Belarus would be better than Lukashenko would be quite risky a statement .
So I think that Ukrainian-Belarusian relations will be developing the same way as they are now .
It 's already quite obvious though that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up from hibernation , ready to act more systematically , in a more organized and logical way and with a more or less adequate and clear program .
Perhaps , in one election period , there will be hope for some changes in Belarus .
So far , unfortunately , there are only sporadic outbursts of discontent in Belarus that are unable to change the system .
Volodymyr Ohryzko is a Ukrainian diplomat , head of the Center for Russia Studies , former Minister for Foreign Affairs

Belarus has reached a certain point in its development, which is marked with the dusk of the Lukashenko era. And the question is not even whether the nation's "batska" [father] will once again be able to either seal the overwhelming support of the voters or falsify election results. Something has become too obvious: figuratively speaking, the fruit is overripe. That is, Alexander Lukashenko's continued rule in Belarus for a few more years would be clearly too much politics-wise.
Now there's no doubt that Belarusian society has grown weary of seeing the same face on their TV screens. Incidentally, Russians are just as weary of their longtime leader, too … In fact, Russia and Belarus today are moving along in the same direction of a gradual heat-up of a widespread public discontent.
Many Belarusians still trust Mr Lukashenko
However, I believe the upcoming presidential election in Belarus will play no extraordinary role. If Lukashenko stays in power, it will simply be the last page of his long-running play.
In my opinion, the opposition processes that are currently unfolding in Belarus have not yet acquired a national scale to lead for any major government shifts like the potential removal of Lukashenko from the country's helm. After all, as before, a significant part of Belarusians still trust Lukashenko, and it's they who will form the base of his electoral success this time.
The Belarusian "opposition figures" we are seeing now are, in fact, quite conditional
However, this doesn't mean the Belarusian opposition should cease its efforts – on the contrary, it must draw conclusions from the latest developments, crystallize its shape, and raise adequate leaders. Because Belarusian "opposition figures" we're seeing now are, in fact, quite conditional as they are for the most part pro-Moscow politicians who depend on Russia either financially, or politically, or ideologically. So if such politicians eventually come to power in Belarus, we shouldn't expect any extraordinary shifts or radical changes.
Their coming to power wouldn't change anything in the Belarus-Ukraine relations, either. Indeed, this would be a step forward; however, it would unlikely be serious or noticeable to us. In other words, it doesn't matter to Ukraine today whether Lukashenko stays or goes to be replaced by anyone from among the current opposition leaders.
To claim that any new figure in Belarus would be better than Lukashenko would be quite risky a statement
Lukashenko is ceasing to be a legitimate political figure, even if he wins the election (although we will never know what the actual election results will be). Talking of positive things about Lukashenko, he is a more or less stable player, which is important in politics. Instead, we know almost nothing about the new political figures and we also have no clue, who stands behind them, what their actual political agendas are, what they think about fundamental issues related to Ukraine, how they see further Ukrainian-Belarusian relations, as well as those between Minsk and Moscow, what is their attitude to the European Union and NATO, and what is their stance on security issues. All these questions are yet to be addressed. Therefore, to claim that any new figure in Belarus would be better than Lukashenko would be quite risky a statement.
So I think that Ukrainian-Belarusian relations will be developing the same way as they are now. It's already quite obvious though that the Belarusian opposition has started to wake up from hibernation, ready to act more systematically, in a more organized and logical way and with a more or less adequate and clear program. Perhaps, in one election period, there will be hope for some changes in Belarus. So far, unfortunately, there are only sporadic outbursts of discontent in Belarus that are unable to change the system.
Volodymyr Ohryzko is a Ukrainian diplomat, head of the Center for Russia Studies, former Minister for Foreign Affairs


unian--2020-07-29--Latest batch of EU's PPE assistance delivered to aid regional bodies in Ukraine

More broadly , the EU has already announced a EUR 190 million support package for Ukraine .
The European Union , through the European Union Advisory Mission ( EUAM ) , this week reached out to its partners in Ukraine 's regions with equipment donations designed to assist them to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , EUAM press service reports .
EUAM partner agencies in Kyiv , Kharkiv , Lviv , Odesa , and Mariupol will receive personal protective equipment to lower and mitigate the risks they face in the line of duty , the press release says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures are observed , EUAM is handing over gloves , FFP3/FFP2 respirators , thermometers , and disinfectant-sanitizers to counterparts including the National Police , the Court Security Service , the State Customs Service , the State Security Service , and the Prosecutor 's Office .
Read alsoSome 30.4 % of Ukrainian IT companies expect end of COVID-19 crisis in 2020 – poll '' Police officers and other law enforcers risk their lives for the safety of citizens .
This donation is a small act of solidarity with our Ukrainian partners .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to protect ourselves , '' said EUAM 's Head of Mission Antti Hartikainen The donation is the latest part of a EUAM assistance package worth approximately EUR 120,000 – it follows the delivery of equipment to central-level partners in early May .
More broadly , the EU has already announced a EUR 190 million support package for Ukraine .
This is part of the EU and its Member States ' global # TeamEurope COVID-19 response package .
These funds are being spent on supplies of medical equipment , medical staff training , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On top of the existing support , the EU and its partners will help small and medium-sized businesses , small farms , civil society , and the conflict-affected regions in Ukraine 's east and south to beat COVID-19 .

Latest batch of EU's PPE assistance delivered to aid regional bodies in Ukraine
20:15, 29.07.20 151
More broadly, the EU has already announced a EUR 190 million support package for Ukraine.
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unian--2020-07-29--Ukraine education officials elaborate on new rules for schools

Studetns could be allowed to take off masks only during class time .
The Ministry of Education and Science has proposed a mixed form of education in the next academic year , Deputy Minister Liubomyra Mandziy told a Kyiv briefing on Wednesday .
Children could be allowed to take their protective face masks off only during class time , the official explained .
She noted that the Ministry of Education expects to receive as soon as possible from the chief state sanitary doctor a set of approved requirements for compliance with safety measures in educational institutions .
On Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call with the heads of regional state administrations and chiefs of education departments to discuss preparations for the new academic year , the official said .
`` In the near future , a decree of the chief state sanitary doctor will be promulgated , which will lay down the requirements for classroom studies , '' she added .
The deputy minister has clarified that the document provides for temperature screening ( when teachers and students enter the school premises ) .
Teachers have to wear masks , while students could be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while sporting them during breaks would be mandated as they must `` understand the looming threat . ''
Mandziy recalled that the regions of Ukraine will be divided into four zones ( `` green '' , `` yellow '' , `` orange '' , `` red '' ) according to the level of COVID-19 spread .
In all zones but the red one , she says , classroom studies will be allowed .
At the same time , she said that the ministry would recommend that , by decision of parents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mixed form of education .
`` But this should be an agreed decision : today it 's a certai n group of children who attend classes , while tomorrow it 's another group .
That is , today some use remote technologies , while tomorrow it 's the others , '' the deputy minister explained .
Read alsoUkraine 's health minister elaborates on hospitals ' readiness for possible second wave of COVID-19 Such form of education , the official suggests , will reduce the number of students in class .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as possible to the schoolyard , outside school walls , '' she said , stressing hat this can be done under favorable weather conditions .
`` Under favorable weather conditions , PE lessons should be exclusively held outside , not in gyms , '' added Mandziy .
She also noted the need for a higher pay to teachers as distance teaching requires more effort .
`` Efforts are being made by the government to revise salaries , but it 's difficult for me to say when a decision will be made to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' added Mandziy .
Read alsoSome 1,505 COVID-19 cases , 42 fatalities reported in occupied Crimea since start of pandemic As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ministry of Education and Science said earlier that children will be able to return to schools on September 1 if their region is beyond the COVID-19 `` red zone '' .

Studetns could be allowed to take off masks only during class time.
The Ministry of Education and Science has proposed a mixed form of education in the next academic year, Deputy Minister Liubomyra Mandziy told a Kyiv briefing on Wednesday.
Children could be allowed to take their protective face masks off only during class time, the official explained.
She noted that the Ministry of Education expects to receive as soon as possible from the chief state sanitary doctor a set of approved requirements for compliance with safety measures in educational institutions.
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On Thursday, the Prime Minister will hold a conference call with the heads of regional state administrations and chiefs of education departments to discuss preparations for the new academic year, the official said.
"In the near future, a decree of the chief state sanitary doctor will be promulgated, which will lay down the requirements for classroom studies," she added.
The deputy minister has clarified that the document provides for temperature screening (when teachers and students enter the school premises).
Teachers have to wear masks, while students could be allowed to take face masks off during class time, while sporting them during breaks would be mandated as they must "understand the looming threat."
Mandziy recalled that the regions of Ukraine will be divided into four zones ("green", "yellow", "orange", "red") according to the level of COVID-19 spread.
In all zones but the red one, she says, classroom studies will be allowed. At the same time, she said that the ministry would recommend that, by decision of parents and pedagogical community, classes could switch to a mixed form of education.
"But this should be an agreed decision: today it's a certain group of children who attend classes, while tomorrow it's another group. That is, today some use remote technologies, while tomorrow it's the others," the deputy minister explained.
Read alsoUkraine's health minister elaborates on hospitals' readiness for possible second wave of COVID-19
Such form of education, the official suggests, will reduce the number of students in class.
"We will recommend transferring the educational process as much as possible to the schoolyard, outside school walls," she said, stressing that this can be done under favorable weather conditions.
"Under favorable weather conditions, PE lessons should be exclusively held outside, not in gyms," added Mandziy.
She also noted the need for a higher pay to teachers as distance teaching requires more effort.
"Efforts are being made by the government to revise salaries, but it's difficult for me to say when a decision will be made to revise and establish a new tariff scale," added Mandziy.
Read alsoSome 1,505 COVID-19 cases, 42 fatalities reported in occupied Crimea since start of pandemic
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Ministry of Education and Science said earlier that children will be able to return to schools on September 1 if their region is beyond the COVID-19 "red zone".


unian--2020-07-29--Ukraine gov't seeks to provide high-speed internet to 95% of Ukrainians

The deputy minister specified no deadlines for the plan implementation .
The Ministry of Digital Transformation plans to make available high-quality high-speed internet for 95 % of the country 's population .
In this context , special focus will be put on connecting to the world wide web social infrastructure facilities across country , says Deputy Digital Transformation Minister for the Development of Digital Infrastructure Oleksandr Shelest .
`` Our goal is to ensure accessibility for 95 % of the population , '' Shelest told a briefing following a government meeting .
`` The plan is based primarily on connecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as schools , kindergartens , and so on . ''
The deputy minister specified no deadlines for the plan implementation .
He also said that the Ministry of Digital Development intends to connect all social infrastructure facilities to high-speed Internet in the coming years .
Read alsoDigitalization spree : Ukraine may transfer all public services online within three years – Deputy PM Besides , Shelest says , special attention will be paid to the development of optical internet in rural areas .
As UNIAN reported earlier , a study by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across Ukraine ( 25.74 % of all hospitals in the country ) have no internet connection .
According to other studies by the Ministry of Digital Science , about 92 % of Ukrainian libraries and 40 % of schools have no high-quality internet connection .
According to the State Statistics Service , 70.1 % of the population ( more than 26.9 million people ) used the internet in 2019 , of which more than 77 % used the internet at least once a day .

Ukraine gov't seeks to provide high-speed internet to 95% of Ukrainians
18:45, 29.07.20 6234
The deputy minister specified no deadlines for the plan implementation.
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unian--2020-07-29--"Little green men" in Belarus: Dozens of militants detained near Minsk part of Russia's PMC Wagner –

"Little green men" in Belarus: Dozens of militants detained near Minsk part of Russia's PMC Wagner – media

The group has recently arrived to `` destabilize '' the country amid the ongoing election campaign , officials say .
Belarus security forces overnight Wednesday apprehended just outside Minsk as many as 32 militants with Russia 's Wagner private military company , whose fighters had been earlier spotted in various hotspots across the world , including Syria , Libya , and Donbas .
Among those detained in Belarus were several mercenaries who had earlier fought against Ukrainian government troops as part of Russian proxy forces in Donbas , URA.ru reported citing their former commander , a controversial Russian writer Zakhar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tipped about the arrival of over 200 foreign fighters in order to destabilize the situation during the election campaign period , Belta reports .
Every Russian mercenary in the group was seen carrying small hand luggage upon arrival , while the group also had three large heavy suitcases that they were spotted loading into a vehicle .
The group arrived in Minsk on the night of July 24-25 and checked in at a local hotel .
The group were supposed to check out on July 25 but eventually stayed in until July 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city .
The facility management said the group drew attention due to their behavior atypical for Russian tourists and their uniform military-style apparel .
They were not spotted consuming alcohol or attending entertainment facilities , they kept to themselves and tried to keep a low profile .
Operating in small groups , they thoroughly examined the territory at the premises and nearby areas .
The Russians were detained in a joint raid by the A team of the country 's KGB and the Minsk City Police Department 's SWAT units .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country 's south .
The Investigative Committee is carrying out a probe into the group 's plot .
As UNIAN reported earlier , U.S. Africa Command ( AFRICOM ) has received new evidence that the Russian Federation continues positioning military equipment in Libya and supplying weapons to the front line through Private Military Company ( PMC ) Wagner Group .

The group has recently arrived to "destabilize" the country amid the ongoing election campaign, officials say.
Belarus security forces overnight Wednesday apprehended just outside Minsk as many as 32 militants with Russia's Wagner private military company, whose fighters had been earlier spotted in various hotspots across the world, including Syria, Libya, and Donbas.
Among those detained in Belarus were several mercenaries who had earlier fought against Ukrainian government troops as part of Russian proxy forces in Donbas, URA.ru reported citing their former commander, a controversial Russian writer Zakhar Prilepin.
Law enforcers had earlier been tipped about the arrival of over 200 foreign fighters in order to destabilize the situation during the election campaign period, Belta reports.
Every Russian mercenary in the group was seen carrying small hand luggage upon arrival, while the group also had three large heavy suitcases that they were spotted loading into a vehicle.
The group arrived in Minsk on the night of July 24-25 and checked in at a local hotel. The group were supposed to check out on July 25 but eventually stayed in until July 27 before moving to a recreation facility outside the city.
Read alsoReuters: Belarus detains 32 mercenaries near Minsk
The facility management said the group drew attention due to their behavior atypical for Russian tourists and their uniform military-style apparel. They were not spotted consuming alcohol or attending entertainment facilities, they kept to themselves and tried to keep a low profile.
Operating in small groups, they thoroughly examined the territory at the premises and nearby areas.
The Russians were detained in a joint raid by the A team of the country's KGB and the Minsk City Police Department's SWAT units.
Read alsoBloody trail of Russian military in Libya – media
Another affiliated individual was located and detained in the country's south.
The Investigative Committee is carrying out a probe into the group's plot.
As UNIAN reported earlier, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has received new evidence that the Russian Federation continues positioning military equipment in Libya and supplying weapons to the front line through Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner Group.


unian--2020-07-29--Some 1,505 COVID-19 cases, 42 fatalities reported in occupied Crimea since start of pandemic

Some 27 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in the past day .
Experts @ @ @ @ @ Group ( CHRG ) say 1,505 COVID-19 cases , including 42 fatalities , have been @ @ @ @ @ the start of the coronavirus pandemic .
Read alsoOver 1,000 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ Some 27 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in @ @ @ @ @ the CHRG said on Facebook on July 29 , referring to the occupying authorities ' @ @ @ @ @ reported two people died from the coronavirus over the past 24 hours .
In Sevastopol @ @ @ @ @ cases were recorded in the past day .
In total , 342 coronavirus cases have @ @ @ @ @ since the start of the pandemic .

Some 27 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in the past day.
Experts from the Crimean Human Rights Group (CHRG) say 1,505 COVID-19 cases, including 42 fatalities, have been registered in Russian-occupied Crimea since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Read alsoOver 1,000 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine in past day
"Some 27 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in the past day," the CHRG said on Facebook on July 29, referring to the occupying authorities' data.
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It is also reported two people died from the coronavirus over the past 24 hours.
In Sevastopol alone, three new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past day.
In total, 342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the city since the start of the pandemic.


unian--2020-07-30--EU reviews list of countries for which member states should gradually lift travel restrictions

Ukraine is not mentioned in the updated list , again .
Following a review under the recommendation on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU , the EU Council updated the list of countries for which travel restrictions should be lifted .
As stipulated in the Council recommendation , this list will continue to be reviewed regularly and , as the case may be , updated .
Based on the criteria and conditions set out in the recommendation , as from 31 July member states should gradually lift the travel restrictions at the external @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries : Australia , Canada , Georgia , Japan , Morocco , New Zealand , Rwanda , South Korea , Thailand , Tunisia , Uruguay , and China , subject to confirmation of reciprocity .
Residents of Andorra , Monaco , San Marino , and the Vatican should be considered as EU residents for the purpose of the said recommendation .
The criteria to determine the third countries for which the current travel restriction should be lifted cover in particular the epidemiological situation and containment measures , including physical distancing , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are applied cumulatively .
Regarding the epidemiological situation , third countries listed should meet a number of criteria , including : • Number of new COVID-19 cases over the last 14 days and per 100 000 inhabitants close to or below the EU average ( as it stood on 15 June 2020 ) ; • Stable or decreasing trend of new cases over this period in comparison to the previous 14 days ; The list was previously updated on July 16 .

Ukraine is not mentioned in the updated list, again.
Following a review under the recommendation on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU, the EU Council updated the list of countries for which travel restrictions should be lifted.
As stipulated in the Council recommendation, this list will continue to be reviewed regularly and, as the case may be, updated.
Based on the criteria and conditions set out in the recommendation, as from 31 July member states should gradually lift the travel restrictions at the external borders for residents of the following third countries: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, and China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity.
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Residents of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican should be considered as EU residents for the purpose of the said recommendation.
Read alsoBulgaria fully reopens borders to Ukrainians, dropping PCR testing, quarantine requirements
The criteria to determine the third countries for which the current travel restriction should be lifted cover in particular the epidemiological situation and containment measures, including physical distancing, as well as economic and social considerations. They are applied cumulatively.
Regarding the epidemiological situation, third countries listed should meet a number of criteria, including:
Number of new COVID-19 cases over the last 14 days and per 100 000 inhabitants close to or below the EU average (as it stood on 15 June 2020);
Stable or decreasing trend of new cases over this period in comparison to the previous 14 days;
The list was previously updated on July 16.


unian--2020-07-30--Belarus sees largest political rally in recent history

Police and security forces were in place , but did not interfere .
Thousands of Belarusians on Thursday afternoon took @ @ @ @ @ in a massive rally as the presidential election campaign is nearing completion .
The action @ @ @ @ @ candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , the local edition TUT.BY reports .
The event was held at @ @ @ @ @ from 16:00 to about 22:00 .
Three representatives of the opposition 's joint campaign headquarters @ @ @ @ @ of how they had suffered from persecution during the campaigning period .
Police and security @ @ @ @ @ but did not interfere .
At the end of the rally , protesters turned on @ @ @ @ @ As UNIAN reported earlier , Belarus said it would strengthen its border with Russia following @ @ @ @ @ members of the Wagner PMC , believed to be led by Vladimir Putin 's ally @ @ @ @ @ say the group has been deployed to destabilize the country in the election period .

Police and security forces were in place, but did not interfere.
Thousands of Belarusians on Thursday afternoon took to the streets of Minsk in a massive rally as the presidential election campaign is nearing completion.
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The action was led by an opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the local edition TUT.BY reports.
The event was held at the Friendship of Peoples Park from 16:00 to about 22:00.
Human rights activists claim some 34,000 people attended the rally.
UNBELIEVABLE!
20-25 thousands are taking part in Tsikhanouskaya's rally in Minsk.
Belarus is awakening, and no chance to stop it pic.twitter.com/6arVhUBwaD — Franak Viačorka (@franakviacorka) July 30, 2020
Three representatives of the opposition's joint campaign headquarters addressed the crowd, telling of how they had suffered from persecution during the campaigning period.
Police and security forces were in place, but did not interfere.
At the end of the rally, protesters turned on flashlights on their cellphones.
People are still coming. This must be the most massive political rally in Belarus history. pic.twitter.com/ah9JMA4U0H — Franak Viačorka (@franakviacorka) July 30, 2020
As UNIAN reported earlier, Belarus said it would strengthen its border with Russia following the arrest of 33 Russian members of the Wagner PMC, believed to be led by Vladimir Putin's ally Yevgeny Prigozhin. Minsk authorities say the group has been deployed to destabilize the country in the election period.


unian--2020-07-30--OSCE reports 60 civilian casualties in Donbas since year-start

Over 13,000 Ukrainians have been killed since the start of Russian aggression in Ukraine 's east .
Hostilities in eastern @ @ @ @ @ led to 60 civilian casualties since year-start , reads a report by the OSCE 's @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , July 30 .
`` The Mission corroborated reports of five civilian casualties , @ @ @ @ @ total number since the beginning of 2020 to 60 – eight fatalities and 52 injuries @ @ @ @ @ .
Also , the SMM says , between July 13 and July 26 , they @ @ @ @ @ , including about 2,100 explosions , compared with approximately 5,200 and 1,700 , respectively , @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoOSCE records 111 violations on first day of truce in Donbas Ukraine Parliament @ @ @ @ @ Denisova earlier said 11 civilians have been killed in shelling by the Russian occupation forces @ @ @ @ @ of 2020 .
Over 13,000 Ukrainians have been killed since the start of Russian aggression @ @ @ @ @

Over 13,000 Ukrainians have been killed since the start of Russian aggression in Ukraine's east.
Hostilities in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region has led to 60 civilian casualties since year-start, reads a report by the OSCE's Special Monitoring Mission, released Thursday, July 30.
"The Mission corroborated reports of five civilian casualties, all injuries, bringing the total number since the beginning of 2020 to 60 – eight fatalities and 52 injuries," the report reads.
Also, the SMM says, between July 13 and July 26, they recorded about 8,000 ceasefire violations, including about 2,100 explosions, compared with approximately 5,200 and 1,700, respectively, in the previous two weeks.
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Read alsoOSCE records 111 violations on first day of truce in Donbas
Ukraine Parliament's Human Rights Representative Liudmyla Denisova earlier said 11 civilians have been killed in shelling by the Russian occupation forces in Donbas since the beginning of 2020.
Over 13,000 Ukrainians have been killed since the start of Russian aggression in Ukraine's east.


unian--2020-07-30--Russia hints at scrapping talks on Donbas: Ukrainian President's Office reacts

This is about a `` subtle diplomatic game '' , Yermak believes .
Chief of the Ukrainian President 's Office , Andriy Yermak , confirmed to journalists the authenticity of the letter earlier sent by Deputy Chief of Russia 's Presidential Administration Dmitry Kozak , in which the Kremlin hinted at its intention to withdraw from Donbas talks .
Yermak 's response was published by the Novoye Vremya online outlet .
`` It is obvious that no one has any doubts that the negotiation process on the Donbas issue is n't easy .
It is complex and viscous , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 've taken a proactive , tougher stance , '' Yermak says .
`` And the letter from Mr. Kozak , in my opinion , is more about a subtle diplomatic game , when one of the parties to the negotiations seeks to strengthen its position and seize the initiative , '' he noted .
Read alsoUkraine 's new chief negotiator at TCG in Minsk Kravchuk says ready to `` go for compromises '' to achieve peace Yermak is sure there is no point in talking about the termination of talks because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of silence in Donbas , and this is a direct result of the TCG work in Minsk and the Normandy format '' .
`` We are in dialogue and we strive for results .
The degree of negotiations may rise or fall , which is normal .
This is diplomacy .
And this is negotiation psychology .
We need to understand this and calmly treat such letters and their interpretations , '' summed up Yermak .
`` The format of advisors is ineffective , '' a source in Moscow earlier told Reuters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elaborating .
`` There is little meaning in it . ''
As UNIAN reported earlier , Belarus and Ukraine agreed to strengthen border control in the wake of the recent detention outside Minsk of a group of militants with the Russian private military company Wagner .

This is about a "subtle diplomatic game", Yermak believes.
Chief of the Ukrainian President's Office, Andriy Yermak, confirmed to journalists the authenticity of the letter earlier sent by Deputy Chief of Russia's Presidential Administration Dmitry Kozak, in which the Kremlin hinted at its intention to withdraw from Donbas talks.
Yermak's response was published by the Novoye Vremya online outlet.
"It is obvious that no one has any doubts that the negotiation process on the Donbas issue isn't easy. It is complex and viscous, but today it has seen quality reformatting. We've taken a proactive, tougher stance," Yermak says.
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"And the letter from Mr. Kozak, in my opinion, is more about a subtle diplomatic game, when one of the parties to the negotiations seeks to strengthen its position and seize the initiative," he noted.
Read alsoUkraine's new chief negotiator at TCG in Minsk Kravchuk says ready to "go for compromises" to achieve peace
Yermak is sure there is no point in talking about the termination of talks because it's already been "the fourth day of silence in Donbas, and this is a direct result of the TCG work in Minsk and the Normandy format".
"We are in dialogue and we strive for results. The degree of negotiations may rise or fall, which is normal. This is diplomacy. And this is negotiation psychology. We need to understand this and calmly treat such letters and their interpretations," summed up Yermak.
"The format of advisors is ineffective," a source in Moscow earlier told Reuters, commenting on Kozak's letter, without elaborating. "There is little meaning in it."
As UNIAN reported earlier, Belarus and Ukraine agreed to strengthen border control in the wake of the recent detention outside Minsk of a group of militants with the Russian private military company Wagner.


unian--2020-07-30--Zelensky offers to make Hanukkah, Qurban Bayram national religious holidays

The move aims to ensure constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens , realization of equal rights and opportunities for all @ @ @ @ @ history , culture , and traditions of Ukraine 's multiethnic and multiconfessional society .
Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ the Cabinet of Ministers to work out the issue of granting national status to certain @ @ @ @ @ Bayram , Qurban Bayram , Passover , Rosh-ha-Shana , Hanukkah , Western Christian Easter , @ @ @ @ @ service of the President 's Office reports .
Such a proposal was made in order @ @ @ @ @ freedoms of citizens , realization of equal rights and opportunities for all worshipers , respect @ @ @ @ @ , and traditions of Ukraine 's multiethnic and multiconfessional society .
According to the decree @ @ @ @ @ the issue and develop proposals for interaction with the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches , religious @ @ @ @ @ Institute of National Memory , before submitting a corresponding bill for Parliament consideration .

The move aims to ensure constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens, realization of equal rights and opportunities for all worshipers, respect for the history, culture, and traditions of Ukraine's multiethnic and multiconfessional society.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to work out the issue of granting national status to certain religious holidays, including Ramazan Bayram, Qurban Bayram, Passover, Rosh-ha-Shana, Hanukkah, Western Christian Easter, and others, the press service of the President's Office reports.
Zelensky signed a corresponding decree on Thursday, July 30.
Such a proposal was made in order to ensure constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens, realization of equal rights and opportunities for all worshipers, respect for the history, culture, and traditions of Ukraine's multiethnic and multiconfessional society.
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Read alsoEU expects Russia to end pressure on Crimean Tatars
According to the decree, the government shall study the issue and develop proposals for interaction with the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches, religious organizations, and the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, before submitting a corresponding bill for Parliament consideration.


unian--2020-07-30--New chief negotiator at TCG Kravchuk says ready to "go for compromises" to achieve peace

Speaking of instructions voiced by President Zelensky , Kravchuk said `` the first was not to set unfulfilled tasks , to solve one issue after another , gradually .
Leonid Kravchuk , the newly-appointed chief of Ukraine 's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement , says he is ready to consider compromises , if necessary , to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine 's Donbas .
`` We all have the same mission – me , you , and anyone who loves Ukraine and this land .
The mission is one – to end the war and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to live in peace : without blood , without horrors , without losses , without destruction .
This is my mission , to ensure peace in Donbas and across Ukraine .
I will do everything I can to this end .
We will go for compromises , '' Kravchuk told RBC-Ukraine .
Asked what exactly he meant by `` compromises '' , Kravchuk elaborated : `` Compromises on how to manage the situation .
There are things though that can not be subject to compromise – it 's sovereignty , territorial integrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders .
These issues are off the table .
Because these issues are determined in advance by the principles of international law . ''
Asked , whether he would be ready to go for a compromise on the issue of special status of Donbas , Kravchuk said : `` There 's a status of Donbas , and there 's a status of managing the territory of Donbas , the status of local government , there 's a political status of Donbas .
I will advocate shifting from general words to concrete action .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would benefit the people living there and make people feel they are the masters of their land . ''
Speaking of instructions voiced by President Zelensky , Kravchuk said `` the first was not to set unfulfilled tasks , to solve one issue after another , gradually ... We start with a ceasefire , then we talk ways of local self-government , elections , and then we go further step by step '' .

Speaking of instructions voiced by President Zelensky, Kravchuk said "the first was not to set unfulfilled tasks, to solve one issue after another, gradually.
Leonid Kravchuk, the newly-appointed chief of Ukraine's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement, says he is ready to consider compromises, if necessary, to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine's Donbas.
"We all have the same mission – me, you, and anyone who loves Ukraine and this land. The mission is one – to end the war and for peace to prevail in Ukraine, for us to live in peace: without blood, without horrors, without losses, without destruction. This is my mission, to ensure peace in Donbas and across Ukraine. I will do everything I can to this end. We will go for compromises," Kravchuk told RBC-Ukraine.
Asked what exactly he meant by "compromises", Kravchuk elaborated: "Compromises on how to manage the situation. There are things though that cannot be subject to compromise – it's sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and inviolability of our borders. These issues are off the table. Because these issues are determined in advance by the principles of international law."
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Read alsoKravchuk officially appointed Ukraine's envoy to Minsk talks – president's decree
Asked, whether he would be ready to go for a compromise on the issue of special status of Donbas, Kravchuk said: "There's a status of Donbas, and there's a status of managing the territory of Donbas, the status of local government, there's a political status of Donbas. I will advocate shifting from general words to concrete action. So that there's a government that would benefit the people living there and make people feel they are the masters of their land."
Speaking of instructions voiced by President Zelensky, Kravchuk said "the first was not to set unfulfilled tasks, to solve one issue after another, gradually... We start with a ceasefire, then we talk ways of local self-government, elections, and then we go further step by step".


unian--2020-07-30--Ukraine's arms exporter doubles profit during lockdown

The result has been achieved despite `` lockdown in most of the company 's partner countries '' as the firm increased sales of military and dual-use products on global markets .
Ukraine 's state arms exporter Ukrspecexport , part of the Ukroboronprom State Concern , increased net sales revenue in the first half of 2020 by 36.6 % year-on-year , to UAH 1.53 billion , Ukroboronprom press service has reported .
The result has been achieved despite `` lockdown in most of the company 's partner countries '' as the firm increased sales of military and dual-use products on global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vadym Nozdria as saying , according to Defense Express .
Ukrspecexport 's net profit in the first six months of 2020 was up by 2.2 times on year , to UAH 150 million , the top official added .
Read alsoG7 Ambassadors call on Ukraine to continue reforms in defense industry Positive dynamics are due to the success of a number of foreign economic contracts and the introduction of new standards of operational management .
This year , Ukrspecexport delivered to the country 's defense ministry a batch of BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unnamed foreign customer and began cooperation with Pakistan on military aircraft repair .

Ukraine's arms exporter doubles profit during lockdown
21:00, 30.07.20 323
The result has been achieved despite "lockdown in most of the company's partner countries" as the firm increased sales of military and dual-use products on global markets.
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unian--2020-07-30--EU imposes sanctions on four Russians, GRU military intel unit over cyberattacks

The EU Council on Thursday , July 30 , decided to impose restrictive measures against four Russian nationals and the Main Center of Special Technologies with the Main Intelligence Department of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff ( commonly known as the GRU ) for a number of cyberattacks .
In general , restrictive measures were imposed against `` six individuals and three entities responsible for or involved in various cyber-attacks '' , the EU Council 's press service reports .
These include the attempted cyber-attack against the OPCW ( Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ) and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` NotPetya '' , and `` Operation Cloud Hopper '' .
The sanctions imposed include a travel ban and an asset freeze .
In addition , EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed .
Sanctions are one of the options available in the EU ’ s cyber diplomacy toolbox to prevent , deter and respond to malicious cyber activities directed against the EU or its member states , and this is the first time the EU has used this tool .
Read alsoData leak from Cloudflare service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SBU The legal framework for targeted restrictive measures against cyberattacks was adopted in May 2019 and recently renewed .
In recent years , the EU has scaled up its resilience and its ability to prevent , discourage , deter and respond to cyber threats and malicious cyber activities in order to safeguard European security and interests .
In June 2017 , the EU stepped up its response by establishing a Framework for a Joint EU Diplomatic Response to Malicious Cyber Activities ( the `` cyber diplomacy toolbox '' ) .
The framework allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use all CFSP measures , including restrictive measures if necessary , to prevent , discourage , deter and respond to malicious cyber activities targeting the integrity and security of the EU and its member states .
Targeted restrictive measures have a deterrent and dissuasive effect and should be distinguished from attribution of responsibility to a third state .

The restrictions include travel bans and asset freeze.
The EU Council on Thursday, July 30, decided to impose restrictive measures against four Russian nationals and the Main Center of Special Technologies with the Main Intelligence Department of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff (commonly known as the GRU) for a number of cyberattacks.
In general, restrictive measures were imposed against "six individuals and three entities responsible for or involved in various cyber-attacks", the EU Council's press service reports.
These include the attempted cyber-attack against the OPCW (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) and those publicly known as "WannaCry", "NotPetya", and "Operation Cloud Hopper".
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The sanctions imposed include a travel ban and an asset freeze. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed.
Sanctions are one of the options available in the EU’s cyber diplomacy toolbox to prevent, deter and respond to malicious cyber activities directed against the EU or its member states, and this is the first time the EU has used this tool.
Read alsoData leak from Cloudflare service poses no threat to government portals – SBU
The legal framework for targeted restrictive measures against cyberattacks was adopted in May 2019 and recently renewed.
In recent years, the EU has scaled up its resilience and its ability to prevent, discourage, deter and respond to cyber threats and malicious cyber activities in order to safeguard European security and interests.
In June 2017, the EU stepped up its response by establishing a Framework for a Joint EU Diplomatic Response to Malicious Cyber Activities (the "cyber diplomacy toolbox"). The framework allows the EU and its member states to use all CFSP measures, including restrictive measures if necessary, to prevent, discourage, deter and respond to malicious cyber activities targeting the integrity and security of the EU and its member states.
Targeted restrictive measures have a deterrent and dissuasive effect and should be distinguished from attribution of responsibility to a third state.


unian--2020-07-30--Ukraine's justice ministry putting mothballed prisons up for sale

At least eight penitentiary facilities are set to be shut down soon .
Ukraine 's Ministry of Justice as early as by summer-end is set to put up for electronic auctions a number of mothballed prisons , Minister Denys Maliuska said .
At least eight penitentiary facilities are set to be shut down soon , Maliuska told the Mind outlet , according to the Ministry 's press service , adding that a large infrastructure project has been developed to transfer pre-trial detention centers away from the center of cities where many of them are located to the outskirts .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and staff are dismissed , such prisons will be put up for sale , '' the minister said .
Read alsoUkraine 's justice ministry elaborates on size of fines for not wearing masks The decision on mothballing was made in relation to the following penitentiary facilities : Kovel Educational Colony , Ustyniv Correctional Center ( No .
37 ) , Shyriaev Correctional Center ( No .
111 ) , Ihren Correctional Center ( No .
133 ) , Black Sea Correctional Colony ( No .
74 ) , Zhovti Vody Correctional Colony ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colony ( No .
62 ) , and Derhachiv Correctional Colony ( No .
109 ) .
The minister added that this list was yet to be supplemented .
The sale of prisons will be carried out at open electronic auctions via the Prozorro-Sale system .
`` After receiving proceeds from the sale , we will start designing and constructing new prisons in cities where local authorities have allocated land plots or where we have free land in use .
First of all , these are Lviv and Kyiv .
Unfortunately , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which established a clear mechanism for distributing the proceeds from the sale .
Therefore , now we are forced to adapt to the existing mechanisms of sale , which are far from perfect and somewhat delaying the process with bureaucratic formalities , '' the head of the Ministry of Justice said .
According to him , at the same time preparations are underway for the transfer of the Kyiv Pre-Trial Detention Center to the Boryspil district : a tender is being prepared for a feasibility study , and then a tender for repair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Correctional Colony ( No .
119 ) , which will become the base for the new Kyiv pre-trial detention center .

Ukraine's justice ministry putting mothballed prisons up for sale
19:30, 30.07.20 1980
At least eight penitentiary facilities are set to be shut down soon.
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unian--2020-07-30--Bulgaria fully reopens borders to Ukrainians, dropping PCR testing, quarantine requirements

The permit will be valid from July 31 to August 31 this year .
Ukrainian citizens are once again allowed @ @ @ @ @ a mandatory coronavirus test and 14-day quarantine upon arrival , the Ukrainian Embassy in Bulgaria @ @ @ @ @ 30 , Decision No .
RD-01-443 of the Ministry of Health was updated , according @ @ @ @ @ July 31 to August 31 of this year , citizens of Ukraine are allowed to @ @ @ @ @ without the need to provide a document proving a negative COVID-19 PCR test and without @ @ @ @ @ 14-day quarantine , '' the report says .
As UNIAN reported , on July 28 @ @ @ @ @ from July 30 will be able to get to Bulgaria only with a negative PCR @ @ @ @ @ to that , from July 16 , Ukrainian citizens had been allowed to enter Bulgaria @ @ @ @ @ and undergoing a 14-day quarantine .

The permit will be valid from July 31 to August 31 this year.
Ukrainian citizens are once again allowed to cross into Bulgaria without a mandatory coronavirus test and 14-day quarantine upon arrival, the Ukrainian Embassy in Bulgaria reports.
"On July 30, Decision No. RD-01-443 of the Ministry of Health was updated, according to which, starting from July 31 to August 31 of this year, citizens of Ukraine are allowed to enter the territory of Bulgaria without the need to provide a document proving a negative COVID-19 PCR test and without needing to go through a 14-day quarantine," the report says.
Read alsoUkrainians banned from entering Montenegro by car
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As UNIAN reported, on July 28 it became known that Ukrainians from July 30 will be able to get to Bulgaria only with a negative PCR test for COVID-19.
Prior to that, from July 16, Ukrainian citizens had been allowed to enter Bulgaria without passing a coronavirus test and undergoing a 14-day quarantine.


unian--2020-07-30--Belarus asks Ukraine to check detained Russian Wagner PMC members' criminal record

The Belarusian side has informed Ukrainian diplomats about the situation around the detention of Russian militants on its territory .
Belarus has asked Ukrainian authorities to verify the involvement of over 30 Russian men detained outside Minsk in the commission of crimes in Ukraine .
Acting chief of the Ukrainian Embassy , Petro Vrublevsky , has met with Belarusian Minister for Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei , the embassy reports .
`` The Belarusian side informed about the situation around the detention of Russian militants and appealed to the Ukrainian side to verify the involvement of the detainees in committing crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on July 29 , Belarus law enforcement detained 32 Russian militants with the PMC Wagner just outside Minsk and another individual in the south of the country .
Read also '' Little green men '' in Belarus : Dozens of militants detained near Minsk part of Russia 's PMC Wagner – media ( Video ) Media reports said among them were those who had fought against Ukraine government forces in Donbas .
According to law enforcement , they had been tipped about the arrival of more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election campaign .
Each Russian man had small hand luggage on them , while the group was also spotted loading into a vehicle three large heavy suitcases .
Belarusian authorities state the detainees are part of Russia 's private military company Wagner .
A criminal case has been launched .
The group members are charged with plotting an act of terror and being interrogated .
The Security Service of Ukraine announced that they would initiate the issue of extradition of militants detained in Belarus .

The Belarusian side has informed Ukrainian diplomats about the situation around the detention of Russian militants on its territory.
Belarus has asked Ukrainian authorities to verify the involvement of over 30 Russian men detained outside Minsk in the commission of crimes in Ukraine.
Acting chief of the Ukrainian Embassy, Petro Vrublevsky, has met with Belarusian Minister for Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei, the embassy reports.
"The Belarusian side informed about the situation around the detention of Russian militants and appealed to the Ukrainian side to verify the involvement of the detainees in committing crimes in Ukraine," the embassy noted.
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As UNIAN reported earlier, on July 29, Belarus law enforcement detained 32 Russian militants with the PMC Wagner just outside Minsk and another individual in the south of the country.
Read also"Little green men" in Belarus: Dozens of militants detained near Minsk part of Russia's PMC Wagner – media (Video)
Media reports said among them were those who had fought against Ukraine government forces in Donbas.
According to law enforcement, they had been tipped about the arrival of more than 200 militants to destabilize the country during the election campaign.
Each Russian man had small hand luggage on them, while the group was also spotted loading into a vehicle three large heavy suitcases.
Belarusian authorities state the detainees are part of Russia's private military company Wagner.
A criminal case has been launched. The group members are charged with plotting an act of terror and being interrogated.
The Security Service of Ukraine announced that they would initiate the issue of extradition of militants detained in Belarus.


unian--2020-07-30--Ukraine's health minister: Almost 5,000 children, over 8,500 healthcare workers contract COVID-19

In the past day , 1,197 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 72 children and 67 healthcare workers .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says 4,853 children and 8,576 healthcare workers have contracted the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) since the start of the pandemic .
`` In the past day , 1,197 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 72 children and 67 healthcare workers .
Some 248 new patients were hospitalized .
There were 23 deaths and 760 recoveries , '' he said at a briefing on July 30 .
The overall death toll is 1,673 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already recovered .
`` Speaking per each region , the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv ( 199 cases ) , Lviv region ( 131 ) , Rivne region ( 105 ) , and Ivano-Frankivsk region ( 104 ) , '' the minister said .
In total , 31,699 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
In particular , there were 15,494 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) method and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) method .

In the past day, 1,197 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 72 children and 67 healthcare workers.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says 4,853 children and 8,576 healthcare workers have contracted the coronavirus (COVID-19) since the start of the pandemic.
"In the past day, 1,197 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 72 children and 67 healthcare workers. Some 248 new patients were hospitalized. There were 23 deaths and 760 recoveries," he said at a briefing on July 30.
Read alsoUkraine's Health Ministry: Kyiv, 12 regions not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs
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The overall death toll is 1,673 people.
As many as 38,154 patients have already recovered.
"Speaking per each region, the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv (199 cases), Lviv region (131), Rivne region (105), and Ivano-Frankivsk region (104)," the minister said.
In total, 31,699 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 15,494 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and 16,205 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.


unian--2020-07-30--Kravchuk officially appointed Ukraine's envoy to Minsk talks – president's decree

The decree comes into force on the day of its publication .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially appointed former Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk as Ukraine 's representative to the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) at the Minsk talks on Donbas .
Relevant decree No .
302/2020 was posted on the presidential website on July 30 , 2020 .
`` To introduce Leonid Makarovych Kravchuk – President of Ukraine in 1991-1994 – as member of Ukraine 's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group by appointing him as head of the delegation .
To remove Leonid Kuchma from Ukraine 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relieving him of his duties as head of the delegation , '' the document says .
The decree comes into force on the day of its publication .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on July 28 , Leonid Kuchma concluded his mission as Ukraine 's representative to the TCG at the Minsk talks on Donbas .
Zelensky said several candidates were being considered for this position , including Kravchuk and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov .
Today , July 30 , it became known Kravchuk had agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TCG at the Minsk talks on Donbas .

The decree comes into force on the day of its publication.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially appointed former Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk as Ukraine's representative to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) at the Minsk talks on Donbas.
Relevant decree No. 302/2020 was posted on the presidential website on July 30, 2020.
"To introduce Leonid Makarovych Kravchuk – President of Ukraine in 1991-1994 – as member of Ukraine's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group by appointing him as head of the delegation. To remove Leonid Kuchma from Ukraine's delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group by relieving him of his duties as head of the delegation," the document says.
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Read alsoEx-president Kravchuk agrees to lead Ukraine's delegation at Minsk talks
The decree comes into force on the day of its publication.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on July 28, Leonid Kuchma concluded his mission as Ukraine's representative to the TCG at the Minsk talks on Donbas.
Zelensky said several candidates were being considered for this position, including Kravchuk and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov.
Today, July 30, it became known Kravchuk had agreed to lead Ukraine's delegation to the TCG at the Minsk talks on Donbas.


unian--2020-07-30--Ukrtransgaz gets shares seized from company owned by Russia's Gazprom

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Ukrtransgaz gets shares seized from company owned by Russia's Gazprom
16:20, 30.07.20 1116
Receipts from the management of seized shares in Gastransit will be sent to Ukraine's national budget.
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unian--2020-07-30--Ukraine announces successful settlement of its new 12-year dollar bonds

The investor base of the full deal was dominated by asset managers .
Ukraine has announces the successful settlement of its new 12-year U.S. $ -denominated eurobonds and the completion of the switch tender offer for its 2021 and 2022 notes .
`` On July 30 , 2020 , Ukraine announced the successful settlement of its new U.S. $ 2,000,000,000 7.253 % eurobond due 2033 ( the 'Notes ' ) , as well as the completion of the switch tender offer in relation to its outstanding U.S. $ -denominated 7.75 % senior notes due 2021 and U.S. $ -denominated 7.75 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's Finance Ministry said on its website .
Read alsoUkraine 's public debt in June up 3.5 % in dollar terms The notes have been admitted to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Dublin .
Following the completion of the switch tender offer , the total aggregate amount of U.S. $ -denominated 7.75 % senior notes due 2021 still outstanding is U.S. $ 974,146,000 and the total aggregate amount of the U.S. $ -denominated 7.75 % senior notes due 2022 still outstanding is U.S. $ 1,013,354,000 .
With this transaction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributed to building a smooth state debt repayment profile .
`` This is a challenging year for emerging markets ' issuers , as all countries face the need to finance much wider deficits than initially envisaged .
Despite that , we managed not only to return to the market after ensuring a sufficient amount of concessional financing to cover Ukraine 's deficit but also proactively tackle the upcoming maturities to decrease the refinancing risks for the coming years .
We are aiming to continue the implementation of our Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being a key component , '' Yuriy Butsa , Government Commissioner for Public Debt Management , was quoted as saying The investor base of the full deal was dominated by asset managers , which accounted for 81 % of the notes issued and tendered , followed by hedge funds ( 13 % ) , banks ( 4 % ) and insurance and pension funds ( 2 % ) .
Investors from the United States , the United Kingdom and Continental Europe have generated the majority of demand in the new eurobond 's primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % and 13 % of allocations , respectively .
The total indications of interest for the new issue and tender offer peaked in excess of U.S. $ 7 billion from over 200 investors globally .
Goldman Sachs International and J.P. Morgan acted as Joint Lead Managers and Joint Dealer-Managers on the transaction .

The investor base of the full deal was dominated by asset managers.
Ukraine has announces the successful settlement of its new 12-year U.S.$-denominated eurobonds and the completion of the switch tender offer for its 2021 and 2022 notes.
"On July 30, 2020, Ukraine announced the successful settlement of its new U.S.$2,000,000,000 7.253% eurobond due 2033 (the 'Notes'), as well as the completion of the switch tender offer in relation to its outstanding U.S.$-denominated 7.75% senior notes due 2021 and U.S.$-denominated 7.75% senior notes due 2022," Ukraine's Finance Ministry said on its website.
Read alsoUkraine's public debt in June up 3.5% in dollar terms
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The notes have been admitted to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Dublin.
Following the completion of the switch tender offer, the total aggregate amount of U.S.$-denominated 7.75% senior notes due 2021 still outstanding is U.S.$ 974,146,000 and the total aggregate amount of the U.S.$-denominated 7.75% senior notes due 2022 still outstanding is U.S.$ 1,013,354,000.
With this transaction, Ukraine increased its average debt maturity and contributed to building a smooth state debt repayment profile.
"This is a challenging year for emerging markets' issuers, as all countries face the need to finance much wider deficits than initially envisaged. Despite that, we managed not only to return to the market after ensuring a sufficient amount of concessional financing to cover Ukraine's deficit but also proactively tackle the upcoming maturities to decrease the refinancing risks for the coming years. We are aiming to continue the implementation of our Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy, with a proactive approach to debt management being a key component," Yuriy Butsa, Government Commissioner for Public Debt Management, was quoted as saying
The investor base of the full deal was dominated by asset managers, which accounted for 81% of the notes issued and tendered, followed by hedge funds (13%), banks (4%) and insurance and pension funds (2%).
Investors from the United States, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe have generated the majority of demand in the new eurobond's primary offering, with 48%, 38% and 13% of allocations, respectively.
The total indications of interest for the new issue and tender offer peaked in excess of U.S.$7 billion from over 200 investors globally.
Goldman Sachs International and J.P. Morgan acted as Joint Lead Managers and Joint Dealer-Managers on the transaction.