unian--2020-01-31--Pompeo names conditions for lifting Russia sanctions

The top diplomat recalled that Russian aggression in Ukraine had led to the `` senseless '' loss of thousands of @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo states that sanctions introduced against Russia will remain in place @ @ @ @ @ stop .
`` Russia 's aggression in Ukraine has led to the senseless loss of @ @ @ @ @ Donbas .
Today , I joined Foreign Minister VPrystaiko to honor their memories .
Sanctions @ @ @ @ @ place until the actions that led to these tragic deaths cease , '' Pompeo tweeted @ @ @ @ @ secretary of state also posted pictures of himself alongside the leader of the newly-created Orthodox @ @ @ @ @ , laying flowers at the Remembrance Wall monument at Kyiv 's Mykhailivska Square .

The top diplomat recalled that Russian aggression in Ukraine had led to the "senseless" loss of thousands of lives in Donbas.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo states that sanctions introduced against Russia will remain in place until the killings in Donbas stop.
"Russia's aggression in Ukraine has led to the senseless loss of thousands of lives in the Donbas. Today, I joined Foreign Minister VPrystaiko to honor their memories. Sanctions against Russia will remain in place until the actions that led to these tragic deaths cease," Pompeo tweeted January 31.
#Russia's aggression in #Ukraine has led to the senseless loss of thousands of lives in the Donbas. Today, I joined Foreign Minister @VPrystaiko to honor their memories. Sanctions against Russia will remain in place until the actions that led to these tragic deaths cease. pic.twitter.com/jNigbuDuZ0 — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 31, 2020
The U.S. secretary of state also posted pictures of himself alongside the leader of the newly-created Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Epifaniy, laying flowers at the Remembrance Wall monument at Kyiv's Mykhailivska Square.


unian--2020-01-31--Hryvnia slides 6% to dollar in January

Hryvnia slides 6% to dollar in January

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Hryvnia slides 6% to dollar in January
19:30, 31.01.20 1252
During this period, the hryvnia also fell against the euro, by 5%.
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unian--2020-02-03--Official hryvnia gets weaker: UAH 25.08 per U.S. dollar

The hryvnia has been falling against the dollar for the sixth day in a row .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has set its forex rate for Tuesday , February 4 , at UAH 25.08 per U.S. dollar , letting the official hryvnia weaken by another five kopiykas .
The hryvnia has been falling against the dollar for the sixth day in a row since last Monday , January 27 , according to the NBU 's website .
Read alsoUkraine budget in January falls short of 25 % of target revenues – finance ministry The official forex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fixed at UAH 27.75 per euro – the hryvnia has lost nine kopiykas in value since Monday .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the official hryvnia in January 2020 lost 5.7 % in value against the U.S. dollar , being set at UAH 25.03 per U.S. dollar , and by 4.7 % against the euro , being set at UAH 27.66 per euro .
Ukraine 's national currency in 2019 strengthened against the U.S. dollar by 14.5 % , to UAH 23.69 and against the euro by 16.7 % , to UAH 26.42 @

Official hryvnia gets weaker: UAH 25.08 per U.S. dollar
23:59, 03.02.20 5732
The hryvnia has been falling against the dollar for the sixth day in a row.
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unian--2020-02-03--Zelensky sees investment as most promising area of Ukraine-Turkey partnership

The Ukrainian leader urged Turkish businesses to invest in the Ukrainian economy right now .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says investment is the most promising area of economic partnership between Ukraine and Turkey .
`` I am sure that the investment sphere provides the greatest prospects for economic partnership between Ukraine and Turkey today .
It is not only about establishing joint ventures , but also about active participation of Turkish companies in the privatization process , '' he said at a Ukrainian-Turkish business forum in Kyiv on Monday , February 3 , according to the presidential administration .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advantage of the opportunities in Ukraine , he said .
The Ukrainian president urged Turkish businesses to invest in the Ukrainian economy now .
In particular , he invited Turkish businesspeople to participate in concession tenders in infrastructure modernization projects .
`` One of our priorities is a large-scale modernization of infrastructure – roads , airports and seaports , the launch of transportation by river .
The first concession tenders of the seaports of Olvia and Kherson have already been launched .
We are currently preparing new tenders for airports and seaports , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
According to him , investment in the development of tourist infrastructure in Kherson and Odesa regions was potentially attractive for both countries .
Read alsoWeek 's balance : Zelensky vows to get investors a `` nanny '' , while Ukraine issues eurobonds and releases population count data He mentioned that the Ukrainian authorities were initiating a number of innovations to improve the investment climate .
These include , for example , five-year tax holidays , the so-called Investment Nanny project , the creation of international arbitration for investors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation between the two countries will be facilitated by the signing of a free trade agreement .
`` This will give impetus in many areas : agriculture and food , housing construction , energy and energy efficiency , transport and tourism .
We also have significant potential in engineering , production of transport and energy equipment , '' he said .

The Ukrainian leader urged Turkish businesses to invest in the Ukrainian economy right now.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says investment is the most promising area of economic partnership between Ukraine and Turkey.
"I am sure that the investment sphere provides the greatest prospects for economic partnership between Ukraine and Turkey today. It is not only about establishing joint ventures, but also about active participation of Turkish companies in the privatization process," he said at a Ukrainian-Turkish business forum in Kyiv on Monday, February 3, according to the presidential administration.
A number of Turkish companies have already taken advantage of the opportunities in Ukraine, he said.
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The Ukrainian president urged Turkish businesses to invest in the Ukrainian economy now. In particular, he invited Turkish businesspeople to participate in concession tenders in infrastructure modernization projects.
"One of our priorities is a large-scale modernization of infrastructure – roads, airports and seaports, the launch of transportation by river. The first concession tenders of the seaports of Olvia and Kherson have already been launched. We are currently preparing new tenders for airports and seaports, as well as concession road projects," he said.
According to him, investment in the development of tourist infrastructure in Kherson and Odesa regions was potentially attractive for both countries.
Read alsoWeek's balance: Zelensky vows to get investors a "nanny", while Ukraine issues eurobonds and releases population count data
He mentioned that the Ukrainian authorities were initiating a number of innovations to improve the investment climate. These include, for example, five-year tax holidays, the so-called Investment Nanny project, the creation of international arbitration for investors.
In his words, further development of cooperation between the two countries will be facilitated by the signing of a free trade agreement.
"This will give impetus in many areas: agriculture and food, housing construction, energy and energy efficiency, transport and tourism. We also have significant potential in engineering, production of transport and energy equipment," he said.


unian--2020-02-03--Ukraine's Cabinet launches loan program at low rates for businesses

Four state-run banks have already joined the program .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk says the Cabinet has announced the launch of a program under which affordable loans will be provided to businesses at a rate of 5 % , 7 % or 9 % with partial reimbursement by the government of spending on the interest rate .
`` The program 'Affordable Loans : 5-7-9 % ' has been launched today .
It means affordable loans for entrepreneurs to start their businesses , '' he said while presenting the program on February 3 .
According to Honcharuk , the program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start a business and create jobs .
`` We are sure that as early as this year tens of thousands of Ukrainians will be able to take advantage of the program by borrowing a loan from one of the [ authorized ] banks , '' he added .
The official says four state-run banks have joined the program .
Among them are Oschadbank , PrivatBank , and Ukrgasbank .
In turn , Ukrainian Finance Minister Oksana Markarova said the government would help entrepreneurs to finalize their applications free of charge if a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She expects the share of positive decisions by banks will be high , but noted that certain applications might be rejected .
`` The refusal may be not a refusal as such , but it may imply an additional service .
The state will help [ entrepreneurs ] to draft documents for free to return to the next stage and get 'yes ' on an application for a loan , '' the minister said .
Markarova also added that the government was already looking for resources to extend the program , expanding its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trade , and Agriculture Dmytro Romanovych added that the program would allow the issue of about 50,000 affordable loans to entrepreneurs .
`` The new program , according to our estimates , will allow us to provide approximately 50,000 loans to entrepreneurs , '' he said .
At the same time , the official noted it would be possible to open a new market for banks that almost did not lend funds to entrepreneurs .

Ukraine's Cabinet launches loan program at low rates for businesses (Video)
22:51, 03.02.20 1623
Four state-run banks have already joined the program.
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unian--2020-02-03--Ukraine to get WHO's 30 rapid test kits for new coronavirus next week – Health ministry

The ministry has no information about developing such test kits by Ukrainian laboratories .
Rapid test kits for the novel coronavirus will be available in Ukraine next week .
`` We 've announced that such test kits will appear in Ukraine within 10 days – they really will appear in about a week , next week .
We have approval from the World Health Organization ( WHO ) for additional , as far as I know , 30 kits that will be provided to Ukraine .
The test kits will be available next week , '' Director General of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andriy Skipalsky said at a press conference to update the public on the spread of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Speaking about domestically developed test kits for the new coronavirus , he said the ministry `` has no information that such work is under way at any laboratory or institute . ''
In addition , speaking about the anti-coronavirus action plan , which has been approved by the Ukrainian government , the official said that it includes 24 measures .
Among them is the creation of temporary anti-epidemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will allow the local authorities to draw up rapid response plans .
The national action plan also envisages various measures to jointly with economic entities step up the current disinfection regime .
`` It is also about submitting , on behalf of the Health Ministry , a request to the Reserve Fund for the allocation of certain financial resources to various authorities , including the Health Ministry , '' Skipalsky added .
Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers on February 3 approved an action plan to prevent the outbreak and spread of the China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsed a national plan of anti-epidemic measures to respond to the spread of the virus .
The newly created emergency response team is being led by Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk .
`` We are establishing a high alert regime for all civil protection systems so that all relevant services could be quickly mobilized in case of need , '' Honcharuk said .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Health Ministry recommend that citizens temporarily refrain from tourist and business trips to Hubei and Wuhan , where there is the greatest risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which are not urgently needed , to other parts of the People 's Republic of China , he said .
What is more , the holiday period for Chinese students studying in Ukraine has been extended .
As was earlier reported , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a public-health emergency of international concern on January 30 as the first person-to-person transmission of the virus was reported in the United States .
According to CNN , the outbreak of the new coronavirus , which emerged in Wuhan city in the central province @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 362 people and infected more than 17,300 globally , as it continues to spread beyond China .
One person outside mainland China , a man in the Philippines , has died .

The ministry has no information about developing such test kits by Ukrainian laboratories.
Rapid test kits for the novel coronavirus will be available in Ukraine next week.
"We've announced that such test kits will appear in Ukraine within 10 days – they really will appear in about a week, next week. We have approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) for additional, as far as I know, 30 kits that will be provided to Ukraine. The test kits will be available next week," Director General of the Ukrainian Health Ministry's Public Health Directorate Andriy Skipalsky said at a press conference to update the public on the spread of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoUkraine's education ministry recommends distance learning for China students
Видео дня
Speaking about domestically developed test kits for the new coronavirus, he said the ministry "has no information that such work is under way at any laboratory or institute."
In addition, speaking about the anti-coronavirus action plan, which has been approved by the Ukrainian government, the official said that it includes 24 measures. Among them is the creation of temporary anti-epidemic commissions under regional state administrations, which will allow the local authorities to draw up rapid response plans. The national action plan also envisages various measures to jointly with economic entities step up the current disinfection regime.
"It is also about submitting, on behalf of the Health Ministry, a request to the Reserve Fund for the allocation of certain financial resources to various authorities, including the Health Ministry," Skipalsky added.
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers on February 3 approved an action plan to prevent the outbreak and spread of the China coronavirus in Ukrainian territory. It also endorsed a national plan of anti-epidemic measures to respond to the spread of the virus. The newly created emergency response team is being led by Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk. "We are establishing a high alert regime for all civil protection systems so that all relevant services could be quickly mobilized in case of need," Honcharuk said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Health Ministry recommend that citizens temporarily refrain from tourist and business trips to Hubei and Wuhan, where there is the greatest risk of infection, and also postpone their travels, which are not urgently needed, to other parts of the People's Republic of China, he said.
What is more, the holiday period for Chinese students studying in Ukraine has been extended.
As was earlier reported, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a public-health emergency of international concern on January 30 as the first person-to-person transmission of the virus was reported in the United States.
According to CNN, the outbreak of the new coronavirus, which emerged in Wuhan city in the central province of Hubei in December, has killed at least 362 people and infected more than 17,300 globally, as it continues to spread beyond China. One person outside mainland China, a man in the Philippines, has died.


unian--2020-02-03--Macron emphasizes EU defense in bid to warm ties with Poland

Both countries want to keep generous funding for their agricultural sectors in the next EU budget .
French President Emmanuel Macron sought to reset relations with Poland in a visit on Monday , at a time when Britain 's departure and an upsurge of nationalism are reshaping alliances and undermining confidence in the European Union .
Macron stressed the importance of deeper military integration among EU states – a message likely to appeal to Poland and other former communist satellites of the Soviet Union that are unnerved by Russia 's assertiveness since it annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy the day Polish people can tell each other : ‘ The day I 'm attacked , I know Europe can protect us ' .
Because that day , the sense of European belonging will be indestructible , '' Macron said during a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda .
Macron , whose rapprochement with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent months has caused concern in Poland and eastern Europe , sought to offer reassurance , saying : `` France is neither pro-Russian nor anti-Russian ; it is pro-European . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling the American-led transatlantic NATO alliance `` brain-dead '' , Macron declared that `` European defense is not an alternative to NATO , it 's an indispensable complement '' .
Relations between Poland and France soured in 2016 after Poland 's nationalist Law and Justice ( PiS ) government scrapped a $ 3.4 billion helicopter deal with the European manufacturer Airbus , which France thought was largely agreed .
Since then , there have been clashes over issues ranging from climate change policy , where the PiS government remains firmly wedded to coal-fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the rule of law – a bitter bone of contention with Brussels .
Macron , a fervent European integrationist , has decried nationalist governments such as Poland 's and , along with the EU executive in Brussels , criticized efforts by PiS to bring courts and media under closer government control .
Duda said he hoped Macron 's visit would mark a breakthrough in Franco-Polish relations and signaled Poland 's readiness to take part in a project to create a European tank .
`` Today France is definitely a power on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Brexit will without doubt grow , '' he said .
Macron said he had had a frank discussion with Duda about reforms of Poland 's justice system , and that he hoped Warsaw 's dialogue with Brussels on the issue would `` intensify . ''
Both countries want to keep generous funding for their agricultural sectors in the next EU budget , but Paris wants the bloc to take a bigger role in managing inward migration and on the climate , while Warsaw rejects EU policies on both matters .
Macron may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new alliances in Europe amid tensions with Germany over his ambitious EU reform plans , and said he wanted to hold a summit with Germany and Poland in the coming months .

Both countries want to keep generous funding for their agricultural sectors in the next EU budget.
French President Emmanuel Macron sought to reset relations with Poland in a visit on Monday, at a time when Britain's departure and an upsurge of nationalism are reshaping alliances and undermining confidence in the European Union.
Macron stressed the importance of deeper military integration among EU states – a message likely to appeal to Poland and other former communist satellites of the Soviet Union that are unnerved by Russia's assertiveness since it annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, Reuters said.
"I'll be happy the day Polish people can tell each other: ‘The day I'm attacked, I know Europe can protect us'. Because that day, the sense of European belonging will be indestructible," Macron said during a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda.
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Read alsoPoland not planning to join Normandy format – foreign minister
Macron, whose rapprochement with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent months has caused concern in Poland and eastern Europe, sought to offer reassurance, saying: "France is neither pro-Russian nor anti-Russian; it is pro-European."
Nearly three months after sparking controversy by calling the American-led transatlantic NATO alliance "brain-dead", Macron declared that "European defense is not an alternative to NATO, it's an indispensable complement".
Relations between Poland and France soured in 2016 after Poland's nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government scrapped a $3.4 billion helicopter deal with the European manufacturer Airbus, which France thought was largely agreed.
Since then, there have been clashes over issues ranging from climate change policy, where the PiS government remains firmly wedded to coal-fired power stations, and Poland's adherence to the rule of law – a bitter bone of contention with Brussels.
Macron, a fervent European integrationist, has decried nationalist governments such as Poland's and, along with the EU executive in Brussels, criticized efforts by PiS to bring courts and media under closer government control.
Duda said he hoped Macron's visit would mark a breakthrough in Franco-Polish relations and signaled Poland's readiness to take part in a project to create a European tank.
"Today France is definitely a power on a European scale, and France's role after Brexit will without doubt grow," he said.
Macron said he had had a frank discussion with Duda about reforms of Poland's justice system, and that he hoped Warsaw's dialogue with Brussels on the issue would "intensify."
Both countries want to keep generous funding for their agricultural sectors in the next EU budget, but Paris wants the bloc to take a bigger role in managing inward migration and on the climate, while Warsaw rejects EU policies on both matters.
Macron may, however, be keen to explore new alliances in Europe amid tensions with Germany over his ambitious EU reform plans, and said he wanted to hold a summit with Germany and Poland in the coming months.


unian--2020-02-03--RFE/RL: OSCE hopes Crimean journalist Semena's work will now be 'unhindered'

Semena last week received documents from a Simferopol court that confirm that his suspended sentence had been lifted .
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir welcomes a decision by the authorities in Ukraine 's Russian-controlled Crimea region to expunge the criminal record of RFE/RL contributor Mykola Semena , insisting that the Crimean journalist should n't have been `` persecuted '' in the first place for expressing his views .
Semena , who had been convicted of separatism on the peninsula , last week received documents from a court in Crimea 's capital , Simferopol , confirming that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his criminal record expunged , Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty ( RFE/RL ) said .
Read alsoOSCE concerned over Ukraine 's new draft law on disinformation '' I am glad that Mykola Semena is finally free , '' Desir said in a statement on February 3 , expressing hope that the move means `` he will now be able to resume his journalistic work unhindered , and travel freely . ''
Semena , who has contributed to the Crimea Desk of RFE/RL 's Ukrainian Service , was arrested by Crimea 's Russia-imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the `` territorial integrity of the Russian Federation . ''
In 2017 , a court convicted Semena , handed him a 2.5-year suspended sentence , and banned him from `` public activity '' for three years .
Another court in Crimea upheld his conviction three months later , but a court in Simferopol on January 14 this year ruled to prematurely terminate the probation period and expunge his criminal record .
Semena says the accusation against him was politically motivated and that Russian authorities based their case on an inaccurate translation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian .
The United States , the European Union , and international media watchdogs all condemned the trial and verdict .
`` Semena 's case reminds us of the harsh conditions in which journalists work when covering the conflict in and around Ukraine , '' Desir said .
`` It is paramount to ensure safe working conditions for the journalists , '' the OSCE representative added .

Semena last week received documents from a Simferopol court that confirm that his suspended sentence had been lifted.
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir welcomes a decision by the authorities in Ukraine's Russian-controlled Crimea region to expunge the criminal record of RFE/RL contributor Mykola Semena, insisting that the Crimean journalist shouldn't have been "persecuted" in the first place for expressing his views.
Semena, who had been convicted of separatism on the peninsula, last week received documents from a court in Crimea's capital, Simferopol, confirming that his suspended sentence had been lifted and his criminal record expunged, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) said.
Read alsoOSCE concerned over Ukraine's new draft law on disinformation
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"I am glad that Mykola Semena is finally free," Desir said in a statement on February 3, expressing hope that the move means "he will now be able to resume his journalistic work unhindered, and travel freely."
Semena, who has contributed to the Crimea Desk of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, was arrested by Crimea's Russia-imposed authorities in 2016 and charged with acting against the "territorial integrity of the Russian Federation."
In 2017, a court convicted Semena, handed him a 2.5-year suspended sentence, and banned him from "public activity" for three years.
Another court in Crimea upheld his conviction three months later, but a court in Simferopol on January 14 this year ruled to prematurely terminate the probation period and expunge his criminal record.
Semena says the accusation against him was politically motivated and that Russian authorities based their case on an inaccurate translation of one of his stories from Ukrainian into Russian.
The United States, the European Union, and international media watchdogs all condemned the trial and verdict.
"Semena's case reminds us of the harsh conditions in which journalists work when covering the conflict in and around Ukraine," Desir said.
"It is paramount to ensure safe working conditions for the journalists," the OSCE representative added.


unian--2020-02-03--Turkey to provide financial support to Armed Forces of Ukraine – Zelensky

Ukraine and Turkey have agreed on financial support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces .
`` Today , an important agreement @ @ @ @ @ has been reached , under which the Turkish partners will provide financial support to the @ @ @ @ @ President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip @ @ @ @ @ , according to a UNIAN correspondent .
A general agreement on cooperation in the defense @ @ @ @ @ Monday following negotiations between the two countries ' delegations under the chairmanship of by Zelensky @ @ @

Turkey's President Erdogan is visiting Kyiv on Monday.
Ukraine and Turkey have agreed on financial support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
"Today, an important agreement on military and financial cooperation has been reached, under which the Turkish partners will provide financial support to the Ukrainian army," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Kyiv on Monday, according to a UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoUkraine, Turkey to strengthen Navy cooperation
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A general agreement on cooperation in the defense sphere was signed earlier on Monday following negotiations between the two countries' delegations under the chairmanship of by Zelensky and Erdogan.


unian--2020-02-03--Metropolitan Epifaniy: OCU's autocephaly to be recognized by other churches despite pressure from Ru

Metropolitan Epifaniy: OCU's autocephaly to be recognized by other churches despite pressure from Russia

Epifaniy says the Russian Orthodox Church is doing everything to prevent other churches from recognizing the independent status of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine .
Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine , Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine ( OCU ) Epifaniy ( Epiphanius ) has said the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is recognized by a few more local Orthodox churches despite pressure from the Russian Orthodox Church ( ROC ) .
Speaking at a press conference after a prayer service on the occasion of the first anniversary of his intronization as head of the OCU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate , the OCU was also recognized by two more local Orthodox churches – the Greek Orthodox Church and the Alexandrian Patriarchate .
`` We are convinced that next year we will also receive recognition from several other local Orthodox churches .
But what are we seeing ?
We 're seeing that the Russian Federation , represented by the Russian Orthodox Church , is doing everything to prevent other churches from recognizing our autocephalous status , '' he said , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church convert to new Ukrainian Orthodox church – RFE/RL According to Epifaniy , the Russian church put a lot of pressure on the Greek Orthodox Church .
`` Despite this pressure , next year several churches will join in , recognizing our autocephalous status , '' he said , but stopped short of specifying the churches .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Unification Council of members of the Ukrainian Orthodox churches in Kyiv on December 15 , 2018 , elected Metropolitan of Pereyaslavsky and Bila Tserkva from the then Ukrainian Orthodox Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as Epiphanius I ) as head of the new local Orthodox Church in Ukraine .
On January 6 , 2019 , Epifaniy , as Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine , received from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in Istanbul the tomos of autocephaly ( independence ) of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine .
Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epifaniy was inaugurated as Primate of the newly created Orthodox Church of Ukraine at Kyiv 's Saint Sophia Cathedral on February 3 .

Epifaniy says the Russian Orthodox Church is doing everything to prevent other churches from recognizing the independent status of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) Epifaniy (Epiphanius) has said the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is recognized by a few more local Orthodox churches despite pressure from the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC).
Speaking at a press conference after a prayer service on the occasion of the first anniversary of his intronization as head of the OCU, he said that last year, after the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the OCU was also recognized by two more local Orthodox churches – the Greek Orthodox Church and the Alexandrian Patriarchate.
"We are convinced that next year we will also receive recognition from several other local Orthodox churches. But what are we seeing? We're seeing that the Russian Federation, represented by the Russian Orthodox Church, is doing everything to prevent other churches from recognizing our autocephalous status," he said, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
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Read alsoEpifaniy: About 600 parishes of Moscow-aligned church convert to new Ukrainian Orthodox church – RFE/RL
According to Epifaniy, the Russian church put a lot of pressure on the Greek Orthodox Church.
"Despite this pressure, next year several churches will join in, recognizing our autocephalous status," he said, but stopped short of specifying the churches.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Unification Council of members of the Ukrainian Orthodox churches in Kyiv on December 15, 2018, elected Metropolitan of Pereyaslavsky and Bila Tserkva from the then Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate Epifaniy (also known as Epiphanius I) as head of the new local Orthodox Church in Ukraine.
On January 6, 2019, Epifaniy, as Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, received from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in Istanbul the tomos of autocephaly (independence) of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epifaniy was inaugurated as Primate of the newly created Orthodox Church of Ukraine at Kyiv's Saint Sophia Cathedral on February 3.


unian--2020-02-03--Funds in Ukrainian Treasury's account shrink by 33.4% as of Feb 1

The balance in the single account as of February 1 , 2020 , was 1.2 % up from the level @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
The balance of funds in the single account of Ukraine 's State Treasury @ @ @ @ @ 12.067 billion ( US $ 482 million ) as of February 1 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ from the figure recorded as of January 1 , 2019 .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ single account as of February 1 , 2020 , was 1.2 % up from the @ @ @ @ @ , 2019 , the State Treasury Service said on its website .
Read alsoDeficit of @ @ @ @ @ goods , services 7 % up in 2019 – NBU As UNIAN reported earlier , @ @ @ @ @ the Treasury 's single account was estimated at UAH 17.547 billion ( US $ 701 @ @ @ @ @ 1 , 2020 , which was 66.7 % down from the figure recorded as of @ @ @ @ @ but 1.8 times up from the balance posted on January 1 , 2019 .

Funds in Ukrainian Treasury's account shrink by 33.4% as of Feb 1
16:40, 03.02.20 895
The balance in the single account as of February 1, 2020, was 1.2% up from the level reported on February 1, 2019.
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unian--2020-02-04--Ukrainians spend 42% of income on food

Ukrainians spend 42% of income on food

The study confirms the provisions of Engel 's law .
Ukrainians spend 42 % of their income on food , the National Scientific Center Institute of Agrarian Economy says , referring to the United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) .
`` According to the USDA , every Ukrainian in 2018 paid US $ 858 for food and non-alcoholic beverages on average .
The share of food products in the total structure of consumer spending was 42.2 % , '' the Scientific Center 's press service said on February 4 , referring to a study by the USDA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100 countries .
The study confirms the provisions of Engel 's law : as the household income increases , the share of income spent on food decreases .
At the same time , in absolute terms , food expenses grow .
The more developed and rich the country is , the smaller the share of household spending for food .
The United States , Singapore , the United Kingdom , Ireland , Canada , Switzerland , Australia , and Austria top the ranking since their residents spend on food less than 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Germany , the Netherlands , Finland , Qatar , Belgium , and South Korea – up to 15 % , the report said .
Households ' food expenditures in Poland , Slovakia , Hungary , Bulgaria , Israel , Uruguay , Kuwait , China , Turkey and other countries account for 16 % -25 % of their income , whereas the share is about 30 % in Belarus , Georgia , Russia , Uzbekistan , as well as in Jordan , India , Macedonia and Paraguay .
Read alsoUkraine 's economic outlook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflation , and possible devaluation return Ukraine ranked 93rd , outrunning Uganda ( share of food expenses is 44.2 % ) , Kazakhstan ( 44.9 % ) , Angola ( 48.6 % ) , Bangladesh ( 53.5 % ) and Nigeria ( 59.0 % ) , which is last in the ranking .
The State Statistics Service of Ukraine says one household in 2018 spent UAH 3,963 ( US $ 158 ) per month on food .
The most money was allocated for meat ( UAH 928/US $ 37 ) , bread ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cheese and butter ( UAH 575/US $ 22.93 ) , vegetables and potatoes ( UAH 497/US $ 19.82 ) , while least of all – for soft drinks ( UAH 218/US $ 8.69 ) , eggs ( UAH124/US $ 4.94 ) and vegetable oil ( UAH 117/US $ 4.67 ) .
According to USDA , the cost of food for one person in Ukraine in 2018 amounted to UAH 23,338 per year ( at the current exchange rate ) , while UAH 22,538 ( US $ 899 ) , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , consumer inflation in Ukraine in December 2019 slowed to 4.1 % year-over-year ( against December 2018 ) , which hit a six-year low .
The largest price hike in December 2019 , in annual terms , was recorded for railway passenger transport ( 19.2 % ) , fruit ( by 18.8 % ) , hot water and central heating ( 14.4 % ) , education ( 13 % ) , and alcoholic beverages and tobacco ( 13 % ) .

Ukrainians spend 42% of income on food
14:20, 04.02.20 21586
The study confirms the provisions of Engel's law.
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unian--2020-02-04--Russia cannot be put in corner as "student in class" – French envoy

The ambassador emphasized that France favors a demanding dialogue that should yield results .
French Ambassador to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins has said Russia can not be put in a corner as a `` student in a school class , '' while dialogue is needed .
In an interview with hromadske , the ambassador said the starting point for French President Emanuel Macron was that the previous type of relations with Russia could not prevail .
`` A situation where we did n't speak with the Russians , where we subjected them to isolation or kept our distance from them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tactics and strategy , '' de Poncins said .
`` President Macron 's initial desire was to try to restore confidence , start talking to them – in particular , with Vladimir Putin – to restore contact , but while strictly observing conditions for such a dialogue , '' the ambassador said .
He said France 's position has not changed regarding the territorial integrity of Ukraine and regarding the sanctions against Russia , which have been regularly extended .
In this regard , the ambassador emphasized that France favors a demanding dialogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all , we are seeing a return to the Normandy format .
This is directly related to the fact that we had been working to restore confidence between Putin and Zelensky , '' the ambassador said .
`` Russia is a major partner , it has military prowess , as well as economic power , we have economic interests in Russia , as well as in Ukraine .
Therefore , it makes no sense to put Russia in a corner as a student in a school class .
We need to maintain a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .

The ambassador emphasized that France favors a demanding dialogue that should yield results.
French Ambassador to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins has said Russia cannot be put in a corner as a "student in a school class," while dialogue is needed.
In an interview with hromadske, the ambassador said the starting point for French President Emanuel Macron was that the previous type of relations with Russia could not prevail.
"A situation where we didn't speak with the Russians, where we subjected them to isolation or kept our distance from them – none of this was about good tactics and strategy," de Poncins said.
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Read alsoText of Minsk agreements requires clarification – French envoy
"President Macron's initial desire was to try to restore confidence, start talking to them – in particular, with Vladimir Putin – to restore contact, but while strictly observing conditions for such a dialogue," the ambassador said.
He said France's position has not changed regarding the territorial integrity of Ukraine and regarding the sanctions against Russia, which have been regularly extended.
In this regard, the ambassador emphasized that France favors a demanding dialogue that should bring results.
"After all, we are seeing a return to the Normandy format. This is directly related to the fact that we had been working to restore confidence between Putin and Zelensky," the ambassador said.
"Russia is a major partner, it has military prowess, as well as economic power, we have economic interests in Russia, as well as in Ukraine. Therefore, it makes no sense to put Russia in a corner as a student in a school class. We need to maintain a dialogue with them," de Poncins said.


unian--2020-02-04--Avangard holding stunned over law enforment's allegations claiming two of its factories don't exist

The factories have been operating in Kherson and Khmelnytsky regions since 2013 .
The Avangard agricultural holding is stunned over the allegations voiced by the Prosecutor General 's Office ( PGO ) and the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) claiming two poultry factories that are part of the holding do n't exist .
At the same time , the company still hopes for a reasonable settlement of such a misunderstanding .
It is about Eurasia 's two largest full-cycle egg production complexes , namely Avis in Khmelnytsky region and Chernobaiyvska in Kherson region .
Director of Avis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the factory is fully operational as usual , with a 600-strong staff , including specialists with higher education , veterinarians , technologists , and engineers .
`` Construction began in 2008 , we launched the first industrial zone in 2009 , and the construction was completed in 2013 , that 's when the factory started operating at full capacity .
Today , Avis production facilities are a area where younger birds are held ( 2.63 million birds , including 5.2 million laying hens ) , with a design capacity of 1.6 billion eggs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moreover , Laktionov says , no such production has been set up literally `` from scratch '' anywhere else – the company harvests its own grain and produces feed in its own mill to cover its needs .
Products from both Avangard factories are supplied to local supermarket chains , as well as for exports .
The company received permits for egg supplies to 22 countries , including the UAE , Singapore , Hong Kong , Saudi Arabia , Azerbaijan , Turkey , and others .
According to Avis chief veterinarian Natalia Tkachuk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are carried out at the factory on a daily basis , while employees undergo strict sanitary control .
`` We do n't allow people unrelated to production to enterprise premises .
The poultry factory works in closed mode , all employees work in overalls and fill out health form .
We also use modern vaccines that develop lifelong immunity in chicks to prevent outbreaks of any disease , '' she said .
Employees believe the work of these factories is not only a question of food safety in Ukraine , but also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Frankly speaking , we were stunned by the allegations voiced by some law enforcement agencies that these factories allegedly did n't exist , because they are one of the largest specialized production companies – not only in Ukraine but also in Eurasia .
These enterprises are the basis of the country 's food safety , filling the domestic market with quality products , as well as playing a key role in revitalizing regional economies .
These are multi-million taxes and a good employer who pays decent salaries , enabling youths with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Head of the Avangard 's Public Relations Department Yevhen Manzhenko said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Avangard and UkrLandFarming Group of companies appealed to the president of Ukraine about the fact that NABU and the PGO failed to locate factories in Khmelnytsky and Kherson regions and were exerting pressure on the companies .
UNIAN memo .
In late December last year , upon a NABU request , the PGO reopened two two- and three-year-old cases against the Avangard company , which had been investigated by NABU and then closed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that two poultry factories had never been built .
The Avangard holding is one of the largest agricultural groups in Ukraine , whose companies specialize in the production of eggs and egg products .
The company is part of UkrLandFarming , Ukraine 's agricultural giant .
Avis and Chernobayivska poultry factories were fully launched in 2013 .
They have a total capacity of 11.2 million laying hens and a production capacity of 3.5 billion eggs a year .
The share of Avangard in the industrial production of eggs in Ukraine is 30 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 % .

The factories have been operating in Kherson and Khmelnytsky regions since 2013.
The Avangard agricultural holding is stunned over the allegations voiced by the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) and the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) claiming two poultry factories that are part of the holding don't exist. At the same time, the company still hopes for a reasonable settlement of such a misunderstanding.
It is about Eurasia's two largest full-cycle egg production complexes, namely Avis in Khmelnytsky region and Chernobaiyvska in Kherson region.
Director of Avis poultry complex Mykola Laktionov told UNIAN today the factory is fully operational as usual, with a 600-strong staff, including specialists with higher education, veterinarians, technologists, and engineers.
Видео дня
"Construction began in 2008, we launched the first industrial zone in 2009, and the construction was completed in 2013, that's when the factory started operating at full capacity. Today, Avis production facilities are a area where younger birds are held (2.63 million birds, including 5.2 million laying hens), with a design capacity of 1.6 billion eggs per year," he said.
Moreover, Laktionov says, no such production has been set up literally "from scratch"anywhere else – the company harvests its own grain and produces feed in its own mill to cover its needs.
Products from both Avangard factories are supplied to local supermarket chains, as well as for exports. The company received permits for egg supplies to 22 countries, including the UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and others.
According to Avis chief veterinarian Natalia Tkachuk, clinical examination of birds and vaccinations are carried out at the factory on a daily basis, while employees undergo strict sanitary control.
"We don't allow people unrelated to production to enterprise premises. The poultry factory works in closed mode, all employees work in overalls and fill out health form. We also use modern vaccines that develop lifelong immunity in chicks to prevent outbreaks of any disease," she said.
Employees believe the work of these factories is not only a question of food safety in Ukraine, but also a question of maintaining the economy of regions.
"Frankly speaking, we were stunned by the allegations voiced by some law enforcement agencies that these factories allegedly didn't exist, because they are one of the largest specialized production companies – not only in Ukraine but also in Eurasia. These enterprises are the basis of the country's food safety, filling the domestic market with quality products, as well as playing a key role in revitalizing regional economies. These are multi-million taxes and a good employer who pays decent salaries, enabling youths with specialized education to stay in Ukraine," Head of the Avangard's Public Relations Department Yevhen Manzhenko said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Avangard and UkrLandFarming Group of companies appealed to the president of Ukraine about the fact that NABU and the PGO failed to locate factories in Khmelnytsky and Kherson regions and were exerting pressure on the companies.
UNIAN memo. In late December last year, upon a NABU request, the PGO reopened two two- and three-year-old cases against the Avangard company, which had been investigated by NABU and then closed. In particular, law enforcement officials claimed that two poultry factories had never been built.
The Avangard holding is one of the largest agricultural groups in Ukraine, whose companies specialize in the production of eggs and egg products. The company is part of UkrLandFarming, Ukraine's agricultural giant.
Avis and Chernobayivska poultry factories were fully launched in 2013. They have a total capacity of 11.2 million laying hens and a production capacity of 3.5 billion eggs a year.
The share of Avangard in the industrial production of eggs in Ukraine is 30%, while dry egg products amount to 70%.


unian--2020-02-04--Unstable Hryvnia. Who profits from forex speculation?

Both in December and in January , Ukrainians have been closely watching the Ukrainian hryvnia rate fluctuations .
After all , prices of food products are getting higher , while salaries and pensions , unfortunately , are n't .
`` This is all bankers ' games as they 're making money on this , '' says economist Oleh Pendzin .
He recalls that the Ukrainian industry declined by 8.5 % in December on year , unemployment rose 15 % , while the hryvnia strengthened .
`` There can be no such situation in a normal economy , '' the expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial pyramid at the state level that has nothing to do with normality . ''
The financial pyramid reference relates to a massive sale of bonds to investors at an insane rate .
`` The year 2019 was a very successful one for the Ministry of Finance in raising funds to the budget through the placement of domestic loan bonds , '' says financial analyst Vasyl Nevmerzhitsky .
The year was a success for both the Treasury and the National Bank , officials brag .
But was the year successful for ordinary Ukrainians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hryvnia strengthening ?
In fact , it is too early to rejoice .
`` It was a very profitable tool for external speculators .
18 months ago , they decided to let ( I 'd say , ' a goat in the garden ' ) external speculators into the Ukrainian market of government bonds , '' said Oleksandr Savchenko , Rector of the International Business Institute .
The scheme works very simply .
The Ministry of Finance sells government bonds to foreign investors .
Non-residents come to Ukraine with their dollars , exchange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up government bonds .
For this , our country pays investors 12-18 % of non-taxable interest !
No other economy in the civilized world dares to resort to such a brazen scheme , experts say .
`` Today , the Germans issue their bonds at -0.5 % per annum .
We issue bonds at 12 % .
And at the beginning of last year we issued at 18 % .
Taking into account hryvnia strengthening , those who acquired bonds at 18 % had a yield of 30 % per annum last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' emphasizes Oleh Pendzin .
And this truly incredible and easy profit has been attracting foreign investors to Ukraine like a magnet , the authorities say .
Economists specify : they are not investors , but rather speculators .
`` We call them investors , but what kind of investors are they ?
Imagine that you need money , an investor comes to you and puts UAH 3 in your wallet , while taking away UAH 4 the same evening .
What is the point of such a transaction ?
But such transactions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasizes .
A lot of investors – a lot of dollars .
That is why the hryvnia strengthened at the end of the year .
`` The National Bank probably has some own reasons .
From my perspective as an economist , there was no reason for such strengthening of the hryvnia .
It was in direct detriment to the Ukrainian industry , Ukrainian exporters , and the whole Ukrainian economy , '' Oleh Pendzin is convinced .
Oleksandr Savchenko echoes his thoughts : `` The National Bank , which maintains such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Finance , which offers a very high interest rate on bonds , are both making a mistake here . ''
To non-residents and those standing behind them , this `` mistake '' brings crazy profits .
Meanwhile , many Ukrainians are facing losses .
Serhiy Baranovsky exports timber products to the EU .
He says the rate of UAH 28-29 would be okay for him .
`` And I am very sad about our hryvnia strengthening and in general , about these jumps .
This is very bad for business , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Europe Serhiy is paid for his goods in foreign currency .
The price had been negotiated at the rate of UAH 28 , while the revenues will have to be exchanged at UAH 24 already .
`` Ukrainian exporters lack money from exports , their export currency proceeds to pay for all their expenses in Ukraine .
Therefore , their exports slide , some businesses become unprofitable .
And in the end , if they are unprofitable , they will close , '' says Univer Investment Group President Taras Kozak .
Financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay off a considerable part of its external debt in U.S. dollars .
Therefore , it is necessary for this currency to flow into the country .
But the problems of our exporters , if not addressed , may soon affect each of us .
`` If the hryvnia keeps strengthening , this will result in a huge economic crisis in a certain time – six to twelve months .
A large number of enterprises will be shut down in Ukraine .
There will be no export earnings .
As a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAH 35-40 , maybe UAH 50 per dollar .
Therefore , strengthening the mane is dangerous , '' says Taras Kozak .
Economists stress the need to urgently reduce the bond rate .
Because it is not the external investors , but the country , that must profit .
`` What is a normal rate ?
This is the rate of inflation + about 1 percentage point .
Last year 's inflation rate was 4.1 % , so the rate in any normal economy should be at about 5 % , while in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was 18 % , '' Oleksandr Savchenko emphasizes .
Having enriched speculators with billions of Ukrainian hryvnias , the National Bank is now buying up dollars .
According to Oleh Penzin , the NBU has already purchased approximately $ 570-580 million since year-start .
That is , `` they are starting to do what they should have been doing throughout the past year . ''
Why is this happening now ?
According to Oleksandr Savchenko , this is because the regulator is anxious about `` all these speculators leaving Ukraine '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could buy dollars for the hryvnias they will have received as interest before they flee from Ukraine before the collapse '' .
Also , it should be recalled that in 2020 , Ukraine is expecting considerable payments on foreign currency debt .
`` The total is about $ 17 billion .
This is including interest accrued , '' reminds financial analyst Vasyl Nevmerzhytsky .
This means that today 's rate of UAH 25 per dollar is not the highest we will see this year .
However , economists emphasize : there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better to take care of how to save money when the rate is unstable .
`` Folk wisdom says : lay eggs in different baskets .
If one basket drops , there will still be eggs in another one .
The main thing is to make sure that your money is n't kept under your mattress or in some safe , or buried in the garden .
It is better to have your money work for you and bring you income .
After all , even if you spent all your savings to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , the purchasing power of that money is falling , '' reminds Taras Kozak , President of Univer Investment Group .
So it 's better to save money in three currencies in about the same proportions .
Part in euro , part in dollar , and part in hryvnia .
Of course , that 's if you have anything to save .

The hryvnia is back in the turbulence zone. The rate creeps up, but it's not easy to figure out whether it's a good or a bad thing. Experts ring the alarm. After all, in no way does the strong hryvnia as of year-end reflect the real situation in the Ukrainian economy.
Both in December and in January, Ukrainians have been closely watching the Ukrainian hryvnia rate fluctuations. After all, prices of food products are getting higher, while salaries and pensions, unfortunately, aren't.
"This is all bankers' games as they're making money on this," says economist Oleh Pendzin.
He recalls that the Ukrainian industry declined by 8.5% in December on year, unemployment rose 15%, while the hryvnia strengthened. "There can be no such situation in a normal economy," the expert assures. "We have built a financial pyramid at the state level that has nothing to do with normality."
Видео дня
The financial pyramid reference relates to a massive sale of bonds to investors at an insane rate. "The year 2019 was a very successful one for the Ministry of Finance in raising funds to the budget through the placement of domestic loan bonds," says financial analyst Vasyl Nevmerzhitsky.
The year was a success for both the Treasury and the National Bank, officials brag. But was the year successful for ordinary Ukrainians, who would also like to enjoy hryvnia strengthening?
In fact, it is too early to rejoice. "It was a very profitable tool for external speculators. 18 months ago, they decided to let (I'd say, 'a goat in the garden') external speculators into the Ukrainian market of government bonds," said Oleksandr Savchenko, Rector of the International Business Institute.
The scheme works very simply. The Ministry of Finance sells government bonds to foreign investors. Non-residents come to Ukraine with their dollars, exchange them here for hryvnias, and buy up government bonds. For this, our country pays investors 12-18% of non-taxable interest!
No other economy in the civilized world dares to resort to such a brazen scheme, experts say. "Today, the Germans issue their bonds at -0.5% per annum. We issue bonds at 12%. And at the beginning of last year we issued at 18%. Taking into account hryvnia strengthening, those who acquired bonds at 18% had a yield of 30% per annum last year! This is an incredible figure," emphasizes Oleh Pendzin.
And this truly incredible and easy profit has been attracting foreign investors to Ukraine like a magnet, the authorities say. Economists specify: they are not investors, but rather speculators. "We call them investors, but what kind of investors are they? Imagine that you need money, an investor comes to you and puts UAH 3 in your wallet, while taking away UAH 4 the same evening. What is the point of such a transaction? But such transactions are taking place," Oleksandr Savchenko emphasizes.
A lot of investors – a lot of dollars. That is why the hryvnia strengthened at the end of the year. "The National Bank probably has some own reasons. From my perspective as an economist, there was no reason for such strengthening of the hryvnia. It was in direct detriment to the Ukrainian industry, Ukrainian exporters, and the whole Ukrainian economy," Oleh Pendzin is convinced.
Oleksandr Savchenko echoes his thoughts: "The National Bank, which maintains such a high key rate, and the Ministry of Finance, which offers a very high interest rate on bonds, are both making a mistake here."
To non-residents and those standing behind them, this "mistake" brings crazy profits. Meanwhile, many Ukrainians are facing losses.
Serhiy Baranovsky exports timber products to the EU. He says the rate of UAH 28-29 would be okay for him. "And I am very sad about our hryvnia strengthening and in general, about these jumps. This is very bad for business," he says.
The fact is that in Europe Serhiy is paid for his goods in foreign currency. The price had been negotiated at the rate of UAH 28, while the revenues will have to be exchanged at UAH 24 already.
"Ukrainian exporters lack money from exports, their export currency proceeds to pay for all their expenses in Ukraine. Therefore, their exports slide, some businesses become unprofitable. And in the end, if they are unprofitable, they will close," says Univer Investment Group President Taras Kozak.
Financial analyst Vasyl Nevmerzhytsky reminds that Ukraine has to pay off a considerable part of its external debt in U.S. dollars.
Therefore, it is necessary for this currency to flow into the country. But the problems of our exporters, if not addressed, may soon affect each of us.
"If the hryvnia keeps strengthening, this will result in a huge economic crisis in a certain time – six to twelve months. A large number of enterprises will be shut down in Ukraine. There will be no export earnings. As a result, we will have a rate of UAH 35-40, maybe UAH 50 per dollar. Therefore, strengthening the mane is dangerous," says Taras Kozak.
Economists stress the need to urgently reduce the bond rate. Because it is not the external investors, but the country, that must profit. "What is a normal rate? This is the rate of inflation + about 1 percentage point. Last year's inflation rate was 4.1%, so the rate in any normal economy should be at about 5%, while in our country it's 13.5%, and it was 18%," Oleksandr Savchenko emphasizes.
Having enriched speculators with billions of Ukrainian hryvnias, the National Bank is now buying up dollars. According to Oleh Penzin, the NBU has already purchased approximately $570-580 million since year-start. That is, "they are starting to do what they should have been doing throughout the past year."
Why is this happening now? According to Oleksandr Savchenko, this is because the regulator is anxious about "all these speculators leaving Ukraine" because "they will be looking where they could buy dollars for the hryvnias they will have received as interest before they flee from Ukraine before the collapse".
Also, it should be recalled that in 2020, Ukraine is expecting considerable payments on foreign currency debt. "The total is about $17 billion. This is including interest accrued," reminds financial analyst Vasyl Nevmerzhytsky.
This means that today's rate of UAH 25 per dollar is not the highest we will see this year.
However, economists emphasize: there's no need to panic. It is better to take care of how to save money when the rate is unstable. "Folk wisdom says: lay eggs in different baskets. If one basket drops, there will still be eggs in another one. The main thing is to make sure that your money isn't kept under your mattress or in some safe, or buried in the garden. It is better to have your money work for you and bring you income. After all, even if you spent all your savings to buy foreign currency (dollars or euros), the purchasing power of that money is falling," reminds Taras Kozak, President of Univer Investment Group.
So it's better to save money in three currencies in about the same proportions. Part in euro, part in dollar, and part in hryvnia. Of course, that's if you have anything to save.
Ksenia Kostenko, Tatiana Stezhar


unian--2020-02-04--Including Crimea issue in Normandy format may drag "negotiating ship" to bottom – French envoy

The ambassador said France was striving to be pragmatic on the issue of the format of talks .
French Ambassador to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins has said the inclusion of the issue of Russian-occupied Crimea in the Normandy format of talks will pull the `` negotiation ship '' to the bottom .
In an interview with hromadske , the envoy said France was striving to be pragmatic on the issue of negotiation format .
`` Today we do n't see a format where we could effectively discuss this issue .
The inclusion of the Crimean issue in the Normandy format @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the issue will pull the entire ship to the bottom , '' de Poncins said .
`` At the moment , we prefer the opportunity to deal with the first component , namely the conflict in Donbas , where people are being killed for many years .
Let 's focus on this , on humanitarian issues , on opening new checkpoints , on de-escalation , etc .
When time comes for Crimea , we 'll see how we can address this , '' the ambassador said .
At the same time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in how many years it would be possible to return to the issue of Crimea .
`` I ca n't make predictions for 10 years or more .
Once again : let 's finish negotiations on Donbas , and as for Crimea , we 'll see , '' he added .

The ambassador said France was striving to be pragmatic on the issue of the format of talks.
French Ambassador to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins has said the inclusion of the issue of Russian-occupied Crimea in the Normandy format of talks will pull the "negotiation ship" to the bottom.
In an interview with hromadske, the envoy said France was striving to be pragmatic on the issue of negotiation format.
"Today we don't see a format where we could effectively discuss this issue. The inclusion of the Crimean issue in the Normandy format won't work. On the contrary, the issue will pull the entire ship to the bottom," de Poncins said.
Видео дня
Read alsoText of Minsk agreements requires clarification – French envoy
"At the moment, we prefer the opportunity to deal with the first component, namely the conflict in Donbas, where people are being killed for many years. Let's focus on this, on humanitarian issues, on opening new checkpoints, on de-escalation, etc. When time comes for Crimea, we'll see how we can address this," the ambassador said.
At the same time, he said he could not make predictions in how many years it would be possible to return to the issue of Crimea.
"I can't make predictions for 10 years or more. Once again: let's finish negotiations on Donbas, and as for Crimea, we'll see," he added.


unian--2020-02-04--Almost 20% of Russians want to leave country, number doubling in four years – poll

European countries are still among the most attractive immigration destinations , while the United States and Canada have become more popular over the past year .
Almost 20 % of Russians would like to leave the country , and the number of those wishing to emigrate has more than doubled in four years .
`` A total of 83 % of Russians say they would n't want to leave Russia , while 17 % of Russians consider moving to another country .
The number of those wishing to emigrate has more than doubled over the past four years , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survey carried out by the Russian Romir research holding , the largest Russian private holding company specializing in marketing , media and socio-economic research , an UNIAN correspondent in Russia reports .
Most often this was stated by youngest respondents , among whom the share of potential emigrants exceeds one third .
European countries are still among the most attractive immigration destinations , while the United States and Canada have become more popular over the past year .
Almost similar results were received in 2018 and 2015 , when 88 % and 92 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not like to move from Russia .
Negative dynamics have been observed on the issue for the fourth consecutive year .
However , the share of Russians who would like to move to another country , on the contrary , has more than doubled ( from 8 % to 17 % ) .
Read alsoRussians see U.S. , Ukraine as potential military threats – poll Russian youths ( 18-24 years old ) state their desire to leave Russia more often ( 36 % ) .
Among Russians over 60 years of age , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no more than 9 % .
In addition , it turned out that 59 % of potential emigrants ( the question was asked only to those who are thinking about changing their place of residence ) would prefer to move to one of the European countries , with Spain ( 8 % ) , Germany ( 8 % ) and Italy taking the lead ( 5 % ) .
A total of 16 % of respondents who are considering emigration would like to move to the United States and Canada , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share of such responses has increased from 13 % to 16 % over the year .
About 7 % of respondents consider moving to one of the Asian countries , 11 % of potential migrants would opt for other countries , including Australia and Brazil , while 7 % found the question difficult to answer .
The survey involved 1,500 respondents aged 18 years and older , living in all types of cities and in rural areas , in all federal districts of the Russian Federation .
The sample represents the adult population @

European countries are still among the most attractive immigration destinations, while the United States and Canada have become more popular over the past year.
Almost 20% of Russians would like to leave the country, and the number of those wishing to emigrate has more than doubled in four years.
"A total of 83% of Russians say they wouldn't want to leave Russia, while 17% of Russians consider moving to another country. The number of those wishing to emigrate has more than doubled over the past four years," as evidenced by the results of a survey carried out by the Russian Romir research holding, the largest Russian private holding company specializing in marketing, media and socio-economic research, an UNIAN correspondent in Russia reports.
Most often this was stated by youngest respondents, among whom the share of potential emigrants exceeds one third. European countries are still among the most attractive immigration destinations, while the United States and Canada have become more popular over the past year.
Видео дня
Almost similar results were received in 2018 and 2015, when 88% and 92% of respondents respectively said they would not like to move from Russia. Negative dynamics have been observed on the issue for the fourth consecutive year. However, the share of Russians who would like to move to another country, on the contrary, has more than doubled (from 8% to 17%).
Read alsoRussians see U.S., Ukraine as potential military threats – poll
Russian youths (18-24 years old) state their desire to leave Russia more often (36%). Among Russians over 60 years of age, the idea of emigration is supported by no more than 9%.
In addition, it turned out that 59% of potential emigrants (the question was asked only to those who are thinking about changing their place of residence) would prefer to move to one of the European countries, with Spain (8%), Germany (8%) and Italy taking the lead (5%).
A total of 16% of respondents who are considering emigration would like to move to the United States and Canada, while the majority still prefer the U.S. The share of such responses has increased from 13% to 16% over the year. About 7% of respondents consider moving to one of the Asian countries, 11% of potential migrants would opt for other countries, including Australia and Brazil, while 7% found the question difficult to answer.
The survey involved 1,500 respondents aged 18 years and older, living in all types of cities and in rural areas, in all federal districts of the Russian Federation. The sample represents the adult population.


unian--2020-02-04--Lviv Airport boosts passenger flow by 28.6% in Jan, to 163,400 people

The number of outbound and inbound flights rose by 6 % , to 1,347 .
Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport @ @ @ @ @ passenger flow by 28.6 % year-over-year , to 163,400 people .
The airport over the @ @ @ @ @ passengers flying on international routes and 20,000 people on domestic ones , the airport 's @ @ @ @ @ on February 1 .
The number of outbound and inbound flights rose by 6 % @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN reported earlier , Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport in 2019 boosted its passenger flow @ @ @ @ @ , to 2.217 million .
The airport is the largest in the west of Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ and destinations available .
In 2011 , the airport underwent reconstruction .
A new terminal @ @ @ @ @ 48,000 square meters was built , its runway was renovated .
The airport is designed @ @ @ @ @ A '' , `` B '' , `` C '' classes , as well as @ @ @ @ @ Boeing-767 ) .

Lviv Airport boosts passenger flow by 28.6% in Jan, to 163,400 people
12:20, 04.02.20 1798
The number of outbound and inbound flights rose by 6%, to 1,347.
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unian--2020-02-04--Text of Minsk agreements requires clarification – French envoy

According to the diplomat , this is especially relevant to the sequence of actions .
Ambassador of France to Ukraine , Etienne de Poncins , says certain provisions in the text of the Minsk Agreements , designed to peacefully resolve the Russia-provoked armed conflict in Donbas , require clarification and elaboration .
`` France 's position is very simple : today there 's no better base than the Minsk agreements .
Today there 's no better text that would allow advancing in conflict settlement .
We have not yet invented anything better than the Normandy diplomatic format of work – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , and Russia takes part , '' the ambassador said in an interview with the hromadske outlet .
`` At the same time , it is obvious that there are points in the text of the Minsk Agreements that are unclear , requiring clarification , elaboration , and detailing .
This is especially relevant to the sequence of actions .
The experts need to sit at the table and detail those points , '' de Poncins stressed .
At the same time , the diplomat says this does not mean that these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no other option than the Minsk agreements because they were signed by Ukraine , so they are the core .
These agreements need to be taken as a basis , and then there may be interpretations , '' the ambassador added .
He agrees that the circumstances for the signing of Minsk accords were far from perfect .
`` But if we seek to achieve peace , we must build on the existing foundation .
Let 's work with what we have , let 's be pragmatic and move forward .
Further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be possible to find clarifications and details of some points that will help implement the agreement , '' said de Poncins .
In addition , the diplomat emphasized that he prefers to use the term `` reintegration '' rather than `` de-occupation '' when it comes to restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine in Donbas .
He has added that France supports the idea of conflict settlement and the return of the affected areas of Donbas under Ukraine 's control .

According to the diplomat, this is especially relevant to the sequence of actions.
Ambassador of France to Ukraine, Etienne de Poncins, says certain provisions in the text of the Minsk Agreements, designed to peacefully resolve the Russia-provoked armed conflict in Donbas, require clarification and elaboration.
"France's position is very simple: today there's no better base than the Minsk agreements. Today there's no better text that would allow advancing in conflict settlement. We have not yet invented anything better than the Normandy diplomatic format of work – the format where France, Germany, Ukraine, and Russia takes part," the ambassador said in an interview with the hromadske outlet.
"At the same time, it is obvious that there are points in the text of the Minsk Agreements that are unclear, requiring clarification, elaboration, and detailing. This is especially relevant to the sequence of actions. The experts need to sit at the table and detail those points," de Poncins stressed .
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At the same time, the diplomat says this does not mean that these agreements should be abandoned.
"There is no other option than the Minsk agreements because they were signed by Ukraine, so they are the core. These agreements need to be taken as a basis, and then there may be interpretations," the ambassador added.
Read alsoTeam Zelensky eyes holding elections in Donbas late October
He agrees that the circumstances for the signing of Minsk accords were far from perfect.
"But if we seek to achieve peace, we must build on the existing foundation. Let's work with what we have, let's be pragmatic and move forward. Further, if both sides agree, it will be possible to find clarifications and details of some points that will help implement the agreement," said de Poncins.
In addition, the diplomat emphasized that he prefers to use the term "reintegration" rather than "de-occupation" when it comes to restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine in Donbas.
He has added that France supports the idea of conflict settlement and the return of the affected areas of Donbas under Ukraine's control.


unian--2020-02-04--Ukraine must be "covered" by avalanche of investments, both external and internal – Zelensky

The president noted Ukraine was currently showing a positive trend of sustainable economic growth and macroeconomic stability .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the reforms currently implemented by the Ukrainian authorities aim at a significant increase in foreign and domestic investment , as Ukraine is becoming a stable and clear market of potentially great opportunities .
Speaking at the Ukrainian-Turkish business forum in Kyiv , Zelensky noted the work undertaken by the two countries to create favorable conditions for business and investment was of great importance .
And now , he says , Ukraine is doing the `` homework @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expecting for almost 20 years , the president 's press service reported .
`` Today , we are implementing unprecedented reforms as quickly as possible .
We work 25 hours a day and eight days a week .
The elimination of administrative barriers , the expansion of the rights of economic entities , the digitization of state processes , the introduction of a transparent land market , the large-scale privatization and many other very important reforms are being implemented by us for the sole purpose : Ukraine must be `` covered '' by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and internal , '' the president said .
Read alsoUkraine 's president says Ukraine interested in supplies of Caspian gas via Turkey Zelensky noted Ukraine was currently demonstrating a positive trend of sustainable economic growth and macroeconomic stability , including an increase in GDP , a decrease in inflation , an increase in international reserves , an increase in the credit rating with a change in the forecast to `` stable '' and `` positive . ''
`` All these are eloquent signals to every current and potential future investor that Ukraine is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially great opportunities .
We are one of the few countries that allows you to earn such a high income on invested capital , '' Zelensky said .
The president also reminded that a transparent land market was being introduced in Ukraine , which would make the country more attractive for investment .
`` Although foreigners will not be able to buy land , they will be able to invest in agricultural processing , '' he explained .
Speaking to those who are hesitant about starting a new business or expanding the existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stage of getting oneself acquainted with information , drawing up perspective plans and preparatory work was already behind , and now it was time to act .
`` We live in the era of active action .
Indecision or short-sightedness create lost opportunities .
Do n't lose them and invest in Ukraine .
Not just in real estate , manufacturing or goods .
Invest in Ukrainians , and this will deliver incredible results .
I invite everyone to active cooperation in order to jointly create a new success story of our cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian president said .
For his part , President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Turkey considered the development of bilateral relations with Ukraine and strengthening of trade and economic cooperation very important .
He also expressed confidence that today 's business forum would provide new opportunities for its participants .

The president noted Ukraine was currently showing a positive trend of sustainable economic growth and macroeconomic stability.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the reforms currently implemented by the Ukrainian authorities aim at a significant increase in foreign and domestic investment, as Ukraine is becoming a stable and clear market of potentially great opportunities.
Speaking at the Ukrainian-Turkish business forum in Kyiv, Zelensky noted the work undertaken by the two countries to create favorable conditions for business and investment was of great importance. And now, he says, Ukraine is doing the "homework" that citizens and investors have been expecting for almost 20 years, the president's press service reported.
"Today, we are implementing unprecedented reforms as quickly as possible. We work 25 hours a day and eight days a week. The elimination of administrative barriers, the expansion of the rights of economic entities, the digitization of state processes, the introduction of a transparent land market, the large-scale privatization and many other very important reforms are being implemented by us for the sole purpose: Ukraine must be "covered" by an avalanche of investments – both external and internal," the president said.
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Read alsoUkraine's president says Ukraine interested in supplies of Caspian gas via Turkey
Zelensky noted Ukraine was currently demonstrating a positive trend of sustainable economic growth and macroeconomic stability, including an increase in GDP, a decrease in inflation, an increase in international reserves, an increase in the credit rating with a change in the forecast to "stable" and "positive."
"All these are eloquent signals to every current and potential future investor that Ukraine is becoming a stable and clear market of potentially great opportunities. We are one of the few countries that allows you to earn such a high income on invested capital," Zelensky said.
The president also reminded that a transparent land market was being introduced in Ukraine, which would make the country more attractive for investment. "Although foreigners will not be able to buy land, they will be able to invest in agricultural processing," he explained.
Speaking to those who are hesitant about starting a new business or expanding the existing business in Ukraine, Zelensky stressed that the stage of getting oneself acquainted with information, drawing up perspective plans and preparatory work was already behind, and now it was time to act.
"We live in the era of active action. Indecision or short-sightedness create lost opportunities. Don't lose them and invest in Ukraine. Not just in real estate, manufacturing or goods. Invest in Ukrainians, and this will deliver incredible results. I invite everyone to active cooperation in order to jointly create a new success story of our cooperation, cooperation of our countries," the Ukrainian president said.
For his part, President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Turkey considered the development of bilateral relations with Ukraine and strengthening of trade and economic cooperation very important. He also expressed confidence that today's business forum would provide new opportunities for its participants.


unian--2020-02-04--NBU weakens official hryvnia to UAH 25.08 to U.S. dollar on Feb 4

The official forex rate against the euro for Tuesday is fixed at UAH 27.75 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) on February 3 set the official forex rate for Tuesday , February 4 , at UAH 25.08 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency weaken by five kopiykas .
The hryvnia is falling against the dollar for the sixth day in a row after it weakened by 27 kopiykas on Monday , January 27 , according to the NBU website .
The official forex rate against the euro for Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – the hryvnia lost nine kopiykas in value since Monday .
Read alsoUkraine 's central bank waiting for Naftogaz to sell Gazprom 's US $ 3 bln on interbank market As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ukrainian hryvnia in December 2019 weakened by 5.7 % against the U.S. dollar , to UAH 25.03 , and by 4.7 % against the euro , to UAH 27.66 per euro .
Ukraine 's national currency in 2019 strengthened against the U.S. dollar by 14.5 % , to UAH 23.69 and against the euro by 16.7 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's historical low against the U.S. dollar was registered at UAH 30.01 in February 2015 .

NBU weakens official hryvnia to UAH 25.08 to U.S. dollar on Feb 4
11:20, 04.02.20 2201
The official forex rate against the euro for Tuesday is fixed at UAH 27.75 per euro.
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unian--2020-02-04--Two Ukrainian soldiers wounded amid 12 enemy attacks on Feb 3

Since Tuesday midnight , Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on February 3 @ @ @ @ @ army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with two Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded @ @ @ @ @ armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 12 times on February 3 .
@ @ @ @ @ in enemy shelling , '' the press center of the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said @ @ @ @ @ update on February 4 .
Read alsoSBU busts ex- '' DPR '' militant six years @ @ @ @ @ list The enemy opened fire , employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars , grenade launchers @ @ @ @ @ machine guns , and rifles .
Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the town of @ @ @ @ @ of Pavlopil , Opytne , Pisky , Novotoshkivske , Orikhove , and Novoluhanske .
Since @ @ @ @ @ have been observing the ceasefire .
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops on Tuesday @ @ @

Since Tuesday midnight, Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire.
Russia's hybrid military forces on February 3 mounted 12 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with two Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action.
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 12 times on February 3. Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in enemy shelling," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on February 4.
Read alsoSBU busts ex-"DPR" militant six years after putting him on wanted list
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The enemy opened fire, employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and rifles.
Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the town of Avdiyivka, and the villages of Pavlopil, Opytne, Pisky, Novotoshkivske, Orikhove, and Novoluhanske.
Since Tuesday midnight, Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire.
No casualties were reported among Ukrainian troops on Tuesday so far.


unian--2020-02-04--Ukraine to look into Gülen's organization cells in its territory, Erdogan says

The exiled Islamic scholar has long been outlawed in Turkey .
Ukraine and Turkey have agreed to jointly fight with the organization of Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen , whom Turkish authorities suspect of setting up a coup d'état on July 15 , 2016 , President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv February 3 .
`` We discussed security issues and the fight against the FETO terrorist organization [ associated with Fethullah Gülen who has been living in the USA ] .
We reached an accord and saw that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need , '' Erdogan said , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
In turn , Zelensky noted that during the negotiations , much time was devoted to banning Gülen 's organization , to which some educational institutions operating in Ukraine are related .
`` We spoke in great detail .
I know that this issue had already been on the agenda between Ukraine and Turkey .
For many years it had been stalled .
Today I received from President Erdogan very detailed , I 'd say , some very detailed facts .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surnames were voiced .
I have already forwarded all this information to our Security Service chief , who has to deal with the issue , '' Zelensky said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on June 15 , 2016 , a group of Turkish military said they had taken `` full '' power in their hands and declared martial law and curfew .
In response to coup d'état , President Erdogan urged citizens to take to the streets and resist the attempt/ According to various sources , from 248 to 268 people died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foiled , Erdogan named Fethullah Gülen , his longtime opponent , the main conspirator behind the plot .
Meanwhile , Gülen , who has has been living in the U.S. in exile , categorically denies any involvement .
Turkish authorities demand that the U.S. extradite the man they suspect of leading a terrorist organization .

The exiled Islamic scholar has long been outlawed in Turkey.
Ukraine and Turkey have agreed to jointly fight with the organization of Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, whom Turkish authorities suspect of setting up a coup d'état on July 15, 2016, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv February 3.
"We discussed security issues and the fight against the FETO terrorist organization [associated with Fethullah Gülen who has been living in the USA]. We reached an accord and saw that our opinions completely coincide regarding such a need," Erdogan said, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
In turn, Zelensky noted that during the negotiations, much time was devoted to banning Gülen's organization, to which some educational institutions operating in Ukraine are related.
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Read alsoUkraine, Turkey sign framework agreement on cooperation in defense sector
"We spoke in great detail. I know that this issue had already been on the agenda between Ukraine and Turkey. For many years it had been stalled. Today I received from President Erdogan very detailed, I'd say, some very detailed facts. I'll even tell you frankly – various surnames were voiced. I have already forwarded all this information to our Security Service chief, who has to deal with the issue," Zelensky said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on June 15, 2016, a group of Turkish military said they had taken "full" power in their hands and declared martial law and curfew.
In response to coup d'état, President Erdogan urged citizens to take to the streets and resist the attempt/ According to various sources, from 248 to 268 people died in clashes.
After the coup was foiled, Erdogan named Fethullah Gülen, his longtime opponent, the main conspirator behind the plot.
Meanwhile, Gülen, who has has been living in the U.S. in exile, categorically denies any involvement.
Turkish authorities demand that the U.S. extradite the man they suspect of leading a terrorist organization.


unian--2020-02-04--Record 75 mln tonnes of grain collected in Ukraine in 2019

Of the total amount , maize took up 35.8 million tonnes .
Ukraine has harvested a record grain crop in 2019 at 75.08 million tonnes , the State Statistics Service said , confirming data provided by the Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture .
The gross grain harvest exceeded the previous year 's figures by 7.2 % , while the average yield stood at 49.1 c/ha against 47.4 c/ha in the previous year .
Farmers harvested 28.3 million tonnes ( + 15 % ) of wheat , 35.8 million tonnes ( + 0.1 % ) of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ + 21.2 % ) of barley .
Read alsoUkraine exports almost 36.3 mln tonnes of grain since July 1 At the same time , the gross harvest of oats amounted to 0.3 million tonnes ( + 0.8 % ) , rye – to 0.3 million tonnes ( -15 % ) , buckwheat – to 0.1 million tonnes ( -37.9 % ) , legumes – to 0.7 million tonnes ( -25.5 % ) , and peas - to 0.6 million tonnes ( -26.2 % ) .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ministry for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agriculture said the 2019 harvest in Ukraine was 75.1 million tonnes , which is 4 million tonnes over the figure reported for 2018 .
It is expected that 54 million tonnes of the 2019 crop will be exported to foreign markets .

Record 75 mln tonnes of grain collected in Ukraine in 2019
10:20, 04.02.20 1204
Of the total amount, maize took up 35.8 million tonnes.
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unian--2020-02-04--Ukraine's president says Ukraine interested in supplies of Caspian gas via Turkey

The Ukrainian leader sees the diversification of energy supplies as a priority .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is @ @ @ @ @ Caspian gas via Turkey .
`` The issues of diversifying energy supplies are important to @ @ @ @ @ following a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Kyiv on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ the possibility of transporting Caspian gas by the TANAP pipeline through the relevant connectors to @ @ @ @ @ wants trade with Turkey to skyrocket to US $ 10 bln As UNIAN reported earlier @ @ @ @ @ gas imports by 34.4 % , to 14 billion cubic meters ( bcm ) .
@ @ @ @ @ 12 months of 2019 , Ukraine imported 9.15 bcm of gas through the Slovak gas @ @ @ @ @ as bought 1.4 bcm from Poland and 3.67 bcm from Hungary , respectively .

The Ukrainian leader sees the diversification of energy supplies as a priority.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is interested in the supplies of Caspian gas via Turkey.
"The issues of diversifying energy supplies are important to us," he said following a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Kyiv on Monday. "We've have discussed the possibility of transporting Caspian gas by the TANAP pipeline through the relevant connectors to Ukraine."
Read alsoZelensky wants trade with Turkey to skyrocket to US$10 bln
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As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine in 2019 increased gas imports by 34.4%, to 14 billion cubic meters (bcm). In particular, in the 12 months of 2019, Ukraine imported 9.15 bcm of gas through the Slovak gas transport corridor, as well as bought 1.4 bcm from Poland and 3.67 bcm from Hungary, respectively.


unian--2020-02-04--Ukraine, Turkey sign framework agreement on cooperation in defense sector

The Ukrainian side hopes for further cooperation to step up security in the Black Sea region .
Ukraine and Turkey have signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the defense sector .
The document was signed by Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk and Turkish Minister of Finance and Treasury Berat Albayrak after talks between the two countries ' delegations in Kyiv on Monday , February 3 , which were chaired by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan , Ukraine 's Defense Ministry said on its website .
The agreement is to facilitate cooperation between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis of reciprocity , as it forms legal grounds for expanding of Ukrainian-Turkish defense cooperation , the ministry said .
Zagorodnyuk , in particular , emphasized that cooperation in the defense-industrial and military spheres between Ukraine and Turkey is based on friendly relations , constructive dialogue , mutual respect and is an important component of strategic partnership between the states .
`` Cooperation in the field of armaments and military equipment is one of the key elements of the development of both countries ' defense capabilities , '' he said .
Read alsoTurkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine – Zelensky He thanked the Turkish side for comprehensive assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine .
`` This concerns the issues of rehabilitation of Ukrainian servicemen and their families .
Since 2016 , some 800 Ukrainians have been rehabilitated on a free basis in Turkey , '' he said .
He also said that Ukraine hopes for further cooperation to step up security in the region .
`` We are looking forward to developing cooperation to step up security in the region by exchanging information on the naval situation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as enhancing air defense capabilities through joint participation in the NATO Air Situational Data Exchange Program with the Armed Forces of the Turkish Republic , '' he said .
A visit of the delegation of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and representatives of defense industry enterprises to Turkey is planned soon , he said .
`` In March , we will have the honor of receiving the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkey with an official visit to Kyiv , where we will discuss the first steps towards the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed ] agreement , '' he added .

The Ukrainian side hopes for further cooperation to step up security in the Black Sea region.
Ukraine and Turkey have signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the defense sector.
The document was signed by Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk and Turkish Minister of Finance and Treasury Berat Albayrak after talks between the two countries' delegations in Kyiv on Monday, February 3, which were chaired by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ukraine's Defense Ministry said on its website.
The agreement is to facilitate cooperation between the countries in the defense sphere on the basis of reciprocity, as it forms legal grounds for expanding of Ukrainian-Turkish defense cooperation, the ministry said.
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Zagorodnyuk, in particular, emphasized that cooperation in the defense-industrial and military spheres between Ukraine and Turkey is based on friendly relations, constructive dialogue, mutual respect and is an important component of strategic partnership between the states.
"Cooperation in the field of armaments and military equipment is one of the key elements of the development of both countries' defense capabilities," he said.
Read alsoTurkey to provide financial support to Armed Forces of Ukraine – Zelensky
He thanked the Turkish side for comprehensive assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "This concerns the issues of rehabilitation of Ukrainian servicemen and their families. Since 2016, some 800 Ukrainians have been rehabilitated on a free basis in Turkey," he said.
He also said that Ukraine hopes for further cooperation to step up security in the region.
"We are looking forward to developing cooperation to step up security in the region by exchanging information on the naval situation in the Black Sea region, as well as enhancing air defense capabilities through joint participation in the NATO Air Situational Data Exchange Program with the Armed Forces of the Turkish Republic," he said.
A visit of the delegation of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and representatives of defense industry enterprises to Turkey is planned soon, he said.
"In March, we will have the honor of receiving the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkey with an official visit to Kyiv, where we will discuss the first steps towards the practical implementation of provisions of the [signed] agreement," he added.