unian--2020-06-16--Reuters: Oil prices drop as rise in coronavirus cases stokes fuel demand fears

Hopes of more cuts in oil supplies by major producers also helped prevent steeper price drops , analysts said .
Oil prices slid on Tuesday on lingering concerns over the threat to fuel demand from the resurgence of new coronavirus infections around the world , though hopes for further cuts in crude supplies stemmed losses .
Brent crude LCOc1 fell 20 cents , or 0.5 % , at $ 39.52 a barrel by 0424 GMT , having gained 2.6 % on Monday .
U.S. oil CLc1 dropped 21 cents , or nearly 0.6 % , to $ 36.91 a barrel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous session , as reported by Reuters .
Coronavirus cases rose to more than 8 million worldwide by Monday , with infections surging in Latin America , while the United States and China are dealing with fresh outbreaks .
But some observers said they did n't expect to see any return to the stringent lockdowns seen at the start of the year .
Hopes of more cuts in oil supplies by major producers also helped prevent steeper price drops , analysts said .
Prices rose on Monday after the United Arab Emirates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producers - members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ) and allies including Russia - that have not been in full compliance with previously agreed cuts would up their game .

Hopes of more cuts in oil supplies by major producers also helped prevent steeper price drops, analysts said.
Oil prices slid on Tuesday on lingering concerns over the threat to fuel demand from the resurgence of new coronavirus infections around the world, though hopes for further cuts in crude supplies stemmed losses.
Brent crude LCOc1 fell 20 cents, or 0.5%, at $39.52 a barrel by 0424 GMT, having gained 2.6% on Monday. U.S. oil CLc1 dropped 21 cents, or nearly 0.6%, to $36.91 a barrel, after closing 2.4% higher in the previous session, as reported by Reuters.
Read alsoReuters: Oil drops as new coronavirus outbreaks raise fuel demand concerns
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Coronavirus cases rose to more than 8 million worldwide by Monday, with infections surging in Latin America, while the United States and China are dealing with fresh outbreaks. But some observers said they didn't expect to see any return to the stringent lockdowns seen at the start of the year.
Hopes of more cuts in oil supplies by major producers also helped prevent steeper price drops, analysts said.
Prices rose on Monday after the United Arab Emirates' energy minister expressed confidence that OPEC+ producers - members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia - that have not been in full compliance with previously agreed cuts would up their game.


unian--2020-06-16--Diaspora youths urge EU to prolong, strengthen Russia sanctions

There is high probability though that the issue of lifting sanctions off Russia will be raised during these discussions , the young activists warn .
The World Congress of Ukrainian Youth Organizations ( SKUMO ) members say they are `` deeply outraged '' by Kremlin 's attempts to exploit the ongoing global crisis to force EU leaders to weaken and even lift international political and economic sanctions .
The EU summit on June 19 is set to see European heads of state and government make a political decision to extend for another six months economic sectoral restrictive measures earlier imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing aggression against Ukraine , diaspora youths wrote in a statement .
`` There is high probability though that the issue of lifting sanctions off Russia will be raised during these discussions , '' the organization warns .
Earlier , activists with the Patriots of Ukraine Worldwide Movement appealed to EU leaders to refrain from easing political and economic pressure on Russia to coerce the aggressor state `` to stop the war , withdraw from Ukraine , and stop meddling in internal affairs of sovereign states ( including in democratic elections ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law '' .
The World Congress of Ukrainian Youth Organizations says it supports the said appeal , calling on diaspora youths worldwide to join international action against Russian aggression '' When Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine around the world protest against Russia , the youth of the Ukrainian diaspora can not stand aside , '' the statement reads .

There is high probability though that the issue of lifting sanctions off Russia will be raised during these discussions, the young activists warn.
The World Congress of Ukrainian Youth Organizations (SKUMO) members say they are "deeply outraged" by the Kremlin's attempts to exploit the ongoing global crisis to force EU leaders to weaken and even lift international political and economic sanctions.
The EU summit on June 19 is set to see European heads of state and government make a political decision to extend for another six months economic sectoral restrictive measures earlier imposed on Russia in response to Moscow's ongoing aggression against Ukraine, diaspora youths wrote in a statement.
"There is high probability though that the issue of lifting sanctions off Russia will be raised during these discussions," the organization warns.
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Read alsoRFE/RL: Top EU officials rule out sanctions relief for Russia
Earlier, activists with the Patriots of Ukraine Worldwide Movement appealed to EU leaders to refrain from easing political and economic pressure on Russia to coerce the aggressor state "to stop the war, withdraw from Ukraine, and stop meddling in internal affairs of sovereign states (including in democratic elections), as well as restore respect for international law."
The World Congress of Ukrainian Youth Organizations says it supports the said appeal, calling on diaspora youths worldwide to join international action against Russian aggression
"When Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine around the world protest against Russia, the youth of the Ukrainian diaspora cannot stand aside," the statement reads.


unian--2020-06-16--Ukrainian warship captain exposed as turncoat working for Russia

Planning to resign and move to the occupied Crimea , he had secretly acquired Russian citizenship before starting gathering intelligence to be handed over to Russians .
Military counterintelligence operatives with the SBU Security Service of Ukraine prevented a leak to Russian intelligence of classified information related to combat readiness of Ukraine 's Naval forces .
That 's according to the SBU press center .
`` A warship commander , without permission of his command , had left for the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , where he began cooperation with the Russian special services and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rank 2 captain returned to his base where he started t covertly gathering classified data to hand it over to Russian intelligence , '' the report said .
Read alsoSBU charges members of `` Sapfir '' group with encroachment on national security The investigation established that the defendant intended to transfer the intelligence gathered to foreign handlers after moving for permanent residence on the annexed peninsula .
To this end , he was planning to shortly resign from the Armed Forces of Ukraine .
`` A criminal proceeding has been launched .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the SBU said .

Planning to resign and move to the occupied Crimea, he had secretly acquired Russian citizenship before starting gathering intelligence to be handed over to Russians.
Military counterintelligence operatives with the SBU Security Service of Ukraine prevented a leak to Russian intelligence of classified information related to combat readiness of Ukraine's Naval forces.
That's according to the SBU press center.
"A warship commander, without permission of his command, had left for the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, where he began cooperation with the Russian special services and acquired Russian citizenship. After that, the rank 2 captain returned to his base where he started t covertly gathering classified data to hand it over to Russian intelligence," the report said.
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Read alsoSBU charges members of "Sapfir" group with encroachment on national security
The investigation established that the defendant intended to transfer the intelligence gathered to foreign handlers after moving for permanent residence on the annexed peninsula. To this end, he was planning to shortly resign from the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"A criminal proceeding has been launched. Classified data carriers have been seized," the SBU said.


unian--2020-06-16--Ukrainian diplomats praise language move by McDonald's

The company stressed that the Ukrainian language is a priority in communication with customers .
Ukrainian Embassy in the United States praised the recent step by McDonald 's Ukrainian office to leave Ukrainian and English the only two languages available for electronic orders , which sparked criticism among some Russian speakers , while other Ukrainians who speak Russian in everyday life have welcomed the move .
`` We totally understand @ McDonalds , names of food in Ukrainian sound much yummier , '' Ukrainian Embassy tweeted .
`` Many thanks to the company for their firm position regarding Ukrainian language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores in Ukraine , '' diplomats wrote .
`` Now we can say : 'Learn Ukrainian with McDonald 's , '' the tweet concludes .
In a comment to BBC News Ukraine , the company 's press service said : `` According to the language legislation , McDonald 's in Ukraine has Ukrainian as the main language of communication .
All official paperwork , advertising , communication on social networks , information on the site and in the consumer 's corner is in the state language . ''
Read alsoUkrainian language stripped of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ republic '' – rights watchdog The company stressed that the Ukrainian language is a priority in communication with customers .
`` However , our staff are ready to switch to Russian if asked to do so , '' the company said .

The company stressed that the Ukrainian language is a priority in communication with customers.
Ukrainian Embassy in the United States praised the recent step by McDonald's Ukrainian office to leave Ukrainian and English the only two languages available for electronic orders, which sparked criticism among some Russian speakers, while other Ukrainians who speak Russian in everyday life have welcomed the move.
We totally understand @McDonalds, names of food in Ukrainian sound much yummier 😋
Many thanks to the company for their firm position regarding Ukrainian language in the menus of McDonald’s stores in Ukraine.
Now we can say: “Learn Ukrainian with McDonald’s”😁💪 pic.twitter.com/jOXUdLQ5kQ — UKR Embassy in USA (@UKRintheUSA) June 16, 2020
"We totally understand @McDonalds, names of food in Ukrainian sound much yummier," Ukrainian Embassy tweeted.
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"Many thanks to the company for their firm position regarding Ukrainian language in the menus of McDonald’s stores in Ukraine," diplomats wrote.
"Now we can say: 'Learn Ukrainian with McDonald's," the tweet concludes.
In a comment to BBC News Ukraine, the company's press service said: "According to the language legislation, McDonald's in Ukraine has Ukrainian as the main language of communication. All official paperwork, advertising, communication on social networks, information on the site and in the consumer's corner is in the state language."
Read alsoUkrainian language stripped of official status in Russian proxy Donbas "republic" – rights watchdog
The company stressed that the Ukrainian language is a priority in communication with customers.
"However, our staff are ready to switch to Russian if asked to do so," the company said.


unian--2020-06-16--Chief anti-corruption prosecutor could be suspended pending disciplinary probe

The Office of the Prosecutor General launched the proceeding upon the complaint by its General Inspectorate head .
Deputy Prosecutor General , who heads the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office ( SAPO ) , Nazar Kholodnytsky , could be suspended pending a disciplinary investigation , according to a document Kholodnytsky published on Facebook .
The document says that disciplinary proceedings have been launched against him following the complaint filed by the head of the OPG General Inspectorate , Serhiy Lisachenko .
Another document published by Kholodnytsky says that the HR Commission considering disciplinary complaints will convene for a meeting at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspending the SAPO chief pending the disciplinary proceeding .
Read alsoSAPO chief Kholodnytsky says he still unaware of materials of probe into his activities Commenting on the documents received , Kholodnytsky commented : `` Well ... Well , maybe at least tomorrow I 'll find out the essence [ of disciplinary proceedings and complaint ] and why everything is being kept in such a secret . ''
Earlier , UNIAN reported that Kholodnytsky was unaware of allegations put forward against him by the prosecutor general .
On May 29 , MP Geo Leros @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` digging '' to find dirt on Kholodnytsky .
Venediktova , in turn , said that a number of internal investigations had confirmed wrongdoings in Kholodnytsky 's work .
She did not elaborate on the essence of alleged violations .

The Office of the Prosecutor General launched the proceeding upon the complaint by its General Inspectorate head.
Deputy Prosecutor General, who heads the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), Nazar Kholodnytsky, could be suspended pending a disciplinary investigation, according to a document Kholodnytsky published on Facebook.
The document says that disciplinary proceedings have been launched against him following the complaint filed by the head of the OPG General Inspectorate, Serhiy Lisachenko.
Another document published by Kholodnytsky says that the HR Commission considering disciplinary complaints will convene for a meeting at 10:00 on June 17 to decide on suspending the SAPO chief pending the disciplinary proceeding.
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Read alsoSAPO chief Kholodnytsky says he still unaware of materials of probe into his activities
Commenting on the documents received, Kholodnytsky commented: "Well... Well, maybe at least tomorrow I'll find out the essence [of disciplinary proceedings and complaint] and why everything is being kept in such a secret."
Earlier, UNIAN reported that Kholodnytsky was unaware of allegations put forward against him by the prosecutor general.
On May 29, MP Geo Leros reported that Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova started "digging" to find dirt on Kholodnytsky. Venediktova, in turn, said that a number of internal investigations had confirmed wrongdoings in Kholodnytsky's work. She did not elaborate on the essence of alleged violations.


unian--2020-06-16--Ukraine could harvest over 68 mln tonnes of grains, legumes – forecast

According to the May outlook , the harvest will stand at 65-68 million tonnes .
The Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture predicts that the harvest of grain and leguminous crops in Ukraine this year may exceed 68 million tonnes , while that of oilseeds could amount to 20 million tonnes .
`` The latest grain forecast is over 68 million tonnes , plus 20 million tonnes of oilseeds , including sunflower , soybean , rapeseed , as well as 9 million tonnes of sugar beets , 20 million tonnes of potatoes , and 9 million tonnes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , speaking at a briefing on the first 100 days in office of Denys Shmyhal 's government .
Petrashko noted that the ministry has slightly adjusted its forecasts for grain crops , as weather conditions have recently improved in Ukraine .
However , Ukraine is unlikely to repeat last year 's record , he added .
`` Last year it was 78 million tonnes .
We do n't think there will be such volumes , '' the minister said .
Read alsoUkraine expects record high yield of maize due to rains in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to be adjusted for the difference between last year 's crop and the current one .
At the same time , he pointed out that the ministry is actively cooperating with exporters in the framework of the memorandum in order not to affect Ukraine 's own food security .
`` Regarding transitional residues , as we promised , by the end of June we should have 1.5 million tonnes of wheat .
We are about to achieve this volume , which provides more than enough food wheat to ensure security , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , in May the Ministry of Economy predicted that the harvest of grain and leguminous crops in Ukraine this year will stand at 65-68 million tonnes , which is 10 % lower than last year .

Ukraine could harvest over 68 mln tonnes of grains, legumes – forecast
21:50, 16.06.20 577
According to the May outlook, the harvest will stand at 65-68 million tonnes.
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unian--2020-06-16--Ukraine should not introduce second level of pension system – ILO

As other countries ' experience shows , the financial sector was the only one to have benefited from the reform .
National Coordinator at the International Labor Organization ( ILO ) in Ukraine , Serhiy Savchuk , says the compulsory accumulation of pensions , i.e .
the second level of the pension system , or as it is also called `` privatization of pensions '' , has several drawbacks .
As other countries ' experience shows , the financial sector was the only one to have benefited from the reform , he told the Ukrainian TV Channel 24 .
Savchuk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pension system began in some countries of Latin America in the 1980s .
Chile was a pioneer .
Peru , Argentina , Colombia and others joined in later .
Another 14 countries of Central and Eastern Europe , as well as Central Asia , joined the implementation of the second level after the collapse of the USSR .
As of 2018 , 18 out of these 30 countries canceled the pension system privatization .
`` Neither the then nor the future pensioners saw declared benefits from the introduction of the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the government onto individuals , '' Savchuk said .
The expert cites consequences of full or partial privatization of pensions : the level of coverage has not increased , that is , it either remained the same or decreased , while the amount of pension payments dropped .
Both gender inequality and income inequality expanded ; the costs were significant of transferring control to private funds in the secondary system .
Also , insured persons who wanted to move from one private fund to another were forced to incur exorbitant costs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very pension funds are incomparably higher than those of the state pension fund .
Also , there was a loss of government leverage .
The transfer of regulatory and supervisory functions has been transferred to private pension funds .
According to the expert , there is no reason to expect that the introduction of the second level in Ukraine will bring another , better result based on the analyzed data from these countries .
On the other hand , all the negative consequences seen in the said countries could become a reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have privatized pension systems in Latin America are : Chile , Peru , Argentina , Colombia , Uruguay , Bolivia , Mexico and Venezuela , El , Nicaragua , Costa Rica and Ecuador , Dominican Republic , Panama ; in Eastern Europe and the former USSR : Hungary , Kazakhstan , Croatia , Poland , Latvia , Bulgaria , Estonia , Russia , Lithuania , Romania , Slovakia , Macedonia , Czech Republic , Armenia ; in Africa : Nigeria and Ghana .

Ukraine should not introduce second level of pension system – ILO
20:30, 16.06.20 1667
As other countries' experience shows, the financial sector was the only one to have benefited from the reform.
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unian--2020-06-16--Rada passes legislation to support culture, creative industries, tourism

The said sectors are among those that suffered the most from the coronavirus lockdown .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , has passed Bill No .
3377 to amend certain legislative acts for state support of culture , creative industries , tourism , as well as small- and medium-sized businesses over the restrictive measures related to the spread of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
The draft law passed second reading on May 16 , having been backed by 343 MPs with at least 226 votes required , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Main provisions of the draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fees at the request of a tenant ( cultural institution ) engaged in commercial activity using said property for the period when such property could not be used for such activity , the explanatory note said .
Television and radio organizations and program service providers using radio frequencies are also temporarily exempted from paying 50 % of the cost of services by the Broadcasting , Radio Communication and Television Concern pending the quarantine period and until December 31 , 2020 .
Moreover , additional opportunities have been provided for radio operations through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advertising .
The bill , among other things , proposes introducing institutional support for legal entities engaged in culture and art to ensure their stable operation , including under the conditions of business restrictions introduced in keeping with the law due to an emergency or state of emergency .
Also , the draft law envisages the state support for cinematography in the form a state subsidy for the development of film projects in the amount of up to 100 % of their total estimated cost .
It is noted that business entities engaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourism might post from UAH 5.8 billion to 8.7 billion ( US $ 216 million – US $ 324 million ) in losses within the period from March 16 to May 1 , 2020 .

The said sectors are among those that suffered the most from the coronavirus lockdown.
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has passed Bill No. 3377 to amend certain legislative acts for state support of culture, creative industries, tourism, as well as small- and medium-sized businesses over the restrictive measures related to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The draft law passed second reading on May 16, having been backed by 343 MPs with at least 226 votes required, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Main provisions of the draft law include a decrease in property rent fees at the request of a tenant (cultural institution) engaged in commercial activity using said property for the period when such property could not be used for such activity, the explanatory note said.
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Television and radio organizations and program service providers using radio frequencies are also temporarily exempted from paying 50% of the cost of services by the Broadcasting, Radio Communication and Television Concern pending the quarantine period and until December 31, 2020.
Read alsoUkraine's Rada votes for new culture minister's appointment
Moreover, additional opportunities have been provided for radio operations through the amendments to the law of Ukraine on advertising.
The bill, among other things, proposes introducing institutional support for legal entities engaged in culture and art to ensure their stable operation, including under the conditions of business restrictions introduced in keeping with the law due to an emergency or state of emergency.
Also, the draft law envisages the state support for cinematography in the form a state subsidy for the development of film projects in the amount of up to 100% of their total estimated cost.
It is noted that business entities engaged in culture, creative industries, and tourism might post from UAH 5.8 billion to 8.7 billion (US$216 million – US$324 million) in losses within the period from March 16 to May 1, 2020.


unian--2020-06-16--Ukraine one of world's most mined countries – MP

This affects lives of some 2 million people in Donbas , also posing a threat to civilian infrastructure .
Ukrainian Member of Parliament with the Servant of the People Party , Member the National Security , Defense and Intelligence Committee , Iryna Vereshchuk , says Ukraine is one of the world 's most mined countries .
`` Today , Ukraine is one of the most mined countries globally .
According to preliminary estimates , since the start of Russian aggression , mined zones have totaled about 7,000 square kilometers [ sq .
km ] in the government-controlled territory and about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , '' she said on June 16 during the consideration of bill No .
2618 amending the law on mine action in Ukraine .
Vereshchuk noted for comparison that the territory of Montenegro is about 14,000 sq .
km .
Read alsoUkraine military in Donbas find ammunition available only to Russian army '' These facts affect the lives of some 2 million people in the east [ of Ukraine ] , also posing a threat to civilian infrastructure .
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died , and 1,528 have been injured , '' she said .
According to the official , 101 people , including 27 children , have already suffered from mines and unexploded ordnance for almost a year since the law was passed .
`` International experience and preliminary assessment , given the current state of affairs , suggests it will take 300 years to complete demining of our territories , which will cost over UAH 150 billion [ US $ 5.6 billion ] , '' the MP summed up .

This affects lives of some 2 million people in Donbas, also posing a threat to civilian infrastructure.
Ukrainian Member of Parliament with the Servant of the People Party, Member the National Security, Defense and Intelligence Committee, Iryna Vereshchuk, says Ukraine is one of the world's most mined countries.
"Today, Ukraine is one of the most mined countries globally. According to preliminary estimates, since the start of Russian aggression, mined zones have totaled about 7,000 square kilometers [sq. km] in the government-controlled territory and about 14,000 sq. km in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea," she said on June 16 during the consideration of bill No. 2618 amending the law on mine action in Ukraine.
Vereshchuk noted for comparison that the territory of Montenegro is about 14,000 sq. km.
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Read alsoUkraine military in Donbas find ammunition available only to Russian army
"These facts affect the lives of some 2 million people in the east [of Ukraine], also posing a threat to civilian infrastructure. About 2,500 people have already suffered, 977 have died, and 1,528 have been injured," she said.
According to the official, 101 people, including 27 children, have already suffered from mines and unexploded ordnance for almost a year since the law was passed.
"International experience and preliminary assessment, given the current state of affairs, suggests it will take 300 years to complete demining of our territories, which will cost over UAH 150 billion [US$5.6 billion]," the MP summed up.


unian--2020-06-16--Prosecutors set to ask court to take Poroshenko into custody with UAH 10 mln bail option

The ex-president is being charged with abuse of office , which led to the allegedly wrongful appointment of a deputy intelligence chief .
The Office of Ukraine 's Prosecutor General will file a motion with the court to remand former president of Ukraine , now MP Petro Poroshenko in custody as a measure of restraint in a criminal proceeding recently launched against him .
Prosecutors will also propose that the court set a UAH 10 million ( nearly $ 370,000 ) bail , Ukrainian Pravda reports , citing a comment by the Office 's press service .
The Pechersk District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the issue at 15:00 on Thursday , June 18 , Poroshenko 's lawyer Ilya Novikov told a briefing .
Read alsoPoroshenko could be arrested over alleged issue of `` criminal order '' As UNIAN reported earlier , the State Bureau of Investigation on June 10 said its detectives had handed Poroshenko a suspicion notice in the case involving the allegedly illegal appointment of former deputy head of the Foreign Intelligence Service , Serhiy Semochko .
Petro Poroshenko 's defense claims charges have not been properly pressed as it is personally Prosecutor General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is supposed to hand over a suspicion notice to the MP .
Venediktova said Poroshenko was suspected of having wrongfully persuaded a military official ( the then-head of the SZR Foreign Intelligence Service ) by issuing an allegedly criminal order , to go beyond his official powers .

The ex-president is being charged with abuse of office, which led to the allegedly wrongful appointment of a deputy intelligence chief.
The Office of Ukraine's Prosecutor General will file a motion with the court to remand former president of Ukraine, now MP Petro Poroshenko in custody as a measure of restraint in a criminal proceeding recently launched against him.
Prosecutors will also propose that the court set a UAH 10 million (nearly $370,000) bail, Ukrainian Pravda reports, citing a comment by the Office's press service.
The Pechersk District Court in Kyiv will hold its hearing on the issue at 15:00 on Thursday, June 18, Poroshenko's lawyer Ilya Novikov told a briefing.
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Read alsoPoroshenko could be arrested over alleged issue of "criminal order"
As UNIAN reported earlier, the State Bureau of Investigation on June 10 said its detectives had handed Poroshenko a suspicion notice in the case involving the allegedly illegal appointment of former deputy head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Serhiy Semochko.
Petro Poroshenko's defense claims charges have not been properly pressed as it is personally Prosecutor General, Iryna Venediktova, they say, who is supposed to hand over a suspicion notice to the MP.
Venediktova said Poroshenko was suspected of having wrongfully persuaded a military official (the then-head of the SZR Foreign Intelligence Service) by issuing an allegedly criminal order, to go beyond his official powers.


unian--2020-06-16--Ukraine puts Russian terrorist Girkin on wanted list

He is charged with Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine .
A Russian citizen , the leader of one of illegal armed formations controlled by the Russian Federation , former so-called `` Minister of Defense '' of the so-called `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) , has been informed of a suspected violation of the laws and customs of war .
This was reported by the press service of the Prosecutor General 's Office ( PGO ) of Ukraine .
According to UNIAN 's sources in law enforcement agencies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense of the `` DPR '' terrorist group Igor Girkin ( nom de guerre Strelkov ) .
He is charged with Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine .
Read alsoSBU on interview with Russian terrorist Girkin : It was interviewer 's initiative The suspect is put on the wanted list , the court has given permission to detain him in order to bring him to court to consider a request for the application of a preventive measure in the form of detention .
`` During the pretrial investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 , 2014 , and April 19 , 2014 , the suspect , acting in a preliminary conspiracy by a group of persons with militants subordinate to him , using physical violence , organized the search and abduction of patriotic citizens of Ukraine in Donetsk region .
Later on , they were moved against their will into a specially equipped building in the town of Slovyansk , where they were tortured , beaten , stabbed and suffered from other violent acts aimed at inflicting severe physical and mental suffering in order to revenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the PGO said .
According to the investigation , in pursuance of the orders of the suspect , the militants subordinate to him intentionally killed at least three people who were illegally detained and tortured .
The pretrial investigation of criminal proceedings is carried out by the Main Investigation Department of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine under the SBU Counterintelligence Department 's supervision .

He is charged with Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
A Russian citizen, the leader of one of illegal armed formations controlled by the Russian Federation, former so-called "Minister of Defense" of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR"), has been informed of a suspected violation of the laws and customs of war.
This was reported by the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) of Ukraine.
According to UNIAN's sources in law enforcement agencies, the case involves so-called "ex-Minister of Defense of the "DPR" terrorist group Igor Girkin (nom de guerre Strelkov).
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He is charged with Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Read alsoSBU on interview with Russian terrorist Girkin: It was interviewer's initiative
The suspect is put on the wanted list, the court has given permission to detain him in order to bring him to court to consider a request for the application of a preventive measure in the form of detention.
"During the pretrial investigation, it was established that between April 17, 2014, and April 19, 2014, the suspect, acting in a preliminary conspiracy by a group of persons with militants subordinate to him, using physical violence, organized the search and abduction of patriotic citizens of Ukraine in Donetsk region. Later on, they were moved against their will into a specially equipped building in the town of Slovyansk, where they were tortured, beaten, stabbed and suffered from other violent acts aimed at inflicting severe physical and mental suffering in order to revenge for [their] pro-Ukrainian position," the PGO said.
According to the investigation, in pursuance of the orders of the suspect, the militants subordinate to him intentionally killed at least three people who were illegally detained and tortured. The pretrial investigation of criminal proceedings is carried out by the Main Investigation Department of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine under the SBU Counterintelligence Department's supervision.


unian--2020-06-16--Ukraine may step up liability for not wearing face masks amid COVID-19

The prime minister says it is very important to abide by the quarantine-related rules .
Ukraine 's government will initiate measures to step up administrative liability for non-compliance with the face mask wearing regime on the premises and public transport .
`` We are ready to reconsider the issue of wearing face masks outdoors , but masks in the rooms will remain relevant for a long time .
Therefore , we plan to submit a motion to the government and the Verkhovna Rada to strengthen administrative responsibility for non-compliance with the mask regime on the premises and public transport , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a special meeting of the state commission on biosecurity and emergency situations on June 16 , according to the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers .
Read alsoUkraine 's Health Ministry : Spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases has nothing to do with more tests According to him , it is very important to constantly communicate with society in remind about the necessary anti-epidemic measures .
`` We need to explain these issues to people – about maintaining social distancing , about observance of the face mask regime , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Health Ministry reported that Ukrainians had violated self-isolation rules more than 2,200 times during the quarantine period , and the total amount of fines was UAH 4.3 million , or US $ 160,209 .

The prime minister says it is very important to abide by the quarantine-related rules.
Ukraine's government will initiate measures to step up administrative liability for non-compliance with the face mask wearing regime on the premises and public transport.
"We are ready to reconsider the issue of wearing face masks outdoors, but masks in the rooms will remain relevant for a long time. Therefore, we plan to submit a motion to the government and the Verkhovna Rada to strengthen administrative responsibility for non-compliance with the mask regime on the premises and public transport," Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a special meeting of the state commission on biosecurity and emergency situations on June 16, according to the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Read alsoUkraine's Health Ministry: Spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases has nothing to do with more tests
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According to him, it is very important to constantly communicate with society in remind about the necessary anti-epidemic measures.
"We need to explain these issues to people – about maintaining social distancing, about observance of the face mask regime," he said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Health Ministry reported that Ukrainians had violated self-isolation rules more than 2,200 times during the quarantine period, and the total amount of fines was UAH 4.3 million, or US$160,209.


unian--2020-06-16--SAPO chief Kholodnytsky says he still unaware of materials of probe into his activities

Kholodnytsky agrees there is indeed a lot of criticism against the country 's anti-corruption agencies .
Chief of the Special Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office ( SAPO ) of Ukraine Nazar Kholodnytsky says he has not yet been given the materials of an official investigation into his activities , which was initiated by Ukraine 's new Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova .
Read alsoUkraine 's HACC orders probe into new Prosecutor General 's non-declaration of assets '' We remember the 'video ' released by the prosecutor general , who is unhappy with everything , initiates internal investigations , and finalizes them herself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were announced are for some reason kept secret for the time being .
Although I , as a subject of the probe , still can not get acquainted with the findings of the investigation : what exactly I 've violated , '' he told a Svoboda Slova [ Freedom of Speech ] panel show on Ukraine 's ICTV channel on June 15 .
Kholodnytsky agrees that there is indeed a lot of criticism against this country 's anti-corruption agencies .
At the same time , he hopes to see sentencing decisions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAPO .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on May 29 , Ukrainian Member of Parliament with the Servant of the People parliamentary faction , Geo Leros , published information saying that Venediktova had begun `` digging into '' Kholodnytsky .
Subsequently , it became known that the prosecutor general had initiated another official investigation into the SAPO chief 's activities .
Venediktova than said that the official probe into Kholodnytsky had confirmed a number of violations in his work .

Kholodnytsky agrees there is indeed a lot of criticism against the country's anti-corruption agencies.
Chief of the Special Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) of Ukraine Nazar Kholodnytsky says he has not yet been given the materials of an official investigation into his activities, which was initiated by Ukraine's new Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova.
Read alsoUkraine's HACC orders probe into new Prosecutor General's non-declaration of assets
"We remember the 'video' released by the prosecutor general, who is unhappy with everything, initiates internal investigations, and finalizes them herself. Conclusions of those 'flagrant violations' that were announced are for some reason kept secret for the time being. Although I, as a subject of the probe, still cannot get acquainted with the findings of the investigation: what exactly I've violated," he told a Svoboda Slova [Freedom of Speech] panel show on Ukraine's ICTV channel on June 15.
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Kholodnytsky agrees that there is indeed a lot of criticism against this country's anti-corruption agencies. At the same time, he hopes to see sentencing decisions on high-profile corruption cases, initiated by the SAPO.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on May 29, Ukrainian Member of Parliament with the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, Geo Leros, published information saying that Venediktova had begun "digging into" Kholodnytsky. Subsequently, it became known that the prosecutor general had initiated another official investigation into the SAPO chief's activities.
Venediktova than said that the official probe into Kholodnytsky had confirmed a number of violations in his work.


unian--2020-06-16--Ukraine's PM Shmyhal: IMF memo contains nine important benchmarks

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Ukraine's PM Shmyhal: IMF memo contains nine important benchmarks
16:15, 16.06.20 1048
They are integral parts of the government's action plan.
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unian--2020-06-16--Deficit of Ukraine's foreign trade in goods shrinks by 66.7% in Jan-April

Deficit of Ukraine's foreign trade in goods shrinks by 66.7% in Jan-April
15:55, 16.06.20 1490
China was Ukraine's biggest trading partner in the first four months.
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unian--2020-06-16--RFE/RL: Local Ukrainian official reportedly detained in Handziuk killing

The court ruled that he must be brought for trial by force .
Ukrainian Security Service officers have reportedly detained the head of the regional council in Kherson and are bringing him to Kyiv , where his pretrial arrest will be decided in a case where he is suspected of ordering a deadly attack on anti-corruption activist Kateryna Handziuk in 2018 .
A member of Kherson 's Dniprovsky district council , Oleksandr Vlasov , said on June 16 that Vladyslav Manger was detained while at a hospital early in the morning and is being transported to Kyiv , Radio Free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Manger , who has denied any involvement in the attack , has failed to show up at the Pechersky district court in Kyiv twice since last week , citing his own health problems , as well as those of his daughter .
On June 15 , after Manger 's representatives told the court that he was at a Kherson hospital and therefore unable to attend the hearing , the court ruled that he must be brought by force .
Handziuk , a 33-year-old civil activist and adviser to the mayor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , died in November 2018 , three months after she was severely injured in an acid attack .
Prosecutors arrested Manger in February 2019 and charged him with ordering the attack .
Manger was later released on bail .
In June 2019 , five men were sentenced to prison terms of between three and 6.5 years for organizing and executing the attack , after they made plea deals with investigators .
Human rights activists have accused Ukrainian law enforcement agencies of failing to thoroughly investigate the growing number of attacks on activists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some cases .

The court ruled that he must be brought for trial by force.
Ukrainian Security Service officers have reportedly detained the head of the regional council in Kherson and are bringing him to Kyiv, where his pretrial arrest will be decided in a case where he is suspected of ordering a deadly attack on anti-corruption activist Kateryna Handziuk in 2018.
A member of Kherson's Dniprovsky district council, Oleksandr Vlasov, said on June 16 that Vladyslav Manger was detained while at a hospital early in the morning and is being transported to Kyiv, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) said.
Read alsoHandziuk case: Kyiv court authorizes compulsory delivery of suspect Manger
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Manger, who has denied any involvement in the attack, has failed to show up at the Pechersky district court in Kyiv twice since last week, citing his own health problems, as well as those of his daughter.
On June 15, after Manger's representatives told the court that he was at a Kherson hospital and therefore unable to attend the hearing, the court ruled that he must be brought by force.
Handziuk, a 33-year-old civil activist and adviser to the mayor of the Black Sea port city of Kherson, died in November 2018, three months after she was severely injured in an acid attack.
Prosecutors arrested Manger in February 2019 and charged him with ordering the attack. Manger was later released on bail.
In June 2019, five men were sentenced to prison terms of between three and 6.5 years for organizing and executing the attack, after they made plea deals with investigators.
Human rights activists have accused Ukrainian law enforcement agencies of failing to thoroughly investigate the growing number of attacks on activists, and even of collusion with the perpetrators in some cases.


unian--2020-06-17--PM Shmyhal announces extension of adaptive quarantine in Ukraine until July 31

Ukraine has seen a record spike in new coronavirus cases when the number of patients confirmed in the past 24 hours hit 758 .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has announced that the adaptive quarantine introduced in Ukraine over the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic will be extended until July 31 .
`` Given a spike in the number of coronavirus cases , we will extend the adaptive quarantine until July 31 , 2020 , '' he said during a Cabinet meeting on June 17 , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Easing quarantine-related measures was perceived by many Ukrainians as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time today we have unfortunately gotten sad results , '' he said .
`` The coronavirus has not disappeared – the threat of it for our healthcare system and for us has not disappeared , '' he said .
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 33,200 on June 17 As UNIAN reported , Ukraine has seen a record spike in new coronavirus cases when the number of patients confirmed in the past 24 hours hit 758 people as of the morning of June 17 .
The total number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The death toll was 943 , including 31 in the past 24 hours .
Some 14,943 have already recovered .

Ukraine has seen a record spike in new coronavirus cases when the number of patients confirmed in the past 24 hours hit 758.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has announced that the adaptive quarantine introduced in Ukraine over the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic will be extended until July 31.
"Given a spike in the number of coronavirus cases, we will extend the adaptive quarantine until July 31, 2020," he said during a Cabinet meeting on June 17, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Easing quarantine-related measures was perceived by many Ukrainians as the lifting of the curbs and "for the first time today we have unfortunately gotten sad results," he said.
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"The coronavirus has not disappeared – the threat of it for our healthcare system and for us has not disappeared," he said.
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 33,200 on June 17
As UNIAN reported, Ukraine has seen a record spike in new coronavirus cases when the number of patients confirmed in the past 24 hours hit 758 people as of the morning of June 17.
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases grew to 33,234. The death toll was 943, including 31 in the past 24 hours. Some 14,943 have already recovered.


unian--2020-06-17--RFE/RL: U.S deports Russian hacker convicted of stealing almost US$1 mln

Lisov pleaded guilty to stealing US $ 855,000 from accounts in U.S. banks .
The United States has deported a Russian hacker who was sentenced to 48 months in prison for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from online banking accounts using malicious software known as NeverQuest .
Officials from the Russian Embassy in the United States said on June 17 that Stanislav Lisov was transferred to the JFK International Airport in New York , from where he left the country aboard an Aeroflot plane for Moscow , Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty ( RFE/RL ) reported .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for cyber attack on German Bundestag – journalist Lisov was supposed to be released from prison in several months .
He was arrested in Barcelona in early 2017 and extradited to the United States the same year .
A court in New York sentenced Lisov , also known as `` Black '' or `` Blackf , '' in late November last year and ordered him to pay a US $ 50,000 fine and US $ 480,000 in compensation to his victims .
Lisov pleaded guilty to stealing US $ 855,000 from accounts in @ @ @

Lisov pleaded guilty to stealing US$855,000 from accounts in U.S. banks.
The United States has deported a Russian hacker who was sentenced to 48 months in prison for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from online banking accounts using malicious software known as NeverQuest.
Officials from the Russian Embassy in the United States said on June 17 that Stanislav Lisov was transferred to the JFK International Airport in New York, from where he left the country aboard an Aeroflot plane for Moscow, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported.
Read alsoEU to impose sanctions on Russia hackers for cyber attack on German Bundestag – journalist
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Lisov was supposed to be released from prison in several months. He was arrested in Barcelona in early 2017 and extradited to the United States the same year.
A court in New York sentenced Lisov, also known as "Black" or "Blackf," in late November last year and ordered him to pay a US$50,000 fine and US$480,000 in compensation to his victims.
Lisov pleaded guilty to stealing US$855,000 from accounts in U.S. banks.


unian--2020-06-17--Ukraine's businesses freed of fines for late payment of loans amid lockdown

Yet , the bill does not strip a borrower of an obligation to repay a loan and interest on it .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , has passed a bill that prohibits charging penalties and late fees for business loans during the lockdown and in the thirty-day period after the coronavirus-related quarantine is lifted in the country .
Bill No .
3297 on amendments to the Commercial Code of Ukraine ( regarding the prevention of penalties for loans during the quarantine period established to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Ukraine ) was backed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 344 MPs with the required minimum being 226 votes , an UNIAN correspondent reported .
The bill was passed without debates .
The explanatory note to this bill states such measures will slow down the economic downturn , safeguard enterprises against bankruptcy , maintain jobs , and accelerate economic recovery after the quarantine .
Yet , the bill does not strip a borrower of an obligation to repay a loan and interest on it .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Verkhovna Rada on May 13 passed a bill on the extension of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for businesses during the lockdown .

Ukraine's businesses freed of fines for late payment of loans amid lockdown
14:20, 17.06.20 470
Yet, the bill does not strip a borrower of an obligation to repay a loan and interest on it.
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unian--2020-06-17--Ukraine to create national intellectual property agency

The adoption of the bill will introduce an effective and high-quality model of the state system of legal protection of intellectual property .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , has passed a bill that provides for the establishment of a national intellectual property agency .
Relevant bill No .
2255 that amends certain legislative acts of Ukraine to set up a national intellectual property agency was backed in the second reading and in general by 245 MPs with the required minimum being 226 votes , an UNIAN correspondent reported .
According to the explanatory note to the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NIPA ) of Ukraine is planned to be created as a legal entity under public law ( government entity ) , which is subject to the Ministry of Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture ( Economy Ministry ) .
`` The Economy Ministry will ensure the formation and implementation of state policy in the field of intellectual property , and the NIPA will perform certain public functions ( authority ) to pursue the state policy ( the issue of patents and certificates to protect intellectual property ) , '' the document says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries violating intellectual property rights It says that such an approach for the introduction of a two-tier structure of the state system of legal protection of intellectual property is developed in line with the best practices of foreign countries ( in particular , Germany , Japan , Poland , Estonia , Georgia , Denmark , Singapore , Finland , South Korea , and France ) .
`` The NIPA 's functions will be performed by a government entity , which will be created on the basis of the state-owned enterprise Ukrainian Institute of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the document says .
It is also noted the transparency of the NIPA 's activities will be ensured through an external ( financial and management ) audit , the publication of financial estimates aimed at ensuring the development and functioning of the state system of legal protection of intellectual property and the areas where the funds will be spent .
`` The bill also envisages conducting electronic public procurement at the expense of the state system of legal protection of intellectual property ; eliminating the conditions for corruption-related risks as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making ( widespread introduction of automated registration of transactions , their execution in real time ) ; decision making as a result of a wide social dialogue and taking into account public opinion ; conducting public and professional monitoring of the agency 's activities , '' the document says .
What is more , the adoption of the bill will introduce an effective and high-quality model of the state system of legal protection of intellectual property .
As UNIAN reported earlier , a specialized high court on intellectual property and economic competition may @ @ @ @ @

Ukraine to create national intellectual property agency
13:50, 17.06.20 564
The adoption of the bill will introduce an effective and high-quality model of the state system of legal protection of intellectual property.
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unian--2020-06-17--Kyiv mayor reports 41 new COVID-19 cases, two fatalities in past day

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose by 41 in the past day .
`` In the past day , another 41 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus , including three healthcare workers .
There were two fatalities , '' he said on Telegram on June 17 .
Read alsoHealth ministry : Kyiv and 10 Ukrainian regions not ready for further easing of quarantine The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 4,026 .
According to Klitschko , 26 women aged 20 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 75 are among those infected .
In addition , a seven-year-old girl and four boys ( from one to six years old ) tested positive for the coronavirus .
Klitschko said nine new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Sviatoshynsky and Holosiyivsky districts ( 11 and five , respectively ) .
As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 33,234 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They include 943 deaths and 14,943 recoveries .
Some 758 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours .

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 4,026.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose by 41 in the past day.
"In the past day, another 41 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including three healthcare workers. There were two fatalities," he said on Telegram on June 17.
Read alsoHealth ministry: Kyiv and 10 Ukrainian regions not ready for further easing of quarantine
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The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 4,026.
According to Klitschko, 26 women aged 20 to 81 and 10 men aged 25 to 75 are among those infected. In addition, a seven-year-old girl and four boys (from one to six years old) tested positive for the coronavirus.
Klitschko said nine new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Sviatoshynsky and Holosiyivsky districts (11 and five, respectively).
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 33,234 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 17. They include 943 deaths and 14,943 recoveries. Some 758 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-06-17--Zelensky elaborates on access to COVID-19 vaccine for Ukrainians

The president set a task to intensify talks on international cooperation in the purchase of a COVID-19 vaccine .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine should gain access to a COVID-19 vaccine on an equal basis with other countries as soon as it is produced .
`` Ukraine should have access to the vaccine on an equal footing with other countries as soon as it is produced .
We have good relations with the European Union .
Please closely monitor the development of the coronavirus vaccine and keep Ukraine high on the agenda , '' he said during an intercom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as reported by the press service of the President 's Office .
The president also set a task to intensify negotiations on international cooperation in the purchase of the COVID-19 vaccine .
Meanwhile , Italy 's Health Minister Roberto Speranza announced on Facebook on June 13 that Italy , Germany , France , and the Netherlands had signed a contract with British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca to provide European citizens with 400 million doses of an anti-coronavirus vaccine , developed by the University of Oxford .
AstraZeneca earlier said it had agreed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the United Kingdom and the United States , and had agreed a license with the Serum Institute of India for the supply of an additional 1 billion doses , mainly for low- and middle-income countries .
In May , the University of Oxford announced the start of a Phase II/III vaccine trial in the UK in about 10,000 adult volunteers .
Other late-stage trials are due to begin in a number of countries .
There are currently no approved COVID-19 vaccines globally .

The president set a task to intensify talks on international cooperation in the purchase of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine should gain access to a COVID-19 vaccine on an equal basis with other countries as soon as it is produced.
Read alsoHealth Ministry elaborates on COVID-19 death rate dynamics in Ukraine
"Ukraine should have access to the vaccine on an equal footing with other countries as soon as it is produced. We have good relations with the European Union. Please closely monitor the development of the coronavirus vaccine and keep Ukraine high on the agenda," he said during an intercom meeting on anti-coronavirus efforts on June 16, as reported by the press service of the President's Office.
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The president also set a task to intensify negotiations on international cooperation in the purchase of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Meanwhile, Italy's Health Minister Roberto Speranza announced on Facebook on June 13 that Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands had signed a contract with British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca to provide European citizens with 400 million doses of an anti-coronavirus vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford.
AstraZeneca earlier said it had agreed to supply 700 million doses of the vaccine for the United Kingdom and the United States, and had agreed a license with the Serum Institute of India for the supply of an additional 1 billion doses, mainly for low- and middle-income countries.
In May, the University of Oxford announced the start of a Phase II/III vaccine trial in the UK in about 10,000 adult volunteers. Other late-stage trials are due to begin in a number of countries.
There are currently no approved COVID-19 vaccines globally.


unian--2020-06-17--Flights from Ukraine to Poland scheduled for June 17 canceled

The restrictions are likely to be in effect until at least June 30 .
Flights from Ukraine ( the city @ @ @ @ @ scheduled for June 17 have been canceled since the latter has resumed international air travel @ @ @ @ @ member states and countries of the European Free Trade Association ( EFTA ) .
`` @ @ @ @ @ from airports located in the member states of the European Union and the European Free @ @ @ @ @ the United Kingdom , Sweden , and Portugal , '' the Ukrainian media outlet European @ @ @ @ @ .
According to a preliminary report , the restrictions will be in effect until at @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's Ihor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport ( Zhuliany ) canceled @ @ @ @ @ until 03:00 a.m. Kyiv time on June 17 over the extension of the coronavirus-related quarantine @ @ @ @ @

The restrictions are likely to be in effect until at least June 30.
Flights from Ukraine (the city of Kyiv) to Poland scheduled for June 17 have been canceled since the latter has resumed international air travel only with the European Union member states and countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Read alsoUkraine's infrastructure minister explains non-resumption of flights to Poland, Italy
"Poland has allowed international flights from airports located in the member states of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, except for the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Portugal," the Ukrainian media outlet European Pravda said on June 17.
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According to a preliminary report, the restrictions will be in effect until at least June 30.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Ihor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany) canceled all regular international passenger flights until 03:00 a.m. Kyiv time on June 17 over the extension of the coronavirus-related quarantine in the capital city.


unian--2020-06-17--Reuters: Pentagon official who questioned Ukraine aid freeze resigns

Leaked emails between McCusker and the Office of Management and Budget showed she had repeatedly raised concerns about Trump 's hold on Ukraine security assistance .
Pentagon Comptroller Elaine McCusker , who was reported to have questioned the suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine , a key element in the inquiry leading to President Donald Trump 's impeachment , resigned on Tuesday , Defense Secretary Mark Esper said .
McCusker submitted her resignation as deputy undersecretary of defense ( comptroller ) effective June 26 , Esper said in a statement , thanking her for her public service and contributions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ processes , Reuters said .
Trump last year nominated McCusker to be promoted to undersecretary of defense ( comptroller ) , but withdrew the nomination in March , after the White House ousted several other officials who had testified at his impeachment inquiry .
Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House of Representatives in December .
Democrats said Trump held back US $ 391 million in security aid to Ukraine and a White House meeting for President Volodymyr Zelensky as leverage to force Kyiv into interfering in the 2020 U.S. presidential election by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who branded the impeachment effort a witch hunt , was acquitted in February after a trial in the U.S. Senate , where his fellow Republicans have a majority .
Senator Jack Reed , the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee , said in March that witness testimony and leaked emails between McCusker and the Office of Management and Budget showed that she had repeatedly raised concerns about Trump 's hold on Ukraine security assistance and `` sought to ensure that the Administration was in compliance with the law .
@

Leaked emails between McCusker and the Office of Management and Budget showed she had repeatedly raised concerns about Trump's hold on Ukraine security assistance.
Pentagon Comptroller Elaine McCusker, who was reported to have questioned the suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, a key element in the inquiry leading to President Donald Trump's impeachment, resigned on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said.
McCusker submitted her resignation as deputy undersecretary of defense (comptroller) effective June 26, Esper said in a statement, thanking her for her public service and contributions to the Pentagon's budgeting and audit processes, Reuters said.
Trump last year nominated McCusker to be promoted to undersecretary of defense (comptroller), but withdrew the nomination in March, after the White House ousted several other officials who had testified at his impeachment inquiry.
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Read alsoU.S. Javelin anti-tank systems: Ukraine gets military aid worth over US$60 mln
Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House of Representatives in December. Democrats said Trump held back US$391 million in security aid to Ukraine and a White House meeting for President Volodymyr Zelensky as leverage to force Kyiv into interfering in the 2020 U.S. presidential election by smearing Democratic candidate Joe Biden.
Trump, who branded the impeachment effort a witch hunt, was acquitted in February after a trial in the U.S. Senate, where his fellow Republicans have a majority.
Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, said in March that witness testimony and leaked emails between McCusker and the Office of Management and Budget showed that she had repeatedly raised concerns about Trump's hold on Ukraine security assistance and "sought to ensure that the Administration was in compliance with the law."


unian--2020-06-17--U.S. Javelin anti-tank systems: Ukraine gets military aid worth over US$60 mln

On June 11 , 2020 , the U.S. Congress approved a military assistance package worth US $ 250 million for Ukraine for 2020 .
Ukraine has received over US $ 60 million in military aid from the United States , it includes Javelin anti-tank missiles .
`` U.S. security assistance and cooperation efforts with Ukraine during # COVID19 continue !
Yesterday , the U.S. Embassy 's Office of Defense Cooperation received more than $ 60 million of equipment to transfer to our Ukrainian partners , including radios , ammunition , and Javelin anti-tank missiles , '' the U.S. Embassy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 17 .
Read alsoU.S .
military have lessons to learn from Russian invasion of Ukraine , envoy says '' The United States stands strongly with Ukraine in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression , '' the embassy said .
In late 2017 , Washington for the first time approved a plan to provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine with lethal weapons , including Javelin anti-tank missile systems .
In the spring of 2018 , the United States delivered these anti-tank missile systems to Ukraine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first tests .
On June 11 , 2020 , the U.S. Congress approved a military assistance package worth US $ 250 million for Ukraine in 2020 .
On May 15 , 2020 , the United States provided Ukraine 's Armed Forces with materiel assistance totaling US $ 25 million for better equipment of Ukrainian military units deployed in the Joint Forces Operation zone in the country 's east .

On June 11, 2020, the U.S. Congress approved a military assistance package worth US$250 million for Ukraine for 2020.
Ukraine has received over US$60 million in military aid from the United States, it includes Javelin anti-tank missiles.
"U.S. security assistance and cooperation efforts with Ukraine during #COVID19 continue! Yesterday, the U.S. Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation received more than $60 million of equipment to transfer to our Ukrainian partners, including radios, ammunition, and Javelin anti-tank missiles," the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said on Facebook on Wednesday, June 17.
Read alsoU.S. military have lessons to learn from Russian invasion of Ukraine, envoy says
Видео дня
"The United States stands strongly with Ukraine in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression," the embassy said.
In late 2017, Washington for the first time approved a plan to provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine with lethal weapons, including Javelin anti-tank missile systems.
In the spring of 2018, the United States delivered these anti-tank missile systems to Ukraine and, in May, they passed their first tests.
On June 11, 2020, the U.S. Congress approved a military assistance package worth US$250 million for Ukraine in 2020.
On May 15, 2020, the United States provided Ukraine's Armed Forces with materiel assistance totaling US$25 million for better equipment of Ukrainian military units deployed in the Joint Forces Operation zone in the country's east.


unian--2020-06-17--Bill on protection of labor migrants passes first reading in Ukraine's parliament

The relevant bill provides that only an employer should pay employment fees for Ukrainians who go to work abroad .
A bill designed to safeguard labor migrants from Ukraine and fight employment-related fraud has passed its first reading in the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament .
Relevant bill No .
2365 was backed by 248 MPs , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada 's Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans ' Rights Halyna Tretiakova said at a Tuesday parliamentary meeting that labor migration from Ukraine is estimated at 4 million people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad simultaneously .
According to her , these figures are larger since many people are abroad for temporary or seasonal work only part of the year .
She said Ukraine was among top 10 countries of origin of international migrants .
Read alsoUkraine 's chief banker : Most of problems on labor market unrelated to COVID-19 Tretiakova emphasized the relevant bill provides that only an employer should pay employment fees for Ukrainians who go to work abroad , therefore this will be a safeguard against intermediaries ' fraudulent schemes .
The bill also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intermediaries in employment abroad .
It proposes that intermediaries should operate on a declarative basis , i.e .
they should submit a declaration that they start providing services of intermediation in employment abroad , and should conclude an international business contract on intermediary services with a foreign business entity ( a foreign employer ) .
The declaration shall be submitted to a Ukrainian central executive agency that implements the state policy in the field of employment and labor migration .
In addition , the bill prohibits business entities that provide services of intermediation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commissions and other remuneration from their clients .
The bill also envisages administrative liability for violation of the legislation on the activities of business entities that provide services of intermediation in employment .
A fine is set from UAH 17,000 ( US $ 636 ) to UAH 50,000 ( US $ 1,870 ) .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine and Poland could conclude an agreement on seasonal workers to `` settle urgent issues of the Ukrainian labor migrants ' stay in Poland . ''

Bill on protection of labor migrants passes first reading in Ukraine's parliament
11:55, 17.06.20 1793
The relevant bill provides that only an employer should pay employment fees for Ukrainians who go to work abroad.
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unian--2020-06-17--Ukraine's parliament ratifies soft loans agreement with Denmark

The framework agreement was signed in March last year .
The Ukrainian parliament has ratified a framework agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark on the general conditions and procedures , organizational measures and financial conditions for the implementation of the Danida Business Finance program , which offers soft loans to Ukraine .
Relevant bill ( No .
0039 ) was backed by 334 MPs with the required minimum of 226 votes , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoUkraine to stop borrowing from IMF by 2023 – finance ministry According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the framework agreement was signed in March last year .
The Danida Business Finance ( DBF ) program is implemented by the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark and provides for interest-free loans .
`` The assistance is provided to developing countries to finance projects in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency ; water and sanitation .
The financing is handled through loans issued by a commercial bank or financial institution with a representative office in the Kingdom of Denmark to the government of Ukraine or Ukrainian businesses against state guarantees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing assistance , which envisages a subsidy in the form of interest payments for the entire loan period , an export credit premium and bank margin , '' the explanatory note says .
With DBF 's assistances , the loans will be interest-free , and their repayment period will be up to 10 years .
They can also cover up to 100 % of the project cost .
As UNIAN reported earlier , in March 2019 , the then Ukrainian Finance Minister Oksana Markarova and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ framework agreement between the governments of the two countries on the conditions and procedures for implementing the Danida Business Finance program in Ukraine .

Ukraine's parliament ratifies soft loans agreement with Denmark
11:20, 17.06.20 574
The framework agreement was signed in March last year.
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unian--2020-06-17--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 8.1 mln

The overall death toll is 436,918 people , while 3,872,963 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 8.1 million patients as of the morning of June 17 .
As many as 8,175,482 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:33 on June 17 , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
The overall death toll is 443,730 people , while 3,956,263 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The highest death toll was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people ) , Brazil ( 45,241 ) , the United Kingdom ( 42,054 ) , Italy ( 34,405 ) , France ( 29,550 ) , and Spain ( 27,136 ) .
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States ( 2,137,731 confirmed cases ) , Brazil ( 923,189 ) , Russia ( 544,725 ) , India ( 354,065 ) , the United Kingdom ( 299,600 ) , Spain ( 244,328 ) , Italy ( 237,500 ) , Peru ( 237,156 ) , France ( 194,347 ) , Iran ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Chile ( 184,449 ) .
As many as 188 countries have been affected by the virus .

The overall death toll is 436,918 people, while 3,872,963 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 8.1 million patients as of the morning of June 17.
Read alsoUkraine's infrastructure minister explains non-resumption of flights to Poland, Italy
As many as 8,175,482 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:33 on June 17, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
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The overall death toll is 443,730 people, while 3,956,263 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (116,963 people), Brazil (45,241), the United Kingdom (42,054), Italy (34,405), France (29,550), and Spain (27,136).
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (2,137,731 confirmed cases), Brazil (923,189), Russia (544,725), India (354,065), the United Kingdom (299,600), Spain (244,328), Italy (237,500), Peru (237,156), France (194,347), Iran (192,439), Germany (188,252), and Chile (184,449).
As many as 188 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-06-17--IT companies urge Ukraine's Rada to accelerate public services' move to cloud technologies

The European Business Association also supports the bill .
Representatives of the Ukrainian IT businesses have urged the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , to pass bill No .
2655 `` On Cloud Services , '' which paves the way for the transition of public services to cloud technologies .
The bill introduces an initiative of the Digital Transformation Ministry , namely the Cloud First strategy , which has successfully been implemented in many developed countries .
It provides for the priority purchase of cloud technologies by the public sector to save budget funds .
Thanks to this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on IT over GBP 3 billion from 2013 to 2016 .
The European Business Association supports bill No .
2655 and encourages MPs to consider and adopt a document at the next parliament meeting to accelerate the process of the country 's digital transformation , and redirect the saved funds to strategically important areas for the development of the country .
Read alsoDB Best Explains how eCommerce Benefits from the Cloud '' Over the three quarters of 2019 , government spending on IT purchases increased by 22 % year-over-year , '' said IT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Olha Kunychak .
`` And the growth trend is observed annually .
Cloud solutions will help optimize costs .
The acquisition of cloud services does not require constant equipment upgrading , purchases of new , very expensive hardware if there is a need to increase capacities and spend money on its maintenance .
In addition , when using the 'clouds , ' the state will pay only for the actually consumed volume of services , and not for purchased with a margin for the future , '' she said .
Members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs ( SUP ) also insist on the adoption of the bill .
`` The high-tech cloud industry is developing rapidly , creating new jobs in Ukraine and paying taxes to the state budget , '' the SUB said in a statement .
`` The adoption of the initiative will contribute to the effective development of digital technologies in Ukraine since it provides more opportunities for creating IT solutions and more reliable data protection than traditional infrastructure . ''
As UNIAN reported earlier , bill No .
2665 is recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee on Digital Transformation .
The document was also backed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov .

IT companies urge Ukraine's Rada to accelerate public services' move to cloud technologies
10:35, 17.06.20 2563
The European Business Association also supports the bill.
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unian--2020-06-17--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 33,200 on June 17

Of them , 758 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 33,200 as of the morning of Wednesday , June 17 .
Read alsoUkraine may step up liability for not wearing face masks amid COVID-19 '' According to the Public Health Center , there were 33,234 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 17 , '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on June 17 .
Of them , 758 cases were reported in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in Ukraine in the past day , bringing the overall death toll to 943 .
As many as 14,943 patients , including 415 in the past day , have already recovered .
Overall incidence per region is the following : 1,500 cases in Vinnytsia region ; 1,554 in Volyn region ; 1,012 in Dnipropetrovsk region ; 338 in Donetsk region ; 1,147 in Zhytomyr region ; 1,808 in Zakarpattia region ; 538 in Zaporizhia region ; 1,849 in Ivano-Frankivsk region ; 592 in Kirovohrad region ; 4,026 in the city of Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Lviv region ; 66 in Luhansk region ; 323 in Mykolayiv region ; 1,158 in Odesa region ; 281 in Poltava region ; 2,499 in Rivne region ; 230 in Sumy region ; 1,510 in Ternopil region ; 1,652 in Kharkiv region ; 183 in Kherson region ; 577 in Khmelnytsky region ; 4,082 in Chernivtsi region ; 564 in Cherkasy region ; 440 in Chernihiv region .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Public Health Center 's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories .
As of the morning of June 16 , 2020 , the Center had received 1,136 reports of suspected cases .
In total , there have been 74,653 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 32,476 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 16 .
They include 913 deaths and 14,528 recoveries .
Some 666 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours .

Of them, 758 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 33,200 as of the morning of Wednesday, June 17.
Read alsoUkraine may step up liability for not wearing face masks amid COVID-19
"According to the Public Health Center, there were 33,234 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 17," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on June 17.
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Of them, 758 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
Thirty-one coronavirus patients died in Ukraine in the past day, bringing the overall death toll to 943.
As many as 14,943 patients, including 415 in the past day, have already recovered.
Overall incidence per region is the following: 1,500 cases in Vinnytsia region; 1,554 in Volyn region; 1,012 in Dnipropetrovsk region; 338 in Donetsk region; 1,147 in Zhytomyr region; 1,808 in Zakarpattia region; 538 in Zaporizhia region; 1,849 in Ivano-Frankivsk region; 592 in Kirovohrad region; 4,026 in the city of Kyiv; 2,078 in Kyiv region; 3,227 in Lviv region; 66 in Luhansk region; 323 in Mykolayiv region; 1,158 in Odesa region; 281 in Poltava region; 2,499 in Rivne region; 230 in Sumy region; 1,510 in Ternopil region; 1,652 in Kharkiv region; 183 in Kherson region; 577 in Khmelnytsky region; 4,082 in Chernivtsi region; 564 in Cherkasy region; 440 in Chernihiv region.
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
COVID-19 tests were conducted by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories. As of the morning of June 16, 2020, the Center had received 1,136 reports of suspected cases. In total, there have been 74,653 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 32,476 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of June 16. They include 913 deaths and 14,528 recoveries. Some 666 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-06-17--Ukraine's hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.74 to U.S. dollar on June 17

The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 30.24 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has set the official forex rate for June 17 at UAH 26.74 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by 10 kopiykas .
The central bank has fixed the following official forex rates of the hryvnia against key foreign currencies for June 17 : US $ 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,674.24 ( UAH 2,684.4 as of June 16 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 ) .
On May 16 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank currency market by the close of trade settled at UAH 26.80/26.82 to the dollar , while those against the euro – at UAH 30.20/30.22 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the National Bank set the official forex rate of the hryvnia for Tuesday , June 16 , at UAH 26.84 to the U.S. dollar , which made the country 's national currency weaken by 11 kopiykas .
Thus , the hryvnia had seen losses against the U.S. dollar @ @ @ @ @ @

Ukraine's hryvnia strengthens to UAH 26.74 to U.S. dollar on June 17
09:50, 17.06.20 3307
The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 30.24 per euro.
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unian--2020-06-17--One Ukrainian soldier wounded amid nine enemy attacks in Donbas on June 16

According to intelligence reports , one member of Russia-led forces was killed on June 16 .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on June 16 mounted nine attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with one member of the Joint Forces reported as wounded in action .
`` The Russian Federation 's armed formations violated the ceasefire nine times in the past day , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on June 17 .
`` As a result , one Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Read alsoUkraine one of world 's most mined countries – MP Russian-led forces opened fire from proscribed 122mm artillery systems , 120mm and 82mm mortars , as well as cannons installed on infantry fighting vehicles , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , sniper rifles , and small arms .
Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the towns of Avdiyivka and Maryinka , and the villages of Novozvanivka , Krymske , Novo-Oleksandrivka , Orikhove , and Pyshchevyk .
Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy attack .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia-led forces was killed on June 16 .
`` Since Wednesday midnight , Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions twice near the villages of Orikhove and Luhanske , using 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , and rifles , '' the update said .
No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported since Wednesday midnight .

According to intelligence reports, one member of Russia-led forces was killed on June 16.
Russia's hybrid military forces on June 16 mounted nine attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one member of the Joint Forces reported as wounded in action.
"The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire nine times in the past day," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on June 17. "As a result, one Ukrainian serviceman sustained combat-related injuries in enemy shelling."
Read alsoUkraine one of world's most mined countries – MP
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Russian-led forces opened fire from proscribed 122mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars, as well as cannons installed on infantry fighting vehicles, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, sniper rifles, and small arms.
Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the towns of Avdiyivka and Maryinka, and the villages of Novozvanivka, Krymske, Novo-Oleksandrivka, Orikhove, and Pyshchevyk.
Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy attack. According to intelligence reports, one member of Russia-led forces was killed on June 16.
"Since Wednesday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions twice near the villages of Orikhove and Luhanske, using 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, and rifles," the update said.
No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported since Wednesday midnight.


unian--2020-06-17--Reuters: Oil slumps as U.S. crude stocks build amid virus resurgence fears

Brent crude LCOc1 futures were down 89 cents , or 2.2 % , at $ 40.07 a barrel as of 0348 GMT , and U.S. West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) CLc1 futures fell $ 1.13 , or 2.9 % , to $ 37.25 a barrel .
Oil prices fell on Wednesday as data showed an increase in U.S. crude and fuel inventories , raising the prospect of oversupply as a potential second wave of the coronavirus pandemic threatened to halt any recovery of demand .
Brent crude LCOc1 futures were down 89 cents , or 2.2 % , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GMT , and U.S. West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) CLc1 futures fell $ 1.13 , or 2.9 % , to $ 37.25 a barrel , as reported by Reuters .
Both benchmarks rose more than 3 % on Tuesday , after the International Energy Agency ( IEA ) raised its 2020 oil demand forecast to 91.7 million barrels per day ( bpd ) and U.S. retail sales posted a record jump in May .
The rise in U.S. crude and fuel inventories , however , stoked concerns about a surplus and pressured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infections surpassed 8 million globally and several U.S. states saw their case numbers spike .
U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 3.9 million barrels in the week to June 12 to 543.2 million barrels , according to data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute , countering expectations for a fall of 152,000 barrels .
Gasoline stocks rose by 4.3 million barrels and distillate fuels , which include diesel and heating oil , rose 919,000 barrels .
An OPEC-led panel will meet on Thursday to further discuss ways to strengthen and review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil output .

Brent crude LCOc1 futures were down 89 cents, or 2.2%, at $40.07 a barrel as of 0348 GMT, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) CLc1 futures fell $1.13, or 2.9%, to $37.25 a barrel.
Oil prices fell on Wednesday as data showed an increase in U.S. crude and fuel inventories, raising the prospect of oversupply as a potential second wave of the coronavirus pandemic threatened to halt any recovery of demand.
Brent crude LCOc1 futures were down 89 cents, or 2.2%, at $40.07 a barrel as of 0348 GMT, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) CLc1 futures fell $1.13, or 2.9%, to $37.25 a barrel, as reported by Reuters.
Both benchmarks rose more than 3% on Tuesday, after the International Energy Agency (IEA) raised its 2020 oil demand forecast to 91.7 million barrels per day (bpd) and U.S. retail sales posted a record jump in May.
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Read alsoReuters: Oil prices drop as rise in coronavirus cases stokes fuel demand fears
The rise in U.S. crude and fuel inventories, however, stoked concerns about a surplus and pressured oil prices, as the number of coronavirus infections surpassed 8 million globally and several U.S. states saw their case numbers spike.
U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 3.9 million barrels in the week to June 12 to 543.2 million barrels, according to data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute, countering expectations for a fall of 152,000 barrels.
Gasoline stocks rose by 4.3 million barrels and distillate fuels, which include diesel and heating oil, rose 919,000 barrels.
An OPEC-led panel will meet on Thursday to further discuss ways to strengthen and review compliance with producers' commitment to curb oil output.


unian--2020-06-17--Yanukovych-era top officials not to return to power: Justice Minister on lustration

A lustration commission may be formed before the end of the year .
Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska says another round of lustration could begin no earlier than the beginning of 2021 .
Commenting on the decision of the European Court of Human Rights , which said the existing law on lustration violated human rights , Maliuska said : `` Of course , we will implement the ECHR decision in two directions : compensation have to be paid to those who won the ECHR case , so we will pay it .
Another aspect is to bring Ukrainian legislation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have already developed a bill that introduces changes to the law on power purge , and submitted it to the government .
The government will consider it either next Wednesday , or in a week .
Then the bill will be submitted to parliament , '' the minister said .
Maliuska explained that the essence of the bill is that a body will be created – a lustration commission – which could from 2021 start considering appeals of persons sacked as part of lustration procedure , including the categories whose automatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Such persons will either be reinstated or receive compensation for the damage incurred .
Also , the minister noted that some officials dismissed amid lustration will remain out of office : `` [ T ] hese are top officials of the Yanukovych era and members of government from the period of his presidency '' .
As regards officials who held offices at the times of the Soviet Ukraine , they will no longer be covered by lustration rules because too much time has passed since USSR collapse and their age will not allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoTrial in absentia : Kyiv court rules to arrest ex-president Yanukovych hiding in Russia He also added that in the best case , the corresponding bill would be adopted in the fall , a lustration commission could be formed before the end of the year , and “ from 2021 , according to the most optimistic scenario , the commission will begin reviewing the cases of lustered persons.
” UNIAN memo .
European Court of Human Rights on October 17 , 2019 , published on its website the text of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Others v. Ukraine '' ( concerning the dismissal of five civil servants ) , according to which the lustration of civil servants in Ukraine violated their rights .
The ECHR ruled that with respect to the three applicants , Article 6 §1 ( right to a fair trial ) of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms was violated due to the lengthy court proceedings in Ukrainian courts and article 8 ( right to respect for private and family life ) of the same Convention in respect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , the Court `` did not doubt that in the period when former President Viktor Yanukovych was in power the Ukrainian civil service and democratic governance had indeed faced considerable challenges which justified a need for reform . ''
However , the Court found in particular that the GCA was of very broad application and had led to the dismissal of the applicants simply for having worked in the civil service for more than a year while Mr Yanukovych was in power or for having been a Communist Party official before 1991 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the applicants ' individual roles or whether they had been associated with any of the undemocratic acts which had taken place under the former president .
In that context , Ukraine 's Government Cleansing Act differed from more narrowly targeted lustration programs put in place in other Central and Eastern European States .
According to the court , Ukraine must pay each applicant EUR 5,000 in respect of non-pecuniary damage .
In addition , the court ruled that the first applicant should receive EUR 1,500 and the rest should receive EUR 300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The lustration law came into force on October 16 , 2014 .
It applies to persons who served as top officials for at least one year , from February 25 , 2010 , to February 22 , 2014 , and government officials who held positions from November 21 , 2013 , to February 22 , 2014 , without resigning from their posts .
These persons shall not be able to work in government agencies for the next 10 years , the law says .
The Constitutional Court considered the case on constitutionality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law according to the motions of the Supreme Court of Ukraine and a group of 47 lawmakers .
Two motions of the Supreme Court and one motion of 47 lawmakers were combined into one constitutional proceeding .

A lustration commission may be formed before the end of the year.
Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska says another round of lustration could begin no earlier than the beginning of 2021.
Commenting on the decision of the European Court of Human Rights, which said the existing law on lustration violated human rights, Maliuska said: "Of course, we will implement the ECHR decision in two directions: compensation have to be paid to those who won the ECHR case, so we will pay it. Another aspect is to bring Ukrainian legislation in line with the requirements of the Convention. We have already developed a bill that introduces changes to the law on power purge, and submitted it to the government. The government will consider it either next Wednesday, or in a week. Then the bill will be submitted to parliament," the minister said.
Maliuska explained that the essence of the bill is that a body will be created – a lustration commission – which could from 2021 start considering appeals of persons sacked as part of lustration procedure, including the categories whose automatic lustration the ECHR concluded was inappropriate. Such persons will either be reinstated or receive compensation for the damage incurred.
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Also, the minister noted that some officials dismissed amid lustration will remain out of office: "[T]hese are top officials of the Yanukovych era and members of government from the period of his presidency".
As regards officials who held offices at the times of the Soviet Ukraine, they will no longer be covered by lustration rules because too much time has passed since USSR collapse and their age will not allow them to get into civil service again.
Read alsoTrial in absentia: Kyiv court rules to arrest ex-president Yanukovych hiding in Russia
He also added that in the best case, the corresponding bill would be adopted in the fall, a lustration commission could be formed before the end of the year, and “from 2021, according to the most optimistic scenario, the commission will begin reviewing the cases of lustered persons.”
UNIAN memo. European Court of Human Rights on October 17, 2019, published on its website the text of the decision in the case of "Polyakh and Others v. Ukraine" (concerning the dismissal of five civil servants), according to which the lustration of civil servants in Ukraine violated their rights.
The ECHR ruled that with respect to the three applicants, Article 6 §1 (right to a fair trial) of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms was violated due to the lengthy court proceedings in Ukrainian courts and article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) of the same Convention in respect of all five applicants.
At the same time, the Court "did not doubt that in the period when former President Viktor Yanukovych was in power the Ukrainian civil service and democratic governance had indeed faced considerable challenges which justified a need for reform."
However, the Court found in particular that the GCA was of very broad application and had led to the dismissal of the applicants simply for having worked in the civil service for more than a year while Mr Yanukovych was in power or for having been a Communist Party official before 1991. The law therefore had no regard to the applicants' individual roles or whether they had been associated with any of the undemocratic acts which had taken place under the former president. In that context, Ukraine's Government Cleansing Act differed from more narrowly targeted lustration programs put in place in other Central and Eastern European States.
According to the court, Ukraine must pay each applicant EUR 5,000 in respect of non-pecuniary damage. In addition, the court ruled that the first applicant should receive EUR 1,500 and the rest should receive EUR 300 each in respect of costs and expenses.
The lustration law came into force on October 16, 2014. It applies to persons who served as top officials for at least one year, from February 25, 2010, to February 22, 2014, and government officials who held positions from November 21, 2013, to February 22, 2014, without resigning from their posts. These persons shall not be able to work in government agencies for the next 10 years, the law says. The Constitutional Court considered the case on constitutionality of a number of provisions of lustration law according to the motions of the Supreme Court of Ukraine and a group of 47 lawmakers. Two motions of the Supreme Court and one motion of 47 lawmakers were combined into one constitutional proceeding.