unian--2020-06-25--Zelensky arrives in flood-hit Prykarpattia before his self-isolation expires

The president will chair a meeting on disaster management in the country 's western regions .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ region , also known as Prykarpattia , on a working visit before his self-isolation has @ @ @ @ @ state will personally inspect the territory of the region affected by recent floods , according @ @ @ @ @ the Office of the President .
He is scheduled to meet with residents of a @ @ @ @ @ zone .
In addition , the president will chair a meeting on disaster management in @ @ @ @ @ .
As was reported , heavy rainfalls on June 22-24 worsened the flood situation in @ @ @ @ @ , Zakarpattia , and Ternopil regions .
Some 285 villages and towns have suffered from @ @ @ @ @ alone .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Zelensky was put in two-week quarantine because his @ @ @ @ @ had tested positive for the coronavirus .
His self-isolation period is officially expiring on Friday @ @ @ @

The president will chair a meeting on disaster management in the country's western regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in flood-hit Ivano-Frankivsk region, also known as Prykarpattia, on a working visit before his self-isolation has expired.
The head of state will personally inspect the territory of the region affected by recent floods, according to the press service of the Office of the President.
Read alsoThree dead as devastating floods in western Ukraine continue (Photo, video)
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He is scheduled to meet with residents of a village in the natural disaster zone.
In addition, the president will chair a meeting on disaster management in the country's western regions.
As was reported, heavy rainfalls on June 22-24 worsened the flood situation in Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Lviv, Zakarpattia, and Ternopil regions. Some 285 villages and towns have suffered from flooding in four western regions alone.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Zelensky was put in two-week quarantine because his wife, Olena Zelenska, had tested positive for the coronavirus. His self-isolation period is officially expiring on Friday, June 26.


unian--2020-06-25--Reuters: EU's top court upholds sanctions against Russia's VTB over Ukraine turmoil

The sanctions restrict the bank 's access to some financial transactions and to capital markets in the EU .
The @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday upheld sanctions against Russia 's second-largest bank VTB , dismissing the lender 's @ @ @ @ @ the bloc had first imposed in 2014 over the turmoil in Ukraine .
The sanctions @ @ @ @ @ to some financial transactions and to capital markets in the EU , Reuters said .
@ @ @ @ @ Russia after it annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea from Kyiv in 2014 and @ @ @ @ @ went on to occupy eastern Ukraine , a conflict that has killed more than 13,000 @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN reported earlier , heads of state and government of the European Union member states @ @ @ @ @ extend the economic sanctions related to the banking , financial and energy sectors of Russia @ @ @ @ @

The sanctions restrict the bank's access to some financial transactions and to capital markets in the EU.
The European Union's top court on Thursday upheld sanctions against Russia's second-largest bank VTB, dismissing the lender's appeal against the restrictive measures the bloc had first imposed in 2014 over the turmoil in Ukraine.
The sanctions restrict the bank's access to some financial transactions and to capital markets in the EU, Reuters said.
Read alsoEU further extends economic sanctions against Russia
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The EU imposed sanctions on Russia after it annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea from Kyiv in 2014 and stepped them up as Moscow went on to occupy eastern Ukraine, a conflict that has killed more than 13,000 people to date.
As UNIAN reported earlier, heads of state and government of the European Union member states on June 19 decided to extend the economic sanctions related to the banking, financial and energy sectors of Russia for another six months.


unian--2020-06-25--Ukraine cancels observation for foreigners with negative COVID-19 results after border crossing

The insurance policy must cover the costs associated with the treatment of COVID-19 , observation and the entire duration of stay in Ukraine .
Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers has cancelled mandatory self-isolation or observation for foreign citizens entering the territory of Ukraine if they have a negative result of polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) testing for COVID-19 conducted after crossing the state border .
The Cabinet approved the change in the entry rules for foreigners on June 25 , according to the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine .
The government also gave details about requirements for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossing Ukraine 's state border .
A policy must be issued by an insurance company that is registered in Ukraine , or a foreign insurance company that has a representative office in Ukraine or a contractual relationship with an insurance partner ( a healthcare management organization ) in Ukraine .
The policy must cover the costs associated with the treatment of COVID-19 , observation and the entire duration of stay in Ukraine .
As was reported earlier , citizens who come to Ukraine from the `` red-zone '' countries ( the worst COVID-19-affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the `` Dii Vdoma '' ( `` Act At Home '' ) GPS tracking app .
If a traveler arrives from the `` green '' zones ( the least COVID-19-affected regions ) , he or she may cross the border without hindrance when an insurance policy is available .

The insurance policy must cover the costs associated with the treatment of COVID-19, observation and the entire duration of stay in Ukraine.
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has cancelled mandatory self-isolation or observation for foreign citizens entering the territory of Ukraine if they have a negative result of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19 conducted after crossing the state border.
The Cabinet approved the change in the entry rules for foreigners on June 25, according to the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine.
Read alsoUkraine reports new record daily COVID-19 spike
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The government also gave details about requirements for insurance policies of foreigners and stateless persons crossing Ukraine's state border.
A policy must be issued by an insurance company that is registered in Ukraine, or a foreign insurance company that has a representative office in Ukraine or a contractual relationship with an insurance partner (a healthcare management organization) in Ukraine.
The policy must cover the costs associated with the treatment of COVID-19, observation and the entire duration of stay in Ukraine.
As was reported earlier, citizens who come to Ukraine from the "red-zone" countries (the worst COVID-19-affected regions) must undergo 14-day observation or use the "Dii Vdoma" ("Act At Home") GPS tracking app.
If a traveler arrives from the "green" zones (the least COVID-19-affected regions), he or she may cross the border without hindrance when an insurance policy is available.


unian--2020-06-25--Humanitarian situation in Donbas worsens over COVID-19 pandemic – ICRC

Some 47 % of households surveyed said they had difficulty accessing shops and markets due to quarantine measures .
The humanitarian situation in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , has worsened over the COVID-19 pandemic , making the life of civilians living in the conflict zone even more difficult , that is according to a survey conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ) in government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions from May 12 to June 3 .
`` A mere 12 % of members of households surveyed said their savings would last longer than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unstable financial situation for most of the population .
But the alarming thing is that 43 % of households said their resources would last for one week at most without outside help , '' the report said .
Read alsoNGO coordinator Yevhen Vasyliev : Panic , confusion , and chaos reign in occupied Donbas over COVID-19 lockdown Some 75 % of respondents note food price hikes amid COVID-19 ; another 47 % indicate rising prices of non-grocery goods ; and 35 % of respondents said that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ households surveyed said they had difficulty accessing shops and markets due to quarantine measures .
`` The results of the survey show that many families are facing financial difficulties and at the same time have difficulty accessing food markets over COVID-19 and the conflict in general .
This means that the ICRC 's family funding programs are not effective enough .
We need to increase again the distribution of food and hygiene kits , '' Florence Gillette , the ICRC 's head of delegation in Ukraine , said .
The ICRC press service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the committee has distributed more than 45,000 food and hygiene kits in 136 settlements on both sides of the contact line .
It also supported 56 medical institutions in the Donbas conflict zone by providing medicines , protective gear , and setting up temporary points for coronavirus screening of patients admitted to the Novoaidar regional hospital .
The ICRC survey was conducted from May 12 to June 3 in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
A total of 252 households were interviewed .
The average household size was 2.48 persons per household .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .

Some 47% of households surveyed said they had difficulty accessing shops and markets due to quarantine measures.
The humanitarian situation in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, has worsened over the COVID-19 pandemic, making the life of civilians living in the conflict zone even more difficult, that is according to a survey conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions from May 12 to June 3.
"A mere 12% of members of households surveyed said their savings would last longer than a month, which is a sign of the unstable financial situation for most of the population. But the alarming thing is that 43% of households said their resources would last for one week at most without outside help," the report said.
Read alsoNGO coordinator Yevhen Vasyliev: Panic, confusion, and chaos reign in occupied Donbas over COVID-19 lockdown
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Some 75% of respondents note food price hikes amid COVID-19; another 47% indicate rising prices of non-grocery goods; and 35% of respondents said that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected their income.
Moreover, 47% of households surveyed said they had difficulty accessing shops and markets due to quarantine measures.
"The results of the survey show that many families are facing financial difficulties and at the same time have difficulty accessing food markets over COVID-19 and the conflict in general. This means that the ICRC's family funding programs are not effective enough. We need to increase again the distribution of food and hygiene kits," Florence Gillette, the ICRC's head of delegation in Ukraine, said.
The ICRC press service says that since the COVID-19 outbreak, the committee has distributed more than 45,000 food and hygiene kits in 136 settlements on both sides of the contact line. It also supported 56 medical institutions in the Donbas conflict zone by providing medicines, protective gear, and setting up temporary points for coronavirus screening of patients admitted to the Novoaidar regional hospital.
The ICRC survey was conducted from May 12 to June 3 in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. A total of 252 households were interviewed. The average household size was 2.48 persons per household. The average age of household members was 54 years.


unian--2020-06-25--Shkarlet appointed acting Minister of Education and Science in Ukraine

The decision was made at a government meeting .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says the Cabinet of Ministers has appointed Serhiy Shkarlet acting Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine .
`` We 're appointing the acting Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine and the duties will be performed by Serhiy Shkarlet , '' he said at a government meeting on June 25 .
Read alsoUkraine does n't make amendments to education law other than those recommended by Venice Commission – FM Kuleba Shkarlet is a Doctor of Economics , professor , and was granted the title `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine . ''
He had been rector of Chernihiv National University of Technology since May 2010 , the Novoye Vremya news outlet wrote on June 25 .
The newly appointed official declared UAH 513,000 ( US $ 19,250 ) in income for 2019 .
He also indicated UAH 70,000 ( US $ 2,627 ) and US $ 30,000 , while his wife declared UAH 15,000 ( US $ 563 ) and US $ 32,000 in cash .
Shkarlet is not a real estate owner , while his wife owns a 76.9-square-meter apartment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has two cars : a 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and a 2013 Mitsubishi Pajero Wagon .
His wife owns a 2012 Ford Kuga Titanium .
There were accusations of plagiarism in Shkarlet 's works , which he denies .
He also believes that external independent testing for school graduates in Ukraine should remain in place , but he does not rule out its format may change .
As UNIAN reported , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , on June 17 registered draft resolution No .
3675 to appoint the rector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the post of Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine .
On June 18 , lawmaker from the ruling Servant of the People Party Oleksandr Kachura said that President Volodymyr Zelensky had asked the Servant of the People parliamentary faction to back Shkarlet 's candidacy for the education minister 's post .
On June 19 , Kachura announced that there were not enough votes in his faction for Shkarlet 's appointment .
The appointment of an acting minister does not require the vote in parliament .
According to Ukrainian MP ( from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vereshchuk , the Verkhovna Rada 's relevant committee had questions about the alleged presence of plagiarism in Shkarlet 's doctoral thesis and about his `` political bias , '' as , according to some media reports , he had allegedly been a member of the then Party of Regions .
The Education Minister 's post had been vacant since March 4 , 2020 , after the Oleksiy Honcharuk government was disbanded and the then Education Minister Hanna Novosad refused to work in the new government .
Prior to Shkarlet 's appointment , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Polyukhovych and then by acting minister Lubomyra Mandziy .

The decision was made at a government meeting.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says the Cabinet of Ministers has appointed Serhiy Shkarlet acting Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.
"We're appointing the acting Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine and the duties will be performed by Serhiy Shkarlet," he said at a government meeting on June 25.
Read alsoUkraine doesn't make amendments to education law other than those recommended by Venice Commission – FM Kuleba
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Shkarlet is a Doctor of Economics, professor, and was granted the title "Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine." He had been rector of Chernihiv National University of Technology since May 2010, the Novoye Vremya news outlet wrote on June 25.
The newly appointed official declared UAH 513,000 (US$19,250) in income for 2019. He also indicated UAH 70,000 (US$2,627) and US$30,000, while his wife declared UAH 15,000 (US$563) and US$32,000 in cash.
Shkarlet is not a real estate owner, while his wife owns a 76.9-square-meter apartment in the city of Chernihiv.
The official has two cars: a 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and a 2013 Mitsubishi Pajero Wagon. His wife owns a 2012 Ford Kuga Titanium.
There were accusations of plagiarism in Shkarlet's works, which he denies. He also believes that external independent testing for school graduates in Ukraine should remain in place, but he does not rule out its format may change.
As UNIAN reported, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, on June 17 registered draft resolution No. 3675 to appoint the rector of Chernihiv National University of Technology to the post of Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.
On June 18, lawmaker from the ruling Servant of the People Party Oleksandr Kachura said that President Volodymyr Zelensky had asked the Servant of the People parliamentary faction to back Shkarlet's candidacy for the education minister's post.
On June 19, Kachura announced that there were not enough votes in his faction for Shkarlet's appointment.
The appointment of an acting minister does not require the vote in parliament.
According to Ukrainian MP (from the Servant of the People faction) Iryna Vereshchuk, the Verkhovna Rada's relevant committee had questions about the alleged presence of plagiarism in Shkarlet's doctoral thesis and about his "political bias," as, according to some media reports, he had allegedly been a member of the then Party of Regions.
The Education Minister's post had been vacant since March 4, 2020, after the Oleksiy Honcharuk government was disbanded and the then Education Minister Hanna Novosad refused to work in the new government. Prior to Shkarlet's appointment, the post was occupied by acting minister Yuriy Polyukhovych and then by acting minister Lubomyra Mandziy.


unian--2020-06-25--Government could reinstate tough quarantine, PM warns amid recent spike

Shmyhal urges Ukrainians to comply with rules and recommendations to make sure there is no need to put the country back on lockdown .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said Ukraine is being hit by a `` serious wave '' of COVID-19 , and that the situation is getting worse .
`` Another anti-record as almost 1,000 patients with coronavirus were officially confirmed over the past day .
The rise continues .
We have got a wave of coronavirus , '' he said at a government meeting , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
`` Hospital load has increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's over 50 % .
Unfortunately , this sends a very negative signal , and this means we have been hit by a serious wave of the coronavirus incidence , '' the prime minister said .
Shmyhal said second-wave hospitals should be prepared in certain regions .
`` We can state the situation is deteriorating significantly , '' he said .
Shmyhal urges Ukrainians to comply with quarantine so that there is no need to `` close down the country '' and impose strict restrictions .
`` Ukrainian doctors and epidemiologists tell us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceasing to observe the restrictions .
And local authorities continue to lift the curbs at the local level not to lose political points , '' he said .
`` Therefore , today we 've received a clear result on the increase in the incidence in many regions .
Although with the quarantine model we introduced , the incidence does not increase in other countries with the same restrictions that are being observed there , remaining at a moderate level , '' prime minister said .
Shmyhal once again urged Ukrainians to comply with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 40,000 as of the morning of Thursday , June 25 .
Of them , 994 cases were reported in the past 24 hours , the highest number to date .

Shmyhal urges Ukrainians to comply with rules and recommendations to make sure there is no need to put the country back on lockdown.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said Ukraine is being hit by a "serious wave" of COVID-19, and that the situation is getting worse.
"Another anti-record as almost 1,000 patients with coronavirus were officially confirmed over the past day. The rise continues. We have got a wave of coronavirus," he said at a government meeting, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
"Hospital load has increased significantly. There are regions where it's over 50%. Unfortunately, this sends a very negative signal, and this means we have been hit by a serious wave of the coronavirus incidence," the prime minister said.
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Shmyhal said second-wave hospitals should be prepared in certain regions.
Read alsoUkraine reports new record daily COVID-19 spike
"We can state the situation is deteriorating significantly," he said.
Shmyhal urges Ukrainians to comply with quarantine so that there is no need to "close down the country" and impose strict restrictions.
"Ukrainian doctors and epidemiologists tell us about one main reason, namely people ceasing to observe the restrictions. And local authorities continue to lift the curbs at the local level not to lose political points," he said.
"Therefore, today we've received a clear result on the increase in the incidence in many regions. Although with the quarantine model we introduced, the incidence does not increase in other countries with the same restrictions that are being observed there, remaining at a moderate level," prime minister said.
Shmyhal once again urged Ukrainians to comply with the quarantine restrictions.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 40,000 as of the morning of Thursday, June 25. Of them, 994 cases were reported in the past 24 hours, the highest number to date.


unian--2020-06-26--All travelers stuck in neutral zone at Donbas checkpoint to undergo observation in designated locati

All travelers stuck in neutral zone at Donbas checkpoint to undergo observation in designated locations

People have been provided with transport and food , authorities say .
Over 40 people who found themselves stuck at @ @ @ @ @ Novotroyitske checkpoint in Donbas after it turned out they are unable to install a government-mandated @ @ @ @ @ be sent for a two-week observation to one of the designated locations .
People have @ @ @ @ @ food , as reported by the press service of Donetsk Regional State Administration .
All @ @ @ @ @ territory shall undergo body temperature screening and surveys regarding their contacts with people infected with @ @ @ @ @ allowed to enter Ukraine only if they agree to undergo observation or self-isolation with the @ @ @ @ @ GPS tracking app .
As UNIAN reported earlier , citizens were allowed to pass through @ @ @ @ @ entry and exit checkpoints on June 10 .
The entry and exit checkpoints in Donbas @ @ @ @ @ the occupied Crimea have been closed down due to the coronavirus-related quarantine since mid-March .

People have been provided with transport and food, authorities say.
Over 40 people who found themselves stuck at the neutral zone of the Novotroyitske checkpoint in Donbas after it turned out they are unable to install a government-mandated GPS tracking app, will be sent for a two-week observation to one of the designated locations.
People have been provided with transport and food, as reported by the press service of Donetsk Regional State Administration.
All citizens from the temporarily occupied territory shall undergo body temperature screening and surveys regarding their contacts with people infected with COVID-19.
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Read alsoUkraine seeing 2.6% COVID-19 case fatality rate – health minister
These people are allowed to enter Ukraine only if they agree to undergo observation or self-isolation with the use of the Dii Vdoma GPS tracking app.
As UNIAN reported earlier, citizens were allowed to pass through the Stanytsia Luhanska and Maryinka entry and exit checkpoints on June 10. The entry and exit checkpoints in Donbas and the de-facto border with the occupied Crimea have been closed down due to the coronavirus-related quarantine since mid-March.


unian--2020-06-26--Ukraine to get occupied Crimea back – Zelensky

Zelensky has congratulated all Ukrainians , primarily the Crimean Tatars , on Day of the Crimean Tatar flag .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assures Ukraine will regain control over the temporarily occupied Crimea .
`` We will get them back – both Crimea and its people .
We very much believe in this , '' the president said while visiting the Kherson Airport , which is undergoing a massive overhaul .
Zelensky congratulated all Ukrainians , primarily the Crimean Tatars , on Day of the Crimean Tatar flag .
Upon arrival in the city of Kherson , the president talked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him the Crimean Tatar banner .
That man said he wishes Zelensky will soon raise this flag in the de-occupied Crimea .
`` We will keep this flag and raise exactly this one in Crimea .
I 'll put it in my office to look at it every day and remember about Crimea , '' the president added .
UNIAN memo .
Russia annexed Ukraine 's Crimea in March 2014 after its troops had occupied the peninsula .
An illegal referendum was held for Crimeans to decide on accession to Russia .
De-facto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Crimean population had voted for joining Russia .
On March 18 , 2014 , the so-called agreement on the accession of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to Russia was signed in the Kremlin .
The West did not recognize the annexation , in response to which sanctions against Russia were introduced .
Ukraine 's parliament voted to designate February 20 , 2014 , as the official date when the temporary occupation of Crimea began .

Zelensky has congratulated all Ukrainians, primarily the Crimean Tatars, on Day of the Crimean Tatar flag.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assures Ukraine will regain control over the temporarily occupied Crimea.
"We will get them back – both Crimea and its people. We very much believe in this," the president said while visiting the Kherson Airport, which is undergoing a massive overhaul.
Zelensky congratulated all Ukrainians, primarily the Crimean Tatars, on Day of the Crimean Tatar flag.
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Upon arrival in the city of Kherson, the president talked with a Crimean Tatar activist who handed him the Crimean Tatar banner. That man said he wishes Zelensky will soon raise this flag in the de-occupied Crimea.
Read alsoNo amendments to Russian Constitution to prevent Crimea de-occupation – Ukraine's FM
"We will keep this flag and raise exactly this one in Crimea. I'll put it in my office to look at it every day and remember about Crimea," the president added.
UNIAN memo. Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea in March 2014 after its troops had occupied the peninsula. An illegal referendum was held for Crimeans to decide on accession to Russia. De-facto Crimean authorities reported that allegedly 96.77% of the Crimean population had voted for joining Russia. On March 18, 2014, the so-called agreement on the accession of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to Russia was signed in the Kremlin. The West did not recognize the annexation, in response to which sanctions against Russia were introduced. Ukraine's parliament voted to designate February 20, 2014, as the official date when the temporary occupation of Crimea began.


unian--2020-06-26--How Putin plans to remain in office until 2036 – media

The effort to deliver a resounding `` yes '' vote for Putin 's endless presidency is also being played out on Russian TV screens .
Vladimir Putin 's time in office ends in 2024 – Russia 's constitution currently limits a president to two consecutive terms .
In an April appearance before parliament , Putin made clear his solution to this problem : reset the presidential clock to zero by amending the constitution to allow him to remain for two additional terms .
This would allow him to remain in power until 2036 , when he would be 83 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority approval and also produce an acceptable level of voter participation , several actions are in the works prior to the July 1 election , the Washington Free Beacon reports .
The beginning of early balloting and the annual Victory in World War II parade have both been postponed to occur in tandem with one another .
Early voting will commence the day after the June 24 parade , with the idea that fleets of tanks , missile transporters , and other hardware and tens of thousands of troops through Red Square will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The proposed constitutional changes , however , are not being put forth in a referendum , which would require adherence to procedure and take place over the course of one day .
Instead , the several days allowed for voters beginning June 25 is called a `` general national vote , '' which `` is an electoral process that no one has ever heard of before nor has it ever been utilized in Russia , '' said one Moscow political analyst who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon .
Stretching the voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being justified due to coronavirus social distancing concerns .
But the real reason , according to this analyst , is that this vague procedure lacks `` any concrete rules and regulations—the several days of voting , voting by mail , the voting by electronic devices in Moscow and Nizhni-Novgorod that has been designated `` experimental . ''
This permits maximum flexibility on the part of the Putin regime to manipulate both the voter participation numbers and the actual tally from voting . ''
The effort to deliver a resounding `` yes '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also being played out on Russian TV screens .
The tactic harks back to 1996 when then-Russian president Boris Yeltsin ( the man who picked Putin from near-obscurity to become his successor ) was running for reelection in a close race against the head of the reconstituted Communist Party , Gennadiy Zyuganov .
Yeltsin was highly unpopular at the beginning of the election campaign , forcing the Kremlin to discredit his opponent by broadcasting film after film exposing the dark side of Russia 's Communist past .
Among these was the 1994 Russian-made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) by Nikita Mikhalkov , who today heads the Russian cinematographers ' union .
Mikhalkov has also become a major Putin supporter and is emblematic of the Kremlin 's use of films and cinema personalities to deliver propaganda messages .
His video blog , Besogon TV ( `` The Exorcist TV '' ) , portrays the West as an implacable enemy of Moscow and demonizes civil society organizations for besmirching the image of the Russian Federation .
Last week the pro-Putin/anti-West TV campaign used the classic 2000 film Brat 2 ( Brother 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starring Sergey Bodrov to discredit the concept of the U.S. brand of democracy .
The film was a major sensation when it premiered , and the June 8 TV screening was the 20th anniversary of its release .
Read alsoRussian navy ship crew threatened with sacking after voting against constitutional amendments The only difference this time was that after the end scene , the film 's credits were replaced by news footage of riots in the United States following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Immediately afterwards the state-run Channel One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the riots with the newscaster stating , `` The main values of the `` free world '' are cracking under the blows of police batons , burning in the fire of looted stores , drowning in the fury of uncompromising confrontation . ''
Reaction on Russian social media was largely one of outrage , with numerous comments asking just how furious the official Kremlin reaction would be if a popular American film ’ s ending was followed by video footage of some Russian disaster .
`` It is typical for the Putin regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Any negative image of the West that can promote the message – that without Putin 's rule Russia would face similar turmoil – will be exploited .
Up to and well after this constitutional vote on July 1 . ''

The effort to deliver a resounding "yes" vote for Putin's endless presidency is also being played out on Russian TV screens.
Vladimir Putin's time in office ends in 2024 – Russia's constitution currently limits a president to two consecutive terms. In an April appearance before parliament, Putin made clear his solution to this problem: reset the presidential clock to zero by amending the constitution to allow him to remain for two additional terms. This would allow him to remain in power until 2036, when he would be 83 years old.
In order to secure public majority approval and also produce an acceptable level of voter participation, several actions are in the works prior to the July 1 election, the Washington Free Beacon reports.
The beginning of early balloting and the annual Victory in World War II parade have both been postponed to occur in tandem with one another. Early voting will commence the day after the June 24 parade, with the idea that fleets of tanks, missile transporters, and other hardware and tens of thousands of troops through Red Square will inspire voters to give Putin another term.
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The proposed constitutional changes, however, are not being put forth in a referendum, which would require adherence to procedure and take place over the course of one day. Instead, the several days allowed for voters beginning June 25 is called a "general national vote," which "is an electoral process that no one has ever heard of before nor has it ever been utilized in Russia," said one Moscow political analyst who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon.
Read alsoNo amendments to Russian Constitution to prevent Crimea de-occupation – Ukraine's FM
Stretching the voting period from June 25 to July 1 is being justified due to coronavirus social distancing concerns. But the real reason, according to this analyst, is that this vague procedure lacks "any concrete rules and regulations—the several days of voting, voting by mail, the voting by electronic devices in Moscow and Nizhni-Novgorod that has been designated "experimental." This permits maximum flexibility on the part of the Putin regime to manipulate both the voter participation numbers and the actual tally from voting."
The effort to deliver a resounding "yes" vote for Putin's endless presidency is also being played out on Russian TV screens.
The tactic harks back to 1996 when then-Russian president Boris Yeltsin (the man who picked Putin from near-obscurity to become his successor) was running for reelection in a close race against the head of the reconstituted Communist Party, Gennadiy Zyuganov. Yeltsin was highly unpopular at the beginning of the election campaign, forcing the Kremlin to discredit his opponent by broadcasting film after film exposing the dark side of Russia's Communist past.
Among these was the 1994 Russian-made Utomlenniye Solntsem (Burnt by the Sun) by Nikita Mikhalkov, who today heads the Russian cinematographers' union. Mikhalkov has also become a major Putin supporter and is emblematic of the Kremlin's use of films and cinema personalities to deliver propaganda messages. His video blog, Besogon TV ("The Exorcist TV"), portrays the West as an implacable enemy of Moscow and demonizes civil society organizations for besmirching the image of the Russian Federation.
Last week the pro-Putin/anti-West TV campaign used the classic 2000 film Brat 2 (Brother 2), directed by Aleksey Balabanov and starring Sergey Bodrov to discredit the concept of the U.S. brand of democracy. The film was a major sensation when it premiered, and the June 8 TV screening was the 20th anniversary of its release.
Read alsoRussian navy ship crew threatened with sacking after voting against constitutional amendments
The only difference this time was that after the end scene, the film's credits were replaced by news footage of riots in the United States following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Immediately afterwards the state-run Channel One cut in with a news report on the riots with the newscaster stating, "The main values of the "free world" are cracking under the blows of police batons, burning in the fire of looted stores, drowning in the fury of uncompromising confrontation."
Reaction on Russian social media was largely one of outrage, with numerous comments asking just how furious the official Kremlin reaction would be if a popular American film’s ending was followed by video footage of some Russian disaster.
"It is typical for the Putin regime," said one retired Russian journalist. "Any negative image of the West that can promote the message – that without Putin's rule Russia would face similar turmoil – will be exploited. Up to and well after this constitutional vote on July 1."


unian--2020-06-26--Every third Ukrainian believes COVID-19 "deliberately designed and spread" – poll

Some 17.6 % of respondents suggested natural origin of the novel virus .
Every third Ukrainian citizen believes that the new COVID-19 ) coronavirus has been specially developed and deliberately distributed globally to cut population numbers or harm certain countries , that 's according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology ( KIIS ) from May 31 to June 4 , 2020 .
Respondents were asked to choose among the three statements about the origin of the coronavirus and its distribution worldwide .
Also , they were able to voice their own version .
Thus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chose the option `` the coronavirus was deliberately designed and distributed across the world to cut population numbers and/or harm certain countries . ''
Another 29.3 % indicated the option `` the coronavirus was artificially made in a lab , but its spread was accidental . ''
Thus , 66 % of Ukrainians surveyed chose one of the two options implying the artificial origin of the virus .
Some 17.6 % of respondents suggested natural origin .
Another 12.7 % of respondents have found it difficult to answer the question .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would choose other options .
In addition , respondents who chose the option of artificial origin but random distribution in the world were asked an additional question about in which country the coronavirus was artificially created ?
The question was asked in an open form , that is , respondents were not offered answer options .
The vast majority of people surveyed ( 70.2 % ) believe that the coronavirus was artificially developed in China .
Another 5 % named the United States , and 2.8 % – Russia .
Other countries were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of respondents have found it difficult to answer the question .
Read alsoMinistry of Health to demand tougher control of quarantine rules on transport , in markets At the same time , those who chose the option that `` the coronavirus was deliberately designed and spread across the world to cut population numbers and/or harm certain countries '' were asked an additional question about who was responsible for the development and deliberate distribution of the virus .
Half of the respondents ( 49.4 % ) failed to answer the question .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Then come the United States ( 10.9 % ) , Russia ( 4 % ) , and world power ( 1.6 % ) .
Other options were voiced less often .
The survey was conducted on May 31-June 4 through computer-assisted telephone interviews ( CATI ) using a random selection of cell numbers .
The sample is representative of the adult population ( aged 18 and older ) .
The survey was conducted in settlements across Ukraine with the exception of Crimea and the occupied areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ margin of error ( with a probability of 0.95 and with a design effect of 1.1 ) does not exceed 2.2 % for indicators close to 50 % , 2.1 % for indicators close to 25 % , and 1.4 % for indicators close to 10 % .

Some 17.6% of respondents suggested natural origin of the novel virus.
Every third Ukrainian citizen believes that the new COVID-19) coronavirus has been specially developed and deliberately distributed globally to cut population numbers or harm certain countries, that's according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) from May 31 to June 4, 2020.
Respondents were asked to choose among the three statements about the origin of the coronavirus and its distribution worldwide. Also, they were able to voice their own version.
Thus, most respondents, namely 36.7%, chose the option "the coronavirus was deliberately designed and distributed across the world to cut population numbers and/or harm certain countries." Another 29.3% indicated the option "the coronavirus was artificially made in a lab, but its spread was accidental." Thus, 66% of Ukrainians surveyed chose one of the two options implying the artificial origin of the virus. Some 17.6% of respondents suggested natural origin.
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Another 12.7% of respondents have found it difficult to answer the question. At the same time, 3.7% said they would choose other options.
In addition, respondents who chose the option of artificial origin but random distribution in the world were asked an additional question about in which country the coronavirus was artificially created? The question was asked in an open form, that is, respondents were not offered answer options. The vast majority of people surveyed (70.2%) believe that the coronavirus was artificially developed in China. Another 5% named the United States, and 2.8% – Russia. Other countries were named less often. Also, 20% of respondents have found it difficult to answer the question.
Read alsoMinistry of Health to demand tougher control of quarantine rules on transport, in markets
At the same time, those who chose the option that "the coronavirus was deliberately designed and spread across the world to cut population numbers and/or harm certain countries" were asked an additional question about who was responsible for the development and deliberate distribution of the virus. Half of the respondents (49.4%) failed to answer the question. Some 26.1% believe that China is responsible. Then come the United States (10.9%), Russia (4%), and world power (1.6%). Other options were voiced less often.
The survey was conducted on May 31-June 4 through computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) using a random selection of cell numbers. The sample is representative of the adult population (aged 18 and older). The survey was conducted in settlements across Ukraine with the exception of Crimea and the occupied areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The study involved 2,200 respondents.
The margin of error (with a probability of 0.95 and with a design effect of 1.1) does not exceed 2.2% for indicators close to 50%, 2.1% for indicators close to 25%, and 1.4% for indicators close to 10%.


unian--2020-06-26--No amendments to Russian Constitution can prevent Crimea de-occupation – Ukraine's FM

Putin has scheduled a vote on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation for July 1 .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says no amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation will prevent de-occupation of Ukrainian Crimea .
`` Now many people are pondering amendments to the Russian Constitution , which supposedly should fix the 'inviolability of Russian borders . '
Today I 'd like to firmly state : not a single provision of Russian legislation fixed in the law , the president 's decree or the Constitution of this country can prevent Crimea de-occupation .
Crimea was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Kuleba said during a joint ceremony of raising the Crimean Tatar flag together with leader of the Crimean Tatars Mustafa Dzhemilev and chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Refat Chubarov at the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoRussia may resort to new provocations in Black Sea in Sept – Ukraine intel Kuleba said that today , on the Day of the Crimean Tatar flag , the flag was hoisted not only in the capital city of Kyiv , but also in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting the rights of Crimean Tatars who remained in illegally occupied Crimea and de-occupation of the peninsula would always be his priority in office .
`` We will not stop until this flag , which we 're raising today along with the Ukrainian flag , is flown in all cities and towns of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol .
I 'm not saying this now as a diplomatic romantic , but as a serious diplomatic pragmatist , '' Kuleba said .
Activists and acclaimed public figures gathered at the ceremony at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin political prisoner Volodymyr Balukh , journalist Ayder Muzhdabaev , and deputy chairman of the Mejlis Ilmi Umerov .
Addressing the audience , Chubarov said the Crimean Tatars , Crimea , and Ukraine can not exist separately , and expressed confidence in the inevitability of Crimea de-occupation .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled a vote on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation for July 1 .
The amendments provide that Putin will be able to run for another two presidential terms after 2024 .

Putin has scheduled a vote on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation for July 1.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says no amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation will prevent de-occupation of Ukrainian Crimea.
"Now many people are pondering amendments to the Russian Constitution, which supposedly should fix the 'inviolability of Russian borders.' Today I'd like to firmly state: not a single provision of Russian legislation fixed in the law, the president's decree or the Constitution of this country can prevent Crimea de-occupation. Crimea was, is, and will be Ukrainian," Kuleba said during a joint ceremony of raising the Crimean Tatar flag together with leader of the Crimean Tatars Mustafa Dzhemilev and chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Refat Chubarov at the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoRussia may resort to new provocations in Black Sea in Sept – Ukraine intel
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Kuleba said that today, on the Day of the Crimean Tatar flag, the flag was hoisted not only in the capital city of Kyiv, but also in all foreign diplomatic institutions.
The minister said protecting the rights of Crimean Tatars who remained in illegally occupied Crimea and de-occupation of the peninsula would always be his priority in office.
"We will not stop until this flag, which we're raising today along with the Ukrainian flag, is flown in all cities and towns of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol. I'm not saying this now as a diplomatic romantic, but as a serious diplomatic pragmatist," Kuleba said.
Activists and acclaimed public figures gathered at the ceremony at the Foreign Ministry building, including former Kremlin political prisoner Volodymyr Balukh, journalist Ayder Muzhdabaev, and deputy chairman of the Mejlis Ilmi Umerov.
Addressing the audience, Chubarov said the Crimean Tatars, Crimea, and Ukraine cannot exist separately, and expressed confidence in the inevitability of Crimea de-occupation.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled a vote on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation for July 1. The amendments provide that Putin will be able to run for another two presidential terms after 2024.


unian--2020-06-26--OPG closes Pysaruk, Bakhmatyuk probe which Kasko previously launched

The Office of the Prosecutor General complied with the judgment handed down by the Pechersk District Court in Kyiv , canceling the motion by the first deputy prosecutor general to annul the decision on terminate criminal proceedings related to VAB Bank .
This judgment is not subject to appeal .
That 's according to Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova , Ukrainian News reports .
`` On June 25 , the Office of the Prosecutor General complied with the court judgment since court judgments , orders and rulings shall be enforceable by all entities throughout Ukraine .
Article 129-1 of the Constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shall be binding , '' Venediktova wrote on Facebook .
Businessman Oleg Bakhmatyuk also commented on the decision of the prosecutor 's office : `` The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has finally put an end to the so-called 'Pysaruk and Bakhmatyuk case ' .
A legal judgment of the Pechersk district court of Kyiv was fulfilled , which declared the decision of former deputy prosecutor general Kasko illegal after he , in violation of the CPC and violation of the procedural deadlines , resumed the case , which had long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and closed by court rulings .
The fact that the restoration of a far-fetched case was no accident was understood by both professional experts and the economic community , both in Ukraine and beyond .
In fact , it was the result of the conspiracy of former head of the Office of the President Andriy Bohdan , ex-Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka , and NABU Director Artem Sytnyk , each of whom had their own motives to destroy my company . ''
The businessman believes that `` the Office of the Prosecutor General has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the company , which employs tens of thousands of people , which produces a national product and pays major taxes to the budget .
The decision to close this case gives me the opportunity , as a shareholder , to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Deposit Guarantee Fund .
The next step should be taken by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor 's Office , which is obliged to repeal all procedural action that was taken on the basis of a fabricated case , because the case has been closed , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is required to comply with the lawful court judgment and cease to terrorize the company , which has suffered economic damage because of this . ''
Recall that the case against Pysaruk and Bakhmatyuk was opened over the alleged misuse of refinancing funds provided by NBU to VAB bank during the 2014 banking crisis .
The conclusions of the examinations of the Deposit Guarantee Fund and NBU statements confirm that all refinancing funds were spent for their intended purpose – they were received by bank depositors .
In addition , Oleg Bakhmatyuk himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget UAH 8 billion , but received no response to his proposal from the NBU .

The Office of the Prosecutor General complied with the judgment handed down by the Pechersk District Court in Kyiv, canceling the motion by the first deputy prosecutor general to annul the decision on terminate criminal proceedings related to VAB Bank. This judgment is not subject to appeal.
That's according to Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova, Ukrainian News reports.
"On June 25, the Office of the Prosecutor General complied with the court judgment since court judgments, orders and rulings shall be enforceable by all entities throughout Ukraine. Article 129-1 of the Constitution of Ukraine notes that a court judgment shall be binding," Venediktova wrote on Facebook.
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Businessman Oleg Bakhmatyuk also commented on the decision of the prosecutor's office: "The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has finally put an end to the so-called 'Pysaruk and Bakhmatyuk case'. A legal judgment of the Pechersk district court of Kyiv was fulfilled, which declared the decision of former deputy prosecutor general Kasko illegal after he, in violation of the CPC and violation of the procedural deadlines, resumed the case, which had long been investigated by several law enforcement agencies and closed by court rulings. The fact that the restoration of a far-fetched case was no accident was understood by both professional experts and the economic community, both in Ukraine and beyond. In fact, it was the result of the conspiracy of former head of the Office of the President Andriy Bohdan, ex-Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka, and NABU Director Artem Sytnyk, each of whom had their own motives to destroy my company."
The businessman believes that "the Office of the Prosecutor General has taken a big step in restoring justice for the company, which employs tens of thousands of people, which produces a national product and pays major taxes to the budget. The decision to close this case gives me the opportunity, as a shareholder, to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Deposit Guarantee Fund. The next step should be taken by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, which is obliged to repeal all procedural action that was taken on the basis of a fabricated case, because the case has been closed, and such investigative actions are illegal. SAPO is required to comply with the lawful court judgment and cease to terrorize the company, which has suffered economic damage because of this."
Recall that the case against Pysaruk and Bakhmatyuk was opened over the alleged misuse of refinancing funds provided by NBU to VAB bank during the 2014 banking crisis. The conclusions of the examinations of the Deposit Guarantee Fund and NBU statements confirm that all refinancing funds were spent for their intended purpose – they were received by bank depositors. In addition, Oleg Bakhmatyuk himself proposed that he return to the state budget UAH 8 billion, but received no response to his proposal from the NBU.


unian--2020-06-26--Russia may resort to new provocations in Black Sea in upcoming drills – Ukraine intel

Some episodes of the drills will be worked out in areas bordering Ukraine , namely at the Kadamovsky and Kuzminsky training grounds , and in occupied Crimea .
Representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Vadym Skibitsky says Russia may resort to provocative actions during the upcoming Caucasus 2020 strategic command and staff drills , which will be held in September .
Speaking at an online briefing on Friday , he said the analysis of the security situation around Ukraine indicates Russia 's targeted measures to build up combat capabilities near Ukraine borders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and militarization of occupied Crimea reinforce the military threat to Ukraine 's national security .
At the same time , Skibitsky said combat readiness of Russian troops was annually checked during the strategic command and staff drills of the Russian armed forces .
This year , Russia plans to work out the whole range of measures for the preparation and use of general-purpose forces .
`` The official legend of the drills is the use of a group of forces of a coalition of states in the interests of ensuring military security in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said .
Russia will involve local authorities , groupings , formations and units of the southern , western and central military districts , aerospace forces , navy , airborne troops , Russian guard and other military units of the Russian Federation .
Contingents of 17 foreign armed forces are also invited .
`` It is estimated at least 100,000-120,000 personnel , 3,000 armored combat vehicles will be involved , including at least 500 tanks , 300 aircraft , 250 helicopters , 50 ships , and up to five submarines , '' Skibitsky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some episodes of the drills will be worked out in regions bordering Ukraine , namely at the Kadamovsky and Kuzminsky training grounds , as well as in the occupied Crimea .
Inter-naval exercises are also possible in the Black Sea .
According to Skibitsky , provocative actions can not be ruled out during the demonstration phase of the Caucasus 2020 drills .
He says Russia will check readiness to apply an integrated grouping of troops , which consists of regular troops , local armed formations , private military companies , civil and non-governmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under a single plan to carry out tasks on enemy territory .
Skibitsky added the Russian Federation was constantly improving methods of using such an integrated group in combat conditions in eastern Ukraine , in Syria and Libya , and the Caucasus 2020 drills will be the next stage in the increased training of the Russian aggressor forces .
`` These drills will be used by the Russian leadership to demonstrate military prowess to Ukraine and the European states .
They should be seen as an element of pressure on our country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information campaign will be intensified , including using the Ukrainian information space .
`` The main goal will be to intimidate and impose at all levels the thought of the irreversibility of Russian demands being fulfilled in the occupied territories and the Kremlin 's ability to defend its interests using military force , '' he said .
According to Skibitsky , the Ukrainian military has established a clear interaction on the exchange of intelligence data .
`` Based on the results of intelligence studies , appropriate analysis and proposals will be prepared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .

Some episodes of the drills will be worked out in areas bordering Ukraine, namely at the Kadamovsky and Kuzminsky training grounds, and in occupied Crimea.
Representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Vadym Skibitsky says Russia may resort to provocative actions during the upcoming Caucasus 2020 strategic command and staff drills, which will be held in September.
Speaking at an online briefing on Friday, he said the analysis of the security situation around Ukraine indicates Russia's targeted measures to build up combat capabilities near Ukraine borders, while setting up new formations and units and militarization of occupied Crimea reinforce the military threat to Ukraine's national security.
At the same time, Skibitsky said combat readiness of Russian troops was annually checked during the strategic command and staff drills of the Russian armed forces.
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This year, Russia plans to work out the whole range of measures for the preparation and use of general-purpose forces.
"The official legend of the drills is the use of a group of forces of a coalition of states in the interests of ensuring military security in the south-western strategic direction," the official said.
Russia will involve local authorities, groupings, formations and units of the southern, western and central military districts, aerospace forces, navy, airborne troops, Russian guard and other military units of the Russian Federation. Contingents of 17 foreign armed forces are also invited.
"It is estimated at least 100,000-120,000 personnel, 3,000 armored combat vehicles will be involved, including at least 500 tanks, 300 aircraft, 250 helicopters, 50 ships, and up to five submarines," Skibitsky said.
Read alsoZelensky taps Rear Admiral Neizhpapa to command Ukraine's Navy (Photo)
At the same time, some episodes of the drills will be worked out in regions bordering Ukraine, namely at the Kadamovsky and Kuzminsky training grounds, as well as in the occupied Crimea. Inter-naval exercises are also possible in the Black Sea.
According to Skibitsky, provocative actions cannot be ruled out during the demonstration phase of the Caucasus 2020 drills.
He says Russia will check readiness to apply an integrated grouping of troops, which consists of regular troops, local armed formations, private military companies, civil and non-governmental organizations under a single command, operating under a single plan to carry out tasks on enemy territory.
Skibitsky added the Russian Federation was constantly improving methods of using such an integrated group in combat conditions in eastern Ukraine, in Syria and Libya, and the Caucasus 2020 drills will be the next stage in the increased training of the Russian aggressor forces.
"These drills will be used by the Russian leadership to demonstrate military prowess to Ukraine and the European states. They should be seen as an element of pressure on our country," he said, adding Russia's information campaign will be intensified, including using the Ukrainian information space.
Read alsoRussian 'military parades' in occupied Donbas, Crimea violate Ukrainian, international law – MFA
"The main goal will be to intimidate and impose at all levels the thought of the irreversibility of Russian demands being fulfilled in the occupied territories and the Kremlin's ability to defend its interests using military force," he said.
According to Skibitsky, the Ukrainian military has established a clear interaction on the exchange of intelligence data.
"Based on the results of intelligence studies, appropriate analysis and proposals will be prepared to neutralize threats coming from the Russian Federation," he added.


unian--2020-06-26--PM Shmyhal elaborates on quarantine prospects for Ukraine

Quarantine restrictions will remain throughout June and July , PM believes .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has elaborated on quarantine introduced over the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in the country and reflected on whether Ukraine has overcome the peak of the coronavirus crisis or the worst is yet to come .
`` I go to bed and wake up with this question , '' he told the Novoe Vremya news outlet on June 25 .
According to Shmyhal , Ukrainian citizens `` are used to living in stress and crisis a priori . ''
`` This is our advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in crises so many times that today we perceive it , unfortunately , as part of our lives , '' he said .
Meanwhile , various businesses evaluate the ongoing crisis differently .
`` Some businessmen see it as an opportunity , which is an optimistic view .
But let 's talk about those who are suffering from crisis .
It 's more important .
We need to support those who have shut their shops , restaurants , as well as entertainment and creative industries , so that they could keep jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will come and they will return to their offices , shooting locations , their stages and restaurants .
And here 's the question : how long will the quarantine last ? ''
he added .
Read alsoKyiv mayor reports 115 new COVID-19 cases , one fatality in past day The official reminded that Ukraine still adheres to the adaptive quarantine .
`` In those areas and regions where you can work normally , please do work and support the economy .
However , we are forced to tighten quarantine rules in those areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
At the same time , Shmyhal urged `` not to relax , allowing a new peak . ''
To this end , the Cabinet plans to increase fines for not wearing face masks in public places and public transport , as well as fines for owners of such establishments and transport companies .
`` Therefore , returning to the question , we think that we will be living with quarantine restrictions throughout June and July , more or less , '' he said .

Quarantine restrictions will remain throughout June and July, PM believes.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has elaborated on quarantine introduced over the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country and reflected on whether Ukraine has overcome the peak of the coronavirus crisis or the worst is yet to come.
"I go to bed and wake up with this question," he told the Novoe Vremya news outlet on June 25.
According to Shmyhal, Ukrainian citizens "are used to living in stress and crisis a priori."
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"This is our advantage, a huge advantage. We have been in crises so many times that today we perceive it, unfortunately, as part of our lives," he said.
Meanwhile, various businesses evaluate the ongoing crisis differently.
"Some businessmen see it as an opportunity, which is an optimistic view. But let's talk about those who are suffering from crisis. It's more important. We need to support those who have shut their shops, restaurants, as well as entertainment and creative industries, so that they could keep jobs, to let people know the time will come and they will return to their offices, shooting locations, their stages and restaurants. And here's the question: how long will the quarantine last?" he added.
Read alsoKyiv mayor reports 115 new COVID-19 cases, one fatality in past day
The official reminded that Ukraine still adheres to the adaptive quarantine. "In those areas and regions where you can work normally, please do work and support the economy. However, we are forced to tighten quarantine rules in those areas where a spike is being observed," he said.
At the same time, Shmyhal urged "not to relax, allowing a new peak." To this end, the Cabinet plans to increase fines for not wearing face masks in public places and public transport, as well as fines for owners of such establishments and transport companies.
"Therefore, returning to the question, we think that we will be living with quarantine restrictions throughout June and July, more or less," he said.


unian--2020-06-26--Kyiv mayor reports 115 new COVID-19 cases, one fatality in past day

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 4,724 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose by 115 in the past day .
`` @ @ @ @ @ another 115 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus , including nine healthcare workers @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said on Facebook on June 26 .
The total number of confirmed @ @ @ @ @ is 4,724 .
According to Klitschko , 58 women , 49 men , and eight @ @ @ @ @ .
Klitschko said 25 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating @ @ @ @ @ under medical supervision .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered @ @ @ @ @ ) , Dniprovsky and Obolonsky districts ( 18 each ) , and Desniansky district ( @ @ @ @ @ death toll in the city was 102 cases .

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 4,724.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose by 115 in the past day.
"In the past day, another 115 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including nine healthcare workers. There was one fatality," he said on Facebook on June 26.
Read alsoKyiv authorities update rules for catering establishments amid quarantine relaxation
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The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 4,724.
According to Klitschko, 58 women, 49 men, and eight children are among those infected.
Klitschko said 25 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (19), Dniprovsky and Obolonsky districts (18 each), and Desniansky district (15).
The total death toll in the city was 102 cases.


unian--2020-06-26--Ministry of Health to demand tougher control of quarantine rules on transport, in markets

The Minister urged Ukrainians to adhere to quarantine rules .
The Ministry of Health is turning to regulatory authorities to tighten controls on public transport and in supermarkets due to the COVID-19 resurgence .
Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov addressed the issue at today 's briefing , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
He emphasized that Ukraine has introduced treatment standards that show their effectiveness , medical treatment provided by doctors is quite effective , and this confirms that lethality rate is lower than in other countries of Europe .
`` At the same time , we must understand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And when 200-205 people are hospitalized , we could find ourselves in a situation where hospitals are fully loaded , '' the minister said .
According to him , to prevent this from happening , people should abide by the recommendations that the Ministry of Health is offering .
`` Of course , the ministry is turning to regulatory authorities to tighten controls on transport , primarily applied to those engaged in transporting passengers or supervisors in supermarkets and other establishments , so that they monitor places where there is virus transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Health will not dwell on actions being carried out in terms of treatment and testing .
But in order for us to be able to provide medical assistance , to defeat COVID-19 , I ask you , dear Ukrainians , to abide by the rules , '' the minister urged .
He cited the example of Zakarpattia and Chernivtsi regions , where COVID-19 hospital load has already exceeded 50 % .
`` Therefore , I 'm asking you , my fellow Ukrainians , to follow recommendations compiled by the Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Minister urged Ukrainians to adhere to quarantine rules.
The Ministry of Health is turning to regulatory authorities to tighten controls on public transport and in supermarkets due to the COVID-19 resurgence.
Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov addressed the issue at today's briefing, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
He emphasized that Ukraine has introduced treatment standards that show their effectiveness, medical treatment provided by doctors is quite effective, and this confirms that lethality rate is lower than in other countries of Europe.
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Read alsoCOVID-19 resurgence in Ukraine: record 1,109 cases reported in past day
"At the same time, we must understand that the healthcare system has a certain limit. And when 200-205 people are hospitalized, we could find ourselves in a situation where hospitals are fully loaded," the minister said. According to him, to prevent this from happening, people should abide by the recommendations that the Ministry of Health is offering.
"Of course, the ministry is turning to regulatory authorities to tighten controls on transport, primarily applied to those engaged in transporting passengers or supervisors in supermarkets and other establishments, so that they monitor places where there is virus transmission and contraction is highly possible. The Ministry of Health will not dwell on actions being carried out in terms of treatment and testing. But in order for us to be able to provide medical assistance, to defeat COVID-19, I ask you, dear Ukrainians, to abide by the rules," the minister urged.
He cited the example of Zakarpattia and Chernivtsi regions, where COVID-19 hospital load has already exceeded 50%.
"Therefore, I'm asking you, my fellow Ukrainians, to follow recommendations compiled by the Ministry of Health," he addressed citizens.


unian--2020-06-26--Ukraine seeing 2.6% COVID-19 case fatality rate – health minister

The authorities are preparing hospitals for second wave of COVID-19 .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the COVID-19 case fatality rate in Ukraine is 2.6 % , having denied reports about the alleged 10 % rate .
`` Ukraine has a 2.6 % COVID-19 case fatality rate .
We do n't have 10 % , '' he told a briefing on June 26 .
According to Stepanov , now the health care system is fulfilling its main task .
Today , provision of medical facilities with everything required for the treatment of COVID-19 patients , and doctors with protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March .
Read alsoHealth minister : Ukraine preparing hospitals for second wave of COVID-19 Patients with severe or moderate cases , including pneumonia , get hospitalized , he said .
Stepanov added that the authorities are preparing hospitals for second wave of COVID-19 .
`` Based on the incidence figures and analyzing the spread of the disease in different regions – of course , bed occupancy [ in hospitals designated for COVID-19 patients ] – we are preparing for the deployment of the second wave hospitals [ to deal with the coronavirus ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been prepared ] in hospitals for the first wave , with 4,000 occupied for the time being .
The situation varies in different regions .
It 's the most challenging in Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia regions .
Therefore , we will be preparing for the deployment of the second wave hospitals on a regional basis , '' he summed up .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine on June 26 saw a new record spike in daily COVID-19 cases when the number of new positive coronavirus patients grew by 1,109 in the past @ @ @

The authorities are preparing hospitals for second wave of COVID-19.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the COVID-19 case fatality rate in Ukraine is 2.6%, having denied reports about the alleged 10% rate.
"Ukraine has a 2.6% COVID-19 case fatality rate. We don't have 10%," he told a briefing on June 26.
According to Stepanov, now the health care system is fulfilling its main task. Today, provision of medical facilities with everything required for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, and doctors with protective gear, has significantly improved compared to March.
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Read alsoHealth minister: Ukraine preparing hospitals for second wave of COVID-19
Patients with severe or moderate cases, including pneumonia, get hospitalized, he said.
Stepanov added that the authorities are preparing hospitals for second wave of COVID-19.
"Based on the incidence figures and analyzing the spread of the disease in different regions – of course, bed occupancy [in hospitals designated for COVID-19 patients] – we are preparing for the deployment of the second wave hospitals [to deal with the coronavirus]. In general, 23,000 beds [had been prepared] in hospitals for the first wave, with 4,000 occupied for the time being. The situation varies in different regions. It's the most challenging in Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia regions. Therefore, we will be preparing for the deployment of the second wave hospitals on a regional basis," he summed up.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine on June 26 saw a new record spike in daily COVID-19 cases when the number of new positive coronavirus patients grew by 1,109 in the past 24 hours.


unian--2020-06-26--MP comments on controversial  "poor quality children" statement

At the same time , Tretiakova dismissed as `` bullying '' the row that her statement sparked .
Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Policies and Protection of Veterans Rights Halyna Tretiakova has commented on her statement where she mentioned `` poor quality '' children in families living off welfare .
According to her , she raised four children on her own , never took sick leave , working at least 50-60 hours a week and never applying for welfare payments .
At the same time , Tretiakova dismissed as `` bullying '' the row that her statement sparked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments on controversial statement by fellow party member on `` poor quality '' children '' Thank you all for the sincere words of support .
They are extremely important for me amid this orchestrated bullying , '' MP wrote on Facebook .
`` Yes , the wording chosen was politically incorrect .
Who of us never makes mistakes , especially during long public speeches ? ''
she said .
`` And yes .
I 'm not perfect .
And I do n't want to be perfect I just do what I can in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tretiakova added .
As reported earlier , speaking in a stream posted by the Kyiv School of Economics on May 26 , Tretiakova said the following : `` When we demographically provide welfare that is used by families for anything but providing their child with equal rights and education , while giving birth to a child only to receive financial assistance .
Then we get – I 'll say harshly – children of very low quality , who also start feeding on public funds .
Margaret Thatcher also spoke of this once , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK is tough on those who `` do n't work and do n't protect '' .
She went on to cite the example of Singapore where Li Kuan Yu reportedly told to sterilize women with no higher education .
The relevant excerpt from the stream was posted by a Facebook public in late May and went largely unnoticed , but the row sparked after the Federation of Professional Unions of Ukraine on June 24 publicly called for Tretiakova 's sacking from the post of Parliamentary Committee for Social Policies and Protection of Veterans @ @

At the same time, Tretiakova dismissed as "bullying" the row that her statement sparked.
Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Policies and Protection of Veterans Rights Halyna Tretiakova has commented on her statement where she mentioned "poor quality" children in families living off welfare.
According to her, she raised four children on her own, never took sick leave, working at least 50-60 hours a week and never applying for welfare payments.
At the same time, Tretiakova dismissed as "bullying" the row that her statement sparked.
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Read alsoRuling faction MP in Ukraine comments on controversial statement by fellow party member on "poor quality" children
"Thank you all for the sincere words of support. They are extremely important for me amid this orchestrated bullying," MP wrote on Facebook. "Yes, the wording chosen was politically incorrect. Who of us never makes mistakes, especially during long public speeches?" she said.
"And yes. I'm not perfect. And I don't want to be perfect I just do what I can in the position where I am," Tretiakova added.
As reported earlier, speaking in a stream posted by the Kyiv School of Economics on May 26, Tretiakova said the following: "When we demographically provide welfare that is used by families for anything but providing their child with equal rights and education, while giving birth to a child only to receive financial assistance. Then we get – I'll say harshly – children of very low quality, who also start feeding on public funds. Margaret Thatcher also spoke of this once," Tretiakova said, adding that the UK is tough on those who "don't work and don't protect". She went on to cite the example of Singapore where Li Kuan Yu reportedly told to sterilize women with no higher education.
The relevant excerpt from the stream was posted by a Facebook public in late May and went largely unnoticed, but the row sparked after the Federation of Professional Unions of Ukraine on June 24 publicly called for Tretiakova's sacking from the post of Parliamentary Committee for Social Policies and Protection of Veterans Rights.


unian--2020-06-26--Cabinet of Ministers greenlights launch of e-residency in Ukraine

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Cabinet of Ministers greenlights launch of e-residency in Ukraine
12:20, 26.06.20 834
Ukraine may become a powerful Eastern European IT hub.
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unian--2020-06-26--Kyiv house blast: Zelensky hands first 12 certificates for new apartments over to victims

The assets were provided by Kyiv-based real estate developers .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has handed first ownership certificates for new apartments over to 12 families left homeless because of an explosion in a residential building in Kyiv 's Pozniaky area .
`` I deeply sympathize – everyone understands what it means to lose the loved ones , no apartment could compensate the loss .
We help how we can and we are ready to help right now .
We 're keeping track of all 40 apartments , '' he said during a live video broadcast on the Presidential Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Now we want to give the first 12 apartments to the families with children ... and a separate apartment will be given to Anastasia [ Nedashkivska ] , who lost her whole family [ both parents and a brother ] , and Anatoliy , who lost his father . ''
According to the president , these are newly built apartments without interior decoration .
Zelensky asked Mayor of Kyiv Vitaliy Klitschko , who was present at the event , to help finish the decoration of the apartments .
The president said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be handed over to all other victims within a month .
`` I 'd like to say that we have found all 40 apartments .
They are all in Kyiv – not in the region .
These are new apartments .
Twelve apartments are ready – they are completed , '' the presidential press service quoted Zelensky as saying on the air of the Right to Power program during a TV broadcast from Ivano-Frankivsk region , where the president is on an urgent working trip .
`` Within a maximum of one and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 28 apartments to the families . ''
The president stressed that no budget money would be spent on the purchase of the apartments .
`` We talked to real estate developers .
The President 's Office found developers who helped us , '' Zelensky explained .
As UNIAN reported , several apartments in a ten-storied apartment block at 1/5 Solomii Krushelnytskoi Street in Kyiv 's Darnytsky district were damaged by an explosion at about 10:00 a.m. on Sunday , June 21 .
The explosion destroyed interfloor structures between the fourth and eighth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is reportedly the cause behind the incident .
More than 100 people lived in the destroyed part of the building , they were evacuated .
The incident is being investigated under Part 2 of Article 270 ( violation of fire safety requirements established by law ) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine .
Since the launch of the rescue operation , five bodies have been found under the debris : two women , born in 1943 and 1974 , and three men born in 1991 , 1967 , 1976 .
Ukraine 's State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroyed apartment block had been identified .
On June 24 , Deputy Chairman of Kyiv City State Administration Petro Panteleev said that the victims would be paid compensation worth from UAH 50,000 to UAH 100,000 ( about US $ 1,800 – US $ 3,700 ) each and provided with housing equivalent to the one they had lost .

The assets were provided by Kyiv-based real estate developers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has handed first ownership certificates for new apartments over to 12 families left homeless because of an explosion in a residential building in Kyiv's Pozniaky area.
"I deeply sympathize – everyone understands what it means to lose the loved ones, no apartment could compensate the loss. We help how we can and we are ready to help right now. We're keeping track of all 40 apartments," he said during a live video broadcast on the Presidential Office's Facebook page on June 25. "Now we want to give the first 12 apartments to the families with children ... and a separate apartment will be given to Anastasia [Nedashkivska], who lost her whole family [both parents and a brother], and Anatoliy, who lost his father."
Read alsoKyiv house blast: Residents claim smelled gas mixture following maintenance works
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According to the president, these are newly built apartments without interior decoration. Zelensky asked Mayor of Kyiv Vitaliy Klitschko, who was present at the event, to help finish the decoration of the apartments.
The president said that 28 certificates for the remaining apartments would be handed over to all other victims within a month.
"I'd like to say that we have found all 40 apartments. They are all in Kyiv – not in the region. These are new apartments. Twelve apartments are ready – they are completed," the presidential press service quoted Zelensky as saying on the air of the Right to Power program during a TV broadcast from Ivano-Frankivsk region, where the president is on an urgent working trip. "Within a maximum of one and a half months, we will allocate another 28 apartments to the families."
The president stressed that no budget money would be spent on the purchase of the apartments.
"We talked to real estate developers. The President's Office found developers who helped us," Zelensky explained.
As UNIAN reported, several apartments in a ten-storied apartment block at 1/5 Solomii Krushelnytskoi Street in Kyiv's Darnytsky district were damaged by an explosion at about 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 21. The explosion destroyed interfloor structures between the fourth and eighth floors. A leak of household gas is reportedly the cause behind the incident. More than 100 people lived in the destroyed part of the building, they were evacuated. The incident is being investigated under Part 2 of Article 270 (violation of fire safety requirements established by law) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Since the launch of the rescue operation, five bodies have been found under the debris: two women, born in 1943 and 1974, and three men born in 1991, 1967, 1976. Ukraine's State Emergency Service said all residents of the destroyed apartment block had been identified.
On June 24, Deputy Chairman of Kyiv City State Administration Petro Panteleev said that the victims would be paid compensation worth from UAH 50,000 to UAH 100,000 (about US$1,800 – US$3,700) each and provided with housing equivalent to the one they had lost.


unian--2020-06-26--Cyberpolice nab Odesa man selling personal data from banking databases

The perpetrator would charge UAH 1,000 ( nearly $ 40 ) per package of information inquired .
The Ukrainian cyberpolice unit in the southern city of Odesa have detained a a local man , 26 , accused of illegally disseminating for profit personal data from databases of major Ukrainian banks and other organizations .
Also , the suspect , who had been rendering his illegal services via one of chat messengers , offered information from databases of postal carrier clients , vehicle registration and drivers ' licenses , Odesa Region PD press service reported .
The perpetrator would charge UAH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package of information inquired .
Read alsoSBU in Kharkiv region exposes group of cybercriminals stealing money from bank cards During a search at the suspect 's home and vehicle , law enforcers seized SIM cards , bank cards , a cellphone , and flash drives .
The man is set to be charged with `` unauthorized interference with the operation of computers , automated systems , computer or telecommunication networks .
As UNIAN reported earlier , a supermarket cashier was detained in Khmelnytsky region for copying customers ' bank card information to appropriate @ @

The perpetrator would charge UAH 1,000 (nearly $40) per package of information inquired.
The Ukrainian cyberpolice unit in the southern city of Odesa have detained a a local man, 26, accused of illegally disseminating for profit personal data from databases of major Ukrainian banks and other organizations.
Also, the suspect, who had been rendering his illegal services via one of chat messengers, offered information from databases of postal carrier clients, vehicle registration and drivers' licenses, Odesa Region PD press service reported.
The perpetrator would charge UAH 1,000 (nearly $40) per package of information inquired.
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Read alsoSBU in Kharkiv region exposes group of cybercriminals stealing money from bank cards
During a search at the suspect's home and vehicle, law enforcers seized SIM cards, bank cards, a cellphone, and flash drives.
The man is set to be charged with "unauthorized interference with the operation of computers, automated systems, computer or telecommunication networks.
As UNIAN reported earlier, a supermarket cashier was detained in Khmelnytsky region for copying customers' bank card information to appropriate money.


unian--2020-06-26--Traffic restored on all major motorways in flood-affected areas in Ukraine's west– Zelensky

The territories will return to normal life soon , president says .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says traffic on all national roads in flood-affected areas of Ukraine 's western regions has been resumed .
`` I set a task before the government , and today , at 14:00 , the government allocated about UAH 750 million ( US $ 28 million ) to restore things , '' he said during the Pravo Na Vladu ( `` Right to Power '' ) TV panel show on TV Channel 1+1 on June 25 , speaking via video from Ivano-Frankivsk region where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the president 's press service .
Some damaged buildings , President says , can not be restored , so people will be relocated to other premises .
`` We need diesel fuel , rubber boats for people , food , and drink water .
Because almost everything is flooded , '' he said , adding people have got everything required .
Read alsoZelensky arrives in flood-hit Prykarpattia before his self-isolation expires Zelensky reiterated thousands of buildings had been destroyed and about 10,000 ha of agricultural land had been flooded .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several old bridges were damaged .
`` All major motorways have been restored .
Officers with the State Emergency Service , the National Guard , the National Police , and the State Road Service are working here .
I 'd also like to thank the local population – they are working alongside .
It will take some time , '' the president said , adding `` people praise the work of our services . ''
Zelensky has urged for hard work to deal the aftermath of devastating weather .
`` Firstly , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to find a comprehensive solution to the problem of flooding and prevent such accidents from happening in the future , '' he added .

The territories will return to normal life soon, president says.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says traffic on all national roads in flood-affected areas of Ukraine's western regions has been resumed.
"I set a task before the government, and today, at 14:00, the government allocated about UAH 750 million (US$28 million) to restore things," he said during the Pravo Na Vladu ("Right to Power") TV panel show on TV Channel 1+1 on June 25, speaking via video from Ivano-Frankivsk region where he had gone on emergency work trip, according to the president's press service.
Some damaged buildings, President says, cannot be restored, so people will be relocated to other premises. "We need diesel fuel, rubber boats for people, food, and drink water. Because almost everything is flooded," he said, adding people have got everything required.
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Read alsoZelensky arrives in flood-hit Prykarpattia before his self-isolation expires
Zelensky reiterated thousands of buildings had been destroyed and about 10,000 ha of agricultural land had been flooded. In addition, roads, dams, and several old bridges were damaged.
"All major motorways have been restored. Officers with the State Emergency Service, the National Guard, the National Police, and the State Road Service are working here. I'd also like to thank the local population – they are working alongside. It will take some time," the president said, adding "people praise the work of our services."
Zelensky has urged for hard work to deal the aftermath of devastating weather.
"Firstly, to restore all settlements and infrastructure. Secondly, to find a comprehensive solution to the problem of flooding and prevent such accidents from happening in the future," he added.


unian--2020-06-26--Ukraine in draft list of countries whose citizens could be allowed to enter EU once borders reopen –

Ukraine in draft list of countries whose citizens could be allowed to enter EU once borders reopen – media

Russia is not on the list , and neither is the U.S .
Locked away in a meeting room in Brussels , officials are debating who will be allowed to enter the EU on July 1 when the bloc 's international borders are scheduled to be opened - and who will be forbidden .
There are two lists , one for those that will be accepted , and one for those who will not , Euronews reports .
The list has already aroused controversy after sources revealed that the United States – the worst-affected country worldwide by COVID-19 with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latter list .
At the same time , Ukraine is in the green zone .
On Thursday , European officials failed to reach a decision on which countries will be barred from entry after the bloc 's external borders open , with an EU diplomat telling Euronews that officials `` could not reach an agreement '' and that talks would continue into Friday .
Read alsoEuropean Commission publishes criteria for reopening borders for third countries Euronews has obtained , from EU diplomatic sources , the full draft list of the countries for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and can confirm what we reported on Wednesday that Brazil , Qatar , the U.S. and Russia are indeed not on the approved list .
Sources also threw into doubt the border reopening date of July 1 , suggesting agreements will not be forthcoming in time .
The full list of countries whose nationals will be allowed to enter Europe according to the draft list is as follows : Vatican City , Monaco , Montenegro , Andorra , Serbia , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Ukraine , Albania , Turkey , Kosovo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkmenistan , Vietnam , China , Thailand , Myanmar , Mongolia , Japan , South Korea , Georgia , Bhutan , Lebanon , Indonesia , Uzbekistan , India , Tajikistan , Kazakhstan , Palau , New Zealand , Australia , Dominica , Bahamas , Saint Lucia , Uruguay , Jamaica , Cuba , Guyana , Paraguay , Venezuela , Nicaragua , Costa Rica , Canada , Angola , Tunisia , Namibia , Uganda , Mozambique , Mauritius , Zambia , Rwanda , Ethiopia , Morocco , Algeria , and Egypt .
Diplomatic sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagreement between nations on the criteria to use for this decision , with some maintaining that data about COVID rates is not reliable .
When EU guidelines were released two weeks ago officials said the list would take into account the infection rate in countries concerned .

Russia is not on the list, and neither is the U.S.
Locked away in a meeting room in Brussels, officials are debating who will be allowed to enter the EU on July 1 when the bloc's international borders are scheduled to be opened - and who will be forbidden.
There are two lists, one for those that will be accepted, and one for those who will not, Euronews reports.
The list has already aroused controversy after sources revealed that the United States – the worst-affected country worldwide by COVID-19 with more than 2.4 million cases, is on the latter list.
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At the same time, Ukraine is in the green zone.
On Thursday, European officials failed to reach a decision on which countries will be barred from entry after the bloc's external borders open, with an EU diplomat telling Euronews that officials "could not reach an agreement" and that talks would continue into Friday.
Read alsoEuropean Commission publishes criteria for reopening borders for third countries
Euronews has obtained, from EU diplomatic sources, the full draft list of the countries for which Europe's borders will be open, and can confirm what we reported on Wednesday that Brazil, Qatar, the U.S. and Russia are indeed not on the approved list.
Sources also threw into doubt the border reopening date of July 1, suggesting agreements will not be forthcoming in time.
The full list of countries whose nationals will be allowed to enter Europe according to the draft list is as follows:
Vatican City, Monaco, Montenegro, Andorra, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Albania, Turkey, Kosovo, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, China, Thailand, Myanmar, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, Georgia, Bhutan, Lebanon, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, India, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Palau, New Zealand, Australia, Dominica, Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Uruguay, Jamaica, Cuba, Guyana, Paraguay, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Canada, Angola, Tunisia, Namibia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zambia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt.
Diplomatic sources also hinted to Euronews that there is disagreement between nations on the criteria to use for this decision, with some maintaining that data about COVID rates is not reliable.
When EU guidelines were released two weeks ago officials said the list would take into account the infection rate in countries concerned.


unian--2020-06-26--Ukraine may cut wheat exports ceiling – experts

Ukraine may cut wheat exports ceiling – experts
10:40, 26.06.20 840
This season, the wheat export ceiling stands at 20.2 million tonnes.
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unian--2020-06-26--Ukraine, Israel ministers discuss infrastructure projects, trade and investment development

The sides talked infrastructure projects in Ukraine , which could be of interest to Israeli investors , including the airport in Cherkasy , the Cherkasy-Uman highway , as well as those in IT technology and agriculture .
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba held a phone conversation with the Co-Chair of the Ukrainian-Israeli Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation , Minister for Higher and Complementary Education , and Minister for Water Resources of the State of Israel Zeev Elkin .
Dmytro Kuleba congratulated Zeev Elkin on entering the new Israeli Government and wished him every success in continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian-Israeli Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation , MFA Ukraine 's press service reports .
Zeev Elkin noted he was pleased to continue working on the development of relations between Ukraine and Israel , something which he had been engaged in for years .
Read alsoZelensky calls on Israel to complete ratification of FTA with Ukraine The two sides discussed ratification of the Free Trade Agreement , which is expected to take place soon , and infrastructure projects in Ukraine , which could be of interest to Israeli investors , in particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Cherkasy-Uman highway , as well as projects in the field of IT technology and agriculture .
Dmytro Kuleba and Zeev Elkin exchanged invitations to visit Ukraine and Israel at a convenient time .
On June 18 , 2020 , Zeev Elkin was reappointed ( after the formation of the new government of the State of Israel ) as the Chair of the Israeli Side of the Joint Ukrainian-Israeli Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation .
The Commission has five working groups , in particular on transport , tourism , environmental protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Joint Ukrainian-Israeli Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation .

The sides talked infrastructure projects in Ukraine, which could be of interest to Israeli investors, including the airport in Cherkasy, the Cherkasy-Uman highway, as well as those in IT technology and agriculture.
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba held a phone conversation with the Co-Chair of the Ukrainian-Israeli Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, Minister for Higher and Complementary Education, and Minister for Water Resources of the State of Israel Zeev Elkin.
Dmytro Kuleba congratulated Zeev Elkin on entering the new Israeli Government and wished him every success in continuing his fruitful work as the Co-Chair of the Ukrainian-Israeli Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, MFA Ukraine's press service reports.
Zeev Elkin noted he was pleased to continue working on the development of relations between Ukraine and Israel, something which he had been engaged in for years.
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Read alsoZelensky calls on Israel to complete ratification of FTA with Ukraine
The two sides discussed ratification of the Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to take place soon, and infrastructure projects in Ukraine, which could be of interest to Israeli investors, in particular, construction of the airport in Cherkasy, the Cherkasy-Uman highway, as well as projects in the field of IT technology and agriculture.
Dmytro Kuleba and Zeev Elkin exchanged invitations to visit Ukraine and Israel at a convenient time.
On June 18, 2020, Zeev Elkin was reappointed (after the formation of the new government of the State of Israel) as the Chair of the Israeli Side of the Joint Ukrainian-Israeli Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.
The Commission has five working groups, in particular on transport, tourism, environmental protection and water management, as well as the Joint Ukrainian-Israeli Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation.