unian--2020-04-16--WHO says clinical trials of three COVID-19 vaccines underway

Work also continues to accelerate R & D to counteract the pandemic .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) says clinical trials of three COVID-19 vaccines have already begun ; more than 70 others are now in the pipeline .
`` Three vaccines have already started clinical trials , more than 70 others are in development , and we 're working with partners to accelerate the development , production and distribution of vaccines , '' WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in opening remarks at a media briefing on COVID-19 on April 15 , 2020 .
He also reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drugs in the treatment of the coronavirus .
`` We 're also continuing to work with partners all over the world to accelerate research and development , '' he said .
`` More than 90 countries have joined or have expressed interest in joining the Solidarity Trial , and more than 900 patients have now been enrolled , to evaluate the safety and efficacy of four drugs and drug combinations , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly promised to pay a whopping US $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will develop a successful coronavirus vaccine .

Work also continues to accelerate R&D to counteract the pandemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says clinical trials of three COVID-19 vaccines have already begun; more than 70 others are now in the pipeline.
"Three vaccines have already started clinical trials, more than 70 others are in development, and we're working with partners to accelerate the development, production and distribution of vaccines," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in opening remarks at a media briefing on COVID-19 on April 15, 2020.
Read alsoUkraine's chief doctor: Zelensky offers local scientists US$1 mln for coronavirus vaccine
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He also reported on studies to examine the effectiveness of drugs in the treatment of the coronavirus.
"We're also continuing to work with partners all over the world to accelerate research and development," he said.
"More than 90 countries have joined or have expressed interest in joining the Solidarity Trial, and more than 900 patients have now been enrolled, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of four drugs and drug combinations," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly promised to pay a whopping US$1 million prize to local scientists who will develop a successful coronavirus vaccine.


unian--2020-04-15--Opposition Platform MP Novinsky says he tests positive for coronavirus

He claims he has no symptoms but went to the hospital .
Ukrainian Member of Parliament from the Opposition Platform – For Life Party and Ukrainian businessman Vadym Novinsky has announced he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
`` In accordance with Health Ministry requirements for checking those who have had contacts with confirmed COVID-19 cases , I 've been tested today , '' he said on April 15 .
`` The coronavirus test has returned positive results . ''
According to Novinsky , he feels fine , having no symptoms of the disease , the body temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computed tomography scan did not reveal abnormalities .
Despite this , he was hospitalized .
`` Before repeat testing , the doctors are still cautious in their conclusions and forecasts , and they have advised me to spend several days in the hospital under their supervision , '' he added .
He says he will abide by doctors ' recommendations and will observe the isolation regime .
`` Everyone I 've recently had contacts with will also undergo thorough testing , '' he said .
Prior to the announcement , Novinsky met Metropolitan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orthodox Church ( Moscow Patriarchate ) , the church 's press service said .
Novinsky handed over 850,000 medical face masks , which are to be given away to members of the church for free during Orthodox Easter services .
As UNIAN reported earlier , almost 100 people from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery , the seat of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church ( Moscow Patriarchate ) , have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus .

He claims he has no symptoms but went to the hospital.
Ukrainian Member of Parliament from the Opposition Platform – For Life Party and Ukrainian businessman Vadym Novynsky has announced he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
"In accordance with Health Ministry requirements for checking those who have had contacts with confirmed COVID-19 cases, I've been tested today," he said on April 15. "The coronavirus test has returned positive results."
According to Novynsky, he feels fine, having no symptoms of the disease, the body temperature is 36.8°C. Also, a chest computed tomography scan did not reveal abnormalities. Despite this, he was hospitalized. "Before repeat testing, the doctors are still cautious in their conclusions and forecasts, and they have advised me to spend several days in the hospital under their supervision," he added.
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He says he will abide by doctors' recommendations and will observe the isolation regime. "Everyone I've recently had contacts with will also undergo thorough testing," he said.
Prior to the announcement, Novynsky met Metropolitan Onufriy, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), the church's press service said.
Read alsoZelensky: Almost 100 Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monks test positive for COVID-19
Novynsky handed over 850,000 medical face masks, which are to be given away to members of the church for free during Orthodox Easter services.
As UNIAN reported earlier, almost 100 people from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, the seat of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.


unian--2020-04-15--Minister for occupied territories: "Dozens" of Ukrainians should return home amid prisoner swap

He said the exchange would be `` tomorrow or the day after tomorrow . ''
Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov says that `` dozens '' of Ukrainian citizens should return home as a result of a prisoner swap with the two self-proclaimed republics in Donbas , the so-called `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) and the so-called `` Luhansk People 's Republic '' ( `` LPR '' ) .
`` We are talking about dozens of people , it 's more than ten for sure , this list includes men and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All of them are citizens of Ukraine , '' he said , according to hromadske.ua .
The minister refused to disclose their exact number or names , `` so as not to disrupt the exchange . ''
When asked who Ukraine would hand over to the `` DPR '' and the `` LPR , '' Reznikov replied : `` Those who were discussed as per request during the negotiations , those whom the Russian Federation has requested , who have been cleared for the exchange . ''
He said that there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be handed over to Russia .
However , he also refused to disclose the exact number of people on that list or their names .
He said the exchange would be `` tomorrow or the day after tomorrow . ''

He said the exchange would be "tomorrow or the day after tomorrow."
Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov says that "dozens" of Ukrainian citizens should return home as a result of a prisoner swap with the two self-proclaimed republics in Donbas, the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR") and the so-called "Luhansk People's Republic" ("LPR").
"We are talking about dozens of people, it's more than ten for sure, this list includes men and women, both civilians and military men. All of them are citizens of Ukraine," he said, according to hromadske.ua.
Read alsoDonbas prisoner swap: Media outlet reports date and venue
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The minister refused to disclose their exact number or names, "so as not to disrupt the exchange."
When asked who Ukraine would hand over to the "DPR" and the "LPR," Reznikov replied: "Those who were discussed as per request during the negotiations, those whom the Russian Federation has requested, who have been cleared for the exchange."
He said that there are citizens of Russia among those who will be handed over to Russia. However, he also refused to disclose the exact number of people on that list or their names.
He said the exchange would be "tomorrow or the day after tomorrow."


unian--2020-04-15--Zelensky receives credentials from ambassadors of Serbia, Cuba, Kazakhstan

During the meeting , they discussed prospects for cooperation and trade .
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has received credentials from Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia Aca Jovanovic , Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba Natacha Díaz Aguilera , and Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan Darkhan Kaletaev .
During a meeting with Ambassador Jovanovic , Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine 's clear position as regards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia , and praised the consistent support by the Republic of Serbia for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine , the presidential press service said on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ G7 , EU envoys assistance to Ukraine in its fight against coronavirus To develop bilateral trade and economic cooperation , the parties agreed to intensify negotiations on the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement and the resumption of work of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Serbian Commission on Trade , Economic , Scientific and Technical Cooperation .
They also discussed further steps to strengthen interpersonal contacts between the two countries .
At a meeting with Ambassador of Cuba to Ukraine Natacha Díaz Aguilera , the parties discussed prospects for cooperation between the two countries , joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Cuba , as well as interaction within the international organizations .
Zelensky stressed the importance of further enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation , primarily in the spheres of aviation , pharmacology , medicine , as well as agriculture .
During a meeting with the newly-appointed Ambassador of Kazakhstan , the Ukrainian president congratulated Kaletaev on the beginning of diplomatic work in Ukraine .
Zelensky stressed that the fight against the coronavirus pandemic should not interfere with the process of intensifying mutually beneficial relations with Kazakhstan .
It is Ukraine 's important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The president praised the organizational work carried out with Kazakhstan , which helped deliver medical supplies from China to Ukraine as soon as possible .

During the meeting, they discussed prospects for cooperation and trade.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has received credentials from Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia Aca Jovanovic, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba Natacha Díaz Aguilera, and Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan Darkhan Kaletaev.
During a meeting with Ambassador Jovanovic, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's clear position as regards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, and praised the consistent support by the Republic of Serbia for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, the presidential press service said on Wednesday.
Read alsoZelensky's Office chief discusses with G7, EU envoys assistance to Ukraine in its fight against coronavirus
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To develop bilateral trade and economic cooperation, the parties agreed to intensify negotiations on the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement and the resumption of work of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Serbian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. They also discussed further steps to strengthen interpersonal contacts between the two countries.
At a meeting with Ambassador of Cuba to Ukraine Natacha Díaz Aguilera, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation between the two countries, joint actions to resume political dialogue between Ukraine and Cuba, as well as interaction within the international organizations. Zelensky stressed the importance of further enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation, primarily in the spheres of aviation, pharmacology, medicine, as well as agriculture.
During a meeting with the newly-appointed Ambassador of Kazakhstan, the Ukrainian president congratulated Kaletaev on the beginning of diplomatic work in Ukraine. Zelensky stressed that the fight against the coronavirus pandemic should not interfere with the process of intensifying mutually beneficial relations with Kazakhstan. It is Ukraine's important and time proven partner in Central Asia.
The president praised the organizational work carried out with Kazakhstan, which helped deliver medical supplies from China to Ukraine as soon as possible.


unian--2020-04-15--Ukraine's Foreign Ministry: 15 Ukrainians put in "compulsory quarantine" by Austrian farmer

The Economic Chamber 's inspector for the protection of workers ' rights launched a corresponding probe .
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that 15 citizens of Ukraine have been put in `` compulsory quarantine '' by a local farmer in Austria on suspicion of contracting the novel coronavirus .
`` According to the director of the Economic Chamber of Upper Austria ( city of Linz ) , 15 Ukrainian citizens on April 14 informed the Austrian authorities they had been put in 'compulsory quarantine ' by the farmer they had come to for seasonal work , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Serhiy Pohoreltsev told UNIAN .
In this regard , the Chamber 's inspector for the protection of workers ' rights launched a corresponding probe .
Meanwhile , the Austrian side says , the Ukrainian citizens are safe and are awaiting the completion of the probe .
`` Yet , our fellow citizens do not want to share their personal data with the Ukrainian Embassy in Austria and have not asked for help , '' the diplomat said .
The Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Linz requested detailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's prosecutors .
`` The diplomats are in contact with the local authorities to obtain additional information , as well as establishing contacts with the Ukrainian workers if they decide to reach out the Embassy , '' he added .
The case is under the control of the Consular Services Department of Ukraine 's Foreign Ministry and the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria .

The Economic Chamber's inspector for the protection of workers' rights launched a corresponding probe.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that 15 citizens of Ukraine have been put in "compulsory quarantine" by a local farmer in Austria on suspicion of contracting the novel coronavirus.
"According to the director of the Economic Chamber of Upper Austria (city of Linz), 15 Ukrainian citizens on April 14 informed the Austrian authorities they had been put in 'compulsory quarantine' by the farmer they had come to for seasonal work," Director of the Consular Service Department of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Serhiy Pohoreltsev told UNIAN.
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide exceeds two million people
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In this regard, the Chamber's inspector for the protection of workers' rights launched a corresponding probe.
Meanwhile, the Austrian side says, the Ukrainian citizens are safe and are awaiting the completion of the probe.
"Yet, our fellow citizens do not want to share their personal data with the Ukrainian Embassy in Austria and have not asked for help," the diplomat said.
The Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Linz requested detailed information on the case from that city's prosecutors.
"The diplomats are in contact with the local authorities to obtain additional information, as well as establishing contacts with the Ukrainian workers if they decide to reach out the Embassy," he added.
The case is under the control of the Consular Services Department of Ukraine's Foreign Ministry and the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria.


unian--2020-04-15--Russia's FSB reports about detention of Ukrainian 'terrorist' in occupied Crimea

He has been remanded in custody .
Russia 's Federal Security Service ( FSB ) has reported that a Ukrainian national who was allegedly involved in preparing terrorist attacks and tried to recruit Russian citizens has been detained in Russia-occupied Crimea .
Russian counterintelligence agents `` put an end to activities of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine 's Defense Ministry , aimed at organizing and committing acts of terrorism , recruiting citizens and stealing information containing state secrets , '' the FSB said on its website .
Read alsoSBU reveals top mole in own ranks working for Russians They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Ukrainian military intelligence unit , stationed in the city of Kherson , Colonel Oleh Akhmedov , as well as other persons whom he had allegedly recruited .
`` The group included a female military officer of the Armed Forces of Russia , who is suspected of sharing state secrets in 2017-2018 , and a citizen of Ukraine who is suspected of espionage on the orders of Ukrainian special services , '' the FSB said .
The Russians also reported that criminal cases were opened against the detainees on charges of high treason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is a citizen of Russia , is under house arrest because she has a child , while the Ukrainian has been remanded in custody .
The local media published footage of their detention .
According to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty ( RFE/RL ) , the alleged espionage activity was uncovered during a separate investigation opened in January against another Russian suspect accused of building weapons caches in Crimea on the orders of Akhmedov .
`` The timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows , as it comes a day after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said one of the country 's top officials had been detained on suspicion of collaborating with the FSB , '' RFE/RL said .
`` The SBU said Major General Valeriy Shaitanov was suspected of high treason and terrorism for working for the FSB in 2014 and had planned 'terrorist acts ' in Ukraine . ''

He has been remanded in custody.
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has reported that a Ukrainian national who was allegedly involved in preparing terrorist attacks and tried to recruit Russian citizens has been detained in Russia-occupied Crimea.
Russian counterintelligence agents "put an end to activities of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Defense Ministry, aimed at organizing and committing acts of terrorism, recruiting citizens and stealing information containing state secrets," the FSB said on its website.
Read alsoSBU reveals top mole in own ranks working for Russians
They claim "terrorists" are chief of a Ukrainian military intelligence unit, stationed in the city of Kherson, Colonel Oleh Akhmedov, as well as other persons whom he had allegedly recruited.
"The group included a female military officer of the Armed Forces of Russia, who is suspected of sharing state secrets in 2017-2018, and a citizen of Ukraine who is suspected of espionage on the orders of Ukrainian special services," the FSB said.
The Russians also reported that criminal cases were opened against the detainees on charges of high treason and espionage. The detained woman, who is a citizen of Russia, is under house arrest because she has a child, while the Ukrainian has been remanded in custody. The local media published footage of their detention.
According to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), the alleged espionage activity was uncovered during a separate investigation opened in January against another Russian suspect accused of building weapons caches in Crimea on the orders of Akhmedov.
"The timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows, as it comes a day after the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) said one of the country's top officials had been detained on suspicion of collaborating with the FSB," RFE/RL said. "The SBU said Major General Valeriy Shaitanov was suspected of high treason and terrorism for working for the FSB in 2014 and had planned 'terrorist acts' in Ukraine."


unian--2020-04-15--Donbas prisoner swap: Media outlet reports date and venue

Journalists will not be allowed over the coronavirus quarantine .
A Ukrainian media outlet has reported tentative timing for an @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine and the two self-proclaimed republics in Donbas , the so-called `` Donetsk People 's @ @ @ @ @ `` Luhansk People 's Republic . ''
The operation is to begin at 16:00 Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ 16 , the venue is the Mayorske checkpoint , hromadske.ua reported , citing its sources @ @ @ @ @ Mission ( SMM ) to Ukraine and the Ukrainian Interior Ministry .
Read alsoZelensky 's @ @ @ @ @ stage of prisoner swap in Donbas underway Journalists will not be allowed over the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ a cameraman from the Office of the President of Ukraine .
As UNIAN reported earlier @ @ @ @ @ Office earlier announced that latest preparations were underway to finalize the list of prisoners and @ @ @ @

Journalists will not be allowed over the coronavirus quarantine.
A Ukrainian media outlet has reported tentative timing for an upcoming swap of prisoners between Ukraine and the two self-proclaimed republics in Donbas, the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" and the so-called "Luhansk People's Republic."
The operation is to begin at 16:00 Kyiv time on Thursday, April 16, the venue is the Mayorske checkpoint, hromadske.ua reported, citing its sources in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine and the Ukrainian Interior Ministry.
Read alsoZelensky's Office: Preparation for next stage of prisoner swap in Donbas underway
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Journalists will not be allowed over the coronavirus quarantine. There will be a cameraman from the Office of the President of Ukraine.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Ukrainian President's Office earlier announced that latest preparations were underway to finalize the list of prisoners and arrange their logistics.


unian--2020-04-15--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide exceeds two million people

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide was 2,000,984 people as of 17:10 Kyiv time on April 15 .
Most @ @ @ @ @ United States ( 609,696 ) , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by @ @ @ @ @ and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
Read alsoBritish expert says occupied @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 The second and third places belong to Spain ( 177,633 ) and Italy ( @ @ @ @ @ five also include Germany ( 132,321 ) and France ( 131,362 ) .
About a @ @ @ @ @ of the infected – 501,206 people – have recovered , but 128,071 coronavirus patients have @ @ @ @ @ there were 3,764 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of April 15 .
Of them , @ @ @ @ @ have recovered .
Some 392 new cases were recorded in the past day .

The global death toll is 128,071 people.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide was 2,000,984 people as of 17:10 Kyiv time on April 15.
Most cases were recorded in the United States (609,696), according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
Read alsoBritish expert says occupied Donbas may suffer most from COVID-19
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The second and third places belong to Spain (177,633) and Italy (162,488).
The top five also include Germany (132,321) and France (131,362).
About a quarter of the total number of the infected – 501,206 people – have recovered, but 128,071 coronavirus patients have died.
In Ukraine, there were 3,764 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of April 15. Of them, 108 have died, 143 have recovered. Some 392 new cases were recorded in the past day.


unian--2020-04-15--Ukraine's Cabinet announced refinanced loans to businesses at zero rate

The relevant resolution was adopted at a government meeting on April 15 .
Ukraine 's Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko says the Cabinet of Ministers has increased the maximum loan amount under the program , titled `` Affordable Loans : 5 % -7 % -9 % , '' from UAH 2 million ( US $ 73,828 ) to UAH 3 million ( US $ 110,742 ) .
The relevant resolution was adopted at a government meeting on April 15 , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Marchenko says the move allows increasing up to UAH 3 million the maximum amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties .
In addition , the number of entrepreneurs who can count on support under the program is expanding – their annual revenue from any type of activities shall be up to UAH 100 million ( US $ 3.7 million ) .
`` The objectives [ of the program ] are also expanding toward debt refinancing and investment .
In addition , it provides for the working capital replenishment .
We give the opportunity to maximize this program and make it effective one , '' he added .
In turn , Ukrainian Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will actually allow introducing a zero rate on refinanced loans for businesses to ease the burden of the crisis .
Read alsoEmergency budget : how Ukraine 's main financial document has changed '' The Economy Ministry and the Ministry of Finance have proposed a number of programs for loan support of small- and micro-sized businesses .
The programs will provide both the issuance of new loans and refinancing of existing ones with a zero interest rate and repayment of the principal of the loan in one year , that is , the so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually ready to provide , '' he said .
`` The main condition is the preservation of at least 80 % of jobs in small- and micro-sized businesses .
This is the major requirement of the program , '' Shmyhal added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , in January passed the bill establishing the Entrepreneurship Development Fund ( EDF ) in Ukraine , which will receive UAH 2 billion ( US $ 73.8 million ) in financing in 2020 .
The fund will help implement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medium-sized businesses , which will allow participants to get affordable loans at 5 % , 7 % or 9 % to create or expand their business operations .
On February 3 , the Ukrainian government announced the start of the program , titled `` Affordable Loans : 5 % -7 % -9 % , '' evaluating its potential for 2020 at 50,000 loans .
On March 18 , the Cabinet of Ministers increased the maximum loan amount under the program from UAH 1.5 million ( US $ 55,371 ) to UAH 2 million @ @ @ @ @ @

Ukraine's Cabinet announced refinanced loans to businesses at zero rate
16:40, 15.04.20 1745
The relevant resolution was adopted at a government meeting on April 15.
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unian--2020-04-15--Reuters exclusive: Ukraine ready to ban wheat exports if necessary – deputy minister

The disruptions to supply chains caused by the new coronavirus have prompted neighbouring Romania to ban cereal exports to non-European Union destinations .
Ukraine , one of world 's top grain exporters , is ready to ban wheat exports if sales exceed limits agreed with traders , the deputy economy minister in charge of agriculture told Reuters on Wednesday .
The disruptions to supply chains caused by the new coronavirus have prompted neighbouring Romania to ban cereal exports to non-European Union destinations , as reported by Reuters .
Another neighbour , Russia has also limited grain exports and sold grain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its flour millers and bakers .
Read alsoUkraine grain export jumps to record 47 mln tonnes so far 2019/20 – media Ukraine has exported 18 million tonnes of wheat so far in 2019/20 , leaving an additional 2 million tonnes available for export over the rest of this season that runs until June 30 , in line with a memorandum signed with traders .
`` If the pace of exports becomes such that we are exporting 2 million tonnes in April , so , as we agreed ( with traders ) and warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paragraph of the memorandum to stop exports , '' Taras Vysotskiy told Reuters .
`` So far , the pace that we are tracking looks like we are not going to exceed these 2 million tonnes , '' he said in a video interview .
Ukraine 's wheat harvest largely exceeds domestic consumption , but last month Ukrainian bakers and millers asked the government to limit grain exports to maintain bread prices .
The government said it would limit the export of some food products but so far has only halted foreign sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also asked parliament to approve lifting import duties on some cereals .
Looking ahead , Vysotskiy said Ukraine 's 2020/21 wheat exports could fall sharply to 12-15 million tonnes from around 20 million in 2019/20 following a reduction in the sowing area caused by poor weather .
Ukraine has imposed strict lockdown measures to fight the spread of the coronavirus pandemic , but Vysotskiy said the restrictions had not affected the spring sowing , which had taken place at an even faster pace than a year ago .
Ukraine harvested a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and exports could reach all-time high of 52-55 million tonnes in the 2019/20 season which runs from July to June , Vysotskiy said .
However , after a record harvest last year , the minister said a lack of rain during sowing late last year and unfavourable weather conditions this spring would lead to a smaller wheat harvest and lower exports .
`` We had three very dry months and high temperatures and frosts .
It rained across all Ukraine , which improved the situation a bit , but of course we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Vysotskiy said .
Ukraine had sowed 2.7 million hectares of spring crops as of April 10 , or 18 % of the expected sowing area of 15.3 million hectares .
Vysotskiy said the forecast for the grain harvest for 2020 has repeatedly changed depending on the weather .
It is now at 65-67 million tonnes but may drop to 60 million if the weather deteriorates .

The disruptions to supply chains caused by the new coronavirus have prompted neighbouring Romania to ban cereal exports to non-European Union destinations.
Ukraine, one of world's top grain exporters, is ready to ban wheat exports if sales exceed limits agreed with traders, the deputy economy minister in charge of agriculture told Reuters on Wednesday.
The disruptions to supply chains caused by the new coronavirus have prompted neighbouring Romania to ban cereal exports to non-European Union destinations, as reported by Reuters.
Another neighbour, Russia has also limited grain exports and sold grain from its stockpile to increase supply to its flour millers and bakers.
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Read alsoUkraine grain export jumps to record 47 mln tonnes so far 2019/20 – media
Ukraine has exported 18 million tonnes of wheat so far in 2019/20, leaving an additional 2 million tonnes available for export over the rest of this season that runs until June 30, in line with a memorandum signed with traders.
"If the pace of exports becomes such that we are exporting 2 million tonnes in April, so, as we agreed (with traders) and warned – we will have to implement the paragraph of the memorandum to stop exports," Taras Vysotskiy told Reuters.
"So far, the pace that we are tracking looks like we are not going to exceed these 2 million tonnes," he said in a video interview.
Ukraine's wheat harvest largely exceeds domestic consumption, but last month Ukrainian bakers and millers asked the government to limit grain exports to maintain bread prices.
The government said it would limit the export of some food products but so far has only halted foreign sales of the popular staple buckwheat. It has also asked parliament to approve lifting import duties on some cereals.
Looking ahead, Vysotskiy said Ukraine's 2020/21 wheat exports could fall sharply to 12-15 million tonnes from around 20 million in 2019/20 following a reduction in the sowing area caused by poor weather.
Read alsoReuters: Ukraine traders agree wheat export curb to protect bread prices
Ukraine has imposed strict lockdown measures to fight the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, but Vysotskiy said the restrictions had not affected the spring sowing, which had taken place at an even faster pace than a year ago.
Ukraine harvested a record 75.1 million tonnes of grain in 2019 and exports could reach all-time high of 52-55 million tonnes in the 2019/20 season which runs from July to June, Vysotskiy said.
However, after a record harvest last year, the minister said a lack of rain during sowing late last year and unfavourable weather conditions this spring would lead to a smaller wheat harvest and lower exports.
"We had three very dry months and high temperatures and frosts. It rained across all Ukraine, which improved the situation a bit, but of course we will not match the record harvest this year," Vysotskiy said.
Ukraine had sowed 2.7 million hectares of spring crops as of April 10, or 18% of the expected sowing area of 15.3 million hectares.
Vysotskiy said the forecast for the grain harvest for 2020 has repeatedly changed depending on the weather. It is now at 65-67 million tonnes but may drop to 60 million if the weather deteriorates.


unian--2020-04-15--Ukraine can afford to boost agri-exports – trade envoy

Ukraine 's embassies will be conducting dialogues on such supplies with the governments of other states .
Ukraine 's Deputy Minister of Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture , Trade Envoy Taras Kachka has said Ukraine can afford to boost exports of agricultural products amid the quarantine , which was introduced over the spread of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus , to ensure food security in other countries .
`` Against the backdrop of panic over food , spun on TV , the question arises – can we afford it [ boosting agri-exports ?
( Yes , we can ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The examination has been carried out more thoroughly and meticulously over the recent few weeks .
Therefore , we are positive we can pursue with uninterrupted exports .
In addition to current exports , we could supply almost all key agricultural product groups , '' he wrote on Facebook on April 14 .
Read alsoUkraine halves deficit of foreign trade in goods in two months , China becomes biggest partner Kachka says the Ukrainian embassies will be conducting dialogues on such supplies with the governments of other states .
At the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expansion would be possible due to private businesses rather than the government 's assistance .
`` There are just two operators able to make such supplies , namely the SFGCU [ the State Food and Grain Corporation of Ukraine ] and [ PJSC ] Agrarian Fund .
We all know their capacities and restrictive regulations .
Therefore , we can not talk about creating a single government operator… On the contrary , we are focusing on capacities of our private producers , both existing major exporters and new players , '' he summed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government earlier said it had no plans to impose limits on exports of grain , sunflower oil , poultry , and other staples during the coronavirus quarantine , which will last at least until April 24 .
UNIAN memo .
Ukraine in 2019 updated its historical record of agri-exports , having supplied agricultural products worth US $ 22.4 billion , which was almost 20 % up from 2018 .
In total , Ukraine 's agri-food imports in 2019 stood at US $ 6.1 billion , which was 11 % up year-on-year .

Ukraine can afford to boost agri-exports – trade envoy
16:00, 15.04.20 1127
Ukraine's embassies will be conducting dialogues on such supplies with the governments of other states.
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unian--2020-04-15--MEP warns Russia of sanctions to come over lack of COVID-19 response in occupied Crimea, Donbas

The diplomat considers it necessary to raise the issue of Russian responsibility at the UN platform .
A European Parliament member says Russia may face new sanctions for inaction during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas.. '' Russia is an occupying power in Crimea and Donbas and as such it is bound by international law to protect people 's life and health .
Therefore , if people there will not be receiving non-arbitrary medical protection and services , if there will be deaths of COVID19 , or efforts to cover up real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility of Mr Putin and his entourage .
Building international diplomatic pressure is one way to act ; legal approach is another , but usually takes long time .
Here , the threat to people 's health is immediate .
Moreover , the Kremlin is not even caring for people in Russia – instead embarks on corona info wars against democracies , sends dubious medical aid to hardest hit Western countries , suppresses doctors who dear to publicly warn about lack of action , '' MEP Rasa Juknevičienė told Guildhall .
`` Legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I personally believe that in case of such pandemic , failure to provide adequate medical protection and services for population by the occupying power could amount to a war crime , '' the politician said .
Read alsoCOVID-19 in occupied territories : European Parliament to increase pressure on Russia '' International community of democratic countries have responsibility to send a signal that it would be a breach of Russia 's international obligations – and would lead to introduction of additional sanctions .
I believe , France and Germany – who are members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with Russian representatives – are especially well placed to give such credible indication to Russian authorities . ''
`` As regards raising question in the UN – of course , as this will draw the attention to the problem .
However , when you have one of permanent UN Security Council members having a veto right in perpetual breach of international law it has to uphold , it is rather difficult to expect robust UN action , '' said the MEP .

The diplomat considers it necessary to raise the issue of Russian responsibility at the UN platform.
A European Parliament member says Russia may face new sanctions for inaction during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas..
"Russia is an occupying power in Crimea and Donbas and as such it is bound by international law to protect people's life and health. Therefore, if people there will not be receiving non-arbitrary medical protection and services, if there will be deaths of COVID19, or efforts to cover up real situation, it will be the utmost responsibility of Mr Putin and his entourage. Building international diplomatic pressure is one way to act; legal approach is another, but usually takes long time. Here, the threat to people's health is immediate. Moreover, the Kremlin is not even caring for people in Russia – instead embarks on corona info wars against democracies, sends dubious medical aid to hardest hit Western countries, suppresses doctors who dear to publicly warn about lack of action," MEP Rasa Juknevičienė told Guildhall.
"Legal experts could provide a qualified assessment, but I personally believe that in case of such pandemic, failure to provide adequate medical protection and services for population by the occupying power could amount to a war crime," the politician said.
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Read alsoCOVID-19 in occupied territories: European Parliament to increase pressure on Russia
"International community of democratic countries have responsibility to send a signal that it would be a breach of Russia's international obligations – and would lead to introduction of additional sanctions. I believe, France and Germany – who are members of Normandy format and have a direct contact with Russian representatives – are especially well placed to give such credible indication to Russian authorities."
"As regards raising question in the UN – of course, as this will draw the attention to the problem. However, when you have one of permanent UN Security Council members having a veto right in perpetual breach of international law it has to uphold, it is rather difficult to expect robust UN action," said the MEP.


unian--2020-04-15--Ukraine's military aircraft deliver medical cargo from China to Romania

The joint effort is aimed at assisting the country in fighting off the coronavirus .
A pair of Il-76 military transport aircraft of the Air Force of Ukraine have delivered from China to Romania a bath of medical supplies .
The joint effort is aimed at assisting the country in fighting off the coronavirus .
`` Besides civil sent in framework of NATO SALIS , Ukraine also provides military cargo to deliver medical materials to NATO allies .
2 IL-76s landed in Bucharest bringing medical supplies from China to help fight COVID19 .
Ukraine will be useful NATO ally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter .
The SALIS program provides NATO Allies with a strategic air transport opportunity .
It includes nine Allies of the Alliance : Belgium , Czech Republic , France , Germany , Hungary , Norway , Poland , Slovakia , and Slovenia .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the world 's largest cargo aircraft An-225 Mriya , made in Ukraine , is involved in transportation from China to the European Union of humanitarian aid – medical supplies to fight the coronavirus .
`` Huge cargo planes AN225 Mriya AN124 continue to deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ukraine is ready to stir up the cooperation in the time of crisis .
We have the capabilities to make a significant contribution to Euro-Atlantic security , '' Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Vadym Prystaiko wrote on Twitter on April 15 , 2020 following AN225 Mriya had delivered medical cargo from China to Poland .

The joint effort is aimed at assisting the country in fighting off the coronavirus.
A pair of Il-76 military transport aircraft of the Air Force of Ukraine have delivered from China to Romania a bath of medical supplies.
The joint effort is aimed at assisting the country in fighting off the coronavirus.
"Besides civil sent in framework of NATO SALIS, Ukraine also provides military cargo to deliver medical materials to NATO allies. 2 IL-76s landed in Bucharest bringing medical supplies from China to help fight COVID19. Ukraine will be useful NATO ally," Ukraine's Mission to NATO wrote on Twitter.
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Besides civil ✈ sent in framework of @NATO#SALIS,🇺🇦also provides military cargo ✈ to deliver medical materials to NATO allies. 2 IL-76s landed in Bucharest bringing medical supplies from China to help fight #COVID19. Ukraine will be useful NATO ally. #StrongerTogether#DefMinhttps://t.co/lp6GmOyhkI — UKR Mission to NATO (@UKRinNATO) April 15, 2020
The SALIS program provides NATO Allies with a strategic air transport opportunity. It includes nine Allies of the Alliance: Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the world's largest cargo aircraft An-225 Mriya, made in Ukraine, is involved in transportation from China to the European Union of humanitarian aid – medical supplies to fight the coronavirus.
Huge 🇺🇦 cargo planes #AN225#Mriya#AN124 continue to deliver much-needed medical supplies to our #NATO partners. Ukraine is ready to stir up the cooperation in the time of crisis. We have the capabilities to make a significant contribution to Euro-Atlantic security pic.twitter.com/qHFLl1Pm3V — Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) April 15, 2020
"Huge cargo planes AN225 Mriya AN124 continue to deliver much-needed medical supplies to our NATO partners. Ukraine is ready to stir up the cooperation in the time of crisis. We have the capabilities to make a significant contribution to Euro-Atlantic security," Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Vadym Prystaiko wrote on Twitter on April 15, 2020 following AN225 Mriya had delivered medical cargo from China to Poland.


unian--2020-04-15--Share of electricity imports in Ukraine's power grids down by 19.7% in March

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Share of electricity imports in Ukraine's power grids down by 19.7% in March
15:00, 15.04.20 2916
Ukraine's electricity imports from Russia decreased by almost 95.7%, while those from Belarus dropped by 83.3%.
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unian--2020-04-15--Ukraine's jamming systems facing deep upgrade

Defense company is ready to launch production of the upgraded R-330UV1 and G-330UV2 systems as early as this year .
@ @ @ @ @ manufactured by Iskra Design Bureau could be deeply upgraded .
Director of Iskra Design Bureau @ @ @ @ @ as part of the enhancement engineers intend to equip individual elements in one vehicle and @ @ @ @ @ the e-warfare equipment .
The company is ready to launch production of the upgraded R-330UV1 @ @ @ @ @ .
G-330UM Mandate-B1E is designed to detect and jam short waves and ultrashort waves of @ @ @ @ @ frequencies and lines with software tuning of the operating frequency , aiming in frequency and @ @

Defense company is ready to launch production of the upgraded R-330UV1 and G-330UV2 systems as early as this year.
Ukrainian R-330UM Mandat-B1E jamming systems manufactured by Iskra Design Bureau could be deeply upgraded.
Director of Iskra Design Bureau Yuriy Pashchenko told Defense Express as part of the enhancement engineers intend to equip individual elements in one vehicle and expand operating frequency range of the e-warfare equipment.
Read alsoUkrainian kamikaze drone passes another testing stage (Video)
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The company is ready to launch production of the upgraded R-330UV1 and G-330UV2 systems this year.
G-330UM Mandate-B1E is designed to detect and jam short waves and ultrashort waves of communication lines with fixed operating frequencies and lines with software tuning of the operating frequency, aiming in frequency and time.


unian--2020-04-15--Zelensky's Office: Preparation for next stage of prisoner swap in Donbas underway

The date is expected to be announced soon .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's Office says the agreements are being finalized on the lists and logistics of mutual release of held persons between Ukraine 's Government and Russian-controlled forces in the self-proclaimed `` Donetsk and Luhansk People 's Republics '' ( `` DPR '' / '' LPR '' ) in Donbas .
`` Another stage in the mutual release of held persons is indeed being prepared .
Agreements are being finalized on the lists and logistics .
The release is going to take place shortly .
The date is constantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via Telegram on April 15 .
Also , the Office refuted reports posted by certain media that the swap had already begun .
`` Journalists have information that the return [ of held Ukrainian citizens ] is already underway .
But this is n't true , '' the report said .
`` Unfortunately , mutual release is a complex issue that requires additional coordination .
In addition , this time the procedure is complicated by the fact that the release is taking place against the background of the [ coronavirus ] quarantine restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandatory preliminary observation for our citizens , whom we are taking home , '' the Office added .

The date is expected to be announced soon.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Office says the agreements are being finalized on the lists and logistics of mutual release of held persons between Ukraine's Government and Russian-controlled forces in the self-proclaimed "Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics" ("DPR"/"LPR") in Donbas.
"Another stage in the mutual release of held persons is indeed being prepared. Agreements are being finalized on the lists and logistics. The release is going to take place shortly. The date is constantly being updated," the Office reported via Telegram on April 15.
Also, the Office refuted reports posted by certain media that the swap had already begun. "Journalists have information that the return [of held Ukrainian citizens] is already underway. But this isn't true," the report said.
Видео дня
Read alsoThree Ukrainian soldiers wounded amid nine enemy attacks on April 14
"Unfortunately, mutual release is a complex issue that requires additional coordination. In addition, this time the procedure is complicated by the fact that the release is taking place against the background of the [coronavirus] quarantine restrictions. Therefore, this requires setting up mandatory preliminary observation for our citizens, whom we are taking home," the Office added.


unian--2020-04-15--Ukraine's senior health official explains government's move to refrain from shutting down churches p

Ukraine's senior health official explains government's move to refrain from shutting down churches pending quarantine

The official also explained why a ban on crowds had been introduced .
Ukraine 's Deputy Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said the authorities convinced top clerics it would be advisable to close or restrict parishioners ' access to temples to flatten the curve of coronavirus spread .
`` And what did this Sunday show us ?
Most of them listened to this .
There were some violations , albeit unsystematic .
Only by force is it possible to stop people from gathering outside churches though .
Had we applied force , there would 've been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview with the Novoe Vremya online publication .
Liashko said as the country 's chief medical officer , `` he banned and closed everything where there is an opportunity for crowds . ''
Responding to a journalist 's remark that , according to the latest opinion polls , many Ukrainians would support him in this decision , Liashko said : `` But many would hate even more . ''
The official also urged Ukrainians to celebrate Easter at home and to refuse trips to relatives .
`` Now the main thing is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrate Easter at home .
Do n't go visiting your parents .
Even if centuries-old traditions are ruined .
At this particular time , you need to do this .
( ... ) There is an opportunity to take out a paska [ Easter bread ] and the priest will consecrate it outside .
The main thing is to approach this issue rationally , '' Liashko added .
He also explained that the ban on mass gatherings had been introduced because infectious diseases transmitted by airborne droplets are most likely to strike people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our quarantine measures are aimed at severing this transmission .
We have established certain rules for visiting essential facilities : supermarkets and pharmacies .
It 's a one person per 10 sq .
m. rule , '' Liashko said .

The official also explained why a ban on crowds had been introduced.
Ukraine's Deputy Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said the authorities convinced top clerics it would be advisable to close or restrict parishioners' access to temples to flatten the curve of coronavirus spread.
"And what did this Sunday show us? Most of them listened to this. There were some violations, albeit unsystematic. Only by force is it possible to stop people from gathering outside churches though. Had we applied force, there would've been clashes," Liashko said in an interview with the Novoe Vremya online publication.
Liashko said as the country's chief medical officer, "he banned and closed everything where there is an opportunity for crowds."
Видео дня
Responding to a journalist's remark that, according to the latest opinion polls, many Ukrainians would support him in this decision, Liashko said: "But many would hate even more."
The official also urged Ukrainians to celebrate Easter at home and to refuse trips to relatives.
Read alsoCoronavirus hits headquarters of Russia-backed church in Kyiv – media
"Now the main thing is to isolate yourself. I urge everyone to celebrate Easter at home. Don't go visiting your parents. Even if centuries-old traditions are ruined. At this particular time, you need to do this. (...) There is an opportunity to take out a paska [Easter bread] and the priest will consecrate it outside. The main thing is to approach this issue rationally," Liashko added.
He also explained that the ban on mass gatherings had been introduced because infectious diseases transmitted by airborne droplets are most likely to strike people in crowds.
"Therefore, all of our quarantine measures are aimed at severing this transmission. We have established certain rules for visiting essential facilities: supermarkets and pharmacies. It's a one person per 10 sq. m. rule," Liashko said.


unian--2020-04-15--Naftogaz pays nearly US$889.6 mln in taxes, dividends in Q1

Naftogaz pays nearly US$889.6 mln in taxes, dividends in Q1
13:40, 15.04.20 160
Revenue from Naftogaz Group accounted for over 13.1% of total national budget revenue in the period under review.
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unian--2020-04-15--Emergency budget: how Ukraine's main financial document has changed

The spread of coronavirus infection in Ukraine forced the government to declare a nationwide quarantine and start adapting the state treasury to work in the new crisis conditions .
An almost complete halt of most of the economy led to massive changes in the priorities of state policy .
Instead of a 3.3 % growth by 3.3 % in 2020 , as was expected before the crisis , the government is now preparing for a 5 % fall .
Meanwhile , experts with the International Monetary Fund in their updated outlook suggest that the Ukrainian economy will drop 7.7 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian economy to the trajectory of decline after four years of growth forced the Cabinet of Ministers , appointed in early March and headed by Denys Shmyhal , to take the initiative to amend the law on the state budget .
At the end of March , the first attempt to push budget sequestration through parliament failed : outraged by the scale and directions of expenditure cuts deputies sent the draft law for revision .
Only after two weeks of working with relevant parliamentary committees and adapting part of the budgetary changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the country 's main financial document for deputies ' approval at second try .
This time the attempt was a success : the amendments passed with 249 votes .
Speaking from parliament rostrum , the head of government called the proposals `` an emergency budget '' designed to combat the coronavirus and its consequences .
The cornerstone of the change is the creation of a special fund to combat COVID-19 , for which UAH 64.7 billion is laid down in the updated state budget .
`` These are additional payments to medics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment , payments to Ukrainians who have lost their jobs due to coronavirus , provision of cash assistance to family members of medical workers , '' explained Shmyhal .
In addition , the health ministry 's funding increased by UAH 16.4 billion , which should also help to effectively combat the spread of infection .
Additional funds in the amount of UAH 29.7 billion are provided for the Pension Fund to implement recent decisions on providing additional assistance to pensioners .
`` This is necessary in order to index pensions in May , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive less than UAH 5,000 assistance in the amount of UAH 1,000 , '' the prime minister said from the parliamentary rostrum .
The driver of the Ukrainian economy recovery after the crisis , Shmyhal says should be road construction .
In the updated draft budget , financing of the Road Fund in the amount of UAH 72 billion remained in place .
`` Road construction is a quick warm-up of the economy and additional jobs , '' the prime minister said .
The Verkhovna Rada as a result almost tripled the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion ( about 7.5 % of the gross domestic product ) .
At the same time , revenues have been cut by 11 % , or UAH 120 billion , down to almost UAH 976 billion .
But the expenditures were increased by UAH 145 billion , up to UAH 1.282 trillion .
The government predicts that tax revenues to the state treasury this year will be UAH 145.4 billion below previously estimates and amount to UAH 781.13 billion .
The largest decrease is expected for value added tax on goods imported into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a sharp drop in imports were immediately reduced by UAH 45.7 billion , to UAH 303.8 billion .
The situation with VAT on goods produced in Ukraine looks a little better – it is planned to collect UAH 75.4 billion , which is UAH 21.4 billion less than previously planned .
Target income from personal income tax has been reduced by UAH 18.5 billion to UAH 110.8 billion , from corporate income tax – by UAH 20.7 billion to UAH 98.2 billion , and from rent on the use of subsoil for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to UAH 17.6 billion .
The authorities decided to win back some revenue drawdown by increasing revenues from profits of state and municipal enterprises .
Expectations from the receipts increased by UAH 26.7 billion – up to UAH 68 billion .
Also , revenues to the state budget from the National Bank were raised by $ 2 billion .
As for budget expenditures , in addition to the above-mentioned Fund to Combat COVID-19 and the covering of the Pension Fund deficit , it is worth noting the reduction in financing of subsidies – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's UAH 39.3 billion ) .
As expected , financing of the State Regional Development Fund was reduced by UAH 2.6 billion , a subsidy to support the development of the united territorial communities – by UAH 2.1 billion , and an Energy Efficiency Fund – by UAH 1.8 billion .
The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy had its funding cut by UAH 7.3 billion .
Other major receivers of budget funds have seen their funding reduced to a lesser extent or , in rare cases , there has n't been much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , but many are n't sure that it will be completed .
This is due to the fact that it is not yet clear how long quarantine will last as every day it further exacerbates the situation in the economy .
This idea was also expressed by MP Volodymyr Tsabal as he called the government version of budget changes `` unrealistic '' .
`` In this budget , we have laid down a decrease in revenues at 11 % .
In our country , two months before quarantine , revenues fell by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAH 551 billion tax and customs revenues , it will be significantly less , because businesses cease their work due to strict quarantine .
Also , the costs are at the same time increased .
And most importantly , that deficit of UAH 298 billion is financed by the IMF , '' he said during the debate in Parliament .
The loan of the International Monetary Fund , which Ukraine has been trying to get for several months already , looks like one of the milestones without which the adopted changes are doomed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed by the head of the Ministry of Finance , Serhiy Marchenko .
`` In this budget , we have laid down resources from international financial organizations , including direct IMF budget support .
The support of our international partners is very important because it gives us the opportunity to fully finance all the necessary expenses , primarily the salaries of medics , social protection , and infrastructure costs , '' the minister said after the vote .
As we can see , without the support of the International Monetary Fund and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply not be implemented and many areas of government funding may be left without sources to cover them .
Despite certain skepticism about the sequestration , many experts agree that the adoption of an updated version of the state budget in the current crisis conditions was vital for Ukraine .
Many have already branded the coronavirus a `` black swan , '' or rather a `` black elephant , '' which dealt a crushing blow to global economy , now threatening to plunge the world into a large-scale economic crisis comparable to world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year have to be urgently redrawn and belts need to be tightened to minimize losses from the pandemic and prevent the collapse of key industries .
`` Changes to the budget were absolutely necessary due to the fact that economic realities changed dramatically : in particular , GDP forecast changed from positive to negative , and there was also a need to respond to the threat of the virus , both as regards rising medical expenses and the increased need for social assistance , '' said Maria Repko , deputy chief at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairman of the leading Servant of the People faction David Arakhamia also spoke about the urgency of changing the law on the state budget , adding that depending on success or failure in the fight against coronavirus , the budget may be reviewed again in the coming months .
`` Everyone understands that this budget is conditionally drawn for two to three months , for the period of quarantine .
It will definitely be re-voted and reassembled .
If the situation worsens , there will be a real anti-crisis budget .
This means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other things for the country , if necessary , '' he said .
According to him , if the Ukrainian economy recovers after a pandemic , the budget will be revised towards increasing costs for the most important industries .
`` I have a hope that at least 30-40 % of the stabilization fund that was adopted will return in the form of those articles from which they were taken back to the budget .
You can call it a 'quarantine transit budget , ' which gives the government the right to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hope remains that in the coming weeks , Ukraine will pass the coronavirus peak , projected by health officials , with minimal losses , while the International Monetary Fund , after the Ukrainian authorities complete their `` homework , '' will allocate the promised billions to stabilize the situation .
In this case , it will be possible to create conditions and make plans for a quick restart of the economy .

At an extraordinary session, the Verkhovna Rada conducted a sequestration of the state budget, almost tripling its deficit to 7.5% of GDP at the Cabinet's suggestion. Under quarantine, deputies significantly reduced revenues, but at the same time raised spending on the fight against the coronavirus spread. However, there is no certainty that even such an updated budget will not undergo further changes.
The spread of coronavirus infection in Ukraine forced the government to declare a nationwide quarantine and start adapting the state treasury to work in the new crisis conditions. An almost complete halt of most of the economy led to massive changes in the priorities of state policy.
Instead of a 3.3% growth by 3.3% in 2020, as was expected before the crisis, the government is now preparing for a 5% fall. Meanwhile, experts with the International Monetary Fund in their updated outlook suggest that the Ukrainian economy will drop 7.7% this year.
The unexpected return of the Ukrainian economy to the trajectory of decline after four years of growth forced the Cabinet of Ministers, appointed in early March and headed by Denys Shmyhal, to take the initiative to amend the law on the state budget.
Видео дня
At the end of March, the first attempt to push budget sequestration through parliament failed: outraged by the scale and directions of expenditure cuts deputies sent the draft law for revision.
Only after two weeks of working with relevant parliamentary committees and adapting part of the budgetary changes, did Prime Minister Shmyhal submit amendments to the country's main financial document for deputies' approval at second try.
This time the attempt was a success: the amendments passed with 249 votes.
Speaking from parliament rostrum, the head of government called the proposals "an emergency budget" designed to combat the coronavirus and its consequences.
The cornerstone of the change is the creation of a special fund to combat COVID-19, for which UAH 64.7 billion is laid down in the updated state budget.
"These are additional payments to medics who treat Ukrainians, purchase of medical equipment, payments to Ukrainians who have lost their jobs due to coronavirus, provision of cash assistance to family members of medical workers," explained Shmyhal.
In addition, the health ministry's funding increased by UAH 16.4 billion, which should also help to effectively combat the spread of infection.
Additional funds in the amount of UAH 29.7 billion are provided for the Pension Fund to implement recent decisions on providing additional assistance to pensioners. "This is necessary in order to index pensions in May, as well as to pay pensioners who receive less than UAH 5,000 assistance in the amount of UAH 1,000," the prime minister said from the parliamentary rostrum.
The driver of the Ukrainian economy recovery after the crisis, Shmyhal says should be road construction. In the updated draft budget, financing of the Road Fund in the amount of UAH 72 billion remained in place. "Road construction is a quick warm-up of the economy and additional jobs," the prime minister said.
Language of numbers: cuts in funding
The Verkhovna Rada as a result almost tripled the state budget deficit – up to UAH 298.4 billion (about 7.5% of the gross domestic product). At the same time, revenues have been cut by 11%, or UAH 120 billion, down to almost UAH 976 billion. But the expenditures were increased by UAH 145 billion, up to UAH 1.282 trillion.
The government predicts that tax revenues to the state treasury this year will be UAH 145.4 billion below previously estimates and amount to UAH 781.13 billion.
The largest decrease is expected for value added tax on goods imported into Ukraine – these revenues in the conditions of a sharp drop in imports were immediately reduced by UAH 45.7 billion, to UAH 303.8 billion. The situation with VAT on goods produced in Ukraine looks a little better – it is planned to collect UAH 75.4 billion, which is UAH 21.4 billion less than previously planned.
Target income from personal income tax has been reduced by UAH 18.5 billion to UAH 110.8 billion, from corporate income tax – by UAH 20.7 billion to UAH 98.2 billion, and from rent on the use of subsoil for gas production – by UAH 20.5 billion to UAH 17.6 billion.
The authorities decided to win back some revenue drawdown by increasing revenues from profits of state and municipal enterprises. Expectations from the receipts increased by UAH 26.7 billion – up to UAH 68 billion. Also, revenues to the state budget from the National Bank were raised by $2 billion.
As for budget expenditures, in addition to the above-mentioned Fund to Combat COVID-19 and the covering of the Pension Fund deficit, it is worth noting the reduction in financing of subsidies – by UAH 8.24 billion (now it's UAH 39.3 billion).
As expected, financing of the State Regional Development Fund was reduced by UAH 2.6 billion, a subsidy to support the development of the united territorial communities – by UAH 2.1 billion, and an Energy Efficiency Fund – by UAH 1.8 billion. The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy had its funding cut by UAH 7.3 billion.
Other major receivers of budget funds have seen their funding reduced to a lesser extent or, in rare cases, there hasn't been much cutbacks.
Are prospects realistic?
Budget sequestration has been carried out, but many aren't sure that it will be completed. This is due to the fact that it is not yet clear how long quarantine will last as every day it further exacerbates the situation in the economy.
This idea was also expressed by MP Volodymyr Tsabal as he called the government version of budget changes "unrealistic".
"In this budget, we have laid down a decrease in revenues at 11%. In our country, two months before quarantine, revenues fell by 15%. We will not have UAH 551 billion tax and customs revenues, it will be significantly less, because businesses cease their work due to strict quarantine. Also, the costs are at the same time increased. And most importantly, that deficit of UAH 298 billion is financed by the IMF," he said during the debate in Parliament.
The loan of the International Monetary Fund, which Ukraine has been trying to get for several months already, looks like one of the milestones without which the adopted changes are doomed to failure. And this is directly confirmed by the head of the Ministry of Finance, Serhiy Marchenko.
"In this budget, we have laid down resources from international financial organizations, including direct IMF budget support. The support of our international partners is very important because it gives us the opportunity to fully finance all the necessary expenses, primarily the salaries of medics, social protection, and infrastructure costs," the minister said after the vote.
As we can see, without the support of the International Monetary Fund and other international lenders, the adopted changes will simply not be implemented and many areas of government funding may be left without sources to cover them.
Quarantine transit budget
Despite certain skepticism about the sequestration, many experts agree that the adoption of an updated version of the state budget in the current crisis conditions was vital for Ukraine.
Many have already branded the coronavirus a "black swan," or rather a "black elephant," which dealt a crushing blow to global economy, now threatening to plunge the world into a large-scale economic crisis comparable to world war. Therefore, financial plans for the year have to be urgently redrawn and belts need to be tightened to minimize losses from the pandemic and prevent the collapse of key industries.
"Changes to the budget were absolutely necessary due to the fact that economic realities changed dramatically: in particular, GDP forecast changed from positive to negative, and there was also a need to respond to the threat of the virus, both as regards rising medical expenses and the increased need for social assistance," said Maria Repko, deputy chief at the the Center for Economic Strategy.
Chairman of the leading Servant of the People faction David Arakhamia also spoke about the urgency of changing the law on the state budget, adding that depending on success or failure in the fight against coronavirus, the budget may be reviewed again in the coming months.
"Everyone understands that this budget is conditionally drawn for two to three months, for the period of quarantine. It will definitely be re-voted and reassembled. If the situation worsens, there will be a real anti-crisis budget. This means that we will cut a lot of other things for the country, if necessary," he said.
According to him, if the Ukrainian economy recovers after a pandemic, the budget will be revised towards increasing costs for the most important industries.
"I have a hope that at least 30-40% of the stabilization fund that was adopted will return in the form of those articles from which they were taken back to the budget. You can call it a 'quarantine transit budget,' which gives the government the right to make decisions quickly," added Arakhamia.
Hope remains that in the coming weeks, Ukraine will pass the coronavirus peak, projected by health officials, with minimal losses, while the International Monetary Fund, after the Ukrainian authorities complete their "homework," will allocate the promised billions to stabilize the situation. In this case, it will be possible to create conditions and make plans for a quick restart of the economy.
Dmytro Shvarts


unian--2020-04-15--Wildfire destroys 30% of tourist sites in Chornobyl zone

However , main tourist attractions have survived the blaze .
Director of the Chornobyl Tour operator Yaroslav Yemelianenko says a 10-day fire in the Chornobyl exclusion zone has destroyed about 30 % of tourist sites there .
`` More than 30 % of tourist locations have been completely destroyed and can not be restored as we showed old Soviet recreation camps on multi-day tours ... A lot of Polisia [ area 's ] villages have been destroyed , too ... '' he told the Ukrainian news outlet on April 14 .
At the same time , main tourist locations have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town of Chornobyl , the military town of Chornobyl-2 , where the radar station is located , and the town of Prypiat .
Chornobyl Tour management plans to address the regional administration to try to restore some of the facilities , possibly even with the help of modern technologies .
As UNIAN reported earlier , wildfires broke out on April 4 in the zone surrounding the site of a nuclear disaster at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant ( NPP ) .
Firefighters , who had been working to tackle wildfires for the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rain helped them a lot .

However, main tourist attractions have survived the blaze.
Director of the Chornobyl Tour operator Yaroslav Yemelianenko says a 10-day fire in the Chornobyl exclusion zone has destroyed about 30% of tourist sites there.
"More than 30% of tourist locations have been completely destroyed and cannot be restored as we showed old Soviet recreation camps on multi-day tours ... A lot of Polisia [area's] villages have been destroyed, too ..." he told the Ukrainian news outlet on April 14.
At the same time, main tourist locations have survived. In particular, the closed-down town of Chornobyl, the military town of Chornobyl-2, where the radar station is located, and the town of Prypiat.
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Read alsoRain helps beat forest fire in Chornobyl exclusion zone
Chornobyl Tour management plans to address the regional administration to try to restore some of the facilities, possibly even with the help of modern technologies.
As UNIAN reported earlier, wildfires broke out on April 4 in the zone surrounding the site of a nuclear disaster at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant (NPP). Firefighters, who had been working to tackle wildfires for the past 10 days, extinguished them finally. Rain helped them a lot.


unian--2020-04-15--Iran pushing Ukraine not to take action for downed plane – Radio Farda

The memo stipulates that Ukraine and the victims ' families shall not pursue criminal and judicial action against Iran in return for monetary compensation and publication of black box data .
Radio Farda has learned that Iran is pushing Ukraine to sign a memorandum of understanding obliging Ukraine and the families of victims of flight PS 725 , shot down over Tehran , to waive their right to pursue the matter any further through courts .
Iran 's Revolutionary Guard fired two missiles at Ukraine 's flight PS 725 on January 8 in the wake of Iran 's missile attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Iranian authorities took responsibility for downing the flight and killing 176 passengers and crew members onboard the plane after three days of denials and later claiming that `` human error '' was responsible for shooting the plane , Radio Farda recalls .
Radio Farda has learned that Iran has sent the draft of a memorandum of understanding ( MoU ) to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry according to which Ukraine and the families of the victims are to accept `` human error '' as the cause of the crash .
The said document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the victims shall not pursue criminal and judicial action against Iran in return for the payment of compensation by Iran and release of the plane 's flight recorder 's data after they are analyzed .
To clarify issues related to a possible MoU proposed by Iran , Radio Farda asked Andriy Guck , an international aviation law expert to comment on MoU possible text .
He pointed out that Iran may be seeking to create disunity among the countries whose nationals were killed in the crash by seeking to reach such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downing : Ukraine releases intercepted tower communications proving Iran was aware of missile launch all along Guck also said the fact that Iranian authorities claim human error caused the crash of the Ukrainian airliner does not mean that Iran has taken responsibility for the tragedy .
`` The question remains whether Iran is prepared to be accountable , explain why the airspace was not closed and the reasons for the human error , compensate it or not , '' he said and added that the MoU draft submitted to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Iran 's accountability and sets few conditions to start compensation negotiations .
The question of whether Iran is prepared to compensate the families of the victims and the Ukraine International Airlines that owned the passenger jet will remain unanswered if Ukraine accepts Iran 's position , Guck says .
In other words , Iran considers the probe into the `` human error '' and all respective court procedures an internal matter .
`` First of all , the reason for the crash must not be attributed to human error before the conclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secondly , the government of Ukraine can not be made responsible for forcing the families of the victims to forego their right of seeking an independent investigation as a precondition for payment of compensation by Iran ; and thirdly , Ukraine should not have an obligation to provide Iran with the technical data of the Ukrainian airline -- which is a private company – particularly because Iran is not undertaking to provide its own data until Iran is not taking proper measures to provide access to its data and at least preliminary investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the matter , '' Guck said .
Read alsoIran military `` did well '' : MP claims no arrests made in PS752 downing case Moreover , the draft MoU says Iran may allow international experts ' participation in the flight recorders analysis but only if Iran recognizes that it can not do it .
But so far it has been clear that Iran has not cooperated in this regard and is not capable or willing to decode flight recorders , so it 's just delaying clauses that do not foresee Iran 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not indicate who the responsible party for the payment of compensation is and lacks clear clauses for the identification of Iran 's obligations and the time frame for their realization , as well as any arbitral procedure if states do not reach understanding , the Ukrainian international aviation laws expert pointed out .

The memo stipulates that Ukraine and the victims' families shall not pursue criminal and judicial action against Iran in return for monetary compensation and publication of black box data.
Radio Farda has learned that Iran is pushing Ukraine to sign a memorandum of understanding obliging Ukraine and the families of victims of flight PS 725, shot down over Tehran, to waive their right to pursue the matter any further through courts.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard fired two missiles at Ukraine's flight PS 725 on January 8 in the wake of Iran's missile attacks on Iraqi military bases hosting U.S forces. Iranian authorities took responsibility for downing the flight and killing 176 passengers and crew members onboard the plane after three days of denials and later claiming that "human error" was responsible for shooting the plane, Radio Farda recalls.
Radio Farda has learned that Iran has sent the draft of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry according to which Ukraine and the families of the victims are to accept "human error" as the cause of the crash. The said document also stipulates that Ukraine and the families of the victims shall not pursue criminal and judicial action against Iran in return for the payment of compensation by Iran and release of the plane's flight recorder's data after they are analyzed.
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To clarify issues related to a possible MoU proposed by Iran, Radio Farda asked Andriy Guck, an international aviation law expert to comment on MoU possible text. He pointed out that Iran may be seeking to create disunity among the countries whose nationals were killed in the crash by seeking to reach such a separate agreement with Ukraine.
Read alsoPS752 downing: Ukraine releases intercepted tower communications proving Iran was aware of missile launch all along
Guck also said the fact that Iranian authorities claim human error caused the crash of the Ukrainian airliner does not mean that Iran has taken responsibility for the tragedy. "The question remains whether Iran is prepared to be accountable, explain why the airspace was not closed and the reasons for the human error, compensate it or not," he said and added that the MoU draft submitted to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry by Iran does not make any mention of Iran's accountability and sets few conditions to start compensation negotiations.
The question of whether Iran is prepared to compensate the families of the victims and the Ukraine International Airlines that owned the passenger jet will remain unanswered if Ukraine accepts Iran's position, Guck says. In other words, Iran considers the probe into the "human error" and all respective court procedures an internal matter.
"First of all, the reason for the crash must not be attributed to human error before the conclusion of an independent and proper investigation. Secondly, the government of Ukraine cannot be made responsible for forcing the families of the victims to forego their right of seeking an independent investigation as a precondition for payment of compensation by Iran; and thirdly, Ukraine should not have an obligation to provide Iran with the technical data of the Ukrainian airline -- which is a private company – particularly because Iran is not undertaking to provide its own data until Iran is not taking proper measures to provide access to its data and at least preliminary investigation results to Ukraine and other countries involved in the matter," Guck said.
Read alsoIran military "did well": MP claims no arrests made in PS752 downing case
Moreover, the draft MoU says Iran may allow international experts' participation in the flight recorders analysis but only if Iran recognizes that it cannot do it. But so far it has been clear that Iran has not cooperated in this regard and is not capable or willing to decode flight recorders, so it's just delaying clauses that do not foresee Iran's obligations. The document prepared by Iran does not indicate who the responsible party for the payment of compensation is and lacks clear clauses for the identification of Iran's obligations and the time frame for their realization, as well as any arbitral procedure if states do not reach understanding, the Ukrainian international aviation laws expert pointed out.


unian--2020-04-15--SBU detains Klitschko's first deputy over $125,000 bribe

On Tuesday night , law enforcers conducted searches at the premises of the Kyiv State City Administration .
On April @ @ @ @ @ detained First Deputy Chairman of the Kyiv City State Administration Mykola Povoroznyk upon receiving unlawful @ @ @ @ @ Through his intermediary , the official extorted undue profit of $ 125,000 from a construction @ @ @ @ @ to urban planning conditions and restrictions .
Read alsoSBU reveals top mole in own ranks @ @ @ @ @ was nabbed in a sting raid after he received part of the sum .
The @ @ @ @ @ accomplice also intended to get $ 250,000 from another construction project managers .

On Tuesday night, law enforcers conducted searches at the premises of the Kyiv State City Administration.
On April 14, Security Service operatives detained First Deputy Chairman of the Kyiv City State Administration Mykola Povoroznyk upon receiving unlawful profit worth $60,000.
Through his intermediary, the official extorted undue profit of $125,000 from a construction company for influencing decision-making related to urban planning conditions and restrictions.
Read alsoSBU reveals top mole in own ranks working for Russians
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The intermediary was nabbed in a sting raid after he received part of the sum.
The investigation claims Povoroznyk and his accomplice also intended to get $250,000 from another construction project managers.


unian--2020-04-15--Infrastructure ministry comments on prospects of city transport operation resumption

Infrastructure ministry comments on prospects of city transport operation resumption
12:00, 15.04.20 3671
The minister suggests restrictions could be eased in the summer.
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unian--2020-04-15--British expert says occupied Donbas may suffer most from COVID-19

Russian mercenaries continue to spread false information about the number of infected .
British journalist and researcher Thomas de Waal has said the occupied territories of Donbas may suffer the most from the COVID-19 coronavirus since the region 's healthcare system is in shambles , while the majority of the population is represented by elder citizens who are more vulnerable to the disease .
`` These regions – along with parts of the 'government-controlled areas , ' which are in only a marginally better situation – have a cocktail of three problems that make them especially susceptible to the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalist said in a study `` Eastern Ukraine and Coronavirus '' published on April 14 , 2020 .
Read alsoThink tank : La Stampa 's findings on intel-gathering nature of Russian `` aid '' mission in Italy confirmed '' First , around 36 percent of the population consists of pensioners , many of them with acute health problems .
Second , the health system has been severely degraded by five years of conflict and the out-migration of an estimated 1,500 healthcare professionals from the region since the fighting began in 2014 .
Finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very weak , which could hamper any efforts to respond to a health crisis in the region , '' de Waal said .
According to him , Russian puppet authorities continue to spread disinformation about the incidence rate .

Russian mercenaries continue to spread false information about the number of infected.
British journalist and researcher Thomas de Waal has said the occupied territories of Donbas may suffer the most from the COVID-19 coronavirus since the region's healthcare system is in shambles, while the majority of the population is represented by elder citizens who are more vulnerable to the disease.
"These regions – along with parts of the 'government-controlled areas,' which are in only a marginally better situation – have a cocktail of three problems that make them especially susceptible to the worst effects of the pandemic," the journalist said in a study "Eastern Ukraine and Coronavirus" published on April 14, 2020.
Read alsoThink tank: La Stampa's findings on intel-gathering nature of Russian "aid" mission in Italy confirmed
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"First, around 36 percent of the population consists of pensioners, many of them with acute health problems. Second, the health system has been severely degraded by five years of conflict and the out-migration of an estimated 1,500 healthcare professionals from the region since the fighting began in 2014. Finally, governance by the de facto authorities is very weak, which could hamper any efforts to respond to a health crisis in the region," de Waal said.
According to him, Russian puppet authorities continue to spread disinformation about the incidence rate.


unian--2020-04-15--Ukraine's hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.09 to U.S. dollar on April 15

Ukraine's hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.09 to U.S. dollar on April 15
11:20, 15.04.20 3784
The official forex rate against the euro for Wednesday is fixed at UAH 29.71 per euro.
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unian--2020-04-15--Kremenchuk company creates prototype of sealed tube for COVID-19 patients transportation

It took seven days from the idea of creating the tube to its production .
A Kremenchuk company has created the prototype of a sealed tube for the transportation of patients with the COVID-19 coronavirus .
The prototype was made by Kremenchuk-based LLC Creative Agromash , a Ukrainian manufacturer of elevator equipment , steel structures , tanks and silos for wood chips , pellets , and grain , Poltava Governor Oleh Synegubov told UNIAN .
The tube weighs 16 kg ; it is made of an air-proof material , equipped with a mask , oxygen supply devices , a compressor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrievsky , who heads the project , told UNIAN .
Also , the tube has hose gloves so that doctors can carry out any manipulations without directly touching a patient .
The equipment underwent trials when the staff of a local emergency medicine center transported an imaginary patient in the tube , fixed the equipment inside the ambulance and connected it to the oxygen supply .
`` It took just seven days from the idea of creating a tube for transportation to its production .
After testing , the prototype was sent for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poltava , '' Volodymyr Mokhnachev , the head of the emergency medicine unit of Poltava Regional State Administration 's Health Department , said .

It took seven days from the idea of creating the tube to its production.
A Kremenchuk company has created the prototype of a sealed tube for the transportation of patients with the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The prototype was made by Kremenchuk-based LLC Creative Agromash, a Ukrainian manufacturer of elevator equipment, steel structures, tanks and silos for wood chips, pellets, and grain, Poltava Governor Oleh Synegubov told UNIAN.
Read alsoNo new COVID-19 cases reported in Ukraine Army
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The tube weighs 16 kg; it is made of an air-proof material, equipped with a mask, oxygen supply devices, a compressor and filters for air disinfection, Yuriy Andrievsky, who heads the project, told UNIAN.
Also, the tube has hose gloves so that doctors can carry out any manipulations without directly touching a patient.
The equipment underwent trials when the staff of a local emergency medicine center transported an imaginary patient in the tube, fixed the equipment inside the ambulance and connected it to the oxygen supply.
"It took just seven days from the idea of creating a tube for transportation to its production. After testing, the prototype was sent for finalization and will subsequently be returned to Poltava," Volodymyr Mokhnachev, the head of the emergency medicine unit of Poltava Regional State Administration's Health Department, said.


unian--2020-04-15--Ukraine coronavirus update: 392 new cases in past 24 hours

A total of 108 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine stood at 3,764 as of Wednesday morning .
`` According to the Public Health Center , there were to 3,764 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on April 15 , '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on April 15 .
Of them , 392 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
Now the novel coronavirus was recorded in the following regions : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Volyn region ; 74 in Dnipropetrovsk region ; 12 in Donetsk region ; 130 in Zhytomyr region ; 110 in Zakarpattia ; 99 in Zaporizhia region ; 356 in Ivano-Frankivsk region ; 192 in Kirovohrad region ; 612 in the city of Kyiv ; 230 in Kyiv region ; 152 in Lviv region ; four cases in Luhansk region ; 14 cases in Mykolayiv region ; 70 in Odesa region ; 27 in Poltava region ; 173 in Rivne region ; 77 in Sumy region ; 287 in Ternopil region ; 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kherson region ; 34 in Khmelnytsky region ; 589 in Chernivtsi region ; 105 in Cherkasy region ; 10 cases in Chernihiv region .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
The tests were conducted with the use of polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) in the Public Health Center 's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories .
As of the morning of April 15 , 2020 , the Center had received 1,213 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total , there have been 13,187 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
A total of 108 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country .
Some 143 patients have recovered .

A total of 108 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine stood at 3,764 as of Wednesday morning.
"According to the Public Health Center, there were to 3,764 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on April 15," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on April 15.
Of them, 392 cases were reported in the past 24 hours.
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Now the novel coronavirus was recorded in the following regions: 241 cases in Vinnytsia region; 100 in Volyn region; 74 in Dnipropetrovsk region; 12 in Donetsk region; 130 in Zhytomyr region; 110 in Zakarpattia; 99 in Zaporizhia region; 356 in Ivano-Frankivsk region; 192 in Kirovohrad region; 612 in the city of Kyiv; 230 in Kyiv region; 152 in Lviv region; four cases in Luhansk region; 14 cases in Mykolayiv region; 70 in Odesa region; 27 in Poltava region; 173 in Rivne region; 77 in Sumy region; 287 in Ternopil region; 25 cases in Kharkiv region, 41 in Kherson region; 34 in Khmelnytsky region; 589 in Chernivtsi region; 105 in Cherkasy region; 10 cases in Chernihiv region.
Read alsoUkraine triples COVID-19 testing pace – Zelensky
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
The tests were conducted with the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories.
As of the morning of April 15, 2020, the Center had received 1,213 reports of suspected COVID-19 cases. In total, there have been 13,187 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
A total of 108 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country. Some 143 patients have recovered.


unian--2020-04-15--Ukraine triples COVID-19 testing pace – Zelensky

Timely detection of coronavirus helps stop its spread and saves lives , the president stresses .
President of Ukraine Volodymyr @ @ @ @ @ number of coronavirus tests has tripled across the country .
`` Today we are increasing @ @ @ @ @ .
Now the number of daily tests has tripled .
This is very important because @ @ @ @ @ helps stop its spread and saves lives of Ukrainians , '' Zelensky said in a @ @ @ @ @ president urged citizens to contact their family doctor `` [ i ] f you have @ @ @ @ @ signs of acute respiratory viral infection '' .
`` If you have no such doctor @ @ @ @ @ .
There 's nothing embarrassing in catching COVID-19 .
Please do n't be afraid .
@ @ @ @ @ do n't think it will just pass somehow .
See your doctor and get tested @ @ @ @ @ .
As UNIAN reported earlier , almost 100 people from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery , @ @ @ @ @ headquartered , have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus .

Timely detection of coronavirus helps stop its spread and saves lives, the president stresses.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky says that the daily number of coronavirus tests has tripled across the country.
"Today we are increasing the number of coronavirus tests. Now the number of daily tests has tripled. This is very important because timely detection of the virus helps stop its spread and saves lives of Ukrainians," Zelensky said in a video address Tuesday.
The president urged citizens to contact their family doctor "[i]f you have contacted a patient or have signs of acute respiratory viral infection".
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Read alsoTemperature screening introduced on roads leading to Kyiv
"If you have no such doctor, call up an ambulance. There's nothing embarrassing in catching COVID-19. Please don't be afraid. And even more so, don't think it will just pass somehow. See your doctor and get tested," said the president.
As UNIAN reported earlier, almost 100 people from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, where the Russian-backed church is headquartered, have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.