unian--2020-07-23--Lawyer Nikolai Polozov: Discontent with government in Russia is growing, but people will put up with

Lawyer Nikolai Polozov: Discontent with government in Russia is growing, but people will put up with it because they are afraid that things could get even worse

Russian lawyer Nikolai Polozov sat down with UNIAN to talk about possible implications for Russia and its closest neighbors of Vladimir Putin resetting the count of his presidential terms , on why Ukraine should n't believe one should not believe Russian negotiators offering to release Ukrainian prisoners in exchange for relaunch of freshwater supplies to the occupied Crimea , and on whether rallies against the Russian government are bound to lead to anything more significant .
Nikolay Polozov is one of the most acclaimed Russian lawyers in Ukraine .
He represented a number of Ukrainian political prisoners and coordinated their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captured by Russians near the Kerch Strait in November 2018 .
Judgments handed down by Russian courts are predictable , not differing much : Ukrainians are always found guilty and sentenced to long prison terms .
In such cases , Polozov emphasizes the fact that they are politically motivated , and tries to bring them into the brightest public spotlight .
As a result , under international pressure , sooner or later Vladimir Putin agrees to do the exchange .
This was the way Ukraine got back Nadiia Savchenko , Ilmi Umerov , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In an interview with UNIAN , Nikolai Polozov told what Russians and the rest of the world should expect from the recently-passed amendments to the Russian Constitution , which secured for Putin a safe stay in power until at least 2036 .
What changes can be expected in Russia after the reset of Putin 's presidential terms ?
No sharp turns should be expected .
Everything will move along the path paved back in 2014 , after the start of aggression against Ukraine – occupation of Crimea and the outbreak of war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gradual departure from cooperation with other states and a further shift towards self-isolation .
This will be about a tightened domestic political situation and harsher repression .
The latest changes to the Constitution simply drew a de jure line under what has already been in place de facto .
Legislation will be updated following constitutional amendments .
Neither Russians nor those living close to Russia should expect anything good .
The State Duma has already passed a law banning the alienation of territories , including the temporarily occupied Crimea .
How can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This article has actually been applied since 2014 – it was introduced after the Crimea grab .
The article is titled `` Public calls for violation of the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation . ''
People in Crimea have already been persecuted under this norm .
Ilmi Umerov was convicted precisely on these charges , now the same charges are being pressed against Refat Chubarov and Lenur Islyamov who are being tried in absentia .
This is , first of all , about strengthening punishment .
Now the maximum sentence is five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to ten years .
Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin is already threatening with prosecution foreign politicians who declare that Crimea is part of Ukraine , not Russia , and that Ukrainian control must be restored over the peninsula .
But what is this threat , really ?
In my opinion , this is a political baton Russia is swinging to calm itself down .
This is like a mantra – `` Crimea is ours '' , `` Crimea is ours '' – uttered in hope that someday it will actually be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real prospects for the extradition of any incumbent Ukrainian , European , or American politician .
Most likely , cases will also be initiated in absentia against most vocal dissidents , verdicts will be passed , also in absentia , which Russian diplomats will be shaking in the face of UN , OSCE , and PACE officials .
They 'll say : `` Look , 'Crimea is ours ' , Russian court has confirmed… '' Another factor is that verdicts passed in absentia have already been handed targeting many Ukrainian politicians .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ukrainian military are accused of violating the rules of waging a conventional war , but this does n't lead to anything .
Although I do n't rule out attempts to appeal for extradition of a number of them , attempts to abduct them , as was the case , for example , with Pavlo Hryb , who was captured on the territory of [ the neighboring ] Belarus .
Another question is that it is impossible to have Interpol put people on the wanted list on such charges .
According to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their political views and political statements .
And the issue of who Crimea belongs to is a priori political .
It does n't matter how Russian domestic legislation interprets the issue .
Except for internal use , these innovations will have no prospects beyond Russian borders .
However , in special cases , could Russian government resort to abductions on foreign soil ?
Why not ?
They sought to assassinate [ journbalist ] Arkady Babchenko in Kyiv .
In 2013 , Russian opposition leader Leonid Razvozzhaev was kidnapped in the Ukrainian capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other parts of the world .
Everyone remembers the story in Salisbury with the Skripals ' poisoning ... Of course , some will claim nothing has been proven , but we 're well aware that , if necessary , such special missions will be executed .
This is the Kremlin 's traditional game .
The Kremlin knows no other ways of operating , including in the foreign policy field .
Russian deputies , when discussing the ban on the alienation of territories , came to the conclusion that this does n't mean Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do they need this window of opportunity for ?
This is a sovereign state mentality that underlies the external political structure , proposed by Putin , which implies restoration of an empire within the former borders of the Soviet Union .
Of course , Russia 's rulers see the source of their legitimacy in selling people stories of the nation 's greatness .
But how is that greatness acquired ?
It 's small victorious wars and chopping off pieces of land from neighbors .
Remember Putin 's words he voiced back in 2005 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donkey 's ears '' instead of giving back the territory of Pytalovsky district .
At the back of the mind of the current Russian regime lies greatness and imperialist features that they desperately lack .
Therefore , legally , such schizophrenic constructions emerge in the legislative field , according to which alienation is banned , while grabs are okay .
So Ukraine is at risk .
The occupation of just Crimea and the east of your country was a forced measure .
In fact , their plans were far-reaching , up to and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via Mykolaiv , Kherson , and Odesa regions .
Belarus is also under threat .
The Kremlin is watching closely the ongoing election campaign in this country , because the entire infrastructure is ready for accede to the Russian Federation .
Everyone there speaks Russian , legislative acts have been brought into line thanks to the so-called Union State .
The third direction is Kazakhstan , especially its northern parts , home to a fairly large number of Russian speakers .
In fact , since the time of Hitler , no one has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one nation .
The incumbent authorities in Russia act on the same principle , trying to get back the breakaway fragments of the empire employing the linguistic issue .
If people spoke Russian in Alaska , they would have rattle sabers there , too , although it is clear that they would n't be able to seize it .
Threats to neighbors are real .
After all , failing to deliver in domestic politics , failing to make people 's lives better and richer , they are forced to maintain a social contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legitimacy through such external aggressive , expansive actions .
You often visit Crimea to defend Crimean Tatars in court .
Do you expect changes in Russian policy towards the occupied territories ?
I sure do .
Changes are already underway in the occupied Crimea .
For example , the procedure for entry and exit of Ukrainian citizens who were forced to obtain Russian passports on the peninsula has been changed .
Now they can not use Ukrainian passports to cross into our out of Crimea as they could before .
Now they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if they show a Ukrainian one , they get a fine .
Plus , the policy of repression has n't gone anywhere .
In the occupied Crimea , first of all , we 're talking about the Crimean Tatars , who make up for the overwhelming majority of Ukrainian political prisoners .
Out of 130 people 90 are Crimean Tatars , who are facing consistent repression and constant raids .
Now more than 180 Crimean Tatar children are left without fathers , who were thrown in pre-trial detention centers and prisons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now there is a discussion on the resumption of exchange efforts .
Moreover , they say the exchange could be not only people for people , but also people for freshwater supplies to Crimea .
This is also on the table .
I believe that this is an absolutely wrong position because Crimea is an almost inexhaustible reservoir for replenishing the so-called exchange fund .
Today they give 130 people in exchange for water to Crimea , but tomorrow another 500 people will be captured .
Who will stop them ?
When it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luhansk regions , controlled by Russian-backed forces , there 's complete chaos there .
Even the minimum norms of Russian legislation that guarantee the right to defense , the right to a lawyer do n't work there .
People are simply thrown into basements as no law exists there – these are gangster nests in which people are bullied as much as it is possible .
Naturally , Russia indulges the occupying administrations in such pressure on people .
The task is very simple : to intimidate what 's left of the disloyal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harbor hope of returning to Ukraine , so that they do n't think that they 'll be saved .
Thus , the sense of helplessness is being imposed on people so that they never live in the hope that someday everything will return to normal .
Protests in Khabarovsk have been ongoing for more than a week already .
Are they of any threat to Russian government ?
This is a manifestation of that deep discontent that prevails among the Russian population .
Since the end of 2011 , not 2014 as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy has been growing slowly or , as we say , `` growing negatively '' .
The authorities can not offer people anything but repression and a tightening of the political regime .
There 's not much electoral choice , there are no courts .
Naturally , people do n't like this , so discontent periodically manifests itself here and there .
This is not the story of today in Khabarovsk or Moscow .
Remember , a year ago young people rallied on the occasion of the elections to the Moscow City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were criminal cases and verdicts with prison terms .
Before that , there were protests against the construction of the Shiese landfill , before that there were rallies in Ingushetia .
There were also truckers protesting against the `` Platon '' fees ... That is , there is discontent , but it will not translate into anything because despite this , for the most part , Russians fear that things will get even worse if something changes .
They proceed from the principle : Putin is evil , but it 's better this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Kremlin throne and things will turn ugly .
People have been fed these hysterical narratives through TV , so they 're truly afraid of it .
Protests are scattered across country and the authorities can suppress them , redeploying their resources .
Moreover , huge amounts of money are spent on maintaining the security machine , and all these local fires can be put off either with Russian Guards ' batons or by working with local elites and bribing people as happened in the Caucasus or Crimea .
After all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , albeit a small one , flipped to the side of the invaders for certain benefits .
I do n't think any consequences should be expected anytime soon , although protests will proceed in this sort of a sluggish manner .
The authorities will suppress them , while the degree of discontent will rise , but it is unlikely to reach a critical point yet .
When this bifurcation point comes , no one knows , but the Russian government still has , including a large financial resource in order to hold the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Welfare Fund , which , if necessary , will be spent on the army , police , and security agencies to suppress any protests .

Russian lawyer Nikolai Polozov sat down with UNIAN to talk about possible implications for Russia and its closest neighbors of Vladimir Putin resetting the count of his presidential terms, on why Ukraine shouldn't believe one should not believe Russian negotiators offering to release Ukrainian prisoners in exchange for relaunch of freshwater supplies to the occupied Crimea, and on whether rallies against the Russian government are bound to lead to anything more significant.
Nikolay Polozov is one of the most acclaimed Russian lawyers in Ukraine. He represented a number of Ukrainian political prisoners and coordinated their defense, including for Ukrainian Navy crews captured by Russians near the Kerch Strait in November 2018.
Judgments handed down by Russian courts are predictable, not differing much: Ukrainians are always found guilty and sentenced to long prison terms. In such cases, Polozov emphasizes the fact that they are politically motivated, and tries to bring them into the brightest public spotlight. As a result, under international pressure, sooner or later Vladimir Putin agrees to do the exchange. This was the way Ukraine got back Nadiia Savchenko, Ilmi Umerov, Akhtem Chiygoz, and 24 navy sailoirs.
Видео дня
In an interview with UNIAN, Nikolai Polozov told what Russians and the rest of the world should expect from the recently-passed amendments to the Russian Constitution, which secured for Putin a safe stay in power until at least 2036.
What changes can be expected in Russia after the reset of Putin's presidential terms?
No sharp turns should be expected. Everything will move along the path paved back in 2014, after the start of aggression against Ukraine – occupation of Crimea and the outbreak of war in eastern Ukraine. This will be a gradual departure from cooperation with other states and a further shift towards self-isolation. This will be about a tightened domestic political situation and harsher repression. The latest changes to the Constitution simply drew a de jure line under what has already been in place de facto. Legislation will be updated following constitutional amendments. Neither Russians nor those living close to Russia should expect anything good.
The State Duma has already passed a law banning the alienation of territories, including the temporarily occupied Crimea. How can this rule be applied in practice?
This article has actually been applied since 2014 – it was introduced after the Crimea grab. The article is titled "Public calls for violation of the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation." People in Crimea have already been persecuted under this norm. Ilmi Umerov was convicted precisely on these charges, now the same charges are being pressed against Refat Chubarov and Lenur Islyamov who are being tried in absentia. This is, first of all, about strengthening punishment. Now the maximum sentence is five years in prison, but will be up to ten years.
Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin is already threatening with prosecution foreign politicians who declare that Crimea is part of Ukraine, not Russia, and that Ukrainian control must be restored over the peninsula. But what is this threat, really? In my opinion, this is a political baton Russia is swinging to calm itself down. This is like a mantra – "Crimea is ours", "Crimea is ours" – uttered in hope that someday it will actually be theirs. I don't see any real prospects for the extradition of any incumbent Ukrainian, European, or American politician. Most likely, cases will also be initiated in absentia against most vocal dissidents, verdicts will be passed, also in absentia, which Russian diplomats will be shaking in the face of UN, OSCE, and PACE officials. They'll say: "Look, 'Crimea is ours', Russian court has confirmed…"
Another factor is that verdicts passed in absentia have already been handed targeting many Ukrainian politicians. Some of the cases concern the Donbas events. Ukrainian military are accused of violating the rules of waging a conventional war, but this doesn't lead to anything. Although I don't rule out attempts to appeal for extradition of a number of them, attempts to abduct them, as was the case, for example, with Pavlo Hryb, who was captured on the territory of [the neighboring] Belarus.
Another question is that it is impossible to have Interpol put people on the wanted list on such charges. According to its charter, Interpol shall not prosecute anyone for their political views and political statements. And the issue of who Crimea belongs to is a priori political. It doesn't matter how Russian domestic legislation interprets the issue. Except for internal use, these innovations will have no prospects beyond Russian borders.
However, in special cases, could Russian government resort to abductions on foreign soil?
Why not? They sought to assassinate [journbalist] Arkady Babchenko in Kyiv. In 2013, Russian opposition leader Leonid Razvozzhaev was kidnapped in the Ukrainian capital. There have also been murders in other parts of the world. Everyone remembers the story in Salisbury with the Skripals' poisoning...
Of course, some will claim nothing has been proven, but we're well aware that, if necessary, such special missions will be executed. This is the Kremlin's traditional game. The Kremlin knows no other ways of operating, including in the foreign policy field.
Russian deputies, when discussing the ban on the alienation of territories, came to the conclusion that this doesn't mean Russia cannot acquire new territories. What do they need this window of opportunity for?
This is a sovereign state mentality that underlies the external political structure, proposed by Putin, which implies restoration of an empire within the former borders of the Soviet Union. Of course, Russia's rulers see the source of their legitimacy in selling people stories of the nation's greatness. But how is that greatness acquired? It's small victorious wars and chopping off pieces of land from neighbors. Remember Putin's words he voiced back in 2005, when he offered Latvia "dead donkey's ears" instead of giving back the territory of Pytalovsky district.
At the back of the mind of the current Russian regime lies greatness and imperialist features that they desperately lack. Therefore, legally, such schizophrenic constructions emerge in the legislative field, according to which alienation is banned, while grabs are okay.
So Ukraine is at risk. The occupation of just Crimea and the east of your country was a forced measure. In fact, their plans were far-reaching, up to and including creating a land corridor to Transnistria via Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Odesa regions.
Belarus is also under threat. The Kremlin is watching closely the ongoing election campaign in this country, because the entire infrastructure is ready for acceding to the Russian Federation. Everyone there speaks Russian, legislative acts have been brought into line thanks to the so-called Union State.
The third direction is Kazakhstan, especially its northern parts, home to a fairly large number of Russian speakers. In fact, since the time of Hitler, no one has invented anything new: one language, one nation. The incumbent authorities in Russia act on the same principle, trying to get back the breakaway fragments of the empire employing the linguistic issue. If people spoke Russian in Alaska, they would have rattle sabers there, too, although it is clear that they wouldn't be able to seize it.
Threats to neighbors are real. After all, failing to deliver in domestic politics, failing to make people's lives better and richer, they are forced to maintain a social contract with the people of Russia and their legitimacy through such external aggressive, expansive actions.
You often visit Crimea to defend Crimean Tatars in court. Do you expect changes in Russian policy towards the occupied territories?
I sure do. Changes are already underway in the occupied Crimea. For example, the procedure for entry and exit of Ukrainian citizens who were forced to obtain Russian passports on the peninsula has been changed. Now they cannot use Ukrainian passports to cross into our out of Crimea as they could before. Now they are forced to present a Russian passport, and if they show a Ukrainian one, they get a fine.
Plus, the policy of repression hasn't gone anywhere. In the occupied Crimea, first of all, we're talking about the Crimean Tatars, who make up for the overwhelming majority of Ukrainian political prisoners. Out of 130 people 90 are Crimean Tatars, who are facing consistent repression and constant raids. Now more than 180 Crimean Tatar children are left without fathers, who were thrown in pre-trial detention centers and prisons. This repressive pressure doesn't cease.
Now there is a discussion on the resumption of exchange efforts. Moreover, they say the exchange could be not only people for people, but also people for freshwater supplies to Crimea. This is also on the table. I believe that this is an absolutely wrong position because Crimea is an almost inexhaustible reservoir for replenishing the so-called exchange fund. Today they give 130 people in exchange for water to Crimea, but tomorrow another 500 people will be captured. Who will stop them?
When it comes to certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, controlled by Russian-backed forces, there's complete chaos there. Even the minimum norms of Russian legislation that guarantee the right to defense, the right to a lawyer don't work there. People are simply thrown into basements as no law exists there – these are gangster nests in which people are bullied as much as it is possible. Naturally, Russia indulges the occupying administrations in such pressure on people. The task is very simple: to intimidate what's left of the disloyal population, so that they don't harbor hope of returning to Ukraine, so that they don't think that they'll be saved. Thus, the sense of helplessness is being imposed on people so that they never live in the hope that someday everything will return to normal.
Protests in Khabarovsk have been ongoing for more than a week already. Are they of any threat to Russian government?
This is a manifestation of that deep discontent that prevails among the Russian population. Since the end of 2011, not 2014 as many think, incomes have been falling, the economy has been growing slowly or, as we say, "growing negatively".
The authorities cannot offer people anything but repression and a tightening of the political regime. There's not much electoral choice, there are no courts. Naturally, people don't like this, so discontent periodically manifests itself here and there. This is not the story of today in Khabarovsk or Moscow. Remember, a year ago young people rallied on the occasion of the elections to the Moscow City Duma? As a result, there were criminal cases and verdicts with prison terms. Before that, there were protests against the construction of the Shiese landfill, before that there were rallies in Ingushetia. There were also truckers protesting against the "Platon" fees...
That is, there is discontent, but it will not translate into anything because despite this, for the most part, Russians fear that things will get even worse if something changes. They proceed from the principle: Putin is evil, but it's better this way, otherwise NATO troops will sit on the Kremlin throne and things will turn ugly. People have been fed these hysterical narratives through TV, so they're truly afraid of it.
Protests are scattered across country and the authorities can suppress them, redeploying their resources. Moreover, huge amounts of money are spent on maintaining the security machine, and all these local fires can be put off either with Russian Guards' batons or by working with local elites and bribing people as happened in the Caucasus or Crimea. After all, a part of the Crimean Tatar population, albeit a small one, flipped to the side of the invaders for certain benefits.
I don't think any consequences should be expected anytime soon, although protests will proceed in this sort of a sluggish manner. The authorities will suppress them, while the degree of discontent will rise, but it is unlikely to reach a critical point yet. When this bifurcation point comes, no one knows, but the Russian government still has, including a large financial resource in order to hold the reins. We are talking about the National Welfare Fund, which, if necessary, will be spent on the army, police, and security agencies to suppress any protests.
Roman Tsymbaliuk


unian--2020-07-23--Anti-graft watchdog to vet asset declarations of PM Shmyhal, other incumbent and former officials

In particular , the anti-corruption agency started checking declarations submitted by 28 officials .
The National Agency for Prevention of Corruption ( NAPC ) has begun checking asset declarations of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and 16 incumbent and former ministers .
In particular , the anti-corruption agency began checking 35 asset declarations filed by 28 officials .
`` Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal , as well as 16 people who held ministerial posts in 2019 and 2020 , are among these subjects of declaration , '' NAPC wrote on Facebook .
In particular , asset declarations of the following officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stepanov , Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko , Justice Minister Denys Malyuska , Minister for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko , Minister for Development of Communities and Territories Oleksiy Chernyshov , Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna , Foreign Minister , former Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba , and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov .
Read alsoZelensky informs anti-graft agency of failure to notify of significant changes in property status The declarations of former ministers are also being checked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Veterans Affairs , Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Oksana Koliada , former First Deputy Prime Minister , Minister of Economic Development and Trade Stepan Kubiv , former Deputy Prime Minister Pavlo Rosenko , former Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko , MP , former Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze , former Information Policy Minister Yuriy Stets , deputy of Vinnytsia Regional Council , former Vice Prime Minister Volodymyr Kistion , and MP , former Minister for Veterans ' Affairs Iryna Friz .
In addition , the declaration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period when she served as Director General of the Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers .
`` NAPC is checking the annual income declarations for 2019 .
If the register has declarations of the inspected official for 2018 , two declarations are to be vetted , '' reads the report .
It is noted 503 income declarations have been accepted for verification since the NAPC 's relaunch .
On July 20 , NAPC began vetting asset declarations of incumbent President Volodymyr Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ @

In particular, the anti-corruption agency started checking declarations submitted by 28 officials.
The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) has begun checking asset declarations of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and 16 incumbent and former ministers.
In particular, the anti-corruption agency began checking 35 asset declarations filed by 28 officials.
"Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, as well as 16 people who held ministerial posts in 2019 and 2020, are among these subjects of declaration," NACP wrote on Facebook.
Видео дня
In particular, asset declarations of the following officials are being verified: Health Minister Maksym Stepanov, Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, Justice Minister Denys Malyuska, Minister for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko, Minister for Development of Communities and Territories Oleksiy Chernyshov, Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna, Foreign Minister, former Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov.
Read alsoZelensky informs anti-graft agency of failure to notify of significant changes in property status
The declarations of former ministers are also being checked, such as: former Minister for Veterans Affairs, Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Oksana Koliada, former First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Stepan Kubiv, former Deputy Prime Minister Pavlo Rosenko, former Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko, MP, former Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, former Information Policy Minister Yuriy Stets, deputy of Vinnytsia Regional Council, former Vice Prime Minister Volodymyr Kistion, and MP, former Minister for Veterans' Affairs Iryna Friz.
In addition, the declaration of Olha Stefanishyna is being checked for the period when she served as Director General of the Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers.
"NACP is checking the annual income declarations for 2019. If the register has declarations of the inspected official for 2018, two declarations are to be vetted," reads the report.
It is noted 503 income declarations have been accepted for verification since the NACP's relaunch.
On July 20, NAPC began vetting asset declarations of incumbent President Volodymyr Zelensky and former President Petro Poroshenko.


unian--2020-07-23--Culprit holding senior cop hostage in Ukraine demands that all his charges be dropped

He is believed to have been involved in carjacking prior to hostage-taking .
The man armed with an RGD-5 hand grenade who had taken a police officer hostage in the Ukrainian city of Poltava has put forward his main demands to police , press officer of the local PD Roman Hrishyn reports .
The culprit says he seeks to avoid liability for crimes committed ( car theft and hostage taking ) and to hide away .
`` He asks to let him go .
He was being detained for car theft , and now he is holding a hostage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cease pursuit , '' Hrishyn told UNIAN .
The officer added that the perpetrator is driving toward Kyiv with cop hostage in car .
As UNIAN reported earlier , a man wielding an RGD-5 hand grenade took a police officer hostage in Poltava .
As part of negotiations , the attacker swapped the captured police officer for the local chief detective , Police Colonel Vitaliy Shyian , with whom he drove off in a Bohdan vehicle provided upon his demand .
Police later reported the man has a history of convictions for @ @ @ @ @

He is believed to have been involved in carjacking prior to hostage-taking.
The man armed with an RGD-5 hand grenade who had taken a police officer hostage in the Ukrainian city of Poltava has put forward his main demands to police, press officer of the local PD Roman Hrishyn reports.
The culprit says he seeks to avoid liability for crimes committed (car theft and hostage taking) and to hide away.
"He asks to let him go. He was being detained for car theft, and now he is holding a hostage. He wants us to let him go and cease pursuit," Hrishyn told UNIAN.
Видео дня
Read alsoSpox explains Zelensky's move to join negotiations with hostage-taker
The officer added that the perpetrator is driving toward Kyiv with cop hostage in car.
As UNIAN reported earlier, a man wielding an RGD-5 hand grenade took a police officer hostage in Poltava. As part of negotiations, the attacker swapped the captured police officer for the local chief detective, Police Colonel Vitaliy Shyian, with whom he drove off in a Bohdan vehicle provided upon his demand.
Police later reported the man has a history of convictions for theft and drug possession.


unian--2020-07-23--OSCE special representative lists measures to strengthen ceasefire in Donbas agreed by TCG

In particular , the parties agreed on ban on offensive , reconnaissance and sabotage operations , as well as ban on operation of any types of aerial vehicles of the sides .
The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) , Ambassador Heidi Grau , has listed measures to strengthen the ceasefire in Donbas , which was agreed by the TCG parties on July 22 .
`` I am pleased to announce that today the Trilateral Contact Group , with the participation of representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reached agreement regarding additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire , aiming to ensure compliance with a comprehensive , sustainable and unlimited ceasefire , '' she said in a press statement on July 23 .
According to Grau , issuance and enactment from 00:01hrs ( Kyiv time ) on July 27 , 2020 by the leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the leadership of the armed formations of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of , and compliance with , for the whole period until full comprehensive settlement of the conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following ceasefire support measures : 1. ban on offensive , reconnaissance and sabotage operations , as well as ban on operation of any types of aerial vehicles of the sides ; 3. ban on the deployment of heavy weapons in and around settlements , primarily at civilian infrastructure , including schools , kindergartens , hospitals and public premises ; 4. the effective use of disciplinary actions for ceasefire violations and notification of them to the TCG Coordinator who shall inform all of its participants about it ; 5. creation and involvement of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the facilitation of the JCCC in its current setting ; 6. retaliatory fire responding to an offensive operation is only permissible if it occurs at the order made by the respective leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the leadership of CADLR armed formations after an unsuccessful attempt to make use of the above-mentioned coordination mechanism .
The TCG shall be notified of the issuance of such orders .
7. the above-mentioned measures may not be , fully or in part , disavowed by any other orders , including secret ones .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following meaning : any attempts to change the positioning of the troops which exists as of the date of this statement , including any additional engineering improvement of positions , and/or any forward movement and/or relocation of armed persons towards the adversary , including for the purposes of reconnaissance and sabotage operations .
Grau said the leaderships of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and CADLR armed formations will make public statements about the issuance of the orders listing all the above measures and confirm that these ceasefire orders comply with such measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ SMM will contribute and support the sides in the implementation of these measures , as agreed by them , without prejudice to the established procedures of reporting or any other aspect of full implementation of its mandate .
`` I hope that the confirmed measures will bring long-awaited silence in the conflict zone and more peace to the civilian population , '' she added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22 held a video conference during which the parties agreed on a new , full and comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @

In particular, the parties agreed on ban on offensive, reconnaissance and sabotage operations, as well as ban on operation of any types of aerial vehicles of the sides.
The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau, has listed measures to strengthen the ceasefire in Donbas, which was agreed by the TCG parties on July 22.
"I am pleased to announce that today the Trilateral Contact Group, with the participation of representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADLR) of Ukraine, reached agreement regarding additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire, aiming to ensure compliance with a comprehensive, sustainable and unlimited ceasefire," she said in a press statement on July 23.
According to Grau, issuance and enactment from 00:01hrs (Kyiv time) on July 27, 2020 by the leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the leadership of the armed formations of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of, and compliance with, for the whole period until full comprehensive settlement of the conflict, the respective ceasefire orders containing the following ceasefire support measures:
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1. ban on offensive, reconnaissance and sabotage operations, as well as ban on operation of any types of aerial vehicles of the sides;
2. ban on firing, including sniper fire;
3. ban on the deployment of heavy weapons in and around settlements, primarily at civilian infrastructure, including schools, kindergartens, hospitals and public premises;
4. the effective use of disciplinary actions for ceasefire violations and notification of them to the TCG Coordinator who shall inform all of its participants about it;
5. creation and involvement of a coordination mechanism for responding to ceasefire violations through the facilitation of the JCCC in its current setting;
6. retaliatory fire responding to an offensive operation is only permissible if it occurs at the order made by the respective leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the leadership of CADLR armed formations after an unsuccessful attempt to make use of the above-mentioned coordination mechanism. The TCG shall be notified of the issuance of such orders.
7. the above-mentioned measures may not be, fully or in part, disavowed by any other orders, including secret ones.
Read alsoDonbas peace talks: New ceasefire agreed from July 27
It is noted offensive operation shall have the following meaning: any attempts to change the positioning of the troops which exists as of the date of this statement, including any additional engineering improvement of positions, and/or any forward movement and/or relocation of armed persons towards the adversary, including for the purposes of reconnaissance and sabotage operations.
Grau said the leaderships of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and CADLR armed formations will make public statements about the issuance of the orders listing all the above measures and confirm that these ceasefire orders comply with such measures.
At the same time, the OSCE SMM will contribute and support the sides in the implementation of these measures, as agreed by them, without prejudice to the established procedures of reporting or any other aspect of full implementation of its mandate.
"I hope that the confirmed measures will bring long-awaited silence in the conflict zone and more peace to the civilian population," she added.
Read alsoUkraine reiterates conditions for holding elections in occupied Donbas
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22 held a video conference during which the parties agreed on a new, full and comprehensive ceasefire in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.


unian--2020-07-23--Ukraine sees 3% rise in retail trade in H1

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Ukraine sees 3% rise in retail trade in H1
14:00, 23.07.20 1641
Retail turnover increased most in Chernihiv, Luhansk, and Volyn regions.
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unian--2020-07-23--National census in Ukraine postponed over coronavirus pandemic – media

The census was supposed to be carried out in 2021 .
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has postponed a @ @ @ @ @ two years over the coronavirus concerns .
Also , the government says the State Statistics @ @ @ @ @ to conduct the census , according to a morning TV show `` Snidanok z 1+1 @ @ @ @ @ supposed to be carried out in 2021 .
Read alsoUkraine sees population drop by almost @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN reported earlier , on January 23 , 2020 , the then Minister of the @ @ @ @ @ reported the results of a population assessment carried out according to data from mobile operators @ @ @ @ @ and electronic registers , the Pension Fund and the State Register of Individual Taxpayers .
@ @ @ @ @ 37,289,000 people lived in Ukraine as of December 1 , 2019 .
The figure excludes @ @ @ @ @ .

The census was supposed to be carried out in 2021.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has postponed a national census for at least two years over the coronavirus concerns.
Also, the government says the State Statistics Service is "ready" to conduct the census, according to a morning TV show "Snidanok z 1+1."
The census was supposed to be carried out in 2021.
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Read alsoUkraine sees population drop by almost 117,000 in five months
As UNIAN reported earlier, on January 23, 2020, the then Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Dmytro Dubilet reported the results of a population assessment carried out according to data from mobile operators, the State Statistics Service and electronic registers, the Pension Fund and the State Register of Individual Taxpayers. According to the estimates, 37,289,000 people lived in Ukraine as of December 1, 2019. The figure excludes residents of the Russia-occupied areas.


unian--2020-07-23--Spox explains Zelensky's move to join negotiations with hostage-taker

It was the president 's personal decision , Yulia Mendel stresses .
Presidential spokesperson Yulia Mendel has elaborated on Volodymyr Zelensky 's move to call the gunman who was holding hostages after seizing a commuter bus in Lutsk .
`` The President has kept the situation under control since morning .
Consultations with the security forces began right away .
During the reception of the President of Switzerland , there were constant breaks in order to clarify the developments , '' the spokesperson told RFE/RL 's Ukrainian service .
She clarified that several options were on the table .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand what that person wants and what is his psychological portrait .
The whole strategy was aimed at saving lives , '' Mendel said .
The president , she says , studied the hostage-taker 's requirements , the consequences of recording a video [ the terrorist demanded that Zelensky upload on social networks a clip where he would endorse an Earthlings documentary , narrated by Joaquin Phoenix ] , and potential harm that could be done .
`` When in the afternoon a decision was made to pursue with recording the clip , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's personal move .
And this was the deal .
I 'd like to emphasize that as part of that deal , the terrorist was supposed to take the first step – to release three hostages , '' Mendel added .
When asked if the President 's Office is prepared to further face other perpetrators demanding anything in such manner , Mendel noted that each case should be considered individually .
`` In this case , it was a calculated strategy .
Let 's hope that such situations wo n't repeat .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I would n't want to act as someone who reads the tea leaves , so let 's consider each case separately , '' she stressed .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on the morning of Tuesday , July 21 , a gunman , later identified as Maksym Kryvosh , 44 , a convicted felon , seized a commuter bus with 13 passengers on it , taking them hostage .
At about 22:00 the same day , the culprit surrendered and all hostages were released unharmed .

It was the president's personal decision, Yulia Mendel stresses.
Presidential spokesperson Yulia Mendel has elaborated on Volodymyr Zelensky's move to call the gunman who was holding hostages after seizing a commuter bus in Lutsk.
"The President has kept the situation under control since morning. Consultations with the security forces began right away. During the reception of the President of Switzerland, there were constant breaks in order to clarify the developments," the spokesperson told RFE/RL's Ukrainian service.
She clarified that several options were on the table.
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"It was very important for him to understand what that person wants and what is his psychological portrait. The whole strategy was aimed at saving lives," Mendel said.
The president, she says, studied the hostage-taker's requirements, the consequences of recording a video [the terrorist demanded that Zelensky upload on social networks a clip where he would endorse an Earthlings documentary, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix], and potential harm that could be done.
Read alsoZelensky reveals details of special operation in Lutsk (Photo, video)
"When in the afternoon a decision was made to pursue with recording the clip, it was Volodymyr Oleksandrovych [Zelensky]'s personal move. And this was the deal. I'd like to emphasize that as part of that deal, the terrorist was supposed to take the first step – to release three hostages," Mendel added.
When asked if the President's Office is prepared to further face other perpetrators demanding anything in such manner, Mendel noted that each case should be considered individually.
"In this case, it was a calculated strategy. Let's hope that such situations won't repeat. But all these risks were taken into account and I wouldn't want to act as someone who reads the tea leaves, so let's consider each case separately," she stressed.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on the morning of Tuesday, July 21, a gunman, later identified as Maksym Kryvosh, 44, a convicted felon, seized a commuter bus with 13 passengers on it, taking them hostage. At about 22:00 the same day, the culprit surrendered and all hostages were released unharmed.


unian--2020-07-23--Strengthening of hryvnia should be capped at UAH 25 to U.S. dollar – economy minister

Strengthening of hryvnia should be capped at UAH 25 to U.S. dollar – economy minister
13:00, 23.07.20 17855
The exchange rate set at UAH 23.5 per dollar hit hard both farmers and steelmakers last year.
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unian--2020-07-23--Polish court takes into custody ex-chief of Ukraine's road management agency

One of his accomplices may be released on PLN 1 million bail .
The National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( @ @ @ @ @ court in Warsaw took ex-head of Ukraine 's road management agency Ukravtodor , Slawomir Nowak @ @ @ @ @ accomplices for a period of three months .
`` On July 20 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ measures in form of 3-month temporary custody for Ukravtodor ex-Head and two of his Polish @ @ @ @ @ improper advantages and legalization , '' NABU wrote on Twitter .
Read alsoUkravtodor 's ex-head @ @ @ @ @ be extradited to Ukraine – NABU According to Spokesperson of the Minister-Special Services Coordinator Stanisław @ @ @ @ @ accomplices may be released on PLN 1 million bail .
As UNIAN reported earlier , @ @ @ @ @ detained Slawomir Nowak , the former Minister of Transport of Poland and ex-head of Ukravtodor @ @ @ @ @ .
Two more individuals were detained in that country simultaneously with Nowak .

One of his accomplices may be released on PLN 1 million bail.
The National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has said a court in Warsaw took ex-head of Ukraine's road management agency Ukravtodor, Slawomir Nowak, along with his two accomplices for a period of three months.
"On July 20, 2020, court in Warsaw chose preventive measures in form of 3-month temporary custody for Ukravtodor ex-Head and two of his Polish accomplices, suspected of receiving improper advantages and legalization," NABU wrote on Twitter.
Read alsoUkravtodor's ex-head detained in Poland not to be extradited to Ukraine – NABU
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According to Spokesperson of the Minister-Special Services Coordinator Stanisław Żaryn, one of the accomplices may be released on PLN 1 million bail.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Poland's Central Anti-Corruption Bureau detained Slawomir Nowak, the former Minister of Transport of Poland and ex-head of Ukravtodor, on charges of corruption. Two more individuals were detained in that country simultaneously with Nowak.


unian--2020-07-23--Grenade-wielding suspect takes cop hostage in Ukraine's Poltava

Negotiations are underway with the culprit , who is believed to have been involved in carjacking .
A man wielding an RGD-5 hand grenade has taken a police officer hostage in the Ukrainian town of Poltava , Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said .
`` At 09:05 on July 23 , in Poltava , outside the administrative court , detectives attempted to apprehend an individual who was reasonably suspected of car theft .
During the arrest , the attacker pulled out an RGD-5 grenade , which he threatens to set off .
He was holding a police operative by his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoFear , irritation , distrust : difference between messages of terrorists and those of terrorist acts According to the deputy minister , as part of negotiations , the attacker swapped the captured police officer for the local chief detective , Police Colonel Vitaliy Shyian , with whom he drove off in a Bohdan vehicle provided upon his demand .
Negotiations with the perpetrator are underway .
A local outlet Poltava.to reports that the man is heading toward Kyiv with the hostage in car .
As UNIAN reported earlier , 13 hostages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ western city of Lutsk were released at about 22:00 Kyiv time on July 21 .

Negotiations are underway with the culprit, who is believed to have been involved in carjacking.
A man wielding an RGD-5 hand grenade has taken a police officer hostage in the Ukrainian town of Poltava, Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said.
"At 09:05 on July 23, in Poltava, outside the administrative court, detectives attempted to apprehend an individual who was reasonably suspected of car theft. During the arrest, the attacker pulled out an RGD-5 grenade, which he threatens to set off. He was holding a police operative by his arm," Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook.
Read alsoFear, irritation, distrust: difference between messages of terrorists and those of terrorist acts
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According to the deputy minister, as part of negotiations, the attacker swapped the captured police officer for the local chief detective, Police Colonel Vitaliy Shyian, with whom he drove off in a Bohdan vehicle provided upon his demand.
Negotiations with the perpetrator are underway.
A local outlet Poltava.to reports that the man is heading toward Kyiv with the hostage in car.
As UNIAN reported earlier, 13 hostages held hostage on a bus in the western city of Lutsk were released at about 22:00 Kyiv time on July 21.


unian--2020-07-23--Decline in industrial production in Ukraine slows to 5.6% in June

Decline in industrial production in Ukraine slows to 5.6% in June
12:00, 23.07.20 506
Industrial production in May fell by 12.2%.
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unian--2020-07-23--Ukraine to reopen sports arenas for fans in "test mode" – media

Stadia could be 25 % full , with a possibility to move up to 50 % if the tests go well .
Ukraine will let spectators return for football matches up to a quarter of stadia capacity after a three-month pause due to the coronavirus , says Ukrainian Football Association head Andriy Pavelko .
Ukraine has eased restrictions since May to help the economy , but the government has still been extending the lockdown monthly , requiring people to wear masks and adhere to strict norms in public places , according to Reuters .
In a Facebook post , Pavelko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just approved the admission of spectators in a test mode at matches which will take place on July 25 and 29 . ''
Read alsoRebrov rejects offer to take helm of FC Dynamo Kyiv – media Stadia could be 25 % full , with a possibility to move up to 50 % if the tests go well , he said , citing government guidelines .
There was no immediate confirmation from the ministry .
Ukraine has relatively low numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths compared to western European counterparts .
But infections have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restarted playing from May 30 without fans .

Stadia could be 25% full, with a possibility to move up to 50% if the tests go well.
Ukraine will let spectators return for football matches up to a quarter of stadia capacity after a three-month pause due to the coronavirus, says Ukrainian Football Association head Andriy Pavelko.
Ukraine has eased restrictions since May to help the economy, but the government has still been extending the lockdown monthly, requiring people to wear masks and adhere to strict norms in public places, according to Reuters.
In a Facebook post, Pavelko wrote that the health minister "has just approved the admission of spectators in a test mode at matches which will take place on July 25 and 29."
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Read alsoRebrov rejects offer to take helm of FC Dynamo Kyiv – media
Stadia could be 25% full, with a possibility to move up to 50% if the tests go well, he said, citing government guidelines.
There was no immediate confirmation from the ministry.
Ukraine has relatively low numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths compared to western European counterparts. But infections have spiked in recent weeks.
Ukrainian clubs restarted playing from May 30 without fans.


unian--2020-07-23--Ukraine reiterates conditions for holding elections in occupied Donbas

It 's comprehensive de-escalation , withdrawal of foreign troops and weapons , disarmament of illegal armed groups , restoring control of the border .
The Ukrainian President 's Office has named conditions that must be met for local elections to be held in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions , now being occupied by Russia-led forces .
That 's according to a statement by the press service of the President 's Office issued following a regular meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and OSCE ) on Donbas settlement held via video conference Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasized that a complete and comprehensive ceasefire is a basic prerequisite for political settlement .
`` Elections in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine are possible only under the following conditions : after a comprehensive de-escalation , withdrawal of foreign military units and equipment , disarmament of illegal armed groups , and restoring Ukrainian government control over the Ukrainian-Russian border , '' the statement reads .
Elections must be held exclusively in accordance with Ukrainian legislation , the Office said , adding that they must also be in line with the OSCE Copenhagen @ @

It's comprehensive de-escalation, withdrawal of foreign troops and weapons, disarmament of illegal armed groups, restoring control of the border.
The Ukrainian President's Office has named conditions that must be met for local elections to be held in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, now being occupied by Russia-led forces.
That's according to a statement by the press service of the President's Office issued following a regular meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and OSCE) on Donbas settlement held via video conference Wednesday.
Within the political subgroup, it was emphasized that a complete and comprehensive ceasefire is a basic prerequisite for political settlement.
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Read alsoZelensky approves amendments to Electoral Code: main points
"Elections in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine are possible only under the following conditions: after a comprehensive de-escalation, withdrawal of foreign military units and equipment, disarmament of illegal armed groups, and restoring Ukrainian government control over the Ukrainian-Russian border," the statement reads.
Elections must be held exclusively in accordance with Ukrainian legislation, the Office said, adding that they must also be in line with the OSCE Copenhagen standards.


unian--2020-07-23--Government establishes ministry for strategic industries

Government establishes ministry for strategic industries
11:00, 23.07.20 3224
The Verkhovna Rada tapped Oleh Urusky to head the ministry.
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unian--2020-07-23--Over 850 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Ukraine in past day

As many as 34,000 patients have already recovered .
Ukraine has reported 856 new active cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 over the past day , bringing the total number to 61,851 as of the morning of July 23 .
The death toll in Ukraine now is 1,551 people , including 17 who died in the past 24 hours , according to the interactive map of Ukraine 's National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 34,000 patients have recovered .
The number of active COVID-19 cases as of the morning of July 23 was 26,300 .
The highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv ( 112 cases ) , Lviv region ( 109 cases ) , Ivano-Frankivsk region ( 76 ) , and Rivne region ( 71 ) .
Read alsoUkraine announces changes to adaptive quarantine rules from Aug 1 The overall incidence per region is as follows : 7,278 ( +112 ) in the city of Kyiv ; As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 60,995 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of July 22 .
They include 1,534 deaths and 33,172 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded on that day .

As many as 34,000 patients have already recovered.
Ukraine has reported 856 new active cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 over the past day, bringing the total number to 61,851 as of the morning of July 23.
The death toll in Ukraine now is 1,551 people, including 17 who died in the past 24 hours, according to the interactive map of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 34,000 patients have recovered.
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The number of active COVID-19 cases as of the morning of July 23 was 26,300.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv (112 cases), Lviv region (109 cases), Ivano-Frankivsk region (76), and Rivne region (71).
Read alsoUkraine announces changes to adaptive quarantine rules from Aug 1
The overall incidence per region is as follows:
8,462 (+109) cases in Lviv region;
7,278 (+112) in the city of Kyiv;
5,443 (+39) in Chernivtsi region;
5,303 (+71) in Rivne region;
4,641 (+63) in Zakarpattia region;
3,765 (+76) in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
3,401 (+42) in Volyn region;
3,391 (+32) in Kyiv region;
3,203 (+64) in Kharkiv region;
2,691 (+31) in Odesa region;
2,548 (+40) in Ternopil region;
2,416 (+52) in Vinnytsia region;
1,654 (+20) in Zhytomyr region;
1,275 (+15) in Dnipropetrovsk region;
1,008 (+14) in Khmelnytsky region;
870 (+17) in Cherkasy region;
818 (+5) in Donetsk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
700 (+9) in Zaporizhia region;
689 (+1) in Kirovohrad region;
667 (+13) in Chernihiv region;
530 (+3) in Mykolayiv region;
393 (+10) in Sumy region;
371 (+11) in Poltava region;
218 (+1) in Kherson region; and
116 (+6) in Luhansk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts).
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 60,995 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of the morning of July 22. They include 1,534 deaths and 33,172 recoveries. Some 829 new cases were recorded on that day.


unian--2020-07-23--Prominent anti-graft NGO chief reports arson at his Kyiv home

The incident brought no casualties as his parents , who were at home when the fire broke out , managed to escape from house .
Head of the Anti-corruption Action Center ( AntAC ) non-profit Vitaliy Shabunin has said his house in Kyiv has been set on fire .
`` The house of AntAC Head Vitaliy Shabunin was set ablaze overnight .
These photos are evidence of authorities being unable to protect public activists , '' the AntAC wrote on Facebook , posting the relevant photos on Facebook .
The incident brought no casualties as his parents , who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , managed to get out of the house after a neighbor heard a blast and saw a front door flare up , AntAC says .
Vitaliy Shabunin and his family were out at the time , reads the report .
Shabunin wrote on Facebook the gas utility service checked a gas meter just two weeks ago .
`` ...
Exactly two weeks ago , the gas service checked the meter and all connections .
I invite journalists to see everything with their own eyes today at 13:00 .
We would like to stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect public figures .
( ... ) As a Christian , I bless perpetrators and those who stand behind this .
I am grateful for yet another motivation to work even harder , '' Shabunin said .

The incident brought no casualties as his parents, who were at home when the fire broke out, managed to escape from house.
Head of the Anti-corruption Action Center (AntAC) non-profit Vitaliy Shabunin has said his house in Kyiv has been set on fire.
"The house of AntAC Head Vitaliy Shabunin was set ablaze overnight. These photos are evidence of authorities being unable to protect public activists," the AntAC wrote on Facebook, posting the relevant photos on Facebook.
The incident brought no casualties as his parents, who were at home when the fire broke out, managed to get out of the house after a neighbor heard a blast and saw a front door flare up, AntAC says.
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Vitaliy Shabunin and his family were out at the time, reads the report.
Shabunin wrote on Facebook the gas utility service checked a gas meter just two weeks ago.
"... Exactly two weeks ago, the gas service checked the meter and all connections. I invite journalists to see everything with their own eyes today at 13:00. We would like to stress once again the authorities' inability to protect public figures. (...) As a Christian, I bless perpetrators and those who stand behind this. I am grateful for yet another motivation to work even harder," Shabunin said.


unian--2020-07-23--Hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.78 to U.S. dollar on July 23

Hryvnia weakens to UAH 27.78 to U.S. dollar on July 23
10:00, 23.07.20 12350
The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 32.19 per euro.
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unian--2020-07-23--Four soldiers wounded amid 15 enemy attacks in Donbas on July 22

According to intelligence reports , one member of Russia-led forces was killed and another three were wounded .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on July 22 mounted 15 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with four members of the Joint Forces reported as wounded in action .
`` The Russian Federation 's armed formations violated the ceasefire 15 times on July 22 , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on July 23 .
`` As a result , four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in enemy shelling . ''
Russian-led forces opened fire using proscribed 120mm mortars , cannons installed on infantry fighting vehicles , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , UAVs , and small arms .
Read alsoVolunteers launch huge Ukrainian flag into the sky over occupied Donetsk ( Photo , video ) Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Maryinka , and the villages of Mayorsk , Khutir Vilny , Krymske , Lebedynske , Vodiane , Pyshchevyk , Starohnativka , and Talakivka .
The Joint Forces returned fire to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports , one member of Russia-led forces was killed and another three were wounded on July 22 .
The enemy 's prior casualties on July 21 included two killed fighters , according to updated data .
The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on July 23 .
No casualties have been reported since Thursday midnight .

According to intelligence reports, one member of Russia-led forces was killed and another three were wounded.
Russia's hybrid military forces on July 22 mounted 15 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with four members of the Joint Forces reported as wounded in action.
"The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire 15 times on July 22," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on July 23. "As a result, four servicemen of the Joint Forces were wounded in enemy shelling."
Russian-led forces opened fire using proscribed 120mm mortars, cannons installed on infantry fighting vehicles, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, UAVs, and small arms.
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Read alsoVolunteers launch huge Ukrainian flag into the sky over occupied Donetsk (Photo, video)
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Maryinka, and the villages of Mayorsk, Khutir Vilny, Krymske, Lebedynske, Vodiane, Pyshchevyk, Starohnativka, and Talakivka.
The Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy attack. According to intelligence reports, one member of Russia-led forces was killed and another three were wounded on July 22. The enemy's prior casualties on July 21 included two killed fighters, according to updated data.
The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on July 23.
No casualties have been reported since Thursday midnight.


unian--2020-07-23--Ukraine announces changes to adaptive quarantine rules from Aug 1

The easing will be greenlighted if the COVID-19 incidence decreases for three consecutive days .
From August 1 , changes will be introduced into the adaptive quarantine regulations across Ukraine , says Viktor Liashko , a senior health official .
The quarantine will be strengthened if the incidence rate worsens for five days in a row , Liashko told the NV outlet .
Four colors will be assigned to different zones across the country , depending on the COVID-19 spread rate .
`` If a region within five days exceeds national indicators seen before , we will dissect this region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and each district will show its contribution to the coronavirus incidence developments .
Depending on figures per district or city , it will be marked as green , yellow , orange , or red , '' explained the official .
Read alsoUkraine to handle possible second wave of COVID-19 with completely different approaches – ministry Quarantine will weaken if the incidence is seeing a downward trend for three days in a row , the health official noted .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine this week decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 .
The initial quarantine restrictions were introduced in Ukraine in March 2020 .
The current `` adaptive quarantine '' provides for a flexible approach to introducing or easing bans in the country 's regions .

The easing will be greenlighted if the COVID-19 incidence decreases for three consecutive days.
From August 1, changes will be introduced into the adaptive quarantine regulations across Ukraine, says Viktor Liashko, a senior health official.
The quarantine will be strengthened if the incidence rate worsens for five days in a row, Liashko told the NV outlet.
Four colors will be assigned to different zones across the country, depending on the COVID-19 spread rate.
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"If a region within five days exceeds national indicators seen before, we will dissect this region into districts and cities of regional significance, and each district will show its contribution to the coronavirus incidence developments. Depending on figures per district or city, it will be marked as green, yellow, orange, or red," explained the official.
Read alsoUkraine to handle possible second wave of COVID-19 with completely different approaches – ministry
Red means the most critical zone," Liashko stressed.
Quarantine will weaken if the incidence is seeing a downward trend for three days in a row, the health official noted.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine this week decided to extend the adaptive quarantine until August 31.
The initial quarantine restrictions were introduced in Ukraine in March 2020.
The current "adaptive quarantine" provides for a flexible approach to introducing or easing bans in the country's regions.


unian--2020-07-23--Zelensky approves amendments to Electoral Code: main points

The MPs passed the relevant bill with a constitutional majority on July 16 .
President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed Law No .
805-IX , which provides for a number of changes to the electoral legislation , his Office reported Wednesday .
The MPs passed the relevant bill with a constitutional majority on July 16 .
It is established that national and local elections can be regular or extraordinary .
Regular local elections shall be held simultaneously throughout Ukraine , with the exception of restrictions set by law .
Extraordinary local elections shall be held in the event of early termination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and/or village , settlement , city heads .
Extraordinary , midterm , first , and bypass local elections shall be held twice a year – on the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October .
In the year of the regular local elections , all such elections shall be held once a year – on the last Sunday of October of the fifth year of powers of local councils and village , settlement , city heads elected at the previous regular local elections .
The Central Election Commission is allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ processing applications and vote count .
Such experiments and pilot projects could be held at designated polling stations .
The new law introduces a fee worth 650 minimal wages for each presidential candidate and 1,000 minimal wages – for those running for the legislature .
The new concept of electoral quota has also been introduced .
Candidates running for parliament who have gained votes equaling 25 % of the quota or over shall be put on top of the list drawn by the local party unit .
The legislation envisages tougher administrative and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including vote count fraud , bribing voters , breaches of campaigning rules , and obstruction of electoral rights .
The law shall be enforced on the next day after its official publication .

The MPs passed the relevant bill with a constitutional majority on July 16.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed Law No. 805-IX, which provides for a number of changes to the electoral legislation, his Office reported Wednesday.
The MPs passed the relevant bill with a constitutional majority on July 16.
"The document settles inconsistencies, clarifies terms, simplifies and unifies electoral procedures.
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It is established that national and local elections can be regular or extraordinary. Regular local elections shall be held simultaneously throughout Ukraine, with the exception of restrictions set by law. Extraordinary local elections shall be held in the event of early termination of powers of individual local government bodies and/or village, settlement, city heads.
Read alsoVenice Commission issues Urgent Joint Opinion on Ukraine referendum bill
Extraordinary, midterm, first, and bypass local elections shall be held twice a year – on the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October.
In the year of the regular local elections, all such elections shall be held once a year – on the last Sunday of October of the fifth year of powers of local councils and village, settlement, city heads elected at the previous regular local elections.
The Central Election Commission is allowed to introduce innovative technology, including for processing applications and vote count. Such experiments and pilot projects could be held at designated polling stations.
The new law introduces a fee worth 650 minimal wages for each presidential candidate and 1,000 minimal wages – for those running for the legislature.
Read alsoUkraine's parliament approves date for local elections
The new concept of electoral quota has also been introduced. Candidates running for parliament who have gained votes equaling 25% of the quota or over shall be put on top of the list drawn by the local party unit.
The legislation envisages tougher administrative and criminal prosecution of election and referendum violations, including vote count fraud, bribing voters, breaches of campaigning rules, and obstruction of electoral rights.
The law shall be enforced on the next day after its official publication.


unian--2020-07-24--Preliminary analysis of PS752 flight recorders in France completed

Ukrainian experts will be working in France until July 25 .
An international team examining flight recorders of Ukraine International Airlines ( UIA ) Flight PS752 downed by Iran in January 2020 has completed preliminary analysis of the data in France .
`` All data from the two flight recorders ( CVR and FDR ) were read and decoded .
They were successfully decoded , despite external damage to the boxes , '' Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Enin said , according to the Hromadske Radio media outlet .
`` The technical investigation began immediately after the disaster , decoding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also noted that it was impossible to predict how long the technical investigation would last .
The completion of the analysis was also confirmed by France 's BEA accident investigation bureau on its Twitter page .
`` Analysis on CVR and FRD data is finished after 4 days of coordinated technical work , '' it said .
As UNIAN reported , Iranian forces say they downed the Ukraine International Airlines ( UIA ) jet , a Boeing 737 , on January 8 after mistaking it for a missile at a time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All 176 people aboard Flight PS752 were killed .
It became known on July 18 that Iran had handed the black boxes of the UIA plane over to France .
The process was conducted with an Iranian investigator present and observed by Canadian , U.S. , Swedish and British experts and representatives from the airline , Boeing Co and engine maker Safran SA .
Experts from the National Bureau of Air Accidents Investigation of Ukraine will be working in France from July 20 to July 25 .

Ukrainian experts will be working in France until July 25.
An international team examining flight recorders of Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Flight PS752 downed by Iran in January 2020 has completed preliminary analysis of the data in France.
"All data from the two flight recorders (CVR and FDR) were read and decoded. They were successfully decoded, despite external damage to the boxes," Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Enin said, according to the Hromadske Radio media outlet. "The technical investigation began immediately after the disaster, decoding is one of its stages."
Read alsoFlight recorders from UIA plane downed in Iran successfully decrypted – FM Kuleba
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He also noted that it was impossible to predict how long the technical investigation would last. The completion of the analysis was also confirmed by France's BEA accident investigation bureau on its Twitter page.
"Analysis on CVR and FRD data is finished after 4 days of coordinated technical work," it said.
As UNIAN reported, Iranian forces say they downed the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) jet, a Boeing 737, on January 8 after mistaking it for a missile at a time of high tensions with the United States. All 176 people aboard Flight PS752 were killed.
It became known on July 18 that Iran had handed the black boxes of the UIA plane over to France.
The process was conducted with an Iranian investigator present and observed by Canadian, U.S., Swedish and British experts and representatives from the airline, Boeing Co, and engine maker Safran SA.
Experts from the National Bureau of Air Accidents Investigation of Ukraine will be working in France from July 20 to July 25.


unian--2020-07-23--Switzerland allocates 1.4 mln francs for water purification in Donbas

Seventeen trucks with equipment and chemicals for water treatment have already arrived in the east of Ukraine .
Switzerland has allocated 1.4 million Swiss francs in humanitarian aid for water purification in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
The funds were allocated for the needs of the Water of Donbas in 2020 under a new Swiss Cooperation Program with Ukraine for the next three years , the press service of the Office of the President said on the official website on July 23 to update on Zelensky 's working visit to Donbas .
Read alsoZelensky calls on international community to assist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his Swiss counterpart , Simonetta Sommaruga , visited municipally owned Water of Donbas , it said .
Zelensky says this public utility company provides drinking water to about four million residents in Donetsk region , including Ukrainians living in the temporarily occupied territories .
Since 2014 , the enterprise 's facilities have been repeatedly shelled by illegal armed groups , causing regular halts to water supplies .
The technical condition of the company 's infrastructure has deteriorated , the shortage of chemical reagents and equipment for water treatment has increased .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Switzerland has become extremely important to us .
Tens of thousands of tonnes of chemical reagents for purification , drinking water disinfection units , and much more made it possible to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Donetsk region , '' the Ukrainian president said .
Seventeen trucks with equipment and chemicals for water treatment sent by Switzerland as humanitarian aid have already arrived in the east of Ukraine .
`` Today , Madame President and I are meeting a humanitarian cargo from the Swiss Confederation – 17 trucks more .
Fifteen of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One will deliver personal protective equipment to Slovyansk 's Central Hospital .
And another one [ will bring ] hydrolysis devices for water purification in Volnovakha and Mariupol .
Today , I sincerely thank our Swiss friends for their important and valuable help , '' Zelensky said .
Head of Ukrainian-controlled Donetsk Regional State Administration Pavlo Kyrylenko said that international assistance would be used to modernize the Siversky Donets-Donbas canal .
It is also planned to improve the operation of the water supply system to reduce dependence on the area where hostilities continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As part of energy efficiency improvement , old pipes are to be replaced with new , plastic ones .
It is also planned to install new pumps , which will help considerably reduce energy consumption .
Simonetta Sommaruga , in turn , noted that the supply of drinking water is very important for overcoming humanitarian challenges .
This was clearly demonstrated by the coronavirus crisis , as water means hygiene .
She stressed that Switzerland has been providing humanitarian assistance to the population of Ukraine along the line of delimitation since 2015 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ warm winter this year , more chemical reagents had to be used to prepare drinking water , and their stocks in warehouses are running out .
`` Therefore , I am very glad that we were able to transfer 300 tonnes of aid for water purification and appropriate devices that will help people get clean water .
Mr. President , rest assured that this is not the last humanitarian aid from Switzerland – we are planning the next big batch in September .
The Swiss people and government will not leave Ukraine , @ @ @ @

Seventeen trucks with equipment and chemicals for water treatment have already arrived in the east of Ukraine.
Switzerland has allocated 1.4 million Swiss francs in humanitarian aid for water purification in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
The funds were allocated for the needs of the Water of Donbas in 2020 under a new Swiss Cooperation Program with Ukraine for the next three years, the press service of the Office of the President said on the official website on July 23 to update on Zelensky's working visit to Donbas.
Read alsoZelensky calls on international community to assist Ukraine in rebuilding Donbas
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The Ukrainian president and his Swiss counterpart, Simonetta Sommaruga, visited municipally owned Water of Donbas, it said.
Zelensky says this public utility company provides drinking water to about four million residents in Donetsk region, including Ukrainians living in the temporarily occupied territories.
Since 2014, the enterprise's facilities have been repeatedly shelled by illegal armed groups, causing regular halts to water supplies. The technical condition of the company's infrastructure has deteriorated, the shortage of chemical reagents and equipment for water treatment has increased.
"In these circumstances, the humanitarian aid from Switzerland has become extremely important to us. Tens of thousands of tonnes of chemical reagents for purification, drinking water disinfection units, and much more made it possible to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Donetsk region," the Ukrainian president said.
Seventeen trucks with equipment and chemicals for water treatment sent by Switzerland as humanitarian aid have already arrived in the east of Ukraine.
"Today, Madame President and I are meeting a humanitarian cargo from the Swiss Confederation – 17 trucks more. Fifteen of them have brought chemicals and reagents. One will deliver personal protective equipment to Slovyansk's Central Hospital. And another one [will bring] hydrolysis devices for water purification in Volnovakha and Mariupol. Today, I sincerely thank our Swiss friends for their important and valuable help," Zelensky said.
Head of Ukrainian-controlled Donetsk Regional State Administration Pavlo Kyrylenko said that international assistance would be used to modernize the Siversky Donets-Donbas canal.
It is also planned to improve the operation of the water supply system to reduce dependence on the area where hostilities continue, and to introduce energy-efficient technologies. As part of energy efficiency improvement, old pipes are to be replaced with new, plastic ones. It is also planned to install new pumps, which will help considerably reduce energy consumption.
Simonetta Sommaruga, in turn, noted that the supply of drinking water is very important for overcoming humanitarian challenges. This was clearly demonstrated by the coronavirus crisis, as water means hygiene.
She stressed that Switzerland has been providing humanitarian assistance to the population of Ukraine along the line of delimitation since 2015.
According to her, because of the warm winter this year, more chemical reagents had to be used to prepare drinking water, and their stocks in warehouses are running out.
"Therefore, I am very glad that we were able to transfer 300 tonnes of aid for water purification and appropriate devices that will help people get clean water. Mr. President, rest assured that this is not the last humanitarian aid from Switzerland – we are planning the next big batch in September. The Swiss people and government will not leave Ukraine," she said.


unian--2020-07-23--Ukraine's government to disband State Fiscal Service by year-end

The PM says this is one of the conditions for the second disbursement .
Ukraine 's government plans to disband the country 's State Fiscal Service by the end of the current year .
`` This is one of the benchmarks for the second disbursement [ of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine ] .
This is actually a condition for the second disbursement , '' Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said during his visit to Brussels , according to the RBC Ukraine news agency .
The government earlier said that the State Fiscal Service would be split into two agencies – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fax service .
`` By the end of the year , we must approve the concept of reforming the state tax service , '' the prime minister added .
He explained that the second tranche was expected under the fifth macro-financial assistance program for Ukraine .
`` Our ideology is that it should be an intelligence agency [ to succeed the State Fiscal Service ] .
Not a law-enforcement but an intelligence one .
That is , an agency that will have access to databases , resources , which will intelligently search for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appropriate authority , '' Shmyhal said .

Ukraine's government to disband State Fiscal Service by year-end
22:59, 23.07.20 23423
The PM says this is one of the conditions for the second disbursement.
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unian--2020-07-23--Ukraine sells $2 bln 2033 eurobond with yield of 7.25% – media

Ukraine sold a US $ 2 billion eurobond maturing in 2033 on Thursday with a yield of 7.250 % , sources said , relaunching a debt sale Kyiv had been forced to halt in early July following the shock resignation of its central bank governor .
Around US $ 1.2 billion of the bond sale was new money , while the remainder was part of a liability exercise , a banking source said , adding the order book for new cash reached more than US $ 6.3 billion , Reuters reported .
The new issue offered a slight premium over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The book has been over-subscribed comfortably , '' said Sergey Dergachev at Union Investment .
`` The fact that there is very limited supply out there is big positive technical feature for Ukrainian sovereign . ''
The shelved issue had attracted total orders of more than US $ 7.5 billion .
Ukraine 's outstanding 2032 bond yields 7.177 % .
Former governor Yakiv Smolii quit at the start of July , complaining of `` systematic political pressure . ''
New governor Kyrylo Shevchenko was installed last week , promising to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bonds rallied on his appointment , although investors said much depended on how independent Shevchenko actually proved to be .

Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan acted as joint lead managers.
Ukraine sold a US$2 billion eurobond maturing in 2033 on Thursday with a yield of 7.250%, sources said, relaunching a debt sale Kyiv had been forced to halt in early July following the shock resignation of its central bank governor.
Around US$1.2 billion of the bond sale was new money, while the remainder was part of a liability exercise, a banking source said, adding the order book for new cash reached more than US$6.3 billion, Reuters reported.
Read alsoUkraine's National Bank keeps key policy rate at 6%
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The new issue offered a slight premium over the shelved issue, analysts said.
"The book has been over-subscribed comfortably," said Sergey Dergachev at Union Investment. "The fact that there is very limited supply out there is big positive technical feature for Ukrainian sovereign."
The shelved issue had attracted total orders of more than US$7.5 billion. Ukraine's outstanding 2032 bond yields 7.177%.
Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan acted as joint lead managers.
Former governor Yakiv Smolii quit at the start of July, complaining of "systematic political pressure."
New governor Kyrylo Shevchenko was installed last week, promising to keep the central bank free from political meddling. Bonds rallied on his appointment, although investors said much depended on how independent Shevchenko actually proved to be.


unian--2020-07-23--Zelensky calls on international community to assist Ukraine in rebuilding Donbas

The participants in the meeting discussed the challenges in Donbas .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the international community to assist Ukraine in rebuilding infrastructure in Donbas .
`` Volodymyr Zelensky called for assistance in rebuilding the infrastructure of Donbas .
In particular , he stressed the importance of building hospitals in small towns , which are currently not included in the general construction plan , '' the press service of the Office of the President said on the official website on July 23 to update on Zelensky 's working visit to Donbas .
Read alsoOSCE special representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed by TCG During his trip , he was accompanied by his Swiss counterpart Simonetta Sommaruga .
The two presidents met with representatives of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) to Ukraine , the International Committee of the Red Cross , the UN system in Ukraine and senior officials of Donetsk Regional State Administration .
International organizations in Ukraine are involved in such important processes in Donbas as providing medical care to local residents , restoring infrastructure , searching for missing persons , and assisting in overcoming the consequences of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to detainees is important .
The participants in the meeting discussed the challenges in Donbas and further steps to make local residents ' life easier .
It was noted that Ukraine is doing a lot of work to integrate temporarily uncontrolled territories , and this process needs to be continued to make `` people feel like home . ''
Zelensky also says it is necessary to solve the problem of providing housing for internally displaced persons who have lost their home .

The participants in the meeting discussed the challenges in Donbas.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the international community to assist Ukraine in rebuilding infrastructure in Donbas.
"Volodymyr Zelensky called for assistance in rebuilding the infrastructure of Donbas. In particular, he stressed the importance of building hospitals in small towns, which are currently not included in the general construction plan," the press service of the Office of the President said on the official website on July 23 to update on Zelensky's working visit to Donbas.
Read alsoOSCE special representative lists measures to strengthen ceasefire in Donbas agreed by TCG
Видео дня
During his trip, he was accompanied by his Swiss counterpart Simonetta Sommaruga.
The two presidents met with representatives of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN system in Ukraine and senior officials of Donetsk Regional State Administration.
International organizations in Ukraine are involved in such important processes in Donbas as providing medical care to local residents, restoring infrastructure, searching for missing persons, and assisting in overcoming the consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic. In addition, assistance to detainees is important.
The participants in the meeting discussed the challenges in Donbas and further steps to make local residents' life easier.
It was noted that Ukraine is doing a lot of work to integrate temporarily uncontrolled territories, and this process needs to be continued to make "people feel like home."
Zelensky also says it is necessary to solve the problem of providing housing for internally displaced persons who have lost their home.


unian--2020-07-23--Ukraine's National Bank keeps key policy rate at 6%

The country 's economy will resume growth at around 4 % in subsequent years , the regulator forecasts .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) says the NBU Board has decided to keep its key policy rate at 6 % per annum after the regulator lowered it in June to an all-time low for the eighth time in a row .
`` The Board of the National Bank of Ukraine has decided to keep its key policy rate at 6 % per annum .
This on the one hand will curb price growth as the economy recovers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving room for further decreasing the cost of credit to one-digit levels , '' the regulator 's press service said on its website on July 23 .
The NBU has revised its forecast of how much real GDP will drop in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus crisis , from 5 % to 6 % .
The low-point of the fall was passed in the second quarter ( Q 2 ) .
The economy of Ukraine will contract by 6 % in 2020 but will resume growth at the level of around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report said .
`` In 2021–2022 , the Ukrainian economy will grow , thanks to monetary and fiscal stimuli and higher foreign demand .
Economic growth will mainly be driven by private consumption , '' newly appointed NBU Governor Kyrylo Shevchenko said at a briefing on July 23 .
In the second half of 2020 ( H2 ) , the economy started to recover .
With the quarantine restrictions eased , there has been a pickup in business activity .
Business activity and private consumption were given additional support by the NBU 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief , and increased unemployment allowances from the budget .
`` However , the pace of economic recovery will be restrained , as consumer and investment demand remain subdued .
During the crisis , households significantly cut their spending on non-staple goods , while businesses put their development plans on hold and revised their staffing levels and payroll funds .
Considering the high level of uncertainty over the spread of the coronavirus , both the public and businesses are likely to remain cautious about their consumer and investment decisions , '' the NBU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflation and the above balance of risks , the NBU Board kept the key policy rate unchanged , at 6 % , the official added .
`` The NBU expects to keep the key policy rate at the current low level at least until the end of the current year .
Next year , the NBU will take decisions on the key policy rate taking into account whether or not inflationary risks materialize , how social standards change , and at what pace the economy is recovering , '' he said .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cuts have not been fully transmitted to the cost of financial resources – the banks are still continuing to cut their loan and deposit rates .
However , anchoring interest rates at the single-digit level requires that financial market participants be confident that economic policy is consistent and that there is a reasonable balance between inflation curbing and monetary stimulus .
`` By keeping the key policy rate at 6 % , the NBU leaves enough room for monetary stimulus in order to provide the economy with additional impetus for growth if consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected , '' he summed up .
The next monetary policy meeting of the NBU Board will be held on September 3 , 2020 , as scheduled , the press service said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the National Bank cut the key rate to 6 % per annum effective June 12 , hitting a historic low in independent Ukraine .

The country's economy will resume growth at around 4% in subsequent years, the regulator forecasts.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) says the NBU Board has decided to keep its key policy rate at 6% per annum after the regulator lowered it in June to an all-time low for the eighth time in a row.
"The Board of the National Bank of Ukraine has decided to keep its key policy rate at 6% per annum. This on the one hand will curb price growth as the economy recovers in 2021–2022, while on the other hand leaving room for further decreasing the cost of credit to one-digit levels," the regulator's press service said on its website on July 23.
Read alsoNational Bank to pursue policy of hryvnia's floating rate
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The NBU has revised its forecast of how much real GDP will drop in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus crisis, from 5% to 6%. The low-point of the fall was passed in the second quarter (Q 2). The economy of Ukraine will contract by 6% in 2020 but will resume growth at the level of around 4% in subsequent years, the report said.
"In 2021–2022, the Ukrainian economy will grow, thanks to monetary and fiscal stimuli and higher foreign demand. Economic growth will mainly be driven by private consumption," newly appointed NBU Governor Kyrylo Shevchenko said at a briefing on July 23.
In the second half of 2020 (H2), the economy started to recover. With the quarantine restrictions eased, there has been a pickup in business activity. Business activity and private consumption were given additional support by the NBU's stimuli, loan repayment holidays, tax relief, and increased unemployment allowances from the budget.
"However, the pace of economic recovery will be restrained, as consumer and investment demand remain subdued. During the crisis, households significantly cut their spending on non-staple goods, while businesses put their development plans on hold and revised their staffing levels and payroll funds. Considering the high level of uncertainty over the spread of the coronavirus, both the public and businesses are likely to remain cautious about their consumer and investment decisions," the NBU governor said.
Given the gradually accelerating inflation and the above balance of risks, the NBU Board kept the key policy rate unchanged, at 6%, the official added.
"The NBU expects to keep the key policy rate at the current low level at least until the end of the current year. Next year, the NBU will take decisions on the key policy rate taking into account whether or not inflationary risks materialize, how social standards change, and at what pace the economy is recovering," he said.
According to Shevchenko, previous key policy rate cuts have not been fully transmitted to the cost of financial resources – the banks are still continuing to cut their loan and deposit rates. However, anchoring interest rates at the single-digit level requires that financial market participants be confident that economic policy is consistent and that there is a reasonable balance between inflation curbing and monetary stimulus.
"By keeping the key policy rate at 6%, the NBU leaves enough room for monetary stimulus in order to provide the economy with additional impetus for growth if consumer and investment demand recover more slowly than expected," he summed up.
The next monetary policy meeting of the NBU Board will be held on September 3, 2020, as scheduled, the press service said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the National Bank cut the key rate to 6% per annum effective from June 12, hitting a historic low in independent Ukraine.