unian--2020-02-07--Ukraine's central bank funnels US$317.5 mln into international reserves

The country 's reserves as of February 1 , 2020 , stood at US $ 26.293 billion .
The National @ @ @ @ @ ) funneled US $ 317.5 million bought on the country 's interbank forex market this @ @ @ @ @ February 7 , into the international reserves .
In particular , the regulator bought US @ @ @ @ @ US $ 45 million over the period under review , the NBU said on its @ @ @ @ @ of 2020 , some US $ 415.5 million has been channeled into the country 's @ @ @ @ @ alone , the reserves grew by US $ 98 million bought by the NBU on @ @ @ @ @ 's international reserves as of February 1 , 2020 , amounted to US $ 26.293 @ @ @ @ @ % up on January 1 , 2020 .

Ukraine's central bank funnels US$317.5 mln into international reserves
19:58, 07.02.20 1359
The country's reserves as of February 1, 2020, stood at US$26.293 billion.
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unian--2020-02-07--Ukraine's government unhappy with Naftogaz's production strategy – economy minister

The Cabinet of Ministers is looking into the causes behind the failure of the government 's 20/20 Program .
Ukrainian Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection Oleksiy Orzhel says the government is unhappy with NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine 's updated gas production strategy , according to which gas production efficiency is measured by economic indicators rather than by cubic meters of natural gas produced .
`` The government is frankly disappointed with the results of the 20/20 Program [ to boost annual gas production to 20 billion cubic meters ( bcm ) by 2020 ] and disappointed with Naftogaz 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production strategy .
Moreover , there is a decision by the [ Naftogaz ] Supervisory Board suggesting assessment of [ the company 's performance ] based on economic indicators rather than on increased [ gas ] production volumes , '' he said during a Q & A hour in the Verkhovna Rada on February 7 .
According to Orzhel , the Cabinet of Ministers is also investigating the reasons for the failure of the government 's 20/20 Program , which envisaged an annual increase in gas output by Ukraine 's largest natural gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 bcm .
`` Investment decisions were made in 2016-2017 , when the price of gas was really different .
And we would have got the result now and increased our own production , royalties , and most importantly , the country 's energy security .
These indicators have not been met , '' the minister summed up .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the government 's 20/20 Program provided for Ukrgazvydobuvannya 's annual output boost up to 20 bcm of gas by 2020 .
To this end , it was planned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production at existing ones .
However , the company had not received the relevant licenses for exploring new fields , which significantly affected the implementation of the plan .
In July 2019 , Naftogaz of Ukraine introduced a new gas production strategy , according to which the company will focus funding on intensification of production at efficient fields , while the program success will be evaluated based on the company 's financial results , rather than cubic meters of natural gas extracted .

Ukraine's government unhappy with Naftogaz's production strategy – economy minister
18:59, 07.02.20 3810
The Cabinet of Ministers is looking into the causes behind the failure of the government's 20/20 Program.
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unian--2020-02-07--How Russian vice-governor became one of "DPR" leaders

A Russian national , former vice-governor of the Irkutsk region Vladimir Pashkov , has been appointed one of the leaders of the so-called `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' , or to be more precise , `` the acting prime minister . ''
This is not the first Russian citizen to occupy senior positions in the `` DPR '' and `` LPR '' .
And his appointment is yet another proof that the puppet entities are exclaves fully managed by the Russian Federation .
A spokesman for Putin , Dmirty Peskov , commenting on Pashkov 's appointment , said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` government '' of the `` DPR '' as a private individual , and was n't delegated by Russia .
However , this statement is nothing but a pathetic attempt to save face .
For a former Russian official to get such a post is by no means an exile but a huge raise .
Indeed , through these two puppet entities , `` LPR '' and `` DPR '' , millions are siphoned .
And it 's not hryvnias or rubles , it 's U.S. dollars .
Therefore , only truly `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions by the Kremlin .
Since we are talking about Donetsk , where all the processes are supervised by the GRU , Pashkov is part of the clan of the security forces , the military .
Obviously , security officials perceive him as a reliable person who will act as a supervisor .
Remember Zakharchenko ?
After all , he was caught stealing fuel supplies for the Russian army , for which he paid his price : he had a network of gas stations , and he would sell fuel that was supplied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federation deployed in Ukrainian territory .
That is , they finished Zakharchenko because he became an unreliable and was caught ratting .
So the post of `` prime minister '' of `` DPR '' is an honorary appointment to supervise cash flows .
By the way , where has his predecessor Alexander Ananchenko gone ?
And here one should ask a question not about where he has gone , but whether he 's still alive at all .
Given that the “ DPR ” is handled by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people in the pseudo-republic can simply disappear and no one will know where and how .
Let us return to Zakharchenko .
He was perfectly aware of what awaited him for stealing .
Therefore , first he fled to Crimea , then to Abkhazia , ignoring the invitation to get to Moscow .
When the GRU realized that it would be problematic to pull him out of Donetsk , they blew him up right there , in his favorite cafe .
Ananchenko , probably , was also `` invited '' somewhere .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ In this regard , it can not be ruled out that for Pashkov there is a threat to completely disappear from this honorable position if he is not obedient , executive , and honest with his leaders .
His task is to learn the `` division table '' day and night and observe it fully .
As soon as he begins to sing songs not in unison with the party 's general line , he will suffer the same fate as Zakharchenko .
Nobody will play around because a lot of money is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reserve colonel , former operational control officer with the General Staff of the Armed Forces , military expert

A Russian national, former vice-governor of the Irkutsk region Vladimir Pashkov, has been appointed one of the leaders of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic", or to be more precise, "the acting prime minister."
This is not the first Russian citizen to occupy senior positions in the "DPR" and "LPR". And his appointment is yet another proof that the puppet entities are exclaves fully managed by the Russian Federation.
For a former Russian official to get such a post is by no means an exile, but a huge raise
A spokesman for Putin, Dmirty Peskov, commenting on Pashkov's appointment, said that he emerged at the helm of the "government" of the "DPR" as a private individual, and wasn't delegated by Russia. However, this statement is nothing but a pathetic attempt to save face.
For a former Russian official to get such a post is by no means an exile but a huge raise. Indeed, through these two puppet entities, "LPR" and "DPR", millions are siphoned. And it's not hryvnias or rubles, it's U.S. dollars. Therefore, only truly "right" people are appointed to such positions by the Kremlin. Since we are talking about Donetsk, where all the processes are supervised by the GRU, Pashkov is part of the clan of the security forces, the military. Obviously, security officials perceive him as a reliable person who will act as a supervisor.
Remember Zakharchenko? After all, he was caught stealing fuel supplies for the Russian army, for which he paid his price: he had a network of gas stations, and he would sell fuel that was supplied to the armed forces of the Russian Federation deployed in Ukrainian territory. That is, they finished Zakharchenko because he became an unreliable and was caught ratting.
So the post of "prime minister" of "DPR" is an honorary appointment to supervise cash flows.
By the way, where has his predecessor Alexander Ananchenko gone? And here one should ask a question not about where he has gone, but whether he's still alive at all. Given that the “DPR” is handled by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, people in the pseudo-republic can simply disappear and no one will know where and how.
As soon as he begins to sing songs not in unison with the party's general line, he will suffer the same fate as Zakharchenko
Let us return to Zakharchenko. He was perfectly aware of what awaited him for stealing. Therefore, first he fled to Crimea, then to Abkhazia, ignoring the invitation to get to Moscow. When the GRU realized that it would be problematic to pull him out of Donetsk, they blew him up right there, in his favorite cafe.
Ananchenko, probably, was also "invited" somewhere. And that was it for him.
In this regard, it cannot be ruled out that for Pashkov there is a threat to completely disappear from this honorable position if he is not obedient, executive, and honest with his leaders. His task is to learn the "division table" day and night and observe it fully. As soon as he begins to sing songs not in unison with the party's general line, he will suffer the same fate as Zakharchenko. Nobody will play around because a lot of money is at stake.
Oleh Zhdanov is a reserve colonel, former operational control officer with the General Staff of the Armed Forces, military expert


unian--2020-02-07--OSCE SMM: Recent developments in eastern Ukraine positive, but full implementation of ceasefire requ

OSCE SMM: Recent developments in eastern Ukraine positive, but full implementation of ceasefire required

The SMM continues to experience restrictions to its freedom of movement , which hinders its ability to fulfill its mandated tasks .
Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) to Ukraine Yaşar Halit Çevik has said despite the positive impact of recent disengagement in the three agreed areas and the reconstruction of the bridge near Stanytsia Luhanska , a comprehensive ceasefire remains an essential element for progress .
Read alsoUkraine says OSCE SMM 's freedom of movement in Donbas still restricted In his address to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday , he noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on track in the pilot areas , and that discussions in the Trilateral Contact Group 's Working Group on Security Issues continued to reach an agreement on the identification of new disengagement areas , the OSCE said in a press release on February 7 , 2020 .
`` More efforts on mine action and the opening of new entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line are needed to alleviate the hardship civilians face every day , '' said Çevik .
He also emphasized that the SMM continues to experience restrictions to its freedom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fulfill its mandated tasks .

The SMM continues to experience restrictions to its freedom of movement, which hinders its ability to fulfill its mandated tasks.
Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine Yaşar Halit Çevik has said despite the positive impact of recent disengagement in the three agreed areas and the reconstruction of the bridge near Stanytsia Luhanska, a comprehensive ceasefire remains an essential element for progress.
Read alsoUkraine says OSCE SMM's freedom of movement in Donbas still restricted
In his address to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday, he noted that overall, the disengagement process remained on track in the pilot areas, and that discussions in the Trilateral Contact Group's Working Group on Security Issues continued to reach an agreement on the identification of new disengagement areas, the OSCE said in a press release on February 7, 2020.
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"More efforts on mine action and the opening of new entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line are needed to alleviate the hardship civilians face every day," said Çevik.
He also emphasized that the SMM continues to experience restrictions to its freedom of movement, which hinders its ability to fulfill its mandated tasks.


unian--2020-02-07--Privatization 2020 – last chance for modernization

In recent years , everyone has been talking about the need for large-scale privatization of state property in Ukraine .
This thesis has repeatedly been voiced by top officials , while the changing leaders of the State Property Fund have painted bright prospects , but the implementation of these plans has always ended in failure .
The state budget never received the planned revenues , while the fixed assets of enterprises accumulated in the 20th century continued to wear out in the absence of investments .
As a result , state-owned enterprises still remain a hotbed of shadow schemes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent detention of people offering five million dollars for appointing the right person to the post of head of the Odesa Portside Chemical Plant .
That 's given that the company is known primarily for its multimillion-dollar debt and several failed sale attempts .
There are more than a dozen such large state-owned enterprises in Ukraine , and , unfortunately , those interested in further parasitizing on state property are unlikely to voluntarily let the situation change .
The question is how the current government really sees the issue , calling the resumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be implemented in Ukraine .
Judging by the statements by President Zelensky , this Gordian knot should be cut in the coming months .
To date , the team in the person of the head of state , parliament , and government has already carried out preparatory work , which the new head of the State Property Fund , Dmytro Sennichenko , is called to implement .
At the World Economic Forum in January in Davos , Switzerland , Zelensky announced the incentives , through which he seeks to attract foreign investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money in modernizing the national economy .
Zelensky promised winners of tenders for the sale of state-owned enterprises , which will invest more than $ 10 million in Ukrainian assets an unprecedented concession in the form of exemption from income tax over the next five years .
In addition , he announced a new investment nanny program , according to which each investor bringing in our country investment worth $ 100 million and over will receive a personal manager from the government .
This initiative , rather , is designed to create new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if desired , it can be applied to large privatization objects .
Many experts agree that the president 's new initiative is unlikely to greatly improve the investment climate in our country .
The recent bidding for the transfer of the Kherson port for concession , that 's still in limbo , confirms the idea .
It was won by a foreign company , but the results were disputed in a Ukrainian court .
By the way , Zelensky himself , learning about the court blocking , promised to `` reset the judicial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Government and the State Property Fund will have to decide what to do with almost four thousand state enterprises , of which more than a thousand simply need to be liquidated due to the lack of real assets and the inability to resume work .
Each day of delay only increases the number of illiquid assets supported by the state 's resources and piles up problems .
Of course , critics of the intensification of privatization may continue to insist that the state could search for effective managers for each state-owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with mass-sale promotion .
However , it is time to stop rushing around and start moving in the chosen direction .
In recent years , we have already realized that finding several thousand highly qualified honest professionals who agree to move from the private sector to the public sector , with a clear prospect of lower income , is an impossible task .
This , moreover , will not eliminate corruption temptations .
Therefore , a resolute revival of privatization is now seen as the only right move .
The Cabinet of Ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Parliament a substantially reduced list of strategic state-owned enterprises , which for now should be left in state ownership , while everything else should be put up for sale .
The year 2020 should be a turning point : either the country finally begins , overcoming resistance , to sell assets and lay foundations of a new economy , or it can forever forget about modernizing its industry and infrastructure in accordance with the requirements of the 21st century .
And those responsible for this process should understand that society and foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of failure , because many of the barriers to which the predecessors attributed failures are now gone .
And the declared political will and unity of the new government 's team in this matter only reinforce high expectations .
Perhaps with some SOEs it will be necessary to look specifically for a specific foreign investor who will take on risks that may be unacceptable for domestic businessmen .
In addition , the arrival in Ukraine of a large European , American or Canadian businesses with their significant resources , technologies , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which are now suffering from monopolism and underdevelopment .
And here the `` investment nanny '' project may come in handy .
One can only hope that the attempt to resume privatization will finally succeed , and Ukrainian state-owned enterprises will receive effective owners , and the state treasury will receive billions in investment .

In recent years, everyone has been talking about the need for large-scale privatization of state property in Ukraine. This thesis has repeatedly been voiced by top officials, while the changing leaders of the State Property Fund have painted bright prospects, but the implementation of these plans has always ended in failure. The state budget never received the planned revenues, while the fixed assets of enterprises accumulated in the 20th century continued to wear out in the absence of investments.
As a result, state-owned enterprises still remain a hotbed of shadow schemes, a vivid confirmation of which is the recent detention of people offering five million dollars for appointing the right person to the post of head of the Odesa Portside Chemical Plant. That's given that the company is known primarily for its multimillion-dollar debt and several failed sale attempts.
There are more than a dozen such large state-owned enterprises in Ukraine, and, unfortunately, those interested in further parasitizing on state property are unlikely to voluntarily let the situation change.
Видео дня
The question is how the current government really sees the issue, calling the resumption of privatization one of the main reforms to be implemented in Ukraine.
Judging by the statements by President Zelensky, this Gordian knot should be cut in the coming months.
The question is how the current government really sees the issue, calling the resumption of privatization one of the main reforms to be implemented in Ukraine
To date, the team in the person of the head of state, parliament, and government has already carried out preparatory work, which the new head of the State Property Fund, Dmytro Sennichenko, is called to implement.
At the World Economic Forum in January in Davos, Switzerland, Zelensky announced the incentives, through which he seeks to attract foreign investors to Ukraine who would risk investing their money in modernizing the national economy.
Zelensky promised winners of tenders for the sale of state-owned enterprises, which will invest more than $10 million in Ukrainian assets an unprecedented concession in the form of exemption from income tax over the next five years.
In addition, he announced a new investment nanny program, according to which each investor bringing in our country investment worth $100 million and over will receive a personal manager from the government.
This initiative, rather, is designed to create new companies, industries and services, but if desired, it can be applied to large privatization objects.
Many experts agree that the president's new initiative is unlikely to greatly improve the investment climate in our country. The recent bidding for the transfer of the Kherson port for concession, that's still in limbo, confirms the idea. It was won by a foreign company, but the results were disputed in a Ukrainian court. By the way, Zelensky himself, learning about the court blocking, promised to "reset the judicial system".
In the near future, the Government and the State Property Fund will have to decide what to do with almost four thousand state enterprises, of which more than a thousand simply need to be liquidated due to the lack of real assets and the inability to resume work.
In the near future, the Government and the State Property Fund will have to decide what to do with almost four thousand state-owned enterprises
Each day of delay only increases the number of illiquid assets supported by the state's resources and piles up problems.
Of course, critics of the intensification of privatization may continue to insist that the state could search for effective managers for each state-owned companies, and not get carried away with mass-sale promotion.
However, it is time to stop rushing around and start moving in the chosen direction. In recent years, we have already realized that finding several thousand highly qualified honest professionals who agree to move from the private sector to the public sector, with a clear prospect of lower income, is an impossible task. This, moreover, will not eliminate corruption temptations.
Therefore, a resolute revival of privatization is now seen as the only right move. The Cabinet of Ministers a few weeks ago prepared and submitted to Parliament a substantially reduced list of strategic state-owned enterprises, which for now should be left in state ownership, while everything else should be put up for sale.
The year 2020 should be a turning point: either the country finally begins, overcoming resistance, to sell assets and lay foundations of a new economy, or it can forever forget about modernizing its industry and infrastructure in accordance with the requirements of the 21st century. And those responsible for this process should understand that society and foreign partners will not accept any excuses in case of failure, because many of the barriers to which the predecessors attributed failures are now gone. And the declared political will and unity of the new government's team in this matter only reinforce high expectations.
One can only hope that the attempt to resume privatization will finally succeed
Perhaps with some SOEs it will be necessary to look specifically for a specific foreign investor who will take on risks that may be unacceptable for domestic businessmen. In addition, the arrival in Ukraine of a large European, American or Canadian businesses with their significant resources, technologies, and anti-corruption will inevitably improve many Ukrainian markets, which are now suffering from monopolism and underdevelopment.
And here the "investment nanny" project may come in handy. One can only hope that the attempt to resume privatization will finally succeed, and Ukrainian state-owned enterprises will receive effective owners, and the state treasury will receive billions in investment.
Dmytro Shvarts


unian--2020-02-07--Ukraine's hryvnia strengthening to curb inflation – NBU

Revaluation , along with a balanced fiscal policy , has become one of the factors of the rapid decline in the state debt-to-GDP ratio .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) says the effect of strengthening the hryvnia , Ukraine 's national currency , in 2019 , together with low energy prices , will keep inflation below the target range for most of 2020 , but it will further accelerate to the medium-term goal at 5 % .
That is according to the NBU 's January 2020 Inflation Report , published on the regulator 's website on February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries that have successfully reduced inflation after the introduction of the inflation targeting regime and went through a period of strengthening their currencies , the NBU noted that the negative effects of revaluation in a consistent macroeconomic policy are predominantly short-term , while benefits are long-term and favorable for sustainable economic growth .
In Ukraine , the strengthening of the hryvnia has become the major factor in reducing inflation to the target at about 5 % , while stable and low inflation is required for long-term growth .
Read alsoEBA : Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 On the other hand , the strengthening of the hryvnia caused a decrease in exporters ' income in hryvnia equivalent and led to budget revenue losses .
But the NBU considers such consequences to be ambiguous since the price of imported raw materials dropped , while the competitiveness of Ukrainian companies in attracting labor improved .
Revaluation , along with a balanced fiscal policy , has become one of the factors of the rapid decline in the state debt-to-GDP ratio , which has a positive effect on the assessment of risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ratings .
As a result , the cost of servicing the new debt has decreased , while its currency composition has improved .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ukrainian hryvnia in January weakened by 5.7 % against the U.S. dollar , to UAH 25.03 , and by 4.7 % against the euro , to UAH 27.66 per euro .
Ukraine 's national currency in 2019 strengthened against the U.S. dollar by 14.5 % , to UAH 23.69 and against the euro by 16.7 % , to UAH 26.42 .
Read alsoNBU : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy In late January , the National Bank revised downwards its forecast for consumer price growth in Ukraine in 2020 to 4.8 % from 5 % previously projected .
The forecast for 2021 remained unchanged , that is , at 5 % .
The regulator expects a 5 % inflation rate in 2022 .
In 2019 , inflation in Ukraine slowed to 4.1 % , a six-year low in annual terms , sliding below the NBU 's medium-term target at 5 % .

Ukraine's hryvnia strengthening to curb inflation – NBU
16:00, 07.02.20 1016
Revaluation, along with a balanced fiscal policy, has become one of the factors of the rapid decline in the state debt-to-GDP ratio.
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unian--2020-02-07--Ukraine not to delay process of developing law on national minorities – Deputy PM

The Ministry of Culture , Youth and Sports is actively developing the bill .
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine will not delay the process of developing and adopting new legislation on national minorities .
`` ... [ I ] t is about a draft law on national minorities , not on the languages of national minorities , but on national minorities in general .
Indeed , the adoption of this law is provided for by the law of Ukraine on the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sports is actively developing this bill , '' Kuleba said at a joint press conference with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in Kyiv , adding the bill will be publicly discussed and later submitted to parliament , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
`` I ca n't tell you when it will be submitted to parliament , but I assure you Ukraine will not delay the process , '' he said .
Also , Kuleba noted Ukraine remained committed to its international obligations on protection of national minorities .
`` We are proud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on August 31 , 2019 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the need for a law to protect rights of national minorities .

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is actively developing the bill.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine will not delay the process of developing and adopting new legislation on national minorities.
"... [I]t is about a draft law on national minorities, not on the languages of national minorities, but on national minorities in general. Indeed, the adoption of this law is provided for by the law of Ukraine on the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language. Our Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports is actively developing this bill," Kuleba said at a joint press conference with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in Kyiv, adding the bill will be publicly discussed and later submitted to parliament, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
Read alsoHungary puts forward new proposals regarding Ukraine's education law
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"I can't tell you when it will be submitted to parliament, but I assure you Ukraine will not delay the process," he said.
Also, Kuleba noted Ukraine remained committed to its international obligations on protection of national minorities. "We are proud of and appreciate every national minority represented in Ukraine," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on August 31, 2019, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the need for a law to protect rights of national minorities.


unian--2020-02-07--Hungarian FM names condition for Zelensky-Orban meeting

Hungary hopes to see success in March talks of the intergovernmental commission .
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has said @ @ @ @ @ Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will depend on the success of the @ @ @ @ @ on economic cooperation , which is to be held in Budapest in March .
`` @ @ @ @ @ of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation in Budapest in March , '' Szijjártó said @ @ @ @ @ with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv , @ @ @ @ @ .
He also agreed with Kuleba that the situation was unacceptable where the commission had @ @ @ @ @ years already .
`` We want to succeed in the negotiations in March and thus @ @ @ @ @ one checkpoint at the border , '' the Hungarian foreign minister said .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ commission is successful , it will also pave the way for holding a meeting between @ @ @ @ @ President Zelensky in the spring , '' Szijjártó added .

Hungary hopes to see success in March talks of the intergovernmental commission.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has said the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will depend on the success of the meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, which is to be held in Budapest in March.
"We will hold another meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation in Budapest in March," Szijjártó said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoHungary puts forward new proposals regarding Ukraine's education law
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He also agreed with Kuleba that the situation was unacceptable where the commission had not held meetings for seven years already.
"We want to succeed in the negotiations in March and thus agree to build at least one checkpoint at the border," the Hungarian foreign minister said.
"If the meeting of the intergovernmental commission is successful, it will also pave the way for holding a meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Orban and President Zelensky in the spring," Szijjártó added.


unian--2020-02-07--"Green Wave" traffic signs installed in Kyiv streets

The `` Green Wave '' operates in many cities of Ukraine , however , mostly without signs of speed .
`` Green Wave '' traffic signs with the recommended driving speed to catch all green traffic lights were installed in the streets of the capital city of Kyiv on February 6 .
Previously , such signs were installed in almost 50 streets , utility companies say .
Provided that the drivers keep the speed within 40-50 kmh , they are expected to avoid red lights all the way within the relevant Green Wave zone , TSN.ua reported .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Green Wave ' sign on the bottom .
The drivers have already noticed such traffic signs , although so far only on Vasyl Lypkivsky Street , '' the report says .
The 'Green Wave ' zones have been operating in 49 streets in Kyiv in recent years , but traffic signs have only now been installed .
The `` Green Wave '' operates in many cities of Ukraine , however , mostly without signs telling the recommended speed .
Kyiv utility companies hope the signs will reduce the rate of speeding violations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The "Green Wave" operates in many cities of Ukraine, however, mostly without signs of speed.
"Green Wave" traffic signs with the recommended driving speed to catch all green traffic lights were installed in the streets of the capital city of Kyiv on February 6.
Previously, such signs were installed in almost 50 streets, utility companies say. Provided that the drivers keep the speed within 40-50 kmh, they are expected to avoid red lights all the way within the relevant Green Wave zone, TSN.ua reported.
"The recommended speed is 50 kmh and the 'Green Wave' sign on the bottom. The drivers have already noticed such traffic signs, although so far only on Vasyl Lypkivsky Street," the report says.
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Read alsoKyiv ranks 12th in TomTom's 2019 Traffic Index
The 'Green Wave' zones have been operating in 49 streets in Kyiv in recent years, but traffic signs have only now been installed.
The "Green Wave" operates in many cities of Ukraine, however, mostly without signs telling the recommended speed.
Kyiv utility companies hope the signs will reduce the rate of speeding violations and motivate drivers to keep their speed down.


unian--2020-02-07--NBU: Coronavirus to have short-term effect on global economy

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NBU: Coronavirus to have short-term effect on global economy
14:40, 07.02.20 863
However, there is a risk of a longer-term impact on the world economy and tangible consequences for the Ukrainian economy, primarily due to the deterioration of the situation on world financial markets.
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unian--2020-02-09--President Trump explains why he fired NSC expert on Ukraine Vindman

He says Vindman `` had problems with judgement . ''
U.S. President Donald Trump has explained why he fired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , a National Security Council ( NSC ) expert on Ukraine .
Trump says he does not know Vindman , Ukraine 's European Pravda news outlet reported .
`` Fake News CNN & MSDNC keep talking about 'Lt .
Col. ' Vindman as though I should think only how wonderful he was .
Actually , I do n't know him , never spoke to him , or met him ( I do n't believe ! )
but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contents of my 'perfect ' calls incorrectly… '' the U.S. President said on Twitter on February 8 .
`` [ Vindman ] was given a horrendous report by his superior , the man he reported to , who publicly stated that Vindman had problems with judgement , adhering to the chain of command and leaking information .
In other words , 'OUT , ' '' he said .
Fake News @ CNN & MSDNC keep talking about “ Lt .
Col. ” Vindman as though I should think only how wonderful he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know him , never spoke to him , or met him ( I don ’ t believe ! )
but , he was very insubordinate , reported contents of my “ perfect ” calls incorrectly , & ... — Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) February 8 , 2020 As was reported , Trump on February 7 fired two key impeachment witnesses , dismissing Vindman , the top Ukraine expert at the council , and U.S .
Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland .

He says Vindman "had problems with judgement."
U.S. President Donald Trump has explained why he fired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a National Security Council (NSC) expert on Ukraine.
Trump says he does not know Vindman, Ukraine's European Pravda news outlet reported.
"Fake News CNN & MSDNC keep talking about 'Lt. Col.' Vindman as though I should think only how wonderful he was. Actually, I don't know him, never spoke to him, or met him (I don't believe!) but, he was very insubordinate, reported contents of my 'perfect' calls incorrectly…" the U.S. President said on Twitter on February 8.
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Read alsoNYT: Trump fires impeachment witnesses Gordon Sondland, Alexander Vindman in post-acquittal purge
"[Vindman] was given a horrendous report by his superior, the man he reported to, who publicly stated that Vindman had problems with judgement, adhering to the chain of command and leaking information. In other words, 'OUT,'" he said.
Fake News @CNN & MSDNC keep talking about “Lt. Col.” Vindman as though I should think only how wonderful he was. Actually, I don’t know him, never spoke to him, or met him (I don’t believe!) but, he was very insubordinate, reported contents of my “perfect” calls incorrectly, &... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 8, 2020
As was reported, Trump on February 7 fired two key impeachment witnesses, dismissing Vindman, the top Ukraine expert at the council, and U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland.


unian--2020-02-09--PM Honcharuk says 10% of government posts will be discarded in 2020

The Ukrainian Cabinet plans to use IT tools to optimize government processes .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk says 10 % of government posts are planned to be discarded in 2020 .
`` This year we will reduce the state apparatus by at least 10 % .
Introducing IT tools will let us save a lot .
That is , part of the government services will be transferred online , '' he said on ICTV .
According to him , the structure of government agencies should be streamlined and efficient .
Read alsoZelensky wants Ukrainians to vote online , using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 6 announced the launch of the Diya [ Action ] mobile application as part of the State in a Smartphone project .
The Ministry of Digital Transformation previously said it intended to launch a mobile app to merge all services that the state provides to citizens and businesses .
The ministry said it would transfer the provision of all services to digital format within five years , and in three years Ukraine would enter the top three countries in the field of open data in the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State in a Smartphone project a priority for the government .

The Ukrainian Cabinet plans to use IT tools to optimize government processes.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk says 10% of government posts are planned to be discarded in 2020.
"This year we will reduce the state apparatus by at least 10%. Introducing IT tools will let us save a lot. That is, part of the government services will be transferred online," he said on ICTV.
According to him, the structure of government agencies should be streamlined and efficient.
Read alsoZelensky wants Ukrainians to vote online, using smartphones
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 6 announced the launch of the Diia [Action] mobile application as part of the State in a Smartphone project.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation previously said it intended to launch a mobile app to merge all services that the state provides to citizens and businesses. The ministry said it would transfer the provision of all services to digital format within five years, and in three years Ukraine would enter the top three countries in the field of open data in the world.
Prime Minister Honcharuk called the implementation of the State in a Smartphone project a priority for the government.


unian--2020-02-09--One Ukrainian soldier wounded amid enemy shelling in Donbas on Feb 9

Enemy troops used , among other weapons , 152mm and 122mm artillery systems , as well as 82mm mortars .
@ @ @ @ @ amid shelling by Russia-led forces in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , on Sunday , February @ @ @ @ @ February 9 , one Ukrainian defender was wounded as a result of enemy shelling , @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) said on Facebook in an evening update @ @ @ @ @ : Enemy troops mount three attacks on Ukrainian positions on Feb 8 From 00:00 to @ @ @ @ @ 9 , Russia-led forces mounted five attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas .
The enemy @ @ @ @ @ banned under the Minsk peace agreements , namely 152mm and 122mm artillery systems and 82mm @ @ @ @ @ fire from grenade launchers of various systems , large-caliber machine guns , and rifles .
@ @ @ @ @ there was de-escalation in Donbas on Saturday , February 8 , as Russia 's hybrid @ @ @ @ @ only three times on that day .

Enemy troops used, among other weapons, 152mm and 122mm artillery systems, as well as 82mm mortars.
One Ukrainian soldier was wounded amid shelling by Russia-led forces in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, on Sunday, February 9.
"Today, February 9, one Ukrainian defender was wounded as a result of enemy shelling," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said on Facebook in an evening update.
Read alsoDe-escalation in Donbas: Enemy troops mount three attacks on Ukrainian positions on Feb 8
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From 00:00 to 19:00 Kyiv time on February 9, Russia-led forces mounted five attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas.
The enemy troops used weapons that are banned under the Minsk peace agreements, namely 152mm and 122mm artillery systems and 82mm mortars.
They also opened fire from grenade launchers of various systems, large-caliber machine guns, and rifles.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there was de-escalation in Donbas on Saturday, February 8, as Russia's hybrid military forces violated the ceasefire only three times on that day.


unian--2020-02-09--Ukraine's Donbass Arena ranks 23rd in FourFourTwo's rating of Champions League best venues

Ukraine 's Donbass Arena , a stadium based in the Russia-occupied city of Donetsk , ranks 23rd in the 25 @ @ @ @ @ of the Champions League , according to the March 2020 issue of Britain 's FourFourTwo @ @ @ @ @ the finest grounds across Europe – new and old – based in architecture , atmosphere @ @ @ @ @ '' it said .
The top 10 stadiums in the history of the Champions League @ @ @ @ @ Champions League match on November 27 , 2013 , when Ukraine 's FC Shakhtar defeated @ @ @ @ @ 4-0 ) .

Donbass Arena last hosted a Champions League match late in 2013.
Ukraine's Donbass Arena, a stadium based in the Russia-occupied city of Donetsk, ranks 23rd in the 25 best venues in the history of the Champions League, according to the March 2020 issue of Britain's FourFourTwo magazine.
"FourFourTwo rates the finest grounds across Europe – new and old – based in architecture, atmosphere and overall match experience," it said.
The top 10 stadiums in the history of the Champions League
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1. Signal Iduna Park / Westfalenstadion (Borussia Dortmund)
2. Anfield (Liverpool)
3. Camp Nou (FC Barcelona)
4. Celtic Park (Celtic)
5. Santiago Bernabeu (Real Madrid)
6. Ali Sami Yen (Galatasaray)
7. Ibrox (Rangers)
8. Old Trafford (Manchester United)
9. Allianz Arena (Bayern)
10. San Siro /Giuseppe Meazza (Milan/Inter)
Read also"Creepy place:" Video blogger shows central park in Russian-occupied Donetsk
Donbass Arena last hosted a Champions League match on November 27, 2013, when Ukraine's FC Shakhtar defeated Spain's Real Sociedad (4-0).


unian--2020-02-09--Ukrainian citizen on board Diamond Princess liner gets infected with new coronavirus

The patient has been evacuated from the ship and hospitalized .
A citizen of Ukraine on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship placed in quarantine off Yokohama port near Tokyo , Japan , over the China novel coronavirus has got infected .
The Ministry of Health , Labor and Welfare of Japan on Sunday , February 9 , confirmed six new cases of the coronavirus , the Ukrainian news outlet Obozrevatel said .
Read alsoUkraine 's Foreign Ministry : 25 Ukrainians on board ship placed in quarantine off Japan Other newly infected include four citizens of the Philippines and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All of them are members of the crew .
The patients have been evacuated from the ship to hospital .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the quarantine regime was introduced from 07:00 on February 5 for a period of 14 days .
In total , there are 3,700 people from 56 countries on board the ship , of which 2,700 are passengers and the remaining are crew members , including 25 Ukrainians .
As of February 9 , there were 70 confirmed cases .
No cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Health Ministry .

The patient has been evacuated from the ship and hospitalized.
A citizen of Ukraine on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship placed in quarantine off Yokohama port near Tokyo, Japan, over the China novel coronavirus has got infected.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan on Sunday, February 9, confirmed six new cases of the coronavirus, the Ukrainian news outlet Obozrevatel said.
Read alsoUkraine's Foreign Ministry: 25 Ukrainians on board ship placed in quarantine off Japan
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Other newly infected include four citizens of the Philippines and one resident of Hong Kong with U.S. citizenship. All of them are members of the crew. The patients have been evacuated from the ship to hospital.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the quarantine regime was introduced from 07:00 on February 5 for a period of 14 days.
In total, there are 3,700 people from 56 countries on board the ship, of which 2,700 are passengers and the remaining are crew members, including 25 Ukrainians. As of February 9, there were 70 confirmed cases.
No cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed inside Ukraine, according to the country's Health Ministry.


unian--2020-02-09--EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, U.S. State Secretary discuss situation in Ukraine's Donb

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, U.S. State Secretary discuss situation in Ukraine's Donbas

They also discussed the wider situation in the Middle East , including Syria and Libya .
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have discussed the situation in Donbas , Ukraine 's east .
`` The High Representative and the Secretary of State also discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine , the need for full implementation of the Minsk Agreements , and Russia 's illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol , '' the European Union External Action said in a statement on February 9 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's territorial integrity , sovereignty and independence . ''
Read alsoDuring Kyiv visit , Pompeo never said Crimea `` lost to Ukraine '' – participant in meeting They also discussed the wider situation in the Middle East , including Syria and Libya .
Borrell underlined his determination to contribute to de-escalation and restoration of stability in the region .
The High Representative/Vice-President reiterated the European Union 's full commitment to preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , and expectation that Iran returns to full compliance with its nuclear commitments .
Furthermore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued EU - US partnership in the Western Balkans in support of the region 's progress on its European and transatlantic path , as well as the stabilization efforts on the African continent .
Borrell returned on Saturday from the first official visit in his current capacity to the Unites States .

They also discussed the wider situation in the Middle East, including Syria and Libya.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have discussed the situation in Donbas, Ukraine's east.
"The High Representative and the Secretary of State also discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine, the need for full implementation of the Minsk Agreements, and Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol," the European Union External Action said in a statement on February 9. "They expressed their full support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence."
Read alsoDuring Kyiv visit, Pompeo never said Crimea "lost to Ukraine" – participant in meeting
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They also discussed the wider situation in the Middle East, including Syria and Libya. Borrell underlined his determination to contribute to de-escalation and restoration of stability in the region.
The High Representative/Vice-President reiterated the European Union's full commitment to preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and expectation that Iran returns to full compliance with its nuclear commitments. Furthermore, they also discussed the opportunities for continued EU - US partnership in the Western Balkans in support of the region's progress on its European and transatlantic path, as well as the stabilization efforts on the African continent.
Borrell returned on Saturday from the first official visit in his current capacity to the Unites States.


unian--2020-02-09--Armed members of crime gang detained in Ukraine's west amid special operation

Police officers , members of Ukraine 's SBU Security Service and prosecutors have conducted a joint special operation to detain members of a criminal gang who were planning to establish control in part of western Ukraine .
The leader of the gang and other members were detained in the village of Nyzhni Vorota , Zakarpattia ( Transcarpathia ) region , on February 8 , the National Police of Ukraine said on its website .
A KORD rapid operational response unit and a SWAT unit of the regional police were involved in the detention of the suspects , it said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside their cars , resisted arrest , using firearms , and tried to escape .
No casualties were reported .
The leader of the crime gang was using a armored vehicle .
The cars and firearms were seized by the police .
As UNIAN reported earlier , a shooting incident was reported on Sechenov Street in the town of Mukachevo on the morning of February 7 .
Two local residents , a 26-year-old man and a 40-year-old man , were wounded .
Both underwent surgery in local hospitals .
According to the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shots and saw the drivers of two sports utility vehicles ( SUV ) shooting at each other .
After the crossfire , both SUVs left the site .
Some media outlets reported in the early hours of February 9 that some people had been detained at a police post in Nyzhni Vorota in Zakarpattia .
According to early reports , it happened at around 22:00 Kyiv time on February 8 when two cars with number plates issued in Lviv – a Mercedes G-Class and a Toyota Land Cruiser 200 – entered Zakarpattia via @ @ @ @ @ @

No casualties were reported.
Police officers, members of Ukraine's SBU Security Service and prosecutors have conducted a joint special operation to detain members of a criminal gang who were planning to establish control in part of western Ukraine.
The leader of the gang and other members were detained in the village of Nyzhni Vorota, Zakarpattia (Transcarpathia) region, on February 8, the National Police of Ukraine said on its website.
Read alsoUkraine detains Moldovan suspected of torching RFE/RL correspondent's car in Lviv – media
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A KORD rapid operational response unit and a SWAT unit of the regional police were involved in the detention of the suspects, it said.
During the operation, the criminals were inside their cars, resisted arrest, using firearms, and tried to escape. No casualties were reported.
The leader of the crime gang was using an armored vehicle. The cars and firearms were seized by the police.
As UNIAN reported earlier, a shooting incident was reported on Sechenov Street in the town of Mukachevo on the morning of February 7. Two local residents, a 26-year-old man and a 40-year-old man, were wounded. Both underwent surgery in local hospitals. According to the police, an eyewitness said he had heard shots and saw the drivers of two sports utility vehicles (SUV) shooting at each other. After the crossfire, both SUVs left the site.
Some media outlets reported in the early hours of February 9 that some people had been detained at a police post in Nyzhni Vorota in Zakarpattia.
According to early reports, it happened at around 22:00 Kyiv time on February 8 when two cars with number plates issued in Lviv – a Mercedes G-Class and a Toyota Land Cruiser 200 – entered Zakarpattia via the Nyzhni Vorota police post.


unian--2020-02-09--Reuters: Argentina won't repay IMF debt till recession over, VP Fernandez says

Argentina needs to restructure US $ 100 billion in sovereign debt with creditors , including part of a US $ 57 billion credit facility that the IMF extended the country in 2018 .
Argentine Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner said on Saturday that the government will not pay `` even half a cent '' of its debt back to the International Monetary Fund before the country has exited recession .
`` The first thing we have to do in order to be able to pay is to exit the recession , '' Fernandez de Kirchner said at a presentation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sincerely ) at Havana 's international book fair , according to Reuters .
Read alsoUkraine 's economy minister says IMF Executive Board may approve new program soon '' If there is a recession no-one will pay even half a cent and the way you exit recession is through a lot of state investment . ''
Argentina needs to restructure US $ 100 billion in sovereign debt with creditors , including part of a US $ 57 billion credit facility that the IMF extended the country in 2018 .
Dealings with the IMF are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ default amid a currency crash , steep inflation and a contracting economy .
An IMF technical mission is expected in Buenos Aires next week to discuss obligations owed to the fund .
Fernandez de Kirchner said Argentina should get a `` substantial haircut '' on its IMF debt .

Argentina needs to restructure US$100 billion in sovereign debt with creditors, including part of a US$57 billion credit facility that the IMF extended the country in 2018.
Argentine Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner said on Saturday that the government will not pay "even half a cent" of its debt back to the International Monetary Fund before the country has exited recession.
"The first thing we have to do in order to be able to pay is to exit the recession," Fernandez de Kirchner said at a presentation of her book "Sinceramente" (Sincerely) at Havana's international book fair, according to Reuters.
Read alsoUkraine's economy minister says IMF Executive Board may approve new program soon
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"If there is a recession no-one will pay even half a cent and the way you exit recession is through a lot of state investment."
Argentina needs to restructure US$100 billion in sovereign debt with creditors, including part of a US$57 billion credit facility that the IMF extended the country in 2018.
Dealings with the IMF are key as Argentina hopes to avoid a default amid a currency crash, steep inflation and a contracting economy. An IMF technical mission is expected in Buenos Aires next week to discuss obligations owed to the fund.
Fernandez de Kirchner said Argentina should get a "substantial haircut" on its IMF debt.


unian--2020-02-09--NBU says 1 mln Ukrainians work in Poland in 2019

The labor migration rate slowed somewhat in 2019 .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) estimates that the number of Ukrainian migrant workers in Poland in 2019 was almost 1 million people .
`` In 2019 , the number of migrant workers from Ukraine in Poland was estimated at almost 1 million people , '' the NBU said in its inflation report for January 2020 , according to the news outlet hromadske.ua .
`` Representatives of the occupations that are currently in high demand [ in Ukraine ] account for a significant share of migrant workers . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of young labor migrants from Ukraine in 2019 The regulator says that the significant number of migrant workers affects Ukraine 's labor market : there is a shortage of specialists with vocational qualifications in the country because a large number of them have chosen to work abroad .
According to NBU estimates , the labor migration rate slowed somewhat in 2019 due to the strengthening of the hryvnia : the growth of Ukrainians ' real incomes in the foreign currency equivalent helped to reduce the wage gap with neighboring countries , in particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that migrant workers in 2019 transferred about US $ 12 billion to Ukraine .
In 2018 , their transfers amounted to US $ 10.88 billion .
The Cabinet of Ministers reported that about 1.5 million Ukrainians went to live abroad in the first nine months of 2019 .

NBU says 1 mln Ukrainians work in Poland in 2019
13:20, 09.02.20 1448
The labor migration rate slowed somewhat in 2019.
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unian--2020-02-09--De-escalation in Donbas: Enemy troops mount three attacks on Ukrainian positions on Feb 8

Proscribed 122mm artillery systems and 120mm mortars were used .
De-escalation has been reported in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , @ @ @ @ @ attacks on Ukrainian army positions on Saturday , February 8 .
The enemy used proscribed @ @ @ @ @ mortars along with grenade launchers , large-caliber machine guns , and other types of weapons @ @ @ @ @ Forces ' positions , the press center of the Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) @ @ @ @ @ a morning update on Sunday , February 9 .
Read alsoOSCE SMM : Recent developments @ @ @ @ @ but full implementation of ceasefire required Since Sunday midnight , Russia 's hybrid military forces @ @ @ @ @ mortars to attack Ukrainian defenders of the village of Lebedynske .
No Ukrainian army casualties @ @ @ @ @ morning .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the JFO HQ reported six attacks in Donbas @ @ @ @

Proscribed 122mm artillery systems and 120mm mortars were used.
De-escalation has been reported in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, as Russia-led troops mounted three attacks on Ukrainian army positions on Saturday, February 8.
The enemy used proscribed 122mm artillery systems and 120mm mortars along with grenade launchers, large-caliber machine guns, and other types of weapons, to shell Ukrainian Joint Forces' positions, the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on Sunday, February 9.
Read alsoOSCE SMM: Recent developments in eastern Ukraine positive, but full implementation of ceasefire required
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Since Sunday midnight, Russia's hybrid military forces have already fired ten 82mm mortars to attack Ukrainian defenders of the village of Lebedynske.
No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported since Saturday morning.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the JFO HQ reported six attacks in Donbas on February 7.


unian--2020-02-09--China reports 89 additional deaths, bringing total to 811 in the mainland – media

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 37,198 in mainland China China reported that the total number of deaths @ @ @ @ @ 811 — that 's 89 more deaths than a day earlier .
The National Health @ @ @ @ @ that 2,656 new cases were confirmed .
This brings the total number to 37,198 in @ @ @ @ @ .
At the same time , a total of 2,649 people were discharged from hospitals @ @ @ @ @ end of Saturday , 6,188 patients in mainland China were in serious condition .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ Commission urged medical professionals to make `` reasonable use '' of protection gear and warned @ @ @ @ @ disorderly use , '' according to a Reuters translation .
The World Health Organization has @ @ @ @ @ such gear , which includes masks , gowns and gloves , and said there could @ @ @ @ @ In late January , UNICEF sent a six-tonne shipment of respiratory masks and protective suits @ @ @ @ @ to help protect them .

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 37,198 in mainland China
China reported that the total number of deaths in the country has reached 811 — that's 89 more deaths than a day earlier.
The National Health Commission said on its website that 2,656 new cases were confirmed. This brings the total number to 37,198 in mainland China, CNBC said.
At the same time, a total of 2,649 people were discharged from hospitals after recovery. At the end of Saturday, 6,188 patients in mainland China were in serious condition.
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Read alsoWHO warns coronavirus hasn't peaked
Meanwhile, China's National Health Commission urged medical professionals to make "reasonable use" of protection gear and warned against their "excessive and disorderly use," according to a Reuters translation.
The World Health Organization has warned against the hoarding of such gear, which includes masks, gowns and gloves, and said there could be a chronic shortage. In late January, UNICEF sent a six-tonne shipment of respiratory masks and protective suits to health workers in China to help protect them.


unian--2020-02-08--Zelensky shares impressions of meeting with Pope Francis

The president noted that His Holiness Pope Francis is very much welcome in Ukraine , where he enjoys extremely high support and trust .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shared his impressions of the meeting with Pope Francis .
`` The main thing we talked about is peace .
He even called me 'president of peace ' – this is my image in Europe now , '' Zelensky said after the audience with His Holiness Pope Francis , which took place in Vatican City State , the president 's press service reports .
Read alsoZelensky asks Pope Francis to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president stressed the important role that the Holy See could play in bringing peace to the Ukrainian land .
Zelensky and His Holiness also discussed humanitarian initiatives to help children and protect the environment .
`` I am extremely grateful to His Holiness for Ukraine initiative , which helped 900,000 Ukrainians who had suffered in Donbas , '' the Ukrainian president said .
Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian churches played an extremely important role in spreading the truth and development of society .
The president noted that His Holiness Pope Francis is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoys extremely high support and trust .
`` I invited him to Ukraine .
I am sure he will be in Ukraine – not only in the capital .
I said that in order to fully understand what was happening in the east , it was necessary to go to the east , '' Zelensky added .

The president noted that His Holiness Pope Francis is very much welcome in Ukraine, where he enjoys extremely high support and trust.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shared his impressions of the meeting with Pope Francis.
"The main thing we talked about is peace. He even called me 'president of peace' – this is my image in Europe now," Zelensky said after the audience with His Holiness Pope Francis, which took place in Vatican City State, the president's press service reports.
Read alsoZelensky asks Pope Francis to help with release of prisoners (Photo)
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The president stressed the important role that the Holy See could play in bringing peace to the Ukrainian land.
Zelensky and His Holiness also discussed humanitarian initiatives to help children and protect the environment.
"I am extremely grateful to His Holiness for Ukraine initiative, which helped 900,000 Ukrainians who had suffered in Donbas," the Ukrainian president said.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian churches played an extremely important role in spreading the truth and development of society.
The president noted that His Holiness Pope Francis is very much welcome in Ukraine, where he enjoys extremely high support and trust.
"I invited him to Ukraine. I am sure he will be in Ukraine – not only in the capital. I said that in order to fully understand what was happening in the east, it was necessary to go to the east," Zelensky added.


unian--2020-02-08--CoE: Congress president calls for inclusive consultation in territorial reform process in Ukraine

The president of the Congress also stressed that , in order to be effective and sustainable , all elements of the reform must be prepared and implemented in consultation with all stakeholders .
On the occasion of the appointment of Denys Shmyhal to the post of Deputy Prime Minister , Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine , Congress President Anders Knape addressed a letter to the new minister on February 6 , 2020 , reaffirming the Congress ' support for the ongoing territorial and decentralisation reforms in Ukraine .
`` Substantial legislative and constitutional changes are needed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform of local self-government , '' the Congress President stated , welcoming the determination of Ukrainian leaders to move the reform process forward , according to the Council of Europe 's official website .
`` The Congress stands ready , together with the other Council of Europe partners – the Venice Commission and the intergovernmental sector – to assist the Ukrainian authorities in implementing the reforms . ''
The president of the Congress also stressed that , in order to be effective and sustainable , all elements of the reform must be prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This process and the results to be achieved must be based on the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government and its additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority , as well as other Council of Europe instruments .
The Congress ' next monitoring visit to Ukraine , scheduled for March 4-6 , 2020 , will assess the application of the Charter 's principles as well as the implementation of the road map for the implementation of the Congress ' recommendations , signed by @ @ @ @ @ @

The president of the Congress also stressed that, in order to be effective and sustainable, all elements of the reform must be prepared and implemented in consultation with all stakeholders.
On the occasion of the appointment of Denys Shmyhal to the post of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, Congress President Anders Knape addressed a letter to the new minister on February 6, 2020, reaffirming the Congress' support for the ongoing territorial and decentralisation reforms in Ukraine.
Read alsoUkraine's parliament appoints Shmyhal as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Community Development
"Substantial legislative and constitutional changes are needed in Ukraine to finalise the ongoing decentralisation and reform of local self-government," the Congress President stated, welcoming the determination of Ukrainian leaders to move the reform process forward, according to the Council of Europe's official website.
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"The Congress stands ready, together with the other Council of Europe partners – the Venice Commission and the intergovernmental sector – to assist the Ukrainian authorities in implementing the reforms."
The president of the Congress also stressed that, in order to be effective and sustainable, all elements of the reform must be prepared and implemented in consultation with all stakeholders. This process and the results to be achieved must be based on the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government and its additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority, as well as other Council of Europe instruments.
The Congress' next monitoring visit to Ukraine, scheduled for March 4-6, 2020, will assess the application of the Charter's principles as well as the implementation of the road map for the implementation of the Congress' recommendations, signed by the Ukrainian government in 2015.


unian--2020-02-08--NYT: Trump fires impeachment witnesses Gordon Sondland, Alexander Vindman in post-acquittal purge

Emboldened by his victory and determined to strike back , the president removed Mr. Sondland as ambassador to the European Union after the White House earlier on Friday dismissed Colonel Vindman .
U.S. President Donald Trump wasted little time on Friday opening a campaign of retribution against those he blames for his impeachment , firing two of the most prominent witnesses in the House inquiry against him barely 48 hours after being acquitted by the Senate .
Emboldened by his victory and determined to strike back , Mr. Trump ordered Gordon D. Sondland , the founder of a hotel chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president 's inaugural committee , recalled from his post as the ambassador to the European Union on the same day that Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman , a decorated Iraq war veteran on the National Security Council staff , was marched out of the White House by security guards , according to The New York Times .
`` I was advised today that the president intends to recall me effective immediately as United States ambassador to the European Union , '' Sondland said in a statement hours after Colonel Vindman 's dismissal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for having given me the opportunity to serve , to Secretary Pompeo for his consistent support and to the exceptional and dedicated professionals at the U.S. Mission to the European Union . ''
Mr. Sondland and Colonel Vindman were key witnesses in the House impeachment hearings .
Mr. Sondland , who was deeply involved in the effort to pressure Ukraine to announce investigations into Mr. Trump 's Democratic rivals , testified that `` we followed the president 's orders '' and that `` everyone was in the loop . ''
Colonel Vindman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 phone call with Ukraine 's president , testified that it was `` improper for the president '' to coerce a foreign country to investigate a political opponent .

Emboldened by his victory and determined to strike back, the president removed Mr. Sondland as ambassador to the European Union after the White House earlier on Friday dismissed Colonel Vindman.
U.S. President Donald Trump wasted little time on Friday opening a campaign of retribution against those he blames for his impeachment, firing two of the most prominent witnesses in the House inquiry against him barely 48 hours after being acquitted by the Senate.
Read alsoU.S Senate acquits Trump of impeachment charges – media
Emboldened by his victory and determined to strike back, Mr. Trump ordered Gordon D. Sondland, the founder of a hotel chain who donated $1 million to the president's inaugural committee, recalled from his post as the ambassador to the European Union on the same day that Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman, a decorated Iraq war veteran on the National Security Council staff, was marched out of the White House by security guards, according to The New York Times.
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"I was advised today that the president intends to recall me effective immediately as United States ambassador to the European Union," Sondland said in a statement hours after Colonel Vindman's dismissal. "I am grateful to President Trump for having given me the opportunity to serve, to Secretary Pompeo for his consistent support and to the exceptional and dedicated professionals at the U.S. Mission to the European Union."
Mr. Sondland and Colonel Vindman were key witnesses in the House impeachment hearings. Mr. Sondland, who was deeply involved in the effort to pressure Ukraine to announce investigations into Mr. Trump's Democratic rivals, testified that "we followed the president's orders" and that "everyone was in the loop." Colonel Vindman, who was on Mr. Trump's July 25 phone call with Ukraine's president, testified that it was "improper for the president" to coerce a foreign country to investigate a political opponent.


unian--2020-02-08--Ukraine's parliament speaker says all laws exist to hold elections in Donbas

According to Razumkov , the Minsk agreements did not specify the law for holding elections , but only indicated they should be held under Ukrainian law .
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov has said there are all legislative acts in accordance with the Minsk agreements to hold elections in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas .
According to him , the Minsk agreements did not specify the law for holding elections , but only indicated they should be held under Ukrainian law .
`` The elections should be held according to Ukrainian law .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed , and it allows holding elections in the temporarily occupied territories .
I do n't think that we need a separate law , '' Razumkov told NewsOne TV channel , according to the Novoe Vremya online publication .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's aide Andriy Yermak said Ukraine would come to the next meeting of the Normandy Four with a package of agreements that will allow local elections to be held in October throughout the country , including the certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .

According to Razumkov, the Minsk agreements did not specify the law for holding elections, but only indicated they should be held under Ukrainian law.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov has said there are all legislative acts in accordance with the Minsk agreements to hold elections in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas.
Read alsoLeading faction chief names conditions for holding elections in Donbas
According to him, the Minsk agreements did not specify the law for holding elections, but only indicated they should be held under Ukrainian law.
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"The elections should be held according to Ukrainian law. In fact, the law on elections has been passed, and it allows holding elections in the temporarily occupied territories. I don't think that we need a separate law," Razumkov told NewsOne TV channel, according to the Novoe Vremya online publication.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's aide Andriy Yermak said Ukraine would come to the next meeting of the Normandy Four with a package of agreements that will allow local elections to be held in October throughout the country, including the certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.


unian--2020-02-08--Week's balance: MPs fight over land bill, president vows "avalanche of investment", while gov't serv

Week's balance: MPs fight over land bill, president vows "avalanche of investment", while gov't services go online

This week , the Verkhovna Rada finally began the second reading of the law on the land market , which is historical for the national agricultural sector and the Ukrainian economy as a whole .
After the bill passed its first reading in November 2019 , it underwent significant changes .
In particular , in its final draft , foreigners shall be allowed to acquire land plots only after the Ukrainian people consent to this in a referendum .
Meanwhile , citizens of the aggressor state , that is , Russia , shall be banned from purchasing Ukrainian land in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one shall be allowed to own over 10,000 hectares of farmland .
In order to delay the adoption of the key law , the opposition deputies submitted more than 4,000 amendments to the relevant parliamentary committee , each of which , by decision of the session hall , had to be put to a vote and discussed separately .
Opposition figures also resorted to such win-win methods as blocking the parliamentary rostrum , scuffles at the session hall and microphone breaking , as well as taking their supporters to rallies outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday and Friday , deputies considered a little more than two hundred amendments , of which only one passed .
Experts admit that the ill-fated bill is far from perfect , but they consider it appropriate to adopt it in its current form , rather than further delay the long overdue land reform again .
`` We expect this to add 0.4 percent to economic growth this year , and 0.7 percent next year .
Even in this format , '' said Tomas Fiala , President of the European Business Association .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule , deputies will continue consideration of the bill no earlier than a week later – from February 18 , and taking into account their pace , the final vote for land reform may be delayed until April or May .
All this can lead to Ukraine 's key lender , the International Monetary Fund , which has been closely monitoring the reforms , postponing the decision on a new cooperation program for Ukraine until the summer of 2020 .
In anticipation of an `` avalanche of investment '' Over the past week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ukraine 's major partner in the Black Sea region , paid an official visit to the Ukrainian capital .
Following the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , the parties agreed to increase trade between the two countries from the existing four to ten billion dollars , discussed the possibility of supplying Caspian gas to Ukraine via Turkey , signed an agreement on cooperation in the defense sector and agreed to intensify cooperation in aviation .
During the Ukrainian-Turkish business forum , set up in honor of an important guest , Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` We work twenty-five eight .
The elimination of administrative barriers , the expansion of businesses ' rights , digitalization of government processes , the introduction of a transparent land market , large-scale privatization , and many other very important reforms are being implemented for the sole purpose : Ukraine should get 'covered ' by an avalanche of investment , both external and internal , '' said Zelensky .
Just in the past week , the National Bank released statistics showing that the inflow of foreign direct investment in Ukraine 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resemble an avalanche , having amounted to $ 2.5 billion , just as a year earlier .
For comparison : portfolio investments during this period , which are mainly non-residents ' investments in government domestic loan bonds , was twice as large .
That is , investors are more willing to give loans to Ukraine , but still do n't seem to be in a rush to build their own business in the country .
Meanwhile , the moods of foreign investors actually improved slightly .
`` We talk a lot about shortcomings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we agree that today is probably the most opportune moment to improve the situation .
We are optimistic , we plan to grow our business and expand lending , '' said Oleksandr Pysaruk , head of the board at Raiffeisen Bank Aval , the largest foreign-owned bank in Ukraine .
In the past week , the government launched the Diya mobile application .
As part of the `` State in a Smartphone '' project , it is designed to render public services remotely , that is , without citizens having to visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are able to use the application as a sub for their actual driver 's license and registration .
Presenting the application , President Zelensky drew attention to the fact that with the launch of this service , Ukraine outran many European countries .
`` Other countries have been approaching this for years , while we 've been able to do this within six months .
This is a great achievement .
As far as I know , Ukraine has become the third country in Europe that has something like that , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the project did n't go as smoothly as we would like , and some users encountered difficulties loading their documents .
As subsequently explained by the Ministry of Digital Transformation , only two and a half million , or less than a third of Ukrainian drivers have correct and complete data in the register of the Ministry of Internal Affairs , formed in 2013 .
After synchronizing the transport and demographic registers , the Ministry of Finance managed to expand the user base to five and a half million , while failing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology worked only for holders of biometric passports or ID cards .
Another problem was the incorrectness of entries in the transport registry , as some regions kept their registers in paper form , and some in tables and outdated databases , which caused multiple mistakes when creating a single registry .
To verify documents , additional verification is provided in the driver ’ s electronic office using BankID .
But even after that , application developers admit that issues are possible for holders of old-style documents and recommend updating them .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there : the list of services available in the application will be gradually expanded .
In particular , Ukrainians will have access to digital passports and will be able to use their smartphone to verify their identity for buying railway tickets , using healthcare and banking services .
The developers are determined to convert all public services into digital within five years and make the country one of the world leaders in the field of open data .
Last week , an affordable lending program for entrepreneurs `` 5-7-9 '' was launched in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can get loans for setting up or expending their business in the amount of up to one and a half million hryvnias for a period of up to five years at low rates of five , seven , or nine percent per annum , which is two to three times cheaper than the market is now offering .
The rate can be additionally reduced by half a percent for each new job created – to a minimum of five percent per annum .
The margin in rates will be compensated to banks by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this purpose will receive from the budget UAH 2 billion worth of financing .
According to government estimates , this will cover about 50,000 projects , and in the future , if successfully implemented , the program may receive additional funding .
Experts are generally positive about the initiative .
`` Within the framework of this program , instruments for cheapening loans for the borrower ( interest compensation ) and reducing credit risks for banks ( portfolio loan guarantees ) were combined .
That is , the program is aimed at overcoming the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Olena Korobkova , executive director of the Independent Association of Banks of Ukraine .
She says the program is easy to administer , as the bank 's decision to grant a loan automatically opens access to government support without any additional coordination with officials .
In addition , the sum of compensation for specific loans for six months in advance will be credited to special accounts that will be used as long as the loan is being paid off , which minimizes the risk of interruptions in financing .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-owned banks concluded partnership agreements with the Entrepreneurship Development Fund – Oschadbank , PrivatBank , Ukrgasbank and Ukreximbank .
In the early days of the program , these financial institutions received over 17,000 applications from entrepreneurs and even issued several loans .
Meanwhile , non-state banks are also interested in the program .
In particular , Raiffeisen Bank Aval , the largest bank in Ukraine with foreign capital , is one of the most active lenders to small and medium-sized businesses in the country .
The bank said they were ready to quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project as soon as it was received .
Last week , JSC Ukrzaliznytsia signed a memorandum of cooperation with German railway carrier Deutsche Bahn , one of the largest in Europe .
According to the document , which provides for the possibility of strategic cooperation between the companies for a period of up to ten years , at the initial stage , the parties should agree on a procedure for evaluating the preformance of Ukrzaliznytsia and develop a roadmap for improving it .
Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk expressed expectations that cooperation with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new railway routes and facilitate closer integration of the transport systems of the two countries .
According to him , the government ’ s priority is to increase the efficiency of Ukrzaliznytsya 's management , as well as to ensure transition to the European model of the railway transportation market , but it 's not about selling or leasing the Ukrainian monopoly .
Ronald Pofalla , member of the Deutsche Bahn Infrastructure Board , assured that Ukrainians will keep managing Ukrzaliznytsia , but management could be strengthened by Deutsche Bahn executives .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then further steps can be taken .
It is worth noting that the Ukrainian company is still in search of a top manager .
A week after the dismissal of head of the board , Yevhen Kravtsov , the supervisory board announced a competitive selection for this post , promising to find a candidate who can implement positive transformations by improving efficiency and quality of services , as well as prepare the company for tougher competition following the launch of the railway transportation market .
The next week promises to be no less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as weather forecasters predict , it will also be warmer .
The Cabinet of Ministers is set to submit a performance report to the Verkhovna Rada .
It is possible that it will become the basis for future personnel changes in the government .
The State Statistics Service will unveil inflation indicators for January and the dynamics of foreign trade over the last year .

Amid opposition protests, Parliament started considering at second reading the land market bill, President Zelensky announced an "avalanche of investments" expected to flow into Ukraine, the government launched the Diia mobile application and an affordable loans program, while Ukrzaliznytsia signed a memo with a German railway carrier – these are the key economic developments of the outgoing week.
This week, the Verkhovna Rada finally began the second reading of the law on the land market, which is historical for the national agricultural sector and the Ukrainian economy as a whole. After the bill passed its first reading in November 2019, it underwent significant changes. In particular, in its final draft, foreigners shall be allowed to acquire land plots only after the Ukrainian people consent to this in a referendum. Meanwhile, citizens of the aggressor state, that is, Russia, shall be banned from purchasing Ukrainian land in principle. It is also provided that no one shall be allowed to own over 10,000 hectares of farmland.
In order to delay the adoption of the key law, the opposition deputies submitted more than 4,000 amendments to the relevant parliamentary committee, each of which, by decision of the session hall, had to be put to a vote and discussed separately. Opposition figures also resorted to such win-win methods as blocking the parliamentary rostrum, scuffles at the session hall and microphone breaking, as well as taking their supporters to rallies outside the Verkhovna Rada.
As a result, on Thursday and Friday, deputies considered a little more than two hundred amendments, of which only one passed.
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Experts admit that the ill-fated bill is far from perfect, but they consider it appropriate to adopt it in its current form, rather than further delay the long overdue land reform again.
"We expect this to add 0.4 percent to economic growth this year, and 0.7 percent next year. Even in this format," said Tomas Fiala, President of the European Business Association.
According to the parliament’s agenda schedule, deputies will continue consideration of the bill no earlier than a week later – from February 18, and taking into account their pace, the final vote for land reform may be delayed until April or May. All this can lead to Ukraine's key lender, the International Monetary Fund, which has been closely monitoring the reforms, postponing the decision on a new cooperation program for Ukraine until the summer of 2020.
In anticipation of an "avalanche of investment"
Over the past week, Recep Erdogan, President of Turkey, Ukraine's major partner in the Black Sea region, paid an official visit to the Ukrainian capital. Following the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the parties agreed to increase trade between the two countries from the existing four to ten billion dollars, discussed the possibility of supplying Caspian gas to Ukraine via Turkey, signed an agreement on cooperation in the defense sector and agreed to intensify cooperation in aviation.
During the Ukrainian-Turkish business forum, set up in honor of an important guest, Zelensky promised Ukrainians an "avalanche of investment".
"We work twenty-five eight. The elimination of administrative barriers, the expansion of businesses' rights, digitalization of government processes, the introduction of a transparent land market, large-scale privatization, and many other very important reforms are being implemented for the sole purpose: Ukraine should get 'covered' by an avalanche of investment, both external and internal," said Zelensky.
Just in the past week, the National Bank released statistics showing that the inflow of foreign direct investment in Ukraine's economy for 2019 so far doesn't resemble an avalanche, having amounted to $2.5 billion, just as a year earlier. For comparison: portfolio investments during this period, which are mainly non-residents' investments in government domestic loan bonds, was twice as large. That is, investors are more willing to give loans to Ukraine, but still don't seem to be in a rush to build their own business in the country.
Meanwhile, the moods of foreign investors actually improved slightly. "We talk a lot about shortcomings, about what impedes foreign investment. But we agree that today is probably the most opportune moment to improve the situation. We are optimistic, we plan to grow our business and expand lending," said Oleksandr Pysaruk, head of the board at Raiffeisen Bank Aval, the largest foreign-owned bank in Ukraine.
Driver's license in smartphone
In the past week, the government launched the Diia mobile application. As part of the "State in a Smartphone" project, it is designed to render public services remotely, that is, without citizens having to visit government agencies.
Already, Ukrainian drivers are able to use the application as a sub for their actual driver's license and registration. Presenting the application, President Zelensky drew attention to the fact that with the launch of this service, Ukraine outran many European countries.
"Other countries have been approaching this for years, while we've been able to do this within six months. This is a great achievement. As far as I know, Ukraine has become the third country in Europe that has something like that," the president said.
However, the launch of the project didn't go as smoothly as we would like, and some users encountered difficulties loading their documents. As subsequently explained by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, only two and a half million, or less than a third of Ukrainian drivers have correct and complete data in the register of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, formed in 2013. After synchronizing the transport and demographic registers, the Ministry of Finance managed to expand the user base to five and a half million, while failing to cover all citizens, since the technology worked only for holders of biometric passports or ID cards. Another problem was the incorrectness of entries in the transport registry, as some regions kept their registers in paper form, and some in tables and outdated databases, which caused multiple mistakes when creating a single registry. To verify documents, additional verification is provided in the driver’s electronic office using BankID. But even after that, application developers admit that issues are possible for holders of old-style documents and recommend updating them.
The implementation of the project doesn't end there: the list of services available in the application will be gradually expanded. In particular, Ukrainians will have access to digital passports and will be able to use their smartphone to verify their identity for buying railway tickets, using healthcare and banking services.
The developers are determined to convert all public services into digital within five years and make the country one of the world leaders in the field of open data.
Affordable loans program
Last week, an affordable lending program for entrepreneurs "5-7-9" was launched in Ukraine. Within its framework, Ukrainians can get loans for setting up or expending their business in the amount of up to one and a half million hryvnias for a period of up to five years at low rates of five, seven, or nine percent per annum, which is two to three times cheaper than the market is now offering. The rate can be additionally reduced by half a percent for each new job created – to a minimum of five percent per annum.
The margin in rates will be compensated to banks by the Entrepreneurship Development Fund, which for this purpose will receive from the budget UAH 2 billion worth of financing. According to government estimates, this will cover about 50,000 projects, and in the future, if successfully implemented, the program may receive additional funding.
Experts are generally positive about the initiative. "Within the framework of this program, instruments for cheapening loans for the borrower (interest compensation) and reducing credit risks for banks (portfolio loan guarantees) were combined. That is, the program is aimed at overcoming the two biggest obstacles that hinder lending development," said Olena Korobkova, executive director of the Independent Association of Banks of Ukraine.
She says the program is easy to administer, as the bank's decision to grant a loan automatically opens access to government support without any additional coordination with officials. In addition, the sum of compensation for specific loans for six months in advance will be credited to special accounts that will be used as long as the loan is being paid off, which minimizes the risk of interruptions in financing. At the start of the program, four state-owned banks concluded partnership agreements with the Entrepreneurship Development Fund – Oschadbank, PrivatBank, Ukrgasbank and Ukreximbank. In the early days of the program, these financial institutions received over 17,000 applications from entrepreneurs and even issued several loans.
Meanwhile, non-state banks are also interested in the program. In particular, Raiffeisen Bank Aval, the largest bank in Ukraine with foreign capital, is one of the most active lenders to small and medium-sized businesses in the country. The bank said they were ready to quickly consider an agreement on participation in the project as soon as it was received.
German partners for Ukrzaliznytsia
Last week, JSC Ukrzaliznytsia signed a memorandum of cooperation with German railway carrier Deutsche Bahn, one of the largest in Europe. According to the document, which provides for the possibility of strategic cooperation between the companies for a period of up to ten years, at the initial stage, the parties should agree on a procedure for evaluating the preformance of Ukrzaliznytsia and develop a roadmap for improving it.
Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk expressed expectations that cooperation with the German partner will stimulate the launch of new railway routes and facilitate closer integration of the transport systems of the two countries. According to him, the government’s priority is to increase the efficiency of Ukrzaliznytsya's management, as well as to ensure transition to the European model of the railway transportation market, but it's not about selling or leasing the Ukrainian monopoly.
Ronald Pofalla, member of the Deutsche Bahn Infrastructure Board, assured that Ukrainians will keep managing Ukrzaliznytsia, but management could be strengthened by Deutsche Bahn executives. The first stage is about counseling, and then further steps can be taken.
It is worth noting that the Ukrainian company is still in search of a top manager. A week after the dismissal of head of the board, Yevhen Kravtsov, the supervisory board announced a competitive selection for this post, promising to find a candidate who can implement positive transformations by improving efficiency and quality of services, as well as prepare the company for tougher competition following the launch of the railway transportation market.
The next week promises to be no less interesting in terms of economic news and, as weather forecasters predict, it will also be warmer. The Cabinet of Ministers is set to submit a performance report to the Verkhovna Rada. It is possible that it will become the basis for future personnel changes in the government.
The State Statistics Service will unveil inflation indicators for January and the dynamics of foreign trade over the last year.
Olha Hordienko


unian--2020-02-08--Zelensky asks Pope Francis to help with release of prisoners

According to Zelensky , the Pope is doing everything possible to achieve peace and harmony throughout the world .
Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican has asked for help with the release of @ @ @ @ @ Crimea and Russia .
Read alsoZelensky : Important for Ukraine to build relations with Italy @ @ @ @ @ , NATO '' The Pope is doing everything possible to achieve peace and harmony throughout @ @ @ @ @ after the Normandy [ Four summit ] in Paris , I have asked for help @ @ @ @ @ captured in Donbas , Crimea and Russia , '' the president wrote on Twitter on @ @ @ @ @ Zelensky added he remained `` inspired '' by the conversation with Pope Francis about peace @ @ @

According to Zelensky, the Pope is doing everything possible to achieve peace and harmony throughout the world.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican has asked for help with the release of Ukrainians captured in Donbas, Crimea and Russia.
Read alsoZelensky: Important for Ukraine to build relations with Italy as strong member of EU, NATO
"The Pope is doing everything possible to achieve peace and harmony throughout the world. Two months after the Normandy [Four summit] in Paris, I have asked for help with the release of Ukrainians captured in Donbas, Crimea and Russia," the president wrote on Twitter on February 8, 2020.
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Zelensky added he remained "inspired" by the conversation with Pope Francis about peace in Ukraine.