unian--2020-03-30--Ukraine struggles to debunk fake virus news – media

Disinformation usually begins with a post on Facebook which is then shared over Telegram or Viber , two online messengers popular in Ukraine .
The water service in Odesa , a port city in southern Ukraine , was suddenly overrun this week with calls from worried residents with a peculiar concern .
Were officials really planning to run an antiseptic solution through the city ’ s taps instead of water ?
The calls were sparked by a message on social media claiming that : `` Today , from 23:00 until the morning , antiseptic will be distributed '' in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The antiseptic supposedly included several different whiskies – a brand for each district .
However outlandish the claim , Odesa 's water agency still issued a clarification .
Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak , false news stories have spiked in Ukraine , fuelled by mistrust of authorities and of Russia , which Kyiv says wants to sow instability .
`` Before the pandemic , we received seven or eight requests each day to verify information , '' said Alyona Romanyuk , the founder of a platform that debunks false stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 . ''
Among them , the Ukrainian security services denied rumors that authorities planned to douse the capital with disinfectant by helicopter .
Another claimed that medical services for pregnant women and cancer patients were disrupted due to COVID-19 .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky himself denied `` horror stories '' that 400,000 Ukrainians were infected .
`` False information spreads much faster than the virus , '' he said on television last week .
According to official statistics , Ukraine has confirmed 475 cases of the virus and 10 deaths .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis Yet some Ukrainians worry the government tally is far lower than the real number due to a lack of testing , while corruption has left many people suspicious of official statements too .
Disinformation usually begins with a post on Facebook which is then shared over Telegram or Viber , two online messengers popular in Ukraine .
But the effects can be felt offline too .
In February , 72 people were evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan , the center of the coronavirus pandemic , and quarantined in Novi Sanzhary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Social media messages claimed the evacuees were infected and local residents clashed with police escorting those brought from China to the medical centre .
A report by the European External Action Service , which cited the incident , accused Kremlin-run media of spreading misinformation about the coronavirus .
Moscow has rejected the accusations .
Yet Ukraine says it has become a regular target of Russian misinformation since 2014 , when Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula and threw its weight behind separatists in eastern Ukraine , a conflict that has claimed more than @ @ @

Disinformation usually begins with a post on Facebook which is then shared over Telegram or Viber, two online messengers popular in Ukraine.
The water service in Odesa, a port city in southern Ukraine, was suddenly overrun this week with calls from worried residents with a peculiar concern. Were officials really planning to run an antiseptic solution through the city’s taps instead of water?
The calls were sparked by a message on social media claiming that: "Today, from 23:00 until the morning, antiseptic will be distributed" in the water system, The Daily Times reports.
The antiseptic supposedly included several different whiskies – a brand for each district. However outlandish the claim, Odesa's water agency still issued a clarification.
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Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, false news stories have spiked in Ukraine, fuelled by mistrust of authorities and of Russia, which Kyiv says wants to sow instability.
"Before the pandemic, we received seven or eight requests each day to verify information," said Alyona Romanyuk, the founder of a platform that debunks false stories online. "Now there are around 100."
Among them, the Ukrainian security services denied rumors that authorities planned to douse the capital with disinfectant by helicopter.
Another claimed that medical services for pregnant women and cancer patients were disrupted due to COVID-19.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky himself denied "horror stories" that 400,000 Ukrainians were infected.
"False information spreads much faster than the virus," he said on television last week.
According to official statistics, Ukraine has confirmed 475 cases of the virus and 10 deaths.
Read alsoPsy-ops and disinformation campaign in Italy amid crisis
Yet some Ukrainians worry the government tally is far lower than the real number due to a lack of testing, while corruption has left many people suspicious of official statements too.
Disinformation usually begins with a post on Facebook which is then shared over Telegram or Viber, two online messengers popular in Ukraine.
But the effects can be felt offline too. In February, 72 people were evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan, the center of the coronavirus pandemic, and quarantined in Novi Sanzhary, a small town in central Ukraine.
Social media messages claimed the evacuees were infected and local residents clashed with police escorting those brought from China to the medical centre.
A report by the European External Action Service, which cited the incident, accused Kremlin-run media of spreading misinformation about the coronavirus. Moscow has rejected the accusations.
Read alsoRussia, China exploiting coronavirus in geopolitical game
Yet Ukraine says it has become a regular target of Russian misinformation since 2014, when Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula and threw its weight behind separatists in eastern Ukraine, a conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives.


unian--2020-03-30--Donbas militants concealing true situation with coronavirus from locals – minister

There are no Covid-19 tests in the occupied Donbas , the official added .
Russian occupation authorities in eastern Ukraine 's Donbas have been concealing from locals the realities regarding the spread of coronavirus , says Vice Prime Minister , Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov .
`` No , there are no such tests [ to detect coronavirus in the occupied Donbas and Crimea ] .
Occupation authorities are hiding the real picture from the outside world and from citizens living in these territories , '' Reznikov told RBC-Ukraine .
Reznikov added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone contracts a virus or dies in the occupied territories , they call it A ( H1N1 ) flu . ''
Read alsoZelensky : All Ukrainians who 'll return home will be under two-week observation '' That 's as if it was supposedly swine flu , but with a lethal outcome .
We don ’ t know what the epidemiological situation really is there , but there is a fact that the 'border ' between the occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions has been locked .
They do realize that they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the question whether the move was made too late , '' added Reznikov .
As reportedearlier , it was only on March 28 that came the first report on a confirmed coronavirus case in the occupied areas of Donbas .

There are no Covid-19 tests in the occupied Donbas, the official added.
Russian occupation authorities in eastern Ukraine's Donbas have been concealing from locals the realities regarding the spread of coronavirus, says Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov.
"No, there are no such tests [to detect coronavirus in the occupied Donbas and Crimea]. Occupation authorities are hiding the real picture from the outside world and from citizens living in these territories," Reznikov told RBC-Ukraine.
Reznikov added that, according to his information, if someone contracts a virus or dies in the occupied territories, they call it A (H1N1) flu."
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Read alsoZelensky: All Ukrainians who'll return home will be under two-week observation
"That's as if it was supposedly swine flu, but with a lethal outcome. We don’t know what the epidemiological situation really is there, but there is a fact that the 'border' between the occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions has been locked. They do realize that they need to put themselves on a lockdown, but the question whether the move was made too late," added Reznikov.
As reportedearlier, it was only on March 28 that came the first report on a confirmed coronavirus case in the occupied areas of Donbas.


unian--2020-03-30--Petition on reinstating Suprun as health minister gains required number of votes

The appeal was initially posted on March 23 .
A petition released on the presidential website on the reinstatement of @ @ @ @ @ the Health Ministry has gained the required number of votes , namely 25,000 .
As @ @ @ @ @ 30 , a total of 25,974 people supported the proposal .
Now Ukrainian President Volodymyr @ @ @ @ @ to the petition initially published on March 23 .
Read alsoZelensky : All Ukrainians who @ @ @ @ @ under two-week observation The author , Olena Losyk , believes it 's the expert of @ @ @ @ @ amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Now , amid a threatening challenge , we must @ @ @ @ @ Ulana Suprun back in the minister 's chair , '' the document says .
As @ @ @ @ @ the meeting on September 4 , 2019 , the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed Acting Health @ @ @ @

The appeal was initially posted on March 23.
A petition released on the presidential website on the reinstatement of Ulana Suprun as head of the Health Ministry has gained the required number of votes, namely 25,000.
As of Monday morning, March 30, a total of 25,974 people supported the proposal.
Now Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is supposed to respond to the petition initially published on March 23.
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Read alsoZelensky: All Ukrainians who'll return home will be under two-week observation
The author, Olena Losyk, believes it's the expert of such level that Ukraine needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Now, amid a threatening challenge, we must demand that the authorities put Ulana Suprun back in the minister's chair," the document says.
As UNIAN reported earlier, during the meeting on September 4, 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed Acting Health Minister Ulana Suprun.


unian--2020-03-30--Ukraine reports 13 enemy attacks in Donbas on March 29

The enemy opened fire , employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and rifles .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on March 29 mounted 13 attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
`` The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 13 times on March 29 , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on March 30 , 2020 .
The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ machine guns , and rifles .
Read alsoEU demands probes into reported torture of Ukrainian hostages in occupied Donbas Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Avdiyivka , and the villages of Pavlopil , Vodiane , Bohdanivka , Berezove , Starohnativka , Taramchuk , Luhanske , Hladosove , as well as Butivka coal mine .
`` Since Monday midnight , Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near Vodiane , using an 82mm mortar , '' the update said .
No casualties were reported in Ukrainian Army ranks on Monday morning .

The enemy opened fire, employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and rifles.
Russia's hybrid military forces on March 29 mounted 13 attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 13 times on March 29," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on March 30, 2020.
The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and rifles.
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Read alsoEU demands probes into reported torture of Ukrainian hostages in occupied Donbas
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Avdiyivka, and the villages of Pavlopil, Vodiane, Bohdanivka, Berezove, Starohnativka, Taramchuk, Luhanske, Hladosove, as well as Butivka coal mine.
"Since Monday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near Vodiane, using an 82mm mortar," the update said.
No casualties were reported in Ukrainian Army ranks on Monday morning.


unian--2020-03-30--Advisory Council with Donbas militants could only be created if Germany, France approve idea – Vice

Advisory Council with Donbas militants could only be created if Germany, France approve idea – Vice PM

Meanwhile , many in Ukraine suggest the move would legitimize Russian occupation authorities in Donbas , putting them on equal footing with Ukrainian negotiators , while portraying Russia as a pure mediator in the conflict rather than a direct party to it .
The so-called `` advisory council '' within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group for Donbas settlement in Minsk could be created after the approval of the Normandy Four member states at the level of advisers , says Vice Prime Minister , Minister for the Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov .
He noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council '' should be approved by Germany and France , since the TCG is a brainchild of the Normandy format , the vice PM told RBC-Ukraine .
`` The final decision and signing is possible only after the consent of the German and French parties .
They should n't only approve , but also delegate their representatives there as observer participants , '' he said , noting that there should also be an OSCE reaction .
Read alsoUkraine never to fix in Constitution `` special status '' for certain areas of Donbas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at least political advisers will have to agree .
If leaders say okay , then each country 's foreign ministry will be able to authorize the advisers to coordinate this decision .
I don ’ t know how they will fix it , '' Reznikov added .
As UNIAN reported , on March 11 , Minsk hosted the regular meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group for Donbas settlement with the participation of the head of Ukrainian President 's Office Andriy Yermak and Deputy Head of Russian President 's Administration Dmitry Kozak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision on the establishment of an `` advisory council '' as part of the political subgroup following consultations with representatives of the OSCE , France , and Germany regarding the implementation of the agreements reached during the Normandy summit .
The signing was scheduled to take place at the next meeting in Minsk on March 25 .
Later , the Dzerkalo Tyzhnia outlet published a copy of the minutes off meeting signed in Minsk on March 11 .
According to the document , the criteria and the procedure for appointing council members shall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine , the Russian Federation , Germany , France , and the OSCE .
At the same time , 10 representatives from Ukraine and the certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions will each have the right to cast votes , and one representative each from Russia , Germany , France , and the OSCE – the right to cast consultative votes .
A few days later , about 60 MPs with the Servant of the People party called on President Zelensky to halt the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which many said would legitimize Russian occupation authorities in Donbas , putting them on equal footing with the Ukrainian negotiators , while portraying Russia as a pure mediator in the conflict rather than a direct party to it .

Meanwhile, many in Ukraine suggest the move would legitimize Russian occupation authorities in Donbas, putting them on equal footing with Ukrainian negotiators, while portraying Russia as a pure mediator in the conflict rather than a direct party to it.
The so-called "advisory council" within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group for Donbas settlement in Minsk could be created after the approval of the Normandy Four member states at the level of advisers, says Vice Prime Minister, Minister for the Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov.
He noted that the creation of such a "council" should be approved by Germany and France, since the TCG is a brainchild of the Normandy format, the vice PM told RBC-Ukraine.
"The final decision and signing is possible only after the consent of the German and French parties. They shouldn't only approve, but also delegate their representatives there as observer participants," he said, noting that there should also be an OSCE reaction.
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Read alsoUkraine never to fix in Constitution "special status" for certain areas of Donbas, Vice PM says
"To this end, at least political advisers will have to agree. If leaders say okay, then each country's foreign ministry will be able to authorize the advisers to coordinate this decision. I don’t know how they will fix it," Reznikov added.
As UNIAN reported, on March 11, Minsk hosted the regular meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group for Donbas settlement with the participation of the head of Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak and Deputy Head of Russian President's Administration Dmitry Kozak. The two agreed to sign the TCG decision on the establishment of an "advisory council" as part of the political subgroup following consultations with representatives of the OSCE, France, and Germany regarding the implementation of the agreements reached during the Normandy summit. The signing was scheduled to take place at the next meeting in Minsk on March 25.
Later, the Dzerkalo Tyzhnia outlet published a copy of the minutes of meeting signed in Minsk on March 11. According to the document, the criteria and the procedure for appointing council members shall be independently determined by Ukraine, certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, the Russian Federation, Germany, France, and the OSCE.
At the same time, 10 representatives from Ukraine and the certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions will each have the right to cast votes, and one representative each from Russia, Germany, France, and the OSCE – the right to cast consultative votes.
Read alsoAdvisory Council with Donbas warlords: canceled or delayed?
A few days later, about 60 MPs with the Servant of the People party called on President Zelensky to halt the process of creation of the advisory council, which many said would legitimize Russian occupation authorities in Donbas, putting them on equal footing with the Ukrainian negotiators, while portraying Russia as a pure mediator in the conflict rather than a direct party to it.


unian--2020-03-30--Cabinet submits to Rada draft amendments to 2020 budget with deficit worth 6% of GDP

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Cabinet submits to Rada draft amendments to 2020 budget with deficit worth 6% of GDP
09:00, 30.03.20 3595
The government proposes to reduce budget revenues by UAH 100 billion (US$3.6 billion).
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unian--2020-03-29--Zelensky: All Ukrainians who'll return home will be under two-week observation

The government is currently preparing a list of relevant locations .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that all the Ukrainians who will return home after March 28 will be kept under two-week mandatory observation .
`` We are also solving the issue of Ukrainians who did not manage to return home by March 28 .
Their return – by plane , train , bus , car or on foot – should be as safe as possible for the others , and therefore it requires a mandatory two-week observation , '' he said in a video address on Sunday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine rises to 475 by Sunday evening '' We are currently preparing a list of relevant locations .
In particular , it can be Ukrainian hotels , with which we have already reached an agreement in advance .
Each premises for mandatory observation will be prepared in strict accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Health , '' he added .
The coronavirus-related quarantine in Ukraine is in effect until April 24 .
The Ukrainian border was closed and all regular services of passenger transportation by plane or by train were halted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to cross the Ukrainian border on foot or by car via specially designated checkpoints .

The government is currently preparing a list of relevant locations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that all the Ukrainians who will return home after March 28 will be kept under two-week mandatory observation.
"We are also solving the issue of Ukrainians who did not manage to return home by March 28. Their return – by plane, train, bus, car or on foot – should be as safe as possible for the others, and therefore it requires a mandatory two-week observation," he said in a video address on Sunday evening.
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine rises to 475 by Sunday evening
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"We are currently preparing a list of relevant locations. In particular, it can be Ukrainian hotels, with which we have already reached an agreement in advance. Each premises for mandatory observation will be prepared in strict accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Health," he added.
The coronavirus-related quarantine in Ukraine is in effect until April 24. The Ukrainian border was closed and all regular services of passenger transportation by plane or by train were halted on March 28.
Ukrainians are now able to cross the Ukrainian border on foot or by car via specially designated checkpoints.


unian--2020-03-29--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine rises to 475 by Sunday evening

Some 418 cases were reported on Sunday morning .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ Sunday evening .
`` According to the Public Health Center , there were 475 laboratory-confirmed @ @ @ @ @ the use of PCR [ polymerase chain reaction ] in Ukraine as of 22:00 Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its evening update on March 29 @ @ @ @ @ batch of masks , protective suits arrives in Ukraine from China As many as 10 @ @ @ @ @ so far .
Six patients have recovered , their repeat tests have been negative , @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN reported earlier , there were 418 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine early on March @ @ @ @ @ the 311 reported early on March 28 .

Some 418 cases were reported on Sunday morning.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine had risen to 475 by Sunday evening.
"According to the Public Health Center, there were 475 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 identified with the use of PCR [polymerase chain reaction] in Ukraine as of 22:00 Kyiv time on March 29," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its evening update on March 29.
Read alsoPlane with second batch of masks, protective suits arrives in Ukraine from China
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As many as 10 fatal cases have been recorded so far.
Six patients have recovered, their repeat tests have been negative, the ministry said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 418 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine early on March 29, an increase from the 311 reported early on March 28.


unian--2020-03-29--Zelensky: Default looming if Ukraine's parliament fails to pass two "vital bills"

The president says this is now lawmakers ' responsibility .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says there is default looming if Ukraine 's parliament fails to pass two important bills .
`` I would also like to speak about the special session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine , which is to take place tomorrow [ March 30 ] , '' he said in a video address on Sunday evening .
`` Our country has , in fact , found itself at a crossroads due to coronavirus , and has two paths .
The first one is the adoption of two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , we will receive support from our international financial partners in the amount of at least US $ 10 billion .
This is needed to stabilize the country 's economy and overcome the crisis . ''
Read alsoOption of default off the table – Zelensky 's spox '' Otherwise , there is the second path : a failure of these laws leading to the economic downturn and even the threat of default , '' he said .
According to him , the Office of the President and the Cabinet of Ministers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And we did that – we agreed on financial support for Ukraine .
We and the government have chosen our path .
Now it is your turn , dear MPs .
Tomorrow , the responsibility is yours , '' he said .
`` Tomorrow , the people of Ukraine will see clearly whether you are ready to defend their interests .
And though tomorrow you all will be wearing masks , it will become clear to people who is who .
Society will see whether you are servants of the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Be aware of your responsibility .
See implications for each of you .
Choose the right path tomorrow .
You have been chosen by the people of Ukraine .
Now it is your turn to choose the people of Ukraine , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , a special parliament meeting is scheduled for March 30 .

The president says this is now lawmakers' responsibility.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says there is default looming if Ukraine's parliament fails to pass two important bills.
"I would also like to speak about the special session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which is to take place tomorrow [March 30]," he said in a video address on Sunday evening. "Our country has, in fact, found itself at a crossroads due to coronavirus, and has two paths. The first one is the adoption of two vital [draft] laws. After that, we will receive support from our international financial partners in the amount of at least US$10 billion. This is needed to stabilize the country's economy and overcome the crisis."
Read alsoOption of default off the table – Zelensky's spox
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"Otherwise, there is the second path: a failure of these laws leading to the economic downturn and even the threat of default," he said.
According to him, the Office of the President and the Cabinet of Ministers have done their utmost in the past weeks. "And we did that – we agreed on financial support for Ukraine. We and the government have chosen our path. Now it is your turn, dear MPs. Tomorrow, the responsibility is yours," he said.
"Tomorrow, the people of Ukraine will see clearly whether you are ready to defend their interests. And though tomorrow you all will be wearing masks, it will become clear to people who is who. Society will see whether you are servants of the people or servants of others' interests. Be aware of your responsibility. See implications for each of you. Choose the right path tomorrow. You have been chosen by the people of Ukraine. Now it is your turn to choose the people of Ukraine," he said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, a special parliament meeting is scheduled for March 30.


unian--2020-03-29--MP Iryna Gerashchenko announces resignation of health, finance ministers

Maksym Stepanov is being considered as a nominee for the health minister 's post .
Member of Parliament from the @ @ @ @ @ Gerashchenko has announced the resignation of Health Minister Illia Yemets and Finance Minister Ihor Umansky @ @ @ @ @ Volodymyr ] Zelensky 's second government has set a minister reshuffle speed record .
The @ @ @ @ @ have worked for a month and have already resigned amid the coronavirus [ crisis ] @ @ @ @ @ Facebook on Sunday evening .
Read alsoNames of new Ukraine ministers to be approved by @ @ @ @ @ the press According to her , parliament leaders were then meeting with Olha Buslavets , @ @ @ @ @ minister 's post ; Serhiy Marchenko , a would-be finance minister ; and possible healthcare @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN reported earlier , lawmakers are scheduled to gather for a special meeting next week @ @ @ @ @ of the ministers of energy , finance , and healthcare .

Maksym Stepanov is being considered as a nominee for the health minister's post.
Member of Parliament from the European Solidarity parliamentary faction Iryna Gerashchenko has announced the resignation of Health Minister Illia Yemets and Finance Minister Ihor Umansky.
"[Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky's second government has set a minister reshuffle speed record. The ministers of finance and health have worked for a month and have already resigned amid the coronavirus [crisis]," she said on Facebook on Sunday evening.
Read alsoNames of new Ukraine ministers to be approved by Rada next week leaked to the press
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According to her, parliament leaders were then meeting with Olha Buslavets, who is seeking the energy minister's post; Serhiy Marchenko, a would-be finance minister; and possible healthcare minister Maksym Stepanov.
As UNIAN reported earlier, lawmakers are scheduled to gather for a special meeting next week to decide on the appointment of the ministers of energy, finance, and healthcare.


unian--2020-03-29--Kyiv mobile squad disinfects train after it arrives from Moscow with Ukrainian evacuees

Over 700 Ukrainians have returned home by this train .
Members of Kyiv 's rescue service and specialists from the State Emergency Service 's Mobile Rescue Center have disinfected the special Moscow-Kyiv train that brought over 700 Ukrainians back home on Sunday , March 29 .
All 18 cars underwent deep cleaning , the press office of the State Emergency Service said .
`` Our personnel acted in compliance with all safety measures , were wearing special suits and personal protective respirators , '' it said .
The special Ukrzaliznytsia train arrived in Kyiv from Moscow at about 08:00 Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 716 Ukrainian evacuees from Russia amid the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis .
Upon the arrival of the train , border guards and National Police officers cordoned off the area and introduced a limited access regime .
All passengers underwent body temperature screening and health surveys .
In accordance with the established procedure , they signed informed consents and got sheets with self-isolation instructions .
Departure of the special train from Moscow On March 28 , the same train evacuated about 700 Russians from Kyiv to Moscow .
The coronavirus-related quarantine in Ukraine is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border was closed and all regular passenger transportation services were halted on March 28 .

Over 700 Ukrainians have returned home by this train.
Members of Kyiv's rescue service and specialists from the State Emergency Service's Mobile Rescue Center have disinfected the special Moscow-Kyiv train that brought over 700 Ukrainians back home on Sunday, March 29.
All 18 cars underwent deep cleaning, the press office of the State Emergency Service said.
"Our personnel acted in compliance with all safety measures, were wearing special suits and personal protective respirators," it said.
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The special Ukrzaliznytsia train arrived in Kyiv from Moscow at about 08:00 Kyiv time on March 29. It brought 716 Ukrainian evacuees from Russia amid the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis.
Read alsoUkraine's confirmed coronavirus cases increase to 418 on March 29
Upon the arrival of the train, border guards and National Police officers cordoned off the area and introduced a limited access regime. All passengers underwent body temperature screening and health surveys. In accordance with the established procedure, they signed informed consents and got sheets with self-isolation instructions.
Departure of the special train from Moscow
On March 28, the same train evacuated about 700 Russians from Kyiv to Moscow.
The coronavirus-related quarantine in Ukraine is in effect until April 24. The Ukrainian border was closed and all regular passenger transportation services were halted on March 28.


unian--2020-03-29--Names of new Ukraine ministers to be approved by Rada next week leaked to the press

Lawmakers will gather for a special meeting to vote on new ministers of energy , finance , and healthcare .
@ @ @ @ @ ministers who may be approved by the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , next @ @ @ @ @ the press .
Lawmakers are scheduled to gather for a special meeting to decide on @ @ @ @ @ of energy , finance , and healthcare .
As UNIAN learnt from some parliamentarians who @ @ @ @ @ , Olha Buslavets who is seeking the energy minister 's post , Serhiy Marchenko , @ @ @ @ @ and possible healthcare minister Maksym Stepanov are now being interviewed by nearly 50 members of @ @ @ @ @ People Party 's parliamentary faction , led by David Arakhamia .
Ukraine 's Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ the interviews .

Lawmakers will gather for a special meeting to vote on new ministers of energy, finance, and healthcare.
The names of some new ministers who may be approved by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, next week have been leaked to the press.
Lawmakers are scheduled to gather for a special meeting to decide on the appointment of the ministers of energy, finance, and healthcare.
Read alsoNew appointments made in Ukraine's Armed Forces
Видео дня
As UNIAN learnt from some parliamentarians who spoke on condition of anonymity, Olha Buslavets who is seeking the energy minister's post, Serhiy Marchenko, a would-be finance minister, and possible healthcare minister Maksym Stepanov are now being interviewed by nearly 50 members of the ruling Servant of the People Party's parliamentary faction, led by David Arakhamia.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal is present at the interviews.


unian--2020-03-29--China guards against second wave of coronavirus coming from abroad – media

Most of those imported cases have involved Chinese returning home from abroad .
The growing number of imported coronavirus cases in China risked fanning a second wave of infections at a time when `` domestic transmission has basically been stopped , '' a spokesman for the National Health Commission said on Sunday .
`` China already has an accumulated total of 693 cases entering from overseas , which means the possibility of a new round of infections remains relatively big , '' Mi Feng , the spokesman , said , Reuters reported .
In the last seven days , China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but only 6 confirmed cases of domestic transmission , the commission 's data showed .
Read alsoNumber of deaths from novel coronavirus worldwide nearing 31,000 There were 45 new coronavirus cases reported in the mainland for Saturday , down from 54 on the previous day , with all but one involving travelers from overseas .
Most of those imported cases have involved Chinese returning home from abroad .
Airlines have been ordered to sharply cut international flights from Sunday .
And restrictions on foreigners entering the country went into effect on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of them in Wuhan , the industrial central city where the epidemic began in December .
But Wuhan , the capital of Hubei province , has reported only one new case on the last 10 days .
A total of 3,300 people have now died in mainland China , with a reported 81,439 infections .

Most of those imported cases have involved Chinese returning home from abroad.
The growing number of imported coronavirus cases in China risked fanning a second wave of infections at a time when "domestic transmission has basically been stopped," a spokesman for the National Health Commission said on Sunday.
"China already has an accumulated total of 693 cases entering from overseas, which means the possibility of a new round of infections remains relatively big," Mi Feng, the spokesman, said, Reuters reported.
In the last seven days, China has reported 313 imported cases of coronavirus but only 6 confirmed cases of domestic transmission, the commission's data showed.
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Read alsoNumber of deaths from novel coronavirus worldwide nearing 31,000
There were 45 new coronavirus cases reported in the mainland for Saturday, down from 54 on the previous day, with all but one involving travelers from overseas.
Most of those imported cases have involved Chinese returning home from abroad.
Airlines have been ordered to sharply cut international flights from Sunday. And restrictions on foreigners entering the country went into effect on Saturday.
Five more people died on Saturday, all of them in Wuhan, the industrial central city where the epidemic began in December. But Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, has reported only one new case on the last 10 days.
A total of 3,300 people have now died in mainland China, with a reported 81,439 infections.


unian--2020-03-29--Ukraine's government proposes pay cut for state-run enterprises' top managers

Ukraine's government proposes pay cut for state-run enterprises' top managers
17:30, 29.03.20 5540
The measure doesn't concern those who are involved in the fight against COVID-19.
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unian--2020-03-29--Plane with second batch of masks, protective suits arrives in Ukraine from China

The supplies will be dispatched to the regions .
A plane with another batch of face masks , protective suits , and other anti-epidemic medical products has arrived in Ukraine from China .
`` A second plane from China , carrying the means of protection for doctors , police officers , and the military , is now in Boryspil , '' Deputy Head of the Office of the President , Secretary of the Coordinating Council for countering the spread of COVID-19 Kyrylo Tymoshenko said on Facebook on March 29 .
According to him , these are 300,000 filtering facepiece ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1.8 million medical face masks , and other protective means .
`` Now this cargo is en route to a logistics warehouse and will be dispatched to every region of Ukraine this afternoon , '' he said .
`` At night , the plane is going to China again for another cargo .
From Tuesday , we 'll have two additional aircraft .
This will help pharmacy chains quickly fill the market with low-priced masks and other protective means .
We 're also expecting a separate delivery of 100,000 PCR [ polymerase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Tymoshenko added .
As UNIAN reported , a first plane with medical supplies to fight COVID-19 arrived in Ukraine from China on March 23 .
A Ukrainian Il-76 military transport aircraft brought 250,000 rapid test kits , 521 PCR test systems , 80,000 FFP masks , 10,000 protective suits , artificial lung ventilation machines , 500,000 disposable three-layer face masks .

The supplies will be dispatched to the regions.
A plane with another batch of face masks, protective suits, and other anti-epidemic medical products has arrived in Ukraine from China.
"A second plane from China, carrying the means of protection for doctors, police officers, and the military, is now in Boryspil," Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Secretary of the Coordinating Council for countering the spread of COVID-19 Kyrylo Tymoshenko said on Facebook on March 29.
Read alsoCargo plane brings to Ukraine COVID-19 tests, protective gear from China
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According to him, these are 300,000 filtering facepiece (FFP) masks, 35,000 protective suits, 1.8 million medical face masks, and other protective means.
"Now this cargo is en route to a logistics warehouse and will be dispatched to every region of Ukraine this afternoon," he said.
"At night, the plane is going to China again for another cargo. From Tuesday, we'll have two additional aircraft. This will help pharmacy chains quickly fill the market with low-priced masks and other protective means. We're also expecting a separate delivery of 100,000 PCR [polymerase chain reaction] tests at night, "Tymoshenko added.
As UNIAN reported, a first plane with medical supplies to fight COVID-19 arrived in Ukraine from China on March 23. A Ukrainian Il-76 military transport aircraft brought 250,000 rapid test kits, 521 PCR test systems, 80,000 FFP masks, 10,000 protective suits, artificial lung ventilation machines, 500,000 disposable three-layer face masks.


unian--2020-03-29--Mayor Klitschko: Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kyiv rises to 82

The new cases are four women , three men and one 11-year-old girl .
Kyiv Mayor Klitschko has informed that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city has risen to 82 .
`` This morning , we 've received eight more laboratory-confirmed cases from state-controlled Kyiv City Laboratory Center of Ukraine 's Health Ministry , '' he said on Telegram on March 29 .
According to Klitschko , the new cases are four women aged 20 to 40 , one 11-year-old girl , and three men aged 33 to 40 .
`` Among them is a doctor from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female patient after her arrival from abroad , '' he said .
Six infected residents of Kyiv are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors .
One patient was hospitalized to Kyiv 's Oleksandrivska Clinical Hospital and one to Kyiv Clinical Hospital No .
4 each .
`` Positive news is that two Kyiv residents who had COVID-19 have been recovered and discharged from Oleksandrivska Hospital , '' the mayor added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's Health Ministry reported 418 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nine deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already recovered .

The new cases are four women, three men and one 11-year-old girl.
Kyiv Mayor Klitschko has informed that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city has risen to 82.
"This morning, we've received eight more laboratory-confirmed cases from state-controlled Kyiv City Laboratory Center of Ukraine's Health Ministry," he said on Telegram on March 29.
Read alsoUkraine's confirmed coronavirus cases increase to 418 on March 29
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According to Klitschko, the new cases are four women aged 20 to 40, one 11-year-old girl, and three men aged 33 to 40.
"Among them is a doctor from a private clinic who examined an infected female patient after her arrival from abroad," he said.
Six infected residents of Kyiv are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors. One patient was hospitalized to Kyiv's Oleksandrivska Clinical Hospital and one to Kyiv Clinical Hospital No. 4 each.
"Positive news is that two Kyiv residents who had COVID-19 have been recovered and discharged from Oleksandrivska Hospital," the mayor added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Health Ministry reported 418 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nine deaths as of Sunday morning. Five patients have already recovered.


unian--2020-03-29--Reuters: Ukraine's DTEK seeks to restructure some debt due to coronavirus crisis

DTEK-Energo is developing proposals for the introduction of a 'standstill ' and debt restructuring .
Ukraine 's largest private power producer DTEK is suspending interest payings on loan participation notes and bank loans and will ask creditors to restructure some of its debt due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic , it said on Saturday .
`` In order to minimize the negative economic consequences , DTEK-Energo is taking emergency measures and suspending payment of a coupon on eurobonds and interest on bank debt , '' the company said in a statement , Reuters said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a 'standstill ' and debt restructuring regarding the issue of eurobonds and asks the holders of eurobonds and bank debt to support the company in this difficult decision , '' it added .
The company , owned by the country 's richest man , Rinat Akhmetov , did not clarify how much debt might be restructured .
The company was talking about loan participation notes maturing in 2024 , a coupon for which is due on April 1 .
As of March 29 , Ukraine reported 418 cases of coronavirus , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week declared an emergency across the whole country for the next 30 days .

DTEK-Energo is developing proposals for the introduction of a 'standstill' and debt restructuring.
Ukraine's largest private power producer DTEK is suspending interest payings on loan participation notes and bank loans and will ask creditors to restructure some of its debt due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, it said on Saturday.
"In order to minimize the negative economic consequences, DTEK-Energo is taking emergency measures and suspending payment of a coupon on eurobonds and interest on bank debt," the company said in a statement, Reuters said.
Read alsoAkhmetov's DTEK Skhidenergo halts payments for gas withdrawn for Luhansk TPP
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"DTEK-Energo is developing proposals for the introduction of a 'standstill' and debt restructuring regarding the issue of eurobonds and asks the holders of eurobonds and bank debt to support the company in this difficult decision," it added.
The company, owned by the country's richest man, Rinat Akhmetov, did not clarify how much debt might be restructured.
The company was talking about loan participation notes maturing in 2024, a coupon for which is due on April 1.
As of March 29, Ukraine reported 418 cases of coronavirus, including 9 deaths, and the government last week declared an emergency across the whole country for the next 30 days.


unian--2020-03-29--Escalation in Donbas: 15 attacks on Ukraine army, two wounded on March 28

The enemy used proscribed weapons , namely 120mm and 82mm mortars .
Donbas , eastern Ukraine , saw escalation on @ @ @ @ @ as Russia-led forces had mounted 15 attacks on Ukrainian positions as a result of which @ @ @ @ @ action .
The enemy used proscribed weapons , namely 120mm and 82mm mortars , as @ @ @ @ @ various systems , large-caliber machine guns , a sniper rifle , and small arms , @ @ @ @ @ Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on @ @ @ @ @ 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on March 29 , the enemy was observing the ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ reported in Ukrainian Army ranks over the period under review .
As UNIAN reported earlier @ @ @ @ @ recorded on Friday , March 27 .

The enemy used proscribed weapons, namely 120mm and 82mm mortars.
Donbas, eastern Ukraine, saw escalation on Saturday, March 28, as Russia-led forces had mounted 15 attacks on Ukrainian positions as a result of which two soldiers were wounded in action.
The enemy used proscribed weapons, namely 120mm and 82mm mortars, as well as grenade launchers of various systems, large-caliber machine guns, a sniper rifle, and small arms, the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on Sunday.
Read alsoDonbas war update: Russian invaders violate truce 12 times in past day
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Yet, from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on March 29, the enemy was observing the ceasefire.
No COVID-19 cases were reported in Ukrainian Army ranks over the period under review.
As UNIAN reported earlier, 12 enemy attacks were recorded on Friday, March 27.


unian--2020-03-29--Ukraine's confirmed coronavirus cases increase to 418 on March 29

It 's a rise from the 311 cases reported early on March 28 .
There are now 418 confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine , an increase from the 311 reported early on March 28 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ 29 , there were 418 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine , of which nine @ @ @ @ @ ( four adults and one child ) have recovered , '' the Ukrainian Health Ministry @ @ @ @ @ in an update on the morning of March 29 .
Read alsoNumber of deaths from @ @ @ @ @ There is no official information from Russia-occupied areas – the Crimean peninsula , parts of @ @ @ @ @ As UNIAN reported earlier , there were 311 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine as of @ @ @ @ @ grew to 356 as of Saturday evening .

It's a rise from the 311 cases reported early on March 28.
There are now 418 confirmed cases of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus in Ukraine, an increase from the 311 reported early on March 28.
"As of 10:00 on March 29, there were 418 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine, of which nine were fatal. Five patients (four adults and one child) have recovered," the Ukrainian Health Ministry's Public Health Center said in an update on the morning of March 29.
Read alsoNumber of deaths from novel coronavirus worldwide nearing 31,000
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There is no official information from Russia-occupied areas – the Crimean peninsula, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
As UNIAN reported earlier, there were 311 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine as of Saturday morning; this figure grew to 356 as of Saturday evening.


unian--2020-03-29--Number of deaths from novel coronavirus worldwide nearing 31,000

The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus originating from China 's Wuhan has risen to 30,852 people .
Italy 's death toll is now the highest , it has reported 10,023 deaths , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
As of the morning of March 29 , there were 665,164 total confirmed cases globally .
The United States topped the list , having reported 124,665 cases .
It was followed by Italy with 92,472 cases and China with 82,057 cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany was fourth with 57,695 cases .
There were 38,105 confirmed cases in France ; 35,408 in Iran ; 17,312 in the United Kingdom ; 14,076 in Switzerland ; 9,819 in the Netherlands ; 9,583 in South Korea ; 9,134 in Belgium ; 8,271 in Austria ; 7,402 in Turkey ; 5,655 in Canada ; 5,170 in Portugal ; 4,032 in Norway ; 3,935 in Australia ; 3,904 in Brazil ; 3,619 in Israel ; 3,447 in Sweden .
Some 140,225 people have already recovered .
The virus was registered in 177 countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late on Saturday , March 28 .
They include nine deaths and five recoveries .

Coronavirus cases were registered in 177 countries.
The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus originating from China's Wuhan has risen to 30,852 people.
Italy's death toll is now the highest, it has reported 10,023 deaths, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
Read alsoCoronavirus: Russia shutting down borders
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As of the morning of March 29, there were 665,164 total confirmed cases globally. The United States topped the list, having reported 124,665 cases. It was followed by Italy with 92,472 cases and China with 82,057 cases.
Spain ranked fifth with 73,235 cases and Germany was fourth with 57,695 cases.
There were 38,105 confirmed cases in France; 35,408 in Iran; 17,312 in the United Kingdom; 14,076 in Switzerland; 9,819 in the Netherlands; 9,583 in South Korea; 9,134 in Belgium; 8,271 in Austria; 7,402 in Turkey; 5,655 in Canada; 5,170 in Portugal; 4,032 in Norway; 3,935 in Australia; 3,904 in Brazil; 3,619 in Israel; 3,447 in Sweden.
Some 140,225 people have already recovered.
The virus was registered in 177 countries.
Ukraine reported 356 confirmed COVID-19 cases late on Saturday, March 28. They include nine deaths and five recoveries.


unian--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Russia shutting down borders

The rule has a number of exceptions , allowing certain categories to cross .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has ordered a halt to border crossings effective March 30 to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Mishustin ’ s order , published on the Russian government website , suspends all traffic through `` automobile , railway , pedestrian , river and mixed checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation , as well as through the land section of the Russian-Belarusian state border . ''
At the same time , several categories of persons are exempt from the crossing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as truck drivers and locomotive brigades operating international routes .
Read alsoPsy-ops and disinformation campaign in Italy amid crisis Persons traveling to attend a funeral of close relatives will also be allowed to cross .
The order also says that the restrictions do not apply to `` citizens of the Russian Federation permanently residing in the territories of certain regions of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine if they are holders of a Russian passport . ''
According to the latest official data , 1,264 coronavirus cases were reported in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The rule has a number of exceptions, allowing certain categories to cross.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has ordered a halt to border crossings effective March 30 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Mishustin’s order, published on the Russian government website, suspends all traffic through "automobile, railway, pedestrian, river and mixed checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation, as well as through the land section of the Russian-Belarusian state border."
At the same time, several categories of persons are exempt from the crossing ban, including diplomats, as well as truck drivers and locomotive brigades operating international routes.
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Read alsoPsy-ops and disinformation campaign in Italy amid crisis
Persons traveling to attend a funeral of close relatives will also be allowed to cross.
The order also says that the restrictions do not apply to "citizens of the Russian Federation permanently residing in the territories of certain regions of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine if they are holders of a Russian passport."
According to the latest official data, 1,264 coronavirus cases were reported in Russia, including seven lethal ones and 49 recoveries.


unian--2020-03-28--UEFA chief says time running out to save current football season

Ceferin hopes to `` start again in mid-May , in June or even late June '' .
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin says he is hopeful Europe 's football leagues can still finish their seasons , but only if the coronavirus pandemic subsides .
European football 's governing body earlier this month agreed to postpone its European Championship to 2021 to give domestic leagues , as well as UEFA 's own competitions – the Champions League and Europa League – enough time to fulfill 2019/20 fixtures , The National reports .
But with the number of coronavirus cases of worldwide fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as severe travel restrictions and social distancing measures in place , playing football matches is the least pressing of priorities .
With no leagues committing to a return date as yet , Ceferin admits time is running out to complete the campaign .
`` We could start again in mid-May , in June or even late June , '' Ceferin told Italy 's La Repubblica daily .
Any time after that and `` the season will probably be lost , '' he said .
Ceferin did not say when UEFA will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultations with the main leagues and clubs were still underway .
`` There is also a proposal to end this season at the beginning of the next one and then start the next one a little later , '' he added .
Belarus remains the only European nation still playing football in the face of a pandemic .
Italy suspended its Serie A season on March 9 , a move that critics say came too late to stem the spread of the virus .

Ceferin hopes to "start again in mid-May, in June or even late June".
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin says he is hopeful Europe's football leagues can still finish their seasons, but only if the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
European football's governing body earlier this month agreed to postpone its European Championship to 2021 to give domestic leagues, as well as UEFA's own competitions – the Champions League and Europa League – enough time to fulfill 2019/20 fixtures, The National reports.
But with the number of coronavirus cases of worldwide fast approaching 600,000 with almost 28,000 deaths, as well as severe travel restrictions and social distancing measures in place, playing football matches is the least pressing of priorities.
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Read alsoEuro 2020 postponed until 2021, says Norwegian FA
With no leagues committing to a return date as yet, Ceferin admits time is running out to complete the campaign. "We could start again in mid-May, in June or even late June," Ceferin told Italy's La Repubblica daily.
Any time after that and "the season will probably be lost," he said.
Ceferin did not say when UEFA will issue a final ruling and stressed that consultations with the main leagues and clubs were still underway.
"There is also a proposal to end this season at the beginning of the next one and then start the next one a little later," he added.
Belarus remains the only European nation still playing football in the face of a pandemic.
Italy suspended its Serie A season on March 9, a move that critics say came too late to stem the spread of the virus.


unian--2020-03-28--Two Ukrainian troops wounded in action in Donbas warzone

One of them is now in serious condition .
Two Ukrainian military servicemen were wounded in the Donbas warzone on @ @ @ @ @ Operation HQ reported on Facebook .
`` Russian occupation forces once again violated the truce @ @ @ @ @ positions of the Joint Forces .
Near the village of Shumy , the enemy employed @ @ @ @ @ result of the attack , one Ukrainian defender sustained a gunshot wound .
The soldier @ @ @ @ @ '' the statement said .
Outside the village of Khutir Vilniy , a Ukrainian soldier @ @ @ @ @ .
Doctors say his condition is of moderate severity .
Both wounded troops were promptly @ @ @ @ @ to medical facilities .
`` Such criminal actions by the enemy did not go unpunished @ @ @ @ @ the Joint Forces delivered an adequate response to Russia 's armed groups .
Enemy losses @ @ @ @ @ the Command said .

One of them is now in serious condition.
Two Ukrainian military servicemen were wounded in the Donbas warzone on Saturday, the Joint Forces Operation HQ reported on Facebook.
"Russian occupation forces once again violated the truce and opened fire on the positions of the Joint Forces. Near the village of Shumy, the enemy employed small arms. As a result of the attack, one Ukrainian defender sustained a gunshot wound. The soldier is in grave condition," the statement said.
Outside the village of Khutir Vilniy, a Ukrainian soldier was wounded by a sniper. Doctors say his condition is of moderate severity.
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Read alsoInvaders in Donbas plotting provocation at crossing checkpoint – Ukraine defense officials
Both wounded troops were promptly provided first aid and evacuated to medical facilities.
"Such criminal actions by the enemy did not go unpunished. Employing firepower available, the Joint Forces delivered an adequate response to Russia's armed groups. Enemy losses are being verified," the Command said.


unian--2020-03-31--Ukraine's parliament passes bill to launch farmland market from July 2021

The document was backed by 259 MPs .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , has passed a bill on agricultural land , which is launching the farmland market in the country from July 1 , 2021 .
As many as 259 lawmakers voted for the adoption of the bill in the second reading and as a whole , with the required minimum being 226 votes .
As indicated in the comparative table prepared for the second reading of the bill , only individuals from Ukraine can acquire ownership of plots of agricultural land from July 1 , 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own more than 100 hectares .
From January 1 , 2024 , legal entities which are registered in Ukraine and whose stakeholders are citizens of Ukraine will be allowed to buy up to 10,000 ha of farmland .
Farmland will not be sold to foreigners , legal entities with foreign shareholders and legal entities whose beneficiaries can not be identified or whose beneficiaries are registered in offshore zones , as well as to persons under special economic and other sanctions .
What is more , the newly passed document outlaws the sale of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for agricultural land shall be handled in non-cash form .
Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers was given six months from the date of the publication of the law to develop and formalize the procedure for financial support for citizens and legal entities ( including farms ) in buying agricultural land .
The Cabinet shall also amend the national budget to set up the Rural Development Fund .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Verkhovna Rada on November 13 , 2019 , adopted a draft law in the first reading to amend certain legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( No .
2178-10 ) .

Ukraine's parliament passes bill to launch farmland market from July 2021
00:58, 31.03.20 17662 Updated
The document was backed by 259 MPs.
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unian--2020-03-30--Ukraine's Rada passes anti-crisis bill amid coronavirus spread

The draft law was backed by 312 MPs with at least 226 votes required .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , has passed bill No .
3275 to provide additional social and economic guarantees over the spread of the novel coronavirus , which , in particular , bans banks from increasing interest rates on loans for the quarantine period imposed by the government as part of measures to counter the spread of COVID-19 .
The draft law was backed by 312 MPs with at least 226 votes required , an UNIAN correspondent reported on March 30 .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 13 deaths , eight recoveries as of Monday evening '' During the implementation in Ukraine of measures to prevent the outbreak and spread of epidemics and pandemics , in particular , coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) , an increase in the interest rate under a loan agreement is not allowed , '' says the bill amending the law on banks and banking activities .
The bill also provides for the extension until June 30 of a ban on conducting scheduled state inspections in the field of economic activities by state inspection agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The document also envisages temporary exemption from penalties for late payments of single social security tax , as well as for its incomplete payment or for delayed reports to the tax authorities , for the period until May 31 .
`` During the periods of March 1-31 , April 1-30 and May 1-31 , 2020 , payers of the single [ social security ] tax are not charged a penalty , while accrued penalties for such periods are subject to writing off , '' the document says .
The bill also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with regard to the correctness of accrual and payment of the single social security tax for the period from March 18 to May 31 , 2020 , as well as the suspension until May 31 of deadlines for considering claims by payers of single social security taxes .
In addition , this document provides for amendments to the Labor Code , according to which , by agreement between an employee and an owner of an enterprise , institution , organization or the body authorized by the latter , a flexible working schedule for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period may be developed for workers , both when hiring them and afterwards .
At the same time , it stipulates that a downtime through no fault of an employee for the quarantine period is paid at a rate of at least two-thirds of the pay rate , while relief for partial unemployment is calculated per hour by which the employee 's working hours were reduced , at a rate of two-thirds of the pay rate ( salary ) .
As UNIAN reported earlier , bill No .
3275 to amend some legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic guarantees over the spread of the coronavirus was registered in the Verkhovna Rada on March 29 .
The Cabinet of Ministers last week decided to extend until April 24 the quarantine introduced in Ukraine over the spread of COVID-19 .
The European Business Association ( EBA ) says almost half of Ukrainian companies have already recorded between 20 % and 50 % of revenue losses because of the quarantine measures taken by the government to combat the spread of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus .

Ukraine's Rada passes anti-crisis bill amid coronavirus spread
23:55, 30.03.20 15585
The draft law was backed by 312 MPs with at least 226 votes required.
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unian--2020-03-31--Two MPs block signing of Ukrainian farmland market bill

They have used their procedural rights to file corresponding resolutions which must be considered by Parliament before the voted bill is sent to president for signing .
Two Ukrainian legislators have blocked the signing of the law lifting the long-standing ban on farmland sales , which was voted overnight Tuesday in a bid to unblock IMF funding .
The MPs have used their procedural rights to file corresponding resolutions which must be considered by Parliament before the voted bill is sent to president for signing .
One draft resolution ( No .
2178-10-P ) calling for canceling the Rada vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
2178-10 of October 10 , 2019 ) '' is MP Anton Polyakov ( independent ) .
In an explanatory note to his draft resolution , he notes that during the adoption of the bill on the farmland market `` there were violations of a number of requirements of the Constitution of Ukraine and the Rules of Procedure of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the procedure for adoption of laws by Parliament . ''
The text of her draft resolution has not yet been made public .
If such resolutions are registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign and submit the bill to president until the drafts have been considered and rejected at a parliament meeting .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Verkhovna Rada passed a bill on farmland turnover , which is launching the farmland market in the country from July 1 , 2021 .

They have used their procedural rights to file corresponding resolutions which must be considered by Parliament before the voted bill is sent to president for signing.
Two Ukrainian legislators have blocked the signing of the law lifting the long-standing ban on farmland sales, which was voted overnight Tuesday in a bid to unblock IMF funding.
The MPs have used their procedural rights to file corresponding resolutions which must be considered by Parliament before the voted bill is sent to president for signing.
One draft resolution (No. 2178-10-P) calling for canceling the Rada vote on the farmland turnover bill (No. 2178-10 of October 10, 2019)" is MP Anton Polyakov (independent).
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Read alsoFarmland market launched in Ukraine: main facts
In an explanatory note to his draft resolution, he notes that during the adoption of the bill on the farmland market "there were violations of a number of requirements of the Constitution of Ukraine and the Rules of Procedure of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the procedure for adoption of laws by Parliament."
MP Oksana Savchuk (independent) authored a similar draft resolution No. 2178-10-P1.
The text of her draft resolution has not yet been made public.
If such resolutions are registered in Parliament, its chairman shall not sign and submit the bill to president until the drafts have been considered and rejected at a parliament meeting.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada passed a bill on farmland turnover, which is launching the farmland market in the country from July 1, 2021.


unian--2020-03-31--Bakhmatyuk's firm allocates funds for anti-coronavirus efforts in Kherson region

YUTS-Agroproduct LLC , which is part Ukraine 's largest agricultural producers UkrLandFarming Agro Holding owned by Oleg Bakhmatyuk , has allocated UAH 200,000 ( US $ 7,128 ) for the support of local medical facilities in their fight against coronavirus in Ukraine 's Kherson region .
Thus , not only local authorities in Kherson region 's Beryslav region , where the enterprise is located , but also businesses are allocating funds for urgent measures to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 ( SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus ) , the news outlet Ukrainski Novyny ( Ukrainian News ) wrote on March 31 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( New Day ) .
The funds will be used for urgent purchases of consumables for diagnosing acute viral diseases , equipment , personal protection gear , patients ' transportation , ongoing maintenance of the oxygen system at the central district hospital for infectious diseases , etc .
`` We 've received financial assistance from philanthropists .
YUTS-Agroproduct LLC provided UAH 200,000 , while Ihor Kolykhaev 's charity fund allocated UAH 150,000 [ US $ 5,346 ] .
We are very grateful to them , and we hope that other entrepreneurs will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this difficult time , '' CEO of Beryslav Central District Hospital Severian Kardava said .
UkrLandFarming enterprises provide such assistance to local hospitals in many Ukrainian regions , the holding 's press service said .
Medical facilities address the agricultural holding 's companies asking for help in acquiring specialized laboratory testing equipment , disinfectants , lung ventilators , ultrasonic inhalers , personal protective gear for medical staff , and consumables .

YUTS-Agroproduct LLC, which is part Ukraine's largest agricultural producers UkrLandFarming Agro Holding owned by Oleg Bakhmatyuk, has allocated UAH 200,000 (US$7,128) for the support of local medical facilities in their fight against coronavirus in Ukraine's Kherson region.
Thus, not only local authorities in Kherson region's Beryslav region, where the enterprise is located, but also businesses are allocating funds for urgent measures to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus), the news outlet Ukrainski Novyny (Ukrainian News) wrote on March 31, referring to the local magazine Novyi Den (New Day).
The funds will be used for urgent purchases of consumables for diagnosing acute viral diseases, equipment, personal protection gear, patients' transportation, ongoing maintenance of the oxygen system at the central district hospital for infectious diseases, etc.
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Read alsoBakhmatyuk's firm acquires lab equipment for Hadiach hospital
"We've received financial assistance from philanthropists. YUTS-Agroproduct LLC provided UAH 200,000, while Ihor Kolykhaev's charity fund allocated UAH 150,000 [US$5,346]. We are very grateful to them, and we hope that other entrepreneurs will also 'catch up' and support us in this difficult time," CEO of Beryslav Central District Hospital Severian Kardava said.
UkrLandFarming enterprises provide such assistance to local hospitals in many Ukrainian regions, the holding's press service said. Medical facilities address the agricultural holding's companies asking for help in acquiring specialized laboratory testing equipment, disinfectants, lung ventilators, ultrasonic inhalers, personal protective gear for medical staff, and consumables.


unian--2020-03-31--Ukraine's new health minister outlines priorities in office

Stepanov has been formally introduced to the ministry 's staff .
Newly appointed Ukraine 's Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has called the fight against coronavirus and the completion of health care reform his major priorities .
`` There is a lot of work ahead .
The first priority is our fight against coronavirus .
I would n't go blaming anyone for anything , but we have a certain loss of time in terms of preparing for a pandemic .
We can no longer afford to waste time .
Therefore , it is imperative that we establish communication with local health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ministry 's staff for the first time on Tuesday , as reported by the ministry 's press service .
`` The second priority is health care reform .
I believe it 's quite possible to make changes in such a way that both patients and doctors of all levels are satisfied with the reform , '' he said .
The press service also informed former Health Minister Illia Yemets had briefed his successor about the latest developments in the ministry 's work , while Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleh Nemchynov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff .

Stepanov has been formally introduced to the ministry's staff.
Newly appointed Ukraine's Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has called the fight against coronavirus and the completion of health care reform his major priorities.
"There is a lot of work ahead. The first priority is our fight against coronavirus. I wouldn't go blaming anyone for anything, but we have a certain loss of time in terms of preparing for a pandemic. We can no longer afford to waste time. Therefore, it is imperative that we establish communication with local health facilities," Stepanov said, addressing the ministry's staff for the first time on Tuesday, as reported by the ministry's press service.
Read alsoUkraine's parliament appoints Stepanov health minister at second attempt
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"The second priority is health care reform. I believe it's quite possible to make changes in such a way that both patients and doctors of all levels are satisfied with the reform," he said.
The press service also informed former Health Minister Illia Yemets had briefed his successor about the latest developments in the ministry's work, while Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleh Nemchynov officially introduced Stepanov to the ministry's staff.


unian--2020-03-31--Hunger Games: is Ukraine facing a food crisis

The coronavirus epidemic and strict quarantine imposed by the authorities , which will last at least until the end of April , have become a serious test for Ukraine and its citizens .
Many were left without work or were forced to go on vacation at their own expense , and someone may not have enough savings even to buy food until the end of forced isolation .
Street food markets have been closed in the country , but grocery stores and supermarkets continue to operate , having received carte blanche to dictate their pricing policy to buyers deprived of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skyrocket since early March .
The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine recorded a rise in prices in the regions of the country : for buckwheat – by more than half , millet – by a quarter , and sugar – by 16 % .
Vegetables also rose significantly in retail chains : almost 60 % for potatoes , while onions and carrots doubled .
The national network of social supermarkets ATB raised the prices of cereals and the so-called `` borsch set vegetables '' , attributing the increase to higher prices set by suppliers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant increase in production costs associated with quarantine measures and strict restrictions , as well as a change in prices for all imported components of the cost of goods , which is associated with the devaluation of the hryvnia , '' said Boris Markov , Director General of ATB .
The closure of street markets created problems for suppliers and farmers who had never worked with large retail chains , and also caused a shortage of some fruit and vegetables , which supermarkets do not specialize in .
However , on the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are sufficient stocks of lemons and garlic in Ukraine : they simply have nowhere to sell them , because in our country the majority of vegetables and fruit are sold in street markets , while in Italy , which suffered most from coronavirus , it 's about 10 % .
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced tough measures to prevent price hikes for food and essentials , but so far there has been no reduction .
`` My average food bill for a couple of days increased by about fifty hryvnias , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products – a five-liter bottle of water , bread , milk , and especially fruit , '' says Olena , a Poltava resident .
The cataclysm made many fellow citizens focus on basic needs , with food being one of the most important ones among them .
Many began to ask questions : will there be famine and will farmers be able to feed the country and not lose their status of a major world food exporter and one of the main suppliers of hard currency to Ukraine ?
Thanks to the warm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began quite early in mid-March , but at the very height of spring field works , the government declared an emergency throughout the country , as well as introduced and then extended quarantine restrictions until late April .
The main task for agricultural holdings and farms was to organize work in the new crisis conditions .
It is necessary to simultaneously solve seemingly incomparable tasks : to minimize social contacts and , at the same time , to ensure the implementation of a whole range of activities related to the sowing campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the working rhythm , people they contacted will have to be sent to self-isolation .
And here is the question : who should replace them ?
After all , agricultural technology is becoming complex , people need to be trained for a certain period , '' said Alex Lissitsa , President of the Ukrainian Club of Agricultural Business Association .
Unexpected help could come from the side of the thousands of Ukrainians who had been working abroad and were now forced to return to their Homeland .
Most of them will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in European countries in the coming months .
Therefore , they will be able to fill workforce gaps during the sowing season , but many might need express training .
Another challenge for national agricultural producers is the significant import dependence of our sowing campaigns .
Ukraine buys the lion 's share of seeds , fertilizers and plant protection products abroad , and due to logistical difficulties and another fall in the hryvnia , these products will now cost much more than last year .
As UNIAN was told in the State Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection , the security of agricultural enterprises in the North-West District is at about 70 % of the need .
`` This level of security is sufficient to implement a set of measures to protect crops in the early spring of 2020 , '' the State Food and Beverage Service said .
However , the agency did not specify , what will happen in a longer perspective .
So far , according to market participants , quarantine introduced in mid-March has not greatly affected the course of spring field works .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – both global and regional ones .
Against this background , the sowing campaign started quite well in all regions of Ukraine .
The negative impact of quarantine on agribusinesses ' costs remains minimal , '' said Serhiy Feofilov , Director General of UkrAgroConsult .
According to the government ’ s decree , enterprises critical to food security must continue smooth operations during the quarantine period .
The Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture is now discussing with relevant associations instructions for livestock complexes and processing enterprises on how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
`` We are developing the idea of temporarily introducing a round-the-clock biosafety regime at such facilities and other recommendations to enable us to work , because animal feeding must be a continued process , as well as food production , '' said Deputy Minister Taras Vysotskiy .
While officials and experts are thinking about the rules of working in the new conditions , many companies have stocked up on antiseptics and have implemented their own safety rules at work .
For example , the largest poultry producer in Ukraine , Myronivsky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does constant temperature screening and does not allow employees with any respiratory illness to work places , also sending those who returned from foreign business or private trips in self-isolation .
Also , most manufacturers of bread and flour products started producing exclusively packaged products ; supermarkets are now doing the same with their own baked goods .
And , perhaps , this tradition will gain a foothold in trade for a long time and prevent many viruses of getting into food products even after the pandemic is over .
Do n't panic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
According to the Customs Service , there are no reasons for any food-related panic and hoarding of food products .
In the first half of March alone , Ukraine increased food imports by a third to almost 160,000 tonnes .
Stats show there are large stocks of fruit , vegetables , and grains in warehouses across the country .
But the demand for agricultural products does n't cease beyond Ukraine 's borders , stimulating a rise in prices on the national market , too .
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of coronavirus threatens to reduce global food production and subsequent price hikes .
Moreover , the problem wo n't be about agricultural producers making less food , but rather about logistics as this food may not reach all categories of consumers in all countries .
`` Already from April-May , disruptions in food supplies may start .
Prices for meat , fruit , and vegetables may rise sharply .
While at the onset of the epidemic there was a panic-driven hike in demand , after a fall in incomes , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a lower output , '' the FAO report said .
So far , the Ukrainian government is not going to limit exports of grain crops , sunflower oil , poultry , and other agriproduce , remaining among global leaders in such exports .
After all , the consequences of such restrictions would be disastrous for businesses and block an important channel for the hard currency inflows .
Meanwhile , bakers and flour makers are warning that bread prices for Ukrainians may rise 20 % in the near future due to rising world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already exported almost 18 million tonnes of wheat of the 28 million tonnes of the 2019 crop .
And here the choice remains with the producers : to supply the domestic market or opt for a more profitable way of selling grain for hard currency despite the fact that the dollar has jumped to UAH 28 .
Perhaps , in these conditions , many Ukrainians thought about dealing with their families ' food security on their own : to plant vegetables and herbs in their gardens this April and May .
Experts are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite all difficulties , is in a better position even compared to many other sectors , being able to feed the country and millions around the world – if the situation is favorable .
`` In a situation of uncertainty , it 's difficult to predict .
But the basic values , even if we have the worst situation since WW2 , will remain unchanged – food is needed daily , unlike almost anything else , '' says FAO economist Andriy Yarmak .
Realizing this , Ukraine , like many other countries suffering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of key resources , primarily food .
But another question is whether there will be anyone left to feed after the infection spread subsides , given the poor health care system and rising unemployment .

The coronavirus pandemic posed a difficult task for the country's food system: to provide Ukrainians with essentials amid quarantine and austerity. UNIAN learned whether the agricultural sector will have a sufficient safety cushion to pass this test, and how much food prices will rise.
The coronavirus epidemic and strict quarantine imposed by the authorities, which will last at least until the end of April, have become a serious test for Ukraine and its citizens. Many were left without work or were forced to go on vacation at their own expense, and someone may not have enough savings even to buy food until the end of forced isolation.
Street food markets have been closed in the country, but grocery stores and supermarkets continue to operate, having received carte blanche to dictate their pricing policy to buyers deprived of choice.
Basic foodstuffs have begun to skyrocket since early March. The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine recorded a rise in prices in the regions of the country: for buckwheat – by more than half, millet – by a quarter, and sugar – by 16%. Vegetables also rose significantly in retail chains: almost 60% for potatoes, while onions and carrots doubled.
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The national network of social supermarkets ATB raised the prices of cereals and the so-called "borsch set vegetables", attributing the increase to higher prices set by suppliers.
"This is due to a significant increase in production costs associated with quarantine measures and strict restrictions, as well as a change in prices for all imported components of the cost of goods, which is associated with the devaluation of the hryvnia," said Boris Markov, Director General of ATB.
The closure of street markets created problems for suppliers and farmers who had never worked with large retail chains, and also caused a shortage of some fruit and vegetables, which supermarkets do not specialize in.
However, on the other hand, according to retailers, there are sufficient stocks of lemons and garlic in Ukraine: they simply have nowhere to sell them, because in our country the majority of vegetables and fruit are sold in street markets, while in Italy, which suffered most from coronavirus, it's about 10%.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced tough measures to prevent price hikes for food and essentials, but so far there has been no reduction.
"My average food bill for a couple of days increased by about fifty hryvnias, and this is only for the most necessary products – a five-liter bottle of water, bread, milk, and especially fruit," says Olena, a Poltava resident.
Sowing campaign amid force majeure
The cataclysm made many fellow citizens focus on basic needs, with food being one of the most important ones among them. Many began to ask questions: will there be famine and will farmers be able to feed the country and not lose their status of a major world food exporter and one of the main suppliers of hard currency to Ukraine?
Thanks to the warm winter, the sowing campaign this year began quite early in mid-March, but at the very height of spring field works, the government declared an emergency throughout the country, as well as introduced and then extended quarantine restrictions until late April.
The main task for agricultural holdings and farms was to organize work in the new crisis conditions. It is necessary to simultaneously solve seemingly incomparable tasks: to minimize social contacts and, at the same time, to ensure the implementation of a whole range of activities related to the sowing campaign.
"If one of the employees falls out of the working rhythm, people they contacted will have to be sent to self-isolation. And here is the question: who should replace them? After all, agricultural technology is becoming complex, people need to be trained for a certain period," said Alex Lissitsa, President of the Ukrainian Club of Agricultural Business Association.
Unexpected help could come from the side of the thousands of Ukrainians who had been working abroad and were now forced to return to their Homeland. Most of them will hardly again leave for seasonal field work in European countries in the coming months. Therefore, they will be able to fill workforce gaps during the sowing season, but many might need express training.
Another challenge for national agricultural producers is the significant import dependence of our sowing campaigns. Ukraine buys the lion's share of seeds, fertilizers and plant protection products abroad, and due to logistical difficulties and another fall in the hryvnia, these products will now cost much more than last year.
As UNIAN was told in the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the security of agricultural enterprises in the North-West District is at about 70% of the need.
"This level of security is sufficient to implement a set of measures to protect crops in the early spring of 2020," the State Food and Beverage Service said.
However, the agency did not specify, what will happen in a longer perspective.
So far, according to market participants, quarantine introduced in mid-March has not greatly affected the course of spring field works.
"The uncertainty factor still prevails in all markets – both global and regional ones. Against this background, the sowing campaign started quite well in all regions of Ukraine. The negative impact of quarantine on agribusinesses' costs remains minimal," said Serhiy Feofilov, Director General of UkrAgroConsult.
Food security
According to the government’s decree, enterprises critical to food security must continue smooth operations during the quarantine period.
The Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture is now discussing with relevant associations instructions for livestock complexes and processing enterprises on how to act in case employees are infected with coronavirus.
"We are developing the idea of temporarily introducing a round-the-clock biosafety regime at such facilities and other recommendations to enable us to work, because animal feeding must be a continued process, as well as food production," said Deputy Minister Taras Vysotskiy.
While officials and experts are thinking about the rules of working in the new conditions, many companies have stocked up on antiseptics and have implemented their own safety rules at work.
For example, the largest poultry producer in Ukraine, Myronivsky Khliboproduct (MHP) agricultural holding, does constant temperature screening and does not allow employees with any respiratory illness to work places, also sending those who returned from foreign business or private trips in self-isolation.
Also, most manufacturers of bread and flour products started producing exclusively packaged products; supermarkets are now doing the same with their own baked goods.
And, perhaps, this tradition will gain a foothold in trade for a long time and prevent many viruses of getting into food products even after the pandemic is over.
Don't panic! There's enough food for everyone!
According to the Customs Service, there are no reasons for any food-related panic and hoarding of food products. In the first half of March alone, Ukraine increased food imports by a third to almost 160,000 tonnes.
Stats show there are large stocks of fruit, vegetables, and grains in warehouses across the country.
But the demand for agricultural products doesn't cease beyond Ukraine's borders, stimulating a rise in prices on the national market, too.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) believes that the spread of coronavirus threatens to reduce global food production and subsequent price hikes.
Moreover, the problem won't be about agricultural producers making less food, but rather about logistics as this food may not reach all categories of consumers in all countries.
"Already from April-May, disruptions in food supplies may start. Prices for meat, fruit, and vegetables may rise sharply. While at the onset of the epidemic there was a panic-driven hike in demand, after a fall in incomes, it will gradually decline, which will lead to a lower output," the FAO report said.
So far, the Ukrainian government is not going to limit exports of grain crops, sunflower oil, poultry, and other agriproduce, remaining among global leaders in such exports. After all, the consequences of such restrictions would be disastrous for businesses and block an important channel for the hard currency inflows.
Meanwhile, bakers and flour makers are warning that bread prices for Ukrainians may rise 20% in the near future due to rising world wheat prices. Note that Ukraine has already exported almost 18 million tonnes of wheat of the 28 million tonnes of the 2019 crop.
And here the choice remains with the producers: to supply the domestic market or opt for a more profitable way of selling grain for hard currency despite the fact that the dollar has jumped to UAH 28.
Perhaps, in these conditions, many Ukrainians thought about dealing with their families' food security on their own: to plant vegetables and herbs in their gardens this April and May.
Experts are convinced that the agricultural sector now, despite all difficulties, is in a better position even compared to many other sectors, being able to feed the country and millions around the world – if the situation is favorable.
"In a situation of uncertainty, it's difficult to predict. But the basic values, even if we have the worst situation since WW2, will remain unchanged – food is needed daily, unlike almost anything else," says FAO economist Andriy Yarmak.
Realizing this, Ukraine, like many other countries suffering from a pandemic, doesn't stop production of key resources, primarily food.
But another question is whether there will be anyone left to feed after the infection spread subsides, given the poor health care system and rising unemployment.
Anna Nagorna


unian--2020-03-31--Ukraine's Health Ministry "doing its best" to flatten COVID-19 curve

Quarantine measures have been introduced in advance , which allows stretching the number of coronavirus cases in time .
Ukraine 's Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said the Ministry of Health of Ukraine is doing everything possible to ensure flattening of the COVID-19 spread curve .
Answering a question at a Tuesday briefing regarding the peak incidence period expected in Ukraine , he said : `` We do n't want a peak in Ukraine .
We are doing everything possible so that there is no peak load on the healthcare system , '' according to an UNIAN correspondent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been introduced in advance to this end , which allows stretching the number of coronavirus cases in time .
Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine rises to 549 by Tuesday morning '' We have certain forecasts when exactly we can expect a peak , but we are doing everything possible so that this peak or this load on the healthcare system never takes place , and so that we , like Japan , pass it with single cases that our healthcare system will calmly cope with , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine had risen to 549 by Tuesday morning .

Quarantine measures have been introduced in advance, which allows stretching the number of coronavirus cases in time.
Ukraine's Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said the Ministry of Health of Ukraine is doing everything possible to ensure flattening of the COVID-19 spread curve.
Answering a question at a Tuesday briefing regarding the peak incidence period expected in Ukraine, he said: "We don't want a peak in Ukraine. We are doing everything possible so that there is no peak load on the healthcare system," according to an UNIAN correspondent.
According to Liashko, quarantine measures have been introduced in advance to this end, which allows stretching the number of coronavirus cases in time.
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Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine rises to 549 by Tuesday morning
"We have certain forecasts when exactly we can expect a peak, but we are doing everything possible so that this peak or this load on the healthcare system never takes place, and so that we, like Japan, pass it with single cases that our healthcare system will calmly cope with," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine had risen to 549 by Tuesday morning.


unian--2020-03-31--Cabinet develops scenarios for pulling Ukrainian economy out of tough quarantine

The government realizes that Ukrainians and businesses are unable to live off savings for too long .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said the Cabinet of Ministers has developed several scenarios for getting the economy out of a strict coronavirus quarantine .
`` We have developed and are now elaborating several scenarios .
For example , a Chinese scenario envisages short-term , but severe restrictions .
There is also a softer scenario , but with a really strict adherence to sanitary and hygienic requirements , that is , face masks , social distancing , etc .
All these scenarios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that within a few days we will see and talk about how we will be moving further , '' he told a Ukrainian TV channel , as reported by an UNIAN correspondent on March 31 .
Read alsoPM on quarantine measures : Ukraine ca n't stay idle for six months According to the prime minister , the government realizes that Ukrainians and businesses are unable to live off of savings for too long .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Cabinet of Ministers decided to extend quarantine set in Ukraine on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the spread of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus until April 24 .

Cabinet develops scenarios for pulling Ukrainian economy out of tough quarantine
13:40, 31.03.20 1979
The government realizes that Ukrainians and businesses are unable to live off savings for too long.
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unian--2020-03-31--Ukraine plans to support industry through government orders, access to cheap loans

Petrashko said the uniqueness of the current economic crisis is that it is industrial , not financial .
Ukraine 's Minister of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko has said the ministry intends to support domestic industrial producers through government orders and access to cheap loans .
`` First of all , we are already working on how to attract state resources , which are now going through public procurement , through budget redistribution , to stimulate production in Ukraine by offering orders to Ukrainian or foreign companies with production capacities in Ukraine , '' he told a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel show on Ukraine 's ICTV channel .
`` As step 2 , we will try to make credit access programs , but not only for small and medium-sized businesses , but for all enterprises , '' the minister added .
At the same time , Petrashko said the current economic crisis is unique as it is industrial , not financial , in its nature .
`` We see that supply chains are breaking down , we see restrictions on people 's movement , restriction on goods shipments , which does n't contribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As UNIAN reported earlier , industrial output in Ukraine in 2019 dropped 1.8 % after an increase of 1.1 % in 2018 .

Ukraine plans to support industry through government orders, access to cheap loans
13:20, 31.03.20 3398
Petrashko said the uniqueness of the current economic crisis is that it is industrial, not financial.
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unian--2020-03-31--No coronavirus cases recorded in Ukraine's Armed Forces

A total of 151 people are on isolation ( including self-isolation ) .
No coronavirus cases have been recorded in @ @ @ @ @ ( AFU ) .
`` As of 07:00 on March 31 , no cases of @ @ @ @ @ by the COVID-19 coronavirus have been registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine , '' @ @ @ @ @ service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine .
Isolation expires @ @ @ @ @ for 86 military .
The Army 's Medical Force Command has ordered that the troops @ @ @ @ @ quarantine and personal hygiene .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in @ @ @ @ @ by Tuesday morning .

A total of 151 people are on isolation (including self-isolation).
No coronavirus cases have been recorded in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
"As of 07:00 on March 31, no cases of an acute respiratory illness caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus have been registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine," as reported by the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
A total of 151 people remain in isolation (including self-isolation).
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Read alsoCrimea residents banned from entering mainland Ukraine over coronavirus
Isolation expires in the next four days for 86 military.
The Army's Medical Force Command has ordered that the troops comply with the rules of quarantine and personal hygiene.
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine had risen to 549 by Tuesday morning.