unian--2020-11-21--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 57.5 mln

The overall death toll is 1,372,274 people , while 36,875,655 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 57.5 million patients as of November 21 .
As many as 57,573,392 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:25 on November 21 , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
Read alsoPutin seen to be struggling to speak over coughing fit during COVID-19 speech ( Video ) The overall death toll is 1,372,274 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered .
The highest death toll was recorded in the United States ( 254,424 people ) , Brazil ( 168,613 ) , India ( 132,726 ) , Mexico ( 100,823 ) , the United Kingdom ( 54,381 ) , Italy ( 48,569 ) , and France ( 48,341 ) .
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States ( 11,913,944 confirmed cases ) , India ( 9,050,597 ) , Brazil ( 6,020,164 ) , France ( 2,160,343 ) , Russia ( 2,023,025 ) , Spain ( 1,556,730 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As many as 191 countries have been affected by the virus .
• Over 16,900 COVID-19 cases , 334 fatalities reported in occupied Crimea since start of epidemic • Analysts forecast from 17,000 to 33,000 COVID-19 deaths in Ukraine by year-end • Ukraine could be put on full lockdown once daily COVID-19 cases reach 30,000

The overall death toll is 1,372,274 people, while 36,875,655 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 57.5 million patients as of November 21.
As many as 57,573,392 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:25 on November 21, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
Read alsoPutin seen to be struggling to speak over coughing fit during COVID-19 speech (Video)The overall death toll is 1,372,274 people, while 36,875,655 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
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The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (254,424 people), Brazil (168,613), India (132,726), Mexico (100,823), the United Kingdom (54,381), Italy (48,569), and France (48,341).
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (11,913,944 confirmed cases), India (9,050,597), Brazil (6,020,164), France (2,160,343), Russia (2,023,025), Spain (1,556,730), and the United Kingdom (1,477,214).
As many as 191 countries have been affected by the virus.
More news reports


unian--2020-11-21--Biden decides on pick for secretary of State – media

Tony Blinken , a veteran diplomat and longtime Biden ally , has been considered a front-runner for the post .
Joe Biden has decided on his pick for secretary of State as the president-elect works to put together a team that can be confirmed by a possibly GOP-controlled Senate .
A source familiar with the process confirmed to The Hill that Biden has made up his mind for who he wants to serve as the nation 's top diplomat and that an announcement is expected within the next week .
It was not immediately clear who Biden 's nominee would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official confirmed to The Hill that Tony Blinken , a veteran diplomat and longtime Biden ally , has been considered a front-runner for the post .
Read alsoBiden discusses situation in Ukraine with leaders of France , UKBlinken has been viewed across Washington as someone who would be highly qualified for the role , given his past tenure as the No .
2 at the State Department as well as his stints on Capitol Hill and in the Obama White House as deputy national security adviser .
A spokesperson for the transition declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Department nominee .
Among other people who have been floated to helm the State Department under Biden are Sens .
Chris Coons ( D-Del . )
and Chris Murphy ( D-Conn. ) , former U.S .
Ambassador to Russia William Burns and former national security adviser and United Nations ambassador Susan Rice .
Biden has already said he 's chose who he will nominate to serve as Treasury secretary , though he also declined to specify who he 'll tap to fill that role .
The president-elect said this week that person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Democratic Party , from the progressive to the moderate coalitions . ''
• Biden vows to be 'President for all Americans' • Ukraine 's economic cooperation with U.S. : Expectations from Biden • Ukraine 's ex-finance minister may become new ambassador to U.S .

Tony Blinken, a veteran diplomat and longtime Biden ally, has been considered a front-runner for the post.
Joe Biden has decided on his pick for secretary of State as the president-elect works to put together a team that can be confirmed by a possibly GOP-controlled Senate.
A source familiar with the process confirmed to The Hill that Biden has made up his mind for who he wants to serve as the nation's top diplomat and that an announcement is expected within the next week.
It was not immediately clear who Biden's nominee would be, but a former Obama administration official confirmed to The Hill that Tony Blinken, a veteran diplomat and longtime Biden ally, has been considered a front-runner for the post.
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Read alsoBiden discusses situation in Ukraine with leaders of France, UKBlinken has been viewed across Washington as someone who would be highly qualified for the role, given his past tenure as the No. 2 at the State Department as well as his stints on Capitol Hill and in the Obama White House as deputy national security adviser.
A spokesperson for the transition declined to confirm that Biden had picked a State Department nominee.
Among other people who have been floated to helm the State Department under Biden are Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), former U.S. Ambassador to Russia William Burns and former national security adviser and United Nations ambassador Susan Rice.
Biden has already said he's chose who he will nominate to serve as Treasury secretary, though he also declined to specify who he'll tap to fill that role. The president-elect said this week that person would "be accepted by all elements of the Democratic Party, from the progressive to the moderate coalitions."
More news reports


unian--2020-11-21--Ukraine reports 264 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Nov 21

Some 393 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 264 as of the morning of November 21 .
`` As of 10:00 Kyiv time on November 21 , some 2,757 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus .
In total , 6,096 people have recovered and 25 have died during the pandemic , '' the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases were registered in the past 24 hours . ''
Read alsoPresident 's Office explains why lockdown could be re-introduced in UkraineOf those newly-infected , 41 people have been hospitalized , while another 223 are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under doctors ' supervision .
Currently , their state of health is satisfactory .
Some 393 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 68 people .
• Ukraine said 14,580 new active COVID-19 cases had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours as of November 21 , 2020 , marking yet another highest daily rise .
• The total number of confirmed cases grew to 612,665 .

Some 393 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation).
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 264 as of the morning of November 21.
"As of 10:00 Kyiv time on November 21, some 2,757 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In total, 6,096 people have recovered and 25 have died during the pandemic," the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on November 21. "Some 264 new COVID-19 cases were registered in the past 24 hours."
Read alsoPresident's Office explains why lockdown could be re-introduced in UkraineOf those newly-infected, 41 people have been hospitalized, while another 223 are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under doctors' supervision. Currently, their state of health is satisfactory.
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Some 393 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation). The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 68 people.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments


unian--2020-11-21--"Plan B": PM Shmyhal confirms preparations for lockdown, but no date yet

According to Shmyhal , the weekend quarantine remains a reasonable alternative to lockdown .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said the authorities are considering the introduction of a lockdown `` as a plan B '' if the epidemiological situation in the country does not improve after the weekend quarantine .
`` Instead of the traditional economic results of the week , today I will tell you about the Government 's plans regarding quarantine , '' he wrote on Facebook .
According to Shmyhal , the weekend quarantine remains a reasonable alternative to lockdown .
`` The past weekend showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all since the spring quarantine .
This means long-term contacts between different social groups have decreased .
Accordingly , there is less chance that healthy people have contracted the virus .
Therefore , the weekend quarantine will be in effect this and next weekend .
After that , we can evaluate its result .
We see this result in flattening the curve in terms of the number of cases , '' he said .
Read alsoPresident 's Office explains why lockdown could be re-introduced in UkraineAs for the introduction of a lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan was indeed being developed .
`` BUT – this is plan B if the weekend quarantine does not work .
We have started a public discussion of this plan B so that the whole country understands it .
We want our steps to be clear and predictable for people and businesses .
Therefore , this week we met twice with the mayors .
A meeting with the Council of Churches took place .
Meeting and discussion with business .
A survey is sent out for the mayors on what anti-epidemic rules and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions for which crowded places should be better applied , '' Shmyhal said .
The prime minister added the government also consults daily with epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists , as well as analyzing the situation in each region .
`` We are doing all this now to work out a joint , balanced plan supported by everyone .
I want to stress once again : there is no date yet on the introduction of a lockdown , '' Shmyhal said .
• On November 11 , the Cabinet of Ministers decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 14 .
• The government repealed the adaptive quarantine system and imposed a nationwide quarantine with curbs for all territories that were in effect in the previous version of the coronavirus quarantine in zones with the orange risk level .
• On November 17 , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , did not back a draft resolution recommending that the Ukrainian government soften the restrictions imposed along with the so-called weekend quarantine .

According to Shmyhal, the weekend quarantine remains a reasonable alternative to lockdown.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said the authorities are considering the introduction of a lockdown "as a plan B" if the epidemiological situation in the country does not improve after the weekend quarantine.
"Instead of the traditional economic results of the week, today I will tell you about the Government's plans regarding quarantine," he wrote on Facebook.
According to Shmyhal, the weekend quarantine remains a reasonable alternative to lockdown.
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"The past weekend showed people have limited their mobility, most of all since the spring quarantine. This means long-term contacts between different social groups have decreased. Accordingly, there is less chance that healthy people have contracted the virus. Therefore, the weekend quarantine will be in effect this and next weekend. After that, we can evaluate its result. We see this result in flattening the curve in terms of the number of cases," he said.
Read alsoPresident's Office explains why lockdown could be re-introduced in UkraineAs for the introduction of a lockdown, the prime minister said the relevant plan was indeed being developed.
"BUT – this is plan B if the weekend quarantine does not work. We have started a public discussion of this plan B so that the whole country understands it. We want our steps to be clear and predictable for people and businesses. Therefore, this week we met twice with the mayors. A meeting with the Council of Churches took place. Meeting and discussion with business. A survey is sent out for the mayors on what anti-epidemic rules and curbs they see as optimal. What restrictions for which crowded places should be better applied," Shmyhal said.
The prime minister added the government also consults daily with epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists, as well as analyzing the situation in each region.
"We are doing all this now to work out a joint, balanced plan supported by everyone. I want to stress once again: there is no date yet on the introduction of a lockdown," Shmyhal said.
Weekend quarantine in Ukraine


unian--2020-11-21--Ukraine marks Day of Dignity and Freedom

In particular , a prayer service was served on the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes in the capital city of Kyiv .
Ukraine marks the Day of Dignity and Freedom and honors people who were killed during Euromaidan events .
In particular , a prayer service was served on the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes in the capital city of Kyiv for those who had died for the independence of Ukraine .
Relatives of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes attended the prayer service .
• The Day of Dignity and Freedom was established in 2014 by decree of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of November is when the Orange Revolution started in 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity in 2013 .
These events have changed Ukraine 's history .
• One of the most tragic events for Ukrainians was the struggle for justice , which began seven years ago with protest rallies on Maidan Nezalezhnosti , or Independence Square , in the center of Kyiv .
Later , the rallies grew into the Revolution of Dignity and Freedom .
• The protest in downtown Kyiv was called Euromaidan , and the most active participants were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a peaceful rally turned into a brutal massacre at night .
• The Revolution of Dignity and Freedom has become one of the most tragic pages in the history of modern Ukraine and forever changed the country and the nation .

In particular, a prayer service was served on the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes in the capital city of Kyiv.
Ukraine marks the Day of Dignity and Freedom and honors people who were killed during Euromaidan events.
In particular, a prayer service was served on the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes in the capital city of Kyiv for those who had died for the independence of Ukraine.
Relatives of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes attended the prayer service.
Видео дня
Read also Chief prosecutor updates on probes into Maidan cases Day of Dignity and Freedom: Background


unian--2020-11-22--New spokesman appointed to MFA Ukraine

New spokesman appointed to MFA Ukraine

Former spox Kateryna Zelenko will head the country 's embassy in Singapore .
Oleg Nikolenko has been appointed a new spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine .
`` In high school , I was into foreign languages , history , and geography .
Therefore , I first received a philological education and became a translator of English and Arabic , and later – a lawyer in international affairs , '' the MFA press service quoted Nikolenko as saying .
`` Since 2011 , when a civil war broke out in Libya , my tasks have changed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ embassy was engaged in the evacuation of Ukrainian citizens .
I had to part with my wife and newborn son for the long 18 months .
It was during this period that a conscious understanding came to me of the chosen profession 's meaning , '' the diplomat noted .
He added that after coming back to Kyiv , he kept on dealing with North Africa and the Middle East .
`` Then my professional path led me into the area of multilateral diplomacy .
For the next five years I had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN , '' he stressed .
Read alsoMFA Ukraine rejects Russia 's accusations of trying to `` disavow Minsk agreements '' While working at the UN , Nikolenko was elected to the post of Vice-Chairman of the UN Committee on Information .
He took part in reforming the UN information policy in the context of countering the COVID-19 pandemic .
The former spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Kateryna Zelenko , has been appointed Ambassador to Singapore .
According to UNIAN sources , the authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the position while the reshuffle was made only once Zelenko was appointed to the top post in the Embassy in Singapore .

Former spox Kateryna Zelenko will head the country's embassy in Singapore.
Oleg Nikolenko has been appointed a new spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
"In high school, I was into foreign languages, history, and geography. Therefore, I first received a philological education and became a translator of English and Arabic, and later – a lawyer in international affairs," the MFA press service quoted Nikolenko as saying.
"I discovered the world of diplomacy in 2008, having won a competition for the post of attaché at the Ukrainian Embassy in Libya," he added.
"Since 2011, when a civil war broke out in Libya, my tasks have changed. Sometimes, in extreme circumstances, our embassy was engaged in the evacuation of Ukrainian citizens. I had to part with my wife and newborn son for the long 18 months. It was during this period that a conscious understanding came to me of the chosen profession's meaning," the diplomat noted.
Please welcome our new spokesperson @OlegNikolenko_pic.twitter.com/4QZtI2PjDC — MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) November 22, 2020
He added that after coming back to Kyiv, he kept on dealing with North Africa and the Middle East.
"Then my professional path led me into the area of multilateral diplomacy. For the next five years I had the opportunity to work as spokesman for the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN," he stressed.
Read alsoMFA Ukraine rejects Russia's accusations of trying to "disavow Minsk agreements"While working at the UN, Nikolenko was elected to the post of Vice-Chairman of the UN Committee on Information. He took part in reforming the UN information policy in the context of countering the COVID-19 pandemic.
The former spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kateryna Zelenko, has been appointed Ambassador to Singapore.
According to UNIAN sources, the authorities had long decided to appoint Nikolenko to the position while the reshuffle was made only once Zelenko was appointed to the top post in the Embassy in Singapore.


unian--2020-11-22--Week's balance: Cabinet appoints new customs chief, vows support to businesses amid quarantine, whil

Week's balance: Cabinet appoints new customs chief, vows support to businesses amid quarantine, while economy slows further down

The Cabinet of Ministers appointed a new head of the State Customs Service and promised businesses support in the face of tougher quarantine restrictions , while the State Statistics Service announced a slowdown in the GDP fall – these are the main economic developments of the outgoing week .
An important event for the national economy and business in the third week of November was the appointment of the new head of the State Customs Service .
At its meeting on Wednesday , the government appointed former head of Boryspil Airport , Pavlo Riabikin .
He had already been acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several months .
As Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted , the new head of the State Customs Service , who comes from business , is tasked with reforming the agency .
`` He 's from business circles , today 's he 's already a former head of Boryspil Airport , who has a very good business background , understanding the need to reform the state customs service .
I 'm sure that in the near future we will see and feel this new reform , '' Shmyhal said .
The head of government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from businesses , there are many issues remaining at customs , therefore , the agency 's work requires reform .
By the way , speaking at the annual meeting of the European Business Association , PM named the priorities of the government 's work for 2021 – reforming customs , tax , and regulatory bodies in order to facilitate doing business in Ukraine .
Among other priorities of the Cabinet , Shmyhal highlighted further digitization , lower cost of loans for businesses , simplification of connecting businesses to power grids , and acceleration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought disappointing news on a higher pace of COVID-19 spread across Ukraine , taking hundreds of lives daily .
On Friday , another daily high of new cases was set at over 14,500 .
Under these conditions , the government a week earlier introduced new restrictions , called `` weekend quarantine . ''
Ukrainian businesses , which survived the tough spring quarantine with heavy losses , reacted to the new restrictive measures with protest rallies across the country .
This forced the Cabinet to take certain steps .
Thus , the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support businesses and citizens who have lost part of their income due to the restrictive measures imposed .
`` We are resuming support for small entrepreneurs with children , a partial unemployment program , when part of the employee 's salary is compensated .
Also , there will be 'credit holidays ' for businesses within the framework of the ' 5-7-9 ' program , recognizing the weekend quarantine as force majeure , which will help businesses in the issues of rent and fulfilling other obligations , '' Shmyhal said .
President of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prepare a draft law to ease doing business for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs .
The attention of the authorities to the issues of domestic businesses was attracted including by a rally held outside the Verkhovna Rada on Tuesday where entrepreneurs demanding that the legislators abolish further fiscalization of their businesses and repeal the latest weekend quarantine bans .
But lawmakers have not yet made concessions to protesters .
The Rada failed to support the motion to ease weekend quarantine .
The vote on a bill to defer until January 1 , 2022 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by entrepreneurs from a simplified taxation group has also failed .
Businessmen have promised to come for another rally on December 4 , when lawmakers will try to revisit the bill on postponing further fiscalization of businesses .
In the outgoing week , the State Statistics Service released data on the decline in the gross domestic product in the third quarter of 2020 by 3.5 % on year .
And this despite the fact that in the second quarter of this year , the national economy fell by 11.4 % .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ukraine 's GDP in the third quarter grew by 8.5 % .
Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said that by year-end , the forecast for a fall in Ukraine 's GDP will correspond to the target set in January .
`` This year is difficult in all respects , and the economic dynamics are complicated not only in our country .
Our country is in the lower median of the groups of states that have been affected .
There is hope that the forecast for a GDP fall will be in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year .
This will be below 5 % .
Now there is every reason to expect such dynamics , '' the minister said .
The head of the Ministry of Finance believes that by the end of the year the target budget indicators will be exceeded , despite the fact that as of May 1 , the shortage of revenues stood at over UAH 40 billion .
This was made possible `` due to the efforts of the State Tax Service in minimizing value added tax evasion schemes . ''
Last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill on amendments to the accumulative pension system , which concern persons working in especially harmful and dangerous conditions .
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the draft provides for an increase in the size of the unified social contribution by 15 % and 7 % , respectively , for lists No .
1 and No .
2 of professions associated with particularly difficult working conditions .
`` For citizens under 35 years of age who work in especially difficult conditions , a cumulative professional pension system will be introduced .
The approximate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system will be from UAH 2 billion to UAH 3 billion per year , '' said Shmyhal .
According to the Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna , the bill does not change either the rules or the conditions for granting preferential early retirement pensions , only altering the relevant mechanism .
By the end of the outgoing week , the national currency continued its decline , just like a week earlier .
Back on Monday , the official exchange rate of the hryvnia to the dollar was at UAH 28.11 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 15 kopiykas – to UAH 28.26 .
Next week , the deputies will continue to work in the committees on the draft 2021 state budget , preparing it for second reading , Ukrainian farmers will complete the harvesting campaign and sowing of winter crops , while the State Statistics Service will publish data on the volume of industrial output over the ten months .
Cold weather with rain and snow will prevail in most regions of the country , while public attention will be riveted on news from the `` coronavirus front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily incidence rise and prevent the collapse of the healthcare system ?
If you see a spelling error on our site , select it and press Ctrl+Enter

The Cabinet of Ministers appointed a new head of the State Customs Service and promised businesses support in the face of tougher quarantine restrictions, while the State Statistics Service announced a slowdown in the GDP fall – these are the main economic developments of the outgoing week.
An important event for the national economy and business in the third week of November was the appointment of the new head of the State Customs Service. At its meeting on Wednesday, the government appointed former head of Boryspil Airport, Pavlo Riabikin. He had already been acting chief of the body for the past several months.
As Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted, the new head of the State Customs Service, who comes from business, is tasked with reforming the agency.
"He's from business circles, today's he's already a former head of Boryspil Airport, who has a very good business background, understanding the need to reform the state customs service. I'm sure that in the near future we will see and feel this new reform," Shmyhal said.
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The head of government noted that, judging by the feedback from businesses, there are many issues remaining at customs, therefore, the agency's work requires reform.
By the way, speaking at the annual meeting of the European Business Association, PM named the priorities of the government's work for 2021 – reforming customs, tax, and regulatory bodies in order to facilitate doing business in Ukraine.
Among other priorities of the Cabinet, Shmyhal highlighted further digitization, lower cost of loans for businesses, simplification of connecting businesses to power grids, and acceleration of SOE sales.
Pledges of support to businesses
The outgoing week brought disappointing news on a higher pace of COVID-19 spread across Ukraine, taking hundreds of lives daily. On Friday, another daily high of new cases was set at over 14,500.
Under these conditions, the government a week earlier introduced new restrictions, called "weekend quarantine." Ukrainian businesses, which survived the tough spring quarantine with heavy losses, reacted to the new restrictive measures with protest rallies across the country.
This forced the Cabinet to take certain steps. Thus, the prime minister said the government had drafted additional measures to support businesses and citizens who have lost part of their income due to the restrictive measures imposed.
"We are resuming support for small entrepreneurs with children, a partial unemployment program, when part of the employee's salary is compensated. Also, there will be 'credit holidays' for businesses within the framework of the '5-7-9' program, recognizing the weekend quarantine as force majeure, which will help businesses in the issues of rent and fulfilling other obligations," Shmyhal said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed the government to prepare a draft law to ease doing business for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.
The attention of the authorities to the issues of domestic businesses was attracted including by a rally held outside the Verkhovna Rada on Tuesday where entrepreneurs demanding that the legislators abolish further fiscalization of their businesses and repeal the latest weekend quarantine bans.
But lawmakers have not yet made concessions to protesters. The Rada failed to support the motion to ease weekend quarantine. The vote on a bill to defer until January 1, 2022, the mandatory use of cash registers by entrepreneurs from a simplified taxation group has also failed.
Businessmen have promised to come for another rally on December 4, when lawmakers will try to revisit the bill on postponing further fiscalization of businesses.
Optimistic macro forecast
In the outgoing week, the State Statistics Service released data on the decline in the gross domestic product in the third quarter of 2020 by 3.5% on year. And this despite the fact that in the second quarter of this year, the national economy fell by 11.4%.
Meanwhile, compared to the second quarter of 2020, Ukraine's GDP in the third quarter grew by 8.5%.
Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said that by year-end, the forecast for a fall in Ukraine's GDP will correspond to the target set in January.
"This year is difficult in all respects, and the economic dynamics are complicated not only in our country. Our country is in the lower median of the groups of states that have been affected. There is hope that the forecast for a GDP fall will be in line with that we set at the beginning of the year. This will be below 5%. Now there is every reason to expect such dynamics," the minister said.
The head of the Ministry of Finance believes that by the end of the year the target budget indicators will be exceeded, despite the fact that as of May 1, the shortage of revenues stood at over UAH 40 billion. This was made possible "due to the efforts of the State Tax Service in minimizing value added tax evasion schemes."
Pension system reform and weakening hryvnia
Last week, the Cabinet of Ministers endorsed a bill on amendments to the accumulative pension system, which concern persons working in especially harmful and dangerous conditions.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the draft provides for an increase in the size of the unified social contribution by 15% and 7%, respectively, for lists No. 1 and No. 2 of professions associated with particularly difficult working conditions.
"For citizens under 35 years of age who work in especially difficult conditions, a cumulative professional pension system will be introduced. The approximate amount of funds for such a pension system will be from UAH 2 billion to UAH 3 billion per year," said Shmyhal.
According to the Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna, the bill does not change either the rules or the conditions for granting preferential early retirement pensions, only altering the relevant mechanism.
By the end of the outgoing week, the national currency continued its decline, just like a week earlier. Back on Monday, the official exchange rate of the hryvnia to the dollar was at UAH 28.11, but by the weekend the hryvnia had weakened by 15 kopiykas – to UAH 28.26.
Next week, the deputies will continue to work in the committees on the draft 2021 state budget, preparing it for second reading, Ukrainian farmers will complete the harvesting campaign and sowing of winter crops, while the State Statistics Service will publish data on the volume of industrial output over the ten months.
Cold weather with rain and snow will prevail in most regions of the country, while public attention will be riveted on news from the "coronavirus front": can the country withstand the daily incidence rise and prevent the collapse of the healthcare system?
Anna Bredikhina


unian--2020-11-22--Enemy violates truce in Donbas once in past day

Russian occupation forces in Donbas over the past day , November 21 , once violated the ceasefire agreement .
That @ @ @ @ @ update by the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters .
The invaders used an automatic easel grenade @ @ @ @ @ Vodiane , the report elaborated .
Read alsoDonbas occupiers conscripting men aged 18 to 45 @ @ @ @ @ intelEnemy fire posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukraine defenders .
Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ or injuries in the past day .
The report says Ukrainian military did not return @ @ @ @ @ violation of truce .
Since day-start on Sunday , November 22 , no enemy attacks @ @ @ @ @ contact line .
• Prisoner swap in Donbas : Ukraine may have 11 people back @ @ @ @ @

Ukrainian military did not return fire.
Russian occupation forces in Donbas over the past day, November 21, once violated the ceasefire agreement.
That's according to a morning update by the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters.
The invaders used an automatic easel grenade launcher near the settlement of Vodiane, the report elaborated.
Видео дня
Read alsoDonbas occupiers conscripting men aged 18 to 45 for training with reservists – intelEnemy fire posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukraine defenders.
Ukrainian forces reported no combat losses or injuries in the past day.
The report says Ukrainian military did not return fire to the enemy's violation of truce.
Since day-start on Sunday, November 22, no enemy attacks have been reported along the contact line.
Donbas: Other reports


unian--2020-11-22--Daily stats on COVID-19 spread somewhat down after Saturday peak

In total , 624,744 coronavirus cases have been detected in Ukraine since the onset of the pandemic .
As of the morning of November 22 , Ukraine reported 12,079 new dailycases of COVID-19 .
That 's according to Health Minister Maksym Stepanov , who reported on Facebook that 1,134 patients were hospitalized and 138 died .
The minister said 489 children and 375 medics were infected in the past day .
Read alsoPresident 's Office explains why lockdown could be re-introduced in UkraineAt the same time , 4,604 patients recovered .
Throughout the entire period of the pandemic in Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A total of 10,951 cases were fatal , along with 286,917 recoveries .
Over the past day , the largest number of confirmed cases was registered in the city of Kyiv ( 1,199 ) , Dnipropetrovsk ( 1,017 ) , Kyiv ( 962 ) , Sumy ( 779 ) and Zaporizhia ( 765 ) regions .
• As of the morning of November 21 , Ukraine 's health officials said 14,580 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the past 24 hours .
• This was the absolute daily high since onset of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 210 patients had died on that day .

In total, 624,744 coronavirus cases have been detected in Ukraine since the onset of the pandemic.
As of the morning of November 22, Ukraine reported 12,079 new daily cases of COVID-19.
That's according to Health Minister Maksym Stepanov, who reported on Facebook that 1,134 patients were hospitalized and 138 died.
The minister said 489 children and 375 medics were infected in the past day.
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Read alsoPresident's Office explains why lockdown could be re-introduced in UkraineAt the same time, 4,604 patients recovered.
Throughout the entire period of the pandemic in Ukraine, 624,744 people have contracted the coronavirus. A total of 10,951 cases were fatal, along with 286,917 recoveries.
Over the past day, the largest number of confirmed cases was registered in the city of Kyiv (1,199), Dnipropetrovsk (1,017), Kyiv (962), Sumy (779) and Zaporizhia (765) regions.
COVID-19 daily high on November 21


unian--2020-11-22--Mayoral elections runoff: Exit polls

Mayoral elections runoff: Exit polls

The official results are to be published no later than November 27 .
The second round of local elections took place in 11 cities across Ukraine on Sunday , November 22 .
These are the updates on the exit polls coming in from the relevant cities .
Preliminary data say incumbent Andriy Sadovyi is winning with 62.8 % of the votes .
That 's according to a poll by Liberty Report sociological firm .
Read also '' Plan B '' : PM Shmyhal confirms preparations for lockdown , but no date ye Anatoliy Bondarenko ( `` Za Majbutne '' ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while his competitor Viktor Yevpak ( Holos ) is getting 45.75 % so far .
Incumbent mayor Oleksandr Senkevych is leading with 61.6 % , according to a poll by Nikvesti .
Incumbent Mayor Borys Filatov is in the lead , according to a Socis poll , with an overwhelming 78.75 % , while his opponent Zagid Krasnov is gaining 18.25 % .
Incumbent Mayor Vadym Liakh ( Opposition Bloc ) is leading with 58.8 % , R & B Group says .
His opponent , Pavlo Prydvorov , who represents the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the vote .
According to preliminary data , Serhiy Ivashchenko is leading in Poltava .
He has 41.6 % of the vote .
That 's according to an exit poll by Poltavshchyna .
His political opponent Oleksandr Mamai has 33.1 % .
Viktor Shakirzyan ( Rivne Razom ) is getting 50.94 % , edging a lead over European Solidarity 's Oleksandr Tretiak ( 46.03 % ) , according to Socis .
Slightly over 3 % of Rivne residents , the agency says , have spoiled their ballots .
• The local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across Ukraine on Sunday , November 22 .
• Also , in 15 regions , a repeated vote is being held to elect deputies of local councils .
• Voting results shall be released before November 27 inclusive .

The official results are to be published no later than November 27.
The second round of local elections took place in 11 cities across Ukraine on Sunday, November 22.
These are the updates on the exit polls coming in from the relevant cities.
LVIV
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Preliminary data say incumbent Andriy Sadovyi is winning with 62.8% of the votes.
That's according to a poll by Liberty Report sociological firm.
His opponent Oleh Syniutka is gaining 37.2%.
Read also"Plan B": PM Shmyhal confirms preparations for lockdown, but no date ye
CHERKASY
Anatoliy Bondarenko ("Za Majbutne") has gained 54,25% of the votes, while his competitor Viktor Yevpak (Holos) is getting 45.75% so far.
MYKOLAIV
Incumbent mayor Oleksandr Senkevych is leading with 61.6%, according to a poll by Nikvesti.
DNIPRO
Incumbent Mayor Borys Filatov is in the lead, according to a Socis poll, with an overwhelming 78.75%, while his opponent Zagid Krasnov is gaining 18.25%.
SLOVIANSK
Incumbent Mayor Vadym Liakh (Opposition Bloc) is leading with 58.8%, R&B Group says. His opponent, Pavlo Prydvorov, who represents the OPZZh political force, is gaining 41.2% of the vote.
POLTAVA
According to preliminary data, Serhiy Ivashchenko is leading in Poltava. He has 41.6% of the vote. That's according to an exit poll by Poltavshchyna. His political opponent Oleksandr Mamai has 33.1%.
RIVNE
Viktor Shakirzyan (Rivne Razom) is getting 50.94%, edging a lead over European Solidarity's Oleksandr Tretiak (46.03%), according to Socis.
Slightly over 3% of Rivne residents, the agency says, have spoiled their ballots.
Local election runoff across Ukraine


unian--2020-11-22--COVID-19 vaccine by Moderna to cost $25-37

`` We are not interested in the maximum profit , '' CEO said .
The price of a single dose @ @ @ @ @ which is being developed by the U.S.-based Moderna , will tentatively be set at between @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's according to company CEO Stefan Bansel , who spoke with Welt am @ @ @ @ @ Ukrayinska Pravda .
`` This is a fair price when you think about the high @ @ @ @ @ if a person is infected with the coronavirus .
We are not interested in the @ @ @ @ @ said .
Read alsoRussia , North Korea hackers target coronavirus researchers – MicrosoftHe also confirmed @ @ @ @ @ have produced 20 million doses of the vaccine by year-end .
Negotiations with the European @ @ @ @ @ nearing completion , he added , noting that there are a few days left before @ @ @ @ @ • WHO outlines timeframe for supply of COVID-19 vaccine to Ukraine • Ukraine expects to @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 vaccine in spring – prime minister

"We are not interested in the maximum profit," CEO said.
The price of a single dose of the coronavirus vaccine, which is being developed by the U.S.-based Moderna, will tentatively be set at between $25 and $37.
That's according to company CEO Stefan Bansel, who spoke with Welt am Sonntag, as reported by Ukrayinska Pravda.
"This is a fair price when you think about the high costs of the health system if a person is infected with the coronavirus. We are not interested in the maximum profit," he said.
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Read alsoRussia, North Korea hackers target coronavirus researchers – MicrosoftHe also confirmed that the company intends to have produced 20 million doses of the vaccine by year-end.
Negotiations with the European Commission to start supplies are nearing completion, he added, noting that there are a few days left before the agreement is signed.
COVID-19 vaccines: Other reports


unian--2020-11-22--"No money to cover it": Ex-cabinet official comments on cost of possible lockdown

The government is considering , among other measures , the possibility of introducing a strict quarantine across Ukraine .
The government assistance for entrepreneurs required in case a total lockdown is introduced in Ukraine could cost the national budget a total of UAH 20 billion ( over US $ 700 million ) , ex-deputy economy minister Pavlo Kukhta opined .
`` Tentatively , such support for entrepreneurs in industries hit by a lockdown is about UAH 20 billion per month .
There 's no such money in the Ukrainian budget today .
There is hardly enough money to pay pensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Ukraine 24 TV .
Kukhta believes the only way out of the crisis is to quickly ensure the unlocking of the IMF Stand-By Arrangement and receiving another loan tranche .
Read alsoPresident 's Office explains why lockdown could be re-introduced in UkraineAlthough , he adds , Ukraine could already be lacking time to secure the funds before year-end .
`` I think we wo n't see the money earlier than January – that 's the best scenario .
Also given that world markets are idle , we will most likely miss January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said a tougher quarantine would be imposed if the daily rise in COVID-19 cases exceeded 30,000 .
• Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said preparations for a full-blown lockdown – as Plan B – were indeed underway , while stopping short of naming the possible date for the move .
• Ivano-Frankivsk Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv following a meeting with the prime minister on November 19 claimed the government could introduce in December , for a few weeks , a lockdown across Ukraine .

"No money to cover it": Ex-cabinet official comments on cost of possible lockdown
20:30, 22.11.20 7778
The government is considering, among other measures, the possibility of introducing a strict quarantine across Ukraine.
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unian--2020-11-22--Putin extends counter-sanctions, including against Ukraine

Russian authorities announced an embargo on certain food imports .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended until the end of 2021 the effect of his decree on `` food embargo '' against a number of countries , including Ukraine , that have adopted anti-Russian sanctions , .
The government has been instructed to ensure the implementation of restrictive measures and , if required , to submit proposals to change their validity terms , according to RIA Novosti .
In July 2014 , the European Union , as well as the United States , Canada , Japan , and a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions against individuals , companies , banks , and certain sectors of the Russian economy over Russia 's efforts aimed at destabilizing Ukraine .
The first stage of sanctions was introduced back in March 2014 – after the attempted annexation of Ukraine 's Crimea by Russia .
Read alsoRussia to shut down trade missions in Ukraine , LithuaniaIn August 2014 , Russia imposed restrictive measures against Western powers in response to the said sanctions .
Imports of certain types of agricultural products , raw materials , and foodstuffs were prohibited from the USA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of other countries .
Later , the embargo was extended to Albania , Montenegro , Iceland , Liechtenstein , and since 2016 – to Ukraine .
The ban includes meat , sausage , fish and seafood , vegetables , fruit , and dairy .
Russia has been extending its response measures along with the relevant prolongation of western sanctions .

Putin extends counter-sanctions, including against Ukraine
19:00, 22.11.20 5858
Russian authorities announced an embargo on certain food imports.
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unian--2020-11-22--Local election runoff held in several cities across Ukraine

The second round of local elections is taking place in 11 cities across Ukraine on Sunday , November 22 .
@ @ @ @ @ such major regional centers as Dnipro , Lviv , Uzhgorod , and Mykolaiv .
Read @ @ @ @ @ dies of coronavirusPolling stations opened at 8:00 local time .
Local election commissions operate in @ @ @ @ @ Candidates are competing in the election runoff in the following cities : Also , in @ @ @ @ @ vote is being held to elect deputies of local councils .
Almost 10,000 law enforcers @ @ @ @ @ law and order at the polls .
Voting results shall be released before November 27 @ @

Local election commissions operate in compliance with anti-epidemic rules.
The second round of local elections is taking place in 11 cities across Ukraine on Sunday, November 22.
Mayors are elected including in such major regional centers as Dnipro, Lviv, Uzhgorod, and Mykolaiv.
Read alsoNewly elected mayor of Konotop dies of coronavirusPolling stations opened at 8:00 local time. Local election commissions operate in compliance with anti-epidemic rules.
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Candidates are competing in the election runoff in the following cities:
Lviv
Berdiansk (Zaporizhia region)
Dnipro
Drohobych (Lviv region)
Poltava
Mykolaiv
Sloviansk (Donetsk region)
Nikopol (Dnipropetrovsk region)
Rivne
Uzhgorod (Zakarpattia region)
Cherkasy
Also, in 15 regions, a repeated vote is being held to elect deputies of local councils.
Almost 10,000 law enforcers have been deployed to ensure law and order at the polls.
Voting results shall be released before November 27 inclusive.


unian--2020-11-23--Gas stocks shrink by 1.8% to 27.15 bcm over week

USFs were filled by 88 % as of November 21 , 2020 .
Natural gas stocks in Ukraine 's underground @ @ @ @ @ shrank by 1.8 % , to 27.15 billion cubic meters ( bcm ) within a @ @ @ @ @ As of November 21 , 2020 , gas reserves in the country 's USFs increased @ @ @ @ @ bcm as of November 21 , 2019 , the state-run gas transport system operator Ukrtransgaz @ @ @ @ @ via Ukraine in Jan-Oct shrinks by over 38 % , to 45 bcmThe USFs were @ @ @ @ @ of November 21 , 2020 .
Ukraine started pumping natural gas into its USFs on @ @ @ @ @ 's reserves stood 15.808 bcm .
On October 28 , National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz of @ @ @ @ @ injecting gas into the underground storage facilities , having switching to pumping it out to @ @ @ @ @ 2020-2021 heating season .
By the start of the 2019-2020 heating season , Ukraine had @ @ @ @ @ , which was a record high over the past decade .

Gas stocks shrink by 1.8% to 27.15 bcm over week
16:30, 23.11.20 6127
USFs were filled by 88% as of November 21, 2020.
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unian--2020-11-23--U.S. Navy warship on route to Black Sea

U.S. Navy warship on route to Black Sea

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has already reacted to the news .
USS Donald Cook is on route to the @ @ @ @ @ patrolling routine as part of a NATO mission .
`` USS Donald Cook DDG 75 @ @ @ @ @ the Black Sea , marking the 7th time a US Navy warship has been in @ @ @ @ @ '' U.S .
Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S .
6th Fleet wrote on Twitter on November 23 @ @ @ @ @ Minister Dmytro Kuleba has already reacted to the news .
`` Welcome ! ''
he @ @ @ @ @ U.S. 6th Fleet 's post .
U.S. 6th Fleet , headquartered in Naples , Italy @ @ @ @ @ of joint and naval operations , often in concert with allied and interagency partners , @ @ @ @ @ national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa .

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has already reacted to the news.
USS Donald Cook is on route to the Black Sea for a regular patrolling routine as part of a NATO mission.
"USS Donald Cook DDG 75 began their straits transit into the Black Sea, marking the 7th time a US Navy warship has been in the Black Sea Region," U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet wrote on Twitter on November 23, 2020.
"US Navy ships regularly patrol in these waters in support of our NATO Allies & partners," reads the tweet.
BREAKING: 🇺🇸 #USSDonaldCook DDG 75 began their straits transit into the #BlackSea, marking the 7th time a @USNavy warship has been in the Black Sea Region. #USNavy ships regularly patrol in these waters in support of our @NATO Allies & partners 🇹🇷 🇺🇦 🇧🇬 🇷🇴 🇬🇪!#PowerForPeacepic.twitter.com/8QMEWoL2V0 — U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet (@USNavyEurope) November 23, 2020
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has already reacted to the news.
"Welcome!" he tweeted, responding to the U.S. 6th Fleet's post.
Background
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.


unian--2020-11-23--Kyiv mayor reports 1,212 new daily COVID-19 cases, 20 deaths as of Nov 23

The death toll in the city stands at 1,143 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose by 1,212 in the past day .
`` In the past day , another 1,212 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus , including 44 healthcare workers .
There were 20 fatalities , '' Klitschko said on Telegram on November 23 .
According to the city mayor , 721 women aged 19 to 94 and 435 men aged 19 to 92 are among those infected .
Twenty-nine girls ( from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 27 boys ( from one month to 17 years old ) have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Klitschko said 112 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
Read alsoZelensky beats COVID-19He added that two people had recovered in the past day .
In total , 20,744 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Desniansky district ( 376 ) , Dniprovsky district ( 283 ) , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll in the city stands at 1,143 .

The death toll in the city stands at 1,143.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose by 1,212 in the past day.
"In the past day, another 1,212 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including 44 healthcare workers. There were 20 fatalities," Klitschko said on Telegram on November 23.
"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 60,218."
According to the city mayor, 721 women aged 19 to 94 and 435 men aged 19 to 92 are among those infected.
Twenty-nine girls (from seven months to 17 years old) and 27 boys (from one month to 17 years old) have tested positive for COVID-19.
Klitschko said 112 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
Read alsoZelensky beats COVID-19He added that two people had recovered in the past day.
In total, 20,744 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Desniansky district (376), Dniprovsky district (283), and Darnytsky district (215).
The death toll in the city stands at 1,143.


unian--2020-11-23--Ex-chief of presidential office Bohdan comments on own dismissal

According to Bohdan , Zelensky is more emotional than pragmatic .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's ex-chief of staff Andriy Bohdan has elaborated on the reason for his dismissal .
In an interview with Russian journalist Ksenia Sobchak , he said the main reason was the loss of `` mutual trust '' with President Volodymyr Zelensky .
`` At a certain point , Volodymyr Oleksandrovych decided that he was set to walk a certain path .
We had to part ways . ''
To a clarifying question on how Zelensky 's path differed from his , Bohdan said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what a certain step would lead to .
I tried to switch off emotion and be more pragmatic .
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych , in my opinion , is more emotional than pragmatic .
I do n't see any planning of an action echelon . ''
Read alsoSBI questions ex-chief of presidential office Andriy BohdanBohdan added that many wanted him out of the top post in the Office .
`` This move had plenty of beneficiaries .
I wo n't hide the fact that I was also uncomfortable working there .
For me , being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You join the civil service for a purpose .
Someone is interested in power for the sake of power , some go there to get rich , while some seek to gain fame .
For me , it was an opportunity to build something new and cool , to make a fairytale come true .
But when I realized that this was no longer possible , that I was n't heard , I could n't get through , '' he said .
Bohdan was appointed to the post on May 21 , 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2015 served as a personal lawyer to Ukrainian businessman Ihor Kolomoisky .
On February 11 , 2020 , Zelensky dismissed Bohdan from the post .
After the dismissal , Bohdan has been publicly criticizing Zelensky 's policies .

According to Bohdan, Zelensky is more emotional than pragmatic.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's ex-chief of staff Andriy Bohdan has elaborated on the reason for his dismissal.
In an interview with Russian journalist Ksenia Sobchak, he said the main reason was the loss of "mutual trust" with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"At a certain point, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych decided that he was set to walk a certain path. We had to part ways."
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To a clarifying question on how Zelensky's path differed from his, Bohdan said: "Probably, I always tried to predict what a certain step would lead to. I tried to switch off emotion and be more pragmatic. Volodymyr Oleksandrovych, in my opinion, is more emotional than pragmatic. I don't see any planning of an action echelon."
Read alsoSBI questions ex-chief of presidential office Andriy BohdanBohdan added that many wanted him out of the top post in the Office.
"This move had plenty of beneficiaries. I won't hide the fact that I was also uncomfortable working there. For me, being fired was a kind of deliverance. You join the civil service for a purpose. Someone is interested in power for the sake of power, some go there to get rich, while some seek to gain fame. For me, it was an opportunity to build something new and cool, to make a fairytale come true. But when I realized that this was no longer possible, that I wasn't heard, I couldn't get through," he said.
Andriy Bohdan: Background
Bohdan was appointed to the post on May 21, 2019. Prior to that, he had since 2015 served as a personal lawyer to Ukrainian businessman Ihor Kolomoisky.
On February 11, 2020, Zelensky dismissed Bohdan from the post.
After the dismissal, Bohdan has been publicly criticizing Zelensky's policies.


unian--2020-11-23--Interior Ministry explains how to avoid fines for not wearing masks

All it takes is to take the warning into account .
Police officers will impose fines for not wearing or improperly wearing a protective mask only if citizens refuse to follow a verbal instruction to put it on , says the adviser to Ukraine 's Interior Minister , Volodymyr Martynenko .
`` Fines could be issued on the spot for the improper wearing of a face mask , but I think our citizens will understand this procedure and after a warning from the police , they will put on their mask and not face the fine , '' the official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If someone is a defiant violator , of course , it will be necessary to prosecute them .
If there is non-compliance with law , the relevant repercussions will follow , '' Martynenko said .
In addition to the police , local authorities and the state epidemiological service also have the right to impose fines for not wearing a mask .
Read alsoCOVID-19 : Over 10,900 new active cases reported as of Nov 23 '' But I would like them to be more engaged with prevention , not prosecution .
Although , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means , they will have to prosecute , '' the official said .
On November 19 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky enacted the law introducing fines for not wearing face masks in public places .
According to the document , citizens without face masks or respirators in public places ( in particular on public transport ) will have to pay a fine worth from UAH 170 ( US $ 6 ) to UAH 250 ( US $ 9 ) .

All it takes is to take the warning into account.
Police officers will impose fines for not wearing or improperly wearing a protective mask only if citizens refuse to follow a verbal instruction to put it on, says the adviser to Ukraine's Interior Minister, Volodymyr Martynenko.
"Fines could be issued on the spot for the improper wearing of a face mask, but I think our citizens will understand this procedure and after a warning from the police, they will put on their mask and not face the fine," the official has told Obozrevatel TV channel.
"If someone is a defiant violator, of course, it will be necessary to prosecute them. If there is non-compliance with law, the relevant repercussions will follow," Martynenko said.
In addition to the police, local authorities and the state epidemiological service also have the right to impose fines for not wearing a mask.
Read alsoCOVID-19: Over 10,900 new active cases reported as of Nov 23"But I would like them to be more engaged with prevention, not prosecution. Although, if it doesn't work out through peaceful means, they will have to prosecute," the official said.
Fines for not wearing masks
On November 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky enacted the law introducing fines for not wearing face masks in public places.
According to the document, citizens without face masks or respirators in public places (in particular on public transport) will have to pay a fine worth from UAH 170 (US$6) to UAH 250 (US$9).


unian--2020-11-23--U.S. government designates companies subject to sanctions over Nord Stream 2 – media

The relevant report is expected to be presented to Congress within days or weeks .
The U.S. government is stepping up the looming threat of sanctions in a bid to halt the controversial Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline , which will link Russia to Germany , and has already identified a number of companies or individuals that might face sanctions .
That is according to the dpa agency , referring to a senior U.S. official .
Speaking on condition of anonymity , the official said that the U.S. government has already identified a number of companies or individuals that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cease their operations related to the pipeline , which includes shipping activity .
However , he declined to name the companies in question .
Moreover , the U.S. government will present a report to Congress on sanctionable companies within days or weeks , the official added .
Earlier , Bild reported that U.S. President-elect Joe Biden intended to put an end to the Nord Stream 2 project .
The norms contained in the 2021 U.S. defense budget provide for sanctions aimed at insurance and certification companies participating in the implementation of Russia 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's ambitions as Eastern Europe 's transit state – DudaIn December last year , the U.S. Congress imposed sanctions on pipeline services laying pipes for Nord Stream 2 at great depths .
As a result , the Swiss company , which was building the pipeline , halted works immediately .
Russia , on its part , has not given up efforts to to find an alternative ship to complete the pipelaying .
A new package of sanctions against Nord Stream 2 is intended to make such attempts futile .
The Nord Stream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
It should connect Russia 's Ust-Lug and Germany 's Greifswald .
This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline .
The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019 .
The pipeline will be 1,220 km long .
The project is being implemented by Russia 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ENGIE , OMV , Royal Dutch Shell , Uniper , and Wintershall .
Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country , while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US $ 3 billion annually .
The project is also highly criticized by the U.S. , Poland , and the Baltic States .
On July 15 , U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that the participants in the Nord Stream 2 project would fall under the Countering America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On July 16 , the U.S. recommended that investment companies reconsider their participation in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project .
On July 23 , the U.S. Senate approved the draft National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 , which , among other things , contains additional sanctions against the companies involved in the construction of Nord Stream 2 .
Ukraine 's Foreign Ministry welcomed the United States ' readiness to impose sanctions on investment companies involved in the completion of the project .
On October 20 , the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project .
The Kremlin called the new U.S. sanctions against Nord Stream 2 raider competition .
At the same time , Germany announced Nord Stream 2 would be completed , despite the U.S. position , however there is no exact date for the completion of construction .

The relevant report is expected to be presented to Congress within days or weeks.
The U.S. government is stepping up the looming threat of sanctions in a bid to halt the controversial Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, which will link Russia to Germany, and has already identified a number of companies or individuals that might face sanctions.
That is according to the dpa agency, referring to a senior U.S. official.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said that the U.S. government has already identified a number of companies or individuals that might face sanctions if they do not cease their operations related to the pipeline, which includes shipping activity.
Видео дня
"We're in the process of calling a number of these companies to make them aware that they're likely engaged in sanctionable activity," the dpa agency quoted the official as saying on November 21.
However, he declined to name the companies in question.
"Many of these companies are unaware of this and these calls give them an opportunity to unwind their activity," he said.
Moreover, the U.S. government will present a report to Congress on sanctionable companies within days or weeks, the official added.
Earlier, Bild reported that U.S. President-elect Joe Biden intended to put an end to the Nord Stream 2 project.
The norms contained in the 2021 U.S. defense budget provide for sanctions aimed at insurance and certification companies participating in the implementation of Russia's Nord Stream 2.
Read alsoPoland supports Ukraine's ambitions as Eastern Europe's transit state – DudaIn December last year, the U.S. Congress imposed sanctions on pipeline services laying pipes for Nord Stream 2 at great depths. As a result, the Swiss company, which was building the pipeline, halted works immediately. Russia, on its part, has not given up efforts to to find an alternative ship to complete the pipelaying.
A new package of sanctions against Nord Stream 2 is intended to make such attempts futile.
Nord Stream 2: Background
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. It should connect Russia's Ust-Lug and Germany's Greifswald. This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline.
The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019.
The pipeline will be 1,220 km long. The project is being implemented by Russia's Gazprom in alliance with European companies – ENGIE, OMV, Royal Dutch Shell, Uniper, and Wintershall. Ukraine stands against the construction of Nord Stream 2 as it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country, while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US$3 billion annually. The project is also highly criticized by the U.S., Poland, and the Baltic States.
On July 15, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that the participants in the Nord Stream 2 project would fall under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, CAATSA.
On July 16, the U.S. recommended that investment companies reconsider their participation in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
On July 23, the U.S. Senate approved the draft National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which, among other things, contains additional sanctions against the companies involved in the construction of Nord Stream 2.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry welcomed the United States' readiness to impose sanctions on investment companies involved in the completion of the project.
On October 20, the U.S. Department of State said it expands sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
The Kremlin called the new U.S. sanctions against Nord Stream 2 raider competition.
At the same time, Germany announced Nord Stream 2 would be completed, despite the U.S. position, however there is no exact date for the completion of construction.


unian--2020-11-23--Situation with hospital load under control – health minister

The relevant funds have been allocated to ensure a sufficient number of beds , the top health official assures .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the situation with the number of beds for COVID-19 patients available in hospitals across country is under control .
In total , 53,445 such beds are available there , he told a briefing on November 23 , as reported by an UNIAN correspondent .
`` At the same time , there are 27,792 [ COVID-19 ] patients in hospitals today ...
The situation is completely under control , all along .
We have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of beds , which has already been embodied in the relevant regulations , while the required funds have been allocated both for the treatment itself and for the provision of beds and equipment , '' the minister summed up .
Ukraine said 10,945 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of November 23 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 635,689 .
As many as 291,060 patients , including 4,143 in the past day , have recovered .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend quarantineThe death toll has hit 11,075 with 124 fatalities recorded in the past day .
On November 20 , Deputy Head of the President 's Office Kyrylo Tymoshenko said 92,000 places for COVID-19 patients had been reserved in hospitals nationwide .
As of the morning of November 22 , Ukraine reported 12,079 new daily cases of COVID-19 .

The relevant funds have been allocated to ensure a sufficient number of beds, the top health official assures.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the situation with the number of beds for COVID-19 patients available in hospitals across country is under control.
In total, 53,445 such beds are available there, he told a briefing on November 23, as reported by an UNIAN correspondent.
"At the same time, there are 27,792 [COVID-19] patients in hospitals today... The situation is completely under control, all along. We have a clear understanding of how to increase the number of beds, which has already been embodied in the relevant regulations, while the required funds have been allocated both for the treatment itself and for the provision of beds and equipment," the minister summed up.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments
Ukraine said 10,945 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of November 23, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 635,689.
As many as 291,060 patients, including 4,143 in the past day, have recovered.
Read alsoInterior Ministry comments on some mayors defying weekend quarantineThe death toll has hit 11,075 with 124 fatalities recorded in the past day.
On November 20, Deputy Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Tymoshenko said 92,000 places for COVID-19 patients had been reserved in hospitals nationwide.
As of the morning of November 22, Ukraine reported 12,079 new daily cases of COVID-19.


unian--2020-11-23--Five political parties get most support in local elections

Voter turnout in the western regions was higher than that in the southeast .
Five political parties have overcome the conditional 5 % electoral threshold in the latest local elections held Sunday .
The aggregated rating of parties gained in local elections says the conditional 5 % electoral threshold was tackled by the Servant of the People ( 14.5 % ) , European Solidarity ( 13.7 % ) , Opposition Platform - For Life ( 12.5 % ) , Za Majbutne ( For the Future ) ( 8.6 % ) , and Batkivshchyna ( 8.5 % ) , Rating reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been calculated from the total number of votes of voters who supported the party .
`` Analysis of local elections results showed that voter turnout in the western regions was higher than that in the southeast .
For example , the voter turnout was about 44 % in Ternopil and Lviv regions on October 25 , while only about a third of voters came to the polls in southeastern regions .
As a result , the share of the western regions in the total number of voters increased from 27 to 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other parties gained below 5 % of the vote .
The total rating of other ( mainly local ) parties is about 22 % .
The aggregate support of five parliamentary parties in the elections was 51 % ( they received 78 % in the elections to the Verkhovna Rada in 2019 ) .
However , in areas where powerful local parties were represented , parliamentary parties received much more support in local elections .
A comparative analysis of the results of the Rating group 's polls based on the election results showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the average deviation in the results of parties is 0.7 % ) , while minor deviations are explained by : a shift in the real turnout toward the western regions and a relatively low share of those who actually voted in the October 25 elections .
It is also noted that the Servant of the People Party took leading positions ( 1st-3rd places ) in Dnipropetrovsk , Zhytomyr , Zakarpattia , Zaporizhia , Kyiv , Kirovohrad , Mykolaiv , Odesa , Poltava , Rivne , Sumy , Kherson , Khmelnytsky , Cherkasy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Platform - For Life gained good results in the south and east , as well as in Sumy region .
European Solidarity was in the lead in western regions , as well as in Zhytomyr , Kyiv , Rivne , Chernivtsi regions , and the city of Kyiv .
Batkivshchyna has seen good results in Kirovohrad , Ivano-Frankivsk , Zakarpattia , Poltava , and Chernivtsi regions .
The aggregated rating of parties in local elections is the sum of the results of parties in elections to regional councils , in Kyiv – to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luhansk regions – to district councils .
The monitoring was carried out on the basis of data from territorial election commissions and monitoring surveys of the Rating Sociological Group ( September-October 2020 ) .

Voter turnout in the western regions was higher than that in the southeast.
Five political parties have overcome the conditional 5% electoral threshold in the latest local elections held Sunday.
The aggregated rating of parties gained in local elections says the conditional 5% electoral threshold was tackled by the Servant of the People (14.5%), European Solidarity (13.7%), Opposition Platform - For Life (12.5%), Za Majbutne (For the Future) (8.6%), and Batkivshchyna (8.5%), Rating reported, citing its survey.
The indicators have been calculated from the total number of votes of voters who supported the party.
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"Analysis of local elections results showed that voter turnout in the western regions was higher than that in the southeast. For example, the voter turnout was about 44% in Ternopil and Lviv regions on October 25, while only about a third of voters came to the polls in southeastern regions. As a result, the share of the western regions in the total number of voters increased from 27 to 31%," the report says.
Other parties gained below 5% of the vote.
The total rating of other (mainly local) parties is about 22%.
The aggregate support of five parliamentary parties in the elections was 51% (they received 78% in the elections to the Verkhovna Rada in 2019). However, in areas where powerful local parties were represented, parliamentary parties received much more support in local elections.
A comparative analysis of the results of the Rating group's polls based on the election results showed a fairly high accuracy of outlooks (the average deviation in the results of parties is 0.7%), while minor deviations are explained by: a shift in the real turnout toward the western regions and a relatively low share of those who actually voted in the October 25 elections.
It is also noted that the Servant of the People Party took leading positions (1st-3rd places) in Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, Zakarpattia, Zaporizhia, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Rivne, Sumy, Kherson, Khmelnytsky, Cherkasy, Chernivtsi, and Chernihiv regions.
Opposition Platform - For Life gained good results in the south and east, as well as in Sumy region.
European Solidarity was in the lead in western regions, as well as in Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Rivne, Chernivtsi regions, and the city of Kyiv.
Read alsoLocal election turnout in runoff reaches 29.53% –
Batkivshchyna has seen good results in Kirovohrad, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia, Poltava, and Chernivtsi regions.
Local parties won in Vinnytsia, Zakarpattia, Poltava, Kharkiv, Khmelnytsky, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kherson, and Chernivtsi regions.
The aggregated rating of parties in local elections is the sum of the results of parties in elections to regional councils, in Kyiv – to the city council, in Donetsk and Luhansk regions – to district councils.
The monitoring was carried out on the basis of data from territorial election commissions and monitoring surveys of the Rating Sociological Group (September-October 2020).


unian--2020-11-23--Subsidies up 2.5 times during heating season – Social Policy Ministry

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Subsidies up 2.5 times during heating season – Social Policy Ministry
13:10, 23.11.20 11214
Almost 3 million households have received the relevant benefits in October alone.
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unian--2020-11-23--Kyiv police officers suspected of kidnapping, extortion

Officers with Kyiv 's Solomyansky Police Division have been charged with kidnapping and extortion .
Two detectives and an inquest officer at the Unit , disguised as potential buyers of a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV , illegally detained a 50-year-old Lviv resident and his friend , according to the Internal Security Department of the National Police .
The officers accused the owner of the car of allegedly driving a stolen vehicle .
Read alsoMan threatening to blow up restaurant downtown Kyiv detained ( UPDATE ) Police officers then demanded US $ 10,000 for `` dropping the case . ''
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring in to a designatied location part of the bribe .
The culprits handcuffed their victim before going to pick up the money .
At that moment , the victim 's friend was being illegally held in one of the offices of the Solomyansky police department as hostage .
After police officers received EUR 2,000 , they allowed the car owner to provide the remaining US $ 2,500 of the ransom later .
Only after were both hostages released .
The State Bureau of Investigations initiated criminal proceedings against the police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcers have already been served with charge papers .

Law enforcers extorted US$10,000 from their victims.
Officers with Kyiv's Solomyansky Police Division have been charged with kidnapping and extortion.
Two detectives and an inquest officer at the Unit, disguised as potential buyers of a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV, illegally detained a 50-year-old Lviv resident and his friend, according to the Internal Security Department of the National Police.
The officers accused the owner of the car of allegedly driving a stolen vehicle.
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Read alsoMan threatening to blow up restaurant downtown Kyiv detained (UPDATE)Police officers then demanded US$10,000 for "dropping the case." They forced the man to call his brother to bring in to a designatied location part of the bribe. The culprits handcuffed their victim before going to pick up the money. At that moment, the victim's friend was being illegally held in one of the offices of the Solomyansky police department as hostage.
After police officers received EUR 2,000, they allowed the car owner to provide the remaining US$2,500 of the ransom later. Only after were both hostages released.
The State Bureau of Investigations initiated criminal proceedings against the police officers involved in the scheme.
Three law enforcers have already been served with charge papers.
The investigation is underway.


Zelensky beats COVID-19

`` Anyway , from today I 'm already at work .
The day will be busy , but I am @ @ @ @ @ work as usual , '' he said in a video message .

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has tested negative for coronavirus (COVID-19).
"Anyway, from today I'm already at work. The day will be busy, but I am very happy to plunge into work as usual," he said in a video message.


unian--2020-11-23--"Technical defeat" should be off table: Shevchenko on Switzerland game

The head manager of National Team Ukraine is counting on a rematch .
Andriy Shevchenko , head manager of Ukraine 's National Football Team , has commented on the situation with the cancellation of the Nations League match against Switzerland , and named what he calls the best solution to the issue .
`` I do n't know the scenario yet .
First of all , they will consider our arguments , and they are very strong .
I think that our side has everything to prove that we 're at least not worthy of a technical defeat , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV channel .
`` In general , I think that a rematch should decide the right result .
We have to play this match and find out ourselves who 's stronger , who should stay in the top division , '' Shevchenko said .
The match Switzerland - Ukraine is decisive for both teams in the struggle to avoid relegation from League A to a lower-level group of teams League A .
At the moment , Ukraine has 6 points , while Switzerland has 3 .
Read alsoUEFA League of Nations ' Switzerland-Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation with the positive tests of Junior Moraes and Serhiy Kryvtsov should not have played a decisive role , since both Shakhtar players had been ill earlier : '' I looked into the incident with repeated positive tests by Moraes and Kryvtsov .
People who have been ill may still have a virus , but it is already dead .
They can not infect anyone , but the test still shows this virus .
Therefore , such tests are called fake positive .
But it was only the next day when this was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was submitted differently.
`` On the eve of the match , players Eduard Sobol and Yevhen Makarenko , as well as goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the game .
On the morning of November 17 , the new tests returned – three more players and one of the coaches tested positive .
Lucerne 's chief physician ordered to send the Ukrainian national team to full quarantine .
UEFA tried to negotiate with the Swiss side about the holding of the match , but the talks failed .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was officially canceled .
UEFA has said that the Ukrainian national team will not be able to nominate another squad .
Read alsoBorussia Mönchengladbach beat Shaktar 6-0 in KyivThe decision on the further fate of the match will be taken by UEFA .
According to the Ukrainian side , there are three options : postponing the match to a later date , a technical defeat for one of the teams if UEFA considers it guilty of disrupting the game , or holding a draw that will determine the result of the match ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Switzerland said that the postponement of the match to 2021 is impossible .
It became known that the UAF will file a protest if the Ukrainian national team is awarded a technical defeat .

The head manager of National Team Ukraine is counting on a rematch.
Andriy Shevchenko, head manager of Ukraine's National Football Team, has commented on the situation with the cancellation of the Nations League match against Switzerland, and named what he calls the best solution to the issue.
"I don't know the scenario yet. First of all, they will consider our arguments, and they are very strong. I think that our side has everything to prove that we're at least not worthy of a technical defeat," Shevchenko said, according to Football 1 TV channel.
"In general, I think that a rematch should decide the right result. We have to play this match and find out ourselves who's stronger, who should stay in the top division," Shevchenko said.
Видео дня
The match Switzerland - Ukraine is decisive for both teams in the struggle to avoid relegation from League A to a lower-level group of teams League A. At the moment, Ukraine has 6 points, while Switzerland has 3.
Read alsoUEFA League of Nations' Switzerland-Ukraine match officially postponedThe coach added that the situation with the positive tests of Junior Moraes and Serhiy Kryvtsov should not have played a decisive role, since both Shakhtar players had been ill earlier:
"I looked into the incident with repeated positive tests by Moraes and Kryvtsov. People who have been ill may still have a virus, but it is already dead. They cannot infect anyone, but the test still shows this virus. Therefore, such tests are called fake positive. But it was only the next day when this was discussed. On matchday, the information was submitted differently. "
Switzerland – Ukraine game canceled: Background
On the eve of the match, players Eduard Sobol and Yevhen Makarenko, as well as goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the game. On the morning of November 17, the new tests returned – three more players and one of the coaches tested positive.
Lucerne's chief physician ordered to send the Ukrainian national team to full quarantine. UEFA tried to negotiate with the Swiss side about the holding of the match, but the talks failed.
As a result, the Switzerland - Ukraine match was officially canceled.
UEFA has said that the Ukrainian national team will not be able to nominate another squad.
Read alsoBorussia Mönchengladbach beat Shaktar 6-0 in KyivThe decision on the further fate of the match will be taken by UEFA. According to the Ukrainian side, there are three options: postponing the match to a later date, a technical defeat for one of the teams if UEFA considers it guilty of disrupting the game, or holding a draw that will determine the result of the match (1:0, 0:0 or 0:1). Switzerland said that the postponement of the match to 2021 is impossible.
It became known that the UAF will file a protest if the Ukrainian national team is awarded a technical defeat.


unian--2020-11-23--Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act submitted to U.S. Senate – media

The relevant bill aims to hold Kremlin accountable for severe abuses of religious freedoms in occupied territories .
The bipartisan Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act has been submitted to the U.S. Senate after passing the House of Representatives .
`` This vote in the House is a major step forward for international religious freedom and for the rule of law , '' said Senator Roger Wicker , according to YallPolitics .
`` Russia 's government should be held accountable for brutal crackdowns on people of faith by the forces and illegal aggressors that it commands in Ukraine 's territories .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass this bill and hold the Kremlin accountable for these vicious abuses , '' he said .
The Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act would require the President of the United States to consider particularly severe abuses of religious freedom such as torture , prolonged detention without charges , abduction , and killings in Russian-occupied or otherwise controlled territory when determining whether to designate Russia as a Country of Particular Concern ( CPC ) for such abuses .
Read alsoPutin extends counter-sanctions , including against UkraineRussian forces invaded Crimea in southern Ukraine in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegally in an attempt to annex it .
The Russian government has also established control over parts of the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine through armed groups and illegal entities it created , commands , and supports .
Under the binding laws of war , Russia is responsible for religious freedom abuses in these territories .
The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 requires the U.S. president to ban responsible officials from entering or remaining in the United States and to take one or more of 15 specific actions , or comparable actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies using religion as tool to meddle in Ukraine – intelligence chief • Ukrainian Orthodox Church in occupied Crimea under imminent threat following top сourt ruling • Ombudsperson : Invaders trying to eradicate Ukrainian language in Donbas schools • UN calls on Moscow to stop conscription to Russian army in Crimea

The relevant bill aims to hold Kremlin accountable for severe abuses of religious freedoms in occupied territories.
The bipartisan Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act has been submitted to the U.S. Senate after passing the House of Representatives.
"This vote in the House is a major step forward for international religious freedom and for the rule of law," said Senator Roger Wicker, according to YallPolitics.
"Russia's government should be held accountable for brutal crackdowns on people of faith by the forces and illegal aggressors that it commands in Ukraine's territories. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill and hold the Kremlin accountable for these vicious abuses," he said.
The Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act would require the President of the United States to consider particularly severe abuses of religious freedom such as torture, prolonged detention without charges, abduction, and killings in Russian-occupied or otherwise controlled territory when determining whether to designate Russia as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for such abuses.
Read alsoPutin extends counter-sanctions, including against UkraineRussian forces invaded Crimea in southern Ukraine in February 2014 and continue to occupy it illegally in an attempt to annex it.
The Russian government has also established control over parts of the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine through armed groups and illegal entities it created, commands, and supports.
Under the binding laws of war, Russia is responsible for religious freedom abuses in these territories.
The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 requires the U.S. president to ban responsible officials from entering or remaining in the United States and to take one or more of 15 specific actions, or comparable actions, against CPCs.
Rights abuses by Russia: Background


unian--2020-11-23--Interior Ministry comments on some mayors defying weekend quarantine

The police will not be `` illegally '' forcing mayors to comply with quarantine rules .
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has no intentions to apply `` illegal tools '' to force a number of defiant mayors across Ukraine to tighten quarantine measures on weekends , deputy interior minister Anton Herashchenko has assured .
The comment came as the official spoke with RBC-Ukraine about the refusal of some mayors to implement weekend quarantine earlier introduced by government .
Read alsoPresident 's Office explains why lockdown could be re-introduced in UkraineThe police , Herashchenko said , will fulfill their duties in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment envisages fines for quarantine breaches .
Subject to fines could be entrepreneurs or heads of institutions and facilities .
On the first weekend since the introduction of the latest quarantine bans , the police wrote 1,960 tickets and shut down than 2,000 establishments .
• On November 11 , the Cabinet of Ministers decided to introduce the so-called weekend quarantine starting from November 14 .
• The government repealed the adaptive quarantine system and imposed a nationwide quarantine with curbs for all territories that were in effect in the previous version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the orange risk level .
• On November 17 , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , failed to back a draft resolution recommending that the Ukrainian government soften the restrictions imposed along with the so-called weekend quarantine .

The police will not be "illegally" forcing mayors to comply with quarantine rules.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has no intentions to apply "illegal tools" to force a number of defiant mayors across Ukraine to tighten quarantine measures on weekends, deputy interior minister Anton Herashchenko has assured.
The comment came as the official spoke with RBC-Ukraine about the refusal of some mayors to implement weekend quarantine earlier introduced by government.
Read alsoPresident's Office explains why lockdown could be re-introduced in UkraineThe police, Herashchenko said, will fulfill their duties in line with law.
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"No illegal action is in the works to force mayors to comply with quarantine," said the deputy minister.
Ukrainian legislation at the moment envisages fines for quarantine breaches.
Subject to fines could be entrepreneurs or heads of institutions and facilities.
On the first weekend since the introduction of the latest quarantine bans, the police wrote 1,960 tickets and shut down than 2,000 establishments.
Quarantine in Ukraine: Latest


unian--2020-11-23--President's Office chief recovers from COVID-19

He is going back to his usual office routine , Yermak wrote .
The official went on Facebook to personally @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus is left behind – the test showed a negative result .
I 'm getting @ @ @ @ @ .
Friends , once again I ask everyone to take safety measures responsibly .
I @ @ @ @ @ your loved ones ! ''
Yermak wrote .
Read alsoZelensky enacts law on fines for @ @ @ @ @ public placesBackground On November 9 , President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said he had tested @ @ @ @ @ the same day , Yermak also announced that he had contracted the coronavirus .
Both @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv-based Feofania hospital .
Ukraine said 10,945 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours as of November 23 , 2020 .
The country could be put on @ @ @ @ @ cases reach 30,000 , says Health Minister Maksym Stepanov .

He is going back to his usual office routine, Yermak wrote.
Head of the Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak's latest COVID-19 tests returned negative.
The official went on Facebook to personally break the news.
"Coronavirus is left behind – the test showed a negative result. I'm getting back to working as usual. Friends, once again I ask everyone to take safety measures responsibly. I wish health to you and your loved ones!" Yermak wrote.
Read alsoZelensky enacts law on fines for not wearing face masks in public placesBackground
On November 9, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said he had tested positive for coronavirus.
On the same day, Yermak also announced that he had contracted the coronavirus.
Both have been admitted to a Kyiv-based Feofania hospital.
Ukraine said 10,945 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of November 23, 2020.
The country could be put on full lockdown once daily COVID-19 cases reach 30,000, says Health Minister Maksym Stepanov.


unian--2020-11-23--COVID-19: Over 10,900 new active cases reported as of Nov 23

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 635,689 .
Ukraine said 10,945 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of November 23 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 635,689 as of November 23 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 291,060 patients , including 4,143 in the past day , have recovered .
The death toll has hit 11,075 with 124 fatalities recorded in the past day .
Read alsoUkraine should run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analystsThe government reported 333,554 active cases as of November 23 .
In total , there have been 717,920 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
`` In the past day , 10,945 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 491 children and 447 healthcare workers .
Some 1,165 new patients were hospitalized , '' Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on November 23 .
In total , 28,374 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
In particular , there were 25,253 PCR ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as 3,121 ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) tests .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv ( 1,212 ) , Dnipropetrovsk region ( 1,093 ) , Kyiv region ( 870 ) , Zhytomyr region ( 812 ) , and Zaporizhia region ( 642 ) .
• Zelensky enacts law on fines for not wearing face masks in public places • Over 60 % of Ukrainians oppose introduction of lockdown – poll • Analysts forecast from 17,000 to 33,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine could be put on full lockdown once daily COVID-19 cases reach 30,000 • President 's Office explains why lockdown could be re-introduced in Ukraine

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 635,689.
Ukraine said 10,945 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of November 23, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 635,689 as of November 23, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 291,060 patients, including 4,143 in the past day, have recovered.
Видео дня
The death toll has hit 11,075 with 124 fatalities recorded in the past day.
Read alsoUkraine should run 220,000 PCR tests for COVID-19 daily – analystsThe government reported 333,554 active cases as of November 23. In total, there have been 717,920 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
"In the past day, 10,945 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 491 children and 447 healthcare workers. Some 1,165 new patients were hospitalized," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on November 23.
In total, 28,374 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 25,253 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests run, as well as 3,121 ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv (1,212), Dnipropetrovsk region (1,093), Kyiv region (870), Zhytomyr region (812), and Zaporizhia region (642).
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Other reports


unian--2020-11-23--Local election turnout in runoff reaches 29.53% – CEC

The second round of the vote took place on Sunday .
As of 20:00 on Sunday , November 22 , @ @ @ @ @ the mayoral elections runoff stood at 29.53 % .
That 's according to the Media @ @ @ @ @ Election Commission Secretariat .
Voter turnout in Dnipro was at 23.93 % , Nikopol – @ @ @ @ @ – at 32.40 % , Uzhgorod – at 27.94 % , Berdiansk – at 39.23 @ @ @ @ @ 38.94 % , Drohobych – at 30-21 % , Mykolaiv – at 28.40 % , @ @ @ @ @ , Rivne – at 30.35 % , and Cherkasy – at 26.02 % .
• @ @ @ @ @ elections was held in 11 cities across Ukraine where mayors were being voted in .
@ @ @ @ @ deputies were being elected in 47 settlements .

The second round of the vote took place on Sunday.
As of 20:00 on Sunday, November 22, the average voter turnout in the mayoral elections runoff stood at 29.53%.
That's according to the Media Relations Department of the Central Election Commission Secretariat.
Voter turnout in Dnipro was at 23.93%, Nikopol – at 24.20%, Sloviansk – at 32.40%, Uzhgorod – at 27.94%, Berdiansk – at 39.23%, Lviv – at 38.94%, Drohobych – at 30-21% , Mykolaiv – at 28.40%, Poltava – at 25.52%, Rivne – at 30.35%, and Cherkasy – at 26.02%.
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Local election runoff: Latest