unian--2020-01-29--SBU lures ex-"DPR coal industry minister" into Ukrainian-controlled territory

The man supervised coal production in Russia-occupied districts of Ukraine 's Donetsk region .
The Counterintelligence Department of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine has brought one of the former `` ministers of the coal industry '' of the so-called `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) terrorist organization to the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities .
Investigators of the special service established that the pseudo-official had regularly attended `` DPR government '' meetings and taken an active part in the formation of the internal policy of the `` relevant ministry , '' according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular , he supervised coal production and distribution of energy resources in Russia-occupied districts of Ukraine 's Donetsk region .
After dismissal from office , the suspect started his own business in the `` DPR , '' tried to distance himself from the work in the `` government '' of the pseudo-republic and was considering a return to the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities .
He got back to Ukraine as a result of a special operation developed by the SBU .
Immediately after leaving the so-called `` DPR , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in detail about his participation in the `` government '' illegally formed in the Russia-occupied territories .
The man provided detailed testimonies of specific facts about Russia 's direct involvement in the process of occupation of certain districts in Donetsk region .
The `` ex-minister '' also shared proof of involvement of Russia 's civil servants , who act in the occupied territories as `` advisers , '' in the criminal schemes created to embezzle Russia 's budget funds allocated for `` DPR '' -controlled coal production facilities .
A criminal case against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Article 258-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine .
The investigation is underway .
The SBU is currently checking the `` ex-minister 's '' possible involvement in crimes during his tenure in `` senior positions of the DPR . ''

The man supervised coal production in Russia-occupied districts of Ukraine's Donetsk region.
The Counterintelligence Department of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine has brought one of the former "ministers of the coal industry" of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR") terrorist organization to the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities.
Investigators of the special service established that the pseudo-official had regularly attended "DPR government" meetings and taken an active part in the formation of the internal policy of the "relevant ministry," according to the SBU's press center.
Read alsoSBU exposes network of terrorist informants in Donbas
In particular, he supervised coal production and distribution of energy resources in Russia-occupied districts of Ukraine's Donetsk region.
After dismissal from office, the suspect started his own business in the "DPR," tried to distance himself from the work in the "government" of the pseudo-republic and was considering a return to the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities. He got back to Ukraine as a result of a special operation developed by the SBU.
Immediately after leaving the so-called "DPR," he officially turned to the SBU to report in detail about his participation in the "government" illegally formed in the Russia-occupied territories. The man provided detailed testimonies of specific facts about Russia's direct involvement in the process of occupation of certain districts in Donetsk region. The "ex-minister" also shared proof of involvement of Russia's civil servants, who act in the occupied territories as "advisers," in the criminal schemes created to embezzle Russia's budget funds allocated for "DPR"-controlled coal production facilities.
A criminal case against the suspect was opened Part 1 of Article 258-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The investigation is underway.
The SBU is currently checking the "ex-minister's" possible involvement in crimes during his tenure in "senior positions of the DPR."


unian--2020-01-29--About 40,000 Ukrainians granted "temporary asylum" in Russia – Russian media

As of today , the majority of them have been integrated into Russian society , the official said .
Head of the Main Directorate for Migration of the Russian Interior Ministry Valentina Kazakova has said about 40,000 Ukrainian citizens have been granted `` temporary asylum '' in Russia .
Read also '' DPR '' recognizes use of Ukrainian passports in occupied Donbas '' Currently , there are about 40,000 Ukrainian citizens registered as temporary asylum seekers in Russia , '' she told journalists on Wednesday , according to the Russian news agency TASS .
`` Back in 2014 , Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens from 'southeastern ' Ukraine – more than any European state , '' she said .
`` In late 2016 , about 450,000 Ukrainian citizens found temporary asylum in Russian territory .
As of today , the majority of them have been integrated into Russian society , having taken Russian citizenship , '' she added .
The Russian authorities want to simplify the process of granting citizenship to residents of Ukraine , Belarus , Kazakhstan , and Moldova .
In particular , the Russian government wants to exempt citizens of those countries from @ @ @ @

As of today, the majority of them have been integrated into Russian society, the official said.
Head of the Main Directorate for Migration of the Russian Interior Ministry Valentina Kazakova has said about 40,000 Ukrainian citizens have been granted "temporary asylum" in Russia.
Read also"DPR" recognizes use of Ukrainian passports in occupied Donbas
"Currently, there are about 40,000 Ukrainian citizens registered as temporary asylum seekers in Russia," she told journalists on Wednesday, according to the Russian news agency TASS.
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"Back in 2014, Russia was able to accept about a million citizens from 'southeastern' Ukraine – more than any European state," she said.
"In late 2016, about 450,000 Ukrainian citizens found temporary asylum in Russian territory. As of today, the majority of them have been integrated into Russian society, having taken Russian citizenship," she added.
The Russian authorities want to simplify the process of granting citizenship to residents of Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Moldova. In particular, the Russian government wants to exempt citizens of those countries from Russian language testing.


unian--2020-01-29--Ukraine exports record high 15.6 mln tonnes of wheat since July 1

Half of the 2019 wheat harvest has already been shipped abroad .
The Ukrainian Agribusiness Club Association ( UCAB ) says Ukrainian farmers in almost seven months of the current marketing year ( MY , July 2019-June 2020 ) exported 15.6 million tonnes of wheat as of January 27 , which was 30,000 tonnes up from the indicator reported in MY 2018-2019 .
Read alsoRecord-breaking crops among key factors in GDP growth in 2019 – Ministry At the same time , the country 's wheat production is becoming dependent on relevant exports .
`` In total , the dynamics of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past decade , despite the strengthening of the crop 's potential , indicate a decrease in domestic consumption of wheat ( mainly as feed or forage ) and the dependence of the industry on exports , '' the UCAB 's press service wrote on Facebook on January 28 .
The yield of wheat in Ukraine in 2019 was 28.9 million tonnes .
So , half of the harvest has already been shipped abroad , the press service added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian farmers harvested 75 million tonnes of grain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonnes will be exported to foreign markets , according to Ukraine 's Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture Ministry .
As of January 27 , Ukrainian agribusinesses shipped 35.03 million tonnes of grain abroad .
The country in MY 2018-2019 exported 49.7 million tonnes of grain , which was a record high over Ukraine 's independence .

Ukraine exports record high 15.6 mln tonnes of wheat since July 1
15:30, 29.01.20 2253
Half of the 2019 wheat harvest has already been shipped abroad.
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unian--2020-01-29--Danilov: Zelensky increases NSDC staff to beef up cybersecurity

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov has explained that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's decree to increase NSDC personnel by 30 people is designed to beef up cybersecurity .
`` Given the strategic importance of cybersecurity in the national security system worldwide and in Ukraine , the operation of the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity becomes one of the key activities of the NSDC of Ukraine and its tasks are significantly expanded according to the requirements of the time , '' he said , commenting on the presidential decree , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zelensky on January 28 signed decree No .
27/2020 to amend presidential decree No .
37 dated January 27 , 2015 , and decree No .
242 dated June 7 , 2016 .
Under the decree , NSDC personnel grew from 160 to 190 people .
New workers will be engaged in information and analytical support and will also provide expert , organizational , maintenance and other types of support for the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity .
The center , which is headed by NSDC Secretary Danilov , is the Council 's @ @ @

NSDC personnel grew to 190 people.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov has explained that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decree to increase NSDC personnel by 30 people is designed to beef up cybersecurity.
Read alsoZelensky chairs NSDC meeting to discuss Ukraine's new security strategy
"Given the strategic importance of cybersecurity in the national security system worldwide and in Ukraine, the operation of the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity becomes one of the key activities of the NSDC of Ukraine and its tasks are significantly expanded according to the requirements of the time," he said, commenting on the presidential decree, according to the NSDC's press service.
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Zelensky on January 28 signed decree No. 27/2020 to amend presidential decree No. 37 dated January 27, 2015, and decree No. 242 dated June 7, 2016.
Under the decree, NSDC personnel grew from 160 to 190 people.
New workers will be engaged in information and analytical support and will also provide expert, organizational, maintenance and other types of support for the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity.
The center, which is headed by NSDC Secretary Danilov, is the Council's working body.


unian--2020-01-29--Ukraine cuts steel output in 2019, retaining 13th place in WSA's rating

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Ukraine cuts steel output in 2019, retaining 13th place in WSA's rating (Infographic)
14:48, 29.01.20 1885
In total, the 64 countries ranked by the WSA increased steel output by 3.4% in 2019 against 2018, to 1.87 billion tonnes.
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unian--2020-01-30--Ukrainian sailors' Russia case: Lawyer explains why investigation suspended

The sailors remain defendants in the case and may be put on the wanted list if they leave their country @ @ @ @ @ a group of lawyers working for 24 Ukrainian sailors Nikolay Polozov has explained why Russia @ @ @ @ @ FSB ) has suspended an investigation into his clients ' case .
`` The investigation @ @ @ @ @ indefinite period because the whereabouts of the defendants are known but [ Russian ] investigators @ @ @ @ @ participation of all the 24 sailors , '' he said , according to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ added the sailors were not recommended to travel to Russia from Ukraine .
`` However @ @ @ @ @ they seek to escape justice , '' the lawyer said .
According to Polozov , @ @ @ @ @ the case and may be put on the wanted list if they leave their country @ @ @ @ @ are not satisfied with such an uncertain situation so will file an appeal against the @ @ @ @ @ .

The sailors remain defendants in the case and may be put on the wanted list if they leave their country of residence.
Coordinator of a group of lawyers working for 24 Ukrainian sailors Nikolay Polozov has explained why Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has suspended an investigation into his clients' case.
Read alsoRussia suspends investigation into case of released Ukrainian sailors – lawyer
"The investigation has been suspended for an indefinite period because the whereabouts of the defendants are known but [Russian] investigators are unable to ensure the participation of all the 24 sailors," he said, according to the Russian news agency TASS.
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Polozov added the sailors were not recommended to travel to Russia from Ukraine.
"However, it doesn't mean they seek to escape justice," the lawyer said.
According to Polozov, the sailors remain defendants in the case and may be put on the wanted list if they leave their country of residence.
"We are not satisfied with such an uncertain situation so will file an appeal against the decision," he added.


unian--2020-01-30--Sentsov explains reason for switching to Ukrainian language of communication

Sentsov says it was a conscious choice .
Ukrainian film director and former political prisoner Oleh Sentsov has explained the @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian language of communication .
Read alsoEx-political prisoner Sentsov says not interested in politics '' @ @ @ @ @ .
Because it is the language that unites us .
If we create a new @ @ @ @ @ formed according to national principles , a political nation , we should have some guidelines @ @ @ @ @ , our state symbols , our history , our language , '' he said in @ @ @ @ @ of America .
Sentsov says he now speaks Ukrainian under certain circumstances .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ , try to write [ social media ] posts in Ukrainian .
I try to @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Sentsov spoke in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ prison term in Russia .
He also addressed overall conditions in Russian penitentiary facilities and @ @ @ @ @ military involved in seizing Ukraine 's Crimean peninsula .

Sentsov says it was a conscious choice.
Ukrainian film director and former political prisoner Oleh Sentsov has explained the reason for switching to the Ukrainian language of communication.
Read alsoEx-political prisoner Sentsov says not interested in politics
"It was a conscious choice. Because it is the language that unites us. If we create a new Ukrainian nation, which is formed according to national principles, a political nation, we should have some guidelines. This is our independence, our state symbols, our history, our language," he said in an interview for the Voice of America.
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Sentsov says he now speaks Ukrainian under certain circumstances.
"I speak Ukrainian with Ukrainian speakers, try to write [social media] posts in Ukrainian. I try to speak Ukrainian at official events," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Sentsov spoke in the U.S. Congress on Tuesday about his prison term in Russia. He also addressed overall conditions in Russian penitentiary facilities and mentioned confessions of the Russian military involved in seizing Ukraine's Crimean peninsula.


unian--2020-01-30--Brexit: Ukraine introduces temporary visa-free travel for UK citizens

The UK is leaving the European Union on January 31 , 2020 .
Read alsoAgreement on UK 's withdrawal from @ @ @ @ @ Visa-free entry into Ukraine and transit through the territory of Ukraine shall be introduced for @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 to January 30 , 2021 , for citizens of the United Kingdom of @ @ @ @ @ if they stay in Ukraine no longer than 90 days within 180 days , '' @ @ @ @ @ .
28/2020 .
The move is designed to facilitate partnership between Ukraine and Britain , @ @ @ @ @ instructed the government to take all necessary measures to implement the decree .
As UNIAN @ @ @ @ @ is leaving the European Union on January 31 , 2020 .
The transition will continue @ @ @ @ @ year .
Ukraine enjoys a visa-free regime with the European Union , but the British @ @ @ @ @ own visa policies within the EU , and therefore Ukrainians needed a visa to enter @ @ @

The UK is leaving the European Union on January 31, 2020.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has introduced a temporary visa-free travel regime for UK citizens.
Read alsoAgreement on UK's withdrawal from EU signed in Brussels
"Visa-free entry into Ukraine and transit through the territory of Ukraine shall be introduced for the period from January 31, 2020 to January 30, 2021, for citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland if they stay in Ukraine no longer than 90 days within 180 days," according to presidential decree No. 28/2020.
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The move is designed to facilitate partnership between Ukraine and Britain, it said. Zelensky has instructed the government to take all necessary measures to implement the decree.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the UK is leaving the European Union on January 31, 2020. The transition will continue until the end of the year.
Ukraine enjoys a visa-free regime with the European Union, but the British had the right to their own visa policies within the EU, and therefore Ukrainians needed a visa to enter the UK.


unian--2020-01-30--Cash in circulation in Ukraine exceeds US$17 bln in 2019

The growth in cash over the year is due to the needs of the growing economy for the means of payment .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) says hryvnia banknotes and coins in circulation in Ukraine totaled UAH 425 billion , or US $ 17.1 billion , in 2019 , which was 6.2 % up from the figure reported in 2018 .
In particular , coins worth UAH 2.6 billion ( US $ 104.6 million ) and banknotes worth UAH 422.3 billion ( US $ 17 billion ) were in circulation as of January 1 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook on January 28 .
The growth in cash over the year is due to the needs of the growing economy for the means of payment , while the demand for cash was constrained by the further development of cashless payments .
Thus , the average cash share in the economy fell from 9.5 % in 2018 to 8.9 % in 2019 , the reports said .
At the beginning of 2019 , the average number of cash means of payment per capita was 70 banknotes and 182 coins .
Two-hundred-hryvnia banknotes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 28.9 % , respectively .
At the same time , there are almost 4 million 1,000-hryvnia banknotes in circulation , that is Ukraine 's highest face value paper money , which was put into circulation on October 25 , 2019 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the rate of counterfeit hryvnia banknotes grew from 2.5 per 1 million genuine ones in 2018 to 2.9 in 2019 .
However , the rate remains stably low .
In 2018 , the fake money rate in the European Union member states was about 27 euro @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Cash in circulation in Ukraine exceeds US$17 bln in 2019
13:20, 30.01.20 1014
The growth in cash over the year is due to the needs of the growing economy for the means of payment.
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unian--2020-01-30--U.S. joins EU, Canada in imposing fresh Crimea-related sanctions – media

There are now 692 individuals and entities , as well as their subsidiaries , blacklisted by the U.S. government .
The U.S. Treasury Department has joined the European Union and Canada in imposing new sanctions on Russia in response to Moscow 's `` continued aggression toward Ukraine and attempted occupation of Crimea , '' a news release says .
A total of eight individuals and a privately owned railroad company face restrictive measures in the form of asset freezes in the United States , according to the department 's Office of Foreign Assets Control ( OFAC ) , Radio Free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Read alsoCanada imposes new sanctions on individuals involved in illegitimate elections in Crimea Seven of these individuals , whom the Treasury Department called `` illegitimate Russian-backed Crimean officials , '' were also designated by the EU on January 28 .
Canada blacklisted six of the individuals .
The seven individuals include Sergei Danilenko , Lidia Basova , and Yekaterina Pyrkova of Sevastopol 's municipal election committee , as well as Yuriy Gotsanyuk , the head of the de facto Crimean government .
The three other targeted individuals are Mikhail Razvozhayev , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The imposition of sanctions was made `` as part of a coordinated action in a strong demonstration of the international community 's continued condemnation of Russia 's interference in Crimean politics . ''
Grand Service Express ( GSE ) and its CEO , Aleksandr Ganov , were put under sanctions for supporting `` Russia 's efforts to deepen the economic integration of Russia and Crimea . ''
It was in reference to a rail link that was opened in late December between Russia and the Ukrainian peninsula over a bridge that was built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The GSE company says the sanctions will not affect its business as it operates in Russia .
There are now 692 individuals and entities , as well as their subsidiaries , blacklisted by the U.S. government .
The EU 's Russian sanctions list now consists of 177 individuals and 44 entities .
Canada 's analogous list contains more than 430 individuals and entities .

There are now 692 individuals and entities, as well as their subsidiaries, blacklisted by the U.S. government.
The U.S. Treasury Department has joined the European Union and Canada in imposing new sanctions on Russia in response to Moscow's "continued aggression toward Ukraine and attempted occupation of Crimea," a news release says.
A total of eight individuals and a privately owned railroad company face restrictive measures in the form of asset freezes in the United States, according to the department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) said.
Read alsoCanada imposes new sanctions on individuals involved in illegitimate elections in Crimea
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Seven of these individuals, whom the Treasury Department called "illegitimate Russian-backed Crimean officials," were also designated by the EU on January 28. Canada blacklisted six of the individuals.
The seven individuals include Sergei Danilenko, Lidia Basova, and Yekaterina Pyrkova of Sevastopol's municipal election committee, as well as Yuriy Gotsanyuk, the head of the de facto Crimean government. The three other targeted individuals are Mikhail Razvozhayev, Vladimir Nemtsev, and Yekaterina Altabayeva.
The imposition of sanctions was made "as part of a coordinated action in a strong demonstration of the international community's continued condemnation of Russia's interference in Crimean politics."
Grand Service Express (GSE) and its CEO, Aleksandr Ganov, were put under sanctions for supporting "Russia's efforts to deepen the economic integration of Russia and Crimea."
It was in reference to a rail link that was opened in late December between Russia and the Ukrainian peninsula over a bridge that was built for which sanctions were also imposed.
The GSE company says the sanctions will not affect its business as it operates in Russia.
There are now 692 individuals and entities, as well as their subsidiaries, blacklisted by the U.S. government.
The EU's Russian sanctions list now consists of 177 individuals and 44 entities. Canada's analogous list contains more than 430 individuals and entities.


unian--2020-01-30--Pompeo to discuss European security with Zelensky amid visit to Kyiv

Pompeo is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko and Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk .
U.S. Secretary of @ @ @ @ @ visit to Kyiv will discuss a set of important issues about European security with Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ We 'll have a good set of conversations in Ukraine with the team and with @ @ @ @ @ of important issues about European security , '' he said ahead of his travel to @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Department of State .
Pompeo is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym @ @ @ @ @ Zagorodnyuk to highlight U.S. support for Ukraine 's sovereignty and territorial integrity .
He will @ @ @ @ @ ceremony on Mykhailivska Square to honor those who have fallen in Donbas , and meet @ @ @ @ @ , and business community leaders .

Pompeo is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko and Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his visit to Kyiv will discuss a set of important issues about European security with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Read alsoUkraine huge trading partner for U.S. – Pompeo
"We'll have a good set of conversations in Ukraine with the team and with President Zelensky on a set of important issues about European security," he said ahead of his travel to Ukraine, according to the U.S. Department of State.
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Pompeo is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko and Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk to highlight U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He will also attend a wreath laying ceremony on Mykhailivska Square to honor those who have fallen in Donbas, and meet with religious, civil society, and business community leaders.


unian--2020-01-30--Bad weather leaves 397 towns and villages in Ukraine without power

Regional energy distribution companies have deployed their repair teams to eliminate the aftermath of the blackouts .
Some 397 towns @ @ @ @ @ power cuts after the power line safety system had been activated amid the bad weather @ @ @ @ @ winds .
In particular , the electricity supply was disrupted in 201 towns and villages @ @ @ @ @ in Chernihiv region , 72 in Sumy region , 10 in Kirovohrad region , 10 @ @ @ @ @ in Cherkasy region , six in Dnipropetrovsk region , and two in Zaporizhia region , @ @ @ @ @ press service has said .
Regional energy distribution companies have deployed their repair teams to @ @ @ @ @ blackouts .
Weather conditions in Ukraine are expected to deteriorate on January 30-31 , a @ @ @ @ @ .

Regional energy distribution companies have deployed their repair teams to eliminate the aftermath of the blackouts.
Some 397 towns and villages in Ukraine suffered power cuts after the power line safety system had been activated amid the bad weather, namely snowfalls and strong winds.
Read alsoUkraine weather in 2019 warmest over 140 years
In particular, the electricity supply was disrupted in 201 towns and villages in Poltava region, 88 in Chernihiv region, 72 in Sumy region, 10 in Kirovohrad region, 10 in Donetsk region, eight in Cherkasy region, six in Dnipropetrovsk region, and two in Zaporizhia region, the State Emergency Service's press service has said.
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Regional energy distribution companies have deployed their repair teams to eliminate the aftermath of the blackouts.
Weather conditions in Ukraine are expected to deteriorate on January 30-31, a storm warning has been issued.


unian--2020-01-30--EU to provide Ukraine with EUR 26 mln aid for agricultural sector

The relevant agreement was signed in Brussels on January 28 .
The European Union will provide Ukraine with EUR 26 million to support the agricultural sector and small-scale farming .
Read alsoMP Honcharuk : EU may provide Ukraine with EUR 26 mln aid for land reform The relevant agreement was signed in Brussels by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba and Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi , RFE/RL 's Ukrainian service reported on January 28 .
In particular , the funds will be used to `` strengthen the target value chain in agriculture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financing through the introduction of grant programs . ''
As UNIAN reported earlier , on November 13 , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , adopted a draft law to amend certain legislative acts of Ukraine on farmland turnover in the first reading .
The document , which was submitted by the relevant committee , is designed to launch the farmland market in Ukraine from October 1 , 2020 .
On January 24 , Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers approved a draft agreement with the European Union , which provides for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance for Ukraine 's land reform .

EU to provide Ukraine with EUR 26 mln aid for agricultural sector
11:53, 30.01.20 878
The relevant agreement was signed in Brussels on January 28.
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unian--2020-01-30--Canada imposes new sanctions on individuals involved in illegitimate elections in Crimea

Since Russia 's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 , Canada has sanctioned more than 430 individuals and entities .
Canada 's Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne announced on Wednesday that Canada was imposing sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act on six individuals involved in the illegitimate elections held in Russia-occupied Crimea on September 8 , 2019 , in concert with the United States and the European Union .
`` Canada 's support for Ukraine 's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering .
Today 's sanctions demonstrate that Canada and its allies stand united in their condemnation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the illegitimate elections held there last fall and that Canada and the international community are ready to impose a cost for ignoring international law and the rules-based international order , '' he said , according to the official website of the Government of Canada .
It is noted such coordinated action underscores the continued transatlantic unity in responding to Russia 's aggressive actions in Ukraine and its violations of international law .
The government reiterates since Russia 's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 , Canada has sanctioned more than 430 individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our allies .
Canada 's sanctions impose asset freezes and dealings prohibitions .

Since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has sanctioned more than 430 individuals and entities.
Canada's Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne announced on Wednesday that Canada was imposing sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act on six individuals involved in the illegitimate elections held in Russia-occupied Crimea on September 8, 2019, in concert with the United States and the European Union.
Read alsoPACE ratifies Russian delegation's credentials
"Canada's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering. Today's sanctions demonstrate that Canada and its allies stand united in their condemnation of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and the illegitimate elections held there last fall and that Canada and the international community are ready to impose a cost for ignoring international law and the rules-based international order," he said, according to the official website of the Government of Canada.
Видео дня
It is noted such coordinated action underscores the continued transatlantic unity in responding to Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine and its violations of international law.
The government reiterates since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has sanctioned more than 430 individuals and entities, many in coordination with our allies. Canada's sanctions impose asset freezes and dealings prohibitions.


unian--2020-01-30--Naftogaz CEO hopes competitive gas market for Ukrainians to open on May 1

Consumers will choose a gas supplier on their own .
CEO of National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine Andriy Kobolyev says he hopes a competitive gas market will be launched for Ukrainian households as of May 1 , 2020 .
Read alsoNaftogaz names condition for decrease in gas prices for Ukrainian households '' We are waiting for the opening of the gas market for households on May 1 , 2020 , as well as competition between independent suppliers .
Then the issue of what is included in the price will become irrelevant : one will simply choose the most advantageous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote on Facebook on January 28 .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers on January 24 amended the resolution on public service obligations ( PSOs ) and limited the price of gas for households and municipal heating companies to that set at the Dutch Gas Hub .
On January 28 , Naftogaz announced that in keeping with a new government resolution , the January wholesale gas price for households , heat producers and other protected consumers receiving gas under the terms of public service obligations will be UAH 4.65 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( VAT , retail margin , transmission and distribution costs are not included ) .
The price is 25 % down from that of January 2019 .

Naftogaz CEO hopes competitive gas market for Ukrainians to open on May 1
11:01, 30.01.20 1584
Consumers will choose a gas supplier on their own.
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unian--2020-01-30--Crimean Tatars' leader Dzhemilev speaks about "silence" on occupied peninsula

Dzhemilev says those who could speak and express their point of view were either abducted or killed , or are in prison .
Leader of the Crimean Tatar people Mustafa Dzhemilev has spoken about the `` silence '' mode in Russian-occupied Crimea .
Read alsoEU adds seven individuals to sanctions list for holding Russia elections in occupied Crimea '' My wife is there [ in Crimea ] now .
It 's silent as a graveyard .
Those who could speak and express their point of view were either abducted or killed , or are in prison .
Those who keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collaborators are hiding in their homes and do not appear in public .
People are afraid to talk about topics other than everyday ones – they are silent about Ukraine , the [ Russian ] occupation .
What can I say if the Russian special services are monitoring the Internet , if people are immediately summoned to the FSB for a like under an article Russians do n't like , '' he told the Ukrainian-registered Apostrophe online media outlet .
Dzhemilev added that Russian President Vladimir Putin deliberately shuns the topic of Crimea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his address to the Federal Assembly , and said nothing at the end-of-year press conference .
And during the Normandy Four summit , when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky started talking about Crimea , Putin began to rummage through the papers , pretending not to hear .

Dzhemilev says those who could speak and express their point of view were either abducted or killed, or are in prison.
Leader of the Crimean Tatar people Mustafa Dzhemilev has spoken about the "silence" mode in Russian-occupied Crimea.
Read alsoEU adds seven individuals to sanctions list for holding Russia elections in occupied Crimea
"My wife is there [in Crimea] now. It's silent as a graveyard. Those who could speak and express their point of view were either abducted or killed, or are in prison. Those who keep silent – nobody touches them. The collaborators are hiding in their homes and do not appear in public. People are afraid to talk about topics other than everyday ones – they are silent about Ukraine, the [Russian] occupation. What can I say if the Russian special services are monitoring the Internet, if people are immediately summoned to the FSB for a like under an article Russians don't like," he told the Ukrainian-registered Apostrophe online media outlet.
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Dzhemilev added that Russian President Vladimir Putin deliberately shuns the topic of Crimea. He did not mention the peninsula in his address to the Federal Assembly, and said nothing at the end-of-year press conference. And during the Normandy Four summit, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky started talking about Crimea, Putin began to rummage through the papers, pretending not to hear.


unian--2020-01-30--FT: Putin's new Ukraine man lifts hopes of peace progress in Kyiv

People close to the peace talks said the changes were intended to formalise Mr. Kozak 's emergence as Mr. Putin 's lead negotiator on Ukraine .
Vladimir Putin 's promotion of a crucial figure driving peace talks with Ukraine has been welcomed by Kyiv as a signal of renewed willingness in Moscow to resolve the six-year conflict between the two countries .
Dmitry Kozak , a former deputy prime minister , was appointed to a newly created position in the presidential administration last week as part of sweeping changes in the Kremlin that analysts said were designed to lengthen Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Financial Times .
The announcement was followed by the reported resignation of Vladislav Surkov , Mr. Putin 's chief negotiator on Ukraine .
People close to the peace talks said the changes were intended to formalise Mr. Kozak 's emergence as Mr. Putin 's lead negotiator on Ukraine .
Mr. Kozak oversaw two landmark prisoner exchanges last year that were widely hailed as progress in efforts to bring an end to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia-backed armed forces .
The conflict in eastern Ukraine , which started with Russia 's annexation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed 14,000 lives .
Mr. Kozak has also helped resurrect four-party peace talks led by France and Germany .
The so-called `` Normandy four '' negotiations resumed last month after years of stalling under Mr. Surkov .
`` Surkov was playing interference .
If he is really gone this is good , '' said a person close to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky .
Mr. Kozak will now have to reconcile Ukraine 's efforts to reclaim the two Moscow-backed breakaway states on its border with Russia .
Mr. Zelensky has refused to grant the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine as giving Russia a veto over Kyiv 's pro-western foreign policy – and instead wants to include them in a planned decentralisation reform .
`` Surkov was [ driving ] a policy of weakening Ukraine and preventing the signature of future EU and Nato agreements by politically destabilising the territory , '' a person familiar with the peace talks said .
`` Now we are more into managing the process on the ground .
[ .
.
. ]
It 's a more pragmatic approach .
Kozak is a stronger administrator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But other people close to the talks cautioned that Mr. Putin , who has shown no sign of easing pressure on Ukraine , will remain the ultimate decision maker .
`` Zelensky 's guys just associate all the problems with Surkov .
They do n't get who they 're dealing with , '' the former Kremlin colleague said .
`` Of course they wo n't give the territories back .
It 's a fantasy . ''

People close to the peace talks said the changes were intended to formalise Mr. Kozak's emergence as Mr. Putin's lead negotiator on Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin's promotion of a crucial figure driving peace talks with Ukraine has been welcomed by Kyiv as a signal of renewed willingness in Moscow to resolve the six-year conflict between the two countries.
Dmitry Kozak, a former deputy prime minister, was appointed to a newly created position in the presidential administration last week as part of sweeping changes in the Kremlin that analysts said were designed to lengthen Mr. Putin's rule, according to the Financial Times.
The announcement was followed by the reported resignation of Vladislav Surkov, Mr. Putin's chief negotiator on Ukraine.
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Read alsoPolitical scientist assesses Kozak's appointment as new Donbas supervisor
People close to the peace talks said the changes were intended to formalise Mr. Kozak's emergence as Mr. Putin's lead negotiator on Ukraine. Mr. Kozak oversaw two landmark prisoner exchanges last year that were widely hailed as progress in efforts to bring an end to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia-backed armed forces. The conflict in eastern Ukraine, which started with Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, has claimed 14,000 lives.
Mr. Kozak has also helped resurrect four-party peace talks led by France and Germany. The so-called "Normandy four" negotiations resumed last month after years of stalling under Mr. Surkov.
"Surkov was playing interference. If he is really gone this is good," said a person close to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Read also"Putin to surrender Donbas": Ex-lawmaker explains Surkov's resignation
Mr. Kozak will now have to reconcile Ukraine's efforts to reclaim the two Moscow-backed breakaway states on its border with Russia. Mr. Zelensky has refused to grant the regions lasting autonomy – a move seen in Ukraine as giving Russia a veto over Kyiv's pro-western foreign policy – and instead wants to include them in a planned decentralisation reform.
"Surkov was [driving] a policy of weakening Ukraine and preventing the signature of future EU and Nato agreements by politically destabilising the territory," a person familiar with the peace talks said. "Now we are more into managing the process on the ground. [ . . .] It's a more pragmatic approach. Kozak is a stronger administrator and good on the economy."
But other people close to the talks cautioned that Mr. Putin, who has shown no sign of easing pressure on Ukraine, will remain the ultimate decision maker.
"Zelensky's guys just associate all the problems with Surkov. They don't get who they're dealing with," the former Kremlin colleague said. "Of course they won't give the territories back. It's a fantasy."


unian--2020-01-30--NBU lets official hryvnia weaken to UAH 24.85 to U.S. dollar on Jan 30

The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 27.33 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) on January 29 set the official forex rate at UAH 24.85 to the U.S. dollar , which made the country 's national currency weaker by 13 kopiykas .
The Central Bank fixed the following official forex rates of the hryvnia against key foreign currencies for January 30 : US $ 100 will be traded for UAH 2,484.91 ( UAH 2,472.04 as of January 29 ) ; EUR 100 will be traded for UAH 2,732.53 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hryvnia is falling against the dollar for the third day in a row after it weakened by 27 kopiykas on Tuesday and by 12 kopiykas on Wednesday , according to the NBU website .
The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 27.33 per euro – the hryvnia lost 12 kopiykas in value since Wednesday .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's national currency in 2019 strengthened against the U.S. dollar by 14.5 % , to UAH 23.69 and against the euro by 16.7 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national currency in 2018 strengthened against the U.S. dollar by 1.4 % , to UAH 27.69 as of January 1 , 2019 .
The hryvnia 's historical low against the U.S. dollar was registered at UAH 30.01 in February 2015 .

NBU lets official hryvnia weaken to UAH 24.85 to U.S. dollar on Jan 30
09:55, 30.01.20 2162
The official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 27.33 per euro.
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unian--2020-01-30--Ukraine reports nine enemy attacks in Donbas on Jan 29

There were no Ukrainian army casualties in the past day .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on Wednesday mounted nine @ @ @ @ @ Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
Read alsoMinsk talks : Parties agree on resuming search for @ @ @ @ @ The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire nine times on January 29 @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
The enemy opened fire from proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars , grenade launchers @ @ @ @ @ machine guns , and small arms near the town of Maryinka , and the villages @ @ @ @ @ Orikhove , Novotoshkivske , and Novoluhanske .
There were no Ukrainian army casualties in the @ @ @ @ @ midnight , Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire .

There were no Ukrainian army casualties in the past day.
Russia's hybrid military forces on Wednesday mounted nine attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
Read alsoMinsk talks: Parties agree on resuming search for missing persons in Donbas
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire nine times on January 29," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 30, 2020.
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The enemy opened fire from proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns, and small arms near the town of Maryinka, and the villages of Pisky, Lebedynske, Orikhove, Novotoshkivske, and Novoluhanske.
There were no Ukrainian army casualties in the past day.
Since Thursday midnight, Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire.


unian--2020-01-30--China coronavirus: death toll climbs to 170 as cases near 8,000 worldwide – media

The coronavirus is believed to have originated last month in a market that sold wild animals in Wuhan , the capital city of Hubei province in central China .
The number of known coronavirus cases jumped by 1,737 to 7,771 in China on Thursday morning including the first confirmed case in Tibet , according to health authorities , raising the global total to almost 8,000 – and nearing the total infections worldwide in the Sars outbreak of 2002-03 .
Read alsoChina coronavirus : Hong Kong researchers develop vaccine but need time to test it – media The epidemic 's death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 38 since Wednesday , taking the total to 170 , all in China , as of Thursday morning , South China Morning Post reported .
The coronavirus is believed to have originated last month in a market that sold wild animals in Wuhan , the capital city of Hubei province in central China .
The first suspected case in Tibet has been confirmed , meaning the virus has spread to all of mainland China 's 31 provinces , municipalities and autonomous regions .
The 38 new deaths included 37 in Hubei and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The coronavirus is believed to have originated last month in a market that sold wild animals in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in central China.
The number of known coronavirus cases jumped by 1,737 to 7,771 in China on Thursday morning including the first confirmed case in Tibet, according to health authorities, raising the global total to almost 8,000 – and nearing the total infections worldwide in the Sars outbreak of 2002-03.
Read alsoChina coronavirus: Hong Kong researchers develop vaccine but need time to test it – media
The epidemic's death toll also continued to rise sharply, by 38 since Wednesday, taking the total to 170, all in China, as of Thursday morning, South China Morning Post reported.
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The coronavirus is believed to have originated last month in a market that sold wild animals in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in central China.
The first suspected case in Tibet has been confirmed, meaning the virus has spread to all of mainland China's 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. The 38 new deaths included 37 in Hubei and one in Sichuan province in the southwest.


unian--2020-02-05--Reuters: WTO issues mixed ruling in Russia, Ukraine rail dispute

The Russia-Ukraine ruling is one of only four the Appellate Body will deliver after its formal demise in December , when the mandates of two of its three members expired .
The World Trade Organization ( WTO ) recommended on Tuesday that Russia bring some of its measures blocking imports of Ukrainian railway equipment into conformity with global trading rules in the final ruling in a dispute between the two countries .
In a document published on the WTO website , the organization 's Appellate Body , in one of its last verdicts before it stops functioning , said some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' with trade rules , Reuters said .
`` It 's a mixed ruling that is more favorable to Ukraine , '' said a Geneva-based trade official .
The case centered on Russian procedures to check that the Ukrainian railway equipment conformed with Russian rules .
Part of the problem was that conflict between Moscow and Kiev meant Russian inspectors were unwilling to travel to Ukraine .
An earlier WTO panel ruling on the case had said this was justified based on the hostilities between the two former Soviet republics .
The Appellate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel should have looked at the situation where the equipment makers were based , not in Ukraine more generally .
The Russia-Ukraine ruling is one of only four the Appellate Body will deliver after its formal demise in December , when the mandates of two of its three members expired .
The United States has been blocking appointments to the WTO 's appeals body for two years , leaving it with too few members to make rulings .
However , the two departing members have been allowed to stay on to rule on @ @ @ @

The Russia-Ukraine ruling is one of only four the Appellate Body will deliver after its formal demise in December, when the mandates of two of its three members expired.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) recommended on Tuesday that Russia bring some of its measures blocking imports of Ukrainian railway equipment into conformity with global trading rules in the final ruling in a dispute between the two countries.
In a document published on the WTO website, the organization's Appellate Body, in one of its last verdicts before it stops functioning, said some of Russia's measures were "inconsistent" with trade rules, Reuters said.
Read alsoReuters: WTO top court largely backs Russia in fertilizer case with Ukraine
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"It's a mixed ruling that is more favorable to Ukraine," said a Geneva-based trade official.
The case centered on Russian procedures to check that the Ukrainian railway equipment conformed with Russian rules. Part of the problem was that conflict between Moscow and Kiev meant Russian inspectors were unwilling to travel to Ukraine.
An earlier WTO panel ruling on the case had said this was justified based on the hostilities between the two former Soviet republics.
The Appellate Body disagreed on Tuesday, saying the panel should have looked at the situation where the equipment makers were based, not in Ukraine more generally.
The Russia-Ukraine ruling is one of only four the Appellate Body will deliver after its formal demise in December, when the mandates of two of its three members expired.
The United States has been blocking appointments to the WTO's appeals body for two years, leaving it with too few members to make rulings. However, the two departing members have been allowed to stay on to rule on certain outstanding cases.


unian--2020-02-05--Intl response group for PS752 victims demands black boxes from Iran

All countries used the opportunity to update on their respective repatriation processes .
The International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Ukraine International Airlines ( UIA ) flight PS752 , which was shot down in Iran on January 8 , demands that the Iranian authorities give it the black boxes of the downed plane .
`` All countries are concerned with Iran 's failure to release the black boxes .
Annex 13 to the Convention on Civil Aviation requires this take place without delay .
Iran must release the black boxes immediately as a demonstration of continued willingness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this event , '' the group consisting of representatives of Ukraine , Canada , Sweden , the United Kingdom , and Afghanistan , said in a statement on February 4 after their fifth meeting by teleconference .
All countries used the opportunity to update on their respective repatriation processes .
Importantly , they agreed on the need for continued pressure to secure closure , accountability , transparency and justice for the victims of flight PS752 .
Canada 's Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne shared with the group that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Civil Aviation Organization on this matter with Transport Minister Marc Garneau last Friday .
`` Furthermore , all participants are committed to finding common ground on legal options for negotiations with Iran regarding its responsibility in this act in order to bring justice , including equal compensation to the families of the victims of flight PS752 , '' the statement said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Kyiv-bound UIA flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran 's Imam Khomeini International Airport in the early hours of January 8 .
It was carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board .
Two passengers and the crew members were Ukrainians .
There were also 82 citizens of Iran , 63 citizens of Canada , 10 citizens of Sweden , four citizens of Afghanistan , three citizens of Germany and the United Kingdom each .
There were no survivors .
On January 11 , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially admitted that the Ukrainian airliner had been shot down by accident as a result of a `` human error '' and that those responsible would be held accountable .
On February 2 , intercepted communications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tower and the second pilot of Iran 's Aseman Airlines flight at the time of the crash of flight PS752 were released by TSN.Tyzhden .
Tehran blamed the Ukrainian authorities for leaking what it described as confidential evidence , and said it would no longer share material with Ukraine from the investigation into the crash .

All countries used the opportunity to update on their respective repatriation processes.
The International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight PS752, which was shot down in Iran on January 8, demands that the Iranian authorities give it the black boxes of the downed plane.
"All countries are concerned with Iran's failure to release the black boxes. Annex 13 to the Convention on Civil Aviation requires this take place without delay. Iran must release the black boxes immediately as a demonstration of continued willingness to have a full and transparent account of this event," the group consisting of representatives of Ukraine, Canada, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan, said in a statement on February 4 after their fifth meeting by teleconference.
All countries used the opportunity to update on their respective repatriation processes.
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Importantly, they agreed on the need for continued pressure to secure closure, accountability, transparency and justice for the victims of flight PS752.
Read alsoFrance ready to help Ukraine analyze UIA PS752 black boxes
Canada's Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne shared with the group that he had made an official approach to the International Civil Aviation Organization on this matter with Transport Minister Marc Garneau last Friday.
"Furthermore, all participants are committed to finding common ground on legal options for negotiations with Iran regarding its responsibility in this act in order to bring justice, including equal compensation to the families of the victims of flight PS752," the statement said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Kyiv-bound UIA flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport in the early hours of January 8. It was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. Two passengers and the crew members were Ukrainians. There were also 82 citizens of Iran, 63 citizens of Canada, 10 citizens of Sweden, four citizens of Afghanistan, three citizens of Germany and the United Kingdom each. There were no survivors.
On January 11, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially admitted that the Ukrainian airliner had been shot down by accident as a result of a "human error" and that those responsible would be held accountable.
On February 2, intercepted communications between Tehran Airport's air traffic control tower and the second pilot of Iran's Aseman Airlines flight at the time of the crash of flight PS752 were released by TSN.Tyzhden. Tehran blamed the Ukrainian authorities for leaking what it described as confidential evidence, and said it would no longer share material with Ukraine from the investigation into the crash.


unian--2020-02-04--North Atlantic Council meets with Ukraine Defense Reform Advisory Board

Established in 2016 , the Board provides expertise and recommendations on defense reforms to Ukraine 's leadership .
The North Atlantic Council met with members of the Defense Reform Advisory Board of Ukraine on February 4 , 2020 , to exchange views on Ukraine 's reform agenda and current priorities .
`` NATO Allies welcomed the Board 's efforts to support Ukraine in implementing key reforms along Euro-Atlantic principles , and ensuring these are sustainable , '' NATO said in a statement on its website .
`` In particular , Allies welcomed efforts to advance civilian control and democratic oversight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve the system of command and control of the Armed Forces , and tackle corruption . ''
Chairing the Council , NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană also thanked the Board for its close cooperation with the NATO Representation in Ukraine .
Established in 2016 , the Board provides expertise and recommendations on defense reforms to Ukraine 's leadership .
Since 2014 , NATO has strengthened its support to Ukraine , with new Trust Funds , more advisers and enhanced capacity building programs .
The Alliance continues to provide strategic advice on Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in line with the goals of the 2018 Law on National Security .

Established in 2016, the Board provides expertise and recommendations on defense reforms to Ukraine's leadership.
The North Atlantic Council met with members of the Defense Reform Advisory Board of Ukraine on February 4, 2020, to exchange views on Ukraine's reform agenda and current priorities.
"NATO Allies welcomed the Board's efforts to support Ukraine in implementing key reforms along Euro-Atlantic principles, and ensuring these are sustainable," NATO said in a statement on its website. "In particular, Allies welcomed efforts to advance civilian control and democratic oversight over the security and defense sector, improve the system of command and control of the Armed Forces, and tackle corruption."
Read alsoUkraine, Turkey sign framework agreement on cooperation in defense sector
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Chairing the Council, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană also thanked the Board for its close cooperation with the NATO Representation in Ukraine.
Established in 2016, the Board provides expertise and recommendations on defense reforms to Ukraine's leadership.
Since 2014, NATO has strengthened its support to Ukraine, with new Trust Funds, more advisers and enhanced capacity building programs. The Alliance continues to provide strategic advice on Ukraine's security and defense sector reforms, in line with the goals of the 2018 Law on National Security.


unian--2020-02-04--German right-wing populists from AfD visit Russia-occupied Luhansk

One of them was an AfD politician from the Berlin district of Marzahn sitting in the Berlin City Parliament .
Representatives of German right-wing populists ( AfD ) have arrived in Russia-occupied Luhansk to take part in an `` official '' event of the self-proclaimed `` Luhansk People 's Republic '' ( `` LPR '' ) .
This was reported by Ukraine 's European Pravda media outlet with reference to a tweet by journalist from Bild Julian Röpcke .
Read alsoRussia uses Germany 's AfD in influence campaigns – think tank '' The # AfD once again violates Ukrainian law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Republic ' in Russia-occupied eastern Ukraine , '' the journalist wrote in German on Twitter on Tuesday , February 4 .
At a meeting with members of the `` LPR '' were Gunnar Lindemann , an AfD politician from the Berlin district of Marzahn sitting in the Berlin City Parliament , and Richard Gretzinger , a member of the board of the AfD regional office .
They were accompanied by German Prof. Dr. Henning Zoz .
This was not their first visit to the occupied part of Donbas .
Lindemann and Gretzinger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` elections '' held by Russian occupying authorities in eastern Ukraine in the autumn of 2018 .
What is more , both AfD members visited Russia-occupied Crimea in violation of Ukrainian laws .

One of them was an AfD politician from the Berlin district of Marzahn sitting in the Berlin City Parliament.
Representatives of German right-wing populists (AfD) have arrived in Russia-occupied Luhansk to take part in an "official" event of the self-proclaimed "Luhansk People's Republic" ("LPR").
This was reported by Ukraine's European Pravda media outlet with reference to a tweet by journalist from Bild Julian Röpcke.
Read alsoRussia uses Germany's AfD in influence campaigns – think tank
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"The #AfD once again violates Ukrainian law and illegally visits the so-called 'Luhansk People's Republic' in Russia-occupied eastern Ukraine," the journalist wrote in German on Twitter on Tuesday, February 4.
At a meeting with members of the "LPR" were Gunnar Lindemann, an AfD politician from the Berlin district of Marzahn sitting in the Berlin City Parliament, and Richard Gretzinger, a member of the board of the AfD regional office. They were accompanied by German Prof. Dr. Henning Zoz.
This was not their first visit to the occupied part of Donbas. Lindemann and Gretzinger were "observers" during the illegal "elections" held by Russian occupying authorities in eastern Ukraine in the autumn of 2018.
What is more, both AfD members visited Russia-occupied Crimea in violation of Ukrainian laws.


unian--2020-02-04--Ukraine's parliament speaker sees no grounds for disbanding Rada

Speaker of Ukraine 's parliament Dmytro Razumkov currently does not see any grounds for disbanding the Verkhovna Rada .
`` @ @ @ @ @ any grounds for disbanding the parliament ...
I understand that there can be different debates @ @ @ @ @ immunity for a year .
If we are talking about a list of issues allowing @ @ @ @ @ , prerequisites , then it seems to me that 's not the case , '' @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , answering a question about the possibility of holding early parliamentary elections this autumn @ @ @ @ @ working , and it has a `` monocoalition '' that passes bills , he said @ @ @ @ @ or a citizen , I do n't see any prerequisites from the legal point of @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's Verkhovna Rada for disbanding the Rada of the 9th convocation , '' the @ @ @

The parliament has a 12-month immunity.
Speaker of Ukraine's parliament Dmytro Razumkov currently does not see any grounds for disbanding the Verkhovna Rada.
"I personally do not see any grounds for disbanding the parliament ... I understand that there can be different debates, but the parliament has immunity for a year. If we are talking about a list of issues allowing the dissolution of the parliament, prerequisites, then it seems to me that's not the case," he said on Channel 112 Ukraine, answering a question about the possibility of holding early parliamentary elections this autumn.
Read alsoRada paves path toward cutting number of parliament seats
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The parliament has been working, and it has a "monocoalition" that passes bills, he said.
"As a speaker or a citizen, I don't see any prerequisites from the legal point of view or the effectiveness of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada for disbanding the Rada of the 9th convocation," the speaker said.


unian--2020-02-04--Ukraine's economy ministry estimates GDP growth in 2019 at 3.3%

The ministry predicts further reforms in all areas of the economy .
Ukraine 's Ministry of Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture estimated the growth of gross domestic product ( GDP ) in the country in 2019 at 3.3 % .
The indicator was mentioned in the Review of Economic Activity for 2019 , posted on the ministry 's website .
The ministry also indicated that the drivers of this growth had changed .
So , the growth of the Consolidated Index of the Production of Goods and Services by Main Types of Economic Activity slowed significantly , to 1.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` covered '' by avalanche of investments , both external and internal – Zelensky Also , despite the updated record for the yield of grain , agricultural growth slowed significantly , while high domestic demand generated high rates in construction , trade and a number of sectors providing services .
As for expectations for 2020 , the ministry predicts further reforms in all areas of the economy , modernization of the industrial complex , active upgrading of infrastructure facilities , however , the factors that influenced the development of the economy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in general against the background of structural imbalances and problems accumulated over previous periods .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the National Bank maintained the forecast for real GDP growth in Ukraine in 2020 by 3.5 % .
The growth of Ukraine 's real GDP in the third quarter of 2019 was 4.1 % in annual terms .
The expected growth rate for 2019 as a whole at about 3.5 % would be the highest one over the past eight years .
According to recent forecasts , the International Monetary Fund expects economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , the World Bank 's forecast is set at 3.7 % .
The Ukrainian government predicts an increase in Ukraine 's real GDP this year by 3.7 % , but says it will review its projections .

Ukraine's economy ministry estimates GDP growth in 2019 at 3.3%
20:55, 04.02.20 1860
The ministry predicts further reforms in all areas of the economy.
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unian--2020-02-04--U.S. to slap new sanctions against Russia's Nord Stream 2 – German media

They are expected in February or March 2020 .
The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate are ready to adopt a new bill on sanctions against Nord Stream 2 if Russia completes kilometers of the pipeline .
The sanctions will concern European investors participating in the Russian project and companies that will buy gas through the pipeline , Germany 's leading business newspaper Handelsblatt reported , citing its own sources .
Read alsoEuropean Commission not to make any exceptions to energy rules for Nord Stream 2 – Kuleba The sources claim that the introduction of the new sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNIAN memo .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being implemented by Russia 's Gazprom in alliance with European companies – ENGIE , OMV , 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 December 20 , U.S. President Donald Trump enacted the U.S. defense budget for 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions against companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipelines .
After that , the Swiss company Allseas suspended participation in the construction of Nord Stream 2 .
On December 30 , it became known that the company had withdrawn from participation in the project , its ships had already left the Baltic Sea .

U.S. to slap new sanctions against Russia's Nord Stream 2 – German media
19:57, 04.02.20 7615
They are expected in February or March 2020.
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unian--2020-02-04--Reuters: Russia sends Lavrov to Venezuela to 'counteract' U.S. sanctions

In Venezuela , Lavrov will meet Maduro as well as Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Venezuela on Friday in a show of support for President Nicolas Maduro , a socialist who Washington wants out of power .
Russia has helped Maduro weather a political crisis as the United States has targeted Caracas with sanctions and , like dozens of other countries , recognizes opposition politician Juan Guaido as Venezuela 's legitimate interim leader , Reuters said .
Moscow has denounced the U.S. sanctions as illegal and damaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington to step up pressure on Russia for its economic , diplomatic and military support of Maduro .
Lavrov , foreign minister since 2004 , flies to Latin America on Wednesday , stopping in Cuba before heading to Mexico on Thursday and Venezuela the next day .
Read alsoZelensky thanks Pompeo for continuous support of Ukraine His trip follows a tour by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of four former Soviet states – Ukraine , Belarus , Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan – in a region that Moscow sees as its backyard .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza for talks that will broach deeper cooperation on energy , mining , transport , agriculture and defense , Russia 's foreign ministry said .
`` The agenda includes a discussion of steps ... to counteract illegal unilateral sanctions that worsen the socioeconomic situation in Venezuela , '' ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said .
The United States last year ratcheted up diplomatic pressure on Venezuela and imposed sanctions on the OPEC member 's state oil company , PDVSA .

In Venezuela, Lavrov will meet Maduro as well as Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Venezuela on Friday in a show of support for President Nicolas Maduro, a socialist who Washington wants out of power.
Russia has helped Maduro weather a political crisis as the United States has targeted Caracas with sanctions and, like dozens of other countries, recognizes opposition politician Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate interim leader, Reuters said.
Moscow has denounced the U.S. sanctions as illegal and damaging, while Venezuela's opposition has urged Washington to step up pressure on Russia for its economic, diplomatic and military support of Maduro.
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Lavrov, foreign minister since 2004, flies to Latin America on Wednesday, stopping in Cuba before heading to Mexico on Thursday and Venezuela the next day.
Read alsoZelensky thanks Pompeo for continuous support of Ukraine
His trip follows a tour by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of four former Soviet states – Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan – in a region that Moscow sees as its backyard.
In Venezuela, Lavrov will meet Maduro as well as Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza for talks that will broach deeper cooperation on energy, mining, transport, agriculture and defense, Russia's foreign ministry said.
"The agenda includes a discussion of steps ... to counteract illegal unilateral sanctions that worsen the socioeconomic situation in Venezuela," ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
The United States last year ratcheted up diplomatic pressure on Venezuela and imposed sanctions on the OPEC member's state oil company, PDVSA.


unian--2020-02-04--RFE/RL: One-third of Ukrainians say they belong to church independent of Moscow

An additional 8.2 percent said they belong to the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church .
More than one-third ( 34 percent ) of Ukrainians identify with the newly created independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine ( OCU ) , a poll found conducted by the Kyiv-based Razumkov Center think tank and published on February 3 .
About 14 percent of the public called themselves faithful to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate ( UOC-MP ) , the survey on the confessional and church affiliation of Ukrainian citizens said , Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty ( RFE/RL ) reported .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be recognized by other churches despite pressure from Russia An additional 8.2 percent said they belong to the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church .
More than a quarter of respondents , or 27.6 percent , said they were Orthodox Christians but do n't affiliate with a particular branch of church .
In January , Metropolitan Epifaniy , the head of the OCU , said some 600 parishes in Ukraine aligned with the Moscow patriarchate had in one year switched over to the newly formed church .
The UOC-MP does n't recognize and opposes the OCU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 by the patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul .
The move heralded a historic break from and ended more than 300 years of control by Moscow .
The OCU now registers 7,000 parishes , 77 monasteries , and 47 dioceses , or ecclesiastical districts .
In addition to the patriarchate of Constantinople , the OCU has been recognized by the Greek Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Alexandria .
The UOC-MP boasts 12,300 registered church communities , a figure that religious experts say is inflated and which in actuality numbers between 9,000 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on January 17-21 with a sample size of 2,000 respondents aged 18 and over who were questioned in all the regions of Ukraine except for Russia-occupied Crimea and areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions that the government does n't control .

An additional 8.2 percent said they belong to the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church.
More than one-third (34 percent) of Ukrainians identify with the newly created independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), a poll found conducted by the Kyiv-based Razumkov Center think tank and published on February 3.
About 14 percent of the public called themselves faithful to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), the survey on the confessional and church affiliation of Ukrainian citizens said, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported.
Read alsoMetropolitan Epifaniy: OCU's autocephaly to be recognized by other churches despite pressure from Russia
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An additional 8.2 percent said they belong to the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church.
More than a quarter of respondents, or 27.6 percent, said they were Orthodox Christians but don't affiliate with a particular branch of church.
In January, Metropolitan Epifaniy, the head of the OCU, said some 600 parishes in Ukraine aligned with the Moscow patriarchate had in one year switched over to the newly formed church.
The UOC-MP doesn't recognize and opposes the OCU, which was granted independence in January 2019 by the patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul.
The move heralded a historic break from and ended more than 300 years of control by Moscow.
The OCU now registers 7,000 parishes, 77 monasteries, and 47 dioceses, or ecclesiastical districts.
In addition to the patriarchate of Constantinople, the OCU has been recognized by the Greek Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
The UOC-MP boasts 12,300 registered church communities, a figure that religious experts say is inflated and which in actuality numbers between 9,000 and 10,000 parishes.
The survey was conducted on January 17-21 with a sample size of 2,000 respondents aged 18 and over who were questioned in all the regions of Ukraine except for Russia-occupied Crimea and areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions that the government doesn't control.


unian--2020-02-04--Ukrainian labor migrants transfer about US$12 bln to Ukraine in 2019

The volume of remittances significantly reduced foreign currencies ' rates last year .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) says Ukrainian labor migrants transferred about US $ 12 billion to the country in 2019 .
`` The favorable situation in the forex market for most of 2019 was determined by good export performance , which was supported by a relatively good pricing environment in foreign markets ; record agricultural productivity ; moderate growth in goods imports , in particular due to low energy prices ; and consistently high income from labor migrants ( about US $ 12 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hromadske said on February 4 , referring to the NBU 's press service .
Read alsoUkrainians get US $ 141 mln in money remittances from United States The volume of remittances significantly reduced foreign currencies ' rates in 2019 .
In particular , in December alone , the U.S. dollar weakened to UAH 23.2 , and by five hryvnias from the beginning of 2019 .
At the same time , at the beginning of 2020 , the dollar exchange rate started rebounding .
The National Bank explains the hryvnia devaluation by foreign currency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign currency sales by exporters due to the receipt of VAT refunds .
Ukrainian labor migrants transferred US $ 8.74 billion to Ukraine in the three quarters of 2019 , including US $ 2.82 billion from Poland .

Ukrainian labor migrants transfer about US$12 bln to Ukraine in 2019
16:40, 04.02.20 4215
The volume of remittances significantly reduced foreign currencies' rates last year.
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unian--2020-02-04--Payments under feed-in tariff to almost double in 2010 – Ukraine's official

Ukraine at the legislative level fixed one of the world 's highest `` green '' tariffs .
Ukrainian MP , Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy , Housing and Utilities Andriy Gerus says payments under the `` green '' ( feed-in ) tariff in 2020 will grow 1.8 times from 2019 , up to UAH 48 billion , or US $ 1.9 billion .
`` If UAH 27 billion [ US $ 1.1 billion ] was paid for 'green ' energy in 2019 , the payments will stood at UAH 48 billion this year , that is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 837.3 million ] , which must be taken somewhere .
This is a challenging issue , '' he said on a Ukrainian TV channel on February 4 .
According to Gerus , this is due to the fact that Ukraine at the legislative level fixed one of the world 's highest `` green '' tariffs , namely 15 euro cents per kWh for solar stations , while Germany has it at 4.7 euro cents and Uzbekistan – at 6 euro cents .
The official noted that today Ukraine is in talks with investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we need to be very careful in this regard .
At the moment , no bill [ on changing the feed-in tariff ] has been registered [ in parliament ] .
We are not in a hurry , our dialogue [ with investors ] is ongoing , and it is n't easy , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the state-owned company Guaranteed Buyer predicts a UAH 8.2 billion ( US $ 327 million ) deficit of payments at the feed-in tariff to renewable energy facilities in 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be installed soon , which will have significant consequences for Ukraine 's energy sector as a whole .
In 2019 , US $ 3.7 billion was invested in Ukrainian renewables , which allowed the construction of additional facilities with 4.5 GW capacity .
Thus , renewables capacity totaled 6.8 GW at the end of the year .

Payments under feed-in tariff to almost double in 2010 – Ukraine's official
16:20, 04.02.20 2753
Ukraine at the legislative level fixed one of the world's highest "green" tariffs.
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unian--2020-02-04--Terrorist leader Girkin says not to testify in MH17 trial

The Russian national says he does n't recognize charges pressed against him .
Former `` Defense Minister '' of the so-called `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) and an allegedly-retired GRU officer Igor Girkin , nom de guerre Strelkov , has said he is not going to testify in the Dutch-led trial of the MH17 downing case .
`` I do n't recognize the charges pressed against me and I do n't accept that these people are competent to charge me , '' Strelkov told the Russian Interfax news agency .
Answering a question about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Strelkov said : `` Not ready , even if I had been taken there by force . ''
As UNIAN reported earlier , the prosecutor 's office of the Netherlands brought in an indictment against four persons involved in the crash of the Malaysian Boeing MH17 flight over Donbas in 2014 .
UNIAN memo .
Malaysia Airlines ' MH17 Boeing 777 heading from Amsterdam for Kuala Lumpur was shot down on July 17 , 2014 , over Russia-occupied territory in Donetsk region .
All 298 people on board who were citizens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The majority of the victims , 196 , were citizens of the Netherlands .
The Dutch Safety Board October 13 , 2015 , issued a report on the causes of the accident .
It was revealed that the plane had been shot down by a Buk anti-aircraft missile system .
The Joint Investigation Team in its report published on September 28 , 2016 , confirmed that the plane had been downed by a Russian-made Buk brought to Ukraine from Russia .
On June 19 , 2019 , JIT investigators accused four Russia-controlled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missile attack that shot down MH17 .
The first four suspects in the MH17 case are Russian terrorist Igor Girkin ( AKA `` Strelkov '' ) , who in the summer of 2014 was the so-called `` Minister of Defense of the Donetsk People 's Republic '' ( `` DPR '' ) ; Russian General Sergei Dubinsky ( nom de guerre `` Khmuryi '' ) , who led the `` DPR intelligence ; '' Oleg Pulatov ( nom de guerre `` Gyurza '' ) , who in 2014 headed of `` the 2nd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; '' as well as Leonid Kharchenko ( nom de guerre `` Krot '' ) , who was a leader of the `` reconnaissance battalion '' of Russia-led forces .
The trial of those suspects in the crash of the Malaysian Boeing should begin on March 9 , 2020 .

The Russian national says he doesn't recognize charges pressed against him.
Former "Defense Minister" of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR") and an allegedly-retired GRU officer Igor Girkin, nom de guerre Strelkov, has said he is not going to testify in the Dutch-led trial of the MH17 downing case.
"I don't recognize the charges pressed against me and I don't accept that these people are competent to charge me," Strelkov told the Russian Interfax news agency.
Answering a question about his readiness to testify in the case, Strelkov said: "Not ready, even if I had been taken there by force."
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Read alsoDutch prosecution serves charges on four MH17 defendants – media
As UNIAN reported earlier, the prosecutor's office of the Netherlands brought in an indictment against four persons involved in the crash of the Malaysian Boeing MH17 flight over Donbas in 2014.
UNIAN memo. Malaysia Airlines' MH17 Boeing 777 heading from Amsterdam for Kuala Lumpur was shot down on July 17, 2014, over Russia-occupied territory in Donetsk region. All 298 people on board who were citizens of 10 countries were killed in the crash. The majority of the victims, 196, were citizens of the Netherlands.
The Dutch Safety Board October 13, 2015, issued a report on the causes of the accident. It was revealed that the plane had been shot down by a Buk anti-aircraft missile system. The Joint Investigation Team in its report published on September 28, 2016, confirmed that the plane had been downed by a Russian-made Buk brought to Ukraine from Russia. On June 19, 2019, JIT investigators accused four Russia-controlled military intelligence officers of involvement in a missile attack that shot down MH17.
The first four suspects in the MH17 case are Russian terrorist Igor Girkin (AKA "Strelkov"), who in the summer of 2014 was the so-called "Minister of Defense of the Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR"); Russian General Sergei Dubinsky (nom de guerre "Khmuryi"), who led the "DPR intelligence;" Oleg Pulatov (nom de guerre "Gyurza"), who in 2014 headed of "the 2nd division of the GRU of the DPR;" as well as Leonid Kharchenko (nom de guerre "Krot"), who was a leader of the "reconnaissance battalion" of Russia-led forces. The trial of those suspects in the crash of the Malaysian Boeing should begin on March 9, 2020.


unian--2020-02-04--RFE/RL: Russian firm seeks to recover $11 mln loan from French far-right leader's party

The Moscow-based First Czech-Russian Bank issued the loan in September 2014 to Le Pen 's National Front party , which has since been renamed National Rally .
An obscure Russian aircraft parts company is suing the political party led by French far-right politician Marine Le Pen to recover a $ 10.8 million that was lent in 2014 to help fund election campaigns in France .
The first hearing in the case is scheduled for June 2 at the Moscow City Court of Arbitration , Russian investigative website Open Media reported on February 3 , citing court records , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secret of her sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin and visited Moscow for high-level talks numerous times .
She has criticized Western sanctions against Russia over its annexation of Ukraine ’ s Crimean Peninsula and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine .
The Moscow-based First Czech-Russian Bank issued the loan in September 2014 to Le Pen 's National Front party , which has since been renamed National Rally .
The money was sought because French and other European banks had refused to lend money to the political party ahead of the 2017 presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de Saint Just told RFE/RL .
At the time the loan was given , critics accused the National Front of being used as a vehicle by the Kremlin to lobby its political interests in France .
De Saint Just insisted the deal with the now-defunct Russian bank had `` nothing do with Mr. Putin ’ s politics . ''
After the bank lost its license in 2016 , rights to the loan passed for unknown reasons to Konti , another little-known Russian company .
According to Open Media , Konti is registered on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car rental agency .
It subsequently transferred claiming rights to the loan to Aviazapchast , `` an aviation company involved in high-priority strategic partnerships for the Russian state , including exports to the Syrian Ministry of Defense , '' a report by the U.S.-based German Marshall Fund said in 2018 .
Specifically , it supplies Russian aircraft navigation equipment and spare parts to Asia and Africa , as well as special metals for India ’ s and Syria ’ s aerospace and aviation industries , according to The Moscow Times .
Aviazapchast filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 .
The Russian aircraft components company and its sole shareholder , Valery Zakharenkov , allegedly have links to Russian intelligence services , the think tank 's report said .
The German Marshall Fund at the time said the value of the loan to the French party was equivalent to Aviazapchast ’ s pretax profit in 2016 .
Russia 's Justice Ministry blacklisted the U.S. think tank in March 2018 among other foreign and international nongovernmental organizations , `` whose operation has been recognized as undesirable on Russian territory . ''

The Moscow-based First Czech-Russian Bank issued the loan in September 2014 to Le Pen's National Front party, which has since been renamed National Rally.
An obscure Russian aircraft parts company is suing the political party led by French far-right politician Marine Le Pen to recover a $10.8 million that was lent in 2014 to help fund election campaigns in France.
The first hearing in the case is scheduled for June 2 at the Moscow City Court of Arbitration, Russian investigative website Open Media reported on February 3, citing court records, according to RFE/RL.
Le Pen has made no secret of her sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin and visited Moscow for high-level talks numerous times. She has criticized Western sanctions against Russia over its annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.
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The Moscow-based First Czech-Russian Bank issued the loan in September 2014 to Le Pen's National Front party, which has since been renamed National Rally.
The money was sought because French and other European banks had refused to lend money to the political party ahead of the 2017 presidential and parliamentary elections, then-party treasurer Wallerand de Saint Just told RFE/RL.
At the time the loan was given, critics accused the National Front of being used as a vehicle by the Kremlin to lobby its political interests in France.
Read alsoElite Russian spy unit used French Alps region as logistical base – media
De Saint Just insisted the deal with the now-defunct Russian bank had "nothing do with Mr. Putin’s politics."
After the bank lost its license in 2016, rights to the loan passed for unknown reasons to Konti, another little-known Russian company.
According to Open Media, Konti is registered on the outskirts of Moscow and owns a car rental agency.
It subsequently transferred claiming rights to the loan to Aviazapchast, "an aviation company involved in high-priority strategic partnerships for the Russian state, including exports to the Syrian Ministry of Defense," a report by the U.S.-based German Marshall Fund said in 2018.
Specifically, it supplies Russian aircraft navigation equipment and spare parts to Asia and Africa, as well as special metals for India’s and Syria’s aerospace and aviation industries, according to The Moscow Times.
Aviazapchast filed its claim on the loan on December 4.
The Russian aircraft components company and its sole shareholder, Valery Zakharenkov, allegedly have links to Russian intelligence services, the think tank's report said.
The German Marshall Fund at the time said the value of the loan to the French party was equivalent to Aviazapchast’s pretax profit in 2016.
Russia's Justice Ministry blacklisted the U.S. think tank in March 2018 among other foreign and international nongovernmental organizations, "whose operation has been recognized as undesirable on Russian territory."


unian--2020-02-04--Rada paves path toward cutting number of parliament seats

The relevant bill was backed by 236 MPs out of 393 registered in the session hall .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , has sealed a preliminary approval of the presidential bill on amending Articles 76 and 77 of the Constitution of Ukraine ( on reducing the constitutional composition of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and consolidating the proportional electoral system ) ( No .
1017 ) .
The relevant bill was backed by 236 MPs of 393 registered in the session hall , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
According to the bill , Article 76 establishes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine shall be 300 ( now 450 ) lawmakers , who are elected for a five-year term .
A lawmaker shall be elected among citizens of Ukraine who have reached the age of 21 on election day , have the right to vote , have been resident in Ukraine for at least the last five years , and speak the state language .
A citizen who has a criminal record for committing a deliberate crime can not become legislator if this criminal record has not been cleared and removed in the manner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is elected by the proportional election system .
Section XV `` Transitional Provisions '' is proposed to be supplemented with Paragraph 17 , which establishes that after Law of Ukraine `` On amendments to Articles 76 and 77 of the Constitution of Ukraine ( on reducing the constitutional composition of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and consolidating the proportional electoral system ) '' enters into force , the already elected parliament shall continue exercising its powers until the next parliamentary elections .
Read alsoAt upcoming session , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mandate for `` piano voting '' As UNIAN reported earlier , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , forwarded the relevant bill to the Constitutional Court on September 3 , 2019 .
The bill proposes amending Article 76 of the Constitution of Ukraine , pointing out that the constitutionally binding composition of the Verkhovna Rada is 300 lawmakers ( instead of 450 MPs ) , who are elected for five years .
Article 77 is supplemented by the norm that the lawmakers are elected under proportional representation .
The Verkhovna Rada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for compliance with Articles 157 and 158 of the Fundamental Law .
On December 17 , the Constitutional Court of Ukraine ruled that the bill was in line with the Constitution .

The relevant bill was backed by 236 MPs out of 393 registered in the session hall.
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has sealed a preliminary approval of the presidential bill on amending Articles 76 and 77 of the Constitution of Ukraine (on reducing the constitutional composition of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and consolidating the proportional electoral system) (No. 1017).
The relevant bill was backed by 236 MPs of 393 registered in the session hall, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
According to the bill, Article 76 establishes that the constitutional composition of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine shall be 300 (now 450) lawmakers, who are elected for a five-year term.
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A lawmaker shall be elected among citizens of Ukraine who have reached the age of 21 on election day, have the right to vote, have been resident in Ukraine for at least the last five years, and speak the state language.
A citizen who has a criminal record for committing a deliberate crime cannot become legislator if this criminal record has not been cleared and removed in the manner prescribed by law.
Article 77 establishes that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is elected by the proportional election system.
Section XV "Transitional Provisions" is proposed to be supplemented with Paragraph 17, which establishes that after Law of Ukraine "On amendments to Articles 76 and 77 of the Constitution of Ukraine (on reducing the constitutional composition of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and consolidating the proportional electoral system)" enters into force, the already elected parliament shall continue exercising its powers until the next parliamentary elections.
Read alsoAt upcoming session, Rada may consider bill on depriving MPs of mandate for "piano voting"
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, forwarded the relevant bill to the Constitutional Court on September 3, 2019.
The bill proposes amending Article 76 of the Constitution of Ukraine, pointing out that the constitutionally binding composition of the Verkhovna Rada is 300 lawmakers (instead of 450 MPs), who are elected for five years.
Article 77 is supplemented by the norm that the lawmakers are elected under proportional representation.
The Verkhovna Rada asked the court to veto the bill for compliance with Articles 157 and 158 of the Fundamental Law.
On December 17, the Constitutional Court of Ukraine ruled that the bill was in line with the Constitution.


unian--2020-02-04--Cabinet submits to Rada list of SOEs not subject to sale

On January 15 , 2020 , the Cabinet of Ministers approved an updated list of enterprises that are not subject to sale .
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has submitted to the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , bill No .
2831 `` On the list of objects of state property not subject to privatization . ''
The bill was submitted on February 3 , according to the parliament 's website .
Neither the text nor the explanatory note to the bill has been published yet .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on January 15 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of enterprises that are not subject to sale .
The lists includes enterprises ensuring the country 's energy independence and defense capability , as well as natural monopolies and facilities that are critically important to public .
In particular , this refers to National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine , PJSC Magistralni Gazoprovody Ukrainy ( MGU/ '' Trunk Gas Pipelines of Ukraine '' ) , Ukrtransgaz , Ukraine 's largest natural gas producer Ukrgazvydobuvannya , Chornomornaftogaz , the national operator of Ukraine 's crude oil transport system Ukrtransnafta , State Joint Stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's state-owned postal services provider ) , and the Ukrainian national railways company PJSC Ukrzaliznytsia .
Read alsoUkraine must be `` covered '' by avalanche of investments , both external and internal – Zelensky The company 's corporate rights stake belonging to the state must be at least 50 % plus one share .
The state shall fully own corporate rights of such enterprises as Ukraine 's national nuclear energy generating company Energoatom , the state-owned energy generating company Ukrhydroenergo , the operator of the Ukrainian integrated power grids Ukrenergo , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , state-owned Antonov .
Earlier , on October 2 , 2019 , the Verkhovna Rada passed a bill to abolish the list of enterprises that are not subject to sale .
The Cabinet of Ministers was tasked to prepare within three months an updated list of state-owned assets banned for sale .

Cabinet submits to Rada list of SOEs not subject to sale
15:00, 04.02.20 9365
On January 15, 2020, the Cabinet of Ministers approved an updated list of enterprises that are not subject to sale.
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