unian--2020-08-14--Ukraine's Economy Ministry publishes revised forecast, predicts 4.6% GDP growth in 2021

The ministry projects an increase in the real average monthly wages .
Ukraine 's Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture has published a revised forecast of the country 's economic and social development in 2021-2023 , in which GDP growth is expected at 4.6 % next year .
The three-year forecast , approved by the Cabinet of Ministers , is available on the ministry 's website .
According to the base-case scenario , it is assumed that the positive economic development trend will resume after significant losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the world in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 4.6 % , in 2022 at 4.3 % , and in 2023 at 4.7 % .
The consumer price index ( December to December of the previous year ) is expected to be 107.3 % in 2021 , 106.2 % in 2022 , and 105.3 % in 2023 .
Also , the Economy Ministry predicts an increase in the real average monthly wages by 12.1 % in 2021 , by 6 % in 2022 , and 5.1 % in 2023 .
The unemployment rate in 2021 is projected at 9.2 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2022 and will go down to 8 % in 2023 .
The ministry projects that exports of goods and services will increase by 2.9 % in 2021 with a subsequent rise in growth rates to 6.4 % in 2022 and to 8.2 % in 2023 .
The ministry says that tasks set by the President of Ukraine to increase the minimum wage were taken into account during the finalization of the 2021-2023 forecast .
`` Thus , the level of the minimum weighted average wage will be UAH 6,250 ( US $ 228 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US $ 244 ) in 2022 , and UAH 7,176 ( US $ 262 ) in 2023 , '' the forecast says .
It also says the macroeconomic indicators will be used for drafting Ukraine 's national budget for 2021 .
• According to the ministry 's consensus forecast , the fall in Ukraine 's GDP in 2020 was expected at 6 % instead of the 4.2 % projected in April .
• Prior to that , the ministry estimated a decrease in Ukraine 's GDP in the first half of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the second quarter alone .

Ukraine's Economy Ministry publishes revised forecast, predicts 4.6% GDP growth in 2021
16:55, 14.08.20 848
The ministry projects an increase in the real average monthly wages.
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unian--2020-08-15--"Threat not only to Belarus": Lukashenko speaks with Putin

The two leaders have discussed `` the situation in and around the Republic of Belarus '' via the phone .
President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has reached out to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to speak of the latest developments in his country .
Lukashenko says he sees the current situation as a `` threat to the Union State '' ( Belarus and Russia ) , according to BelTA , '' In fact , this is an unfolding scenario of aggression against Belarus .
We need to get in contact with Putin , the President of Russia , so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because this is already a threat not only to Belarus , '' Lukashenko noted .
`` I 'd like to say that defending Belarus is no less than defending our entire space , the Union State , and an example to others .
If the Belarusians fail to withstand this , this wave will roll further .
That is why they put such a strong hold on us , '' he said .
`` We see what 's happening .
We do n't need to be rocked by peaceful rallies and demonstrations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep .
We see it very well .
And then , we 've read the manuals of color revolutions .
Moreover , these manuals of color revolutions ( of this we will talk today at the Ministry of Defense , at the Center for Strategic Management ) , elements of external interference have already appeared , '' the Belarusian president stressed .
Later came the report that the two presidents did talk over the phone .
Read alsoBelarus hands 32 detained Wagner PMC mercenaries back to Russia '' President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin .
The presidents discussed the situation in and around the Republic of Belarus , '' Lukashenko 's press service said .
The Russian president 's press service said Alexander Lukashenko had briefed Putin about the situation in Belarus following the presidential elections .
`` Both sides expressed confidence that all issues that have arisen will be resolved soon .
The main thing is that these issues should not be used by destructive forces seeking to damage the mutually beneficial cooperation of the two countries within the Union State .
In connection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before of 32 citizens previously detained in Belarus a positive assessment was given of close cooperation between the relevant agencies on the issue .
The parties agreed to continue regular contacts at various levels and confirmed the disposition to strengthen allied relations , which fully meets the fundamental interests of the fraternal peoples of Russia and Belarus , '' the statement reads .
• On the night of presidential elections in Belarus on August 9 , huge crowds took to the streets to contest what they believe are falsified results .
They oppose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a violent crackdown on the part of government forces , with rubber bullets fired and thousands detained and many badly beaten by police while in custody .
• On August 14 , the Central Election Commission of Belarus announced the final results of the election - incumbent President Lukashenko is reported to have gained 80 % of the votes , while his rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has 10 % .

The two leaders have discussed "the situation in and around the Republic of Belarus" via the phone.
President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has reached out to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to speak of the latest developments in his country.
Lukashenko says he sees the current situation as a "threat to the Union State" (Belarus and Russia), according to BelTA,
"In fact, this is an unfolding scenario of aggression against Belarus. We need to get in contact with Putin, the President of Russia, so that I can talk with him now. Because this is already a threat not only to Belarus," Lukashenko noted.
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Defending Belarus is no less than defending our entire space,
"I'd like to say that defending Belarus is no less than defending our entire space, the Union State, and an example to others. If the Belarusians fail to withstand this, this wave will roll further. That is why they put such a strong hold on us," he said.
"We see what's happening. We don't need to be rocked by peaceful rallies and demonstrations. We see what's happening in the deep. We see it very well. And then, we've read the manuals of color revolutions. Moreover, these manuals of color revolutions (of this we will talk today at the Ministry of Defense, at the Center for Strategic Management), elements of external interference have already appeared," the Belarusian president stressed.
Elements of external interference have already appeared
Later, the report came that the two presidents did talk over the phone.
Read alsoBelarus hands 32 detained Wagner PMC mercenaries back to Russia"President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The presidents discussed the situation in and around the Republic of Belarus," Lukashenko's press service said.
The Russian president's press service said Alexander Lukashenko had briefed Putin about the situation in Belarus following the presidential elections.
"Both sides expressed confidence that all issues that have arisen will be resolved soon. The main thing is that these issues should not be used by destructive forces seeking to damage the mutually beneficial cooperation of the two countries within the Union State. In connection with the return to Russia the day before of 32 citizens previously detained in Belarus a positive assessment was given of close cooperation between the relevant agencies on the issue. The parties agreed to continue regular contacts at various levels and confirmed the disposition to strengthen allied relations, which fully meets the fundamental interests of the fraternal peoples of Russia and Belarus," the statement reads.
Elections and protests in Belarus


unian--2020-08-15--More enemy provocations reported over past day in Donbas warzone amid ceasefire

Silence has been observed since midnight , the report adds .
The zone of the Joint Forces Operation in eastern Ukraine 's Donbas saw no artillery shelling on Friday , August 14 , the JFO Command reports .
Meanwhile , militants are using the ceasefire in place to drive their fortifications closer to the positions of Ukraine forces , reads the JFO 's morning update on Facebook on the situation in the east .
In the morning and after lunch , militants fired small arms in the direction of Avdiyivka .
The Command says these were provocative shots bearing no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , therefore Joint Forces did not return fire .
On August 14 , Ukrainian troops delivered four enemy live fire reports , each incident being a violation of the agreements reached on July 22 within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group .
Read alsoPrisoner swap : Ukraine submits list with 100 names to OSCENo casualties have been reported .
Silence has been observed since midnight , the report adds Since midnight on July 27 , a full and comprehensive ceasefire has been in force along the contact line in the zone of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since start of the latest truce , as of August 15 , there have been no combat losses or injuries among Ukrainian military , according to official reports .
On July 30 , the JFO Command reported that three Ukrainian servicemen within a week had died `` due to a sharp deterioration of health . ''

Silence has been observed since midnight, the report adds.
The zone of the Joint Forces Operation in eastern Ukraine's Donbas saw no artillery shelling on Friday, August 14, the JFO Command reports.
Meanwhile, militants are using the ceasefire in place to drive their fortifications closer to the positions of Ukraine forces, reads the JFO's morning update on Facebook on the situation in the east.
In the morning and after lunch, militants fired small arms in the direction of Avdiyivka. The Command says these were provocative shots bearing no threat to the lives of Ukrainian troops, therefore Joint Forces did not return fire.
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On August 14, Ukrainian troops delivered four enemy live fire reports, each incident being a violation of the agreements reached on July 22 within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group.
Read alsoPrisoner swap: Ukraine submits list with 100 names to OSCENo casualties have been reported.
Silence has been observed since midnight, the report adds.
Donbas ceasefire
Since midnight on July 27, a full and comprehensive ceasefire has been in force along the contact line in the zone of the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas.
Since start of the latest truce, as of August 15, there have been no combat losses or injuries among Ukrainian military, according to official reports.
Russian invaders regularly resort to provocative fire.
On July 30, the JFO Command reported that three Ukrainian servicemen within a week had died "due to a sharp deterioration of health."


unian--2020-08-15--Zelensky warns Minsk of "tragic consequences" of Wagner PMC troops' extradition to Russia

God help the Belarusian authorities not to have another `` Donbas '' on their territory , Zelensky stressed .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has referred to Belarus ' decision to hand over to Russia the group of Wagner Private Military Company troops , earlier detained in Minsk , `` unfair , to put it mildly '' .
The head of state took to social networks to post the relevant statement , employing caps lock to stress his point .
`` In my opinion , this is a strange , politically incorrect , and definitely unacceptable thing to do in friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook .
`` First , speaking out publicly of Ukraine 's alleged interference in Belarus ' internal processes .
This was definitely not the case .
And secondly , PEOPLE WHO ARE ACTUALLY INVOLVED IN DEFINITE INTERFERENCE IN THE AFFAIRS BOTH OF BELARUS AND UKRAINE - primarily Ukraine - ARE DEMONSTRATIVELY HANDED OVER , '' Zelensky wrote .
He added that `` this is a bad story , in which trust , objectivity , and adequate assessment of the negative consequences were clearly neglected .
Zelensky said that Belarus had left without response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Office to extradite to Kyiv 28 fighters with the Russian PMC , who had been active participants in the war against Ukraine .
Read alsoLukashenko makes `` choice in favor of Russia '' : MFA Ukraine reacts to Wagner PMC fighters ' extradition '' We consider such a decision unfair , to put it mildly , one that does n't correspond to the spirit of relations between Ukraine and Belarus that are based on the principles of respect and mutual assistance , '' the president said in the statement .
Zelensky warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could entail as Wagner troops will once again get back to their usual thing of `` spreading war '' .
`` God help the Belarusian authorities not to have another burning blood-shedding Donbas on their territory that all those Wagner troops are able to create , '' Zelensky stressed .
• On July 29 , a group of militants with the Wagner PMC were detained in Belarus , 32 – outside Minsk , another one – in the south of the country .
• Among them were those who fought against Ukraine in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarusian law enforcement , they had been tipped about the deployment of over 200 militants to destabilize the country amid the election campaign .
• Belarus turned to the Ukrainian authorities to verify the involvement of the detainees in crimes committed in Ukraine .
• On July 30 , Ukraine began consultations with Belarus on the extradition .
• On August 7 , President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus said Ukraine must prove the guilt of the detained mercenaries to seal extradition .
• On August 9 , Lukashenko said he had received a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the situation around the detention of Wagner troops .
• On August 11 , the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine sent inquiries to their Belarus counterparts appealing for the extradition of 28 fighters with the Wagner PMC .
All 28 , including nine citizens of Ukraine , had been charged with participation in a terrorist organization .
• On August 14 , Belarus extradited to 32 Wagner troops to Russia .

God help the Belarusian authorities not to have another "Donbas" on their territory, Zelensky stressed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has referred to Belarus' decision to hand over to Russia the group of Wagner Private Military Company troops, earlier detained in Minsk, "unfair, to put it mildly".
The head of state took to social networks to post the relevant statement, employing caps lock to stress his point.
In my opinion, this is a strange, politically incorrect, and definitely unacceptable thing to do in friendly interstate relations
"In my opinion, this is a strange, politically incorrect, and definitely unacceptable thing to do in friendly interstate relations," Zelensky wrote on Facebook.
"First, speaking out publicly of Ukraine's alleged interference in Belarus' internal processes. This was definitely not the case. And secondly, PEOPLE WHO ARE ACTUALLY INVOLVED IN DEFINITE INTERFERENCE IN THE AFFAIRS BOTH OF BELARUS AND UKRAINE - primarily Ukraine - ARE DEMONSTRATIVELY HANDED OVER," Zelensky wrote.
God help the Belarusian authorities not to have another burning blood-shedding Donbas on their territory that all those Wagner troops are able to create
He added that "this is a bad story, in which trust, objectivity, and adequate assessment of the negative consequences were clearly neglected."
Zelensky said that Belarus had left without response the appeal of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office to extradite to Kyiv 28 fighters with the Russian PMC, who had been active participants in the war against Ukraine.
Read alsoLukashenko makes "choice in favor of Russia": MFA Ukraine reacts to Wagner PMC fighters' extradition"We consider such a decision unfair, to put it mildly, one that doesn't correspond to the spirit of relations between Ukraine and Belarus that are based on the principles of respect and mutual assistance," the president said in the statement.
Zelensky warned of "tragic consequences" the decision could entail as Wagner troops will once again get back to their usual thing of "spreading war".
"God help the Belarusian authorities not to have another burning blood-shedding Donbas on their territory that all those Wagner troops are able to create," Zelensky stressed.
Wagner PMC in Belarus


unian--2020-08-15--Rusian diplomat arrested in Prague over illegal sniper ammunition deal

The arrest took place last month .
Prague police have arrested a Russian diplomat over the illegal purchases of live ammunition , including for sniper rifles .
The arrest took place last month , RadioCZ reported citing iRozhlas.cz .
Sources in the Czech secret services told the news site that the diplomat in question was employed in the military section of the Russian Embassy in Prague .
Following his detention in Říčany for buying illegal ammunition for sniper rifles and other kinds of ammunition he was released in view of his diplomatic immunity .
He then immediately left the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the country 's counterintelligence agency , in 2018 shut down a group of Russian hackers , who were part of a wider international network .
The group operated under the cover of two private IT companies , conducting hacking operations from the companies ’ computers .
These were transported to the Czech Republic by vehicles under Russian diplomatic cover , reports said .
Originally , all of the group members were Russian citizens who came to this country some years ago and got citizenship .
The mayor of Prague in April 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection the day after Czech media reported on an alleged Russian plot to poison him .
The Czech news website Respekt , citing anonymous intelligence sources , reported that an individual carrying Russian diplomatic documents and the lethal poison ricin had arrived in Prague on a mission to assassinate Hrib and another prominent Czech politician .
The generally held belief in Ukraine is that pro-democracy protesters who had braved months of cold weather to challenge their corrupt government during the Revolution of Dignity , were shot down by riot police snipers with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlantic Council reported in February 2020 .
In Belarus , among the 33 Russian Wagner Private Military Company mercenaries detained in the heat of election campaign in late July , there were snipers , bomb experts , and IT professionals , RFE/RL 's KrymRealii project reported .

The arrest took place last month.
Prague police have arrested a Russian diplomat over the illegal purchases of live ammunition, including for sniper rifles.
The arrest took place last month, RadioCZ reported citing iRozhlas.cz.
Sources in the Czech secret services told the news site that the diplomat in question was employed in the military section of the Russian Embassy in Prague.
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Read alsoBelarus hands 32 detained Wagner PMC mercenaries back to Russia
Following his detention in Říčany for buying illegal ammunition for sniper rifles and other kinds of ammunition he was released in view of his diplomatic immunity.
He then immediately left the country for Russia, iRozhlas.cz said.
Russian intel in Czech Republic
BIS, the country's counterintelligence agency, in 2018 shut down a group of Russian hackers, who were part of a wider international network.
The group operated under the cover of two private IT companies, conducting hacking operations from the companies’ computers. These were transported to the Czech Republic by vehicles under Russian diplomatic cover, reports said.
Originally, all of the group members were Russian citizens who came to this country some years ago and got citizenship.
The mayor of Prague in April 2020 had to be taken under tougher police protection the day after Czech media reported on an alleged Russian plot to poison him.
The Czech news website Respekt, citing anonymous intelligence sources, reported that an individual carrying Russian diplomatic documents and the lethal poison ricin had arrived in Prague on a mission to assassinate Hrib and another prominent Czech politician.
Russian snipers at times of unrest
The generally held belief in Ukraine is that pro-democracy protesters who had braved months of cold weather to challenge their corrupt government during the Revolution of Dignity, were shot down by riot police snipers with the likely involvement of Russian operatives, the Atlantic Council reported in February 2020.
In Belarus, among the 33 Russian Wagner Private Military Company mercenaries detained in the heat of election campaign in late July, there were snipers, bomb experts, and IT professionals, RFE/RL's Krym.Realii project reported.


unian--2020-08-15--COVID-19 hits another anti-record in Ukraine: 1,800 new active cases as of Aug 15

Most new cases were reported in Kharkiv region , Kyiv , and Chernivtsi region .
Ukraine authorities as of the morning of August 15 report 1,847 new active COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours .
Since the start of pandemic outbreak , a total of 89,719 people have been infected in Ukraine , that 's according to the updated data provided by the National Security and Defense Council .
Over the past day , 633 Ukrainians were successfully cured , bringing the total number of recoveries to 47,430 .
Read alsoZelensky demands more effective COVID-19 awareness campaignTo date , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine , while 146,701 people are suspected of having contracted the coronavirus , including 2,061 over the past day .
In the past 24 hours , another 33 citizens died of the COVID-19 , which brings the overall death toll to 2,044 .
Most new COVID-19 cases were registered in Kharkiv region ( 254 ) , Kyiv ( 232 ) , and Chernivtsi region ( 170 ) .
On August 14 , Ukraine reported 1,732 new cases , 1,592 on August 13 , and 1,433 on August 12 , which testifies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Most new cases were reported in Kharkiv region, Kyiv, and Chernivtsi region.
Ukraine authorities as of the morning of August 15 reported 1,847 new active COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours.
Since the start of pandemic outbreak, a total of 89,719 people have been infected in Ukraine, that's according to the updated data provided by the National Security and Defense Council.
Over the past day, 633 Ukrainians were successfully cured, bringing the total number of recoveries to 47,430.
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Read alsoZelensky demands more effective COVID-19 awareness campaignTo date, there are 40,245 active cases being treated in Ukraine, while 146,701 people are suspected of having contracted the coronavirus, including 2,061 over the past day.
In the past 24 hours, another 33 citizens died of the COVID-19, which brings the overall death toll to 2,044.
Most new COVID-19 cases were registered in Kharkiv region (254), Kyiv (232), and Chernivtsi region (170).
Trend of COVID-19 spread in Ukraine
On August 14, Ukraine reported 1,732 new cases, 1,592 on August 13, and 1,433 on August 12, which testifies to a steady rise of coronavirus spread.


unian--2020-08-15--Ukraine's grain harvest already at 37 mln tonnes

Some 25.5 mmt of wheat has been harvested from 6.3 million hectares ( ha ) , which is 96 % of the target .
Ukrainian agrarians have harvested 36.7 million metric tonnes ( mmt ) of new grain and legume crops , the Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture reports .
`` As of August 13 , Ukrainian agricultural producers have already harvested 36.7 mmt of grain and leguminous crops from an area of 9.3 million ha ( 61 % of the forecast ) .
In total , farmers have harvested 39.2 mmt of cereals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million tonnes per week ) from 10.4 million ha , '' the statement said .
Read alsoExports of Ukrainian wheat may decrease in MY 2020-2021Some 25.5 mmt of wheat has been harvested from 6.3 million hectares ( ha ) , which is 96 % of the target , as well as 8.6 mmt of barley from 2.4 million ha ( 99 % of the forecast ) , and 508,000 metric tonnes of peas from 234,000 ha ( 99 % of the target ) .
Also , 2.5 mmt of rapeseed was harvested from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More than half of Ukraine 's regions have already completed wheat and barley harvesting ( 15 regions ) , peas ( 19 ) , and rapeseed ( 16 ) .
• The Ukrainian Grain Association experts earlier downgraded their corn production forecast for Ukraine by 2.5 million metric tonnes ( mmt ) , to 36.4 mmt , over draught observed in July-August , according to Agronews .
• The Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture in its outlook said grains and legumes in 2020 could hit 68 mmt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mmt .
• The United States Department of Agriculture says wheat production in Ukraine for 2020/2021 is expected to hit 27 mmt , which is up 0.5 mmt to the previous forecast .
Corn production forecast has also been raised by 0.5 mmt , to 39.5 mmt .

Ukraine's grain harvest already at 37 mln tonnes
10:40, 15.08.20 1566
Some 25.5 mmt of wheat has been harvested from 6.3 million hectares (ha), which is 96% of the target.
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unian--2020-08-15--MFA Ukraine says Belarusian society has no confidence in election results

The Ukrainian diplomacy says Ukraine considers Belarus a particularly close country , and is ready to make every effort `` to help it go through this difficult stage '' The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine says it generally shares the position expressed by the European Union regarding the recent presidential elections in Belarus .
The Ukrainian diplomacy in a statement released on Saturday , August 15 , said that the officially declared results of presidential elections in Belarus `` do not inspire confidence in Belarusian society '' .
`` We generally share the position expressed by the European Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statement says , adding that Ukraine is `` extremely concerned about cases of unjustified cruelty by law enforcement against citizens participating in protests , reporters , and foreigners '' .
Read alsoLukashenko strikes deal with Putin : Russia to provide `` comprehensive assistance '' immediately upon requestThe foreign ministry expects that the release of a certain number of detainees from custody will launch a dialogue between the authorities and civil society in order to find compromises .
Diplomats have called on Belarus leadership `` to prevent further political persecution of opponents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to voice their position , as well as to thoroughly investigate all cases of the illegal use of force against peaceful protesters '' .
“ Ukraine considers Belarus a particularly close country , and is ready to make every effort to help it go through this difficult stage without having its sovereignty weakened , to settle the crisis while respecting fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens , '' the statement concludes .
• The European Union has not recognized presidential election results in Belarus , starting work on new sanctions against those responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on protesters , said Josep Borrell , the EU foreign policy chief .
• The United Nations ' High Commissioner for Human Rights , Michelle Bachelet , has condemned the violent response of Belarusian government to peaceful rallies held across the country .
Following the presidential election held on August 9 and the release of official exit polls claiming overwhelming win of incumbent President Lukashenko ( with 80 % against opponent Svetlana Tikhanovskaya 's 10 % ) , thousands took to the streets of capital Minsk and other cities contesting what many believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government went for a hard crackdown on protesters , detaining thousands , of whom many are reported to have been badly beaten and injured while in police custody .
Workers at major industrial enterprises have joined the call for `` fair election '' and massively went on strike .

The Ukrainian diplomacy says Ukraine considers Belarus a particularly close country, and is ready to make every effort "to help it go through this difficult stage"
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine says it generally shares the position expressed by the European Union regarding the recent presidential elections in Belarus.
The Ukrainian diplomacy in a statement released on Saturday, August 15, said that the officially declared results of presidential elections in Belarus "do not inspire confidence in Belarusian society".
"We generally share the position expressed by the European Union regarding the elections in Belarus," the statement says, adding that Ukraine is "extremely concerned about cases of unjustified cruelty by law enforcement against citizens participating in protests, reporters, and foreigners".
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Read alsoLukashenko strikes deal with Putin: Russia to provide "comprehensive assistance" immediately upon requestThe foreign ministry expects that the release of a certain number of detainees from custody will launch a dialogue between the authorities and civil society in order to find compromises.
Diplomats have called on Belarus leadership "to prevent further political persecution of opponents and Belarus citizens who took to the streets to voice their position, as well as to thoroughly investigate all cases of the illegal use of force against peaceful protesters".
“Ukraine considers Belarus a particularly close country, and is ready to make every effort to help it go through this difficult stage without having its sovereignty weakened, to settle the crisis while respecting fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens," the statement concludes.
Belarus protests: other reactions
The European Union has not recognized presidential election results in Belarus, starting work on new sanctions against those responsible for rigging the vote and a crackdown on protesters, said Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief.
The United Nations' High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has condemned the violent response of Belarusian government to peaceful rallies held across the country.
Belarus protests: developments
Following the presidential election held on August 9 and the release of official exit polls claiming overwhelming win of incumbent President Lukashenko (with 80% against opponent Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's 10%), thousands took to the streets of capital Minsk and other cities contesting what many believe is a rigged vote count.
Belarus government went for a hard crackdown on protesters, detaining thousands, of whom many are reported to have been badly beaten and injured while in police custody.
Workers at major industrial enterprises have joined the call for "fair election" and massively went on strike.


unian--2020-08-15--Lukashenko's deal with Putin: Russia to provide "comprehensive assistance" upon request

Lukashenko hinted at a `` military component '' when elaborating on details of his conversation with Putin .
President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has revealed details of his phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin held earlier today , August 15 .
`` When it comes to the military component , we have an agreement with the Russian Federation within the framework of the Union State and the CSTO .
These are the points that fit the deal .
Therefore , today I had a long , detailed conversation with the President of Russia about the situation .
I must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – he is absolutely aware of what is happening , '' the Belarusian leader noted , according to BelTA .
`` And we [ Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin ] agreed : at our very first request , comprehensive assistance will be provided to ensure the security of the Republic of Belarus , '' said Alexander Lukashenko .
Earlier at the same meeting , Lukashenko said he did not need any foreign mediators to resolve the crisis , BelTA reported .
Read alsoEU does not recognize Belarus election resultsThe statement came following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Latvia , and Estonia to help restore dialog with the people toward a peaceful settlement of the ongoing unrest .
Lukashenko claims protests are being inspired from outside Belarus , hinting at a `` color revolution '' plot .
Following the presidential election held on August 9 and release of official exit polls claiming overwhelming win of incumbent President Lukashenko ( with 80 % against opponent Svetlana Tikhanovskaya 's 10 % ) , thousands took to the streets of capital Minsk and other cities contesting what many believe is a rigged vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard crackdown on protesters , detaining thousands , of whom many are reported to have been badly beaten and injured while in police custody .
Workers at major industrial enterprises have joined the call for `` fair election '' and massively went on strike .

Lukashenko hinted at a "military component" when elaborating on details of his conversation with Putin.
President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has revealed details of his phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin held earlier today, August 15.
"When it comes to the military component, we have an agreement with the Russian Federation within the framework of the Union State and the CSTO. These are the points that fit the deal. Therefore, today I had a long, detailed conversation with the President of Russia about the situation. I must say – I was even somewhat surprised – he is absolutely aware of what is happening," the Belarusian leader noted, according to BelTA.
"And we [Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin] agreed: at our very first request, comprehensive assistance will be provided to ensure the security of the Republic of Belarus," said Alexander Lukashenko.
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Earlier at the same meeting, Lukashenko said he did not need any foreign mediators to resolve the crisis, BelTA reported.
Read alsoEU does not recognize Belarus election resultsThe statement came following the proposal by presidents of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to help restore dialog with the people toward a peaceful settlement of the ongoing unrest.
Lukashenko claims protests are being inspired from outside Belarus, hinting at a "color revolution" plot.
Belarus protests: developments
Following the presidential election held on August 9 and release of official exit polls claiming overwhelming win of incumbent President Lukashenko (with 80% against opponent Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's 10%), thousands took to the streets of capital Minsk and other cities contesting what many believe is a rigged vote count.
Belarus government went for a hard crackdown on protesters, detaining thousands, of whom many are reported to have been badly beaten and injured while in police custody.
Workers at major industrial enterprises have joined the call for "fair election" and massively went on strike.


unian--2020-08-15--Ukraine invites IT firms to relocate from Belarus

Vice PM has reiterated the government 's goal to attract some 5,000 IT professionals from abroad .
Ukraine 's Ministry for Digital Transformation is ready to create all necessary conditions for a convenient relocation to Ukraine of Belarusian IT-companies and experts amid reported restrictions on internet communications in the neighboring country in the wake of street unrest , Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov says .
`` A Ukrainian IT company can invite such foreigners for work , '' Fedorov wrote on Facebook .
As for paperwork , they are to provide only copies of applicants ' passport with a certified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be submitted to the employment center along with the draft employment contract .
`` Within five to seven days , the employment center issues a permit .
That 's it .
A foreigner can then legally live and work in Ukraine , '' Fedorov wrote .
Relocation of IT professionals to Ukraine With government support , 5,000 highly qualified IT professionals are offered to migrate to Ukraine where they receive 10-year residence and work permits .
Quotas have been established to distribute workflow among regions where most IT companies are amassed : Dnipropetrovsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attract 600 foreign professionals , Kharkiv region – 700 , and Kyiv – 2,500 .
The Ministry of Digital Industry is ready to provide 24/7 assistance and consulting support to potential applicants considering moving to Ukraine .
The IT Ukraine Association , which unites over fifty IT companies , in connection with Belarus protests and issues with the internet there , is offering Belarusian IT companies basic support that allows them to maintain relationships with customers and partners , as well as continue their work on existing projects .
Protests are ongoing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as many contest what they believe is a rigged vote count putting incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko in an overwhelming lead .
Multiple reports from the ground indicated that authorities went at lengths to curb internet communications in the country .

Ukraine invites IT firms to relocate from Belarus
22:00, 15.08.20 3092
Vice PM has reiterated the government's goal to attract some 5,000 IT professionals from abroad.
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unian--2020-08-15--Ukrainian banner on balloons launched over occupied Crimea

Former political prisoner of the Kremlin , Volodymyr Balukh , shared photos of the event on a social network .
Activists have launched a Ukrainian national flag into the skies over the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula , says Volodymyr Balukh , a former political prisoner released from Kremlin captivity in one of the prison swap efforts .
Incidentally , it was precisely for flying a Ukrainian flag over his home in Crimea that Balukh was initially arrested , rights activists reported .
`` Friends !
Brothers !
Ukraine !
Our flag is already over Crimea !
Incredible emotions !
Now we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we stand strong !
Ukraine will be victorious !
!
! ''
Balukh wrote on Facebook .
Balukh , a Crimean farmer , was detained by Russia 's FSB Federal Security Service on December 8 , 2016 .
FSB operatives claimed they had allegedly found 90 ammunition rounds and several TNT explosives in his attic .
It is widely believed though that security operatives had detained the man for his firm political stance : he had a Ukrainian flag flying over his house , which he refused to remove despite persistent demands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On July 5 , 2018 , a Russian-controlled in Crimea sentenced him to five years in a penal colony and a RUB 10,000 fine .
On October 3 , 2018 , the so-called `` Supreme Court of Crimea '' reviewed Balukh 's original verdict and reduced his term to four years and 11 months .
On September 7 , 2019 , he was handed to Ukraine as part of a major exchange of held persons .
During captivity , Balukh was subjected to physical torture and threats of sexual violence , he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the introduction of troops , Russia annexed the Ukrainian Crimea , having set up a sham `` referendum '' on self-determination .
T • he self-proclaimed Crimean government said 96.77 % were in favor of Crimea 's accession to Russia .
• On March 18 , the so-called `` agreement '' was signed in the Kremlin on Crimea and Sevastopol accession to the Russian Federation .
• Western powers never recognized the annexation attempt , having introduced a number of economic sanctions against Russia .
Ukrainians launching flags in the air for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists launched a huge Ukrainian flag into the sky over the occupied Donetsk .
Russian invaders were seen shooting at the balloon-driven banner for at least 20 minutes .
Amid protests in Minsk contesting election results , a Belarusian banner was seen flying over Kyiv , tied to a drone , in solidarity with rallies in the neighboring country .

Former political prisoner of the Kremlin, Volodymyr Balukh, shared photos of the event on a social network.
Activists have launched a Ukrainian national flag into the skies over the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula, says Volodymyr Balukh, a former political prisoner released from Kremlin captivity in one of the prison swap efforts.
Incidentally, it was precisely for flying a Ukrainian flag over his home in Crimea that Balukh was initially arrested, rights activists reported.
"Friends! Brothers! Ukraine! Our flag is already over Crimea! Incredible emotions! Now we will launch airmail with postcards! Together we stand strong! Ukraine will be victorious!!!" Balukh wrote on Facebook.
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Who is Volodymyr Balukh
Balukh, a Crimean farmer, was detained by Russia's FSB Federal Security Service on December 8, 2016. FSB operatives claimed they had allegedly found 90 ammunition rounds and several TNT explosives in his attic.
It is widely believed though that security operatives had detained the man for his firm political stance: he had a Ukrainian flag flying over his house, which he refused to remove despite persistent demands of local authorities, KHPG watchdog reported.
On July 5, 2018, a Russian-controlled in Crimea sentenced him to five years in a penal colony and a RUB 10,000 fine. On October 3, 2018, the so-called "Supreme Court of Crimea" reviewed Balukh's original verdict and reduced his term to four years and 11 months.
On September 7, 2019, he was handed to Ukraine as part of a major exchange of held persons.
During captivity, Balukh was subjected to physical torture and threats of sexual violence, he told reporters.
Russian occupation of Crimea
In March 2014, after the introduction of troops, Russia annexed the Ukrainian Crimea, having set up a sham "referendum" on self-determination.
The self-proclaimed Crimean government said 96.77% were in favor of Crimea's accession to Russia.
On March 18, the so-called "agreement" was signed in the Kremlin on Crimea and Sevastopol accession to the Russian Federation.
Western powers never recognized the annexation attempt, having introduced a number of economic sanctions against Russia.
Ukrainians launching flags in the air for a cause
On July 21, Ukrainian activists launched a huge Ukrainian flag into the sky over the occupied Donetsk. Russian invaders were seen shooting at the balloon-driven banner for at least 20 minutes.
Amid protests in Minsk contesting election results, a Belarusian banner was seen flying over Kyiv, tied to a drone, in solidarity with rallies in the neighboring country.


unian--2020-08-15--Week's balance: Cabinet announces reform at Ukroboronprom, economy ministry releases macroeconomic o

Week's balance: Cabinet announces reform at Ukroboronprom, economy ministry releases macroeconomic outlook, while hryvnia beefs up

The Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade , and Agriculture in the outgoing week published an updated forecast of economic and social development for 2021-2023 .
The ministry expects , by the baseline scenario , the recovery of a growth trend following significant losses incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic , and predicts GDP growth at 4.6 % in 2021 , 4.3 % in 2022 , and 4 .
7 % in 2023 .
The consumer price index ( December to December ) is expected to stand at 107.3 % in 2021 , 106.2 % in 2022 , and 105.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicts an increase in real average monthly wages by 12.1 % in 2021 , 6 % in 2022 , and 5.1 % in 2023 .
At the same time , unemployment rate in 2021 will be at 9.2 % , in 2022 it will decrease to 8.5 % , and in 2023 – to 8 % .
Forecast macro-indicators will become the basis in drafting the state budget for 2021 .
At the same time , the ministry recognizes that the forecast will be implemented if coronavirus spread is quickly overcome .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of experts interviewed by the Ministry of Economy consider unlikely the risk of subsequent pandemic waves globally .
An alternative crisis scenario for the development of the Ukrainian economy is based on the assumptions of more COVID-19 waves to come , additional quarantine measures , as well as a protracted recession in the world economy .
`` As a result , at the end of 2023 it will not be possible to reach the pre-pandemic level of development ... By this scenario , GDP is set to fall to 4-5 % in 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 1.8 % annually , '' says the forecast .
Last week the State Statistics Service reported that consumer inflation in Ukraine in July 2020 in annual terms amounted to 2.4 % , as it did in June .
Against the previous month , consumer prices in July decreased by 0.6 % , and since year-start – increased by 1.4 % .
Last week , Vice Prime Minister , Minister for Strategic Industries Oleh Urusky announced the government 's plans to transform the state -owned defense giant Ukroboronprom .
The reform will start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the form the concern exists today , it wo n't anymore .
The management will also change .
As far as I know , in the near future there should be a change in the leadership of the Concern and the entire team who have been working there for the last year , '' Urusky said .
Such statement puts forward questions as to whether the authorities have a clear plan for the company 's development .
After all , Aivaras Abromavicius , who was appointed CEO on August 30 , 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the position in order to start a financial and forensic audit aimed at detecting fraud , develop strategic documents , and bring in a new team .
`` For 11 months , we have brought in almost 70 professionals to the 260-strong team .
That is , all deputies of the director general are completely new people , and also almost 30 heads of the largest enterprises have been replaced .
Now I 've been in this position for 11 months , and this is three or four times longer than I 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down in personal agreements with the president , '' Abromavicius noted in late July .
At the same time , Abromavicius said the new team would continue its work , and he himself could resign and take a seat on the supervisory board .
Now we 're hearing the government 's plans to change all management , the entire team .
It remains unclear when the new management will be hired and Ukroboronprom will be reformed .
The only thing that is clear is that the Concern will eventually perform completely different functions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding .
It will be a managing company with functions differing from those it performs today , with minimum interference in commercial operations of holdings that will be part of the company , '' Urusky said .
Last week the Cabinet of Ministers transferred 200 state-owned facilities to the State Property Fund for further privatization .
In particular , it 's SOEs and facilities subordinate to the Ministry of Economy , the National Academy of Sciences , the State Reserve , the Ministry of Defense , the State Food and Consumer Service , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting that during a government meeting , Minister Ihor Petrashko proposed transferring 211 SOEs , but other ministers had reservations to list of objects .
In particular , at the suggestion of Minister for Strategic Industries Oleh Urusky , 19 companies were taken off the list `` for the purpose of additional feasibility study '' .
Also , Acting Minister of Energy Olha Buslavets noted that the inclusion in the list of coal mining enterprises contradicts the law on the specifics of their privatization .
On her initiative , Lvivvuhillia , Nadiia Mine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the list .
Meanwhile , head of the State Property Fund Dmytro Sennichenko is not satisfied with the privatization process .
Earlier , he complained that the Cabinet over the past five months had failed to agree on a list of SOEs of small-scale privatization .
`` The next portion of objects to be transferred to the Fund is going through the eleventh circle and in five months of discussions , the list has been reduced from 360 to 253 , '' Sennichenko noted .
Last week , the Cabinet approved a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020-2023 .
The resolution provides for enhancing the state policy for the industry 's development , fighting the shadow market that has taken up a 50 % share in Ukraine , forming conditions for a competitive market , and the like .
It is expected that the implementation of the program will increase the volume of both production and sales of : edible ethyl alcohol – by 20 % , ethyl alcohol denatured for technical needs – by 20 % , bioethanol – by 10 % , distillates and alcoholic beverages – by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce the shadow alcohol market and create 500 jobs .
These steps should attract investment in modernization of the alcohol industry and help increase export potential .
Also , the Cabinet approved the investment plan of the state-owned enterprise operating in the electricity market , `` Guaranteed Buyer '' , for 2020-2022 .
In particular , it is planned to purchase software for forecasting generation and volume of electricity supply at the feed-in tariff , to create a website and a communication system .
Another important government decision was to redistribute UAH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of social infrastructure facilities .
`` The program is focused , first of all , on the regions that received the largest number of IDPs , so the funds will mostly be directed to the local budgets of Luhansk , Donetsk , Kharkiv , Dnipropetrovsk , and other regions , '' said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal .
In the outgoing week , the national currency hryvnia has pleased Ukrainians with a slow but steady beef-up .
Since Monday , August 10 , the currency has strengthened by 28 kopiykas .
As of Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exchange rate to the dollar at UAH 27.41 .
Hryvnia quotes to the euro on Friday were set at UAH 32.42 as hryvnia strengthened by 26 kopiykas to Monday .
The positive trend gives reason to believe in the stability of the national currency .
This is the opinion voiced by Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko , who said that now there are no prerequisites for the rate to weaken to UAH 30 to the dollar .
`` I do n't see any prerequisites for reaching the UAH 30 to the dollar rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tools which anyone could use to influence the rate shift in that direction , '' he said .
According to the minister , due to quarantine , the volume of imports decreased by 18 % , while exports fell by only 6 % .
`` This actually normalized the balance of payments .
The outflow of foreign currency from the country has decreased , which reduces the pressure on the foreign exchange market , '' the minister stressed .
According to Marchenko , the country is facing the prospect of economic recovery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which means rising consumer demand .
Next week promises to be full of economic news .
On Wednesday , the Cabinet plans to consider a nomination for the post of Ukrzaliznytsia railway operator CEO , a concession agreement for the Olivia port will be signed , while farmers will continue harvesting crops , including watermelon whose volume promises to exceed that of 2019 .

The Cabinet of Ministers has announced the reform at the Ukroboronprom defense giant and put 200 state-owned companies up for sale, the economy ministry has published an updated macro forecast for the next three years, while the Ukrainian hryvnia has slightly strengthened – these are the key economic developments of the outgoing week.
The Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade, and Agriculture in the outgoing week published an updated forecast of economic and social development for 2021-2023. The ministry expects, by the baseline scenario, the recovery of a growth trend following significant losses incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, and predicts GDP growth at 4.6 % in 2021, 4.3 % in 2022, and 4. 7% in 2023.
The consumer price index (December to December) is expected to stand at 107.3 % in 2021, 106.2 % in 2022, and 105.3 % in 2023. The ministry also predicts an increase in real average monthly wages by 12.1% in 2021, 6% in 2022, and 5.1% in 2023. At the same time, unemployment rate in 2021 will be at 9.2%, in 2022 it will decrease to 8.5%, and in 2023 – to 8%.
Forecast macro-indicators will become the basis in drafting the state budget for 2021. At the same time, the ministry recognizes that the forecast will be implemented if coronavirus spread is quickly overcome.
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At the same time, only 10 % of experts interviewed by the Ministry of Economy consider unlikely the risk of subsequent pandemic waves globally.
An alternative crisis scenario for the development of the Ukrainian economy is based on the assumptions of more COVID-19 waves to come, additional quarantine measures, as well as a protracted recession in the world economy.
"As a result, at the end of 2023 it will not be possible to reach the pre-pandemic level of development ... By this scenario, GDP is set to fall to 4-5% in 2021, followed by moderate growth for 2022-2023 at 1.8% annually," says the forecast.
Last week the State Statistics Service reported that consumer inflation in Ukraine in July 2020 in annual terms amounted to 2.4%, as it did in June. Against the previous month, consumer prices in July decreased by 0.6%, and since year-start – increased by 1.4%.
Another reform at Ukroboronprom
Last week, Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Strategic Industries Oleh Urusky announced the government's plans to transform the state -owned defense giant Ukroboronprom. The reform will start off with top management reshuffles.
"In the form the concern exists today, it won't anymore. The management will also change. As far as I know, in the near future there should be a change in the leadership of the Concern and the entire team who have been working there for the last year," Urusky said.
Such statement puts forward questions as to whether the authorities have a clear plan for the company's development. After all, Aivaras Abromavicius, who was appointed CEO on August 30, 2019, said that he initially took up the position in order to start a financial and forensic audit aimed at detecting fraud, develop strategic documents, and bring in a new team.
"For 11 months, we have brought in almost 70 professionals to the 260-strong team. That is, all deputies of the director general are completely new people, and also almost 30 heads of the largest enterprises have been replaced. Now I've been in this position for 11 months, and this is three or four times longer than I'd planned, longer than it was laid down in personal agreements with the president," Abromavicius noted in late July.
At the same time, Abromavicius said the new team would continue its work, and he himself could resign and take a seat on the supervisory board.
Now we're hearing the government's plans to change all management, the entire team.
It remains unclear when the new management will be hired and Ukroboronprom will be reformed. The only thing that is clear is that the Concern will eventually perform completely different functions.
Ukroboronprom will turn into a state holding. It will be a managing company with functions differing from those it performs today, with minimum interference in commercial operations of holdings that will be part of the company," Urusky said.
Expanding privatization
Last week the Cabinet of Ministers transferred 200 state-owned facilities to the State Property Fund for further privatization. In particular, it's SOEs and facilities subordinate to the Ministry of Economy, the National Academy of Sciences, the State Reserve, the Ministry of Defense, the State Food and Consumer Service, and other agencies.
It is worth noting that during a government meeting, Minister Ihor Petrashko proposed transferring 211 SOEs, but other ministers had reservations to list of objects. In particular, at the suggestion of Minister for Strategic Industries Oleh Urusky, 19 companies were taken off the list "for the purpose of additional feasibility study". Also, Acting Minister of Energy Olha Buslavets noted that the inclusion in the list of coal mining enterprises contradicts the law on the specifics of their privatization. On her initiative, Lvivvuhillia, Nadiia Mine, Lysychanskvuhillia, and Ukrenergotrud were excluded from the list.
Meanwhile, head of the State Property Fund Dmytro Sennichenko is not satisfied with the privatization process. Earlier, he complained that the Cabinet over the past five months had failed to agree on a list of SOEs of small-scale privatization.
"The next portion of objects to be transferred to the Fund is going through the eleventh circle and in five months of discussions, the list has been reduced from 360 to 253," Sennichenko noted.
Future of alcohol production
Last week, the Cabinet approved a program for reforming the alcohol industry for 2020-2023.
The resolution provides for enhancing the state policy for the industry's development, fighting the shadow market that has taken up a 50% share in Ukraine, forming conditions for a competitive market, and the like.
It is expected that the implementation of the program will increase the volume of both production and sales of: edible ethyl alcohol – by 20 %, ethyl alcohol denatured for technical needs – by 20 %, bioethanol – by 10 %, distillates and alcoholic beverages – by 15 %.
It is also expected to reduce the shadow alcohol market and create 500 jobs.
These steps should attract investment in modernization of the alcohol industry and help increase export potential.
Also, the Cabinet approved the investment plan of the state-owned enterprise operating in the electricity market, "Guaranteed Buyer", for 2020-2022. In particular, it is planned to purchase software for forecasting generation and volume of electricity supply at the feed-in tariff, to create a website and a communication system.
Another important government decision was to redistribute UAH 1.1 billion of state subsidies for reconstruction of social infrastructure facilities.
"The program is focused, first of all, on the regions that received the largest number of IDPs, so the funds will mostly be directed to the local budgets of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and other regions," said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
Hryvnia strengthening
In the outgoing week, the national currency hryvnia has pleased Ukrainians with a slow but steady beef-up. Since Monday, August 10, the currency has strengthened by 28 kopiykas. As of Friday, the National Bank set the official exchange rate to the dollar at UAH 27.41. Hryvnia quotes to the euro on Friday were set at UAH 32.42 as hryvnia strengthened by 26 kopiykas to Monday.
The positive trend gives reason to believe in the stability of the national currency. This is the opinion voiced by Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko, who said that now there are no prerequisites for the rate to weaken to UAH 30 to the dollar.
"I don't see any prerequisites for reaching the UAH 30 to the dollar rate. And I don't see any tools which anyone could use to influence the rate shift in that direction," he said. According to the minister, due to quarantine, the volume of imports decreased by 18%, while exports fell by only 6%.
"This actually normalized the balance of payments. The outflow of foreign currency from the country has decreased, which reduces the pressure on the foreign exchange market," the minister stressed.
According to Marchenko, the country is facing the prospect of economic recovery, as evidenced by rising retail trade, which means rising consumer demand.
Next week promises to be full of economic news. On Wednesday, the Cabinet plans to consider a nomination for the post of Ukrzaliznytsia railway operator CEO, a concession agreement for the Olivia port will be signed, while farmers will continue harvesting crops, including watermelon whose volume promises to exceed that of 2019.
Oleksandr Kunytsky


unian--2020-08-15--Ukraine reports hike in heavy COVID-19 cases

Hospital load averages 24 % .
A total of 5,854 patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals .
Ukraine 's top health official has reported a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus cases with a severe course of the disease .
Over the past day , 333 patients with coronavirus were hospitalized .
Now 5,854 infected people are being treated in medical facilities .
A month ago , on July 15 , there were 3,935 people with confirmed COVID-19 were being treated , '' Health Minster Maksym Stepanov told an online briefing , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
Over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated in hospitals grew by 1,819 , he added .
`` We 're seeing a sharp increase in in COVID-19 daily rise and also cases with severe course of the disease , '' said the chief heath official .
In Ukraine , hospital load with COVID-19 patients averages 24 % .
A total of 5,854 patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals .
At the same time , there are locations where the load is above 50 % , the minister stressed .
Read alsoZelensky demands more effective COVID-19 awareness campaign '' If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recording the highest incidence , Kyiv has hospital load at 52 % , Ivano-Frankivsk region – at 48.8 % , Lviv region – at 52.8 % , and Chernivtsi region – at 52.4 % .
Indeed , we have regions where the situation is much better .
For example , Zaporizhia region with just 3.6 % , '' Stepanov said .
According to him , today there are 1,700 mechanical ventilators available in hospitals .
As the minister noted , the authorities are now increasing capacities of hospital facilities , including deploying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have doubled our capacity and will continue to increase it , '' Stepanov said .
Coronavirus in Ukraine : data as of August 15 • In Kyiv , a new high over the past day : more than 200 new cases reported .
• Another anti-record of 1,847 COVID-19 cases was reported across Ukraine .
• In total , 89,719 cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded in the country since the COVID-19 outbreak , including 2,044 fatalities , ( +33 in past day ) .

Hospital load averages 24%. A total of 5,854 patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals.
Ukraine's top health official has reported a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus cases with a severe course of the disease.
Over the past day, 333 patients with coronavirus were hospitalized. Now 5,854 infected people are being treated in medical facilities. A month ago, on July 15, there were 3,935 people with confirmed COVID-19 were being treated," Health Minister Maksym Stepanov told an online briefing, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
Over the past month, the number of people treated in hospitals grew by 1,819, he added.
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"We're seeing a sharp increase in COVID-19 daily rise and also cases with severe course of the disease," said the chief heath official.
In Ukraine, hospital load with COVID-19 patients averages 24%. A total of 5,854 patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals. At the same time, there are locations where the load is above 50%, the minister stressed.
Read alsoZelensky demands more effective COVID-19 awareness campaign"If we take regions where we have long been recording the highest incidence, Kyiv has hospital load at 52%, Ivano-Frankivsk region – at 48.8%, Lviv region – at 52.8%, and Chernivtsi region – at 52.4%. Indeed, we have regions where the situation is much better. For example, Zaporizhia region with just 3.6%," Stepanov said.
According to him, today there are 1,700 mechanical ventilators available in hospitals.
As the minister noted, the authorities are now increasing capacities of hospital facilities, including deploying the second-wave hospitals.
"During the pandemic, we have doubled our capacity and will continue to increase it," Stepanov said.
Coronavirus in Ukraine: data as of August 15


unian--2020-08-16--Ukraine's Health Ministry: Hospitals ready to treat about 34,000 COVID-19 patients

About 3,700 ventilators are available in the country .
Ukraine 's Health Ministry says hospitals are ready to treat 34,000 COVID-19 patients .
`` In total , there are about 34,000 beds allocated for COVID-19 patients in the country , '' Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said during an online briefing on Sunday , August 16 .
`` We 've significantly increased the number of ventilators . ''
According to him , the country has made a big step forward in the healthcare sector 's readiness to handle the epidemic .
There are about 3,700 artificial lung ventilation devices available in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have about 9,500 beds with oxygen supply for COVID-19 patients .
• Ukraine reported 1,637 new COVID-19 cases as of the morning of August 16 after it had seen a new record daily high of 1,847 coronavirus cases as of August 15 .
The total number of confirmed cases in the country as of August 16 was 91,356 .
• The country 's Health Ministry reported about a sharp increase in the number of patients with a severe course of the coronavirus disease .
• In addition , the ministry called on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave of COVID-19 in Ukraine .

About 3,700 ventilators are available in the country.
Ukraine's Health Ministry says hospitals are ready to treat 34,000 COVID-19 patients.
"In total, there are about 34,000 beds allocated for COVID-19 patients in the country," Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said during an online briefing on Sunday, August 16. "We've significantly increased the number of ventilators."
Read alsoUkraine reports hike in heavy COVID-19 cases
Видео дня
According to him, the country has made a big step forward in the healthcare sector's preparedness to handle the epidemic.
There are about 3,700 artificial lung ventilation devices available in Ukraine now, he said.
What is more, hospitals have about 9,500 beds with oxygen supply for COVID-19 patients.
Coronavirus epidemic in Ukraine


unian--2020-08-16--Reuters: Putin says ready to help Belarus president militarily if necessary

Statements by both sides contained a pointed reference to a “ union state ” between the two countries .
Russia said on Sunday it had told Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko it was ready to offer military assistance if necessary as demonstrators gathered for what was expected to be one of the biggest protests against Lukashenko ’ s re-election .
A least two protesters have been killed and thousands have been detained since last Sunday ’ s vote , which opponents of Lukashenko , in power for 26 years , say was rigged to disguise the fact that he has lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alsoLukashenko 's deal with Putin : Russia to provide `` comprehensive assistance '' upon request He denies losing , citing official results that gave him just over 80 % of the vote .
The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin had told Lukashenko Russia was ready to assist Belarus in accordance with a collective military pact if necessary and said external pressure was being applied to the country , without saying where from .
There was tight security as Lukashenko ’ s supporters gathered in central Minsk for the first time since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same place as the protest was due to be held later in the day .
Lukashenko and Putin spoke by phone on Saturday .
Ties between the two traditional allies had been under strain before the election , as Russia scaled back subsidies that propped up Lukashenko ’ s government .
The state news agency Belta on Saturday cited remarks by Lukashenko that “ at the first request , Russia will provide comprehensive assistance to ensure the security of Belarus in the event of external military threats ” .
A Kremlin statement made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both sides expressed confidence that all problems in Belarus would be resolved soon .
Statements by both sides contained a pointed reference to a “ union state ” between the two countries .
The neighbours signed an agreement in 1999 that was supposed to create a unified state .
That project was never properly implemented however , and more recently Lukashenko had rejected calls by Moscow for closer economic and political ties as an assault on his country ’ s sovereignty .

Statements by both sides contained a pointed reference to a "union state" between the two countries.
Russia said on Sunday it had told Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko it was ready to offer military assistance if necessary as demonstrators gathered for what was expected to be one of the biggest protests against Lukashenko's re-election.
A least two protesters have been killed and thousands have been detained since last Sunday's vote, which opponents of Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, say was rigged to disguise the fact that he has lost public support, Reuters reported.
Read alsoLukashenko's deal with Putin: Russia to provide "comprehensive assistance" upon request
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He denies losing, citing official results that gave him just over 80% of the vote.
The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin had told Lukashenko Russia was ready to assist Belarus in accordance with a collective military pact if necessary and said external pressure was being applied to the country, without saying where from.
There was tight security as Lukashenko's supporters gathered in central Minsk for the first time since the election to voice their support in the same place as the protest was due to be held later in the day.
Lukashenko and Putin spoke by phone on Saturday.
Ties between the two traditional allies had been under strain before the election, as Russia scaled back subsidies that propped up Lukashenko's government.
The state news agency Belta on Saturday cited remarks by Lukashenko that "at the first request, Russia will provide comprehensive assistance to ensure the security of Belarus in the event of external military threats."
A Kremlin statement made no mention of such assistance but said both sides expressed confidence that all problems in Belarus would be resolved soon.
Statements by both sides contained a pointed reference to a "union state" between the two countries.
The neighbours signed an agreement in 1999 that was supposed to create a unified state. That project was never properly implemented however, and more recently Lukashenko had rejected calls by Moscow for closer economic and political ties as an assault on his country's sovereignty.


unian--2020-08-16--Rally under way in Kyiv to show solidarity with Belarus

An event is scheduled outside the building of the Belarusian Embassy in Ukraine .
A rally is under way in Kyiv on Sunday to show solidarity with protesters in Belarus .
A popular assembly ( viche ) is now taking place on Mykhailivska Square , then its participants will march along the central streets of the capital to the building of the Embassy of Belarus , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoProtesters in Belarus to hold largest march of freedom on Sunday They will walk along the following route : Mykhailivska Square – Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street – Mykhaila @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv time , about 70 people were taking part in the viche .
Citizens of Belarus and representatives of the Belarusian community in Ukraine were among them .
Activists took the floor , addressing the public ; they expressed dissatisfaction with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko 's policy , dubbing him a 'dictator . '
Also , some activists were holding portraits of Lukashenko with his face covered with blood .
The speakers called on the international community to help stop the violence against civilians in Belarus and urged Lukashenko to resign .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held in Belarus .
• The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• On the evening of August 9 , thousands of Belarusians took to the streets to take part in spontaneous rallies , which was followed by clashes with law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water cannons , tear gas , stun grenades , and fired rubber bullets in a crackdown on protests .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs announced about 3,000 protesters were detained on the night of August 10 , more than 2,000 people on the night of August 11 , and more than 1,000 on the third night of the protests in different towns and cities across the country .
The ministry confirmed one of the protesters had died .
As of today , there were reports about two deaths among protesters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Interior Ministry said that over 2,000 detainees had been released .

An event is scheduled outside the building of the Belarusian Embassy in Ukraine.
A rally is under way in Kyiv on Sunday to show solidarity with protesters in Belarus.
A popular assembly (viche) is now taking place on Mykhailivska Square, then its participants will march along the central streets of the capital to the building of the Embassy of Belarus, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoProtesters in Belarus to hold largest march of freedom on Sunday
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They will walk along the following route: Mykhailivska Square – Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street – Mykhaila Kotsyubynskoho Street,
As of 12:20 p.m. Kyiv time, about 70 people were taking part in the viche. Citizens of Belarus and representatives of the Belarusian community in Ukraine were among them.
Activists took the floor, addressing the public; they expressed dissatisfaction with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's policy, dubbing him a 'dictator.'
Also, some activists were holding portraits of Lukashenko with his face covered with blood.
The speakers called on the international community to help stop the violence against civilians in Belarus and urged Lukashenko to resign.
Belarus protests: Developments


unian--2020-08-16--Belarus expects Ukrainian delegates to come to Grodno trade forum in Oct

The meeting will consider promising directions for the development of trade and economic interaction .
The Belarusian authorities say they still hope that a Ukrainian delegation who planned to take part in a meeting of the Belarusian-Ukrainian advisory council on business cooperation will come to the trade forum in Grodno on October 8 despite ongoing protests in that country .
Belarus expects that the event will also be attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Ukraine Igor Sokol , chief of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Minsk Ihor Kyzym , as well as Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hennadiy Chyzhykov , the Belarusian BelTA agency reported .
The meeting will consider promising directions for the development of trade and economic interaction , as well as problematic issues of business .
Bilateral commercial contracts and agreements are to be signed .
• On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
• The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• On the evening of August 9 , thousands of Belarusians took to the streets to take part in spontaneous rallies , which was followed by clashes with law enforcement .
The police in Minsk used water cannons , tear gas , stun grenades , and fired rubber bullets in a crackdown on protests .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs announced about 3,000 protesters were detained on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 2,000 people on the night of August 11 , and more than 1,000 on the third night of the protests in different towns and cities across the country .
The ministry confirmed one of the protesters had died .
• As of today , there were reports about two deaths among protesters .
• The UN has condemned the violence and violation of human rights in Belarus , a number of countries have called on Minsk to stop the atrocities .
• Belarus ' largest march of freedom is to take plate @ @ @ @

The meeting will consider promising directions for the development of trade and economic interaction.
The Belarusian authorities say they still hope that a Ukrainian delegation who planned to take part in a meeting of the Belarusian-Ukrainian advisory council on business cooperation will come to the trade forum in Grodno on October 8 despite ongoing protests in that country.
Belarus expects that the event will also be attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Ukraine Igor Sokol, chief of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Minsk Ihor Kyzym, as well as Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Ulakhovich, and President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hennadiy Chyzhykov, the Belarusian BelTA agency reported.
Read alsoUkraine's MFA: Zelensky not to visit Belarus amid mass protests
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The meeting will consider promising directions for the development of trade and economic interaction, as well as problematic issues of business.
Bilateral commercial contracts and agreements are to be signed.
Belarus protests: Developments


unian--2020-08-16--Protesters in Belarus to hold largest march of freedom on Sunday

Rallies will be held in Minsk and other Belarusian towns and cities .
Protesters in Belarus have announced the largest freedom march in that country 's history .
The event is expected to begin at 14:00 local time on August 16 .
The announcement appeared on the Belarusian opposition Telegram channel NEXTA Live , the largest by the number of subscribers .
Read alsoLukashenko 's deal with Putin : Russia to provide `` comprehensive assistance '' upon request The event in Minsk will start from Independence Avenue , participants will walk along the central streets and squares .
The march @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and towns of the country .
`` Sunday is the day of the largest , exceptionally peaceful march in the history of Belarus ; we will march along the streets and avenues of our cities , with smiles and dignity .
We will go out with families , communities , work collectives .
We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who at this turning point was on the side of the people .
Let us remember all those who have suffered in the struggle for freedom , '' the announcement said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ united opposition , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , called on mayors of the cities and towns to become the organizers of the protests on August 15 and August 16 and to stop bloodshed during peaceful rallies .
The Belarusian authorities , in turn , are preparing a large rally in Minsk in support of incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , who claimed he had won a landslide victory in the latest presidential election .
State employees are being bussed to the rally in Minsk from across the country .

Rallies will be held in Minsk and other Belarusian towns and cities.
Protesters in Belarus have announced the largest March of Freedom in that country's history.
The event is expected to begin at 14:00 local time on August 16. The announcement appeared on the Belarusian opposition Telegram channel NEXTA Live, the largest by the number of subscribers.
Read alsoLukashenko's deal with Putin: Russia to provide "comprehensive assistance" upon request
Видео дня
The event in Minsk will start from Independence Avenue, participants will walk along the central streets and squares.
The march will simultaneously take place in other cities and towns of the country.
"Sunday is the day of the largest, exceptionally peaceful march in the history of Belarus; we will march along the streets and avenues of our cities, with smiles and dignity. We will go out with families, communities, work collectives. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who at this turning point was on the side of the people. Let us remember all those who have suffered in the struggle for freedom," the announcement said.
Earlier, the leader of the united opposition, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, called on mayors of the cities and towns to become the organizers of the protests on August 15 and August 16 and to stop bloodshed during peaceful rallies.
The Belarusian authorities, in turn, are preparing a large rally in Minsk in support of incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, who claimed he had won a landslide victory in the latest presidential election. State employees are being bussed to the rally in Minsk from across the country.


unian--2020-08-16--Donbas warzone update: No ceasefire violations recorded in past 24 hours

There were no Ukrainian army casualties .
No violations of the ceasefire in the Joint Forces Operation zone in eastern Ukraine 's Donbas were recorded on Saturday , August 15 .
There were no Ukrainian army casualties , the JFO Command said in a morning update on Facebook on Sunday , August 16 .
The Ukrainian military continue adhering to the ceasefire and are ready to respond to any attack by the enemy , it said .
Since Sunday midnight , the sides have continued observing the full and comprehensive ceasefire .
• Since midnight on July 27 , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force along the contact line in the zone of the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas .
• Since the start of the latest truce , there have been no combat losses or injuries among the Ukrainian military , according to official reports .
• A landmine clearance operation is under way .
Around 6 hectares in the frontline zone have been cleared of landmines .
Some 47 mines and improvised explosive devices were found and sent for disposal .
• What is more , Joint Forces personnel are engaged in repairing and rebuilding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours , they were engaged in 22 projects , one of the facilities was fully repaired .

There were no Ukrainian army casualties.
No violations of the ceasefire in the Joint Forces Operation zone in eastern Ukraine's Donbas were recorded on Saturday, August 15.
There were no Ukrainian army casualties, the JFO Command said in a morning update on Facebook on Sunday, August 16.
Read alsoMore enemy provocations reported over past day in Donbas warzone amid ceasefire
Видео дня
The Ukrainian military continue adhering to the ceasefire and are ready to respond to any attack by the enemy, it said.
Since Sunday midnight, the sides have continued observing the full and comprehensive ceasefire.
Truce in force


unian--2020-08-16--Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine exceeds 91,000

Twenty-four people died of the coronavirus in the past day .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine exceeded 91,000 cases .
Ukraine 's authorities as of the morning of August 16 reported 1,637 new active COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours , bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 91,356 , according to the updated data provided by the National Security and Defense Council .
Twenty-four people died of the coronavirus in the past day , thus the death toll increased to 2,068 people .
The number of recoveries grew by 392 , to 47,822 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of August 16 ; over 148,000 patients were suspected cases .
Today , most of the coronavirus cases were recorded in Lviv region ( 11,951 ) , the city of Kyiv ( 10,538 ) , Chernivtsi region ( 7,617 ) , Rivne region ( 7,538 ) , and Ivano-Frankivsk region ( 6,626 ) .
• Ukraine saw a new record daily high of 1,847 coronavirus cases as of August 15 .
• The country 's Health Ministry reported about a sharp increase in the number of patients with a severe course of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ministry called on the regions to get ready for the second wave of COVID-19 in Ukraine .

Twenty-four people died of the coronavirus in the past day.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine exceeded 91,000 cases.
Ukraine's authorities as of the morning of August 16 reported 1,637 new active COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 91,356, according to the updated data provided by the National Security and Defense Council.
Read alsoZelensky demands more effective COVID-19 awareness campaign
Видео дня
Twenty-four people died of the coronavirus in the past day, thus the death toll increased to 2,068 people.
The number of recoveries grew by 392, to 47,822 people.
There were 41,466 active cases as of August 16; over 148,000 patients were suspected cases.
Coronavirus: Statistics in the regions
Today, most of the coronavirus cases were recorded in Lviv region (11,951), the city of Kyiv (10,538), Chernivtsi region (7,617), Rivne region (7,538), and Ivano-Frankivsk region (6,626).
Coronavirus epidemic in Ukraine


unian--2020-08-16--Belarusian law enforcers reportedly start detaining participants in March of Freedom in Minsk

Some 200,000 protesters came to take part in the mass event in the capital city .
Belarusian law enforcement agencies have reportedly started detaining participants in the March of Freedom in different districts of Minsk on August 16 .
Around 15 police vans , several buses and minibuses , as well as other vehicles drove along Independence Avenue towards the city 's Uruchcha microdistrict , according to the Telegram channels NEXTA Live , Euroradio , Tut.by .
Read alsoNationwide strike to begin in Belarus on Aug 17 Other sources report several people near the capital city 's GUM shopping mall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and driven away in an unknown direction .
Euroradio wrote `` the information has been confirmed that people leaving the mass rally in the center of Minsk are being detained .
Detentions take place both in the city center and on the outskirts , in the yards of residential buildings . ''
• On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
• The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• On the evening of August 9 , thousands of Belarusians took to the streets to take part in spontaneous rallies , which was followed by clashes with law enforcement .
The police in Minsk used water cannons , tear gas , stun grenades , and fired rubber bullets in a crackdown on protests .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs announced about 3,000 protesters were detained on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 2,000 people on the night of August 11 , and more than 1,000 on the third night of the protests in different towns and cities across the country .
The ministry confirmed one of the protesters had died .
As of today , there were reports about two deaths among protesters .
• The UN has condemned the violence and violation of human rights in Belarus , a number of countries have called on Minsk to stop the atrocities .
• Belarus ' largest march of freedom began across the country on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take part in the mass event in Minsk .
In turn , the Belarusian authorities reportedly bussed workers of state-run enterprises and organizations to the center of the capital city to arrange a pro-government rally .

Some 200,000 protesters came to take part in the mass event in the capital city.
Belarusian law enforcement agencies have reportedly started detaining participants in the March of Freedom in different districts of Minsk on August 16.
Around 15 police vans, several buses and minibuses, as well as other vehicles drove along Independence Avenue towards the city's Uruchcha microdistrict, according to the Telegram channels NEXTA Live, Euroradio, Tut.by.
Read alsoNationwide strike to begin in Belarus on Aug 17
Видео дня
Other sources report several people near the capital city's GUM shopping mall were seized,dragged into a minibus and driven away in an unknown direction.
Euroradio wrote "the information has been confirmed that people leaving the mass rally in the center of Minsk are being detained. Detentions take place both in the city center and on the outskirts, in the yards of residential buildings."
Belarus protests in brief


unian--2020-08-16--Ukraine initiates Belarusian Declaration at PACE

The authors of the document condemn the use of violence against participants in peaceful meetings .
Head of the delegation of Ukraine 's Verkhovna Rada to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ( PACE ) , Member of Parliament from the ruling Servant of the People parliamentary faction Liza Yasko says she has initiated a statement on the current events in Belarus .
`` I 've initiated the Belarusian Declaration , a document where we assess the events in the neighboring country and offer a way out of the current situation , '' she said on Facebook , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her page .
Read alsoBelarus expects Ukrainian delegates to come to Grodno trade forum in Oct Yasko noted that the statement had been supported by the majority of the members of the Ukrainian delegation to PACE .
Also , she added , the document was signed by Chairperson of the Estonian delegation to PACE Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski , her counterparts Inese Lībiņa-Egnere of Latvia , Algirdas Butkevičius of Lithuania , and Roger Gale of Great Britain .
The signatories state that the campaign for the presidential elections in Belarus , voting on August 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet international electoral standards , took place with massive violations of the rights and freedoms of citizens and do not show the free expression of the will of the Belarusian people .
The authors of the document condemn the use of violence against participants in peaceful meetings , call on the authorities to immediately release all detainees and will welcome an independent investigation into the misuse of force against protesters .
They also insist a peaceful dialogue between all parties to the electoral process should begin as soon as possible and they express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the participants in the electoral process and provide a platform for such negotiations . ''
The Russian Federation has been warned against meddling in the internal affairs of Belarus .
• On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
• The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all candidates .
• On the evening of August 9 , thousands of Belarusians took to the streets to take part in spontaneous rallies , which was followed by clashes with law enforcement .
The police in Minsk used water cannons , tear gas , stun grenades , and fired rubber bullets in a crackdown on protests .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs announced about 3,000 protesters were detained on the night of August 10 , more than 2,000 people on the night of August 11 , and more than 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in different towns and cities across the country .
• The ministry confirmed one of the protesters had died .
As of today , there were reports about two deaths among protesters .
• The UN has condemned the violence and violation of human rights in Belarus , a number of countries have called on Minsk to stop the atrocities .
• Belarus ' largest March of Freedom began across the country on August 16 .
In turn , the Belarusian authorities reportedly bussed workers of state-run enterprises and organizations to the center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The authors of the document condemn the use of violence against participants in peaceful meetings.
Head of the delegation of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Member of Parliament from the ruling Servant of the People parliamentary faction Liza Yasko says she has initiated a statement on the current events in Belarus.
"I've initiated the Belarusian Declaration, a document where we assess the events in the neighboring country and offer a way out of the current situation," she said on Facebook, sharing the text of the document on her page.
Read alsoBelarus expects Ukrainian delegates to come to Grodno trade forum in Oct
Видео дня
Yasko noted that the statement had been supported by the majority of the members of the Ukrainian delegation to PACE. Also, she added, the document was signed by Chairperson of the Estonian delegation to PACE Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, her counterparts Inese Lībiņa-Egnere of Latvia, Algirdas Butkevičius of Lithuania, and Roger Gale of Great Britain.
The signatories state that the campaign for the presidential elections in Belarus, voting on August 9 and the counting of votes do not meet international electoral standards, took place with massive violations of the rights and freedoms of citizens and do not show the free expression of the will of the Belarusian people.
The authors of the document condemn the use of violence against participants in peaceful meetings, call on the authorities to immediately release all detainees and will welcome an independent investigation into the misuse of force against protesters.
They also insist a peaceful dialogue between all parties to the electoral process should begin as soon as possible and they express their readiness to "facilitate the dialogue between the participants in the electoral process and provide a platform for such negotiations."
The Russian Federation has been warned against meddling in the internal affairs of Belarus.
Belarus protests in brief


unian--2020-08-16--PMC Wagner members explain why they arrived in Belarus

They claimed they had been offered a job in Libya and Syria .
Members of Russia 's private military company ( PMC ) Wagner who were detained in Minsk and later extradited by the Belarusian authorities have announced upon return home that they were heading to Libya and Syria as they had been offered a job there .
Several of the members transferred to Russia told TV Channel Russia 24 they had seen a job announcement on Avito.ru , a Russian classified advertisements website , according to the RIA Novosti news agency .
Read alsoZelensky warns Minsk of `` tragic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extradition to Russia One of them said it was a job related to crude oil facilities .
Yet , the job requirements included experience of participation in hostilities , especially in Donbas and in Syria .
They claimed they had been accommodated at the Belorusochka health center outside Minsk for a short period .
They claim they allegedly did not know that presidential elections were to take place in Belarus .
• On July 29 , a group of PM Wagner members were detained in Belarus , 32 were apprehended outside Minsk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's south .
Among them were those who fought against Ukraine in the Donbas war .
• According to Belarusian law enforcement agencies , they had been tipped about the deployment of over 200 fighters to destabilize the country amid the election campaign .
• Belarus turned to the Ukrainian authorities to verify the detainees ' involvement in crimes committed in Ukraine .
On July 30 , Ukraine began consultations with Belarus on their extradition .
• On August 7 , President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus said Ukraine had to prove the guilt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extradition .
On August 9 , Lukashenko said he had received a five-page letter from Vladimir Putin with information on the situation around the detention of the Wagner troops .
• On August 11 , the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine sent inquiries to their Belarusian counterparts , seeking the extradition of 28 PMC Wagner fighters .
All 28 , including nine citizens of Ukraine , had been charged by the Ukrainian authorities with participation in a terrorist organization .

They claimed they had been offered a job in Libya and Syria.
Members of Russia's private military company (PMC) Wagner who were detained in Minsk and later extradited by the Belarusian authorities have announced upon return home that they were heading to Libya and Syria as they had been offered a job there.
Several of the members transferred to Russia told TV Channel Russia 24 they had seen a job announcement on Avito.ru, a Russian classified advertisements website, according to the RIA Novosti news agency.
Read alsoZelensky warns Minsk of "tragic consequences" of Wagner PMC troops' extradition to Russia
Видео дня
One of them said it was a job related to crude oil facilities. Yet, the job requirements included experience of participation in hostilities, especially in Donbas and in Syria. They claimed they had been accommodated at the Belorusochka health center outside Minsk for a short period.
They claim they allegedly did not know that presidential elections were to take place in Belarus.
PMC Wagner in Belarus


unian--2020-08-16--NATO denies Belarus claim of military buildup, but watching situation – media

NATO dismissed on Sunday allegations by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that it was conducting a military buildup near the country @ @ @ @ @ it was closely monitoring the situation following his contested re-election .
Earlier on Sunday Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ the 30-nation military alliance had been deployed 15 minutes from the Belarusian border , Reuters @ @ @ @ @ nearly 60 % of Ukrainians support EU accession , almost 50 % – joining NATO @ @ @ @ @ buildup in the region , '' NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ in the eastern part of the Alliance is not a threat to any country .
@ @ @ @ @ proportionate , and designed to prevent conflict and preserve peace . ''
She said NATO @ @ @ @ @ Belarus , which has been gripped by protests since an Aug. 9 election that Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ , and called for basic freedoms to be respected , including the right to peaceful @ @

NATO is closely monitoring events in Belarus.
NATO dismissed on Sunday allegations by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that it was conducting a military buildup near the country's western border but said it was closely monitoring the situation following his contested re-election.
Earlier on Sunday Lukashenko said tanks and planes of the 30-nation military alliance had been deployed 15 minutes from the Belarusian border, Reuters reported.
Read alsoPoll: nearly 60% of Ukrainians support EU accession, almost 50% – joining NATO
Видео дня
"There is no NATO buildup in the region," NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said in a statement.
"NATO's multinational presence in the eastern part of the Alliance is not a threat to any country. It is strictly defensive, proportionate, and designed to prevent conflict and preserve peace."
She said NATO was closely monitoring events in Belarus, which has been gripped by protests since an Aug. 9 election that Lukashenko's opponents say was rigged, and called for basic freedoms to be respected, including the right to peaceful protest.