unian--2020-02-05--Ukrainians able to get ID cards with electronic signature from Feb 5

The first one was issued to President Zelensky .
Ukrainian citizens starting February 5 will be able to get ID cards with a Qualified Electronic Signature ( QES ) .
The relevant service was presented by the Interior Ministry and the State Migration Service on Wednesday , as reported by the Ministry 's Communication Department .
The new service is absolutely free , offering a number of advantages for both government bodies and businesses .
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said the ID card is issued based on the Unified State Register , being reliably protected and containing biometric data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The president of Ukraine has joined 4.4 million owners of modern ID cards .
He was the first to use the new service of the Interior Ministry – he received a QES in an ID chip .
Now any owner of an ID card may get a QES , '' the minister added .
Read also '' This is only the beginning '' : Zelensky announces the launch of electronic driver ’ s license , e-registration Avakov said the ministry would present in two weeks a photo and video fixation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a passport .
The service is available for citizens of Ukraine who have reached the age of 18 .
The validity period of the QES key certificates will be 24 months .
The ministry notes the QES registration and introduction in the ID card chip is not mandatory and is carried out at citizen 's request .
Head of the State Migration Service Maksym Sokoliuk reiterated that the service had been introducing biometric IDs since 2015 .
To date , over 15 million biometric passports have been issued .
`` We have introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2017 and 2018 , respectively , we signed agreements with Turkey and Georgia on unhindered crossing with ID cards .
Negotiations are underway with other countries , '' he said .
The president of Ukraine became the first citizen of Ukraine who used the free service .
Using an electronic signature , citizens are able to get access to government information systems and use electronic services .

The first one was issued to President Zelensky.
Ukrainian citizens starting February 5 will be able to get ID cards with a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES).
The relevant service was presented by the Interior Ministry and the State Migration Service on Wednesday, as reported by the Ministry's Communication Department.
The new service is absolutely free, offering a number of advantages for both government bodies and businesses.
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Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said the ID card is issued based on the Unified State Register, being reliably protected and containing biometric data, with data shared between all registries.
"The president of Ukraine has joined 4.4 million owners of modern ID cards. He was the first to use the new service of the Interior Ministry – he received a QES in an ID chip. Now any owner of an ID card may get a QES," the minister added.
Read also"This is only the beginning": Zelensky announces the launch of electronic driver’s license, e-registration
Avakov said the ministry would present in two weeks a photo and video fixation of traffic violations and an electronic mirror of a passport.
The service is available for citizens of Ukraine who have reached the age of 18. The validity period of the QES key certificates will be 24 months.
The ministry notes the QES registration and introduction in the ID card chip is not mandatory and is carried out at citizen's request.
Head of the State Migration Service Maksym Sokoliuk reiterated that the service had been introducing biometric IDs since 2015. To date, over 15 million biometric passports have been issued.
"We have introduced a new ID card in 2016. In 2017 and 2018, respectively, we signed agreements with Turkey and Georgia on unhindered crossing with ID cards. Negotiations are underway with other countries," he said.
The president of Ukraine became the first citizen of Ukraine who used the free service.
Using an electronic signature, citizens are able to get access to government information systems and use electronic services.


unian--2020-02-05--Ukraine's government approves new quality Ukraine-NATO Annual National Program

The ANP envisages both security and defense sector reforms , as well as democratic transformations within the country .
The Ukrainian government has endorsed the Annual National Program ( ANP ) for 2020 under the auspices of the NATO-Ukraine Commission , which is based on a methodology of measured results , focuses on human security , contains a monitoring mechanism for the implementation , and builds on the principles , structure and content of NATO membership plans of countries who were following the way toward joining the Alliance .
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the relevant document at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with further submitting the act to be signed by the president of Ukraine , according to the government portal .
`` Our government has included in its Action Program an ambitious goal : in five years Ukraine should achieve the criteria for joining NATO .
What kind of Ukraine will we have when it achieves the level of NATO standards ?
It is a state for which the safety and well-being of the citizen are the focus .
The state that is capable of defending its human-centric principles , '' said Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's document contains a number of innovations .
For the first time , the rights , freedoms and legitimate interests of the individual are put at the center of attention when planning the content of the program .
This is such a human-centric approach to which the North Atlantic Alliance is committed .
In addition , the document was first developed with applying the international Results-Based Management ( RBM ) method .
Such a methodology is used in the preparation of similar strategic documents in NATO member states , the World Bank , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking the same language with the Alliance .
The Annual National Program for 2020 has been written in the NATO language , the language of concrete measurable results , and addresses specific problems in particular areas of reform , as well as focuses primarily on human security and well-being .
This roadmap for Euro-Atlantic reforms reliably leads our country to high NATO standards , '' said Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba .
It is critical that the ANP-2020 was being developed simultaneously with the 2020 State Budget , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program are financially supported .
The creation of an independent external monitoring system for the implementation of the ANP is envisaged for the first time .
As the list of reforms included in the program is rather broad and concerns bringing a number of areas of the country 's activity in compliance with the Alliance 's standards , monitoring the implementation of the program will become a kind of audit of the country in line with NATO criteria .
The ANP envisages both security and defense sector reforms , as well as democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top priority reforms are , in particular , bringing to compliance the entire defense force management system , strategic and operational ( combat ) management , communications , intelligence and surveillance with NATO standards and compatibility , introducing democratic civilian control , providing conditions for participation of Ukrainian enterprises in NATO multinational projects in the field of development and production of weapons and equipment , etc .
Among others , inter alia , are a shaped market economy , a transparent tax system , effective scientific cooperation between Ukraine and countries-members of NATO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that makes Ukraine a reliable partner in the international security system , the development of a system of national sustainability and protection of critical infrastructure , etc .
The Annual National Program is modeled as close as possible on the content and principles of the NATO Membership Action Plan ( MAP ) and has the same structure of five sections : I .
Political and Economic issues ; II .
Defense/Military Issues ; III .
Resource issues ; IV .
Security issues ; V. Legal issues .
The ANP is a key instrument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a roadmap for reform aimed to translate Alliance standards and principles .
It was elaborated by the Alliance in 2008 , when during the Bucharest Summit , allies welcomed Ukraine to NATO membership .
This year , the implementation of the ANP is aimed at achieving goal 17.2 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Action Program `` Ukraine meets the principles and criteria necessary to acquire membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization . ''

The ANP envisages both security and defense sector reforms, as well as democratic transformations within the country.
The Ukrainian government has endorsed the Annual National Program (ANP) for 2020 under the auspices of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, which is based on a methodology of measured results, focuses on human security, contains a monitoring mechanism for the implementation, and builds on the principles, structure and content of NATO membership plans of countries who were following the way toward joining the Alliance.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the relevant document at a meeting on Wednesday, February 5, with further submitting the act to be signed by the president of Ukraine, according to the government portal.
"Our government has included in its Action Program an ambitious goal: in five years Ukraine should achieve the criteria for joining NATO. What kind of Ukraine will we have when it achieves the level of NATO standards? It is a state for which the safety and well-being of the citizen are the focus. The state that is capable of defending its human-centric principles," said Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk.
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Read alsoUkraine, Turkey sign framework agreement on cooperation in defense sector
This year's document contains a number of innovations. For the first time, the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of the individual are put at the center of attention when planning the content of the program. This is such a human-centric approach to which the North Atlantic Alliance is committed.
In addition, the document was first developed with applying the international Results-Based Management (RBM) method. Such a methodology is used in the preparation of similar strategic documents in NATO member states, the World Bank, and the UN.
"We are speaking the same language with the Alliance. The Annual National Program for 2020 has been written in the NATO language, the language of concrete measurable results, and addresses specific problems in particular areas of reform, as well as focuses primarily on human security and well-being. This roadmap for Euro-Atlantic reforms reliably leads our country to high NATO standards," said Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba.
It is critical that the ANP-2020 was being developed simultaneously with the 2020 State Budget, so all the measures envisaged in the program are financially supported. The creation of an independent external monitoring system for the implementation of the ANP is envisaged for the first time. As the list of reforms included in the program is rather broad and concerns bringing a number of areas of the country's activity in compliance with the Alliance's standards, monitoring the implementation of the program will become a kind of audit of the country in line with NATO criteria.
Read alsoUkraine, NATO to restart work format – Defense Minister
The ANP envisages both security and defense sector reforms, as well as democratic transformations within the country. Among the top priority reforms are, in particular, bringing to compliance the entire defense force management system, strategic and operational (combat) management, communications, intelligence and surveillance with NATO standards and compatibility, introducing democratic civilian control, providing conditions for participation of Ukrainian enterprises in NATO multinational projects in the field of development and production of weapons and equipment, etc. Among others, inter alia, are a shaped market economy, a transparent tax system, effective scientific cooperation between Ukraine and countries-members of NATO and the EU, a counter-terrorism system that makes Ukraine a reliable partner in the international security system, the development of a system of national sustainability and protection of critical infrastructure, etc.
The Annual National Program is modeled as close as possible on the content and principles of the NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP) and has the same structure of five sections: I. Political and Economic issues; II. Defense/Military Issues; III. Resource issues; IV. Security issues; V. Legal issues.
The ANP is a key instrument for Ukraine's integration into NATO and a roadmap for reform aimed to translate Alliance standards and principles. It was elaborated by the Alliance in 2008, when during the Bucharest Summit, allies welcomed Ukraine to NATO membership. This year, the implementation of the ANP is aimed at achieving goal 17.2 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Action Program "Ukraine meets the principles and criteria necessary to acquire membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization."


unian--2020-02-05--Zelensky's envoy comments on manipulation over resumption of water supplies to Crimea

No water supplies until de-occupation of the peninsular , the official says .
Ukrainian President 's permanent envoy for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , Anton Korynevych has commented on manipulation over possible resumption of water supplies to Russian-occupied Crimea .
`` Due to the emergence of yet another manipulation in media regarding possible resumption of water supplies [ from mainland Ukraine ] to Crimea and the related 'visit of a commission from Kyiv ' [ to the neighboring Kherson region ] , we 'll say this information is false , '' he wrote on Facebook on February 5 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Committee on Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , to Kherson on February 11-12 , where officials will learn more about issues related to the temporarily occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol .
Read alsoOccupying authorities to limit water supplies to Simferopol households due to shallow reservoirs – media '' We have planned a visit to the Kalanchak checkpoint and it is also logical to visit the dam of the blocked section of the North Crimean Canal since it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nobody talks about any renewal of water supplies , as water will flow to Crimea via the canal only after de-occupation [ of the peninsula ] .
No water until de-occupation , '' Korynevych said .
`` The Committee 's on-site meeting has nothing to do with the issue of water supplies , but aims to make familiar themselves with the situation near the administrative border with the temporarily occupied Crimea .
Those who manipulate at every step should finally start working and stop looking for treason everywhere , '' he summed up @

No water supplies until de-occupation of the peninsular, the official says.
Ukrainian President's permanent envoy for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Anton Korynevych has commented on manipulation over possible resumption of water supplies to Russian-occupied Crimea.
"Due to the emergence of yet another manipulation in media regarding possible resumption of water supplies [from mainland Ukraine] to Crimea and the related 'visit of a commission from Kyiv' [to the neighboring Kherson region], we'll say this information is false," he wrote on Facebook on February 5.
The official also announced a visiting meeting of the Committee on Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, to Kherson on February 11-12, where officials will learn more about issues related to the temporarily occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.
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Read alsoOccupying authorities to limit water supplies to Simferopol households due to shallow reservoirs – media
"We have planned a visit to the Kalanchak checkpoint and it is also logical to visit the dam of the blocked section of the North Crimean Canal since it is in close proximity to the checkpoint. Nobody talks about any renewal of water supplies, as water will flow to Crimea via the canal only after de-occupation [of the peninsula]. No water until de-occupation," Korynevych said.
"The Committee's on-site meeting has nothing to do with the issue of water supplies, but aims to make familiar themselves with the situation near the administrative border with the temporarily occupied Crimea. Those who manipulate at every step should finally start working and stop looking for treason everywhere," he summed up.


unian--2020-02-05--Several thousand farmers at rally call on president to dismiss NABU chief Sytnyk, protect their jobs

The farmers demand that the pressure of law enforcement agencies on the enterprise cease .
About 3,000 employees of UkrLandFarming and Avangard agricultural holdings , as well as ordinary people who joined their demands , held a rally outside the Verkhovna Rada and the President 's Office HQs , calling to protect the company from unlawful harassment by law enforcement agencies .
Farmers demand that the pressure of law enforcement agencies on the enterprise cease and Director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) Artem Sytnyk , convicted of corruption by court , be dismissed .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enterprises operate in 600 settlements of 22 regions of the country , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
During her address from the rally stage , UkrLandFarming Operations Director Halyna Kovtok expressed hope that the demands of 27,000 farmers , whom the company provides jobs with in rural areas and pays UAH 3.5 billion ( US $ 140.8 million ) of salaries annually , would be heard .
`` We 've been silently waiting for our problem to be resolved , but now we wo n't be silent .
We will defend our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we can be heard in the Verkhovna Rada and the President 's Office .
We have n't stolen or inherited anything – we have built everything we have with our own hands .
And today we protect our own .
Therefore , 'Hands off Avangard , ' 'Hands off UkrLandFarming ! '
'' she shouted , echoed by protesters .
According to Head of the Zarya branch of the Western Agricultural Production company ( part of UkrLandFarming ) Volodymyr Danylevskiy , law enforcement raids leave company employees anxious and threaten disruption of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me as a manager , as well as employees who want to work and earn , not to talk to NABU detectives .
We stand here not to lose jobs .
Neighboring Poland is 200 kilometers away , they are waiting for young people who know how to work .
And now everything is being done to send them from Ukraine and shut our jobs down .
We were actually paralyzed and threatened the sowing campaign , people , their families , and their prosperity , '' he said .
In turn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oleksiy Honcharenko promised from stage that the demands of farmers would be heard and Sytnyk would not remain in office .
`` Imagine , the head of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine is a corrupt official who was put in the register of corrupt officials – how can this be ?
And today he 's discrediting the institution that must fight top corruption –not with a top company that shapes up Ukraine 's GDP , increases exports , and feeds the whole country and half the world .
We will carry your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Verkhovna Rada because they must react to the fact that today you have come to fight for your rights , '' he said .
Later , the rally moved to the President 's Office to hand over an appeal to President Volodymyr Zelensky with signatures of about 30,000 employees and other people .
The appeal calls on the president to intervene and halt the destruction of an enterprise that 's important for the Ukrainian economy , remove corrupt officials , and save jobs .
In addition , the farmers ask to appoint a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and company owners at the negotiating table for a constructive dialogue .
The protesters left several thousand lighted candles with their names on them outside the President 's Office and said the rally was only a precautionary step , i.e .
if their demands are not heeded , a significantly larger number of people will take to the streets .
As UNIAN reported earlier , businessman Oleg Bakhmatyuk , the owner of UkrLandFarming and Avangard group of companies , called illegal the raids on his company in the case of embezzlement of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main shareholder he was .
He also said the cases opened against him and the company had been personal revenge of NABU Director Sytnyk .
The latter was found guilty of corruption by the court over the elite vacation at someone else 's expense , and was put in the register of corrupt officials , therefore he could lose his job .
The adviser to Bakhmatyuk 's sister was the main witness for prosecution .
UNIAN memo .
UkrLandFarming is the largest Ukrainian agro-industrial holding , which manages the country 's largest bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hectares , which is engaged in the cultivation of crops and seeds , sugar production , animal husbandry and distribution of agricultural machinery .
It includes the Avangard agricultural group , whose companies specialize in the production of chicken eggs ( with a design capacity of 1.6 billion eggs per year ) and egg products , which are exported to about 40 countries .

The farmers demand that the pressure of law enforcement agencies on the enterprise cease.
About 3,000 employees of UkrLandFarming and Avangard agricultural holdings, as well as ordinary people who joined their demands, held a rally outside the Verkhovna Rada and the President's Office HQs, calling to protect the company from unlawful harassment by law enforcement agencies.
Farmers demand that the pressure of law enforcement agencies on the enterprise cease and Director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) Artem Sytnyk, convicted of corruption by court, be dismissed. People came from almost all across Ukraine since enterprises operate in 600 settlements of 22 regions of the country, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
During her address from the rally stage, UkrLandFarming Operations Director Halyna Kovtok expressed hope that the demands of 27,000 farmers, whom the company provides jobs with in rural areas and pays UAH 3.5 billion (US$140.8 million) of salaries annually, would be heard.
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"We've been silently waiting for our problem to be resolved, but now we won't be silent. We will defend our company as loudly as we can so that we can be heard in the Verkhovna Rada and the President's Office. We haven't stolen or inherited anything – we have built everything we have with our own hands. And today we protect our own. Therefore, 'Hands off Avangard,' 'Hands off UkrLandFarming!'" she shouted, echoed by protesters.
According to Head of the Zarya branch of the Western Agricultural Production company (part of UkrLandFarming) Volodymyr Danylevskiy, law enforcement raids leave company employees anxious and threaten disruption of the work process.
"This concerns me as a manager, as well as employees who want to work and earn, not to talk to NABU detectives. We stand here not to lose jobs. Neighboring Poland is 200 kilometers away, they are waiting for young people who know how to work. And now everything is being done to send them from Ukraine and shut our jobs down. We were actually paralyzed and threatened the sowing campaign, people, their families, and their prosperity," he said.
In turn, Ukrainian MP with the European Solidarity faction Oleksiy Honcharenko promised from stage that the demands of farmers would be heard and Sytnyk would not remain in office.
"Imagine, the head of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine is a corrupt official who was put in the register of corrupt officials – how can this be? And today he's discrediting the institution that must fight top corruption –not with a top company that shapes up Ukraine's GDP, increases exports, and feeds the whole country and half the world. We will carry your demands to the session hall of the Verkhovna Rada because they must react to the fact that today you have come to fight for your rights," he said.
Later, the rally moved to the President's Office to hand over an appeal to President Volodymyr Zelensky with signatures of about 30,000 employees and other people.
The appeal calls on the president to intervene and halt the destruction of an enterprise that's important for the Ukrainian economy, remove corrupt officials, and save jobs. In addition, the farmers ask to appoint a responsible official who would gather state representatives and company owners at the negotiating table for a constructive dialogue.
The protesters left several thousand lighted candles with their names on them outside the President's Office and said the rally was only a precautionary step, i.e. if their demands are not heeded, a significantly larger number of people will take to the streets.
As UNIAN reported earlier, businessman Oleg Bakhmatyuk, the owner of UkrLandFarming and Avangard group of companies, called illegal the raids on his company in the case of embezzlement of a stabilization loan from VAB Bank, whose main shareholder he was. He also said the cases opened against him and the company had been personal revenge of NABU Director Sytnyk. The latter was found guilty of corruption by the court over the elite vacation at someone else's expense, and was put in the register of corrupt officials, therefore he could lose his job. The adviser to Bakhmatyuk's sister was the main witness for prosecution.
UNIAN memo. UkrLandFarming is the largest Ukrainian agro-industrial holding, which manages the country's largest bank of fertile black soil, namely 500,000 hectares, which is engaged in the cultivation of crops and seeds, sugar production, animal husbandry and distribution of agricultural machinery. It includes the Avangard agricultural group, whose companies specialize in the production of chicken eggs (with a design capacity of 1.6 billion eggs per year) and egg products, which are exported to about 40 countries.


unian--2020-02-05--Ukraine's General Staff speaks about drills in country's north

The military based the drills on real situations constantly occurring in the Donbas war zone .
.
Battalion tactical live fire exercises to repulse the offensive of a conditional enemy and go for a counteroffensive were held in the northern part of Ukraine on Tuesday .
`` On February 4 , the final phase of the battalion tactical live fire exercises was held in the north of Ukraine , '' the press service of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said .
The military based the drills on real situations constantly occurring in the Donbas war zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area , the enemy tries to penetrate defenses , and , having faced a rebuff , retreats to previous positions .
But the ending in the latest drills differed from the previous ones .
Having repulsed the enemy attack , our units go for a decisive counteroffensive and push the enemy further back , beyond its previous positions . ''
Commander of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Oleksandr Syrsky noted the success of the drills .
Read alsoExperts on children 's `` upbringing '' in occupied Donbas : This somehow resembles `` Hitler Jügend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 've been working out relevant topics on the contact line .
Moreover , you could see that for yourselves .
The exercise began with the action by groups of snipers , who quite effectively hit enemy targets and provided for the start of the action by the brigade , '' he said .
Artillery , tanks and infantry were involved in the exercises .
Commander of the 30th separate mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ivan Haraz reiterated his unit 's readiness for active hostilities .
`` Even Moscow is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit is one of the most combat-ready ones in the Armed Forces of Ukraine since we carefully select our personnel and remain extremely responsible for our own professional and moral readiness , '' he said .

The military based the drills on real situations constantly occurring in the Donbas war zone. .
Battalion tactical live fire exercises to repulse the offensive of a conditional enemy and go for a counteroffensive were held in the northern part of Ukraine on Tuesday.
"On February 4, the final phase of the battalion tactical live fire exercises was held in the north of Ukraine," the press service of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said.
The military based the drills on real situations constantly occurring in the Donbas war zone
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"The infantry unit defends the entrusted area, the enemy tries to penetrate defenses, and, having faced a rebuff, retreats to previous positions. But the ending in the latest drills differed from the previous ones. Having repulsed the enemy attack, our units go for a decisive counteroffensive and push the enemy further back, beyond its previous positions."
Commander of Ukraine's Joint Forces Oleksandr Syrsky noted the success of the drills.
Read alsoExperts on children's "upbringing" in occupied Donbas: This somehow resembles "Hitler Jügend"
"We draw some conclusions. We've been working out relevant topics on the contact line. Moreover, you could see that for yourselves. The exercise began with the action by groups of snipers, who quite effectively hit enemy targets and provided for the start of the action by the brigade," he said.
Artillery, tanks and infantry were involved in the exercises.
Commander of the 30th separate mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ivan Haraz reiterated his unit's readiness for active hostilities.
"Even Moscow is well aware of our brigade. Our unit is one of the most combat-ready ones in the Armed Forces of Ukraine since we carefully select our personnel and remain extremely responsible for our own professional and moral readiness," he said.


unian--2020-02-05--Enemy forces shell residential district in Donetsk in bid to discredit Ukrainian Army

Joint Forces Operation HQ emphasizes that Ukrainian military have never fired and will not fire at enemy targets located in residential quarters , and will never endanger safety of civilian population .
On Tuesday , February 4 , Russian occupation troops carried out a provocative shelling of the Ukrainian military and then immediately opened fire on the Petrivskiy residential district of the occupied Donetsk , located close to their own positions .
Russian occupation authorities keep trying to discredit Ukrainian defenders , staging fake news stories for media , according to the press service of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several Russian media outlets operating in the temporarily occupied territory span reports claiming the Joint Forces had allegedly shelled the Petrivskiy district of Donetsk , damaging several households .
SPG grenade launchers , heavy machine guns , and small arms were employed , said propaganda resources , '' the JFO 's press service said .
Read alsoExperts on children 's `` upbringing '' in occupied Donbas : This somehow resembles `` Hitler Jügend '' '' In fact , from 07:00 to 07:25 on February 4 , Russian invaders themselves carried out a provocative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting for a response , opened fire on the residential area not far from their own positions , drawing a 'picture ' for the media invited , '' reads the report .
The Ukrainian military claims that with a detailed study of the terrain , as well as tactical and technical characteristics of weapons available , the location of Ukrainian positions and those of Russian occupation forces , non-involvement of the Joint Forces in damaging households in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk becomes quite obvious .
`` Such accusations are unfounded and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Such actions by the Russian occupying authorities once again testify to their interest in further exacerbating the conflict and unwillingness to comply with the ceasefire and the Minsk agreements , '' it said .
Accusing the Joint Forces ' units of aggravating the security situation , the invaders are trying to conceal their own crimes against the Ukrainian people .
Joint Forces Operation HQ emphasizes that subordinate military units have never fired and will not fire at enemy targets located in residential quarters , and will never endanger civilian population .

Joint Forces Operation HQ emphasizes that Ukrainian military have never fired and will not fire at enemy targets located in residential quarters, and will never endanger safety of civilian population.
On Tuesday, February 4, Russian occupation troops carried out a provocative shelling of the Ukrainian military and then immediately opened fire on the Petrivskiy residential district of the occupied Donetsk, located close to their own positions.
Russian occupation authorities keep trying to discredit Ukrainian defenders, staging fake news stories for media, according to the press service of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Staff.
"On February 4, several Russian media outlets operating in the temporarily occupied territory span reports claiming the Joint Forces had allegedly shelled the Petrivskiy district of Donetsk, damaging several households. SPG grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, and small arms were employed, said propaganda resources," the JFO's press service said.
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Read alsoExperts on children's "upbringing" in occupied Donbas: This somehow resembles "Hitler Jügend"
"In fact, from 07:00 to 07:25 on February 4, Russian invaders themselves carried out a provocative shelling of Ukrainian defenders and, without waiting for a response, opened fire on the residential area not far from their own positions, drawing a 'picture' for the media invited," reads the report.
The Ukrainian military claims that with a detailed study of the terrain, as well as tactical and technical characteristics of weapons available, the location of Ukrainian positions and those of Russian occupation forces, non-involvement of the Joint Forces in damaging households in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk becomes quite obvious.
"Such accusations are unfounded and an element of misinformation campaign against Ukraine. Such actions by the Russian occupying authorities once again testify to their interest in further exacerbating the conflict and unwillingness to comply with the ceasefire and the Minsk agreements," it said.
Accusing the Joint Forces' units of aggravating the security situation, the invaders are trying to conceal their own crimes against the Ukrainian people. Joint Forces Operation HQ emphasizes that subordinate military units have never fired and will not fire at enemy targets located in residential quarters, and will never endanger civilian population.


unian--2020-02-06--CNN: Pentagon officials stunned by White House decision to block Ukraine aid, new emails show

The documents are linked to communications and meetings from July and August last year related to the aid freeze that was at the center of efforts to impeach Trump .
Days before the July 2019 call between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart , US officials were still working to expedite the delivery of Javelin anti-tank missiles to the country , according to emails and other internal documents reviewed by CNN .
The new information underscores how the July 18th decision to hold the military aid stunned officials , who had already assessed Ukraine deserved to receive it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
The decision reverberated across the government for weeks .
Officials grew so concerned over the deferrals by the Office of Management and Budget that they noted the aid was at `` serious risk , '' and questioned if the move was illegal , CNN wrote .
In an email to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper , who was in his first week on the job , a top Defense official communicated his concern over Trump 's `` reported view that the US should cease providing security assistance '' to Ukraine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alsoU.S .
may provide Ukraine with up to US $ 700 mln in aid in 2020 – envoy Defense officials hoped Esper might be able to persuade the President to drop the hold , and included their rationale in briefing notes provided to him for an August meeting at the White House .
The documents reviewed by CNN – none of which revealed classified information on military operations or sensitive personnel matters – are linked to communications and meetings from July and August last year related to the aid freeze that was at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Among the documents is a July 15th email from Defense Department official Laura Cooper , who testified as a witness in the House impeachment inquiry , to Lieutenant General Charles Hooper , Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency .
Cooper requested help on expediting the Javelin request to Ukraine as a potential deliverable for an anticipated Trump-Zelensky bilateral `` as soon as next month . ''
The email suggested that conditions were normal , and given strong ties between the US and Ukraine , they were looking to speed up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan abruptly changed .
During an interagency Policy Coordination Committee meeting – discussed by Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and former Ambassador Bill Taylor in their testimonies before the House – an OMB official revealed that the office had placed a hold on Congressional notification for $ 115 million in foreign military funding pending guidance from their leadership on whether funding for Ukraine was still a priority for the administration .
An official readout written by Vindman from the July 18th meeting noted that OMB conveyed its view that the hold on security assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance funds , but that no official instructions to hold other funding has been issued .
That was the same day Trump 's decision to withhold nearly $ 400 million in aid to Ukraine was communicated to the State and Defense departments .

The documents are linked to communications and meetings from July and August last year related to the aid freeze that was at the center of efforts to impeach Trump.
Days before the July 2019 call between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, US officials were still working to expedite the delivery of Javelin anti-tank missiles to the country, according to emails and other internal documents reviewed by CNN.
The new information underscores how the July 18th decision to hold the military aid stunned officials, who had already assessed Ukraine deserved to receive it and were preparing a Javelin missile order as well. The decision reverberated across the government for weeks. Officials grew so concerned over the deferrals by the Office of Management and Budget that they noted the aid was at "serious risk," and questioned if the move was illegal, CNN wrote.
In an email to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, who was in his first week on the job, a top Defense official communicated his concern over Trump's "reported view that the US should cease providing security assistance" to Ukraine and its impact on national security.
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Read alsoU.S. may provide Ukraine with up to US$700 mln in aid in 2020 – envoy
Defense officials hoped Esper might be able to persuade the President to drop the hold, and included their rationale in briefing notes provided to him for an August meeting at the White House.
The documents reviewed by CNN – none of which revealed classified information on military operations or sensitive personnel matters – are linked to communications and meetings from July and August last year related to the aid freeze that was at the center of efforts to impeach Trump.
Among the documents is a July 15th email from Defense Department official Laura Cooper, who testified as a witness in the House impeachment inquiry, to Lieutenant General Charles Hooper, Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Cooper requested help on expediting the Javelin request to Ukraine as a potential deliverable for an anticipated Trump-Zelensky bilateral "as soon as next month." The email suggested that conditions were normal, and given strong ties between the US and Ukraine, they were looking to speed up the request.
Three days later, that plan abruptly changed. During an interagency Policy Coordination Committee meeting – discussed by Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and former Ambassador Bill Taylor in their testimonies before the House – an OMB official revealed that the office had placed a hold on Congressional notification for $115 million in foreign military funding pending guidance from their leadership on whether funding for Ukraine was still a priority for the administration.
An official readout written by Vindman from the July 18th meeting noted that OMB conveyed its view that the hold on security assistance could be broadly applied to other security assistance funds, but that no official instructions to hold other funding has been issued.
That was the same day Trump's decision to withhold nearly $400 million in aid to Ukraine was communicated to the State and Defense departments.


unian--2020-02-06--Servant the People faction, president Zelensky discuss searches in 1+1 Media Group HQ

The investigation into the leakage of audio recordings of allegedly Honcharuk 's conversation with top officials is not related to Channel 1+1 , the faction says .
Ukrainian MP with the Servant of the People faction Mykyta Poturaev says the issue of yesterday 's searches in a Kyiv-based office of the 1+1 Media Group was discussed at a faction meeting , also attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 6 .
`` We 've been talking about this in detail .
The investigation is underway .
It has no relation to Channel 1+1 and its TV shows .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ the alleged leaks of Prime Minister Honcharuk 's communication with cabinet members ] were published on an anonymous YouTube channel .
That is , Channel 1+1 had nothing to do with this at all , '' the MP told journalists , answering the question on what the president said about the searches .
`` The president reminded that searches within the investigation had been also conducted with regard to more than 20 employees of the Department of the State Guard of Ukraine , '' the official said .
According to Poturaev , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their job '' , searching for those who have illegally wiretapped government officials and disseminated leaked data in media .
`` This case has nothing to do with the professional activities of those working for the Channel as journalists , the Channel 's operations or programs .
This is not about this at all , '' the MP added .

The investigation into the leakage of audio recordings of allegedly Honcharuk's conversation with top officials is not related to Channel 1+1, the faction says.
Ukrainian MP with the Servant of the People faction Mykyta Poturaev says the issue of yesterday's searches in a Kyiv-based office of the 1+1 Media Group was discussed at a faction meeting, also attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 6.
"We've been talking about this in detail. The investigation is underway. It has no relation to Channel 1+1 and its TV shows. In general, we remember the audio recordings [the alleged leaks of Prime Minister Honcharuk's communication with cabinet members] were published on an anonymous YouTube channel. That is, Channel 1+1 had nothing to do with this at all," the MP told journalists, answering the question on what the president said about the searches.
Read alsoSBU confirms searches in 1+1 Media Group office in Kyiv
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"The president reminded that searches within the investigation had been also conducted with regard to more than 20 employees of the Department of the State Guard of Ukraine," the official said.
According to Poturaev, SBU security operatives are "simply doing their job", searching for those who have illegally wiretapped government officials and disseminated leaked data in media.
"This case has nothing to do with the professional activities of those working for the Channel as journalists, the Channel's operations or programs. This is not about this at all," the MP added.


unian--2020-02-06--Chubarov: Situation with water in occupied Crimea worse than reported by Russian media

At the same time , the official emphasized , there is no `` humanitarian catastrophe '' in Crimea .
Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People , former Member of Parliament of Ukraine Refat Chubarov has said the situation with water in annexed Crimea is worse than Russian media report .
`` A 100-day water reserve in Simferopol .
The situation is even worse in the cities of the south coast , in particular in Yalta and Alushta , '' said Chubarov , the Ukrainian online news outlet Obozrevatel reports .
According to the official , Crimeans ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ autumn-winter period have been dashed .
Water reservoirs across the peninsula have been drying down .
Read alsoZelensky 's envoy comments on manipulation over resumption of water supplies to Crimea At the same time , Chubarov emphasized there was no `` humanitarian catastrophe '' in Crimea .
`` There is enough water in Crimea for the households but water sources are insufficient for economic activity , for military facilities ...
So no one should try to force us to supply water , as if 'there is a humanitarian catastrophe . '
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point of view of water supplies [ to the households ] ! ''
he said .
Chubarov reiterated the occupying country 's full responsibility for all issues arising in the occupied territory , in accordance with international law .
`` Let the Russians bear responsibility , '' he added .

Chubarov: Situation with water in occupied Crimea worse than reported by Russian media
13:40, 06.02.20 4687
At the same time, the official emphasized, there is no "humanitarian catastrophe" in Crimea.
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unian--2020-02-06--Ukrainian MPs clash in Rada over land market bill

The lawmakers were blocking the rostrum .
Ukrainian MPs started a skirmish during a Verkhovna Rada session on Thursday over @ @ @ @ @ At first , a number of lawmakers blocked the rostrum .
Leader of the Batkivshchyna @ @ @ @ @ seat of Speaker Dmytro Razumkov .
First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ by the rostrum , while a member of the Opposition Platform – For Life Party @ @ @ @ @ were blocking it .
Despite altercations , Stefanchuk decided to follow the agenda and continue @ @ @ @ @ that on the land market .
Servant of the People faction leader David Arakhamia said @ @ @ @ @ that the deputies would have to work overnight to vote for the land bill .

The lawmakers were blocking the rostrum.
Ukrainian MPs started a skirmish during a Verkhovna Rada session on Thursday over the land market bill.
At first, a number of lawmakers blocked the rostrum. Leader of the Batkivshchyna faction Yulia Tymoshenko took the seat of Speaker Dmytro Razumkov.
Clashes erupted between several legislators.
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First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk was seen standing by the rostrum, while a member of the Opposition Platform – For Life Party Vadym Rabinovych and his faction were blocking it.
Read alsoRada paves path toward cutting number of parliament seats
Despite altercations, Stefanchuk decided to follow the agenda and continue consideration of bills, including that on the land market.
Servant of the People faction leader David Arakhamia said he did not rule out that the deputies would have to work overnight to vote for the land bill.


unian--2020-02-06--Russia's star gymnast hospitalized following suicide attempt

One of Russia 's most prominent female athletes , a three-time world champion in rhythmic gymnastics , Alexandra Soldatova , @ @ @ @ @ an apparent suicide attempt , Russian media report .
The gymnast , 21 , has @ @ @ @ @ February 5 , according to MSK Agency .
Doctors report self-inflicted injuries .
The athlete @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed with bulimia .
Currently , the patient is not subject to questioning and has @ @ @ @ @ of the injuries , the source said .
According to the Baza Telegram channel , @ @ @ @ @ on her left wrist .
Alexandra Soldatova is a three-time world champion as part of @ @ @ @ @ 2015 , and 2018 ) , as well as world champion in the ribbon act @ @ @ @ @ addition , the Russian gymnast three times won the European Championship ( 2015 , 2017 @ @ @ @ @

The athlete reportedly cut her veins.
One of Russia's most prominent female athletes, a three-time world champion in rhythmic gymnastics, Alexandra Soldatova, is in serious condition following an apparent suicide attempt, Russian media report.
The gymnast, 21, has been hospitalized in Moscow on February 5, according to MSK Agency.
Doctors report self-inflicted injuries. The athlete is known to have been diagnosed with bulimia.
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Read alsoWADA imposes four-year Olympic ban on Russia – media
Currently, the patient is not subject to questioning and has provided no information on circumstances of the injuries, the source said.
According to the Baza Telegram channel, the athlete allegedly cut veins on her left wrist.
Alexandra Soldatova is a three-time world champion as part of Russia team (2014, 2015, and 2018), as well as world champion in the ribbon act (2018). In addition, the Russian gymnast three times won the European Championship (2015, 2017, and 2019).


unian--2020-02-06--Belarus military officials say predicted war in Ukraine two years before it began

Having assessed where the threat might come from , Belarus is trying to minimize it at an early stage .
Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus , Chief of the Central Operations Office Pavel Muraveiko says Belarus predicted the war in Ukraine two years before it started .
In an interview with SB .
Belarus Today , answering a journalist 's question regarding the Belarusian Defense Plan and the Concept for the Construction and Development of the Armed Forces , he said the General Staff had studied the developments in Ukraine , Syria , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The country 's defense plan is not about classical defense but rather prevention of possible aggression and war , the official explained .
Read alsoLukashenko says Belarus could host Russian warplanes near Minsk and Vitebsk '' For example , we had predicted and evaluated the events that took place in neighboring Ukraine two years before they began .
Having assessed where the threat might come from , we are trying to minimize it at an early stage .
This is about intelligence , electronic warfare , information warfare , camouflage , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chess game , we have calculated and modeled the most relevant , complex , perhaps even unbelievable situations that may arise , and have determined ways and forms of defending the country , '' Muraveiko said .

Having assessed where the threat might come from, Belarus is trying to minimize it at an early stage.
Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus, Chief of the Central Operations Office Pavel Muraveiko says Belarus predicted the war in Ukraine two years before it started.
In an interview with SB. Belarus Today, answering a journalist's question regarding the Belarusian Defense Plan and the Concept for the Construction and Development of the Armed Forces, he said the General Staff had studied the developments in Ukraine, Syria, and other countries in preparing the draft.
The country's defense plan is not about classical defense but rather prevention of possible aggression and war, the official explained.
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Read alsoLukashenko says Belarus could host Russian warplanes near Minsk and Vitebsk
"For example, we had predicted and evaluated the events that took place in neighboring Ukraine two years before they began. Having assessed where the threat might come from, we are trying to minimize it at an early stage. This is about intelligence, electronic warfare, information warfare, camouflage, and other elements. As if in a chess game, we have calculated and modeled the most relevant, complex, perhaps even unbelievable situations that may arise, and have determined ways and forms of defending the country," Muraveiko said.


unian--2020-02-06--Japan's Rakuten to open R&D center in Kyiv

Japanese-based Rakuten Inc. is expanding its presence in Ukraine , intending to open an R & D center in Kyiv , in addition to its office that has been set up in Odesa .
The move was discussed at a meeting of Deputy Ministers of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Oleksandr Bornyakov and Valeriya Ionan , Rakuten Executive Vice President Yasufumi Hirai , and Rakuten Viber Chief Operating Officer Ofir Eyal , the Ukrainian ministry 's press service said on Tuesday , February 4 .
The event was a continuation of talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hiroshi Mikitani , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which took place last June .
Mikitani then endorsed Ukraine 's `` the State in a Smartphone '' initiative and expressed his readiness to boost the company 's investment activity in Ukraine .
Read alsoViber owner ready to help Ukraine with `` State in Smartphone '' project ( Video ) Rakuten is a Japanese e-commerce company .
In particular , it owns one of the world 's largest online stores .
In 2014 , Rakuten acquired Viber for US $ 900 million .
The application is installed on 97 % of smartphones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be interested in stimulating Ukraine 's IT industry development , cooperation with the Ukrainian blockchain community , arranging student internship , participation in educational projects , and creating services for entrepreneurs .

The company owns a popular messenger app Viber.
Japanese-based Rakuten Inc. is expanding its presence in Ukraine, intending to open an R&D center in Kyiv, in addition to its office that has been set up in Odesa.
The move was discussed at a meeting of Deputy Ministers of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Oleksandr Bornyakov and Valeriya Ionan, Rakuten Executive Vice President Yasufumi Hirai, and Rakuten Viber Chief Operating Officer Ofir Eyal, the Ukrainian ministry's press service said on Tuesday, February 4.
The event was a continuation of talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hiroshi Mikitani, the founder and CEO of Rakuten Inc., which took place last June.
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Mikitani then endorsed Ukraine's "the State in a Smartphone" initiative and expressed his readiness to boost the company's investment activity in Ukraine.
Read alsoViber owner ready to help Ukraine with "State in Smartphone" project (Video)
Rakuten is a Japanese e-commerce company. In particular, it owns one of the world's largest online stores.
In 2014, Rakuten acquired Viber for US$900 million. The application is installed on 97% of smartphones in Ukraine.
As reported, Rakuten may be interested in stimulating Ukraine's IT industry development, cooperation with the Ukrainian blockchain community, arranging student internship, participation in educational projects, and creating services for entrepreneurs.


unian--2020-02-06--Ukraine launches Diya app, opening access to wide range of gov't services online

The president says 9 million Ukrainians are now offered to have their driver 's license and car registration in their smartphones .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the launch of the Diya [ Action ] mobile application as part of the State in a Smartphone project .
`` Today we are introducing the Diya app .
From now on , it is available on Apple Store and Google Play , '' Zelensky said during a presentation in Kyiv on Thursday , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
The president says 9 million Ukrainians are now offered to have their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their smartphones .
`` Other countries have been moving toward this for years .
We managed to make it within six months .
And , as far as I know , Ukraine has become the third country in Europe that has an option like that , '' Zelensky said .
Read alsoUkrainians able to get ID cards with electronic signature from Feb 5 He emphasized not a single hryvnia from the state budget had been spent on creating the app .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ministry of Digital Transformation previously said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will unite all services that the state provides to citizens and businesses .
The ministry said it would transfer the provision of all services to digital format within five years and in three years Ukraine would enter the TOP 3 countries in the field of open data in the world .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk called the implementation of the State in a Smartphone project a priority for the government .

The president says 9 million Ukrainians are now offered to have their driver's license and car registration in their smartphones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the launch of the Diia [Action] mobile application as part of the State in a Smartphone project.
"Today we are introducing the Diia app. From now on, it is available on Apple Store and Google Play," Zelensky said during a presentation in Kyiv on Thursday, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
The president says 9 million Ukrainians are now offered to have their driver's license and car registration in their smartphones.
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"Other countries have been moving toward this for years. We managed to make it within six months. And, as far as I know, Ukraine has become the third country in Europe that has an option like that," Zelensky said.
Read alsoUkrainians able to get ID cards with electronic signature from Feb 5
He emphasized not a single hryvnia from the state budget had been spent on creating the app.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Ministry of Digital Transformation previously said it intends to launch the mobile app, which will unite all services that the state provides to citizens and businesses. The ministry said it would transfer the provision of all services to digital format within five years and in three years Ukraine would enter the TOP 3 countries in the field of open data in the world.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk called the implementation of the State in a Smartphone project a priority for the government.


unian--2020-02-06--International law may yet contain Putin in Ukraine – Atlantic Council

By joining Moscow in pressuring the Ukrainian government to organize elections in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine , Germany and France risk violating international law .
As the undeclared Russo-Ukrainian War approaches its sixth year , there is little sign of progress towards peace in eastern Ukraine .
The spring 2019 election of Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine 's new president had sparked fresh hopes of an end to the conflict .
However , Zelensky ’ s first face-to-face meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Paris at the end of last year proved anticlimactic .
No breakthrough was forthcoming , reads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Willem Aldershoff for the Atlantic Council .
The Paris summit made clear that there is still considerable distance between the Russian and Ukrainian visions of a post-conflict settlement , according to the article .
Officially , at least , disagreement centers on the sequencing of the measures outlined in the Minsk Protocols , which were signed by Ukraine , Russia , France , and Germany in early 2015 in a bid to end active hostilities and pave the way for a sustainable peace .
The Minsk Protocols are problematic in a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is important to underline that they were signed under duress at a time when Russian forces were rapidly advancing in eastern Ukraine .
According to the memoirs of former French president and Minsk Protocols co-signatory Francois Hollande , Putin openly threatened to `` crush '' the Ukrainian military during the heated all-night negotiations that took place in the Belarus capital prior to the February 12 , 2015 signing .
Read alsoUkraine to insist on revision of Minsk agreements Aside from the conditions in which they were negotiated , the main practical problem with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement over a definitive timetable .
This has left the subsequent peace process hostage to rival interpretations .
In particular , debate continues to rage over the sequencing of troop withdrawals , local elections , and the return of the Russian-Ukrainian international border to Ukrainian control .
In Paris , President Zelensky called for revisions to the Minsk Protocols and made it clear that Ukraine will not hold any local elections until Russia withdraws its military presence and returns control of the international border to Ukraine .
Officials in Kyiv have since reiterated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resistant to any such changes .
Instead , Russia continues to push for elections under conditions that would serve to cement Kremlin control over occupied eastern Ukraine .
There is no obvious middle ground between the two positions .
Ukraine 's best hope of breaking this deadlock may lie in an appeal to international law .
It is easy to see why many might dismiss such appeals as futile .
After all , with its invasion of eastern Ukraine and annexation of Crimea , Moscow has already provided ample evidence of its readiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by mobilizing international law , Ukraine could consolidate support for its position among the wider international community .
At the very least , this could prevent the country from being pressured into calamitous compromises by those seeking a return to business as usual with Russia .
Read alsoDonbas elections only possible after Russia pulls its troops – U.S. Mission to OSCE In order to make its case without changing the terms of the Minsk Protocols , Ukraine should seek to put the Budapest Memorandum back on the table , the authors suggest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with security guarantees .
Indeed , it has often been argued that the “ security assurances ” contained within the Memorandum merely restate the existing obligations already flowing from international law and the UN Charter .
Nevertheless , these obligations are of the utmost importance .
The international legal order is founded on the obligation of each state to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all other states .
Likewise , the ability of a state to exercise control over its borders and thereby assure its territorial integrity are essential attributes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be required to organize elections in a part of its territory which it does not control .
The Ukrainian authorities have every right to demand control over the international border and the withdrawal of foreign troops before agreeing to organize local elections .
Russia is unlikely to be moved by such arguments , but this may not be the case where fellow Minsk Protocol signatories Germany and France are concerned .
By joining Moscow in pressuring the Ukrainian government to organize elections in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine , Germany and France risk violating international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read alsoZelensky on elections in occupied Donbas : Ukraine must first regain control over border with Russia Furthermore , in line with the terms of the Budapest Memorandum , it also entitles Ukraine to seek diplomatic support from the United States and the United Kingdom in order to resist such pressure .
International law and the Budapest Memorandum failed to prevent the Russian attack on Ukraine in 2014 , but they could yet have roles to play in the quest for peace and the return of Ukraine ’ s territorial integrity .

By joining Moscow in pressuring the Ukrainian government to organize elections in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine, Germany and France risk violating international law.
As the undeclared Russo-Ukrainian War approaches its sixth year, there is little sign of progress towards peace in eastern Ukraine. The spring 2019 election of Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine's new president had sparked fresh hopes of an end to the conflict.
However, Zelensky’s first face-to-face meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Paris at the end of last year proved anticlimactic. No breakthrough was forthcoming, reads a piece penned by Michel Waelbroeck and Willem Aldershoff for the Atlantic Council.
The Paris summit made clear that there is still considerable distance between the Russian and Ukrainian visions of a post-conflict settlement, according to the article. Officially, at least, disagreement centers on the sequencing of the measures outlined in the Minsk Protocols, which were signed by Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany in early 2015 in a bid to end active hostilities and pave the way for a sustainable peace.
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The Minsk Protocols are problematic in a number of ways. First and foremost, it is important to underline that they were signed under duress at a time when Russian forces were rapidly advancing in eastern Ukraine. According to the memoirs of former French president and Minsk Protocols co-signatory Francois Hollande, Putin openly threatened to "crush" the Ukrainian military during the heated all-night negotiations that took place in the Belarus capital prior to the February 12, 2015 signing.
Read alsoUkraine to insist on revision of Minsk agreements
Aside from the conditions in which they were negotiated, the main practical problem with the Minsk Protocols is the lack of agreement over a definitive timetable. This has left the subsequent peace process hostage to rival interpretations. In particular, debate continues to rage over the sequencing of troop withdrawals, local elections, and the return of the Russian-Ukrainian international border to Ukrainian control.
In Paris, President Zelensky called for revisions to the Minsk Protocols and made it clear that Ukraine will not hold any local elections until Russia withdraws its military presence and returns control of the international border to Ukraine. Officials in Kyiv have since reiterated this position. Unsurprisingly, Moscow is resistant to any such changes. Instead, Russia continues to push for elections under conditions that would serve to cement Kremlin control over occupied eastern Ukraine. There is no obvious middle ground between the two positions.
Ukraine's best hope of breaking this deadlock may lie in an appeal to international law. It is easy to see why many might dismiss such appeals as futile. After all, with its invasion of eastern Ukraine and annexation of Crimea, Moscow has already provided ample evidence of its readiness to disregard international law.
However, by mobilizing international law, Ukraine could consolidate support for its position among the wider international community. At the very least, this could prevent the country from being pressured into calamitous compromises by those seeking a return to business as usual with Russia.
Read alsoDonbas elections only possible after Russia pulls its troops – U.S. Mission to OSCE
In order to make its case without changing the terms of the Minsk Protocols, Ukraine should seek to put the Budapest Memorandum back on the table, the authors suggest.
The Budapest Memorandum should not be confused with security guarantees. Indeed, it has often been argued that the “security assurances” contained within the Memorandum merely restate the existing obligations already flowing from international law and the UN Charter. Nevertheless, these obligations are of the utmost importance.
The international legal order is founded on the obligation of each state to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all other states. Likewise, the ability of a state to exercise control over its borders and thereby assure its territorial integrity are essential attributes of its sovereignty. No state can reasonably be required to organize elections in a part of its territory which it does not control.
The Ukrainian authorities have every right to demand control over the international border and the withdrawal of foreign troops before agreeing to organize local elections.
Russia is unlikely to be moved by such arguments, but this may not be the case where fellow Minsk Protocol signatories Germany and France are concerned. By joining Moscow in pressuring the Ukrainian government to organize elections in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine, Germany and France risk violating international law. This carries significant implications.
Read alsoZelensky on elections in occupied Donbas: Ukraine must first regain control over border with Russia
Furthermore, in line with the terms of the Budapest Memorandum, it also entitles Ukraine to seek diplomatic support from the United States and the United Kingdom in order to resist such pressure. International law and the Budapest Memorandum failed to prevent the Russian attack on Ukraine in 2014, but they could yet have roles to play in the quest for peace and the return of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.


unian--2020-02-06--Crimean trees from red list of threatened plants logged as occupation authorities build highway

The Crimean pines suffered the most .
Occupying authorities in Crimea have logged hundreds of thousands of trees and bushes to clear way for the construction of the new Tavrida highway .
Plants were cut down both to lay new sections and expand the existing motorway , reports RFE/RL 's media project Krym/Realii .
According to a local blogger , it is unlikely that anyone will take up on restoring the forest belt along the highway .
`` It will be like in Krasnodar – a bare steppe along the highway , '' he said , adding the trees had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the last century .
Read alsoZelensky 's envoy comments on manipulation over resumption of water supplies to Crimea Ecologist Marharyta Lytvynenko said the trees and bushes from the Red List of Threatened Plants had also been cut down .
`` The gravest damage was near the city of Sevastopol where 20,000 trees were destroyed , '' she said , adding the Crimean pines suffered the most .
The local road service said it had paid compensation for deforestation , namely RUB 209 million .
The invaders claim they are planning to plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far from the highway .

The Crimean pines suffered the most.
Occupying authorities in Crimea have logged hundreds of thousands of trees and bushes to clear way for the construction of the new Tavrida highway.
Plants were cut down both to lay new sections and expand the existing motorway, reports RFE/RL's media project Krym/Realii.
According to a local blogger, it is unlikely that anyone will take up on restoring the forest belt along the highway.
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"It will be like in Krasnodar – a bare steppe along the highway," he said, adding the trees had been planted there back in the middle of the last century.
Read alsoZelensky's envoy comments on manipulation over resumption of water supplies to Crimea
Ecologist Marharyta Lytvynenko said the trees and bushes from the Red List of Threatened Plants had also been cut down. "The gravest damage was near the city of Sevastopol where 20,000 trees were destroyed," she said, adding the Crimean pines suffered the most.
The local road service said it had paid compensation for deforestation, namely RUB 209 million. The invaders claim they are planning to plant forest belts in the Pervomaisky district, far from the highway.


unian--2020-02-06--NBU strengthens official hryvnia to UAH 25.80 to U.S. dollar on Feb 6

The rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 27.32 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) on February 5 set the official forex rate for Thursday , February 6 , at UAH 25.80 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by five kopiykas .
On Tuesday , February 4 , the hryvnia rose against the dollar for the second day in a row after a week-long slide since Monday , January 27 , when it weakened by 27 kopiykas , according to the NBU website .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday is fixed at UAH 27.32 per euro – the hryvnia gained 14 kopiykas in value since Wednesday .
Read alsoUkrainian labor migrants transfer about US $ 12 bln to Ukraine in 2019 As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ukrainian hryvnia in January weakened by 5.7 % against the U.S. dollar , to UAH 25.03 , and by 4.7 % against the euro , to UAH 27.66 per euro .
Ukraine 's national currency in 2019 strengthened against the U.S. dollar by 14.5 % , to UAH 23.69 and against the euro by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The hryvnia 's historical low against the U.S. dollar was registered at UAH 30.01 in February 2015 .

NBU strengthens official hryvnia to UAH 24.80 to U.S. dollar on Feb 6
10:40, 06.02.20 6152
The rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 27.32 per euro.
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unian--2020-02-06--Confirmed cases of coronavirus increase to 28,261 worldwide, 565 deaths – media

It is also reported 1,208 people have been recovered from the novel coronavirus .
Daily deaths caused by the new @ @ @ @ @ in China , with 73 fatalities confirmed in figures released by health authorities on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ toll in mainland China to 563 .
At the same time , worldwide , there @ @ @ @ @ and 28,261 cases of infection , according to South China Morning Post .
Read alsoHong @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus The number of new infections in mainland China and Hubei province both fell @ @ @ @ @ day before , with 3,694 additional cases in the country and 2,987 in Hubei , @ @ @ @ @ announced Thursday morning .
It is also reported 1,208 people have been recovered from the @ @ @

It is also reported 1,208 people have been recovered from the novel coronavirus.
Daily deaths caused by the new coronavirus have reached another record in China, with 73 fatalities confirmed in figures released by health authorities on Thursday morning, taking the death toll in mainland China to 563.
At the same time, worldwide, there have been 565 deaths reported and 28,261 cases of infection, according to South China Morning Post.
Read alsoHong Kong records first death from new coronavirus
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The number of new infections in mainland China and Hubei province both fell on Wednesday compared to the day before, with 3,694 additional cases in the country and 2,987 in Hubei, national and provincial health authorities announced Thursday morning.
It is also reported 1,208 people have been recovered from the novel coronavirus.


unian--2020-02-06--Ukrzaliznytsia, Deutsche Bahn sign memorandum of cooperation

The memorandum foresees strategic cooperation between the companies for up to 10 years .
Ukraine 's joint-stock company Ukrzaliznytsia has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the German rail operator Deutsche Bahn and its subsidiary , DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH ( DB E & C ) .
`` We hope that your expertise and experts will help reform Ukrzaliznytsia as soon as possible , '' Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk said before an official ceremony to sign the document on February 5 , 2020 , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
At the first stage , the German side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian company 's reform , he said , adding that he hoped it would become the first step towards deeper cooperation between the two companies in future .
In turn , Ronald Pofalla , a member of Deutsche Bahn AG 's management board for infrastructure , expressed confidence that this cooperation would be successful , as it has great prospects .
The memorandum foresees strategic cooperation between the companies for up to 10 years .
`` The goal of this memorandum is to outline the fundamentals of planned strategic cooperation between Ukrzaliznytsia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as introduce a procedure for interaction between the parties regarding the conclusion of an agreement on cooperation ...
The estimated period of strategic cooperation , which is considered by the parties as possible , is up to ten years , '' the text of the memorandum says .
The document comes into force from the moment of signing and remains valid for three years with a possible extension of the term subject to the parties ' consent , but no longer than the period of strategic cooperation ( up to ten years ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at any time , but they must inform each other about such a decision one month before .
In this case , the signatories are not liable for direct or indirect losses and damage .
As for the current cooperation of the companies , its several stages are stipulated in the memorandum .
At the initial stage , the parties must agree and conclude an agreement on the evaluation of Ukrzaliznytsia 's performance , as well as develop a roadmap for its improvement .
This stage is expected to take up to three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project will begin if the previous process is successfully completed , and involves the drafting of an agreement , within the framework of which it is planned to hire experienced personnel to implement the roadmap of reforms .
`` This stage can begin after the successful completion of the initial stage , and it is expected to continue until December 31 , 2020 the latest , '' the memorandum says .
The management phase should begin on January 1 , 2021 ; it includes support to be provided by DB E & C @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As was reported , PM Honcharuk earlier announced that the sides on January 22 signed a memorandum of understanding , which foresees that the German company would provide services to reform Ukrzaliznytsia 's management mechanisms .
According to him , the Ukrainian government is going to transfer Ukrzaliznytsia to Deutsche Bahn for 10-year management and such cooperation does not involve the sale or concession of Ukrzaliznytsia .
UNIAN memo .
Ukrzaliznytsia is a joint-stock company wholly owned by the state .
The company is included in the list of state enterprises that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian railways account for 82 % of freight transportation and for about 50 % of passenger traffic by all types of transport .

Ukrzaliznytsia, Deutsche Bahn sign memorandum of cooperation
10:00, 06.02.20 15890
The memorandum foresees strategic cooperation between the companies for up to 10 years.
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unian--2020-02-06--Kremlin appoints ex-deputy governor of Russia's Irkutsk region to senior post in puppet "DPR"

Meanwhile , there have been no reports on whereabouts of the former `` prime minister '' .
Vladimir Pashkov , a Russian national , who until 2015 held a post of deputy governor in Russia 's Irkutsk region , has become a so-called `` prime minister '' of the unrecognized `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' in eastern Ukraine 's warzone .
Meanwhile , there have been no reports on whereabouts of the former `` prime minister '' , Ukrainian journalist Denys Kazansky wrote on Facebook .
`` A little more about the 'civil war ' , '' he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's narrative about own non-involvement in the war in eastern Ukraine .
Read alsoExperts on children 's `` upbringing '' in occupied Donbas : This somehow resembles `` Hitler Jügend '' '' There was 'prime minister ' Ananchenko in the DPR .
And now he 's gone without much hustle .
They just write without any explanation that the acting prime minister is Vladimir Pashkov .
Lol , well , right , why should they explain anything to ordinary people in the 'people 's republic ' , right ?
Everyone understands anyway that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only a tarred and stuffed scarecrow .
Today there 's one name , tomorrow there 'll be another .
And it does not matter what name it is , '' the journalist wrote .
`` So now the real occupation government is already openly working in Donetsk , '' Kazansky wrote .

Meanwhile, there have been no reports on whereabouts of the former "prime minister".
Vladimir Pashkov, a Russian national, who until 2015 held a post of deputy governor in Russia's Irkutsk region, has become a so-called "prime minister" of the unrecognized "Donetsk People's Republic" in eastern Ukraine's warzone.
Meanwhile, there have been no reports on whereabouts of the former "prime minister", Ukrainian journalist Denys Kazansky wrote on Facebook.
"A little more about the 'civil war'," he wrote in his post, mocking the Kremlin's narrative about own non-involvement in the war in eastern Ukraine.
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Read alsoExperts on children's "upbringing" in occupied Donbas: This somehow resembles "Hitler Jügend"
"There was 'prime minister' Ananchenko in the DPR. And now he's gone without much hustle. They just write without any explanation that the acting prime minister is Vladimir Pashkov. Lol, well, right, why should they explain anything to ordinary people in the 'people's republic', right? Everyone understands anyway that there is really no 'prime minister', only a tarred and stuffed scarecrow. Today there's one name, tomorrow there'll be another. And it does not matter what name it is," the journalist wrote.
"So now the real occupation government is already openly working in Donetsk," Kazansky wrote.


unian--2020-02-06--Ukrainian soldier wounded amid 13 enemy attacks on Feb 5

The enemy opened fire , employing proscribed 120mm mortars , anti-tank missile systems , grenade launchers of various types , @ @ @ @ @ small arms .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on February 5 mounted 13 attacks on @ @ @ @ @ , eastern Ukraine , with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action .
`` @ @ @ @ @ ceasefire 13 times on February 5 , '' the press center of the Joint Forces @ @ @ @ @ in a morning update on February 6 .
`` One member of Joint Forces was @ @ @ @ @ '' The enemy opened fire , employing proscribed 120mm mortars , anti-tank missile systems , @ @ @ @ @ , heavy machine guns , and small arms near the towns of Maryinka , Avdiyivka @ @ @ @ @ the villages of Pisky , Novotroyitske , Shyrokyne , Orikhove , and Travneve .
`` @ @ @ @ @ Russia-led forces attacked Ukrainian positions near Orikhove , using a 120mm mortar , '' the @ @ @ @ @ have been reported on Thursday so far

The enemy opened fire, employing proscribed 120mm mortars, anti-tank missile systems, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.
Russia's hybrid military forces on February 5 mounted 13 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action.
"Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire 13 times on February 5," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on February 6. "One member of Joint Forces was wounded amid enemy shelling."
Read alsoUkraine's General Staff speaks about drills in country's north (Photo)
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The enemy opened fire, employing proscribed 120mm mortars, anti-tank missile systems, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms near the towns of Maryinka, Avdiyivka, and Schastia, and the villages of Pisky, Novotroyitske, Shyrokyne, Orikhove, and Travneve.
"After midnight on Thursday, Russia-led forces attacked Ukrainian positions near Orikhove, using a 120mm mortar," the update said.
No casualties have been reported on Thursday so far.


unian--2020-02-06--Plane splits in three during rough landing in Istanbul airport

Three people have died and dozens have been injured in the accident .
The Pegasus Airlines aircraft skidded off the runway at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport on landing , crashing into a road .
Footage showed serious damage to the plane ’ s fuselage , which appears to be cracked in three places .
Turkey 's health minister , Fahrettin Koca , said three persons had died in the incident , while 179 of the 183 passengers and crew on board were being treated in hospitals across the region , according to The Independent .
The jet , flight PC2193 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Izmir .
The country 's transport ministry said the accident was the result of a `` rough landing '' .
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport has been closed and dozens of arrivals and departures have been diverted to the capital , Ankara , or canceled .
Pegasus , the second-biggest airline in Turkey .
Unusually for a low-cost carrier , it has a mixed fleet of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 series aircraft .
It also offers connecting flights through its hub , with a wide range of destinations available from Stansted via Istanbul @

Three people have died and dozens have been injured in the accident.
The Pegasus Airlines aircraft skidded off the runway at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport on landing, crashing into a road. Footage showed serious damage to the plane’s fuselage, which appears to be cracked in three places.
Turkey's health minister, Fahrettin Koca, said three persons had died in the incident, while 179 of the 183 passengers and crew on board were being treated in hospitals across the region, according to The Independent.
The jet, flight PC2193, was arriving from the city of Izmir. The country's transport ministry said the accident was the result of a "rough landing".
Read alsoIranian passenger jet blocks highway after landing overrun
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport has been closed and dozens of arrivals and departures have been diverted to the capital, Ankara, or canceled.
Pegasus, the second-biggest airline in Turkey. Unusually for a low-cost carrier, it has a mixed fleet of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 series aircraft. It also offers connecting flights through its hub, with a wide range of destinations available from Stansted via Istanbul.


unian--2020-02-06--Ukraine ratifies agreement with Lithuania on protection of labor migrants

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Ukraine ratifies agreement with Lithuania on protection of labor migrants
03:10, 06.02.20 1136
The bill was supported by 324 lawmakers.
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unian--2020-02-06--SBU chief says Channel 1+1 searched as part of probe into leak of PM Honcharuk's recordings

The SBU says several ministers have passed a lie detector test .
Chief of Ukraine 's SBU Security Service Ivan Bakanov says that searches in a Channel 1+1 office in Kyiv were conducted as part of a probe into the leak of illegally obtained audio recordings of Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk .
`` This situation has nothing to do with pressure on journalists of TV Channel 1+1 or the violation of the right to free speech in Ukraine .
It is out of the question .
We 're speaking about an impartial and comprehensive criminal investigation into the illegal wiretapping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the investigative actions took place not only at 18 Kurenivska Street , but also at other addresses of the persons being probed , '' the SBU press service quoted Bakanov as saying .
Read alsoPM Honcharuk on leaked audio recordings allegedly with his voice : `` You do not scare us '' The SBU said that as part of the case , investigators checked ministers , representatives of state agencies and the State Security Administration .
Several ministers passed a lie detector test .
`` The pretrial investigation into the illegal use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the premises of the Cabinet of Ministers is under way under Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine , '' it said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , SBU officers on Wednesday , February 5 , conducted searches in an office of the 1+1 Media Group where journalists of the Groshi ( Money ) and Sekretni Materialy ( Secret Materials ) projects of Channel 1+1 are based .
Later , it became known about SBU raids conducted in the flats of journalists Yevhen Kuksin and Denys Danko .

The SBU says several ministers have passed a lie detector test.
Chief of Ukraine's SBU Security Service Ivan Bakanov says that searches in a Channel 1+1 office in Kyiv were conducted as part of a probe into the leak of illegally obtained audio recordings of Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk.
"This situation has nothing to do with pressure on journalists of TV Channel 1+1 or the violation of the right to free speech in Ukraine. It is out of the question. We're speaking about an impartial and comprehensive criminal investigation into the illegal wiretapping of the head of government. And the investigative actions took place not only at 18 Kurenivska Street, but also at other addresses of the persons being probed," the SBU press service quoted Bakanov as saying.
Read alsoPM Honcharuk on leaked audio recordings allegedly with his voice: "You do not scare us"
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The SBU said that as part of the case, investigators checked ministers, representatives of state agencies and the State Security Administration. Several ministers passed a lie detector test.
"The pretrial investigation into the illegal use of special technical means of obtaining information in the premises of the Cabinet of Ministers is under way under Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine," it said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, SBU officers on Wednesday, February 5, conducted searches in an office of the 1+1 Media Group where journalists of the Groshi (Money) and Sekretni Materialy (Secret Materials) projects of Channel 1+1 are based.
Later, it became known about SBU raids conducted in the flats of journalists Yevhen Kuksin and Denys Danko.


unian--2020-02-07--"Hell and witch hunt": Trump speaks of impeachment after Senate acquittal

The Senate acquitted President Trump on both articles of impeachment .
U.S. President Donald Trump , who has been acquitted by the U.S. Senate , has described the impeachment procedure as `` hell . ''
`` We went through hell , unfairly , did nothing wrong .
Did nothing wrong .
I 've done things wrong in my life , I will admit .
Not purposely , but I 've done things wrong .
But this is what the end result is , '' he said in remarks to the Nation on February 6 , according to the Ukrainian TSN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a political thing '' and `` this should never , ever happen to another president , ever . ''
`` I do n't know that other presidents would have been able to take it , '' he said .
The U.S. president added that the `` witch hunt '' against him began as soon as he launched his previous election campaign .
`` We had the witch hunt .
It started from the day we came down the elevator , myself and our future First Lady , who 's with us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And it never really stopped .
We 've been going through this now for over three years .
It was evil .
It was corrupt , '' he said .
The U.S. president also called the Speaker of the House of Representatives , Nancy Pelosi , who announced the formal impeachment inquiry of Trump , a `` horrible person . ''
Once again , he mocked her words that she was praying for his good .
`` Nancy Pelosi is a horrible person .
And she wanted to impeach a long time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I pray for the President .
I pray for the… ' – she does n't pray .
She may pray , but she prays for the opposite .
But I doubt she prays at all , '' he said .
Trump held up a copy of The Washington Post to show its banner headline , `` Trump Acquitted , '' saying that was `` the only good headline '' he has ever had in that newspaper .
As was reported , the Senate on February 5 acquitted President Trump on both articles of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Congress .
As UNIAN reported , the United States in September 2019 launched a probe into the possibility of Trump 's impeachment after a whistleblower 's complaint about the pressure that the U.S. president was allegedly exerting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to `` dig up dirt '' on his potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden .

The Senate acquitted President Trump on both articles of impeachment.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been acquitted by the U.S. Senate, has described the impeachment procedure as "hell."
"We went through hell, unfairly, did nothing wrong. Did nothing wrong. I've done things wrong in my life, I will admit. Not purposely, but I've done things wrong. But this is what the end result is," he said in remarks to the Nation on February 6, according to the Ukrainian TSN TV news outlet.
He says "this is a political thing" and "this should never, ever happen to another president, ever." "I don't know that other presidents would have been able to take it," he said.
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The U.S. president added that the "witch hunt" against him began as soon as he launched his previous election campaign.
Read alsoU.S Senate acquits Trump of impeachment charges – media
"We had the witch hunt. It started from the day we came down the elevator, myself and our future First Lady, who's with us right now. Thank you, Melania. And it never really stopped. We've been going through this now for over three years. It was evil. It was corrupt," he said.
The U.S. president also called the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, who announced the formal impeachment inquiry of Trump, a "horrible person." Once again, he mocked her words that she was praying for his good.
"Nancy Pelosi is a horrible person. And she wanted to impeach a long time ago. When she said, 'I pray for the President. I pray for the…' – she doesn't pray. She may pray, but she prays for the opposite. But I doubt she prays at all," he said.
Trump held up a copy of The Washington Post to show its banner headline, "Trump Acquitted," saying that was "the only good headline" he has ever had in that newspaper.
As was reported, the Senate on February 5 acquitted President Trump on both articles of impeachment, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
As UNIAN reported, the United States in September 2019 launched a probe into the possibility of Trump's impeachment after a whistleblower's complaint about the pressure that the U.S. president was allegedly exerting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to "dig up dirt" on his potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden.


unian--2020-02-07--RFE/RL: Court in Russian-occupied Crimea extends pretrial arrest for pro-Ukrainian activist

His pretrial detention was extended until April 10 .
A court in Crimea has extended the pretrial detention of pro-Ukrainian activist Oleh Prykhodko .
Prykhodko 's lawyer , Nazim Sheykhmambetov , told RFE/RL that the Kyiv district court in Crimea 's capital , Simferopol , on February 5 , rejected a motion to transfer his client to house arrest and prolonged his client 's pretrial detention to April 10 .
Read alsoHuman rights activist : At least 89 people held in Russian prisons on `` Crimean cases '' Sheykhmambetov said that he and his client learned during the hearing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a terrorist attack at the Russian Consulate in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv .
Sheykhmambetov added that he planned to appeal the court 's decision .
Prykhodko was detained in October 2019 and charged with illegally fabricating handmade explosives with the intention to conduct a terrorist act .
In January , Prykhodko was informed that he was also charged with possession of an illegal explosive .
Prykhodko denies all the charges , calling them politically motivated .
Russia seized Ukraine 's Crimean peninsula in March 2014 , sending in troops and staging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 100 countries , after Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted amid a wave of public protests .
Rights groups say that since then , Russia has moved aggressively to prosecute Ukrainian activists and anyone who questions the annexation .

His pretrial detention was extended until April 10.
A court in Crimea has extended the pretrial detention of pro-Ukrainian activist Oleh Prykhodko.
Prykhodko's lawyer, Nazim Sheykhmambetov, told RFE/RL that the Kyiv district court in Crimea's capital, Simferopol, on February 5, rejected a motion to transfer his client to house arrest and prolonged his client's pretrial detention to April 10.
Read alsoHuman rights activist: At least 89 people held in Russian prisons on "Crimean cases"
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Sheykhmambetov said that he and his client learned during the hearing that Prykhodko is now additionally charged with plotting a terrorist attack at the Russian Consulate in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.
Sheykhmambetov added that he planned to appeal the court's decision.
Prykhodko was detained in October 2019 and charged with illegally fabricating handmade explosives with the intention to conduct a terrorist act.
In January, Prykhodko was informed that he was also charged with possession of an illegal explosive.
Prykhodko denies all the charges, calling them politically motivated.
Russia seized Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in March 2014, sending in troops and staging a referendum denounced as illegitimate by at least 100 countries, after Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted amid a wave of public protests.
Rights groups say that since then, Russia has moved aggressively to prosecute Ukrainian activists and anyone who questions the annexation.


unian--2020-02-06--Poland sees sharp rise in share of young labor migrants from Ukraine in 2019

The most active group of Ukrainian labor migrants were people aged 26-35 .
The share of labor migrants under the age of 25 from Ukraine sharply increased in Poland in 2019 .
`` Such information is contained in a study conducted by the Centre for East European Studies at the University of Warsaw and EWL S.A. 's Foundation for the Support of Migrants on the Labour Market .
The study was presented during a Ukraine-Europe forum in Rzeszow , '' the Ukrainian-registered European Pravda media outlet reported .
According to the study , the most active group of Ukrainian migrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their share over the year decreased from 35 % to 33 % .
Meanwhile , the share of people younger than 26 sharply increased , from 21 % to 29.2 % .
Most of them arrived in Poland shortly after graduation .
Read alsoUkraine ratifies agreement with Lithuania on protection of labor migrants The share of migrants aged 36-46 is 23.1 % , and that of Ukrainians aged 46-55 is 13.2 % .
Despite the fact that the majority of labor migrants were men , their number decreased from 63 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do not speak Polish declined by a third , from 31 % to 20.6 % .
Greater dynamics were recorded in expectations of wage levels .
If in 2018 more than 40 % of employees were ready to work for a minimum hourly rate , their share in 2019 was a mere 6 % .

Poland sees sharp rise in share of young labor migrants from Ukraine in 2019
23:58, 06.02.20 2269
The most active group of Ukrainian labor migrants were people aged 26-35.
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