unian--2020-12-27--Week's balance: IMF mission starts SBA revision, Cabinet appoints acting energy minister, and Naftog

Week's balance: IMF mission starts SBA revision, Cabinet appoints acting energy minister, and Naftogaz ups gas price for thermal distributors

The IMF mission began its work on revising the stand-by arrangement for Ukraine , the Cabinet appointed Yuriy Vitrenko acting Minister of Energy , while Naftogaz raised gas prices for thermal power distributors – these are the key economic developments of the outgoing week .
The penultimate week of the year was filled with important events for the Ukrainian economy and business .
The mission of Ukraine 's key creditor , the International Monetary Fund , has started revising a $ 5 billion Stand-By Arrangement .
After receiving in June the first loan tranche in the amount of $ 2.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the state budget for 2021 , adopted recently , and assurances by the Ukrainian authorities of commitment to anti-corruption and judicial reform seem to allow the government to finally receive a new dose of financial support from the Fund .
Alternate Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) for Ukraine Vladyslav Rashkovan is optimistic about the prospects of the country .
`` I can say that the scheduled meetings , both at the highest and expert levels , have been held successfully over the recent three days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Volodymyr Zelensky even named the approximate timeframe for obtaining the second tranche of the loan – early 2021 .
Moreover , in a conversation with the President of another major financial partner , the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ( EBRD ) Odile Renaud-Basso , the head of our state noted that at the moment , even without a new IMF tranche , the Ukrainian banking system is showing stable performance and budget targets are being fulfilled ...
However , the dynamics of the hryvnia exchange rate in the outgoing week suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be superfluous in the current conditions , to say the least .
While on Monday the National Bank set the official dollar exchange rate at UAH 27.82 , by Thursday the Ukrainian currency had lost 64 kopiykas .
Pouring more fuel onto the fire , the NBU already predicts the risk of revenue shortcomings in the 2021 budget .
The National Bank stressed that the government 's ability to finance the state treasury directly depends on access to loans on foreign markets , which , in turn , depends on cooperation with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure a loan from the IMF as soon as possible , the situation with attracting money for infrastructure projects is more favorable .
Last week , the EBRD said it would allocate EUR 450 million to Ukravtodor road management agency for the reconstruction of the Kyiv-Odesa highway and the construction of a bypass around Lviv .
In addition , the European Investment Bank approved the allocation of EUR 270 million for the development of Boryspil International Airport .
In any case , access to international loans is extremely important for the crisis-ridden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic product in the third quarter contracted by 3.5 % in annual terms , while industrial output in November shrank by 0.3 % , as per the state statistics agency .
Last week , the Ministry of Energy , which has proved to be strategic for the country , saw major personnel shifts .
The Cabinet at an extraordinary meeting on Monday appointed a former top manager of Naftogaz , Yuriy Vitrenko , acting energy minister .
The appointment came following the government 's failure in the Verkhovna Rada last week , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister 's post , fell short of votes to be approved .
Parliament Speaker Dmytro Razumkov hinted opaquely that Vitrenko 's appointment as a full-fledged minister in the future remains in limbo .
Vitrenko 's first days in office were marked by energy companies settling their debts .
The ministry paid UAH 32 billion in compensation to Naftogaz for the supply of imported gas to the households below market value in 2015-2019 as part of a special obligation , thereby completing debt settlements between the government , Naftogaz and the largest oil company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28.9 billion to the national budget 's special fund , fully paying off its tax debt to the state .
The new acting energy minister 's former employer has made news this week by not only settling debts but also by reviving an old story of top management 's salaries .
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the state company 's financial plan for 2020 , which provides for a doubling of the salary fund .
`` It is necessary to revise the financial plan in terms of the wage fund .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per employee : by 56 % – for board members , by 75 % – for regular employees , '' Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko told a government meeting .
National Joint Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine in December set the wholesale gas price for heat producers at UAH 6,013 per cubic meter , which is 13.5 % higher than that set for November .
Even despite such a Christmas present , heat producers in many regions still have colossal debts before Naftogaz , but in the current situation of falling household incomes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation with debts .
The reaction of the part of the energy regulator NEURC was not long in coming .
In the wake of Naftogaz 's decision , the regulator on Thursday increased tariffs for heat production for the households , budget-funded and religious organizations for 2021 as regards 23 thermal power distributors .
Tariffs will rise by 5.5 % -50 % , depending on a TPP .
However , there were also some promising reports in the Ukrainian gas sector .
Naftogaz said the company has discovered in Poltava region a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 billion cubic meters .
It should be recalled that in early December , the Cabinet allowed Naftogaz to develop the Yuzivska oil and gas bearing site , the largest shale gas field in the country , whose resources are estimated at almost 3 trillion cubic meters with a baseline scenario of annual output of about 10 billion cubic meters .
A few weeks earlier , the government also entitled Naftogaz with extracting oil and gas on the Ukrainian part of the Black Sea shelf , where gas resources could stand at 1-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Naftogaz could turn into a large regional gas production company , which will allow Ukraine to increase its chances of achieving energy independence .
These steps also herald new jobs and cheaper gas for Ukrainian consumers .
The next week will bring us a new year , flipping the last page of the dramatic 2020 calendar as we harbor hope that 2021 will become the year of recovery for the national economy and a better well-being for all Ukrainians .

The IMF mission began its work on revising the stand-by arrangement for Ukraine, the Cabinet appointed Yuriy Vitrenko acting Minister of Energy, while Naftogaz raised gas prices for thermal power distributors – these are the key economic developments of the outgoing week.
The penultimate week of the year was filled with important events for the Ukrainian economy and business. The mission of Ukraine's key creditor, the International Monetary Fund, has started revising a $5 billion Stand-By Arrangement.
After receiving in June the first loan tranche in the amount of $2.1 billion, further disbursements were being postponed. But the state budget for 2021, adopted recently, and assurances by the Ukrainian authorities of commitment to anti-corruption and judicial reform seem to allow the government to finally receive a new dose of financial support from the Fund.
Alternate Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Ukraine Vladyslav Rashkovan is optimistic about the prospects of the country.
Видео дня
"I can say that the scheduled meetings, both at the highest and expert levels, have been held successfully over the recent three days," he said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky even named the approximate timeframe for obtaining the second tranche of the loan – early 2021. Moreover, in a conversation with the President of another major financial partner, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso, the head of our state noted that at the moment, even without a new IMF tranche, the Ukrainian banking system is showing stable performance and budget targets are being fulfilled...
However, the dynamics of the hryvnia exchange rate in the outgoing week suggests that the IMF loan tranche would not be superfluous in the current conditions, to say the least. While on Monday the National Bank set the official dollar exchange rate at UAH 27.82, by Thursday the Ukrainian currency had lost 64 kopiykas.
Pouring more fuel onto the fire, the NBU already predicts the risk of revenue shortcomings in the 2021 budget. The National Bank stressed that the government's ability to finance the state treasury directly depends on access to loans on foreign markets, which, in turn, depends on cooperation with the Fund.
While the government is yet to secure a loan from the IMF as soon as possible, the situation with attracting money for infrastructure projects is more favorable. Last week, the EBRD said it would allocate EUR 450 million to Ukravtodor road management agency for the reconstruction of the Kyiv-Odesa highway and the construction of a bypass around Lviv. In addition, the European Investment Bank approved the allocation of EUR 270 million for the development of Boryspil International Airport.
In any case, access to international loans is extremely important for the crisis-ridden national economy. The country's gross domestic product in the third quarter contracted by 3.5% in annual terms, while industrial output in November shrank by 0.3%, as per the state statistics agency.
New acting energy minister
Last week, the Ministry of Energy, which has proved to be strategic for the country, saw major personnel shifts. The Cabinet at an extraordinary meeting on Monday appointed a former top manager of Naftogaz, Yuriy Vitrenko, acting energy minister.
The appointment came following the government's failure in the Verkhovna Rada last week, when Vitrenko, who was nominated for the minister's post, fell short of votes to be approved. Parliament Speaker Dmytro Razumkov hinted opaquely that Vitrenko's appointment as a full-fledged minister in the future remains in limbo.
Vitrenko's first days in office were marked by energy companies settling their debts. The ministry paid UAH 32 billion in compensation to Naftogaz for the supply of imported gas to the households below market value in 2015-2019 as part of a special obligation, thereby completing debt settlements between the government, Naftogaz and the largest oil company Ukrnafta.
Besides, Ukrnafta transferred UAH 28.9 billion to the national budget's special fund, fully paying off its tax debt to the state.
The new acting energy minister's former employer has made news this week by not only settling debts but also by reviving an old story of top management's salaries. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the state company's financial plan for 2020, which provides for a doubling of the salary fund.
"It is necessary to revise the financial plan in terms of the wage fund. It's proposed to double the cost of remuneration per employee: by 56% – for board members, by 75% – for regular employees," Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko told a government meeting.
Rising gas prices
National Joint Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine in December set the wholesale gas price for heat producers at UAH 6,013 per cubic meter, which is 13.5% higher than that set for November.
Even despite such a Christmas present, heat producers in many regions still have colossal debts before Naftogaz, but in the current situation of falling household incomes, higher gas bills could further aggravate the situation with debts.
The reaction of the part of the energy regulator NEURC was not long in coming. In the wake of Naftogaz's decision, the regulator on Thursday increased tariffs for heat production for the households, budget-funded and religious organizations for 2021 as regards 23 thermal power distributors. Tariffs will rise by 5.5%-50%, depending on a TPP.
However, there were also some promising reports in the Ukrainian gas sector. Naftogaz said the company has discovered in Poltava region a new gas condensate field with prospective reserves of 2 billion cubic meters.
It should be recalled that in early December, the Cabinet allowed Naftogaz to develop the Yuzivska oil and gas bearing site, the largest shale gas field in the country, whose resources are estimated at almost 3 trillion cubic meters with a baseline scenario of annual output of about 10 billion cubic meters. A few weeks earlier, the government also entitled Naftogaz with extracting oil and gas on the Ukrainian part of the Black Sea shelf, where gas resources could stand at 1-2 trillion cubic meters.
All this suggests that Naftogaz could turn into a large regional gas production company, which will allow Ukraine to increase its chances of achieving energy independence. These steps also herald new jobs and cheaper gas for Ukrainian consumers.
The next week will bring us a new year, flipping the last page of the dramatic 2020 calendar as we harbor hope that 2021 will become the year of recovery for the national economy and a better well-being for all Ukrainians.
Pavlo Stepanets


unian--2020-12-28--Public debt grows by 1.3% to over US$84 bln in Nov

In the hryvnia equivalent , the debt increased by UAH 30.4 billion .
Ukraine 's Finance Ministry says the country 's public and government-guaranteed debt , estimated in the hryvnia , Ukraine 's national currency , grew by 1.3 % to UAH 2.398 trillion ( US $ 84.6 billion at the forex rate as of Dec 28 ) in November 2020 , while that in the U.S. dollar equivalent rose by 1.2 % to US $ 84.24 billion .
`` In November 2020 , public and government-guaranteed debt in the hryvnia equivalent increased by UAH 30.4 billion [ US $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Dec 28 ] , while growing by US $ 0.98 billion in the U.S. dollar equivalent , '' the ministry said on its website .
Read alsoAccounting Chamber estimates Ukrainians ' costs of servicing state debtsAs of November 30 , 2020 , public foreign debt amounted to UAH 1.204 trillion , or US $ 42.47 billion ( 50.2 % of the total sum ) .
Public domestic debt was UAH 905.10 billion , or US $ 31.92 billion ( 37.74 % of the total sum ) .
Ukraine 's government-guaranteed debt stood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 10.20 billion ( 12.06 % of the total public and government-guaranteed debt ) , including : government-guaranteed foreign debt at UAH 259.93 billion , or US $ 9.17 billion ( 10.84 % ) and government-guaranteed domestic debt at UAH 29.26 billion , or US $ 1.03 billion ( 1.22 % of the total sum ) .
Ukraine 's state and government-guaranteed debt in 2019 increased in dollar terms by US $ 6.05 billion , or 7.7 % , to US $ 84.36 billion .
Public debt in the hryvnia equivalent shrank by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion ) , or 7.8 % , in the past year , to UAH 1.998 trillion ( US $ 70.5 billion ) .
The debt-to-GDP ratio as of January 1 , 2020 , stood at 50 % .
Since the beginning of 2020 , Ukraine had spent UAH 357.4 billion ( US $ 12.6 billion ) as of December 23 , 2020 .
Head of the Accounting Chamber Valeriy Patskan says every seventh hryvnia from Ukraine 's national budget is spent on servicing state debts .
• On December 15 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , passed a draft law on the 2021 national budget .
• On the same day , the parliament backed a resolution on the Verkhovna Rada 's budget for 2021 .
• On December 21 , Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov signed the bill on the national budget .
• On December 25 , 2020 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky enacted the bill into law .

Public debt grows by 1.3% to over US$84 bln in Nov
16:55, 28.12.20 725
In the hryvnia equivalent, the debt increased by UAH 30.4 billion.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-28--Iran insists Ukraine provided with technical report on downed UIA plane

Foreign Minister Kuleba says Ukraine has not received the materials from Iran .
Iran insists it has handed over to Ukraine a technical report on the downing of a Ukraine International Airlines ( UIA ) passenger plane .
This was stated by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh , the Iranian IRNA agency said .
Read alsoPS752 downing : Canada releases report on crash of Ukraine plane in Iran In particular , he commented on a statement made by Ukraine that the country had not received reports on the plane crash of the Ukrainian plane .
`` Reacting to Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any reports on the plane crash , he first extended condolences to the bereaved families and then noted that the Civil Aviation Organization as the body in charge of technical affairs , in line with its responsibilities , has presented an online video report to Ukraine and other parties , '' the agency quoted him as saying on December 28 .
According to him , the translated report will be officially presented today and tomorrow .
• On January 8 , 2020 , Kyiv-bound Boeing 737 passenger jet flight PS752 , operated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after takeoff from Tehran Airport .
• All 176 people on board , including 11 Ukrainian nationals – nine crew and two passengers – were killed .
Among victims are also citizens of Iran , Canada , Sweden , Afghanistan , Germany , and the UK .
• Iranian President Hassan Rouhani admitted that the Ukrainian liner had been shot down as a result of an unintentional `` human error , '' and promised to bring those responsible to justice .
• On June 9 , media reports said Iran had accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• On July 20 , the flight recorders were delivered to Paris and decrypted on July 21 .
• On July 24 , it was reported that data from the black boxes had confirmed external interference with the aircraft 's operation .
• On October 23 , Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Yenin said Iran would pay compensation to the relatives of victims of the UIA flight PS752 crash , but the process might last up to two years .
• However , on December 9 , Yenin said that Iran had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those killed in the UIA plane crash .
• In the middle of December , Canada expressed its position on the Iranian investigation into the downing of the Ukrainian plane , saying it is not credible .
• On December 22 , the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Iranian investigators , during a video conference , had provided representatives of other countries whose citizens were victims of the crash with a technical report on the UIA downing .
• On December 23 , Yenin said that Ukraine had not received the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed concern that Iran was delaying the negotiation process on the case of the downed Ukraine International Airlines plane .
He noted that Ukraine had not received a technical report from Iran on the plane downed almost a year ago .

Foreign Minister Kuleba says Ukraine has not received the materials from Iran.
Iran insists it has handed over to Ukraine a technical report on the downing of a Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) passenger plane.
This was stated by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh, the Iranian IRNA agency said.
Read alsoPS752 downing: Canada releases report on crash of Ukraine plane in Iran
Видео дня
In particular, he commented on a statement made by Ukraine that the country had not received reports on the plane crash of the Ukrainian plane.
"Reacting to Ukraine's claims that it has not received any reports on the plane crash, he first extended condolences to the bereaved families and then noted that the Civil Aviation Organization as the body in charge of technical affairs, in line with its responsibilities, has presented an online video report to Ukraine and other parties," the agency quoted him as saying on December 28.
According to him, the translated report will be officially presented today and tomorrow.
PS752 downing in Iran: Background


unian--2020-12-28--Presidential chief of staff Yermak says Normandy advisers to meet in January

The event could be hosted by Berlin .
A meeting of advisers to Normandy Four leaders is planned to be @ @ @ @ @ This was announced by head of the President 's Office Andriy Yermak during a meeting @ @ @ @ @ the Novosti Donbassa media outlet .
Read alsoRazumkov names three key challenges for parliament in @ @ @ @ @ meeting could be hosted by Berlin , Germany .
Yermak also said that mine clearance @ @ @ @ @ in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , would start early next year .
According to him @ @ @ @ @ the disengagement of forces and equipment have also been agreed .
• The Normandy format @ @ @ @ @ in a quadripartite format , involving Ukraine , Germany , France , and Russia , @ @ @ @ @ aggression against Ukraine are discussed .
• The name of the format comes from the @ @ @ @ @ the four states , which first took place on June 6 , 2014 , in @ @ @ @ @ the Normandy region in northwestern France .

The event could be hosted by Berlin.
A meeting of advisers to Normandy Four leaders is planned to be held in January 2021.
This was announced by head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak during a meeting with journalists, according to the Novosti Donbassa media outlet.
Read alsoRazumkov names three key challenges for parliament in early 2021
Видео дня
The advisers' meeting could be hosted by Berlin, Germany.
Yermak also said that mine clearance efforts at 19 agreed sites in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, would start early next year. According to him, four new sites for the disengagement of forces and equipment have also been agreed.
Background


unian--2020-12-28--Ceiling price of natural gas for households to grow by over 20% in Jan

In total , 55 gas suppliers published their January price quotations as of December 28 .
Ukrainian-based companies operating on the competitive natural gas market have set prices for households in January 2021 at UAH 6.99 - UAH 10.8 ( US $ 0.26 - US $ 0.38 ) per cubic meter , having increased the floor and ceiling prices by 11 % and 20.5 % , respectively , compared to those which were in effect in December 2020 .
The relevant statement was published on the GazPravda Consulting Center 's website on December 28 , which was created by National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists for households .
Read alsoWeek 's balance : IMF mission starts SBA revision , Cabinet appoints acting energy minister , and Naftogaz ups gas price for thermal distributorsThe lowest price , that is UAH 6.99 ( US $ 0.246 ) per cubic meter ( 11 % up from December ) , was offered by LLC Gaz UP , followed by LLC Megawatt with UAH 7.05 ( US $ 0.248 ) per cubic meter ( 18 % up from December ) , LLC Agrosyntes Trading with UAH 7.08 ( US $ 0.249 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from December ) , Energy Resources of Ukraine with UAH 7.11 ( US $ 0.251 ) per cubic meter , and Ascania Energy with UAH 7.20 ( US $ 0.254 ) per cubic meter .
LLC Naftogaz of Ukraine GSC ( Gas Supply Company ) , which accounts for about 3 % of the households , will sell gas at UAH 7.22 ( US $ 0.255 ) in January ( 14 % up against December ) .
Prices of gas offered by other suppliers range from UAH 7.39 ( US $ 0.26 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) per cubic meter .
Ukrainian regional companies covering two-thirds of the households offer gas to their consumers at UAH 8.75 - UAH 10.8 ( US $ 0.31 - US $ 0.38 ) per cubic meter , depending on their region .
Thus , the floor price of natural gas sold by such companies increased by 26.8 % , while the ceiling one grew by 20.5 % .
The highest price of gas for the first month of 2021 was fixed by Lvivenergozbut , that is UAH 10.8 ( US $ 0.38 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 55 gas suppliers published their January price quotations as of December 28 .
• The average price of gas for Ukrainian households in December is within the range of UAH 6.33 ( US $ 0.22 ) to UAH 8.96 ( US $ 0.32 ) per cubic meter .
• On August 1 , the natural gas market became opened for the country 's households , allowing them to select a gas supplier .
• National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine 's public service obligations ( PSOs ) to supply gas to households expired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving gas at prices regulated by Naftogaz .

Ceiling price of natural gas for households to grow by over 20% in Jan
15:25, 28.12.20 8740
In total, 55 gas suppliers published their January price quotations as of December 28.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-28--Gas stocks shrink by 2.6% to 24.1 bcm over week

USFs were filled by 78 % as of December 27 , 2020 .
Natural gas stocks in Ukraine 's underground @ @ @ @ @ shrank by 2.6 % , to 24.1 billion cubic meters ( bcm ) within a @ @ @ @ @ Read alsoNaftogaz opens new gas field in Poltava regionAs of December 27 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ 's USFs increased by 26 % from 19 bcm as of December 27 , 2019 @ @ @ @ @ system operator Ukrtransgaz said .
The USFs were filled by 78 % as of December @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine started pumping natural gas into its USFs on March 11 as the country 's @ @ @ @ @ • On October 28 , National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine said it had stopped @ @ @ @ @ storage facilities , having switched to pumping it out to cover the needs of the @ @ @ @ @ the start of the 2019-2020 heating season , Ukraine had accumulated 21.76 bcm of gas @ @ @ @ @ high over the past decade .

Gas stocks shrink by 2.6% to 24.1 bcm over week
14:55, 28.12.20 1958
USFs were filled by 78% as of December 27, 2020.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-28--Poll: Most of Ukrainians say they feel happy in 2020

This is the lowest level of happiness compared to 2018-2019 .
Most of Ukrainians said they felt happy in 2020 .
These are findings of a survey conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation jointly with Kyiv International Institute of Sociology , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Despite the coronavirus epidemic and economic problems , 8.5 % of respondents noted that they were very happy and 45.5 % were mostly happy in 2020 .
Yet , sociologists note that this is the lowest level of happiness compared to 2018-2019 ( in 2018 , some 12 % of pollees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % said they were mostly happy ; in 2019 , the figures were 11.9 % and 49.2 % , respectively ) .
What is more , this year saw the largest share of respondents who stated they felt mostly unhappy ( 29 % ) and completely unhappy ( 9 % ) .
According to the poll , the most common feelings that Ukrainians felt at the end of 2020 when thinking about the country 's future were hope ( 43 % ) , optimism ( 31 % ) , and anxiety ( 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings of the survey indicate that the epidemic and economic crisis affected Ukrainians ' perception of the future .
In particular , the share of respondents who feel hope shrank to 43 % , which is smaller than in 2018-2019 ( in those years , it was 52 % and 56 % , respectively ) .
The level of optimism also decreased compared to the two years before .
A mere 8 % of respondents said they were confident ( in 2019 it was 18 % ) .
According to sociologists , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubled : now their share is 14 % of pollees , while a year ago there it was a mere 6 % .
The number of Ukrainians who are distracted also increased – now their share is 18 % .
Sociologists note that exactly so many distracted were recorded in 2015 .
The results of the survey showed that pessimism increased slightly : from 5.5 % at the end of 2019 to 8 % in December 2020 .
The epidemic had almost no effect on such feelings as anxiety ( 28 % ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and indifference ( 4 % ) .
In addition , over 80 % of Ukrainians are optimistic about their prospects for the next year .
In particular , 21 % of respondents believe that the coming year will be the best for them personally , and another 62 % hope that it will be better than worse .
• The survey was conducted from December 5 to December 13 in all regions of Ukraine , except for Russia-occupied parts , namely Crimea and some districts in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
• The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .

This is the lowest level of happiness compared to 2018-2019.
Most of Ukrainians said they felt happy in 2020.
These are findings of a survey conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation jointly with Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoPoll: Ukrainians name key challenges for country
Видео дня
Despite the coronavirus epidemic and economic problems, 8.5% of respondents noted that they were very happy and 45.5% were mostly happy in 2020.
Yet, sociologists note that this is the lowest level of happiness compared to 2018-2019 (in 2018, some 12% of pollees said they were very happy and 47.6% said they were mostly happy; in 2019, the figures were 11.9% and 49.2%, respectively).
What is more, this year saw the largest share of respondents who stated they felt mostly unhappy (29%) and completely unhappy (9%).
According to the poll, the most common feelings that Ukrainians felt at the end of 2020 when thinking about the country's future were hope (43%), optimism (31%), and anxiety (28%).
In addition, the findings of the survey indicate that the epidemic and economic crisis affected Ukrainians' perception of the future. In particular, the share of respondents who feel hope shrank to 43%, which is smaller than in 2018-2019 (in those years, it was 52% and 56%, respectively). The level of optimism also decreased compared to the two years before. A mere 8% of respondents said they were confident (in 2019 it was 18%).
According to sociologists, the number of those who feel hopeless has doubled: now their share is 14% of pollees, while a year ago there it was a mere 6%. The number of Ukrainians who are distracted also increased – now their share is 18%. Sociologists note that exactly so many distracted were recorded in 2015.
The results of the survey showed that pessimism increased slightly: from 5.5% at the end of 2019 to 8% in December 2020. The epidemic had almost no effect on such feelings as anxiety (28%), fear (9%), and indifference (4%).
In addition, over 80% of Ukrainians are optimistic about their prospects for the next year. In particular, 21% of respondents believe that the coming year will be the best for them personally, and another 62% hope that it will be better than worse.
Details of the survey


unian--2020-12-28--Razumkov names three key challenges for parliament in early 2021

The fight against COVID-19 tops the agenda .
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov named three key challenges to be faced by Ukraine 's parliament in early 2021 .
He mentioned them in an interview for the Ukrayinska Pravda media outlet .
Read alsoScientist says first COVID-19 wave likely to be over in Ukraine Asked what he sees as the biggest challenges for parliament in early 2021 , he said : `` The financial situation associated with COVID is difficult , and the third wave [ of the epidemic ] is possible , which has already become a subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British COVID [ strain ] , and many other things .
This is also vaccination , this is the provision of the healthcare system with everything necessary , defense capabilities . ''
Razumkov says he hopes that `` we will be able to get out of this impasse we observe at the level of the Normandy format . ''
`` As the year is over , but this is not a problem of Ukraine , unfortunately , this is the problem of one , the other negotiator , whose position is quite destructive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group on Donbas ] and in the Normandy format – I mean Russia .
In this regard , the parliament will also be ready to join [ in addressing the issue ] , '' he assured .
`` These are , perhaps , the three key questions that will be facing us , '' he said .
In addition , he noted change in dynamics in terms of economic development .
`` We have been knocked down very much by the year that is ahead .
The price of funds has become too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations with creditors , I 'm now not only about the IMF [ International Monetary Fund ] , but about everyone from whom we borrow resources .
It is difficult to obtain resources , both within the state and beyond .
And this will also limit our capabilities , '' Razumkov said .
• Razumkov reacts to Russian sanctions against him • Razumkov announces creation of fund for COVID-19 vaccination , support of doctors

The fight against COVID-19 tops the agenda.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov named three key challenges to be faced by Ukraine's parliament in early 2021.
He mentioned them in an interview for the Ukrayinska Pravda media outlet.
Read alsoScientist says first COVID-19 wave likely to be over in Ukraine
Видео дня
Asked what he sees as the biggest challenges for parliament in early 2021, he said: "The financial situation associated with COVID is difficult, and the third wave [of the epidemic] is possible, which has already become a subject of discussion. I mean the so-called British COVID [strain], and many other things. This is also vaccination, this is the provision of the healthcare system with everything necessary, defense capabilities."
Razumkov says he hopes that "we will be able to get out of this impasse we observe at the level of the Normandy format." "As the year is over, but this is not a problem of Ukraine, unfortunately, this is the problem of one, the other negotiator, whose position is quite destructive both in the TCG [Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas] and in the Normandy format – I mean Russia. In this regard, the parliament will also be ready to join [in addressing the issue]," he assured.
"These are, perhaps, the three key questions that will be facing us," he said.
In addition, he noted change in dynamics in terms of economic development. "We have been knocked down very much by the year that is ahead. The price of funds has become too high – you see the level of negotiations with creditors, I'm now not only about the IMF [International Monetary Fund], but about everyone from whom we borrow resources. It is difficult to obtain resources, both within the state and beyond. And this will also limit our capabilities," Razumkov said.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-12-28--Kyiv mayor reports over 800 new COVID-19 cases, 10 deaths as of Dec 28

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 108,055 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 851 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of December 28 , 2020 .
`` In the past day , another 851 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus , including 21 healthcare workers .
There were 10 fatalities , '' Klitschko reported via Telegram on Monday .
According to the city mayor , 477 women aged 18 to 91 and 332 men aged 18 to 90 are among those infected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be over in UkraineThe new cases include 19 girls aged two weeks to 17 years and 23 boys aged five months to 17 years .
Klitschko said 102 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
He added that 188 people had recovered in the past day .
In total , 37,461 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district ( 305 ) , Dniprovsky district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 107 ) .
The death toll in the city stands at 1,854 .
• Ukraine reported a sharp decrease in the number of new active COVID-19 cases that had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 28 , 2020 , that is 4,385 against 6,113 registered a day earlier .
• The total number of confirmed cases grew to 1,030,374 .

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 108,055.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 851 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of December 28, 2020.
"In the past day, another 851 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including 21 healthcare workers. There were 10 fatalities," Klitschko reported via Telegram on Monday.
"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 108,055."
According to the city mayor, 477 women aged 18 to 91 and 332 men aged 18 to 90 are among those infected.
Read alsoScientist says first COVID-19 wave likely to be over in UkraineThe new cases include 19 girls aged two weeks to 17 years and 23 boys aged five months to 17 years.
Klitschko said 102 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
He added that 188 people had recovered in the past day.
In total, 37,461 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (305), Dniprovsky district (180), and Obolonsky district (107).
The death toll in the city stands at 1,854.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments


unian--2020-12-28--PM Shmyhal projects almost 5% economic growth in Ukraine in 2021

The national budget 's general fund had already been fulfilled by 100 % as of December 23 .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says Ukraine may see almost 5 % economic growth in 2021 .
Read alsoUkraine 's GDP in Q3 declines by 3.5 % y-o-y '' We 'll start the year 2021 with economic growth forecasts at almost 5 % .
To implement this , we have everything we need : a strategy , resources and a willingness to work together for the good of our country , '' he wrote on Facebook on December 27 .
The official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund had already been fulfilled by 100 % as of December 23 .
By the end of the year , budget revenue will have significantly exceeded the target .
Tax authorities are expected to boost collection of duties by more than UAH 60 billion ( US $ 2.1 billion ) against 2019 .
Shmyhal added that `` despite certain individuals ' speculations , the state meets its obligations in full , in particular , with regard to financing capital expenditures . ''
As of December 23 , there was over UAH 60 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an absolute record as of that date .
`` All wage arrears to coal miners have been paid off ; funds have been allocated for procurements of a [ COVID-19 ] vaccine ; additional payments worth UAH 8,000 [ US $ 282 ] to each Ukrainian whose activities will be terminated over the 'winter vacation quarantine ' are already in the pipeline , '' he said .
Earlier , Prime Minister Shmyhal said the domestic economy might decline by no more than 5 % of GDP in 2020 .

PM Shmyhal projects almost 5% economic growth in Ukraine in 2021
12:55, 28.12.20 843
The national budget's general fund had already been fulfilled by 100% as of December 23.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-28--Ukraine sends note to OSCE monitors over Ukrainian soldier's injury in Donbas

The incident was registered on December 27 .
Ukrainian delegates to the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) on Donbas have sent a note to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) to Ukraine over the fact that a Ukrainian soldier was injured near the village of Vodiane amid shelling by the Russian occupation forces on December 27 .
The Ukrainian delegation to the TCG reported on this on Facebook on December 28 .
Read alsoDonbas warzone update : Six attacks , drone flight , one injured soldier on Dec 27 '' At about 23:00 yesterday , December 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armed Forces of Ukraine received a combat injury as a result of enemy shelling , '' they said in the report .
He was hospitalized , his condition is satisfactory now , it said .
Ukrainian members of the Joint Center on Control and Coordination in Donbas ( JCCC ) resorted to a coordination mechanism : a truce was introduced , a demand for a ceasefire was put forward , a note was prepared and sent to the OSCE SMM .
The situation in the Donbas warzone • On December 27 , six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Joint Forces Operation area .
• In particular , armed formations of the Russian Federation used 120mm and 82mm mortars , as well as grenade launchers of various systems near the village of Vodiane in the Azov area .
One soldier from the Joint Forces received a combat injury amid the attack .

The incident was registered on December 27.
Ukrainian delegates to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on Donbas have sent a note to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine over the fact that a Ukrainian soldier was injured near the village of Vodiane amid shelling by the Russian occupation forces on December 27.
The Ukrainian delegation to the TCG reported on this on Facebook on December 28.
Read alsoDonbas warzone update: Six attacks, drone flight, one injured soldier on Dec 27
Видео дня
"At about 23:00 yesterday, December 27, one of the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received a combat injury as a result of enemy shelling," they said in the report.
He was hospitalized, his condition is satisfactory now, it said.
Ukrainian members of the Joint Center on Control and Coordination in Donbas (JCCC) resorted to a coordination mechanism: a truce was introduced, a demand for a ceasefire was put forward, a note was prepared and sent to the OSCE SMM.
The situation in the Donbas warzone


unian--2020-12-28--Ukraine's government not to give up January lockdown plans

An increase in new cases is expected after New Year 's Day celebrations .
The Health Ministry does not plan to cancel or postpone plans for tougher quarantine measures in Ukraine from January 8 to January 24 , 2021 .
Health Minister Maksym Stepanov announced this at a briefing , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoNumber of new daily COVID-19 cases sharply down as of Dec 28 '' Many people ask whether we plan to postpone or cancel the quarantine , as the number of cases has been falling , '' he said .
He explains his ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases after New Year Day 's celebrations in January .
What is more , he added , a seasonal outbreak of influenza is expected .
`` So , with regard to the strict quarantine from January 8 to January 24 , we are not going to introduce any changes , '' he said .
• As many as 4,385 new COVID-19 cases were registered in Ukraine in the past 24 hours as of December 28 .
• The number of tests conducted on Sunday , December 27 , also decreased compared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were 12,225 PCR tests and 3,107 ELISA tests .

An increase in new cases is expected after New Year's Day celebrations.
The Health Ministry does not plan to cancel or postpone plans for tougher quarantine measures in Ukraine from January 8 to January 24, 2021.
Health Minister Maksym Stepanov announced this at a briefing, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoNumber of new daily COVID-19 cases sharply down as of Dec 28
Видео дня
"Many people ask whether we plan to postpone or cancel the quarantine, as the number of cases has been falling," he said.
He explains his ministry predicts a rise in the incidence of coronavirus cases after New Year Day's celebrations in January. What is more, he added, a seasonal outbreak of influenza is expected.
"So, with regard to the strict quarantine from January 8 to January 24, we are not going to introduce any changes," he said.
Coronavirus in Ukraine: Update


unian--2020-12-28--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 80.8 mln

The overall death toll is 1,765,739 people , while 45,734,947 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 80.8 million patients as of December 28 .
Read alsoMinister Kuleba says China ready to supply COVID-19 vaccine to UkraineAs many as 80,830,708 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 10:22 on December 28 , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
The overall death toll is 1,765,739 people , while 45,734,947 coronavirus patients have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was recorded in the United States ( 333,129 people ) , Brazil ( 191,139 ) , India ( 147,901 ) , Mexico ( 122,426 ) , Italy ( 71,925 ) , the United Kingdom ( 70,860 ) , and France ( 62,867 ) .
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States ( 19,136,158 confirmed cases ) , India ( 10,207,871 ) , Brazil ( 7,484,285 ) , Russia ( 3,047,335 ) , France ( 2,616,510 ) , the United Kingdom ( 2,295,228 ) , and Turkey ( 2,147,578 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been affected by the virus .

The overall death toll is 1,765,739 people, while 45,734,947 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 80.8 million patients as of December 28.
Read alsoMinister Kuleba says China ready to supply COVID-19 vaccine to UkraineAs many as 80,830,708 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 10:22 on December 28, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
The overall death toll is 1,765,739 people, while 45,734,947 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
Видео дня
The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (333,129 people), Brazil (191,139), India (147,901), Mexico (122,426), Italy (71,925), the United Kingdom (70,860), and France (62,867).
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (19,136,158 confirmed cases), India (10,207,871), Brazil (7,484,285), Russia (3,047,335), France (2,616,510), the United Kingdom (2,295,228), and Turkey (2,147,578).
As many as 191 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-12-28--Scientist says first COVID-19 wave likely to be over in Ukraine

He says the fact that Ukraine registers fewer cases is not due to a decrease in testing .
Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Serhiy Komisarenko says the first wave of the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic may be over in the country .
A decrease in the number of new confirmed cases signals this , he told the RBC Ukraine news agency in an interview .
Read alsoNumber of new daily COVID-19 cases sharply down as of Dec 28 According to him , the fact that Ukraine registers fewer cases is not due to a decrease in testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a rule , testing is done when people with signs of the disease or after possible contact with infected people wait for a diagnosis .
If there were fewer positive results , therefore fewer people sought diagnoses and , possibly , fewer people were infected , '' Komisarenko said .
According to him , the decrease in infections occurred in different countries in different ways .
`` There is a probability that we actually have fewer people now being infected with this coronavirus , and it is possible that the first wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be good if the second wave did not start at all or began much later , '' he added .
• As many as 4,385 new COVID-19 cases were registered in Ukraine in the past 24 hours as of December 28 .
• The number of tests conducted on Sunday , December 27 , also decreased compared to previous weeks .
In particular , there were 12,225 PCR tests and 3,107 ELISA tests .

He says the fact that Ukraine registers fewer cases is not due to a decrease in testing.
Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Serhiy Komisarenko says the first wave of the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic may be over in the country.
A decrease in the number of new confirmed cases signals this, he told the RBC Ukraine news agency in an interview.
Read alsoNumber of new daily COVID-19 cases sharply down as of Dec 28
Видео дня
According to him, the fact that Ukraine registers fewer cases is not due to a decrease in testing, but on the contrary.
"As a rule, testing is done when people with signs of the disease or after possible contact with infected people wait for a diagnosis. If there were fewer positive results, therefore fewer people sought diagnoses and, possibly, fewer people were infected," Komisarenko said.
According to him, the decrease in infections occurred in different countries in different ways.
"There is a probability that we actually have fewer people now being infected with this coronavirus, and it is possible that the first wave is coming to an end. And it would be good if the second wave did not start at all or began much later," he added.
Coronavirus in Ukraine: Update


unian--2020-12-28--Number of new daily COVID-19 cases sharply down as of Dec 28

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 1,030,374 .
Ukraine reported a sharp decrease in the number of new active COVID-19 cases that had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 28 , 2020 , that is 4,385 against 6,113 registered a day earlier .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 1,030,374 as of December 28 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
Read alsoHealth official says over 70 % of beds in hospitals have oxygen supplyAs many as 665,729 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have recovered .
The death toll has hit 17,849 with 75 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours .
The government reported 346,796 active cases as of December 28 .
In total , there have been 1,127,649 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
`` In the past day , 4,385 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 196 children and 141 healthcare workers .
Some 1,588 new patients were hospitalized , '' Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Monday .
In total , 15,332 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past day .
In particular , there were 12,225 PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) tests run , as well as 3,107 ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) tests .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv ( 851 ) , Zaporizhia region ( 472 ) , Mykolaiv region region ( 347 ) , Dnipropetrovsk region ( 303 ) , and Kyiv region ( 809 ) .
The overall incidence per region is as follows : • 108,055 cases in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
• Minister Kuleba says China ready to supply COVID-19 vaccine to Ukraine • COVID-19 : In easing , Cabinet allows cafes , restaurants to work throughout New Year 's night

The total number of confirmed cases has reached 1,030,374.
Ukraine reported a sharp decrease in the number of new active COVID-19 cases that had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 28, 2020, that is 4,385 against 6,113 registered a day earlier.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 1,030,374 as of December 28, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
Read alsoHealth official says over 70% of beds in hospitals have oxygen supplyAs many as 665,729 patients, including 7,191 in the past day, have recovered.
Видео дня
The death toll has hit 17,849 with 75 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours.
The government reported 346,796 active cases as of December 28. In total, there have been 1,127,649 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
"In the past day, 4,385 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 196 children and 141 healthcare workers. Some 1,588 new patients were hospitalized," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Monday.
In total, 15,332 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 12,225 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests run, as well as 3,107 ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv (851), Zaporizhia region (472), Mykolaiv region region (347), Dnipropetrovsk region (303), and Kyiv region (809).
The overall incidence per region is as follows:
108,055 cases in the city of Kyiv;
69,134 in Odesa region;
67,991 in Kharkiv region;
60,005 in Lviv region;
57,614 in Kyiv region;
57,196 in Dnipropetrovsk region;
52,175 in Zaporizhia region;
42,894 in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
40,332 in Rivne region;
40,129 in Sumy region;
39,515 in Chernivtsi region;
38,545 in Zhytomyr region;
38,408 in Khmelnytsky region;
37,856 in Cherkasy region;
35,188 in Donetsk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
34,843 in Poltava region;
33,540 in Ternopil region;
32,537 in Volyn region;
29,878 in Mykolaiv region;
29,212 in Chernihiv region;
27,879 in Zakarpattia region;
22,008 in Vinnytsia region;
17,193 in Kherson region;
10,013 in Luhansk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts); and
8,234 in Kirovohrad region.
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-12-28--Donbas warzone update: Six attacks, drone flight, one injured soldier on Dec 27

All the seven violations were registered in the Skhid ( East ) zone .
Russia-led forces continue violating the ceasefire in Donbas , Ukraine 's east ; in particular , they mounted six attacks on Ukrainian positions on December 27 .
`` During the past 24 hours , on December 27 , six attacks and one UAV flight were recorded in the Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) zone , '' the press center of the JFO Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on December 28 .
All the seven violations were registered in the Skhid ( East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops used mortars and grenade launchers near the village of Vodiane .
As a result of that attack , a Ukrainian soldier was injured , he was rushed to hospital .
Also , the enemy fired a mortar and rifles near the village of Lebedynske and the town of Maryinka , while easel and hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers were used near the town of Avdiyivka .
There was an attempt to use a drone to adjust the fire , but it was jammed .
`` Ukrainian defenders opened fire in response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occupation forces , '' the JFO HQ said .
From 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on Monday , December28 , one violation with the use of a grenade launcher near Avdiyivka was recorded .

All the seven violations were registered in the Skhid (East) zone.
Russia-led forces continue violating the ceasefire in Donbas, Ukraine's east; in particular, they mounted six attacks on Ukrainian positions on December 27.
"During the past 24 hours, on December 27, six attacks and one UAV flight were recorded in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone," the press center of the JFO Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on December 28.
Read alsoRussia-led forces' 120mm mortar shell hits private yard in Vodiane, Donbas (Photo, video)
Видео дня
All the seven violations were registered in the Skhid (East) zone, it said.
Enemy troops used mortars and grenade launchers near the village of Vodiane. As a result of that attack, a Ukrainian soldier was injured, he was rushed to hospital.
Also, the enemy fired a mortar and rifles near the village of Lebedynske and the town of Maryinka, while easel and hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers were used near the town of Avdiyivka. There was an attempt to use a drone to adjust the fire, but it was jammed.
"Ukrainian defenders opened fire in response to the violation of the ceasefire by the Russian occupation forces," the JFO HQ said.
From 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on Monday, December28, one violation with the use of a grenade launcher near Avdiyivka was recorded.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-12-28--Hryvnia strengthens to U.S. dollar on Dec 28

The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 34.56 per euro .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) has set the official forex rate for December 28 at UAH 28.35 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by 11 kopiykas .
Read alsoAccounting Chamber estimates Ukrainians ' costs of servicing state debtsThe official forex rate against the euro for Monday is fixed at UAH 34.56 per euro – the hryvnia gained six kopiykas in value since Thursday , according to the NBU website .
The central bank has fixed the following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key foreign currencies for December 28 : US $ 100 will be quoted at UAH 2,835.47 ( UAH 2,845.51 as of December 24 ) ; EUR 100 will be quoted at UAH 3,456.01 ( UAH 3,461.56 as of December 24 ) .
By 16:00 Kyiv time on December 24 , hryvnia quotations against the dollar on the interbank forex market settled at UAH 28.38/28.40 to the dollar , while those against the euro were at UAH 34.59/34.61 .
The National Bank set the official forex rate for December 24 at UAH 28.46 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country 's national currency by 21 kopiykas .

Hryvnia strengthens to U.S. dollar on Dec 28
09:35, 28.12.20 20169
The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 34.56 per euro.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-28--Russia's fishing trawler sinks in Barents Sea, 17 feared dead

Ice accumulation on the vessel is seen as the cause behind its sinking .
Russia 's Onega fishing trawler sank in the northern Barents Sea off the coast of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago , Arkhangelsk region , the Russian Federation .
This was reported by the Izvestia online newspaper with reference to the information provided by the Russian Emergencies Ministry in Murmansk region on December 28 .
According to preliminary data , ice accumulation on the vessel had led to its sinking .
At the moment of the incident , 19 people were on board , yet only two have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ searching for other survivors .
Three more rescue vessels have been sent to the area of the incident .
Details of the incident are being established .
According to Russia 's news agency Interfax , the rescued fishermen claim that at least one of their co-workers had died .
`` One crew member , according to the rescued , died , the body was washed into the sea .
They lost sight of the rest during the sinking of the ship , '' an informed source told the news outlet .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage to use rescue equipment .
The incident happened quickly .
`` The disaster happened during a strong storm , when the crew members were lifting the net with the catch .
Everyone was in wetsuits , but no one had time to use the equipment .
The people were literally washed over the deck into the sea , '' the source said .

Ice accumulation on the vessel is seen as the cause behind its sinking.
Russia's Onega fishing trawler sank in the northern Barents Sea off the coast of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, Arkhangelsk region, the Russian Federation.
This was reported by the Izvestia online newspaper with reference to the information provided by the Russian Emergencies Ministry in Murmansk region on December 28.
Read alsoUkrainian courts rule to seize over 100 planes, 50 ships illegally entering Russia-occupied Crimea (Video)
Видео дня
According to preliminary data, ice accumulation on the vessel had led to its sinking.
At the moment of the incident, 19 people were on board, yet only two have been rescued.
The Voykovo vessel is searching for other survivors. Three more rescue vessels have been sent to the area of the incident.
Details of the incident are being established.
According to Russia's news agency Interfax, the rescued fishermen claim that at least one of their co-workers had died. "One crew member, according to the rescued, died, the body was washed into the sea. They lost sight of the rest during the sinking of the ship," an informed source told the news outlet.
According to the source, the crew did not manage to use rescue equipment. The incident happened quickly. "The disaster happened during a strong storm, when the crew members were lifting the net with the catch. Everyone was in wetsuits, but no one had time to use the equipment. The people were literally washed over the deck into the sea," the source said.


unian--2020-12-28--Grain exports down by 15% as of Dec 28

Grain exports down by 15% as of Dec 28

In particular , about 12.5 million tonnes of wheat was exported .
Ukrainian agrarians exported over 25 million tonnes of grain in the new marketing year ( MY , July 2020 - June 2021 ) as of December 28 , 2020 , which was 15 % down from December 28 , 2019 .
In particular , about 12.5 million tonnes of wheat was exported .
Exports of barley totaled nearly 4 million tonnes , and those of corn stood at over 8.5 million tonnes , the TV news service TSN.ua reported with reference to the State Fiscal Service .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trade and Agriculture and traders agreed that wheat exports should not exceed 17.5 million tonnes in MY 2020-2021 , while those of rye 16,000 tonnes .
• Ukraine in MY 2019-2020 exported record high 57.2 million tonnes of grain and legumes , as well as flour onto foreign markets .
• Ukrainian agrarians exported 24.75 million tonnes of grain in MY 2020-2021 as of December 23 , 2020 , which was 4.7 million tonnes , or 16 % , down from December 23 , 2019 .
• The Ministry for Development of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant associations agreed not to impose restrictions on grain exports at a meeting held on December 22 , 2020 .

Grain exports down by 15% as of Dec 28
23:50, 28.12.20 2070
In particular, about 12.5 million tonnes of wheat was exported.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-28--Row in Zakarpattia: Court rules to arrest property of Party of Hungarians' leader

Row in Zakarpattia : Court rules to arrest property of Party of Hungarians ' leader The ruling was made due to the fact that the corresponding property is material evidence in criminal proceedings .
Zakarpattia 's Court of Appeals has ruled to arrest the property seized during a search in the home of leader of the Party of Hungarians of Ukraine ( KMKSZ ) Vasyl Brenzovych .
The ruling was made due to the fact that the corresponding property is material evidence in criminal proceedings , as reported by the court 's press service .
Ukraine not determined to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – MFA Latest row between Ukraine and Hungary • On November 30 , the SBU conducted a number of raids in Zakarpattia region , targeting , among others , leader of the Party of Hungarians of Ukraine Vasyl Brenzovych .
• Detectives investigate allegedly bogus contracts concluded by Hungarian charitable foundations .
According to security officials , some of the investigated actions could have been to the detriment of Ukraine 's national security , including state sovereignty .
• Earlier , observers from NGO Civil Network OPORA reported that Hungarian officials had campaigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party of Hungarians of Ukraine ) while visiting Zakarpattia region during local elections .
• Subsequently , Ukraine put two Hungarian officials on the stoplist .
• Commissioner of the Government of Hungary for Cooperation between Hungary 's Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg County and Zakarpattia region , Mr. Istvan Grezsa on November 24 was refused entry into Ukraine due to the existing ban .
• Following SBU searches on November 30 , Hungarian authorities summoned the Ukrainian ambassador in Budapest , while Szijjarto referred to the raids as an `` incomprehensible political swing in relation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hungary tried to block Ukraine 's advance toward stronger cooperation with NATO over the contested issues around the language clause of the law on education .
If you see a spelling error on our site , select it and press Ctrl+Enter

The ruling was made due to the fact that the corresponding property is material evidence in criminal proceedings.
Zakarpattia's Court of Appeals has ruled to arrest the property seized during a search in the home of leader of the Party of Hungarians of Ukraine (KMKSZ) Vasyl Brenzovych.
The ruling was made due to the fact that the corresponding property is material evidence in criminal proceedings, as reported by the court's press service.
Read also Ukraine not determined to "get into political war" with Hungary – MFA Latest row between Ukraine and Hungary


unian--2020-12-28--Cabinet takes step toward creating new Agrarian Policy Ministry

On December 17 , the Verkhovna Rada supported the appointment of Roman Leshchenko as Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine .
The Cabinet of Ministers , Ukraine 's government , at today 's meeting canceled the decision according to which the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food had merged with the Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture .
`` The draft resolution proposes to cancel the decision to reorganize the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine by joining the Ministry for Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture .
In fact , this gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agrarian Policy Ministry , '' said Economy Minister Ihor Petrashko .
• In late August 2019 , the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food was merged with the Ministry for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture into one structure .
• On March 6 , Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the intention of the newly elected Cabinet of Ministers to create a separate Agrarian Policy Ministry , as well as a separate position for a member of the government .
• On December 17 , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of to the State Service of Ukraine for Geodesy , Cartography and Cadastre Roman Leshchenko as Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine .

Cabinet takes step toward creating new Agrarian Policy Ministry
22:15, 28.12.20 1531
On December 17, the Verkhovna Rada supported the appointment of Roman Leshchenko as Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-28--Cabinet cancels reduced electricity tariff for households from Jan 1

The relevant decision was made at a meeting on Monday .
The Cabinet of Ministers , Ukraine 's government , has canceled the reduced electricity tariff for households from January 1 , 2021 .
The relevant decision was made at a meeting on Monday , an UNIAN correspondent reported .
`` From January , the draft resolution provides for the extension of the PSOs ( public service obligations on the electricity market ) until March 31 , 2021 , the establishment of a fixed price for households at UAH 1.68 ( US $ 0.06 ) per 1 kWh from January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Acting Energy Minister Yuriy Vitrenko .
According to the official , if the government does not pass today 's resolution , the electricity tariff will grow by over 60 % since it becomes market .
In Ukraine , the price of electricity for households has remained unchanged since 2017 , amounting to UAH 0.90 ( US $ 0.03 ) per 1 kWh with a consumption of up to 100 kWh , and UAH 1.68 ( US $ 0.06 ) per kWh over 100 kWh .
At the same time , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on market mechanisms and range from UAH 2.5 ( US $ 0.09 ) to UAH 4 ( US $ 0.14 ) per kWh .
• On June 19 , 2020 , the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission ( NEURC ) proposed that the National Power Company ( NPC ) Ukrenergo 's tariffs be increased by four times from August .
• On June 26 , 2020 , the NEURC tentatively approved a doubling of Ukrenergo 's tariffs .
• On August 26 , 2020 , the European Commission released a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are one third higher than in Europe .
• On December 18 , 2020 , Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said he did not agree with the fact that electricity tariffs for Ukrainian industrial consumers were among the highest in Europe .
In his opinion , on the contrary , they are among the lowest .

Cabinet cancels reduced electricity tariff for households from Jan 1
21:10, 28.12.20 167058
The relevant decision was made at a meeting on Monday.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-28--NBU sells over US$43 mln on Dec 21-24 to support hryvnia

The NBU had not been purchasing foreign currency over the period under review .
The National Bank of Ukraine on @ @ @ @ @ 43.1 million on the interbank foreign exchange market to smooth out excessive rate fluctuations .
@ @ @ @ @ purchasing foreign currency over the period under review , the regulator said on its website @ @ @ @ @ remain at UAH 28.20 by late Dec – analystAt the same time , the volume @ @ @ @ @ the National Bank has exceeded the volume of its sale by US $ 1.084 billion @ @ @ @ @ year .
• The National Bank of Ukraine set the official forex rate for December @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by 11 kopiykas @

NBU sells over US$43 mln on Dec 21-24 to support hryvnia
20:05, 28.12.20 976
The NBU had not been purchasing foreign currency over the period under review.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-28--Four political parties would enter Rada if elections held soon – poll

Another two parties could have also overcome the 5 % threshold .
If the elections to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine had been held in the near future , four political forces would have made it to parliament , overcoming the 5 % threshold .
These are the Opposition Platform - For Life Party , the Servant of the People Party , the European Solidarity Party , as well as the Batkivshchyna Party , Director General of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology ( KIIS ) Volodymyr Paniotto said at a briefing on Monday , commenting on the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KIIS and the Democratic Initiatives Foundation named after Ilko Kucheriv , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoZelensky tops rating of trust in politicians in Ukraine – pollAnother two parties , namely Za Maibutnie ( For the Future ) and Syla i Chest ( Strength and Honor ) , could have also overcome the 5 % threshold .
• The Democratic Initiatives Foundation named after Ilko Kucheriv conducted a poll on December 5-13 through personal formalized ( face-to-face ) interviews , while KIIS conducted a survey on December 4-8 through computer-assisted telephone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selection of cell numbers .
• The margin of error in both surveys does not exceed 3.3 % .

Another two parties could have also overcome the 5% threshold.
If the elections to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine had been held in the near future, four political forces would have made it to parliament, overcoming the 5% threshold.
These are the Opposition Platform - For Life Party, the Servant of the People Party, the European Solidarity Party, as well as the Batkivshchyna Party, Director General of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) Volodymyr Paniotto said at a briefing on Monday, commenting on the results of two previous surveys conducted in December by KIIS and the Democratic Initiatives Foundation named after Ilko Kucheriv, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoZelensky tops rating of trust in politicians in Ukraine – pollAnother two parties, namely Za Maibutnie (For the Future) and Syla i Chest (Strength and Honor), could have also overcome the 5% threshold.
Видео дня
About the surveys


unian--2020-12-28--Ukraine's budget deficit triples to US$4.2 bln in Jan-Nov

The country 's consolidated budget over the period under review also saw a US $ 3.3 billion deficit .
The deficit of Ukraine 's national budget in January-November 2020 was estimated at UAH 119.97 billion , or US $ 4.2 billion , against UAH 34.86 billion ( US $ 1.23 billion ) in deficit reported year-over-year ( y-o-y ) , before the coronavirus-related crisis .
The deficit of the country 's consolidated budget over the period under review was UAH 94.7 billion ( US $ 3.3 billion ) against UAH 6.9 billion ( US $ 243.4 million ) in deficit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service .
• In April , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , passed amendments to the 2020 national budget necessary to combat COVID-19 , which suggested a threefold increase in the budget deficit , to UAH 298 billion ( US $ 10.5 billion ) .
• After the amendments , budget revenue amounted to UAH 975.8 billion ( US $ 34.4 billion ) , expenditures were UAH 1.266 trillion ( US $ 44.7 billion ) , the deficit was capped at UAH 298.4 billion ( US $ 10.5 billion ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAH 2.387 trillion ( US $ 84.2 billion ) .
• Some UAH 64.7 billion ( US $ 2.3 billion ) was earmarked for the COVID-19 Relief Fund .
If you see a spelling error on our site , select it and press Ctrl+Enter

Ukraine's budget deficit triples to US$4.2 bln in Jan-Nov
18:30, 28.12.20 814
The country's consolidated budget over the period under review also saw a US$3.3 billion deficit.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-28--Ukraine reports three new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Dec 28

Some 307 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by three as of the morning of December 28 .
`` As of 10:00 Kyiv time on December 28 , some 2,288 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus .
In total , 11,335 people have recovered and 37 have died during the pandemic , '' the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered in the past 24 hours . ''
Read alsoUkraine 's government not to give up January lockdown plansOf those newly-infected , one person has been hospitalized , while another two are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under doctors ' supervision .
Currently , their state of health is satisfactory .
Some 307 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 22 people .
• Ukraine reported a sharp decrease in the number of new active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country in the past 24 hours as of December 28 , 2020 , that is 4,385 against 6,113 registered a day earlier .
• The total number of confirmed cases grew to 1,030,374 .

Some 307 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation).
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by three as of the morning of December 28.
"As of 10:00 Kyiv time on December 28, some 2,288 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In total, 11,335 people have recovered and 37 have died during the pandemic," the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on Monday. "Three new COVID-19 cases were registered in the past 24 hours."
Read alsoUkraine's government not to give up January lockdown plansOf those newly-infected, one person has been hospitalized, while another two are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under doctors' supervision. Currently, their state of health is satisfactory.
Видео дня
Some 307 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation). The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 22 people.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments


unian--2020-12-29--U.S. House votes to override Trump's veto of crucial defense bill with Nord Stream 2 sanctions – med

U.S. House votes to override Trump's veto of crucial defense bill with Nord Stream 2 sanctions – media

The Democrat-controlled chamber voted 322-87 to override the veto of the bill .
The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to override President Donald Trump 's veto on a defense policy bill that would provide , among other things , financial aid to Ukraine and sanctions on companies involved in the construction of Russia 's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .
Read alsoTrump vetoes Defense Authorization Act for 2021 with US $ 250 mln in aid for Ukraine 's army '' The Democrat-controlled chamber voted 322-87 to override the veto of the bill , known as the National Defense Authorization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defines the policy for the U.S. Department of Defense and has passed every year in the last five decades , '' Deutsche Welle ( DW ) reported on December 29 .
The Senate is expected to vote on Tuesday as the veto will need to be overridden by both chambers of Congress .
Trump , as promised , blocked the bill last week .
He said it did not repeal Section 230 , a federal law that provides liability protection to internet companies , which he claims were biased against him during his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed the bill over a plan that would strip several U.S. military bases of the names of generals who fought for the secessionist , pro-slavery states in the 1861-65 U.S. civil war .
The defense bill for 2021 provides for military assistance to Ukraine worth US $ 250 million .
It also tightens sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 or TurkSteam construction projects .
• The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction and operation of two gas pipeline branches with a total throughput capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
It should connect Russia 's Ust-Lug and Germany 's Greifswald .
This new pipeline bypassing Ukraine is to be built next to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline .
• The construction of the pipeline was expected to be completed before the end of 2019 .
• The pipeline will be 1,220 km long .
The project is being implemented by Russia 's Gazprom in alliance with European companies – ENGIE , OMV , Royal Dutch Shell , Uniper , and Wintershall .
Ukraine stands against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will most likely lose its status of a gas transit country , while its potential revenue losses are estimated at US $ 3 billion annually .
The project is also highly criticized by the U.S. , Poland , and the Baltic States .
• According to media reports , U.S. President-elect Joe Biden intends to do his best to prevent the construction of Nord Stream 2 .
• On November 4 , 2020 , the media reported that Congress wants to expand sanctions against Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream .
• On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Heiko Maas said he doubted that the U.S. position on Nord Stream 2 would change after Joe Biden 's inauguration .
• On December 6 , 2020 , United States Charge d'Affaires to Germany Robin Quinville called on the EU and Germany to declare a moratorium on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .
• On December 9 , 2020 , the U.S. House of Representatives approved the 2021 NDAA with expanded restrictions against the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .

The Democrat-controlled chamber voted 322-87 to override the veto of the bill.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to override President Donald Trump's veto on a defense policy bill that would provide, among other things, financial aid to Ukraine and sanctions on companies involved in the construction of Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
Read alsoTrump vetoes Defense Authorization Act for 2021 with US$250 mln in aid for Ukraine's army"The Democrat-controlled chamber voted 322-87 to override the veto of the bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA defines the policy for the U.S. Department of Defense and has passed every year in the last five decades," Deutsche Welle (DW) reported on December 29.
The Senate is expected to vote on Tuesday as the veto will need to be overridden by both chambers of Congress.
Видео дня
Trump, as promised, blocked the bill last week.
He said it did not repeal Section 230, a federal law that provides liability protection to internet companies, which he claims were biased against him during his failed reelection bid.
The president also opposed the bill over a plan that would strip several U.S. military bases of the names of generals who fought for the secessionist, pro-slavery states in the 1861-65 U.S. civil war.
The defense bill for 2021 provides for military assistance to Ukraine worth US$250 million. It also tightens sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 or TurkSteam construction projects.
Nord Stream 2: Background


unian--2020-12-29--Russia's FSB digging up dirt on Ukraine's intelligence chief

A phone conversation between two representatives of Russia 's FSB was intercepted in December .
The Main Intelligence Directorate ( GUR ) of Ukraine 's Defense Ministry has intercepted a phone conversation between defectors , former officers of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine , who were discussing a possible act of information warfare against Ukraine .
In December , a GUR unit intercepted a phone call between two representatives of Russia 's FSB Federal Security Service based in the Russia-occupied cities of Simferopol ( Crimea ) and Donetsk ( Ukraine 's east ) during which they discussed the collection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence agency of Ukraine 's Defense Ministry and its transfer to Russia 's FSB department dealing with special and sabotage operations , the GUR 's press service said .
The conversation features the FSB 's efforts to dig up dirt on GUR Chief Kyrylo Budanov .
Read alsoKremlin prisoner Shumkov returns to Ukraine – OmbudspersonThe participants are former officers of the Crimean SBU 's Directorate who have sworn in and joined Russia 's FSB .
One of them is Oleksandr Mykolaiovych Sklianko , born in 1973 , the former head of the counterintelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the field of information security of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea .
The other is Mykola Serhiyovych Chernykh , born in 1978 , the former deputy head of the counterintelligence department for the protection of state interests in the field of information security of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea .
The latter , according to the GUR , at one time made a `` special contribution '' to documenting and suppressing `` cyber crimes . ''
`` Unfortunately , Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former officers of Ukrainian special services .
Military intelligence once again reminds them , as well as all Russian war criminals that the punishment for their crimes is inevitable , '' the GUR said .
The wiretap records ( in Russian ) are available here .
• On August 5 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Budanov , 34 , chief of the country 's military intelligence .
He replaced Vasyl Burba , who had been in office since 2016 .
• Since 2014 , Budanov has participated in the Russian-Ukrainian war in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 6-7 , 2016 , he conducted a special operation in the town of Armyansk in Russia-occupied Crimea .
• He survived an attempt on his life in April 2019 , when a bomb planted in his Chevrolet Evanda car detonated prematurely .
• He was awarded all three Orders for Courage .

A phone conversation between two representatives of Russia's FSB was intercepted in December.
The Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine's Defense Ministry has intercepted a phone conversation between defectors, former officers of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine, who were discussing a possible act of information warfare against Ukraine.
In December, a GUR unit intercepted a phone call between two representatives of Russia's FSB Federal Security Service based in the Russia-occupied cities of Simferopol (Crimea) and Donetsk (Ukraine's east) during which they discussed the collection of information about the chief of the intelligence agency of Ukraine's Defense Ministry and its transfer to Russia's FSB department dealing with special and sabotage operations, the GUR's press service said.
The conversation features the FSB's efforts to dig up dirt on GUR Chief Kyrylo Budanov.
Видео дня
Read alsoKremlin prisoner Shumkov returns to Ukraine – OmbudspersonThe participants are former officers of the Crimean SBU's Directorate who have sworn in and joined Russia's FSB. One of them is Oleksandr Mykolaiovych Sklianko, born in 1973, the former head of the counterintelligence department for the protection of state interests in the field of information security of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The other is Mykola Serhiyovych Chernykh, born in 1978, the former deputy head of the counterintelligence department for the protection of state interests in the field of information security of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The latter, according to the GUR, at one time made a "special contribution" to documenting and suppressing "cyber crimes."
"Unfortunately, Ukraine has many examples of defection committed by former officers of Ukrainian special services. Military intelligence once again reminds them, as well as all Russian war criminals that the punishment for their crimes is inevitable," the GUR said.
The wiretap records (in Russian) are available here.
Kyrylo Budanov's short biography


unian--2020-12-29--State defense order fulfilled by 99.5% as of Dec 26 – Minister Taran

The state defense order must be used as a tool for the armed forces ' strategic development .
Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran says the ministry has fulfilled this year 's state defense order by 99.5 % as of December 26 , 2020 .
In particular , out of UAH 22.005 billion , or US $ .775.6 million , earmarked to this end , UAH 21.898 billion , or US $ 771.9 million , in state contracts were concluded , the ministry 's press service said on its website on December 28 .
Read alsoUkroboronprom transfers repaired MiG-29 jet fighter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new and upgraded weapons , military equipment and special-purpose products supplied to the troops also increased over the period under review .
In addition , despite the COVID-19-related restriction in operation of the defense industry , the ministry managed to ensure supplies of weapons and military equipment at the level of 2019 , while in terms of certain indicators ( supply of ammunition , armored vehicles , and digital communications ) even exceed the figures reported last year .
In total , 10,500 units of military equipment and 3.2 million pieces of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The production and supply of weapons and military equipment worth UAH 6.5 billion ( US $ 229.1 million ) were financed in advance .
`` The main resources next year should be planned for procurements of new weapons , rather than for repairs of obsolete models .
The vicious practice when the state defense order and procurement are used only as a way to meet the Ukrainian Armed Forces ' current needs should be changed .
[ We ] must create conditions and use the state defense order as a tool for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , '' the minister stressed .
To this end , approaches to the distribution and use of funds for the procurement of new ( upgraded ) types of weapons and military equipment will be revised .
`` The relevant departments of the Defense Ministry are also tasked to implement the provisions of the law of Ukraine on defense procurement within the shortest time possible .
In 2021 , we must switch to new procedures for the procurement of goods , works and services for defense purposes .
In this regard , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the price of a prototype , which will take into account its life cycle , '' he added .
• Some UAH 25.848 billion ( US $ 911.1 million ) , which is 16 % more than in 2019 , was to be allocated for financing the state defense order in 2020 .
• On March 2 , 2020 , the then CEO of state-run Ukroboronprom Aivaras Abromavičius said that Ukraine 's state defense order in 2021 would hit a record high amount set at UAH 30 billion , or US $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) Oleksiy Danilov said Ukrainian ministries had failed to fulfill the state defense order for the current year .

State defense order fulfilled by 99.5% as of Dec 26 – Minister Taran
16:05, 29.12.20 3825
The state defense order must be used as a tool for the armed forces' strategic development.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-29--FM Kuleba sees Russia's COVID-19 vaccine as part of hybrid warfare against Ukraine

According to the minister , the vaccine issue is a classic example of hybrid possibilities .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says the Russian vaccine against COVID-19 is part of hybrid warfare against Ukraine .
`` We understand when it comes to the Russian vaccine , it is Russia 's hybrid weapon against Ukraine , '' he told the Den ( Day ) newspaper in an interview .
Read alsoUkraine to get 16 mln doses of vaccine via COVAX , official says ( Video ) According to the minister , the vaccine issue is a classic example of hybrid possibilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this issue .
There is a classic way of getting a vaccine or accessing it through the COVAX Facility .
In particular , there are opportunities to negotiate directly with certain manufacturers , as well as a hybrid opportunity to appeal to countries that have already reserved a large supply of vaccine for themselves , ask them to give a small share to us with the expectation that they will replenish their supplies .
And there is another hybrid dimension in this story – the situation around the Russian vaccine , '' Kuleba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for his vaccination against COVID-19 • Europe launches vaccination program in bid to leave pandemic behind – media

According to the minister, the vaccine issue is a classic example of hybrid possibilities.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says the Russian vaccine against COVID-19 is part of hybrid warfare against Ukraine.
"We understand when it comes to the Russian vaccine, it is Russia's hybrid weapon against Ukraine," he told the Den (Day) newspaper in an interview.
Read alsoUkraine to get 16 mln doses of vaccine via COVAX, official says (Video)According to the minister, the vaccine issue is a classic example of hybrid possibilities.
Видео дня
"There are several dimensions to this issue. There is a classic way of getting a vaccine or accessing it through the COVAX Facility. In particular, there are opportunities to negotiate directly with certain manufacturers, as well as a hybrid opportunity to appeal to countries that have already reserved a large supply of vaccine for themselves, ask them to give a small share to us with the expectation that they will replenish their supplies. And there is another hybrid dimension in this story – the situation around the Russian vaccine," Kuleba said.
More news reports


unian--2020-12-29--Situation with COVID-19 may improve in summer, expert says

The acute phase of the pandemic will last until the end of 2021 .
Chairperson of the National Technical Group on Immunization Fedir Lapiy has said the situation with COVID-19 may improve in the summer of 2021 .
`` We may expect an improvement in the situation with COVID-19 in summer .
We saw this in the summer of 2020 .
But , according to WHO forecasts , the acute phase of the pandemic will last until the end of 2021 .
But this does not mean that quarantine curbs will not be eased and life will not get back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told Ukraine 24 TV channel .
Read alsoUkraine to get 16 mln doses of vaccine via COVAX , official says ( Video ) Lapiy also shared an opinion about when COVID-19 could be called a seasonal infection .
`` Immunity will be formed by part of the world 's population via the disease , but herd immunity is a very distant thing .
Part of the population will be vaccinated and thus receive immunity .
That is , when we say that COVID-19 will become a seasonal infection , another year must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the acute phase of the pandemic until the end of 2021 , '' the expert added .
• Ukraine said 6,988 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 29 , 2020 , • The total number of confirmed cases grew to 1,037,362 .

The acute phase of the pandemic will last until the end of 2021.
Chairperson of the National Technical Group on Immunization Fedir Lapiy has said the situation with COVID-19 may improve in the summer of 2021.
"We may expect an improvement in the situation with COVID-19 in summer. We saw this in the summer of 2020. But, according to WHO forecasts, the acute phase of the pandemic will last until the end of 2021. But this does not mean that quarantine curbs will not be eased and life will not get back into its more regular rhythm," he told Ukraine 24 TV channel.
Read alsoUkraine to get 16 mln doses of vaccine via COVAX, official says (Video)Lapiy also shared an opinion about when COVID-19 could be called a seasonal infection.
Видео дня
"Immunity will be formed by part of the world's population via the disease, but herd immunity is a very distant thing. Part of the population will be vaccinated and thus receive immunity. That is, when we say that COVID-19 will become a seasonal infection, another year must pass, i.e. we are talking about the acute phase of the pandemic until the end of 2021," the expert added.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest developments


unian--2020-12-29--Ukraine to get 16 mln doses of vaccine via COVAX, official says

Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleh Nemchynov says Ukraine will get 16 million doses of a vaccine as part of COVAX , the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility .
`` Not 8 million [ as reported earlier ] , but 16 million doses of the vaccine ...
Eight million is the number of doses that need to be injected twice for 4 million citizens .
Accordingly , 16 million will be for 8 million citizens .
This is what Ukraine will get under COVAX , '' he told the Dom TV channel .
Read alsoMinister Kuleba says China ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reiterated Ukraine had already approved a roadmap for mass vaccination against COVID-19 .
The main thing now is to vaccinate those groups of people who are identified as priority ones .
`` After we move on to the planned procurement of the vaccine , which has already been certified in the U.S. , Canada , Great Britain , and the EU , we will be able to enable people who are not on the priority list to get vaccinated on their own , '' Nemchynov added .
• On November 18 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) confirmed the reports on plans to provide Ukraine with a free vaccine against the coronavirus disease .
In particular , about 4 million Ukrainian nationals will be able to get vaccinated in the first half of 2021 .
Later it became known that proper vaccination includes two shots at a price of US $ 7 each .
• On December 4 , the Verkhovna Rada allowed a fast-track procedure for the approval of clinical trials and state certification of vaccines or other immunobiological medications to be used to tackle the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Commission on Biosafety and Biological Protection under the Council of National Security and Defense , Academician Serhiy Komisarenko said mass vaccination could be launched in Ukraine no earlier than the middle of 2021 .
• On December 12 , Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister , Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko said COVAX had officially approved 8 million doses of a free COVID-19 vaccine for Ukraine .
• On December 17 , Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said Ukraine expects to get the first doses of vaccines approved by COVAX in March 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Volodymyr Zelensky enacted the bill passed by Parliament December 4 .
• On December 24 , Stepanov said that his ministry was working out a plan to increase the vaccine quota as part of the COVAX global initiative from 8 million to 16 million doses .
• On the same day , Stepanov signed a roadmap for mass vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine in 2021-2022 .

Earlier, COVAX approved 8 million doses of a free COVID-19 vaccine for Ukraine.
Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleh Nemchynov says Ukraine will get 16 million doses of a vaccine as part of COVAX, the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility.
"Not 8 million [as reported earlier], but 16 million doses of the vaccine... Eight million is the number of doses that need to be injected twice for 4 million citizens. Accordingly, 16 million will be for 8 million citizens. This is what Ukraine will get under COVAX," he told the Dom TV channel.
Read alsoMinister Kuleba says China ready to supply COVID-19 vaccine to UkraineThe minister reiterated Ukraine had already approved a roadmap for mass vaccination against COVID-19. The main thing now is to vaccinate those groups of people who are identified as priority ones.
"After we move on to the planned procurement of the vaccine, which has already been certified in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, and the EU, we will be able to enable people who are not on the priority list to get vaccinated on their own," Nemchynov added.
Vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine


unian--2020-12-29--Cabinet boosts support for agricultural sector in 2021 budget

Get a complete information picture of the day by subscribing to UNIAN ’ s news feeds .
For more information @ @ @ @

Cabinet boosts support for agricultural sector in 2021 budget
14:25, 29.12.20 1345
About 9,000 enterprises of the agro-industrial complex are expected to receive aid in 2021.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-29--Ukraine's government amends airport development program – infrastructure minister

Ukraine's government amends airport development program – infrastructure minister
14:00, 29.12.20 2245
The ministry will continue upgrading regional airports in 2021.
Помогите проекту
Support us