unian--2020-09-24--"Inauguration" does not legitimize Lukashenko as Belarus president – Kuleba

At the same time , the foreign minister says Ukraine has never interfered in internal affairs of the neighboring state .
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba says Ukraine does not recognize Alexandr Lukashenko a legitimate head of Belarus following the latter 's inauguration .
`` Taking into account the election campaign & what followed , today 's 'inauguration ' of [ Aleksandr ] Lukashenko does not mean his recognition as a legitimate head of Belarusian state , '' Kuleba tweeted on Wednesday , September 23 .
The top diplomat adds that `` Ukraine has never interfered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the Belarusian people . ''
The statement comes following what appears to be a behind-the-doors inauguration of Alexander Lukashenko held in Minsk earlier today with no public attendance or international guests invited .
The secret ceremony was widely ridiculed in Belarus and many took to the streets to express discontent before law enforcers cracked down on protesters .
Earlier , the European Union and a number of western powers said they did not recognize Lukashenko a legitimate president of Belarus amid allegations of a rigged vote count in the presidential election held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed `` foreign interference '' in the election and external efforts to foment the protests .
He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin who had promised him comprehensive assistance upon request .
• On August 27 , Putin suggested sending Russian security forces to suppress protests in Belarus .
• The European Union declared non-recognition of the Belarus election results and reached an agreement to impose sanctions against Belarusian officials in response to vote rigging and the use of violence against protesters .
• On September 15 , the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers said the presidential elections in that country were unfair .
They condemned repression against protesters and vowed support for sanctions to be introduced by the European Union against Belarusian officials .
• On September 14 , Putin received Lukashenko in Russia 's Sochi .
During the meeting , Putin promised to lend US $ 1.5 billion to Belarus .
After the meeting , the Kremlin announced they would recognize Lukashenko as the only legitimate president of Belarus .

At the same time, the foreign minister says Ukraine has never interfered in internal affairs of the neighboring state.
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba says Ukraine does not recognize Alexandr Lukashenko a legitimate head of Belarus following the latter's inauguration.
"Taking into account the election campaign & what followed, today's 'inauguration' of [Aleksandr] Lukashenko does not mean his recognition as a legitimate head of Belarusian state," Kuleba tweeted on Wednesday, September 23.
The top diplomat adds that "Ukraine has never interfered in internal affairs of Belarus & will always support the Belarusian people."
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The statement comes following what appears to be a behind-the-doors inauguration of Alexander Lukashenko held in Minsk earlier today with no public attendance or international guests invited.
Ukraine has never interfered in internal affairs of Belarus & will always support the Belarusian people. Taking into account the election campaign & what followed, today’s “inauguration” of Lukashenko does not mean his recognition as a legitimate head of Belarusian state. — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) September 23, 2020
The secret ceremony was widely ridiculed in Belarus and many took to the streets to express discontent before law enforcers cracked down on protesters.
Earlier, the European Union and a number of western powers said they did not recognize Lukashenko a legitimate president of Belarus amid allegations of a rigged vote count in the presidential election held August 9.
Belarus election: Reactions


unian--2020-09-23--Bulgaria expelling two Russian diplomats on espionage charges

This is the third such incident over the past 12 months .
Bulgaria 's Chief Prosecutor Ivan Geshev has notified the foreign minister of evidence gathered regarding espionage efforts by `` two foreign nationals enjoying diplomatic immunity . ''
That 's according to a statement released on the agency 's website .
After receiving the relevant signals from SANS security service , the Specialized Prosecutor 's Office instituted pre-trial proceedings targeting `` foreign nationals gathering information constituting a state secret for the purpose of handing it to a foreign state or organization . ''
Read alsoRFE/RL : Bulgaria charges three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015The investigation says the two Russian spies had been operating since 2016 , seeking intelligence on the plans for modernization of the Bulgarian army and technical condition of its military hardware .
The information was then to be passed to Russia 's military intelligence in Moscow , the report says .
The two suspects developed contacts with Bulgarian citizens who had access to information related to the defense industry .
In certain cases , financial benefits have been `` promised and provided '' to Bulgarian citizens for such clandestine cooperation .
The suspects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities to prosecute them so the two spies were declared personae non-gratae and told to leave country within 72 hours , Reuters reported citing the foreign ministry .
• In January 2020 , two Russian spies operating under diplomatic cover were expelled from Bulgaria : the first secretary of the consular department and an employee of the trade mission .
According to the Bulgarian authorities , the Russians had been gathering intelligence on the mechanisms of the electoral process , as well as data on the energy sector .
• In October 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian embassy , suspected of espionage .

This is the third such incident over the past 12 months.
Bulgaria's Chief Prosecutor Ivan Geshev has notified the foreign minister of evidence gathered regarding espionage efforts by "two foreign nationals enjoying diplomatic immunity."
That's according to a statement released on the agency's website.
After receiving the relevant signals from SANS security service, the Specialized Prosecutor's Office instituted pre-trial proceedings targeting "foreign nationals gathering information constituting a state secret for the purpose of handing it to a foreign state or organization."
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Read alsoRFE/RL: Bulgaria charges three Russians in absentia over attempted murders in 2015The investigation says the two Russian spies had been operating since 2016, seeking intelligence on the plans for modernization of the Bulgarian army and technical condition of its military hardware.
The information was then to be passed to Russia's military intelligence in Moscow, the report says.
The two suspects developed contacts with Bulgarian citizens who had access to information related to the defense industry. In certain cases, financial benefits have been "promised and provided" to Bulgarian citizens for such clandestine cooperation.
"It has been established that the two Russian citizens have diplomatic status," the report reads.
The suspects' diplomatic immunity does not allow Bulgarian authorities to prosecute them so the two spies were declared personae non-gratae and told to leave country within 72 hours, Reuters reported citing the foreign ministry.
Russian spies in Bulgaria: background


unian--2020-09-23--Anticorruption bodies must remain independent – World Bank

The Bank also stressed that the issue of corruption in Ukraine remains urgent and needs to be further addressed .
Anticorruption bodies in Ukraine , as well as their leadership , must remain independent and professional , the World Bank has stressed .
That 's according to the World Bank Ukraine 's press service referring to Regional Director for Eastern Europe ( Belarus , Moldova , Ukraine ) Arup Banerjee .
Read alsoG7 ambassadors : Anti-corruption agencies ' integrity must be protected in Ukraine '' We are firmly convinced that anti-corruption institutions and their leadership must continue to remain independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to identify corruption and bring corrupt officials to justice , '' Banerjee was quoted as saying in a Facebook post delivered in Ukrainian .
He also stressed that the issue of corruption in Ukraine remains urgent and needs to be further addressed .
`` In recent years , with the support of the World Bank and other international partners , Ukraine has created a reliable anticorruption infrastructure .
But corruption still remains a significant obstacle to the development of the state , since it deprives Ukrainian citizens of the resources and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
According to the memorandum on economic and financial policies signed between Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund , Ukraine , within the framework of the new Stand-By Arrangement , has undertaken to ensure the independence of such anti-corruption bodies as the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) , the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor 's Office ( SAPO ) , and The High Anti-corruption Court ( HAC ) .

Anticorruption bodies must remain independent – World Bank
23:05, 23.09.20 503
The Bank also stressed that the issue of corruption in Ukraine remains urgent and needs to be further addressed.
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unian--2020-09-23--Crimea invaders force locals to drop Ukrainian passports– envoy to UN

Holders of Ukrainian passports in the occupied Crimea remain under constant pressure .
Russian occupation authorities in Crimea are making every effort to force local residents to get rid of their original Ukrainian passports .
Holders of Ukrainian passports are being persecuted and subjected to pressure – all to make sure they get rid of their IDs , Ukraine 's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Serhiy Kyslytsya told RFE/RL 's Crimea.Realities .
Even if locals are forces to get rid of their passports , they remain Ukrainian citizens , the senior diplomat added .
`` That the holders of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fact .
That the holders of Ukrainian passports are pressed to get rid of these passports is a fact .
But I want to say that Ukrainian citizenship is not about holding a passport .
A passport is obtained based on already being a citizen of Ukraine .
Therefore , even if the invaders force Ukrainians or Crimean Tatars to tear their Ukrainian passports , they still remain citizens of Ukraine , '' Kyslytsya said .
Read alsoOmbudsperson : Invaders trying to eradicate Ukrainian language in Donbas schoolsIn June , rights activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de-facto border with mainland Ukraine started fining Crimean residents holders of Ukrainian passports crossing in or out .
Rights violations by Russia in Crimea : other reports • Ukraine 's FM urges to step up pressure on Kremlin over militarization , human rights violations in Crimea • Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia , occupied Crimea forced to cast ballots in vote on constitutional changes • `` War crime '' : Ukraine 's official comments on military draft in occupied Crimea amid coronavirus spread

Holders of Ukrainian passports in the occupied Crimea remain under constant pressure.
Russian occupation authorities in Crimea are making every effort to force local residents to get rid of their original Ukrainian passports.
Holders of Ukrainian passports are being persecuted and subjected to pressure – all to make sure they get rid of their IDs, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Serhiy Kyslytsya told RFE/RL's Crimea.Realities.
Even if locals are forces to get rid of their passports, they remain Ukrainian citizens, the senior diplomat added.
Видео дня
"That the holders of Ukrainian passports in Crimea are persecuted is a fact. That the holders of Ukrainian passports are pressed to get rid of these passports is a fact. But I want to say that Ukrainian citizenship is not about holding a passport. A passport is obtained based on already being a citizen of Ukraine. Therefore, even if the invaders force Ukrainians or Crimean Tatars to tear their Ukrainian passports, they still remain citizens of Ukraine," Kyslytsya said.
Read alsoOmbudsperson: Invaders trying to eradicate Ukrainian language in Donbas schoolsIn June, rights activists reported that Russian occupation authorities at the de-facto border with mainland Ukraine started fining Crimean residents holders of Ukrainian passports crossing in or out.
Rights violations by Russia in Crimea: other reports


unian--2020-09-23--Industrial output slowing down in annual terms

The August decline accelerated to 5.3 % in annual terms .
The decline in industrial production in Ukraine in August 2020 year-on-year – excluding adjustments for the calendar days effect – accelerated to 5.3 % after falling by 4.2 % in July , the State Statistics Service reports .
Taking into account the adjustment for the effect of calendar days , industrial output in August fell by 4.2 % in annual terms , the agency reported on its website .
Read alsoAgricultural production in Ukraine almost 10 % down in eight monthsTo the previous month , August 's industrial output @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjustment for the calendar days effect , and by 0.1 % – with such adjustment .
In the context of the main activities : in the extractive industry and quarrying in August , the drop on year amounted to 0.1 % , in processing industry – to 7.7 % , and in the electricity , gas , steam , and conditioned air supply – to 4.6 % .
In the context of major industrial groups : the annual production decline for intermediate consumption goods stood at 4.2 % , for investment goods – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods – at 0.9 % , and for energy – at 1.3 % .
The decline in industrial production in Ukraine in July 2020 on year slowed to 4.2 % after falling by 5.6 % in June .

Industrial output slowing down in annual terms
21:35, 23.09.20 937
The August decline accelerated to 5.3% in annual terms.
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unian--2020-09-23--Domestic violence: Offenders among military, police to be prosecuted on general grounds

Some 142,000 cases of domestic violence were reported to the police in Ukraine in 2019 .
The Cabinet of Ministers has drafted a bill toughening liability for acts of domestic and gender-based violence committed by military personnel , police officers , and other officials who are subject to disciplinary regulations .
That 's according to Oleksiy Honcharenko , a Ukrainian legislator .
Such persons will bear administrative responsibility on a general basis .
Read alsoQuarantine compounds Ukraine 's domestic violence problem – EuronewsThe government 's press service says the bill proposes to amend the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persons subject to disciplinary regulations to responsibility on a general basis for committing acts of domestic and gender-based violence ; • Bring the list of persons subject to disciplinary regulations in line with legislation ; • Have cases of administrative offenses heard under Article 1732 of the Code of Administrative Offenses without the obligatory presence of potential offenders in court if they were duly summoned but failed to report .
The changes are aimed at ensuring an appropriate response to cases of domestic and gender-based violence by military , police , and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and toughening liability of such persons for committing such offenses .
Some 142,000 cases of domestic violence were reported to the police in Ukraine in 2019 .
Mobile police teams dealing with cases of domestic violence have been set up in all large cities across Ukraine .
Ukraine may increase fines for domestic violence by hundreds of times .
Relevant bill No .
3908 has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada .

Some 142,000 cases of domestic violence were reported to the police in Ukraine in 2019.
The Cabinet of Ministers has drafted a bill toughening liability for acts of domestic and gender-based violence committed by military personnel, police officers, and other officials who are subject to disciplinary regulations.
That's according to Oleksiy Honcharenko, a Ukrainian legislator.
Such persons will bear administrative responsibility on a general basis.
Видео дня
Read alsoQuarantine compounds Ukraine's domestic violence problem – EuronewsThe government's press service says the bill proposes to amend the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses to:
Bring servicemen and other persons subject to disciplinary regulations to responsibility on a general basis for committing acts of domestic and gender-based violence;
Bring the list of persons subject to disciplinary regulations in line with legislation;
Have cases of administrative offenses heard under Article 1732 of the Code of Administrative Offenses without the obligatory presence of potential offenders in court if they were duly summoned but failed to report.
The changes are aimed at ensuring an appropriate response to cases of domestic and gender-based violence by military, police, and other officers who are subject to disciplinary codes, and toughening liability of such persons for committing such offenses.
Background
Some 142,000 cases of domestic violence were reported to the police in Ukraine in 2019.
Mobile police teams dealing with cases of domestic violence have been set up in all large cities across Ukraine.
Ukraine may increase fines for domestic violence by hundreds of times. Relevant bill No. 3908 has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada.


unian--2020-09-23--Ukrainian, British paratroopers practice assault on populated areas during Joint Effort 2020 drill

Ukraine 's President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials attended the event , the report reads .
In Mykolaiv and Kherson regions , Ukrainian and British airborne assault brigades practiced storming settlements , seizing a bridgehead , and crossing water barriers , during the United Efforts 2020 exercise .
That 's according to the Ukrainian Armed Forces ' press service .
`` Today , September 23 , in Mykolaiv and Kherson regions , the strategic command and staff exercise Joint Effort 2020 moved to its practical stage .
This was the brigade exercises of a separate mechanized brigade and tactical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate airborne assault brigade of the Airborne Assault Force Ukraine and the 16 Air Assault Brigade of the British Army , '' the message says .
Ukraine 's President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials attended the event , the report reads .
In Mykolaiv region , the troops practiced the assault on populated areas , an offensive on the move on unprepared defenses , an attack on the enemy 's front edge , and a battle for mastering company strongholds in the first position .
Tactical airborne assault troops from a separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kherson region , airborne assault units of Ukraine and UK jointly trained in seizing a bridgehead and crossing a water barrier on all types of landing craft and across a pontoon bridge .
Read alsoU.S .
warplanes fly over Ukraine in show of support ( Photo , video ) Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine , Ruslan Khomchak , emphasized that the Joint Effort 2020 strategic command-staff exercise is unique in terms of its scope , composition of forces and means , and involvement of partners .
The commander says this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces and assets of Ukraine 's Army , other components of defense forces , and NATO armies .
`` Ukraine is the only country in modern Europe that has a successful experience in countering Russia 's armed aggression .
This became possible including thanks to the help of our partners .
Support and solidarity with our state of the entire civilized world is extremely important , because the Ukrainian Army protects not only Ukraine , but also Europe , '' Khomchak emphasized .
• The Joint Effort 2020 strategic command-and-staff training is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 massive joint drills conducted including in close proximity to Ukraine 's borders .
• The exercise is being held September 22-25 under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine , Ruslan Khomchak .
• About 12,000 military and 700 units of hardware will take part in the drill .
• The exercises will be conducted against a single operational-strategic background , which is close to the projected nature of military-political developments around Ukraine .
For the first time , military units of NATO Allies – the U.S. and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to jointly carry out training and combat missions .
Up to 200 foreign instructors are observing the drill .

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials attended the event, the report reads.
In Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, Ukrainian and British airborne assault brigades practiced storming settlements, seizing a bridgehead, and crossing water barriers, during the United Efforts 2020 exercise.
That's according to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' press service.
"Today, September 23, in Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, the strategic command and staff exercise Joint Effort 2020 moved to its practical stage. This was the brigade exercises of a separate mechanized brigade and tactical exercises with the corresponding units of a separate airborne assault brigade of the Airborne Assault Force Ukraine and the 16 Air Assault Brigade of the British Army," the message says.
Видео дня
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials attended the event, the report reads.
In Mykolaiv region, the troops practiced the assault on populated areas, an offensive on the move on unprepared defenses, an attack on the enemy's front edge, and a battle for mastering company strongholds in the first position. Tactical airborne assault troops from a separate mechanized brigade were also involved.
In Kherson region, airborne assault units of Ukraine and UK jointly trained in seizing a bridgehead and crossing a water barrier on all types of landing craft and across a pontoon bridge.
Read alsoU.S. warplanes fly over Ukraine in show of support (Photo, video)
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ruslan Khomchak, emphasized that the Joint Effort 2020 strategic command-staff exercise is unique in terms of its scope, composition of forces and means, and involvement of partners.
The commander says this is a vivid demonstration of compatibility between the forces and assets of Ukraine's Army, other components of defense forces, and NATO armies.
"Ukraine is the only country in modern Europe that has a successful experience in countering Russia's armed aggression. This became possible including thanks to the help of our partners. Support and solidarity with our state of the entire civilized world is extremely important, because the Ukrainian Army protects not only Ukraine, but also Europe," Khomchak emphasized.
Joint Effort 2020: background


unian--2020-09-23--Tax burden eased on first-time real estate buyers

The move also covers those waiting for the flat to be granted for free by an employer .
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine at its Wednesday 's meeting adopted a resolution exempting citizens purchasing flats or houses for the first time from a mandatory state pension insurance fee .
The resolution also applies to those in the queue for free accommodation by an employer , an UNIAN correspondent report .
Read alsoReal estate prices grow in Ukraine in Jan-June 2020The resolution was approved without debate .
The memo to the resolution says the state pension insurance fee shall not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real estate purchase .
This means that the buyer never received a house as a gift , never privatized or inherited it or bought it as a share in the married couple 's common property , which is confirmed by their statement and data from the State Register of Rights to Real Estate .
Those waiting in line to get free accommodation from an employer are also exempt from the said fee if their status is confirmed by a document issued by the relevant authority .
The Cabinet plans to launch a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to which 30,000 Ukrainian families will be able to purchase real estate .

Tax burden eased on first-time real estate buyers
19:20, 23.09.20 6777
The move also covers those waiting for the flat to be granted for free by an employer.
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unian--2020-09-23--U.S. warplanes fly over Ukraine in show of support

U.S. pilots , in integration with Ukrainian fighter jets , are working to create collective defense capabilities to deter the aggressor state .
U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers have entered Ukraine 's airspace , the Air Force Command of Ukraine 's Armed Forces reported on Wednesday , September 23 .
`` Today , September 23 , a pair of B-52Hs once again entered Ukraine 's airspace .
U.S. strategic bombers are being escorted by Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters of Ukraine 's Air Force 's tactical aviation brigades , '' the press service wrote on Facebook .
The Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that American pilots , in integration with Ukrainian fighters , are working to create collective defense capabilities and provide the United States , NATO Allies and key partners of the Alliance with the strategic and operational capabilities to deter the aggressor state .
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv wrote on Facebook that the USAF CV22B tilt-rotor planes flew over Kyiv on Wednesday .
The planes were seen flying over the Dnipro River in the city center , much to the amusement of the locals .
At the same time , MC130J could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Zaporizhia , Dnipro , Poltava , and Cherkasy .
U.S. Air Force 's MC-130J Commando II multimission tanker and CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor planes , assigned to the UK 's 352nd Special Operations Group are taking part in the ongoing Fiction Urchin joint exercises of the two countries ' special operations forces , practicing infiltration and exfiltration routine .
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range , subsonic , jet-powered strategic bomber .
It has been operated by the United States Air Force since the 1950s .
The bomber is capable of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kg ) of weapons , ] and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles ( 14,080 km ) without aerial refueling .
It was built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War-era deterrence missions , as per Wikipedia .
Meanwhile , on September 21-26 , Russia is conducting its massive Caucasus 2020 ( also called Kavkaz 2020 ) command post exercise .
The main actions will unfold at the Kapustin Yar and Ashuluk training grounds , as well as in the waters of the Black and Caspian Seas .
China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Myanmar , and Pakistan are reported to be taking part in the Russia-led drill .

U.S. pilots, in integration with Ukrainian fighter jets, are working to create collective defense capabilities to deter the aggressor state.
U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers have entered Ukraine's airspace, the Air Force Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Wednesday, September 23.
"Today, September 23, a pair of B-52Hs once again entered Ukraine's airspace. U.S. strategic bombers are being escorted by Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters of Ukraine's Air Force's tactical aviation brigades," the press service wrote on Facebook.
The Air Force's Public Relations Service also stressed that American pilots, in integration with Ukrainian fighters, are working to create collective defense capabilities and provide the United States, NATO Allies and key partners of the Alliance with the strategic and operational capabilities to deter the aggressor state.
"American partners of Ukraine once again demonstrate comprehensive support of our state in the international arena in the field of security," the statement says.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv wrote on Facebook that the USAF CV22B tilt-rotor planes flew over Kyiv on Wednesday. The planes were seen flying over the Dnipro River in the city center, much to the amusement of the locals.
At the same time, MC130J could be observed flying over the cities of Kherson, Zaporizhia, Dnipro, Poltava, and Cherkasy.
Fiction Urchin drills
U.S. Air Force's MC-130J Commando II multimission tanker and CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor planes, assigned to the UK's 352nd Special Operations Group are taking part in the ongoing Fiction Urchin joint exercises of the two countries' special operations forces, practicing infiltration and exfiltration routine.
B52 bombers: memo
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. It has been operated by the United States Air Force since the 1950s. The bomber is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds (32,000 kg) of weapons,] and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles (14,080 km) without aerial refueling. It was built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War-era deterrence missions, as per Wikipedia.
Russia's Caucasus 2020 drills underway
Meanwhile, on September 21-26, Russia is conducting its massive Caucasus 2020 (also called Kavkaz 2020) command post exercise.
The main actions will unfold at the Kapustin Yar and Ashuluk training grounds, as well as in the waters of the Black and Caspian Seas.
China, Armenia, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, and Pakistan are reported to be taking part in the Russia-led drill.


unian--2020-09-23--Four members of Russia's PMC Wagner killed in helicopter crash in Libya – media

The helicopter was carrying Russian mercenaries and ammunition .
Four members of Russia 's PMC Wagner Group have been killed in a helicopter crash in Libya .
`` A helicopter carrying Russian mercenaries and ammunition fell in the town of Sukna , in the city of Al-Jufrah , '' military spokesman Abd al-Hadi Dara told Anadolu Agency on September 23 .
Read alsoPMC Wagner members explain why they arrived in Belarus The helicopter exploded at 08:00 local time on September 23 .
The spokesman noted that , `` the helicopter was heading towards one of the oil fields used by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' No other details of the incident have been reported .
• On July 29 , 2020 , a group of mercenaries with the Wagner PMC were detained in Belarus , 32 – outside Minsk , another one – in the south of the country .
Among them were those who fought against Ukraine in the Donbas war .
• Belarusian law enforcement said they had been tipped about the deployment of over 200 militants to destabilize the country amid the election campaign .
• Belarus turned to the Ukrainian authorities to verify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed in Ukraine .
• On July 30 , Ukraine began consultations with Belarus on the extradition .
On August 7 , President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus said Ukraine must prove the guilt of the detained mercenaries to seal extradition .
• On August 9 , Lukashenko said he had received a five-page letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin with information on the situation around the detention of Wagner troops .
• On August 11 , the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine sent inquiries to their Belarus counterparts appealing for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including nine citizens of Ukraine , had been charged with participation in a terrorist organization .
• On August 14 , Belarus handed 32 Wagner troops over to Russia .
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Belarus ' move a `` strange , politically incorrect , and definitely unacceptable thing to do in friendly interstate relations . ''
• The move by Belarus government was among factors that led to Kyiv putting on freeze its official contacts with Minsk .

The helicopter was carrying Russian mercenaries and ammunition.
Four members of Russia's PMC Wagner Group have been killed in a helicopter crash in Libya.
"A helicopter carrying Russian mercenaries and ammunition fell in the town of Sukna, in the city of Al-Jufrah," military spokesman Abd al-Hadi Dara told Anadolu Agency on September 23.
Read alsoPMC Wagner members explain why they arrived in Belarus
Видео дня
The helicopter exploded at 08:00 local time on September 23.
The spokesman noted that, "the helicopter was heading towards one of the oil fields used by the mercenaries as an operations room."
No other details of the incident have been reported.
Wagner PMC exposed in Belarus


unian--2020-09-23--Zelensky predicts "tangible, sustainable" economic recovery by year-end

The president noted growing exports for the second month in a row and an increase in the National Bank 's reserves .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky predicts a `` tangible and sustainable '' economic recovery in Ukraine by the end of 2020 .
He said this during an interview with the Slovak daily economic newspaper Hospodárske noviny , as reported by the President 's Office on September 23 .
However , an economic recovery will be `` tangible and sustainable , '' he added .
`` For the second month in a row , we are recording an increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign .
The international reserves of our National Bank are growing as well , '' he said .
Read alsoUnemployment in Ukraine grows by 67 % since coronavirus outbreakHelping pandemic victims Zelensky said that Ukraine , like other countries , focused on helping victims of the pandemic .
In particular , the government has developed a loan program with reduced rates for businesses , a program of refunds for those who have lost their jobs .
Those registered with employment centers are actively assisted in finding a new job .
Other programs have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the [ COVID-19 ] vaccine is invented as soon as possible and that we , working together and helping each other , develop pan-European responses to the negative effects of the pandemic , '' he summed up .
On September 22 , Dragon Capital , and investment company , said in its report that the Ukrainian economy was recovering faster than it was expected after a moderate decline in the second quarter of 2020 , and the country would be able to return to pre-crisis indicators by the end of 2021 .

Zelensky predicts "tangible, sustainable" economic recovery by year-end
16:50, 23.09.20 926
The president noted growing exports for the second month in a row and an increase in the National Bank's reserves.
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unian--2020-09-23--German police raid meatpacking plants over illegal migrant workers, incl. from Ukraine

Law enforcers want to question more than 80 foreign workers , mostly from non-EU Eastern European countries such as Ukraine and Belarus .
German police searched over 40 homes and businesses in five German states early on Wednesday , September 23 , as part of an investigation into foreign workers being illegally brought to the country to be exploited in the meatpacking industry .
That is according to the Ukrainian media outlet European Pravda , referring to a report by Reuters .
According to a spokesperson for federal police , law enforcers want to question more than 80 foreign workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Ukraine and Belarus .
Read alsoUnemployment in Ukraine grows by 67 % since coronavirus outbreakAt the center of the investigation are two companies , IRC and Berkana , suspected of having brought workers to Germany illegally to place them in meatpacking jobs .
This year , Germany 's meatpacking sector has been criticized for the widespread use of migrant workers from Eastern Europe , as cramped accommodation and poor oversight were suspected of accelerating coronavirus outbreaks .
Ten key suspects aged 41 to 56 are currently under investigation , namely eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused of criminal and commercial smuggling and forgery of documents .
Police seized assets worth EUR 1.5 million during the searches .
The companies are accused of bringing workers to Germany with forged documents .
They organized accommodation and transportation for migrants in return for part of their wages .
During the quarantine period , Ukrainians reportedly found new ways to circumvent EU travel bans .

German police raid meatpacking plants over illegal migrant workers, incl. from Ukraine
16:40, 23.09.20 2394
Law enforcers want to question more than 80 foreign workers, mostly from non-EU Eastern European countries such as Ukraine and Belarus.
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unian--2020-09-24--Over 70% of Ukrainians would like their children, grandchildren to stay living in Ukraine

In particular , 58 % of the pollees say they feel hopeful when they think about the local situation , while 38 % are disappointed .
More than 70 % of Ukrainian citizens would like their children and grandchildren to stay living in Ukraine .
This is seen from findings of the second round of a survey conducted by the Rating Group from September 19 to September 22 .
Read alsoMost citizens see Ukrainian language as important element of independence – poll '' [ Some ] 71 % of respondents want their children and grandchildren to stay living in Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinion .
Regarding living in their city , town and village , 61 % would like their descendants to continue living in the same area , while a third would not want to , '' the survey says .
The findings show that villagers are relatively more likely to advocate for the next generation to stay residing in Ukraine , despite this , they are relatively more advocating for their children and grandchildren to change their place of residence inside the country .
But in the regional centers , a completely opposite situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , respondents later have a mixed reaction when assessing the situation in their cities and towns , and in the country as a whole .
In particular , 58 % of the pollees say they feel hopeful when they think about the local situation , while 38 % are disappointed .
But when it comes to the situation in the country , the situation is the opposite : 59 % are disappointed , and 37 % are hopeful .
• The survey was conducted by telephone interviews among 5,000 Ukrainians aged 18 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas .
• The sample is representative by age , gender , and type of settlement .
• The margin of error does not exceed 1.4 % .

In particular, 58% of the pollees say they feel hopeful when they think about the local situation, while 38% are disappointed.
More than 70% of Ukrainian citizens would like their children and grandchildren to stay living in Ukraine.
This is seen from findings of the second round of a survey conducted by the Rating Group from September 19 to September 22.
Read alsoMost citizens see Ukrainian language as important element of independence – poll
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"[Some] 71% of respondents want their children and grandchildren to stay living in Ukraine. Only 16% have the opposite opinion. Regarding living in their city, town and village, 61% would like their descendants to continue living in the same area, while a third would not want to," the survey says.
The findings show that villagers are relatively more likely to advocate for the next generation to stay residing in Ukraine, despite this, they are relatively more advocating for their children and grandchildren to change their place of residence inside the country. But in the regional centers, a completely opposite situation is observed.
According to the survey, respondents later have a mixed reaction when assessing the situation in their cities and towns, and in the country as a whole.
In particular, 58% of the pollees say they feel hopeful when they think about the local situation, while 38% are disappointed.
But when it comes to the situation in the country, the situation is the opposite: 59% are disappointed, and 37% are hopeful.
Details of the poll


unian--2020-09-24--Kyiv, 22 regions not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs – health ministry

Only two regions , namely Kirovohrad and Kherson , are ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs .
Ukraine 's Health Ministry says the city of Kyiv and 22 Ukrainian regions are not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs .
The epidemiological situation as of September 24 did not let Kyiv and such regions as Vinnytsia , Volyn , Dnipropetrovsk , Donetsk , Zhytomyr , Zakarpattia , Zaporizhia , Ivano-Frankivsk , Kyiv , Luhansk , Lviv , Mykolaiv , Odesa , Poltava , Rivne , Sumy , Ternopil , Kharkiv , Khmelnytsky , Cherkasy , Chernivtsi and Chernihiv enter the next stage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on its website .
Only two regions , namely Kirovohrad and Kherson , are ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs .
Read alsoHealth minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeTo have COVID-19 curbs lifted , regions , cities and towns in Ukraine should meet a set of criteria .
Such criteria reflect measures to control the spread of the virus , hospitals ' capacities , and the ability of the healthcare system as a whole to counter the spread of COVID-19 , the ministry said .
• Ukraine said 3,372 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country in the past 24 hours as of September 24 , 2020 .
• The total number of confirmed cases grew to 188,106 .

Only two regions, namely Kirovohrad and Kherson, are ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs.
Ukraine's Health Ministry says the city of Kyiv and 22 Ukrainian regions are not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs.
The epidemiological situation as of September 24 did not let Kyiv and such regions as Vinnytsia, Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Zakarpattia, Zaporizhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Luhansk, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Rivne, Sumy, Ternopil, Kharkiv, Khmelnytsky, Cherkasy, Chernivtsi and Chernihiv enter the next stage of easing the coronavirus-related quarantine, the ministry said on its website.
Only two regions, namely Kirovohrad and Kherson, are ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs.
Read alsoHealth minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeTo have COVID-19 curbs lifted, regions, cities and towns in Ukraine should meet a set of criteria.
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Such criteria reflect measures to control the spread of the virus, hospitals' capacities, and the ability of the healthcare system as a whole to counter the spread of COVID-19, the ministry said.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest


unian--2020-09-24--Almost 5,000 COVID-19 cases, 97 fatalities reported in occupied Crimea since start of pandemic

In total , 315 COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past three days .
Experts from the Crimean Human Rights @ @ @ @ @ 4,941 COVID-19 cases , including 97 fatalities , have been registered in Russian-occupied Crimea since @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
`` Some 12 fatalities from COVID-19 were recorded in Crimea and the city @ @ @ @ @ three days , '' the CHRG said on Facebook on September 24 , referring to @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoSecond child death registered in Ukraine since start of COVID-19 epidemicIn total , @ @ @ @ @ in the past three days , it said .
• Ukraine said 3,372 new active @ @ @ @ @ across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 24 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases grew to 188,106 .

In total, 315 COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past three days.
Experts from the Crimean Human Rights Group (CHRG) say 4,941 COVID-19 cases, including 97 fatalities, have been registered in Russian-occupied Crimea since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Some 12 fatalities from COVID-19 were recorded in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in the past three days," the CHRG said on Facebook on September 24, referring to the occupying authorities' data.
Read alsoSecond child death registered in Ukraine since start of COVID-19 epidemicIn total, 315 COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past three days, it said.
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COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest


unian--2020-09-24--Zelensky: Ukraine now seeing second wave of COVID-19

The president pledges the Ukrainian borders will be opened for international travel as soon as the situation improves .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is now seeing the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic .
`` The number of cases has been growing , so as of today , we indeed deny foreign citizens ' entry .
I think this is the right decision .
We had the same when we faced the first wave – we were able to contain it .
At that time , we had up to 300 cases per 40 million people , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová in Bratislava on September 24 , as reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine on Facebook .
Read alsoCOVID-19 : Over 3,300 new active cases reported on Sept 24 '' Today we have 3,000 cases a day .
Unfortunately , this is the second wave in Ukraine .
We can not jeopardize both Ukrainians and citizens from other countries who come to Ukraine , '' Zelensky said .
According to the president , the borders will be opened for foreign citizens as soon as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improves .
Ukraine said 3,372 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 24 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 188,106 .
• The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1 .
The Ukrainian regions were split into the green , yellow , orange , and red zones depending on hospital load , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and daily spread dynamics .
• Quarantine-related curbs differ in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the green zone , the regions included in the red zone will have to introduce the toughest restrictions .
• On August 26 , the Cabinet of Ministers extended the adaptive quarantine until November 1 .
• On September 10 , the government reviewed the borders of COVID-19 quarantine zones .
The reviewed zoning regulations took effect on September 14 .
Kyiv became part of the orange zone , with the second-toughest bans after the red zone .
• Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry has no plans to introduce a @ @ @ @ @ @

The president pledges the Ukrainian borders will be opened for international travel as soon as the situation improves.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is now seeing the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic.
"The number of cases has been growing, so as of today, we indeed deny foreign citizens' entry. I think this is the right decision. We had the same when we faced the first wave – we were able to contain it. At that time, we had up to 300 cases per 40 million people," he said at a joint press conference with President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová in Bratislava on September 24, as reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine on Facebook.
Read alsoCOVID-19: Over 3,300 new active cases reported on Sept 24
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"Today we have 3,000 cases a day. Unfortunately, this is the second wave in Ukraine. We cannot jeopardize both Ukrainians and citizens from other countries who come to Ukraine," Zelensky said.
According to the president, the borders will be opened for foreign citizens as soon as the ascertainment rate of coronavirus disease in Ukraine improves.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest
Ukraine said 3,372 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 24, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 188,106.
Quarantine in Ukraine: Background


unian--2020-09-24--State Property Fund puts Ukrspyrt's third distillery up for sale

The auction will be held via the ProZorro.Sale e-platform .
Ukraine 's State Property Fund ( SPF ) has put the third distillery of the country 's state-run alcohol giant , Ukrspyrt , with a starting price of UAH 19.84 million ( US $ 703,796 ) up for sale at an auction .
Read alsoUkrspyrt : Ukraine overcomes antiseptics shortage amid COVID-19 pandemic '' The Ovechatsky production site is located in Vinnytsia region .
It is the third facility of Ukrspyrt that has been put up for sale at an auction within the privatization campaign , '' Ukrspyrt 's press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the report , the auction will be held at the ProZorro.Sale electronic platform on October 22 , 2020 .
• On December 3 , 2019 , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , passed a bill to liberalize alcohol production and abolish a government monopoly in the alcohol industry .
• State-owned Ukrspyrt , which was set up on the basis of a consortium with the same name in 2010 , holds a monopoly on alcohol production in Ukraine .
The government has already launched its privatization , which is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 .
Over 40 distilleries that are part of the enterprise are to be put up for sale .
• In September 2020 , the State Property Fund launched the privatization campaign in the alcohol industry .
• The SPF put up for sale the Nemyriv distillery ( Vinnytsia region ) on September 15 and the Artemivsky distillery ( Kharkiv region ) on September 17 .
The auctions are to take place in the second half of October 2020 .

State Property Fund puts Ukrspyrt's third distillery up for sale
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The auction will be held via the ProZorro.Sale e-platform.
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unian--2020-09-24--Zelensky elaborates on fight against COVID-19 pandemic

The Ukrainian leader says countering COVID-19 is the test for every country .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the fight against COVID-19 will not take just one year and this is hardly the last pandemic that the international community will have to get through .
Read alsoZelensky predicts `` tangible , sustainable '' economic recovery by year-endHe stated this at a general debate of world leaders during the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly held online on September 23 , as reported by an UNIAN correspondent .
Zelensky says the COVID-19 pandemic spreads at a lightning speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spares no one . ''
`` It does not care whether the country has nuclear weapons or what level of its GDP is , whether the state is part of G7 or G20 , whether Christianity , Islam , Judaism , or other religions are professed in the country .
All of it matters nothing for COVID , '' he said .
According to Zelensky , COVID-19 showed that global society is not just the world without borders .
It is also about global responsibility , when counteracting joint threats should involve not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 193 countries .
`` Today we are coming to understanding that the fight against COVID-19 will not take just one year .
It is hardly the last pandemic that we will have to see through .
That is why we have to emerge from the existing crisis stronger and well prepared , '' he added .
Zelensky says that countering COVID-19 is the test for all countries .
`` A race for limited resources will only exacerbate the problems .
What we need is sincerity in dialogue and active solidarity , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lies .
We have to overcome together the most serious economic crisis of the last years .
The expected figures of GDP fall are sometimes double-digit .
This is not just the statistics interesting for selected experts .
This is the reduction of quality of life of billions of people , looming rise of a threat of hunger for millions , '' he said .
Ukraine said 3,372 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 24 , 2020 .
The total number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As many as 83,458 patients , including 1,788 in the past day , have recovered .
The death toll is 3,757 with 52 fatalities recorded in the past day .

The Ukrainian leader says countering COVID-19 is the test for every country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the fight against COVID-19 will not take just one year and this is hardly the last pandemic that the international community will have to get through.
Read alsoZelensky predicts "tangible, sustainable" economic recovery by year-endHe stated this at a general debate of world leaders during the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly held online on September 23, as reported by an UNIAN correspondent.
Zelensky says the COVID-19 pandemic spreads at a lightning speed.
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"Mankind did not even manage to google 'COVID' and 'Wuhan' when coronavirus was already knocking on the door of every house," he said.
Zelensky stressed that the "coronavirus spares no one."
"It does not care whether the country has nuclear weapons or what level of its GDP is, whether the state is part of G7 or G20, whether Christianity, Islam, Judaism, or other religions are professed in the country. All of it matters nothing for COVID," he said.
According to Zelensky, COVID-19 showed that global society is not just the world without borders. It is also about global responsibility, when counteracting joint threats should involve not seven, not 20, but at least 193 countries.
"Today we are coming to understanding that the fight against COVID-19 will not take just one year. It is hardly the last pandemic that we will have to see through. That is why we have to emerge from the existing crisis stronger and well prepared," he added.
Zelensky says that countering COVID-19 is the test for all countries.
"A race for limited resources will only exacerbate the problems. What we need is sincerity in dialogue and active solidarity, because this is where the value of multilateralism lies. We have to overcome together the most serious economic crisis of the last years. The expected figures of GDP fall are sometimes double-digit. This is not just the statistics interesting for selected experts. This is the reduction of quality of life of billions of people, looming rise of a threat of hunger for millions," he said.
"To unite efforts of all the countries is a must of our time. Ukraine cannot stand aside and is ready to make its own contribution to ensuring, in particular, the food security of mankind," Zelensky summed up.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Latest
Ukraine said 3,372 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 24, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 188,106.
As many as 83,458 patients, including 1,788 in the past day, have recovered.
The death toll is 3,757 with 52 fatalities recorded in the past day.


unian--2020-09-24--Zelensky: Ukraine in solidarity with EU position on Belarus

Zelensky : Ukraine in solidarity with EU position on Belarus He says the Belarusian authorities should find an opportunity for dialogue with their own people .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine is in solidarity with the position of the European Union on the events taking place after the presidential elections in Belarus .
`` We can talk for a very long time about the fraternal and friendly people – Belarusians , we really have a historical friendship between our countries , between our families , '' he said at a joint press conference with President of Slovakia Zuzana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine on Facebook .
`` What we see today – if the authorities do not stop such actions , especially those of law enforcement officers directed against their people , they will get a very powerful result and response from the people .
If the authorities do not find an opportunity for dialogue with their people , this government will not exist .
And here Ukraine will always support our partners , here we are like-minded people with all the EU countries , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly claimed `` foreign interference '' in the election and external efforts to foment the protests .
He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin who had promised him comprehensive assistance upon request .
• On August 27 , Putin suggested sending Russian security forces to suppress protests in Belarus .
• The European Union declared non-recognition of the Belarus election results and reached an agreement to impose sanctions against Belarusian officials in response to vote rigging and the use of violence against protesters .
• On September 15 , the Verkhovna Rada of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian lawmakers said the presidential elections in that country were unfair .
They condemned repression against protesters and vowed support for sanctions to be introduced by the European Union against Belarusian officials .
• On September 14 , Putin received Lukashenko in Russia 's Sochi .
During the meeting , Putin promised to lend US $ 1.5 billion to Belarus .
After the meeting , the Kremlin announced they would recognize Lukashenko as the only legitimate president of Belarus .
• On September 23 , Lukashenko was sworn in as President of Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Independence in Minsk .
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He says the Belarusian authorities should find an opportunity for dialogue with their own people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine is in solidarity with the position of the European Union on the events taking place after the presidential elections in Belarus.
"We can talk for a very long time about the fraternal and friendly people – Belarusians, we really have a historical friendship between our countries, between our families," he said at a joint press conference with President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová in Bratislava on September 24, as reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine on Facebook.
"What we see today – if the authorities do not stop such actions, especially those of law enforcement officers directed against their people, they will get a very powerful result and response from the people. If the authorities do not find an opportunity for dialogue with their people, this government will not exist. And here Ukraine will always support our partners, here we are like-minded people with all the EU countries," Zelensky said.


unian--2020-09-24--Zelensky: Normandy leaders' summit to take place after advisers' productive meeting

Preparations for the advisers ' meeting are in the pipeline .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the summit of the Normandy Four leaders ( Ukraine , Germany , France and the Russian Federation ) may take place in case of a productive meeting of their political advisers .
`` As for the advisers ' meeting : I will speak frankly – we are looking forward to this meeting .
A meeting of advisers is not just when serious people come to talk , we need a meeting to be followed by a result , '' he said at a joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Čaputová in Bratislava on September 24 , as reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine on Facebook .
`` I do n't know when this meeting [ of the advisers to the Normandy Four leaders ] is to take place .
I have information it is being prepared for the near future .
I will be frank – I do n't know when the leaders are to meet .
I know the leaders ' meeting will be after a productive meeting of the advisers , '' Zelensky said .
Zelensky 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisers to expedite new Normandy summit Normandy Four : Latest developments • On August 22 , Zelensky said advisers to the Normandy Four leaders were originally scheduled to meet on August 28 , to be followed by a foreign ministers ' meeting and a new summit .
The countries were to be represented by Deputy Head of Russia 's presidential administration Dmitry Kozak , Head of the Ukrainian President 's Office Andriy Yermak , aide to the German Chancellor for foreign policy Jan Haecker , and adviser to the French President Emmanuel Bonne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became known that the meeting had been postponed .
• On September 9 , Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed Kozak 's participation in the Normandy Four advisers ' meeting .
• On September 11 , the advisers met in Berlin , the Ukrainian side was represented by Yermak and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov .

Preparations for the advisers' meeting are in the pipeline.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the summit of the Normandy Four leaders (Ukraine, Germany, France and the Russian Federation) may take place in case of a productive meeting of their political advisers.
"As for the advisers' meeting: I will speak frankly – we are looking forward to this meeting. A meeting of advisers is not just when serious people come to talk, we need a meeting to be followed by a result," he said at a joint press conference with President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová in Bratislava on September 24, as reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine on Facebook.
"I don't know when this meeting [of the advisers to the Normandy Four leaders] is to take place. I have information it is being prepared for the near future. I will be frank – I don't know when the leaders are to meet. I know the leaders' meeting will be after a productive meeting of the advisers," Zelensky said.
Read also Zelensky's chief of staff: Next meeting of advisers to expedite new Normandy summit Normandy Four: Latest developments


unian--2020-09-24--Ukraine embarks on development of cybersecurity strategy after recent cyber attacks

The development of the Cybersecurity Strategy began after the approval of the National Security Strategy of Ukraine .
Specialists of Ukraine 's National Cybersecurity Coordination Center ( NCCC ) under the National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) have started developing the country 's cybersecurity strategy .
Read alsoCyberpolice nab Odesa man selling personal data from banking databasesIn particular , NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said an ad hoc group had been formed under the NCCC , which included representatives of key state agencies that are engaged in cybersecurity .
They have already begun submitting their proposals to the NCCC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press service .
`` The strategy will determine priorities of Ukraine 's national interests in the field of cybersecurity , as well as main approaches to and directions in the formation of cyber defense issues , '' Danilov said .
He added the best international practices were taken into account when preparing the strategy .
It will also involve the private sector and the public who specialize in cybersecurity issues .
The development of the Cybersecurity Strategy began after the approval of the National Security Strategy of Ukraine .
• On September 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Security Strategy of Ukraine .
• On September 23 , Ukraine reported a string of cyber attacks on police 's websites .

The development of the Cybersecurity Strategy began after the approval of the National Security Strategy of Ukraine.
Specialists of Ukraine's National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC) under the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) have started developing the country's cybersecurity strategy.
Read alsoCyberpolice nab Odesa man selling personal data from banking databasesIn particular, NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said an ad hoc group had been formed under the NCCC, which included representatives of key state agencies that are engaged in cybersecurity. They have already begun submitting their proposals to the NCCC, as reported by the NSDC's press service.
"The strategy will determine priorities of Ukraine's national interests in the field of cybersecurity, as well as main approaches to and directions in the formation of cyber defense issues," Danilov said.
He added the best international practices were taken into account when preparing the strategy. It will also involve the private sector and the public who specialize in cybersecurity issues.
The development of the Cybersecurity Strategy began after the approval of the National Security Strategy of Ukraine.
Background


unian--2020-09-24--Second child death registered in Ukraine since start of COVID-19 epidemic

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases among children in Ukraine is 12,400 .
Ukraine has registered a second child death from the novel coronavirus since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic in the country .
This was announced by Health Minister Maksym Stepanov at a briefing on September 24 , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoCOVID-19 : Over 3,300 new active cases reported on Sept 24 '' In the past 24 hours , as many as 52 deaths , including one child , were recorded in Ukraine .
This is the second death among children [ in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
In the past day , 3,372 new coronavirus cases , including 242 children , were confirmed , he said .
The new cases included 172 healthcare workers ; their total number since the start of the epidemic has hit 14,337 .
According to the minister , 685 coronavirus patients were hospitalized in the past 24 hours .
As of September 24 , 2020 , the total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the epidemic in Ukraine was 188,106 , including 12,400 children .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours was 1,788 people , bringing the total number of such recoveries to 83,458 .
The overall COVID-19 death toll in the country was 3,757 as of September 24 .
More news reports on the subject : • Senior health official elaborates on COVID-19 vaccine availability in Ukraine • Ukraine reports 57 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Sept 24

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases among children in Ukraine is 12,400.
Ukraine has registered a second child death from the novel coronavirus since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic in the country.
This was announced by Health Minister Maksym Stepanov at a briefing on September 24, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoCOVID-19: Over 3,300 new active cases reported on Sept 24
Видео дня
"In the past 24 hours, as many as 52 deaths, including one child, were recorded in Ukraine. This is the second death among children [in this country] in the entire pandemic," he said.
In the past day, 3,372 new coronavirus cases, including 242 children, were confirmed, he said. The new cases included 172 healthcare workers; their total number since the start of the epidemic has hit 14,337.
According to the minister, 685 coronavirus patients were hospitalized in the past 24 hours.
As of September 24, 2020, the total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the epidemic in Ukraine was 188,106, including 12,400 children.
The number of the recovered from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours was 1,788 people, bringing the total number of such recoveries to 83,458.
The overall COVID-19 death toll in the country was 3,757 as of September 24.
More news reports on the subject:


unian--2020-09-24--Ukraine accepts Kosovo passports – Deputy FM Bodnar

There is no consensus in the world regarding the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state .
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasyl Bodnar has said Ukraine has started to accept passports issued by Kosovo .
`` We have not officially recognized Kosovo , but there are certain steps ( towards ) .
Last year we decided to work with Kosovo passports .
Now our ambassador here ( in Albania ) and ambassadors in other parts of the world have received instructions to accept these passports and not restrict travel .
Perhaps starting with such small steps , we can move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Albanian TV channel RTV Ora in an interview , according to the Ukrainian-registered European Pravda news outlet .
At the same time , Bodnar said the situation with Kosovo has nothing to do with the `` self-determination '' of Crimea , which is often stated in the Russian Federation .
`` For us , there is no parallel between these two cases ...
In the case of Kosovo , we have a country that has been recognized by a number of countries , and in the case of Crimea , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Russia , using force , '' he said .
Read alsoRFE/RL : Kosovar president indicted on war-crimes chargesAt the same time , the official gave a somewhat ambiguous answer regarding the possible recognition of Kosovo by Ukraine .
`` Traditionally , we speak in favor of the territorial sovereignty of countries .
This is our principle , '' he said , but added the issue of Kosovo is complex .
According to the Balkan Observer portal , the regional media have already reported on the possible recognition of Kosovo by Ukraine on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian diplomat .
Recognition of Kosovo as an independent state • According to the conclusion of the International Court of Justice , the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo in 2008 did not contradict the norms of international law .
• However , there is no consensus in the world regarding the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state .
Kosovo is currently recognized by 116 countries , including the United States and most of the EU .
However , Spain , Slovakia , Greece , Cyprus , and Romania refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kosovo either .

There is no consensus in the world regarding the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasyl Bodnar has said Ukraine has started to accept passports issued by Kosovo.
"We have not officially recognized Kosovo, but there are certain steps (towards). Last year we decided to work with Kosovo passports. Now our ambassador here (in Albania) and ambassadors in other parts of the world have received instructions to accept these passports and not restrict travel. Perhaps starting with such small steps, we can move towards certain results," he told the Albanian TV channel RTV Ora in an interview, according to the Ukrainian-registered European Pravda news outlet.
At the same time, Bodnar said the situation with Kosovo has nothing to do with the "self-determination" of Crimea, which is often stated in the Russian Federation.
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"For us, there is no parallel between these two cases... In the case of Kosovo, we have a country that has been recognized by a number of countries, and in the case of Crimea, we are talking about the territory that was seized by Russia, using force," he said.
Read alsoRFE/RL: Kosovar president indicted on war-crimes chargesAt the same time, the official gave a somewhat ambiguous answer regarding the possible recognition of Kosovo by Ukraine.
"Traditionally, we speak in favor of the territorial sovereignty of countries. This is our principle," he said, but added the issue of Kosovo is complex.
According to the Balkan Observer portal, the regional media have already reported on the possible recognition of Kosovo by Ukraine on the basis of such a statement by the Ukrainian diplomat.
Recognition of Kosovo as an independent state


unian--2020-09-24--Kyiv mayor reports 330 new COVID-19 cases, three fatalities in past day

As of today , the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 20,665 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose by 330 in the past day .
`` In the past day , another 330 residents of Kyiv tested positive for coronavirus , including 13 healthcare workers .
There were three fatalities , '' Klitschko reported via Telegram on September 24 .
According to the city mayor , 171 women aged 19 to 87 and 128 men aged 18 to 89 are among those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs – health ministryFourteen girls and 17 boys ( from three to 17 years old ) have tested positive .
Klitschko said 38 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
He added that 116 people had recovered in the past day .
In total , 6,159 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease .
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district ( 60 ) , Desniansky district ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 44 ) .
The total death toll in the city is 333 cases .
• The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1 .
The Ukrainian regions were split into the green , yellow , orange , and red zones depending on hospital load , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and daily spread dynamics .
• Quarantine-related curbs differ in each zone .
The mildest ones are in the green zone , the regions included in the red zone will have to introduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 , the Cabinet of Ministers extended the adaptive quarantine until November 1 .
• On September 10 , the government reviewed the borders of COVID-19 quarantine zones .
The reviewed zoning regulations took effect on September 14 .
Kyiv became part of the orange zone , with the second-toughest bans after the red zone .
• Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry has no plans to introduce a new lockdown in Ukraine yet .

As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 20,665.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose by 330 in the past day.
"In the past day, another 330 residents of Kyiv tested positive for coronavirus, including 13 healthcare workers. There were three fatalities," Klitschko reported via Telegram on September 24.
"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 20,665."
According to the city mayor, 171 women aged 19 to 87 and 128 men aged 18 to 89 are among those infected.
Read alsoKyiv, 22 regions not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs – health ministryFourteen girls and 17 boys (from three to 17 years old) have tested positive.
Klitschko said 38 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
He added that 116 people had recovered in the past day.
In total, 6,159 Kyiv residents have already beaten the disease.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (60), Desniansky district (51), and Dniprovsky district (44).
The total death toll in the city is 333 cases.
Quarantine in Ukraine: background


unian--2020-09-24--Ukraine reports 57 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Sept 24

Some 791 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 57 as of the morning of September 24 .
`` As of 10:00 Kyiv time on September 24 , some 645 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus .
In total , 1,967 people have recovered and 10 have died during the pandemic , '' the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were registered in the past 24 hours . ''
Read alsoHealth minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeOf those newly-infected , 14 people have been hospitalized , while another 43 are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under doctors ' supervision .
Currently , their state of health is satisfactory .
Some 791 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 180 people .
• Ukraine said 3,372 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours as of September 24 , 2020 .
• The total number of confirmed cases grew to 188,106 .

Some 791 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation).
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 57 as of the morning of September 24.
"As of 10:00 Kyiv time on September 24, some 645 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In total, 1,967 people have recovered and 10 have died during the pandemic," the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on September 24. "Fifty-seven new COVID-19 cases were registered in the past 24 hours."
Read alsoHealth minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeOf those newly-infected, 14 people have been hospitalized, while another 43 are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under doctors' supervision. Currently, their state of health is satisfactory.
Видео дня
Some 791 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation). The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 180 people.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: latest


unian--2020-09-24--IG P&I Clubs refuses to insure vessels involved in Nord Stream 2, TurkSteam projects

All members are strongly urged to assess and mitigate the risks of entering into relevant contracts .
The International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs ( IG P & I ) has refused to provide insurance coverage to vessels involved in the Nord Stream 2 or TurkSteam construction projects .
The relevant IG Circular was published by the Shipowners ' Club on September 21 .
Read alsoEuropean Parliament demands halt to Nord Stream 2 project over Navalny 's poisoningThe Group says that the agreement to insure the vessels would jeopardize the Club for violating the Countering America 's Adversaries Through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protecting Europe 's Energy Security Act ( PEESA ) .
`` All Members are therefore strongly urged to assess and mitigate the risks of entering into contracts on the Nord Stream 2 or TurkSteam construction projects and exercise the fullest possible due diligence to avoid exposure to sanctions or enforcement actions , '' reads the IG Circular .
`` There shall be no cover for any vessels involved in activities that are either unlawful and/or put the Club at risk of breaching sanctions .
In view of the direct sanctions threat posed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be no Club cover for any activity involving or related to the Nord Stream 2 or TurkSteam construction projects , '' the document reads .
• On September 7 , a representative of the German Chancellor said on September 7 that Angela Merkel did not exclude that the situation around the poisoning of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny could tell on the future of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .
• On September 8 , 2020 , the Kremlin said they did not see grounds for negotiations with Germany on Nord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , September 8 , Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that Germany should stop building Nord Stream 2 .
• On September 9 , 2020 , Poland offered Germany an alternative to Nord Stream 2 .
• On September 11 , 2020 , the German authorities announced that they were considering the suspension of Nord Stream 2 as a response to the situation with the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Navalny .
• On September 12 , 2020 , EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 gas pipeline was in the hands of Germany , rather than the European Union .
• On September 13 , 2020 , Denmark backed the halt of the Nord Stream 2 construction .
• On September 16 , 2020 , the Austrian president said that he did not see a link between Nord Stream 2 and Navalny 's poisoning .
• On September 17 , 2020 , the European Parliament demanded that sanctions against Russia should be strengthened and the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline should be halted .

All members are strongly urged to assess and mitigate the risks of entering into relevant contracts.
The International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs (IG P&I) has refused to provide insurance coverage to vessels involved in the Nord Stream 2 or TurkSteam construction projects.
The relevant IG Circular was published by the Shipowners' Club on September 21.
Strong recommendation
Видео дня
Read alsoEuropean Parliament demands halt to Nord Stream 2 project over Navalny's poisoningThe Group says that the agreement to insure the vessels would jeopardize the Club for violating the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act (PEESA).
"All Members are therefore strongly urged to assess and mitigate the risks of entering into contracts on the Nord Stream 2 or TurkSteam construction projects and exercise the fullest possible due diligence to avoid exposure to sanctions or enforcement actions," reads the IG Circular.
"There shall be no cover for any vessels involved in activities that are either unlawful and/or put the Club at risk of breaching sanctions. In view of the direct sanctions threat posed to insurers by CAATSA and PEESA, there will be no Club cover for any activity involving or related to the Nord Stream 2 or TurkSteam construction projects," the document reads.
Sanctions against Nord Stream 2: Background


unian--2020-09-24--Health minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spike

In total , 51,841 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has listed the regions that are in the lead by the number of new COVID-19 cases confirmed in the past day .
`` Speaking per each region , the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv ( 330 cases ) , Dnipropetrovsk region ( 298 ) , Kharkiv region ( 275 ) , Ternopil region ( 265 ) , and Lviv region ( 205 ) , '' he said at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported by the Health Ministry on Facebook .
Read alsoKyiv , 22 regions not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs – health ministryIn total , 51,841 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
In particular , there were 26,779 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) method and 25,062 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) method .
• Ukraine said 3,372 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of confirmed cases grew to 188,106 .

In total, 51,841 tests were conducted in the country in the past day.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has listed the regions that are in the lead by the number of new COVID-19 cases confirmed in the past day.
"Speaking per each region, the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv (330 cases), Dnipropetrovsk region (298), Kharkiv region (275), Ternopil region (265), and Lviv region (205)," he said at a briefing on September 24, as reported by the Health Ministry on Facebook.
Read alsoKyiv, 22 regions not ready for lifting COVID-19 curbs – health ministryIn total, 51,841 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 26,779 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and 25,062 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
Видео дня
COVID-19 in Ukraine: latest


unian--2020-09-24--EU responds to so-called "inauguration" of Lukashenko

He was sworn in as President of Belarus on September 23 .
The European Union does not recognize the so-called `` inauguration '' of Alexander Lukashenko as President of Belarus .
`` Recalling the Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union of September 11 , the EU once again reiterates that the August 9 Belarus Presidential elections were neither free nor fair .
The European Union does not recognize their falsified results .
On this basis , the so-called 'inauguration ' of September 23 2020 and the new mandate claimed by Alexander Lukashenko lack any democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union posted on the EU Council 's website on September 24 , 2020 .
It is noted the `` inauguration '' directly contradicts the will of large parts of the Belarusian population , as expressed in numerous , unprecedented and peaceful protests since the elections , and serves to only further deepen the political crisis in Belarus .
Read also '' Inauguration '' does not legitimize Lukashenko as Belarus president – Kuleba '' The European Union 's position is clear : Belarusian citizens deserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they freely choose through new inclusive , transparent and credible elections , '' the Declaration said .
`` We stand in solidarity with them and fully support their democratic right to elect their President through new free and fair elections under the OSCE/ODIHR 's supervision .
We reiterate our expectation that the Belarusian authorities immediately refrain from any further repression and violence directed against the Belarusian people and immediately and unconditionally release all those detained , including political prisoners . ''
The EU says it remains convinced that an inclusive national dialogue and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarusian people for new democratic elections are the only way forward in finding a way out of the serious political crisis in Belarus that respects the wishes of the Belarusian people .
`` In light of the current situation , the EU is reviewing its relations with Belarus , '' it said .
• Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed `` foreign interference '' in the election and external efforts to foment the protests .
He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin who had promised him comprehensive assistance upon request .
• On August 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suppress protests in Belarus .
• The European Union declared non-recognition of the Belarus election results and reached an agreement to impose sanctions against Belarusian officials in response to vote rigging and the use of violence against protesters .
• On September 15 , the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a statement on Belarus .
Ukrainian lawmakers said the presidential elections in that country were unfair .
They condemned repression against protesters and vowed support for sanctions to be introduced by the European Union against Belarusian officials .
• On September 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sochi .
During the meeting , Putin promised to lend US $ 1.5 billion to Belarus .
After the meeting , the Kremlin announced they would recognize Lukashenko as the only legitimate president of Belarus .
• On September 23 , Lukashenko was sworn in as President of Belarus during an inaugural ceremony in the Palace of Independence in Minsk .

He was sworn in as President of Belarus on September 23.
The European Union does not recognize the so-called "inauguration" of Alexander Lukashenko as President of Belarus.
"Recalling the Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union of September 11, the EU once again reiterates that the August 9 Belarus Presidential elections were neither free nor fair. The European Union does not recognize their falsified results. On this basis, the so-called 'inauguration' of September 23 2020 and the new mandate claimed by Alexander Lukashenko lack any democratic legitimacy," according to a Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union posted on the EU Council's website on September 24, 2020.
It is noted the "inauguration" directly contradicts the will of large parts of the Belarusian population, as expressed in numerous, unprecedented and peaceful protests since the elections, and serves to only further deepen the political crisis in Belarus.
Видео дня
Read also"Inauguration" does not legitimize Lukashenko as Belarus president – Kuleba"The European Union's position is clear: Belarusian citizens deserve the right to be represented by those they freely choose through new inclusive, transparent and credible elections," the Declaration said. "We stand in solidarity with them and fully support their democratic right to elect their President through new free and fair elections under the OSCE/ODIHR's supervision. We reiterate our expectation that the Belarusian authorities immediately refrain from any further repression and violence directed against the Belarusian people and immediately and unconditionally release all those detained, including political prisoners."
The EU says it remains convinced that an inclusive national dialogue and responding positively to the demands of the Belarusian people for new democratic elections are the only way forward in finding a way out of the serious political crisis in Belarus that respects the wishes of the Belarusian people. "In light of the current situation, the EU is reviewing its relations with Belarus," it said.
Belarus election: Reactions


unian--2020-09-24--Donbas war update: Ukraine reports three ceasefire violations on Sept 23

No casualties were recorded amid shelling in the past day .
Ukraine has reported three violations of the latest ceasefire by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Wednesday , September 23 .
`` In the past day , September 23 , the Russian Federation 's armed formations violated the July 22 ceasefire agreements three times , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:30 Kyiv time on September 24 , 2020 .
In particular , two enemy UAVs were spotted crossing the contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sea of Azov .
The drones were jammed by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems .
Read alsoDonbas warzone : No ceasefire violations recorded in past 24 hoursAnother provocation was recorded near the town of Popasna , where the enemy used an automatic grenade launcher twice to shell Ukrainian positions .
No casualties were recorded amid shelling in the past day .
At the same time , two Ukrainian soldiers were injured near the village of Pisky as they stepped on a landmine planted by an enemy .
The injured were rushed to a hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary medical assistance .
Since Thursday midnight , no attacks by Russia-controlled armed formations have been recorded , the JFO HQ said .
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 .
• The new ceasefire regime was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July 27 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period .

No casualties were recorded amid shelling in the past day.
Ukraine has reported three violations of the latest ceasefire by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Wednesday, September 23.
"In the past day, September 23, the Russian Federation's armed formations violated the July 22 ceasefire agreements three times," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:30 Kyiv time on September 24, 2020.
In particular, two enemy UAVs were spotted crossing the contact line in the area close to the Sea of Azov. The drones were jammed by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems.
Видео дня
Read alsoDonbas warzone: No ceasefire violations recorded in past 24 hoursAnother provocation was recorded near the town of Popasna, where the enemy used an automatic grenade launcher twice to shell Ukrainian positions.
No casualties were recorded amid shelling in the past day.
At the same time, two Ukrainian soldiers were injured near the village of Pisky as they stepped on a landmine planted by an enemy. The injured were rushed to a hospital, where they were provided with the necessary medical assistance.
Since Thursday midnight, no attacks by Russia-controlled armed formations have been recorded, the JFO HQ said.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military.
Donbas ceasefire: Background


unian--2020-09-24--COVID-19: Over 3,300 new active cases reported on Sept 24

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 188,106 .
Ukraine said 3,372 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 24 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 188,106 , as seen on the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
Read alsoHealth minister : Over 12,000 children , 14,100 healthcare workers contract COVID-19As many as 83,458 patients , including 1,788 in the past day , have recovered .
The death toll is 3,757 with 52 fatalities recorded in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of September 24 .
In total , there have been 253,177 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv ( 330 cases ) , Dnipropetrovsk region ( 298 ) , Kharkiv region ( 285 ) , Ternopil region ( 265 ) , and Lviv region ( 205 ) .
The overall incidence per region is as follows : • 20,665 ( +330 ) in the city of Kyiv ; Data from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
• The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1 .
The Ukrainian regions were split into the green , yellow , orange , and red zones depending on hospital load , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and daily spread dynamics .
• Quarantine-related curbs differ in each zone .
The mildest ones are in the green zone , the regions included in the red zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• On August 26 , the Cabinet of Ministers extended the adaptive quarantine until November 1 .
• On September 10 , the government reviewed the borders of COVID-19 quarantine zones .
The reviewed zoning regulations took effect on September 14 .
Kyiv became part of the orange zone , with the second-toughest bans after the red zone .
• Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the ministry has no plans to introduce a new lockdown in Ukraine yet .

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 188,106.
Ukraine said 3,372 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 24, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 188,106, as seen on the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
Read alsoHealth minister: Over 12,000 children, 14,100 healthcare workers contract COVID-19As many as 83,458 patients, including 1,788 in the past day, have recovered.
Видео дня
The death toll is 3,757 with 52 fatalities recorded in the past day.
There were 100,891 active cases as of September 24. In total, there have been 253,177 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv (330 cases), Dnipropetrovsk region (298), Kharkiv region (285), Ternopil region (265), and Lviv region (205).
The overall incidence per region is as follows:
20,665 (+330) in the city of Kyiv;
19,250 (+205) cases in Lviv region;
16,193 (+285) in Kharkiv region;
13,562 (+114) in Chernivtsi region;
12,952 (+141) in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
12,334 (+265) in Ternopil region;
12,309 (+179) in Odesa region;
11,621 (+162) in Rivne region;
9,416 (+73) in Zakarpattia region;
8,286 (+131) in Kyiv region;
7,235 (+103) in Volyn region;
5,556 (+101) in Vinnytsia region;
5,262 (+71) in Zhytomyr region;
5,185 (+136) in Khmelnytsky region;
4,692 (+298) in Dnipropetrovsk region;
3,647 (+110) in Chernihiv region;
3,355 (+117) in Cherkasy region;
3,352 (+72) in Sumy region;
3,288 (+139) in Zaporizhia region;
2,767 (+133) in Donetsk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
2,717 (+21) in Mykolaiv region;
1,677 (+47) in Poltava region;
1,039 (+15) in Kirovohrad region;
905 (+37) in Kherson region; and
841 (+27) in Luhansk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts).
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
Quarantine in Ukraine: background


unian--2020-09-24--Ex-CEC official names two causes of possible cancellation of local elections in Ukraine

Including a populated locality in the COVID-19 red zone is neither of them .
The upcoming local elections in Ukraine can be canceled only in case of the introduction of martial law or a state of emergency .
This was announced by ex-deputy head of the Central Election Commission ( CEC ) Andriy Mahera , according to the media outlet Obozrevatel .
Read alsoElections in occupied Donbas possible only after complete de-occupation – Yermak '' The elections will take place [ irrespective of the COVID-19 quarantine ] , but at the same time , the Health Ministry , together with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that preventive measures are taken for those who will participate in the vote , '' he said .
Mahera says that including a populated locality in the red zone of the COVID-19 quarantine can not serve as a basis for canceling the local elections .
`` The red line as such does not exist in the laws of Ukraine .
This is an internal decision by the Health Ministry , various commissions , sanitary services in hospitals , '' the ex-official explained .
According to him , splitting the country into the quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients is in general `` subjective and has no legal consequences . ''
• On September 12 , CEC member Serhiy Postivy announced an algorithm for holding local elections on October 25 was being developed , taking into account coronavirus quarantine restrictions .
• The CEC preliminary recommended that such rules be adopted during the organization and conduct of elections in the regions : social distancing , limitations on the number of people ( no more than four persons ) at a table where ballot papers are distributed , the availability of hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu symptoms , and a ban on public events inside premises with the participation of candidates running for local government .
• On September 22 , the parliament 's website posted a draft law that allows voters with high fever to visit polling stations to vote .

Including a populated locality in the COVID-19 red zone is neither of them.
The upcoming local elections in Ukraine can be canceled only in case of the introduction of martial law or a state of emergency.
This was announced by ex-deputy head of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Andriy Mahera, according to the media outlet Obozrevatel.
Read alsoElections in occupied Donbas possible only after complete de-occupation – Yermak
Видео дня
"The elections will take place [irrespective of the COVID-19 quarantine], but at the same time, the Health Ministry, together with the Cabinet of Ministers, must ensure that preventive measures are taken for those who will participate in the vote," he said.
Mahera says that including a populated locality in the red zone of the COVID-19 quarantine cannot serve as a basis for canceling the local elections.
"The red line as such does not exist in the laws of Ukraine. This is an internal decision by the Health Ministry, various commissions, sanitary services in hospitals," the ex-official explained.
According to him, splitting the country into the quarantine zones depending on the number of coronavirus patients is in general "subjective and has no legal consequences."
Local elections in Ukraine and quarantine: Recent developments