unian--2020-09-14--A step short of betrayal: Enemy never made it to inspect Ukraine's positions in Donbas

Information about the `` joint inspection '' of Ukrainian positions near Shumy had the effect of a blasting bomb on many Ukrainians .
Allowing the enemy into our trenches was not simply about `` making concessions for the sake of peace , '' but about humiliating Ukrainian military and , ultimately , realizing the Kremlin 's long-held dream of turning the war into an `` internal Ukrainian conflict '' in the eyes of international community .
`` Shumy s the key to the whole of Horlivka .
And Horlivka is the key to the whole of Donbas .
If militants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose this war .
That is why Russian generals are so anxious to come and check Ukrainian positions and learn about our plans , '' reports Andriy Tsaplienko , TSN 's war correspondent .
Last Thursday , at 14:00 , the Russian general was supposed to come `` check '' the Ukrainian trenches in Donbas .
It is not difficult to imagine the attitude of most Marines to meeting the enemy leader .
But no one contests orders so soldiers tried to restrain their emotions on camera .
`` Everyone 's hands are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one will react without an order , '' said Petro , one of Ukrainian Marines serving in the area .
Artem adds to what his comrade-in-arms said : `` How is it that the enemy we are at war with will come to our positions ?
! ''
Near Shumy , the Kremlin has skillfully dragged Ukraine into another insidious game .
And Ukraine was a step away from losing this game , too… The first move is that the Russian proxies demand that the Ukrainians withdraw from their positions near the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Horlivka .
Allegedly , the newly built fortifications violate the terms of the armistice .
The OSCE reports that Ukrainians have in fact built no new fortifications .
But the Kremlin , through its puppet Denis Pushilin , makes a second move .
The warlord issues an ultimatum : if the Marines do not withdraw from Shumy and destroy their trenches , mercenaries will destroy them with artillery strikes .
The ultimatum expired at 8:00 on September 7 .
The 503rd Marine Battalion was n't going to retreat and was preparing for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ready to repel the attack … The response will be ten times more powerful , '' says Denys , a Ukrainian Marine .
Ukraine is trying to maintain a fragile truce , resolve the situation diplomatically , and convene a Trilateral Contact Group meeting .
This is exactly what the Kremlin was counting on when their proxies threatened to strike with artillery .
Which , by the way , never happened .
The real blow was dealt on the diplomatic front .
And this was Russia 's third move .
During a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian delegation , Putin 's aide Dmitry Kozak , began to put pressure on his gray-haired Ukrainian counterpart Leonid Kravchuk .
It sounded like an ultimatum .
`` I was surprised why Mr. Kozak suddenly joined the meeting .
So vigorously , even with notes of an ultimatum , he said Ukraine must finally decide whether it will comply with the Minsk agreements or not , '' said Leonid Kravchuk , head of the Ukrainian delegation to the TCG .
He approved the visit of the enemy general to the Ukrainian trenches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fact , is what Russia wanted .
`` It 's like a Trojan horse during the Trojan War , '' said Artem , a Ukrainian Marine .
But what is this modern-day Trojan horse about ?
The Ukrainian military marked with white and red ribbons the route for the so-called inspection through the forest strip to the village of Shumy .
But at the time , no one was aware that it was the enemy 's emissary with the big stars on his shoulder straps who was supposed to walk along this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was Major General Ruslan Yakubov , head of the so-called unrecognized `` DPR mission to the Joint Ceasefire Coordination and Control Center , '' who was going to inspect Ukrainian positions .
Yakubov is a cover name though .
The general 's real name is Ruslan Vakhitov .
He is a Russian national .
Vakhitov was deployed in Donbas to establish contacts with the OSCE Mission under the guise of `` local militia '' chief .
The general in disguise did his job well , it seems .
In September 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement .
The Ukrainian side at Minsk talks , however , refused to sit at the negotiating table with the general .
Now , as political retiree Leonid Kravchuk has taken the helm of the Ukrainian delegation , the Russians seem to have decided to go for another try .
If they succeed , the move would legalize Russian proxies as a negotiating party .
Checkmate .
The war in eastern Ukraine is thus turning into an internal conflict .
Europe then moves to lift Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the enemy .
Yakubov also intended to humiliate the Ukrainian military – he wanted to be filmed on camera sporting Russian insignia by the Ukrainian trenches .
`` They wanted to carry with a flag – it 's not clear which one – and to make a provocation .
They wanted to take a selfie here , '' said Deputy JFO Commander Bohdan Bondar .
In order to prevent the enemy general from getting to the Ukrainian trenches , humiliating our soldiers , and ensuring Ukraine 's direct negotiations with the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picket in the area , drawing a symbolic `` red line '' right on the road to Shumy .
`` This is the line that our government is crossing .
They told us they would n't cross , but they constantly do , '' said local activist Halyna Oliynikova .
Tensions subside as soon as people see a Ukrainian general approaching them instead of the Russian one .
Deputy Commander Bohdan Bondar announces that people sporting Russian uniform will not be allowed in the area due to violations of agreements .
The enemy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspection of Ukrainians in their trenches .
Also , he adds another shocking detail – the enemy demanded to inspect not one , but several of Ukrainian fortifications : `` Six or eight positions .
They send us a location and say they want to check it .
Then another one , then another one ... `` The Ukrainian side simply could not stand such impudence .
The Kremlin 's plans have been thwarted .
For now .
`` At least as of today , the move has been suspended , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin 's failure with the shelling of the site where the joint inspection with the `` DPR '' was set to take place .
`` Our troops , the 503rd Marine Battalion , was targeted , '' says Vagif , one of the unit 's soldiers .
This time the Ukrainians defeated the enemy without a single shot .
The information storm that arose in Ukrainian society against the humiliation of the military in Shumy played a major role in this win .
The enemy has not achieved its goal , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And they thank Ukrainian society for standing with the Armed Forces .
But in conditions when betrayal is lurking in the shadows , no one can relax .

Information about the "joint inspection" of Ukrainian positions near Shumy had the effect of a blasting bomb on many Ukrainians. Allowing the enemy into our trenches was not simply about "making concessions for the sake of peace," but about humiliating Ukrainian military and, ultimately, realizing the Kremlin's long-held dream of turning the war into an "internal Ukrainian conflict" in the eyes of international community.
"Shumy s the key to the whole of Horlivka. And Horlivka is the key to the whole of Donbas. If militants lose their dominant heights, they will lose this war. That is why Russian generals are so anxious to come and check Ukrainian positions and learn about our plans," reports Andriy Tsaplienko, TSN's war correspondent.
Last Thursday, at 14:00, the Russian general was supposed to come "check" the Ukrainian trenches in Donbas.
It is not difficult to imagine the attitude of most Marines to meeting the enemy leader. But no one contests orders so soldiers tried to restrain their emotions on camera. "Everyone's hands are itching, but I'm sure no one will react without an order," said Petro, one of Ukrainian Marines serving in the area. Artem adds to what his comrade-in-arms said: "How is it that the enemy we are at war with will come to our positions?!"
Видео дня
Near Shumy, the Kremlin has skillfully dragged Ukraine into another insidious game. And Ukraine was a step away from losing this game, too…
The first move is that the Russian proxies demand that the Ukrainians withdraw from their positions near the village of Shumy outside the occupied city of Horlivka. Allegedly, the newly built fortifications violate the terms of the armistice. The OSCE reports that Ukrainians have in fact built no new fortifications.
But the Kremlin, through its puppet Denis Pushilin, makes a second move. The warlord issues an ultimatum: if the Marines do not withdraw from Shumy and destroy their trenches, mercenaries will destroy them with artillery strikes. The ultimatum expired at 8:00 on September 7. The 503rd Marine Battalion wasn't going to retreat and was preparing for a heavy battle. "Weapons were aimed and ready to repel the attack … The response will be ten times more powerful," says Denys, a Ukrainian Marine.
Ukraine is trying to maintain a fragile truce, resolve the situation diplomatically, and convene a Trilateral Contact Group meeting. This is exactly what the Kremlin was counting on when their proxies threatened to strike with artillery. Which, by the way, never happened. The real blow was dealt on the diplomatic front. And this was Russia's third move. During a meeting of the TCG, head of the Russian delegation, Putin's aide Dmitry Kozak, began to put pressure on his gray-haired Ukrainian counterpart Leonid Kravchuk. It sounded like an ultimatum.
"I was surprised why Mr. Kozak suddenly joined the meeting. So vigorously, even with notes of an ultimatum, he said Ukraine must finally decide whether it will comply with the Minsk agreements or not," said Leonid Kravchuk, head of the Ukrainian delegation to the TCG.
He approved the visit of the enemy general to the Ukrainian trenches – meaning direct talks. That, in fact, is what Russia wanted.
"It's like a Trojan horse during the Trojan War," said Artem, a Ukrainian Marine.
But what is this modern-day Trojan horse about?
The Ukrainian military marked with white and red ribbons the route for the so-called inspection through the forest strip to the village of Shumy. But at the time, no one was aware that it was the enemy's emissary with the big stars on his shoulder straps who was supposed to walk along this path to Ukrainian positions.
Russian proxies said it was Major General Ruslan Yakubov, head of the so-called unrecognized "DPR mission to the Joint Ceasefire Coordination and Control Center," who was going to inspect Ukrainian positions. Yakubov is a cover name though.
The general's real name is Ruslan Vakhitov. He is a Russian national. Vakhitov was deployed in Donbas to establish contacts with the OSCE Mission under the guise of "local militia" chief. The general in disguise did his job well, it seems.
In September 2017, Russia already tried to lobby Yakubov into the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement. The Ukrainian side at Minsk talks, however, refused to sit at the negotiating table with the general. Now, as political retiree Leonid Kravchuk has taken the helm of the Ukrainian delegation, the Russians seem to have decided to go for another try.
If they succeed, the move would legalize Russian proxies as a negotiating party. Checkmate. The war in eastern Ukraine is thus turning into an internal conflict. Europe then moves to lift Russia sanctions…
But even this isn't enough for the enemy. Yakubov also intended to humiliate the Ukrainian military – he wanted to be filmed on camera sporting Russian insignia by the Ukrainian trenches.
"They wanted to carry with a flag – it's not clear which one – and to make a provocation. They wanted to take a selfie here," said Deputy JFO Commander Bohdan Bondar.
In order to prevent the enemy general from getting to the Ukrainian trenches, humiliating our soldiers, and ensuring Ukraine's direct negotiations with the Russian proxies, local patriots rallied for a picket in the area, drawing a symbolic "red line" right on the road to Shumy. "This is the line that our government is crossing. They told us they wouldn't cross, but they constantly do," said local activist Halyna Oliynikova.
Tensions subside as soon as people see a Ukrainian general approaching them instead of the Russian one. Deputy Commander Bohdan Bondar announces that people sporting Russian uniform will not be allowed in the area due to violations of agreements. The enemy was not going to allow any mirror inspection of Ukrainians in their trenches. Also, he adds another shocking detail – the enemy demanded to inspect not one, but several of Ukrainian fortifications: "Six or eight positions. They send us a location and say they want to check it. Then another one, then another one... "
The Ukrainian side simply could not stand such impudence. The Kremlin's plans have been thwarted. For now.
"At least as of today, the move has been suspended," says Bohdan Bondar.
The Russian proxies marked the Kremlin's failure with the shelling of the site where the joint inspection with the "DPR" was set to take place. "Our troops, the 503rd Marine Battalion, was targeted," says Vagif, one of the unit's soldiers.
This time the Ukrainians defeated the enemy without a single shot. The information storm that arose in Ukrainian society against the humiliation of the military in Shumy played a major role in this win. The enemy has not achieved its goal, so the Ukrainian military are holding their ground.
And they thank Ukrainian society for standing with the Armed Forces. But in conditions when betrayal is lurking in the shadows, no one can relax.
Andriy Tsaplienko, Serhiy Shchekochikhin, Vitaliy Tkachuk


unian--2020-09-14--Kuleba invites Hungary's FM to visit Zakarpattia on Sept 23

The two ministers have held a phone conversation .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has invited his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó to visit Zakarpattia region on September 23 .
As the two ministers were having a phone conversation , Kuleba invited Szijjártó to visit Ukraine 's far-western region to discuss further steps to implement the agreements already reached on the development of cooperation in the political , economic , cultural , and humanitarian spheres , as well as taking part in joint events , according to the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry .
The ministers also agreed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a common success story in relations between Ukraine and Hungary , and friendly relations between the two countries are important for the entire region of Central Europe .
Relations between the two countries slid to a chill after the Ukrainian parliament in 2017 passed a new education law .
Hungary has since been blocking the meetings of Ukraine-NATO Commission , claiming alleged violation of rights of Hungarians living in Ukraine due to the provision of the law that determines that the language of command in educational facilities shall be the state language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hungary seek to overcome impasse over language law impeding NATO initiatives – mediaAccording to the conclusion of the Venice Commission of Dec 8 , 2017 , Ukrainian authorities were recommended to balance the provision of the language article of Law `` On Education '' .
On January 16 , 2020 , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , passed bill No .
0901 on secondary education .
Three models of learning the Ukrainian language in schools have been laid down .
The first model is provided for the indigenous peoples of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linguistic environment of their language and who do not have a state that would protect and develop this language .
First of all , these are the Crimean Tatars .
For them , the first model includes teaching in the language of the indigenous people from 1 to 11 ( 12 ) classes along with a thorough study of the Ukrainian language .
Read alsoInfrastructure minister elaborates on construction of airport in Zakarpattia regionThe second model is for schools with instruction in the language of national minorities whose languages belong to the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and language environment , the use of this model may be different , but the basics are : • Elementary school : the use of the mother tongue along with the study of the official language ; • Grade 5 : at least 20 % of the annual volume of study time should be taught in Ukrainian with a gradual increase in volume so that in grade 9 to reach at least 40 % of subjects that are studied in the official language ; and • High school : at least 60 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in these institutions should be instructed in the official language .
The third model will work for the rest of the national communities of Ukraine .
It concerns national minorities whose language belongs to one of the Ukrainian language families , as well as those who live mainly in the environment of their own speech ( Russian language ) .
Primary schools there will also have a minority language along with the study of Ukrainian , and from grade 5 at least 80 % of school hours will be instructed in the official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Szijjártó says Hungary proposes not to increase the number of subjects taught in Ukrainian to the national minorities , which is provided for by the new law on secondary education .

The two ministers have held a phone conversation.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has invited his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó to visit Zakarpattia region on September 23.
As the two ministers were having a phone conversation, Kuleba invited Szijjártó to visit Ukraine's far-western region to discuss further steps to implement the agreements already reached on the development of cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, as well as taking part in joint events, according to the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
"The restrictions introduced in Ukraine and Hungary for the entry of foreigners over the spread of coronavirus impose certain restrictions on all citizens, regardless of status. Against this background, our meeting is a clear signal – both countries are disposed to search for mutually acceptable solutions without delay," Kuleba said.
The ministers also agreed that the socio-economic success of Zakarpattia region may become a common success story in relations between Ukraine and Hungary, and friendly relations between the two countries are important for the entire region of Central Europe.
Ukraine-Hungary relations: background
Relations between the two countries slid to a chill after the Ukrainian parliament in 2017 passed a new education law.
Hungary has since been blocking the meetings of Ukraine-NATO Commission, claiming alleged violation of rights of Hungarians living in Ukraine due to the provision of the law that determines that the language of command in educational facilities shall be the state language, which is Ukrainian.
Read alsoUkraine, Hungary seek to overcome impasse over language law impeding NATO initiatives – mediaAccording to the conclusion of the Venice Commission of Dec 8, 2017, Ukrainian authorities were recommended to balance the provision of the language article of Law "On Education".
On January 16, 2020, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, passed bill No. 0901 on secondary education.
Three models of learning the Ukrainian language in schools have been laid down.
The first model is provided for the indigenous peoples of Ukraine who do not live in the linguistic environment of their language and who do not have a state that would protect and develop this language. First of all, these are the Crimean Tatars. For them, the first model includes teaching in the language of the indigenous people from 1 to 11 (12) classes along with a thorough study of the Ukrainian language.
Read alsoInfrastructure minister elaborates on construction of airport in Zakarpattia regionThe second model is for schools with instruction in the language of national minorities whose languages belong to the EU languages. Depending on the language group and language environment, the use of this model may be different, but the basics are:
Elementary school: the use of the mother tongue along with the study of the official language;
Grade 5: at least 20% of the annual volume of study time should be taught in Ukrainian with a gradual increase in volume so that in grade 9 to reach at least 40% of subjects that are studied in the official language; and
High school: at least 60% of the annual amount of study time in these institutions should be instructed in the official language.
The third model will work for the rest of the national communities of Ukraine. It concerns national minorities whose language belongs to one of the Ukrainian language families, as well as those who live mainly in the environment of their own speech (Russian language). Primary schools there will also have a minority language along with the study of Ukrainian, and from grade 5 at least 80% of school hours will be instructed in the official language.
At the same time, Szijjártó says Hungary proposes not to increase the number of subjects taught in Ukrainian to the national minorities, which is provided for by the new law on secondary education.


unian--2020-09-14--Restrictions on hospitalization, scheduled surgeries in "orange" quarantine zone, explained

The restriction does not apply to hospitalization or scheduled surgeries where postponement would pose risk to human life .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has explained what kind of hospitalization and scheduled surgery is allowed in the `` orange '' zone .
The minister said decree of the Cabinet of Ministers No .
641 provides for appropriate restrictions in the `` orange '' zone for hospitalization and scheduled surgery .
`` These restrictions do not apply , for example , to medical assistance in cases of pregnancy complications or childbirth .
Hospitalization will also be carried out for cancer patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday , September 14 , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
Stepanov says neither does the restriction apply to hospitalization or scheduled surgeries where postponement would pose risk to human life .
Read alsoHealth minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeStepanov clarified the decision on whether the postponement of surgeries or hospitalization poses a threat to the life and health of a patient shall be made solely by a physician .
In contrast to the strictest restrictions provided for the red-zone quarantine zones , orange zone still allows : • Holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , social life , religion , and other ) with attendance up to 220 persons , with social distancing rules of 1 person per 10 square meters of indoor area ; • Operations of malls , cafes , and restaurants ; and

The restriction does not apply to hospitalization or scheduled surgeries where postponement would pose risk to human life.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has explained what kind of hospitalization and scheduled surgery is allowed in the "orange" zone.
The minister said decree of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 641 provides for appropriate restrictions in the "orange" zone for hospitalization and scheduled surgery.
"These restrictions do not apply, for example, to medical assistance in cases of pregnancy complications or childbirth. Hospitalization will also be carried out for cancer patients," the minister told a briefing on Monday, September 14, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
Stepanov says neither does the restriction apply to hospitalization or scheduled surgeries where postponement would pose risk to human life.
"The restriction does not apply to such kind of hospitalization or scheduled surgeries," he said.
Read alsoHealth minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeStepanov clarified the decision on whether the postponement of surgeries or hospitalization poses a threat to the life and health of a patient shall be made solely by a physician.
Kyiv in "orange zone" of quarantine rules
In contrast to the strictest restrictions provided for the red-zone quarantine zones, orange zone still allows:


unian--2020-09-14--S&P affirms Ukraine rating at 'B' with stable outlook

The rating is constrained by low per capita income and a difficult institutional and political environment .
S & P Global Ratings has affirmed its ' B ' long- and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Ukraine .
The outlook is stable .
The stable rating reflects the risk of the negative impact of unfavorable economic conditions on Ukraine 's economy , the possibility of reversal in reform , as well as the increased international reserves , according to the agency 's press service .
The country 's rating is constrained by such factors as low per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political environment .
Read alsoGov't endorses 2021 budget draft submitted by finance ministryUkraine 's credit rating is positively influenced by the improvement in macroeconomic policy since 2015 , as well as growing foreign exchange reserves .
The downgrade may occur if the Ukrainian government gives up on key reforms , for example , in terms of ensuring the independence of the National Bank ( NBU ) , whereas the upgrade may happen due to accelerating economic recovery .
In May 2020 , S & P Global Ratings predicted a 5.5 % decline in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsequent recovery by 5 % in 2021 and a further rise by 3 % in 2022 .

S&P affirms Ukraine rating at 'B' with stable outlook
12:45, 14.09.20 154
The rating is constrained by low per capita income and a difficult institutional and political environment.
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unian--2020-09-14--President's Office preparing for new prisoner swap – Yermak

Yermak says the return of prisoners is among the president 's priorities .
Head of the President 's Office Andriy Yermak has said the issue of prisoner swap with occupied Donbas will be discussed next week .
`` Of course , we are constantly working since we have a clear task set by president , so the return of prisoners is our priority .
We expect the issue and specific dates for the next prisoner swap will be discussed at the next meetings , which will be held in the coming week .
To date , there are about 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he told the Segodnya newspaper in an interview .
According to Yermak , a Red Cross mission will soon head off to the occupied territory of Donbas .
Read alsoPreparations for Normandy Four leaders ' summit underway – ZelenskyThis will be the first stage of preparation for the prisoner swap .
A meeting of advisors to the Normandy Four leaders was held on September 11 .
According to Yermak , the negotiations showed Kyiv enjoys unconditional support of its Western partners .
Following the meeting , Deputy Head of Russia 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the negotiations had agreed to support the ongoing ceasefire .
Controversial issues are expected to be settled by late September .
• On August 13 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country had submitted to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) a swap list with about 100 names on it .
• On April 23 , Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group , Ambassador Heidi Grau said the next prisoner swap in Donbas would be carried out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all identified held persons .

Yermak says the return of prisoners is among the president's priorities.
Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak has said the issue of prisoner swap with occupied Donbas will be discussed next week.
"Of course, we are constantly working since we have a clear task set by president, so the return of prisoners is our priority. We expect the issue and specific dates for the next prisoner swap will be discussed at the next meetings, which will be held in the coming week. To date, there are about 100 persons on the lists from each side," he told the Segodnya newspaper in an interview.
According to Yermak, a Red Cross mission will soon head off to the occupied territory of Donbas.
Видео дня
Read alsoPreparations for Normandy Four leaders' summit underway – ZelenskyThis will be the first stage of preparation for the prisoner swap.
A meeting of advisors to the Normandy Four leaders was held on September 11.
According to Yermak, the negotiations showed Kyiv enjoys unconditional support of its Western partners.
Following the meeting, Deputy Head of Russia's presidential administration Dmitry Kozak said the participants in the negotiations had agreed to support the ongoing ceasefire.
Controversial issues are expected to be settled by late September.
Prisoner swap: background


unian--2020-09-14--No obligations to revise ban on local elections in Donbas – Yermak

The Ukrainian side only `` informed '' other participants in the meeting about the existence of a draft resolution proposing to amend the resolution on local elections already adopted .
During the meeting of the advisors to the leaders of the Normandy Four [ Ukraine , Germany , France , and Russia ] held in Berlin on September 11 , the Ukrainian side undertook no obligations to amend the Parliament resolution on the appointment of local elections for October 25 .
`` There were no obligations undertaken by the Ukrainian side to revise the Verkhovna Rada resolution [ scheduling local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's impossible .
Because we can not interfere with the Ukrainian Parliament 's operations .
We only informed our colleagues within the Normandy format that a deputy with the Servant of the People party registered back on July 28 a resolution on changes [ to the resolution on scheduling local elections for October 25 ] , '' Yermak told Ukraine 24 TV channel .
According to Yermak , the corresponding draft resolution will soon be submitted to Parliament where `` its fate will be decided . ''
Read alsoElections in Donbas amid `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local elections in occupied territories : background Russia sees the Minsk agreements as tools with which to break Ukraine ’ s sovereignty .
Its interpretation reverses key elements in the sequence of actions : elections in occupied Donbas would take place before Ukraine had reclaimed control of the border ; this would be followed by comprehensive autonomy for Russia ’ s proxy regimes , crippling the central authorities in Kyiv .
Ukraine would be unable to govern itself effectively or orient itself towards the West , according to Chatham House .
On July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adopted a resolution scheduling local elections across Ukraine for October 25 .
Legislators note that the elections in the occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas shall not be scheduled or held .
On August 19 , at a meeting of the delegates to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement , Ukraine 's delegation chief , first president of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk informed the team members of the appeal he had submitted to the Verkhovna Rada to consider the issue of the resolution 's compliance with Law `` On a special procedure for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Luhansk regions '' and a Package of Measures for the implementation of Minsk agreements .
On August 20 , journalist Serhiy Harmash , another member of Ukraine 's delegation representing certain areas of Donetsk region , opined that by `` leaking '' to the media a document demanding to cancel the decision of the Verkhovna Rada on local elections , Moscow , makes it impossible to fulfill the requirement or even put the relevant question before Parliament .
Harmash believes that in this way Russia has deliberately driven the settlement process into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting of advisors to the Normandy Four ( Ukraine , Germany , France , and Russia ) leaders earlier scheduled for late August .
On the same day , Kravchuk said that Russia was blocking the TCG work with a demand to repeal the resolution of the Verkhovna Rada on the impossibility of holding local elections in the occupied territories .
At the TCG meeting on August 19 , he said , representatives of the Russian Federation and their proxy forces in Donbas stated that they `` do not object to the elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand that the paragraph on the impossibility of voting in the occupied territories be repealed .
On September 11 , Berlin hosted a meeting of political advisors to the leaders of the Normandy Four member states .
According to the Office of the President of Ukraine , the advisors supported Kyiv 's call to take exhaustive measures to extend a sustainable and comprehensive ceasefire in Donbas .

The Ukrainian side only "informed" other participants in the meeting about the existence of a draft resolution proposing to amend the resolution on local elections already adopted.
During the meeting of the advisors to the leaders of the Normandy Four [Ukraine, Germany, France, and Russia] held in Berlin on September 11, the Ukrainian side undertook no obligations to amend the Parliament resolution on the appointment of local elections for October 25.
"There were no obligations undertaken by the Ukrainian side to revise the Verkhovna Rada resolution [scheduling local elections for October 25]. It's impossible. Because we cannot interfere with the Ukrainian Parliament's operations. We only informed our colleagues within the Normandy format that a deputy with the Servant of the People party registered back on July 28 a resolution on changes [to the resolution on scheduling local elections for October 25]," Yermak told Ukraine 24 TV channel.
According to Yermak, the corresponding draft resolution will soon be submitted to Parliament where "its fate will be decided."
Видео дня
Read alsoElections in Donbas amid "leaky" border unimaginable – KulebaIdea of local elections in occupied territories: background
Russia sees the Minsk agreements as tools with which to break Ukraine’s sovereignty. Its interpretation reverses key elements in the sequence of actions: elections in occupied Donbas would take place before Ukraine had reclaimed control of the border; this would be followed by comprehensive autonomy for Russia’s proxy regimes, crippling the central authorities in Kyiv. Ukraine would be unable to govern itself effectively or orient itself towards the West, according to Chatham House.
On July 15, 2020, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution scheduling local elections across Ukraine for October 25. Legislators note that the elections in the occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas shall not be scheduled or held. On August 19, at a meeting of the delegates to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement, Ukraine's delegation chief, first president of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk informed the team members of the appeal he had submitted to the Verkhovna Rada to consider the issue of the resolution's compliance with Law "On a special procedure for local self-government in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions" and a Package of Measures for the implementation of Minsk agreements.
On August 20, journalist Sergiy Garmash, another member of Ukraine's delegation representing certain areas of Donetsk region, opined that by "leaking" to the media a document demanding to cancel the decision of the Verkhovna Rada on local elections, Moscow, makes it impossible to fulfill the requirement or even put the relevant question before Parliament. Garmash believes that in this way Russia has deliberately driven the settlement process into a dead end, thus blocking a meeting of advisors to the Normandy Four (Ukraine, Germany, France, and Russia) leaders earlier scheduled for late August.
On the same day, Kravchuk said that Russia was blocking the TCG work with a demand to repeal the resolution of the Verkhovna Rada on the impossibility of holding local elections in the occupied territories. At the TCG meeting on August 19, he said, representatives of the Russian Federation and their proxy forces in Donbas stated that they "do not object to the elections being held throughout Ukraine," but demand that the paragraph on the impossibility of voting in the occupied territories be repealed.
On September 11, Berlin hosted a meeting of political advisors to the leaders of the Normandy Four member states. According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, the advisors supported Kyiv's call to take exhaustive measures to extend a sustainable and comprehensive ceasefire in Donbas.


unian--2020-09-14--Health minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spike

In total , 15,920 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 Ternopil region ( 352 cases ) , Kharkiv region ( 269 ) , Odesa region ( 205 ) , the city of Kyiv ( 168 ) , and Lviv region ( 143 ) , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as reported by the Health Ministry on Facebook .
A total of 2,462 new active COVID-19 cases were confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 14 , 2020 , the National Security and Defense Council 's interactive map says .
Read alsoNumber of daily COVID-19 cases in Ukraine on decline first time in past three daysThe government says 15,920 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
In particular , there were 14,323 tests run with the use of the polymerase chain reaction ( PCR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) method .
The total number of confirmed cases has grown to 156,797 .
Tougher quarantine rules have been imposed in Kyiv after the city was assigned to the `` orange zone '' in line with the adaptive quarantine criteria introduced in Ukraine on August 1 .

In total, 15,920 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 Ternopil region (352 cases), Kharkiv region (269), Odesa region (205), the city of Kyiv (168), and Lviv region (143)," he said at a briefing on September 14, as reported by the Health Ministry on Facebook.
A total of 2,462 new active COVID-19 cases were confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of September 14, 2020, the National Security and Defense Council's interactive map says.
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Read alsoNumber of daily COVID-19 cases in Ukraine on decline first time in past three daysThe government says 15,920 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 14,323 tests run with the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and 1,597 – by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: latest
The total number of confirmed cases has grown to 156,797.
Tougher quarantine rules have been imposed in Kyiv after the city was assigned to the "orange zone" in line with the adaptive quarantine criteria introduced in Ukraine on August 1.


unian--2020-09-14--Lukashenko loses legitimacy in democratic society – Polish FM

Lukashenko has become a different political subject , Rau says .
Poland 's Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau says the Belarusian government represented by Alexander Lukashenko has lost its legitimacy .
`` We can not perceive President Alexander Lukashenko as such who enjoys legitimacy in a democratic society .
This is a completely different subject [ of politics ] .
Therefore , our policy is addressed to the Belarusian society , '' he said , as reported by Radio Poland 's Ukrainian service .
Recent developments in Belarus in brief • On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• Thousands took to the streets to protest what many believe was a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently cracked down on protesters .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .
• On August 16 , the March of Freedom , the largest protest in the history of Belarus , took place in Minsk .
Hundreds of thousands of people joined in .
• 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 , Putin suggested sending Russian security forces to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union has not recognized election outcome in Belarus .
EU leaders reached an agreement to impose sanctions on Belarusian officials in response to vote rigging and the use of violence against protesters .

Lukashenko has become a different political subject, Rau says.
Poland's Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau says the Belarusian government represented by Alexander Lukashenko has lost its legitimacy.
"We cannot perceive President Alexander Lukashenko as such who enjoys legitimacy in a democratic society. This is a completely different subject [of politics]. Therefore, our policy is addressed to the Belarusian society," he said, as reported by Radio Poland's Ukrainian service.
Read also Lithuania recognizes Tikhanovskaya President of Belarus Recent developments in Belarus in brief


unian--2020-09-14--Hryvnia set at UAH 27.90 to U.S. dollar on Sept 14

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Hryvnia set at UAH 27.90 to U.S. dollar on Sept 14
10:15, 14.09.20 9953
The official forex rate against the euro for Monday has been fixed at UAH 33.07 per euro.
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unian--2020-09-14--Ukraine responds to Russia's accusations of "torturing" Crimea by severing water supplies

The peninsula remains under Russian occupation , therefore it 's the invaders who are entitled to resolve all humanitarian issues , including those of fresh water supplies , Ukraine stresses .
The Office of Ukrainian President 's Envoy for Crimea has commented on Russia 's allegations claiming Ukraine violates human rights by refusing to renew water supplies to the occupied Crimea that have been cut in 2014 in the wake of Russian aggression and illegal annexation of the peninsula .
On the Office 's Facebook page , the press service recalled that the provisions of international treaties mentioned by Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to water and contain no obligation to resume water supply .
The Office also says it is unacceptable when an occupying power speaks of `` rights violations '' or `` torture , '' while `` dozens of murders , violent crackdowns , and torture of Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar activists in Crimea took place '' under their rule .
Read alsoUkraine 's NSDC secretary names condition for resumption of water supplies to CrimeaAccording to the Fourth Geneva Convention , an occupying power must provide civilian population with all necessary resources , including water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its officials who bear responsibility for everything happening in these occupied territories .
`` Water supply to the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol is quite an expensive undertaking for the Russian Federation as an occupying power .
However , Ukraine should not resolve problems faced by the occupying power six years into the temporary occupation of a part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine , '' the statement says .
• Prior to Crimea occupation by Russia , Ukraine used to cover up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs for fresh water through the North Crimean Canal .
• After the annexation in 2014 , water supplies were severed .
• Water reserves in Crimea are replenished from natural runoff reservoirs and underground sources .
• Environmentalists say the regular use of water from underground sources has led to soil salinization .
• On September 7 , in Simferopol , Bakhchisarai , and Simferopol districts , due to ongoing drought and shallowing of reservoirs , the third , most severe , stage of water supply restrictions was introduced .
• On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it is Russia who bears responsibility for ensuring water supplies to the occupied Crimea .
• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says restoration of water supply to Crimea would be possible only in the context of the occupied peninsula 's de-occupation .
At the same time , there is no humanitarian crisis with freshwater in occupied Crimea whatsoever , chief of Ukraine 's diplomacy emphasizes .
`` The narrative about the 'humanitarian crisis ' was invented by Russian propaganda in order to convince the world that water supplies to Crimea are necessary @ @

The peninsula remains under Russian occupation, therefore it's the invaders who are entitled to resolve all humanitarian issues, including those of fresh water supplies, Ukraine stresses.
The Office of Ukrainian President's Envoy for Crimea has commented on Russia's allegations claiming Ukraine violates human rights by refusing to renew water supplies to the occupied Crimea that have been cut in 2014 in the wake of Russian aggression and illegal annexation of the peninsula.
On the Office's Facebook page, the press service recalled that the provisions of international treaties mentioned by Russia have no relation to the human right to water and contain no obligation to resume water supply.
The Office also says it is unacceptable when an occupying power speaks of "rights violations" or "torture," while "dozens of murders, violent crackdowns, and torture of Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar activists in Crimea took place" under their rule.
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Read alsoUkraine's NSDC secretary names condition for resumption of water supplies to CrimeaAccording to the Fourth Geneva Convention, an occupying power must provide civilian population with all necessary resources, including water.
This means that it is Russia and its officials who bear responsibility for everything happening in these occupied territories.
"Water supply to the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol is quite an expensive undertaking for the Russian Federation as an occupying power. However, Ukraine should not resolve problems faced by the occupying power six years into the temporary occupation of a part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine," the statement says.
Water supplies to Crimea: background


unian--2020-09-14--Donbas truce: Ukraine reports two violations by enemy on Sept 13

No casualties were reported in the past day .
Ukraine has reported two violations of the latest ceasefire agreements by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Sunday , September 13 .
`` In the past day , September 13 , Russian Federation 's armed formations twice violated the ceasefire agreements reached on July 22 , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on September 14 , 2020 .
In particular , the enemy opened fire from under-barrel grenade launchers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avdiyivka and the village of Pisky .
Read alsoZelensky 's Office explains why 'one-time inspection ' in Donbas suspendedNo casualties were reported in the past day .
Since Monday midnight , no attacks by Russian Federation 's 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 27 .
• The new ceasefire regime was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July 27 .
• On the very first day of 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 reported in the past day.
Ukraine has reported two violations of the latest ceasefire agreements by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Sunday, September 13.
"In the past day, September 13, Russian Federation's armed formations twice violated the ceasefire agreements reached on July 22," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on September 14, 2020.
In particular, the enemy opened fire from under-barrel grenade launchers on the Ukrainian positions near the town of Avdiyivka and the village of Pisky.
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Joint Forces did not return fire.
Read alsoZelensky's Office explains why 'one-time inspection' in Donbas suspendedNo casualties were reported in the past day.
Since Monday midnight, no attacks by Russian Federation's armed formations have been recorded, the JFO HQ said.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military.
Donbas ceasefire: background


unian--2020-09-14--Kyiv in "orange zone" of quarantine rules: new restrictions and bans

The capital city will remain in the zone at least until September 28 when the authorities will be reviewing zoning depending on COVID-19 developments across country .
Tougher quarantine rules have been imposed in Kyiv after the city was assigned to the `` orange zone '' in line with the adaptive quarantine criteria introduced in Ukraine on August 1 .
Minister Oleh Nemchynov on Facebook explained the new set of restrictions , imposed on Kyiv residents and businesses in addition to those applied in the green and yellow zones .
Read alsoLocal elections in Ukraine to be held even in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• Mass events ( in culture , sports , social life , religion , advertisement , and others ) with over 220 attendees and more than 1 person per 10 square meters ; • Operations of all accommodation facilities other than hotels ; • Groups of more than 20 students in educational facilities ( other than preschool , general secondary , out-of-school , and specialized art education facilities ) ; • Scheduled hospitalization .
All patients receiving medical treatment related to scheduled hospitalization are subject to mandatory COVID-19 testing ; • Children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; their rehabilitation and recreation outside the specified areas ; • Visits to temporary detention centers , including those for illegal aliens and refugees ; • Transportation of passengers by road ( except taxis ) and urban electric transport on urban , suburban , long-distance , inter-district routes with over 50 % of seating capacity filled ; • Reception of visitors by trade ( including by shops located in malls ) and household service establishments ; and • Catering services , except for reception of visitors while ensuring occupancy under 50 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strictest restrictions provided for the red-zone quarantine zones , orange zone still allows : • Holding mass events ( in culture , sports , social life , religion , and other ) with attendance up to 220 persons , with social distancing rules of 1 person per 10 square meters of indoor area ; • Operations of malls , cafes , and restaurants ; and • On September 11 , a new daily high of new active cases was set in Kyiv at 404 , bringing the total number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatal and 11,114 still active .
• The capital ranks second among Ukraine regions in terms of the number of identified COVID-19 patients ( after Lviv region ) .
• The situation in Kyiv is deteriorating : until September 10 , the city was in the yellow quarantine zone , and until August 13 – in the green zone .
• The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1 .
• Ukrainian regions were split into the red , green , orange zones depending on hospital load , the average number of PCR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of COVID-19 .
The new rules are effective September 14 and at least until September 28 when the authorities will be reviewing zoning depending on COVID-19 developments across country .

The capital city will remain in the zone at least until September 28 when the authorities will be reviewing zoning depending on COVID-19 developments across country.
Tougher quarantine rules have been imposed in Kyiv after the city was assigned to the "orange zone" in line with the adaptive quarantine criteria introduced in Ukraine on August 1.
Minister Oleh Nemchynov on Facebook explained the new set of restrictions, imposed on Kyiv residents and businesses in addition to those applied in the green and yellow zones.
Read alsoLocal elections in Ukraine to be held even in COVID-19 red zone: CECWhat's banned?
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Mass events (in culture, sports, social life, religion, advertisement, and others) with over 220 attendees and more than 1 person per 10 square meters;
Operations of all accommodation facilities other than hotels;
Groups of more than 20 students in educational facilities (other than preschool, general secondary, out-of-school, and specialized art education facilities);
Scheduled hospitalization. All patients receiving medical treatment related to scheduled hospitalization are subject to mandatory COVID-19 testing;
Operations of gyms and fitness centers;
Children's admission to health and recreation camps; their rehabilitation and recreation outside the specified areas;
Visits to temporary detention centers, including those for illegal aliens and refugees;
Transportation of passengers by road (except taxis) and urban electric transport on urban, suburban, long-distance, inter-district routes with over 50% of seating capacity filled;
Reception of visitors by trade (including by shops located in malls) and household service establishments; and
Catering services, except for reception of visitors while ensuring occupancy under 50% of indoor seating capacity.
What's allowed?
In contrast to the strictest restrictions provided for the red-zone quarantine zones, orange zone still allows:
Holding mass events (in culture, sports, social life, religion, and other) with attendance up to 220 persons, with social distancing rules of 1 person per 10 square meters of indoor area;
Operations of public transport;
Studying in educational facilities;
Operations of malls, cafes, and restaurants; and
Boarding interregional transport (trains, buses, etc.).
Coronavirus in Kyiv
On September 11, a new daily high of new active cases was set in Kyiv at 404, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 16,523, of which 261 were fatal and 11,114 still active.
The capital ranks second among Ukraine regions in terms of the number of identified COVID-19 patients (after Lviv region).
The situation in Kyiv is deteriorating: until September 10, the city was in the yellow quarantine zone, and until August 13 – in the green zone.
Adaptive quarantine in Ukraine
The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1.
Ukrainian regions were split into the red, green, orange zones depending on hospital load, the average number of PCR and ELISA tests, and the ascertainment rate of COVID-19.
The new rules are effective September 14 and at least until September 28 when the authorities will be reviewing zoning depending on COVID-19 developments across country.


unian--2020-09-14--U.S. strategic bombers again enter Ukrainian airspace near Crimea

Such patrols will be regular .
On September 14 , accompanied by fighters of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine , three strategic bombers of the U.S. Air Force B-52H were again in the Ukrainian airspace .
`` Under the escort of Ukrainian fighters , the B-52 headed towards the Black Sea for a joint action with partner states in the field of collective security , '' Ukraine 's Defense Ministry said on Facebook on September 14 .
Read alsoTwo U.S. bombers fly over Ukraine in integration with Ukrainian fighter jets ( Photo ) '' Such patrols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missions in the skies of Ukraine are part of a long-planned deployment of six B-52s at Fairford Air Force Base of the Royal British Air Force , '' it said .
B-52 crews provide collective defense capabilities for the United States , NATO Allies and Partners , as well as strategic and operational capabilities to deter Russia. '' American partners are consistent in their actions , supporting Ukraine , both on the diplomatic front and in the Ukrainian sky , '' it said .
• FM Kuleba speaks of progress on Ukraine 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berdyansk gunboat , attacked by Russia in 2018 , finally returns to water

Such patrols will be regular.
On September 14, accompanied by fighters of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, three strategic bombers of the U.S. Air Force B-52H were again in the Ukrainian airspace.
"Under the escort of Ukrainian fighters, the B-52 headed towards the Black Sea for a joint action with partner states in the field of collective security," Ukraine's Defense Ministry said on Facebook on September 14.
Read alsoTwo U.S. bombers fly over Ukraine in integration with Ukrainian fighter jets (Photo)
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"Such patrols will be regular, as the B-52 missions in the skies of Ukraine are part of a long-planned deployment of six B-52s at Fairford Air Force Base of the Royal British Air Force," it said.
B-52 crews provide collective defense capabilities for the United States, NATO Allies and Partners, as well as strategic and operational capabilities to deter Russia.
"American partners are consistent in their actions, supporting Ukraine, both on the diplomatic front and in the Ukrainian sky," it said.
More related news reports


unian--2020-09-14--Putin, Lukashenko meet in Sochi, talks last over four hours

Among the issues discussed was a joint response to emerging challenges .
Talks between President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Sochi lasted for over four hours .
This was reported by the Belarus news agency BelTA .
`` The heads of state discussed a wide range of issues in bilateral relations , the situation in the region , a joint response to emerging challenges , '' it reported .
In their statements at the beginning of the talks , the two leaders reaffirmed the strategic allied nature of relations between Belarus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and economic cooperation , adherence to previous agreements , including cooperation in the defense sphere .
They also talked about the post-election period in Belarus and the situation both inside the country and abroad in that context .
On September 14 , President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko flew to Sochi , where he was scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin .
These were tete-a-tete talks , their agenda included `` issues of joint response to emerging challenges . ''
• After large-scale protests in Belarus began in August , Lukashenko said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country 's security .
• On August 27 , Putin suggested using Russian security forces to suppress the protests in Belarus .
• On September 8 , Lukashenko announced his readiness to continue integration with Russia , noting that in the event of Belarus ' break-up , Russia would be next .

Among the issues discussed was a joint response to emerging challenges.
Talks between President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Sochi lasted for over four hours.
This was reported by the Belarus news agency BelTA.
Read alsoLukashenko loses legitimacy in democratic society – Polish FM
Видео дня
"The heads of state discussed a wide range of issues in bilateral relations, the situation in the region, a joint response to emerging challenges," it reported.
In their statements at the beginning of the talks, the two leaders reaffirmed the strategic allied nature of relations between Belarus and Russia, their focus on enhancing trade and economic cooperation, adherence to previous agreements, including cooperation in the defense sphere.
They also talked about the post-election period in Belarus and the situation both inside the country and abroad in that context.
Meeting in Sochi
On September 14, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko flew to Sochi, where he was scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
These were tete-a-tete talks, their agenda included "issues of joint response to emerging challenges."
Amity amid protests in Belarus


unian--2020-09-14--Ukraine drastically cuts imports from Russia in seven years

The Ukrainian banking sector is seeing a serious outflow of Russian capital .
Ukraine has drastically reduced imports of goods from Russia , by 66.7 % in seven years , to 6 % of GDP , and also significantly reduced the share of assets of Russian companies in the country 's economy .
Such conclusions are given in the Russian Economic Footprint in Ukraine research , conducted by the Centre for Economic Strategy ( CES ) , which was published on September 14 , 2020 .
Read alsoUkraine sees deficit of foreign trade shrink in seven months of 2020 '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ukraine 's total imports from Russia fell from a peak of 18 % of GDP in 2012 to 6 % of GDP in early 2019 , '' CES experts said .
The research that analyzes how the Russian economic footprint has changed over the recent decade says that since 2009 , the share of assets and turnover of Russian companies in Ukraine has decreased from 3.6 % to 2.1 % and from 4.3 % to 2.8 % , respectively , of the total assets and turnover .
The CES notes that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian investment have remained relatively steady .
However , the official figures significantly underestimate amounts of Russian investment in Ukraine .
`` Our estimates show that , taking into account investments through offshores , Russian investment in Ukraine is at least twice as high as the officially reported figures , '' the study said .
Experts also observe a serious outflow of Russian capital in the banking sector .
In 2009 , there were 13 Russian banks in Ukraine ( three among the ten largest ones ) , while only five Russian banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study , one of the most notable achievements in the energy sector was Ukraine 's termination of direct imports of Russian natural gas .
However , the Russian presence remains significant and is still largely unchanged in other important areas such as metallurgy .
`` In our opinion , to overcome the corrosive effects of Russian capital , Ukraine should ensure greater transparency for investment to better understand the scale of Russian investment in Ukraine .
In addition , we believe that it is necessary to limit Russian investment in such important sectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as generally restrict investment by Russian state-owned companies and companies associated with the Russian government , by eliminating gaps in sanctions and other problems , `` the CES experts said .

Ukraine drastically cuts imports from Russia in seven years
21:59, 14.09.20 1638
The Ukrainian banking sector is seeing a serious outflow of Russian capital.
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unian--2020-09-14--Ukraine sees deficit of foreign trade shrink in seven months of 2020

It was 56.5 % down year-over-year .
Ukraine saw a deficit of foreign trade shrink in January-July 2020 , to US $ 2.119 billion .
It was 56.5 % down year-over-year , when the country 's foreign trade deficit was estimated at US $ 4.968 billion , the State Statistics Service of Ukraine said on its website .
Imports of goods and services into Ukraine during this period decreased by 14.7 % , to US $ 28.74 billion , while exports fell by 7.3 % , to US $ 26.62 billion .
The export-import coverage ratio over the period under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
Ukraine traded with partners from 221 countries and regions .
The State Statistics Service recalled that the data is given without taking into account information from the Russia-occupied regions , namely Crimea , the city of Sevastopol , and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
• According to the State Statistics Service , Ukraine 's foreign trade balance in 2019 saw a deficit of US $ 3.633 billion , which was 41.2 % less than the deficit in 2018 .
• The deficit of foreign trade in goods alone rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US $ 10.723 billion .

Ukraine sees deficit of foreign trade shrink in seven months of 2020
20:55, 14.09.20 1512
It was 56.5% down year-over-year.
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unian--2020-09-14--Finance Ministry elaborates on main indicators of 2021 national budget draft

The budget deficit is capped at UAH 270 billion ( US $ 9.7 billion ) .
Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko says the draft national budget for 2021 , which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on September 14 , 2020 , provides for revenue at UAH 1.071 trillion ( US $ 38.4 billion ) , while spending at UAH 1.35 trillion ( US $ 48.4 billion ) .
The budget deficit is capped at UAH 270 billion ( US $ 9.7 billion ) , he said at a briefing on Monday , as reported by an UNIAN correspondent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realistic and balanced , the official says .
`` The budget is balanced and realistic , it provides opportunities for development .
Therefore , it is titled 'The Budget for Development Opportunities , ' '' Marchenko said .
`` The budget is balanced and realistic , it provides opportunities for development . ''
`` We have reduced the deficit by 1.5 % against this year 's deficit at 7.5 % of GDP .
The indicator is expected to fall to 6 % of GDP next year .
We would like to ensure a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on borrowings , '' the minister said .
The draft law on the national budget provides for a 9.4 % increase in revenue and a 5.1 % rise in spending .
Marchenko says the government does not propose any increase in the burden on businesses amid the crisis , thus there will be `` no significant rise in tax revenue . ''
`` Therefore , the redistribution of GDP through the national budget revenue is gradually decreasing to 23.5 % .
This is less than this year .
We will do this by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic and import ones .
As this year shows , there are quite significant opportunities for deshadowing [ of the economy ] , for working with scheme-based loans , tax minimization , and so on .
Therefore , the main increase in revenue will be on these taxes , '' he said .
`` The main macroeconomic indicators on which the draft state budget was developed have not changed .
This is a 4.6 % GDP growth , a 7.3 % inflation , and an average monthly salary set at UAH 13,600 [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , adding that the document projects the hryvnia 's average annual rate at UAH 29.1 per U.S. dollar .
• On September 14 , 2020 , Ukraine 's Finance Ministry forwarded the draft national budget for 2021 to the government for consideration .
• On the same day , the Cabinet of Ministers supported the 2021 national budget draft submitted by the Finance Ministry .
• Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the Cabinet would table a draft law on the 2021 national budget of Ukraine at the parliament on September 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the national currency , the hryvnia , is set at UAH 29 against the U.S. dollar , while the deficit is laid down at 6 % .
• On August 31 , envoy of the Cabinet of Ministers to the Verkhovna Rada Vasyl Mokan said the government would submit Ukraine 's draft national budget to parliament before September 15 .
• On August 29 , 2020 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed into law Bill No 822-IX passed by the Verkhovna Rada at its special session on August 25 to amend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine .
• On August 6 , Zelensky initiated amendments to the national budget to raise the minimum wage to UAH 5,000 ( US $ 179 ) from September 1 , 2020 .
• The minimum wage in Ukraine from January 1 , 2020 , increased by UAH 550 ( US $ 19.71 ) , to UAH 4,723 ( US $ 169 ) per month , or UAH 28.31 ( US $ 1.01 ) per hour .

Finance Ministry elaborates on main indicators of 2021 national budget draft
19:28, 14.09.20 3182
The budget deficit is capped at UAH 270 billion (US$9.7 billion).
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unian--2020-09-14--Zelensky enacts law to ratify Ukraine-EU memorandum on EUR 1.2 bln in macro-financial aid

The amount will be split into two equal disbursements .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a bill into law on the ratification of the memorandum and loan agreement between Ukraine and the European Union on EUR 1.2 billion in macro-financial assistance ( MFA ) .
The implementation of the provisions of the memorandum and the agreement will allow Ukraine to get additional loans from the European Union to prop up macroeconomic stability , support the balance of payments , and implement reforms , the president 's press service said on Monday , September 14 .
The funds will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million each .
What is disclosed by the Office of the President The Office of the President noted that the memorandum outlines general prerequisites for the allocation of the funds , and also determines measures needed to implement structural reforms that are necessary to secure the second disbursement of the current aid .
How EU 's funds will be spent The foreseen measures relate to medical procurement , tax and customs reforms , the functioning of the judicial system , public administration , corporate governance for state enterprises , and the functioning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and loan agreement were signed by Ukraine and the EU in Brussels on July 23 .
This was preceded by the adoption by the European Council of a decision on the allocation of targeted macro-financial assistance to the countries of the European Neighborhood and Enlargement Policy in the context of the COVID-19 crisis in the amount of EUR 3 billion .
Ukraine received the largest aid package worth EUR 1.2 billion .
• On August 25 , the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , ratified the Memorandum of Understanding between Ukraine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the amount of up to EUR 1.2 billion .
• Ukraine , according to the terms of the Memorandum , pledged to conduct a tender after the end of the COVID-19 quarantine to hire heads of the country 's State Tax and Customs Services , disband the State Fiscal Service ( the agency which was split into the State Tax and Customs Services ) and adopt a bill in the first reading to create a new agency to investigate serious economic and financial crimes .

Zelensky enacts law to ratify Ukraine-EU memorandum on EUR 1.2 bln in macro-financial aid
17:58, 14.09.20 1728
The amount will be split into two equal disbursements.
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unian--2020-09-14--Ternopil ignoring "red zone" quarantine bans

The police are conducting raids across the city .
The city of Ternopil continues ignoring the restrictions mandated by the adaptive quarantine rules for the `` red '' quarantine zone .
Meanwhile , in an effort to enforce bans , police are raiding catering establishments and imposing fines , including on school principals , for failure to obey tough rules that the government says could curb COVID-19 spread amid the latest spikes .
That 's according to the local Police Department press service who spoke with UNIAN .
Read alsoHealth minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeAs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on principals of schools and kindergartens for failing to suspend work , 28 fines – on drivers and carrier companies for ongoing passenger transportation services , as well as 13 fines – on owners of catering facilities .
Police say such violations provide for a fine from UAH 17,000 ( US $ 609 ) to UAH 34,000 ( US $ 1,218 ) for citizens , as well as from UAH 34,000 to UAH 170,000 ( US $ 6,090 ) for officials .
• Ternopil has been assigned to the `` red '' zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions laid down , the city commission for emergency situations decided not to suspend operations of schools and kindergartens , catering facilities , and public transport .
The town hall also promised free legal support for appealing all fines in court .
• A total of 45 schools and 39 kindergartens are now operating in Ternopil as usual .
President Volodymyr Zelensky has earlier commented on the move by a number of local leaders to ignore the obligatory strengthening of quarantine rules .
`` On some rebellious local leaders…In general , I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm not fighting anyone at all .
This sounds ridiculous , but these 'rebels ' ...
I do realize that ahead of local elections they seek to please people and open up everything , allow them walking around with no masks on , and turn a blind eye to things ... '' Zelensky said .

The police are conducting raids across the city.
The city of Ternopil continues ignoring the restrictions mandated by the adaptive quarantine rules for the "red" quarantine zone.
Meanwhile, in an effort to enforce bans, police are raiding catering establishments and imposing fines, including on school principals, for failure to obey tough rules that the government says could curb COVID-19 spread amid the latest spikes.
That's according to the local Police Department press service who spoke with UNIAN.
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Read alsoHealth minister names Ukrainian regions with highest daily COVID-19 spikeAs of September 14, 57 fines were imposed on principals of schools and kindergartens for failing to suspend work, 28 fines – on drivers and carrier companies for ongoing passenger transportation services, as well as 13 fines – on owners of catering facilities.
Police say such violations provide for a fine from UAH 17,000 (US$609) to UAH 34,000 (US$1,218) for citizens, as well as from UAH 34,000 to UAH 170,000 (US$6,090) for officials.
Ternopil in "red" zone
Ternopil has been assigned to the "red" zone since September 7. However, despite restrictions laid down, the city commission for emergency situations decided not to suspend operations of schools and kindergartens, catering facilities, and public transport. The town hall also promised free legal support for appealing all fines in court.
A total of 45 schools and 39 kindergartens are now operating in Ternopil as usual.
Zelensky's reaction to defiant regions
President Volodymyr Zelensky has earlier commented on the move by a number of local leaders to ignore the obligatory strengthening of quarantine rules.
"On some rebellious local leaders…In general, I don't understand who's fighting whom. I'm not fighting anyone at all. This sounds ridiculous, but these 'rebels' ... I do realize that ahead of local elections they seek to please people and open up everything, allow them walking around with no masks on, and turn a blind eye to things..." Zelensky said.


unian--2020-09-15--Minor reshuffle possible in Cabinet before local elections – ruling faction leader

At the same time , he stopped short of naming the minister in question .
Chairman of the Servant of the People faction in Ukraine 's parliament David Arakhamia says minor reshuffle is possible in the Cabinet of Ministers before the local elections across the country .
`` At least one [ official ] may resign before local elections , '' he told journalists on September 15 , as reported by an UNIAN correspondent .
At the same time , he stopped short of specifying the minister in question .
Arakhamia assured that `` [ Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read alsoCabinet approved amendments to Tax Code for 2021 national budgetHe stressed that members of the working group who had prepared the 2021 budget draft should continue their work and bear responsibility for the document .
According to Arakhamia , if the Cabinet composition changes , the new officials will say the draft budget is the brainchild of their predecessors .
Thus , everyone will try to evade responsibility .
The draft national budget for 2021 , which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on September 14 , 2020 , provides for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 38.3 billion ) , while spending at UAH 1.35 trillion ( US $ 48.2 billion ) .
The deficit is expected to fall to 6 % of GDP next year .
The budget deficit is capped at UAH 270 billion ( US $ 9.6 billion ) .
On the same day , the document was tabled at the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament .

At the same time, he stopped short of naming the minister in question.
Chairman of the Servant of the People faction in Ukraine's parliament David Arakhamia says minor reshuffle is possible in the Cabinet of Ministers before the local elections across the country.
"At least one [official] may resign before local elections," he told journalists on September 15, as reported by an UNIAN correspondent.
At the same time, he stopped short of specifying the minister in question.
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Arakhamia assured that "[Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy] Marchenko is not under threat."
Read alsoCabinet approved amendments to Tax Code for 2021 national budgetHe stressed that members of the working group who had prepared the 2021 budget draft should continue their work and bear responsibility for the document.
According to Arakhamia, if the Cabinet composition changes, the new officials will say the draft budget is the brainchild of their predecessors. Thus, everyone will try to evade responsibility.
The 2021 national budget draft
The draft national budget for 2021, which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on September 14, 2020, provides for revenue at UAH 1.071 trillion (US$38.3 billion), while spending at UAH 1.35 trillion (US$48.2 billion). The deficit is expected to fall to 6% of GDP next year. The budget deficit is capped at UAH 270 billion (US$9.6 billion).
On the same day, the document was tabled at the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament.


unian--2020-09-15--COVID-19 lockdown: Hundreds of Hasidim pilgrims amass at Belarus-Ukraine border

Hasidim from different countries do not give up attempts to get to Ukraine for Rosh-Hashanah .
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine ( SBGSU ) says that despite entry ban to foreigners the government has imposed earlier until September 28 , several hundred Hasidim have been trying to cross in from Belarus since Monday evening .
As of the morning of September 15 , the group has not ceased attempts to enter through the Novi Yarylovychi checkpoint in Chernihiv region , remaining in a neutral zone between the Ukrainian and Belarusian checkpoints , the agency 's press service says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service of Ukraine Serhii Deineko met with the group 's representatives and brought to their attention the requirements of the government 's resolution restricting entry to foreigners .
Read alsoUJCU condemned the actions of the pilgrims who caused disorder at the grave of Rabbi Nachman in Uman ( Video ) The statement says local border guard units have been reinforced and coordination with National Police and National Guard has been updated .
The State Emergency Service stands ready to respond if necessary .
Hasidim pilgrims have in fact blocked the checkpoint , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September 15 .
`` Jews from different countries were heading to Uman to mark their New Year – Rosh Hashanah .
Celebrations begin this Friday , but the Ukrainian government restricted the entry of foreigners into the country in August due to the coronavirus pandemic .
So the Hasidim could n't cross in .
They occupied the entire roadway in front of the checkpoint .
Even the head of the border service could not persuade them to head back .
In the evening , food was provided to them .
They greeted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pilgrims have no intention to leave the border zone yet , '' the press service added .
Every year , Hasidic Jews travel to the town of Uman to visit a Jewish cemetery , where Reb Nachman of Bratslav ( 1772-1810 ) , the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement , is buried .
His grave is one of the most revered shrines of Hasidim , being the place of annual mass pilgrimage .
Pilgrims believe that whoever celebrates the Jewish New Year in Uman will be happy all year long .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to the town to celebrate the 5780th Jewish New Year .
This year , Rosh Hashanah will begin on September 18 .
• On August 26 , 2020 , the Cabinet extended the adaptive quarantine across Ukraine until November 1 .
• Then the government imposed a temporary entry ban for foreigners from August 29 until September 28 , with a number of exemptions for certain categories of foreign nationals .
• Late on Thursday , August 27 , the Cabinet declared that borders would be shut a day early , from @ @ @ @ @

Hasidim from different countries do not give up attempts to get to Ukraine for Rosh-Hashanah.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU) says that despite entry ban to foreigners the government has imposed earlier until September 28, several hundred Hasidim have been trying to cross in from Belarus since Monday evening.
As of the morning of September 15, the group has not ceased attempts to enter through the Novi Yarylovychi checkpoint in Chernihiv region, remaining in a neutral zone between the Ukrainian and Belarusian checkpoints, the agency's press service says.
Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Serhii Deineko met with the group's representatives and brought to their attention the requirements of the government's resolution restricting entry to foreigners.
Read alsoUJCU condemned the actions of the pilgrims who caused disorder at the grave of Rabbi Nachman in Uman (Video)The statement says local border guard units have been reinforced and coordination with National Police and National Guard has been updated. The State Emergency Service stands ready to respond if necessary.
Hasidim pilgrims have in fact blocked the checkpoint, the Ukrainian TSN TV news service said on September 15.
"Jews from different countries were heading to Uman to mark their New Year – Rosh Hashanah. Celebrations begin this Friday, but the Ukrainian government restricted the entry of foreigners into the country in August due to the coronavirus pandemic. So the Hasidim couldn't cross in. They occupied the entire roadway in front of the checkpoint. Even the head of the border service could not persuade them to head back. In the evening, food was provided to them. They greeted the move with songs and dances. However, pilgrims have no intention to leave the border zone yet," the press service added.
Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman
Every year, Hasidic Jews travel to the town of Uman to visit a Jewish cemetery, where Reb Nachman of Bratslav (1772-1810), the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement, is buried. His grave is one of the most revered shrines of Hasidim, being the place of annual mass pilgrimage.
Pilgrims believe that whoever celebrates the Jewish New Year in Uman will be happy all year long.
In 2019, more than 30,000 pilgrims came to the town to celebrate the 5780th Jewish New Year. This year, Rosh Hashanah will begin on September 18.
Entry ban amid COVID-19 surge


unian--2020-09-15--Cabinet approved amendments to Tax Code for 2021 national budget

The amendments contain norms toward improving the conditions for doing business and quality of tax administration .
Ukraine 's Finance Ministry says the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a number of amendments to the Tax Code and other laws of Ukraine to ensure the balance of budget revenues for the adoption of the 2021 national budget .
`` The amendments to the Tax Code proposed by the Finance Ministry contain resource norms for improving the conditions of doing business and quality of administration , '' the ministry 's press service said on its website on September 14 .
In terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , changes envisage : exempting farmers from VAT in case of force majeure ( crop and cattle losses ) ; correction of shortcomings in legislation on labeling liquids for e-cigarettes ; elimination of inconsistencies on fuel licensing with the labor legislation ; and extension for two months of the term of debt write-offs on single social security tax to inactive self-employed individuals .
It is also envisaged to exclude support funds of the Entrepreneurship Development Fund and the Innovation Development Fund from single tax payers ' income , as well as amounts received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of individual entrepreneurs and citizens .
At the same time , the amendments to the Code abolish the moratorium on paperwork audits and physical checks , while allowing write-offs of ( fines and penalties if tax debt is repaid in full within six months .
It is also proposed to allow collecting tax debt arising from non-payment of monetary obligations and/or penalties outlined by taxpayers in their declarations or clarifying calculations from such debtors ' bank accounts or cash by decision of supervisory authority without litigation .
The changes proposed provide an opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the supervisory authority on the compliance or non-compliance of the value-added taxpayer with the risk criteria .
Read alsoFinance Ministry elaborates on main indicators of 2021 national budget draftAccording to the ministry 's calculations , the implementation of the norms of the relevant bill will increase receipts of taxes and fees to the national budget by UAH 2.7 billion ( US $ 96.4 million ) , while those to local budgets by UAH 0.5 billion ( US $ 17.9 million ) .
• On September 14 , 2020 , Ukraine 's Finance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 to the government for consideration .
• On the same day , the Cabinet of Ministers supported the 2021 national budget draft submitted by the Finance Ministry .
• Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the Cabinet would table a draft law on the 2021 national budget of Ukraine at the parliament on September 15 .
According to Shmyhal , the rate of the national currency , the hryvnia , is set at UAH 29 against the U.S. dollar , while the deficit is laid down at 6 % .
• On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ministers to the Verkhovna Rada Vasyl Mokan said the government would submit Ukraine 's draft national budget to parliament before September 15 .
• On August 29 , 2020 , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed into law Bill No 822-IX passed by the Verkhovna Rada at its special session on August 25 to amend the law on the 2020 national budget of Ukraine .
• On August 6 , Zelensky initiated amendments to the national budget to raise the minimum wage to UAH 5,000 ( US $ 179 ) from September 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine from January 1 , 2020 , increased by UAH 550 ( US $ 19.64 ) , to UAH 4,723 ( US $ 169 ) per month , or UAH 28.31 ( US $ 1.01 ) per hour .

Cabinet approved amendments to Tax Code for 2021 national budget
15:55, 15.09.20 6682
The amendments contain norms toward improving the conditions for doing business and quality of tax administration.
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unian--2020-09-15--Ukrainian soldier injured in IED blast in Donbas

The serviceman suffered an injury of moderate severety .
A Ukrainian soldier has been injured amid engineering works after he stepped on an explosive device near the village of Vodiane in Donbas .
`` The soldier suffered an injury of moderate severety .
He was promptly provided with first aid and evacuated to a hospital , '' the Skhid [ East ] Operational Tactical Grouping Command wrote on Facebook .
Read alsoZelensky says ending war in Donbas his top priorityThe Command of the soldier 's military unit and military law enforcers are working at the scene .
Circumstances of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concludes .
• So-called `` DPR leader '' Denis Pushilin threatened to open fire on Ukrainian army positions from 08:00 a.m. local time on September 7 .
As grounds for such move , Pushilin claimed violations by Ukrainian forces of the latest ceasefire agreement sealed on July 22 .
He demanded that Ukrainian troops undo the trenches that had allegedly been dug after July 22 , and warned that they `` have every right '' to act to eliminate the alleged violations .
• In turn , Commander of the Joint Forces , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops had not violated any agreements .
• On September 6 , the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine confirmed there had been no violations of the ceasefire agreements by the Joint Forces .
• On September 9 , participants in a Trilateral Contact Group meeting agreed on a joint inspection near Shumy with the participation of a representative of the OSCE coordinator .
• The President 's Office said the relevant agreement on the inspection had been reached to refute fake news and prevent new provocations .
• On September 10 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the `` one-time inspection '' had been suspended over continuous change in the Russian side 's demands .
• At 14:15 local time on September 10 , Russian occupation forces in Donbas opened fire on Ukrainian positions near Shumy after the inspection was called off .

The serviceman suffered an injury of moderate severety.
A Ukrainian soldier has been injured amid engineering works after he stepped on an explosive device near the village of Vodiane in Donbas.
"The soldier suffered an injury of moderate severety. He was promptly provided with first aid and evacuated to a hospital," the Skhid [East] Operational Tactical Grouping Command wrote on Facebook.
Read alsoZelensky says ending war in Donbas his top priorityThe Command of the soldier's military unit and military law enforcers are working at the scene. Circumstances of the incident are being clarified, the report concludes.
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Donbas war: latest


unian--2020-09-15--Rada calls Belarus elections out as "unfair", backs EU sanctions on Minsk

The official results of presidential elections do not reflect the real expression of Belarusian people 's will .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , considers it unacceptable to involve Russia 's troops and apply the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) agreement in resolving the crisis in Belarus .
The relevant statement was approved by Resolution No .
3053 , backed by 228 MPs , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
`` We shall consider such a step a direct threat to the European security and that of Ukraine , '' the statement says .
The Verkhovna Rada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neither free nor fair , and held amid the lack of competition between candidates , free media , and authoritative observers from international organizations such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe .
Read alsoLukashenko loses legitimacy in democratic society – Polish FMIt is also noted the elections `` were held with significant violations , multiple refusals to register candidates , and non-transparent vote count . ''
The MPs consider it unacceptable to intimidate opponents , imprison them , and create obstacles to independent national observers at polling stations .
The Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force and brutality '' by Belarusian law enforcement .
`` We join the European Union 's assessment of the undemocratic nature of presidential elections in Belarus and support the imposition of sanctions against those responsible for falsifying election results and using violence against protesters , '' reads the report .
The Verkhovna Rada demands the release of all detainees and hopes the official authorities of Belarus will not allow further escalation of persecution , both of their opponents , for political reasons , and citizens of Belarus who took to the streets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's actions .
Ukraine respects the sovereignty of Belarus and `` resolutely rejects accusations voiced by the Belarusian side of involvement in destabilization of Belarus . ''
The Ukrainian parliament also calls on the Belarusian authorities to establish an equal dialogue with the Belarusian society to find a peaceful way out of the crisis .
`` One of the options could be new , free and democratic elections with the attendance of independent international observers from leading European institutions , '' the statement said .
On August 9 , presidential elections were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
Thousands took to the streets to protest what many believe was a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently cracked down on protesters .
Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .
On August 14 , the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus .
The March of Freedom , the largest protest in the history of Belarus , took place on August 16 in Minsk .
Hundreds of thousands of people joined in .
On August 20 , the Prosecutor General 's Office opened a criminal probe into the attempt by the opposition to `` seize power . ''
Lukashenko has repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election and the external efforts to foment protests .
He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin who had promised him comprehensive assistance upon request .
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin has warned of the possible use of army to disperse protesters rallying under the flags he claims were once used by Nazi troops .
On Sunday , September 6 , the March of Unity was held in the cities of Belarus .
According to various sources , a total of nearly 100,000 protesters took part in the rally .
The European Union has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU leaders reached an agreement to impose sanctions on Belarusian officials in response to vote rigging and the use of violence against protesters .
On September 13 , the law enforcers again detained protesters amid mass rallies across Belarus .
The police used force even against women .

The official results of presidential elections do not reflect the real expression of Belarusian people's will.
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, considers it unacceptable to involve Russia's troops and apply the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) agreement in resolving the crisis in Belarus.
The relevant statement was approved by Resolution No. 3053, backed by 228 MPs, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
"We shall consider such a step a direct threat to the European security and that of Ukraine," the statement says.
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The Verkhovna Rada believes the presidential elections in Belarus were neither free nor fair, and held amid the lack of competition between candidates, free media, and authoritative observers from international organizations such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe.
Read alsoLukashenko loses legitimacy in democratic society – Polish FMIt is also noted the elections "were held with significant violations, multiple refusals to register candidates, and non-transparent vote count."
The MPs consider it unacceptable to intimidate opponents, imprison them, and create obstacles to independent national observers at polling stations.
"All this gives grounds to believe that the officially announced results of the presidential elections in Belarus do not reflect the real expression of the will of Belarusian citizens," reads the statement.
The Ukrainian parliament condemns the use of "excessive force and brutality" by Belarusian law enforcement.
"We join the European Union's assessment of the undemocratic nature of presidential elections in Belarus and support the imposition of sanctions against those responsible for falsifying election results and using violence against protesters," reads the report.
The Verkhovna Rada demands the release of all detainees and hopes the official authorities of Belarus will not allow further escalation of persecution, both of their opponents, for political reasons, and citizens of Belarus who took to the streets of cities to expressed their disagreement with the government's actions.
"We strongly condemn and consider unacceptable the illegal detention of Ukrainian citizens. We will protect their rights and interests by all legal means," the statement reads.
Ukraine respects the sovereignty of Belarus and "resolutely rejects accusations voiced by the Belarusian side of involvement in destabilization of Belarus."
The Ukrainian parliament also calls on the Belarusian authorities to establish an equal dialogue with the Belarusian society to find a peaceful way out of the crisis.
"One of the options could be new, free and democratic elections with the attendance of independent international observers from leading European institutions," the statement said.
Belarus protests: background
On August 9, presidential elections were held in Belarus. The country's Central Election Commission announced the final election results. In particular, 80.1% of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, 10.1% voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, 1.67% for Anna Kanopatskaya, 1.2% for Andrey Dmitriev, and 1.14% for Sergei Cherechnya. Some 4.59% voted against all candidates.
Thousands took to the streets to protest what many believe was a rigged vote count. Riot police violently cracked down on protesters.
Belarus' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9. On the evening of August 13, the authorities started to release detainees.
On August 14, the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus.
The March of Freedom, the largest protest in the history of Belarus, took place on August 16 in Minsk. Hundreds of thousands of people joined in.
On August 20, the Prosecutor General's Office opened a criminal probe into the attempt by the opposition to "seize power."
Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed "foreign interference" in the election and the external efforts to foment protests. He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin who had promised him comprehensive assistance upon request.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin has warned of the possible use of army to disperse protesters rallying under the flags he claims were once used by Nazi troops.
On Sunday, September 6, the March of Unity was held in the cities of Belarus. According to various sources, a total of nearly 100,000 protesters took part in the rally.
The European Union has not recognized election outcome in Belarus. EU leaders reached an agreement to impose sanctions on Belarusian officials in response to vote rigging and the use of violence against protesters.
On September 13, the law enforcers again detained protesters amid mass rallies across Belarus. The police used force even against women.


unian--2020-09-15--Over US$21 bln to be spent on public debt payments in 2021 – finance minister

Over US$21 bln to be spent on public debt payments in 2021 – finance minister
14:40, 15.09.20 844
Some US$15.7 billion will be spent to pay off the public debt, while US$5.7 billion will be spent on debt servicing.
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