unian--2020-03-04--Parliament votes to accept PM Honcharuk's resignation, Cabinet disbands

No one voted against ; 49 abstained , and nine did not take part in the vote .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , has passed a resolution to accept Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk 's resignation .
Respective resolution No .
3158 was backed by 353 lawmakers out of the 411 registered in the session hall on March 4 .
Read alsoGovernment reshuffle comes at untimely moment for Ukraine – media In particular , 240 members of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction , 39 from the Opposition Platform – For Life Party , 20 from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the For Future group , 17 from the Dovira group , and 19 independent MPs voted for the resolution .
No votes were given by members of Petro Poroshenko 's European Solidarity Party and the Holos ( Voice ) Party .
No one voted against ; 49 abstained , and nine did not take part in the vote .
Following the prime minister 's resignation , the entire Cabinet disbanded : Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba ; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dmytro Dubilet ; Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk ; Minister of Foreign Affairs Vadym Prystaiko ; Minister of Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture Tymofiy Mylovanov , Justice Minister Denys Malyuska ; Finance Minister Oksana Markarova ; Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection Oleksiy Orzhel ; Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii ; Minister of Development of Communities and Territories Denys Shmyhal ; Minister of Education and Science Anna Novosad ; Health Minister Zoryana Skaletska ; Minister of Culture , Youth and Sports Volodymyr Borodyanskiy ; Minister for Social Policy Yulia Sokolovska ; Minister of Internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Affairs , Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Oksana Kolyada .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Honcharuk was appointed prime minister on August 29 , 2019 , after the Verkhovna Rada had voted for his appointment and approved other Cabinet members .

No one voted against; 49 abstained, and nine did not take part in the vote.
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has passed a resolution to accept Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk's resignation.
Respective resolution No. 3158 was backed by 353 lawmakers out of the 411 registered in the session hall on March 4.
Read alsoGovernment reshuffle comes at untimely moment for Ukraine – media
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In particular, 240 members of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, 39 from the Opposition Platform – For Life Party, 20 from Yulia Tymoshenko's Batkivshchyna Party, 18 from the For Future group, 17 from the Dovira group, and 19 independent MPs voted for the resolution. No votes were given by members of Petro Poroshenko's European Solidarity Party and the Holos (Voice) Party.
No one voted against; 49 abstained, and nine did not take part in the vote.
Following the prime minister's resignation, the entire Cabinet disbanded: Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Dmytro Kuleba; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov; Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Dmytro Dubilet; Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk; Minister of Foreign Affairs Vadym Prystaiko; Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture Tymofiy Mylovanov, Justice Minister Denys Malyuska; Finance Minister Oksana Markarova; Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection Oleksiy Orzhel; Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii; Minister of Development of Communities and Territories Denys Shmyhal; Minister of Education and Science Anna Novosad; Health Minister Zoryana Skaletska; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Volodymyr Borodyanskiy; Minister for Social Policy Yulia Sokolovska; Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov; Minister of Veterans Affairs, Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Oksana Kolyada.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Honcharuk was appointed prime minister on August 29, 2019, after the Verkhovna Rada had voted for his appointment and approved other Cabinet members.


unian--2020-03-04--Ukraine's Treasury explains benefits of medium-term budget planning

Funds in single treasury accounts in other countries are being used in securities transactions , lending , and so on .
Head of the State Treasury Service of Ukraine Tetiana Sliuz says the introduction of medium-term budget planning in Ukraine will allow using funds in the Treasury 's single account more efficiently , which will lead to the development of the national economy .
`` For some reason , we had the erroneous assumption that the more funds in a single treasury account , the better .
When we look at the history of other countries using funds in single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they are being used in securities transactions , lending , and so on .
That is , funds develop the economy , rather than lie idle .
Due to medium-term planning and drafting a three-year budget declaration , this will have a positive result and there will be no such [ unused ] funds , '' she told journalists on March 4 , following the presentation of the agency 's 2019 report .
Sliuz also noted that the balance of funds in the single account of the State Treasury Service was estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 689 million ) as of March 1 , 2020 , at UAH 12 billion ( US $ 481 million ) as of February 1 , and at UAH 17.55 billion ( US $ 704 million ) as of January 1 .
Read alsoState Treasury Service almost ready to introduce funded pension system in Ukraine As UNIAN reported earlier , in January 2019 , the then Ukrainian President , Petro Poroshenko , signed a bill into law to amend the Budget Code of Ukraine regarding the introduction of medium-term budget planning .
The Verkhovna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill in December 2018 .
In January 2020 , Ukrainian Finance Minister Oksana Markarova said the ministry had started drafting a three-year budget declaration for 2021-2023 .
The document is expected to be submitted for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers before May 15 .

Ukraine's Treasury explains benefits of medium-term budget planning
16:40, 04.03.20 289
Funds in single treasury accounts in other countries are being used in securities transactions, lending, and so on.
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unian--2020-03-04--EU to prolong Russia sanctions over Crimea annexation – journalist

At the same time , asset freezes on Ukraine 's ex-PM Azarov and energy chief Stavytskiy are expected to be removed .
Brussels-based RFE/RL journalist Rikard Jozwiak says the European Union ambassadors have decided to prolong sanctions against Russia for the annexation of Ukraine 's Crimea .
`` EU ambassadors have extended visa bans & asset freezes against 175 Russians and separatists + 44 entities by six months for violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine .
Should be confirmed by ministers on 12 March , '' he wrote on Twitter on March 4 , 2020 .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and Ukrainian Energy Minister Eduard Stavytskiy would be removed .
`` EU ambassadors have decided to remove the asset freezes on the former pm of # Ukraine Azarov & the ex-energy minister Stavytskiy .
Prolonged by 12 months for Yanukovych and 8 others & for six months for his son Oleksandr , '' the journalist tweeted .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the EU on March 6 , 2014 , froze assets of former Ukrainian officials who had been in office during Viktor Yanukovych 's presidency over misuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In December 2018 , the Court of Justice of the European Union canceled restrictive measures imposed on Azarov .

At the same time, asset freezes on Ukraine's ex-PM Azarov and energy chief Stavytskiy are expected to be removed.
Brussels-based RFE/RL journalist Rikard Jozwiak says the European Union ambassadors have decided to prolong sanctions against Russia for the annexation of Ukraine's Crimea.
"EU ambassadors have extended visa bans & asset freezes against 175 Russians and separatists + 44 entities by six months for violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Should be confirmed by ministers on 12 March," he wrote on Twitter on March 4, 2020.
Eu ambassadors have extended visa bans & asset freezes against 175 Russians and separatists + 44 entities by six months for violating the territorial integrity of #Ukraine. Should be confirmed by ministers on 12 March. #Crimea#Russia — Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) March 4, 2020
EU ambassadors have decided to remove the asset freezes on the former pm of #Ukraine Azarov & the ex energy minister Stavytskyi. Prolonged by 12 months for Yanukovych and 8 others & for six months for his son Oleksandr. #Russia#Crimea. — Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) March 4, 2020
At the same time, Jozwiak said asset freezes on former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and Ukrainian Energy Minister Eduard Stavytskiy would be removed.
"EU ambassadors have decided to remove the asset freezes on the former pm of #Ukraine Azarov & the ex-energy minister Stavytskiy. Prolonged by 12 months for Yanukovych and 8 others & for six months for his son Oleksandr," the journalist tweeted.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the EU on March 6, 2014, froze assets of former Ukrainian officials who had been in office during Viktor Yanukovych's presidency over misuse of public funds and human rights violations.
In December 2018, the Court of Justice of the European Union canceled restrictive measures imposed on Azarov.


unian--2020-03-04--Another six Ukrainians being checked for coronavirus – health ministry

Some samples of biological material are in the reference laboratory of the Public Health Center .
Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister @ @ @ @ @ six Ukrainians are being tested for the novel coronavirus .
`` As of now , @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus infection in Ukraine .
These people have also been isolated , while samples @ @ @ @ @ received by the reference lab of the Public Health Center , and some will be @ @ @ @ @ official told a Kyiv briefing on Wednesday , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read @ @ @ @ @ '' : Ukraine 's senior health official says coronavirus spread in Ukraine not ruled out @ @ @ @ @ the first case of Covid-19 coronavirus was confirmed in Ukraine on Tuesday .
The patient @ @ @ @ @ from Italy to the Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi .
Medics hospitalized the man , while @ @ @ @ @ .
Later , she agreed to undergo observation amid tensions with neighbors .

Some samples of biological material are in the reference laboratory of the Public Health Center.
Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister Viktor Liashko has said another six Ukrainians are being tested for the novel coronavirus.
"As of now, there are six suspected cases of coronavirus infection in Ukraine. These people have also been isolated, while samples of biological material have been received by the reference lab of the Public Health Center, and some will be delivered today," the official told a Kyiv briefing on Wednesday, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read also"Sooner or later": Ukraine's senior health official says coronavirus spread in Ukraine not ruled out
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As UNIAN reported earlier, the first case of Covid-19 coronavirus was confirmed in Ukraine on Tuesday. The patient earlier returned with his wife from Italy to the Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi. Medics hospitalized the man, while his wife stayed at home. Later, she agreed to undergo observation amid tensions with neighbors.


unian--2020-03-04--Ukraine's NABU opens proceeding into customs chief Nefyodov – media

The proceeding has been launched on demand of the High Anti-Corruption Court , which has received a crime report from an unnamed source .
The National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) has opened a case into possible corruption-related activity on the part of Head of the State Customs Service , Maksym Nefyodov .
He is alleged to be involved in a scheme that inflicted damage to the state budget worth UAH 40 million ( US $ 1.6 million ) , RBC-Ukraine reported with reference to sources .
The case is opened in accordance with the decision of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnamed source who submitted a report , a group of people , allegedly led by Nefyodov , systematically received bribes for unhindered deliveries of combustible , non-certified panels to the Ukrainian market .
This was made possible due to a fictitious audit of suppliers .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Nefyodov called the ruling by the High Anti-Corruption Court obliging the NABU to initiate a pretrial investigation into his alleged customs violations a smear campaign .
On Tuesday , March 3 , Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinskyi claimed Nefyodov would soon be dismissed from @ @ @

The proceeding has been launched on demand of the High Anti-Corruption Court, which has received a crime report from an unnamed source.
The National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has opened a case into possible corruption-related activity on the part of Head of the State Customs Service, Maksym Nefyodov.
He is alleged to be involved in a scheme that inflicted damage to the state budget worth UAH 40 million (US$1.6 million), RBC-Ukraine reported with reference to sources.
The case is opened in accordance with the decision of the High Anti-Corruption Court.
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Read alsoCustoms chief Nefyodov labels pretrial probe into his alleged offence "black PR"
According to an unnamed source who submitted a report, a group of people, allegedly led by Nefyodov, systematically received bribes for unhindered deliveries of combustible, non-certified panels to the Ukrainian market. This was made possible due to a fictitious audit of suppliers.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Nefyodov called the ruling by the High Anti-Corruption Court obliging the NABU to initiate a pretrial investigation into his alleged customs violations a smear campaign.
On Tuesday, March 3, Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinskyi claimed Nefyodov would soon be dismissed from his post.


unian--2020-03-04--Three candidates for ministerial posts turn down offers – media

Mylovanov said no following a meeting with President Zelensky .
Three nominees for top posts in Ukrainian ministries have refused @ @ @ @ @ new government in Ukraine .
Ukrainian Minister of Economic Development , Trade and Agriculture Tymofiy @ @ @ @ @ to lead the ministry of agrarian policy that is set to be reestablished .
He @ @ @ @ @ meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky , LIGA.net wrote with reference to a source in the @ @ @ @ @ 's education minister plans to resign , no candidates for post yet – media At @ @ @ @ @ to Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Honcharenko , another two people , Roman Zhukovsky and Ihor Korostyliov @ @ @ @ @ as nominees for the posts of Economy Minister and Minister of Industrial Development and the @ @ @ @ @ rejected posts in the new government .

Mylovanov said no following a meeting with President Zelensky.
Three nominees for top posts in Ukrainian ministries have refused to become part of the new government in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture Tymofiy Mylovanov turned down the offer to lead the ministry of agrarian policy that is set to be reestablished. He rejected the proposal after a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, LIGA.net wrote with reference to a source in the Economy Ministry.
Read alsoUkraine's education minister plans to resign, no candidates for post yet – media
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At the same time, according to Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Honcharenko, another two people, Roman Zhukovsky and Ihor Korostyliov, whose candidates were considered as nominees for the posts of Economy Minister and Minister of Industrial Development and the Defense Complex, have also rejected posts in the new government.


unian--2020-03-04--Deficit of Ukraine's foreign trade in goods, services shrinks by 92.9% Jan – NBU

The deficit of foreign trade in commodities over the period under review halved , to US $ 131 million .
@ @ @ @ @ foreign trade in goods and services in January 2020 was estimated at US $ 6 @ @ @ @ @ % down year-over-year .
The deficit of foreign trade in commodities over the period under @ @ @ @ @ $ 131 million , while the surplus of foreign trade in services shrank by 33.4 @ @ @ @ @ 125 million , according to the website of the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU @ @ @ @ @ major importer of Ukrainian oilseeds in 2019 – experts UNIAN memo .
The deficit of @ @ @ @ @ goods and services in 2019 totaled US $ 3.633 billion , which was 41.2 % @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 , according to State Statistics Service .
At the same time , The @ @ @ @ @ trade in goods and services in 2019 was estimated at US $ 12.117 billion , @ @ @ @ @ year-on-year .

Deficit of Ukraine's foreign trade in goods, services shrinks by 92.9% Jan – NBU
15:00, 04.03.20 4991
The deficit of foreign trade in commodities over the period under review halved, to US$131 million.
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unian--2020-03-04--Government reshuffle comes at untimely moment for Ukraine – media

The key priority of the new government should be to ensure macroeconomic stability , continue co-operation with the IMF , and boost FDI .
Volodymyr Zelensky , the former comedian elected Ukraine 's president last spring by a landslide , is seeking to push through a broad reshuffle of his government , including replacing the current prime minister Oleksiy Honcharuk .
The shake-up is expected to be put to a parliamentary vote on Wednesday .
Denys Shmygal , 44 , who briefly headed one of Ukraine 's western provinces before being appointed deputy prime minister last month , is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved by parliament , several sources close to Mr. Zelensky told the Financial Times .
Meeting behind closed doors on Tuesday evening with his Servant of the People party , Mr. Zelensky asked for Mr. Shmygal and other new ministers to be swiftly voted in by the legislature , one MP said .
The president 's group holds an outright majority in parliament .
The development follows weeks of speculation in domestic media that Mr. Zelensky had lost confidence in Mr. Honcharuk , 35 , appointed Ukraine 's youngest ever prime minister last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shmygal , a regional businessman largely unknown on the national political scene , comes days after Ukraine held talks with a visiting mission from the IMF on mustering board approval for a new $ 5.5bn loan programme .
Financial backing from the fund along with billions of dollars of linked assistance from the EU and other western backers is crucial to helping the country recover economically amid a sixth year of war in its eastern regions with Russian-backed armed forces .
Read alsoCabinet reshuffle : Not all candidacies for ministerial posts agreed yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet a key IMF condition : adoption of bank solvency legislation that will prevent former owners of banks closed or nationalised as part of a clean-up of the sector from reclaiming the businesses or seeking compensation .
People familiar with the matter say talks between Ukraine and the IMF on the banking legislation continued into this week .
`` There is no policy shift… the reform agenda is going forward , including the IMF programme , '' a person close to Mr. Zelensky said about the government reshuffle .
`` Zelensky is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get results , '' the person said , while noting that the president had become frustrated with the pace of reforms under Mr. Honcharuk 's government .
Recent polls showed sharp drops in public approval for Mr. Zelensky , and even lower support for Mr. Honcharuk .
In 2017-2019 , Mr. Shmygal worked as an executive at DTEK , an energy holding owned by Ukraine 's richest oligarch , Rinat Akhmetov .
Television channels owned by Mr. Akhmetov have in recent weeks provided friendly coverage to Mr. Zelensky 's administration .
Andy Hunder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commerce in Ukraine , said Mr. Shmygal `` was one of the most business-friendly governors '' when he led the Ivano-Frankivsk region in western Ukraine from last summer until he joined the Kyiv government in early 2020 .
`` However , the timing of a government reshuffle could n't have come at a worse moment for Ukraine , with the coronavirus outbreak , a global market downturn , no IMF deal , secondary market bondholders becoming itchy , and significant sovereign debt repayments due , '' Mr. Hunder said .
Read alsoRuling faction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on new government '' The key priority of the new government should be to ensure macroeconomic stability , continue co-operation with the IMF and boost FDI , '' he added .

The key priority of the new government should be to ensure macroeconomic stability, continue co-operation with the IMF, and boost FDI.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the former comedian elected Ukraine's president last spring by a landslide, is seeking to push through a broad reshuffle of his government, including replacing the current prime minister Oleksiy Honcharuk. The shake-up is expected to be put to a parliamentary vote on Wednesday.
Denys Shmyhal (also spelled as Shmygal), 44, who briefly headed one of Ukraine's western provinces before being appointed deputy prime minister last month, is to lead the new government should he be approved by parliament, several sources close to Mr. Zelensky told the Financial Times.
Meeting behind closed doors on Tuesday evening with his Servant of the People party, Mr. Zelensky asked for Mr. Shmyhal and other new ministers to be swiftly voted in by the legislature, one MP said. The president's group holds an outright majority in parliament.
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The development follows weeks of speculation in domestic media that Mr. Zelensky had lost confidence in Mr. Honcharuk, 35, appointed Ukraine's youngest ever prime minister last summer.
The surprise nomination of Mr. Shmyhal, a regional businessman largely unknown on the national political scene, comes days after Ukraine held talks with a visiting mission from the IMF on mustering board approval for a new $5.5bn loan programme.
Financial backing from the fund along with billions of dollars of linked assistance from the EU and other western backers is crucial to helping the country recover economically amid a sixth year of war in its eastern regions with Russian-backed armed forces.
Read alsoCabinet reshuffle: Not all candidacies for ministerial posts agreed yet, MP says
But Ukraine has yet to meet a key IMF condition: adoption of bank solvency legislation that will prevent former owners of banks closed or nationalised as part of a clean-up of the sector from reclaiming the businesses or seeking compensation.
People familiar with the matter say talks between Ukraine and the IMF on the banking legislation continued into this week.
"There is no policy shift… the reform agenda is going forward, including the IMF programme," a person close to Mr. Zelensky said about the government reshuffle.
"Zelensky is a practical man… He wants people who get results," the person said, while noting that the president had become frustrated with the pace of reforms under Mr. Honcharuk's government. Recent polls showed sharp drops in public approval for Mr. Zelensky, and even lower support for Mr. Honcharuk.
In 2017-2019, Mr. Shmyhal worked as an executive at DTEK, an energy holding owned by Ukraine's richest oligarch, Rinat Akhmetov. Television channels owned by Mr. Akhmetov have in recent weeks provided friendly coverage to Mr. Zelensky's administration.
Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, said Mr. Shmyhal "was one of the most business-friendly governors" when he led the Ivano-Frankivsk region in western Ukraine from last summer until he joined the Kyiv government in early 2020.
"However, the timing of a government reshuffle couldn't have come at a worse moment for Ukraine, with the coronavirus outbreak, a global market downturn, no IMF deal, secondary market bondholders becoming itchy, and significant sovereign debt repayments due," Mr. Hunder said.
Read alsoRuling faction in Ukraine announces "package" vote on new government
"The key priority of the new government should be to ensure macroeconomic stability, continue co-operation with the IMF and boost FDI," he added.


unian--2020-03-04--The Hill: U.S. pledges US$8 mln to Ukraine for cybersecurity assistance

The new funds were given two months after Ukrainian authorities asked the FBI to assist in investigating an attack on Ukrainian gas company Burisma by Russian military hackers .
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday announced that the U.S. would give Ukraine US $ 8 million in cybersecurity assistance funds as part of a `` cyber dialogue '' held in Kyiv between officials from the two countries .
The US $ 8 million will go toward funding a new cybersecurity project sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development ( USAID ) , with the project setting a goal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next four years in boosting Ukraine 's cybersecurity capabilities , such as through cyber workforce development and regulatory reforms , The Hill said .
The U.S. previously gave Ukraine US $ 10 million in cybersecurity assistance funds in 2017 as part of the first U.S.-Ukraine cyber dialogue summit , with officials from the two countries meeting again in 2018 to review cybersecurity projects between the two countries .
Read alsoUkraine asks FBI for help to probe suspected Russian hack of Burisma – media The State Department said in a statement on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant reaffirm `` our shared commitment to ensure an open , interoperable , reliable , and secure cyberspace in which all states behave responsibly . ''
American officials who participated in the cybersecurity dialogue included Joseph Pennington , the acting deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv , officials from the FBI , and officials from the Defense , Energy , Homeland Security and Treasury departments .
The officials also discussed cybersecurity issues including strengthening critical infrastructure against cyberattacks , 5G network security , and cyber incident response plans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Ukrainian authorities asked the FBI to assist in investigating an attack on Ukrainian gas company Burisma by Russian military hackers .

The new funds were given two months after Ukrainian authorities asked the FBI to assist in investigating an attack on Ukrainian gas company Burisma by Russian military hackers.
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday announced that the U.S. would give Ukraine US$8 million in cybersecurity assistance funds as part of a "cyber dialogue" held in Kyiv between officials from the two countries.
The US$8 million will go toward funding a new cybersecurity project sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), with the project setting a goal of eventually investing US$38 million over the next four years in boosting Ukraine's cybersecurity capabilities, such as through cyber workforce development and regulatory reforms, The Hill said.
The U.S. previously gave Ukraine US$10 million in cybersecurity assistance funds in 2017 as part of the first U.S.-Ukraine cyber dialogue summit, with officials from the two countries meeting again in 2018 to review cybersecurity projects between the two countries.
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Read alsoUkraine asks FBI for help to probe suspected Russian hack of Burisma – media
The State Department said in a statement on Tuesday that the most recent cyber dialogue was meant reaffirm "our shared commitment to ensure an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure cyberspace in which all states behave responsibly."
American officials who participated in the cybersecurity dialogue included Joseph Pennington, the acting deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, officials from the FBI, and officials from the Defense, Energy, Homeland Security and Treasury departments.
The officials also discussed cybersecurity issues including strengthening critical infrastructure against cyberattacks, 5G network security, and cyber incident response plans.
The new funds were given two months after Ukrainian authorities asked the FBI to assist in investigating an attack on Ukrainian gas company Burisma by Russian military hackers.


unian--2020-03-05--Venedyktova named Riaboshapka's possible successor at top prosecutor post in Ukraine

Parliament is expected to vote for PGO reshuffle after 18:30 Kyiv time on Thursday .
Acting Director of the State Bureau of Investigation ( SBI ) , Iryna Venedyktova , may be appointed to the post of Ukraine 's Prosecutor General , effectively replacing Ruslan Riaboshapka , a source told UNIAN .
The Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's Parliament , is expected to vote for the reshuffle in the Prosecutor General 's Office after 18:30 Kyiv time on Thursday .
Read alsoNew SBI deputy chief claims never was Yanukovych 's lawyer , but PGO says otherwise As UNIAN reported earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka 's resignation on March 5 .
Earlier on March 5 , the Verkhovna Rada 's Committee on Law Enforcement endorsed the move to dismiss Riaboshapka from the top post in the PGO .
UNIAN memo .
Venedyktova was elected to the Verkhovna Rada in the 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary election as part of the Servant of the People party which sealed the absolute majority in Parliament .
Doctor of Law , Venedyktova chaired the Committee on Legal Policy of the Verkhovna Rada before President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed her acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 27 , 2019 .

Parliament is expected to vote for PGO reshuffle after 18:30 Kyiv time on Thursday.
Acting Director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Iryna Venediktova, may be appointed to the post of Ukraine's Prosecutor General, effectively replacing Ruslan Riaboshapka, a source told UNIAN.
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's Parliament, is expected to vote for the reshuffle in the Prosecutor General's Office after 18:30 Kyiv time on Thursday.
Read alsoNew SBI deputy chief claims never was Yanukovych's lawyer, but PGO says otherwise
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As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's parliament plans to decide on Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka's resignation on March 5.
Earlier on March 5, the Verkhovna Rada's Committee on Law Enforcement endorsed the move to dismiss Riaboshapka from the top post in the PGO.
UNIAN memo. Venediktova was elected to the Verkhovna Rada in the 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary election as part of the Servant of the People party which sealed the absolute majority in Parliament.
Doctor of Law, Venediktova chaired the Committee on Legal Policy of the Verkhovna Rada before President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed her acting director of the State Bureau of Investigation on December 27, 2019.
On January 14, 2020, Parliament terminated her legislative mandate.


unian--2020-03-05--Russian state bank's Ukraine subsidiary sold

The move is part of enforcement proceedings .
The Kyiv-based PFTS Stock Exchange says the executive service has sold a @ @ @ @ @ state-owned Vnesheconombank 's Ukrainian subsidiary , Prominvestbank , accounting for 99.7726 % of the latter @ @ @ @ @ move was part of enforcement proceedings .
The shares were sold for UAH 268.709 million @ @ @ @ @ ) , while the starting price was set at UAH 266.049 million ( US $ @ @ @ @ @ the PFTS Stock Exchange website .
Read alsoNBU replenishes int ' l reserves by almost @ @ @ @ @ Feb The Stock Exchange put Prominvestbank 's shares up for sale in mid-January , as @ @ @ @ @ .
As UNIAN reported earlier , sanctions imposed on Russian state banks ' Ukrainian subsidiaries @ @ @ @ @ March 2017 .
They ban the withdrawal of capital in favor of the parent structures @

Russian state bank's Ukraine subsidiary sold
14:20, 05.03.20 1600
The move is part of enforcement proceedings.
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unian--2020-03-05--Ukraine to ban mass events, temporarily shut schools amid coronavirus concerns

Restrictive anti-epidemic measures will be introduced in the near future .
Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister Viktor Liashko has said Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ temporarily shut down schools amid coronavirus fears .
`` Unfortunately , we will introduce restrictive @ @ @ @ @ future .
We will ban the holding of mass events , conferences , sports events @ @ @ @ @ as part of these restrictive anti-epidemic measures , '' he said during a meeting between @ @ @ @ @ evacuated from China , who had undergone observation at a medical center in the town @ @ @ @ @ region , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
Read alsoNumber of hospitalized patients in Chernivtsi @ @ @ @ @ Liashko has recalled that coronavirus is transmitted by respiratory droplets and `` you must be @ @ @ @ @ half to two meters away from a [ n infected ] person not to contract @ @ @ @

Restrictive anti-epidemic measures will be introduced in the near future.
Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister Viktor Liashko has said Ukraine will cancel mass events and temporarily shut down schools amid coronavirus fears.
"Unfortunately, we will introduce restrictive anti-epidemic measures in the near future. We will ban the holding of mass events, conferences, sports events, and suspend school classes as part of these restrictive anti-epidemic measures," he said during a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and foreigners evacuated from China, who had undergone observation at a medical center in the town of Novi Sanzhary, Poltava region, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoNumber of hospitalized patients in Chernivtsi being tested for coronavirus rises
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Liashko has recalled that coronavirus is transmitted by respiratory droplets and "you must be at least one and a half to two meters away from a[n infected] person not to contract the virus."


unian--2020-03-05--Non-residents reduce Ukrainian gov't bonds portfolio by 2%, to US$5 bln

Prior to that , non-residents have refrained from buying Ukrainian government bonds within two weeks .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) says investment by non-residents in government domestic loan bonds has shrunk by 2 % , or UAH 2.4 billion ( US $ 96.4 million ) , to UAH 124.2 billion ( US $ 5 billion ) over week .
Prior to that , non-residents have refrained from buying Ukrainian government bonds within two weeks , maintaining a share of investments at about UAH 127 billion ( US $ 5.1 billion ) .
As a result , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decreased to 15.4 % .
Compared to the beginning of the year , the current volumes of non-residents ' investment in Ukrainian government bonds remain higher by UAH 8.5 billion ( US $ 341.5 million ) , or 7.3 % .
Read alsoImpact of coronavirus on global economy .
What awaits Ukraine As UNIAN reported earlier , non-residents ' investment in Ukraine 's government domestic loan bonds in 2019 increased by 18 times , or UAH 109 billion ( US $ 4.3 billion ) to UAH 115.8 billion ( US $ 4.6 billion @ @

Non-residents reduce Ukrainian gov't bonds portfolio by 2%, to US$5 bln
13:40, 05.03.20 751
Prior to that, non-residents have refrained from buying Ukrainian government bonds within two weeks.
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unian--2020-03-05--Newly appointed Ukrainian FM Kuleba names five priority areas of work

People are the greatest value for the Foreign Ministry as each professional and energetic employee deserves decent and comfortable working conditions both at home and abroad , the minister says .
Newly appointed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has outlined five priority areas of work during his tenure .
`` It is an honor , responsibility and opportunity for me .
You heard the main words of the president : Ukraine 's course in foreign policy remains unchanged .
This , in particular , means that we continue to move to the EU and NATO , '' he wrote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP who had supported his appointment .
`` Literally five theses from me on my priorities in office : 1 .
Peace , security , and territorial integrity of Ukraine .
2 .
Economic diplomacy with a special focus on trade , attracting investment in Ukraine , and supporting industry .
I see especially great opportunities in Southeast Asia , but we wo n't forget other parts of the world .
Ukrainian diplomacy will also work where there are opportunities for Ukrainian businesses .
3 .
Public diplomacy so that the world was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only as a victim of aggression , but also as an attractive country of opportunity .
4 .
Every Ukrainian is a drop in the ocean called 'Ukraine , ' an integral part of our nation .
Diplomats will do everything to make every Ukrainian proud of their Homeland , feel its support and protection , no matter where in the world they are .
5 .
I will actively encourage foreign Ukrainians not to sever ties with their Homeland .
To motivate everyone who 'd like to return home .
To inspire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocate for Ukraine in their country of residence , '' he said .
A dialogue with parliament is very important in implementing these ambitious tasks , Kuleba added .
`` I am always open to communication with lawmakers , and I am sure that we will hear each other , '' he stressed .
In addition , the minister said that people were the greatest value for the Foreign Ministry as each `` professional and energetic '' employee `` deserves decent and comfortable working conditions both at home and abroad .
`` Everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on March 4 , Kuleba was tapped to head Ukraine 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

People are the greatest value for the Foreign Ministry as each professional and energetic employee deserves decent and comfortable working conditions both at home and abroad, the minister says.
Newly appointed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has outlined five priority areas of work during his tenure.
"It is an honor, responsibility and opportunity for me. You heard the main words of the president: Ukraine's course in foreign policy remains unchanged. This, in particular, means that we continue to move to the EU and NATO," he wrote on Facebook, thanked President Zelensky and every MP who had supported his appointment.
"Literally five theses from me on my priorities in office: 1. Peace, security, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. 2. Economic diplomacy with a special focus on trade, attracting investment in Ukraine, and supporting industry. I see especially great opportunities in Southeast Asia, but we won't forget other parts of the world. Ukrainian diplomacy will also work where there are opportunities for Ukrainian businesses. 3. Public diplomacy so that the world was astonished about us and saw us not only as a victim of aggression, but also as an attractive country of opportunity. 4. Every Ukrainian is a drop in the ocean called 'Ukraine,' an integral part of our nation. Diplomats will do everything to make every Ukrainian proud of their Homeland, feel its support and protection, no matter where in the world they are. 5. I will actively encourage foreign Ukrainians not to sever ties with their Homeland. To motivate everyone who'd like to return home. To inspire anyone who is ready to be an advocate for Ukraine in their country of residence," he said.
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Read alsoDmytro Kuleba tapped to head Ukraine's Foreign Ministry
A dialogue with parliament is very important in implementing these ambitious tasks, Kuleba added.
"I am always open to communication with lawmakers, and I am sure that we will hear each other," he stressed.
In addition, the minister said that people were the greatest value for the Foreign Ministry as each "professional and energetic" employee "deserves decent and comfortable working conditions both at home and abroad. "Everything will be Ukraine," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on March 4, Kuleba was tapped to head Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


unian--2020-03-05--MH17 case: Think tank predicts Russia's stance during trial

Russia seeks to convince the court of the primacy of circumstances over cause .
The simulation of court hearings in the case of the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 suggests that , despite obvious , convincing , and exhaustive evidence of Russia 's guilt , the Kremlin could go for a number of steps to ensure that the country ’ s leadership escapes punishment for the deaths of passengers and crew , a U.S.-based think tank believes .
According to the leading coordinator of the Joint Investigation Team ( JIT ) , Dutch Prosecutor Fred Westerbeke , the investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the tragedy .
However , the case so far targets only the performers , not masterminds behind the crime , IGTDS said in a report .
The key point based on JIT findings is that the deployment across the Russia-Ukraine border of a Buk air defense system that ’ s in service with the 53rd Air Defense Brigade of the Russian Army required a direct order from Russia ’ s military-political leadership , as it implied the transfer of Russian military equipment abroad while no martial law was introduced and no war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense system – with or without a Russian crew – required the order of the Russian president and the country ’ s minister of defense .
De jure , their abetting the commission of the crime consists of : – Providing means or tools ( the handover of the Buk air defense systems ) ; – Concealing criminals and means of committing the crime ( transporting the air defense system back to n the territory of the Russian Federation , hiding the crew on its territory ) ; and – Attempting to discredit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misinformation in order to confuse the investigation .
Thus , court evidence of the MH17 downing by a Russian air defense system delivered from Russian territory automatically gives grounds for pressing charges against Russia 's top military leadership .
This explains Moscow 's attempts to meddle in the investigation and the trial : through falsification of evidence and an active information campaign on misinformation .
Military intelligence data recently published in the Netherlands rule out involvement in the MH17 downing by either Ukrainian Buk air defense systems or Russian Buks located on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis of these documents by IGTDS proves that it was only the Russian Buk air defense system , which had been deployed to Ukraine across a section of the border with Russia that was beyond Kyiv 's control , that could launch the deadly 9M38 missile .
However , Russia may try to escape accusations against its military-political leadership by recognizing that the air defense system was handed over to `` DPR '' militants , who further operated the launcher .
This position looks unconvincing , although the only possible one from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin from under the probe 's focus , IGDTS believes .
It is unlikely that an air defense system that 's in service with the Russian army could be deployed across the border without persons controlling its use .
The fact that after the MH17 downing , the air defense system was quickly taken back to the Russian territory indicates that it remained under the effective control of the Russian military .
In this case , the precedent can be used of UK that 's been held accountable for their actions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions in Cyprus , where in both cases the main argument is the proof that the country had “ effective control ” in the territory where the crime was committed .
Thus , the jurisdiction of Russia ’ s responsibility can be expanded to the territory of Ukraine 's Donbas .
Russia seeks to convince the court of the primacy of circumstances over cause .
In other words , they argue that it does n't matter who shot down the plane , while it is important to see circumstances that were in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legally void , since it fails to take into account the very cause of the aircraft crash , deaths of crew and passengers , and the cause-effect relationship , the report says .
Here , a similar case is the downing of the Ukrainian passenger jet operated by Ukraine International Airlines , flight PS752 , over Iran on January 8 , 2020 .
The cause of the aircraft crash was the strike by an Iranian air defense missile – not some foreign political tensions in the region , liquidation of Qasem Soleimani or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Iraq .
Also , the report notes that Ukraine had not shut down the skies over Donbas , since at that time ( before downing the MH17 ) there was no objective threat to civilian flights .
Pro-Russian separatists had been downing Ukrainian Air Force jets using MANPADS , at low altitudes , unable to hit targets flying at altitudes over 6km .
The Ukrainian authorities had no information about Russia transferring air defense systems to Ukraine .
The lack of operational data on the deployment of Russian air defense systems in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence .
Read alsoCBS News : MH17 prosecutor says Russians `` have n't been helpful at all '' The think tank also notes that all suspects in the MH17 case are now either in Russia or in territories controlled by Russia .
Earlier , Moscow had already attempted to convict one of them for felony and thus remove him from the view of the court in The Hague .
There is a possibility that if the court proves the passenger jet was destroyed by a Russian air defense system , the Kremlin may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia .
Thus , Moscow will block further investigation aimed at identifying and prosecuting masterminds behind the crime .

Russia seeks to convince the court of the primacy of circumstances over cause.
The simulation of court hearings in the case of the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 suggests that, despite obvious, convincing, and exhaustive evidence of Russia's guilt, the Kremlin could go for a number of steps to ensure that the country’s leadership escapes punishment for the deaths of passengers and crew, a U.S.-based think tank believes.
According to the leading coordinator of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), Dutch Prosecutor Fred Westerbeke, the investigators managed to fully prove Russia's involvement in the tragedy. However, the case so far targets only the performers, not masterminds behind the crime, IGTDS said in a report.
The key point based on JIT findings is that the deployment across the Russia-Ukraine border of a Buk air defense system that’s in service with the 53rd Air Defense Brigade of the Russian Army required a direct order from Russia’s military-political leadership, as it implied the transfer of Russian military equipment abroad while no martial law was introduced and no war declared. Thus, deploying an air defense system – with or without a Russian crew – required the order of the Russian president and the country’s minister of defense.
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De jure, their abetting the commission of the crime consists of:
– Providing means or tools (the handover of the Buk air defense systems);
– Concealing criminals and means of committing the crime (transporting the air defense system back to n the territory of the Russian Federation, hiding the crew on its territory); and
– Attempting to discredit the investigation, spinning conspiracy theories and misinformation in order to confuse the investigation.
Thus, court evidence of the MH17 downing by a Russian air defense system delivered from Russian territory automatically gives grounds for pressing charges against Russia's top military leadership. This explains Moscow's attempts to meddle in the investigation and the trial: through falsification of evidence and an active information campaign on misinformation.
Military intelligence data recently published in the Netherlands rule out involvement in the MH17 downing by either Ukrainian Buk air defense systems or Russian Buks located on the territory of the Russian Federation. An analysis of these documents by IGTDS proves that it was only the Russian Buk air defense system, which had been deployed to Ukraine across a section of the border with Russia that was beyond Kyiv's control, that could launch the deadly 9M38 missile.
However, Russia may try to escape accusations against its military-political leadership by recognizing that the air defense system was handed over to "DPR" militants, who further operated the launcher.
This position looks unconvincing, although the only possible one from the perspective of the urgent need to remove Vladimir Putin from under the probe's focus, IGDTS believes. It is unlikely that an air defense system that's in service with the Russian army could be deployed across the border without persons controlling its use. The fact that after the MH17 downing, the air defense system was quickly taken back to the Russian territory indicates that it remained under the effective control of the Russian military.
Read alsoDutch-led investigation has eyewitness to Russian missile launch – media (Video)
In this case, the precedent can be used of UK that's been held accountable for their actions in Iraq, and Turkey – for their actions in Cyprus, where in both cases the main argument is the proof that the country had “effective control” in the territory where the crime was committed. Thus, the jurisdiction of Russia’s responsibility can be expanded to the territory of Ukraine's Donbas.
Russia seeks to convince the court of the primacy of circumstances over cause. In other words, they argue that it doesn't matter who shot down the plane, while it is important to see circumstances that were in place at that moment. This position is legally void, since it fails to take into account the very cause of the aircraft crash, deaths of crew and passengers, and the cause-effect relationship, the report says.
Here, a similar case is the downing of the Ukrainian passenger jet operated by Ukraine International Airlines, flight PS752, over Iran on January 8, 2020. The cause of the aircraft crash was the strike by an Iranian air defense missile – not some foreign political tensions in the region, liquidation of Qasem Soleimani or Iran's missile strike on U.S. targets in Iraq.
Also, the report notes that Ukraine had not shut down the skies over Donbas, since at that time (before downing the MH17) there was no objective threat to civilian flights. Pro-Russian separatists had been downing Ukrainian Air Force jets using MANPADS, at low altitudes, unable to hit targets flying at altitudes over 6km. The Ukrainian authorities had no information about Russia transferring air defense systems to Ukraine. The lack of operational data on the deployment of Russian air defense systems in Donbas has also been confirmed by Dutch intelligence.
Read alsoCBS News: MH17 prosecutor says Russians "haven't been helpful at all"
The think tank also notes that all suspects in the MH17 case are now either in Russia or in territories controlled by Russia. Earlier, Moscow had already attempted to convict one of them for felony and thus remove him from the view of the court in The Hague.
There is a possibility that if the court proves the passenger jet was destroyed by a Russian air defense system, the Kremlin may attempt to arrest and imprison other defendants in Russia. Thus, Moscow will block further investigation aimed at identifying and prosecuting masterminds behind the crime.


unian--2020-03-05--EU prolongs sanctions against Yanukovych, allies – journalist

On March 4 , Jozwiak said asset freezes on former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and Ukrainian Energy Minister Eduard @ @ @ @ @ Brussels-based RFE/RL journalist Rikard Jozwiak has said the European Union prolonged sanctions against former Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ allies .
`` The misappropriation sanctions against Yanukovych and 9 others have now been officially @ @ @ @ @ Two removed , '' he wrote on Twitter on March 5 , 2020 .
However @ @ @ @ @ name former officials , off of whom the restrictions have been removed .
On March @ @ @ @ @ freezes on former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and Ukrainian Energy Minister Eduard Stavytskiy would @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier , the EU on March 6 , 2014 , froze assets of former @ @ @ @ @ in office during Viktor Yanukovych 's presidency over misuse of public funds and human rights @ @ @ @ @ sanctions were prolonged for 12 months in March 2019 .

On March 4, Jozwiak said asset freezes on former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and Ukrainian Energy Minister Eduard Stavytskiy would be removed.
Brussels-based RFE/RL journalist Rikard Jozwiak has said the European Union prolonged sanctions against former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and his allies.
"The misappropriation sanctions against Yanukovych and 9 others have now been officially prolonged by EU ministers. Two removed," he wrote on Twitter on March 5, 2020.
The misappropriation sanctions against #Yanukovych and 9 others have now been officially prolonged by EU ministers. Two removed. #Ukraine#Russia#Crimea — Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) March 5, 2020
However, the report does not name former officials, off of whom the restrictions have been removed.
On March 4, Jozwiak said asset freezes on former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and Ukrainian Energy Minister Eduard Stavytskiy would be removed.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the EU on March 6, 2014, froze assets of former Ukrainian officials who had been in office during Viktor Yanukovych's presidency over misuse of public funds and human rights violations.
Last time the sanctions were prolonged for 12 months in March 2019.


unian--2020-03-05--SBU detains former Ukrainian serviceman spying for Russia

There was a clear hierarchy in the spy ring ; its members maintained enhanced secrecy .
The SBU Security Service of Ukraine has detained a former Ukrainian serviceman who headed a spy ring controlled by the Main Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces ' General Staff .
`` SBU counterintelligence agents have detained the head of an agent network of the Russian Armed Forces ' General Staff , a former serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine , when he was crossing the [ Ukraine-Russia ] state border .
The perpetrator was going to Russia to report before his supervisors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the SBU 's press center said on March 4 .
Read alsoFate of Crimea traitors : `` They either quit , or serve in remote Russian regions '' The SBU established that the former serviceman had been recruited by a member of the Main Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces ' General Staff during his trip to Russia-occupied areas in Ukraine 's Luhansk region temporarily beyond government control .
`` His task was to collect and share intelligence data on military facilities of Ukraine 's Armed Forces deployed in Volyn region [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report said .
In addition , the offender , as instructed by his supervisors , engaged three pro-Russian locals to perform certain intelligence tasks .
`` They were able to collect relevant information on the defense capabilities and combat readiness of military facilities , deployment sites of military equipment , its quantitative and qualitative characteristics , the location of ordnance depots .
The accomplices also reported on participants in the ATO/JFO [ the Anti-Terrorist Operation/the Joint Forces Operation ] in eastern Ukraine , '' the SBU said .
Following Russian special services ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a clear hierarchy in it and its participants maintained enhanced secrecy , the press center added .
Now , SBU investigators , under the procedural guidance of the prosecutor 's office in Volyn region , are conducting raids on houses of members of the agent network .
The suspects are facing charges under Part 1 of Article 111 ( high treason ) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and respective pretrial restrictions .

There was a clear hierarchy in the spy ring; its members maintained enhanced secrecy.
The SBU Security Service of Ukraine has detained a former Ukrainian serviceman who headed a spy ring controlled by the Main Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff.
"SBU counterintelligence agents have detained the head of an agent network of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, a former serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, when he was crossing the [Ukraine-Russia] state border. The perpetrator was going to Russia to report before his supervisors on the results of intelligence operations," the SBU's press center said on March 4.
Read alsoFate of Crimea traitors: "They either quit, or serve in remote Russian regions"
The SBU established that the former serviceman had been recruited by a member of the Main Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff during his trip to Russia-occupied areas in Ukraine's Luhansk region temporarily beyond government control.
"His task was to collect and share intelligence data on military facilities of Ukraine's Armed Forces deployed in Volyn region [Ukraine's northwest]," the report said.
In addition, the offender, as instructed by his supervisors, engaged three pro-Russian locals to perform certain intelligence tasks.
"They were able to collect relevant information on the defense capabilities and combat readiness of military facilities, deployment sites of military equipment, its quantitative and qualitative characteristics, the location of ordnance depots. The accomplices also reported on participants in the ATO/JFO [the Anti-Terrorist Operation/the Joint Forces Operation] in eastern Ukraine," the SBU said.
Following Russian special services' instructions, the spy ring was built with a clear hierarchy in it and its participants maintained enhanced secrecy, the press center added.
Now, SBU investigators, under the procedural guidance of the prosecutor's office in Volyn region, are conducting raids on houses of members of the agent network.
The suspects are facing charges under Part 1 of Article 111 (high treason) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and respective pretrial restrictions.


unian--2020-03-05--Tourist flow to Chornobyl Exclusion Zone grows

Considering the trend observed in February , Ukraine might see a tourist boom in Chornobyl in 2020 .
Over 10,000 tourists have since year-start visited the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone , the area around the site of the nuclear power reactor disaster of 1986 .
In particular , 4,470 visitors were recorded in January , 6,210 visitors in February , which is twice as many as last year .
From 2017 , the number of people who visited Chornobyl has increased fivefold , according to assistant director of SE `` Center for Organizational , Technical and Information Support of the Exclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' ) Kyrylo Harnyk , Ukrainian TSN TV news service reports .
`` There are usually fewer tourists in the winter , but this year the weather is very comfortable , so we did not feel a significant decline .
In addition , the constant development of infrastructure contributes to a quick and comfortable stay in the exclusion zone .
Considering the trend observed in February , we believe there will be a tourist boom in Chornobyl in 2020 .
To satisfy the demand of visitors , we have prepared several new routes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in particular , we will open air travels in the exclusion zone , '' the official said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the success of a U.S. television miniseries examining the world 's worst nuclear accident at Chornobyl drove up the number of tourists wanting to see the plant and the ghostly abandoned town that neighbors it for themselves .
The HBO miniseries depicts the explosion 's aftermath , the vast clean-up operation and the subsequent inquiry .

Considering the trend observed in February, Ukraine might see a tourist boom in Chornobyl in 2020.
Over 10,000 tourists have since year-start visited the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, the area around the site of the nuclear power reactor disaster of 1986.
In particular, 4,470 visitors were recorded in January, 6,210 visitors in February, which is twice as many as last year. From 2017, the number of people who visited Chornobyl has increased fivefold, according to assistant director of SE "Center for Organizational, Technical and Information Support of the Exclusion Zone Management" (SE "COTIS") Kyrylo Harnyk, Ukrainian TSN TV news service reports.
"There are usually fewer tourists in the winter, but this year the weather is very comfortable, so we did not feel a significant decline. In addition, the constant development of infrastructure contributes to a quick and comfortable stay in the exclusion zone. Considering the trend observed in February, we believe there will be a tourist boom in Chornobyl in 2020. To satisfy the demand of visitors, we have prepared several new routes for the beginning of the season, in particular, we will open air travels in the exclusion zone," the official said.
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As UNIAN reported earlier, the success of a U.S. television miniseries examining the world's worst nuclear accident at Chornobyl drove up the number of tourists wanting to see the plant and the ghostly abandoned town that neighbors it for themselves.
The HBO miniseries depicts the explosion's aftermath, the vast clean-up operation and the subsequent inquiry.


unian--2020-03-05--Dollar rate in Ukraine slides below psychological mark

Hryvnia 's official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 27.70 .
The National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) on March 4 set the official forex rate for Thursday , March 5 , at UAH 24.89 to the U.S. dollar , which let the country 's national currency strengthen by five kopiykas and put the dollar below the psychological mark of UAH 25 .
The hryvnia became stronger after it had been losing in value against U.S. dollar for two days in a row , according to the NBU website .
The official forex rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at UAH 27.70 per euro – the hryvnia lost one kopiyka in value since Wednesday .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Ukrainian hryvnia in January-February 2020 weakened by 3.7 % against the U.S. dollar , to UAH 24.56 per U.S. dollar and by 1.9 % against the euro , to UAH 26.93 per euro .
In 2019 , Ukraine 's national currency strengthened by 14.5 % against the U.S. dollar , to UAH 23.69 and by 16.7 % against the euro , to UAH 26.42 .
The hryvnia 's historical low against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30.01 in February 2015 .

Dollar rate in Ukraine slides below psychological mark
11:20, 05.03.20 57537
Hryvnia's official forex rate against the euro for Thursday is fixed at UAH 27.70.
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unian--2020-03-05--Support growing for #StopPutinsParade campaign

Russia exploits the WW2 victory date to justify aggressive policies against other independent countries .
Last week , the Ukraine Crisis Media Center launched an appeal to foreign leaders with a call to refrain from official visits to Moscow for the May 9 military parade .
`` To remind you , this year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the bloodiest military conflict in human history : World War II .
In the civilized world , this is an occasion to recall the causes and consequences of that terrible war and to ensure that such a tragedy never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this date to justify aggressive policies against other independent countries , past and present , '' reads the statement published on the UCMC website .
Participation in the event by the leaders of the civilized world `` legitimates Russian aggression , and encourages the Russian leadership to continue gross and systematic violations of the sovereignty of other states and the human rights of their citizens . ''
Read alsoKremlin says Zelensky not yet invited to visit Moscow on May 9 So far , among the esteemed signatories of the appeal are Valeriy Chaly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Media Center ; Anna Fotyga , Member of the European Parliament ; Rebecca Harms , Member of the European Parliament ( 2004-2019 ) ; Peter Pomerantsev , British journalist and author ; Anders Åslund , Atlantic Council ; Edward Lucas , British security specialist ; Jakub Kalenský , Atlantic Council ; Giedrius Sakalauskas , Res Publica – Civic Resilience Center ; Paul Niland , Lifeline Ukraine ; Patrik Oksanen , Stockholm Freeworld Forum ; Halyna Coynash , Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group ; Yevhen Fedchenko , StopFake.org ; and others .

Russia exploits the WW2 victory date to justify aggressive policies against other independent countries.
Last week, the Ukraine Crisis Media Center launched an appeal to foreign leaders with a call to refrain from official visits to Moscow for the May 9 military parade.
"To remind you, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the bloodiest military conflict in human history: World War II. In the civilized world, this is an occasion to recall the causes and consequences of that terrible war and to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. The Russian Federation exploits this date to justify aggressive policies against other independent countries, past and present," reads the statement published on the UCMC website.
Participation in the event by the leaders of the civilized world "legitimates Russian aggression, and encourages the Russian leadership to continue gross and systematic violations of the sovereignty of other states and the human rights of their citizens."
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Read alsoKremlin says Zelensky not yet invited to visit Moscow on May 9
So far, among the esteemed signatories of the appeal are Valeriy Chaly, Chairman of the Board Ukraine Crisis Media Center; Anna Fotyga, Member of the European Parliament; Rebecca Harms, Member of the European Parliament (2004-2019); Peter Pomerantsev, British journalist and author; Anders Åslund, Atlantic Council; Edward Lucas, British security specialist; Jakub Kalenský, Atlantic Council; Giedrius Sakalauskas, Res Publica – Civic Resilience Center; Paul Niland, Lifeline Ukraine; Patrik Oksanen, Stockholm Freeworld Forum; Halyna Coynash, Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group; Yevhen Fedchenko, StopFake.org; and others.


unian--2020-03-05--SBU backs reintroducing criminal liability for smuggling

Over the past six months , law enforcers seized smuggled good worth UAH 140 million , while 29 people were brought to responsibility by court .
Chairman of the Security Service of Ukraine , Ivan Bakanov , considers it necessary to reintroduce criminal liability for smuggling , including of excisable goods .
Over the past six months , law enforcers seized contraband goods worth UAH140 million , while 29 persons were brought to responsibility by court , Bakanov said while reporting to Parliament Wednesday , March 4 , according to a UNIAN correspondent .
`` In order to combat smuggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things to be done – restoring criminal liability for smuggling and setting up online exchange of customs data with partner states .
As for the first point , about criminal liability for smuggling , we 've held consultations with the Ministry of Finance , the State Tax Service , and large businesses , which is ready for such initiative to be introduced today , although in the first place , I think it is more appropriate to introduce criminal liability for smuggling of excisable goods , '' Bakanov said .
As UNIAN reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the State Customs Service of Ukraine in January-February had not met the target of customs receipts to the state budget and failed to completely eliminate smuggling .

SBU backs reintroducing criminal liability for smuggling
10:40, 05.03.20 3322
Over the past six months, law enforcers seized smuggled good worth UAH 140 million, while 29 people were brought to responsibility by court.
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unian--2020-03-05--New PM seeks to revise Ukraine's 2020 Budget

The priority for the Cabinet is to prevent the economic and budget crises .
The newly-appointed Prime Minister of Ukraine , Denys Shmyhal considers it necessary to revise the state budget for 2020 .
`` There are a number of challenges that we need to address immediately .
This is to prevent the economic and budget crises .
I believe that we need to revise the 2020 Budget , especially in terms of increasing payments and pensions to ordinary Ukrainians .
There are expenditures that we need to cut .
It concerns salaries and bonuses of officials , including ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of supervisory boards , and other officials , '' he said .
According to Shmyhal , one of the priority tasks is to pay off wage arrears to miners .
`` We have no right to turn our backs on people who risk their lives every day , and we will not coal industry to be destroyed , '' he said .
The prime ministerial candidate also said it was necessary to strengthen the government 's economic bloc .
“ It should provide growth of industry and the agricultural sector , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure every Ukrainian feels this growth .
At the moment , we saw only the strengthening of the hryvnia , which , unfortunately , hit our exports and had not contributed to the well-being of ordinary Ukrainians , '' Shmyhal said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on Wednesday , March 4 , the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has appointed Denysh Shmyhal the country 's new prime minister .
Earlier the same day , Parliament approved resignation filed by Shmyhal 's predecessor , Oleksiy Honcharuk , which entailed dismissal of the entire @ @

New PM seeks to revise Ukraine's 2020 Budget
10:20, 05.03.20 4826
The priority for the Cabinet is to prevent the economic and budget crises.
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unian--2020-03-05--Barbie launches new "Shero" doll after Ukraine's star fencer Olga Kharlan

The newly designed dolls are aimed to raise awareness of female role models in the sporting world .
Olga Kharlan , Ukrainian world champion saber fencer , has had a `` Shero '' Barbie doll made as the popular brand continues to make their range more representative – this time celebrating sportswomen .
The toy company is releasing the newly designed dolls in honor of International Women 's Day on March 8 , and to raise awareness of female role models in the sporting world , CNN reports .
`` When I was little , I always dreamed to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like most girls .
But I could n't even think I would once become a barbie doll myself !
It 's crazy to be able to motivate the legendary Barbie brand to create this cutie , '' Kharlan wrote on Instagram .
Shero dolls have also been made after Britain 's fastest female sprinter Dina Asher-Smith , France 's soccer captain Amandine Henry , and Turkish Paralympic swimmer Sümeyye Boyacı .
Barbie manufacturer Mattel has been creating Barbie and Ken couple sets since 1961 , and in recent years , the brand has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2015 it broadened the number of skin tones , eye colors and hairstyles available for the dolls , and introduced curvy and petite Barbies in 2016 .
Then followed the first Barbie to wear a hijab , as well as a collection of diverse Ken dolls , and later a doll with a prosthetic leg and another that has a wheelchair .
In January Barbie released a number of new designs including a doll with no hair and one with the skin condition vitiligo .

The newly designed dolls are aimed to raise awareness of female role models in the sporting world.
Olga Kharlan, Ukrainian world champion saber fencer, has had a "Shero" Barbie doll made as the popular brand continues to make their range more representative – this time celebrating sportswomen.
The toy company is releasing the newly designed dolls in honor of International Women's Day on March 8, and to raise awareness of female role models in the sporting world, CNN reports.
"When I was little, I always dreamed to have a Barbie doll. And I was like most girls. But I couldn't even think I would once become a barbie doll myself! It's crazy to be able to motivate the legendary Barbie brand to create this cutie," Kharlan wrote on Instagram.
Shero dolls have also been made after Britain's fastest female sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, France's soccer captain Amandine Henry, and Turkish Paralympic swimmer Sümeyye Boyacı.
Barbie manufacturer Mattel has been creating Barbie and Ken couple sets since 1961, and in recent years, the brand has been redefining what the dolls look like.
In 2015 it broadened the number of skin tones, eye colors and hairstyles available for the dolls, and introduced curvy and petite Barbies in 2016.
Then followed the first Barbie to wear a hijab, as well as a collection of diverse Ken dolls, and later a doll with a prosthetic leg and another that has a wheelchair.
In January Barbie released a number of new designs including a doll with no hair and one with the skin condition vitiligo.


unian--2020-03-05--Some 90% of Ukrainians cannot afford to buy own home – report

Ukrainian government expects to lower mortgage rates to 9-10 % as early as September .
In Ukraine , about 90 % of citizens are unable to acquire a home because of the high cost of real estate , says Deputy Minister of Community Development Valentyna Moskalenko , speaking at the forum `` Mortgage – an instrument of rapid economic development '' .
`` In Ukraine , it 's 24 square meters of housing per capita , while the criterion is 30 square meters , '' Moskalenko said .
Moskalenko called the development of mortgage lending in Ukraine a priority for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine authorities to facilitate the process .
According to UNIAN , Ukrainian government expects to lower mortgage rates to 9-10 % as early as September .
The National Bank earlier reported it was possible to reduce rates to such a level in the next two to four years – that 's in case inflation remains low and stable .
The Confederation of Developers of Ukraine predicts that halving the mortgage rate in Ukraine – down to 9-10 % per annum – would increase the volume of urban development across the country by @ @ @

Some 90% of Ukrainians cannot afford to buy own home – report
09:40, 05.03.20 3002
Ukrainian government expects to lower mortgage rates to 9-10% as early as September.
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unian--2020-03-05--Four Ukrainian soldiers wounded amid six enemy attacks on March 4

The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on March 5 .
Russia 's hybrid military forces on March 4 mounted six attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , with four Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action .
`` Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire six times on March 4 , '' the press center of the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on March 5 .
`` Four members of Joint Forces were wounded amid enemy shelling . ''
The enemy opened fire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and small arms .
Read alsoSweden 's Foreign Minister on Russian aggression in Donbas : `` Devastation and suffering '' Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Krymske , Orikhove , Myronivske , Shumy , and Travneve .
In addition , the enemy twice provocatively shelled disengagement site No .
3 , using small arms .
There were no casualties .
The Ukrainian military did not fire back , thus adhering to the ceasefire .
The enemy did not attack Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 5 .

The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on March 5.
Russia's hybrid military forces on March 4 mounted six attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with four Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action.
"Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire six times on March 4," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update on March 5. "Four members of Joint Forces were wounded amid enemy shelling."
The enemy opened fire, employing proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.
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Read alsoSweden's Foreign Minister on Russian aggression in Donbas: "Devastation and suffering"
Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the villages of Krymske, Orikhove, Myronivske, Shumy, and Travneve.
In addition, the enemy twice provocatively shelled disengagement site No. 3, using small arms. There were no casualties. The Ukrainian military did not fire back, thus adhering to the ceasefire.
The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on March 5.


unian--2020-03-05--Number of hospitalized patients in Chernivtsi being tested for coronavirus rises

At the same time , the only man who has a confirmed case of Сovid-19 is now feeling better .
As of Wednesday night , there is only one patient with a confirmed coronavirus diagnosis reported in the city of Chernivtsi , western Ukraine , that 's according to the press service of the regional state administration .
It is noted that the patient is feeling better , while his wife , who has remained under observation at home , also gives no reason to be concerned – her condition is satisfactory with no signs of the disease .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local residents who are still being tested for Сovid-19 has increased .
Read alsoUkrainian border guards prevent smuggling of over 3,600 medical face masks to Romania ( Photo ) '' Another four locals were admitted at the infectious department of the regional clinical hospital with signs of infectious disease , '' reads the statement .
Their samples were sent to the Virology Laboratory of the Public Health Center .
A morning update said two more persons , also local residents , were hospitalized upon their return from Italy , one of the hotbeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , on March 3 , Ukraine confirmed the first case of a coronavirus in a man who returned with his wife from Italy to Chernivtsi region .
Doctors hospitalized the infected patient , while his wife has remained under observation at home .

At the same time, the only man who has a confirmed case of Сovid-19 is now feeling better.
As of Wednesday night, there is only one patient with a confirmed coronavirus diagnosis reported in the city of Chernivtsi, western Ukraine, that's according to the press service of the regional state administration.
It is noted that the patient is feeling better, while his wife, who has remained under observation at home, also gives no reason to be concerned – her condition is satisfactory with no signs of the disease.
At the same time, the number of local residents who are still being tested for Сovid-19 has increased.
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Read alsoUkrainian border guards prevent smuggling of over 3,600 medical face masks to Romania (Photo)
"Another four locals were admitted at the infectious department of the regional clinical hospital with signs of infectious disease," reads the statement.
Their samples were sent to the Virology Laboratory of the Public Health Center.
A morning update said two more persons, also local residents, were hospitalized upon their return from Italy, one of the hotbeds of coronavirus outbreak.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on March 3, Ukraine confirmed the first case of a coronavirus in a man who returned with his wife from Italy to Chernivtsi region. Doctors hospitalized the infected patient, while his wife has remained under observation at home.


unian--2020-03-06--Zelensky: Ukraine seeks release of 200 detainees, sends their list to Trilateral Contact Group in Mi

Zelensky: Ukraine seeks release of 200 detainees, sends their list to Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk

Some people whom Ukraine wants to exchange may have already died .
Ukraine is seeking the release of over 200 detainees , having sent their list to the Trilateral Contact Group for Donbas in Minsk , Belarus .
`` The Ukrainian party in Minsk submitted a list of more than 200 surnames for the future mutual release of detained persons .
This was reported by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with Turkish TV channel TRT , '' the presidential press service said .
`` In Minsk , we have submitted a list of more than 200 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found out the names of these people , their whereabouts .
We do not know when and from which regions we will return these people , but we definitely strive for that , '' the press service quoted Zelensky as saying .
According to him , some people whom Ukraine wants to exchange may have already died .
`` Some of them were tortured , we do not know who is [ alive ] there .
But , unfortunately , we know that we can only return the bodies of some of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minsk group working on all these issues , '' he said .
In addition , according to the president , the issue of Crimean Tatars ' rights in occupied Crimea is under discussion with Russia .
Read alsoRFE/RL : Court in Russia-controlled Crimea sends Jehovah 's Witness to prison for six years All diplomatic means should be used to end the war and return people , he said .
`` It is very important to speak about disengagement sites .
I mean , last year we selected three humanitarian disengagement sites .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Yet , Zelensky says , the issue of Crimea remains the most difficult one in the negotiations , but it is impossible to speak about the territorial integrity of Ukraine without it .
`` When I took part in the Normandy meeting [ on December 9 , 2019 ] , I raised this issue , but everyone talked about Donbas , about how to stop the war in Donbas .
There was no Crimea in any agreement .
Crimea is a strategic issue for us .
We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine without discussing the issue of Crimea , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Andriy Yermak , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's chief of staff , has met with deputy head of Russian President Vladimir Putin 's Administration Dmitry Kozak in Minsk , Belarus , to discuss a swap of prisoners in the all-for-all format .
This was agreed by greed by the Normandy Four leaders ( Ukraine , Russia , France , and Germany ) at their summit in Paris in December 2019 .

Some people whom Ukraine wants to exchange may have already died.
Ukraine is seeking the release of over 200 detainees, having sent their list to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) for Donbas in Minsk, Belarus.
"The Ukrainian party in Minsk submitted a list of more than 200 surnames for the future mutual release of detained persons. This was reported by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with Turkish TV channel TRT," the presidential press service said.
"In Minsk, we have submitted a list of more than 200 people. It is very important. We found out the names of these people, their whereabouts. We do not know when and from which regions we will return these people, but we definitely strive for that," the press service quoted Zelensky as saying.
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According to him, some people whom Ukraine wants to exchange may have already died.
"Some of them were tortured, we do not know who is [alive] there. But, unfortunately, we know that we can only return the bodies of some of those people. There are people in the Minsk group working on all these issues," he said.
In addition, according to the president, the issue of Crimean Tatars' rights in occupied Crimea is under discussion with Russia.
Read alsoRFE/RL: Court in Russia-controlled Crimea sends Jehovah's Witness to prison for six years
All diplomatic means should be used to end the war and return people, he said.
"It is very important to speak about disengagement sites. I mean, last year we selected three humanitarian disengagement sites. There are three new sites we are discussing," he said.
Yet, Zelensky says, the issue of Crimea remains the most difficult one in the negotiations, but it is impossible to speak about the territorial integrity of Ukraine without it.
"When I took part in the Normandy meeting [on December 9, 2019], I raised this issue, but everyone talked about Donbas, about how to stop the war in Donbas. There was no Crimea in any agreement. Crimea is a strategic issue for us. We cannot speak about the territorial integrity of Ukraine without discussing the issue of Crimea," he said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, on March 1 met with deputy head of Russian President Vladimir Putin's Administration Dmitry Kozak in Minsk, Belarus, to discuss a swap of prisoners in the all-for-all format.
This was agreed by greed by the Normandy Four leaders (Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany) at their summit in Paris in December 2019.


unian--2020-03-06--Newly appointed Ukrainian PM advocates resumption of water supply to Russia-occupied Crimea

He says the lack of water there may result in a humanitarian disaster on the Crimean peninsula .
Newly appointed Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says that Crimea is Ukraine , Ukrainian citizens live there , and the water supply to them should not be blocked .
`` The issue of supplying water to occupied Crimea is not a matter of trade with the occupying state , it is not a matter of a certain business – it is a matter of humanitarian responsibility before people who live in Crimea , '' he said on TV late on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ water there will lead to a humanitarian disaster . ''
`` Ukrainians live there – Ukrainians live in Crimea .
We will not block the water supply for Ukrainians .
Period .
Crimea is Ukraine .
We are not going to supply water to other place but Ukraine – Crimea is Ukraine ...
The occupying state is unable to take responsibility for the Ukrainians who live there , '' he said .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia said on a Ukrainian TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree if water were supplied from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea in exchange for full control of the Ukrainian border in Donbas .
Yet , he said , it was his personal opinion rather than the position as the parliamentary faction 's head .
Later , he apologized to Ukrainians for his words , saying they were `` taken out of context . ''

He says the lack of water there may result in a humanitarian disaster on the Crimean peninsula.
Newly appointed Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says that Crimea is Ukraine, Ukrainian citizens live there, and the water supply to them should not be blocked.
"The issue of supplying water to occupied Crimea is not a matter of trade with the occupying state, it is not a matter of a certain business – it is a matter of humanitarian responsibility before people who live in Crimea," he said on TV late on Thursday.
Read alsoUkraine's NSDC: Impossible to supply water to Crimea amid Russian occupation
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Shmyhal emphasized that "the lack of water there will lead to a humanitarian disaster."
"Ukrainians live there – Ukrainians live in Crimea. We will not block the water supply for Ukrainians. Period. Crimea is Ukraine. We are not going to supply water to other place but Ukraine – Crimea is Ukraine ... The occupying state is unable to take responsibility for the Ukrainians who live there," he said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia said on a Ukrainian TV channel on February 11 he would personally agree if water were supplied from mainland Ukraine to Russia-occupied Crimea in exchange for full control of the Ukrainian border in Donbas.
Yet, he said, it was his personal opinion rather than the position as the parliamentary faction's head. Later, he apologized to Ukrainians for his words, saying they were "taken out of context."


unian--2020-03-05--Zelensky calls on Ukrainians to engage in domestic tourism amid coronavirus outbreak

There is the lowest number of coronavirus cases in Ukraine compared to many European countries .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Ukrainians to engage in domestic tourism amid the global spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-2019 .
`` Stay in Ukraine for a while , it 's very important .
Now is the time when you may engage in tourism within our country .
You see that even in comparison with many European countries , we have the lowest number of such [ coronavirus ] cases , and we control it , '' he said at a meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were discharged from a health center in Novi Sanzhary , Poltava region , on March 5 after 14-day observation .
Read alsoNumber of hospitalized patients in Chernivtsi being tested for coronavirus rises '' I think we 've got a beautiful country , and we have a lot of wonderful cities and places where one can spend some time on a normal holiday while this viral story is over , and it will be over for sure , '' he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the Chinese authorities reported an outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late in December 2019 .
The causative agent of the disease was a new type of coronavirus , COVID-19 .
The virus is transmitted from person to person , with the incubation period lasting at least two weeks .
A plane with 45 Ukrainians and 27 foreigners evacuated from China 's Wuhan amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus arrived in Ukraine on February 20 .
The evacuees were then bussed to the town of Novi Sanzhary in Poltava region and accommodated at a local medical center for 14-day observation , which was @ @ @ @ @

There is the lowest number of coronavirus cases in Ukraine compared to many European countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Ukrainians to engage in domestic tourism amid the global spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-2019.
"Stay in Ukraine for a while, it's very important. Now is the time when you may engage in tourism within our country. You see that even in comparison with many European countries, we have the lowest number of such [coronavirus] cases, and we control it," he said at a meeting with Ukrainian and foreign evacuees from China who were discharged from a health center in Novi Sanzhary, Poltava region, on March 5 after 14-day observation.
Read alsoNumber of hospitalized patients in Chernivtsi being tested for coronavirus rises
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"I think we've got a beautiful country, and we have a lot of wonderful cities and places where one can spend some time on a normal holiday while this viral story is over, and it will be over for sure," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Chinese authorities reported an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan late in December 2019.
The causative agent of the disease was a new type of coronavirus, COVID-19. The virus is transmitted from person to person, with the incubation period lasting at least two weeks.
A plane with 45 Ukrainians and 27 foreigners evacuated from China's Wuhan amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus arrived in Ukraine on February 20. The evacuees were then bussed to the town of Novi Sanzhary in Poltava region and accommodated at a local medical center for 14-day observation, which was over on March 5.


unian--2020-03-05--Moderate Ukraine central bank rate cut expected next week: Reuters poll

Nine out of 16 analysts forecast a rate cut to 10 % at the next rate-setting meeting on March 12 .
Lower-than-expected inflation and a slowing economy will prompt Ukraine 's central bank to cut its key rate for the sixth time in a row next week from the current level of 11 % , a Reuters poll of analysts showed on Thursday .
The cut would not be as steep as January 's 2.5 percentage points due to a delay in the approval of a new loan program from the International Monetary Fund , the majority of the poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The rate reduction will be more restrained ( in coming months ) if the situation with the spread of the coronavirus and the signing of a new program of cooperation with the IMF continues to develop according to a pessimistic scenario , '' said analysts of Raiffeisen Bank Aval .
Nine out of 16 analysts forecast a rate cut to 10 % at the next rate-setting meeting on March 12 .
Three see a reduction to 10.5 % ; one person expects 9.5 % while the other three respondents believe the rate @ @ @ @

Nine out of 16 analysts forecast a rate cut to 10% at the next rate-setting meeting on March 12.
Lower-than-expected inflation and a slowing economy will prompt Ukraine's central bank to cut its key rate for the sixth time in a row next week from the current level of 11%, a Reuters poll of analysts showed on Thursday.
The cut would not be as steep as January's 2.5 percentage points due to a delay in the approval of a new loan program from the International Monetary Fund, the majority of the poll respondents said, according to Reuters.
Read alsoUkraine's central bank may significantly reduce key rate in March – PM
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"The rate reduction will be more restrained (in coming months) if the situation with the spread of the coronavirus and the signing of a new program of cooperation with the IMF continues to develop according to a pessimistic scenario," said analysts of Raiffeisen Bank Aval.
Nine out of 16 analysts forecast a rate cut to 10% at the next rate-setting meeting on March 12. Three see a reduction to 10.5%; one person expects 9.5% while the other three respondents believe the rate will remain unchanged.


unian--2020-03-05--Ukraine's international reserves grow to US$26.6 bln as of March 1

The current amount of the reserves covers four months ' worth of imports .
Ukraine 's international reserves grew to US $ 26.623 billion as of March 1 , 2020 , which was 1.3 % up on February 1 , 2020 .
Since the year 's start , the country 's reserves have expanded by 5 % , the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) said on its website .
`` In February , the international reserves grew by 1.3 % primarily on the back of persisting favorable conditions on the forex market , '' the NBU said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by almost US $ 700 mln in Feb The NBU 's purchases of foreign currency in the interbank forex market exceeded its sales by US $ 689 million .
Overall , the government spent US $ 768.8 million ( in the equivalent ) on servicing and repaying public debt denominated in foreign currency .
Whereof US $ 417.2 million were repayments under forex domestic government debt securities , US $ 213.6 million – repayments of the government and the NBU to the International Monetary Fund , and US $ 33.7 million – repayments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to service other liabilities to other foreign creditors and international financial institutions .
`` At the same time , the government raised US $ 202.3 million by offering forex domestic government debt securities , '' it said .
Last month , the value of financial instruments increased by US $ 207.2 million ( in the equivalent ) .
The current amount of the reserves covers four months ' worth of imports .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukraine 's international reserves as of February 1 , 2020 , amounted to US $ 26.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the previous month .
In 2019 , Ukraine saw a 22 % increase in its international reserves , to US $ 25.3 billion , which was a seven-year high .

Ukraine's international reserves grow to US$26.6 bln as of March 1
23:25, 05.03.20 1220
The current amount of the reserves covers four months' worth of imports.
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unian--2020-03-05--Zelensky meets with G7 Ambassadors, head of EU delegation amid visit to Poltava region

The Ukrainian leader assured the diplomats that the recent government shake-up would not change the country 's priorities in the internal and external policies .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with the Ambassadors of the G7 countries and the Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine during his visit to Poltava region .
`` The issues of Ukraine 's further course were discussed in an informal atmosphere , '' the presidential press service said .
`` In particular , the president underscored the invariance of the chosen course towards the implementation by the government and the Verkhovna Rada of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security , protection of the rights and freedoms of Ukrainians , as well as the creation of a strong state governed by the rule of law that serves the citizen , '' the press service said .
Zelensky stressed that the government 's reboot was aimed at improving the performance of the executive branch and `` would not affect the announced priorities in domestic and foreign policy . ''
The Ukrainian president also thanked the heads of the diplomatic missions of the G7 and EU countries for their practical assistance and political support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The Ukrainian leader assured the diplomats that the recent government shake-up would not change the country's priorities in the internal and external policies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with the Ambassadors of the G7 countries and the Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine during his visit to Poltava region.
"The issues of Ukraine's further course were discussed in an informal atmosphere," the presidential press service said.
Read alsoUkraine's parliament approves new Cabinet
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"In particular, the president underscored the invariance of the chosen course towards the implementation by the government and the Verkhovna Rada of a policy aimed at ensuring welfare, security, protection of the rights and freedoms of Ukrainians, as well as the creation of a strong state governed by the rule of law that serves the citizen," the press service said.
Zelensky stressed that the government's reboot was aimed at improving the performance of the executive branch and "would not affect the announced priorities in domestic and foreign policy."
The Ukrainian president also thanked the heads of the diplomatic missions of the G7 and EU countries for their practical assistance and political support for Ukraine's chosen path of reforms.