unian--2020-12-11--TCG speaker: No grounds to introduce "Plan B" for Donbas settlement

Arestovych notes progress , albeit a `` very , very , very slow one , '' on the path to peace .
Spokesman for the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) Oleksiy Arestovych has said today there are no formal or informal grounds for introducing the so-called `` Plan B '' to resolve the situation in Donbas .
`` We are preparing for various options .
So far , Plan B is off the table , but the position is very clear – the basis of settlement is politico-diplomatic ... We preserve Ukraine 's reputation as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said during a briefing entitled `` The anniversary of the Normandy summit in Paris : what has been achieved in a year ?
`` , an UNIAN correspondent reported .
Read alsoKravchuk explains proposal to disconnect Russia from SWIFTAt the same time , the guarantee of settlement is comprehensive development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the entire sector of national security and defense , and special services , the spokesman said .
He noted the importance of joint international military drills with Ukraine 's participation .
Arestovych has noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very slow one , '' on the path to peace .
The most important achievement is that `` Russia is still maintaining the peace process , '' he said .
`` In fact , we may state things are going according to 'Plan A , ' that there are no formal and informal grounds for shifting to 'Plan B ' yet . ''
Also , he said negotiations were `` slowest '' on `` the most painful issue , which is the release of held persons . ''
Arestovych notes Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set of agreements that have been signed since the summer of 2014 .
They insist only on the complex of Minsk steps , which was signed on February 12 , 2015 , since , in their opinion , it was consecrated by the UN '' and `` became part of international law . ''
According to him , Russia `` is constantly trying to impose on us the need for direct dialogue with organizations that are very similar to terrorist ones .
We call them TORDLO ( temporarily occupied areas of Donetsk and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Have the Paris agreements ( of December 9 , 2019 ) been fulfilled ?
Partially fulfilled , partially not , '' Arestovych said .
Read also '' No substance '' for Zelensky-Putin meeting yet , Kremlin spox saysHe is convinced the biggest achievement is the relative preservation of ceasefire , which has been in effect since July 27 this year .
`` During this time , there have been 5.5 times fewer shellings and 10 to 14 times fewer losses among our military if we count combat and non-combat losses , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zelensky , his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin , French President Emmanuel Macron , and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met in Paris on December 9 , 2019 , to discuss ways to end the war in Donbas .
They reaffirmed their commitment to the full and comprehensive ceasefire regime by the end of 2019 and supported the arrangement within the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk on the disengagement of troops and weapons at three new sites in eastern Ukraine by the end of March 2020 .
The leaders encouraged the TCG to promote the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the year on an `` all for all '' basis , starting with `` all identified for all identified persons . ''
The parties expressed their interest in reaching agreements within the Normandy format and the TCG on all legal aspects of the law on the special order of local self-government ( on the special status ) of certain areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions – as specified in the Comprehensive Package of Measures for the Implementation of Minsk agreements of 2015 – to ensure its continued application .

Arestovych notes progress, albeit a "very, very, very slow one," on the path to peace.
Spokesman for the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Oleksiy Arestovych has said today there are no formal or informal grounds for introducing the so-called "Plan B" to resolve the situation in Donbas.
"We are preparing for various options. So far, Plan B is off the table, but the position is very clear – the basis of settlement is politico-diplomatic... We preserve Ukraine's reputation as a country that fulfills international agreements," he said during a briefing entitled "The anniversary of the Normandy summit in Paris: what has been achieved in a year?", an UNIAN correspondent reported.
Read alsoKravchuk explains proposal to disconnect Russia from SWIFTAt the same time, the guarantee of settlement is comprehensive development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the entire sector of national security and defense, and special services, the spokesman said. He noted the importance of joint international military drills with Ukraine's participation.
Видео дня
Arestovych has noted progress, albeit a "very, very, very slow one," on the path to peace.
The most important achievement is that "Russia is still maintaining the peace process," he said.
"In fact, we may state things are going according to 'Plan A,' that there are no formal and informal grounds for shifting to 'Plan B' yet."
"This week they [the Russian side] confirmed their desire to hold a meeting at the level of political advisers. On December 15, we will hold a TCG meeting, the last one this year," Arestovych said, adding there is very slow progress in the issue of checkpoints' operation on the line of contact.
Also, he said negotiations were "slowest" on "the most painful issue, which is the release of held persons."
Arestovych notes Russia is trying to "disregard the entire set of agreements that have been signed since the summer of 2014. They insist only on the complex of Minsk steps, which was signed on February 12, 2015, since, in their opinion, it was consecrated by the UN" and "became part of international law."
According to him, Russia "is constantly trying to impose on us the need for direct dialogue with organizations that are very similar to terrorist ones. We call them TORDLO (temporarily occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine)."
"Have the Paris agreements (of December 9, 2019) been fulfilled? Partially fulfilled, partially not," Arestovych said.
Read also"No substance" for Zelensky-Putin meeting yet, Kremlin spox saysHe is convinced the biggest achievement is the relative preservation of ceasefire, which has been in effect since July 27 this year.
"During this time, there have been 5.5 times fewer shellings and 10 to 14 times fewer losses among our military if we count combat and non-combat losses," the official added.
Normandy Four summit: Background
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met in Paris on December 9, 2019, to discuss ways to end the war in Donbas.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the full and comprehensive ceasefire regime by the end of 2019 and supported the arrangement within the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk on the disengagement of troops and weapons at three new sites in eastern Ukraine by the end of March 2020.
The leaders encouraged the TCG to promote the release and exchange of held persons by the end of the year on an "all for all" basis, starting with "all identified for all identified persons."
The parties expressed their interest in reaching agreements within the Normandy format and the TCG on all legal aspects of the law on the special order of local self-government (on the special status) of certain areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions – as specified in the Comprehensive Package of Measures for the Implementation of Minsk agreements of 2015 – to ensure its continued application.


unian--2020-12-11--MFA welcomes EU decision to extend Russia sanctions

The ministry sees the move as another `` powerful signal '' of EU support .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) of Ukraine welcomes the political decision of the European Council to extend the economic and sectoral sanctions against the Russian Federation for another six months .
`` We regard this decision as another powerful signal of EU support for the Ukrainian leadership 's efforts within the framework of the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group aimed at restoring territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine , '' the ministry 's press service reported .
Read alsoEU extends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monthsIn the context of the `` obvious lack of intentions '' on the part of the Russian side to follow the path of full implementation of all Minsk agreements , consolidated political pressure on the Russian Federation from the EU in the form of restrictive measures ( sanctions ) is fundamentally important , diplomats note .
On July 31 , 2014 , the European Union imposed economic sanctions against Russia aimed at specific sectors of the economy .
In March 2015 , EU leaders decided to link these sanctions to the implementation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since then , the EU has repeatedly extended these sanctions for the next six months .
The latest time the sanctions were extended in June 2020 until January 31 , 2021 .
The restrictive measures concern the financial , energy and defense sectors of the Russian Federation , as well as dual-use goods .
They are also designed to restrict access to the EU 's primary and secondary capital markets for five leading Russian financial institutions with a majority share of state ownership in their charter capital and their subsidiaries created outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition , the sanctions were applied to three leading Russian energy and three defense companies .
An export and import ban is applicable to arms trade , a ban is imposed on exports of dual-use goods for military use or for end consumers of military goods in Russia .
Russia also has limited access to certain sensitive technologies and services that can be used for the development and prospecting of crude oil fields .
On December 10 , leaders of European Union member states decided to extend the economic sanctions against Russia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for another six months .

The ministry sees the move as another "powerful signal" of EU support.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine welcomes the political decision of the European Council to extend the economic and sectoral sanctions against the Russian Federation for another six months.
"We regard this decision as another powerful signal of EU support for the Ukrainian leadership's efforts within the framework of the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group aimed at restoring territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," the ministry's press service reported.
Read alsoEU extends economic sanctions against Russia for another six monthsIn the context of the "obvious lack of intentions" on the part of the Russian side to follow the path of full implementation of all Minsk agreements, consolidated political pressure on the Russian Federation from the EU in the form of restrictive measures (sanctions) is fundamentally important, diplomats note.
Видео дня
"In case of continued Russian aggression against Ukraine, sanctions need to be tightened," the foreign ministry said.
EU sanctions against Russia
On July 31, 2014, the European Union imposed economic sanctions against Russia aimed at specific sectors of the economy.
In March 2015, EU leaders decided to link these sanctions to the implementation of the Minsk peace agreements on Donbas. Since then, the EU has repeatedly extended these sanctions for the next six months. The latest time the sanctions were extended in June 2020 until January 31, 2021. The restrictive measures concern the financial, energy and defense sectors of the Russian Federation, as well as dual-use goods.
They are also designed to restrict access to the EU's primary and secondary capital markets for five leading Russian financial institutions with a majority share of state ownership in their charter capital and their subsidiaries created outside the EU with a controlling stake. In addition, the sanctions were applied to three leading Russian energy and three defense companies.
An export and import ban is applicable to arms trade, a ban is imposed on exports of dual-use goods for military use or for end consumers of military goods in Russia. Russia also has limited access to certain sensitive technologies and services that can be used for the development and prospecting of crude oil fields.
On December 10, leaders of European Union member states decided to extend the economic sanctions against Russia in the banking, financial and energy sectors for another six months.


unian--2020-12-11--USSR 2.0: Putin's legacy

USSR 2.0: Putin's legacy

Almost all of Vladimir Putin 's most significant moves during his past 20 ( yes , it 's twenty ) years of rule are clearly reflected in the results of an annual poll run by Levada Center .
As of 2019 , almost half of Russians ( 45 % ) felt ashamed over the collapse of the Soviet Union .
In 2018 , according to the same survey said the share of those who would like to avoid such collapse amounted to 66 % , a record high in 10 years .
At the same time , Russian citizens felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 ( 87 % ) , the country 's leading role in space exploration ( 50 % ) , and the annexation of Crimea ( 45 % ) .
Being unable to achieve great progress in further space exploration due to objective reasons , the Kremlin has found `` regaining lands '' and `` strengthening bonds '' its main occupation by the end of 2020 .
The toolkit Putin 's regime smoothly but consistently applies to the neighboring Armenia and Belarus is pretty much the same : weaken the ruling elite as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comply with Moscow 's orders .
In the case of Belarus and Lukashenko , Russia successfully exploited the latter 's confrontation with protesters .
Moscow 's statements and their sequence have all been finely tailored .
On the one hand , officials in Moscow `` stood up for the people of BELORUSSIA [ the Soviet-style name of the country ] '' in order to promote the idea of the president 's illegitimacy and thus weakening him to the verge and claiming to share the view of western powers who have been standing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , once Lukashenko has burned all bridges with the west , Putin and his team , started unanimously echoing the Belarus leader in blaming the West and `` external forces '' for all of the country 's troubles , since it is a weakened , hunted dictator that is the best option for the Kremlin .
Lukashenko has so far remained in the top chair , while this chair now has broken legs and stands many floors below Putin 's office .
Moscow 's campaign targeting Lukashenko was the result of the Belarusian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Russia , which would give Putin the legitimate right to become head of the new state without needing to hold the notorious referendum on constitutional amendments .
Back in the spring of 2020 , Lukashenko reached an agreement with the West , and already at the end of summer , Russia 's Rostov became the only potential safe place for `` Luka '' ( by analogy with the fate of the disgraced Viktor Yanukovych in Ukraine ) , and that 's only if he bows to Kremlin 's demands .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia have stood up to Azerbaijan on its path of regaining lands .
As a result of a 44-day war this , among other things , led to a drastic deterioration of Yerevan government 's positions .
After all , the government 's desire to pursue a sovereign policy came into conflict with the efforts to maintain this very sovereignty .
All claims about Russia having no legal grounds to intervene are nonsense .
In 2016 , Russia did , for example .
In 2008 , they deployed troops in Georgia , effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory .
In 2014 came the annexation of Crimea… Then there was an assassination attempt on the Skripal family in Britain , the hit job on Khangoshvili in Berlin , and the attempt on Navalny ...
Whenever Putin `` needs '' it , he intervenes .
But , in this case , it was `` necessary '' to subdue and weaken as much as possible the defiant Prime Minister Pashinyan , who has been defending his country 's independence , so as not to leave him a choice and regain maximum control over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko , as soon as the blow was struck and Pashinyan became the target of harsh criticism and lost part of popular support , Putin immediately voiced public support for Pashinyan , speaking of the Armenian prime minister 's `` bold '' move and an allied stance .
I 'm not diminishing Turkey 's role as a balance in the issue of the war in Karabakh , but I would n't recommend anyone to also diminish the resolve of the Russian president to settle issues whenever he believes he really `` needs '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister in Armenia upon whom Moscow has forced itself as `` main ally '' , the so-called peacekeepers in Karabakh ( who in fact are yet another lever on the region ) , temporarily satisfied with Azerbaijan and Turkey .
Temporarily , because there was no final point in either direction in the Karabakh issue , which is again beneficial to the Kremlin and what Minister Lavrov has been striving for years , promoting the idea of deploying a Russian contingent .
I will not remind thinking people of what the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions of Georgia in 2008 .
While Lukashenko 's fate is already predetermined , Pashinyan , who enjoys considerable support of the Armenian people , can still save his country and , together with his fellow citizens , recover from war and make a leap forward through transformation and reform .
Whether the country has stamina and support to this end we are yet to see , rather soon .
Without hesitation or lunch breaks , having weakened and subdued Lukashenko , who has for several years been under pressure to integrate Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Pashinyan , Putin meets with the so-called President of Abkhazia ( the occupied region of Georgia ) .
And during that Sochi meeting , he `` unexpectedly '' brings up the topic of ( sic ! )
a Union State with Russia .
As a harbinger of future developments , Bzhania and Putin approved a plan for creating a single socio-economic space , which provides for Abkhazia 's integration into Russia 's legal field .
Abkhazia is already being de facto fully controlled by Moscow , as is the occupied region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So why suddenly initiate discussions of `` union states '' ?
Is one supposed to be set up with Belarus or Abkhazia ?
Or maybe with all ?
It 's the so-called president of occupied Abkhazia who was entrusted to voice the reasoning behind the efforts described above , which fully fit into the results of the Levada Center polls .
After his meeting with Putin , Bzhania said the Russian president had said that `` the situation on the Eurasian continent and in the whole world is developing in such a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the Abkhaz people , with those who feels close to us .
Global processes will move on .
And apparently , a group of states in the post-Soviet space , if this meets the interests of their peoples , will organize a kind of union . ''
No , in 2020 it 's not about the countries joining some international democratic institutions or the European Union .
It 's about the revisited version of the Soviet Union .
That very Union , which Georgia , for example , still officially considers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that time bombs in the form of territorial disputes in the post-Soviet space have launched their countdown .
As for Georgia and Ukraine , which still at least rhetorically proclaim a course of rapprochement with the European Union and NATO , the main factor will be whether pro-democratic forces in these countries are able to prevail and how active the new U.S. administration led by Joe Biden and the European Union leaders professing `` business as usual '' show support for Tbilisi and Kyiv in their struggle for sovereignty and development against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So far , although Russia is in a really weak position , while Putin has generally become an outcast in the international arena , perceived as dictator and leader of an undemocratic regime , to put it mildly , in the issue of building up a new version of the USSR by undermining neighboring states militarily , economically and politically , Russia has made much more progress than NATO and EU did toward enlargement .
I hope that the looming threat of the USSR 2.0 becoming a reality will prompt Germany , Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States to urgently consider Georgia 's bid for joining NATO , and then do the same for Ukraine , in order to save the region from an ultimate disaster .
The peoples of Georgia and Ukraine have long deserved this right through reforms , wars with the aggressor , and struggle for sovereignty , as well as the right to choose for themselves how to live their lives and whom to befriend .
Meanwhile , happy holders of Russian passports citizenship ( including myself ) , who consider Russia our homeland , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think hard whether we want a find ourselves `` back in the USSR '' , or perhaps raise our heads and fight for our country .

Almost all of Vladimir Putin's most significant moves during his past 20 (yes, it's twenty) years of rule are clearly reflected in the results of an annual poll run by Levada Center. As of 2019, almost half of Russians (45%) felt ashamed over the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 2018, according to the same survey said the share of those who would like to avoid such collapse amounted to 66%, a record high in 10 years. At the same time, Russian citizens felt proudest about the win in World War 2 (87%), the country's leading role in space exploration (50%), and the annexation of Crimea (45%).
Being unable to achieve great progress in further space exploration due to objective reasons, the Kremlin has found "regaining lands" and "strengthening bonds" its main occupation by the end of 2020.
Belarus, Armenia, Abkhazia (Georgia), and Azerbaijan
Видео дня
The toolkit Putin's regime smoothly but consistently applies to the neighboring Armenia and Belarus is pretty much the same: weaken the ruling elite as much as possible and coerce leaders to fully comply with Moscow's orders.
A weakened, hunted dictator is the best option for the Kremlin
In the case of Belarus and Lukashenko, Russia successfully exploited the latter's confrontation with protesters. Moscow's statements and their sequence have all been finely tailored. On the one hand, officials in Moscow "stood up for the people of BELORUSSIA [the Soviet-style name of the country]" in order to promote the idea of the president's illegitimacy and thus weakening him to the verge and claiming to share the view of western powers who have been standing up for democracy. On the other hand, once Lukashenko has burned all bridges with the west, Putin and his team, started unanimously echoing the Belarus leader in blaming the West and "external forces" for all of the country's troubles, since it is a weakened, hunted dictator that is the best option for the Kremlin. Lukashenko has so far remained in the top chair, while this chair now has broken legs and stands many floors below Putin's office. Moscow's campaign targeting Lukashenko was the result of the Belarusian president's unwillingness to integrate his country into Russia, which would give Putin the legitimate right to become head of the new state without needing to hold the notorious referendum on constitutional amendments. Back in the spring of 2020, Lukashenko reached an agreement with the West, and already at the end of summer, Russia's Rostov became the only potential safe place for "Luka" (by analogy with the fate of the disgraced Viktor Yanukovych in Ukraine), and that's only if he bows to Kremlin's demands.
In the case of Armenia, neither Putin nor Russia have stood up to Azerbaijan on its path of regaining lands. As a result of a 44-day war this, among other things, led to a drastic deterioration of Yerevan government's positions. After all, the government's desire to pursue a sovereign policy came into conflict with the efforts to maintain this very sovereignty. All claims about Russia having no legal grounds to intervene are nonsense. In 2016, Russia did, for example. In 2008, they deployed troops in Georgia, effectively occupying 20% of the country's territory. In 2014 came the annexation of Crimea… Then there was an assassination attempt on the Skripal family in Britain, the hit job on Khangoshvili in Berlin, and the attempt on Navalny ... Whenever Putin "needs" it, he intervenes. But, in this case, it was "necessary" to subdue and weaken as much as possible the defiant Prime Minister Pashinyan, who has been defending his country's independence, so as not to leave him a choice and regain maximum control over Armenia. As in the case of Lukashenko, as soon as the blow was struck and Pashinyan became the target of harsh criticism and lost part of popular support, Putin immediately voiced public support for Pashinyan, speaking of the Armenian prime minister's "bold" move and an allied stance. I'm not diminishing Turkey's role as a balance in the issue of the war in Karabakh, but I wouldn't recommend anyone to also diminish the resolve of the Russian president to settle issues whenever he believes he really "needs" this.
The result: a weakened prime minister in Armenia upon whom Moscow has forced itself as "main ally", the so-called peacekeepers in Karabakh (who in fact are yet another lever on the region), temporarily satisfied with Azerbaijan and Turkey. Temporarily, because there was no final point in either direction in the Karabakh issue, which is again beneficial to the Kremlin and what Minister Lavrov has been striving for years, promoting the idea of deploying a Russian contingent. I will not remind thinking people of what the Russian "peacekeepers" did in the occupied regions of Georgia in 2008.
While Lukashenko's fate is already predetermined, Pashinyan can still save his country
While Lukashenko's fate is already predetermined, Pashinyan, who enjoys considerable support of the Armenian people, can still save his country and, together with his fellow citizens, recover from war and make a leap forward through transformation and reform. Whether the country has stamina and support to this end we are yet to see, rather soon.
Armenia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, and ... Abkhazia (Georgia)
Without hesitation or lunch breaks, having weakened and subdued Lukashenko, who has for several years been under pressure to integrate Belarus into the Union State; having weakened Prime Minister Pashinyan, Putin meets with the so-called President of Abkhazia (the occupied region of Georgia). And during that Sochi meeting, he "unexpectedly" brings up the topic of (sic!) a Union State with Russia. As a harbinger of future developments, Bzhania and Putin approved a plan for creating a single socio-economic space, which provides for Abkhazia's integration into Russia's legal field.
Abkhazia is already being de facto fully controlled by Moscow
Abkhazia is already being de facto fully controlled by Moscow, as is the occupied region of Georgia, so-called South Ossetia. So why suddenly initiate discussions of "union states"? Is one supposed to be set up with Belarus or Abkhazia? Or maybe with all? It's the so-called president of occupied Abkhazia who was entrusted to voice the reasoning behind the efforts described above, which fully fit into the results of the Levada Center polls. After his meeting with Putin, Bzhania said the Russian president had said that "the situation on the Eurasian continent and in the whole world is developing in such a way that we need special relations with Belarus, with the Abkhaz people, with those who feels close to us. Global processes will move on. And apparently, a group of states in the post-Soviet space, if this meets the interests of their peoples, will organize a kind of union."
USSR 2.0
No, in 2020 it's not about the countries joining some international democratic institutions or the European Union. It's about the revisited version of the Soviet Union. That very Union, which Georgia, for example, still officially considers "Soviet occupation". It appears that time bombs in the form of territorial disputes in the post-Soviet space have launched their countdown. As for Georgia and Ukraine, which still at least rhetorically proclaim a course of rapprochement with the European Union and NATO, the main factor will be whether pro-democratic forces in these countries are able to prevail and how active the new U.S. administration led by Joe Biden and the European Union leaders professing "business as usual" show support for Tbilisi and Kyiv in their struggle for sovereignty and development against the imposition of Soviet realities and dictatorship.
I hope that the looming threat of the USSR 2.0 becoming a reality will prompt Germany, Italy, and, primarily, the United States to urgently consider Georgia's bid for joining NATO, and then do the same for Ukraine
So far, although Russia is in a really weak position, while Putin has generally become an outcast in the international arena, perceived as dictator and leader of an undemocratic regime, to put it mildly, in the issue of building up a new version of the USSR by undermining neighboring states militarily, economically and politically, Russia has made much more progress than NATO and EU did toward enlargement. I hope that the looming threat of the USSR 2.0 becoming a reality will prompt Germany, Italy, and, primarily, the United States to urgently consider Georgia's bid for joining NATO, and then do the same for Ukraine, in order to save the region from an ultimate disaster. The peoples of Georgia and Ukraine have long deserved this right through reforms, wars with the aggressor, and struggle for sovereignty, as well as the right to choose for themselves how to live their lives and whom to befriend. Meanwhile, happy holders of Russian passports citizenship (including myself), who consider Russia our homeland, no matter where we actually live, should think hard whether we want a find ourselves "back in the USSR", or perhaps raise our heads and fight for our country.
Yegor Kuroptev


unian--2020-12-11--Another petition for Artem Sytnyk's dismissal registered on president's website

The author of the petition believes after numerous rows around NABU , low efficiency of work and political engagement , as well as a number of charges of committing criminal offenses , Sytnyk has no right to remain director of the anti-corruption bureau .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is called on to initiate dismissal of еру National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine ( NABU ) Director Artem Sytnyk .
The relevant petition was registered on the president 's website late on December 10 .
It states the society is weary of the fact that NABU is engaged in own promotion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being mired in numerous rows and accusations of low efficiency and political motivation , while a number of serious charges of criminal offenses have been brought against NABU Director Artem Sytnyk , according to the Obozrevatel media outlet .
The report says that , for example , Sytnyk is being accused of selling a land plot in the occupied city of Sevastopol under Russian law for US $ 40,000 , which has not been reflected in the asset declaration of the NABU director ( the State Bureau of Investigation opened criminal proceedings on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognized as corrupt official by a court ruling , and his name was filed in the official register of corrupt officials of the NACP [ National Agency on Corruption Prevention ] .
In addition , according to media reports , the investigation proved the facts of Sytnyk 's influence on decision-making by economic courts in the interests of his family and friends .
Investigators also concluded that , while being a lawyer , he prepared draft court decisions , which were later announced verbatim at court hearings .
He also prepared and sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prosecutors , which the latter subsequently signed , according to the report .
The petition says Sytnyk has destroyed a huge credit of trust the public gave to anti-corruption bodies of Ukraine , while nepotism and esprit de corps are flourishing at NABU .
According to the petition , the president is called on to initiate the dismissal of NABU Director Sytnyk from his post in accordance with the existing norms of Ukrainian legislation .
As reported earlier , in November this year , another petition for the dismissal of Artem Sytnyk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27,000 votes against the required 25,000 .
However , for the reason unknown , only half of the votes have been taken into account , so the petition was rejected by the President 's Office without explanation .
In addition , the media found out the votes already counted for the petition were simply `` cut off '' the next day .

The author of the petition believes after numerous rows around NABU, low efficiency of work and political engagement, as well as a number of charges of committing criminal offenses, Sytnyk has no right to remain director of the anti-corruption bureau.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is called on to initiate dismissal of еру National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) Director Artem Sytnyk. The relevant petition was registered on the president's website late on December 10.
It states the society is weary of the fact that NABU is engaged in own promotion, not an actual fight against corruption, being mired in numerous rows and accusations of low efficiency and political motivation, while a number of serious charges of criminal offenses have been brought against NABU Director Artem Sytnyk, according to the Obozrevatel media outlet.
The report says that, for example, Sytnyk is being accused of selling a land plot in the occupied city of Sevastopol under Russian law for US$40,000, which has not been reflected in the asset declaration of the NABU director (the State Bureau of Investigation opened criminal proceedings on these facts). Sytnyk was also recognized as corrupt official by a court ruling, and his name was filed in the official register of corrupt officials of the NACP [National Agency on Corruption Prevention]. In addition, according to media reports, the investigation proved the facts of Sytnyk's influence on decision-making by economic courts in the interests of his family and friends. Investigators also concluded that, while being a lawyer, he prepared draft court decisions, which were later announced verbatim at court hearings. He also prepared and sent by e-mail drafts procedural paperwork of investigators and prosecutors, which the latter subsequently signed, according to the report.
Видео дня
The petition says Sytnyk has destroyed a huge credit of trust the public gave to anti-corruption bodies of Ukraine, while nepotism and esprit de corps are flourishing at NABU. According to the petition, the president is called on to initiate the dismissal of NABU Director Sytnyk from his post in accordance with the existing norms of Ukrainian legislation.
As reported earlier, in November this year, another petition for the dismissal of Artem Sytnyk from the post of NABU director received 27,000 votes against the required 25,000. However, for the reason unknown, only half of the votes have been taken into account, so the petition was rejected by the President's Office without explanation. In addition, the media found out the votes already counted for the petition were simply "cut off" the next day.


unian--2020-12-11--National Bank speaks of inflation expectations by year-end

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

National Bank speaks of inflation expectations by year-end
12:45, 11.12.20 4922
In recent months, price hikes have been driven by lively consumer demand.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-11--Dutch expel two Russian diplomats on suspicions of espionage in hi-tech sector

The names of the diplomats in question have not been revealed .
The Netherlands on Thursday ordered the expulsion of two Russian diplomats accused of spying on the Dutch high-tech sector , the AIVD national intelligence agency said .
One of the diplomats , working for the Russian foreign intelligence agency SVR , `` occupied himself with spying in the technology and science fields , '' the AIVD said in a statement , as per Reuters .
`` The interest of the Russian intelligence officer went towards getting more information about artificial intelligence , semiconductors and nanotechnology .
Many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications . ''
The names of the diplomats in question have not been revealed .
The latest diplomatic incident will likely further raise tension between the two states amid the ongoing murder trial in the Netherlands of three Russians for the downing of Malaysian Airlines ' passenger jet flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine 's Donbas in 2014 , Reuters reports .
The Dutch government would review anti-espionage legislation related to foreign diplomats who remain immune to criminal prosecution .
Read alsoReuters Exclusive : Papers leaked before UK election in suspected Russian operation were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Netherlands presented no evidence of unlawful action by diplomats , the country 's embassy in The Hague said , while the Russian parliament said `` an adequate and timely '' response would follow .
In April 2018 , the Dutch counterintelligence nabbed Russian intelligence agents who attempted to hack the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague .
Four Russians , caught with spying gear at a hotel nearby the OPCW HQ , were expelled .
• Norwegian arrested in Oslo on charges of spying for Russia

The names of the diplomats in question have not been revealed.
The Netherlands on Thursday ordered the expulsion of two Russian diplomats accused of spying on the Dutch high-tech sector, the AIVD national intelligence agency said.
One of the diplomats, working for the Russian foreign intelligence agency SVR, "occupied himself with spying in the technology and science fields," the AIVD said in a statement, as per Reuters.
"The Russian intelligence service developed contacts with people with access to sensitive information in the high-tech sector," it said, adding that sometimes the Russians paid their sources.
"The interest of the Russian intelligence officer went towards getting more information about artificial intelligence, semiconductors and nanotechnology. Many of these technologies have both civilian and military applications."
The names of the diplomats in question have not been revealed.
The latest diplomatic incident will likely further raise tension between the two states amid the ongoing murder trial in the Netherlands of three Russians for the downing of Malaysian Airlines' passenger jet flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine's Donbas in 2014, Reuters reports.
The Dutch government would review anti-espionage legislation related to foreign diplomats who remain immune to criminal prosecution.
Read alsoReuters Exclusive: Papers leaked before UK election in suspected Russian operation were hacked from ex-trade ministerThe Russian embassy claimed the Netherlands presented no evidence of unlawful action by diplomats, the country's embassy in The Hague said, while the Russian parliament said "an adequate and timely" response would follow.
In April 2018, the Dutch counterintelligence nabbed Russian intelligence agents who attempted to hack the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague.
Four Russians, caught with spying gear at a hotel nearby the OPCW HQ, were expelled.
Russian spies: Related reports


unian--2020-12-11--Lockdown may come earlier than scheduled, MP says

If the situation worsens , the government may warn about other dates seven days prior .
MP with the ruling Servant of the People parliamentary faction , Chairman of the parliament 's Committee on National Health , Medical Assistance and Medical Insurance Mykhailo Radutsky has said the authorities may introduce lockdown earlier than the scheduled date of January 8 .
`` Nobody says it will be enforced on January 8 .
If the situation worsens , the government may warn about other dates seven days prior ... Nobody will wait for January 8 , '' the MP said at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Power '' ) TV panel show on 1+1 TV Channel on December 10 , Segodnya reports .
According to his forecasts , Ukraine will have 16,000 new COVID-19 daily cases in December .
Radutsky believes a peak will be seen on January 8 due to the holiday period preceding the date .
The Ukrainian government at an extraordinary meeting on December 9 adopted a decision to put Ukraine on lockdown for the period from January 8 to January 24 , 2021 .
Restrictions will be imposed on : arts and showbusiness events ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as on cinemas ) ; entertainment establishments ( discos and nightclubs , including a ban on the rent of premises for any corporate events ) ; educational institutions ( schools and universities ) , except for kindergartens ; accommodation facilities , except for hotels and rehabilitation centers .
Read alsoJanuary lockdown : Health Ministry expects 40-50 % cut in new COVID-19 casesThe ban is also imposed on the work of gyms , fitness centers , swimming pools ( except in outdoor settings and for professional teams ) , while holding professional sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catering establishments will be allowed to pursue with takeaway or delivery only , while beauty salons will be obliged to receive clients by appointment without making them wait in lines indoors .
State and municipal institutions will switch to work from home .
Christmas fairs will be prohibited after January 8 .

If the situation worsens, the government may warn about other dates seven days prior.
MP with the ruling Servant of the People parliamentary faction, Chairman of the parliament's Committee on National Health, Medical Assistance and Medical Insurance Mykhailo Radutsky has said the authorities may introduce lockdown earlier than the scheduled date of January 8.
"Nobody says it will be enforced on January 8. If the situation worsens, the government may warn about other dates seven days prior... Nobody will wait for January 8," the MP said at the Pravo Na Vladu ("Right to Power") TV panel show on 1+1 TV Channel on December 10, Segodnya reports.
According to his forecasts, Ukraine will have 16,000 new COVID-19 daily cases in December.
Видео дня
Radutsky believes a peak will be seen on January 8 due to the holiday period preceding the date.
"The New Year will bring an increase [in daily cases], so we won't get away with this," the lawmaker added.
Forthcoming lockdown
The Ukrainian government at an extraordinary meeting on December 9 adopted a decision to put Ukraine on lockdown for the period from January 8 to January 24, 2021.
Restrictions will be imposed on: arts and showbusiness events (concerts, performances, exhibitions, as well as on cinemas); entertainment establishments (discos and nightclubs, including a ban on the rent of premises for any corporate events); educational institutions (schools and universities), except for kindergartens; accommodation facilities, except for hotels and rehabilitation centers.
Read alsoJanuary lockdown: Health Ministry expects 40-50% cut in new COVID-19 casesThe ban is also imposed on the work of gyms, fitness centers, swimming pools (except in outdoor settings and for professional teams), while holding professional sports events is allowed with empty stands.
Catering establishments will be allowed to pursue with takeaway or delivery only, while beauty salons will be obliged to receive clients by appointment without making them wait in lines indoors.
State and municipal institutions will switch to work from home.
Christmas fairs will be prohibited after January 8.


unian--2020-12-11--Hryvnia weakens to U.S. dollar on Dec 11

Hryvnia weakens to U.S. dollar on Dec 11
11:30, 11.12.20 22415
The rate against the euro is fixed at UAH 33.99 per euro.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-11--Constitutional Court says it respects Venice Commission's opinion

The principles of separation of powers and mutual respect between branches of government are enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine .
The Constitutional Court of Ukraine ( CCU ) says it treats recommendations by the European Commission for Democracy through Law ( Venice Commission ) `` with great respect . ''
This is announced in a statement by the CCU in response to the promulgated urgent conclusion of the Venice Commission on the legislative situation regarding anti-corruption mechanisms in Ukraine .
`` On December 9 , 2020 , the European Commission for Democracy through Law ( Venice Commission ) together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe issued an Urgent Joint Opinion on the legislative situation regarding anti-corruption mechanisms following the Constitutional Court 's Decision No.13-r/2020 of October 27 , 2020 , '' the statement said .
`` The Constitutional Court of Ukraine treats the opinions of the Venice Commission with great respect . ''
`` The principles of separation of powers and mutual respect between branches of government are enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine .
Constitutional Court decision No.13-r/2020 of October 27 , 2020 , and this Opinion state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important element in a state governed by the rule of law , as well as the respect for the constitution and constitutional justice . ''
The CCU says the Venice Commission stressed that the principle of separation of powers presupposes , in particular , that the parliament and the executive agencies should respect the role of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine as the `` gatekeeper '' of the Constitution of Ukraine , as well as implement its decisions .
The Opinion emphasizes that despite the ambiguous perception of the CCU 's decision , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be respected and the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , must implement its decision by interpreting it in light of the Constitution of Ukraine and applicable international standards .
• On December 9 , the Venice Commission and the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law ( DGI ) of the Council of Europe on December 9 issued an urgent joint opinion on the legislative situation regarding anti-corruption mechanisms following the decision of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to repeal criminal liability for the inaccurate declaration of assets by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Venice Commission has acknowledged that the Constitutional Court 's decision in question `` lacks clear reasoning , has no firm basis in international law , and was possibly tainted with a major procedural flaw – an unresolved question of a conflict of interest of some judges . ''
• Also , the Commission advised the Verkhovna Rada to look into a number of solutions to the crisis .

The principles of separation of powers and mutual respect between branches of government are enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine.
The Constitutional Court of Ukraine (CCU) says it treats recommendations by the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) "with great respect."
This is announced in a statement by the CCU in response to the promulgated urgent conclusion of the Venice Commission on the legislative situation regarding anti-corruption mechanisms in Ukraine.
Read alsoVenice Commission drafts 10 recommendations on enhancing CCU law
Видео дня
"On December 9, 2020, the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) together with the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe issued an Urgent Joint Opinion on the legislative situation regarding anti-corruption mechanisms following the Constitutional Court's Decision No.13-r/2020 of October 27, 2020," the statement said. "The Constitutional Court of Ukraine treats the opinions of the Venice Commission with great respect."
"The principles of separation of powers and mutual respect between branches of government are enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine. Constitutional Court decision No.13-r/2020 of October 27, 2020, and this Opinion state that the fight against corruption is an important element in a state governed by the rule of law, as well as the respect for the constitution and constitutional justice."
The CCU says the Venice Commission stressed that the principle of separation of powers presupposes, in particular, that the parliament and the executive agencies should respect the role of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine as the "gatekeeper" of the Constitution of Ukraine, as well as implement its decisions.
The Opinion emphasizes that despite the ambiguous perception of the CCU's decision, the constitutional role of the Constitutional Court must be respected and the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, must implement its decision by interpreting it in light of the Constitution of Ukraine and applicable international standards.
Background


unian--2020-12-11--Crude oil prices on rise in Ukraine

Crude oil prices on rise in Ukraine

Crude oil prices on rise in Ukraine
10:40, 11.12.20 742
The price of one tonne of crude oil in October was US$300.9.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-11--COVID-19: Number of recoveries exceeds that of new cases, fourth day in row, on Dec 11

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 872,228 .
Ukraine said 13,514 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 11 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 872,228 as of December 11 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 480,348 patients , including 15,327 in the past day , have recovered , which exceeded the number of confirmed new daily cases for the fourth day in a row .
The death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded in the past 24 hours , which was also the highest daily death toll .
The government reported 377,125 active cases as of December 11 .
In total , there have been 965,916 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
`` In the past day , 13,514 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 638 children and 690 healthcare workers .
Some 2,846 new patients were hospitalized , '' Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Friday .
Read alsoChief medical officer forecasts when Ukraine may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60,847 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
In particular , there were 39,519 PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) tests run , as well as 21,328 ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) tests .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv ( 1,880 ) , Zaporizhia region ( 895 ) , Odesa region ( 874 ) , Kyiv region ( 787 ) , and Dnipropetrovsk region ( 759 ) .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sevastopol , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available .
• Number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Nov 25 % up on Oct

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 872,228.
Ukraine said 13,514 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 11, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 872,228 as of December 11, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 480,348 patients, including 15,327 in the past day, have recovered, which exceeded the number of confirmed new daily cases for the fourth day in a row.
Видео дня
The death toll has hit 14,755 with 285 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours, which was also the highest daily death toll.
The government reported 377,125 active cases as of December 11. In total, there have been 965,916 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
"In the past day, 13,514 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 638 children and 690 healthcare workers. Some 2,846 new patients were hospitalized," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Friday.
Read alsoChief medical officer forecasts when Ukraine may see slowdown in COVID-19 epidemicIn total, 60,847 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 39,519 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests run, as well as 21,328 ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv (1,880), Zaporizhia region (895), Odesa region (874), Kyiv region (787), and Dnipropetrovsk region (759).
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
COVID-19 in Ukraine: Related coverage


unian--2020-12-11--Freezing rain aftermath paralyzes Kyiv

Freezing rain aftermath paralyzes Kyiv

This led to interruptions in public transport schedule , while a number of inbound flights returned to the airports of departure .
Massive freezing rain that stunned Kyiv residents Thursday evening has brought chaos to the capital 's streets as drivers , commuters and pedestrians struggle to move across the city .
Although municipal authorities have scrambled to clear the roads and pavements , the situation remains dire as of Friday morning .
Kyivpastrans public transport operator says it amended the schedule for buses and other land transport due to complicated weather conditions .
The situation on motorways in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant number of traffic accidents and jams reported due to icy roads .
The city funicular suspended operations in the early hours of Friday , resuming its work on 8:00 .
Due to icy conditions on runways at the capital 's Boryspil and Zhuliany airports , a number of flights chose not to land and decided to return to their departure points .
That 's according to the airports ' press services , Hromadske reports .
`` Due to difficult weather conditions at the Boryspil International Airport , some flights landed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the airports of departure , '' KBP 's statement says .
The plane flying from Minsk , for example , has made a U-turn to Belarus .
In Zhuliany , runway traction conditions does not allow for a safe landing or takeoff .
`` A flight returned to Vilnius .
It did take off , but then returned , without flying to Ukraine .
And the second flight to Dortmund from Kyiv was canceled , '' says the relevant report .

This led to interruptions in public transport schedule, while a number of inbound flights returned to the airports of departure.
Massive freezing rain that stunned Kyiv residents Thursday evening has brought chaos to the capital's streets as drivers, commuters and pedestrians struggle to move across the city.
Although municipal authorities have scrambled to clear the roads and pavements, the situation remains dire as of Friday morning.
Kyivpastrans public transport operator says it amended the schedule for buses and other land transport due to complicated weather conditions.
The situation on motorways in and around the capital city deteriorated overnight with a significant number of traffic accidents and jams reported due to icy roads.
The city funicular suspended operations in the early hours of Friday, resuming its work on 8:00.
Due to icy conditions on runways at the capital's Boryspil and Zhuliany airports, a number of flights chose not to land and decided to return to their departure points.
That's according to the airports' press services, Hromadske reports.
"Due to difficult weather conditions at the Boryspil International Airport, some flights landed at reserve airports or decided to return to the airports of departure," KBP's statement says.
The plane flying from Minsk, for example, has made a U-turn to Belarus.
In Zhuliany, runway traction conditions does not allow for a safe landing or takeoff.
"A flight returned to Vilnius. It did take off, but then returned, without flying to Ukraine. And the second flight to Dortmund from Kyiv was canceled," says the relevant report.
Aftermath of freezing rain in Kyiv: Photo, video


unian--2020-12-11--Donbas war update: Ukraine reports eight ceasefire violations on Dec 10

Joint Forces HQ has reported no casualties in the past day .
The Command of Ukraine 's Armed Forces reported eight violations of the latest ceasefire agreement by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Thursday , December 10 .
`` In the past day , December 10 , the Russian occupation forces eight times violated the ceasefire agreements , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on December 11 , 2020 .
In particular , the enemy fired grenade launchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vodiane and Lebedynske , as well as an anti-tank grenade launcher – near the town of Maryinka .
Also , occupiers employed small arms near the village of Starohnativka .
Another three ceasefire violations were recorded near the town of Avdiyivka where the invaders fired hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers .
Read alsoNo military solution to issue on Donbas , chief of Ukraine 's General Staff saysViolations were reported to OSCE monitors through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination ( JCCC ) of the ceasefire in Donbas .
The shots fired posed no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian soldiers therefore the Joint Forces did not return fire , the HQ said .
No casualties were reported in the past day .
Since midnight , enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops , the JFO HQ said .
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military .
Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the newly-agreed truce , Russia 's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .
Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period .

Joint Forces HQ has reported no casualties in the past day.
The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported eight violations of the latest ceasefire agreement by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Thursday, December 10.
"In the past day, December 10, the Russian occupation forces eight times violated the ceasefire agreements," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Command wrote on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on December 11, 2020.
In particular, the enemy fired grenade launchers of various systems near the villages of Vodiane and Lebedynske, as well as an anti-tank grenade launcher – near the town of Maryinka. Also, occupiers employed small arms near the village of Starohnativka. Another three ceasefire violations were recorded near the town of Avdiyivka where the invaders fired hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers.
Видео дня
Read alsoNo military solution to issue on Donbas, chief of Ukraine's General Staff saysViolations were reported to OSCE monitors through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) of the ceasefire in Donbas.
The shots fired posed no threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian soldiers therefore the Joint Forces did not return fire, the HQ said.
No casualties were reported in the past day.
Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops, the JFO HQ said.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military.
Donbas ceasefire: Background
Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday, July 27.
On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce, Russia's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine. Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period.


unian--2020-12-11--Venice Commission drafts 10 recommendations on enhancing CCU law

Among other things , its members propose that a body is created to select judges that would include international experts and civil society representatives .
The European Commission for Democracy through Law , better known as the Venice Commission , has issued a list of 10 recommendations to Ukrainian legislators for amending the law on the Constitutional Court of Ukraine in the light of the ongoing crisis .
The recommendations have been prepared as part of an urgent opinion on CCU reform , released in line with the inquiry of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of November 25 .
The said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the VC 's plenary session on December 11-12 to be endorsed .
The Venice Commission takes the Constitutional Court 's decision in question as an indication that `` a reform of the Constitutional Court is warranted and as a starting point for reform . ''
Read alsoUkraine 's law on asset declarations has several deficiencies , EU saysTherefore , the Venice Commission has drafted the following recommendations as concerns amendments to the Law on the Constitutional Court : • 1 .
Parliament should consider making more explicit its presumed intention to limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the specific questions raised by the parties before it .
• 2 .
The Court should be obliged to provide specific reasons for each legal provision which it finds unconstitutional .
• 3 .
The disciplinary procedure should be regulated in the Law on the Constitutional Court , with further details set out in the Rules of Procedure .
• 4 .
The possibility for the re-opening of cases of the Constitutional Court should be established only when the criminal liability of a judges in relation to that decision has been established ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 .
A better , more detailed , definition of “ conflict of interest ” should be provided , for example singling out financial conflicts of interest , specifically when this results from protocols established by NAPC or the opening of investigations by NABU ; • 6 .
Decisions on ( self- ) recusals and their reasoning should be set out clearly in the main decision adopted by the Court or in a separate public procedural decision or ruling .
• 7 .
The quorum requirements should be reduced in those cases where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recusal of judges , thereby avoiding the risk of non liquet .
• 8 .
Parliament should consider adopting legislation detailing the consequences of judges of the Constitutional Court failing to abide by the legal provisions regarding withdrawal , including making public disciplinary proceedings and decisions against judges of the Court .
• 9 .
A screening body for candidates for the office of judge of the Constitutional Court should be established , with an international component , which could include international human rights experts and participation from civil society , to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates .
• 10 .
When a senate comes to the conclusion that a legal provision is unconstitutional and should be annulled , it should seek confirmation from the Grand Chamber upon request by the President of Ukraine or the Parliament .
Grand Chamber proceedings should be held in public hearings as a rule .
While the procedure before the Constitutional Court and notably aspects relating to the rights and obligations of parties should be regulated in the Law on the Constitutional Court , the Court should be able to define further details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Procedure , the VC concludes .
The Commission has also recommended filling the current vacancies at the Constitutional Court by the Parliament and the Congress of Judges only after an improvement of the system of appointments ( screening body ) .
The establishment of such a system is therefore urgent to fill these vacancies , the conclusion reads .
A `` useful practical measure '' would be that newly appointed CCU judges should benefit from special , including international , training on constitutional interpretation .
In the process of reform of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on all aspects of the reform .
`` In the light of the specific situation in Ukraine , the Constitutional Court should show some restraint if amended provisions were challenged before the Court .
The Venice Commission is available to assist in this matter , '' the VC wrote .
On December 9 , The Venice Commission and the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law ( DGI ) of the Council of Europe on December 9 issued an urgent joint opinion on the legislative situation regarding anti-corruption mechanisms following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to repeal criminal liability for the inaccurate declaration of assets by the country 's officials .
The Venice Commission has acknowledged that the Constitutional Court 's decision in question `` lacks clear reasoning , has no firm basis in international law , and was possibly tainted with a major procedural flaw – an unresolved question of a conflict of interest of some judges . ''
Also , the VC advised the Verkhovna Rada to look into a number of solutions to the crisis .
On October 27 , the Constitutional Court , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decision repealing Article 366-1 of the Criminal Code , which had provided for liability for inaccurate declaration of assets by government officials .
The Constitutional Court also recognized unconstitutional the provisions of laws on the verification of e-declarations , and abolished the powers of the National Agency for Corruption Prevention to verify such declarations and identify conflict of interest .
Read alsoLaw reinstating liability for lies in asset declarations needs to be improved – EUOn December 4 , the Verkhovna Rada adopted amendments to legislation partially restoring liability for inaccurate declaration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Code with Articles 366-2 ( declaring inaccurate information by an official ) and 366-3 ( failure to file a declaration by an official ) The newly-adopted law envisages liability for the said offenses ranging from fines to a ban on holding certain positions or engage in certain activities , while stopping short of introducing prison sentence .
The president is yet to sign the bill into law .

Among other things, its members propose that a body is created to select judges that would include international experts and civil society representatives.
The European Commission for Democracy through Law, better known as the Venice Commission, has issued a list of 10 recommendations to Ukrainian legislators for amending the law on the Constitutional Court of Ukraine in the light of the ongoing crisis.
The recommendations have been prepared as part of an urgent opinion on CCU reform, released in line with the inquiry of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of November 25.
The said urgent opinion is set to be considered at the VC's plenary session on December 11-12 to be endorsed.
Видео дня
The Venice Commission takes the Constitutional Court's decision in question as an indication that "a reform of the Constitutional Court is warranted and as a starting point for reform."
Read alsoUkraine's law on asset declarations has several deficiencies, EU saysTherefore, the Venice Commission has drafted the following recommendations as concerns amendments to the Law on the Constitutional Court:
1. Parliament should consider making more explicit its presumed intention to limit the scope of Constitutional Court decisions to the specific questions raised by the parties before it. 2. The Court should be obliged to provide specific reasons for each legal provision which it finds unconstitutional. 3. The disciplinary procedure should be regulated in the Law on the Constitutional Court, with further details set out in the Rules of Procedure. 4. The possibility for the re-opening of cases of the Constitutional Court should be established only when the criminal liability of a judges in relation to that decision has been established (e.g. bribe taking). 5. A better, more detailed, definition of “conflict of interest” should be provided, for example singling out financial conflicts of interest, specifically when this results from protocols established by NAPC or the opening of investigations by NABU; 6. Decisions on (self-) recusals and their reasoning should be set out clearly in the main decision adopted by the Court or in a separate public procedural decision or ruling. 7. The quorum requirements should be reduced in those cases where a quorum is lost due to the recusal of judges, thereby avoiding the risk of non liquet. 8. Parliament should consider adopting legislation detailing the consequences of judges of the Constitutional Court failing to abide by the legal provisions regarding withdrawal, including making public disciplinary proceedings and decisions against judges of the Court. 9. A screening body for candidates for the office of judge of the Constitutional Court should be established, with an international component, which could include international human rights experts and participation from civil society, to ensure the moral and professional qualities of the candidates. 10. When a senate comes to the conclusion that a legal provision is unconstitutional and should be annulled, it should seek confirmation from the Grand Chamber upon request by the President of Ukraine or the Parliament. Grand Chamber proceedings should be held in public hearings as a rule.
While the procedure before the Constitutional Court and notably aspects relating to the rights and obligations of parties should be regulated in the Law on the Constitutional Court, the Court should be able to define further details of its procedure in its own Rules of Procedure, the VC concludes.
The Commission has also recommended filling the current vacancies at the Constitutional Court by the Parliament and the Congress of Judges only after an improvement of the system of appointments (screening body). The establishment of such a system is therefore urgent to fill these vacancies, the conclusion reads.
"In order to depoliticise the composition of the Constitutional Court, the judges on the parliamentary quota should be elected with a qualified majority. For this, a constitutional amendment would be required at a later stage," the report says.
A "useful practical measure" would be that newly appointed CCU judges should benefit from special, including international, training on constitutional interpretation.
In the process of reform of the CCU the latter should be properly consulted on all aspects of the reform.
"In the light of the specific situation in Ukraine, the Constitutional Court should show some restraint if amended provisions were challenged before the Court. The Venice Commission is available to assist in this matter," the VC wrote.
Background
On December 9, The Venice Commission and the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law (DGI) of the Council of Europe on December 9 issued an urgent joint opinion on the legislative situation regarding anti-corruption mechanisms following the decision of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to repeal criminal liability for the inaccurate declaration of assets by the country's officials.
The Venice Commission has acknowledged that the Constitutional Court's decision in question "lacks clear reasoning, has no firm basis in international law, and was possibly tainted with a major procedural flaw – an unresolved question of a conflict of interest of some judges."
Also, the VC advised the Verkhovna Rada to look into a number of solutions to the crisis.
"Constitutional crisis" in Ukraine
On October 27, the Constitutional Court, on the motion of 47 MPs, adopted a decision repealing Article 366-1 of the Criminal Code, which had provided for liability for inaccurate declaration of assets by government officials.
The Constitutional Court also recognized unconstitutional the provisions of laws on the verification of e-declarations, and abolished the powers of the National Agency for Corruption Prevention to verify such declarations and identify conflict of interest.
Read alsoLaw reinstating liability for lies in asset declarations needs to be improved – EUOn December 4, the Verkhovna Rada adopted amendments to legislation partially restoring liability for inaccurate declaration of assets.
The law supplements the Criminal Code with Articles 366-2 (declaring inaccurate information by an official) and 366-3 (failure to file a declaration by an official)
The newly-adopted law envisages liability for the said offenses ranging from fines to a ban on holding certain positions or engage in certain activities, while stopping short of introducing prison sentence.
The president is yet to sign the bill into law.


unian--2020-12-10--COVID-19: Number of recoveries exceeds that of new cases, third day in a row, on Dec 10

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 858,714 .
Ukraine said 13,371 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 10 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 858,714 as of December 10 , 2020 , according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council .
As many as 465,021 patients , including 13,903 in the past day , have recovered , which exceeded the number of confirmed new daily cases for the third day in a row .
The death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded in the past 24 hours .
The government reported 379,223 active cases as of December 10 .
In total , there have been 952,065 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020 .
Read alsoDecision made : Ukraine to be put on lockdown on Jan 8-24 '' In the past day , 13,371 people tested positive for the coronavirus , including 652 children and 580 healthcare workers .
Some 2,993 new patients were hospitalized , '' Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Thursday .
In total , 67,142 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past day .
In particular , there were 41,279 PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) tests run , as well as 25,863 ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) tests .
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv ( 1,899 ) , Zaporizhia region ( 1,060 ) , Dnipropetrovsk region ( 835 ) , Cherkasy region ( 721 ) , and Kharkiv region ( 719 ) .
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , the city of Sevastopol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – is not available .
The Ukrainian government at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday , December 9 , adopted a decision to put Ukraine on lockdown for the period from January 8 to January 24 , 2021 .
New rules and restrictions are explained here .

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 858,714.
Ukraine said 13,371 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of December 10, 2020.
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 858,714 as of December 10, 2020, according to the interactive map compiled by the National Security and Defense Council.
As many as 465,021 patients, including 13,903 in the past day, have recovered, which exceeded the number of confirmed new daily cases for the third day in a row.
Видео дня
The death toll has hit 14,470 with 266 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours.
The government reported 379,223 active cases as of December 10. In total, there have been 952,065 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
Read alsoDecision made: Ukraine to be put on lockdown on Jan 8-24"In the past day, 13,371 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 652 children and 580 healthcare workers. Some 2,993 new patients were hospitalized," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov wrote on Facebook on Thursday.
In total, 67,142 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 41,279 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests run, as well as 25,863 ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests.
The highest number of new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered the city of Kyiv (1,899), Zaporizhia region (1,060), Dnipropetrovsk region (835), Cherkasy region (721), and Kharkiv region (719).
Data from Russia-occupied areas – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions – is not available.
Lockdown
The Ukrainian government at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday, December 9, adopted a decision to put Ukraine on lockdown for the period from January 8 to January 24, 2021.
New rules and restrictions are explained here.


unian--2020-12-11--Human rights commissioner: 251 Ukrainians held captive in occupied Donbas

The official says it is not possible to monitor how their rights are being observed in the Russia-occupied territory .
@ @ @ @ @ citizens are being held captive in Russia-occupied Donbas .
Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights @ @ @ @ @ on December 11 she had informed British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons about this during @ @ @ @ @ I 've informed that 251 Ukrainian citizens are being held captive in the temporarily occupied @ @ @ @ @ is yet impossible to monitor the observance of their rights and conditions in places of @ @ @ @ @ asked the Ambassador to turn to the International Committee of the Red Cross for more @ @ @ @ @ to those territories and appropriate monitoring , '' she said .
In addition , the @ @ @ @ @ the ambassador to ask representatives of her country to support during the vote on December @ @ @ @ @ resolution on the human rights situation in occupied Crimea .

The official says it is not possible to monitor how their rights are being observed in the Russia-occupied territory.
As many as 251 Ukrainian citizens are being held captive in Russia-occupied Donbas.
Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova said on Facebook on December 11 she had informed British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons about this during a working meeting.
Read alsoKravchuk tells of prisoner swap prospects in Donbas
Видео дня
"I've informed that 251 Ukrainian citizens are being held captive in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas. It is yet impossible to monitor the observance of their rights and conditions in places of detention. Therefore, I asked the Ambassador to turn to the International Committee of the Red Cross for more efforts to ensure their access to those territories and appropriate monitoring," she said.
In addition, the human rights commissioner called on the ambassador to ask representatives of her country to support during the vote on December 16 a UN General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in occupied Crimea.
"It contains important clauses on providing consular officers of Ukraine with information about Ukrainian citizens in the Russian Federation, ensuring their freedom of contact and communication in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to which the Russian Federation is a party, and providing Ukrainian officials, including a human rights commissioner, the opportunity to visit all Ukrainian citizens, including political prisoners in the temporarily occupied Crimea and the Russian Federation, and the immediate release of all Kremlin prisoners," Denisova explained.
According to Denisova, the two officials discussed the possibility of cooperation to provide technical and expert support in strengthening the institutional capacity of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine through the creation of an Educational Center for Human Rights with representative offices in the regions to raise the legal awareness of citizens about their rights.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-12-11--Kuleba: Hague court announces decision to probe into Russia's war crimes in Ukraine

In 2015 , Ukraine lodged a case with the International Criminal Court in The Hague regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity in eastern Ukraine and Crimea .
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court in The Hague have announced the decision that there is every reason to probe into the war crimes committed by the Russian Federation in Crimea and Donbas .
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba announced this on Twitter .
Read alsoUkraine 's Foreign Ministry : Russia not to escape responsibility for Kerch incident '' In 2015 , Ukraine lodged a case with the International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crimes and crimes against humanity in eastern Ukraine and Crimea .
Prosecutors studied the documents and today [ they have ] announced a historic decision : there is every reason to start an official investigation , '' Kuleba said on December 11 .
He noted that `` international justice is not quick , but inevitable . ''
`` The day will come when Russian criminals will certainly appear before the court , '' the foreign minister added .
• Gordon : Interview with terrorist Girkin done under SBU supervision , evidence sent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of proof of Russian crimes in Crimea to Hague court • Remains of Russian occupation victims exhumed from unmarked grave in Sloviansk • Rights activists submit motion to ICC on Russia 's crimes in Crimea • Zelensky on Donbas amnesty : Not for everyone , liability ca n't be avoided • Over quarter of Ukrainians support no options for `` Donbas pardon ''

In 2015, Ukraine lodged a case with the International Criminal Court in The Hague regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity in eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court in The Hague have announced the decision that there is every reason to probe into the war crimes committed by the Russian Federation in Crimea and Donbas.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba announced this on Twitter.
Read alsoUkraine's Foreign Ministry: Russia not to escape responsibility for Kerch incident
Видео дня
"In 2015, Ukraine lodged a case with the International Criminal Court in The Hague regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. Prosecutors studied the documents and today [they have] announced a historic decision: there is every reason to start an official investigation," Kuleba said on December 11.
He noted that "international justice is not quick, but inevitable." "The day will come when Russian criminals will certainly appear before the court," the foreign minister added.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-12-11--Ukraine interested in transport and investment cooperation with U.S.

The minister noted the interest of the Ukrainian side in the geographical expansion of flights from the United States .
Ukraine is interested in developing mutually beneficial cooperation with the United States in the field of transport and investment .
This was reported by the Infrastructure Ministry 's press service , citing Minister Vladyslav Kryklii following his meeting with U.S. Chargé d ’ Affaires , a.i .
Kristina A. Kvien .
`` We are interested in the development of mutually beneficial Ukrainian-American cooperation in the field of transport and investment .
And we are doing everything possible to improve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
In particular , the minister noted the interest of the Ukrainian side in the geographical expansion of flights from the United States and expressed the hope for the signing of a Common Aviation Area with the European Union in the near future .
Kryklii also spoke about other investment projects in Ukraine and expressed the hope that the United States would take part in their implementation .
• In November , the Cabinet of Ministers approved a draft intergovernmental agreement between Ukraine and China on cooperation in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the priority areas of cooperation will be the construction of roads , bridges , as well as projects in the field of railway transport and modernization of water gates .
• Ukraine is considering the possibility of cooperation with Italy in the development of high-speed railway traffic , in particular , in the construction of a railway linking Odesa , Kyiv , Lviv , and the border with the EU .
• According to Kryklii , Ukraine is also interested in developing cooperation with the Republic of South Africa and further deepening cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as joint implementation of projects and development of cooperation in the infrastructure sector .

Ukraine interested in transport and investment cooperation with U.S.
20:56, 11.12.20 631
The minister noted the interest of the Ukrainian side in the geographical expansion of flights from the United States.
Помогите проекту
Support us


unian--2020-12-11--Odesa mayor hospitalized with COVID-19

Odesa mayor hospitalized with COVID-19

His condition is assessed as moderate .
Mayor of Odesa Hennadiy Trukhanov has been hospitalized with COVID-19 .
This was @ @ @ @ @ outlet timer-odessa.net , which cited the press service of the Mayor 's Office .
Read @ @ @ @ @ exceeds that of new cases , fourth day in row , on Dec 11 According @ @ @ @ @ admitted by the municipal hospital treating infectious diseases ; his condition is assessed as moderate @ @ @ @ @ ward with two other patients .
Deputy Mayor Pavlo Vugelman is now performing the mayor @ @ @ @ @ on sick leave .
Reports on Trukhanov 's illness appeared on December 9 .
He @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for COVID-19 , and in this regard , he started self-isolating .
He @ @ @ @ @ recovery , which was to be confirmed by a negative test result .
• Number @ @ @ @ @ 25 % up on Oct • Chief medical officer forecasts when Ukraine may see slowdown @ @ @

His condition is assessed as moderate.
Mayor of Odesa Hennadiy Trukhanov has been hospitalized with COVID-19.
This was reported by the local news outlet timer-odessa.net, which cited the press service of the Mayor's Office.
Read alsoCOVID-19: Number of recoveries exceeds that of new cases, fourth day in row, on Dec 11
Видео дня
According to it, Trukhanov was admitted by the municipal hospital treating infectious diseases; his condition is assessed as moderate.
He is in a ward with two other patients.
Deputy Mayor Pavlo Vugelman is now performing the mayor's duties while Trukhanov is on sick leave.
Reports on Trukhanov's illness appeared on December 9. He then announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, and in this regard, he started self-isolating. He planned to self-isolate until full recovery, which was to be confirmed by a negative test result.
Other related news reports


unian--2020-12-11--TV watchdog to inspect Nash channel over 'LPR' member's participation in show

The SBU Security Service of Ukraine initiated the inspection .
Ukraine 's National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council says it has decided to carry out an unscheduled inspection of the Nash TV channel after the participation of a member of the Russia-controlled self-proclaimed `` Luhansk People 's Republic '' ( `` LPR '' ) in a TV show .
The relevant statement was published on the regulator 's website on December 10 .
`` The SBU Security Service of Ukraine has sent the regulatory agency an inquiry about that show .
We also received a [ respective ] request from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Council 's monitoring department documented the 'Friday .
Evening ' show on that day , as well as its rebroadcast at 20:52 on December 6 .
Experts , politicians , and Ukrainian Members of Parliament were present in the studio and discussed the implementation of the Minsk agreements [ on the peace process in Donbas ] , '' the regulator said .
`` LPR '' representative Rodion Miroshnik made pro-Russian allegations about Ukraine 's territorial integrity and the situation in Donbas .
`` Miroshnik 's statements broadcast on the TV channel do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information , showing signs of inciting hatred and assistance to terrorism .
They directly retransmit to the Ukrainian audience one of the main narratives of propaganda of the Russian Federation 's authorities about civil war allegedly unleashed by Ukraine in the territory of certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions , about non-involvement of the Russian Federation and its armed formations [ in the conflict ] , '' the agency said .
At the same time , the presenters did not pay much attention to Miroshnik 's statements .
Moreover , the TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel 's actions are regarded as a violation of the laws `` On Information '' and `` On Television and Radio Broadcasting . ''
The inspection will be carried out December 23 through January 15 .
On December 4 , the Ukrainian Nash TV channel aired a TV show with `` LPR '' member Rodion Miroshnik , who takes part in the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) negotiations on Donbas .
Ukrainian politicians , lawmakers , and former officials were present in the studio .
The implementation of the Minsk agreements was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Acting the way typical of Russia 's propaganda , Miroshnik accused Ukraine of the failure to abide by the agreements , and `` shelling '' of the occupied territories .
He also denied Russia 's involvement in the Donbas hostilities , mentioning the so-called `` LPR '' and `` DPR '' ( `` Donetsk People 's Republic '' ) as parties to the conflict .
• Recently , the Nash TV channel has shown another Donbas-related fake material .
Allegedly a resident of the self-proclaimed `` DPR '' called during a TV program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen a Ukrainian plane bombing civilians in Donbas , while a pilot in the cockpit was seen sitting and laughing . ''
The hosts did not react to this `` story . ''
• Earlier , the TV channel presented an alleged audience poll about Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Nobel Peace Prize .

The SBU Security Service of Ukraine initiated the inspection.
Ukraine's National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council says it has decided to carry out an unscheduled inspection of the Nash TV channel after the participation of a member of the Russia-controlled self-proclaimed "Luhansk People's Republic" ("LPR") in a TV show.
The relevant statement was published on the regulator's website on December 10.
Read alsoSBU exposes ring of EU passport forgers
Видео дня
"The SBU Security Service of Ukraine has sent the regulatory agency an inquiry about that show. We also received a [respective] request from a citizen, A. Petrov. The National Council's monitoring department documented the 'Friday. Evening' show on that day, as well as its rebroadcast at 20:52 on December 6. Experts, politicians, and Ukrainian Members of Parliament were present in the studio and discussed the implementation of the Minsk agreements [on the peace process in Donbas]," the regulator said.
"LPR" representative Rodion Miroshnik made pro-Russian allegations about Ukraine's territorial integrity and the situation in Donbas.
"Miroshnik's statements broadcast on the TV channel don't meet the criterion of objectivity of information, showing signs of inciting hatred and assistance to terrorism. They directly retransmit to the Ukrainian audience one of the main narratives of propaganda of the Russian Federation's authorities about civil war allegedly unleashed by Ukraine in the territory of certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, about non-involvement of the Russian Federation and its armed formations[in the conflict]," the agency said.
At the same time, the presenters did not pay much attention to Miroshnik's statements. Moreover, the TV channel rebroadcast the show. The TV channel's actions are regarded as a violation of the laws "On Information" and "On Television and Radio Broadcasting."
The inspection will be carried out December 23 through January 15.
Background
On December 4, the Ukrainian Nash TV channel aired a TV show with "LPR" member Rodion Miroshnik, who takes part in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) negotiations on Donbas. Ukrainian politicians, lawmakers, and former officials were present in the studio.
The implementation of the Minsk agreements was a major topic of the debates. Acting the way typical of Russia's propaganda, Miroshnik accused Ukraine of the failure to abide by the agreements, and "shelling" of the occupied territories. He also denied Russia's involvement in the Donbas hostilities, mentioning the so-called "LPR" and "DPR" ("Donetsk People's Republic") as parties to the conflict.
Nash TV channel: Other scandals


unian--2020-12-11--NATO, Ukraine to conduct joint drills in 2021 as part of platform to counter hybrid warfare

The platform for countering hybrid warfare strengthens Ukraine 's resilience against such type of threats .
NATO Allies and Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ command and staff exercises as part of a platform for sharing the experience in countering @ @ @ @ @ online conference , Director of NATO 's Information and Documentation Center in Ukraine Vineta Kleine @ @ @ @ @ strengthening Ukraine 's resilience in response to disinformation campaigns , an UNIAN correspondent reported .
@ @ @ @ @ on countering hybrid warfare strengthens Ukraine 's resilience against hybrid warfare .
And the platform @ @ @ @ @ and NATO and Ukraine on such topics as crisis management , strategic communications and building @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoUkraine ready to boost contributions to NATO operations – defense minister '' Next @ @ @ @ @ a significant multinational tabletop exercise 'Coherent resilience ' , '' she added .
On July @ @ @ @ @ and NATO launched a platform to counter hybrid warfare .
The Alliance is convinced that @ @ @ @ @ much more effective in general interaction with Ukraine .

The platform for countering hybrid warfare strengthens Ukraine's resilience against such type of threats.
NATO Allies and Ukraine in 2021 will conduct joint command and staff exercises as part of a platform for sharing the experience in countering hybrid warfare.
During an online conference, Director of NATO's Information and Documentation Center in Ukraine Vineta Kleine said the Alliance had been strengthening Ukraine's resilience in response to disinformation campaigns, an UNIAN correspondent reported.
"The established NATO-Ukraine platform on countering hybrid warfare strengthens Ukraine's resilience against hybrid warfare. And the platform promotes joint projects between allies and NATO and Ukraine on such topics as crisis management, strategic communications and building resilience," Kleine said.
Read alsoUkraine ready to boost contributions to NATO operations – defense minister"Next year we plan to conduct a significant multinational tabletop exercise 'Coherent resilience'," she added.
Drills to deter hybrid warfare
On July 10, 2017, Ukraine and NATO launched a platform to counter hybrid warfare.
The Alliance is convinced that responding to hybrid threats is much more effective in general interaction with Ukraine.


unian--2020-12-12--Situations in Belarus, Moldova dangerous for Ukraine – NSDC secretary

Danilov says the situation in Belarus is the most dangerous for Ukraine .
If you see a spelling error on @ @ @ @ @ and press Ctrl+Enter

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov sees danger for Ukraine over the situations in Belarus and Moldova.
"The situation in Belarus, the situation in Moldova. All this is very dangerous for us. First of all, what is happening in Belarus is dangerous. First of all, if the military in large numbers enter Belarus, it will be a challenge for us," he said during the Svoboda Slova [Freedom of Speech] panel show hosted by Savik Shuster on Friday, as reported by the RBC Ukraine news agency.


unian--2020-12-12--U.S. Senate approves 2021 NDAA with military aid to Ukraine, sanctions against Nord Stream 2

The bill authorizes US $ 250 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative , including US $ 75 million for lethal assistance .
The U.S. Senate by an overwhelming majority of 84 to 13 on Friday approved the National Defense Authorization Act ( NDAA ) for Fiscal Year 2021 .
Earlier this week , the bill was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives , as reported by the Voice of America 's Ukrainian service .
Among the important provisions of the bill approved in the Senate , Republican Senator Ted Cruz , in particular , called provisions that once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas project will be subject to destructive sanctions developed by him together with Senator from the Democratic Party Jeanne Shaheen .
Read alsoWhite House to propose keeping Ukraine aid intact in new budget – mediaHowever , he criticized Democratic senators who had initiated other provisions of the bill , in particular to rename military bases in the United States .
`` [ The bill ] authorizes US $ 250 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative , including US $ 75 million for lethal assistance , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deterring Russia , '' according to the FY 2021 NDAA summary released by the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services .
On December 4 , U.S. President Donald Trump once again threatened to veto the 2021 Defense Bill unless an article is removed that exempts the online platforms from liability for the content of comments posted by users .
• Zelensky vows not to reduce Ukrainian army budget in 2021 • Biden 's pick for secretary of state : Blinken 's stance on Ukraine • U.S. policy to deter Russia may become more @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The bill authorizes US$250 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, including US$75 million for lethal assistance.
The U.S. Senate by an overwhelming majority of 84 to 13 on Friday approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021.
Earlier this week, the bill was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, as reported by the Voice of America's Ukrainian service.
Among the important provisions of the bill approved in the Senate, Republican Senator Ted Cruz, in particular, called provisions that once and for all clarify that everyone involved in the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas project will be subject to destructive sanctions developed by him together with Senator from the Democratic Party Jeanne Shaheen.
Видео дня
Read alsoWhite House to propose keeping Ukraine aid intact in new budget – mediaHowever, he criticized Democratic senators who had initiated other provisions of the bill, in particular to rename military bases in the United States.
"[The bill] authorizes US$250 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, including US$75 million for lethal assistance, and extends the authority to support Ukraine in deterring Russia," according to the FY 2021 NDAA summary released by the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services.
On December 4, U.S. President Donald Trump once again threatened to veto the 2021 Defense Bill unless an article is removed that exempts the online platforms from liability for the content of comments posted by users.
More news reports