unian--2020-08-25--Six countries join EU sanctions against Russia over annexed Crimea

The European Union first slapped sanctions against Russia on June 14 , 2014 .
Six countries have joined the European Union Council 's decision to extend sanctions against Russia over the occupation of Crimea for another year .
Read alsoMFA Ukraine asks EU to expand Russia sanctions '' On June 18 , 2020 , the Council adopted Decision 2020/850 amending Decision 2014/386/CFSP .
The Council Decision extends the existing restrictive measures until June 23 , 2021 .
The Candidate Countries Montenegro and Albania , the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway members of the European Economic Area , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council Decision , '' the Council said in a statement on August 24 .
The countries will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision , it said .
`` The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it , '' reads the statement .
• The European Union first slapped sanctions against Russia on June 14 , 2014 .
Later , they were extended each year .
• The sanctions include a ban on imports of products originating in Crimea to EU countries , as well as that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means that no European or EU-registered company may buy real estate or businesses in Crimea , finance Crimean companies or supply services .
• It is forbidden to provide tourist services .
In particular , European cruise ships are banned from establishing contacts with all Crimean ports , except in emergencies .
• Moreover , it is also prohibited to export certain goods and technologies to Crimea-based companies and use these goods and technologies in the transport industry , telecommunications , energy sector , in particular , for research , exploration and production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources , as well as providing technical assistance , brokerage , construction workers and engineering services related to infrastructure in these sectors .

The European Union first slapped sanctions against Russia on June 14, 2014.
Six countries have joined the European Union Council's decision to extend sanctions against Russia over the occupation of Crimea for another year.
Read alsoMFA Ukraine asks EU to expand Russia sanctions"On June 18, 2020, the Council adopted Decision 2020/850 amending Decision 2014/386/CFSP. The Council Decision extends the existing restrictive measures until June 23, 2021. The Candidate Countries Montenegro and Albania, the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and Georgia align themselves with this Council Decision," the Council said in a statement on August 24.
The countries will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision, it said.
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"The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it," reads the statement.
EU sanctions against Russia: background


unian--2020-08-25--Ukraine reports over 1,600 new COVID-19 cases on Aug 25

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 108,415 .
Ukraine said 1,658 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of August 25 , 2020 .
Read alsoCOVID-19 in Ukraine : 1,799 new cases in past day '' According to the Public Health Center , there were 108,415 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on August 25 .
Of them , 1,658 cases were reported in the past 24 hours , '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 346 in the past day , have recovered .
The pandemic has already taken 2,318 lives in Ukraine .
In the past 24 hours , 25 fatalities were reported .
In total , 1,436,206 polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) tests have been run since the outbreak .
The following areas are in the lead by number of new confirmed cases in the past day : Chernivtsi region ( 204 ) , Ivano-Frankivsk region ( 179 ) , Kharkiv region ( 173 ) , Ternopil region ( 158 ) , Lviv region ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv ( 130 ) .
The overall incidence per region is as follows : • 12,153 in the city of Kyiv ; 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 tests were run by the Public Health Center 's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories .
As of the morning of August 25 , 2020 , the Center had received 1,673 reports of suspected cases .
In total , there have been 167,295 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2020 .
• The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1 .
Ukrainian regions were split into the red , green , orange , and yellow zones depending on hospital load , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and daily spread dynamics .
• Quarantine-related curbs differ in each zone .
The mildest ones are in the green zone , the regions included in the red zone have to introduce the toughest restrictive measures .
• Updated quarantine zoning became effective in Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the yellow zone .
• In Ukrainian schools within the `` orange quarantine zone '' , teachers will be wearing protective face shields in class , while red-zone schools will switch to online classes .

The total number of confirmed cases grew to 108,415.
Ukraine said 1,658 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of August 25, 2020.
Read alsoCOVID-19 in Ukraine: 1,799 new cases in past day
"According to the Public Health Center, there were 108,415 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on August 25. Of them, 1,658 cases were reported in the past 24 hours," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on Tuesday.
As many as 52,870 patients, including 346 in the past day, have recovered.
The pandemic has already taken 2,318 lives in Ukraine. In the past 24 hours, 25 fatalities were reported.
In total, 1,436,206 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been run since the outbreak.
The following areas are in the lead by number of new confirmed cases in the past day: Chernivtsi region (204), Ivano-Frankivsk region (179), Kharkiv region (173), Ternopil region (158), Lviv region (136), and the city of Kyiv (130).
The overall incidence per region is as follows:
3,649 cases in Vinnytsia region;
5,187 in Volyn region;
2,050 in Dnipropetrovsk region;
1,238 in Donetsk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
2,923 in Zhytomyr region;
7,063 in Zakarpattia region;
1,407 in Zaporizhia region;
8,154 in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
769 in Kirovohrad region;
12,153 in the city of Kyiv;
5,115 in Kyiv region;
13,389 in Lviv region;
244 in Luhansk region (Ukrainian-controlled districts);
1,004 in Mykolayiv region;
6,166 in Odesa region;
677 in Poltava region;
8,644 in Rivne region;
1,246 in Sumy region;
4,923 in Ternopil region;
7,807 in Kharkiv region;
337 in Kherson region;
2,047 in Khmelnytsky region;
9,371 in Chernivtsi region;
1,300 in Cherkasy region;
1,552 in Chernihiv region.
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 tests were run by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories. As of the morning of August 25, 2020, the Center had received 1,673 reports of suspected cases. In total, there have been 167,295 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.
Quarantine in Ukraine: background


unian--2020-08-25--Ukraine's MFA explains fundamental difference between Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine, protests in

Ukraine's MFA explains fundamental difference between Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine, protests in Belarus

Outwardly , the events may seem similar , but there is one fundamental difference between them , Kuleba said .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said the fundamental difference between the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine , which took place in 2013-2014 , and the protests that are underway in Belarus , is that Ukrainians sought to change the vector of the country 's development , while Belarusians express their dissatisfaction only with the ruling elite .
`` I would not compare the situation in 2014 in Ukraine , namely the Maidan , the Revolution of Dignity , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they may seem similar , but there is one fundamental difference between them : in 2014 , the Ukrainians sought the development of their state as a European one , it was a matter of choice , whether to return to the Russian-controlled space , or continue moving into a large European family , '' he said at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Kyiv on August 24 , an UNIAN correspondent reports .
`` We believe that Belarusians , first of all , express their dissatisfaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been holding power in the country for decades , but now there are no talks in Belarus about choosing the movement of this country , '' the minister said .
Read alsoKey to Donbas peace lies in Moscow – KulebaKuleba said this is a fundamental difference and must be taken into account .
First of all , the Belarusian people must make a choice , he said .
The minister added the EU would decide how to support the Belarusians in the future based on their choice .
• Mass protests began in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian settlements after the refusal of the Ukrainian authorities to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union in November 2013 .
Further escalation of the confrontation led to demands for the resignation of the government and President Viktor Yanukovych , as well as clashes between protesters and law enforcers .
• Most people were killed in February 2014 during clashes with law enforcers downtown Kyiv , as well as from bullets from snipers – over 100 people , hundreds were wounded .
• The protests , which lasted from late November 2013 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were called Euromaidan , Maidan , and later the Revolution of Dignity .
• On August 9 , presidential elections were held in Belarus .
The country 's Central Election Commission announced the final election results .
In particular , 80.1 % of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , 10.1 % voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , 1.67 % for Anna Kanopatskaya , 1.2 % for Andrey Dmitriev , and 1.14 % for Sergei Cherechnya .
Some 4.59 % voted against all candidates .
• Thousands of residents of Belarus took to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rigged vote count .
Riot police violently cracked down on protesters .
• Belarus ' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9 .
On the evening of August 13 , the authorities started to release detainees .
• On August 14 , the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus and on August 19 leaders reportedly agreed on sanctions to be introduced over election rigging and violence against protesters .
• The March of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history of Belarus , took place on August 16 in Minsk .
Hundreds of thousands of people joined in .
• On August 20 , the Prosecutor General 's Office opened a criminal probe into the attempt by the opposition to `` seize power . ''
• Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed `` foreign interference '' in the election and the external efforts to foment protests .
He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin who had promised him comprehensive assistance upon request .
• Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin has warned of the possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the flags he claims were once used by Nazi troops .

Outwardly, the events may seem similar, but there is one fundamental difference between them, Kuleba said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said the fundamental difference between the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine, which took place in 2013-2014, and the protests that are underway in Belarus, is that Ukrainians sought to change the vector of the country's development, while Belarusians express their dissatisfaction only with the ruling elite.
"I would not compare the situation in 2014 in Ukraine, namely the Maidan, the Revolution of Dignity, and the current events in Belarus. Outwardly, they may seem similar, but there is one fundamental difference between them: in 2014, the Ukrainians sought the development of their state as a European one, it was a matter of choice, whether to return to the Russian-controlled space, or continue moving into a large European family," he said at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Kyiv on August 24, an UNIAN correspondent reports.
"We do not see this choice in Belarus now," Kuleba said.
"We believe that Belarusians, first of all, express their dissatisfaction with the ruling elite, which has been holding power in the country for decades, but now there are no talks in Belarus about choosing the movement of this country," the minister said.
Read alsoKey to Donbas peace lies in Moscow – KulebaKuleba said this is a fundamental difference and must be taken into account.
First of all, the Belarusian people must make a choice, he said.
The minister added the EU would decide how to support the Belarusians in the future based on their choice.
Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine
Mass protests began in the capital city of Kyiv and other Ukrainian settlements after the refusal of the Ukrainian authorities to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union in November 2013. Further escalation of the confrontation led to demands for the resignation of the government and President Viktor Yanukovych, as well as clashes between protesters and law enforcers.
Most people were killed in February 2014 during clashes with law enforcers downtown Kyiv, as well as from bullets from snipers – over 100 people, hundreds were wounded.
The protests, which lasted from late November 2013 till the end of February 2014, were called Euromaidan, Maidan, and later the Revolution of Dignity.
Belarus protests: background


unian--2020-08-25--UAE's Burj Khalifa lights up in blue and yellow on Ukraine's Independence Day

The Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai , United Arab Emirates , which is considered the world 's tallest building , lit up in blue and yellow , colors of the Ukrainian flag , on the 29th anniversary of Ukraine 's Independence .
Read alsoUkraine Independence Day : Zelensky vows to hold parade upon regaining all Ukrainian territories ( Photo , video ) '' Lights up in the Ukrainian flag in celebration of their independence day , wishing the people of Ukraine prosperity and peace , '' the press service of Burj Khalifa said on Twitter on August 24 .
نضيء @ @ @ @ @ @ @ الأوكراني احتفاله بيوم الاستقلال متمنين لهم المزيد من الرخاء والتقدّم # BurjKhalifa lights up in the Ukrainian flag in celebration of their independence day , wishing the people of Ukraine prosperity and peace .
pic.twitter.com/O5RgFuDYIa — Burj Khalifa ( @ BurjKhalifa ) August 24 , 2020 • The holiday was initially celebrated on July 16 , 1991 , as the first anniversary of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine passed by the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , in 1990 .
• Since the Declaration of Independence was issued on August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the referendum of December 1 , 1991 , the date of the holiday was changed .
• Ukraine 's Independence Day has been considered an official state holiday since 1992 .

Ukraine celebrated Independence Day on August 24.
The Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which is considered the world's tallest building, lit up in blue and yellow, colors of the Ukrainian flag, on the 29th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence.
Read alsoUkraine Independence Day: Zelensky vows to hold parade upon regaining all Ukrainian territories (Photo, video)
"Lights up in the Ukrainian flag in celebration of their independence day, wishing the people of Ukraine prosperity and peace," the press service of Burj Khalifa said on Twitter on August 24.
نضيء #برج_خليفة الليلة بعلم أوكرانيا لنتشارك الشعب الأوكراني احتفاله بيوم الاستقلال متمنين لهم المزيد من الرخاء والتقدّم#BurjKhalifa lights up in the Ukrainian flag in celebration of their independence day, wishing the people of Ukraine prosperity and peace. pic.twitter.com/O5RgFuDYIa — Burj Khalifa (@BurjKhalifa) August 24, 2020
Independence Day in Ukraine


unian--2020-08-25--Number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 23.6 mln

The overall death toll is 813,257 people , while 15,341,866 coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 23.6 million patients as of August 25 .
As many as 23,657,550 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:28 on August 25 , according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering ( CSSE ) at Johns Hopkins University .
Read alsoCOVID-19 in Ukraine : 1,799 new cases in past dayThe overall death toll is 813,257 people , while 15,341,866 coronavirus patients have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded in the United States ( 177,279 people ) , Brazil ( 115,309 ) , Mexico ( 60,800 ) , India ( 58,390 ) , the United Kingdom ( 41,519 ) , Italy ( 35,441 ) , and France ( 30,533 ) .
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States ( 5,740,909 confirmed cases ) , Brazil ( 3,622,861 ) , India ( 3,167,323 ) , Russia ( 959,016 ) , South Africa ( 611,450 ) , Peru ( 600,438 ) , Mexico ( 563,705 ) , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 188 countries have been affected by the virus .

The overall death toll is 813,257 people, while 15,341,866 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 23.6 million patients as of August 25.
As many as 23,657,550 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported as of 09:28 on August 25, according to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
Read alsoCOVID-19 in Ukraine: 1,799 new cases in past dayThe overall death toll is 813,257 people, while 15,341,866 coronavirus patients have already recovered.
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The highest death toll was recorded in the United States (177,279 people), Brazil (115,309), Mexico (60,800), India (58,390), the United Kingdom (41,519), Italy (35,441), and France (30,533).
The countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic include the United States (5,740,909 confirmed cases), Brazil (3,622,861), India (3,167,323), Russia (959,016), South Africa (611,450), Peru (600,438), Mexico (563,705), and Colombia (551,688).
As many as 188 countries have been affected by the virus.


unian--2020-08-25--Donbas truce: Ukraine reports one ceasefire violation by enemy forces on Aug 24

No casualties were reported as a result of the provocation .
Ukraine has reported one violation of the latest ceasefire agreements by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Monday , August 24 .
`` Over the past 24 hours , Ukrainian military recorded one ceasefire violation by the Russian Federation 's armed formations , '' the press center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Command said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on August 25 , 2020 .
Read alsoKey to Donbas peace lies in Moscow – KulebaIn particular , enemy forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near the village of Mayorsk .
No casualties were reported as a result of that provocation .
Since Tuesday midnight , no attacks by Russian Federation 's armed formations have been recorded , the JFO HQ said .
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military .
The Ukrainian military continue adhering to the ceasefire and are ready to respond to any attack by the enemy , it said .
• Since midnight on July 27 , a full and comprehensive ceasefire has been in force along the contact line in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Donbas .
• Since the start of the latest truce , there have been no combat losses or injuries among the Ukrainian military , according to official reports .

No casualties were reported as a result of the provocation.
Ukraine has reported one violation of the latest ceasefire agreements by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Monday, August 24.
"Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian military recorded one ceasefire violation by the Russian Federation's armed formations," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Command said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on August 25, 2020.
Read alsoKey to Donbas peace lies in Moscow – KulebaIn particular, enemy forces dropped a VOG-17 grenade from their UAV near the village of Mayorsk.
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No casualties were reported as a result of that provocation.
Since Tuesday midnight, no attacks by Russian Federation's armed formations have been recorded, the JFO HQ said.
The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military.
The Ukrainian military continue adhering to the ceasefire and are ready to respond to any attack by the enemy, it said.
Truce in force


unian--2020-08-25--Reuters: Oil prices mixed on storm-driven output cuts, rising COVID-19 cases

Energy companies moved to cut production at U.S. Gulf Coast oil refineries on Monday .
Crude oil prices were mixed @ @ @ @ @ massive production cuts in the U.S. Gulf Coast from Tropical Storms Marco and Laura against @ @ @ @ @ and Europe .
Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 added 9 cents , or 0.2 % @ @ @ @ @ barrel by 0419 GMT , while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 was down 9 @ @ @ @ @ , at $ 42.53 a barrel , as reported by Reuters .
Energy companies moved @ @ @ @ @ Gulf Coast oil refineries on Monday after shutting 82 % of the area 's offshore @ @ @ @ @ rare double-storm assault on key U.S. oil regions threatens to bring days of heavy rains @ @ @ @ @ .
Producers have shut more than 1.5 million barrels per day of Gulf Coast offshore @ @ @ @ @ % of the nation 's total output .

Energy companies moved to cut production at U.S. Gulf Coast oil refineries on Monday.
Crude oil prices were mixed on Tuesday as traders weighed massive production cuts in the U.S. Gulf Coast from Tropical Storms Marco and Laura against rising coronavirus cases in Asia and Europe.
Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 added 9 cents, or 0.2%, to $45.22 a barrel by 0419 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 was down 9 cents, or 0.2%, at $42.53 a barrel, as reported by Reuters.
Read alsoNaftogaz to boost Egyptian output, eyeing new developments – media
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Energy companies moved to cut production at U.S. Gulf Coast oil refineries on Monday after shutting 82% of the area's offshore crude oil output as the rare double-storm assault on key U.S. oil regions threatens to bring days of heavy rains and strong winds this week.
Producers have shut more than 1.5 million barrels per day of Gulf Coast offshore oil production, nearly 14% of the nation's total output.


unian--2020-08-28--Ukraine shuts borders for foreigners: exceptions, explained

The move comes one day earlier than initially announced .
The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to close the borders for foreigners as early as this night .
The restriction on entry to Ukraine will take effect from 00:00 on August 28 and be in place until September 28 .
The corresponding decision was made during an extraordinary meeting on August 27 , the government gazette reported .
The main purpose of such restrictions is `` preventing the spread of the second wave of COVID-19 on the territory of Ukraine . ''
Certain categories of foreign citizens will still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of the State Border Guard Service is entitled to make individual decisions on controlled passage of foreigners across the state border .
Earlier it was planned that Ukraine will close borders for foreigners from 00:00 on August 29 .
• Persons temporarily or permanently residing in Ukraine , holders of relevant permits ; • Diplomats , employees of consulates , representative offices of international missions , organizations , accredited in Ukraine , as well as their family members ; and • Instructors with the NATO Allies ' armed forces and NATO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who take part in the efforts to train Ukrainian military or arrive at the invitation of the Defense Ministry .
Foreigners allowed crossing in , while obliged to present an insurance to cover potential cost of COVID-19 treatment and observation period ( issued by an insurance company that has a representative office in Ukraine ) : • Persons transiting through Ukraine carrying documents confirming their planned crossing-out within 48 hours ; • Students of Ukrainian educational facilities and those serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces ; • Heads and members of official delegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations and persons accompanying them , who are crossing in at the invitation of President of Ukraine , Verkhovna Rada , Cabinet of Ministers , President 's Office , and Foreign Ministry ; • Drivers and crew of freight trucks and buses on regular international routes , crews of airplanes , sea and river vessels , trains and locomotives ; • Persons arriving at the invitation of MFA Ukraine ; • Representatives of the sphere of culture arriving at the invitation of an establishment working in the relevant field plus one person accompanying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in sports competitions and persons accompanying them ; • Technical professionals arriving at the invitation of Ukrainian enterprises ;

The move comes one day earlier than initially announced.
The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to close the borders for foreigners as early as this night.
The restriction on entry to Ukraine will take effect from 00:00 on August 28 and be in place until September 28.
The corresponding decision was made during an extraordinary meeting on August 27, the government gazette reported.
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The main purpose of such restrictions is "preventing the spread of the second wave of COVID-19 on the territory of Ukraine."
Certain categories of foreign citizens will still be allowed to cross in.
Also, the head of the State Border Guard Service is entitled to make individual decisions on controlled passage of foreigners across the state border.
Earlier it was planned that Ukraine will close borders for foreigners from 00:00 on August 29.
Exceptions in new travel restrictions, explained
Foreigners allowed crossing in amid general entry ban:
Persons temporarily or permanently residing in Ukraine, holders of relevant permits;
Refugees or persons requiring additional protection;
Diplomats, employees of consulates, representative offices of international missions, organizations, accredited in Ukraine, as well as their family members; and
Instructors with the NATO Allies' armed forces and NATO's Partnership for Peace program member states who take part in the efforts to train Ukrainian military or arrive at the invitation of the Defense Ministry.
Foreigners allowed crossing in, while obliged to present an insurance to cover potential cost of COVID-19 treatment and observation period (issued by an insurance company that has a representative office in Ukraine):


unian--2020-08-27--Local elections in Ukraine: SBU vows to ensure safety of automated systems

Bakanov has called on other agencies to focus on proper information and technical support of the election process .
Security officials will make additional efforts to prevent the attempts of interference in the Central Election Commission 's automated systems , says SBU chief Ivan Bakanov .
Speaking at the meeting of the National Security and Defense Council 's meeting on August 27 , Bakanov called on other agencies to focus on proper information and technical support of the election process .
The security chief pointed to the `` Local Elections '' automated system .
Read alsoSBU says persons cooperating with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electionsThe SBU will `` use additional means to prevent any attempts to interfere in the operations of the CEC 's automated systems , '' Bakanov concluded .
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine , the country 's parliament , on July 15 scheduled the next local elections for October 25 .
They will be held in line with the new electoral legislation that came into force on January 1 , 2020 .
President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed the relevant authorities to prepare for the holding of local elections given the current epidemiological restrictions due @ @ @

Bakanov has called on other agencies to focus on proper information and technical support of the election process.
Security officials will make additional efforts to prevent the attempts of interference in the Central Election Commission's automated systems, says SBU chief Ivan Bakanov.
Speaking at the meeting of the National Security and Defense Council's meeting on August 27, Bakanov called on other agencies to focus on proper information and technical support of the election process.
The security chief pointed to the "Local Elections" automated system.
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Read alsoSBU says persons cooperating with Russia should be banned from running for electionsThe SBU will "use additional means to prevent any attempts to interfere in the operations of the CEC's automated systems," Bakanov concluded.
Local elections in Ukraine: background
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the country's parliament, on July 15 scheduled the next local elections for October 25.
They will be held in line with the new electoral legislation that came into force on January 1, 2020.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed the relevant authorities to prepare for the holding of local elections given the current epidemiological restrictions due to COVID-19.


unian--2020-08-27--NBU chief tells int'l investors whether bank's policies set to change

Shevchenko has held a number of meetings with representatives of international investment institutions .
Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) , Kyrylo Shevchenko , has assured international investors of the invariability of the NBU course , according to the regulator 's press service .
Shevchenko held a number of meetings with representatives of international investment institutions , the press service wrote on Facebook on August 27 .
Along with the NBU head , his deputies Yuriy Heletiy and Dmytro Solohub have also attended the meetings , as well as Government Commissioner for Public Debt Management Yuriy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank chief will keep the bank 's independence – media '' We remain in the cooperation program with the International Monetary Fund and will make efforts to fulfill our obligations on time and in full .
The National Bank will continue its consistent monetary policy .
The NBU will also continue its policy of a flexible exchange rate , '' the press service quotes Shevchenko as saying .
The NBU governor noted that the National Bank in its cooperation with investors will be guided by `` the principles of transparency and partnership .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Executive Board approved an 18-month Stand-By Arrangement for Ukraine worth the equivalent of SDR 3.6 billion ( about $ 5 billion ) aimed at helping Ukraine overcome the consequences of the coronavirus crisis .
On June 12 , Ukraine received from the IMF the first tranche of the loan under the new arrangement .
In September , the IMF is expected to carry out the first review of Ukraine 's implementation of program requirements .

NBU chief tells int'l investors whether bank's policies set to change
23:05, 27.08.20 6134
Shevchenko has held a number of meetings with representatives of international investment institutions.
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unian--2020-08-27--Cabinet announces five Euro-integration reforms in economy

The Prime Minister has held a meeting with the European Business Association via conference .
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers is preparing five European integration steps that will allow Ukraine to introduce best European practices , says Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal .
PM held an online meeting on Thursday with representatives of the European Business Association ( EBA ) to deliver the news , the Cabinet press service reports .
`` We are now actively discussing with our European partners the issue of industrial visa-free regime with the European Union .
This should greatly simplify the access of Ukrainian goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also negotiating the signing of an agreement on a common aviation area .
In our opinion , this agreement can be a significant driver for the recovery of the aviation sector , which has suffered significantly from the coronavirus crisis around the world , '' Shmyhal stressed , according to the press service .
The third step is Ukraine 's integration into the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity ( ENTSO-E ) , which would create full-scale competition on the electricity market , promote fair prices , and increase the security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ localizing production capacities contradicts Ukraine 's international obligations – PM '' Customs reform is an important issue in the context of Ukraine 's European integration .
We clearly understand that customs can be reformed not through individuals , but only through the creation of European rules there .
In particular , issues at stake are European integration projects to unite customs value bases with the EU , create risk-oriented systems and 'green corridors ' at customs for honest business , '' said Shmyhal .
The fifth step is implementation of the initiative `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European water transport system '' that would `` contribute to the significant development of logistics and strengthen our exports , '' the prime minister said .
• In 2014 , the European Union and Ukraine signed an Association Agreement , which marked the start of a new period in the development of their relations .
• The agreement is the main instrument for closer rapprochement between Ukraine and the EU : it promotes deepening political relations , stronger economic ties , and mutual respect for common values .
• The economic part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and comprehensive free trade area , provides Ukraine with an opportunity to expand trade relations and economic development , opening up new markets , contributing to the adaptation of legislation , standards , and regulations in various sectors .
The latter will help integrate EU standards into key sectors of the Ukrainian economy .

The Prime Minister has held a meeting with the European Business Association via conference.
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers is preparing five European integration steps that will allow Ukraine to introduce best European practices, says Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
PM held an online meeting on Thursday with representatives of the European Business Association (EBA) to deliver the news, the Cabinet press service reports.
"We are now actively discussing with our European partners the issue of industrial visa-free regime with the European Union. This should greatly simplify the access of Ukrainian goods to the EU market. We are also negotiating the signing of an agreement on a common aviation area. In our opinion, this agreement can be a significant driver for the recovery of the aviation sector, which has suffered significantly from the coronavirus crisis around the world," Shmyhal stressed, according to the press service.
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We are now actively discussing with our European partners the issue of industrial visa-free regime with the European Union
The third step is Ukraine's integration into the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), which would create full-scale competition on the electricity market, promote fair prices, and increase the security of grids.
Read alsoNew bill on localizing production capacities contradicts Ukraine's international obligations – PM"Customs reform is an important issue in the context of Ukraine's European integration. We clearly understand that customs can be reformed not through individuals, but only through the creation of European rules there. In particular, issues at stake are European integration projects to unite customs value bases with the EU, create risk-oriented systems and 'green corridors' at customs for honest business," said Shmyhal.
The fifth step is implementation of the initiative "on integration of inland water transport into the European water transport system" that would "contribute to the significant development of logistics and strengthen our exports," the prime minister said.
Ukraine's European integration: essence


unian--2020-08-27--Russia trying to foment civil war in U.S. – expert

The discourse about Russia 's ultimate goal of destabilizing the U.S. being to bring a certain candidate to power is Russian disinformation aimed at concealing the real intention of the operation .
Russian intelligence agencies have been pursuing operations aimed at polarizing and splitting American society in order to provoke violent confrontation , a Ukrainian expert says .
`` The discourse about Russia 's ultimate goal of destabilizing the U.S. being to bring a certain candidate to power is Russian disinformation aimed at concealing the real intention of the operation Russia has been conducting for several years already , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oleksandr Danyliuk has told Guildhall .
The first phase of the operation was aimed at polarizing and dividing American society , as well as creating a pretext for further radicalization , the expert opines , adding that today 's task is to make the most of the already existing split in into two camps , escalating it to the level of street violence .
Read alsoRussian security agencies using religion as tool to meddle in Ukraine – intelligence chiefAmong the tools Russia employs to this end the expert has named the so-called `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand behind polarizing societies via social networks and carry out influence operations , all supervised by the Russian GRU military intelligence .
Another valuable asset is radical elements in both rivaling camps .
For example , self-defense squads formed among African Americans , the expert says , is also a result of a Russian influence operation aimed at radicalizing potential members of such units .
On the other side of the weights are ultra-right organizations , such as the Base and others , which also have close ties with Russians .
Just as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are all closely connected with the Russian intelligence and are today used to create preconditions for larger-scale street violence , notes Oleksandr Danyliuk .
`` In parallel , lines major efforts are being made with the involvement of Russian instruments of covert propaganda in the West to promote the narrative about a 'new civil war in the United States ' , '' Danyliuk states .
`` The ultimate goal of the measures aimed at destabilizing the United States is to provoke a civil conflict , probably an armed one , since , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made to bring the conflict to the level of armed confrontation , '' the expert concludes .

The discourse about Russia's ultimate goal of destabilizing the U.S. being to bring a certain candidate to power is Russian disinformation aimed at concealing the real intention of the operation.
Russian intelligence agencies have been pursuing operations aimed at polarizing and splitting American society in order to provoke violent confrontation, a Ukrainian expert says.
"The discourse about Russia's ultimate goal of destabilizing the U.S. being to bring a certain candidate to power is Russian disinformation aimed at concealing the real intention of the operation Russia has been conducting for several years already," chief of the Center for Defense Reforms Oleksandr Danyliuk has told Guildhall.
The first phase of the operation was aimed at polarizing and dividing American society, as well as creating a pretext for further radicalization, the expert opines, adding that today's task is to make the most of the already existing split in into two camps, escalating it to the level of street violence.
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Read alsoRussian security agencies using religion as tool to meddle in Ukraine – intelligence chiefAmong the tools Russia employs to this end the expert has named the so-called "Kremlin troll factory", whose masterminds stand behind polarizing societies via social networks and carry out influence operations, all supervised by the Russian GRU military intelligence. Another valuable asset is radical elements in both rivaling camps. For example, self-defense squads formed among African Americans, the expert says, is also a result of a Russian influence operation aimed at radicalizing potential members of such units. On the other side of the weights are ultra-right organizations, such as the Base and others, which also have close ties with Russians. Just as like left-flank radical elements like AntiFa, they are all closely connected with the Russian intelligence and are today used to create preconditions for larger-scale street violence, notes Oleksandr Danyliuk.
"In parallel, lines major efforts are being made with the involvement of Russian instruments of covert propaganda in the West to promote the narrative about a 'new civil war in the United States'," Danyliuk states. "The ultimate goal of the measures aimed at destabilizing the United States is to provoke a civil conflict, probably an armed one, since, I repeat, systematic efforts are being made to bring the conflict to the level of armed confrontation," the expert concludes.


unian--2020-08-27--Massive financial pyramid exposed in Ukraine

Perpetrators behind the scheme have already managed to buy an entire island on the Dnipro River , allegedly using the funds obtained through fraud .
The Security Service of Ukraine ( SBU ) says it exposed a financial pyramid whose masterminds attracted 600,000 depositors , having raised some $ 250 million .
More than 20 suspects are believed to be part of the fraud ring that involved a hundred affiliated legal entities , the press service says .
Forty-eight searches have been carried out in Kyiv and Vinnytsia regions , as well as Odesa .
The SBU says the suspects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the scheme by acquiring hi-end movable and immovable property , investing in controlled businesses .
Acquisitions include an entire island on the Dnipro River with real estate on it , 18 elite SUVs , each worth over $ 100,000 , as well as jewelry and other assets .
The scam scheme had been operating since 2019 , the report reads .
The raid was a joint effort by the SBU and the National Police under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General .
Who stands behind the scam The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's behind the financial pyramid , although the photos from the raid , published by the agency 's press service , suggest the targeted business is B2B Jewelry ( its certificates are seen in photos , as well as their jewelry store ) , according to Economichna Pravda .
The business has reportedly run in line with the Ponzi scheme , a fraudulent investing scam promising high rates of return with little risk to investors .
The Ponzi scheme generates returns for early investors by acquiring new investors .
This is similar to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on using new investors ' funds to pay the earlier backers .
Read alsoCyberpolice bust scheme of money-laundering through cryptocurrenciesB2B Jewelry would offer depositors to buy jewelry in its stores with a gradual cashback allegedly amounting to a sum that 's higher than the product 's price .
Also , the so-called certificates would be offered for sale that are claimed to be backed by gold and silver .
An annual return of 260-416 % would be promised for them .

Massive financial pyramid exposed in Ukraine
20:50, 27.08.20 56303
Perpetrators behind the scheme have already managed to buy an entire island on the Dnipro River, allegedly using the funds obtained through fraud.
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unian--2020-08-27--SBU says persons cooperating with Russia should be banned from running in elections

The security chief also advocates barring from electoral lists persons with dual citizenship .
Ukrainian legislation should be amended to prohibit political parties to include in their electoral lists those cooperating with the aggressor state Russia , Head of the Security Service of Ukraine , Ivan Bakanov , has noted .
Also , Bakanov stands for barring from being elected persons with dual citizenship , according to the press service of the National Security and Defense Council .
Read alsoKravchuk comments on local election prospects for occupied areasWith a preventive purpose , the SBU will inform all participants in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the electoral legislation , Bakanov told the meeting chaired by NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov on the proper and safe organization of local elections in Ukraine on October 25 .
• Local elections in Ukraine have been scheduled for October 25 , 2020 .
• At the same time , due to the impossibility of ensuring representation of common interests of the territorial communities in villages , townships , and cities of Donetsk and Luhansk regions , local elections of Donetsk and Luhansk regional council deputies shall not be scheduled or held in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine may be postponed in case the epidemiological situation worsens .

The security chief also advocates barring from electoral lists persons with dual citizenship.
Ukrainian legislation should be amended to prohibit political parties to include in their electoral lists those cooperating with the aggressor state Russia, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Ivan Bakanov, has noted.
Also, Bakanov stands for barring from being elected persons with dual citizenship, according to the press service of the National Security and Defense Council.
Read alsoKravchuk comments on local election prospects for occupied areasWith a preventive purpose, the SBU will inform all participants in the electoral process of criminal liability for violation of the electoral legislation, Bakanov told the meeting chaired by NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov on the proper and safe organization of local elections in Ukraine on October 25.
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2020 local elections in Ukraine


unian--2020-08-27--MFA Ukraine calls on U.S. to help create int'l platform for Crimea deoccupation

The platform will be aimed at consolidating international efforts to this end .
Ukraine 's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has met U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun on his working trip to Ukraine and discussed , among other things , the situation in territories temporarily occupied by Russia in the east of the country and in Crimea .
Kuleba informed his counterpart on Ukraine 's progress in establishing the Crimea deoccupation platform which will be aimed at consolidating international efforts to this end , the foreign ministry said in a statement .
`` He called on the U.S. to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to join it , '' MFA Ukraine 's press service said .
Dmytro Kuleba informed his American counterpart of the recent passing of the reformist law on state defense procurement and expressed `` sincere gratitude '' to the U.S. for continued support of Ukraine ’ s defense capabilities , including readiness to transfer modern Mark VI patrol boats .
In turn , the U.S. senior diplomat reiterated the country 's `` continued ironclad support of Ukraine in countering Russian aggression and implementing reforms . ''
Read alsoFriendship between U.S. , Ukraine `` has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has assured that he shares a `` very optimistic view of the future of Ukraine-U.S. bilateral relations and stated that the U.S. sees Ukraine as a reliable partner , '' the press service added .
Kuleba has praised the bipartisan support Ukraine enjoys in the U.S. , saying that the country `` highly values '' it .
Both parties also talked Europe 's energy security in the context of Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipleine project .
`` They agreed to further joint efforts to ensure that Europe 's energy supply remains diversified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that over the past six years not a single effective negotiating platform has been created on the de-occupation of Crimea , and at the moment there is no solid platform for raising the issue .
In this regard , Ukraine is initiating an international platform for the deoccupation of Crimea .
The final version of the Crimea deoccupation strategy is also being drafted .

The platform will be aimed at consolidating international efforts to this end.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has met U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun on his working trip to Ukraine and discussed, among other things, the situation in territories temporarily occupied by Russia in the east of the country and in Crimea.
Kuleba informed his counterpart on Ukraine's progress in establishing the Crimea deoccupation platform which will be aimed at consolidating international efforts to this end, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
"He called on the U.S. to support the initiative and consider a possibility to join it," MFA Ukraine's press service said.
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Dmytro Kuleba informed his American counterpart of the recent passing of the reformist law on state defense procurement and expressed "sincere gratitude" to the U.S. for continued support of Ukraine’s defense capabilities, including readiness to transfer modern Mark VI patrol boats.
In turn, the U.S. senior diplomat reiterated the country's "continued ironclad support of Ukraine in countering Russian aggression and implementing reforms."
Read alsoFriendship between U.S., Ukraine "has never been stronger" – PompeoStephen Biegun has assured that he shares a "very optimistic view of the future of Ukraine-U.S. bilateral relations and stated that the U.S. sees Ukraine as a reliable partner," the press service added.
Kuleba has praised the bipartisan support Ukraine enjoys in the U.S., saying that the country "highly values" it.
Both parties also talked Europe's energy security in the context of Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipleine project. "They agreed to further joint efforts to ensure that Europe's energy supply remains diversified," reads the report.
Crimea de-occupation: background
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that over the past six years not a single effective negotiating platform has been created on the de-occupation of Crimea, and at the moment there is no solid platform for raising the issue.
In this regard, Ukraine is initiating an international platform for the deoccupation of Crimea. The final version of the Crimea deoccupation strategy is also being drafted.


unian--2020-08-27--Poland reacts to "Grodno annexation" allegations, condemns Russia's plan for military intervention i

Poland reacts to "Grodno annexation" allegations, condemns Russia's plan for military intervention in Belarus

Earlier , Lukashenko has reportedly claimed foreign meddling in Belarus affairs , pointing at Lithuania , Poland , and Ukraine , while seeking support from Russia .
The Polish diplomacy has responded to the most recent accusations voiced by Belarus ' Alexander Lukashenko who claimed Poland allegedly intended to seize the Grodno region .
In a backlash , the Polish foreign ministry took to Twitter with the statement .
`` Due to the repeated , unfounded accusations of the Belarusian authorities against Poland , the Ambassador of the Republic was summoned to the Ministry today for 15:00 , '' wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read alsoLukashenko says Poland wants to annex part of Belarus – mediaThe Belarusian head claims that the neighboring country `` is already openly dreaming '' of Belarus disintegrating and Grodno region seceding to Poland .
At the same time , Poland 's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has urged Russia to abandon plans of military intervention in Belarus .
`` Polish government urges Russia to immediately withdraw from plans of a military intervention in Belarus , under false excuse of 'restoring control ' – a hostile act , in breach of international law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who should be free to decide their own fate , '' Morawiecki tweeted .
Following a widely contested presidential election on August 9 , which has not been recognized by the European Union and a number of other foreign powers , protests erupted across Belarus , which Alexander Lukashenko , who the election commission says has won the vote with over 80 % of support , said were fomented by external forces .
Having sealed support of Russian President Vladimir Putin in curbing unrest and tackling `` external threats '' if required , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including those of Lithuania , Poland , and Ukraine , against meddling in Belarus ' internal affairs .
He slammed Ukraine 's Volodymyr Zelensky of calls to hold re-election , branding it `` interference '' .
Lukashenko claimed someone was raising Polish flags in Grodno .
Apparently , he has confused them with the white-red-white Belasurian banners used by the opposition instead of the official Belarus ' flag that stems from the Soviet era .
Read alsoRussian law enforcers could be used to suppress protests in Belarus , Putin saysLukashenko has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke of a potential threat coming from NATO troops , having deployed additional forces to the country 's western borders – with Lithuania and Poland – and put them in full combat readiness .

Earlier, Lukashenko has reportedly claimed foreign meddling in Belarus affairs, pointing at Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine, while seeking support from Russia.
The Polish diplomacy has responded to the most recent accusations voiced by Belarus' Alexander Lukashenko who claimed Poland allegedly intended to seize the Grodno region.
In a backlash, the Polish foreign ministry took to Twitter with the statement.
"Due to the repeated, unfounded accusations of the Belarusian authorities against Poland, the Ambassador of the Republic was summoned to the Ministry today for 15:00," wrote Undersecretary of State for Security Marcin Przydacz.
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Read alsoLukashenko says Poland wants to annex part of Belarus – mediaThe Belarusian head claims that the neighboring country "is already openly dreaming" of Belarus disintegrating and Grodno region seceding to Poland.
At the same time, Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has urged Russia to abandon plans of military intervention in Belarus.
🇵🇱 government urges Russia to immediately withdraw from plans of a military intervention in Belarus, under false excuse of 'restoring control' – a hostile act, in breach of international law and human rights of Belarusian people, who should be free to decide their own fate. — Mateusz Morawiecki (@MorawieckiM) August 27, 2020
"Polish government urges Russia to immediately withdraw from plans of a military intervention in Belarus, under false excuse of 'restoring control' – a hostile act, in breach of international law and human rights of Belarusian people, who should be free to decide their own fate," Morawiecki tweeted.
Lukashenko vs West
Following a widely contested presidential election on August 9, which has not been recognized by the European Union and a number of other foreign powers, protests erupted across Belarus, which Alexander Lukashenko, who the election commission says has won the vote with over 80% of support, said were fomented by external forces.
Having sealed support of Russian President Vladimir Putin in curbing unrest and tackling "external threats" if required, Lukashenko warned a number of foreign leaders, including those of Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine, against meddling in Belarus' internal affairs. He slammed Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky of calls to hold re-election, branding it "interference".
Lukashenko claimed someone was raising Polish flags in Grodno. Apparently, he has confused them with the white-red-white Belarusian banners used by the opposition instead of the official Belarus' flag that stems from the Soviet era.
Read alsoRussian law enforcers could be used to suppress protests in Belarus, Putin saysLukashenko has also accused the U.S. of inciting unrest and spoke of a potential threat coming from NATO troops, having deployed additional forces to the country's western borders – with Lithuania and Poland – and put them in full combat readiness.


unian--2020-08-27--Saakashvili returning to Georgia from Ukraine: statement

Georgian Justice Minister said the ex-president would be arrested immediately upon return if he `` finds strength '' to come back .
Ex-President of Georgia and ex-governor of Ukraine 's Odesa region Mikheil Saakashvili has made a statement amid media rumors about his return to his homeland country .
Ukraine has become his second home , Saakashvili wrote on Facebook on August 27 , adding that it has always been in his heart since student days , as well as gave him seven years to reflect and reconsider who he is .
`` Now , looking back at these years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country the best and to avoid mistakes , which I have of course made .
There were also serious mistakes .
But , God is my witness , I wanted the best for my people .
I wanted my people to live better and much wealthier lives .
And yet , given those years , I 'd like to apologize to you all because of the mistakes I made , because I failed to complete anything , '' he said .
Read alsoUkraine 's FM Kuleba comments on Saakashvili 's controversial statementsAt the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who made him a participant in history and building the state .
Saakashvili said `` there was not a single day when I was n't interested in Georgia 's affairs . ''
`` But when I hear about the developments in Georgia , I know for sure that we can live much better , and every Georgian can become much wealthier .
And we will succeed together .
I 'm coming back , '' he added .
Earlier , Ukrainian , Georgian and Russian media reported on Saakashvili 's plans to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Teya Tsulukiani said : `` Of course , we will welcome this move if Mikheil Saakashvili finds strength and arrives in Georgia .
A detention procedure and prison await him immediately at the border , '' she said , according to Ekho Kavkaza .
• Saakashvili left Georgia in 2013 .
A number of criminal cases were opened against him .
The former president was accused of abuse of power in dispersing a 2007 opposition rally , destroying the Imedi TV company , and seizing assets of Badri Patarkatsishvili , the company 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics in the spring of 2015 .
The then-Ukrainian President , Petro Poroshenko , appointed him head of the International Reform Council and granted him Ukrainian citizenship .
In 2018 , the politician was deported from Ukraine to Poland for crossing the Ukrainian-Polish border with an `` invalid passport '' ( earlier reported as lost ) .
• In May 2019 , Ukrainian President Zelensky reinstated Saakashvili 's Ukrainian citizenship , after which the politician returned to Ukraine .

Georgian Justice Minister said the ex-president would be arrested immediately upon return if he "finds strength" to come back.
Ex-President of Georgia and ex-governor of Ukraine's Odesa region Mikheil Saakashvili has made a statement amid media rumors about his return to his homeland country.
Ukraine has become his second home, Saakashvili wrote on Facebook on August 27, adding that it has always been in his heart since student days, as well as gave him seven years to reflect and reconsider who he is.
"Now, looking back at these years, I know how to serve my country the best and to avoid mistakes, which I have of course made. There were also serious mistakes. But, God is my witness, I wanted the best for my people. I wanted my people to live better and much wealthier lives. And yet, given those years, I'd like to apologize to you all because of the mistakes I made, because I failed to complete anything," he said.
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Read alsoUkraine's FM Kuleba comments on Saakashvili's controversial statementsAt the same time, he thanked the Georgians who made him a participant in history and building the state. Saakashvili said "there was not a single day when I wasn't interested in Georgia's affairs."
"But when I hear about the developments in Georgia, I know for sure that we can live much better, and every Georgian can become much wealthier. And we will succeed together. I'm coming back," he added.
Earlier, Ukrainian, Georgian and Russian media reported on Saakashvili's plans to return to Georgia.
The country's justice chief Teya Tsulukiani said: "Of course, we will welcome this move if Mikheil Saakashvili finds strength and arrives in Georgia. A detention procedure and prison await him immediately at the border," she said, according to Ekho Kavkaza.
Saakashvili in Georgia and Ukraine: background


unian--2020-08-27--Ukraine reports 47 new COVID-19 cases in armed forces as of Aug 27

Some 687 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 47 as of the morning of August 27 .
`` As of 10:00 Kyiv time on August 27 , some 604 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus .
In total , 960 people have recovered and six have died during the pandemic , '' the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were registered in the past 24 hours . ''
Read alsoQuarantine curbs may be toughened in Ukraine – health ministryOf those newly-infected , eight people have been hospitalized , while another 39 are self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under doctors ' supervision .
Currently , their state of health is satisfactory .
Some 687 servicemen are now isolated ( including self-isolation ) .
The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 231 people .
• Ukraine said 1,974 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours as of August 27 , 2020 .
• The total number of confirmed cases grew to 112,059 .

Some 687 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation).
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 47 as of the morning of August 27.
"As of 10:00 Kyiv time on August 27, some 604 people in the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In total, 960 people have recovered and six have died during the pandemic," the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on August 27. "Forty-seven new COVID-19 cases were registered in the past 24 hours."
Read alsoQuarantine curbs may be toughened in Ukraine – health ministryOf those newly-infected, eight people have been hospitalized, while another 39 are self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under doctors' supervision. Currently, their state of health is satisfactory.
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Some 687 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation). The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 231 people.
Background


unian--2020-08-27--Ukraine's Cabinet changes terms for crossing border with occupied Crimea, Donbas

Foreigners and stateless persons must have an insurance policy to cover possible COVID-19 treatment .
Ukraine 's Cabinet of Ministers has changed the terms for crossing the administrative border with the occupied territories , namely Russian-annexed Crimea and certain districts in Donetsk and Luhansk regions ( Donbas ) , for foreigners and stateless persons from August 29 to September 28 .
Read alsoPoland bans flights from 43 countries , Ukraine also at risk – mediaAt the same time , the government allowed the resumption of the entry and exit checkpoints on the administrative border between mainland Ukraine and Russian-occupied Crimea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , i.e .
from 00:00 Kyiv time on August 29 , the press service of the Ministry for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories said on its website on August 27 .
Thus , the Cabinet has suspended the resolution of August 8 , 2020 , which restricted the operation of the entry and exit checkpoints on the administrative border with the peninsula .
• When entering the territory controlled by the Ukrainian government , foreigners and stateless persons must have an insurance policy to cover possible COVID-19 treatment ( from a company registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine-based offices or contractual relations with Ukrainian insurers ) .
• Mandatory self-isolation for those who enters the country .
At the same time , early termination of quarantine is possible if the COVID-19 test is negative ( made after leaving the occupied territories ) .
• The Diia ( `` Action '' ) mobile app download on a smartphone , or observation .
• Children under the age of 12 and representatives of international missions accredited in Ukraine are not required to undergo self-isolation .
• Ukraine closes the border for entry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 29 to September 28 .
The government explains the move by the growing number of COVID-19 cases worldwide .
An exception was made for Belarusian citizens .
• In addition , the government extended adaptive quarantine in Ukraine until early November .

Foreigners and stateless persons must have an insurance policy to cover possible COVID-19 treatment.
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has changed the terms for crossing the administrative border with the occupied territories, namely Russian-annexed Crimea and certain districts in Donetsk and Luhansk regions (Donbas), for foreigners and stateless persons from August 29 to September 28.
Read alsoPoland bans flights from 43 countries, Ukraine also at risk – mediaAt the same time, the government allowed the resumption of the entry and exit checkpoints on the administrative border between mainland Ukraine and Russian-occupied Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as usual, i.e. from 00:00 Kyiv time on August 29, the press service of the Ministry for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories said on its website on August 27.
Thus, the Cabinet has suspended the resolution of August 8, 2020, which restricted the operation of the entry and exit checkpoints on the administrative border with the peninsula.
Видео дня
Terms of crossing administrative border from August 29:
When entering the territory controlled by the Ukrainian government, foreigners and stateless persons must have an insurance policy to cover possible COVID-19 treatment (from a company registered in Ukraine, a foreign company with Ukraine-based offices or contractual relations with Ukrainian insurers).
Mandatory self-isolation for those who enters the country. At the same time, early termination of quarantine is possible if the COVID-19 test is negative (undergone after leaving the occupied territories).
The Diia ("Action") mobile app download on a smartphone, or observation.
Children under the age of 12 and representatives of international missions accredited in Ukraine are not required to undergo self-isolation.
Background


unian--2020-08-27--Russian law enforcers could be used to suppress protests in Belarus, Putin says

The Russian president claims the Belarus ' law enforcement bodies `` behave quite restrained , no matter what . ''
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russian law enforcement units could be used to suppress protests in Belarus .
`` Alexander Grigoryevich [ Lukashenko ] asked me to form a backup law enforcement unit .
And I have done so .
However , we have also agreed it wo n't be used unless the situation gets out of control , unless 'extremist elements ' hiding behind political slogans cross certain lines , unless they begin to torch houses , banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ etc.
, '' he told the Rossiya-1 TV channel in an interview , according to an UNIAN correspondent in Russia .
Read alsoLukashenko says Poland wants to annex part of Belarus – mediaAccording to Putin , the Kremlin hopes all the existing problems in Belarus will be resolved peacefully .
The Russian president also claims the Belarus ' law enforcement bodies `` behave quite restrained , no matter what . ''
• Russia became one of the first countries to congratulate Lukashenko on his alleged victory in the presidential elections in Belarus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made no such calls .
Ukraine did not congratulate Lukashenko either .
• Later , the EU recognized the elections in Belarus as rigged , and the ex-president himself persona non grata .
• In parallel lines , the West is preparing a package of sanctions against those involved in the violence and murder of protesters in the early days of protests .
• At the same time , eyewitnesses reported the movement of convoys of Russian Guard trucks toward the border of Belarus .
Earlier , several aircraft of the Belarus air @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Russian president claims the Belarus' law enforcement bodies "behave quite restrained, no matter what."
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russian law enforcement units could be used to suppress protests in Belarus.
"Alexander Grigoryevich [Lukashenko] asked me to form a backup law enforcement unit. And I have done so. However, we have also agreed it won't be used unless the situation gets out of control, unless 'extremist elements' hiding behind political slogans cross certain lines, unless they begin to torch houses, banks, trying to seize administrative buildings, etc.," he told the Rossiya-1 TV channel in an interview, according to an UNIAN correspondent in Russia.
Read alsoLukashenko says Poland wants to annex part of Belarus – mediaAccording to Putin, the Kremlin hopes all the existing problems in Belarus will be resolved peacefully.
Видео дня
The Russian president also claims the Belarus' law enforcement bodies "behave quite restrained, no matter what."
Russia "support" for Lukashenko


unian--2020-08-27--Ukraine sees US$1.9 bln budget deficit in Jan-July

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Ukraine sees US$1.9 bln budget deficit in Jan-July
15:30, 27.08.20 2064
The country's consolidated budget over the period under review also saw a US$1.2 billion deficit.
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unian--2020-08-27--Quarantine curbs may be toughened in Ukraine – health ministry

According to the official , the Ukrainian health care system will not cope if people do not comply with quarantine rules .
Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said Ukraine may toughen the coronavirus-related quarantine curbs amid an increase in the number of cases .
`` I will not be cunning – there is such a likelihood .
But the question is that the health care system at the end of August is no longer the health care system in March .
Today we clearly know how many people we can accommodate in health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases registered daily so that our doctors could cope and provide medical assistance to everyone who needs it , '' he told the Ukrainian-registered Apostrophe online media outlet .
Read alsoUkraine prolongs quarantine until Nov 1Liashko stressed the situation with the epidemic was unfolding under the `` yellow '' scenario when 4,000 deaths could be registered by the end of the year .
According to the official , the Ukrainian health care system will not cope if people do not comply with quarantine rules .
`` No beds may be enough if no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have 25,000 beds in hospitals that have already been designated for admitting patients with coronavirus disease , '' he said .
`` We have hospitals of the so-called 'second wave , ' in reserve .
They are gradually being connected in those regions where the percentage of bed occupancy is exceeded .
Potentially 10,000 more beds are ready there , '' Liashko said .
Regional state administrations have also been instructed to convert 30 % of the total bed capacity for infectious patients for the influenza and ARVI season , which begins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine said 1,974 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of August 27 , 2020 .
The total number of confirmed cases grew to 112,059 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city had risen sharply in the past day , namely by 220 .

According to the official, the Ukrainian health care system will not cope if people do not comply with quarantine rules.
Ukrainian Deputy Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko has said Ukraine may toughen the coronavirus-related quarantine curbs amid an increase in the number of cases.
"I will not be cunning – there is such a likelihood. But the question is that the health care system at the end of August is no longer the health care system in March. Today we clearly know how many people we can accommodate in health care facilities and clearly predict the number of cases registered daily so that our doctors could cope and provide medical assistance to everyone who needs it," he told the Ukrainian-registered Apostrophe online media outlet.
Read alsoUkraine prolongs quarantine until Nov 1Liashko stressed the situation with the epidemic was unfolding under the "yellow" scenario when 4,000 deaths could be registered by the end of the year.
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According to the official, the Ukrainian health care system will not cope if people do not comply with quarantine rules.
"No beds may be enough if no one complies with the restrictions. Today we have 25,000 beds in hospitals that have already been designated for admitting patients with coronavirus disease," he said.
"We have hospitals of the so-called 'second wave,' in reserve. They are gradually being connected in those regions where the percentage of bed occupancy is exceeded. Potentially 10,000 more beds are ready there," Liashko said.
Regional state administrations have also been instructed to convert 30% of the total bed capacity for infectious patients for the influenza and ARVI season, which begins in October," he added.
Coronavirus in Ukraine
Ukraine said 1,974 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of August 27, 2020. The total number of confirmed cases grew to 112,059.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city had risen sharply in the past day, namely by 220.


unian--2020-08-27--Lukashenko says Poland wants to annex part of Belarus – media

According to Lukashenko , the country now has to spend huge money to stabilize the situation at its western border where some military units were deployed .
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has said Poland wants to annex part of Belarus .
`` You see these statements saying that if Belarus falls apart , Grodno Oblast will become part of Poland .
They are already saying it openly , they are dreaming about it .
They will not succeed , I know it for sure , '' he said at a government meeting in Minsk on August 27 , BelTA reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warns of army use , Lukashenko shows resolve in propaganda videoAccording to Lukashenko , the country now has to spend huge money to stabilize the situation at its western border where some military units were deployed .
`` We are witnessing a certain stage of a hybrid war on Belarus .
How else can it be called ?
Mass media and the information landscape have been involved in this fight , a war of conflicting sides .
A diplomatic onslaught on us has started at the highest level , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ interference '' in the election and the external efforts to foment protests .
He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin who had promised him comprehensive assistance upon request .
• On August 22 , Lukashenko said the Belarusian armed forces were on full combat readiness and they were being transferred to the western borders .
He said `` we see a serious movement of NATO troops in the immediate vicinity of our borders on the territory of Poland and Lithuania . ''

According to Lukashenko, the country now has to spend huge money to stabilize the situation at its western border where some military units were deployed.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has said Poland wants to annex part of Belarus.
"You see these statements saying that if Belarus falls apart, Grodno Oblast will become part of Poland. They are already saying it openly, they are dreaming about it. They will not succeed, I know it for sure," he said at a government meeting in Minsk on August 27, BelTA reported.
Read alsoBelarus protests: defense minister warns of army use, Lukashenko shows resolve in propaganda videoAccording to Lukashenko, the country now has to spend huge money to stabilize the situation at its western border where some military units were deployed.
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"We are witnessing a certain stage of a hybrid war on Belarus. How else can it be called? Mass media and the information landscape have been involved in this fight, a war of conflicting sides. A diplomatic onslaught on us has started at the highest level," he said.
Lukashenko on threat from West


unian--2020-08-27--Kyiv mayor reports 220 new COVID-19 cases, four fatalities in past day

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has reached 12,468 .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the city rose sharply in the past day , that is , by 220 .
Read alsoUkraine reports over 1,900 new COVID-19 cases on Aug 27 '' In the past day , another 220 residents of Kyiv tested positive for coronavirus , including 10 healthcare workers .
There were four fatalities , '' Klitschko wrote on Telegram on August 27 .
`` As of today , the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Klitschko , 109 women aged 18 to 84 , and 101 men aged 18 to 87 among those infected .
Five girls ( from one to 14 years old ) and five boys ( from six to 15 years old ) have tested positive .
Klitschko said 63 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision .
Sixty-eight people recovered from the disease in the past day , he said .
In total , 3,975 Kyiv residents have already recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district ( 35 ) , Desniansky district ( 30 ) , and Podilsky district ( 27 ) .
The total death toll in the city is 178 cases .
• The adaptive quarantine was introduced on August 1 .
Ukrainian regions were split into the red , green , orange , and yellow zones depending on hospital load , the average number of PCR and ELISA tests , the ascertainment rate of COVID-19 , and daily spread dynamics .
• Quarantine-related curbs differ in each zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green zone , the regions included in the red zone have to introduce the toughest restrictive measures .
• Updated quarantine zoning became effective in Ukraine on August 17 .
Kyiv was included in the yellow zone .
• In Ukrainian schools within the `` orange quarantine zone '' , teachers will be wearing protective face shields in class .
• On August 26 , the Cabinet of Ministers extended the adaptive quarantine until November 1 .

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has reached 12,468.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the city rose sharply in the past day, that is, by 220.
Read alsoUkraine reports over 1,900 new COVID-19 cases on Aug 27"In the past day, another 220 residents of Kyiv tested positive for coronavirus, including 10 healthcare workers. There were four fatalities," Klitschko wrote on Telegram on August 27. "As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 12,468."
According to Klitschko, 109 women aged 18 to 84, and 101 men aged 18 to 87 among those infected.
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Five girls (from one to 14 years old) and five boys (from six to 15 years old) have tested positive.
Klitschko said 63 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.
Sixty-eight people recovered from the disease in the past day, he said.
In total, 3,975 Kyiv residents have already recovered.
The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (35), Desniansky district (30), and Podilsky district (27).
The total death toll in the city is 178 cases.
Quarantine in Ukraine


unian--2020-08-27--OSCE records 11 ceasefire violations in Donbas on Aug 25

The SMM recorded 10 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and one in Luhansk region .
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) to Ukraine recorded 11 ceasefire violations in Donbas on August 25 .
`` The SMM recorded 10 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and one in Luhansk region .
In the previous reporting period , the Mission recorded six ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region , '' the OSCE SMM said in a daily report on August 26 , 2020 .
Read alsoDonbas truce : Ukraine reports one enemy provocation on Aug 26In Donetsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violations , all shots of small-arms fire in areas south-west of Horlivka ( non-government-controlled , 39km north-east of Donetsk ) .
In Luhansk region , the SMM recorded one shot of small-arms fire near Stanytsia Luhanska ( government-controlled , 16km north-east of Luhansk ) .
`` Following agreement reached at the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22 regarding additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire , from 00:01 on July 27 until the end of the reporting period , the SMM has so far recorded a total of 713 ceasefire violations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( including 100 explosions , two projectiles in flight , nine illumination flares and 602 bursts and shots ) , '' reads the report .
• Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group ( Ukraine , Russia , and the OSCE ) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday , July 27 .
• The new ceasefire regime was enforced at 00:01 Kyiv time on July 27 .
• On the very first day of the newly-agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine .

The SMM recorded 10 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and one in Luhansk region.
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine recorded 11 ceasefire violations in Donbas on August 25.
"The SMM recorded 10 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and one in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded six ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region," the OSCE SMM said in a daily report on August 26, 2020.
Read alsoDonbas truce: Ukraine reports one enemy provocation on Aug 26In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 10 ceasefire violations, all shots of small-arms fire in areas south-west of Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk).
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In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded one shot of small-arms fire near Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk).
"Following agreement reached at the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22 regarding additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire, from 00:01 on July 27 until the end of the reporting period, the SMM has so far recorded a total of 713 ceasefire violations, both in Donetsk and Luhansk regions (including 100 explosions, two projectiles in flight, nine illumination flares and 602 bursts and shots)," reads the report.
Background


unian--2020-08-27--Naftogaz raises gas price for households by over 45% in Sept

Naftogaz raises gas price for households by over 45% in Sept
13:35, 27.08.20 11243
Ukraine launched the natural gas market for household consumers on August 1.
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unian--2020-08-27--Sheremet case: Ankle monitor removed from suspect Kuzmenko

Police representatives complied with the ruling issued by Kyiv 's Shevchenkivsky District Court .
A GPS-tracking ankle monitor has been removed from volunteer and pediatric surgeon Yulia Kuzmenko , who is suspected of complicity in the murder of Belarusian journalist Pavel Sheremet in Kyiv in the summer of 2016 .
`` Police representatives complied with the ruling issued by Kyiv 's Shevchenkivsky District Court and removed an ankle monitor from Yulia Kuzmenko , '' her lawyer Taras Bezpalyy wrote on Facebook on August 26 , 2020 .
• Sheremet was assassinated in a car blast in the center of Kyiv @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 .
• On December 12 , 2019 , police said they suspected five persons of complicity in the crime : former Donbas war volunteer and musician Andrii Antonenko , army volunteer and pediatric surgeon Yulia Kuzmenko ( nom de guerre `` Lysa , '' or `` Fox '' ) , a nurse with a paratrooper unit Yana Duhar , and a family couple of army volunteers Inna Hryshchenko ( `` Puma '' ) and Vladyslav Hryshchenko ( `` Bucha '' ) .
• Law enforcers claim that the Sheremet assassination aimed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Antonenko , Kuzmenko , and Duhar were charged on December 12 , 2019 .
• Ukrainian investigative journalists with the Slidstvo.info project said they had found the forensic report used in the probe into the murder of Sheremet far from being unambiguous , while evidence presented by the police was dubbed unconvincing .
Many Ukrainian public activists consider the proof collected by investigators inconsistent .
• According to the head of the Sense Consulting law firm Leonid Maslov , whose lawyers represent Antonenko , the charge papers were amended to remove such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` greatness of the Aryan race '' .
The updated version says `` unidentified persons driven by personal motives , decided to create a highly reverberating event with the aim of further provoking numerous protests . ''
These unidentified persons `` involved '' Antonenko , Duhar , and Kuzmenko .
• On August 11 , pretrial restrictions for another suspect in the case , volunteer and pediatrician Yulia Kuzmenko , were eased from custody remand to house arrest .

Police representatives complied with the ruling issued by Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky District Court.
A GPS-tracking ankle monitor has been removed from volunteer and pediatric surgeon Yulia Kuzmenko, who is suspected of complicity in the murder of Belarusian journalist Pavel Sheremet in Kyiv in the summer of 2016.
"Police representatives complied with the ruling issued by Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky District Court and removed an ankle monitor from Yulia Kuzmenko," her lawyer Taras Bezpalyy wrote on Facebook on August 26, 2020.


unian--2020-08-27--Health minister lists top Ukrainian regions in lead by new COVID-19 cases

In total , 41,294 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has listed the regions that are in the lead by the number of new COVID-19 cases confirmed in the past day .
`` Speaking per each region , the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv ( 220 cases ) , Kharkiv region ( 218 ) , Lviv region ( 203 ) , Odesa region ( 185 ) , Ivano-Frankivsk region ( 164 ) , Chernivtsi region ( 159 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said at a briefing on August 27 , as reported by the Health Ministry on Facebook .
Read alsoNumber of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 24 mlnIn total , 41,294 tests were conducted in the country in the past day .
In particular , there were 20,730 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) method and 20,564 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) method .
• Ukraine said 1,974 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 27 , 2020 .
• The total number of confirmed cases grew to 112,059 .

In total, 41,294 tests were conducted in the country in the past day.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has listed the regions that are in the lead by the number of new COVID-19 cases confirmed in the past day.
"Speaking per each region, the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in the city of Kyiv (220 cases), Kharkiv region (218), Lviv region (203), Odesa region (185), Ivano-Frankivsk region (164), Chernivtsi region (159), and Ternopil region (141)," he said at a briefing on August 27, as reported by the Health Ministry on Facebook.
Read alsoNumber of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide exceeds 24 mlnIn total, 41,294 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 20,730 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and 20,564 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
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unian--2020-08-27--Ukraine may adopt Turkey's experience to reduce dependence on fertilizers imports – experts

Ukraine may adopt Turkey's experience to reduce dependence on fertilizers imports – experts
12:20, 27.08.20 1952
Ukraine, being a country with its own developed chemical enterprises, imports up to 40% of the total volume of ammonium nitrate required.
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unian--2020-08-27--Zelensky, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State discuss financial, military support for Ukraine

Biegun stressed the United States is a strategic partner of Ukraine , and added Ukraine enjoys bipartisan support in the United States .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun have discussed bilateral cooperation , in particular regarding financial and military support for Ukraine .
The officials met in the town of Kryvyi Rih during Zelensky 's working trip to Dnipropetrovsk region , according to the president 's press service .
The meeting took place after a phone conversation between Zelensky and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
Read alsoBiden says to provide Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electionBiegun stressed the United States is a strategic partner of Ukraine , and added Ukraine enjoys bipartisan support in the United States .
Zelensky informed in detail about the state of negotiations on ending the war in Donbas and promoting peace in the Minsk and Normandy formats .
The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State called the maintenance of a comprehensive and full ceasefire regime for 31 days a great achievement .
Speaking of international politics , Biegun praised Ukraine 's position on non-interference in the U.S. elections .
In addition , the sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the situation needs stabilization and peaceful settlement .
Also , Zelensky and Biegun visited PJSC ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih .
The company is one of the largest producers of rolled steel in Ukraine .

Biegun stressed the United States is a strategic partner of Ukraine, and added Ukraine enjoys bipartisan support in the United States.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun have discussed bilateral cooperation, in particular regarding financial and military support for Ukraine.
The officials met in the town of Kryvyi Rih during Zelensky's working trip to Dnipropetrovsk region, according to the president's press service.
The meeting took place after a phone conversation between Zelensky and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
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Read alsoBiden says to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons if he wins presidential electionBiegun stressed the United States is a strategic partner of Ukraine, and added Ukraine enjoys bipartisan support in the United States.
Zelensky informed in detail about the state of negotiations on ending the war in Donbas and promoting peace in the Minsk and Normandy formats. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State called the maintenance of a comprehensive and full ceasefire regime for 31 days a great achievement.
Speaking of international politics, Biegun praised Ukraine's position on non-interference in the U.S. elections.
In addition, the sides discussed the events in Belarus, agreeing that the situation needs stabilization and peaceful settlement.
Also, Zelensky and Biegun visited PJSC ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih. The company is one of the largest producers of rolled steel in Ukraine.


unian--2020-08-27--Ukrainian police detain two suspects in arson attack against RFE/RL – media

The attacker 's `` clothes , incendiary devices , and other evidence '' have been seized .
Ukraine 's Interior Ministry says it has detained two suspects for questioning about a recent arson attack in Kyiv that targeted a car used by investigative journalists from RFE/RL 's Ukrainian Service .
The attacker 's `` clothes , incendiary devices , and other evidence '' have been seized , and searches were continuing on August 26 as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into the attack , Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said in a Twitter statement , RFE/RL reported .
Interior Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the detainees was a resident of Ukraine 's eastern Luhansk region and the other was from Kyiv .
Shevchenko also said on August 26 that two other suspects were being sought in the case .
Media watchdogs have been calling on Ukrainian authorities to investigate complaints of intimidation and attacks against journalists from the Skhemy ( Schemes ) program , a joint investigative project by RFE/RL and UA : Pershy television , after one of their cars was torched in Kyiv on August 17 .
Investigators have concluded that the fire was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
No one was hurt in the incident .
Read alsoInvestigative project 's car set ablaze in Kyiv ( Photo ) But the International and European federations of journalists said on August 18 that a campaign of harassment and intimidation , including surveillance and arson attacks , were aimed at `` muzzling '' the journalists ' investigations .
`` It is essential that investigative journalists can freely and critically report on corruption and wrongdoing of state officials , '' IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said .
`` Surveillance and the attack against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom that ca n't go unpunished , '' Bellanger said .
`` We stand in solidarity with the victimized journalists and call on the authorities to protect them from these attacks . ''
The Committee to Protect Journalists has urged Ukrainian authorities to find the perpetrators of the arson attack and `` hold them to account . ''
Schemes reporters were recently working on a story revealing how the transport of high-level state officials breaks traffic rules .
During the production of the program , the journalists repeatedly voiced concerns about being under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arson attack on investigative journalists ' carSchemes reporter Mykhaylo Tkach said earlier in August that he found what he thought were signs of hidden-microphone surveillance in his apartment .
`` Authorities also must thoroughly investigate the surveillance allegations '' made by Tkach , according to Gulnoza Said , the CPJ 's Europe and Central Asia program coordinator .
`` By reporting on corruption , investigative journalists at 'Schemes ' are doing an important service for the public , and the authorities should ensure their safety , '' Said added .
RFE/RL acting President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arson attack .
While no one was injured , Sindelar said , `` this incident appears aimed at intimidating RFE/RL 's reporters and contributing to a threatening environment for journalists across Ukraine . ''
`` Schemes is an award-winning investigative team whose work is vital to the public interest of all Ukrainians , '' Sindelar said .
`` We urge Ukrainian authorities to ensure that our colleagues can work safely and without fear . ''

The attacker's "clothes, incendiary devices, and other evidence" have been seized.
Ukraine's Interior Ministry says it has detained two suspects for questioning about a recent arson attack in Kyiv that targeted a car used by investigative journalists from RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service.
The attacker's "clothes, incendiary devices, and other evidence" have been seized, and searches were continuing on August 26 as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into the attack, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said in a Twitter statement, RFE/RL reported.
Interior Ministry spokesman Artem Shevchenko told RFE/RL that one of the detainees was a resident of Ukraine's eastern Luhansk region and the other was from Kyiv.
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Shevchenko also said on August 26 that two other suspects were being sought in the case.
Media watchdogs have been calling on Ukrainian authorities to investigate complaints of intimidation and attacks against journalists from the Skhemy (Schemes) program, a joint investigative project by RFE/RL and UA: Pershy television, after one of their cars was torched in Kyiv on August 17.
Investigators have concluded that the fire was caused by "an external ignition source."
No one was hurt in the incident.
Read alsoInvestigative project's car set ablaze in Kyiv (Photo)But the International and European federations of journalists said on August 18 that a campaign of harassment and intimidation, including surveillance and arson attacks, were aimed at "muzzling" the journalists' investigations.
"It is essential that investigative journalists can freely and critically report on corruption and wrongdoing of state officials," IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said.
"Surveillance and the attack against this team are worrisome blows against press freedom that can't go unpunished," Bellanger said. "We stand in solidarity with the victimized journalists and call on the authorities to protect them from these attacks."
The Committee to Protect Journalists has urged Ukrainian authorities to find the perpetrators of the arson attack and "hold them to account."
Schemes reporters were recently working on a story revealing how the transport of high-level state officials breaks traffic rules.
During the production of the program, the journalists repeatedly voiced concerns about being under surveillance.
Read alsoPresident's Office condemns arson attack on investigative journalists' carSchemes reporter Mykhaylo Tkach said earlier in August that he found what he thought were signs of hidden-microphone surveillance in his apartment.
"Authorities also must thoroughly investigate the surveillance allegations" made by Tkach, according to Gulnoza Said, the CPJ's Europe and Central Asia program coordinator.
"By reporting on corruption, investigative journalists at 'Schemes' are doing an important service for the public, and the authorities should ensure their safety," Said added.
RFE/RL acting President Daisy Sindelar has expressed concern about the arson attack.
While no one was injured, Sindelar said, "this incident appears aimed at intimidating RFE/RL's reporters and contributing to a threatening environment for journalists across Ukraine."
"Schemes is an award-winning investigative team whose work is vital to the public interest of all Ukrainians," Sindelar said. "We urge Ukrainian authorities to ensure that our colleagues can work safely and without fear."