unian--2020-01-17--Foreign trade balance gap: Paradox of Ukraine's national economy

The State Statistics Service recently published sad news about the deficit of foreign trade in goods over the 11 months of 2019 .
It appears , it has been growing , reaching another record high of $ 9.3 billion , which is 6 % higher on year .
The National Bank 's estimates are even sadder as they say the gap is over $ 10 billion .
No matter the difference in assessments , the situation is rather unpleasant , to put it mildly .
The thing is that the trade deficit means the withdrawal of capital and foreign currency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase of foreign goods , and the country 's low ability to manufacture competitive products .
At the same time , the government expects that in 2020 the gap in the trade balance will amount to $ 13.78 billion , then $ 14.92 billion in 2021 , and $ 16.11 billion in 2022 .
This is a positive scenario , while there 's also a negative one , suggesting trade deficit growth from $ 13.96 billion in 2020 to $ 15.60 billion in 2021 and $ 17.25 billion in 2022 .
What 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dwarfs According to economic laws , trade deficit does n't mean collapse of the economy .
Often , it is adjusted over time .
In addition , an increase in imports of goods from other countries leads to lower prices for consumer goods as foreign competition grows .
Besides , lower prices help tame inflation in the local economy .
Import growth also expands the diversity of goods and services .
But this theory applies exclusively to developed economies .
Import growth there is associated with the ability of the population to consume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Consequently , trade deficit may indicate economic growth .
This is clearly seen in the United States and the UK .
There , trade deficit ( which has already reached billions of dollars ) is precisely holding back inflation , which helps maintain a high standard of living by moving labor-intensive industries outside the country .
This applies to all countries that have capital-intensive and high-tech sectors of the economy , which attracts significant amounts of capital from around the world in the form of portfolio or direct investment .
However , due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sectors , these countries are forced to cover the bulk of their trade deficit by issuing private and government debt instruments .
At the same time , in the developing economies , including Ukraine , trade deficit in the long run can only bring negative consequences .
The current indicator shows non-competitiveness of export sectors of the economy , which often leads to the devaluation of the national currency .
If a country imports more foreign goods , domestic companies cease to produce competitive products .
Industry suffers the most .
Hence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees .
Fewer jobs mean fewer products are produced in the economy .
And this , in turn , leads to even greater imports and a larger trade deficit .
As a result , this could entail the fall of the entire economy .
A paradoxical situation is being observed in Ukraine .
Despite a ten-year increase in the gap in the trade balance , today , the government says , the economy is growing and the hryvnia is strengthening .
But what stands behind this ?
Head of the NBU Council Bohdan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is happening is Ukraine 's clear course away from the status of an exporter of metallurgical and chemical products to that of an exporter of agricultural and mineral raw materials and metallurgical semi-finished products .
Dramatic changes are needed to achieve an economic turning point .
`` Both statuses are not prestigious , we just change our specialization , remaining in the lower league of world exporters .
So far , the openness of the Ukrainian economy is not leading to positive changes in its structure , which is clearly seen from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't call for becoming closed from the rest of the world .
Yes , this is unrealistic .
A different approach is needed : there are examples in history when governments diversified the structure of exports , increasing the share of technological exports , and in a relatively short period of time of seven to 10 years .
This was done by Slovakia and the Czech Republic .
A major role was played by foreign investors .
Their goal was to include local companies in global value chains in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where imports dominated , '' the expert explained .
In his opinion , in order for Ukrainian enterprises to become intermediate , and , in the ideal case , final links in global value chains , political stability , the rule of law , the creation of a high-quality logistics infrastructure and effective tariff and customs regulation are necessary .
`` I think it ’ s important for parliament and government to focus on issues that allow us to see trends in the growth of high-tech exports and lower imports of products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of their cadence , '' Danylyshyn emphasized .
According to Vitaliy Shapran , a financial analyst and member of the NBU Council , despite poor trade balance , Ukraine ended the year of 2019 on a major note , although this happened mainly due to the influx of funds from Naftogaz .
But the revaluation of the hryvnia , which is happening now , accelerates import growth and reduces the volume of exports .
`` This can not go on for too long , we finance the negative trade balance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of foreign funds into the government bonds market .
The very first change of trends on the international capital market could have a dramatic effect on the hryvnia exchange rate .
The NBU needs to intensively increase its foreign exchange reserves and not concentrate operations to replenish them at the end of the year , but rather try to fill up reserves throughout the year , preparing for a possible change in trends , '' Shapran is convinced .
Leading analyst ith the Institute for Socio-Economic Transformation Slava Cherkashyn assures that while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internal government loan bonds and Ukrainian migrant workers are sending $ 12-14 billion a year to the country , one should not expect any fatal fallout from the growing trade deficit .
( By the way , the volume of non-residents ' investments in domestic government loan bonds since the beginning of the year has grown by UAH 103.7 billion , or by more than 17 times , to UAH 110.1 billion .
It is planned to pay them off within two years ) .
`` Only another record harvest by farmers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriously , what is needed is a banal cessation of the cannibal tax policy , a reduction in government intervention in the economy , an active expansion policy in the EU – encouraging exporters , attracting investment .
Trade shortages are a cause for concern and systemic decisions , but not for panic .
Ukraine has lived with such a balance for years .
But this means non-competitiveness of the economy as a whole .
Our products can not , and manufacturers often do not want to explore new foreign markets .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .
At a minimum , an action plan and long-term efforts to implement it are required .
The state may try to stimulate this , but it should stop roughly interfering and totally regulating exports , '' he said .
Economic expert Oleh Pendzin calls what is happening in Ukraine 's trade policy expected : `` If a country sells raw materials and buys final products , it is hard to expect a different trade balance .
In 2019 , our compatriots who work abroad transferred more than $ 12 billion to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment in job creation .
They go to the consumer market , and for this money , they buy cars , household appliances , everything that we ourselves do not produce , but import .
Therefore , when our leaders boast that Ukraine 's GDP grew by 3.2 % , it would be nice if they could explain what the growth was due to despite the fact that the Ukrainian industry for 11 months fell by 7.5 % .
Then we would hear that growth was achieved mainly through retail , which grew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairness , we need to remember the farmers with their 2.5 % growth , thanks to the harvest .
But the main contribution to GDP is retail for the money of our people , '' Pendzin said .
An expert on tax law and financial investigations Sviatoslav Dubyna draws attention to the fact that the negative export-import balance has been observed for 13 consecutive years and , judging by the dynamics , 2019 has not become a turning point .
Moreover , last year , the `` gap '' exceeded the psychological mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicates that not a single Ukrainian government comprehensively approached this problem .
`` Each government , when it comes to government offices , begins by extinguishing fires and tactical actions of interested people who have delegated them to these offices .
As a result , we got a constantly stagnating economy with small surges , in the case of an increase in raw material prices , which makes up 60 % of Ukraine 's exported products .
The situation is temporarily held by expats who officially transfer over $ 11 billion annually and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investors in Ukraine .
With such a structure of the economy , where 40 % is agribusiness , about 25 % is the product of primary processing of natural resources , and only 15 % is industrial production and 15 % are high-margin products and services , it is impossible to talk about the prospects for economic development .
And we must also take into account that this all makes up 0.13 % of the global economy .
If we look at the most powerful economy in the world ( almost a quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the United States , then there is 1.5 % of agribusiness , 25 % of production and 70 % of services in the structure .
That is , the structure of successful countries is services , not the export of raw materials , or even industrial production .
We are slipping into becoming an agrarian state , which will a priori sink into debt and lose its international role , which we have been observing for the last decade , '' the expert noted .
To change such a disappointing picture for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all areas .
Now they have accelerated somewhat , but globally do not solve the problem – too much time has been lost .
We need a full-fledged and aggressive state development strategy , but , unfortunately , it is lacking .
The main task for the future is maximum processing of raw materials and the release of the final competitive product with its active promotion on foreign markets .
To this end , we need a large-scale strategic plan , the `` Marshall Plan '' , so to speak , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ukraine needs to determine its role and place in the global economy , and society must answer the question of whether we are ready to change the picture and achieve the right to exist as a state in the future .
The window of opportunity is not yet closed .

Foreign trade deficit is on the rise in Ukraine, having already exceeded the psychological mark of $9 billion. Future prospects are also disappointing. What threats does this economic "hole" bring and how can it be patched?
The State Statistics Service recently published sad news about the deficit of foreign trade in goods over the 11 months of 2019. It appears, it has been growing, reaching another record high of $9.3 billion, which is 6% higher on year. The National Bank's estimates are even sadder as they say the gap is over $10 billion.
No matter the difference in assessments, the situation is rather unpleasant, to put it mildly. The thing is that the trade deficit means the withdrawal of capital and foreign currency, since it is spent on the purchase of foreign goods, and the country's low ability to manufacture competitive products.
At the same time, the government expects that in 2020 the gap in the trade balance will amount to $13.78 billion, then $14.92 billion in 2021, and $16.11 billion in 2022.
Видео дня
This is a positive scenario, while there's also a negative one, suggesting trade deficit growth from $13.96 billion in 2020 to $15.60 billion in 2021 and $17.25 billion in 2022.
What's good for giants is a blow to dwarfs
According to economic laws, trade deficit doesn't mean collapse of the economy. Often, it is adjusted over time. In addition, an increase in imports of goods from other countries leads to lower prices for consumer goods as foreign competition grows. Besides, lower prices help tame inflation in the local economy. Import growth also expands the diversity of goods and services.
But this theory applies exclusively to developed economies. Import growth there is associated with the ability of the population to consume more than the country can produce. Consequently, trade deficit may indicate economic growth. This is clearly seen in the United States and the UK. There, trade deficit (which has already reached billions of dollars) is precisely holding back inflation, which helps maintain a high standard of living by moving labor-intensive industries outside the country.
This applies to all countries that have capital-intensive and high-tech sectors of the economy, which attracts significant amounts of capital from around the world in the form of portfolio or direct investment. However, due to the lack of competitiveness of export sectors, these countries are forced to cover the bulk of their trade deficit by issuing private and government debt instruments.
At the same time, in the developing economies, including Ukraine, trade deficit in the long run can only bring negative consequences. The current indicator shows non-competitiveness of export sectors of the economy, which often leads to the devaluation of the national currency. If a country imports more foreign goods, domestic companies cease to produce competitive products.
Industry suffers the most. Hence, fewer jobs and a lower income of employees. Fewer jobs mean fewer products are produced in the economy. And this, in turn, leads to even greater imports and a larger trade deficit. As a result, this could entail the fall of the entire economy.
A paradoxical situation is being observed in Ukraine. Despite a ten-year increase in the gap in the trade balance, today, the government says, the economy is growing and the hryvnia is strengthening. But what stands behind this?
"Raw material appendage" or...
Head of the NBU Council Bohdan Danylyshyn believes that today the reason for what is happening is Ukraine's clear course away from the status of an exporter of metallurgical and chemical products to that of an exporter of agricultural and mineral raw materials and metallurgical semi-finished products. Dramatic changes are needed to achieve an economic turning point.
"Both statuses are not prestigious, we just change our specialization, remaining in the lower league of world exporters. So far, the openness of the Ukrainian economy is not leading to positive changes in its structure, which is clearly seen from the analysis of exports and imports. I don't call for becoming closed from the rest of the world. Yes, this is unrealistic. A different approach is needed: there are examples in history when governments diversified the structure of exports, increasing the share of technological exports, and in a relatively short period of time of seven to 10 years. This was done by Slovakia and the Czech Republic. A major role was played by foreign investors. Their goal was to include local companies in global value chains in order to serve foreign markets and fill domestic ones, where imports dominated," the expert explained.
In his opinion, in order for Ukrainian enterprises to become intermediate, and, in the ideal case, final links in global value chains, political stability, the rule of law, the creation of a high-quality logistics infrastructure and effective tariff and customs regulation are necessary.
"I think it’s important for parliament and government to focus on issues that allow us to see trends in the growth of high-tech exports and lower imports of products that we can very well produce domestically by the end of their cadence," Danylyshyn emphasized.
According to Vitaliy Shapran, a financial analyst and member of the NBU Council, despite poor trade balance, Ukraine ended the year of 2019 on a major note, although this happened mainly due to the influx of funds from Naftogaz. But the revaluation of the hryvnia, which is happening now, accelerates import growth and reduces the volume of exports.
"This cannot go on for too long, we finance the negative trade balance due to the wages and the influx of foreign funds into the government bonds market. The very first change of trends on the international capital market could have a dramatic effect on the hryvnia exchange rate. The NBU needs to intensively increase its foreign exchange reserves and not concentrate operations to replenish them at the end of the year, but rather try to fill up reserves throughout the year, preparing for a possible change in trends," Shapran is convinced.
Leading analyst ith the Institute for Socio-Economic Transformation Slava Cherkashyn assures that while the Ministry of Finance is "pumping" internal government loan bonds and Ukrainian migrant workers are sending $12-14 billion a year to the country, one should not expect any fatal fallout from the growing trade deficit. (By the way, the volume of non-residents' investments in domestic government loan bonds since the beginning of the year has grown by UAH 103.7 billion, or by more than 17 times, to UAH 110.1 billion. It is planned to pay them off within two years).
"Only another record harvest by farmers in 2020 can rectify the situation. But seriously, what is needed is a banal cessation of the cannibal tax policy, a reduction in government intervention in the economy, an active expansion policy in the EU – encouraging exporters, attracting investment. Trade shortages are a cause for concern and systemic decisions, but not for panic. Ukraine has lived with such a balance for years. But this means non-competitiveness of the economy as a whole. Our products cannot, and manufacturers often do not want to explore new foreign markets. The situation is almost impossible to fix right away. At a minimum, an action plan and long-term efforts to implement it are required. The state may try to stimulate this, but it should stop roughly interfering and totally regulating exports," he said.
Economic expert Oleh Pendzin calls what is happening in Ukraine's trade policy expected: "If a country sells raw materials and buys final products, it is hard to expect a different trade balance. In 2019, our compatriots who work abroad transferred more than $12 billion to Ukraine. This money is not an investment in job creation. They go to the consumer market, and for this money, they buy cars, household appliances, everything that we ourselves do not produce, but import. Therefore, when our leaders boast that Ukraine's GDP grew by 3.2%, it would be nice if they could explain what the growth was due to despite the fact that the Ukrainian industry for 11 months fell by 7.5%. Then we would hear that growth was achieved mainly through retail, which grew by more than 11%. In fairness, we need to remember the farmers with their 2.5% growth, thanks to the harvest. But the main contribution to GDP is retail for the money of our people," Pendzin said.
An expert on tax law and financial investigations Sviatoslav Dubyna draws attention to the fact that the negative export-import balance has been observed for 13 consecutive years and, judging by the dynamics, 2019 has not become a turning point. Moreover, last year, the "gap" exceeded the psychological mark of $10 billion. And this indicates that not a single Ukrainian government comprehensively approached this problem.
"Each government, when it comes to government offices, begins by extinguishing fires and tactical actions of interested people who have delegated them to these offices. As a result, we got a constantly stagnating economy with small surges, in the case of an increase in raw material prices, which makes up 60% of Ukraine's exported products. The situation is temporarily held by expats who officially transfer over $11 billion annually and, in fact, are the main investors in Ukraine. With such a structure of the economy, where 40% is agribusiness, about 25% is the product of primary processing of natural resources, and only 15% is industrial production and 15% are high-margin products and services, it is impossible to talk about the prospects for economic development. And we must also take into account that this all makes up 0.13% of the global economy. If we look at the most powerful economy in the world (almost a quarter of the world economy), which is the United States, then there is 1.5% of agribusiness, 25% of production and 70% of services in the structure. That is, the structure of successful countries is services, not the export of raw materials, or even industrial production. We are slipping into becoming an agrarian state, which will a priori sink into debt and lose its international role, which we have been observing for the last decade," the expert noted.
To change such a disappointing picture for Ukraine, deep structural changes are needed in all areas. Now they have accelerated somewhat, but globally do not solve the problem – too much time has been lost.
We need a full-fledged and aggressive state development strategy, but, unfortunately, it is lacking. The main task for the future is maximum processing of raw materials and the release of the final competitive product with its active promotion on foreign markets. To this end, we need a large-scale strategic plan, the "Marshall Plan", so to speak, in all sectors of the country's life. Ukraine needs to determine its role and place in the global economy, and society must answer the question of whether we are ready to change the picture and achieve the right to exist as a state in the future. The window of opportunity is not yet closed.
Nana Chornaya


unian--2020-01-17--Flu kills seven in Ukraine

Flu kills seven in Ukraine

Some cases of type A influenza virus , also known as `` swine flu '' , may be fatal .
@ @ @ @ @ have died of flu since the start of the so-called epidemic season .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ but the number of patients has been growing , '' the TV news service TSN @ @ @ @ @ Infectiologists say that , although four flu strains are common this season , the worst @ @ @ @ @ type A influenza virus , better known as `` swine flu '' , as fatal @ @ @ @ @ Journalists urge all unvaccinated persons who fell ill to immediately consult their doctor and stay @ @ @

Some cases of type A influenza virus, also known as "swine flu", may be fatal.
Seven unvaccinated patients in Ukraine have died of flu since the start of the so-called epidemic season.
"There is no epidemic yet, but the number of patients has been growing," the TV news service TSN reported on January 17.
Read alsoUkraine PM orders audit of vaccine storages across country
Видео дня
Infectiologists say that, although four flu strains are common this season, the worst one for the population is type A influenza virus, better known as "swine flu", as fatal cases were earlier recorded.
Journalists urge all unvaccinated persons who fell ill to immediately consult their doctor and stay at home.


unian--2020-01-17--Ukrainian businesses improve hryvnia rate forecast

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

Ukrainian businesses improve hryvnia rate forecast
13:20, 17.01.20 2970
The share of respondents expecting the rate in the next 12 months to stay within UAH 27 to the dollar has increased to 44% from 32% in the previous quarter.
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unian--2020-01-17--Iranian who obtained video of two missiles striking Ukrainian plane gone into hiding – media

Javad , an Iranian with a love of social media and DIY videos living near Tehran , said he uploaded the security camera footage of the two missiles to YouTube in the early hours of January 14 .
An Iranian man who obtained security camera footage showing that two missiles fired by Iranian military forces brought down a Ukrainian airliner near Tehran last week fears being arrested by authorities and has gone into hiding , the man 's friend who published the now-viral video told BuzzFeed News .
The two-minute-long video , verified by BuzzFeed News , provides the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 on Jan. 8 .
It 's the only piece of footage to show both missiles being launched and striking the Boeing 737 , which is seen falling from the sky over the village of Khalaj Abad moments later .
Other videos published online have shown the plane being struck by one missile before crashing to the ground in a ball of flames , killing all 176 people on board .
A person who posted a video online last week showing one of the missiles striking the plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Revolutionary Guards , according to the semi-official Fars News Agency .
The man who uploaded that video later claimed that the wrong man was arrested and his source who provided the video was safe .
Read alsoUkraine wants to know `` who gave the order '' to shoot down PS752 in Iran – Prystaiko Javad , an Iranian with a love of social media and DIY videos living near Tehran , told BuzzFeed News he uploaded the security camera footage of the two missiles to YouTube in the early hours of January 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then sent him the video after realizing its significance .
BuzzFeed News is not publishing Javad 's surname and withholding the name of his source over concerns for their safety .
Javad said that neither he nor his friend realized the impact the video would have when they discussed uploading it to YouTube .
But shortly after he uploaded the video , it spread across social media and was verified and written about by the New York Times .
News of the arrest of a man who filmed the first missile video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Javad uploaded went viral .
He said that arrest prompted his friend to delete his social media profiles and go underground .
`` Now he has deleted his accounts and does n't want to be shown , for security reasons , '' Javad said .
Javad said rumors are swirling around Tehran that security forces are looking for witnesses who 've published videos and other content about the downing of Flight 752 .
Like his friend , he is scared but does n't plan to delete the video or his profiles on YouTube @ @ @

Javad, an Iranian with a love of social media and DIY videos living near Tehran, said he uploaded the security camera footage of the two missiles to YouTube in the early hours of January 14.
An Iranian man who obtained security camera footage showing that two missiles fired by Iranian military forces brought down a Ukrainian airliner near Tehran last week fears being arrested by authorities and has gone into hiding, the man's friend who published the now-viral video told BuzzFeed News.
The two-minute-long video, verified by BuzzFeed News, provides the most complete visual account yet of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 on Jan. 8. It's the only piece of footage to show both missiles being launched and striking the Boeing 737, which is seen falling from the sky over the village of Khalaj Abad moments later. Other videos published online have shown the plane being struck by one missile before crashing to the ground in a ball of flames, killing all 176 people on board.
A person who posted a video online last week showing one of the missiles striking the plane was taken into custody by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency. The man who uploaded that video later claimed that the wrong man was arrested and his source who provided the video was safe.
Видео дня
Read alsoUkraine wants to know "who gave the order" to shoot down PS752 in Iran – Prystaiko
Javad, an Iranian with a love of social media and DIY videos living near Tehran, told BuzzFeed News he uploaded the security camera footage of the two missiles to YouTube in the early hours of January 14. He said a friend had obtained and then sent him the video after realizing its significance.
BuzzFeed News is not publishing Javad's surname and withholding the name of his source over concerns for their safety. Javad said that neither he nor his friend realized the impact the video would have when they discussed uploading it to YouTube.
But shortly after he uploaded the video, it spread across social media and was verified and written about by the New York Times.
News of the arrest of a man who filmed the first missile video came around the same time the video Javad uploaded went viral. He said that arrest prompted his friend to delete his social media profiles and go underground.
"Now he has deleted his accounts and doesn't want to be shown, for security reasons," Javad said.
Javad said rumors are swirling around Tehran that security forces are looking for witnesses who've published videos and other content about the downing of Flight 752. Like his friend, he is scared but doesn't plan to delete the video or his profiles on YouTube and Twitter.


unian--2020-01-17--Servant the People faction ready to vote for PM Honcharuk's resignation if Zelensky backs it – leade

Servant the People faction ready to vote for PM Honcharuk's resignation if Zelensky backs it – leader

Arakhamia also believes there are no objective reasons for Honcharuk 's resignation .
Chairman of the of Servant the People @ @ @ @ @ said the faction is ready to vote for the resignation of Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy @ @ @ @ @ by President Volodymyr Zelensky .
`` If the president backs the idea of his resignation @ @ @ @ @ we will back it within one day .
If he does n't support it , @ @ @ @ @ we will continue our work , '' Arakhamia told journalists on Rada sidelines , RBC-Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ were no objective reasons for Honcharuk 's resignation .
`` Never change horses midstream .
@ @ @ @ @ It has been formed , there is a government action program , and a new @ @ @ @ @ this program ... We are one team , we do n't have covert arrangements , @ @ @ @

Arakhamia also believes there are no objective reasons for Honcharuk's resignation.
Chairman of the of Servant the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia has said the faction is ready to vote for the resignation of Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk if it is backed by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"If the president backs the idea of his resignation, I guarantee you that we will back it within one day. If he doesn't support it, everything will be fine, we will continue our work," Arakhamia told journalists on Rada sidelines, RBC-Ukraine reports.
Read alsoUkraine's PM Honcharuk submits resignation letter
Видео дня
He said there were no objective reasons for Honcharuk's resignation.
"Never change horses midstream. We have a Cabinet. It has been formed, there is a government action program, and a new budget has been adopted for this program... We are one team, we don't have covert arrangements," Arakhamia added.


unian--2020-01-17--Official hryvnia weakens against U.S. dollar to UAH 24.09 as of Jan 17

Official hryvnia weakens against U.S. dollar to UAH 24.09 as of Jan 17
12:00, 17.01.20 3330
The official forex rate against the euro for Friday is fixed at UAH 26.90 per euro.
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unian--2020-01-17--Kyiv's New Year trade fairs boast of over 4.5 mln visitors

One of them is still operating at Kyiv 's Kontraktova Square .
A total of 4.5 million people visited at least one of Kyiv 's two New Year trade fairs .
The fairs had been set up at St. Sophia Square and Kontraktova Square for the duration of winter holidays , TSN reported .
In particular , 150,000 people celebrated New Year 's Eve at St. Sophia Square , where Ukraine 's main Christmas tree was installed .
It was dismantled on January 14 .
Now kiosks are also being dismantled , where mulled wine was sold among other festive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enters top five most beautiful in Europe The organizers say such early dismantling of the `` New Year Town '' is due to the fact that , approaching the European traditions , the Christmas tree had been installed earlier .
Christmas is over , whereas not all people celebrate the so-called Old New Year ( based on the Julian calendar , on Jan 13-14 ) .
Thus , the authorities decided to close down the fair earlier than usual .
The New Year 's Fair is still operating at Kyiv 's Kontraktova Square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 19 .

One of them is still operating at Kyiv's Kontraktova Square.
A total of 4.5 million people visited at least one of Kyiv's two New Year trade fairs.
The fairs had been set up at St. Sophia Square and Kontraktova Square for the duration of winter holidays, TSN reported.
In particular, 150,000 people celebrated New Year's Eve at St. Sophia Square, where Ukraine's main Christmas tree was installed.
Видео дня
It was dismantled on January 14. Now kiosks are also being dismantled, where mulled wine was sold among other festive goods.
Read alsoKyiv's Christmas tree enters top five most beautiful in Europe
The organizers say such early dismantling of the "New Year Town" is due to the fact that, approaching the European traditions, the Christmas tree had been installed earlier. Christmas is over, whereas not all people celebrate the so-called Old New Year (based on the Julian calendar, on Jan 13-14). Thus, the authorities decided to close down the fair earlier than usual.
The New Year's Fair is still operating at Kyiv's Kontraktova Square. It will be shut down on January 19.


unian--2020-01-17--Ukrainian experts on PS752 crash site were first ones to find out about missile hit

Passengers and crew 's personal belongings , as well as positioning of most of the aircraft 's elements , helped the experts determine the cause of the Boeing 's crash .
Ukrainian experts who had arrived at the UIA Boeing 737-800 passenger jet 's crash site near Tehran airport were the first to figure out what actually brought the plane down , says chief of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise , Oleksandr Ruvin , whose experts were part of a group of Ukrainian experts deployed in Iran in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy .
Ruvin says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belongings , as well as positioning of most of the aircraft 's elements , that helped the experts determine the cause of the Boeing 's crash .
`` We found several tablets , the remains of mobile phones , bags with documents , and bank cards at the wreckage assembly site .
In them , we saw the effect of striking elements and some other factor .
Later , during the inspection of each aircraft detail , we determined and identified the spots where a missile or an explosive device directly hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elements the way they were assembled on the plane .
Then we understood what had happened , and how , '' he said .
Read alsoUkraine wants to know `` who gave the order '' to shoot down PS752 in Iran – Prystaiko Ruvin said the experts had discovered the spots where they saw the strike of missile elements , and came to the corresponding conclusion as early as January 10 .
`` Representatives of the Iranian authorities saw this , many officials arrived , they looked with us and asked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on mobile phones , and said they would deal with this 'tomorrow ' .
We agreed that we would arrive tomorrow morning , at 09:00 .
But they let us to the site only after 11:00 – there were no officials there anymore , it had already been officially announced by then that the plane had been shot down by a missile from the TOR-M1 complex of the Iranian Air Force , '' Ruvin said .
In addition , he said the crash site had not been properly guarded : `` We saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crash site ... Iranians who collected stuff , debris .
Someone took it for scrap and someone kept it . ''
As UNIAN reported earlier , Kyiv-bound UIA flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran 's Imam Khomeini International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday , January 8 .
It was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members on board .
Two passengers and the crew members were Ukrainians .
There were also 82 citizens of Iran , 63 citizens of Canada , 10 citizens of Sweden , four citizens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Kingdom each .
There were no survivors .
On January 11 , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially admitted that the Ukrainian airliner had been shot down by accident as a result of a `` human error . ''

Passengers and crew's personal belongings, as well as positioning of most of the aircraft's elements, helped the experts determine the cause of the Boeing's crash.
Ukrainian experts who had arrived at the UIA Boeing 737-800 passenger jet's crash site near Tehran airport were the first to figure out what actually brought the plane down, says chief of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, Oleksandr Ruvin, whose experts were part of a group of Ukrainian experts deployed in Iran in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
Ruvin says it was passengers and crew's personal belongings, as well as positioning of most of the aircraft's elements, that helped the experts determine the cause of the Boeing's crash.
"We found several tablets, the remains of mobile phones, bags with documents, and bank cards at the wreckage assembly site. In them, we saw the effect of striking elements and some other factor. Later, during the inspection of each aircraft detail, we determined and identified the spots where a missile or an explosive device directly hit the aircraft. We also laid out all the elements the way they were assembled on the plane. Then we understood what had happened, and how," he said.
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Read alsoUkraine wants to know "who gave the order" to shoot down PS752 in Iran – Prystaiko
Ruvin said the experts had discovered the spots where they saw the strike of missile elements, and came to the corresponding conclusion as early as January 10.
"Representatives of the Iranian authorities saw this, many officials arrived, they looked with us and asked to cover everything, not to film anything on mobile phones, and said they would deal with this 'tomorrow'. We agreed that we would arrive tomorrow morning, at 09:00. But they let us to the site only after 11:00 – there were no officials there anymore, it had already been officially announced by then that the plane had been shot down by a missile from the TOR-M1 complex of the Iranian Air Force," Ruvin said.
In addition, he said the crash site had not been properly guarded: "We saw a lot of strange people at the crash site... Iranians who collected stuff, debris. Someone took it for scrap and someone kept it."
As UNIAN reported earlier, Kyiv-bound UIA flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday, January 8. It was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. Two passengers and the crew members were Ukrainians. There were also 82 citizens of Iran, 63 citizens of Canada, 10 citizens of Sweden, four citizens of Afghanistan, three citizens of Germany and the United Kingdom each. There were no survivors.
Read alsoTime: Nations of Iran plane crash victims seek compensation for families
On January 11, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially admitted that the Ukrainian airliner had been shot down by accident as a result of a "human error."


unian--2020-01-17--Big Mac index: U.S. dollar in Ukraine should cost UAH 10

Big Mac index: U.S. dollar in Ukraine should cost UAH 10
11:00, 17.01.20 5730
The Big Mac index, based on the theory of purchasing-power parity, was invented as a lighthearted guide to whether currencies are at their "correct" level.
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unian--2020-01-17--Resolution on bipartisan support for Ukraine introduced to U.S. Congress

Ukraine 's success will only boost U.S. national security interests in the region and globally , legislators said .
The Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Marcy Kaptur , Andy Harris , Mike Quigley , and Brian Fitzpatrick on Thursday introduced a resolution expressing bipartisan support for Ukraine , its people , and the country 's `` democratic trajectory , free from Russian malign influence . ''
`` As Russia ’ s democracy sadly deteriorates before our eyes with President Vladimir Putin 's recent power grab , Ukraine continues to take action strengthening its democratic institutions .
As Members of Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s resilience and accomplishments in the face of Russian aggression .
Ukraine 's success will only boost U.S. national security interests in the region and globally , '' legislators said , according to Voice of America .
Read also '' I do n't trust any word he is now saying '' : FM Prystaiko on Giuliani associate 's statements on Ukraine '' This vital and time sensitive measure reaffirms the United States ' strategic interest in strengthening liberty and democracy in Europe , a feat which is not possible without U.S. support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggression , '' the statement reads .
The resolution was introduced for consideration on the day when the Senate held a ceremony marking the start of the impeachment trial before the actual arguments will get underway next Tuesday , according to CNN .

Ukraine's success will only boost U.S. national security interests in the region and globally, legislators said.
The Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Andy Harris, Mike Quigley, and Brian Fitzpatrick on Thursday introduced a resolution expressing bipartisan support for Ukraine, its people, and the country's "democratic trajectory, free from Russian malign influence."
"As Russia’s democracy sadly deteriorates before our eyes with President Vladimir Putin's recent power grab, Ukraine continues to take action strengthening its democratic institutions. As Members of Congress, we commend the Ukrainian people’s resilience and accomplishments in the face of Russian aggression. Ukraine's success will only boost U.S. national security interests in the region and globally," legislators said, according to Voice of America.
Read also"I don't trust any word he is now saying": FM Prystaiko on Giuliani associate's statements on Ukraine
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"This vital and time sensitive measure reaffirms the United States' strategic interest in strengthening liberty and democracy in Europe, a feat which is not possible without U.S. support for Ukraine in its fight to counter Russian aggression," the statement reads.
The resolution was introduced for consideration on the day when the Senate held a ceremony marking the start of the impeachment trial before the actual arguments will get underway next Tuesday, according to CNN.


unian--2020-01-17--Donbas elections only possible after Russia pulls its troops – U.S. Mission to OSCE

The U.S. notes a continued flow of personnel and military hardware from Russia to the areas of eastern Ukraine beyond government control .
The United States calls for the reinstatement of Ukrainian control of its international border with Russia , U.S .
Permanent Representative to the OSCE , James Gilmore , said in a statement on Russia 's ongoing aggression against Ukraine and illegal occupation of Crimea .
`` Free and fair elections should take place under Ukrainian control and in a secure environment , with Russia-led forces and illegal armed formations withdrawn from Ukraine 's territory , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted a continued flow of personnel and military hardware from Russia to the areas of eastern Ukraine beyond government control .
`` OSCE Observers document an unrestricted flow of train cars , trucks , and military vehicles every day crossing from Russia into Russia-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine .
This unchecked flow of personnel and matériel is a direct challenge to efforts to prepare for free and fair local elections in the Donbas , '' Gilmore said .
`` The United States again calls on Russia to direct its proxies to cease their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as required by Moscow ’ s commitments under the Minsk agreements , '' reads the statement .
As UNIAN reported earlier , President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine must first regain control of the border with Russia before local elections are held in Donbas .
`` The Russian president and I probably have a completely different view on the transfer of the border and on when it 's possible , I 'd say frankly , '' the head of state told a joint press conference with French President Emanuel Macron , German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin following the Normandy Four summit in Paris December 9 .

The U.S. notes a continued flow of personnel and military hardware from Russia to the areas of eastern Ukraine beyond government control.
The United States calls for the reinstatement of Ukrainian control of its international border with Russia, U.S. Permanent Representative to the OSCE, James Gilmore, said in a statement on Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine and illegal occupation of Crimea.
"Free and fair elections should take place under Ukrainian control and in a secure environment, with Russia-led forces and illegal armed formations withdrawn from Ukraine's territory," the statement reads.
Also, the official noted a continued flow of personnel and military hardware from Russia to the areas of eastern Ukraine beyond government control.
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"OSCE Observers document an unrestricted flow of train cars, trucks, and military vehicles every day crossing from Russia into Russia-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine. This unchecked flow of personnel and matériel is a direct challenge to efforts to prepare for free and fair local elections in the Donbas," Gilmore said.
Read alsoEnemy forces launch remotely delivered mines by Ukrainian positions in Donbas – report
"The United States again calls on Russia to direct its proxies to cease their harassment of the Special Monitoring Mission, as required by Moscow’s commitments under the Minsk agreements," reads the statement.
As UNIAN reported earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine must first regain control of the border with Russia before local elections are held in Donbas.
"The Russian president and I probably have a completely different view on the transfer of the border and on when it's possible, I'd say frankly," the head of state told a joint press conference with French President Emanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin following the Normandy Four summit in Paris December 9.


unian--2020-01-17--Ukraine's PM Honcharuk submits resignation letter

The prime minister addressed the recently leaked audio recording of his meeting with government officials , which he called tailored .
Honcharuk emphasized that he had come to the post to carry out the president 's program since he is `` a model of openness and decency . ''
`` However , in order to remove any doubts about our respect and trust in the president , I wrote a letter of resignation and submitted it to the president who can submit it to parliament , '' he wrote on Facebook .
`` He is a man to whom Ukrainians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has every right to evaluate the effectiveness of each member of his team that is changing the country , '' the prime minister said .
`` In recent days , all of you have witnessed events unfolding around leaked files assembled from fragments of government meeting recordings .
Their content artificially creates the impression that my team and I do not respect the president , who is our political leader , '' he added .
Creating such an impression is `` beneficial to many influence groups that seek access to financial flows , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is not true . ''
Honcharuk also said the government had prepared a serious foundation for the country 's development in 2020 , and listed the main areas .
`` 1 .
Next week we are launching the first state-owned online service package that will make people 's lives easier from now on .
This is the first step , which is by no means the last .
2 .
From February 1 , an affordable lending program for entrepreneurs will be launched at 5/7/9 % , and our goal is mortgage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
3 .
From March 1 , we will launch our Big Construction program , which will allow repairing and building over 4,000 km of roads , ensuring quality upgrade of 100 schools , 100 kindergartens , 100 stadiums , and 200 emergency rooms .
4 .
We have adopted a healthcare guarantee program .
From April 1 , the government will fully compensate for the cost of childbirth , treatment of stroke , heart attack .
We expanded the Affordable Medicine program , which now includes insulin .
5 .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprofitable non-strategic enterprises , and this adds about UAH 12 billion ( US $ 495.8 million ) to the state budget .
6 .
The government will no longer overpay for external and internal obligations .
Over the past month , we have attracted resources at 2.22 % in euros and 9.88 % in hryvnias .
This is the best indicator for the last 10 years and an important factor for the growth of the entire economy , '' Honcharuk said .
According to the prime minister , `` segment by segment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restarting the entire economy . ''
Honcharuk says the main challenge is that the government must finally overcome corruption in the public sector .
`` As for our team , I 'll say frankly : this is a team of decent people .
That is why I wo n't stop repeating this message : there 's no corruption at the top government level .
If any manifestations remained in place at lower levels , it was only because we had n't yet managed to get to them , '' Honcharuk said .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroy within a few months those criminal schemes that had been built for decades .
`` The main thing is that we do n't have the right to stop , and we wo n't stop , no matter how much our opponents , who used to dwell in the shade , would want us to .
Therefore , they use every opportunity to destroy people 's trust in government , '' the prime minister said .
Read alsoPM Honcharuk on leaked audio recordings allegedly with his voice : `` You do not scare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning said Volodymyr Zelensky would consider the resignation letter .
The decision will be announced separately .

The prime minister addressed the recently leaked audio recording of his meeting with government officials, which he called tailored.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk on Friday, January 17, announced resignation.
Honcharuk emphasized that he had come to the post to carry out the president's program since he is "a model of openness and decency."
"However, in order to remove any doubts about our respect and trust in the president, I wrote a letter of resignation and submitted it to the president who can submit it to parliament," he wrote on Facebook.
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"He is a man to whom Ukrainians have expressed unprecedented confidence. And he has every right to evaluate the effectiveness of each member of his team that is changing the country," the prime minister said.
The prime minister addressed the recently leaked audio recordings.
"In recent days, all of you have witnessed events unfolding around leaked files assembled from fragments of government meeting recordings. Their content artificially creates the impression that my team and I do not respect the president, who is our political leader," he added.
Creating such an impression is "beneficial to many influence groups that seek access to financial flows," Honcharuk stated, adding that "this is not true."
Honcharuk also said the government had prepared a serious foundation for the country's development in 2020, and listed the main areas.
"1. Next week we are launching the first state-owned online service package that will make people's lives easier from now on. This is the first step, which is by no means the last.
2. From February 1, an affordable lending program for entrepreneurs will be launched at 5/7/9%, and our goal is mortgage at 11-12% effective starting this autumn.
3. From March 1, we will launch our Big Construction program, which will allow repairing and building over 4,000 km of roads, ensuring quality upgrade of 100 schools, 100 kindergartens, 100 stadiums, and 200 emergency rooms.
4. We have adopted a healthcare guarantee program. From April 1, the government will fully compensate for the cost of childbirth, treatment of stroke, heart attack. We expanded the Affordable Medicine program, which now includes insulin.
5. We have prepared to launch privatization of over 500 unprofitable non-strategic enterprises, and this adds about UAH 12 billion (US$495.8 million) to the state budget.
6. The government will no longer overpay for external and internal obligations. Over the past month, we have attracted resources at 2.22% in euros and 9.88% in hryvnias. This is the best indicator for the last 10 years and an important factor for the growth of the entire economy," Honcharuk said.
According to the prime minister, "segment by segment, market by market – we are gradually restarting the entire economy."
Honcharuk says the main challenge is that the government must finally overcome corruption in the public sector.
"As for our team, I'll say frankly: this is a team of decent people. That is why I won't stop repeating this message: there's no corruption at the top government level. If any manifestations remained in place at lower levels, it was only because we hadn't yet managed to get to them," Honcharuk said.
He regretted that it was rather difficult to destroy within a few months those criminal schemes that had been built for decades.
"The main thing is that we don't have the right to stop, and we won't stop, no matter how much our opponents, who used to dwell in the shade, would want us to. Therefore, they use every opportunity to destroy people's trust in government," the prime minister said.
Read alsoPM Honcharuk on leaked audio recordings allegedly with his voice: "You do not scare us"
The President's Office Friday morning said Volodymyr Zelensky would consider the resignation letter. The decision will be announced separately.


unian--2020-01-17--Ukraine reports one KIA amid 12 enemy attacks in Donbas on Jan 16

From 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on Friday , January 17 , Russian-led forces were observing the ceasefire .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ January 16 mounted 12 attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , @ @ @ @ @ as killed in action ( KIA ) .
`` The armed forces of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ times on January 16 .
One Ukrainian soldier was killed as a result of enemy @ @ @ @ @ center of Ukraine 's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said in an update posted on Facebook @ @ @ @ @ on January 17 .
The enemy engaged Ukrainiain troops with proscribed 152mm and 122mm artillery @ @ @ @ @ mortars , grenade launchers of various types , heavy machine guns , and small arms @ @ @ @ @ enemy employed sniper fire .
Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the villages of Novotroyitske @ @ @ @ @ Myronivske , Luhanske , Novozvanivka , Orikhove , and Zaitseve .
From 00:00 to 07:00 @ @ @ @ @ January 17 , Russian-led forces were observing the ceasefire .

From 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on Friday, January 17, Russian-led forces were observing the ceasefire.
Russia's hybrid military forces on January 16 mounted 12 attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA).
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 12 times on January 16. One Ukrainian soldier was killed as a result of enemy shelling," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said in an update posted on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 17.
Read alsoDonbas settlement talks: parties agree on new disengagement area
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The enemy engaged Ukrainiain troops with proscribed 152mm and 122mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms. In addition, the enemy employed sniper fire.
Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the villages of Novotroyitske, Travneve, Novotoshkivske, Myronivske, Luhanske, Novozvanivka, Orikhove, and Zaitseve.
From 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on Friday, January 17, Russian-led forces were observing the ceasefire.


unian--2020-01-17--Donbas settlement talks: parties agree on new disengagement area

The Ukrainian side proposed to withdraw forces near the railway bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska , near Avdiyivka , Novoselytsia 2 , and at the Hnutove checkpoint .
Ukrainian and Russian officials during another round of Minsk talks on Donbas settlement Thursday , January 16 , discussed nine possible sites in the Donbas warzone for disengagement of forces , but only one was ultimately agreed .
The Ukrainian side insists on disengagement in the area of the railway bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska , near Avdiyivka , Novoselytsia 2 , and in the vicinity of the Hnutove checkpoint , hromadske reported with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Contact Group in Minsk .
Read alsoSBU busts `` LPR '' attempt to recruit official from Ukraine 's Justice Ministry For its part , Russia is insisting on forces withdrawal in the area of Shchastia , Veselohorivka , Rassadky , Shyrokiny , near Avdiyivka and the Hnutove checkpoint .
As a result , the parties ultimately agreed only on the disengagement of forces near the Hnutove checkpoint , one of the sources told hromadske .
The parties shared the coordinates with the OSCE and agreed to hold their next meeting on January 29 @ @ @

The Ukrainian side proposed to withdraw forces near the railway bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska, near Avdiyivka, Novoselytsia 2, and at the Hnutove checkpoint.
Ukrainian and Russian officials during another round of Minsk talks on Donbas settlement Thursday, January 16, discussed nine possible sites in the Donbas warzone for disengagement of forces, but only one was ultimately agreed.
The Ukrainian side insists on disengagement in the area of the railway bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska, near Avdiyivka, Novoselytsia 2, and in the vicinity of the Hnutove checkpoint, hromadske reported with reference to two sources in the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk.
Read alsoSBU busts "LPR" attempt to recruit official from Ukraine's Justice Ministry
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For its part, Russia is insisting on forces withdrawal in the area of Shchastia, Veselohorivka, Rassadky, Shyrokiny, near Avdiyivka and the Hnutove checkpoint.
As a result, the parties ultimately agreed only on the disengagement of forces near the Hnutove checkpoint, one of the sources told hromadske.
The parties shared the coordinates with the OSCE and agreed to hold their next meeting on January 29, 2020.


unian--2020-01-17--Ukraine wants to know "who gave the order" to shoot down PS752 in Iran – Prystaiko

It was MFA Ukraine 's work that made Iranian officials cooperate in the crash probe , the top diplomat says .
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko has told CNN about the efforts of the Ukrainian side in the aftermath of the Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 crash near Tehran Airport in the early hours of January 8. ''
I had the talk with ministers of foreign affairs of Iran the first days and he never mentioned that it was -- the plane was shot down by the rocket .
Now , at least , we have this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the families of the perished ones .
So , we are starting as the nation – grieving nations , this coalition of nations from this point and we hope that we 'll be able to bring to criminal accountability the perpetrators of this crime .
And we are not just talking about some poor soldier who pushed the button .
We made it clear when President Zelensky talked to President Rouhani that we want to know who gave the order , the whole link .
We have to find out who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Prystaiko told CNN .
According to Prystaiko , it was MFA Ukraine 's work that made Iranian officials cooperate in the crash probe .
`` We understand that our message and the message of the international community are coming through and that 's what 's made the Iranians cooperate .
I can tell you that we have good cooperation right now .
The practical level , people working throughout the day , 24 hours a day , the technicians , the experts on both sides .
We have our team be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our effort .
The site is cleared , which we had the problem .
We now have access to everything we needed .
We managed to identify bodies , at least Ukrainians .
And we are ready to repatriation .
By the way , we are offering now assistance for other nations for repatriation , '' said the minister .
The last missing piece in this equation Prystaiko named the access to data stored in black box flight recorders .
`` We 've been told by Iranians that we will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's discussion raised from I do n't know where that it can be sealed on in Iranian territory .
It 's not a big deal where it would be done .
We just want to know that nobody is tampering with the recordings and we have right expertise on hands when it 's done , '' the top diplomat said .
Read alsoUkraine wants Iran to hand over PS752 flight recorders Asked whether the Ukrainian government wants its officials or others internationals to be present when this black box is investigated and decoded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the perfect way would be to have black boxes physically on Ukrainian territory because the crashed plane was operated by a Ukrainian carrier .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Kyiv-bound UIA flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran 's Imam Khomeini International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday , January 8 .
It was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members on board .
Two passengers and the crew members were Ukrainians .
There were also 82 citizens of Iran , 63 citizens of Canada , 10 citizens of Sweden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Germany and the United Kingdom each .
There were no survivors .
On January 11 , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially admitted that the Ukrainian airliner had been shot down by accident as a result of a `` human error . ''

It was MFA Ukraine's work that made Iranian officials cooperate in the crash probe, the top diplomat says.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko has told CNN about the efforts of the Ukrainian side in the aftermath of the Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 crash near Tehran Airport in the early hours of January 8.
" I had the talk with ministers of foreign affairs of Iran the first days and he never mentioned that it was -- the plane was shot down by the rocket. Now, at least, we have this piece, which is bringing some peace to the families of the perished ones. So, we are starting as the nation – grieving nations, this coalition of nations from this point and we hope that we'll be able to bring to criminal accountability the perpetrators of this crime. And we are not just talking about some poor soldier who pushed the button. We made it clear when President Zelensky talked to President Rouhani that we want to know who gave the order, the whole link. We have to find out who is responsible for the deaths of our people," Prystaiko told CNN.
According to Prystaiko, it was MFA Ukraine's work that made Iranian officials cooperate in the crash probe.
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"We understand that our message and the message of the international community are coming through and that's what's made the Iranians cooperate. I can tell you that we have good cooperation right now. The practical level, people working throughout the day, 24 hours a day, the technicians, the experts on both sides. We have our team be working. We have now Canadians joined our effort. The site is cleared, which we had the problem. We now have access to everything we needed. We managed to identify bodies, at least Ukrainians. And we are ready to repatriation. By the way, we are offering now assistance for other nations for repatriation," said the minister.
The last missing piece in this equation Prystaiko named the access to data stored in black box flight recorders. "We've been told by Iranians that we will be able to repatriate the boxes. Now, there's discussion raised from I don't know where that it can be sealed on in Iranian territory. It's not a big deal where it would be done. We just want to know that nobody is tampering with the recordings and we have right expertise on hands when it's done," the top diplomat said.
Read alsoUkraine wants Iran to hand over PS752 flight recorders
Asked whether the Ukrainian government wants its officials or others internationals to be present when this black box is investigated and decoded, Prystaiko answered affirmatively, adding that the perfect way would be to have black boxes physically on Ukrainian territory because the crashed plane was operated by a Ukrainian carrier.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Kyiv-bound UIA flight PS752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday, January 8. It was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members on board. Two passengers and the crew members were Ukrainians. There were also 82 citizens of Iran, 63 citizens of Canada, 10 citizens of Sweden, four citizens of Afghanistan, three citizens of Germany and the United Kingdom each. There were no survivors.
On January 11, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially admitted that the Ukrainian airliner had been shot down by accident as a result of a "human error."


unian--2020-01-16--"I don't trust any word he is now saying": FM Prystaiko on Giuliani associate's statements on Ukrain

"I don't trust any word he is now saying": FM Prystaiko on Giuliani associate's statements on Ukraine

What Ukraine is trying to tell the Americans , Prystaiko said , is that the government is `` so happy '' to have bipartisan support and that they would be glad if it was preserved .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko spoke with CNN 's Christiane Amanpour on Thursday following a claim by Soviet-born businessman Lev Parnas that President Trump was directly involved through his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani in an alleged quid pro quo with Ukraine .
`` I never spoke with this individual [ Lev Parnas ] .
And , again , frankly , I do n't trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ukraine 's top diplomat told CNN .
Prystaiko noted that the provision of military aid in question is reviewed by the United States once every six months .
`` We knew that this assistance is to be reviewed sometimes '' , Prystaiko said , adding that it could be cut depending on how Ukraine fulfills its obligations .
`` Sometimes it is raised , which we are now observing .
At the end of the year , we will have received even more than it was planned , '' the minister explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know personally , is now trying to save his own case and , again , I do n't trust what he 's saying .
And I was so tired of questions about our role in impeachment , '' Prystaiko added .
What Ukraine is trying to tell the Americans , Prystaiko said , is that the government is `` so happy '' to have bipartisan support and that they would be glad if it was preserved .
Read alsoTrump threatened Zelensky to freeze all aid to Ukraine if probe into Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associate '' I was there during all meetings and conversations [ of President Zelensky ] – by telephone and in person – with President Trump and I can tell you in all certainty that he [ President Trump ] never mentioned that we had to do something [ … ] We are not going to intervene because of some political gains .
We told them if you got information , send it through the official channels , which is through the prosecutor general 's office .
You have your prosecutor general , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperate , and if there 's anything to be investigated , let 's investigate this , '' said the foreign minister .
As reported earlier , a phone conversation between presidents of the United States and Ukraine Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in July 2019 led to a scandal in the United States .
Trump was accused of exerting pressure on Zelensky to give a fresh impetus to the investigation into Hunter Biden , son of Trump 's potential rival in the 2020 presidential election , former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. House of Representatives voted to start the impeachment procedure .
Donald Trump is being charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress investigation .

What Ukraine is trying to tell the Americans, Prystaiko said, is that the government is "so happy" to have bipartisan support and that they would be glad if it was preserved.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko spoke with CNN's Christiane Amanpour on Thursday following a claim by Soviet-born businessman Lev Parnas that President Trump was directly involved through his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani in an alleged quid pro quo with Ukraine.
"I never spoke with this individual [Lev Parnas]. And, again, frankly, I don't trust any word he is now saying," Ukraine's top diplomat told CNN.
Prystaiko noted that the provision of military aid in question is reviewed by the United States once every six months.
Видео дня
"We knew that this assistance is to be reviewed sometimes", Prystaiko said, adding that it could be cut depending on how Ukraine fulfills its obligations. "Sometimes it is raised, which we are now observing. At the end of the year, we will have received even more than it was planned," the minister explained.
"This individual, whom I don't know personally, is now trying to save his own case and, again, I don't trust what he's saying. And I was so tired of questions about our role in impeachment," Prystaiko added.
What Ukraine is trying to tell the Americans, Prystaiko said, is that the government is "so happy" to have bipartisan support and that they would be glad if it was preserved.
Read alsoTrump threatened Zelensky to freeze all aid to Ukraine if probe into Joe Biden wasn't announced – Giuliani's associate
"I was there during all meetings and conversations [of President Zelensky] – by telephone and in person – with President Trump and I can tell you in all certainty that he [President Trump] never mentioned that we had to do something […] We are not going to intervene because of some political gains. We told them if you got information, send it through the official channels, which is through the prosecutor general's office. You have your prosecutor general, we have ours. Let them talk, cooperate, and if there's anything to be investigated, let's investigate this," said the foreign minister.
As reported earlier, a phone conversation between presidents of the United States and Ukraine Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in July 2019 led to a scandal in the United States.
Trump was accused of exerting pressure on Zelensky to give a fresh impetus to the investigation into Hunter Biden, son of Trump's potential rival in the 2020 presidential election, former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
Due to the scandal in mid-December, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to start the impeachment procedure. Donald Trump is being charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress investigation.


unian--2020-01-16--Rada passes "tax terror bill", on sixth anniversary of "dictatorship laws"

Rada passes "tax terror bill", on sixth anniversary of "dictatorship laws"
22:30, 16.01.20 12613
New legislation may lead to a loss of 1% of the country's GDP, experts warn.
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unian--2020-01-16--OSINT group comments on possible expansion of Russian aggression across Ukraine

The Kremlin pursues subversive activities in various directions .
Russian President Vladimir Putin never abandoned plans to seize part of @ @ @ @ @ OSINT group coordinator Kostiantyn Mashovets .
Following his statements voiced at a press conference in @ @ @ @ @ Russian territories '' of the Black Sea littoral and eastern Ukraine , the Russian leader @ @ @ @ @ , Mashovets told Obozrevatel , a Ukrainian online outlet .
`` For the Kremlin , @ @ @ @ @ , so they will address it in a comprehensive , mainly hybrid way , as @ @ @ @ @ Donbas , '' the military expert says .
It will be a combination , he @ @ @ @ @ , political , economic , social and , above all , information-psychological factors of influence @ @ @ @ @ subversive activities in various directions : `` The most vulnerable regions are southeastern ones , @ @ @ @ @ continued hybrid aggression , and from a military perspective , almost the entire territory [ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

The Kremlin pursues subversive activities in various directions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin never abandoned plans to seize part of Ukraine, says Information Resistance OSINT group coordinator Kostiantyn Mashovets.
Following his statements voiced at a press conference in December on the "original Russian territories" of the Black Sea littoral and eastern Ukraine, the Russian leader could go for concrete steps, Mashovets told Obozrevatel, a Ukrainian online outlet.
"For the Kremlin, this is a comprehensive issue, so they will address it in a comprehensive, mainly hybrid way, as it was in Crimea and Donbas," the military expert says.
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Read alsoRussia reviving ISIS threat in Europe – OSINT group
It will be a combination, he added, of "military, political, economic, social and, above all, information-psychological factors of influence."
The Kremlin pursues subversive activities in various directions: "The most vulnerable regions are southeastern ones, this is in terms of continued hybrid aggression, and from a military perspective, almost the entire territory [of Ukraine] remains vulnerable."


unian--2020-01-16--Fresh stats released on meat, eggs, milk output in Ukraine

Fresh stats released on meat, eggs, milk output in Ukraine
21:10, 16.01.20 1641
The report does not take into account temporarily occupied territories of Donbas and the illegally annexed Crimea.
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unian--2020-01-16--Enemy forces launch remotely delivered mines by Ukrainian positions in Donbas – report

The mine sets off once someone trips over one of the four thin nylon wires up to 10 meters long @ @ @ @ @ eastern Ukraine 's Donbas have been launching remotely delivered mines ( RDGs ) near the @ @ @ @ @ , the Joint Forces Operation HQ reports .
`` Russian armed groups are remotely delivering @ @ @ @ @ to the positions of the Joint Forces between the settlements of Orikhove and Zolote-5 , @ @ @ @ @ referring to data provided by the Ukrainian delegates to the Joint Ceasefire Control and Coordination @ @ @ @ @ to the JCCC says the enemy employs POM-2 anti-personnel mines with a self-destruction period of @ @ @ @ @ an average of 23-24 hours ) .
It is noted that there are modifications of @ @ @ @ @ The enemy uses RPG-7 grenade launchers to launch modernized PG-7 RDGs .
`` The kill @ @ @ @ @ meters .
A mine detonates once someone trips over one of the four thin nylon @ @ @ @ @ long , '' the report says .

The mine sets off once someone trips over one of the four thin nylon wires up to 10 meters long.
Russian occupation forces in eastern Ukraine's Donbas have been launching remotely delivered mines (RDGs) near the settlements of Zolote-5 and Orikhove, the Joint Forces Operation HQ reports.
"Russian armed groups are remotely delivering mines to the areas close to the positions of the Joint Forces between the settlements of Orikhove and Zolote-5," said the report, referring to data provided by the Ukrainian delegates to the Joint Ceasefire Control and Coordination Center.
Read alsoRussian-led forces planting proscribed anti-personnel landmines in Donbas – Def. Ministry
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The Ukrainian side to the JCCC says the enemy employs POM-2 anti-personnel mines with a self-destruction period of four to 100 hours (an average of 23-24 hours).
It is noted that there are modifications of mines without self-destruction mode.
The enemy uses RPG-7 grenade launchers to launch modernized PG-7 RDGs.
"The kill zone is up to 16 meters. A mine detonates once someone trips over one of the four thin nylon wires, each 10 meters long," the report says.


unian--2020-01-16--Time: Nations of Iran plane crash victims seek compensation for families

The victims included 57 Canadian citizens as well as 11 Ukrainians , 17 people from Sweden , four Afghans and four British citizens , as well as Iranians .
The governments of countries that lost citizens when Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner demanded Thursday that Tehran accept `` full responsibility '' and pay compensation to the victims ' families .
The foreign ministers of Canada , the UK , Afghanistan , Sweden , and Ukraine issued the statement on after a meeting at the Canadian High Commission , according to Time .
All 176 people aboard the Ukraine International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by ballistic missiles shortly after taking off from Tehran 's Imam Khomeini International Airport on January 8 .
The victims included 57 Canadian citizens as well as 11 Ukrainians , 17 people from Sweden , four Afghans and four British citizens , as well as Iranians .
`` We are here to pursue closure , accountability , transparency and justice '' for the victims , Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said in London .
Read alsoIran lied about shooting down PS752 to defend national security , general says He said Iran had accepted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would reveal the `` exact cause '' and who was responsible .
Iran initially blamed a technical fault before acknowledging in the face of mounting evidence that its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard had accidentally brought down the jetliner .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for a `` comprehensive , transparent and independent international investigation '' of the crash .
The downing of the plane came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States over the killing of Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike .
Iran fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in retaliation for his death .
American allies have avoided blaming the Trump administration , but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the crash victims would be alive today if tensions had not escalated in the region .
`` If there was no escalation recently in the region , those Canadians would be right now home with their families .
This is something that happens when you have conflict and the war .
Innocents bear the brunt of it , '' Trudeau told Global News Television this week .

The victims included 57 Canadian citizens as well as 11 Ukrainians, 17 people from Sweden, four Afghans and four British citizens, as well as Iranians.
The governments of countries that lost citizens when Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner demanded Thursday that Tehran accept "full responsibility" and pay compensation to the victims' families.
The foreign ministers of Canada, the UK, Afghanistan, Sweden, and Ukraine issued the statement on after a meeting at the Canadian High Commission, according to Time.
All 176 people aboard the Ukraine International Airlines died when it was brought down by ballistic missiles shortly after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport on January 8.
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The victims included 57 Canadian citizens as well as 11 Ukrainians, 17 people from Sweden, four Afghans and four British citizens, as well as Iranians.
"We are here to pursue closure, accountability, transparency and justice" for the victims, Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said in London.
Read alsoIran lied about shooting down PS752 to defend national security, general says
He said Iran had accepted responsibility, but only a full investigation would reveal the "exact cause" and who was responsible.
Iran initially blamed a technical fault before acknowledging in the face of mounting evidence that its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard had accidentally brought down the jetliner.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for a "comprehensive, transparent and independent international investigation" of the crash.
The downing of the plane came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States over the killing of Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike. Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops in retaliation for his death.
Read alsoNew video shows two Iranian missiles hit Ukrainian plane – NYT
American allies have avoided blaming the Trump administration, but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the crash victims would be alive today if tensions had not escalated in the region.
"If there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families. This is something that happens when you have conflict and the war. Innocents bear the brunt of it," Trudeau told Global News Television this week.


unian--2020-01-16--In Ukraine, price of imported gas drops to $176 per 1,000 cubic meters

In Ukraine, price of imported gas drops to $176 per 1,000 cubic meters
19:50, 16.01.20 2199
The average price of imported gas in November stood at $177.38.
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unian--2020-01-16--Parliament in Ukraine approves return of country's delegation to PACE

The Rada tasked the Ukrainian delegation with encouraging Russia to fulfill its international obligations .
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine , the country 's parliament , on Thursday adopted a statement on the return of its delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in 2020 , according to an UNIAN correspondent .
The statement says the Verkhovna Rada instructed its permanent delegation to PACE , realizing the country 's right as a full member of the Council of Europe , to submit credentials to participate in the PACE annual session in 2020 .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member states to increase efforts to encourage the Russian side to fulfill its international obligations as a member of the CoE , including the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the Assembly , in order to restore respect on the part of Russia for the principles of international law , including territorial integrity and inviolability of borders in Europe .
The Verkhovna Rada also called for measures to resume effective and full-fledged monitoring by PACE of the Russian Federation 's fulfillment of the obligations defined by PACE Conclusion No .
193 ( 1996 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclusively by peaceful means , the settlement of border issues on the basis of international law , and the refusal to extend to individual countries the zones of their special influence , the withdrawal of troops from the territory of Moldova , compliance with international humanitarian law , and the like .
In addition , the document states the need for Russia to ratify the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in accordance with the obligations Russia undertook upon accession to the Council of Europe , as indicated in PACE Opinion No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Verkhovna Rada also asked the Ukrainian delegation to PACE to submit to parliament a report on the results of participation in PACE 2020 to further determine the forms and methods of achieving the goals and objectives of the Assembly for the next period .
The statement said that the purpose of the Ukrainian delegation 's participation in the PACE is to prevent the retaining of the existing situation in Europe resulting from the aggressive foreign policy of the Russian Federation , to bring objective information about the unlawful acts committed by the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ukraine 's efforts to end armed aggression by a CoE member state and tackle its consequences , as well as prevent the use of the PACE platform to spread false narratives about the situation in Ukraine .
Read alsoUkraine to resume work in PACE : Rada considering resolution on participation It is noted that the delegation of Ukraine , in cooperation with partners , will make efforts to promote the implementation of a positive agenda in order to help the Assembly achieve goals defined by the Charter of the Council of Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of law , and protecting human rights and freedoms in Europe .
The Rada resolutely rejects any possibility for the Ukrainian delegation to support any PACE decisions that could contradict the statutory goals or undermine their achievements , and also emphasizes the need to develop proposals to strengthen PACE 's institutional capacities and autonomy in responding to violations by its member states of statutory and contractual obligations , as well as , in the broader sense , of all resolutions and recommendations of the Assembly .
As UNIAN reported earlier , the PACE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the right to vote and excluded its representatives from all of the Assembly 's governing bodies over the annexation of Crimea .
In this regard , Russia has not paid contributions to the Council of Europe since June 2017 .
Many PACE members and politicians considered such actions of Russia blackmail .
On June 25 , 2019 , the PACE adopted a resolution , abolishing the mechanism for imposing sanctions , which had been in force at the PACE before .
On June 26 , 2019 , the PACE supported a resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without imposing any sanctions .
Read alsoChallenges of 2020 : Verkhovna Rada as detonator of unification or split Protesting the move , delegations of Estonia , Georgia , Latvia , Lithuania , Poland , Slovakia , and Ukraine cut short their participation in the summer session .
The new delegation of Ukraine to the PACE officially refused to participate in the organization 's autumn session over the Russian Federation 's return .

The Rada tasked the Ukrainian delegation with encouraging Russia to fulfill its international obligations.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the country's parliament, on Thursday adopted a statement on the return of its delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in 2020, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
The statement says the Verkhovna Rada instructed its permanent delegation to PACE, realizing the country's right as a full member of the Council of Europe, to submit credentials to participate in the PACE annual session in 2020.
At the same time, parliamentarians called on Council of Europe member states to increase efforts to encourage the Russian side to fulfill its international obligations as a member of the CoE, including the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the Assembly, in order to restore respect on the part of Russia for the principles of international law, including territorial integrity and inviolability of borders in Europe.
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The Verkhovna Rada also called for measures to resume effective and full-fledged monitoring by PACE of the Russian Federation's fulfillment of the obligations defined by PACE Conclusion No. 193 (1996), including the resolution of international disputes exclusively by peaceful means, the settlement of border issues on the basis of international law, and the refusal to extend to individual countries the zones of their special influence, the withdrawal of troops from the territory of Moldova, compliance with international humanitarian law, and the like.
In addition, the document states the need for Russia to ratify the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in accordance with the obligations Russia undertook upon accession to the Council of Europe, as indicated in PACE Opinion No. 193 (1996).
The Verkhovna Rada also asked the Ukrainian delegation to PACE to submit to parliament a report on the results of participation in PACE 2020 to further determine the forms and methods of achieving the goals and objectives of the Assembly for the next period.
The statement said that the purpose of the Ukrainian delegation's participation in the PACE is to prevent the retaining of the existing situation in Europe resulting from the aggressive foreign policy of the Russian Federation, to bring objective information about the unlawful acts committed by the Russian Federation in the occupied territories of Ukraine and Ukraine's efforts to end armed aggression by a CoE member state and tackle its consequences, as well as prevent the use of the PACE platform to spread false narratives about the situation in Ukraine.
Read alsoUkraine to resume work in PACE: Rada considering resolution on participation
It is noted that the delegation of Ukraine, in cooperation with partners, will make efforts to promote the implementation of a positive agenda in order to help the Assembly achieve goals defined by the Charter of the Council of Europe, namely strengthening democracy and the rule of law, and protecting human rights and freedoms in Europe.
The Rada resolutely rejects any possibility for the Ukrainian delegation to support any PACE decisions that could contradict the statutory goals or undermine their achievements, and also emphasizes the need to develop proposals to strengthen PACE's institutional capacities and autonomy in responding to violations by its member states of statutory and contractual obligations, as well as, in the broader sense, of all resolutions and recommendations of the Assembly.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the PACE in April 2014 deprived the Russian delegation of the right to vote and excluded its representatives from all of the Assembly's governing bodies over the annexation of Crimea.
In this regard, Russia has not paid contributions to the Council of Europe since June 2017.
Many PACE members and politicians considered such actions of Russia blackmail.
On June 25, 2019, the PACE adopted a resolution, abolishing the mechanism for imposing sanctions, which had been in force at the PACE before. On June 26, 2019, the PACE supported a resolution approving the credentials of the Russian delegation without imposing any sanctions.
Read alsoChallenges of 2020: Verkhovna Rada as detonator of unification or split
Protesting the move, delegations of Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine cut short their participation in the summer session.
The new delegation of Ukraine to the PACE officially refused to participate in the organization's autumn session over the Russian Federation's return.


unian--2020-01-16--International treaties not to be enforced in Russia if they contradict Constitution – Putin

Earlier , Putin delivered his annual address to the Federal Assembly , proposing amendments to the Russian Constitution .
Russian President Vladimir Putin says international treaties will not be enforced on the territory of the Russian Federation if they contradict the Constitution .
`` I know that proposals related to strengthening Russia 's sovereignty and increasing the role of our Constitution in the national legal system received support of parliamentarians , public associations , and citizens , '' Putin said at a meeting with members of the working group on drafting Constitutional amendments , according to an UNIAN correspondent in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the changes would be no different from the norms adopted by other states where Constitution is above international law .
According to him , the Russian Federation will not shy away from a situation where an international treaty has `` priority over Russian laws , '' while this does not relate to the Constitution .
`` If any [ international ] agreement is contrary to the Constitution , it should not be concluded , and if it has been concluded , and we find that there is a violation of the Constitution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory of the Russian Federation , '' Putin added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , on January 15 , Putin delivered his annual address to the Federal Assembly , proposing amendments to the Russian Constitution .
Among other things , Putin proposed approving priority of the Constitution over international treaties .
The new version of the Basic Law with supposedly limited powers of the president should enter into force upon the expiration of Putin 's cadence in 2024 .

Earlier, Putin delivered his annual address to the Federal Assembly, proposing amendments to the Russian Constitution.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says international treaties will not be enforced on the territory of the Russian Federation if they contradict the Constitution.
"I know that proposals related to strengthening Russia's sovereignty and increasing the role of our Constitution in the national legal system received support of parliamentarians, public associations, and citizens," Putin said at a meeting with members of the working group on drafting Constitutional amendments, according to an UNIAN correspondent in Russia.
Also, Putin said that the changes would be no different from the norms adopted by other states where Constitution is above international law.
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According to him, the Russian Federation will not shy away from a situation where an international treaty has "priority over Russian laws," while this does not relate to the Constitution.
Read alsoRussian government resigns after Putin proposes constitutional changes
"If any [international] agreement is contrary to the Constitution, it should not be concluded, and if it has been concluded, and we find that there is a violation of the Constitution, it will have no force in the territory of the Russian Federation," Putin added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, on January 15, Putin delivered his annual address to the Federal Assembly, proposing amendments to the Russian Constitution.
Among other things, Putin proposed approving priority of the Constitution over international treaties.
The new version of the Basic Law with supposedly limited powers of the president should enter into force upon the expiration of Putin's cadence in 2024.


unian--2020-01-16--Iran lied about shooting down PS752 to defend national security, general says

He appears to have meant that Iranian missile defense would have been compromised by a lack of confidence in itself after making such a catastrophic error , rather than any technical fault to stop their equipment working .
An Iranian general defended his government 's decision to lie for days about whether it shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet , killing 176 people .
General Amir Ali Hajizadeh , whose troops oversaw the missile system that shot down Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 , said that Iran covered it up to defend national security , Business Insider reports .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , according to the Associated Press ( AP ) .
Hajizadeh said that Iran denied the shoot-down `` for the betterment of our country 's security , because if we had said this , our air defense system would have become crippled and our guys would have had doubted everything . ''
He appears to have meant that Iranian missile defense would have been compromised by a lack of confidence in itself after making such a catastrophic error , rather than any technical fault to stop their equipment working .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought down PS752 – media Hajizadeh is part of Iran 's Revolutionary Guard Corps , a powerful paramilitary force which answers directly to the country 's supreme leader and is considered more hardline than its elected government .
His remarks are a significant turnaround from four days ago , when he said publicly that he felt such shame over the shootdown that `` I wish I could die . ''
It was a Revolutionary Guard missile system which fired at flight 752 , a Boeing 737-800 , minutes after it took off in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran insisted for three days that the crash was due to a mechanical fault .
On the fourth day , Iranian officials admitted shooting the plane down .
Political and military leaders apologized unreservedly , promised to prosecute those involved , and insisted that the shootdown was a mistake .
According to the AP , the crash has also exposed gaps between Iran 's government and the Revolutionary Guard .
AP reported that Javad Zarif , Iran 's foreign minister , said that he and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani only found out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missiles on Friday January 10 , two days after the attack .
The Revolutionary Guard would have known straight away , raising the possibility that they hid the truth from their own government until after Western governments began publicly describing it as a missile strike .

He appears to have meant that Iranian missile defense would have been compromised by a lack of confidence in itself after making such a catastrophic error, rather than any technical fault to stop their equipment working.
An Iranian general defended his government's decision to lie for days about whether it shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, killing 176 people.
General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, whose troops oversaw the missile system that shot down Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, said that Iran covered it up to defend national security, Business Insider reports.
He made the statement in a television address on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press (AP).
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Hajizadeh said that Iran denied the shoot-down "for the betterment of our country's security, because if we had said this, our air defense system would have become crippled and our guys would have had doubted everything."
He appears to have meant that Iranian missile defense would have been compromised by a lack of confidence in itself after making such a catastrophic error, rather than any technical fault to stop their equipment working.
Read alsoRussia could remotely control missile launcher that brought down PS752 – media
Hajizadeh is part of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, a powerful paramilitary force which answers directly to the country's supreme leader and is considered more hardline than its elected government.
His remarks are a significant turnaround from four days ago, when he said publicly that he felt such shame over the shootdown that "I wish I could die."
It was a Revolutionary Guard missile system which fired at flight 752, a Boeing 737-800, minutes after it took off in the early hours of January 8.
Iran insisted for three days that the crash was due to a mechanical fault. On the fourth day, Iranian officials admitted shooting the plane down.
Political and military leaders apologized unreservedly, promised to prosecute those involved, and insisted that the shootdown was a mistake.
According to the AP, the crash has also exposed gaps between Iran's government and the Revolutionary Guard.
Read alsoNew video shows two Iranian missiles hit Ukrainian plane – NYT
AP reported that Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister, said that he and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani only found out that the plane crash was due to Iranian missiles on Friday January 10, two days after the attack.
The Revolutionary Guard would have known straight away, raising the possibility that they hid the truth from their own government until after Western governments began publicly describing it as a missile strike.