Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Thursday 07 July. [Ukrainian sources]

THURSDAY

Please scroll down to view news items added during the day

News:
57 attacks by Putin on Ukraine. Putin has steadily moved the "ceasefire" norm up from around 20 attacks to 60.
Sadly - 2 soldiers died and 6 were wounded yesterday in the fighting.

Weather:
Some thunder last night. And also quite a bit of rain. Fresher feel this morning.
15C at 0900. High maybe in the low 20s. That's more pleasant than 30.
Update - 17 at 1400. Quite cool!

57 attacks with mortars and 152-mm artillery in the ATO zone yesterday - Staff
http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2016/07/7/7113976/

Thursday, July 7, 2016, 7:30
For the past day 57 confirmed cases opening fire, including 30 in Donetsk, Mariupol and 16 to 11 in Lugansk areas.
The press center ATO headquarters.
Thus, in the Donetsk area of ​​the opponent 120mm mortars hit the positions forces ATO in Trinity, Novoselivtsi second and Avdiyivka. Under fire 82 mm mortars were Ukrainian soldiers near Verhnotoretskoho, Avdeevki and Novgorod.
In Mariupol banned the direction of Minsk II 152-mm artillery fired Lebedinskoye enemy, and Shyrokynomu 120 applied and 82 mm mortars. With BMP weapons and anti-missile systems occupants fired at Novohryhorivkoyu. Near Marinka active enemy snipers.
In Luhansk positions Armed Forces of Ukraine in the area Popasna, Novoaleksandrovka, Boguslavsky and Novozvanivky opponent randomly fired 82 mm mortars and grenade launchers, provoking Ukrainian fighters on fire.

5:21
IPHR collected evidence of the shelling of Lugansk from the territory of Russia
http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2016/07/7/7113973/
Advocates of the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) produced evidence of a number of bombings of Luhansk villages in Luhansk from Russia in the summer of 2014...

Norwegian FM: Donbas elections impossible until Russia withdraws troops
http://www.unian.info/politics/1403585-norwegian-fm-donbas-elections-impossible-until-russia-withdraws-troops.html
"We shouldn't think that the Minsk agreements only mean elections and decentralization. Minsk also means the withdrawal of Russian armed forces, Russian military vehicles from Donbas, the stoppage of their financial support for their mercenaries," Brende said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin in Kyiv on Wednesday. According to Brende, there are still Russian troops and weapons in Donbas, and the Russian Federation continues to finance mercenaries. Read also Poroshenko names pre-conditions for holding elections in Donbas and amending Constitution "Do the OSCE observers have full access to Donbas? Does Ukraine have full control over its borders? I think we know the answers to these questions. I agree with Minister Klimkin that elections are important, but they must be held only after other Minsk conditions are fulfilled," he said....
===

Good man. But he needs to tell this to the money grabbing prostitutes known as French Senators, Greek ultra-left and fascists, Italian fascists, ..

Prosecutor General Lutsenko shows valuables found during Kliuiev's house search. PHOTOS
http://en.censor.net.ua/photo_news/396391/prosecutor_general_lutsenko_shows_valuables_found_during_kliuievs_house_search_photos
===
Prosecutor General under Yanukovich. Mega-corruption, mega money.

Brexit not to impact granting of EU visa-free travel to Ukraine
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/355170.html
====
EU delegate Tombinski.
But when will Ukraine actually get visa-free travel?
September? Or the winter? (fewer people will travel, initially, then...)

Vladimir Putin's Troll Empire - The Book!
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/vladimir-putin-s-troll-empire-the-book#/
===
Journalist planning a book about Putin's propaganda war with the west.
Also includes link to article by the same journalist.
My latest research ”Cyberspace war: Propaganda and Trolling as Warfare Tools” is recommended by various experts.
Not a lot of info at the link. Seems more to be a request for money - support.

EU Rejects Changes In Ukraine Association Pact For Dutch Voters
http://www.rferl.org/content/eu-rejects-changes-ukraine-association-pact-for-dutch-voters-issue-declaration-prime-minister-rutte/27842870.html
The European Union will not make any changes in its association agreement with Ukraine to address Dutch voters' concerns, but may issue a declaration clarifying that the agreement brings Ukraine no closer to membership, EU diplomats said.....
===
Good for Ukraine. But what will the Dutch do now?

Russia Shared Data On MH17 Crash With Visiting Dutch Investigators
http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-shared-data-mh17-crash-visiting-dutch-investigators-moscow-no-cooperation/27842781.html
....Markin said that "a bilateral exchange of information would significantly speed up the inquiry," but added that the Dutch have ignored Russian requests for assistance....
====

Russian "assistance" - what a joke. Like Putin's "humanitarian assistance" to the Donbass!

Special Report: Crimea Tatars endure second tragedy under Russian rule
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/07/special-report-crimea-tatars-endure-second-tragedy-under-russian/
...A people who endured mass deportation 72 years ago are now suffering a slow-motion – and less cruel - version of the same phenomenon....
===

Excellent article by David Blair! Wow. He is finally beginning to understand life and politics in eastern Europe.
Recommended.

Russia reminds wayward ally Belarus of its economic muscle
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-belarus-idUSKCN0ZN0E3
....The Kremlin appears to be sending a message that, with the Belarus economy in recession and propped up by subsidized Russian oil and gas, Lukashenko will pay a heavy price if he wants to turn his back on his old friends in Moscow.
Ukraine regularly accused Russia of political intimidation by cutting energy supplies in the years leading to the 2014 annexation during disputes that Moscow said were commercial.
Now Belarus is experiencing something similar. Since the start of this month, Russian oil pipeline monopoly Transneft has been pumping about 40 percent less oil to Belarus than in the second quarter of this year....

Trump’s favorite dictators: In reviled tyrants, GOP nominee finds traits to praise
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trumps-favorite-dictators-in-reviled-tyrants-gop-nominee-finds-traits-to-praise/2016/07/06/8debf792-4385-11e6-bc99-7d269f8719b1_story.html
....He also spoke dismissively in December about Hussein’s use of chemical weapons against the Kurds: “Saddam Hussein throws a little gas, everyone goes crazy. ‘Oh he’s using gas!’ ”
Trump has also repeatedly praised Russian President Vladi­mir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un as “strong” leaders “unlike what we have in this country,” citing the control they have over their people. ...

Darth Putin ‏@DarthPutinKGB  14 ч.14 часов назад
There was something like #ChilcotReport for my Ukraine invasion. Made by a bloke called Boris Nemtsov. Nice guy. Dead now.

Soviet Sergey ‏@SovietSergey  15 ч.15 часов назад
Has to be fake, @GovernmentRF says the vacationers are fighting against Nazis in East Ukraine.
Christo Grozev @christogrozev
SBU releases interview with captured swastika-chested human man-boob from DNR.

Darth Putin ‏@DarthPutinKGB 1 дн.1 день назад
If Trump likes Saddam Hussein's "terrorist" methods, he'll love mine from Grozny.

Where is Vladimir Putin? Russian President cancels string of meetings after prolonged public absence
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/where-vladimir-putin-russian-president-not-seen-public-all-month-string-cancelled-meetings-a7123651.html
===

He did the same thing last year. Presumably on holiday. Not seen since July 01.
Last year his "disappearance" generated a lot of press coverage - which any dictator loves and needs. Hence - the same line again this year, I would summize.

2 soldiers killed, 6 wounded yesterday in the ATO zone - Staff
http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2016/07/7/7114011/

Thursday, July 7, 2016, 12:49
One day in the area of ​​counter-terrorist operations 2 military killed, 6 wounded.
This at a traditional briefing on Thursday, spokesman of the Presidential Administration on ATO Andrei Lysenko.
"For the past day because of fighting two soldiers Armed Forces were killed and six injured," - said the colonel.
According to Lysenko, one soldier was wounded in Verhnotoretskomu under Avdiyivka - two dead and three wounded, two soldiers suffered injuries during Marinka.

Moscow Avenue in Kiev is renamed Bandera Avenue
http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2016/07/7/7114019/
===
A few other street names changed also.
Really - all Putin's own doing.

Found more details here - in English -
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/355313.html

13:30
Samopomich will not join up with Tymoshenko
Thursday, July 7, 2016, 13:30

Party "Samopomich" does not plan to participate in the so-called "union opposition," with the leader of "Batkivshina" Yulia Tymoshenko.
This "Ukrainian Pravda" reported several interlocutors faction "Self" on condition of anonymity.
According to them, on this occasion Tymoshenko had a conversation with the leader of the faction Oleg Berezyuk who turned down the offer..
"We as the opposition. Around whom to unite - Julia? Are you're kidding," - says one of the deputies.
"It's actually one firm only other entrance. It is no better than Poroshenko. Russia's influence on her even more," - protested another MP.
Asked whether Tymoshenko contacted the mayor of Lviv Andrei Sadovy, which is the leader of "Samopomich" to merge, the source replied: "I think if told us he would say."
As it known, Tymoshenko announced the unification of the opposition parties against the government.
In such a union, she said, have agreed to enter "Radical Party", "People's Control", which is headed by Dmitry Dobrodomov party "Volya", headed by Yuriy Derevyanko.

====
Tymoshenko -
only a couple of months' ago was part of the coalition - now attempting to unite the opposition - around herself, of course.
She wants to be President.
I love the quotes... "Are you kidding?!"

12:52
Tymoshenko announced [the creation of] an opoblok
http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2016/07/7/7114012/
Thursday, July 7, 2016, 12:52

Leader of "Batkivshchyna" Yulia Tymoshenko announced the unification of the opposition parties against the government.
She said on the sidelines of the parliament on Thursday.
"United Opposition may consist of" Batkivshina ", the Radical Party, the Popular Control, headed by Dmitry Dobrodomov, the party" Volya", headed Derevianko," - she said.
She said that so far they have not joined "Samopomich", but negotiations are continuing.
"Let the political map. The opposition must unite including extra-parliamentary opposition forces to unite the country and begin to confront the terror that the current authorities launched against the Ukrainian people", - said Tymoshenko.
She statedthat repression against the opposition was starting from NABU and the GPU.
"Begin repression against the opposition. Now charged all security forces from NABU, special prosecutors, PGO, SBU, the Interior Ministry. They are charged on the hunt for the opposition. What you will see - this is a manifestation of the return of the Yanukovych regime" - Tymoshenko believes.

===

My gosh. Kyiv Post's darling, Princess Yulia, has totally lost her marbles.
"repression against the opposition" .... !!! Cuckoo....

U.S. Secretary of State arrives in Kyiv
http://www.unian.info/politics/1405332-us-secretary-of-state-arrives-in-kyiv.html
....Kerry plans to meet with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, and other Ukrainian leaders to discuss progress on reforms, the implementation of the Minsk agreements, and other issues. After the meeting with the Ukrainian president, a joint press conference will be held....
===
Nato summit meeting tomorrow in Warsaw. 1 hour flight away.

Radical Party refuses to vote until its requirements fulfilled, - Liashko
http://en.censor.net.ua/news/396412/radical_party_refuses_to_vote_until_its_requirements_fulfilled_liashko
After the presidium and rostrum of the Verkhovna Rada were deblocked in the morning by People's Front and Petro Poroshenko Bloc MPs, Radical Party faction refused to vote any agenda issue.
This was announced by Radical Party leader Oleh Liashko on the sidelines of the parliament, ..
===

Liashko, now part of Tymoshenko's Oppoblok, trying to stop Parliament from working.
====
see also

"Attempt to disrupt Rada's meeting failed," - MP Teteruk on unblocking parliament's rostrum and presidium
http://en.censor.net.ua/news/396416/attemp_to_disrupt_radas_meeting_failed_mp_teteruk_on_unblocking_parliaments_rostrum_and_presidium
....On July 7 morning, people's deputies from Petro Poroshenko Bloc and People's Front blocked the rostrum and presidium of the Verkhovna Rada to prevent their blocking by Radical Party and Batkivshchyna. ....

A Ukrainian Kleptocrat Wants His Money and U.S. Asylum
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/07/business/international/a-ukrainian-kleptocrat-wants-his-money-and-us-asylum.html?_r=4
....While Mr. Lazarenko was in prison, a case brought by the United States government in 2004 to seize his offshore assets limped along. Over time, the government pinpointed money Mr. Lazarenko had stashed in Guernsey, Antigua, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Lithuania. It fended off other claimants to the money and obtained a freeze order preventing Mr. Lazarenko from gaining access to it. But the case is so complicated, involving voluminous discovery in many countries, that it is not expected to go to trial until 2018....
One of the companies named in the search warrants — Bassington Ltd. — was a B.V.I. shell set up by Mossack to hold the shares and be the parent of United Energy Systems of Ukraine, which controlled Ukraine’s natural gas supply. Mr. Lazarenko and Ms. Tymoshenko were political allies as well as partners in United Energy, which the United States government said allowed millions of dollars to flow to Mr. Lazarenko and his associates. Much of that money is now in the offshore accounts that Mr. Lazarenko and the government are fighting over.....
===

Recommended.

Moscow economy minister warns of ‘legal steps’ to challenge ruling

Russia is attempting to overturn the freeze on lending to the country by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as part of a broader pushback against western sanctions imposed over its intervention in Ukraine.

Alexei Ulyukayev, Russian economy minister, has written to the EBRD chairman of governors warning of “legal steps” to challenge guidance from the bank’s shareholders two years ago that lending to Russia should no longer be approved.

Russia was previously the biggest recipient of funding from the EBRD, founded in 1991 to support post-communist Europe’s transition to market democracy. It accounted for between a fifth and a quarter of the bank’s annual investments, or roughly €2bn a year.

Shareholders including EU member states, the US, Canada and Japan advised the EBRD board in July 2014 that Russian projects could no longer be approved when the west stepped up sanctions on Moscow following the shooting down of a Malaysia Airlines flight over Ukraine.

Moscow appears to be seeking to exploit signs of splits in EU countries over whether sanctions should be maintained amid a stalemate over implementation of the Minsk agreement that was supposed to bring peace to separatist-held areas of eastern Ukraine...................

To read further go to this link:   Financial Times