Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Wednesday 17 August. [Ukrainian sources]

WEDNESDAY

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News:
A Crimean extremist escaped to Kyiv from house arrest. A terrorist in Mariupol was found dead, after a battle with ATO troops. Lately, there have been a few reports of the terrorists retreating due to Ukraine's troops overpowering them. There's talk about Putin wanting to expand the area's the terrorists have under control.

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Russia is using all the levers of influence and pressure on Ukraine to Kyiv agreed to resolve the situation in the Donbass on the conditions offered by the Russian - Skibitskyy

Russia may soon try to force the militants to reach the administrative boundaries of Luhansk and Donetsk regions in eastern Ukraine. This was stated by representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Vadym Skibitskyy in the air "on Channel 5."

He did not rule out expansion scenario of military aggression of Russia against Ukraine, "because the main purpose of Russia today is not achieved - it did not establish control over the territory of our country."

"The immediate task of the Russian Federation can be - access to the administrative boundaries of Luhansk and Donetsk regions so-called" people's republics "in order to increase their status and say that here is a" people's republic ", located within the administrative borders of these areas, they say let us separate status or other issues that are actively puts Russia in the framework of a political settlement of the conflict ", - said Skibitskyy.

Asked whether, in his opinion, Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to spoil the Ukrainian Independence Day, Skibitskyy said: "If you and really look at the situation, the Russian Federation has already launched measures to mess us the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day. And it started much earlier than predicted analysts and other officials. "

"As for the general movement of troops, build groups of occupation forces, both in the Crimea and on the occupied territories of Donetsk and Lugansk regions, there is tension remains the same as it was at the beginning of the year" - he continued.

"Secondly, Russia is not going to fulfill the Minsk agreement on the allocation of technology and cease provocative shelling our positions. The situation 10 days before Independence Day is very difficult, "- said the representative of the Ukrainian intelligence. According Skibitskoho, Russia is using all the levers of influence and pressure on Ukraine to Kyiv agreed to resolve the situation in the Donbass on the conditions offered by Russia.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

This weekend in the village Velykozalissya Kamenetz-Podolsk district, Khmelnytsky double murder occurred

According to the "independent public portal" , August 13, former judge, born in 1986 by prior agreement with the inhabitants of the village Velykozalissya, 1972 born by sharing drinking alcoholic beverages and on the ground suddenly encountered hostile relations did murder of two pensioners. They paid a chopped head wound victim.

Currently, the suspect declared a suspect in a criminal offense liable for st.115 Criminal Code "Murder".

As the PNC, one of the suspects in 1986 BC. in 2012 was sentenced Kamenetz-Podolsky miskraysudom for deliberate vbystvo (Part 1 st.115 CCU) to 5 years imprisonment. However, under the law "On Amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine (on improvement of court order enrollment period in detention sentence)," he released from serving his sentence April 13, 2016.

As you know, Ukraine servants of Themis actively used the Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine (on improvement of court order enrollment period in detention sentence)" MP-authorship pilots Hope Savchenko involving team sponsors.

According to the innovation, prisoners can petition the court for review of the term of punishment. The calculation is as follows: one day detention for two days in prison. This law came into force on 26 November 2015.

Note. According to the press service of the Office of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine in Khmelnytsky region as of May 11 this year penitentiary Khmelnytsky for "Savchenko law" was released 284 prisoners. Of these, 45 people - convicted of murder; 19 - for grievous bodily harm; 38 - for crimes related to drugs; 57 - for robbery; 31 persons - for robbery; 71 - for theft.

The law was applied before 1512 people, the term for which penal reduced.

As previously reported by head office, in the capital, 55 people released by the "law Savchenko," has committed a relapse.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

In the General Staff clarified that the release will be held within two months from the date of publication of the decree

The General Staff is developing a draft presidential decree on dismissal of military 6th wave of mobilization.

On Tuesday during a briefing acting Chief of staff - deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Vladimir Talalay, informs the official website of the General Staff in Facebook .

"Retired military compulsorily transferred to operational military reserve first. Social protection liberated dealing with military commissariats at their place of registration or residence "- said Talalay.

The General Staff is developing a draft presidential decree on dismissal of military 6th wave of mobilization

General Staff of Ukraine is considering draft decree on exemption from military service military personnel mobilized during the 6th stage (the third stage of people mobilized in accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine of 14.01.2015 number 15).
This was announced today at a briefing in the press center of the Ministry of Defence said Acting Chief Public.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

Now negotiations in "Norman format" held with the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany
The Russian Federation will not allow the United States to participate in talks on the war in Donbas in Normandy format. The broadcast of the public said the representative of Ukraine in the political process subgroup Minsk Olga Aivazovsky.

"Russia will be the last to include the United States to the negotiating process. Now we see a conversation between the US and Russia or the level advisors or representatives at the Foreign Ministry. But Russia wants the full return of the US to Normandy, or the Geneva format ", - says Aivazovsky.

"We may want something, but if Russia that is the aggressor, will go to these concessions, this likely will not happen soon", - said party talks.

Recall now talks of "Norman format" held with the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Ukrainian authorities "moved to practice terror» i called "absurd" the planned meeting "Norman Quartet". So he commented on the statement of the FSB prevent terrorist attacks in the annexed Crimea, allegedly prepared the Ukrainian intelligence. Putin also said security forces killed two of the FSB.

In turn, the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said that the Russian side Ukraine charges of terrorism and sabotage in occupied Crimea is absurd and cynical.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

The situation in the area of ​​ATO is hectic, but controlled

The enemy, in flagrant violation of the Minsk agreements intensified across dividing lines. Last days of Russian occupation forces opened fire 52 times on Ukrainian units. In particular, 23 times in Donetsk and Mariupol in 20 areas, 9 - in the Luhansk region.

In Mariupol towards the opponent produced 60 rounds of 122 mm artillery by Chermalyk, hatyv with heavy guns of the same caliber in Novoselivtsi and Mar'yintsi. Artillery caliber 152 mm used in Rybinsk. In glorious, Krasnohorivtsi and Lebedinsky, Chermalyk and Shyrokynomu open enemy mortar fire. In Novohryhorivtsi Mar'yintsi opponent has involved and BMP. In this direction proved to be a sniper.

In Donetsk area SPIEGEL Avdiyivka still, Zaytsev, Mayorsk and Luhansk, where the enemy fired our bases with mortars and 82-caliber 120 mm grenade launchers and machine guns of various large caliber. Also, in the Donetsk region was restless in Verhnotoretskomu, Kamenka, Novgorod and other Novoselivtsi.

For positions in Vrubivtsi that in the Luhansk region, conducted fire from heavy artillery caliber 122. Different type of grenade used by enemy fortifications in villages Luhansk, Novoaleksandrivtsi and Popasnaya. In addition to Popasnaya potyvnyk involved the BMP. Do not stop the enemy armed provocations with the use of small arms. In Novoaleksandrivtsi and villages Luhansk more active sniper pair.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

Russia has invested huge money in training their team, and this gold was to be a kind of compensation, said Pastukhov
Russia has invested a lot in winning the Olympics in Rio of its Greco-Roman wrestler Dawit Chakvetadze, including preparation for competitions worth several million dollars. And precisely because the judging panel is made to Russian received "gold" in the fight against Ukrainian Jean Belenyukom.

Commented final match broadcast Public Speaker of the Federation of Greco-Roman wrestling Ukraine Alexander Shepherds.

"The President of the Federation of Greco-Roman wrestling Mikhail Mamiashvili vice president of the World Federation and the unofficial head of the judiciary," - said Pastukhov.

In addition, he said, Russia has invested huge money in training their team, and this gold was to be a kind of compensation.

"No chance, Putin congratulated Chakvetadze, writing," your success rejoice million. " But I understand what is behind this victory ", - said Pastukhov.

In turn, Olympic silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling Jean Belenyuk sees no sense to appeal the outcome of the final against Russian Chakvetadze Dawit through biased refereeing.

Recall Jean Belenyuk was the silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling in weight to 85 kg, losing in the final of the Russian citizen Dawit Chakvetadze with a score of 9: 2.

Note that in the opinion of commentators, including bronze medalist of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing in Greco-Roman wrestling Armen Vardanyan, the judge in this game were not objective.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

State Department spokesman called the use of Russian military base in Iran for strikes on terrorists in Syria "regrettable."

US check whether Russia's actions related to the use of Iranian base "Hamadan" for combat missions, a possible violation of UN Security Council Resolution №2231 of 2015.

This was announced at a briefing on Tuesday the US State Department spokesman Mark Toner, said Interfax.
According to Toner, if these reports are true, it could be a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which prohibits the supply, sale or transfer of military aircraft to Iran except when it was previously approved by the Security Council.

State Department spokesman said that the issue be discussed at the UN Security Council.
He called the unfortunate use of videoconferencing Russian military base "Hamadan" in Iran to attack terrorists in Syria.

"I would say that it is regrettable, but it is not surprising and is not something unexpected," - said Toner, responding to a reporter's question.

"Apparently, they (the Russians - Ed.) Somehow used Iranian base. We are still trying to understand exactly what they're doing "- the US diplomat, adding that more information on this topic has the Pentagon.

Defense Ministry on Tuesday confirmed the placement in Iran long-range bombers Tu-22M3 bombers and frontline Su-34. It was also posted videos of air strikes, which struck a Syrian bombers Tu-22M3, which took off from the airbase Iranian "Hamadan". Attacks facilities suffered terrorist groups "Islamic State" (IDIL) and "Al-Nusra Front" in the provinces of Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor and Idlib.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

The athlete said that the training was very difficult

Olympic champion Oleg Vernyayev the TV channel "112 Ukraine" spoke of his excitement before the performance in the final exercise on the parallel bars in Rio de Janeiro, which won.

"It was very difficult to prepare, because it knew what goals are, and we had a whole program coach to do. It was very difficult because I am not used to such heavy loads, say so. When here came here with every day was getting better, better and better. But these days, when we were in the finals, especially after silver in the all-around, yesterday I went to bed at 4 am, so that just could not sleep, staring at the ceiling with his eyes open ... very worried, psychologically it was very difficult because just worried all. I realized that this is my chance to win the gold medal ... Thank God, we managed ... Many people helped and supported. Thank you "- said Vernyayev.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

This indicates that the Russian Donbassis Voentorg

After shelling Marinka Ukrainian side STSKK found Russian-made ammunition. The broadcast channel "112 Ukraine" the press officer of the Ukrainian side in STSKK Vadim tank.

"At one capsule shank clearly says" Spark-Russia ", that is, first of all, indicates that the munition was released recently in the Russian Federation. He came to the Donbas and was used to attack the settlement (Marinka - Ed.). This is another evidence that the Donbas a Russian presence and working Russian Voentorg that allows these illegal armed formation ammunition to support the anxiety on our territory, "- he said.

This Buckeye stressed that the relevant information was transferred to Ukrainian side STSKK OSCE.

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Poroshenko recently called me, saying that to accept the status of Donbas and other regions that are there, can not (no) had a majority in the Council, Nazarbayev said Putin

The leader of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev in a conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, said the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko ready to pass a law on the special status of Donbas, reports Russian newspaper RIA "News" .

Nazarbayev told Putin that he called Poroshenko and spoke of a willingness to compromise on the Donbas, but to adopt a law on the special status it does not allow the lack of a majority in parliament.

"Recently I called Poroshenko, said that to accept the status of Donbas and other regions that are there, can not (no) had a majority in Parliament. We must decide on other issues. That too, I think (he) is inclined to compromise, but somehow they are not "- said the President of Kazakhstan.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

The Russian Blagoveshchensk on the wall of the stadium "Cupid" hung a placard on which is depicted in the guise of a Russian 23-time Olympic champion, American Michael Phelps.

It is reported by the local newspaper "2x2". The authors of the poster replaced the American flag to Russia but left the name of the swimmer.

The original photo was shot at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, during the final race on the 100m butterfly, Phelps who won.

Deputy director Irina stadium Korotovska reported that the banner was made in early June. "Perhaps, indeed an error. We must understand it and fix "- she promised.

Head of Physical Culture, Sport and Youth Blagoveshchensk Dmitry Kuteka intends to follow the "elimination of errors."

"It is unacceptable that the streets appeared such misunderstanding. Still to be in some people's nutrition literacy "- he said.

Also outrage expressed by local athletes. "I think that the person who made it reacted irresponsibly to their work. Perhaps the designer, without thinking, he found the first available picture swimmer and drew him to the Russian symbolism hat ", - said Alexander Brylin, a member of the Amur club" Akvays Sports ".

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

In KharkIv McDonald's refused to serve customers in Ukrainian.

About this on his page in Facebook said volunteer Marina Haperska.

"The workers refuse to serve in Ukrainian visitors, ignoring Article 10 of the Constitution of Ukraine and Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine" On Protection of Consumers' Rights, according to which citizens are entitled to information available. In my case, the available information can only be the national language because languages I own minorities poorly, "- wrote Haperska.

Later on received an answer from McDonald's.

"Our employees always try to communicate with visitors in the language last look to them. However, the Constitution of Ukraine stipulates that there can be no privileges or restrictions based on language or other characteristics. So we are equally tolerant attitude to language preferences of our visitors and staff "- said the company.

"Your colleagues appeal to Article 24 of the Constitution of Ukraine, although the article violated limiting me my rights on basis of language. Even in the letter wrote that trying to talk, and try and do - different things, the behavior of this institution as an example" - answered volunteer.




ukr.obozrevatel.com In Ukrainian/український

Among other things, the renowned publicist told VOA Ukrainian service that Putin had set unrealistic foreign policy goals with regard to Europe. His purpose is to find a safe place for Russian corrupt money.

To reach this goal, Russia is prepared to destabilize the situation in Europe and all over the world.

Putin can help leftist and rightist parties to come to power there. For this reason, several European parties are on the Kremlin’s payroll.

Add to this the information war waged by Russia, pocket media and websites, and trolling.

Ann Applebaum calls Russia’s aggression in Ukraine a wake-up message to Europe.

zik.ua

Ukraine’s GDP grew 1.3% yoy in 2Q16 after 0.1% yoy growth in 1Q16, Concorde Capital informed clients, based on state statistics released on Aug. 15. The Cabinet of Ministers projects 2.0% yoy GDP growth this year, while the IMF anticipates 1.5% GDP growth.

Concorde analyst Alexander Paraschiy added: “The 2Q16 GDP increase was somewhat stronger than we expected, owing to delayed natural gas imports that improved external accounts in 2Q16 with subsequently stronger net exports. Given that external demand is not likely to recover in the near future, we do not expect much better real sector performance in 2H16. At the same time, we anticipate a substantial worsening of trade balance through the autumn months on the back of strengthened energy imports. Only the grain harvest, which is expected to grow by at least 5% yoy, is expected to underpin GDP growth in 2H16. Against this backdrop, we do not see the 2Q16 numbers as evidence for further acceleration and we are keeping our GDP forecast unchanged at 0.9% yoy growth for 2016.”....

ukrainebusiness.com.ua

Russia Central bank’s former first deputy head Sergei Aleksashenko says Putin’s plan to destroy the Ukrainian economy has failed, Apostrof quotes him as saying to Ekho Moskvy radio Aug. 17.

The Crimea’s grab and war in Donbas hit Ukraine’s economy hard, causing a 25% downfall, the Russian expert says.

However, there was no catastrophe in Ukraine.

“The fall in Ukraine’s economy is over, and it grows for the second quarter by 1.2%. Ukraine’s economy has adapted to the shock in 2014 and 2015, and Moscow’s attempts to kill the Ukrainian economy misfired.

“There is no collapse in Ukraine. Still, I cannot say they are prospering there,” Aleksashenko says.

zik.ua

Ukraine army intelligence reports the death of 4 Russian servicemen and injuries to 5 in fighting in Donbas Aug. 16.

The confirmed enemy losses are 4 Russian servicemen killed and 5 wounded. They belonged to 11th Mechanized Regiment (Makiyivka), 3rd Infantry Brigade (Horlivka) and 6th Regiment (Stakhanov), the Ukrainian army says.

Ukraine army losses for Aug. 16 are 8 soldiers wounded.

zik.ua

Tree entanglements, fence, and barbed wire were installed on the Russian side of the border between Poland and the Kaliningrad region.

Censor.NET reports citing Radio Poland.

The construction of fencing on the Russian side has been underway for more than a month.



"We do not know the purpose of those tree entanglements. The works have been carried out for some time but we do not know what this fence is being constructed for and what its function is," warrant officer of Warmia-Mazury Border Guard Service Anna Lusnya said.

The simplified border-crossing regime between Poland and the Kaliningrad region suspended July 4 has also not been restored. The Polish Interior Ministry explains such measures by security considerations.

ua.censor.net.ua In Ukrainian/український

U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt said that after making it through the tumultuous and violent year of 2014, "Ukraine can survive anything." In an interview with RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service TV program, Our Freedom, Pyatt reflected on his three years of duty in Kyiv. He said that he regretted more had not been done to eliminate corruption in the country. Pyatt is leaving Ukraine after being appointed as the new U.S. ambassador to Greece.



rferl.org

The former head of state does not exclude the option that MP Hope Savchenko can become president

Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko (2005-2010 gg.) Believes that Hope Savchenko can become a serious competitor of its chief, the head of Yulia Tymoshenko. He said in an interview with "apostrophe" .

"I think this is for Tymoshenko big problem. I see this relationship as: Savchenko had been the first number of the "Fatherland", the "Fatherland" would not be a parliamentary party. It was "the last coming," Nadia pulled them. Now, I think there is no more important task than to discredit Nadia. The more she will be discredited, the easier it will make room for the next leader of the "Fatherland" - said Yushchenko.

The former head of state does not exclude the option that MP Hope Savchenko can become president. In his view, can happen any, and everything will depend on several factors and voter. He noted that the odds are. "I have never said" never ", knowing the originality of some people bring to the political arena politicians that can solve very inconsistent Ukrainian affairs. We are already examples. I know how people who have not passed through the high state level for the month were the heroes of the nation. Everything depends on voters and multiple nuances that may be imposed. If the gain will go five or six factors, it can happen all ", - said Victor Yushchenko.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

In the FSB say that as if in a residential building held a special operation to detain persons who are in the federal wanted list for alleged involvement in illegal armed formations in the North Caucasus region

Today in St. Petersburg in a residential building there were two powerful explosions and shooting. In the FSB say that as if the house was carried out a special operation to detain persons who are in the federal wanted list for alleged involvement in illegal armed formations in the North Caucasus region.

During the raid were arrested three militants, reports RIA "News" , citing a source in law enforcement. "During the operation, staff are likely to have detained three militants. However, while the figure is inaccurate. Perhaps their more. Also still unknown status of detainees "- the source said.

Eyewitnesses confirmed - indeed explosions were heard. "I heard a very strong explosion", - says Ilya Sokolov in the "private accident and St. Petersburg" in the social network Vkontakte. Eyewitnesses report about the shots. "Here shots are heard. About 10 shots "- adds Viktor Burnashov.

According to preliminary data, during the raid could hurt one person.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

Klimkin said that we should not rush the introduction of visa regime with Russia
Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin said that diplomatic relations between Kyiv and Moscow reduced to zero, so there is no need to have the Russian ambassador to Ukraine.

This Klimkin said that we should not hurry with the introduction of a visa regime with Russia.

"We allowed entry of Russian citizens only by foreign passports across international and interstate checkpoints. In terms of Foreign Affairs, I am not against the introduction of visas, in principle, we have calculated that it needs, but it should be a step that is not due to symbolic measures and a clear understanding that it is we will, "- said Klimkin in the air" 5 channel. "

Now in Kyiv no Russian ambassador, the Ukrainian side refused to accept the candidacy of Mikhail Babich for the post after the dismissal of Mikhail Zurabov.

August 11 President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko ordered to bring increased combat readiness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, Border Service and the Security Service of Ukraine "due to the provocative actions of Russia occupied Crimea and escalating its actions in Donbas."

August 10 the Russian FSB announced that prevented the commission of terrorist acts in the occupied Crimea to "critical infrastructure facilities and sustenance of the peninsula," the preparation of which accused the Department of Defense intelligence of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin, commenting on the statement of the Russian Federal Security Service, said that Kyiv does not seek a negotiated and turns to terror.

In the General Staff Armed Forces of Ukraine refuted the statement of the Federal Service of Russia and called it a provocation. Derzhprykordonna Service of Ukraine said that in recent days pulled equipped with new appliances to military adminmezhi between it annexed the Crimea and mainland Ukraine and Ukrainian urged not to travel to the peninsula.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

Moldova firmly chose the path of European integration and the current government will continue its

Moldova needs the support of Western partners to counter Russian propaganda, especially on the eve of the presidential election.

This is stated in the article Prime Minister of Moldova Philip Paul to Washington publication The Hill .

"Moldova is moving in the direction of the first 16 years of direct presidential election on 30 October. As in most previous elections, pro-European and pro-Russian parties will argue among themselves. We need our friends to counter the propaganda that seeks to destabilize Moldova discredit the government and the authorities in the election in favor of Moscow ", - wrote Philip.

The prime minister said that Moldova is firmly chosen the path of European integration and the current government intends to continue it.

"Moscow is not very happy, and we need the help of Washington and other Western capitals to strengthen our decades of transition from Communism to market democracy" - he said.

Philip said that in early summer, Russia conducted military exercises in Transnistria, just 30 km from Chisinau.

"Soft Power in - use propaganda machine to flood our anti-Western media reports - is dangerous and seeking to discredit the pro-European government and our political allies in future elections," - he said.

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