Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Monday 1 May. [Ukrainian sources]

MONDAY

Please scroll to view news items added during the day

NEWS:
US Congress announced new sanctions against Russia.  Former State Duma deputy made a deal between Putin and Trump on Syria.  Terrorist attack prevented in Odesa as backpack with explosives found.  Meryl Streep supported campaign for release of Russia-imprisoned director Sentsov.  Russia ordered provocations in south of Ukraine during Labor Days.  People Medvedchuk prepared the creation of "the People's Republic of Sumy," Seven Ukrainian illegals detained in England. 

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Seven Ukrainian citizens detained on suspicion of illegally crossing the border in the town of Orford in Suffolk, eastern England, where shortly before it ran aground their yacht.

As reported Tsenzor.NET , reported by " BBC Russian Service ".

Sailing Boat filed a distress call on Sunday morning, after which the Coast Guard has sent rescuers to the scene, who towed it in Orford. There she was already waiting for the staff of the Coast Guard and Border Patrol, reports local newspaper.

Yacht, according to the markings on the board, registered in Poole in Cornwall, south-west of England.

noted that in Orford in July 2014, three men and one woman were arrested. In October of the same year, they were convicted of human smuggling and other crimes for periods ranging from one year to three years and four months in prison followed by deportation back to Ukraine.

Six people - five men and one woman - which they tried to import into the United Kingdom have also been sent to Ukraine.

ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Mayor Konotopa Artem Semenihin which own share medvedchukovtsev dispersed in the city, said that people Medvedchuk were preparing for a "People's Republic of Sumy"

As reported Tsenzor.NET about it he said in an interview with Espresso .

According to him, learned from insider sources, that in fact it was an easy reconnaissance.

"in their midst, they (people Medvedchuk - ed) would like to take a vote as to whether to hold a referendum in the city of Konotop, like the one that took place in the Crimea, Donetsk and Lugansk regions in 2014. In fact, it was to prepare for a "People's Republic of Sumy." Titushky present their guards, who were armed with firearms. We were detained by the way, several people who were involved in the protection, they had modern body armor"- Semenihin said.

According to him, in fact the same scenario that took place in the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk people Medvedchuk wanted to do and in Konotop, but within 10 minutes they were driven out of the city is also the mayor of Konotop he said that activists received threats from them:. "wait a little longer, will be here the troops."

Recall, April 26 activists headed by Mayor Konotopa Artemom Semenihinym stopped medvedchukovskogo share "Ukrainian choice" in the city.

ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

On Nevsky Prospekt in the center of St. Petersburg detained about 10 LGBT activists.

As reported Tsenzor.NET , informs the " Fontanka ".

See also: Council of Europe to investigate cases of persecution of LGBT people in Chechnya

during a May Day march, they raised the rainbow flag and chanted "Kadyrov to The Hague."



Also, according to "Fontanka", the activists staged at Nevsky share: lay on the roadway, and depicted the "death", while one of the activists began to sprinkle the underlying ground. After that, they were immediately detained by police.





ua.censor.net.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Head of the Kherson regional state administration Andrii Hordieiev has announced a threat of provocations conducted in the south of Ukraine during May holidays of Labor Days.

He posted on Facebook, Censor.NET reports.

"Beware of May holiday provocations!

"Dear friends, I have received information that a number of provocations ordered and paid for by Russia are planned in the south of Ukraine, including the city of Kherson. The wake-up calls are coming from Kharkiv as well. The goal is to destabilize political and social situation in the region.

"I am addressing every resident of the regional center [Kherson - ed.] and ask them not to fall for provocations and not to support their aggressive activities. You should better spend the time with your friends and families.

"At least several options are available. Go to the famous Kamianska Sich in Respublikanets village of Beryslav district, where we will open the tourist season by commemorating Cossack defenders. Have a picnic at your summer house or outdoors, or go fishing. ...

"I am certain that the wisdom of our compatriots, the power and strength of Ukrainian patriots, and harmonious work of law enforcers will prevent any escalation," the Kherson governor wrote.

ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

U.S. actress Meryl Streep has voiced support for Ukrainian director Oleh Sentsov, who had been illegally sentenced in Russia.

This was announced by Ukrainian MP Mustafa Nayyem on his Facebook, Censor.NET reports citing Kyiv Post.

The U.S. actress and renowned philanthropist was pictured alongside Nayyem with a "Free Sentsov" sign in a photograph taken during the PEN America Annual Literary Gala on April 25, at which Sentsov was honored with a 2017 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write award.

Nayyem, who posted the photograph on his Facebook account on April 30, said that the actress was genuinely interested in Sentsov's case, and eager to help.

"After the traditional photo shoot [at PEN - ed.] we ended up next to it other, and I though I could use this to make Ms. Streep another advocate for our Crimean [Sentsov hails from occupied Crimea - ed.]. I was surprised to learn that the actress knew there was a detained director among the nominees, but she didn't know any details.

"During a short dialogue I managed to tell her enough of Oleh Sentsov's story - the materials of his case, his family, Crimea, forcibly granted citizenship, and his two kids who remain on the occupied territory," he wrote.



Nayeem said Streep looked interested and ask "how could we help him." The MP offered to make a picture of her holding the #FreeSentsov poster, and she agreed. Later, when a video of Sentsov's nomination was screened, Streep could help but crying, Nayeem reported.

Oleh Sentsov had been charged by Russia with organizing a terrorist group in occupied Crimea and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

The units of the Interior Ministry are ready to face all challenges and will not allow destabilization or escalation.

Interior Minister Adviser Zorian Shkiriak wrote on Facebook, Censor.NET reports.

"Warning! This night, a possible terrorist attack was prevented in Kulykove Pole area. While patrolling the area and conducting counter-terror measures, the police found a backpack with explosives. ... They found an F-1 grenade, and RGD-2 B grenade, an imitation patron, electric detonators, ignitions, a battery, and a TNT block," he wrote.





Shkiriak stressed that units of the National Police, the SBU, the National Guard are working to prevent any provocations during the Labor Day holiday in Ukraine. In Odesa, the security measures have been enhanced due to events scheduled between May 2 and 9.

He called on Odesa residents and city guests to be receptive to activities of law enforcers that are aimed at the security of the citizens. The units of the Interior Ministry are ready to face all challenges and will not allow destabilization or escalation.

"If attempts to threaten territorial integrity or the lives of civilians are made, we will resort to all means as stipulated by the Law and the Constitution of Ukraine," Shkiriak said.

ua.censor.net.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

US missile strike on Syrian airbase "Shayrat" which is controlled by President Bashar Assad, backed by Russia, does not indicate any deterioration in relations between the Kremlin and the White House. Such an opinion in an interview with "apostrophe" expressed the former deputy of the State Duma Ilya Ponomarev.

"It does not mean nothing because the Americans warned and behaved like a gentleman. It was not a unilateral decision, as has happened before. Russia this actually agreed, disabling their air defense systems and enabling Americans to safely bomb. In this sense, the situation is similar on match-fixing "- said the politician.

In addition, he said, the international community is no evidence Assad forces use chemical weapons against civilians. He also sees no point in applying forces of Assad chemical weapons, which has no military sense, but dramatically worsens the international position of the Syrian leader.

"I do not rule out that it was so, but have not seen yet any materials that have it adjusted. Maybe they are and maybe not, as once was the case with himzbroyeyu Saddam Hussein. But I believe when taken some important international decisions, it would be nice that they were somehow justified, "- said the former MP.

At the same time, according to Ponomarev, Washington now lives is another problem - the conflict with North Korea.

"Now to him (Donald Trump - Ed.) Behavior is clear that during the visit of Chinese leader to Florida they are behind closed doors talked this subject, and China will at least keep the neutrality, if not help in this case," - concluded Russian politician.

Recall that on April 25 the US Treasury announced the introduction of a large-scale package of sanctions against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad in response to a chemical attack in Idlib province.

See also full interview with former State Duma deputy Ilya Ponomarev.

apostrophe.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

May 1 is celebrated International Workers' Day, but because of the relationship with the communist past in Ukraine this day is no different large-scale rallies and demonstrations.

"Apostrophe" decided to collect information for their readers about how there were demonstrations and events to mark May Day in major Ukrainian cities.

Vinnitsa

The conflict ended in May Day rally in the winery. There are about two dozen nationalist organizations of C14 stormed the rally socialists snatched flags and prevented the action. However, activists chanted "Glory to Ukraine" and "Komunyaku on hillyaku." Police managed to oust the nationalists.



Odesa

On the night of May 1, in the area of the field Kulikov police found a backpack with explosives . In the city for the period of May holidays introduced enhanced security mode. It is expected that citizens will safeguard peace about two thousand policemen.



Kharkiv

In Kharkov, a few dozen elderly people staged with red flags and slogans "NATO-stop." The demonstrators called on to stop the "bloody ATO". Later Constitution Square activists joined with the flags of Ukraine - they blocked the monument to which participants May Day demonstration would put flags.



One participant after the attack on pro-Ukrainian activist was detained by police. Massive conflicts and clashes have been avoided.

Kherson

In Kherson activists made a visit to the office of the political party "successful country" ex-minister Alexander Klimenko times Yanukovych. There they burned the communist flag.





Kiev

In the capital on that day were several actions. Representatives of trade unions staged a procession in the capital. Social Democratic Party, together with representatives of trade unions organized a rally on European Square.



This party Klimenko "successful country" held own shares. When asked journalists young boys could not answer for the challenges, indicating a high probability of a paid meeting.


In the center of Kyiv observed a large number Natshvardiytsiv who monitor the situation.

Recall these days among other things in Ukraine are preparing to take the tourists who visit the capital to watch the contest Eurovision-2017. In this regard, the streets of Kyiv increased the number of police officers.

apostrophe.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Democrat Jean Shahin suggested the US Congress to consider the introduction of new sanctions against Russia for trying to influence the situation in the US and Europe. It is reported by "Voice of America" .

US Senator proposes to expand sanctions against Moscow include sanktsiyni lists key Russian energy company. In addition, its bill would increase military and financial support for NATO expansion program of assistance to Ukraine, including the supply of arms and military equipment.

Shahin also intends to legally require the US government to develop a strategy counteract misinformation campaign waged by the Kremlin, including to ensure that Russia's RT television channel and news agency Sputnik officially recognized financed from the state budget of.

"The bill to expand sanctions supported by representatives of both parties in Congress, and now we have to persuade the Republicans in the upper chamber to consider this initiative and bring it to a vote," - said the senator.

She said she did not know whether it will support the bill in the administration of US President Donald Trump, but recent events make it possible to talk about changing the views of the American president on many key issues, including relations with Russia.

Earlier, US congressmen have filed a bill that prohibits president Donald Trump provide US energy companies exclusion of sanctions against Russia.

apostrophe.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

In KharkIv, there was a conflict between a party and an opponent of the May Day demonstrations.

As  reported by  the local edition StudMedia, the young man tried to snatch from the hands of the pensioner, who took part during the poster. In turn, the man hit on the head.

Видео конфликта между участником первомайского митинга и проукраинским активистом.#Харьков pic.twitter.com/dfVepHMiBH

— StudMedia (@StudMedia) May 1, 2017

Image below: 50-year-old on his jacket to wipe the icons of "Voronezh - Hero City" and "30 years of the Soviet space program."



May Day demonstration was held at Constitution Square, where there were about a hundred elderly.

They chanted slogans "Peace! Labor! Hold! "And" Glory of Labor ". Also present were posters with slogans "We demand to stop the bloody ATO in Donbas" and "stop NATO".

Opponents tried to go outshout their patriotic slogans.

At first monument Kharkiv Mayevka they blocked the entrance to the monument.

Later, they allowed the demonstrators to lay flowers, provided that this is done under the flag.

Earlier it was reported that the winery there were clashes during the May meeting .

Recall also that Kiev anarchists went on  a march to mark May 1st . Earlier in the capital, the march  were representatives of trade unions .

hromadske.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові