Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Tuesday 2 May. [Ukrainian sources]

TUESDAY

Scroll to view news added during the day.

NEWS:
Senator McCain - The new US administration will be hard to stop aggressive actions.  Group suspected of preparing terrorist attacks in Odesa detained.  Ukrainian citizen Panov, charged with terrorism in Russia, died in pretrial detention center in Rostov. US Congress to allocate $560 million in aid to Ukraine this year.  Chemical attacks in Idlib might have been conducted with Soviet-made bombs.  Navalny was attacked by FSB agent Petrunko, who participated in Kharkiv state administration seizure.

WEATHER:
Kyiv, Ukraine
18c / 64f HI | RealFeel® 19c / 66f
Precipitation 16%
Clouds giving way to sun

The new US administration will be much tougher than the previous one, to respond to the aggressive actions of Russia in the world.

As Tsenzor.NET , told US Senator from the Republican Party John McCain in an interview with Voice of America .
According to him, this applies to Russia as interference in the affairs of Europe and Ukraine, and its cooperation with the "Taliban" or the Syrian regime.

"I think the last eight years of American leadership was lacking. Former President Obama is leading for calls from the rear. But as soon as there is a vacuum, there are bad things," - he said.

"Now the president has surrounded himself with a team of national security, which will have to take steps to raise the price further Russian aggression, or so-called adventure ... .Povynna be a high price actions that harm democracy and US interests. The current team of national security, which was on the battlefield or led operations in the last fifteen years. I think the cup is full and I am very happy that at least until the president carefully prysluh ayetsya to their advice, "- said the politician.

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

The U.S. Congress has presented a consolidated bill on budget payments for 2017, which stipulates for $560 million in aid programs for Ukraine.

Censor.NET reports citing the Ukrainian Embassy in the U.S. on Facebook.

At least $238 million are planned to be allocated for military aid and security policy in Ukraine by the end of the U.S. budget year (Oct. 1), the Embassy wrote.

"The funds allocated on strengthening security and defense of Ukraine are only a part of the total amount of $350 million which might be used in full after Oct. 1, 2017.

"The next stage for the consolidated bill to come into force will be its adoption by the Senate and the House of Representatives, which is to take place on May 5, and subsequent signing by the U.S. president," the Embassy's statement says.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Embassy in the U.S. reported in late 2015 that the amount of funds stipulated by the Department of State for aid to Ukraine in 2016 was at least $658.158 million. This amount included military aid of $300 million, and loan guarantees for Ukraine in the amount of $275 million.

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

Employees of the Security Service of Ukraine in Odessa detained a group of local residents on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, sabotage and provocation.

Reported Tsenzor.NET with reference to the press service of the SBU.

"Operatives security services with the employment of Special Forces" Alpha "was detained in Odessa group of local residents who are reasonably suspected of preparing terrorist acts, sabotage and provocation. Continued urgent operational-investigative actions," - said in a statement.



It is noted that law enforcement Odessa region working in full cooperation and not allow destabilizing the region.

Recall that in Odessa today a day of mourning due to the tragic events of May 2, 2014. Rule of law protecting 3,000 police officers, information about provocations or clashes were reported. Reported the arrest of four persons with St. George ribbons.

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

"Literally 10 minutes ago, it was reported about mining Kulikova field People were asked to leave the area and brought back through the scope of a single group, and those who laid flowers, brought from the street. Pirogov Now all are outside the cordon, experts will now be to verify information about mining "-. said the reporter.

The police specified that received information about mining the House of Trade Unions.

Recall now in Odesa, a day of mourning in connection with the tragic events of May 2, 2014. Guarding guard 3 thousand. Law enforcement officers.

According Natspolitsii, in the first half of the day the situation in Odesa was calm and controlled. We recorded only one minor case - the woman tried to carry on the Kulikovo Field St. George ribbon. Later it was reported three more cases like this.

In turn, the pro-Russian activists have reported about the searches in their homes. Also for questioning due to three members of the Odesa Regional Council of "Oppobloka".

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

Artur Panov, a citizen of Ukraine charged with preparation of a terrorist attack, died in a pretrial facility.

As reported by Censor.NET, this was announced by Russian news outlet Fontanka.

"Yesterday (April 29) Ukrainian citizen Artur Panov, who is charged by Russian authorities with a preparation of a terrorist attack in Russia, died in Rostov pretrial detention center due to cardiac failure," the newspiece reads.

on February 14 in North Caucasus district military court in Rostov-on-Don began the trial of Arthur Lord. Together with him in the dock and was also a student of Rostov, where others kryminuyut assist in the alleged criminal activity Ukrainian.

The Russian side prosecution claims that Panov was arrested in early December 2015 in the Rostov region after the guise of refugees crossed the Ukrainian-Russian border, probably in order to carry out a terrorist attack in Russia.

At the time gentlemen detention was not in 18 years. We know that, while in custody, Arthur Panov repeatedly declared hunger strike, which could lead to a sharp deterioration in health.

Arthur Panov, who arrived in Rostov-on-Don with the occupied Luhansk arrested in December 2015. According to investigators, during a search of the young man allegedly found bomb. Investigators believe that Mr allegedly planned attack at the theater Gorky in Rostov-on-Don and confirm the fact that the blog he published manifestos on behalf of Falun ultra German group "Red Army Faction" (RAF).

Gentlemen charged with attempt to commit a terrorist attack (Part 1 of Article 30, Part 1 of Article 205 of the Criminal Code), inducement to terrorism (Part 1 of Article 205.1 of the Criminal Code), calling for terrorism (Part 1 of Article 205.2 of the Criminal Code) and illegal possession and manufacturing explosives and explosive devices (part 1 of Article 222.1 and part 1 of article 223.1 of the Criminal Code). In February it was reported that Mr supposedly partially admitted guilt on charges of preparing terrorist attack and calling for terrorism, possession and manufacture of explosives. He refused to admit guilt to induce terrorism.

In the case also is a resident of Rostov-on-Don Max Smyshlyayev, who allegedly helped in the preparation gentlemen attack. In correspondence Smyshlyayev gentlemen explained that opposes violent methods of regime change; He is accused under part 3 of Article 205.1 of the Criminal Code (Assistance in preparation of a terrorist attack).



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

Photos and videos of weapon remnants that struck Khan Sheikhoun on April 4 appear to be consistent with the characteristics of a Soviet-made air-dropped chemical bomb specifically designed to deliver sarin.
Censor.NET reports citing Human Rights Watch report.

"What appears to be repeated use of nerve agents undermines Syrian and Russian officials' claims that the chemical exposure in Khan Sheikhoun was due to a conventional bomb striking toxic chemicals on the ground. It would not be plausible that conventional bombs struck chemical caches repeatedly across the country, the report says.



"Photos and videos of weapon remnants that struck Khan Sheikhoun on April 4 appear to be consistent with the characteristics of a Soviet-made air-dropped chemical bomb specifically designed to deliver sarin.

"The United Nations Security Council should immediately adopt a resolution calling on all parties to fully cooperate with investigators from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and adopt sanctions against anyone UN investigators find to be responsible for these or past chemical attacks in Syria," the report says.

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

Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny was attacked by agent of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) Alexander Petrunko, who earlier participated in the seizure of the Kharkiv regional state administration.
As reported by Censor.NET, this was announced by Russian journalist Sergey Erzhenkov on Facebook.

"A dossier on 'titushka' [paid protester - ed.] who attacked Navalny," he wrote.



"In Russia, Petrunko claims to be a leader of Yugo-Vostok (East-South) and Georgievsky movements. He was recruited by SBU (Ukraine's Security Service) during Yanukovych's tenure in 2010, and transferred to Russia's FSB," the dossier re
"These are professional stooges in service. On the second photograph below, Petrunko is shown as he was leading the seizure of the Kharkiv administration," the journalist added.

Earlier, Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny was attacked on April 27 in Moscow downtown. He was poured over with a brilliant green liquid and diagnosed with chemical burn of an eye. Navalny reported the attack to the police, which said it would investigate into the incident.

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

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

As the Tsenzor.NET reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Online Office noted that the conversation was held on the initiative of the American side.

It is noted that the heads of foreign ministries discussed "some issues of bilateral relations sphere."

"They discussed the schedule of upcoming Russian-American contacts, including in the fields coordinated conversation ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council in Fairbanks (USA), 10-11 May," - said the Foreign Ministry.

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

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Russian President Vladimir Putin affect the rights of sexual minorities in Chechnya.

Reported Tsenzor.NET referring to the " Herald ".

She said this at a joint press conference after meeting with the Russian leader in Sochi.

"I received a very negative report about what happens to homosexuals in Chechnya and asked Mr. President impact on protecting the rights of minorities", - said Merkel.

April 1 "Novaya Gazeta" reported citing its sources in Chechnya held a mass arrest of gay residents that began a week ago. In addition, the publication states that as a result of persecution killed three people.

The possible murder of gays in Chechnya are required to investigate international human rights organization Amnesty International and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

However, as noted in a statement the "new newspaper" Russian Investigative Committee has not responded to the publication.

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

Recognition of "documents" a terrorist organization "DNR" and "FSC", "nationalization" of Ukrainian enterprises in the occupied territories are further split in Donbas.

As Tsenzor.NET referring to " Ukrinform" , it was said German Chancellor Angela Merkel during talks with President Vladimir Putin in Sochi.

"We have to work on these issues," - she said. Merkel said that Berlin and Moscow "have a different understanding of the causes of this conflict."

"Our goal is that Ukraine finally gained access again to their own border state", - said the prime minister. It once again urged Moscow to use its influence to the Donbas established long-term truce. This should be the basis for promoting the political process, including the holding of municipal elections that will legitimate management areas.

The Chancellor also noted that Ukraine will have to make "painful compromises" on the issue of special status to certain regions of Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

"The federal government will spare no effort to continue the process", - assured Merkel.

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

A recent rmining of the OSCE in the Donbas car damages settlement requires impartial investigation into the incident.

This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Tsenzor.NET with reference to RIA Novosti .

Also read: Hug of undermining the OSCE vehicle: It was not an accident, a mine laid special

"In our opinion, a stabilizing role in the conflict, of course, plays a special monitoring of the OSCE mission, but such tragic incidents as the recent undermining the OSCE car, definitely. cause significant damage peace efforts, lead to another escalation of tension ", - Putin said at a press conference after talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

He noted that the need to objectively look into the incident.

Recall, April 23, in the area of the village Prishib Lugansk region, controlled by militants, detonated a mine patrol car of the OSCE monitoring mission. Killed one employee of the mission, a US citizen . The other two, the citizens of the Czech Republic and Germany, were injured. The US State Department said that it will not leave unpunished the deaths of American citizens and called the tragedy " inexcusable ."

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

Berlin would ‘act decisively’ against any Russian interfence in German election

Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel struggled to conceal their differences at a meeting in Russia on Tuesday, straining to remain courteous despite tensions being evident.

After more than two hours of talks in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, the Russian president and German chancellor commended each other as important partners, but clashed over issues ranging from the Kremlin’s alleged meddling in western elections to the conflict in Syria. It was Ms Merkel’s first visit to Russia in two years.

Asked to comment on accusations of Russian meddling in elections in the US and Europe, Mr Putin forcefully said: “We never interfere in the political life and the political processes of other countries, and we don’t want anybody to interfere in our political life and our political processes.”

Mrs Merkel, in turn, said that, since she was “not the fearful type”, she was convinced that Germans would deal with their elections scheduled for the end of September by themselves. But in a veiled warning to the Russian president, she said she was aware that “hybrid warfare”, which includes disinformation, “plays a role in Russia’s military doctrine”. The German government would “act decisively” if such moves were detected, she added.

The summit came amid a flurry of international talks for Mr Putin, who was expected to speak with President Donald Trump by telephone on Tuesday night. The Russian president will receive Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his Turkish counterpart, for talks on Wednesday.........................

Access complete text of the editorial:  ft.com

US senators have decided not to move a bill that legitimize sanctions against Russian individuals and corporations and provide additional punitive measures against Russian citizens involved in kiberoperatsiy during the presidential campaign.

This was announced on Monday the chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Bob Corker, said Tsenzor.NET citing Radio Liberty.

In January and February brought two bills senators whose purpose was the codification of the existing regime of sanctions imposed by the United States in response to the annexation of the Crimea, Russia supported separatists in eastern Ukraine and interference in the presidential campaign in the US. Senators feared that President Trump can go to the abolition of penalties for the prospects of cooperation with the Kremlin in the resolution of the Syrian conflict.

As stated on Monday, Bob Corker, the anxiety vanished, no one believes that the president will sign with Russia "cheap deal on Syria." Korker offer wait until investigations Kremlin intervention in the American electoral process and return to the discussion of the Bill after the publication of the results. Instead, these bills senators intend to put to the vote a bill aimed at fighting the Russian propaganda in Europe and the United States.

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