Ukraine News in brief. Monday 22 January. [Ukrainian sources]

MONDAY HEADLINES:
New US sanctions against Russia: Reuters learned about important details.  "Americans have a huge military budget, but it crumbles before Russian innovations.  Crimean annexation and aggression against Ukraine are not enough to seize Russia from the Council of Europe.  Again including a fool: Ukraine responded to Lavrov's new statement on UN peacekeepers in the Donbas.  The London court today will consider Ukraine's appeal in the case of $ 3 billion "Yanukovych's debt".  Britain began talking about the need to increase funding for the army against the background of aggression in Russia.  ROC priest named Putin as "darkness".  The Ukrainian Canadian community will continue to support Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, the Congress of Ukrainian Canadians.  In the coming days will meet with Volcker Surkov.  9 Ukrainians died due to a terrorist attack at Kabul Hotel. "Ukraine is ready to give a tough military offensive to the aggressor in the event of his attempts to attack" - Poroshenko. Ukraine will not succumb to Putin's trick with the return of ships from the annexed Crimea. Moldova wants to set the Russian bill for Russian troops in Transnistria. London court to hear Ukraine-Russia $3B Eurobond dispute today. The court began to consider Saakashvili's appeal for refugee status. The new president of PACE, Nicolette, in her speech did not mention either the occupation of the Crimea, nor the aggression of the Russian Federation in the Donbas. British Liam Anthony, who was beaten in the center of Kiev because of his appearance. Ukraine will submit a memorandum on Russia's violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on February 19.

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Two official distributors of Microsoft Corporation in Russia have introduced restrictions on the sale of products to more than 200 Russian companies in connection with new sanctions by the United States.

This writes agency Reuters.

Also, new restrictive measures have reduced the duration of loans that can be granted to Russian financial firms that are subject to sanctions for 30 days to 14 days and from 90 days to 60 days for Russian energy companies that are on the US sanctions list.

One of Microsoft's distributors in the Russian Federation, the Merlion company, told Russian companies that came under sanctions that they should have time to pay for products within the specified deadline or pay upfront.

The second distributor, the RRC company, said in a statement that "there are serious restrictions imposed" on the orders of Microsoft's products from Russian firms that have fallen under US sanctions.

It is noted that the Merlion and RRC instructions follow from the new US sanctions package of August 2, last year, which relate to cyberattacks and Russia's interference in Ukraine's affairs.

apostrophe.ua  In Ukrainian/український

Russian political scientist and Corresponding Member of the Academy of Military Sciences Sergei Sudakov said on the propaganda channel "Russia" on the superiority of Russian military technology over the capabilities of the US Army.
According to Cenzor.NET, Sudakov is convinced that even with a huge military budget, the US Army receives much less high-tech weapons than the Russian armed forces.

"This budget, when faced with our innovations, falls apart. We have shown 114 weapons in Syria, and the US has been able to show only prototype 36 types of weapons in the last four years," Sudakov said.



ua.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

European international institutions can only exclude from their rosters the member state only when it resumes the death penalty and slavery, the use of torture and execution of extrajudicial punishment

This was stated by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Turbjorn Jagland, reports "European truth."

According to the Secretary-General, the Council of Europe status documents define 4 principles, from which a member can not refuse to continue to be part of international European institutions. Among them are the death penalty and torture, forced labor or slavery, as well as extrajudicial punishment.

"They are the most fundamental values, they define the soul of Europe. No country that violates these principles can be a member of our family." There is no concession there, "said Jagland.

All other violations of the principles of the Council of Europe, in his opinion, do not have such influence.

Jagland also said that Russia should return to work in the PACE until the organization's summit, scheduled for next year. To do this, will have to lift the sanctions that were imposed on the Russians through the annexation of the Crimea, and later - because of the aggression against the Donbas.

As a result, in recent years, Russia does not submit lists of its deputies to participate in the work of the PACE. In Moscow, they insist that the condition for their return should be the elimination of the sanctions instrument in the PACE.

-In the summer, Russia stopped payments to the Council of Europe budget, which jeopardized the work of the Council of Europe . In Russia, they said that a new decision on their contribution to the Council of Europe's budget for 2018 would depend on whether the Russian delegation would take full part in the work of the PACE.

-In November 2017, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Turbjorn Jagland, rejected the proposal to divide Russia's contribution to the organization's budget among all members in order to stop the process of unconditional return of Russians to the PACE.

-Before that, the head of the delegation of the Ukrainian parliament in PACE Vladimir Ariev said that Jagland is trying to blackmail European deputies to return Russian representatives to the PACE session hall.

-And the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the Council of Europe Dmitry Kuleba said that the Council of Europe's secretary of state is trying to form any coalition in support of Russia's return to the PACE, even at the expense of the destruction of the values, principles and mechanisms of the influence of the Council of Europe.

-Earlier, the interests of Russia were defended by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Pedro Agramut . But subsequently his flights to Syria on Russian planes provoked a big scandal and he was forced to resign.

-A new president of the PACE was elected to replace Agramut. He became the representative of Italy, Michele Nicolette. In his first speech, he said that "frustrated" of the lack of Russians in the institution.

espreso.tv  In Ukrainian/український

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia would not agree to the introduction of peacekeepers into the Donbas area until the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.

Transmits Russian edition "Kommersant".

These words of the head of the Russian foreign policy department caused a tight and laconic reaction of the Information Troops of Ukraine.

"Lavrov, as the representative of Putin's false" diplomacy, "once again included a fool:" Russia will agree to deploy UN peacekeepers throughout the ORDLO only after the Minsk agreements are fully implemented. "In general, UN peacekeepers are needed to fully implement the Minsk If these agreements are fully implemented, then why would peacekeepers be needed?!" - said in a message on the Facebook page.

As reported by the "Apostrophe", formerly Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that Russia had not planned from the outset to agree to the introduction of a peacekeeping contingent on the territory of the Donbas, using the discussion of this issue to save the situation.

apostrophe.ua  In Ukrainian/український

Last year, the London High Court suspended Ukraine's commitment to pay Yanukovych's debt to appeal.

The London Court of Appeal, today, January 22, will consider the appeal of Ukraine to the decision of the High Court of London for $ 3 billion. "Yanukovych's debt". This UNIAN reported the press service of the Ministry of Finance, reports Tsenzor.NET.

"Yes, (the court hearing - Ed.) Will be held on January 22," the press service said.

Let's remind that the High Court of London in January last year began the consideration of Russia's claim against Ukraine regarding Eurobonds of our country for 3 billion dollars, redeemed by the Russian Federation in December 2013, according to an agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the then head of our state Viktor Yanukovych. Ukraine sees this loan as a "bribe" of the Kremlin to the former Ukrainian authorities for rejecting European integration, while the Russian side insists on its repayment. On March 29, the London court upheld the expedited consideration of the RF claim, without recognizing the validity of the arguments of Ukraine in this case, but the Ministry of Finance announced its intention to appeal this decision. At the end of July, the London High Court upheld Ukraine's request for a complete suspension of the decision on "Yanukovych's loan" for $ 3 billion.

ua.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

Britain's armed forces risk falling behind Russia without additional funding.

This was stated by the head of the General Staff of Great Britain, General Nick Carter, reports BBC.

According to him, the ability of the British Army to respond to threats "will be destroyed if we do not keep up with our opponents."

It is noted that Carter's words - approved by defense minister Gavin Williamson - sounded against the backdrop of talks in Britain about the possible reduction of defense spending.

In particular, General Carter drew attention to Russia's new capabilities in cyber-weapons.

He also pointed to the efforts of the Russian Federation to create long-range missiles.

Potential military threats for Britain "are now on the threshold of Europe," said Nick Carter.

apostrophe.ua  In Ukrainian/український

The former Vicar of the Moscow Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church with the title Domodedovo, and now the rector of the Epiphany Cathedral of the city of Ishii, Bishop Evtikhi (Kurochkin) appealed to the faithful not to vote for the current Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it "darkness".

This is reported by the Russian edition of "Novaya Gazeta".

"If what you consider to be a light, there is darkness, then what is your darkness?" - the words of Christ. And will I, contrary to Christ, vote in darkness, or I advise someone to do this ?! "" No, no, no! " - wrote the bishop in the social network Vkontakte.

Before this, the bishop gave a quote from the movie "Balaam", which belongs to Vladimir Putin on the comparison of Vladimir Lenin's body with the relics of the saints.

As reported by the "Apostrophe", the famous Russian cartoonist Sergey Yolkin in the new picture ridiculed the statement of President Vladimir Putin, in which he compared the relics of saints with the body of the Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin in the mausoleum.

apostrophe.ua  In Ukrainian/український

The Ukrainian community of Canada promises to continue its support to Ukraine in its struggle for its own freedom.

This is stated in the congratulations of the Congress of Ukrainian Canadians on the occasion of the Day of Unity, reports Tsensor. NET with reference to Ukrinform.

"We promise our sisters and brothers in Ukraine to do everything in their power to support a righteous struggle for freedom, and we pray God to protect Ukraine," they said in the congress.

The Ukrainian organization also expressed confidence that Crimea and Donbass will soon reign under Ukraine's control. "Today, on this remarkable anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Because justice always wins the evil, we are sure that one day, very soon, the yellow-blue flag will be raised again over the cities and villages of Crimea and Donbas", - noted in the UCC.

In addition, the Diaspora promised to always remember the heroic Ukrainian soldiers who defend the world from Russian aggression. "On the battlefield and in the trenches of Eastern Ukraine, the heroic warriors of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue the historic struggle, protecting the country's freedom. The price of this freedom is extremely high. Today we honor the memory of thousands of Ukrainian heroes who put their lives in order to keep Ukraine free. they will not be forgotten. The eternal memory", - says in greetings.

As you know, over 1.3 million Canadians have Ukrainian descent, accounting for about 4% of the total population of the country. Congress of Ukrainian Canadians is an umbrella organization that unites all Ukrainian public organizations in Canada under its roof. Founded in 1940 in Winnipeg, it now consists of six provincial councils and 34 departments in cities throughout Canada.

ua.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

In the near future will meet the US special representative for Ukraine Kurt Walker and adviser of Russian President Vladislav Surkov.

As the Tsenzor.NET  referring to "Interfax-Ukraine", it was Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin said Monday in Kiev at a press conference on the results of Ukrainian diplomacy in 2017 and priorities for 2018.

"In the coming days the special representative of the US government, Kurt Walker meet with Surkov. Let's see how we can use including new US sanctions. We are consistently working to make these sanctions were strengthened," - he said.

Foreign Minister of Ukraine said that his ministry is working to its tightened sanctions against Russia not only the US but also the European Union and other member countries of the "Big Seven".

ua.censor.net.ua    In Ukrainian/український

In the Afghan Ministry of Internal Affairs say that nine Ukrainian citizens were victims of a terrorist attack in the hotel capital of the country

This edition of "Radio Liberty" said deputy spokesman of the Ministry of Interior of Afghanistan Nusrat Rahimi.

"14 foreigners perished, in particular, one citizen of Kyrgyzstan, one citizen of Greece and nine citizens of Ukraine, and three other people are still unknown, and we will identify them shortly," he said.

It should be noted that earlier, the ambassador of Ukraine in Tajikistan and Afghanistan Viktor Nikitiuk confirmed the death of seven Ukrainians . He also said that the dead worked in three different airlines.

Note that the Intercontinental Hotel is not the first time to attack. On June 28, 2011, suicide bombers attacked him, killing at least 21 people, including all nine attackers. The Taliban group also took responsibility at that time.

-Recall that on the evening of January 20, several armed with firearms and grenades, broke into the hotel Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul (Afghanistan) and opened fire on people .

-Responsibility for the terrorist attack took over the Taliban.

-Subsequently, a video appeared showing how people are fleeing from the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul.

-Meanwhile, 19 Ukrainians who were there at the time of the terrorist attack were rescued from the hotel.

espreso.tv  In Ukrainian/український

Ukraine has strong support from international partners in the fight against the aggressor and is ready to give a tough rebuff in the event of an assassination attempt.

As the Tsenzor.NET with reference to the press service of the Head of State, told the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko at the meeting on the occasion of Unity Day and the 100th anniversary of Independence of Ukrainian People's Republic in Kyiv on Monday.

"We have learned the lessons, we have realized the mistakes, we will not allow them to repeat, I am convinced we have enough intelligence and strength to keep within the limits of the European standards of relations between the authorities and the opposition within the political struggle, so that the enemy can not blow us up from the middle, so that the fifth column does not raise its heads, so that the homeland does not destroy the foundations of statehood and democracy.

Read: "Neither the spirit nor the letter of the law on the reintegration of the Donbas by any article do not contradict the Minsk accords," - Poroshenko. PHOTOS

I want to emphasize that we will not comply with the point of the Fourth Universal on the dissolution of the troops. I want to emphasize that Ukraine is ready to give a tough military offensive to the aggressor in the event of his attempts to attack.

In the fight against the aggressor, we feel strong support from our international partners. And this is a fundamental positive difference between the current situation and the one that existed a hundred years ago, "said the President.

ua.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

The Russian trick with the proposal to return weapons to Ukraine from the occupied Crimea should create an impression of a political dialogue on this annexed territory

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin stated this at a press conference, informs UNIAN.

"Regarding the Russian proposal on weapons, which the occupation authorities propose to return from the territory of the occupied Crimea, you all well understand the Russian trick. There is a key convention of 1907 about the rules of warfare, the so-called Hague Convention, which states that the weapon is returned after the conclusion of peace. The trick is to show that there is some kind of dialogue with the occupied Crimea, "Klimkin said.

According to him, Ukraine has no dialogue on any issues regarding the status of the Crimea.

"We will not do any things that can weaken our political and legal position," Klimkin said.

-On January 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia was ready to return to Ukraine its military equipment from the seized Crimea.

-Addressed to Ukraine Putin's proposal to remove warships from the occupied peninsula dictated by a new package of international sanctions , says expert Andriy Klymenko.

espreso.tv  In Ukrainian/український

Moldovan authorities intend to hire an international law firm to assess losses from Russia's military presence in Transnistria for 25 years.

This is reported by "Euroradio".

According to Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament Andriyana Candu, an account that may be issued to Moscow will be measured in billions of dollars.

Kandu reminded that in Pridnestrovii illegally there are about 2 thousand Russian soldiers, who in Chisinau consider occupying forces.

Russia, in his words, violates international law. The Moldovan authorities are trying to raise the issue of Russia's violation of international law at the international level and hopes that it will be discussed at the UN.

Also, Kandu complained about Russia's information interference in the events in Moldova. In the country, according to him, the activity of pro-Russian NGOs and reconnaissance activities intensified.

In early May 2017, the Constitutional Court of Moldova admitted that the presence of Russian armed forces on the territory of Transnistria contradicts the neutrality of the state. In July, the Moldovan parliament approved a statement demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from the country.

In August, a representative of Moldova to the United Nations, Victor Marari, said that the country had asked to consider in the UN the issue of the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria.

hromadske.ua  In Ukrainian/український

On Jan. 22, a London-based appeals court is to consider Ukraine's appeal against the decision of the High Court of London, which obliges to pay Russia $3 billion of the so-called "Yanukovych debt" for the Eurobonds issued by Ukraine in 2013.
"Yes, [the court hearing] will be held on Jan. 22," the Finance Ministry's press service told UNIAN, Censor.NET reports.

As reported, the High Court of London in January 2017 started considering Russia's claim against Ukraine on Ukraine's Eurobonds worth $3 billion, bought by the Russian Federation in December 2013 according to the agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the then Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Kyiv considers this loan the Kremlin's "bribe" to the former Ukrainian authorities for rejecting the European integration path while the Russian side insists on its repayment. On March 29, the Court approved an expedited consideration of the Russian lawsuit, failing to recognize the validity of Ukraine's arguments in the case. However, the Finance Ministry announced its intention to appeal against this decision. At a hearing on May 26, where the Court considered Ukraine's motion to suspend execution of the court decision until the end of the appeal consideration, expected no earlier than 2018, the Court postponed the decision to consider the matter deeper.

ua.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

Kyiv Administrative Court of Appeal about 10:15 on Monday began to consider an appeal to a court of first instance that recognized the legitimate refusal of the State Migration Service to grant Mikheil Saakashvili refugee status or a person in need of additional protection (political custody).

The case is considered by the panel of judges led by Andriy Korotkikh, reports Tsensor.NET with reference to lb.ua.

In case of rejection of the appeal to the decision of the Migration Service, it will come into force, and in Saakashvili there will no longer be any legitimate grounds for staying in Ukraine. In connection with this, a large number of Saakashvili sympathizers came to court, and consideration had to be taken to the assembly hall.

Recall that last week Saakashvili expressed confidence that the Ukrainian authorities would refuse to grant him refugee status and thereby create conditions for expulsion from the country. In his opinion, this could happen already on January 22.

Recall that on July 26, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko by his order deprived the citizenship of Ukraine of ex-president of Georgia, ex-head of the Odessa regional state administration Mikheil Saakashvili. Later, MP and freelance adviser Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko at said that Heneralnaya Prosecutor of Georgia gave Ukraine the facts that were not known to it at time of Mikheil Saakashvili Ukrainian citizenship.

The politician at that time was in the USA, he later arrived in Poland with a Ukrainian passport, then Saakashvili visited Lithuania, Hungary, Denmark and Belgium.

On August 16, M. Saakashvili announced that he will return to Ukraine on September 10 through the checkpoint "Krakovets" (Lviv region).

On the eve of the main prosecutor of Georgia has officially confirmed the information that Mr. ruzynska side again appealed to Ukraine concerning arrest and extradition Saakashvili.

As it was informed earlier, on September 10, Mikheil Saakashvili decided to enter Ukraine on the train to avoid unrest at the Krakovets crossing point. The train "Intercity" with the connection "Przemysl - Kiev" was supposed to leave at 13:07 in Ukrainian time, but his departure was delayed for several hours. Some reports of detention were detained by law enforcers. But soon the police denied this information. "Ukrzaliznytsya", for its part, explained the delay of the train "Przemysl - Kyiv" by staying in it a person who has no grounds for entry into Ukraine. Later Saaashvili arrived at the Chegini checkpoint.

ua.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

The new president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in er speech did not mention the situation in eastern Ukraine and the Crimea.
According to Mariya Ionova, deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on European Integration , according to the "Straight" comment , Tsensor.NET reports .

"We, with Nicolette, worked together in the Committee on Migration, and today, during his speech, she did not say a word about Ukraine, about the seizure of Donbas, Crimea, or hostages, that is, she did not recall those resolutions that did not comply with the Russian Federation. And here we, unfortunately, again, because of changes in the RF regulations, is trying to return", - said Ionov.

She also added that in her group - the European People's Party - the process of electing the group's chair continues, the first round was held.

"Two representatives came from the Netherlands and Italy, and the second meeting of our political group will be held this evening, where we will be choosing. For us, the main thing is for the group to remain the only one, because we hear some calls for bridges from Russia, but we emphasize each time.": "It's not a question, but let's draw it after the implementation of our resolutions." And this is our common task, "said Ionov.

ua.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

British Liam Anthony, who was beaten in the center of Kiev because of his appearance, said that he had never been attacked in any of the countries he visited.

He stated this in an interview with the publication "Vit.ua".

"Greece, Holland, Thailand - no problems and skewed eyes, only smiling people. In Romania, only everyone who walked past me, but I thought it would be easier in Kiev, no one ever attacked me," - said Anthony.

However, he clarified that in his home town - Coventry - they also look obliquely and often offended.

"I always painted the hair in different colors, it began with Turkey, the first country I visited, I admit there was no problem for anyone." As for my style of clothing, it changed quite a bit after visiting Japan, where I was in to my environment, my appearance led to the capture of others, everyone asked to take a photo with me. Even now, I did not feel as comfortable as there, "- assured the Briton.

He added that he may still come to Kyiv, but will take a friend to improve his security.

"Additional reason is to return rock music festivals. Plus, I want to visit Lviv because I have heard a lot about it," concluded Anthony.



As reported by the "Apostrophe", previously unknown in the Zaporizhzhia region, committed a brutal attack on an elderly couple, resulting in the death of a man, and a woman in a state of coma delivered to the hospital.

apostrophe.ua    In Ukrainian/український

Ukraine intends to submit a memorandum to the UN International Law Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (Hamburg, Germany) on February 19th on Russia's violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

This was stated by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on European Integration Olena Zerkal, Censor.NET reports , referring to Interfax-Ukraine.

"Already on February 19th ... we submit our memorandum, in which we accuse Russia, in fact, of usurping our rights, the rights of Ukraine as a coastal naval state, where we point out all violations related to the Black Sea, the Azov Sea, the Kerch Strait, the construction of the Kerch Bridge", - said the mirror.

The Deputy Minister noted that after the submission of a memorandum by Ukraine, Russia would have 3 months to file an objection to the jurisdiction of the Tribunal to consider this issue.

"Obviously, they will go with these objections, because they believe that Crimea is a territory of the Russian Federation, not recognized by anyone," she added.

Mirror emphasized that Ukraine is preparing a second memorandum in this case, which proves why it is a coastal state.

ua.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to begin a large-scale military offensive against Ukraine because of the likelihood of large losses, the deterioration of relations with the West and the lack of ability to hold the occupied territories.

The Russian journalist and publicist Leonid Radzihovsky told about this "Apostrophe".

"Everyone understands that if the Ukrainian army makes military action, then the answer will be catastrophic for Ukraine, but it will be catastrophic for Russia, because even a local war with Ukraine is not a trip to Kyiv, and, say, to break up troops in the Donbass and take off another piece of land - would be a catastrophe for Russia for a few obvious reasons, "the journalist said.

According to him, one of the first reasons is the coffins, which in the event of a war Russia can receive on the eve of voting for the president of the Russian Federation.

The second reason Radzihovsky calls a new round of confrontation with Europe.

"There will be the most brutal actions in response to the embargo on the sale of gas and oil, which will turn into an economic catastrophe in Russia," he predicts.

The third reason, according to the journalist, is that Russia will not be able to hold the enthusiastic territory.

"Russia does not know what to do with this" devil "Donbass, which is so, but it is necessary to drink, to feed, to pull on itself. But to take away some other territories - and what to do there? To eat, to drink and to pull? What a devotee of Russia it is Need? It's absolute madness", - says Radzihovsky.

apostrophe.ua  In Ukrainian/український

The success of sanctions against the Russian Federation depends, in particular, on the extent to which they are supplemented by other measures or at least the threat of such measures.

An Associate Expert at the International Center for Policy Studies (ICPS) Mykola Kapitonenko stated this to the "Apostrophe".

According to him, sanctions that may lead to other steps, such as military operations, are much more effective than sanctions that can not be strengthened at all.

"It is difficult to measure the effect of anti-Russian sanctions, and we know that Russia's economy has decreased by 35% over the years of the sanctions regime, and the national currency has devalued by half, but what was the reason for this weakening - sanctions or falling prices for energy resources? The dynamics of exchange rates oscillations, rather, correlates with the latter. In addition, structural problems in 's economy were observed and before the introduction of sanctions, "- said Kapitonenko.

At the same time, he added that the technical features of the sanctions imposed - for example, those seriously restricting Russia's ability to extract oil - could theoretically lead to higher prices for this resource, in spite of the expectations of a drop in production volumes.

"Why in this case will Ukraine prefer: low oil prices or sanctions against Russia? For such complex issues, we too often find ourselves unprepared," the expert said.

He recalled that every half a year Ukraine is traditionally engaged in dialogue with Western partners in order to strengthen their determination to continue the regime of anti-Russian sanctions. However, dialogue can be made more effective, laying the foundation for a long-term strategy that takes into account the realities and complexity of policy sanctions, based on a clear understanding of their own goals and, in this case, of particular importance, the interests of our partners.

"Among other things, it is fundamentally important to understand when our own desire to keep anti-Russian sanctions ceases to coincide with the aspirations of the West. Obviously, at this moment, our usual rhetoric will have to be seriously changed. On the other hand, it is necessary to understand as fully as possible what can and can not be achieved. with the help of sanctions", - said Kapitonenko.

According to the expert, a more sober and pragmatic attitude toward Western anti-Russian sanctions will help Ukraine to get the most out of them and at the same time not be caught abusively in the event that they are weakened or lifted. Studying the experience of using this tool suggests that Kyiv overestimates its effectiveness and underestimates the complexity.

"Western countries are in a much wider position with respect to the Kremlin than we do." Sanctions are an instrument that is used primarily to protect their interests. Today, their interests overlap with ours, but this will not always be the case. pragmatic, and in order to have more chance of success in it, we need to learn a more pragmatic approach to what we consider to be important issues of foreign policy, "Kapitonenko summed up.

apostrophe.ua  In Ukrainian/український