Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Thursday 1 September. [Ukrainian sources]

THURSDAY

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NEWS:
Russians grow weary of Donbas breakaway republics. Cease-fire observed. One indirect small arms shot registered over day, - Poroshenko. More MH17 docs released, Dutch govt. assumed Russian separatist to be responsible. EU to relaunch trilateral gas talks with Ukraine and Russia.

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Only 14% of Russians area willing to see the Donbas breakaway republics as part of Russia, says the poll run by the All-Russian center for studying the public opinion, ZIK reports Sept. 1.

As the poll shows, 27% of Russians are against sending humanitarian assistance convoys to unrecognized Donbas republics.

This is another evidence that feeling in Russia are turning towards criticism of Putin's policy in Ukraine.

zik.ua

The complete cease-fire is being observed in the Donbas.
President Petro Poroshenko said speaking before students and teachers of Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Censor.NET reports referring to 112 Ukraine.

"On Aug. 26, I issued directives to our representatives in the Trilateral Contact Group to offer a complete cease-fire from Sept. 1. The regime has already been observed for 12 hours and five minutes. It's calm at the front. One indirect small arms shot has been registered so far. No artillery volleys, tank or mortar attacks have been reported," Poroshenko noted.

"I pray to God for the security components of the Minsk accords to be implemented. I pray to God for the cease-fire to be observed, for artillery and tanks to be withdrawn beyond the Ukrainian border to the territory of the Russian Federation. I pray to God for the liberation of Ukrainian hostages illegally imprisoned in Russia and the occupied territory. I pray to God for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to get an unhindered access so that all requirements necessary for the implementation of the political items of the Minsk agreements will be fulfilled," the president said.

ua.censor.net.ua In Ukrainian/український

Capital investments in Ukraine’s agriculture in the first 6 months of 2016 amounted to UAH17 bn ($680,000) on the similar period in 2015, UNIAN reports Sept. 1.

The growth is explained by a comparatively stable economic situation, the Ukrainian Club of Agribusiness says.

Investments in agriculture are the largest compared with other industry sectors.

The statistics show that agriculture is attractive to investors.

However, given the wear and tear of production facilities, Ukraine needs ten times more investments, experts note.

zik.ua

A court forced the Ministry of Security and Justice to publish more documents on the disaster with flight MH17 thanks to a joint call on the Freedom of Information Act by broadcasters NOS and RTL Nieuws and the Volkskrant. A number of new details were revealed, including that the Dutch government assumed from the first that Russian separatists were behind the downing of the plane, according to NL Times.

The documents released are the interpretation in reports of the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security written shortly after the disaster. It involves facts over what happened, the perpetrators and large problems expected to follow. RTL Nieuws published the documents on their website, NL Times reported. The Dutch government quickly realized that no one could have survived the crash and that there were probably many Dutch victims. They were right – 196 of the 298 victims were Dutch. "Given the images of the crash, the probability of survivors is nil", the documents read. And: "(…) it is very likely that some of the victims are of Dutch nationality. Given the holiday period it is likely that there were several children on board." Officials also worried about major emotional unrest the disaster will cause. "The event will cause a lot of emotions given the high number of (Dutch) victims… If there are children among the victims that will increase the emotions… If there are signs that the plane was shot down, this will create an additional shock, especially if it was done intentionally." The government held a close eye on opinion polls, the media and comments on social media...............

Access complete text of the editorial:  unian.info

The trilateral gas talks provide unique opportunities to Kyiv, Brussels, and Moscow to discuss gas supplies before winter heating season start, according to the European Commission Vice-President for the Energy Union, Maros Sefcovic.

"We want to re-launch the successful trilateral format of gas talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the European Commission. In the past, this forum has proven its usefulness. Russia as an exporter, Ukraine as a transit country and the EU as the main importer share a common interest of predictability. In this sense, I am also looking forward to meeting with Russian authorities in the next weeks", Maros Sefcovic wrote on the FB page of the EU Delegation to Ukraine.............

uatoday.tv

Russia’s censor has blocked the Ukraine Crisis Media Centre over a press conference given by the world-renowned Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemiliev and others. In it they called for a civil blockade until Russia released Crimean political prisoners, stopped crushing freedom of speech, etc. Russia’s response has been to step up repression.

The ban on UCMC is just the latest way in which the current regime in Russia is resurrecting all the worst Soviet methods in its efforts to prevent Crimeans and Russians from hearing the undeniable truth that Russia is occupying Ukrainian Crimea. It is probably no accident that those reporting the Crimea Civil Blockade have been targeted, since that blockade has highlighted the degree to which Crimea is dependent on Ukraine.

Crimean journalist Mykola Semena is facing a possible 5-year prison sentence for an article about the civic blockade. Now Roskomnadzor has formally warned the Ukraine Crisis Media Centre that it is being blocked over the original press conference announcing the Blockade.

Roskomnadzor informed the Centre that “at the demand of the Russian Prosecutor General”, the resource centre’s site was to be blocked on the territory of the Russian Federation, with this meaning that it will apply to Crimea under Russian occupation.

It is claimed that the press conference contained “calls to mass disturbances, extremist activity, participation in mass (public) events carried out with violation of established procedure”.

The Russian censor preferred to omit the uncomfortable detail that even if one word of the accusation was correct, the civic blockade was indisputably on Ukrainian territory where Russia’s repressive anti-protest legislation does not apply.

Roskomnadzor states that the Centre “must immediately remove the information”. Having done so, it can apply for a check to be carried out of this and access to be reinstated.

The Centre has no intention of removing the material. It says that the Russian Prosecutor General should not forget that it is Russia that annexed the homeland of the Crimean Tatars – the indigenous people of Crimea............

Access complete text of the editorial:  khpg.org

Poroshenko hopes will strengthen sanctions against Russia and the EU

President Petro Poroshenko hopes that the EU will continue sanctions against Russia, and in case of escalation - and even strengthen them.

It is said in its statement released Thursday evening.

"Another 37 individuals and companies involved in the aggression against the Russian occupation of Crimea and Ukraine - under sanctions. I am sincerely grateful to American partners in this important step solidarity with Ukraine, "- Poroshenko responded to the US decision to expand sanctions against Russia.

According to the President, Russia as the aggressor State has felt the price for "flagrant violation of international law - the occupation of alien territory hybrid solution war in central Europe and the murder of thousands of innocent people."

"I hope that our partners, especially the European Union will support this logic and sectoral sanctions against Russia will be continued, and in case of escalation - strengthened", - said Poroshenko.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

In the Information and Security Service of the Czech Republic said that Russian intelligence are mostly under diplomatic cover

Czech counter-intelligence, the information and security, announced the unprecedented activity of Russian intelligence in the country.

This report says intelligence agencies last year, said the publication Novinky .

In addition, during the past year in the Czech Republic was active and Chinese intelligence.

In the Information and Security Service of the Czech Republic said that Russian intelligence are mostly under diplomatic cover, trying to gain influence on the economy, and lead information war in the country.

"The priority of Russian operations in 2015 was information warfare in the context of Ukrainian and Syrian crises", - the report says.

According to the counter, often Russian special services use in their activities in the Czech Republic for local citizens, including to gain access to the Czech and European subsidies.

It is also claimed that in the information war is the aim of Russian aspirations penetration in the local media to influence the Czech public, spreading alarmist information about the US and NATO. In particular, the goal of information warfare is to create tension in the society.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

The Russian government redistributed the funding to build a bridge occupied the Crimea

The Russian government redistributed funding the construction of the so-called Bridge to Kerch Crimea occupied for years without changing the overall cost of the project.

The corresponding order of August 30, N1822, was published on Thursday on the official legal information portal of the Russian Federation.

The document amends the order of January 30, N118-district, which established funding the construction of the bridge over the years. Thus, the new "breakdown" funding includes the following amounts of monetary obligations of the customer with the VAT in the prices of the respective years: 2015 is 48 billion 941 million 477.1 thousand. Rubles, in 2016 - 64 billion 479 million 309.5 thousand . rubles, in 2017 - 60 billion rubles, in 2018 - 41 billion 567 million 150.6 thousand. rubles, in 2019 - 13 billion 85 million 581 thousand. rubles.

Earlier volumes distributed as follows: in 2015 - 48 billion 941 million 477.1 thousand. Rubles, in 2016 - 65 billion 437 million 941.9 thousand. Rubles, in 2017 - 60 billion thousand. Rubles, in 2018 - 40 billion 835 million thousand. rubles, in 2019 - 13 billion 85 million 581 thousand. rubles. Thus, the funds allocated in 2016, moved to 2018.

It was also reported that the cost of Kerch bridge is 227.9 billion rubles. in the prices of the respective years. It includes the cost of the contractor project of "Stroyhazmontazh 'costs and building customer PKU" Taman "Federal Road Agency.

Total price derzhkontraktu the design and construction of the bridge (contractor costs) approved in the amount of 223 billion rubles to 1.4 million years relevant prices, including VAT at 17%.

General Contractor construction of the bridge is of "Stroyhazmontazh" Arkady Rotenberg.

Recall, the US imposed sanctions against companies Putin's friends, building Kerch bridge.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

Law enforcement officers caught the deputy prosecutor, who demanded a discount in 76 thousand

Law enforcers detained the deputy prosecutor of the Odessa local prosecutor's office №4 Valery White.

Told Prosecutor General Yuri Lutsenko.

"This is the public prosecutor, who two months ago, I asked about the sources of purchasing expensive foreign cars. Then he invented different stories, asked leave to the decree. But not stupid habits dropped. On the same machine came to demand a discount of 76 thousand to the associated company. It took him and "- he wrote on Facebook.

"Yuriy Lutsenko
5 hours ago

The Prosecutor's Office of Odessa region with the SBU detained Prosecutor White.
This is the prosecutor, who two months ago I asked about the sources of purchasing expensive foreign cars.
Then he invented different stories, asked leave to the decree. But not stupid habits dropped.
On the same machine came to demand a discount of 76 thousand to the associated company. Here he also took.
I repeat: all who are not accustomed to live on a salary - out of the prosecutor's office! "



glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

"For its part, during matches, will strongly contribute to this important goal," - said the Foreign Ministry

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Russia allow the supply Armistice Donbas sustainable and long-term nature. This is stated in the comments of the Department of Information and Press the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with the establishment of ceasefire in Donbas.

"In order to consolidate the ceasefire on the contact line of the parties in connection with the start of the academic year, announced the initiative of the Contact Group (CG) 0 hours 31 August - 1 September mode teleconference held an extraordinary meeting with representatives KG Ukraine, Luhansk, Donetsk and Russia, as well as special monitoring mission of the OSCE and the Joint Center for coordination and control "- said in comments to the Foreign Ministry.

The participants noted a regime of complete silence on the line side collision.

"In this regard, it was a common opinion on the need for additional measures to provide Armistice sustainable and long-term, including through the parties all previously reached agreements in the field of security. For his part in the matches, will strongly contribute to this important goal, "- promised in Moscow.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

This is a complaint for maintenance Ilmi Umerov hospital psychiatric hospital and the actions of the FSB investigator

Under the control of the Supreme Court will consider the annexed Crimea on September 13, two defense appeals Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis Ilmi Umerov. This report advocates Umerov.

This is a complaint for maintenance Ilmi Umerov hospital psychiatric hospital and the actions of the FSB investigator.
The government annexed the Crimea accuses 59-year Ilmi Umerov in appeals to violate the territorial integrity of Russia said at a televised speech: "We must force Russia to withdraw from the Crimea and Donbas." August 11, Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis sent for examination to a psychiatric clinic by the court, despite the critical state of health. Defence appealed the decision.

The meeting of a panel that will review the forensic psychiatric examination scheduled for 7 September.

Official Kyiv has spoken with the requirements Ilmi Umerov release. Last week, the European Union called on Russia to immediately release Umerov. In the US State Department expressed deep concern over the detention in a mental hospital annexed Crimea Deputy Chairman of Mejlis Ilmi Umerov and urged Russia to release him. A similar appeal acted British Embassy in Ukraine.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

Also under US sanctions hit the building owner Kerch bridge

Russian company "Mostotrest" and "SGM-cities" on the list of US sanctions, according to the website of the US Treasury.

"Mostotrest" which until 2015 belonged to Igor and Arkady Rotenberg, is a subcontractor building a bridge across the Kerch Strait. "SGM-bridge" - the general contractor of construction, a subsidiary of "Stroyhazmontazh" Arkady Rotenberg.

As specified in a separate document that refers to "Mostotrestu" of sanctions will take effect October 1. Until that date, US companies can continue business with "Mostotrestom."

Also under US sanctions hit the building owner Kerch bridge PKU Uprdor "Taman" Federal Road Agency and St. Petersburg "Hiprostroymost" who prepared the project construction.

In addition, the US sanctions list included ship repair center "Zvezdochka" in Severodvinsk with a branch in Sebastopol, Uralmashzavod, Holovderzhekspertyza Russia, "Sovfracht" (is shipping in Crimea).

The list also hit "OMZ" as part of Gazprombank; "Gazprom Media holding" regional structure "Gazprom",
subsidiaries of the Bank of Moscow.

Under the sanctions was also a pool "The Seagull." The Finance Ministry said the United States that it is associated with the Bank of Moscow, while in April, "The Seagull" sold firm "Perspective".

Among the individuals listed, was operating a number of government ministers and senior employees of law enforcement agencies of the Crimea.

US sanctions on Russia established in 2014 after the annexation of the Crimea, the EU introduced sanctions. They apply to individuals and businesses. Included in the lists of citizens of sanktsiyni prohibited from entering the US and EU, their assets frozen in these countries.

Companies from the US and Europe have no right to do business with Russian companies that have come under sanctions.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

Russian President Vladimir Putin granted Russian citizenship Ukrainian sportswoman calisthenics and sportswoman Eleonora Romanova checkers Daria Tkachenko

Russian President Vladimir Putin granted Russian citizenship Ukrainian sportswoman calisthenics and sportswoman Eleonora Romanova checkers Daria Tkachenko.

This is stated in the decree №447 from September 1. It is noted also that the citizenship of the mother was granted and Yuliana Romanova.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian/український

The situation in the ATO is restless in all directions - illegal armed groups opened fire 25 times on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The press center ATO headquarters.

Yes, a day was recorded 14 cases of violations of silence in Donetsk, 10 - in Mariupol and 1 - in Lugansk areas.

News on: Militants in order to provoke them fired Controlled settlements - Ukrainian side STSKK
In particular, in the Donetsk direction of enemy fire led 120mm mortars on positions in the Ukrainian military Avdiyivka. In addition, Avdeevka fired automatic grenade launchers of heavy, heavy machine guns and small arms, and positions in Verhnetoretskom - with small arms.

For Hare militants struck with automatic easel and rocket-propelled grenade, also recorded sniper activity.

In Mariupol towards terrorists used a firearm in Mar'yintsi, Novotroickoe, Starohnatovke and Bogdanovka. Also Starohnatovke militants struck with mortars of 82 mm caliber, and the Pavlopolyu - with automatic tank grenades.

News by topic: Number of attacks on the part of militants in the area ATO increased to 22 cases - Staff
In Shyrokino militants used heavy machine guns and small arms, sniper also intensified.

In Lugansk area led enemy fire from small arms in the village of Lugansk.

As you know, a few days ago at the next meeting of the contact group in Minsk was reached on permanent ceasefire "in the Donbass midnight on September 1.

In the Ukrainian army said they would provide "day of silence" on September 1 despite the fact that the enemy continues to violate the Minsk agreement in terms of withdrawal of heavy weapons and the use of weapons.

ua.112.ua In Ukrainian/український