Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Monday 21 November. [Ukrainian sources]

MONDAY

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NEWS:
Moscow patriarch goes on warpath. The Kremlin's aim is to destabilize Ukraine and bring it back into Russia's' imperial stables.  Poroshenko: EU market compensating for blow to economy dealt by Russia.  Ukrainian fighters rebuff enemy saboteurs near Triokhizbenka, - Staff. Russia Says More Ukrainian 'Saboteurs' Apprehended In Crimea.

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Two more suspected members of a Ukrainian "saboteur group" have been arrested in Russian-annexed Crimea, Russian law enforcement officials say.

A video of the two suspects' questioning was aired on the Rossia 1 television channel on November 20.

The report said suspects Oleksiy Stohnyy and Hlib Shablyy, both former officers of the Ukrainian armed forces, were arrested last week.

Russian news agencies quoted unnamed officials as saying that the two and three other suspected "saboteurs" arrested earlier were members of a single group........

rferl.org

The Ukrainian military repulsed an attack of an enemy subversive group in the vicinity of Triokhizbenka.

As reported by Сensor.NET citing 112 Ukraine, this was announced by anti-terrorist operation (ATO) Staff spokesperson Leonid Matiukhin.

"Yesterday, at around 10 p.m., our military spotted an enemy subversive group near Triokhizbenka. The commander decided to capture them. While trying to outflank the group, our fighters were revealed. The enemy opened AGS fire to cover the group's retreat. We failed to capture them. Fleeing, the militants dropped their arms," Matiukhin said.

Speaking about the situation in the ATO area from midnight until morning, the spokesperson reported a decrease in number of attacks.

"The intensity has somewhat abated. Two attacks were recorded over night. Krymske came under mortar and grenade launcher fire. Krasnohorivka was hit by a tank in the morning," he said.

Matiukhin also said that OSCE representatives keep registering the number of attacks.

"Observers are documenting [attacks - ed.]. In order to know the number, we have to check with their official data, their statements or website. Sometimes they report more attacks involving weapons of higher caliber. However, we can't be sure they record all the cases," he added.

ua.censor.net.ua In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Damage to Ukraine's economy done by Russia is offset by the opportunities offered by the EU market.

As reported by Censor.NET citing Interfax-Ukraine, it was stated by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.

"The EU share in our foreign trade is now 41 percent. The European Union market starts to gradually make up for that huge blow to Ukraine's economy, social sector, living standards dealt by Russia after it unleashed the war and blocked the access of Ukrainian goods to its market and transit shipments to other markets as part of the hybrid warfare," he said.

During nine months of 2016, the volume of exported and imported goods and services made $32.03 billion and $31.38 billion respectively.

ua.censor.net.ua In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kiril says he will not let Ukrainian Orthodox Church leave the ROC fold, Kiril said Nov. 21 in Moscow, Interfax reports.

 “Our church will never leave our brothers in Ukraine in the lurch,” he said.

The UOC is pushed to a deep conflict dividing the people, he said

 “Russia-leaning UOC churches are seized, Ukraine authorities are waging a propaganda war against ROC, Ukraine legislators are passing the laws discriminating the Moscow-oriented part of the UOC,” Kiril said. 

Such laws are initiated by lawmakers linked to the Greek Catholic Church or are atheists, he said.

zik.ua

President Petro Poroshenko has said Ukrainians and Ukrainian officials over the past three years have had to overcome many complicated obstacles. He said the Kremlin's short term goal is destabilizing Ukraine internally, with the long term goal of drawing Ukraine back into Russia's sphere of influence, something which is unacceptable.

"Dear compatriots, citizens of Ukraine, three years ago, a few hundred brave girls and boys gathered on Euro-Maidan without any politicians to express peaceful protest against the actions of Yanukovych’s regime that stole their great European dream. Then, savage beating of youth by the Berkut riot police stirred up the whole country. In few days, millions of Ukrainians came to the streets and squares. They came to disrupt the plan to bring Ukraine back into the Russian Empire, to demonstrate their pro-European choice," Poroshenko said, marking the Day of Dignity and Freedom, in a written address posted on the president's website.

Poroshenko said, "Per aspera ad astra. The path towards stars goes through the thorns - this is a well-known eloquent expression. However, in November 2013, nobody could have imagined difficult challenges fate has prepared for us… And the high price we’ve had to pay for such values like freedom, dignity and independence," the president said.

Ukraine's head of state almost nothing remained after the victory over the old regime [led by former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled to Russia in February 2014]: "After the victory over the regime, it turned out that only the steering wheel was left of all the state machinery. And it was rotten. Ukraine was being choked by default, which seemed inevitable. Economy hasn’t yet recovered from global crisis. Russia hasn’t only unleashed war, but also organized true commercial blockade inflicting losses in the amount of hundreds of billions of dollars for Ukraine. There have been virtually no army and special forces. This is how deep our bottom was, from which we have started to ascend."

Poroshenko said that immediately after the Revolution of Dignity the best and bravest anti-Yanukovych protesters went to the front lines [in eastern Ukraine]..................

Access complete text of the editorial:   en.interfax.com.ua In English

42% of the Ukrainians expect no changes in the U.S.-Ukraine relations during the Donald Trump administration in the future, the opinion poll conducted by the Rating group shows.

Besides, around 25% of the responders claim the bilateral relations between countries may significantly deteriorate because of the probable pro-Russian sentiments in the coming U.S. Republican administration. The pessimistic views are mostly registered in the central and the southern regions of Ukraine, the agency's press release concerning the poll says........

uatoday.tv

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin says that the alternative to the Minsk agreements could be Russia's destabilization of Ukraine and freezing of the Donbas conflict.

"We all know that the Minsk agreements are commitments, in particular, political commitments on the part of Russia... The alternative to Minsk is [conflict] freezing and Russia’s subsequent destabilization of Ukraine," Klimkin told one of the Ukrainian TV channels, Liga.net reported........

unian.info

NATO General Petr Pavel has said that "it is too early" to draw conclusions about the political actions of the newly elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, based only on his campaign statements.

"And at this stage, I will suggest that we have to demonstrate the awesome patience and calm to wait for new administration and especially for new policies to be articulated clearly. For us to react at this point I would see it's premature," he said.......

unian.info

The former president told him that in Ukraine does not depend

Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, who is hiding in Russia, said that there were no agreement on the settlement of the political crisis, during his presidency, the seizure of power was inevitable. He said this in an interview for the film "Ukraine in the fire", which takes American director Oliver Stone, known for his support for Kremlin policies.

"I signed the Protocol (Agreement on the political crisis in Ukraine - Ed.), But later I realized that whatever we did not sign the protocol, the script seizure of power and the coup was planned and inevitable. That fact is not dependent on our actions "- quoted Yanukovych's Russian edition.

The former president also said that the time had regular contact with US Vice President Biden.

"I was with him the frequent telephone calls, but the fact that Mr Biden said one thing and did another in Ukraine. US Ambassador to Ukraine representatives continually tried Square at the embassy, ​​we very well know, we tracked and created the impression that the US embassy staff there, which led to all this process,"- said the former president.

Recall Yanukovych fled Ukraine in February of 2014 after the mass shooting protesters on Independence Square in Kiev. Since he was hiding in Russia, which did not respond to requests for his extradition Ukraine under intergovernmental agreements.

As reported, November 21, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Dignity and Liberty. Currently in the city center, people are going to share the anniversary of the beginning euromaidan.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Man was active in a time of patriotic organizations, but then moved to the other side

The international automobile checkpoint "New Yarylovychi" that in Chernihiv region, 45-year-old Russian citizen asked to give him refugee status.

Told "Ukrinform" head of the press service of the Chernihiv border detachment, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Dudko.

"The international automobile checkpoint" New Yarylovychi "at passport control on entry to Ukraine to the border, along with an application for refugee status turned 45-year-old citizen of Russia", - he said.

According Dudka, explaining the reason for such a step, the Russian said that at home for active civic activity against the regime, he is prosecuted. Interviewing a man guards learned that some time he was active in the patriotic organizations in Russia, but then switched to the opposite direction.

"The situation is ambiguous, because we do not give comments," - said Dudko.

After interviewing and processing of relevant documents Russian citizen was sent to the Department of the State Migration Service of Ukraine in Chernihiv region.

In general, informed the spokesperson, refugee status at the border in Chernihiv region, Russians asked often. Over the last two years of such cases was about 5-6.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Turkey supported the position of President of Ukraine on the importance of keeping the economic blockade of the occupied Crimea

Parliament Speaker Andrew Paruby during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the issue of informal measure ships in Turkish ports occupied Sevastopol.

It is reported by the press service of the Verkhovna Rada.

"Andrew Paruby said that the sides have discussed" informal event Turkish ships in the port of Sevastopol, "in the context of what the president of Turkey, in turn, said that" even if it took place informally, it will give all the necessary instructions to this not could occur in any format,"- said in a statement.

According to the Speaker, during the conversation the President of Turkey "has shown its support for the Crimean Tatars, including material that Ukraine could feel support in adapting refugees Crimean Tatars, who were forced to leave Crimea as a result of Russian aggression."

As the Paruby Erdogan "strongly supported Ukraine's position on the importance of keeping the blockade of the Crimea, including the sea, and preventing any contact."

Paruby on a visit to Turkey on 19-21 November.

Recall that in October the occupied Crimea from Turkey arrived more than 265 tons of fruit.

As you know, earlier in the Crimea and occupied its tractors and bulldozers destroyed the Turkish fruit.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian / на українській мові

The European Union has announced the transfer of three tranches to support reforms in decentralization, transport and technical standardization in Ukraine

The EU has allocated an additional 54 million euros for the implementation of reforms in Ukraine.

This was reported in the European Union to Ukraine.

"The European Union has announced the transfer of three tranches to support reforms in decentralization, transport and technical standardization in Ukraine, a total of 54 million euros," - said in a statement.

In particular, the EU has transferred the first tranche of 23 million euros for the implementation of the program "Budget support Ukraine's regional policy." This program, the total cost for the implementation of which was 55 million euros, provides additional funding reforms in the field of regional policy and decentralization under the regional development strategy of Ukraine.

In addition, the EU has transferred the last tranche of EUR 25.9 million under the program support the implementation of the strategy in the transport sector of Ukraine. "Implementation of the national strategy in the transport sector had a positive impact on Ukrainian simple - we mean the expansion of the rights of passengers, road safety, better connections between the neighboring countries and Ukraine on the economy as a whole. EU-funded sector budget support program, which contributed to achieving these priorities and ensure greater compliance with the entire sector, the conditions of the Association Agreement, "- said the head of the EU Hyuh Mingarelli.

The third tranche amounting to 5.14 million euros was transferred to facilitate trade in between the two partners.

"This is actually the fourth installment within the EU program" Support to mutual trade by removing technical barriers to trade between Ukraine and the European Union", implemented in the period from 2010 to 2016" - said in a statement.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Day of dignity and freedom. Time compare notes

November 21 Ukrainian celebrate the dignity and freedom in memory of the two crucial events in modern Ukrainian history: the 2004 Orange Revolution and the Revolution of dignity 2013-2014 years.

Day of dignity and freedom is actually the successor Freedom Day, which the decree of President Viktor Yushchenko in 2005 was celebrated on 22 November. This date - the beginning of the Orange Revolution, which sparked the CEC announcement of the results of the second round of presidential elections. Because of massive fraud during the voting and counting Yanukovych beat Yushchenko. Ukrainians then went to the Maidan, achieved re-election.

However, the authorities established in Ukraine at the time, was never able to realize most of the expectations imposed on her people. Yanukovych has made a rematch in 2010, became president and in 2011 abolished the Day of Freedom and combined it with Unification Day, celebrated on January 22.

And in November 2013 again reached the Ukrainian Maidan. The movement toward authoritarianism, corruption furious concentration of power in the hands of Viktor Yanukovych and the "family" disregard for human rights, arbitrary law enforcement agencies and eventually failure of European integration ... The first protests started peacefully - to not pay out the promised way.

And then events unfolded rapidly and dramatically. For three months the picture has changed dramatically protests from students to peaceful assembly shootings of protesters security forces. Defending the dignity and freedom of Ukrainian life worth hundreds of Heaven and over 2 thousand wounded.

Final second Maidan came in the night from 21 to 22 February, when Yanukovych fled Ukraine. And Russia - "friend," "brother" and "strategic partner" - began the occupation of Ukrainian territory.

In October 2016 President Poroshenko has signed a decree on the Day of dignity and freedom November 21 - to Ukraine in strengthening the ideals of freedom and democracy, preserve and present to present and future generations of objective information on crucial events in Ukraine beginning of the XXI century, and also paying tribute to the courage and patriotism of citizens who in autumn 2004 and in November 2013 - February 2014 first came to the defense of democratic values, rights and freedoms of man and citizen, national interests of the Ukrainian state and its European choice.
And the first and second anniversaries of the Revolution of dignity passed uneasily. In 2014 in Kiev characters relatives Heavenly hundreds booed the president when laying them flowers. After this incident Poroshenko decided on awarding the fallen Hero of Ukraine. In 2015 in a number of media discussed the possibility of early third Maidan. In Krivoy Rog community protested the victory in local elections Yuri Vilkul. During the Presidential Administration of action were Crimean Tatars - because of the conflict that arose before, between civic activists blockade of the Crimea and law enforcement agencies. In Kiev, police also blocked the approach to the memorial cross in the alley Heavenly hundreds, causing discontent of citizens who came to honor the memory of the victims. In the evening of the same day activists planned to disrupt the concert at Independence Square, they were outraged that Maidana anniversary is celebrated as a holiday.

According to the action plan approved by the government today in Kiev and other settlements of Ukraine held memorial, ceremonial and cultural events with the participation of government officials, MPs, members of the two revolutions, warriors ATO. This year, the order will provide 18 thousand police officers, nearly 15,000 police and 3,000 natshvardiytsiv. It is expected that activities on the anniversary of the Maidan will attend 66 thousand people. In all regions of Ukraine held 380 events.

From this day today congratulated the Ukrainian President.



glavcom.ua In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Protesters in Kyiv smashed windows and ransacked a branch of a Russian bank, Sberbank, in the Ukrainian capital. A group of demonstrators targeted the building on Tolstoy Square as events were held around Ukraine on the evening of November 21 to mark the third anniversary of the Euromaidan protests



rferl.org

Russian President Vladimir Putin says the practice of decision-making at NATO raises Moscow's concern and forces the Russians to take countermeasures.

"Why do we respond to the expansion of NATO so acutely? We are concerned about the practice of [their] decision-making. I know the way they take decisions. When a country becomes a NATO member state, it is already very difficult for it to resist the pressure from such a large country leading NATO as the United States," RIA Novosti quoted Putin as saying.

Putin said that "whatever" could appear in these countries after joining the Alliance – missile defense systems and new military bases, and if necessary - a new missile strike system.....

unian.info

ICC prosecutor stressed the value of the information provided by the GPU, and announced significant progress in cooperation.

Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko met with the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague by Fatou Bensuda possible retrial of crimes committed against members of Maidan. He tells the network Facebook.

The Attorney General thanked the Court on the Russian aggression in Crimea and Donbas and noted authority institutions.

"Our delegation discussed prospects for joint investigation of crimes against peaceful protesters on Independence, war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Donbas and Crimea as an unbroken chain of crimes mafia state Yanukovych and his Kremlin patrons" - says Lutsenko.

It is reported that the ICC prosecutor stressed the value of the information provided by the GPU, and announced significant progress in cooperation.

As reported by "head office", Prosecutor General of Ukraine held talks with the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, during which the understanding was reached algorithm further joint actions of Ukraine and the ICC to bring to justice officials Yanukovych regime, the leadership of Russia for crimes in Donbas.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian / на українській мові

US has never recognized the annexation of Crimea, said Kirby

Washington believe the state of bilateral relations with Russia was critical. This was announced at a briefing on Monday, US State Department spokesman John Kirby, said "Ukrinform".

According to Kirby, critical relationship implies taking into account both the interaction with specific issues and differences of opinion, particularly on the situation in Ukraine.

"Relations with Russia are critical and in some cases - very, very difficult" - said the representative of the State Department.

According to him, with some of the United States and Russia were able to achieve understanding and cooperation. This applies in particular nuclear deal with Iran. In the last year the US was the hope that Syria could become one of those issues.

Kirby stressed in position on Ukraine remains a significant difference. Thus, the US has never recognized the annexation of Crimea.

"This is a very complex relationship", - said Kirby.

State Department spokesman added that it is not known how this will work with the next US government.

"It's for them to decide," - he said.

glavcom.ua In Ukrainian / на українській мові

IG and al-Qaeda planning attacks across Europe



Terrorist groups YHYL and "Al Qaeda" continues to plan attacks in Europe. It is reported by the US State Department on its official website.

Prevention is valid until 20 February 2017.

According to the State Department, planned attacks on during Christmas and New Year holidays.

It is reported that terrorists could use a variety of tactics, using both conventional and unconventional weapons. Office urges US citizens who plan to spend vacation in Europe, to be especially vigilant when visiting major holiday events, tourist attractions, using public transport.

ua.112.ua In Ukrainian / на українській мові