Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Friday 30 December. [Ukrainian sources]

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Russian diplomats do not want to fly with the US economy-class. Russian police hunt killer who drove truck 'to emulate Berlin lorry attack' in Ukraine. Ukraine more than a year does not import gas from Russia.  Zaporozhye factory supplied goods to Russia for military equipment. Here's who could actually do something about Trump's potential conflicts of interest.  

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A suspected killer who attempted to 'emulate the Berlin lorry attack' is on the run in Ukraine after allegedly beheading a woman and her daughter.

The 25-year-old man, named as Dmitry P. murdered a woman aged, 42, and her daughter, two, say police, who issued a picture of the suspect.

Driving a truck at high speed, he was then blocked by officers from entering Odessa, police say.
On his way he had caused a 'traffic accident' at 100mph which is why he was prevented from going beyond the city limits of the Black Sea port.

It comes nearly two weeks after an ISIS fanatic drove a lorry through crowds of revellers in Berlin, killing 12 and injuring 48.
Dmitry Golovin, head of Odessa region police, alleged the man 'aimed to repeat the Berlin terrorist attack by smashing into street crowds in a lorry' in Odessa, according to reports..........

dailymail.co.uk

Russian diplomats in any case will come to Russia for the New Year

Complaints of Russian diplomats expelled from the United States, the lack of tickets from Washington to Moscow untrue. The tickets with little transplant freely sold, but at the same diplomats would fly economy class. It is reported by "Moskovskiy Komsomolets".

Recall that earlier today the source of "Interfax" complained to the inability of Russian diplomats 72 hours to return to Russia because of lack of tickets. 35 employees of the embassies will have, according to the source, go to New York, where the airport and fly to Russia.

However, search aggregator offers a variety of sales tickets and cheap flights options from Washington. So, the cheapest option will cost a bit cheaper now 34 thousand.

For that amount to Moscow can be reached in about 14 hours with one change - in Brussels. There are also more likely (slightly less than 13 hours) options.

However, all these proposals are in economy class.

Add that in New York at the moment there are direct flights, the way they have to spend about 9 hours.

Thus, Russian diplomats in any case will come to Russia for the New Year.

Recall, December 29, the US said it deported from the country 35 Russian diplomats and implement new sanctions through cyber attacks during the presidential campaign, which probably is Moscow. Russia has denied any interference in the presidential election in the US, who won the Republican Donald Trump.

glavcom.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

There is pretty universal agreement that President-elect Donald Trump’s many business ventures could create a complicated conflict-of-interest web when he takes the oath of office if his team doesn’t figure out how to detangle him from the Trump Organization. When Trump postponed the December 15 press conference where he was supposed to address these issues, a transition official pinned the delay on giving Trump’s legal team “ample time to ensure the proper protocols are put in place so his sole focus will remain on the country.” On Thursday he said he’d have that press conference “in early January.”

But let’s say the lawyers don’t figure out how to fully separate Trump from his businesses, or Trump decides he doesn’t need to — what then? Conflicts of interest aren’t really conflicts if no one is enforcing the rules. If the would-be enforcers all answer to the president, who’s going to push the issue?.

Well, here’s a list of who could, and why they may or may not.

DEMOCRATS

The Democrats in and outside of Congress will shine a light on conflicts of interest for the next four years. For those in Congress, it’s the politically smart thing to do, even if they find themselves working with the White House on a bipartisan infrastructure package.

No one should be surprised if Democrats continue to hammer away at Trump while trying to solve bipartisan problems, but it’s unclear whether that puts them in a better or worse negotiating position. Trump doesn’t like being insulted and has no problem going after his critics publicly. That could make it harder for Republicans to work with Democrats for fear of being caught up in the backlash.

And since Democrats aren’t in charge, they’re kind of limited to the court of public opinion, but maybe it’s not so limiting. Kathleen Clark, a law professor from Washington University, points out that public opinion can be a powerful “accountability mechanism” for Democrats to use. “I think Trump already feels the pushback on the Emoluments Clause [which basically says presidents can’t take gifts from foreign countries]. If he didn’t feel any pressure at all, he wouldn’t have responded,” Clark said. Democrats can continue to call for committee hearings and investigations, which will surely be covered by the press.

CONGRESS.............

Access complete text of the editorial:  vice.com In English

Following the results of 2016 Ukraine will reduce gas imports by one-third

"Naftogaz Ukraine" does not import gas under a contract with JSC "Gazprom" is 400 days, or within 13 months, buying resources exclusively on its western border.

According to preliminary calculations, the results in 2016 Ukraine will reduce gas imports by one third (5.4 billion cu. M) - to 11.1 billion cubic meters. m in December, it will be about 1.66 billion cubic meters. m.

In January, Ukraine imported 914.8 million cubic meters. meters of gas in February - 1 billion 253.7 million cubic meters. m, in March - 478.4 million cubic meters. m, in April - 245 million cubic meters. m, in May - 96.4 million cubic meters. m in June - 19.7 million cubic meters. m in July - 409.6 million cubic meters. m in August - 1 billion 414.5 million cubic meters. m in September - 1 billion 495.9 million cubic meters. m in October - 1 billion 544.5 million cubic meters. m in November - 1 billion 546.6 million cubic meters. m.

As reported, the key terms of the refusal Ukraine from buying gas at its eastern border is disagreement on prices and the unwillingness of the Russian side to sign an additional agreement to the existing contract, which must be recorded waiver of the conditions of "take or pay" for the period of gas purchases and options his selection, payment, nomination and terms of delivery.

According to the State Statistics Service, in 2015 Ukraine imported 16 billion 478.018 million cubic meters. meters of gas at $ 4 billion 512437000, particularly from Europe - 10 billion 340.364 million cubic meters. m at $ 2 billion 835.883 million, with Russia - 6,000,000,000 137,654,000 cubic meters. of $ 1 billion 676.554 million.

glavcom.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

99% of revenues plant - funds from export Russian companies

Prosecutor's office carried out a procedural guide in criminal proceedings on the fact of committing officers JSC "Zaporozhye factory" Converter "criminal offense under Part. 4. 110-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (the financing of acts committed for the purpose of violent change or overthrow of the constitutional order or the seizure of state power, territory or changing the boundaries of the state border of Ukraine).

It is established that officials said last year the company secured the supply of goods for military use one of the companies of the Russian Federation.

In addition, according to financial statements, 99% of the revenues of the company - proceeds from exports mainly Russian companies. In the future, products used to equip the army and the army Naval Forces, including chargers for submarines.

Pre-trial investigation carried out by investigators in the field of UAS.

Recall Igor Hashenenko scientist who studied physics in Ukraine, received a Russian passport and will be engaged in the development of the military-industrial complex.

glavcom.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

In December 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced five key policies that would help fulfill the goal of a “renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with First Nations peoples.” Almost a full year later, Trudeau reiterated that “we were elected on a solemn commitment to create reconciliation with Indigenous peoples across this country.”

But for some Indigenous people, there’s very little to show for such rhetoric going into Canada’s 150th anniversary.

“I think 2017 is going to be the year where the trenches get dug and the battle lines get drawn in a very tangible way,” says Caleb Behn, a Dene lawyer from West Moberly First Nation in northeastern British Columbia.

“That’s the consequence of Trudeau’s betrayal and the fact that most Canadians don’t want to confront the fact that you live on stolen land and have been repressing people you promised to treat honourably for over one hundred years.”

Despite significant opposition from many Indigenous nations, the federal Liberals approved the construction of two major oilsands pipelines and a massive liquefied natural gas export terminal, granted permits to the Site C dam in northern British Columbia and resisted calls to intervene in the Muskrat Falls dam controversy in Labrador.

In addition, the government backtracked on a seemingly clear promise to “fully adopt” the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), fought against a lawsuit launched by survivors of the ‘Sixties Scoop,’ dropped an appeal that would have required the Catholic Church to help fund healing programs for residential school survivors, and continued to face criticism for a system of delivering welfare to on reserve children that has been called “systemically racist”................

Access complete text of the editorial:   vice.com In English

Russian diplomats will arrive in Russia for the New Year

Russia will send a plane for the Russian diplomats and their families in the United States. It is reported RIA "Novosti" with reference to the Kremlin.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the new anti-Russian sanctions the US and said that Russia would not send American diplomats.

Recall that the US government deported from the country 35 Russian diplomats.

As reported, the Russian diplomats do not want to fly with the US Economy.

Recall that earlier today the source of "Interfax" complained to the inability of Russian diplomats 72 hours to return to Russia because of lack of tickets. 35 employees of the embassies will have, according to the source, go to New York, where the airport and fly to Russia.

However, search aggregator offers a variety of sales tickets and cheap flights options from Washington. So, the cheapest option will cost a bit cheaper now 34 thousand.

For that amount to Moscow can be reached in about 14 hours with one change - in Brussels. There are also more likely (slightly less than 13 hours) options.

However, all these proposals are in economy class.

Add that in New York at the moment there are direct flights, the way they have to spend about 9 hours.

Thus, Russian diplomats in any case will come to Russia for the New Year.

Recall, December 29, the US said it deported from the country 35 Russian diplomats and implement new sanctions through cyber attacks during the presidential campaign, which probably is Moscow. Russia has denied any interference in the presidential election in the US, who won the Republican Donald Trump.

glavcom.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Russia imposed economic sanctions against North Korea in response to nuclear tests

The Russian Federation has introduced sanctions against North Korea that restrict exports of coal and metals from the country.

The corresponding decree was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, published in the Russian official portal of legal information.

Russia imposed economic sanctions against North Korea in response to the nuclear test.

It says that sanctions include measures to implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Canadian sanctions restrict exports mainly coal, silver, copper, nickel and zinc with North Korea.

As you know, all the countries - members of the UN Security Council harshly condemned the new nuclear test conducted by North Korea and announced the introduction of new sanctions against it November 30.

glavcom.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Lawmakers from both parties likely to resist push for closer US ties with Moscow

The announcement of new US sanctions against Russia paves the way for a potential showdown between Congress and Donald Trump’s incoming administration over what kind of stance Washington should take against the country in the future.

Mr Trump has called for closer ties with Moscow and played down its role in the Ukrainian conflict. But he is likely to face fierce resistance from a bipartisan coalition in Congress who have promised even tougher measures against Russia next year, with or without the president-elect’s approval.

Republican senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio have vowed to push for harsher measures against Russia, saying that the new Obama sanctions do not go far enough. More than 20 senators of both parties have signed an open letter to Mr Trump urging him to provide more support to Ukraine and keep the existing sanctions against Russia in place once he takes office.

While those sanctions were signed by executive order and could be reversed by Mr Trump with the stroke of a pen, many in Congress believe that there is a large-enough coalition of Senate Democrats and Republicans who would oppose such a course.

“I think there will be a confrontation at some point unless Trump changes course,” said a Republican Senate aide who was not authorised to speak publicly. “The administration will have to decide whether to go along with [the Senate’s Russia] efforts or to fight them.”

Earlier this month, Mr Rubio and Democratic Senator Bob Casey introduced a bipartisan bill that would mandate sanctions against any Russian or Iranian official who threatened the stability of Iraq or Syria..............

Access complete text of the editorial:   ft.com In English

"No international partnership never recognize Donbass or Crimea anything other than the territory of Ukraine," said Deputy

Instead of restoring dialogue with Russia, Canada should continue its policy of isolation.

This opinion was expressed by shadow defense minister of Canada, James Bezan, reports "Ukrinform".

"Instead of normalizing relations as it seeks to head the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Stephane Dion and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we continue to isolate Russia", - said Bezan.

He also called on Ottawa to support Ukrainian official signing finally Agreement on Cooperation between the Ministries of Defence of Canada and Ukraine.

"We have to make sure that Ukraine has the tools, training and enough weapons to give the hybrid war that Russia is on the Donbas. We have to contain it and dislodge from Ukraine", - said.

He said that "no international partnership will ever recognize Donbas or Crimea anything other than the territory of Ukraine."

Recall that in November during the meeting of Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze with Defense Minister of Canada Harjit Sadzhanom finally managed to finally agree on the signing of the inter-agency agreement. Since then, the defense agencies of both countries agree on the most convenient date of the signing ceremony.

glavcom.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Crimea for some French - is not a problem, said Russian researcher Cecile Vessye

For many French annexation of Crimea did not become a significant event. French political scientist Cecile Vessye in an interview with " Commander " explained why it happened.

"So you understand, what is the attitude towards this event will give you an example. I read a lot of articles on this subject and comments to them. Well, I remember one comment on the Crimean subjects, which left a Frenchman. He wrote that the Crimea - a Russian land. They say, look, the Crimea is Russian palaces of kings and no lock Ukrainian leaders. That is, according to him, proves that Crimea has always been Russian land. You see, we are at this level of ignorance of history and the history of Ukraine. That Crimea for them - no problem"- says Cecile Vessye.

According to the analyst, to change the attitude of the French towards Russia today affects her involvement in the conflict in Syria, and in particular the events in Aleppo.

"People, ordinary citizens can not quite understand exactly who shoots but see that bombed the elderly, children and see that millions of people live in fear. Recently I saw a very strong reaction in French society against those politicians who support Assad, in particular against Marine Le Pen, leader Francois Fillon and Jean-Luc ultra Melashona"- says the researcher.

As for Ukraine, the expert believes that Ukrainians should show Europe that they are separate and independent.

"Ukraine has to convey to France what it is - independently. French politicians agree that when it was the Soviet Union, there was no freedom. But it was very easy to deal with the state. Because it was one leader who oversaw everything. Giscard d'Estaing, who was president of France, a friend of Leonid Brezhnev, they had a good relationship. There was some confidence that the trade will continue, for example", - says Cecile Vessye.

glavcom.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Ukrainians DON'T have to show France that it's an independent country. They should already know that. Are they that blind?

Seems Putin's propaganda within Europe has really performed a very good job on the French, if they don't know these things.

And now! It'll be worse, with both candidates running to replace Francois Hollande are both pro-Putinists. The rest of Europe should be MORE concerned with the outcome and the ramifications all of Europe will have to endure, once the election is over. It'll be the next US election scenario. MANY, including all European countries will now experience what not doing anything to curtail Putin's interference will bring to their daily lives. This is the repeat of what Hitler did to Europe. All these countries continue to think the US will bail their asses out as they've done in the past. Now they have Trump as the US president which is now in bed with Putin and won't do squat to protect Europe. He's already stated that NATO's not worth it and wants to get rid of it. NOW! What will Europe do, without US protection?

The agreement provides for the allocation of three million US dollars annually for 5 years

Turkey in 2017. allocate more than $ 3 million for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This was reported on Twitter in Turkey Ambassador to Ukraine Andrew Sybiha after a meeting with a representative of the Ministry of Defence of the country.

"A wonderful end of the year - signed an agreement - will help the Turkish Republic in 2017 for the Ukrainian army of 3.1 million. Strategic partnership in action "- said Sybiha.

On this deal Sybiha also said in his Facebook.

"December 30, 2016 Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on military and financial cooperation (hereinafter - the Convention) and the Protocol between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on the allocation of financial assistance" - he wrote.

"Under the authority granted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of December 29, 2016 Agreement and the Protocol signed by Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic A.Sybiha. On the Turkish side agreements and protocols signed Pidsekretariatu Chairman of the Defense Industry Ministry of National Defense of the Republic I.Demir "- said in a statement.

The agreement provides for the allocation of $ 3 million annually for 5 years. Dedicated Turkish side will be used for acquisition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine Turkish military goods and dual-use.

glavcom.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Central Investigation Department together with the Department of Criminal Investigation Procedure under the leadership of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine conducted an operation to detain a foreigner. Man using connections in the criminal environment, ordered the murder of his business rival.

This press service of the National Police.

During execution of customer murder offered a cash reward of $5,000.

Businessman Keeler gave an advance of $300 - to prepare for the crime. In addition, the customer has provided information about the artist and photos of the daily sacrifice. He also self-determined way of killing - staging a robbery or burglary during which the victim must receive a lethal head injury. He pointed to the fact that the murder had to happen in a certain period the customer as a potential victim was planning to leave town.

Police initially staged the murder of businessman capital, and arrested the attacker during the program "killer" remaining amount - $4,700.

Investigators have started criminal proceedings on the fact of preparation to commit murder in order (ch. 1, Art. 14, para. 11, ch. 2, Art. 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The issue of the election of a detainee preventive measure.

Recall that today in the capital was an attempt to murder. At the Sports Palace in Kyiv firearms seriously injured a man and a woman.

glavcom.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Influential senator announced sanctions against Russian banks



Influential Republican Senator John McCain said that Russia must pay a high price for cyber attacks on the United States, equating them to acts of war. He announced a new anti-Russian sanctions, including the banks of Russia.

This McCain said in an interview with Ukrainian TV channel "1 + 1", reports Reuters .

McCain confirmed the appointment on 5 January in the US Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing on the threats of foreign cyberattacks.

He noted that the US would like to be sure that Russia will pay for their actions a price and maybe "stop it from continuing attacks on the foundations of our democracy."

In addition, McCain has promised to support Ukraine regardless of the position of Donald Trump. "We want to witness our support. We do not know for sure what will make elected president. But convinced that the United States Congress - and we are equal branches - firmly supports Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression" - said McCain.

During an interview with "1 + 1" influential senator asked to comment on the situation with the license, the form of which they have not yet issued. The politician admitted that not familiar with the details, but warned anyone that infringes on freedom of speech, said in a statement channel.

Recall today met President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko with US senators. The US delegation led by Senator John McCain, and its members are Senators Lindsey Graham and Amy Klobuchar. Ukrainian American invited the guests to visit Donbass to witness the actions of militants.

ua.112.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

The hearing will be held on January 5



Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Armed John Mackenzie plans to hold a hearing on Jan. 5 on cyber Russia. It said the publication Politico , citing a source familiar with the planning committee.

At the hearing the committee will address the US director James Clapper Natsrozvidky, head of US Cyber ​​Command Mike Rogers, deputy head of the Pentagon on intelligence Marseille Lettret.

The publication notes that the hearing will take place just three days after the start of the new Congress convening.

As reported, the United States expelled 35 Russian diplomats from Washington and San Francisco, and announced the introduction of new sanctions against Russia because of cyber attacks.

Recall now Senator John McCain met with Petro Poroshenko. The President proposed US senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham to visit Donbass to witness the provocation of militants.

ua.112.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Russian hackers may be behind attacks leveled at the nation’s power grid and artillery. The West should take note.

Russian hackers have reportedly taken down power grids and tracked military units in Ukraine.

Security researchers at CrowdStrike believe that the hacking collective known as Fancy Bear, which was linked to hacking of Democratic National Committee’s e-mail servers earlier this year, used Android malware to track Ukrainian artillery units. The attack utilized code similar to that used in the DNC attack, but this time used it to retrieve communications and location data related to military assets since 2014.

Reuters suggests that the information could have been used by military forces to target the Ukrainian artillery. Pro-Russian separatists continue to battle Ukrainian government forces in eastern Ukraine.

Meanwhile, it has come to light that an unconfirmed group of Russian hackers took over computers at an electricity control center to plunge parts of the city of Kiev into darkness. The hackers apparently sent malware via e-mail to employees, allowing them to steal login credentials and shut down substations. All told, the attack took out 200 megawatts of capacity—about 20 percent of the city’s nighttime energy consumption.................

Access complete text of the editorial:  technologyreview.com In English