Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Monday 16 January. [Ukrainian sources]

MONDAY

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NEWS:
"Ukraine will never come back to Russian Empire's stable," - Poroshenko. Trump supports break-up of European Union.  Sanctions must stay as long as Russia fails on Minsk deal and Crimea's return, - Biden.  US Vice President Joe Biden arrives in Ukraine.  Aides to Trump deny he is planning to hold summit with Putin.

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Donald Trump supports the break-up of the European Union in the wake of Brexit, the U.S. ambassador to the EU has suggested.

Censor.NET reports citing The Telegraph.

"To think that by supporting fragmentation of Europe we would be advancing our interests would be sheer folly. It's lunacy," he said.

Describing calls to EU institutions from Mr Trump's aides in recent weeks, Mr Gardner said: "That was the one question that was asked - basically, 'What's the next country to leave?'. Which is kind of suggesting that the place is about to fall apart".

In June 2016, the UK voted to leave the EU by 52% to 48%. Leave won the majority of votes in England and Wales, while every council in Scotland saw Remain majorities.

At the same time, the remaining 27 member countries of the European Union intend to keep their unity within the EU after 28th member, the UK, leaves the bloc.

Nevertheless, Judith Gough, Britain's ambassador to Ukraine, said that U.K.'s possible withdrawal from the European Union will not affect relations with Ukraine, including the military cooperation.

censor.net.ua, In Russian / На русском

Two top aides to President-elect Donald Trump denied a published report on Saturday that he is planning to hold a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin weeks after taking office.

Censor.NET reports citing Reuters.

The Sunday Times of London reported that Trump had told British officials that such a summit was being planned, possibly to be staged in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik.

"The story is a fantasy," one Trump aide told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. Another said the report was not true.

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has spoken of seeking warmer relations with Russia.

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

Biden was greeted by an official delegation with a traditional bread called korovai, a symbol of hospitality.

At 7:30 a.m., Jan. 16, Biden was to meet with Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroisman.

At 8:45 a.m., a meeting with President Petro Poroshenko was scheduled at the Presidential Administration.

Originally, Biden planned to visit Ukraine on Jan. 15. Later, the Cabinet of Ministers reported that the vice president's visit had been postponed until the next day. According to the White House, the visit includes bilateral meetings with President Petro Poroshenko. Biden's trip to Ukraine will underscore U.S. support and his personal involvement in backing Ukraine's independence, democratic development, prosperity and security.

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

Ukraine will never return to the sphere of Russian influence.

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko stated during a joint news conference with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in Kyiv, Censor.NET reports.



"Today, we are building a new, strong, powerful and democratic Ukraine. It is far from the state we had after the escape of the bankrupt and criminal regime and the beginning of Russia's military aggression. It is Ukraine which has dignity and commitment to democratic reforms. It is Ukraine that will never come back to the stable of the Russian Empire. It is Ukraine which stands guard over democratic values, human rights and freedoms that are common for both Ukraine and the United States," he said.

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

Sanctions against Russia should be maintained until it fully implements the Minsk agreements and returns Crimea to Ukraine.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said during his visit to Kyiv, Censor.NET reports.

According to him, both the United States and the EU and G7 have made it clear that sanctions will continue until Russia completely fulfills its obligations under the Minsk agreements.

Sanctions against the Russian Federation over Crimea must stay until Russia returns the peninsula to Ukraine, Biden said.

Earlier, U.S. President Elect Donald Trump said he was ready to offer easing of sanctions to Russian President Vladimir Putin in exchange for cutting nuclear weapons.

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

Moscow seeks release of the former Berkut officers with the help of the ''DPR'' and ''LPR'' leaders.
Censor.NET reports citing Valentyna Samar's article for Dzerkalo Tyzhnia.

"The Russian side (represented by the leaders of the Donbas terrorist organizations) seeks the release of ex-Berkut officers Abroskin, Zinchenko, and Tamtur, accused of killing the Maidan protesters at Instytutska Street, despite the defendants have nothing to do with the Minsk agreements,'' she wrote.

According to Samar, the participants of the May 2 Odesa clashes were put in the list of the exchange of prisoners. Some of them have already been released.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia at least twice appealed to Ukraine with a proposal to exchange the former Berkut officers Abroskin and Zinchenko.

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

NATO concerned about the statement US President-elect Donald Trump that the organization is outdated.

Said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, reports DW . He said recent statements about Trump EU and NATO were received with surprise and concern, not only in Brussels.

Steinmeier said that these words Trump "is likely to affect, if not completely define" agenda in Brussels. At the same time, the German politician said that they contradict the statement of the future Secretary of Defense, which he made during a hearing in Congress. "Let's see how these statements will affect US policy," - said Steinmeier.

NATO spokesman said in Brussels that still rely on the performance of the United States of their obligations under the new president concerning their "contribution to the Alliance" and "security guarantees in Europe."

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Donald Trump does not recognize the legitimacy of the occupation of Crimea by Russia, but probably close his eyes.

This opinion was expressed by former State Duma deputy, politician Ilya Ponomarev comments in the source.

"Team Trump sees Ukraine unclear buffer the country from a corrupt elite. Pull it in Europe, according to new residents of the White House, is not necessary, and the existence of a buffer between Russia and Europe is optimal for Ukraine", - said Ponomarev.

In this case the opposition believes that Washington's activity in the Ukrainian question.

"Crimea is certainly not recognize, but also aggravate the matter will not. The situation will resemble the accession of the Baltic States to the Soviet Union, the United States officially recognized the fact, but closed their eyes", - said Ponomarev.

As reported, "Apostrophe" Ponomarev previously suggested that the Russian occupation of Crimea was improvisation.

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Unknown tried to set fire to the temple in honor of the Mother of God "Softening of Evil Hearts" and St. Peter (Graves) Second Shevchenkovsky decorum capital (UOC-MP).

Reported by the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

According to the abbot of the temple Archpriest John Tronko, January 16 around 4:00 attackers threw in the southern wall of the wooden church four lighted glass bottle with a combustible mixture that is not broke and flew off the walls of the building.

Archpriest John believes that this incident is an attempt to take away the land on which the church is built. According to the cleric, for six months made aggressive actions by unknown investors who intend to build a temple on the site of a house.

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові


As reported, "Apostrophe" in Mariupol unknown set fire to the church UOC-KP .

An action against Russia for infringement of two U.N. Conventions - on the suppression of the financing of terrorism and on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination - will be filed in the International Court of Justice in The Hague (Netherlands) at 4:30 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 16.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mariana Betsa announced on Twitter, Censor.NET reports.

"Upon the instruction of the president, Ukraine will file a case today in the International Court of Justice in The Hague to hold Russia accountable. Russia is responsible for the acts of terrorism and discrimination in the course of its aggression against Ukraine. A case will be filed at 4:30 CET," she wrote.

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

For seven years, scammers stole $500 million

Russian State "Financial Leasing Company" (FLC), which received a huge infusion of budget Code, controlled by a gang of killers who committed hundreds of murders, wrote "Novaya Gazeta".

The company, whose controlling stake owned by Federal Property Fund and the government of Tatarstan, was established in 2001. Formally - to support aircraft. "Instead they were given production aircraft under control" ephemera "loans, which are then transferred to the company FLC West in Luxembourg or spent. Criminal "roof" provide them the leader of a gang of killers Hahiyev Aslan, who held on accounting FLC Sergei Morozov, one of the shareholders of the company", - says the publication.

On account of the gang Hahiyeva - over hundreds of contract killings. "A number of the victims were sent to the world just in the office of FLC in the next room with an office where there were meetings with the participation of officials from the government," - says the publication.

"We found a list of officials who received kickbacks for the" cut "in the FLC. It lasted from 2001 to 2008 year. Since the company stole 500 million dollars", - says the publication.

Fraudsters managed to issue some bonds that are bought gullible foreign investors. They told reliable leasing company, which is responsible for the state. The money was also stolen, and investors addressed their claims to the Russian government, said in the article. "Stealing money from the Russian budget problems exacerbated by FLC aircraft building industry of the country has damaged the investment climate has caused the crisis in northern Germany, which was discussed at the highest level", - says the publication.

Last week in the Moscow City Court held a regular meeting in the gang Hahiyeva Aslan, who in 2015 was arrested by Interpol warrant in Austria. Currently, he is "waiting" for extradition to Russia.

glavcom.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

About 300 US Marines arrived in Norway for the first time since World War II
It is reported by Reuters .

US troops should remain in Norway for a year. The first batch of marines will be replaced after six months in the country.

According to Rune Haarstada, press secretary of the Norwegian guard that takes Marines at the military base Vaernes that over 1,500 km from the border with Russia, US troops will study warfare under conditions of winter.

"During the first four weeks they will get basic skills of winter training, learn to cope with skis and survive in the environment of the Arctic," - he stressed.

Norway also stress that deployment has nothing to do with Russia or the current situation.

In March, the US military will take part in joint exercises "Viking", which will also be involved in the British military.

ua.espreso.tv, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

In Iraq, the military found dozens of Russian passports that belonged to militants ISIL.

It is reported "Dialoh.UA."

The find made at the University of Mosul. It is reported that during the terrain Iraqi security forces freed University came across documents militant "Islamic state" who came to fight on the side of terrorists from other countries.

It is reported that in the ranks of militants fighting ISIL come not only from the North Caucasus, but also from the central part of Russia.

As reported by the "Observer", formerly Turkey seized the Russians who went to fight for ISIL in Syria.


ukr.obozrevatel.com , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

The main contenders for the presidency of the European Parliament deputy from Italy

January 17, the European Parliament will vote for a new president.

This was reported at the European Parliament.

"President Martin Schulz will chair the election of his successor," - noted in the European Parliament.

After the election of the chairman of the European Parliament on January 18 elections also will be 14 vice-presidents and five Questor.

The main contenders for the presidency of the European Parliament deputy from Italy - from a group of European populists Antonio Tajani, who is now vice-president of the European Parliament and leader of the Socialist Gianni Pittella, wrote UNIAN.

The post also made from European Conservatives and Reformists group vice president Helga Steyvens, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats Guy Verhofstadt, Italian MP from the Group of the European United Left / Nordic Green Left Eleanor Forentsa, an MP from British groups of Gene Green Lambert and deputy of the Romanian group "Europe for the Nations" Lorenzo Rebeha.

European Parliament President elected for two and a half years - half of the term of Parliament. The current parliament was elected on 22-25 May 2014 and has 751 deputies from 28 EU member states.

glavcom.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

The request to the Italian Prime Minister, the Foreign Ministry and the Interior Ministry parliamentarians require a response, or opening of "representation" "DNR" is not contrary to the foreign policy of Italy and the EU

Italian group of deputies from the ruling Democratic Party sent a parliamentary question to the government demanding to officially respond to the activities of so-called "DNR offices in Italy," the opening in Turin which announced last month. His center-left deputies initiative unveiled on January 16 at a press conference in Turin.

The request to the Italian Prime Minister, the Foreign Ministry and the Interior Ministry parliamentarians require a response, or opening of "representation" "DNR" is not contrary to the foreign policy of Italy and the EU will take measures government.

"It is not a question of the local level - is a matter of national importance - said at a press conference Deputy D'Ottavio Umberto, one of the six signatories of the request.

"We should resist the fascist nationalism, which is the so-called" Republic of Donbass ". We will exert pressure until the Italian government created a month ago, did not condemn the initiative Maurizio Marrone (coordinator pseudo representation "DNR" in Turin - Ed.)"- Added D'Ottavio.

In Italy, together with representatives of the Democratic Party "center DNR" as opposed to the Radical Party and the Italian version of the site Stop Fake. "Pro-Russian forces tried before a similar body in the Czech Republic, but the Czech government put them into place. Unfortunately, the Italian government chose a waiting position, and we are sure the government through parliamentary inquiry will clarify the situation", - said Igor Boni, a representative of the Italian radicals.

Separatist media last week reported "attempts of political pressure from members of the ruling Party of Italy in the activities center DNR representative in Italy."

December 14, 2016 in Turin, the opening of the so-called "DNR offices in Italy," which operates under the registered non-governmental organizations - Fund "Magellan." Founders' consulates DNR "in Italy - activists of right-wing parties - stated that the purpose of the organization - in diplomatic and institutional channels in Italy" promote international recognition of the NPT."

Ambassador of Ukraine Yevhen Perelygin in Italy in Turin called the discovery "DNR representative" provocation made by several Italian citizens. According to diplomats in Italy legally not a single "representative" group "NPT". This was confirmed on December 16th Radio Liberty Ukrainian diplomats in Rome.

glavcom.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

US senator from the Republican Party John McCain said the US is likely to impose sanctions against Russia, which is accused of involvement in hacking attacks during the presidential elections.

This politician said in an interview with DW, which is published on YouTube.

When asked the journalist whether Donald Trump will support these sanctions McCain replied:

"I do not know. But we have several branches. And in the Senate this new round of sanctions against Vladimir Putin's support. We already have at least 10 senators who are" on. "I think that we can impose sanctions," - he said .

The senator said that everything depends on many factors, including the actions of Putin, who is trying to undermine the fundamental basis of democracy - free and fair elections. This McCain is called the actions of a military nature.



apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Kudrin does well to make the case for change in geopolitical terms


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When Alexei Kudrin was tasked last year with drawing up a new economic strategy for Russia, there were good reasons for the country’s leadership to countenance previously unpalatable reforms. With the crash in oil prices, the effects of sanctions and the fall in the rouble eroding real incomes and squeezing public finances, there was a genuine fear of protest from a middle class accustomed to greater comfort.

Vladimir Putin’s decision to enlist the former finance minister — a prominent, pro-western reformer — seemed a hopeful sign to Moscow’s liberal faction and to international investors.

A year on, the Russian president is in the ascendant: with his goals in Syria accomplished, Europe in disarray and with grounds to hope for a deal with Donald Trump, the incoming US president, to ease sanctions over Ukraine.

At home, Mr Putin won a large majority in September’s parliamentary elections. The economy has fared better than many predicted and is now pulling out of recession, due in large part to sound macroeconomic management, including a free float of the rouble that has helped manufacturers and made Russia better able to withstand external shocks. The brighter outlook complicates Mr Kudrin’s task because it makes it less likely that the Kremlin will consent to the reforms needed to attract investment and avert stagnation. To address the investment problem, Russia would not only have to drive through unpopular structural reforms, such as raising the retirement age, which are highly unlikely before next year’s presidential election................

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