Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Saturday 28 January. [Ukrainian sources]

SATURDAY

Please scroll to view news items added during the day.

NEWS:
Trump says he is only in early stages of considering lifting Russia sanctions. The UN has called on the US to further grant asylum to refugees.  "We wish to implement Minsk peace process", - German Foreign Minister on EU sanctions against Russia.  Chairman of the German Foreign Office explained the conditions under which Russia will be removed from sanctions.  OSCE concerned about recent increase in civilian victims.  Double murder in Odessa: the suspect committed suicide. "Today, the coalition is much less than 226 people", - Tymoshenko.

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U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he is only in the early stages of considering whether to lift U.S. sanctions on Russia, as British Prime Minister Theresa May, other foreign officials and U.S. lawmakers cautioned that such a move would be premature, according to Reuters.

"As far as the sanctions, [it is] very early to be talking about that," Trump said, while insisting that he wanted to follow through on his campaign pledge to pursue better relations with Russia, Reuters reported. With Trump expected to speak by phone on Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since taking power a week ago, speculation has been rife that he is close to lifting sanctions imposed by then-President Barack Obama over Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in 2014.

Such a move would likely cause consternation among European allies as well as many in the U.S. Congress who are also troubled by Russia's intervention in the Syrian civil war and by U.S. intelligence agencies' finding that Moscow meddled in the U.S. election campaign. His caution on the Russian sanctions came in response to a question at a joint news conference at the White House with May, the first foreign leader to visit the president since his inauguration..............

unian.info/politics

Thus the organization responded to Trump's decision to suspend the application of the US reception of refugees.

United Nations Office for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) urged the administration of US President Donald Trump continue to grant asylum to refugees . It is reported by Deutsche Welle , with reference to the statement of two structural units of the United Nations, which was published on Saturday, 28 January. Thus the organization responded to Trump's decision to suspend the application of the US reception of refugees. The statement emphasizes that the program of resettlement of the United States is extremely important and should be continued. "The needs of refugees and migrants around the world were not so sharp, and the US resettlement program is one of the most important in the world" - the document says.

The statement stresses that providing shelter to refugees, the United States get a double benefit: "First, save the people who are most vulnerable in the world, and, secondly, to enable them to enrich their new society.".........

unian.ua/world, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Germany and France agree that any moves to lift sanctions against Russia must be tied to progress in the peace process for eastern Ukraine.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Saturday during the news conference with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault, Censor.NET reports citing Reuters.

"We in Germany and France have a clear position on the sanctions. We wish to implement the Minsk peace process... And that is the only way that sanctions can be lifted," the official said.

Gabriel said he and Ayrault also agreed that it was important that Germany and France express strong unified positions on issues. He said the two countries would create bilateral working groups to address issues such as Ukraine and Russia.

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

The head of Germany's foreign minister also said that France and Germany should set up bilateral working groups to solve problems such as "Ukrainian-Russian issues."

The question of lifting sanctions from Russia remains dependent on progress in the negotiations on the Minsk peace in Ukraine. Said German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel , writes Reuters . Identical position on this issue in France, as the head of the country's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault. "We in Germany and France have a clear position on sanctions," - said Gabriel, adding, "We believe it necessary to run the Minsk peace process. This is the only way that Russia will remove the sanctions."

In addition, Gabriel said that France and Germany should set up bilateral working groups to solve problems such as "Ukrainian-Russian issues."....

unian.ua/politics, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine has confirmed at least six civilian deaths, on both sides of the line of contact, in the past two weeks.

The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Martin Sajdik said yesterday, Censor.NET reports citing OSCE.

"With great concern I follow the recent increase in civilian victims of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Reports by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine have confirmed at least six civilian deaths, on both sides of the line of contact, in the past two weeks. At least three of those victims have been killed by shelling, another most probably by a mine. A number of civilians have been injured, among them a three-year old boy," the official said.

Martin Sajdik called on all sides to do their utmost to stop this worrying trend - through full respect of the cease-fire, progress on disengagement and demining and by implementing their commitments to withdraw weapons from the contact line.

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

A man who was suspected in double murder in Ovidiopol and preparing acts of terrorism in Odesa, hanged himself in a prison cell.

It is reported by news agency "Interfax-Ukraine".

The incident occurred the morning of 28 January. Doctors could not help prisoners, noting only his death.

In this incident police opened a criminal case under Part. 1, Art. 115 of the Criminal Code (murder marked "suicide").

A prisoner hanged himself on the sheet in solitary confinement, where he was held from January 4.

Recall that the 31-year-old Ovidiopol December 29 last year, killed and beheaded a woman and her 2-year-old daughter.

As reported, "Apostrophe", previously were known motives "Ovidiopolsky killer" who intended to carry out attacks in Odesa.

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

Today the Verkhovna Rada coalition of fact.

As Tsenzor.NET, about this stated the head of the party "Fatherland", MP Yulia Tymoshenko on the air NewsOne.

"Andrew Paruby zasekretyv names of people included in the coalition. This is the biggest state secret. This is because no" Popular Front "or MFP neither the Poroshenko not want to prevent the elections," - she said.

"MPs, who have a conscience and see corruption rudeness, massively out of the faction of the MFP. In particular, this is done Firsov, Tomenko, bagels, Mishchenko. So now the coalition is much less than 226 people", - added the MP.

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

Two pro-Russian militants killed their commander in the Donbas.

Censor.NET reports citing Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Two soldiers of the "9th Assault separate motorized rifle regiment of marines" (Novoazovsk) of the "1st Army Corps" (Donetsk) of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation killed their platoon commander. The intoxicated soldiers killed the commander as he blackmailed them.

Moreover, a commander of the "9th Assault separate motorized rifle regiment of marines" (Novoazovsk) of the "1st Army Corps" (Donetsk) of the Armed Forces of the Russia slashed his subordinate with an angle grinder.

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

Statement by the leader of the "Fatherland" Yulia Tymoshenko that this political force will no longer associate with anyone, indicating that it will continue to work with the "opposition".

As Tsenzor.NET about it said in a statement the party "People's Front".

"People's Front" statement of Yulia Tymoshenko considers that "Homeland" does not work with any political force, a statement of the obvious fact that today Tymoshenko alliance with the "opposition" will continue to work in tough soldering and does not expand its membership " - convinced party members.

"Public voting faction" Motherland "and" Opposition Block "in parliament registered independent monitoring services, show that Tymoshenko has finally made her dream of" Shirko "the Party of regions, and in ideal conditions, the absence of" Regions "Yanukovych, who could not stand the competition in the race for the title of best" friend of Putin "in Ukraine. As for direct relations and fruitful cooperation Tymoshenko and Viktor Medvedchuk, godfather of the Russian Fuhrer, walk true legend "- said in a statement.

"The fact that the "Fatherland" finally found a true ally, perhaps, is a personal success Tymoshenko but at the same time, we believe it is a serious challenge for Ukraine, which in its history has repeatedly lost freedom as a state because of an internal power struggle, relying on Russian money and support", - emphasized in the" Popular front."

"with regard to the fact that Yatsenyuk headed the united opposition after the elections Yanukovych Yatsenyuk that with the whole team kept the party "Motherland", preventing the monopolization of power by the then regime, it's true. Like the fact that one of the first decisions taken after the victory of the Revolution of dignity at the initiative of leaders of the current team, "Popular Front", was the release from prison of Yulia Tymoshenko in Kharkiv. However, following the appointment of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Prime Minister Tymoshenko characteristic - greedy and uncontrolled desire of the authorities - led her to the camp of the forces who are not Ukrainian, and Tymoshenko took systematic destructive work against the country, "- noted the party members.

"Popular Front "states that continue to fight against the" fifth column "of Russian aggression in Ukrainian politics and make explicit its primitive manipulation and lies," - said in a statement.

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

Tymoshenko's reputation has finally been accepted. A power hungry obsession that continued, after her incarceration. She'll never change. Ukrainians are finally realizing what she's all about. As reported earlier, she now has under 226 MPs in the RADA (Parliament). Her powers are quickly depleting.

I've known of her since the mid 2000's, when Yushchenko became president, after fraud in the election caused one of the first major protests called my "Maidan". She was known as the gas queen. He goal is to get the highest power level in Ukraine and to become the next Yanukovych. Ukrainians MUST stop her, or they'll be back to square one, and Putin will have open doors to further his influence.

Although the work of cleaning house in Ukraine has been a rough ride, it has made major gains. The work's not over and it can't be TOTALLY turned around in a 360 degrees by one person. It has to be done by the entire country. The Putin influence is still so heavy, that there will continue to be destabilization in both sides. Don't think that there hasn't been gains. Don't think there hasn't been success. And most of all, don't think that Ukrainians can't make a difference. Unarmed, they forced Yanukovych out. They should be proud of that.

Слава Україні Героям слава

The pro-Russian militants in the Donbas report about orders to fire at residential areas of the Luhansk region.

Censor.NET reports citing Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

The local militants of the "6th separate motorized rifle regiment" (Kadyivka) of the "2nd Army Corps" (Luhansk) of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation report to 'LPR' Ministry for State Security about criminal orders of Russian officers to shell and mortar residential areas of the region as well as the militants' positions.

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

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have spoken for the first time since the presidential inauguration.

The 50 minute telephone call on Saturday afternoon was seen as the first test of an embryonic reset of Russo-US relations that has previously been largely confined to mutually flattering public comments and a shared disdain for Mr Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama.

After speaking with Chancellor Merkel for 45 minutes @POTUS is now onto his 3rd of 5 head of government calls, speaking w Russian Pres Putin pic.twitter.com/RPAWIgcO2C

— Sean Spicer (@PressSec) January 28, 2017

The phone call was welcomed by top Russian officials but watched anxiously by critics of Mr Putin in Washington and Europe, who fear Mr Trump may abandon key US commitments, including sanctions imposed after the annexation of Crimea, in a bid to improve relations with the Kremlin.

Mr Trump refused to rule out dropping sanctions at a press conference with Theresa May, the British prime minister on Friday.

"We'll see what happens. As far as the sanctions, very early to be talking about that," he said.

In a signal of a possible rift between Britain and the US on the issue, Mrs May said: "we believe sanctions should continue."................

Access complete text of the editorial:  telegraph.co.uk In English

A column of military vehicles entered occupied Simferopol on Jan 27.
Censor.NET reports citing Human Rights Information Centre.

It was reported about five armored personnel carriers (APC) and at least 10 military trucks.

According to journalist of the Human Rights Information Center the column entered the city from Simferopol-Mykolivka road and passed populated residential district. The column was escorted by police cars.




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

Creator hacker site "Humpty Boltay" Vladimir Anikeeva, which, in particular, was published hacked correspondence self-proclaimed leaders of the NPT , at the end of October 2016 was detained by the FSB, when he arrived in St. Petersburg from Ukraine.

This became known publication "Rosbalt" from a source familiar with the situation.

Anikeeva having pseudonym Lewis probably worked in Ukraine placement at the local site correspondence presidential aide Vladislav Surkov.

"The operation was the result of long work. It was a difficult routine operational combination with the aim to lure Lewis from Ukraine, where he was not going to return," - said a source.

Anikeeva was taken to Moscow. FSB accuses him of "illegal access to computer information".

Russian security services primarily interested in the "leak" Surkov correspondence, which was published in Ukrainian hacker site "Kiberhunta." FSB suspects that it involved placing Anikeeva correspondence.

"Anikeeva immediately began to cooperate with the investigation and give detailed testimony, which was repeatedly mentioned [head of the 2nd Operational Control Center for Information Security of the FSB Sergei] Mikhailov - a person affiliated with" Humpty Boltayem. "

According to the publication, in early 2016 unit Mikhailov began to develop "Humpty Boltay", and in the summer of calculated members. After that, "Humpty Boltaya" was "curated" - to them, according to sources, was Mikhailov.

In December 2016, on suspicion of treason, were arrested several officers of the FSB. According to "Novaya Gazeta" Sergei Mikhailov is his subordinate Dmitry Dokuchaev and worker "Kaspersky Lab" Ruslan Stoyanov and two man. Including counterpart Mikhailov, information security officer of the Center of the FSB. Dmitry Dokuchaev, according to the newspaper, is a member of the hacker group "Humpty Boltay."

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

In the next 2-3 years Russia will test a new missile short-range Russian missile defense system.

This was the radio station "Echo of Moscow" said the chief of military algorithms and software connection missile defense (NMD) of Colonel VKS Ilgar Tagiyev.

According to him, every year to confirm the tactical and technical characteristics of the 1-2 test-fired missiles are at the range Sary-Shagan (military training ground in Kazakhstan, located in the northwest and west of Lake Balkhash in Betpak-Dala desert in the territories and Karaganda oblasts Zhambilskoyi ).

On the same ground testing will be conducted of the new generation missile under development in Russia.

Tagiyev said that now in service have the means to intercept, which have no analogues in the world. He said the missile speed "is not less than 3 kilometers per second, the speed of the balls a few times."

As reported, "Apostrophe" Head Space Command, US Air Force General John Hayten said that Russia is developing weapons, including laser, to satellites in space . At the Pentagon, said that the use of such weapons in outer space would create a large number of orbiting debris that will complicate US access to their spacecraft.

apostrophe.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

The members of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine in conjunction with the SBU officers detained six Russian citizens in Kyiv and Boryspil international airports yesterday. Some of the detainees are alleged Russian military who had ties to illegal armed groups or were members of crime ring involved in bank frauds. All mentioned Russians attempted to enter Ukraine.



Five Russian citizens who arrived from Minsk were detained at Boryspil airport. It was their first visit to Ukraine. The additional check revealed that each of the Russians had the same amount of money, namely 100,000 RUB (about $1660), packed in similar envelopes. The passports of some of them were issued on the same day. All five Russians stated tourism as the purpose of their visit to Ukraine. Their answers during the interview were typical for the military or well-instructed persons.

Besides, the border guards and SBU officers found a military ID, a badge of the Russian Armed Forces and a camouflage cloak on one of the Russians. It was also established that some of them might have been members of a criminal ring involved in bank frauds.
These citizens of the Russian Federation were denied entry to Ukraine.

One more Russian citizen was detained by the border guards and SBU officers in Kyiv international airport. He also arrived in Ukraine from Minsk. The border control revealed that this person was in the lookout by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. Further check showed that he was the chairman of the Board of a group of companies involved in funding projects in Russia and abroad. The contacts in his cell phone proved that he had ties to illegal armed groups fighting in Ukraine's east. He was also awarded with the medal 'For the Return of Crimea' by the Russian defense minister.

The Russian citizen was also denied entry to Ukraine.




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