Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Tuesday 28 March. [Ukrainian sources]

TUESDAY

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NEWS:
Almighty Obama: Putin comforted propagandist statement of US sanctions.  plans to expand the US will be able to intercept all ballistic missiles of Russia and China..  Became aware of the torture of activists who were detained during a rally in Moscow.  Russia violates human rights: Germany resumed debate on the boycott World Cup 2018.  Trump insists on investigating Clinton family connection with Russia.  Russian troops committed 58 attacks yesterday.

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US President Donald Trump once again made a statement about the need to investigate the relationship of Bill and Hillary Clinton to Russia.

The corresponding entry is found on the American leader at Twitter.

"Why is the House Committee on Intelligence, including Bill and Hillary agreement, does not want to investigate, after which much of the uranium exported to Russia," - wrote Trump.

Why isn't the House Intelligence Committee looking into the Bill & Hillary deal that allowed big Uranium to go to Russia, Russian speech....

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2017

He said that intelligence officials have forgotten how Hillary Clinton offered to "reset relations with Russia" and "Russia and praised the Russian company, John Podesta."

...money to Bill, the Hillary Russian "reset," praise of Russia by Hillary, or Podesta Russian Company. Trump Russia story is a hoax. #MAGA!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2017

At the same time, he noted that information about its relationship with Russia is fiction.

As reported, "Apostrophe", formerly Trump has stated the need to explore contacts with Russia, representatives of election headquarters of former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

apostrophe.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Head of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Viktor Poznihir said that the missile defense system (NMD), which plans to expand the US will be able to intercept all ballistic missiles of Russia and China.

It is reported by "RIA Novosti".

"Reduce the possibility of the area total defense system will intercept all the Russian and Chinese ballistic missiles flying toward the US" - said Poznihir.

He said the number of US missile defense system by 2022 will be more than 1,000, and eventually exceed the number of warheads deployed on intercontinental ballistic missiles of Russia.

"This amount of firepower ABOUT poses a serious threat to Russia's deterrent potential, especially given the constantly conducted work on upgrading fire systems," - said the representative of the General Staff of Russia.

"Invocation mobile sea-based radars near Alaska stations in Romania and Poland as well as information system significantly increases ... the possibility of interception (Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles)," - says Poznihir.

He stressed that the possibility ABOUT US will soon come to a new level.

"Information and intelligence means US missile defense system now provides not only detection of the launch of Russian ballistic missiles in their support of the flight path, but also fighting extradition target designation complex to intercept ballistic missile warheads," - said Viktor Poznihir.

As reported, "Apostrophe" in Russia called a threat to Romania after the appearance in this country elements of the US.

apostrophe.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

The situation in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area has somewhat stabilized, the number of attacks by Russian troops has decreased.

As reported by Censor.NET, this was announced by the ATO Staff's press center on its Facebook page.

"58 attacks were recorded over the past 24-hour period," the report says.

The largest number of attacks were committed in Donetsk direction, where positions in Troitske area were shelled by 122 mm artillery. Russian occupation troops fired 120 mm mortars upon defenders of Avdiivka, Troitske, and Luhanske. The area of Avdiivka, Kamianka, Pisky, Novhorodske, and Luhanske was impacted with 82 mm mortars, grenade launchers of various systems, and large caliber machine guns.

In Mariupol direction, Ukrainian strongpoints at Krasnohorivka and Marinka were shelled with 82 mm mortars and grenade launchers. Defenders of Novohryhorivka and Vodiane came under large caliber machine gun fire. Marines in Shyrokyne were assaulted from an anti-aircraft missile system Zu-23-2. A sniper operated in the area of Pavlopil and Hnutove.

In the Luhansk region, 152 mm artillery was used against Novozvanivka, and 120 mm mortars against Krymske.

"In order to suppress fire activity of the enemy, our units were opening fire in retaliation," the ATO press center said.

As reported, Russian militants attacked Ukraine's positions 88 times on March 27.

ua.censor.net.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Representatives of the public supervisory commission in Moscow said they detained during mass rallies on March 26 in Moscow detained human rights violations.

This is the website of the human rights organization gulagu.net.

It is noted that the detainees are kept in overcrowded cells. They were not given food and water.

"Actually applied to detained torture by sleep deprivation, food, drinking water (people have to sleep in the queue for 1.5-2 hours, some have to sleep on the floor)," - said in a statement.

Also indicate forgery facts and grounds for detention. Activists gulagu.net. will be required to present the facts prosecutor's check.

As reported, "Apostrophe", formerly known Russian artist dedicated anti-corruption cartoon rallies in Russia.

apostrophe.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Member of the Federation Council (upper house of parliament of Russia), Alexei Pushkov indignant over the fact that former President Barack Obama supposedly still decides on sanctions against Russia.

This Pushkov wrote on his page on Twitter.

"Stunningly: Obama for 2 months out of the White House, and the decision on sanctions and more of it takes still. And the State Department can not do anything about it", - he said.

Recall that recently the US imposed sanctions on eight Russian organizations who are accused of violating US laws on non-proliferation Iran, North Korea and Syria.

As reported, "Apostrophe", a former State Department explained why the US sanctions on Russia and the EU will remain valid in the long term.

apostrophe.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

In case of increasing provocations in the country, Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs will act tougher than it did during the unauthorized rallies held March 26.

As reported by Censor.NET citing TASS, this was stated by Deputy Interior Minister Igor Zubov.

"If provocative actions escalate in the future, we will apply much wider range of available measures," he said.

"I can say that our employees were instructed to be as tolerant as possible, not to allow provocations, minimize detentions, and not use force," Zubov said.

"If you noticed, no one except a policeman was hurt then. This is a provocation staged by organizers of the Sunday rally," the law enforcer said.

He stressed that the authorities have already assessed the actions of the security forces. "This assessment is positive," he added.

According to the Moscow Department of Regional Security, more than 600 people were detained during the unauthorized rally in the Russian capital on March 26. OVD-Info news outlet reported about 1,030 detained rally participants.

ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Canada is getting ready to deliver its next batch of non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine.

This was stated by National Defense Minister of Canada Harjit Sajjan, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.

"Our next delivery will include first-aid kits, training materials for the military police, and ammunition disposal equipment," Sajjan said.

He reminded that Canada had been supplying various units of non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine for a long time, e.g. tactical communication systems, night vision goggles and even a mobile field hospital.

"This vital equipment will increase the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces while reducing the financial burden on the Ukrainian government," Sajjan said.

Earlier, a petition to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine was registered in Canada.

ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Russia alleges it has no territorial claims to neighboring countries.

As reported by Censor.NET, this was said by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov in an interview to Argumenty i Fakty newspaper.

"Russia is a peaceful country. We have no territorial claims to our neighbors. We seek to be surrounded by successful, prosperous states with which we would be able to develop relations in a good neighborly spirit," he said.

"However our efforts will continue to be aimed at preventing the "hot shots" in Kyiv from launching a new spike of violence in the country's south-east. Anyway, we will not leave Donbas residents in danger," the Russian Foreign Minister stressed.

ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Yurii Lutsenko says prosecutor Mykola Kalifitskyi was apprehended in the Lviv region as he was accepting a bribe.

Censor.NET reports citing Lutsenko on Facebook.

"The members of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) and Security Service (SBU) in the Lviv region documented the extortion and taking 12,000 hryvnia (about $440) in bribe by employee of the local prosecutor's office Mykola Kalifitskyi from the female defendant in criminal proceedings for imposing the mildest possible punishment against her.

"The corrupt official was detained red-handed under the article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine just as he was accepting 12,000 hryvnia.

"The funds were found and seized in full during the crime scene investigation. The investigative actions and searches are conducted at the suspect's workplace," the prosecutor general said.



ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

The EU slapped sanctions on Russia after it annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and stepped them up as Moscow went on to support a separatist rebellion in Ukraine's industrial east.

Rosneft's head, Igor Sechin, is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) said "restrictive measures... in response to the crisis in Ukraine against certain Russian undertakings, including Rosneft, are valid."

With the ruling, the ECJ established its jurisdiction to rule on matters of the EU's common foreign and security policy, an area of fierce contention between Brussels and national governments seeking to maintain sovereignty.

A lawyer for Rosneft told reporters he was disappointed with the outcome.

"I would also say it is a setback for judicial protection in the EU in the area of sanctions because the court accepts (...) the fact that a company is partially state-owned is sufficient for it to be a target of sanctions," Lode van den Hende said.

The court said it believed encroaching on Rosneft's right to do business was in proportion with the severity of sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukraine crisis.

"The Court holds that the importance of the objectives pursued by the contested acts is such as to justify certain operators being adversely affected," it said in its judgment.

Rosneft called the decision "illegal, baseless and politicized."

"The ruling shows that the rule of law in Europe is being replaced by the rule of political situation," it said in a statement.

"Rosneft continues to insist that it has not committed any illegal actions in any jurisdictions where it conducts its business, including Ukraine, and has nothing to do with the Ukrainian crisis."

en.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a rule prohibiting conduct of the meetings broadcast and produce photo - and video without the permission of the judge.

This document published in the Russian official portal of legal information.

Also, according to this document, the court may set a time limit for persons who have received permission to broadcast or recording. This survey should be carried out with the seats in the hall referred to the court, and taking into account the views of persons participating in the meeting. In the record of court session will be made a mark if the broadcast was permitted and specified list of media outlets that carried it.

The State Duma approved the amendments to the Russian Code of Criminal Procedure 15 March and 22 March, they were approved by the Federation Council.

"Putin has restricted the right to broadcast court proceedings. Repression and lawlessness easier to work in peace and without witnesses," - commented the new ban Russian blogger and journalist Alexander centurion.

"The most honest and impartial and incorruptible court in the world wants to be filmed. But why, exactly?" "Yes and justice in Russia is not - apparently, even such as Putin reproach broadcast shame", "Better be banned government broadcasting staging meetings, boring to watch this showing off for the cameras, "" why did hold meetings? why this farce? How Vovan said and done without a trial ... Arranged movie here ... "- written by users comments under the news at RBC on Facebook.

As reported, "Apostrophe", March 28, Essentuki City Court Stavropol region of Russia approved the arrest of former Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk .

apostrophe.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

The Associated Press last week landed an exclusive on the timely topic of links between intimates of President Trump and Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Long before signing on as Trump’s 2016 campaign chairman, Paul Manafort proposed to Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska “a confidential strategy plan as early as June 2005 that he would influence politics, business dealings and news coverage inside the United States, Europe and former Soviet republics to benefit President Vladimir Putin’s government, even as U.S.-Russia relations under Republican President George W. Bush grew worse,” reported Jeff Horwitz and Chad Day.

According to the AP, Manafort signed a $10 million contract starting in 2006 and maintained a “business relationship” with Deripaska until at least 2009. A longtime Republican campaign operative, Manafort confirmed to the AP that he had worked for Deripaska, though he “denied his work had been pro-Russian in nature.” A Deripaska rep issued this statement: “There was an agreement between Mr. Deripaska and Mr. Manafort to provide investment consulting services related to business interests of Mr Deripaska which now is a subject to legal claims.”

Such allegations and confirmations couldn’t possibly have landed in a more responsive news environment. There are two congressional investigations and an FBI probe into whether Trump campaign officials coordinated in any way with Russian officials interested in influencing the outcome of the 2016 presidential campaign. Thus far, investigators have found no evidence of collusion, as the New York Times has reported..................



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

A bank in Cyprus investigated accounts associated with President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, for possible money-laundering, two banking sources with direct knowledge of his businesses here told NBC News.

Manafort — whose ties to a Russian oligarch close to President Vladimir Putin are under scrutiny — was associated with at least 15 bank accounts and 10 companies on Cyprus, dating back to 2007, the sources said. At least one of those companies was used to receive millions of dollars from a billionaire Putin ally, according to court documents.

Banking sources said some transactions on Manafort-associated accounts raised sufficient concern to trigger an internal investigation at a Cypriot bank into potential money laundering activities. After questions were raised, Manafort closed the accounts, the banking sources said.

Offshore banking in Cyprus is not illegal, and the island has long been known as a hub for moving money in and out of Russia. Several U.S. lawmakers have raised questions about Manafort's business dealings in Cyprus.

A spokesman for Manafort told NBC News in a statement that all the accounts were set up at the direction of clients in Cyprus, a common banking center for Russians and Ukrainians, "for a legitimate business purpose."

"All were legitimate entities and established for lawful ends," the statement said.

It added that Manafort "has no specific personal recollection" about the account closures, but understands that they were shut down just before a 2012 government takeover of the bank in the midst of a banking crisis.

Court documents and company registries reviewed by NBC News and interviews with banking sources indicate that Manafort's dealings in Cyprus began in 2007, when some of the accounts were opened and some companies were established......................

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