Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Friday 14 April. [Ukrainian sources]
Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:46 am
FRIDAY
Please scroll to view news items added during the day.
NEWS:
Why should we care about Ukraine. There will be great loss: expert estimated the likelihood of air invasion of Russia in Ukraine. Talks between chemical experts and Syrian military intercepted by US intelligence. Russia has told how Tillerson visit to Moscow, Putin broken dreams. Ukrainians can visit without visas to 30 countries, but not the UK. Russia has put forward ultimatum US on safety in Syria. The Kremlin commented on the situation with North Korea and the US. The Russian going to come out to protest against Putin. Putin's income in 2016 decreased by 40 thousand compared to 2015. The leader of the "DNR" O.Zaharchenko ready to negotiate with Poroshenko.
WEATHER:
Kyiv, Ukraine
10c / 50f HI | RealFeel® 12c / 53f
Precipitation 55%
Periods of clouds and sun with a passing shower
Please scroll to view news items added during the day.
NEWS:
Why should we care about Ukraine. There will be great loss: expert estimated the likelihood of air invasion of Russia in Ukraine. Talks between chemical experts and Syrian military intercepted by US intelligence. Russia has told how Tillerson visit to Moscow, Putin broken dreams. Ukrainians can visit without visas to 30 countries, but not the UK. Russia has put forward ultimatum US on safety in Syria. The Kremlin commented on the situation with North Korea and the US. The Russian going to come out to protest against Putin. Putin's income in 2016 decreased by 40 thousand compared to 2015. The leader of the "DNR" O.Zaharchenko ready to negotiate with Poroshenko.
WEATHER:
Kyiv, Ukraine
10c / 50f HI | RealFeel® 12c / 53f
Precipitation 55%
Periods of clouds and sun with a passing shower
WHY US SHOULD CARE ABOUT UKRAINE
Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:49 am
WHY US SHOULD CARE ABOUT UKRAINE
“Why should U.S. taxpayers be interested in Ukraine?” That’s what Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reportedly asked at a recent meeting in Italy with some European counterparts. The French foreign minister said he told Tillerson the United States should want a strong Europe. That’s true, but there are many other reasons for Americans to care about Ukraine.
First and foremost, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including its takeover of Crimea and its continued interference in eastern parts of the country, violates the most basic principle of international relations — that borders between countries should not be changed through the use of military force. This is what Saddam Hussein attempted in Kuwait in 1990, and what Hitler’s Germany attempted before and during World War II. Respect for this principle is the bedrock of what peace and order there is in the world.
A second reason has to do with Russia specifically. Vladimir Putin’s Russia is a one-dimensional power. Its influence is tied to its ability to dominate others through the use of force, be it military, cyber, or related to Russian oil and gas exports. It is important that Putin not conclude that continued use of force is a viable path to make Russia great again. If he does, he will continue to invade, coerce and interfere.
Ukraine’s nuclear history is another reason to care. It was once an integral part of the Soviet Union and a good many of the Soviet Union’s nuclear warheads were located there. At the time of the breakup, there was concern that many of the newly independent states carved out of the old Soviet Union would become nuclear weapon states. That would increase the number of countries possessing nuclear weapons and the odds they would fall into the hands of terrorists.
Ukraine voluntarily dismantled its nuclear warheads under a 1994 deal with the U.S., the United Kingdom and Russia. But its subsequent loss of Crimea to the Russians sends a terrible message to other leaders: that giving up nuclear weapons can be hazardous to your political health and territorial integrity. The fact that both Iraq and Libya were invaded after they gave up their nuclear programs — and that a nuclear-armed North Korea has not been attacked — is a lesson lost on no one.
And that leads to a fourth reason Americans should care. Under that 1994 agreement, the Budapest Memorandum of December 1994, Ukraine received various security assurances. This was not the same as a defense treaty — Ukraine did not become a member of NATO — but there was no mistaking the intent, to convey that Ukraine could give up nuclear weapons and still remain secure. The assurance has been shown to be empty. A country’s word is its bond, and any time the United States fails to live up to its word encourages adversaries to challenge us and friends to go their own way. Either outcome brings about a world of diminished stability and reduced U.S. influence.
The good news for U.S. taxpayers is that their country can afford to be interested in Ukraine and many other international issues. True, the U.S. spends a great deal on its defense, some $600 billion a year. But this comes to just over 3% of what the economy produces, a level far below the average during the decades of the Cold War.
Just as important, overseas spending is not money that goes down the drain. As we learned on 9/11, as we learned with Zika and Ebola, and as we learned when Russia hacked our computers during the presidential campaign, nothing stays local for long in a global, interconnected world. What comes from or happens out there will quickly come here, for better and for worse.
President Trump campaigned on the theme of America First, and it is of course true that this country faces enormous internal challenges. But inadequate health care and poor public schools cannot be fixed by doing less in the world. Americans already spend more than most others on education and health care. The problem is how we spend it, which is decided by our leaders, whom we choose. Ignoring what goes on in Ukraine or elsewhere in the world will not make us smarter, healthier or richer — but it will make us less safe.
en.censor.net.ua
Russia has told how Tillerson visit to Moscow, Putin broken dreams
Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:51 am
Russia has told how Tillerson visit to Moscow, Putin broken dreams
Russian political analyst Andrei Piontkovsky said a visit of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Moscow defeated the dream of President Vladimir Putin of "grand bargain" with the United States.
This Piontkovsky wrote in his blog for the " Observer ".
The political scientist noted that the main result of the visit Tillerson was that the US and Russia are on completely opposite positions on such sensitive issues as Syria and Ukraine. Piontkovsky said that the so-called "big deal" with Trump in Ukraine, which the Russian president wanted and drank champagne by the State Duma, is impossible in principle.
The expert believes that in general no progress on the Ukrainian question is not planned. Piontkovsky said that Putin Tillerson "muttered the mantra of both loyalty to Minsk II", but as the expert, these agreements Ukraine and Russia understand quite differently.
Piontkovsky also gives the message of the US that no progress will not be until Russia begins to fulfill Minsk agreements. "It sounds clearly in violation of Moscow", - said the analyst. He says that the withdrawal of sanctions, of which the Russians wanted, no longer out of the question.
As reported by "Apostrophe" Piontkovckyy previously told how Ukraine can bury the Putin regime.
apostrophe.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові
There will be great loss: expert estimated the likelihood of air invasion of Russia in Ukraine
Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:53 am
There will be great loss: expert estimated the likelihood of air invasion of Russia in Ukraine
The air defense of Ukraine is still considered one of the strongest in Europe, so Russia should think twice before invading its air force on Ukrainian territory.
In an interview with "apostrophe" the director of information and consulting company "Defense Express", military expert Sergey Zhurets.
According to experts, the Ukrainian side has closely followed the use of Russian bombers during the military campaign in Syria. From the information received made recommendations that are used in the exercises of the Armed Forces in 2016, when active rehearsed script of enemy aircraft. According to him, Ukraine military command troops in preparing these risks into account.
Zhurets stressed that Ukraine is the foundation of air defense systems constitute the C-300 and "Buk", which, according to experts, about fifty divisions "With proper placement of existing systems damage that will be done to the enemy, will be significant."
"To go to an air attack on the Ukraine, we must understand the risks from that same Putin. Whipped aircraft will, and their number is very large," - said Zhurets.
He suggested that the use of aircraft by Russia is unlikely. "Bet on hybrid creeping aggression" - said Zhurets, noting that Russia carries out actions aimed at change of power in Ukraine. This problem, the expert continues, Russia is primarily economic, political and diplomatic means, "The military option is" listed in a club, "which always hangs over Kyiv." Zhurets said that during the war showed that Ukraine can resist Russian forces because of the fear of "clubs" are not so great.
Full text of the interview Sergey Zhurtsya read the "apostrophe".
apostrophe.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові
Ukrainians can visit without visas to 30 countries, but not the UK
Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:55 am
Ukrainians can visit without visas to 30 countries, but not the UK
After the introduction of visa-free regime European Union citizens can visit Ukraine without visas 30 countries belonging to the Schengen area. This is stated in the report of the Consular Service of the MFA on Facebook, sends "head office".
"After the visa-free regime Ukraine citizens can enter without a visa to all countries - EU member states (excluding the UK and Ireland) and four states - associated the Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland," - said in message.
Thus, states that a visa not required when traveling to the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Germany Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden.
As reported by "head office" to the end of the year Migration Service will issue approximately 2.5 million bio-metric passports.
glavcom.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові
Russia has put forward ultimatum US on safety in Syria
Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:58 am
Russia has put forward ultimatum US on safety in Syria
Renewal of memorandum between Russia and the US to prevent aviaintsydentiv in Syria is possible, provided by Washington not recur "unexpected action"
This was announced by a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin - Dmitry Peskov, RIA Novosti reported.
Earlier, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters that Russia and the United States exchanged information on Syria, but Moscow has not officially announced the renewal of the memorandum.
Note that the April 7 US launched 59 cruise missiles "Tomahawk" on the Syrian government targets in response to the Syrian authorities use chemical weapons in Idlib province, which killed dozens of people.
As a result of the impact of US missiles on Syrian military airfield near Homs killed by the military.
Note that the April 7 Russia suspended the memorandum from the US to prevent accidents and ensure safety of aircraft during operations in Syria.
espreso.tv , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові
The Kremlin commented on the situation with North Korea and the US
Fri Apr 14, 2017 10:04 am
The Kremlin commented on the situation with North Korea and the US
Press Secretary of Russian President Vladimir Putin Dmitriy Peskov said that the Kremlin is concerned about the " escalation of tension" between the US and North Korea.
It is reported with reference to ONLINE.UA TASS.
"In Moscow, with great concern observe the escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula, we urge all countries to show restraint, caution country from any action that could mean some provocative steps." - Peskov said.
See also: North Korea ready for war if the United States its "trigger" Putin's spokesman said Russia is a supporter of the solution to the crisis, "political and diplomatic means."
"Russia is quite consistent position occupied by the non-proliferation dossier continues to hold this position, and continues to be a supporter of political and diplomatic methods of settlement of all crises, including North Korea," - he added.
As reported Online.ua, US ready to strike pre-emptive strike on North Korea if it is confirmed that North Korea is going to conduct a nuclear weapons test.
news.online.ua , Original in Russian / На русском
Talks between chemical experts and Syrian military intercepted by US intelligence
Fri Apr 14, 2017 10:12 am
Talks between chemical experts and Syrian military intercepted by US intelligence
The intercepted communication featured Syrian military and chemical experts talking about preparations for the sarin attack in Idlib last week.
A senior U.S. official told CNN on Thursday, Censor.NET reports.
The intercepts were part of an immediate review of all intelligence in the hours after the attack to confirm responsibility for the use of chemical weapons in an attack in northwestern Syria, which killed at least 70 people. U.S. officials have said that there is "no doubt" that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is responsible for the attack.
The U.S. did not know prior to the attack it was going to happen, the official emphasized. The U.S. scoops up such a large volume of communications intercepts in areas like Syria and Iraq, the material often is not processed unless there is a particular event that requires analysts to go back and look for supporting intelligence material.
So far there are no intelligence intercepts that have been found directly confirming that Russian military or intelligence officials communicated about the attack. The official said the likelihood is the Russians are more careful in their communications to avoid being intercepted.
The Russian and Syrian governments have both denied involvement in the chemical attack.
President Donald Trump told a White House news conference Wednesday that the Pentagon is looking into the question of Russian complicity in the chemical attack. "I would like to think that they didn't know, but certainly they could have," Trump said. "(Defense Secretary) Gen. (James) Mattis is looking into it with the entire Pentagon group that does that kind of work."
The U.S. now assesses that Syria has re-established a unit of personnel associated with chemical weapons that existed before the 2013 agreement in which the Syrian government pledged to give up its weapons inventory. And there is some indication they are getting outside help.
"We know they have the expertise. And we suspect that they have help," a US military official told reporters at a background briefing Friday.
At that briefing, the official also noted, "We know the Russians have chemical expertise in-country. We cannot talk about openly any complicity between the Russians and the Syrian regime in this -- in this case, but we're carefully assessing any information that would implicate the Russians knew or assisted with the Syrian capability."
But even if there is a definitive finding of Russian complicity, it's not clear the Pentagon or the White House would make that information public, a senior US official said.
First, it would have to be ironclad proof, which could be difficult to determine.
But also, the U.S. feels right now that it has made the case that Russian support for Assad must end.
For now, the official said the most specific evidence of Russian involvement remains a Russian drone that flew over the hospital that was treating people injured in the attack. The U.S. has specific intelligence showing it was a Russian drone. While the drone operator may not have known why the aerial vehicle was flying in the area, it was a Russian-controlled asset.
ua.censor.net.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові
The Russian going to come out to protest against Putin
Fri Apr 14, 2017 10:17 am
The Russian going to come out to protest against Putin
In St. Petersburg are going to hold a rally entitled "Tired" against Russian President Vladimir Putin's policies.
It is reported with reference to ONLINE.UA Medusa.
Organizer of the action was organized by the Russian opposition movement "Open Russia". Movement filed in the administration of St. Petersburg notice of the action in "Tired" on 29 April.
According to the head of the local branch of the movement Andrei Pivovarov, the event will take place at 14:00, but he did not specify where.
It is noted that the administration of St. Petersburg so far not responded to the notification.
About the impending action creator of "Open Russia", Russian opposition leader Mihail Hodorkovsky announced March 30, shortly after the large-scale protests in Russia, organized by Alekseem Navalnym. Will the action "Tired" held only in St. Petersburg, is not known.
As reported Online.ua, formerly the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny called on Russians to enter the protest June 12, the Day of Russia.
news.online.ua, Original in Russian / На русском
Putin's income in 2016 decreased by 40 thousand compared to 2015
Fri Apr 14, 2017 10:20 am
Putin's income in 2016 decreased by 40 thousand compared to 2015
Russian President Vladimir Putin has submitted a declaration of income, expenditure and assets.
Russian President Vladimir Putin income was 8 million 858 thousand. Rubles in 2016 (approximately $ 156 thousand) against 8 million 891 thousand. Rubles in 2015. This was stated in a declaration published on the Kremlin website.
The president property, according to the document is a land area of 1,500 m², flat 77 m² and a garage. The use of Putin is an apartment of 153 sqm and parking space.
The Russian President also owns two cars GAZ-M21, "Niva" car and trailer "Skif".
The same property and vehicles Putin declared a year ago.
In 2014, the head of the Kremlin has declared 7.6 million rubles.
In the US, the Ministry of Finance in 2016 argued that the salary of the president of Russia does not correspond to its real financial condition, acquired by the through corruption.
gordonua.com , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові
The leader of the "DNR" O.Zaharchenko ready to negotiate with Poroshenko
Fri Apr 14, 2017 10:22 am
The leader of the "DNR" O.Zaharchenko ready to negotiate with Poroshenko
The leader of the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" Alexander Zakharchenko said the willingness to negotiate with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. He said this during the hotline, said " TASS " reports UNN.
"I will reveal a terrible secret. If Poroshenko will show willingness to negotiate and confirm their determination to end the war, I am ready even to him to negotiate" - said A.Zaharchenko.
He said that is ready for talks to "avoid a new spiral of bloody war."
As reported UNN, three years in the area ATO killed more than 2 thousand. Military.
unn.com.ua
"Putin is patient," - Peskov on US-Russia relations
Fri Apr 14, 2017 1:32 pm
"Putin is patient," - Peskov on US-Russia relations
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, commenting on Russia's relationship with the United States, said Moscow does not yet have an understanding of the world view of the new US administration.
Censor.NET reports citing RIA Novosti.
Read more: Normandy Four leaders will hold talks in near future, - Peskov
"It's not about the secretary of state, it's about the administration as a whole. So far, there is no such feeling, and there is no understanding yet of the international outlook of the new administration. And in fact, the formation of this administration is still underway, despite the fact almost 100 days are behind. In this case, I can say that President Putin is very patient and consistent in his approaches, so he is patient enough to wait until this international outlook becomes clear," Peskov said when asked about the U.S.-Russia relations.
On April 12 in Moscow, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and then with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Russian leader did not confirm his intention to meet with the American guest until the last moment, but finally decided to talk with a representative of the new U.S. administration.
As reported, Tillerson and Putin acknowledged a "historically low" level of trust between the two states and discussed ways to improve bilateral ties in future.
ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові
Loads of new evidence of Kremlin crimes filed with ICJ, - Minister Petrenko
Fri Apr 14, 2017 2:01 pm
Loads of new evidence of Kremlin crimes filed with ICJ, - Minister Petrenko
Kyiv has referred new facts of the Kremlin's crimes against Ukraine to the United Nations International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko said on air of 5 Channel that hundreds of pages of text were handed over to the ICJ, but did not disclose their content, citing an expected interim verdict of judges on April 19, Censor.NET reports.
"These are hundreds of pages of explanations and additional evidence, and this is Ukraine's first case against Russia, the No.1 case. The seizure of Crimea, the "green men," the seizure of our facilities. The filed facts do not give a chance to the other side to lie and say that it was not a planned action, that there was an expression of will of the Crimean people. Be patient. There will be a very interesting and informative press conference where new, previously unknown evidence will be presented," the minister said.
Read more: Ukraine collected tons of evidence against Russia to be submitted to ICJ, - Justice Minister Petrenko
On Jan. 16, 2017, Ukraine filed a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice to hold Russian Federation accountable for acts of terrorism and discrimination in the course of its illegal aggression against Ukraine. The lawsuit is based on the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
The hearing took place from March 6 to 9 inclusively. Ukraine presented its position on March 6, Russia - on March 7. On March 8-9, both sides presented their objections to each other's positions.
Earlier, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko stated: "Ukraine will be presenting evidence of Russia's crimes at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The truth is stronger than weapons!" One day into the hearing, Poroshenko noted: "We expect rulings that will cut the supply of weapons to the occupied territory and stop reprisals the ethnic Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars are facing."
According to Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, Ukraine's main goal in The Hague is to protect the life and rights of the Ukrainians. Ukraine had held some 40 meetings with the Russian Federation before filing a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice.
The full text of the lawsuit is published on ICJ's official website. Source:
ua.censor.net.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові
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