Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Wednesday 26 April. [Ukrainian sources]

WEDNESDAY

Please scroll to view news items added during the day.

NEWS:
Russian troops attacked Ukrainian positions 65 times yesterday.  The fall of the Putin regime: indicated in signs of severe internal conflicts in the Kremlin.  The army has become stronger: former head of the National Police Dekanoyidze described the fear of Putin to Ukraine.  In Russia crashed MiG-3.  Almost half of the Russian Federation supported the resignation Medvedev.  Putin in despair because of the decline in sales on the Russian arms market.

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The test intercontinental ballistic missile Minuteman III planned for the year and their conduct is not related to the situation on the Korean peninsula.

As the Tsenzor.NET with reference to UNIAN , about it writes the Washington Examiner.

It is noted that the planned launch of the Air Force Base, "Vandenberg" to demonstrate US nuclear capabilities. The representative of the global shocks Command US Air Force said the tests planned for the year and their conduct is not related to the situation on the Korean peninsula.

"This launch Minuteman III is essential to check the status of our national nuclear forces, and to demonstrate our nuclear capabilities" - said Col. John Moss.

Minuteman III - US intercontinental ballistic missile Minuteman family. They are in service with the US Air Force in 1970. It is anticipated that the missile will remain in service with the US Air Force until 2020.

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

After years of phenomenal growth in the export of arms Russian production was stagnant

"Russian President Vladimir Putin is very proud of the actions of the army in Syria - says BloombergView . - And, among other things, it has become central to the advertising of Russian arms as a commodity. "

"Of course, you can not miss this opportunity to strengthen our position in the global arms market", - said Russian President at a meeting with Russian defense companies this week. He added that the world was unprecedented desire to buy Russian weapons "through the effective use of [Russian] weapons in actual, combat, including counter-terrorist operations in Syria."

"But while Putin says proud language, it is easy to hear them tinge of desperation - says the author. - After years of phenomenal growth in the export of arms Russian production was stagnating. And this was no time when oil prices devastate the economy against the backdrop of a massive military buildup, which depends not least on these sales abroad ", - says the article.

"Arms exports is difficult to measure - indicates the author. - According to Sergei Denisentseva, one of the leading experts on the subject, from 2005 to 2013 global sales of almost tripled, but then almost every year, or fell, or remained the same. At a recent forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington called Denisentsev some reasons for the difficulties of the Kremlin. "

First, China and India, who traditionally bought Russian arms almost half of that is exported, most began to produce more weapons. Second, Vietnam - another big market - since last year, is open to the US defense industry, President Obama lifted a ban on sales to the country. Third, low oil prices have reduced the purchasing power of Algeria, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, as major buyers of Russian arms.

"After a decade of military expansion that seeks to consolidate the position of world superpower, this year Russia urizuye defense budget of just 25%. (According to other estimates, by 10%, but still it is a fundamental change.) In Putin has reason to boast how his army shows itself in Syria, but that it had to make its revenues "- sums Harshou.

glavcom.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Almost half of residents (45%) in one way or another support the resignation of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

This is evidenced by a recent poll, "Levada-center", the Russian site RBC.

"Clearly for the" resignation Medvedev's favor 18% Russian, "most likely" - 27%.

Compared to May last year, confidence in Medvedev gradually fell. According to the poll, 14% of Russians "fully trusted" the Prime Minister in May 2016, 9% - in December, and only 3% - in April.

The number of "basically trusted" people in Russia for the same period fell from 39% to 30%. Number "basically do not trust," Medvedev increased from 30% in May 2016 to 33% in April. And increased the number of Russians "do not trust" the Russian prime minister - from 14% to 19%.

apostrophe.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

In Buryatia (Russian Federation) crashed fighter-interceptor MiG-31.

It is reported by "RIA Novosti" referring to the Defense Ministry.

"April 26 at 12:05 GMT while performing routine training flight near the landfill" Telemba "republic Buryatia crashed MiG-31 East Military District", - the Russian Defense Ministry.

According to preliminary information, the pilots managed to eject. The incident occurred on the ground in a deserted place, life is not in danger of pilots, added the Defense Ministry. In the area of ​​disaster fighter flew a helicopter search and rescue service.

MiG-31 - supersonic fighter-interceptor long-range, designed to intercept and destroy air targets at low and high altitudes.

As reported by "Apostrophe" during landing on an aircraft carrier of "Admiral Kuznetsov" off the coast of Syria crashed two fighters .

apostrophe.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Russian President Vladimir Putin feels fear Ukraine, which has undergone significant changes over the past 3 years.

This was in an interview with "apostrophe" said the former head of the National Police khatia dekanoidze Ukraine.

In her view, one method of combating aggression should be the reform of the country and the economy.

"I think there is a way, when they themselves Ukraine and Georgia should be very successful states to reform conquer inner demons and enemies that are available. But it is worth noting that the Russians now too afraid to Ukraine, because it is a completely different country" - Dekanoyidze said.

The former head Natspolitsiyi said that Putin is a source of fear by many factors, including the strengthening of the Armed Forces.

"For example, the Army has become stronger. But, again, you need to work very hard and seriously to develop in order to finally defeat the evil that is. The enemy in Georgia and Ukraine the same - it is Putin, who is really no diplomatic negotiations not valid and unlikely events "- summarized Dekanoyidze.

Read more interviews khatia dekanoidze at "Apostrophe".

apostrophe.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Outside Moscow Kremlin there is a serious political struggle between Russian officials that may soon lead to the fall of Vladimir Putin.

This was on the Russian radio "Echo of Moscow" said Russian journalist and writer Viktor Shenderovich.

"Inside the imbalance very strong. They are fighting inside, otherwise it would be, I think, no investigations Navalny. Not allowed to! There is, of course, some internal bickering, terrible. No political support to them not at all. And that they are very good understand "- said Shenderovich in an interview with radio broadcaster of the program.

As reported by "Apostrophe" before Russian journalist and writer Viktor Shenderovich pointed out that the attack on the subway St. Petersburg profitable for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the beginning of preparations for the elections.

apostrophe.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

The decision has to be confirmed by EU ministers in May.

Censor.NET reports citing RFE/RL Brussels correspondent Rikard Jozwiak on Twitter.

EU ambassadors have approved visa lib for #Ukraine. EU ministers will confirm the deal on 11 May.

— Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) April 26, 2017

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko commented on the decision in his Twitter:

"As scheduled: EU ambassadors have just confirmed the visa-free travel for Ukraine. The path for the EU Council is open. We are looking forward to signing and publication.

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

The situation in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area in the east of Ukraine has aggravated.
As reported by Censor.NET, this was announced by the ATO HQ press center on Facebook.

"Over the past 24-hour period, Russian terrorist troops attacked Ukraine's Armed Forces positions 65 times," the report reads.

In Donetsk direction, the enemy employed 120 mm mortars, APC weapon, anti-tank grenade launchers, large caliber machine guns against ATO forces' defenses in Pisky. Opytne and Luhanske came under 120 mm mortar fire. Defenders of Avdiivka and Kamianka came under 82 mm mortar fire, grenade launcher fire, and large-caliber machine gun fire. The enemy sprayed Butivka Mine defenses with 82 mm mortars. Ukrainian positions in the area of Troitske and Zaitseve came under IFW weapon, grenade launcher, and large caliber machine fire. Positions in Novhorodske vicinity were impacted from machine guns and a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft missile system. IFV weapon was firing upon Verkniotoretske. In Avdiivka and Novhorodske area, enemy snipers were active.

In Prymorske direction, 120 mm mortars and automated grenade launchers were used by the enemy to shell Ukrainian positions in Novotroitske. Marines stationed at Vodiane and Hnutove came under 82 mm mortar, grenade launchers, and large caliber machine fire. Marinka defenders were impacted from 82 mm mortars. Defenses in Krasnohorivka area were impacted with grenade launchers and machine guns of large caliber, Shyrokyne and Pavlopil defenses - with small arms fire. Marines stationed at Vodiane and Hnutove came under IFV weapon fire. Enemy snipers were operating in Novotroitske area.

In Luhansk direction, fire from 122 mm artillery systems, anti-aircraft ZU-23-2 missile systems, APC weapon, and anti-tank grenade launchers were employed by Russian troops against positions of ATO forces in Novooleksandrivka. Zhovte came under 82 mm mortar fire. Grenade launchers of various systems were employed against Ukraine positions at Krymske and Popasna. Novozvanivka defenders came under APC weapon fire.

"In some cases, when there was a threat to life and health of the military, the commanders made decisions to adequately retaliate," the ATO HQ press center said.

As reported, militants committed 34 attacks on Ukrainian positions on April 24.

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

Naftohaz CEO Andrii Koboliev met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry to discuss construction of Nord Stream-II gas pipeline.

Naftohaz press office wrote on Twitter, Censor.NET reports.

"Andrii Koboliev met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry who confirmed that the U.S. is dead set against construction of the Nord Stream-II."

On March 27, 2017, Naftohaz Ukrainy filed a claim to the European Court of Justice demanding European Commission to revoke its decision of Oct. 28, 2016 which allows the Russian Gazprom to significantly increase the use of OPAL gas pipeline and boost gas deliveries through the Nord Stream.

In December 2016, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Polish President Andrzej Duda made joint statement calling to review the European Commission's decision, which provided Gazprom the opportunity to increase gas supplies to Europe bypassing Ukraine.

Read more: EU's new sanctions against Russia may freeze Nord Stream II project, - MEP Weber

The OPAL gas pipeline connects the offshore Nord Stream pipeline with the gas infrastructure of the Czech Republic. It started operating in 2011.

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

The EU launched a penalty procedure against Hungary because of the new law on higher education, which could lead to the closure of the Central European University (CEU), founded by philanthropist George Soros.

This was reported by Reuters.

The EU executive Commission has sent formal notification of Budapest that the new law on higher education in Hungary violated the academic freedom and democratic values ​​and given a month to respond.

The EU noted that the same penalty procedure may take several years.

Shortly thereafter, Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban made a statement which rejected the accusations for CEU Budapest in danger.

He also called Soros "financial speculators".

Recall that in early April, the Hungarian parliament passed amendments to the law under which the European Central Universyt possible to lose dyplmy issue of higher education.

hromadske.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові