Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Friday 23 June. [Ukrainian sources]

FRIDAY

Please scroll to view news items added during the day.

HEADLINES:
In the Carpathian paid about 100 mln. USD. military training. The nuclear threat from Russia: US preparing appropriate measures. To protection from Russia: the United States promised to provide military assistance to Ukraine. In Moscow killed two Ukrainian workers from methane. General sounded terrible data on supporters of Russia in the Ukrainian government.  Trump offered ex-wife to become ambassador to the Czech Republic.  Lavrov said that Russia will protect compatriots in terms of prohibition George Ribbon in Ukraine. House defense bill to counter threats from Russia, North Korea.  

WEATHER:
Kyiv, Ukraine
27c / 81f HI | RealFeel® 30c / 86f
Precipitation 55%
Humid with intervals of clouds and sunshine; a couple of showers and a thunderstorm this afternoon

The tragedy occurred during the repair of a sewer manhole, only five deaths.

To the west of Moscow during the repair of a sewer pit killed several people have information that two of them Ukrainian, reports Tsenzor.NET. It is reported by "RIA Novosti" with reference to the information consequence of Russia in Moscow.

"The preliminary work carried six people, three of whom died on the spot. The number of victims is being specified. On this fact ... of organized investigation verification," - said in the department.

Meanwhile, a source in emergency capital reported "RIA Novosti" that the death toll rose to five. "With a well received body of the fifth victim," - the source said.

According to sources, among the five killed two construction workers - citizens of Kyrgyzstan, two Ukrainian and one Russian. The preliminary cause of death - poisoning methane.

ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українському

The former head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Army General Nikolai Malomuzh said that the great danger for Ukraine representing business interests tied to Russia.

He said this in an interview with "apostrophe".

"For example, funding for certain projects in the same Parliament, because smuggling is directly between Russia and Ukraine. We have an unwritten information that even our Russian weapons components coming from Ukraine smuggled through third countries", - he said.

According to the general, if someone involved millions, people will focus on, not only in business but also contribute politically. He said that the intelligence agencies of this usually know, but these things kryshuyutsya very high in the country, surrounded by the president and the government.

Malomuzh added that the number of influential personalities in Ukraine that are potential traitors and then become open enemies rolls.

"If today was day X, would all be shocked just as shocked by the situation in Crimea", - said the former deputy head of the SBU Alexander Skipalsky.

He said that, despite the ban on the Communist Party in Ukraine, the Russian Communist Center has in our country conspiratorial structure and personnel. Thus the leaders and heads disguised anti-Ukrainian organizations feel at ease.

"With the government and law enforcement is no limit for them there, and their corrupt connections enable them to communicate with the enemy and reconcile their actions", - said Skipalsky.

apostrophe.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українському

In the US Congress introduced a new bill that would force the Pentagon to develop a strategy in response to the violation by Russia of the Treaty on the Elimination of Nuclear intermediate and shorter-range missiles.

It is reported Ukrinform .

The initiator document "Promoting Unity Act of aggression against Russia - 2017" became the senior member of the armed forces of the lower house of Congress, Adam Smith and a group of 22 congressmen.

"With this legislation, we are laying the foundation for intelligent and proactive approach that strengthens the defense of allies and partners, enhances deterrence and strengthen cohesion, implementing measures to reduce the risk of errors and accidental nuclear war" - said Smith.

We know that the bill provides for the introduction of targeted sanctions against the Russian Federation, as well as increasing the number of conventional precision munitions to contain and reduce the threat of nuclear strikes.

apostrophe.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українському

US President Donald Trump offered the first wife of Ivan the position after he publicly stated that it is interested in
It is reported by the Czech site Lidovky .

Trump's former wife is Czekh origin.

It is reported that Czech President Miloš Zeman and Ivana Trump is met through Prague on Wednesday, 21 June.

According to Zeman, Trump offered Ivan post after she publicly stated that interested in it. However, at a meeting with Zeman, she said that this position is too burdensome for her.

According to him, Ivana Trump simply decided to avoid responsibility.

He also said he is not sure whether to force Ivana Trump mind.

It is reported that after the ex-husband John was elected US President, she expressed interest in the post of US Ambassador in Prague.

Supporting this idea, Zeman said he can not imagine a better candidate than her.

It is reported that Czech media recently reported that the post could go to businessman Steve King, from the Republican Party.

Note that Donald Trump was the second man Ivana Trump. They were married from 1977 to 1992rik. In this marriage they had three children: Donald John Trump Jr., Ivanka Marie Trump and Eric Frederick Trump.

espreso.tv , Original in Ukrainian / на українському

Of "full solidarity" with its citizens abroad and defend their rights, "particularly in a situation where simply wearing" George Ribbon in Ukraine equated to the crime, said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Russia will defend the rights of their fellow citizens. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov at a meeting of the governmental commission for compatriots abroad, commenting on the introduction in Ukraine ban on wearing St. George ribbons, said the agency "RIA Novosti".

He said that Russia "fully in solidarity" with their citizens abroad and defend their rights, "particularly in a situation where simply wearing" George Ribbon in Ukraine equate to crime.

Law to administrative responsibility for manufacturing and promoting George Ribbon came into force on 15 June 2017 .

Public use, display or wear ribbons punished by a fine of 50 to 150 untaxed minimum incomes of citizens (850-2550 UAH) confiscation of the tape. For repeated violations will have to pay up to 300 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (5100 USD). There are also administrative arrest for up to 15 days of the seizure of the tape.

May 16 the Verkhovna Rada has introduced administrative liability for George Ribbon , June 12 President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed into law .

gordonua.com , Original in Ukrainian / на українському

In January-May 2017, taxpayers sent Carpathian Ukraine to promote defense 99.3 million. UAH. military duty by 26.3 mln. UAH. more than in the same period of 2016. This junction was reported in the administration of taxes and fees on individuals Main Department of DFS in Ivano-Frankivsk region. Recall payers military training are individuals - residents who receive income both in Ukraine and abroad, non-resident individuals who receive income in Ukraine and tax agents. The object of taxation revenue military training is defined in Article 163 of the Tax Code of Ukraine. In particular, such income, in addition to salary and other incentive compensation payments or other benefits and rewards accrued or paid by the payer in connection with labor relations and for civil contracts include rent, gains in public and private money lottery , purchase and sale of movable and immovable property, dividends, legacy renewal and other income. Rate fee is 1.5% of the tax object.

novyny.online.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українському  

The House Armed Services Committee is proposing several policy moves in its annual defense authorization bill to counter threats from Russia and North Korea, according to The Hill.

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) told reporters Thursday that the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would move funds for the European Deterrence Initiative from the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) account to the base budget, The Hill wrote.

OCO is a war fund that has been a way for lawmakers to inject money into the budget without going over spending caps set by the 2011 Budget Control Act. Many have accused the Pentagon of using OCO as an all-purpose slush fund.

"I'm trying to slowly, as best I can, make OCO about OCO," Thornberry said. "I think it sends a clear signal to allies adversaries alike that we’re there to stay."

The European Deterrence Initiative is designed to provide aid to the militaries of European allies worried about Russian aggression.

The bill will also include a requirement that the committee receive a report on what a permanent presence in Eastern Europe would require.

"There's a cost to rotating forces through, and I don't know that any of us want to make a conclusion about that," he said, adding that there will also be several elements in the bill to "strengthen further our commitment to NATO and the Ukraine."

The Army already has one brigade in the region, but on a continuous rotation. Supporters of a permanently stationed brigade argue it would be a stronger deterrence.

Similarly, there are a number of provisions related to the Asia Pacific region, with more money for joint training and a variety of policy and funding commitments devoted to the region.

"I kind of think of it as an [European Deterrence Initiative] for the Asia Pacific," Thornberry said. "It’s not just talk it's dollars and commitment."

Thornberry last month introduced a $2.1 billion bill on Indo-Asia-Pacific security that he plans to fold into this year's NDAA.

The bill is timely as North Korea on Thursday conducted another rocket engine test as part of its efforts to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile, on top of dozen missile launches this year, as well as three engine tests in March.

The bill would also authorize millions for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, meant to help train and equip that country's military.

"It does continue to include military assistance to Ukraine and encouragement that the administration provide lethal assistance so the Ukrainian can defense themselves against the aggression that is coming at them from the east," Thornberry said...............

unian.info

United States intend to provide military assistance to Ukraine in the budget for 2018 fiscal year.

This was stated by head of the Committee on Armed Services of the lower chamber of the US Congress Mac Thornberry, reports of The Hill .

According to the senator, we are talking about the bill, providing for the allocation of funds to the US Department of Defense. Appropriate funds will be used to protect against Russian aggression.

In particular, Thornberry noted that the US Defense Department will allocate millions of Ukrainian military training as well as providing them with equipment.

"What exactly is included military assistance to Ukraine and the call to the presidential administration Trump provide lethal aid to Ukrainians could defend themselves against aggression from the east" - summed up the American senator.

Yesterday the US House of Representatives on the initiative of members of the Republican Party refused to vote on the bill quickly on new sanctions against Russia.

As reported by the "Observer", and later the Ministry of Finance of the United States imposed sanctions against 38 Russian companies and private individuals in connection with the aggression of Russia against Ukraine.

obozrevatel.com, Original in Russian / На русском

Central Intelligence Agency of the United States administration in August 2016 informed President Barack Obama, the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin had a direct relation to cyber attacks aimed at intervention in the American presidential campaign.

As the Tsenzor.NET citing "Krym.Realii" , it writes The Washington Post.

The publication edition of 23 June states that the CIA had evidence of Putin's "specific instructions" regarding the weakening of the Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and help Republican candidate Donald Trump.

According to The Washington Post, after reports the Obama administration is discussing measures to Russia and Putin. However, the newspaper notes, introduced measures were "largely symbolic".

in the US Congress Russia continues investigation of possible involvement in last year's election of an American president. A similar investigation is carried out and the FBI. Also launched an independent investigation by the administration in this regard. It is supervised by Robert Mueller, who was granted the right to investigate the President's actions, if there are grounds for doing so.

censor.net.ua , Original in Russian / На русском

Complex political, legal sanctions and the United States pressure on the Russian Federation can accelerate the release of Oleg Sentsova, Roman Sushchenko, Nikolaya Semeny, Akhtemov Chiygoza and other Ukrainian political prisoners.

As the Tsenzor.NET , she told about it in interview to Ukrinform Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Valery Chaly.

"I am very grateful to the American side, which through constant pressure of sanctions, legal efforts, political influence and through interaction with non-governmental organizations working in this area. Now, these questions go to the level of global support. But at the Department of State, Vice-President of the subject paid great attention ", - said Ukrainian Ambassador.

According to him, in Washington understand that the question is not only about human rights violations.

"This, in particular, complex pressure on the Russian side to have been released all the hostages, all prisoners to Russia withdraw all its troops from Ukrainian territory, "- said Chaly.

He recalled that the day before it was made in the statements of the Speaker of the White House, what was the nervous reaction of the Russian side. "Without this, all release all of our boys and girls will be very difficult," - said the diplomat.

He added that the President raised the issue in Washington, "he constantly makes using all the features in different countries for the release of the Ukrainian citizens, it is very important."

From the Embassy of Ukraine in the US is now going work on all fronts to attract and officials of the US administration, and non-governmental organizations for the release of our prisoners , said Chaly.

censor.net.ua , Original in Russian / На русском

United States know that Russia leads the armed militants in the Donbass region, according to the Foreign Ministry Tsenzor.NET referring to the Voice of America.

The press attache of US State Department Heather Noyert said: "Managed Russian separatists are trying not to allow the international community to see what is happening in eastern Ukraine We know that Russia leads the so-called separatists. financing and training them."

The State Department urged Moscow to use its influence to stop the militants to intimidate the OSCE observers.

"The United States is deeply concerned about the worrying trend towards violence and OSCE intimidation by controlled separatist Russian Information received from observers, it is one of the reliable sources through which both we and the world can see what kind of devastation taking place in this part of Ukraine." - Noyert added.

The spokesman also stressed to fulfill Minsk agreements must be "long-term and durable ceasefire."

censor.net.ua , Original in Russian / На русском

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow is ready to resume bilateral consultations with the US channel in Ukraine, but the Russian side has not yet received a concrete response from the United States.

Reported Tsenzor.NET citing Gazeta.ru, .

"In the current situation, we, when we were here (Secretary of State) Rex Tillerson in April when I was in Washington, meeting with (president USA) Donald Trump and Rex Tillerson in May this year, we in the discussion of the Ukrainian crisis confirmed our readiness to resume here the two-way channel, if the administration of Donald Trump deems appropriate ", - Lavrov said.

According to him, it would be useful.

"But as long as any specific comments on this our interest not received", - said the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Recall, June 20 at the White House hosted a working meeting of the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and President of the United States, Donald Trump .

Trump said that the relations between the US and Ukraine, "a lot of progress has been made over recent years", in turn, Ukrainian President noted that he expects "effective cooperation".

ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українському