Ukraine News. Thursday 20 September. [Ukrainian sources]

THURSDAY HEADLINES:
The Council approved amendments to the Constitution on NATO and the EU.  The Pentagon: Russia and China are the main threats to US cybersecurity.  The main reason for the tensions between the US and Russia is the occupation of the Crimea and Donbas - former US ambassador.  Duda asked Trump to increase US military contingent in Poland because of Russia's aggression: Russian occupation of the Crimea.  "Vote, and if not, never promise it any more," - Poroshenko called on the deputies to urgently support the lifting of immunity.  Questions of the reintegration of Transnistria into Moldova will be discussed at a referendum.  "Russian naval base will no longer be in Sevastopol after we return Crimea!" - Poroshenko initiates removal of provision on Russian Black Sea Fleet from Ukraine’s Constitution.  EU chooses punishment for Russia for Violence poisoning.  UK's Defense Secretary impressed by resilience, courage of Ukrainian soldiers facing one of world's most aggressive armies.

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The Verkhovna Rada supported the presidential bill on amending the Constitution on Ukraine's European aspirations.

"Changing the Constitution will strengthen the achievements of the Revolution of Dignity," said the speaker of the bill, Irina Lutsenko, a representative of the president in parliament, said.

In turn, the chairman of the Committee on Legal Policy and Justice Ruslan Knyazevich added that the bill is not currently being reviewed on the merits.

"We are currently at the stage of consideration of the issue of inclusion in the agenda and referral to the Constitutional Court... The Committee considers it advisable to send the bill No. 9037 to the Constitutional Court for a conclusion and simultaneously to add the document to the agenda of the 9th session of the Verkhovna Rada ... The adoption of this document does not require a referendum, "he said.

Other profile committees - on national security, on the fight against corruption, on European integration, on foreign affairs - made similar decisions.

People's deputies agreed with the 321 vote to send a document to the Constitutional Court for a conclusion on amendments to the Constitution.

It should be noted that according to the procedure, the Constitutional Court must give its opinion on the draft law and return it to parliament. The final vote on the bill will take place at the next session of the Verkhovna Rada (spring-summer 2019). Deputies will need a constitutional number of votes - not less than 300.

apostrophe.ua  In Ukrainian/український

The US Department of Defense has recognized China and Russia as the main threats to the cyber security of the United States and its allies. In addition, they mentioned attacks from North Korea and Iran.

This is stated in the unveiled Cybersecurity Strategy of the US Department of Defense.

"The nations that refrain from a direct encounter with US military use cyberspace [...]. China and Russia are drawn into the struggle of great forces through persistent, aggressive cyber-campaigns, which are strategic, long-term risks for the nation, our allies and partners, "the document reads.

So, the Pentagon announced its intention to strengthen its cyber-power. In particular, it is about conducting intelligence gathering operations, strengthening security systems and resilient networks for potential attacks, as well as cooperating with allies in cyberspace.

Against Russia, in particular against FSB, private companies and individuals, a number of sanctions related to hacker attacks already exist.

On September 5, the House of Representatives of the US Congress unanimously adopted a bill that would impose sanctions on cyberattacks executives and customers. Washington will impose sanctions against individuals, states or organizations for cybercrime against the United States. It is expected that such measures will help protect the country's elections and important infrastructure objects from "sponsored by foreign powers" willful cyber attacks.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that in the event of a cyberattack by the Russian Federation, the North Atlantic Alliance could apply the procedure provided for in article 5 of the organization's statute - the NATO collective defense clause. This means that an attack on one of the bloc countries is considered an attack on all members of the alliance.

Earlier, the United States and Britain warned of a global cyberattack on the part of Russia.

Recall that the US Department of Justice has prosecuted 12 employees of the Russian Main Investigation Department (GRU), accusing them of interfering in the US presidential election in 2016.

The scouts were accused of breaking the services of the Democratic Party Committee, as well as the presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton.

The United States began investigating Russia's interference with the presidential election in 2016, after the trilogue adviser to the Australian diplomat said. Subsequently, it became known that the Special Prosecutor Müller found evidence of a connection between the Kremlin and Trump before his inauguration.

In February 2018, Muller put forward official charges against 13 Russians who are considered involved in interference with the 2016 presidential campaign.

hromadske.ua  In Ukrainian/український

Former United States ambassador to Russia John Tefft said that the current Russian-American relationship was the most tense for his entire life, including through the annexation of the Crimea and occupation of the Donbas.

Tefft informed Gromadsky about this during the annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES) in Kyiv.

"Our relations are still very tense. The main reason for this is the illegal capture of the Crimea and the Donbas, which Ukrainians themselves know. Minsk agreements exist, but Russia does not take measures to implement this agreement on its part, "he said.

The diplomat noted that while working in Moscow, he always spoke about the need to conclude an agreement between Russia and Ukraine in order to stop the war on the Donbass.

Tefft added that there are other "large-scale problems" in the relationship between Moscow and Washington.

"This is Russia's cyberattack in the United States, and the Violence Poisoning in Great Britain, which has led the Tram administration to impose additional sanctions on Russia. Today, relations between Russia and the United States are probably the most tense in my whole life, "the diplomat said.

Tefft also said that both the US Congress and the people of the country were "angry" against Russia.

"The latest poll showed that about 75% of Americans are angry or upset about Russia - I can not pick up the exact word. But apparently, nowadays in America, there is very little sympathy for Russia", - he concluded.

Earlier, the US State Department said they plan to introduce new "severe" sanctions against Russia because of the poisoning of former intelligence officer Sergei Skripal.

August 8, the United States announced new sanctions against Russia because of the poisoning in Great Britain of the former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Julia.

It should be noted that, in accordance with American law on the control of chemical and biological weapons, US authorities are obliged to stop the sale of weapons and technology related to national security, a country using chemical or biological weapons.

On August 24, the United States issued a list of sanctions against Russia through the use of chemical and biological weapons. On 27 August, these sanctions came into force .

Sanctions cover 5 points:

1. Termination of Russia's foreign assistance, except urgent humanitarian aid, food, agricultural products or products (in accordance with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961).

2. Termination of arms sales to Russia of any defense goods, defense services or design and development services; termination of sales of licenses for export to Russia of any items in the list of US ammunition (in accordance with the Export Control Law).

3. Termination of all military financing for Russia (in accordance with the Law on Export Control of Weapons).

4. Refusal to provide any loans, credit guarantees or other financial assistance to any United States Department, agency or government organization, including the United States Export-Import Bank.

5. Prohibition on the export to Russia of any goods or technology "sensitive" in terms of national security of the United States.

Russia has called unfounded accusations by the United States of involvement in the poisoning of the former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Julia in Great Britain.

Russian Foreign Ministry called the US actions "hypocritical", based on the fact that the US "will not hurry with the destruction of its arsenal of chemical weapons and remains the only participating country OPCW (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons - Ed.), Which has large reserves of chemicals."

hromadske.ua  In Ukrainian/український

The President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, called on the American leader, Donald Trump, to increase the number of US military units in the Polish territory in order to strengthen the security of the region and deter Russia's aggression.

He stated this during a joint press conference with the President of the United States on Tuesday in Washington, Cenzor.NET, referring to Ukrinform.

"It can not be said that the presence of the US armed forces in Poland is worsening the security conditions, as it leads to an increase in the (Russian military) activity of Russia and an increase in the militarization of this part of Europe by the Russian Federation," the Polish leader said.

As an example, he pointed out the fact that a significant increase in the military presence of the RF in the Kaliningrad region began more than ten years ago. Russia, according to him, builds up his armed potential systematically.

In this regard, Duda recalled Russia's assault on Georgia in 2008 and attempts to enter the Tanks in Tbilisi. In addition, he drew attention to the current military aggression of the RF against Ukraine, as well as the illegal annexation of the Crimea, calling it "present violations of international law" by Moscow.

"There is a whole range of arguments in favor of the fact that the presence of the US armed forces in this area (in Eastern Europe - Ed.) Is absolutely justified", - quoting Duda Crimea. Realia.

"Yesterday, we see the illegal annexation of the Crimea. Today, we are witnessing a constant violation of international law in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, so today these are the political and military facts of Europe, and the United States presence only provides a guarantee of security and protection," Duda said.

"The presence of the United States (the Armed Forces - Ed.) Of the United States is the only guarantee of security and the ability to defend itself. Let me repeat - this is the only guarantee of the security and defense of this part of Europe. This is a free world, and this is the most important issue now from our point of view, from the point of view view of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe", - underlined the president of Poland.

In this regard, he noted that he expressed the "general voice" of the countries of the region, stressing the need for the presence of US and NATO troops in this part of Europe. He also said that it also met the interests of maintaining the international law and national security of the United States.

"I suggest that you place even more US troops in Poland," Duda said, turning to the White House head.

He also said that the powerful presence of the US and NATO forces in his country plays a role in deterring Russian aggression in Europe.

Trump agreed with Duda's assessment.

"I think this is a very aggressive situation, and I think that Russia acted aggressively," he said.

He added that Russia "respects power" and now in the USA "is the greatest force in the world".

ua.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

President Petro Poroshenko insists on an immediate vote on amendments to the Constitution on the abolition of parliamentary immunity.

He stated this, speaking with the annual message in the Verkhovna Rada, reports Censor.NET with reference to "Ukrinform".

"I am confident that the party programs have once again entered the promise to abolish parliamentary immunity. I insist on urgent voting of the relevant amendments to the Constitution." As much as possible, the dear people's deputies simplified the task, proposing to introduce this norm from the next convocation, "the head of state said.

He added that "the Constitutional Court gave a good, the moment of truth came."


"Let's be honest with the people. Vote, and if not, then never promise it anymore," the President said.

As reported, on June 6, the Constitutional Court recognized Bill No. 6,773 in a way that does not contradict Articles 157, 158 of the Basic Law. This bill proposes to amend the Constitution in part with the abolition of parliamentary immunity. On June 20, the CCU recognized that the presidential bill number 7203 on the abolition of parliamentary immunity with a postponement until 2020 does not contradict these articles of the Constitution.

ua.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

The method of reintegration of the Transnistrian region within the Republic of Moldova will be resolved at a referendum.

According to Cengozer.NET, referring to Deschide.md, Igor Dodon, President of Moldova, stated this.

According to him, concrete scenarios of reintegration will be discussed after the next parliamentary elections.

Dodon said that after the parliamentary elections in Moldova it will be necessary to take further steps towards free movement on the two banks of the Dniester and to move forward in the political dialogue. The Transnistrian region can not be part of another scenario, except to be an integral part of the Republic of Moldova, he said.

"After the parliamentary elections, we will discuss concrete scenarios of how this reintegration can take place, and it is very important that any form of reintegration, interrelationship will be discussed with the citizens of the Republic of Moldova in the framework of a referendum," the Moldovan president stated during the transfer of Moldova în direct to the public TV channels Moldova 1.

Once the common denominator in Chisinau is found, the reintegration option will be offered to the international community. At the same time, Dodon says that after the political solution to the Transnistrian conflict, troops from the territory of the left bank of the Dniester should leave the area, along with the weapons that are being placed there.

Recall that on June 22, 2018, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution "On the complete and unconditional withdrawal of foreign military forces from the territory of the Republic of Moldova." For approval of the resolution voted 64 countries, against - 15, abstained 83 delegations.

ua.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

It is proposed to cancel the provision of the Constitution of Ukraine which allows stationing of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation in the territory of Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said delivering a speech in the Verkhovna Rada, Censor.NET reports.

"It is proposed to delete from the Constitution the provision allowing the Black Sea Fleet to be based in Ukraine. The Russian [naval] base will no longer be in Sevastopol after we return Crimea!" he wrote on social media.

en.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український

In the Austrian Salzburg, an informal summit of heads of state and government of the 28 EU countries, which will determine sanctions against Russia for poisoning in Salisbury, has begun.

This is reported by "Gazeta.Ru".

According to the report, at the meetings EU representatives will discuss the issue of migration, and Prime Minister of Great Britain Teresa May will address the case of Violinist.

Recall, on August 27, new US sanctions against Russia came into force , which were imposed on the poisoning in the United Kingdom of the former Russian spy Sergei Skrypka and his daughter Julia.

As reported by the "Apostrophe", according to experts, in response to sanctions imposed through an attempt on the former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal, Russia may well decide on a demonstration of military force in relation to the UK.

apostrophe.ua  In Ukrainian/український

A British delegation led by Secretary of State for Defense Gavin Williamson visited the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone in Ukraine's east.

"Britain's Secretary of State for Defense Gavin Williamson has visited the front line of defense, where he personally spoke with Joint Forces fighters," the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said in a statement, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.



According to the Defense Ministry, Williamson noted he was most impressed by the resilience and courage of Ukrainian soldiers facing one of the world's most aggressive armies.



The British delegation also met with Joint Forces Commander Lieutenant-General Serhii Naiev, who reported on the situation in the JFO area and provided specific facts of the use of Russian-made weapons against military units in eastern Ukraine. Naiev informed Williamson of measures being taken by the Joint Forces to deter Russian aggression and stabilize the situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.



In addition, according to the report, the sides discussed a number of humanitarian initiatives of the Joint Forces command aimed at restoring critical infrastructure facilities and providing assistance to health institutions and children staying in villages close to the contact line.



After visiting the front line, the commander briefed British partners on the work of an entry and exit checkpoint, the ministry said.

At the end of the trip, the British official said that the United Kingdom would continue to assist and fully support Ukraine.



en.censor.net.ua  In Ukrainian/український