US handed Holland secret data on the downed Boeing-777

US gave the Dutch investigator and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) its data downed Boeing-777 Malaysian airlines.

This was reported by Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, transmits TASS .

Read:

The mother died in a plane crash Boeing-777 requires the authorities of Ukraine $ 1 million

She clarified that the transmitted and “secret materials.”

The diplomat did not rule out that over time, these data can be at least partially declassified.

Read:

Blogger lucidly demonstrated that Boeing-777 was shot down by Russian “Buck”: Videofact

As reported by the “Observer”, previously President of Ukraine Poroshenko said that the outcome of the investigation crash passenger  aircraft Boeing-777 , which was owned by Malaysia Airlines, will be released before July 2015.

obozrevatel.com

US does not deliver a lethal weapon Ukraine – US Department of State (Another questionable article)

The US State Department does not confirm the information on the supply of lethal weapons Ukraine through third countries.

This was announced on Thursday an official representative of the department Jen Psak, reports RIA Novosti.

Read:

The Defense Ministry told who and what has helped Ukraine in the war with Russia

“Are you aware of the assistance that we provide Ukraine. This non-lethal weapons. We gave Ukraine more than $ 118 million for security. I do not quite understand, based on what these reports (on the supply of lethal weapons through third countries),” – said State Department spokesman.

Responding to a reporter’s question clarifying whether this can be interpreted as a statement of “no” Psak said: “That’s right, I was just trying to give a more complete answer.”

Read:

Australia and Poland will help the Ukrainian army

As reported by the “Observer”, US President Barack  Obama signed into law ,  providing for new sanctions against Russia and arms supplies to Ukraine. 

December 11 the US Senate passed a bill “Freedom Support Act of Ukraine – 2014”. The draft law provides substantial financial assistance to Ukraine, lethal weapons and identified Ukraine United States is a special partner of NATO. December 12 the House of Representatives changed the bill by removing therefrom Ukraine’s status as a US ally outside NATO, but retained the military assistance of $ 350 million.

obozrevatel.com

Sanctions against Russia and arms supplies to Ukraine. Obama signed a long-awaited law (Find what’s wrong with article)

US President Barack Obama signed a bill that allows to introduce new sanctions against Russia .

This was announced on Thursday, December 18 State Department spokesman Jen Psak, reports RIA Novosti .

Read:

American weapons and more “cargo-200” for Russia: what to expect from the military cooperation between the US and Ukraine

“He signed it yesterday,” – she said, responding to a request to comment on the bill on sanctions and support for Ukraine.

According Psak, the bill also provides an opportunity to supply weapons to Georgia.

As reported by the “Observer”, December 11, the US Senate passed a bill “Freedom Support Act of Ukraine – 2014”. The draft law provides substantial financial assistance to Ukraine, lethal weapons and identified Ukraine United States is a special partner of NATO. On December 12, the House of Representatives changed the law, removing thence Ukraine’s status as a US ally outside NATO, but retained the military assistance of $ 350 million. US House of Representatives by a majority vote  adopted a resolution at number 758 , also known as the “Freedom Support Act of Ukraine – 2014” which provides financial assistance to the Government of Ukraine in the amount of 510 million USD., of which $ 160 million. – military assistance.

Law, in particular, provides for the possibility of Ukraine military equipment and services, including anti-tank weapons, radar systems to combat artillery, tactical reconnaissance UAVs, secure communications, as well as assistance in training the Ukrainian military.

Read:

Russia miscalculated the costs on an adventure in Ukraine – United States

Within 60 days after the entry into force of the law President shall submit to Congress a list of the necessary military equipment and services, as well as calculations based on the dates of the respective works. To this end, the State Department allocated $ 350 million that can be used before the end of 2017. Of which $ 100 million will be allocated in 2015 fiscal year, $ 125 million in 2016 and 2017.

The budget also lays the US funds to provide technical assistance to Ukraine in strengthening energy security and the development of civil society. To reduce Ukraine’s dependence on energy exports US will help the Ukrainian government to develop medium- and long-term plans to improve energy efficiency and energy production. To this end, the 2016-2018 financial year, provided the cost of $ 50 million.

Read:

Lavrov suspects that the West thought of sanctions as a method for the overthrow of the government in Russia

On the development of Ukrainian civil society, independent media and the fight against corruption will allocate US $ 20 million.

The document also suggests the imposition of sanctions against the Russian energy sector . Measures affect “Rosoboronexport” and, if the reduction of gas supplies to NATO countries, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova – “Gazprom”.

obozrevatel.com

Militants earn money by selling “burnt” vodka in Western Ukraine (VIDEO)

In the Kharkiv region SBU blocked channel terrorist financing producers of alcoholic beverages Donetsk region.

This is stated in the message department.

According to the report, officials Donetsk distillery on temporarily controlled by the so-called “DNR” territory organized illegal production of alcoholic beverages.

Products are exported to other regions of Ukraine, where they sold under the guise of legitimate. To cover the heads of enterprises using fake excise stamps Ukraine.

Established that the money allocated managers and their allies to finance insurgents and terrorists.

Two trucks with such alcohol, which went to Western Ukraine, were arrested, including 10 December. The truck illegally transporting party Liquors total of 20 thousand bottles of fake excise stamps worth about 1 million.

Illegal products removed initiated criminal proceedings.

As you know, earlier on training militants to manufacture counterfeit vodka said Luhansk Governor Moskal.

Ukrainian Truth

Economic Fears May Push Russia Into Ukraine Deal (New York Times)

The turmoil in the Russian economy appears to be encouraging Moscow to seek compromise in the crisis over Ukraine, although President Vladimir V. Putin has proved so erratic in past months that Western leaders are wary of proclaiming progress, officials and analysts said Wednesday.

On Sunday and again on Tuesday night — after days in which the ruble gyrated wildly, raising the possibility of a broader financial crisis that could saddle Mr. Putin with deeper economic and political problems — the Russian president spoke by phone with his Ukrainian, German and French counterparts. Statements released afterward in all four capitals talked of moving quickly to cement a cease-fire broadly observed since last week in eastern Ukraine.

Mr. Putin may make his intentions clearer at his annual news conference on Thursday. European leaders will meet later Thursday and Friday in Brussels amid growing indications that pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainians could meet Sunday or Monday for talks under European auspices.

One wild card is the threat by the United States to move ahead with a new round of sanctions against Russia…………….”

Read further:

nytimes.com

Poland Ukraine is ready to sell weapons and military equipment

Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski announced its readiness to assist Ukraine in arms and military equipment.

He said this at a press conference after talks with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, said Tvn24.

Bronislaw Komorowski said that Poland is open in case of sale of weapons Ukraine that Ukraine is not bound in this matter by any sanctions and that he was only waiting for the appropriate step Ukraine.

“I know that you are very interested in questions about weapons. So I will say that I have never heard that there was some arms embargo against Ukraine. If Ukraine is interested in this, then, of course, Poland completely open to such talk “,” – he said, quoted by Interfax-Ukraine.

In addition, he stressed that Poland fully supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty.

The Polish president said that Poland will help Ukraine in strengthening the defense sector and security sector. In particular, according to Komorowski, the parties create a Ukrainian-Polish-Lithuanian brigade.

“This is not a team that should go to war against Basin, this should be a team in which the Ukrainian army will gain experience that will need to continue the process of approaching armies of NATO standards,” – said the Polish president.

Earlier, the Polish Foreign Minister said that there are no restrictions on arms supplies to Ukraine, we need only interest in the Ukraine.

eurointegration.com.ua

A spokesman for Merkel, supply lethal weapons in Ukraine is not on the agenda

The conflict in Ukraine can not be resolved by military means, and Germany does not intend to deliver lethal weapons in Ukraine.

It said a spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel Shtefen Zaybert, reports Reuters.

All I can say is: German position has not changed. It is clear and understandable. Deliveries lethal weapons are not on the agenda “- said Zaybert, when asked about his attitude to the US arms supplies Ukraine.

“We have always said that this conflict can not be solved by military means and we will not pidrymuvaty illusion that it is possible” – he added.

Regarding the economic crisis in Russia, a spokesman for Merkel said that Germany closely monitoring developments and believe that the situation guilty not only sanctions.

“The German government is closely monitoring developments. We believe that the economic and currency crisis in Russia has led a number of reasons. Sanctions are not the only or even the first of the reasons, there a number of other reasons,” – said Shtefen Zaybert.

As we have previously reported that the US Congress passed a bill “Act Support freedom in Ukraine,” which involves the provision of arms and Ukraine out of NATO ally status .

eurointegration.com.ua

Of course not! Would rather have the US do the dirty work for her, so she doesn’t lose that rubble income source.

Most Germans believe that their media lie about Ukraine

Communication, the German media about events in Ukraine little trust or do not trust 63% of Germans.

These are the results of a survey Infratest Dimap, reports Deutsche Welle.

Almost one third of the group of skeptics said the message from Ukrainian themes are one-sided and biased.

In addition, almost one in five groups with low confidence or lack of confidence in the media reports on the conflict in eastern Ukraine convinced deliberate misinformation from the media.

The survey results also show that the decline in confidence to the German media – a trend recently. If April 2012, 40% of respondents stated that they have a high or very high confidence in the media reports, but now there are only 29%.

The survey was conducted in early December by sociologists from the company Infratest Dimap commissioned by NDR, representative sample was 1002 persons.

eurointegration.com.ua

Captured militants fear of torture and asked them not to release (interesting)

Some terrorists are hostage SBU do not want to be involved in the exchange of prisoners.

This was during a briefing the press secretary SBU Elena Hitlyanska, reports ” UNN “.

“We must do everything possible to exchange hostages occurred much faster, but as you know, there are many individuals who are asked to give terrorists. And these people refuse. They do not want to be exchanged. Among them are even citizens of Russia”, – said Hitlyanska .

A spokesman suggests that terrorists are afraid of being subjected to torture by their own for what give, for example.

Recall that 684 Ukrainian prisoners of militants ready to pass only 152 Kyiv Ukrainian military.

gazeta.ua

The militants agreed to release 152 prisoners

Terrorists “DNR” and “FSC” ready to exchange prisoners for 152 223 people who were detained by the SBU.

This was stated by head of the SBU chief investigator Basil Wolf broadcast on one of the Ukrainian TV channels, reports Tsenzor.NET.

“I asked the guide” FSC “and” DNR “to provide lists of people they are. They brought a list of 152 people, they kept for themselves, and they are ready to hand these citizens,” – said Wolf.

“We are ready to give them these people. I hope that there is no 684 people, hope someone back, someone reported a return,” – said Wolf.

He also said that in general “FSC” and “NPT” provided a list of 584 people who they believe are held by the Ukrainian authorities. Wolf believes that the lists of 684 and 584 held virtual citizens.

gazeta.ua

In the Donbas militants are “disturbing” indiscriminate fire

Adventure 10 times on Wednesday fired a position of strength ATO

During the day, militants fired power ATO 10 times.

Such data as at 19:00 on December 17 told  the media center ATO .

“The most” hot “in terms of military activity are Lugansk, Donetsk, Debaltsevskoe direction”, – the report says.

“Attacks by illegal armed groups exposed areas of the Crimean settlements, Redkodub, Maloorlovka, Kamenka , Chornuhino, Novolaspa “- reported in the media center.

In addition, according to information from the militants fired small arms twice position of Ukrainian troops at the international airport ” Donetsk “.

“The actions of the militants could be described as provocative. Basically, they are” disturbing “indiscriminate fire. From the ATO forces ceasefire was not broken,” – reported in the media center ATO.

Earlier it was reported that the rebels continue to violate the ceasefire. 

segodnya.ua

Headquarters Akhmetov asks Poroshenko to take personal control of the situation with the blocking of humanitarian aid

Rules for dostake humanitarian aid must be transparent

Humanities headquarters Rinat Akhmetov has prepared an appeal to President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko with a request to take personal control of the situation that has developed around the delivery of aid to civilians Donbass. About this at a press briefing said the coordinator of GSH Rimma Fil.

According to her, Headquarters requests the safe delivery of all aid for civilians to take part in the development of transparent rules for the delivery of humanitarian aid.

“This will demonstrate to residents of Ukraine and the international community that all work in the legal field, and we will not place a humanitarian catastrophe,” – said Rimma Fil.

The text of the letter is reproduced in full:

Dear Peter A.!

December 16 at 19.00, at a checkpoint near the village of Gavrilovka Pokrovsky region Dnipropetrovsk region, the incident occurred. Humanitarian flight Staff Rinat Akhmetov of 21 cars with food resulted from Dnepropetrovsk to Donetsk. A group of armed men who identified themselves as members of the “right sector,” flight stopped at gunpoint and forced Staff representative Denis Denisenko give the command to deploy the machine with the products. These actions were accompanied by distortion of the gate machine, which was perceived as a threat of physical violence.

Threats have also been journalists are “34”, which intends to engage in a report on the movement of humanitarian aid to the Donbass. The armed men forced the operator to erase a video, and warned that in case of attempts by journalists once again to go this route for them to be opened fire.

Representatives of the “right sector” does not inspect the goods, do not check the documents. They said they did not miss any humanitarian aid in principle.

December 16 14: 00-16: 00, representatives GSCHS Ukraine and the OSCE in the presence of journalists carried out repeated monitoring and sealing machines stopped humanitarian aid. Therefore, the actions taken in respect of humanitarian aid and the accompanying persons is illegal.

Earlier, the deputies of Ukraine Semen Semenchenko Vladimir Parasyuk, Dmitry Dobrodomov, Yegor Sobolev, Taras Shepherd who personally prevented delivery, expressed the view that you as President must give permission for private delivery of humanitarian aid in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

Humanities headquarters appeals to the General Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine to take decisive action to establish the perpetrators of unlawful acts and bring them to justice

We are writing to you as a guarantor of the Constitution, to:

1. take personal control of the situation that has arisen with the delivery of humanitarian and charity in Donetsk and Lugansk regions.
2. Provide assistance in the safe delivery of all humanitarian and charitable aid intended for civilians in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.
3. To participate in the development of uniform and transparent rules and mechanisms for the delivery of humanitarian and charity in Ukraine. These rules will provide sufficient assistance and will not lead to monopolization of the process.

We believe that such actions demonstrate the residents of Ukraine and international partners unconditional commitment to legal norms and international obligations of Ukraine. And also be able to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in the cities of Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

segodnya.ua

Ukraine and Poland signed an agreement to expand the pipeline system

Operators of gas transportation system of Ukraine and Poland signed an agreement to expand the pipeline system.

The press service of “Ukrtransgaz”.

As noted on Wednesday in Warsaw operators of Ukraine’s GTS (JSC “Ukrtransgaz”) and Poland (“Gaz-System SA”) signed an agreement on cooperation.

“Agreement ratified CEO” Gaz-System SA “Ian faithful and President of JSC” Ukrtransgaz “Igor Prokopiv” – said in a statement.

The signed document provides the integration of gas transport systems of both countries in order to increase gas imports from Europe through Ukraine to Poland, as well as the storage of gas in the European underground gas Ukraine and its supply to consumers in the EU.

“Today’s event opens up new opportunities for the development of the national gas transportation system and its integration into the European gas market. We sincerely thank our Polish colleagues for constructive cooperation”, – said Prokopiv event.

Operators GTS two countries have identified the necessary investments by each party, respectively, in Ukraine and in Poland.

In Ukraine, a major expansion option defined construction of the main gas-Interconnector “Drozdovychy – Bilche-Volytsya” length of 110 km with a capacity of 8.0 billion cubic meters per year towards Poland and Ukraine and 7.0 billion cubic meters per year towards Ukraine-Poland.

The estimated cost of construction of the main gas-Interconnector in Ukraine is 245 million dollars.

Economic Truth

Militants ready to release 152 prisoners in exchange for their 223’s

Head of the Central Investigation Department SBU Basil Wolf said that the militants are ready to release 152 people detained in captivity, provided that the Ukrainian side will release 223 persons detained police.

He said this in the air “Shuster Live” on Wednesday evening

“7 December, the representative of so-called” DNR “and” FSC “was handed a list of 684 people that we appear as being unlawfully held by terrorist groups, some bandit groups in areas controlled by the so-called” FSC “and” NPT ” – said Wolf.

According to him, among the captives are soldiers, journalists, soldiers volunteer battalions and more.

On the same day that said Wolf, militants handed over a list of 1 667 people are believed missing.

“I asked representatives” FSC “and” NPT “asking for a list of those they have. They brought a list of 152 persons whom they hold and are ready to pass,” – said Wolf.

Instead, the militants received a list in which 223 persons held by SSU detained or under house arrest. Wolf said that the Ukrainian side is ready to exchange these people on their own.

“I hope there’s no 684, hope someone back, but did not report it,” – he added.

According to Wolf, the terrorists believe that the Ukrainian side holds 584 people. He also called list of 684’s and 584’s virtual people. According to Wolf, they are from a number of sources. “It’s hard to say that they are untrue,” – he added.

pravda.com.ua

Ukraine fined for flying in Crimea nearly three dozen airlines

Ukraine has applied financial sanctions on 27 Russian airlines totaling about 300 million. for carrying out operations in the Crimea. This was during the briefing said the speaker of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Yevhen Perebiynis, the correspondent of UNN .

“With the appearance of a violation of Article 29 of the Air Code of Ukraine 27 Russian airlines, including” Aeroflot “,” Transaero “and so on. D. Applied financial sanctions such as fines. Total issued 2 thousand. 193 resolution for a total of about 300 million. that these airlines must reimburse to the budget of Ukraine “, – said Ye.Perebyynis.

He said the violations identified by civil aviation in the implementation of flight in Crimea Ukrainian side, the following sanctions as fines, flight restriction, suspension action certificates and registration certificates for airfields, heliports and helipads.

unn.com.ua/uk/news

Belarus prepares new restrictions for media on the Internet

The lower house of the Parliament of Belarus, the House of Representatives today approved in two readings amendments to the media, which, inter alia, new restrictions for online media, reports UNN with reference to the “Radio Liberty”.

As the Information Minister of Belarus Lilia Ananych, these changes her ministry should get the right to make sure that the content of material published on the Internet, consistent with applicable laws on media, although registration sites provided.

This duty to prevent the dissemination of information, the content of which is contrary to the law, will be put to the owner of an information resource. Refutation of information disseminated on the Internet, will have to be on the same informresursi not later than the date of the receipt of this requirement, and the information is deleted sprostovuvana, said Minister of the content of the law.

Also amendments include limiting the share of foreign capital in the funds of the media and 20 percent from the current 30 or introduction of the registry distributors of media. As stated by the Minister of Information, the amendments relating to the Internet, will be “an effective instrument for implementing the state information policy”.

The law still has at least formally, consider the upper house of parliament, the Senate, and signed by the President, but Lily Ananych firmly stated that he will take effect from 1 January. Observers point out that all the information about the new law are known only from the words of the Minister – its full text has not yet been made public. In particular, is not known whether the changes will apply only to sites with Belarusian registration, or even overseas. We only know that the Ministry of Information has become eligible after two warnings to stop access to the online media that it acknowledges the violators. According to human rights activists, Belarus belongs to repressive states with regard to human rights and freedoms, in particular through the suppression of freedom of the press and of expression.

unn.com.ua/uk/news

B.Nyemtsov, if not for insane policies of Putin, the crisis in Russia would not be

The Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov on the air of “Radio Liberty”, commenting on the issue of financial collapse in Russia, said that it is not the financial crisis, a crisis of political and collapse of the ruble held on level ground, reports UNN .

“If it were not insane policies of Putin, if not war with Ukraine, if not aggression and not isolation, if there had been at least a little adequate situation that prevailed in Russia and in the world, nothing of this crisis would not have happened” – said B.Nyemtsov.

He added that “oil fell twice, but 60 dollars – is a considerable price for Russia.”

“I worked in the government – the price was $ 8. And there was a default of 1998. But the price then was (Warning) 8, and 60. So now needed was political stupidity, I had to prove to large financial penalties to derail the national economy and the national currency. And Putin did it “- said B.Nyemtsov.

Oppositionist added that in order to get out of this crisis, do not change the prime minister, although he is weak, Medvedev, do not change the chief of the Central Bank Nabiulinu, although it is weak. Not in this case. We need to change policy.

“Question: Putin citizen able to recognize their fateful including criminal error? A: Of course not! “- Added B.Nyemtsov.

unn.com.ua/uk/news

Russia’s economy has suffered due to the fact that the Kremlin decided to swallow Crimea – V.Nuland

Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland said that Russia’s economy has suffered due to the fact that the Kremlin decided to swallow Crimea passes UNN with reference to the MFA of Ukraine on Twitter.

“Of course, the Russian economy is suffering because the Kremlin decided to swallow the Crimea”, – said V.Nuland.

Assistant Secretary of State stressed the importance of Russia cut further adventurism.

Recall, March 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on the adoption of the Crimea and Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.

On the eve of Crimea held a “referendum” on the status of Crimea and then in the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea adopted a resolution “On the independence of Crimea.”

Glova MFA NATO urged Russia to return Ukraine Crimea.

unn.com.ua/uk/news

In the United States do not see a reason for the lifting of sanctions against Russia – V.Nuland

Sanctions may be canceled if Russia will fulfill the conditions of the Minsk Protocol and its obligations. This was stated by US Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland, reports UNN with reference to the MFA of Ukraine on Twitter.

“While we do not see,” – said V.Nuland.

She also reminded that US support Ukraine security only in 2014 amounted to 118 million dollars.

V.Nuland added that “Freedom Support Act Ukraine reflects the strong bipartisan support for Ukraine and its aspirations.”

unn.com.ua/uk/news

NATO countries are waiting for the decision to cancel Ukraine’s neutral status – analyst

NATO countries, referring to his constituents, not will go towards Ukraine’s accession to NATO, as direct conflict with Russia is too weak. This opinion today in “Channel 5” expressed a political scientist Andreas Umland, reports UNN .

He noted that NATO today is no willingness to Ukraine in its membership.

In this regard, he suggested that NATO countries are waiting for the decision to cancel Ukraine’s neutral status.

“This is a very vulnerable question – to enter into direct conflict with Russia. NATO countries from their election not go in that direction. West wants Ukraine to have good relations with Russia, “- said the expert.

Recall President of Ukraine Poroshenko announced the return of Ukraine to NATO integration course.

unn.com.ua/uk/news

Russians are advised not to go anywhere in the New Year with a new ruble

Russian TV presenter Ivan Urgant in parody commercials showed how best the Russians celebrate the New Year with a new rate of national currency, reports UNN .

Russian TV presenter Ivan Urgant shot parody promotional movie about the new Internet search service “Ok Ruble” (similar to the voice service Ok Google).

Fictional search engine “OK Ruble” answers the most common search queries based on the rapid depreciation of the ruble, which is observed in recent years. This “search engine” can not provide adequate answers to questions about the future course of the Russian currency.

unn.com.ua

Poles and Ukrainians must forgive each other — Poroshenko

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in his speech before the ceremonial gathering of both houses of the Polish parliament on Wednesday, December 17, thanked Poland for its solidarity with Ukraine and urged the Ukrainian and Polish people to forgive each other for past mistakes.

Poroshenko pointed out that the histories of Poland and Ukraine have been intertwined for centuries. The Wielkopolska Chronicle (Chronicle of Greater Poland — Ed.), written in the 13th century, was the first to record the legend of Lech, Czech and Rus, the three brothers who founded three Slavic nations (Poland, Czech Republic and Ukraine — Ed.), he said.

According to Poroshenko, Poles and Ukrainians are especially aware that the close relationship between them over many centuries has made them what they are today: “Close in spirit, in language, in European values, in the Christian faith.”

Over centuries the two nations have traveled a common path, which was complicated and often tragic. “We lived together in large empires that vanished, leaving us a legacy of misunderstanding,” he said.

“In history there are examples of common victories over enemies. But things have also happened that we don’t even want to remember,”  he said

Poroshenko agreed with the statements of Polish President Bronisław Komorowski that the past should not divide the two countries.

euromaidanpress.com

Volunteers from the United States, a lot of money to give ATO fighters

In addition to the many volunteers and charities in Ukraine, Ukrainian army took to help our compatriots living abroad. In particular, in the United States for six months has powerful Charitable Foundation ” Save Lives Together “, which is aimed to help the defenders of Ukraine and has the right to collect money for the Ukrainian army. Fund pays special attention to the front dopravlennyu modern stops bleeding, because blood loss causes the death of wounded soldiers in almost half the cases. This fund has purchased and imported medicines to the front over a million dollars, founded by three girls – Irina Pilipenko, Antonina Levchuk and Elin Lerman.

Irina and Antonina “Observer” met in person. Foundation founder explains why Americans donate thousands of dollars to help the Ukrainian military and how to prevent the transformation of Ukraine after the war crippled the country and suicide.

Today the organization Save Lives Together become a powerful charity. How it all began?

Antonina Levchuk:  For me, it all started in early May, when I was told about the wonderful preparation Celox. My friend, who now lives in Germany, wrote to me and asked Facebook to buy several packages of the drug, because it stops the bleeding wonderful and very needed at the front. But buy it in Ukraine and in Germany then was problematic.

I read about the effects of the drug – and was delighted. The first thing that came to mind: If only this Celox was once in physicians on the Square – how many guys could have saved lives!

Historically, many of my relatives and friends went to volunteer battalion “Donbass”. And I wanted to help them first – started buying Celox at their own expense. A little later we met with Irina Pilipenko, who lived in another state. Together they began to collect money and for 4 or 5 months bought almost all Celox, who was in the United States.

I remember the first batch of our common Celox – then we bought him a little more than 20 thousand dollars. Did not know just how it pass. Finally arrived in America, my mother – in order to take it all in Ukraine………………..”

Read further. Many photos:

http://obozrevatel.com

Putin may have to step back in Ukraine to stem crisis

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Vladimir Putin has little choice but to withdraw from eastern Ukraine in order to stem the financial crisis that is spinning out of control in his country.

Western sanctions, the drop in oil prices, and crony capitalism in Russia have combined to create a “perfect storm” in Russian financial markets.

Dramatic efforts by the Russian central bank to stop the falling ruble have so far failed. It has revived memories of the 1998 financial crisis.

“What can Putin do? He can’t reform [the economy.] He’s stuck. The only thing he can do is to stop the financial sanctions by withdrawing from eastern Ukraine,” said Anders Aslund, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute.

Read on here:  MarketWatch.com

US reminded Russia that any attempts to militarize the Crimea will not go unanswered

Europe and the United States intend to use only political and economic leverage over Russia, but any attempts to militarize the Russian Federation annexed Crimea will not go unanswered.

According to the channel 112 , about this during the debate on the Ukrainian crisis at the American Enterprise Institute, said Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland.

Read:

Dear people of Crimea, you yourself, you realize what a crap you plunged the Russian economy. Peregolosuy your stupid referendum

“Crimea belongs to Ukraine. Any attempt to further militarization of the region are dangerous and will not go unanswered. Do not we have chosen the path of militarization of the situation. This Russian military has chosen a course of aggression,” – she said.

In this case, Nuland stressed that Europe and the United States intend to continue to use only political and economic leverage.

As reported by the “Observer”, Russia is gradually throws in Crimea means of delivering nuclear weapons.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia, as a country with nuclear weapons, in accordance with international law, has every reason to arbitrarily dispose of its own nuclear arsenal.

obozrevatel.com

Russia can not remain a member of the global financial system – David Cameron

Russia in the present circumstances can not remain a member of the global financial system, said British Prime Minister David Cameron.

He stated this in the British Parliament on Wednesday, December 17, writes RIA Novosti.

“The current situation in the country (the sharp depreciation of the ruble. – Ed.) Is due to the combined effect of oil prices and sanctions. It does not allow Russia to remain a member of the global financial system. We will insist on tightening pressure” – said Cameron.

Read:

Fesenko explained why the collapse of the hryvnia – is not the same thing as the collapse of the ruble

Prime Minister, who is the most dramatic position among Western leaders in respect of the Russian Federation, said the need to tighten pressure on Moscow and the introduction of new sanctions.

Read:

Medvedev again acknowledged the impact of sanctions on the ruble and ordered urgently to restore order in the foreign exchange market

As reported by the “Observer”, December 15, the Russian ruble has established a record day fall since 1999 and became the weakest currency in the world. Quotations of Russian companies instantly collapsed .

finance.obozrevatel.com

Because of collusion with Putin Firtash Ukraine could lose strategic enterprises – expert

Collusion businessman Dmitry Firtash and Russian President Vladimir Putin is the bomb, planted in order to destroy the economy of Ukraine and the raider seizure of strategic enterprises of our country. This is the opinion analyst, founder of research firm “Active Group” Andrew Eremenko.

“There is no doubt proof of this is the information published Reuters, with respect to multi-billion dollar loan granted to the Russian “Gazprombank” flagship structure Firtash – Ostchem. For a better understanding of the situation should be emphasized that “Gazprom” owns a small stake in the “Gazprombank”. Controlled by this same financial institution Russian businessman Kovalchuk, close business associate of President Putin of the Russian Federation “, – said the analyst, writes RBC .

Read:

“Gazprom” can take the gas Firtash

In his view, the requirement of “Gazprombank” regarding return Ostchem loan in the amount of $ 0,842,500,000 and the interest on the loan – only the first event in the list of activities planned by the Russian leadership to destroy the Ukrainian economy.

“Most likely, will be sold in advance to develop scenarios: Firtash declares inability to repay the loan and to repay interest and” Gazprombank “will try to collect from the borrower’s collateral, which is 5.679 billion cubic meters. Gas in Ukrainian underground storage facilities. These actions serve two purposes: to undermine Ukraine’s energy security and a sharp aggravation of conditions fulfilling our country’s commitments on gas transit to Europe. In fact, the businessman Firtash has become a tool of political and economic sabotage against Ukraine “, – says Eremenko.

Read:

Liovochkin Firtash and trying to maintain control over the “Sumyhimproma” – expert

Experts suggest that the use of the Russian leadership businessman Firtash to destroy the economy of Ukraine is not limited to the above scheme.

“It is known that received” Gazprombank “loans Firtash acquired several major Ukrainian chemical enterprises and titanium -” Styrene “(Gorlovka),” Nitrogen “(Rivne),” Nitrogen “(Severodonetsk),” Crimean Titan “(Armenian) and, recently, the company was acquired by tenfold reduced price with the help of the fugitive President Yanukovych, “- said Eremenko.

According to experts, the next step is to try the Russians withdrawal of these enterprises for debt. “In fact, already stated that if firtashevsky Ostchem not repay the loan and interest thereon up to 30 December this year,” Gazprombank “make a claim for repayment of the loan to the guarantors under the credit agreement – the four factories for the production of fertilizers within the Ostchem. Thus, because of the actions of Firtash our country could lose a number of strategic economic and national security companies that will come under the full control of the aggressor, occupied part of the territory of Ukraine. In contrast to attempts to capture gas from domestic UGS, which Ukraine has the ability to resist, prospects loss of business titanium chemical industry seem quite high, “- said the expert.

Read:

Firtash two re-registered chemical plant in the occupied Crimea in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation

Earlier it was reported that the Ukrainian businessman Dmytro Firtash, with the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin could become the fifth largest producer of fertilizers in Evrope.Ob This was discussed in the article “Putin ally sending billions of Ukrainian oligarch” published by Reuters.

finance.obozrevatel.com

Hungary, Italy and Cyprus can not support the extension of sanctions against Russia

Russian Federation began lobbying in the capitals of Hungary (Budapest), Italy (Rome) and Cyprus (Nicosia), the question of the veto on the extension of sanctions against Russia in 2015.

It is reported RBC-Ukraine with reference to Euobserver.

“The Russians are actively working in various capitals”, – said the source publication, which is involved in the negotiations to extend the sanctions, calling Budapest, Rome and Cyprus ‘main’ targets Russia.

The diplomat added that the Czech Republic also has a shaky position in this matter. According to them, sanctions are likely to be ready by the end of next week, when at the last summit in 2014 to meet the leaders of countries, they will have to take a decision to extend sanctions on the basis of consensus, but if at least one of the countries will be against the extension, the sanctions against the Russian Federation will not be entered.

As reported by the “Observer”, US President Barack Obama said he did not support the idea of introducing the US Congress additional sanctions against Russia without the consent of the EU.

finance.obozrevatel.com

Ukraine can not now put forward an ultimatum to Russia – expert

Ukraine is not in a position to put forward an ultimatum to Russia. This “Observer” said the director of the Center for Political Studies “Penta” Volodymyr Fesenko.

“We are not in a position to put forward an ultimatum to Russia. They will answer even more tough ultimatum. I can even give examples where we have reduced due to the accident at the Zaporizhzhya energy supply in the Crimea, given that we get electricity from Russia we had to negotiate with them. We have to have to buy it “- said Fesenko.

Read:

The expert said that Russia will turn to face the resolution of the conflict in the Donbas

Ukraine also has to, according to the analyst, to buy coal in Russia because Ukrainian coal is in the occupied territories of Donbass.

Read:

Expert: to close the project “New Russia”, Russia will need a few days

As for blocking the supply of energy in the occupied territories in the east of Ukraine, there is need to consider the fact that the energy comes back with the CHP, located on our side, Mariupol is the same on the other side.

Read:

Expert: Russian state close to schizophrenia

“Therefore, an ultimatum – is not an option. Russia quickly we will block all air valves. We must be realistic. We now not to fat. We need peace now, but not at the cost of concessions. We can not capitulate to Russia, but they do not put ultimatums can, “- said the expert. Earlier, Russian human rights activist told Vladimir Putin relates to ultimatums.

obozrevatel.com

Russians tried to hijack Ukrainian military aircraft

Nikolaev SBU detained a Russian citizen, who in November of this year on a tip from the Russian special services tried to steal Ukrainian military aircraft.

Read:

SBU detained the leader of the “Hold” with an arsenal of weapons: post a photo

About this soobschilat press service of the SBU on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

“It is established that the alien arrived in Nikolaev on the instructions of the Russian special services for the organization of separatist activities. 30-year-old Russian is one of the organizers of the anti-Ukrainian rallies in Nikolaev at the Memorial of Glory to heroes-Olshantsam in March this year. The foreigner incited Ukrainians to disobey the current government, campaigned for Disconnecting from Mykolayiv Ukraine with a view to establishing, together with the southern regions and the Crimea so-called “new federal district. After the failure of it for a long time hiding from criminal liability and maintain contact with their supervisors, “- said in a statement.

Steal Ukrainian aircraft from the airfield Kulbakino he tried in late November via recruited resident Nikolayev. The assistant was also detained. It was found that the Russian Ukrainian arranged meeting with a Russian officer in Belgorod, in the territory of Russia.

Read:

In Zaporozhye SBU detained 41 tons of explosives supplied by militants for terrorist attacks

During a search of the apartment recruiter seized pseudosolution so-called People’s Council Nikolayev on his election as Chairman of the Board, as well as the leader of the self-defense forces, dated March, “order” of the March 16 referendum illegal anti-Ukrainian and other materials content.

Law enforcers have concluded the Russians for 60 days, is under investigation.

obozrevatel.com

Putin is urgently needed “small victorious war”. Experts on the tactics of the Kremlin after the collapse of the ruble

Ruble in recent days again fell a record. As of December 17 for one dollar demanded nearly 68 units of the Russian national currency, and the day before the euro on time even exceeded 100 rubles. For ordinary citizens of Russia, this means only one thing: the depreciation of their income and savings.

Are the Russians to build a logical chain and analyze what caused the crisis? Will Vladimir Putin continues to enjoy the support going wild in the country? Is Russia ready to own the Maidan? Is it possible to stop the military aggression of the Kremlin economic measures?

On these issues, “Observer” said political experts – Vladimir Fesenko (Kiev) and Andrei Okara (Moscow).

Read:

The war in the Donbass finish in three weeks after the withdrawal of Russia – Poroshenko

Volodymyr Fesenko , director of the Center for Applied Political Studies “Penta”

-Ponyatno That the situation with the Ukrainian hryvnia and the Russian ruble like …

-Not At all. There are differences. Let’s just say the reasons for the devaluation of the national currency in Ukraine and Russia are different, despite the fact that apparently similar situations. I do not want to take away the bread from fellow economists, but we have a problem of the hryvnia associated with the war and with the difficult financial situation, including external and internal debt, who scored all of the previous government.

As for Russia, there is a war, too, plays an important role. War and the annexation of the Crimea provoked sanctions against Russia, but as soon as the sanctions to add the effect of falling oil prices, in the end it all and brought down the Russian ruble.

-Stanut Whether the economic problems of Russia the reason for the weakening of the Russian government?

-What, The Russian ruble weakened in Washington or Brussels? Russians are now in shock. I think that there are no political reasons but war. This is a fee for the Russian aggression and Russian adventurism. They thought that everything would be without consequences, all swallow. But in the end it came out sideways.

In Ukraine, there is an illusion in relation to Russia when there is a separation of Putin and Russia. Not by chance, more than 80% of Russians support Putin until recently. Now because of the economic and social causes, support will decline. But, unfortunately, what Putin has done, to comply with most of the sentiments of Russians. Putin did something like Russians. But now it will have to pay a high price to pay, including from his own pocket. Russians.

Read:

In Russia, because of the collapse of the ruble stopped selling foreign car

Will they understand it or not – is another question. God forbid that this lesson was not empty, that was followed by the realization that this is not the ill will of the United States, it is not the West that Russia is trying to spread rot. This is payback for his own misconduct, for the Crimea and the war in the Donbass.

-If You understand, in Moscow will Maidan?

-not Sure. Independence Square in Kiev in 2004 and in 2013 there was not motivated by economic problems. Our people different mentality, different values, and therefore are Ukrainian citizens differently than Russian.

-Our Citizens more mature?

-Yes I Am. As for the Russians – Russia’s experience shows that if there is a combination of three factors – the economic crisis, the defeat in the war and split the elites – if problems arise even for the political regime, and for most of the Russian state.

In Russia there is no defeat in the war, but the economic crisis is becoming a reality.

How did I know, split elites not yet in sight.

-So Far not expected. But it is necessary to draw conclusions about the war, from it is necessary to leave Russia. If this awareness is, then maybe they will come out and gradually out of the crisis. And if they act irrationally – I mean, first of all, Russian leaders – then the risks for the Russian state will increase. In fact, the split elites also did not come from nowhere, and as a consequence of the economic crisis and the problems of military-political problems.

-Can We expect that Putin will stop its aggression under the pressure of these problems?

-If He will act rationally, it should intensify its action to get out of the crisis that originated in eastern Ukraine. Crimea give they will not be realistic. But with the Donbas he should go…………………”

Read further:

obozrevatel.com

Crimeans have begun to massively renew Ukrainian passports: published video

The inhabitants of the occupied Russian Crimea are increasingly turning for registration Ukrainian passport.

According to Channel 5, Novotroitskaya Migration Service – queue. Nearly a hundred Crimean arriving daily here from the occupied peninsula to access documents in Ukrainian sample.

Read:

To work in Kirgziyu – Crimea fulfills all your dreams

Novotroitsky migration service sector – the closest to the Crimea. Since the occupation of the flow of people grew up here at times, and the number of personnel has not changed. Execute documents on foreign and internal passports four specialist.

Crimean seeking documents Ukrainian sample, so that the queue is occupied by night.

Read:

Kuban Governor called the collapse of the Russian economy, paying for Crimea

Each krymchanin – its history, which forced him to come to the mainland.

Work Novotroickoe pasportistov until reduced. Border guards warn documents issued in the occupied Crimea, Ukraine let no one.

In general, since April this year, the Migration Service in Novotroickoe provided Ukrainian twice more services than the same period last year.

Read:

British bookmakers take bets on the resignation of Putin’s return Ukraine Crimea

obozrevatel.com

Anti-maydan Topaz arrested while trying to flee from Ukraine

Security Service of Ukraine was again detained activist antimaydana Ignat Kromskom known by the nickname “Topaz”.

About this UNIAN reported an informed source.

Read:

Kharkov court gave the command “Topaz”

According to the source, the person was seized at a border crossing points while trying to cross the border of Ukraine.

As reported by the “Observer, September 12, it was reported that “Topaz” was released  under a personal obligation.

This situation Interior Minister Arsen Avakov named “bl *** Twomey.”  Then it turned out that the “Topaz” was put  in isolation SBU.

October 9  lawyer “Topaz” said his disappearance from prison.

obozrevatel.com

Medvedev: Currency rates are uncomfortable for the Russian economy

Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev admitted that because of Western sanctions and falling oil prices, the Russian economy was in a deplorable state. At the same time the Russian prime minister considers unfounded the foreign exchange market reaction.

“The numbers that we see in the exchange offices over the past few days, do not correspond to objective picture and unreasonably gone beyond comfortable for the economy and for the people of range”, – said Dmitry Medvedev at a meeting with the financial and economic bloc of the government, the leadership of the Central Bank and the heads of the largest energy companies and industry on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

According to him, the main role in the foreign exchange market played emotions and panic. At the same time, he said that the government, together with the Bank of Russia has developed a number of measures to stabilize the economic situation in the country.

novostimira.com.ua

Russian politician, “Lavrov’s words mean nothing”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has acted as a showman with his recent statements. As said the chairman of the Russian United Democratic Party “Yabloko” Sergei Mitrokhin, the words of the Russian minister should not be considered seriously.

“Lavrov, he became a showman. He has already become an economist and made a statement that the Russian economy will not collapse in the fall of the ruble. Thus, he considers himself an expert in all areas. Frankly, it is difficult to relate to his statements with some seriousness, so we will wait for tomorrow what will say Vladimir Putin. That would be quite serious. If he will fix Lavrov’s words, then you can expect something. And the only words of Sergey Lavrov cost nothing. Lavrov today can say one thing and tomorrow – the opposite, “- commented on the situation in Russian politics.

According to Sergei Mitrokhin, the leadership of the Russian Federation is obliged to change its policy in Ukraine to soften the sanctions, but to do so, most likely, no one will do.

novostimira.com.ua

Russia’s rich lose $10 Billion in two days as ruble drops – Bloomberg

The Russian Federation richest people lost $10 billion this week as the central bank raised interest rates.

Censor.NET reports citing Bloomberg.

Russia’s 20 richest people lost $10 billion this week as the central bank raised interest rates to counter western sanctions that have crushed the ruble and sent the country’s RTS Index to its lowest point since March 2009. The billionaires have dropped a combined $62 billion in 2014, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The ruble has plummeted 50 percent since the end of June. Crude fell to a five-year low after the United Arab Emirates said OPEC won’t rein in production. In response, Russia’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate to 17 percent from 10.5 percent in the middle of the night in Moscow on Dec. 15 as the ruble slid below 64 per dollar for the first time. “The optimists who thought in March that everything would be all right in the end now understand that nothing will be OK,” Stanislav Belkovsky, a Kremlin adviser during Putin’s first term said.

Reda also: Russia obliged to pay record fine of 1.86 billion euro for Yukos deprivation by Putin’s henchmen

Leonid Mikhelson has been the biggest loser in dollar terms among those remaining in the country’s 20 richest, dropping $8.7 billion since the start of the year. Gennady Timchenko, 62, turned in the second-worst dollar drop, losing $7.8 billion this year. The third-biggest U.S. dollar drop was registered by Vladimir Lisin, 58, the chairman and largest shareholder of OAO Novolipetsk Steel. The steelmaker has slumped 42 percent this year, helping cut Lisin’s wealth by $7.5 billion.

See also: “Black Tuesday” in Russia”: Russians stormed stores getting rid of rubles. PHOTOS

The declines also knocked Alisher Usmanov, whose Russian losses have been mitigated by gains in Chinese technology companies Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and JD.Com Inc., has dropped $6.8 billion year-to-date. Nobody was hit harder in percentage terms than Vladimir Evtushenkov. Once Russia’s 14th-richest person, the 66-year-old has seen almost 90 percent of his wealth disappear, dropping him from the top 20. The billionaire was sentenced to house arrest by a Moscow court in September after a money-laundering investigation connected to the $2.5 billion purchase of shares in oil producer OAO Bashneft.

See also: “Our answer to sanctions”: Russia presents a new collection of valenki with Russian flag and coat of arms. PHOTO

The court also ruled in favor of nationalizing his stake in Bashneft, which he controlled through publicly traded AFK Sistema. Evtushenkov’s fortune has fallen $9 billion, the most of any Russian in 2014.

Arkady Rotenberg, another Putin ally sanctioned by the west, has lost $2.3 billion this year leaving him with a net worth of $898 million, a 72 percent drop.

censor.net.ua

“Putin does not acknowledge his mistakes. He now has a convenient excuse to start full-scale war against Ukraine,”

Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot admit the complete collapse of his policy, so he intends to write off the economic problems of Russia to war.

This was stated by Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov on Radio Svoboda, Censor.NET reports.

According to him, the president of Russia has a convenient excuse to start s full-scale war against Ukraine.

Read also: Poroshenko, Merkel, Hollande and Putin agreed to gather tripartite contact group meeting as soon as possible

“He (Putin. – Ed.) now has a convenient excuse. After America adopted a law on the support of Ukraine, he can say that in fact we are talking about the occupation of Ukraine by the Americans, and he will start a war in defense of the Russian people. He has great opportunities to start a war and these opportunities will allow him to write off the whole collapse on the war,” Boris Nemtsov said.

According to him, everything points to the fact that Putin is preparing for war – passing the military budget which is 33% larger than last year’s and continuing to send military, weapons and money to the Donbas.

“Putin cannot be trusted. You can trust only specific actions. If I were in your place, I would not even talk to him until he does all these actions – until the Ukrainian military and border guards are standing at the Ukrainian-Russian border,” Boris Nemtsov said.

Read also: Putin Changed His Tactics in Ukraine – Yatseniuk

He also believes that Russia is not in a financial crisis but in a political one – the collapse of the ruble came out of the blue. Nemtsov considers the “insane policy” of the Russian president to be the reason for the current situation in Russia.

“If it were not for Putin’s insane policy, if it were not for the war with Ukraine, the aggression, the self-isolation, if his actions were at least a bit reasonable, the current situation in Russia and in the world would not exist, the crisis would not exist. Thus, in fact, oil fell by half, but $60 is not such a small price for Russia. When I worked in the government in 1998, we had a default, but the oil price was eight dollars,” Boris Nemtsov said.

Read also: Russia may unleash full-scale continental war any time – Turchynov

According to him, to get out of this crisis, you do not need to change the Russian prime minister and head of the central bank, but you need to change the policy.

“Is Vladimir Putin ready to change the policy? Is he ready to admit his fateful, criminal mistakes? Of course not!” Boris Nemtsov concluded.

censor.net.ua

American Defense Technology company will supply Ukraine with latest anti-mortar radars

State foreign trade and investment company “Ukrinmash”, part of the State Concern “Ukroboronprom”, has signed a contract with the Defense Technology Inc. (USA) for the supply of AN/TPQ-49 anti-mortar radars for the Ministry of Defense.

This is stated in “Ukroboronprom” press release, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrainian News.

“The latest anti-mortar radars AN/TPQ-49 under the Ministry of Defense order will be supplied at the beginning of the new year. The contract with the U.S. company Defense Technology Inc. has been signed by state foreign trade and investment company “Ukrinmash”, which is a part of “Ukroboronprom,” the statement reads.

Read also: Ukroboronprom Signed Arms Deliveries Contract with American BarrettFirearms

According to the report, the anti-mortar radars can effectively respond to the enemy artillery.

These devices are able to immediately determine the place from which the missile and artillery systems fire is conducted.

Their effective range constitutes 50 meters to 10 kilometers.

The accuracy of determining the enemy coordinates is up to 75 meters at a distance of 5 kilometers.

censor.net.ua

Chevron Shale Exit Shreds Ukraine’s Hope of Energy Independence (Bloomberg)

(Bloomberg) — Shale gas was supposed to be Ukraine’s ticket to greater energy independence from Russia. Chevron Corp.’s decision to pull the plug has smashed those hopes.

The second-largest U.S. energy producer will pull out of an agreement for exploring the Oleska field in western Ukraine, a government official said this week. It was the final blow to the country’s dream of becoming a big shale-gas producer after Royal Dutch Shell Plc retreated earlier this year from a similar deal in eastern provinces riven by a bloody war with pro-Russian separatists.

While Chevron can walk away unscathed, for Ukraine it’s another blow to the prospects of reviving a chaotic economy that remains dependent on Russia, a country it claims to be in armed conflict with. Already weighed down by the war that’s killed more than 4,600 people and teetering on the verge of default, Ukraine was counting on foreign capital to develop its domestic gas resources.

“Foreign investment will start to flow only if there is a healthy, predictable investment environment based on the rule of law,” said Ulrich Benterbusch, managing director at German energy agency Dena. “This includes drastic measures to reduce the endemic corruption.”

Chevron grew frustrated with the Ukrainian government’s failure to modify tax rules under which foreign explorers have to operate in the country, said Allen Good, an energy industry analyst at Morningstar Inc. in Chicago.

The second-largest U.S. oil producer never even got an opportunity to drill any exploratory wells, which indicates the reason for pulling out was regulatory rather than any problems with the geology, Good said.

Chevron declined to comment beyond a statement that they’ve given the Ukrainian government their decision.

Mammoth Discoveries

The $10 billion value of the prospect Ukraine politicians had mooted was ’’an inflated, blue-sky’’ estimate that assumed mammoth discoveries, decades of drilling and no obstacles to bringing the fields into production, Good said.

Other western explorers including Exxon Mobil Corp. and Eni SpA saw their aspirations in Ukraine wither after the February collapse of the pro-Russian regime. Shortly after the ouster of then-president Viktor Yanukovych, Russia invaded and annexed Crimea, appropriating potentially gas-rich offshore fields in the Black Sea.

Ukraine is grappling with the deepest recession since 2009, with the hryvnia plunging 48 percent against the dollar this year. The $17 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund is proving insufficient and President Petro Poroshenko has pleaded with the U.S. government to provide at least $10 billion more to stave off default.

Gas Exporter………………”

Read further:

einnews.com

Kremlin-backed Chechen Leader Says Wants To Fight In Ukraine

The Kremlin-backed head of Russia’s Chechnya region, Ramzan Kadyrov, has sparked controversy by saying he is “ready to resign and fight” alongside pro-Russian separatists in their conflict with governent forces in eastern Ukraine.

In his interview with Russia’s NTV television on December 16, the outspoken Kadyrov said that he intends to ask President Vladimir Putin to let him resign so that he can go to eastern Ukraine “to destroy devils who have neither honor nor dignity.”

Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said on December 17 that Kadyrov had made no request to resign.

Kadyrov expressed anger last week over what he said were expressions of support by several Ukrainian lawmakers for militants involved in an attack in Chechen capital, Grozny, that killed 14 police on December 4.

einnews.com