DOCSLIB.ORG

Ukraine – Russia: Relationships 2014 – Present

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Ukraine – Russia: Relationships 2014 – present Simulation of Negotiations: Ukraine-Russia-European Union Relations Dr. Vitalijs Butenko Dr. Sibylle Zürcher NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 1 1. Introduction NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 2 Ukraine Situation as of 2013: - Form of government: Semi-presidential republic - Administrative units: - 24 regions (“oblast”) - 2 cities of republican subordination (Kiev and Sevastopol) - Autonomous Republic of Crimea - Population*: - 48.4 m (2001 census) - 42.5 m (2016 estimate) - GDP (current prices)*: - $179.5 b (2013) - $87.2 b (2016 estimate) - Security: - 250’000 army personnel0 - Following Budapest agreement in 1994 the nuclear arsenal is removed to Russia in exchange for assurances against threats or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine and admission to Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT). NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 3 * Note from IMF: 2013 data excludes Crimea and Sevastopol for comparison purposes with 2014 data. 2. Background on the crisis in Ukraine 5. Sept. 2014: Minsk protocol, Convoy cease fire Nov 2013 – Sept 2014 Odessa Dec 2014-Feb Conflict intensity 2015: Debaltseve “Pocket” War Mar. 2014: MH17 Civil war erupts in Luhansk and Donetsk regions 12. Sept. 2014: Ratification of the Mar. 2014: UKR-EU association US and EU agreement Crisis sanctions 21 Feb. 2014: Mar. 2014: Crisis settlement deal Incorporation of Crimea by Russia 22-23 Feb. 2014: Yanukovitch leaves Ukraine; Maidan leaders take over Open the government conflict 26. Sept. 2014 Another gas- Nov. 2013: UKR: repays $3.1 bn price crisis Euromaidan debt in steps UKR-RUS, EU begins RUS: Resumes as mediator supply at price $385 per 1,000 m2 Unstable peace StableNov. 2013: Yanukovitch peacerefuses to sign UKR-EU association agreement time with EU. NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 4 Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) provides an interactive timeline of events of the crisis in Ukraine: http://csis.org/ukraine/index.htm «Wendet euch von Russland ab», Interview mit David Usupaschwili, Tages Anzeiger, 17.10.14. NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 5 3. Sanctions . US and EU decided to implement . Russia responded by embargo on sanctions against apples, milk, meat, fish and other individuals related to the crisis in products from EU, US and Norway Ukraine banks, energy and defense companies NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 6 Example of EU sanctions. Subject to semiannual review. NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 7 NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 8 4. Negotiations on Ukrainian crisis NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 9 4.1. Development of the crisis and related negotiations Timeline Date: Event: November 2013 Yanukovich rejects agreement with EU November 21, 2013 Euromaidan starts February 21, 2014 Agreement with opposition and departure of Yanukovich (→ document 1) NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 10 4.1.1. Kiev Agreement: Agreement on Settlement of the Crisis in Ukraine (21 February 2014, Kiev) Signatories: Witnessed by: • Viktor Yanukovych, president of Ukraine For the EU: For the Opposition: • Radoslaw Sikorski, Polish foreign minister • Vitaliy Klichko, UDAR • Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German foreign minister • Oleh Tyahnibok, Svoboda • Laurent Fabius, French foreign minister • Arsenij Yatseniuk, Batkivshchyna For the Russian Federation: • Vladimir Lukin, Russian special envoy NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 11 → document 1 Kiev agreement NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 12 Agreement on the Settlement of Crisis in Ukraine Signatories Concerned with the tragic loss of life in Ukraine, seeking an immediate end of Viktor Yanukovych, president of Ukraine bloodshed and determined to pave the way for a political resolution of the crisis, For the Opposition We, the signing parties, have agreed upon the following: Vitaliy Klichko, UDAR 1. Within 48 hours of the signing of this agreement, a special law will be Oleh Tyahnibok, Svoboda adopted, signed and promulgated, which will restore the Constitution of 2004 Arsenij Yatseniuk, Batkivshchyna including amendments passed until now. Signatories declare their intention to Witnessed by create a coalition and form a national unity government within 10 days For the EU thereafter. Radoslaw Sikorski, Polish foreign minister 2. Constitutional reform, balancing the powers of the President, the government Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German foreign minister and parliament, will start immediately and be completed in September 2014. Laurent Fabius, French foreign minister 3. Presidential elections will be held as soon as the new Constitution is adopted For the Russian Federation but no later than December 2014. New electoral laws will be passed and a new Vladimir Lukin, Russian special envoy Central Election Commission will be formed on the basis of proportionality and in accordance with the OSCE & Venice commission rules. 4. Investigation into recent acts of violence will be conducted under joint monitoring from the authorities, the opposition and the Council of Europe. 5. The authorities will not impose a state of emergency. The authorities and the opposition will refrain from the use of violence. The Parliament will adopt the 3rd amnesty, covering the same range of illegal actions as the 17th February 2014 law. Both parties will undertake serious efforts for the normalisation of life in the cities and villages by withdrawing from administrative and public buildings and unblocking streets, city parks and squares. Illegal weapons should be handed over to the Ministry of Interior bodies within 24 hours of the special law, referred to in point 1 hereof, coming into force. After the aforementioned period, all cases of illegal carrying and storage of weapons will fall under the law of Ukraine. The forces of authorities and of the opposition will step back from confrontational posture. The Government will use law enforcement forces exclusively for the physical protection of public buildings. 6. The Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Poland and the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation call for an immediate end to all violence and confrontation. Kyiv, 21 February 2014 NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 13 Timeline Date: Event: November 2013 Yanukovich rejects agreement with EU November 21, 2013 Euromaidan starts February 21, 2014 Agreement with opposition and departure of Yanukovich (→ document 1) March 1, 2014 Uprising in Luhansk and Donetsk regions March 17, 2014 First sanctions against Russia March 21, 2014 Annexation of Crimea April 17, 2014 Geneva statement on Ukraine (→ document 2) NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 14 4.1.2. Geneva Statement on Ukraine (17 April 2014, Geneva) Foreign ministers of Ukraine, Russia, EU and US NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 15 → document 2 Geneva statement NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 16 Geneva Statement on Ukraine Representatives of the European Union, the United States, Ukraine and the Russia Federation issued today following statement: The Geneva meeting on the situation in Ukraine agreed on initial concrete steps to de- escalate tensions and restore security for all citizens. All sides must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocative actions. The participants strongly condemned and rejected all expressions of extremism, racism and religious intolerance, including anti-semitism. All illegal armed groups must be disarmed; all illegally seized buildings must be returned to legitimate owners; all illegally occupied streets, squares and other public places in Ukrainian cities and towns must be vacated. Amnesty will be granted to protestors and to those who have left buildings and other public places and surrendered weapons, with the exception of those found guilty of capital crimes. It was agreed that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission should play a leading role in assisting Ukrainian authorities and local communities in the immediate implementation of these de-escalation measures wherever they are needed most, beginning in the coming days. The U.S., E.U. and Russia commit to support this mission, including by providing monitors. The announced constitutional process will be inclusive, transparent and accountable. It will include the immediate establishment of a broad national dialogue, with outreach to all of Ukraine’s regions and political constituencies, and allow for the consideration of public comments and proposed amendments. The participants underlined the importance of economic and financial stability in Ukraine and would be ready to discuss additional support as the above steps are implemented. NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 17 Timeline Date: Event: November 2013 Yanukovich rejects agreement with EU November 21, 2013 Euromaidan starts February 21, 2014 Agreement with opposition and departure of Yanukovich (→ document 1) March 1, 2014 Uprising in Luhansk and Donetsk regions March 17, 2014 First sanctions against Russia March 21, 2014 Annexation of Crimea April 17, 2014 Geneva statement on Ukraine (→ document 2) May, 2014 Begin of counter terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine June 6, 2014 Normandy Four first meeting NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 18 Celebration of D-Day 70th commemoration day (6 June 2014) First Normandy Four meeting (F, D, UKR, RUS) NECOM | 07.03.2017 | 19 Timeline Date: Event: November 2013 Yanukovich rejects agreement with EU November 21, 2013 Euromaidan starts February 21, 2014 Agreement with opposition and departure of Yanukovich (→ document 1) March 1, 2014 Uprising in Luhansk and Donetsk regions March 17, 2014 First sanctions against Russia March 21, 2014 Annexation of Crimea April 17, 2014 Geneva statement on Ukraine (→ document 2) May, 2014 Begin of counter terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine June 6, 2014 Normandy four first
Recommended publications
  • Minsk II a Fragile Ceasefire

    Minsk II a Fragile Ceasefire

    Briefing 16 July 2015 Ukraine: Follow-up of Minsk II A fragile ceasefire SUMMARY Four months after leaders from France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia reached a 13-point 'Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements' ('Minsk II') on 12 February 2015, the ceasefire is crumbling. The pressure on Kyiv to contribute to a de-escalation and comply with Minsk II continues to grow. While Moscow still denies accusations that there are Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly admitted in March 2015 to having invaded Crimea. There is mounting evidence that Moscow continues to play an active military role in eastern Ukraine. The multidimensional conflict is eroding the country's stability on all fronts. While the situation on both the military and the economic front is acute, the country is under pressure to conduct wide-reaching reforms to meet its international obligations. In addition, Russia is challenging Ukraine's identity as a sovereign nation state with a wide range of disinformation tools. Against this backdrop, the international community and the EU are under increasing pressure to react. In the following pages, the current status of the Minsk II agreement is assessed and other recent key developments in Ukraine and beyond examined. This briefing brings up to date that of 16 March 2015, 'Ukraine after Minsk II: the next level – Hybrid responses to hybrid threats?'. In this briefing: • Minsk II – still standing on the ground? • Security-related implications of the crisis • Russian disinformation
  • Ukraine Resolution on Mariupol.Pdf (23.08

    Ukraine Resolution on Mariupol.Pdf (23.08

    DAV15155 S.L.C. 114TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. RES. ll Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the January 24, 2015, attacks carried out by Russian-backed rebels on the civilian population in Mariupol, Ukraine, and the provision of lethal and non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES llllllllll Mr. JOHNSON (for himself and Mrs. SHAHEEN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on llllllllll RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the January 24, 2015, attacks carried out by Russian-backed rebels on the civilian population in Mariupol, Ukraine, and the provision of lethal and non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine. Whereas Russian-backed rebels continue to expand their cam- paign in Ukraine, which has already claimed more than 5,000 lives and generated an estimated 1,500,000 refu- gees and internally displaced persons; Whereas, on January 23, 2015, Russian rebels pulled out of peace talks with Western leaders; DAV15155 S.L.C. 2 Whereas, on January 24, 2015, the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol received rocket fire from territory in the Donetsk region controlled by rebels; Whereas, on January 24, 2015, Alexander Zakharchenko, leader of the Russian-backed rebel Donetsk People’s Re- public, publicly announced that his troops had launched an offensive against Mariupol; Whereas Mariupol is strategically located on the Sea of Azov and is a sea link between Russian-occupied Crimea and Russia, and could be used to form part of a land bridge between Crimea and
  • Citizens and the State in the Government-Controlled Territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk Regions Problems, Challenges and Visions of the Future

    Citizens and the State in the Government-Controlled Territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk Regions Problems, Challenges and Visions of the Future

    Citizens and the state in the government-controlled territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions Problems, challenges and visions of the future Funded by: This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union through International Alert. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of International Alert and UCIPR and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. Layout: Nick Wilmot Creative Front cover image: A mother and daughter living in temporary accommodation for those displaced by the violence in Donetsk, 2014. © Andrew McConnell/Panos © International Alert/Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research 2017 Citizens and the state in the government-controlled territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions Problems, challenges and visions of the future October 2017 2 CONTENTS 1. Introduction 3 2. Methodology 6 3. Findings 7 4. Statements from interviewees 22 5. Conclusions and recommendations 30 Citizens and the state in the government-controlled territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions 3 1. INTRODUCTION The demarcation line (the line of contact)1 and the ‘grey zone’ between the government-controlled2 and uncontrolled territories3 of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions separates the parties to the conflict in the east of Ukraine. The areas controlled by the Ukrainian authorities and bordering the ‘grey zone’ are very politically sensitive, highly militarised, and fall under a special governance regime that is different from the rest of the country. In the absence of a comprehensive political settlement and amid uncertain prospects, it is unclear how long this situation will remain. It is highly likely that over the next few years, Ukrainians in areas adjacent to the contact line will live under very particular and unusual governance structures, and in varying degrees of danger.
  • Alarmed by Civilian Deaths from Rocket Attacks in Ukraine, Under-Secretary-General, in Security Council Briefing, Calls for Rebels to Reinstate Ceasefire Agreement

    Alarmed by Civilian Deaths from Rocket Attacks in Ukraine, Under-Secretary-General, in Security Council Briefing, Calls for Rebels to Reinstate Ceasefire Agreement

    26 January 2015 SC/11753 Alarmed by Civilian Deaths from Rocket Attacks in Ukraine, Under-Secretary-General, in Security Council Briefing, Calls for Rebels to Reinstate Ceasefire Agreement 7368th Meeting (PM) Security Council Meetings Coverage Expressing alarm over the high civilian death toll in Ukraine of recent days, along with the shelling of the city of Mariupol, the top United Nations political affairs official called on the rebels to “recommit to the ceasefire and back down from their offensive” in an emergency Security Council meeting this afternoon. “In just five days since we last met on 21 January, close to 50 civilians have been killed and nearly 150 have been seriously injured,” Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, said at a meeting requested by Ukraine, less than a week after a full Council briefing on the situation (see Press Release SC/11746). He reiterated that the Minsk ceasefire must be immediately restored, “with the onus particularly on the rebels”. At the same time, he expressed hope that the negotiating mechanism known as the Trilateral Contact Group, consisting of the European Union, the United States, Ukraine and the Russian Federation, could soon renew efforts to implement the broader Minsk accords. Noting that the rebel announcement of withdrawal from the ceasefire on 23 January was accompanied by threats to seize further territory and a boycott of future “consultations” with negotiating mechanisms, he said that it was a violation of their commitments under the Minsk accords signed in September, under which the nominal truce had been declared. He called on them to abide by their commitments.
  • The Kremlin's Irregular Army: Ukrainian Separatist Order of Battle

    The Kremlin's Irregular Army: Ukrainian Separatist Order of Battle

    THE KREMLIN’S IRREGULARY ARMY: UKRAINIAN SEPARATIST ORDER OF BATTLE | FRANKLIN HOLCOMB | AUGUST 2017 Franklin Holcomb September 2017 RUSSIA AND UKRAINE SECURITY REPORT 3 THE KREMLIN’S IRREGULAR ARMY: UKRAINIAN SEPARATIST ORDER OF BATTLE WWW.UNDERSTANDINGWAR.ORG 1 Cover: A Pro-Russian separatist sits at his position at Savur-Mohyla, a hill east of the city of Donetsk, August 28, 2014. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing or from the publisher. ©2017 by the Institute for the Study of War. Published in 2017 in the United States of America by the Instittue for the Study of War. 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 515 | Washington, DC 20036 understandingwar.org 2 Franklin Holcomb The Kremlin’s Irregular Army: Ukrainian Separatist Order of Battle ABOUT THE AUTHOR Franklin Holcomb is a Russia and Ukraine Research Analyst at the Institute for the Study of War where he focuses on the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian politics, and Russian foreign policy in Eastern Europe. His current research focuses on studying the development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Russian-backed separatist formations operating in Eastern Ukraine, as well as analyzing Russian political and military activity in Moldova, the Baltic, and the Balkans. Mr. Holcomb is the author of “The Order of Battle of the Ukrainian Armed Forces: A Key Component in European Security,” “Moldova Update: Kremlin Will Likely Seek to Realign Chisinau”, “Ukraine Update: Russia’s Aggressive Subversion of Ukraine,” as well as ISW’s other monthly updates on the political and military situation in Ukraine.
  • On the State Border Service of Ukraine

    On the State Border Service of Ukraine

    On the State Border Service of Ukraine (Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (VVR), 2003, N 27, st.208) (As amended in accordance with the Laws N 965-IV ( 965-15 ) Dated 19.06.2003, VVR, 2003, N 45, st.357 N 2505-IV ( 2505-15 ) On 25.03.2005, VVR, 2005, N 17, N 18-19, st.267 N 3200-IV ( 3200-15 ) On 15.12.2005, VVR, 2006, N 14, st.116 N 328-V ( 328-16 ) Dated 03.11.2006, VVR, 2006, N 51, st.519 N 489-V ( 489-16 ) Dated 19.12.2006, VVR, 2007, N 7-8, st.66 N 1014-V ( 1014-16 ) Dated 11.05.2007, VVR, 2007, N 33, st.442 N 107-VI ( 107-17 ) Dated 28.12.2007, VVR, 2008, N 5-6, N 7-8, st.78 - Changes are on December 31, 2008 N 289-VI ( 289-17 ) Dated 20.05.2008, VVR, 2008, N 26, st.243) (In addition, see. Decision of the Constitutional Court N 10-rp/2008 ( v010p710-08 ) Dated 22.05.2008) (As amended in accordance with the Laws N 586-VI ( 586-17 ) Dated 24.09.2008, VVR, 2009, N 10-11, st.137 N 884-VI ( 884-17 ) Dated 15.01.2009, VVR, 2009, N 24, st.298 N 1710-VI ( 1710-17 ) Dated 05.11.2009) (Document obtained from official sources - http://zakon.rada.gov.ua) This Law in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine ( 254k/96-VR ) defines the legal basis and organization of the State Border Service of Ukraine and its overall structure, size, functions and powers.
  • Dangerous Myths How Crisis Ukraine Explains

    Dangerous Myths How Crisis Ukraine Explains

    Dangerous Myths How the Crisis in Ukraine Explains Future Great Power Conflict Lionel Beehner A Contemporary Battlefield Assessment Liam Collins by the Modern War Institute August 18, 2020 Dangerous Myths: How the Crisis in Ukraine Explains Future Great Power Conflict Table of Contents Acknowledgments........................................................................................................................................... 1 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 2 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter I — Russian Intervention in Ukraine: A Troubled History ............................................. 12 Chapter II — Russian Military Modernization and Strategy ........................................................... 21 Chapter III — Hybrid Warfare Revisited .............................................................................................. 26 Chapter IV — A Breakdown of Russian Hybrid Warfare ................................................................. 31 Proxy Warfare ..................................................................................................................................... 32 Information Warfare .......................................................................................................................... 38 Maritime/Littoral
  • The Project "Transnistrian Problem: View from Ukraine"

    The Project "Transnistrian Problem: View from Ukraine"

    Strategic and Security Studies Group TRANSNISTRIAN PROBLEM: a view from Ukraine KYIV 2009 STRATEGIC AND SECURITY STUDIES GROUP The publication contains the results of the research of interstate relations between Ukraine and Moldova through the lens of Transnistrian settlement problem. The focal points of the research are the assessment of cooperation between two states, issues of citizenship, border regime, interethnic relations, NGOs partnership etc. The publication is aimed at enhancing the dialogue of Ukrainian and Moldovan experts and politicians. It was prepared within the project “Transnistrian problem: a view from Ukraine” supported by International Renaissance Foundation (project manager – O.Basarab). Chapters 14 and 16 were prepared with the kind assistance of Open Ukraine Foundation and Victor Pinchuk Foundation. The project was implemented by “Strategic and Security Studies Group” (SSSG) - non-governmental organization, which has been working since 2003 in the field of: National security policy and sustainable development of Ukraine International relations and foreign policy of Ukraine Regional and international security European political and integration processes Euro Atlantic dialogue and integration SSSG supports transparency in decision-making process and wider discussion regarding foreign, security and defense policy policy of Ukraine and to promotes democratic changes in society. Our contacts: Info[a]gsbs.org.ua www.gsbs.org.ua + 38 (044) 491 - 3830 Publication edited by S. GERASYMCHUK Authors: N. BELITSER (Pylyp Orlyk Institute for Democracy) S. GERASYMCHUK (Strategic and Security Studies Group) O. GRYTSENKO (Strategic and Security Studies Group) Y. DOVGOPOL (Independent expert) Z. ZHMINKO (Strategic and Security Studies Group) Y. MATIYCHYK (Strategic and Security Studies Group) O. SUSHKO (Institute of Euro-atlantic Cooperation) O.
  • The Cases of the Donetsk and Luhansk “People's Republics

    The Cases of the Donetsk and Luhansk “People's Republics

    ІДЕОЛОГІЯ І ПОЛІТИКА ИДЕОЛОГИЯ И ПОЛИТИКА IDEOLOGY AND POLITICS © 2019 Foundation for Good Politics ISSN 2227-6068 INTERNAL LEGITIMACY AND GOVERNANCE IN THE ABSENCE OF RECOGNITION: THE CASES OF THE DONETSK AND LUHANSK “PEOPLE’S REPUBLICS” Nataliia Kasianenko California State University, Fresno ORCid: 0000-0003-4435-9819 Abstract. This article examines the strategies used by the self-proclaimed governments of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” (DPR) and the “Luhansk People’s Republic” (LPR) in achieving internal legitimacy. It specifically highlights the attempts of the two regimes to use direct democracy and the provision of public goods in eastern Ukraine. The article advances the argument in support of the idea that it is possible to attain legitimacy in the absence of external recognition and sovereignty. The people in the self-proclaimed “people’s republics” in the Donbas express the sense of abandonment by the government in Kyiv as they are largely isolated from the rest of Ukraine. The author explores the ability of the two de facto states to govern when it comes to the provision of basic public goods and services for the residents of the DPR and the LPR. Finally, the author discusses the prospects for reintegrating the Donbas by the Ukrainian government. Key words: legitimacy; governance; Donbas; referendum; Ukraine № 1(12), 2019 116 ІДЕОЛОГІЯ І ПОЛІТИКА ИДЕОЛОГИЯ И ПОЛИТИКА IDEOLOGY AND POLITICS © 2019 Foundation for Good Politics ISSN 2227-6068 Introduction In the spring of 2014, amid political instability that engulfed Ukraine, pro-Russian rebel leaders in the east of Ukraine (the Donbas) took control of the local government buildings.
  • The Customs Code of Ukraine

    The Customs Code of Ukraine

    The Customs Code of Ukraine (SECTION 1 - SECTION IV) As amended by laws of Ukraine No.291-IV of November 28, 2002 No.348-IV of December 24, 2002 The Customs Code of Ukraine defines the foundation and implementation principles of customs practice in Ukraine, and regulates economic, organizational, legal, personnel and social aspects of the activities of the customs service of Ukraine. The Code aims to secure the protection of Ukraine's economic interests, to create favorable conditions for the development of its economy, to protect the rights and interests of subjects of entrepreneurial activity and citizens, as well as to ensure adherence to Ukrainian customs- related legislation. SECTION 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS Chapter 1. THE FOUNDATIONS OF CUSTOMS PRACTICE Article 1. Definition of Basic Terms and Concepts The terms and concepts listed below are used in this Code in the following meaning: 1) currency values: currency of Ukraine - token money in the form of bank notes, treasury notes, coins and other forms, which are in circulation and are legal tender on the territory of Ukraine, as well as those withdrawn or being withdrawn from circulation, but are subject to exchange for token money in circulation; foreign currency – foreign token money in the form of bank notes, treasury notes and coins, which are in circulation and are legal tender on the territory of the respective foreign state, as well as those withdrawn or being withdrawn from circulation, but are subject to exchange for token money in circulation; payment documents and other securities (shares , bonds, coupons thereto, bills of exchange (promissory notes), bills of debt, letters of credit, checks, banker’s order , certificates of deposit, other financial or bank documents), denominated in the Ukrainian currency, foreign currency or bank metals; bank metals – gold, silver, platinum, metals of the platinum group, refined (affinaged) to the highest grades in accordance with world standards, in ingots and powder, which possess certificates of quality, as well as coins, manufactured of precious metals.
  • Constitution of Ukraine

    Constitution of Ukraine

    CONSTITUTION OF UKRAINE Adopted at the Fifth Session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on June 28, 1996 Amended by the Laws of Ukraine № 2222-IV dated December 8, 2004, № 2952-VI dated February 1, 2011, № 586-VII dated September 19, 2013, № 742-VII dated February 21, 2014, № 1401-VIII dated June 2, 2016 № 2680-VIII dated February 7, 2019 The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, on behalf of the Ukrainian people - citizens of Ukraine of all nationalities, expressing the sovereign will of the people, based on the centuries-old history of Ukrainian state-building and on the right to self-determination realised by the Ukrainian nation, all the Ukrainian people, providing for the guarantee of human rights and freedoms and of the worthy conditions of human life, caring for the strengthening of civil harmony on Ukrainian soil, and confirming the European identity of the Ukrainian people and the irreversibility of the European and Euro-Atlantic course of Ukraine, striving to develop and strengthen a democratic, social, law-based state, aware of responsibility before God, our own conscience, past, present and future generations, guided by the Act of Declaration of the Independence of Ukraine of August 24, 1991, approved by the national vote on December 1, 1991, adopts this Constitution - the Fundamental Law of Ukraine. Chapter I General Principles Article 1 Ukraine is a sovereign and independent, democratic, social, law-based state. Article 2 The sovereignty of Ukraine extends throughout its entire territory. Ukraine is a unitary state. The territory of Ukraine within its present border is indivisible and inviolable. Article 3 The human being, his or her life and health, honour and dignity, inviolability and security are recognised in Ukraine as the highest social value.
  • To View the Report

    To View the Report

    Human Rights Without Frontiers Int’l Avenue d’Auderghem 61/16, 1040 Brussels Phone/Fax: 32 2 3456145 Email: [email protected] – Website : http://www.hrwf.eu The Donetsk People’s Republic and some EU blacklisted leaders Who is who ? By Willy Fautré April 2015 The self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR) were formed on 11 May 2014 on the territory of Donbass (Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Ukraine’s southeastern industrial area) after referendums that were not recognized by the Ukrainian government and the international community. In response, Kiev started a military operation. The first Minsk Peace Agreement signed on 5 September provided that the warring parties would agree . to pull heavy weaponry 15 km by each side from the line of contact, creating a 30 km security zone . to ban offensive operations . to ban flights by combat aircraft over the security zone . to set up an OSCE monitoring mission . to withdraw all foreign mercenaries from the conflict zone but this did not stop the war and further territorial expansion of the separatists. In September 2014, the self-proclaimed republics unilaterally adopted laws on elections of the republics’ heads and deputies of people’s councils despite the opposition of the central government in Kyiv. On the whole, 2.2 million people live in the Luhansk Region, and 4.3 million people reside in the Donetsk Region. The share of Russians in the population reaches 39-40% Both territories are centers of the coal, metallurgical and mechanical engineering industries. Some EU-sanctioned separatist leaders and figures The first DPR political leader was Alexander Borodai, a Russian citizen, from Moscow.