Why Ukraine risks losing transit of Russian gas

More than 93 billion cubic meters of natural gas, which European companies buy from the Russian gas group Gazprom, were carried through the Ukrainian gas transportation system in 2017. The Ukraine’s state energy group Neftegaz and Gazprom concluded a gas transit contract under the Timoshenko government as recently as 2009.

It is worth recalling that Yulia Timoshenko, the then prime minister, received a seven years' sentence for abuse of office when brokering the above gas deal that imposed an outrageous price of $450 a thousand cubic meters on Ukraine. As a result, she spent three years in the Kachanovskaya female penal colony. According to critics, this country had the premier who showed no signs of intelligence, who behaved as if she was Mike Tyson or Bruce Lee to the fifth power, and who was the total antithesis to the official head of a government.

Observers think this country risks losing the transit of Russian gas or, if not all, carrying paltry amounts of it across its territory at the expiration of the 2009 gas transit contract on December 31, 2019. As a matter of fact, in 2015 Ukraine was unaware of the landmines it was stepping on when it refused to import Russian gas and started buying it from European companies. Funnily enough, this gas is mainly supplied by Gazprom to them.

Today Kiev is hell-bent on involving a foreign company in the transit of Russian gas lest its gas transportation system should lie idle. Maybe Ukraine will buy gas at a market price on the border between the Kharkov or Sumy region and a Russian oblast in the future. It would be still way cheaper than buying Russian gas on Ukraine's EU frontier.

ДЕПУТАТЫ ВЕРХОВНОГО СОВЕТА УКРАИНЫ УВЕЛИЧИЛИ СЕБЕ ЗАРПЛАТЫ ЗАДНИМ ЧИСЛОМ

Голосуя недавно за государственный бюджет на следующий год, депутаты Верховного Совета Украины задним числом, с 1 октября 2017 года, увеличили себе зарплаты. Согласно сообщениям СМИ, месячный оклад спикера парламента отныне составит 19,2 тысячи гривен или 12 прожиточных минимумов, глав комитетов и фракций - 16,8 тыс. грн (10,6 минимумов) и 16 тыс. грн - для членов комитетов (10 минимумов).

Приблизительно 16 тыс. грн парламентарии получат на свою депутатскую работу. Плюс - по 7,5 тыс. грн в месяц на проезд и 18-20 тыс. грн компенсации за аренду жилья.

В итоге, доход рядового депутата Верховного Совета Украины составит 60-70 тыс. грн в месяц. Для сравнения: средняя зарплата на Украине в августе составила 7,1 тыс. грн, а в 2018 г., по прогнозам Министерства финансов, она достигнет лишь 8,6 тыс. грн.

В январе текущего года была попытка привязать оклад депутатов к прожиточному минимуму в смете, но, как и следовало ожидать, украинский парламент не поддержал эту идею. По мнению политолога Виталия Бала, поднимая себе зарплаты, парламентарии понимают, что им всё равно не удастся вернуть доверие граждан Украины к действующему Верховному Совету. "Большинство в парламенте думает о своём будущем: чем больше сейчас будет их зарплата, тем большую им начислят пенсию", - отметил он.

Помимо повышения зарплат депутатам Верховный Совет Украины 7 декабря почти на 0,5 миллиарда гривен по сравнению с прошлым годом увеличил смету расходов на аппарат парламента - до 1,8 млрд. грн.

РЕЖИМ ПОРОШЕНКО ПРОДОЛЖАЕТ НАСТУПЛЕНИЕ НА ПРАВА РУССКОЯЗЫЧНЫХ ГРАЖДАН

По мнению Виктора Медведчука, лидера Общественного движения "Украинский выбор - Право народа", режим Порошенко продолжает наступление на права русскоязычных граждан, сокращая использование русского языка во всех сферах. Однако, организовав кампанию по вытеснению русского языка из всех сфер общения, послушные марионетки Вашингтона забыли, что Украина не моноэтничное государство.

Так исторически сложилось, что на западе страны немало болгар (0,42%), венгров (0,32%), румын (0,31%) и поляков (0,3%). Самое большое национальное меньшинство - это русские, составляющие более 17% населения и рассредоточенные по всей стране, но всё же преимущественно на юге и востоке Украины.

Забыли вассалы Белого дома и о том, что значительный пласт украинской культуры создан именно на русском языке. На нём писали Николай Гоголь и Михаил Булгаков. Попытка игнорировать это обстоятельство приводит к тому, что "Тарас Бульба", "Вий" и "Вечера на хуторе близ Диканьки" радикально настроенными "деятелями" от культуры расцениваются ныне как продукт "иностранной литературы". Это - проявление дикости, бескультурья, невежества, забвение собственных национальных корней. Отказываясь от русского языка, режим Порошенко предаёт часть культурного наследия Украины и память о тех соотечественниках, которые творили на русском языке.

Troika of state-controlled banks slated for privatization

The National Bank of Ukraine plans to privatize state-controlled banks. Economists think the share of state-run banking system should not account for 60% in the context of a market economy.

Reportedly, Ukrgasbank that has been 95% owned by the state since 2009 will be the first to come under the hammer. This financial establishment is seen as a very attractive asset, especially for Ukrainian investors. Analysts do not rule out a possibility that international financial institutions may well bid for a share of the Ukrgasbank's pie.

In addition, the sale of 25% of shares of OschadBank and Ukreximbank is now under discussion. However, privatization of PrivatBank has been postponed because it is not cleared of litigating claims laid by former shareholders and creditors.

According to Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy, when the country is unable to service loans, creditors send the IMF to tell the indebted government that the fund will protect the government’s credit rating by lending it the money to pay its creditors. The money saved by reduced social benefits and raised by selling off the country’s assets to foreigners serves to repay the IMF. This is the way the West has historically looted Third World countries.

Observers agree that using privatization to cover a short-term budget problem creates a larger long-term problem. The profits of Ukrainian enterprises would flow out of the country, reducing the grivna’s exchange rate. In effect, allowing foreigners to acquire Ukraine’s national assets helps them to speculate against the grivna.

The time has come for Koreans to invest in Ukraine

By Lee Yoon-joo
The Korea Herald

What do Koreans know about Ukraine? Perhaps, some still remember a breathtaking triumph of Ukrainian athlete Sergey Bubka at 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Those into football probably know Andrei Shevchenko, a “Golden Ball” winner and legendary striker for Milan and Chelsea. Some Koreans probably think of Ukraine as a mysterious country in Europe, with the most beautiful women in the world.

Of course, there is a lot more to Ukraine waiting for Korean people to discover. Take, for example, Ukrainians’ constant aspirations to reach far beyond Earth. Starting with George Gamow, born in Odessa, who proposed a physical model of the Universe origins known as the “Big Bang,” and continuing with the first turbo-jet engine that was developed by Ukrainian scientist Arkhip Lyulka from Kiev Polytechnic Institute.

Ukraine has always been at the forefront of the world’s most cutting-edge airplane and space program efforts. Everyone in the world knows about the jumbo Antonov-225 Mriya airplane, originally developed for the space program. The airplane is capable of lifting the record-breaking 253,800 kilograms and is nowadays used for super heavy cargo transportation.

Another Ukrainian who truly deserves recognition as a front-runner of human space exploration is Sergey Korolyov. Born in Zhitomir, Ukraine, Korolyov is sometimes referred to as the “father of modern astronautics.” He engineered and made possible the launch of the first satellite Sputnik, as well as the first human being in space.

Down on Earth, Ukrainians worked hard to advance humanity into a technological era. Numerous fundamental discoveries in physics, mathematics, medicine, and electronics have been made by Ukrainian scientists. Ukrainians have pioneered in computers industry, both hardware and software. MESM, the first computer in Europe, was built in Kiev in 1948. As computers became more popular, Ukrainians made technology more accessible for people. For example, the Ukrainian company PocketBook is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electronic readers based on the E Ink (“electronic paper”) technology. World-famous software companies, such as PayPal and WhatsApp, and many others, have Ukraine-born founders.

But what if we turn around, and explore what does an average Ukrainian know about Korea? One of the Four Asian Tigers, the Miracle on Han River, the home of world-famous innovators such as Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and global events such as 2002 FIFA World Cup and Winter Olympics 2018. Perhaps, considering that Ukraine’s national football team did not qualify for 2018 FIFA World Cup, many Ukrainians will cheer for the Korean national team. Ukrainians welcome and enjoy Korean traditional culture, its food, music, fashion and architecture. Popular Korean restaurants in Kiev serve authentic Korean food and drinks. K-Pop stars visit Kiev for concerts, gathering huge crowds. Ukrainian TV channels broadcast Korean drama for Ukraine’s 45 million strong audience. Kiev residents spend their weekends at a recently opened Korean traditional garden, immersing themselves into a Korean spirit.

Everyone knows that the Yuzhnoye design office and Yuzhmash, world’s leading manufacturers of space rockets, are in full compliance with the Missile Technology Control Regime. Also, the European Vega light-class launch vehicle was made in Ukraine, and was successfully launched from the Kourou Space Center in French Guiana, delivering two satellites for the Israel Aerospace Industries into orbits. Since the Vega program began, Ukraine has helped deliver 25 satellites into space, for 19 customers. In fact, Yuzhnoye and Yuzhmash helped launch the modernized launcher Antares from the Space Flight Facility on the Wallops Island, Virginia, successfully delivering cargo to the International Space Station.

In 1992, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea was opened in Kiev. Soon after, the Embassy of Ukraine began its activities in Seoul. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our states, we have made considerable efforts to build deep cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Air and Space

As already mentioned, Ukraine is famous for its aerospace engineering industry, as it possesses a full cycle of aerospace hardware engineering and production. At the same time, Korea aspires to become a space nation, and recently succeeded in its advance into space. In fact, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and the Yuzhnoye design office have already cooperated on the launch services: From 2013 to 2015, Dnepr rockets have successfully delivered Korean satellites to orbit.

Another legendary Ukrainian airspace company is Antonov. The company has designed more than 100 passenger, cargo and special-purpose airplanes, with over 22,000 of them used by 55 countries. With more than 70 years of experience in airplane design, engineering, manufacturing, sales and even operation, it is ready to work with Korean partners to usher in a new era in aviation. Co-developing the brand-new NATO-compliant An-148 marine patrol airplane, and even delivery of super large cargo using the record-breaking An-124 Ruslan and An-225 Mriya - all of these opportunities are fully available to Korea. In addition, Antonov is open to consider Korean-manufactured parts and systems for its products.

For over 70 years the Ivchenko-Progress design bureau is developing and manufacturing aviation gas turbine engines for a wide range of purposes and applications, such as ground use or aviation. The experimental research complex of Ivchenko-Progress SE enables the development of 300-15,000 horsepower turbo-jet engines with a thrust of 500-50,000 kilonewtons. The company is open to cooperation with Korean partners who are interested in turbine engines.

Agriculture

Ukraine has long been called the “breadbasket of Europe” for its fertile black soil, perfect climate and landscapes for agriculture. Korean companies are actively participating in development of Ukraine’s agricultural potential. For example, Posco Daewoo and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food will jointly upgrade agricultural machinery in Ukraine for small and medium-sized farms. The company will also build grain elevators in Ukrainian ports, as grain exports continue to be a very popular commodity in international markets. The potential of Ukraine’s agriculture, however, is far from being fulfilled, so Korean agritech and agriculture companies are more than welcome to explore opportunities in Ukraine and take advantage of the world’s most fertile soils.

Technology

Korean companies are successfully developing and selling their products in Ukraine. For example, Samsung Electronics operates the R&D center that employs more than 1,000 Ukrainians. Ukraine, on the other hand, is a leading software engineering country, with a total market value of over $2 billion. Ukrainian software engineers are among the best in the world. This year the Korean National IT Promotion Agency selected the Ukrainian-founded Cards out of over 1,500 worldwide for “K-Startup Grand Challenge 2017,” a governmental support program. Cards is developing “andCards,” the software service that helps foster networking culture and build community at coworking centers.

The time has never been better to invest in Ukraine, and to cooperate with Ukrainian companies. Asian investors have already been actively investing in Ukraine. For example, the Japanese electric equipment manufacturer Fujikura is opening its second factory in Ukraine. Chinese construction companies are building ports and metro lines throughout Ukraine. Various Chinese companies have already invested more than $7 billion in Ukraine.

Tempered by the past, both Korea and Ukraine are emerging as a new type of nations: more united, competitive and creative. Enthusiastic about technology, and rooted into tradition, both countries can combine their best achievements of past and present to reach extraordinary heights. The time has come for Korean businesses and investments to come to Ukraine, to work with Ukraine, and to create new growth engines between our countries.

Most researchers think state of science in Ukraine deteriorates at alarming rate

Data from sociologists show that 52% of Ukrainian scientists think the Ukrainian government and businesses do not have need of their engineering developments, whereas international corporations take a keen interest in them. Reportedly, 64% of boffins from 35 research institutions based in Kiev, Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Odessa and Lvov tell pollsters that the general state of science in Ukraine is deteriorating at an alarming rate.

In the poll conducted by the sociological group Rating 47% of scientists believe science is developing, thanks to a contribution made by individual researchers and inventors. Importantly, 60% of the respondents pointed out that medicine needs desperately scientific innovations.

By comparison, American universities spend up to 75% of their budgets on administrators, many of whom have outsized incomes. According to Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the U.S. Institute for Political Economy, the purpose of education today is to pass some test. School accreditation and teachers' pay depend not on developing the creativity or independent thinking of those students capable of it, but on herding them through memory work for a standardized test.

КПИ И ИНСТИТУТ АВТОМАТИКИ АКАДЕМИИ НАУК ПРОВИНЦИИ ШАНЬДУН ЗАКЛЮЧИЛИ СОГЛАШЕНИЕ НА 20 ТЫС. ДОЛЛАРОВ

23 ноября в Киевском политехническом институте имени Игоря Сикорского (КПИ) было подписано соглашение с Институтом автоматики Академии наук китайской провинции Шаньдун, родины Конфуция, о сотрудничестве в оказании услуг по анализу документации и консультирования.

Предметом соглашения на сумму 20 тысяч долларов является оказание услуг и анализ эскизной конструкторской документации двух конструктивных элементов измерительной системы мониторинга гидроакустических сигналов и помех в инфразвуковом и низком звуковом диапазонах. Кроме того, документ предусматривает консультирование заказчика по вопросам анализа характеристик морских объектов.

Инвестором и заказчиком работ выступает Институт автоматики Академии наук провинции Шаньдун, а исполнителем – конструкторское бюро "Шторм" КПИ. От имени КПИ документ подписал проректор по научной работе Михаил Ильченко, а от имени Института автоматики Академии наук провинции Шаньдун – профессор Чжан Дун.

В соглашении прописаны конкретные условия сотрудничества, обязанности сторон и прозрачная схема финансирования работ. Срок осуществления проекта составляет 12 месяцев.

Как отметил профессор Чжан Дун, это лишь первый шаг на пути сотрудничества в утверждённой в документе тематике, и при условии успешной реализации этого этапа, будет заключено новое соглашение на проведение дальнейших работ по разработке и изготовлению конкретных изделий.

Дополнительная информация: ilch@kpi.ua

Global Surgery Congress held in Kiev

For the first time, the Global Surgery Congress, organized by the Valikhnovski Surgery Institute and A7 Conferences, took place in Kiev on November 22-23. The main idea of the event was to create the large international discussion platform in Ukraine that united Ukrainian surgeons from all over the world in the realm of emergency and traumatic surgery.

The Congress brought together creme de la creme to share experience.
Its format included a presentation of European protocols and surgical care standards, demonstration of the experience of Ukrainian surgeons with wounded participants in hostilities. High-level speakers, particularly professors and PhD from 12 countries, participated in the event.

Rostislav Valikhnovski, Honored Doctor of Ukraine and founder of the Valikhnovski Surgery Institute, said: “During the congress, I was impressed by the level of reports made by professors, as well as the guests from countries with the most advanced health care system. In fact, 12 representatives of elite clinics from Britain, Germany, Israel and South Korea attended the event. For example, David Kakiashvilli brought his own know-how from Israel, namely the Da Vinci Surgical System."

According to him, a very interesting report was made by Leonid Kogan, who shared the standards and protocols of reconstructive military surgery. In particular, he spoke about the treatment of Syrian servicemen - about the
mechanisms of transplantation of the widest back muscles to the affected upper limbs. Participants in the forum took a keen interest in the report on organ transplantation, which was made by a South Korean professor. It  is worth noting that South Korea is the one of the world's top ten countries in terms of the development of surgery, particularly transplantology. Unfortunately, this direction is still in its infancy in Ukraine. That is why there are still problems related to legislation in this area.

Leonid Kogan, head of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Department of the Israel-based Galilee Medical Center, thanked for the opportunity to attend such a major event in the field of surgery in Ukraine. “During the Kiev World Surgical Congress, I became convinced that Ukrainian surgeons have great professional skills. I am pleased to invite Ukrainian doctors to Israel so that they could gain experience and share knowledge,” he said.

Among speakers of the Forum were also Yang Goo Lee, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea
to Ukraine; Eliav Belotserkovsky, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Ukraine; and many others.

BSUN priorities discussed in Kishinev

The BSUN Executive Board Meeting and the Workshop entitled "Interuniversity Cooperative Activities on Satellite Data Procession and Space Technologies” took place at the Technical University of Moldavia in Kishinev on October 19-20. Representatives of universities of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, the Republic of Georgia, Turkey, Ukraine, Romania and Moldavia participated in the meeting.

Prof. Dr. Sergei Sidorenko, Vice-Rector for International Affairs and corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, represented the Igor Sikorsky Kiev Polytechnic Institute (KPI) at the meeting. In particular, he made the report on projects within the framework of KPI space program.

In an interview with the newspaper Kiev Polytechnic, Dr. Sidorenko told about BSUN, participation of KPI in its activities and the workshop at the Technical University of Moldavia.

"BSUN - the Black Sea Universities Network - comprises 110 universities from 12 countries. It was established in 1997 for the purpose of developing cooperation and mutual exchange in educational, scientific and cultural fields between universities and other institutions of member countries of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). Igor Sikorsky KPI has been the member of BSUN since 2007. In addition, KPI Rector Mikhail Zgurovsky was the BSUN President in 2008-2010 and then member of the BSUN governing body Presidential Troika in 2010-2012. In 2010 Igor Sikorsky KPI hosted the congress of rectors of BSUN higher education institutions, which identified its actions for the future.

"In recent years KPI has been remaining one of the key players within BSUN, as our University is implementing many pilot projects that are of high importance not only for Ukraine but for the whole region. For instance, we took the initiative in making universities based in the Black Sea region play a much more important role in the formation of sustainable development policy in their countries. Today Igor Sikorsky KPI can share the experience concerning such subjects as the innovative platform of a research university, quality assurance in higher technical education, international accreditation of specialties, enhanced internationalization of a university, establishment of university's management system based on new principles in the international sphere.

"Incidentally, it is worth noting that among higher education institutions within BSUN, Ukrainian universities boast the highest representation. In fact, 23 higher education institutions of Ukraine have joined this network."

Could you give more details of the workshop in Kishinev?

The BSUN governing body established the priorities of work in the following areas: cooperation in joint educational programs; internationalization of BSUN member universities; development and management of large educational and research infrastructures; joint actions designed to explore frontier zones; models of cooperation between universities and industry; and the best practices of universities management.

And this time organizers of the event asked us to showcase projects of the KPI space program, which was done. I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to thank the Department of Science and Innovation for the materials that helped us prepare the presentation. Frankly, we really had enough information to give and participants in the gathering took a keen interest in it.

However, scientists of the Technical University of Moldavia (TUM) are not merely engaged in space technologies but also the establishment of the separate specialized National Center of Space Technologies for which the area spanning 800 square meters has been allocated. Academician Ion Bostan, who, by the way, cooperated fruitfully with KPI when he was TUM Rector, directs the Center. A satellite in the micro class under the name of the "Republic of Moldavia" was developed at the Center, though it has not been launched yet.

I would like to note that we strive to revitalize our interaction with BSUN in consideration of the fact that the countries, whose universities were granted membership in this network, are members of the European Union or they joined the EU-Eastern Partnership Program. Therefore, the intensification of our bilateral cooperation with scientists of universities from these countries will give us more opportunities to receive grants within the framework of EU programs. That is why one of the urgent tasks, which faces the International Collaboration Department, provides for the intensification of work with BSUN.

Maybe you have established new useful contacts with colleagues of the Technical University of Moldavia.

We have established new contacts with the COST Association (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) that, under its European program, helps scientists of COST member countries, including those based in the Black Sea region, receive grants and promote research carried out by young scientists in particular. We agreed that notwithstanding Igor Sikorsky KPI is not the national representative of Ukraine to COST yet, COST leaders would give advice and some assistance so that our scientists could submit individually applications for grants through this European program.

I would like to say a few words about the interesting things that I got to see at the Technical University of Moldavia. The operating radar, which receives data from satellites and radio telescopes of other countries 24 hours a day, is on display outdoors at the Technical Museum. This radar transmits data to the TUM Space Exploration Center. The data are processed and returned to customers in a comprehensible and generalized form. The University has the observatory that enables physics students and astronomers to conduct astronomical research directly on the university campus.

I cannot avoid recalling horses made from automobile parts, as this composition demonstrates creative engineering thought.

TUM has the interesting experience to receive a great number of grants from the European Union. For instance, one of the biological facilities - a five-story building - was erected at the expense of the EU grant of $3 million and outfitted with the latest equipment. We will figure out how to make use of this experience at our University. I think Igor Sikorsky KPI can propose large-scale projects under solid grant support provided by the EU.

KPI researchers work on technology of shielded development of marine gas hydrate formations

Aggregate reserves of methane gas hydrates, which occur in seas and oceans, exceed considerably prospected conventional reserves of natural gas and are seen as the most powerful source of potential mineral energy resources. At present, only a part of these formations concentrated along coastland of continents can be considered as potentially commercial reserves. Some of them have been comprehensively surveyed, and reliable data on reserves and mining conditions of development of formations gathered already.

Despite the numerous state programs of large-scale prospecting for and development of gas hydrates in seas and oceans, which were adopted by leading countries and states rich in gas hydrate formations, apropos including Ukraine, a universal 'technological clue' to economically successful offshore production of methane hydrates has not been discovered to date.

On the one hand, this can be explained by the fact that field research is focused on the problems of prospecting for gas hydrate formations, as well as by lack of experimental and commercial trials to develop marine formations, whereas theoretical approaches, modeling and inventions at the stage of concepts prevail today. In the main, a resource base is being determined, and key stakeholders are in no haste to pump large investments into testing of imperfect technical solutions because risks are greater than expected benefits.

On the other hand, there is an abundance of conditions of bedding and properties of gas hydrate layers and the environment: the depth and relief
of a seabed, temperature and chemical aggressiveness of the bed environment, the place where gas hydrate formations are concentrated (on the surface
or they occur deep in bed rocks), the structure and properties of the roof and sole of a layer in the rocks, particularly their thickness, availability
or absence of large amounts of free methane in contact with layers, composition and properties of a gas hydrate layer, etc. This indicates expedience to create the technology of production, which is expressly designed for specific formations, thereby resolving the problem of the efficient techniques of development.

Made by inventors from various countries, the analysis of the known techniques of production of methane of marine gas hydrates can be conditionally broken down into two groups in terms of the amount of their impact on a layer: 1) the greater part of the techniques that has a local impact on the limited section of a gas hydrate formation; and 2) the techniques that have a wide-ranging impact on the vast area of a surface or internal structure of a formation. The second group is the most worthwhile because it enables simultaneous dissociation of the large amount of gas and is capable of securing the profitability of offshore gas production.

The fracking technique of the second group to develop marine gas hydrate strata, which is similar to shale-gas fracking when drilling horizontal long wells in a productive layer that are designed for hydraulic fracturing of a layer and gas extraction from vast areas, looks promising as well.

It must be noted that physical properties of gas hydrates differ considerably from other rocks that have ever been developed by fracking. There are reasonable doubts of the possibility for ensuring the efficient formation of fissures and maintaining continuously the system of fissures during fracking of a layer (water and gas are quickly turned back into gas hydrate). In addition, there is a flaw in this technique, namely the high risk of the sudden release of gas caused by the rapid decomposition of gas hydrate. It is clear that such technique requires a substantial improvement. Certain solutions of the second group provide for the extraction of gas generated by wells and the availability of impenetrable rocks of the roof of a gas hydrate layer (i.e. isolation from the penetration of gas into a water area).

A group of researchers led by Prof. Gennady Gaiko of the Kiev Polytechnic Institute (KPI) have the intriguing concept that also provides for practice of a wide-ranging impact on the vast area of the bedding plane or internal structure of a formation. However, the main idea lies in the formation of the open system of fissures in rocks of the roof of a gas hydrate layer. Released gas flows out through the system to a big gas-collecting blanket that shields the greater part of the bedding plane of a formation. Currently, the KPI researchers are working on 1) the techniques of washout, explosive destruction and fracking of rocks of the roof; 2) facilities designed for gas dissociation through depressurization, injection of a heat carrier or chemical reagent; 3) design and technology of assembling large gas-collecting shields; 4) system of transportation of gas obtained from a gas-collecting shield through sea-bed pipelines in particular.

The system of shielded development of gas hydrate formations may well become the unique technique of methane production that would require a broad synergy of efforts among concerned partners and investors. The KPI scientists invite all the parties concerned to cooperate on the project with them.

Additional information: ogo55@ukr.net

The opinion poll in Ukraine: Is it possible to overcome corruption in this country?

Yes (%)             30

No (%)             40

No answer (%) 30

Source: Democratic Initiatives Foundation, Ukrainian Sociology Service

НА ПРИКАРПАТЬЕ РАСКОЛЬНИКИ КИЕВСКОГО ПАТРИАРХАТА УГРОЖАЮТ ПРИХОЖАНАМ УПЦ МП

Свято-Успенскую церковь Украинской православной церкви Московского патриархата (УПЦ МП), которая находится в селе Старый Гвоздец Ивано-Франковской области, раскольники Киевского патриархата попытались захватить ещё 14 октября, после так называемого сельского референдума. Пожилые прихожане, которые присутствовали на собрании, с ужасом вспоминают, как их чуть не избили, за то, что они проголосовали против беззакония и при этом не побоялись высказать своё мнение.

На собрании села люди, которые не имели никакого отношения к религиозной общине Свято-Успенской церкви УПЦ МП, незаконно "перевели" её в раскол и обманом завладели ключами от храма. Полиция почему-то не вмешивалась. Учитывая это, верующие УПЦ МП подали заявление в суд на бездействие Коломыйского отдела полиции. Жалобу судьи удовлетворили.

Однако сегодня беззаконие со стороны сельсовета и раскольников Киевского патриархата продолжается. Людям угрожают, чтобы они не приходили молиться. Прихожане обескуражены попытками перевести их общину в раскол.

ГОСДУМА НАЗВАЛА ЗАКОН "ОБ ОБРАЗОВАНИИ" АКТОМ ЭТНОЦИДА РУССКОГО НАРОДА НА УКРАИНЕ

По мнению Виктора Медведчука, лидера Общественного движения "Украинский выбор - Право народа", сегодня, когда усилиями представителей "партии войны" русофобская истерия возводится в ранг национальной идеи, постмайданная команда ведёт беспрецедентное по своей жестокости и абсурду наступление на права русскоязычных граждан: от запрета российских телеканалов, ограничения ввоза книг из России, осуществления блокирования российских Интернет-ресурсов, введения языковых квот на радио и телевидении, ограничивающих русскоязычный контент, до запрета обучения на родном языке.

Принятие закона "Об образовании" стало последней каплей, переполнившей чашу терпения не только украинцев, но и европейцев. Скандальная "языковая статья"
нового закона вызвала жёсткую реакцию в России (Государственная дума назвала закон "Об образовании" "актом этноцида русского народа на Украине", поскольку он нарушает "базовые стандарты ООН и Совета Европы о защите языковой самобытности коренных народов и национальных меньшинств..."), а также у стран-соседей: Венгрии, Румынии, Молдавии, Польши и Греции.

Мнение мирового сообщества более чем однозначно: Украина взяла на себя целый ряд обязательств, в частности связанных с обеспечением языковых прав украинских граждан, а значит, обязана их выполнять. Особенно если учесть, что эти права закреплены не только в статье 10 Конституции Украины, но и в ряде международно-правовых актов: Международном пакте о гражданских и политических правах, Европейской хартии региональных языков или языков национальных меньшинств, Рамочной конвенции о защите национальных меньшинств. Попытка игнорировать обязательства, касающиеся языков национальных меньшинств, приведёт к международной изоляции Украины. Международный скандал из-за закона "Об образовании" и принятая Парламентской ассамблеей Совета Европы резолюция - тому подтверждение.

УЧЁНЫЕ КПИ СОЗДАЛИ ТЕХНОЛОГИЮ ЭКРАНИРОВАННОЙ РАЗРАБОТКИ МОРСКИХ ГАЗОГИДРАТНЫХ ЗАЛЕЖЕЙ

Суммарные запасы метана газогидратов морей и океанов на порядок превышают известные запасы конвенциональных месторождений природного газа и потенциально являются самым мощным источником минеральных энергоресурсов. На сегодняшний день только часть этих месторождений, сосредоточенных вдоль береговой полосы материков, может рассматриваться как потенциально-промышленная. Отдельные месторождения уже достаточно детально исследованы, и получены достоверные данные об их запасах и горно-геологических условиях разработки.

Несмотря на многочисленные государственные программы широкомасштабных поисков и освоения газогидратов морей и океанов, которые были приняты ведущими мировыми державами и странами собственниками мощных газогидратных месторождений (Украиной в том числе), поныне не найден универсальный "технологический ключ" для экономично успешной добычи метана морских газогидратов.

С одной стороны, это объясняется тем, что в фокусе натурных исследований находятся вопросы геологических разведок газогидратных месторождений при почти полном отсутствии экспериментально-промышленных попыток разработки морских залежей (преобладают теоретические подходы, моделирование, изобретения на стадии идей). Другими словами, пока что в основном имеет место определение ресурсной базы, "основные игроки" не спешат вкладывать значительные средства в испытания недостаточно совершенных технических решений (риски превышают ожидаемые выгоды).

С другой стороны, специалисты сталкиваются с многообразием условий залегания и свойств газогидратных пластов и окружающей среды: глубина и рельеф морского дна, температура и химическая агрессивность донной среды, место концентрации залежей газогидратов (на поверхности или же в глубине массива донных пород), структура и свойства горных пород кровли и подошвы пласта (в частности, их толщина), наличие или отсутствие на контакте с пластами освобождённого метана, состав и свойства газогидратного пласта, и т.д. Это указывает на целесообразность индивидуального проектирования технологии добычи для конкретных месторождений, хотя и не решает проблемы эффективных способов разработки.

Анализ известных способов добычи метана морских газогидратов, предложенный изобретателями из разных стран, можно условно разделить по степени воздействия на пласт на две группы - 1) локального воздействия на ограниченный участок газогидратной залежи (подавляющее большинство способов) и 2) широкого воздействия на значительную площадь поверхности или внутренней структуры залежи. Вторая группа является более перспективной, поскольку обеспечивает одновременную диссоциацию большого количества газа и способна гарантировать рентабельность морской газодобычи.

На сегодняшний день ко второй группе относится достаточно эффективный способ разработки конвенциональных месторождений природного газа, перекрытых толщей газогидратного пласта, диссоциация которого начинается со сменой давления при откачке свободного газа конвенционального месторождения (именно в таких условиях проходил первый промышленный эксперимент добычи метана морских газогидратов). К сожалению, в природе довольно редко встречаются месторождения, которые одновременно сочетают в себе газ конвенциональных месторождений и газогидратные залежи, и поэтому область применения этого способа крайне ограничена.

Перспективным считается также способ разработки морских газогидратных пластов гидроразрывом, который возник по аналогии раскрытия залежей сланцевого газа, когда в продуктивном пласте бурят горизонтальные длинные скважины, через которые осуществляют гидроразрыв пласта и извлечение газа из больших площадей и массивов.

Следует отметить, что физические свойства газогидратов существенно отличаются от других горных пород, которые когда-либо разрабатывались гидроразрывом. Существуют обоснованные сомнения относительно возможности обеспечения эффективного трещинообразования и продолжительного удержания системы трещин при гидроразрыве пласта (вода и газ в них могут быстро превращаться обратно в газогидрат). Кроме того, недостаток данного способа заключается в высокой степени опасности внезапного выброса газа вследствие быстрого распада газового гидрата, что требует его усовершенствования. Оба решения второй группы предусматривают откачку образованного газа через скважины и наличие непроницаемых пород кровли газогидратного пласта (т.е. изоляцию от проникновения газа в водное пространство).

Авторская концепция, выдвинутая группой учёных Киевского политехнического института (КПИ) под руководством профессора Геннадия Гайко, также предусматривает способы широкого воздействия на значительную площадь поверхности или внутренней структуры залежи, при этом основная идея заключается в создании в породах кровли газогидратного пласта открытой системы трещин, через которые выпускают освобождённый газ в водное пространство под разветвлённую газосборную оболочку, экранирующую значительную часть месторождения. В настоящее время учёными КПИ отрабатываются: 1) способы размыва, взрывного разрушения, гидроразрыва пород кровли; 2) средства диссоциации газа путём разгерметизации, подачи теплоносителя или химического реагента; 3) конструкции и технологии монтажа разветвлённых газосборных экранов; 4) системы транспортировки газа, полученного из-под газосборного экрана, в частности, по донным трубопроводам.

Система экранированной разработки газогидратных залежей может стать универсальной технологией добычи метана газогидратов, что требует объединения усилий заинтересованных партнёров и инвесторов. Группа учёных КПИ приглашает к сотрудничеству все заинтересованные стороны.

Дополнительная информация: ogo55@ukr.net

РЕЖИМ ПОРОШЕНКО ЦИНИЧНО НАСТУПАЕТ НА ПРАВА РУССКОЯЗЫЧНЫХ ГРАЖДАН

По мнению Виктора Медведчука, лидера Общественного движения "Украинский выбор - Право народа", политика режима Порошенко в отношении языков национальных меньшинств, и в первую очередь в отношении русского языка, на протяжении последних трёх с половиной лет строилась исключительно на лжи и насилии. Сегодня мало кто вспоминает о том, что новая история постмайдановской евроинтегрирующейся Украины начиналась с циничного наступления на права русскоязычных граждан.

23 февраля 2014 года Верховный Совет 232 голосами поддержал проект закона о признании утратившим силу Закона Украины "Об основах государственной языковой политики". Инициатором этого крайне опасного документа, ограничивающего права русскоязычных граждан, выступил Вячеслав Кириленко, который ошибочно спрогнозировал, что принятие данного законопроекта "уменьшит социальное напряжение в обществе".

В НУБИП ПРОШЁЛ ИНФОРМАЦИОННЫЙ ДЕНЬ ПРОГРАММЫ "ГОРИЗОНТ 2020"

24 октября в Национальном университете биоресурсов и природопользования (НУБИП) в рамках деятельности Национального контактного пункта рамочной программы "Горизонт 2020" по тематическому направлению "Продовольственная безопасность, устойчивое сельское хозяйство, морские исследования и биоэкономика" состоялся информационный день "Основные шаги в формировании грантовой заявки по направлениям "Продовольственная безопасность и устойчивое сельское хозяйство", а также "Климат и эффективность использования ресурсов, включая сырьевые материалы". Основной целью мероприятия была популяризация возможностей участия в конкурсах в рамках европейской программы "Горизонт 2020".

В частности, в информационном дне принял участие руководитель Национального контактного пункта при Киевском политехническом институте имени Игоря Сикорского по тематическому направлению "Климат и эффективность использования ресурсов, включая сырьевые материалы" Евгений Огородник. Он предоставил исчерпывающую информацию обо всех возможностях и задачах украинских учёных в программе "Горизонт 2020", уделив особое внимание вопросам создания научных консорциумов для сотрудничества и анализа поддержанных проектных заявок.

Дополнительная информация: ogo55@ukr.net

В ВИННИЦКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ ОТРЕСТАВРИРОВАЛИ МУЗЕЙ АВИАЦИИ И КОСМОНАВТИКИ

Отныне туристы, которые приезжают в Вороновицкий музей авиации и космонавтики в Винницкой области,  видят не облупленный дворец, а отреставрированное
прекрасное здание. Построенный в 18-м столетии в стиле классицизма, дворец является памятником государственного значения. Здание построили Грохольские, а
потом имение принадлежало Можайским. Именно здесь русский изобретатель самолёта провёл главные исследования.

Дворец отреставрировали в рамках проекта «Туризм – залог динамичного социально-экономического развития сельских общин». Это многоцелевой проект
возрождения туристической зоны Винницкого района. Создан информационный центр развития туризма, отремонтирован Жабеливский музей истории села, и проведены ремонтно-реставрационные работы внешней части дворца Грохольских-Можайских.

РУКОВОДИТЕЛИ КПИ И УНИВЕРСИТЕТА "ТЕХНИОН" ОБСУДИЛИ ПОТЕНЦИАЛЬНЫЕ НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ СОТРУДНИЧЕСТВА

6 октября Киевский политехнический институт имени Игоря Сикорского посетили вице-президент по международным связям израильского университета "Технион" Боаз Голани и заместитель главы миссии Посольства Израиля в Украине Эмиль Бен Нафтали.

Университет "Технион" считается одним из ведущих технических вузов мира. В его стенах не только готовят инженеров высокой квалификации, но и проводят научные исследования, а также разрабатывают современную технику и технологии. Ряд преподавателей и научных сотрудников университета являются лауреатами Нобелевской премии.

С израильскими гостями встретились ректор КПИ им. Игоря Сикорского Михаил Згуровский, первый проректор академик Национальной академии наук Украины (НАНУ) Юрий Якименко, проректор по научной работе академик НАНУ Михаил Ильченко, проректор по международному сотрудничеству член-корреспондент НАНУ Сергей Сидоренко, проректор по перспективному развитию Алексей Новиков, проректор по учебно-воспитательной работе Пётр Киричок, генеральный директор Научного парка "Киевская политехника" Владимир Гнат, директор Института последипломного образования Инна Малюкова и другие.

После обмена информацией о своих университетах участники встречи обсудили потенциальные направления сотрудничества. В частности, Боаз Голани выступил с инициативой по совместным научно-исследовательским проектам в области авиации и космонавтики, технологий очистки воды и кибербезопасности, а также по участию студентов КПИ в семинарах "Техниона", посвящённым предпринимательству и инновациям. Участники встречи договорились начать с одного-двух совместных проектов, во время работы над которыми будут отработаны механизмы и направления дальнейшего сотрудничества.

Foodstuffs represent lion's share of Ukrainians' expenditures

By Vladimir V. Sytin

As the saying goes, with eating grows the appetite.

Ukrainians' food expenditure accounts for about 50% of all purchases. In the main, they buy bread, vegetables and beer. Fish, meat and confectionery sales have decreased that can be explained by a rise in prices of these foodstuffs.

At the same time, expenditures on other needs are on the decrease from year to year. For instance, Ukrainians' clothing and footwear spending makes up only 5.6% of all purchases today, compared with 10% last year.

According to Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy, Ukraine has been overthrown in a U.S. coup and is now poverty-stricken.

НА САЙТЕ «МУЗЕИ ПОД ОТКРЫТЫМ НЕБОМ» МОЖНО СОВЕРШИТЬ ВИРТУАЛЬНОЕ ПУТЕШЕСТВИЕ

Компания Google оцифровала семь музеев под открытым небом в разных регионах Украины и создала виртуальную экскурсию по ним. Отныне можно отправиться в 3D-тур в резиденцию гетмана Богдана Хмельницкого, который воссоединил украинский народ с братской Россией.

На специальном сайте «Музеи под открытым небом» можно совершить виртуальное путешествие, ознакомиться с народной архитектурой и бытом в разных областях. 3D-туры по музеям доступны в режиме Street View на Картах Google.

Виртуальная экскурсия доступна на трёх языках – русском, английском и украинском. В проект вошли музеи народной архитектуры и быта в Киеве (Пирогов), Переяслав-Хмельницком и Ужгороде.

Economic indicators: unemployment

An unemployment rate has decreased to 1.2% from 1.6% in Ukraine since the start of this year. The number of the officially registered unemployed amounted to 319,900 in July. Of this number, 256,900 persons were receiving unemployment compensation.

In 2017 the unemployed decreased by 14%, compared with last year. Unemployment recorded its highest rate of 1.7% in this country in February.

By comparison, full-time jobs declined by 166,000 in the United States. According to Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy, the meager 156,000 new jobs claimed are really only 115,000 net of the August’s revision, and this156,000 jobs estimate is within the range of statistical insignificance. In other words, there is no confidence that the jobs are actually there. Americans know that the nonsense from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics about a 4.3% unemployment rate and an abundance of new jobs is fake news.

РОССИЯ И КИТАЙ ПОДДЕРЖИВАЮТ ТОРГОВЫЕ, ДРУЖЕСТВЕННЫЕ ОТНОШЕНИЯ С КНДР

Разочарование в Вашингтоне вызывает позиция Китая, который продолжает оставаться союзником Пхеньяна, и, несмотря на санкции, поддерживает с ним торговые отношения, мотивируя их гуманитарными потребностями КНДР. Кроме того, как пишут китайские СМИ, Пекин заинтересован, чтобы Северная Корея оставалась буферной страной между ним и вассалами США.

Пхеньян и Москва также поддерживают дружественные отношения. Несколько российских городов являются побратимами с северокорейскими городами. Москва и Пхеньян ведут торговлю, а 40 тысяч граждан КНДР работают на Дальнем Востоке и в Сибири.

Where to find the best varieties of teas, massage in Kiev

The Kiev-based studio Emotional Relaxation is the environment where customers relax, beautify and improve their health, all in the same place and at the same time. A massage relieves fatigue at psycho-emotional and physical levels, and well-rested visitors to the studio look happy and beautiful.

A friendly chat over a cup of fabulous tea heightens the effects of relaxation, beautifying and health improvement. The studio helps residents and guests of the Ukrainian capital city relieve stress and fatigue by means of authorial massage techniques of body relaxation and tea ceremonies performed by a tea master. Studio's space has two areas, namely, antistress complex - authorial massage + tea ceremony; and tea used as a tool to improve the quality of life, which enables vigor, balance and relaxation. Although both areas are separate, they complement each other perfectly.

After a massage, the tea master introduces guests of the studio to tea, they chat and continue to get the additional portion of relaxation/pacification at a psycho-emotional level. According to studio owner Anatolii Nech, visitors are interested in that and they like it, they want to come again, not only to get a massage but to taste new tea, buy it for the house, they get involved and have pleasure in opening the new, brightest page in their life.

Tea culture is new and increasingly popular trend in the way of life of Ukrainians from year to year. Apart from a massage, the studio offers its customers tea tasting sessions, teaches them to discriminate between different varieties of teas, customizes tea birthday parties and other events at request of those who are sick and tired of drinking coffee and alcohol. In addition, the customers buy teaware and other accessories to enjoy a tea party at home.

However, Mr. Nech notes that there is a shortage of quality Japanese tea in Ukraine. In this context, the recent presentation of IPPODO products received accolades from visitors to the studio. High-quality teas were bought in the first place during the first presentation. Besides tasting of matcha as a drink, the customers tasted dessert made of matcha such as ice-cream, pastries and cheesecakes. As far as tea culture in studio's space is concerned, the most preferred variety of tea was matcha, followed by gyokuro and sencha.

Among customers of the studio are mainly young people ranging in age from 25 to 40, and, less frequently, from 40. Their interests embrace healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, yoga, meditation and IT.

Increasingly, matcha becomes popular not only in other countries but also in Ukraine. Ukrainians learn about it from tours of Europe and other countries. Given that matcha becomes popular in this country, it turns out to be on the menu of some Kiev-based cafes, which specialize in coffee drinks, though it is not delicious, according to the guests of the studio. Such opinion has been formed, especially after tasting IPPODO products at Emotional Relaxation. Anatolii Nech pointed out that the customers were pleasantly surprised and delighted at the same time to find the comfortable and tranquil space in Ukraine, where they can savor quality Japanese tea.

Additional information: daltonukr@gmail.com

Economic indicators: output

The latest numbers from the State Committee for Statistics of Ukraine show that the mining industries decreased output by 6.5% in January-July, compared with the same period last year.

The enterprises that produce food, tobacco and drinks increased output by 4.6%.

Woodworking enterprises, pulp and paper, printing industries and publishing houses increased output by 3.5%.

Metallurgical plants and metalworking industry enterprises decreased output by 3%.

The manufacture of pharmaceuticals rose by 1.2% in Ukraine. Incidentally, the Wall Street Journal notes that the Samsung conglomerate is furthering its efforts to build a full-fledged prescription-drugs business, signing its first deal to develop novel drugs for hard-to-treat diseases.

In January-July production of coke and petroleum products decreased by 17.6%, compared with the same period last year.

Russia builds warships in Crimea to counter NATO build-up

By Vladimir V. Sytin

Currently, keels are being laid for warships at the Crimean shipyard Zaliv, which is incorporated in the Zelenodolsk plant in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. They will be adopted by the Russia's Black Sea Fleet and the Northern Fleet.

Specifically, two vessels are designed for missions within the framework of the Arctic gas project. In addition, the cable laying ships Volga and Vyatka that will be used to lay communications cables on polar sea beds between many scattered islands and the mainland are nearing completion at the Kerch-based shipyard. Designed for 50-day sailing without stopping, these unique ships with a displacement of 10,000 tons are capable of laying cables and repairing them while sustaining storm force up to five under severe icing conditions.

Readers of The Ukrainian Times know that the purpose of Russia is to convert Crimea into an unsinkable aircraft carrier, the strategic military base, capable of challenging the old and faulty NATO (essentially the United States). In particular, the Russian peninsula is outfitted with the cutting-edge weaponry, including S-400 Triumph and Pantsir air-defense missile systems, as well as with Bastion mobile antiship missile complexes and Bereg coastal mobile artillery systems.

According to Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy, Russia has allowed Washington to put ABM bases on its borders with Poland and Romania. This is like the U.S. permitting Russia to put missile bases in Cuba. The fact that no one in Washington or any Western government has stepped forward to reassure the Russian government and demand the removal of U.S. missile bases surrounding Russia indicates a level of hubris or denial that is beyond comprehension. And what about the vote of the U.S. House of Representatives to go even beyond the obscene proposal of the Trump administration to increase the military budget by $54 billion and instead add a whopping $74 billion to the Pentagon budget?

США, ЮЖНАЯ КОРЕЯ ДОЛЖНЫ ПРЕКРАТИТЬ ВОЕННЫЕ МАНЁВРЫ В РЕГИОНЕ КОРЕЙСКОГО ПОЛУОСТРОВА

На недавнем экстренном заседании Совета Безопасности ООН, созванного в связи с испытанием водородной бомбы Северной Кореей, Китай и Россия заявили, что введение новых санкций является неэффективным шагом и может привести к ещё большей эскалации кризиса. Москва и Пекин предлагают Пхеньяну приостановить осуществление ядерной и ракетной программы, а США и Южная Корея в ответ на это должны прекратить свои регулярные военные манёвры в регионе Корейского полуострова. Кроме того, Россия и Китай выступают за возобновление переговоров с северокорейскими властями.

Ornex Ltd. takes blocking stakes in energy troika

By Vladimir V. Sytin

Recently, the State Property Fund of Ukraine has sold blocking stakes in three energy companies, namely DonetskOblEnergo, ZapadOblEnergo and KievEnergo by exchange auctions. All blocks of shares were acquired by the limited liability company Ornex of Cyprus, which is incorporated in the System Capital Management Group controlled by Ukrainian industrial magnate Rinat Akhmetov. As a result, DonetskOblEnergo, ZapadOblEnergo and KievEnergo are respectively 96.5%, 97.2% and 97.4% owned by Akhmetov's companies today.

According to many observers, Kiev authorities' assurances to return KievEnergo to communal ownership turned out to be worthless. At present, privatization in Ukraine is the way that bureaucrats can reward tycoons and cronies by giving them valuable public resources for a low price. As a rule, this deregulation entails high prices and poor services, whereas private owners would not move a finger to build new power plants or mend power networks, but milk very hard-pressed Ukrainian taxpayers of their cash.

В МАТЕРИ ГОРОДОВ РУССКИХ ПЛАНИРУЮТ ПОСТРОИТЬ СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ МУСОРОПЕРЕРАБАТЫВАЮЩИЕ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯ

Ежегодно в Киеве накапливается около 1,2 миллиона тонн твёрдых бытовых отходов (ТБО), из которых на полигоны и свалки вывозят 67,2%. Очевидно, возле матери городов русских уже бы выросли целые мусорные терриконы, если бы часть отходов не сжигали на заводе "Энергия".

Сегодня завод реконструируют, модернизируют котлоагрегаты с заменой электрофильтров. На эти цели в 2015-2016 годах было потрачено 49,1 миллиона гривен, а в этом году нужно ещё почти 11 млн. грн. Проектируют и устанавливают современные системы очистки дымовых газов. Работы планируют завершить в 2020 году.

На заводе "Энергия" сжигают всего лишь 21,8% ТБО. То, что вывозят на полигоны, создаёт угрозу для окружающей среды Киева и его околиц. Выход из ситуации видится в сортировке и переработке отходов. Специалисты разработали Концепцию обращения с ТБО. Планируется создание новых центров обращения с отходами, где их будут сортировать, максимально извлекая ресурсоценные компоненты - стекло, пластик, метал и т.п. Сейчас сортируют всего лишь 11% ТБО.

Местные власти инициировали противоаварийные мероприятия на полигоне № 5 и разрабатывают проект его дальнейшей рекультивации. Кроме того, планируется строительство пяти современных мусороперерабатывающих предприятий мощностью от 350 до 450 тысяч тонн в год.

В Киеве установили 50 подземных мусорных баков. До конца текущего года установят ещё 300, а в 2018 году - тысячу баков. Каждый контейнер рассчитан на пять кубических метров ТБО. Они оснащены системами пожаротушения и датчиками, которые подают сигнал диспетчеру, что бак заполнен.

Cannabis activity prohibited in Ukraine, its neighbors

In Ukraine, cannabis is mainly grown in small plantations, hidden amongst corn, in the black soil suitable for cultivation, which is found in the central and southern parts of this country. According to Ukrainian legislation, cultivation (without intent to sell) of up to 10 cannabis plants qualifies as an administrative violation, with a fine of from 18 to 100 tax-exempt minimum incomes and the seizure of plants. Reportedly, the limit for possession without intent to sell, for which no criminal liability is provided, shall not exceed five grams of cannabis.

By comparison, Russia reduced the limits for criminal possession of many drugs in 2006, with the criminal threshold for cannabis being cut from 20 to six grams.

Cannabis activity is strictly prohibited in Byelorussia. When a person is caught with cannabis, be it small or large amount, it can cost him or her a lot more (from bribing) and a law-breaker may well receive an 8–10 years' prison sentence.

P.S. A joke overheard in a pub:

Two Hippies are walking along a railroad track, stoned. One Hippie says: “This is a really long staircase, man!” The other Hippie says: “I don’t mind the stairs, man. It’s this low handrail that is killing me.”

Germany owes Greece EUR300 billion WWII reparations

By Vladimir V. Sytin

Recently, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, President of Greece, has reiterated that Germany must pay reparations of damages done by the Nazi military during the occupation of the Balkan country in World War II. Prokopis Pavlopoulos made this statement when he visited the Greek village of Kommeno where Nazi war criminals executed 317 inhabitants and torched the village on August 16, 1943.

The President of Greece honored the memory of the victims of German fascist terror and stated that “our claims [for the reparations] are legally effective and judicially enforceable”. Overall, Germany owes 300 billion euros to Greece.

During the German occupation, much of Greece was subjected to enormous destruction of its industry (80% of which was destroyed), infrastructure (28% destroyed), ports, roads, railroads and bridges (90%), forests and other natural resources (25%) and loss of civilian life (up to 11.17% of its citizens). Reportedly, the occupying Nazi regime forced Greece to pay the cost of the Nazi occupation in the country, as well as requisitioned raw materials and food for the occupation forces, creating the conditions for the Great Famine during which over 300,000 Greeks died from starvation. In 1942, the Greek Central Bank was forced by the occupying Nazi regime to loan 476 million Reich marks at 0% interest to Nazi Germany to fund its North African campaign.

The Greek newspaper Ekathimerini notes that Germany has repeatedly rejected Greece's claims as it allegedly honored its obligations, including a 115 million deutschmark payment to Athens in 1960.

Poroshenko regime, U.S. are no match for Russia's military leviathan

According to analysts, the Ukrainian military dare not attack heroic defenders of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics for fear of the retaliatory strike that could be made by Russia. The Ukrainian army would have long launched a major offensive on the republics if it were not for the deployment of Russian armed forces on borders with Ukraine.

Additionally, Russia conducts ongoing military exercises on its west and south-west borders with Ukraine to prevent any attack against the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. In the meantime, President Vladimir Putin has brought in the bill into the State Duma, Russia's parliament, which will allow Moscow to put air defenses on Byelorussia's borders with Ukraine.

Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy, wrote that it was Washington that enabled Ukraine's attack on its former provinces with large Russian populations. Some of the crazed neoconservatives erroneously believe Russia is not sufficiently well-armed to respond to U.S. aggression, but the fact of the matter is that Russia's strategic weapons are superior and more powerful than those of the United States.

Critics say Ukraine's attack on the Donbas region is mindless. It shows Washington's puppets, who still sit in Kiev, totally devoid of all intelligence. Even a fool understands that violence creates growing resistance, and the Poroshenko regime has not even the intelligence of fools. In the event of non-fulfillment of the Minsk agreements, Kiev will have to bear a great expenditure on a civil war in Donbas, borrow from international financial institutions and submit to the loss of a part of territory.

Russia bars 79 Washington's puppets linked to voting for Montenegro’s NATO membership

By Vladimir V. Sytin

Russian authorities have barred 79 citizens of Montenegro from entering the country in response to recent bans Podgorica placed on 149 Russians traveling to Montenegro. The "undesirable" list reportedly includes prime minister Dusko Markovic, president of the Assembly Ivan Brajovic, the leader of the Democratic Party of Socialists, Milo Djukanovic, and members of Montenegrin parliament, among others. Those placed on the Russian blacklist were selected because of their role in voting for Montenegro’s NATO membership.

Previously, the Montenegrin opposition coalition Democratic Front stated that it would initiate a referendum on the entry of the country into the NATO if a decision about Montenegro’s NATO membership were made by a legislature. According to opposition leader Andrija Mandic, the Western alliance has made the great mistake of sending Montenegro an invitation because NATO member states know that two thirds of Montenegrins are against membership of the country in NATO. He thinks it is especially dangerous for Montenegro that the decision was made by parliament in defiance of the will of citizens.

Incidentally, Serbian authorities stated recently that Serbia would not enter NATO. It is worth recalling that the aggressive Western alliance (essentially the United States) waged the illegal bombing campaign against Serbia in 1999, although the Balkan country posed no threat whatsoever to NATO members. Do you remember "war criminal" Slobodan Milosevic, the Serbian President branded "the butcher of the Balkans," who was compared to Hitler? Mr. Milosevic died in prison, some say murdered, before he was cleared of charges by the International Criminal Tribunal. Unsurprisingly, the Serbian society is full of hatred for the Western alliance.

In fact, the Western alliance is the cover for Washington’s war crimes. Many observers think it can provide no other service.

So, the government of Montenegro should take note that the only sovereign country in the West is the U.S. All the rest are Washington’s vassals. Anyone integrated into the West, be it NATO or the European Union, is subject to U.S. pressure.

Crimean forums offer candid insights into development prospects of peninsula, Russian World

The 11th international festival of Russian and Slavic Culture, which is entitled Great Russian Word, took place at the Livadia Palace in Yalta on June 5-6. Aimed to preserve the Russian language and culture, the format of the event included Pushkin recitations and performances given by folklore groups.

The festival gathered more than 30 foreign delegations, many politicians and political analysts who discussed questions concerning the expansion of the Russian World into all corners of the globe. It was held under the patronage of Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Russian Federation Council, who stated that the forum gave politicians, government officials, experts and NGOs a unique opportunity to debate the critical issues and prospects of development of the Russian World, as well as a huge role played by the Russian language and culture in integration processes within the post-Soviet space and throughout the globe on the whole.

In addition, the resort town of Alushta hosted the inaugural international forum Open Crimea on June 11-12. Financed by Russian businessman Alexander Lebedev, the event brought together political scientists, experts and mass media representatives from Britain, Syria, Armenia, Cuba, Germany, France, Italy, Lebanon, the Netherlands and other countries. The forum offered its participants candid insights into development prospects of the peninsula, construction of a bridge across the Kerch Strait, achievements in the field of investments and the banking system.

German top politicians call for return to detente toward Russia

By Vladimir V. Sytin

Recently, two German top politicians have called for resumption of friendly relations with Russia.

Christian Lindner, leader of the liberal Free Democratic Party of Germany, spoke for a change in Berlin's policy with respect to Moscow. According to him, it is necessary to prepare the suggestions that would allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to change the policy without losing face. Mr. Lindner thinks the conflict around the Crimea, which reunited with Russia in March 2014, should be “encapsulated” so that progress can be made on other issues such as a civil war in the Donbas region.

Sahra Wagenknecht, member of the National Committee of the Left Party of Germany, supported the standpoint of the Free Democratic Party. She believes a prompt return to the foreign policy tradition of detente toward Moscow would be quintessential for peace and security in Europe.

Surely you have heard at least one thousand times that Russia invaded Ukraine; yet Washington's puppet still sits in Kiev, according to Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy. As he wrote, one does not have to have an IQ above 90 to understand that if Russia invaded Ukraine, Ukraine would not still be here.

ОРГАНИЗАТОРУ ТЕРРОРИСТИЧЕСКОЙ ГРУППЫ УВЕЛИЧИЛИ СРОК ЛИШЕНИЯ СВОБОДЫ

Верховный суд России принял решение увеличить срок лишения свободы крымскому татарину Руслану Зейтуллаеву с 12 до 15 лет. Зейтуллаев осуждён по обвинению в создании террористической организации и осуществлении террористической деятельности на территории Автономной Республики Крым.

В сентябре прошлого года российский суд признал Руслана Зейтуллаева виновным в участии в террористическом сообществе и осудил его на семь лет лишения свободы. Впоследствии российская прокуратура обжаловала это решение в Верховном суде России, настаивая, чтобы Зейтуллаева признали не участником, а организатором террористической группы.

Economic indicators: trade

By Vladimir V. Sytin

The export turnover of Ukrainian goods amounted to $17,242.1 million and the volume of import to $18,572.2 million in January-May, a 25.9% and 28.6% increase respectively from the same period of 2016. The unfavorable foreign trade balance worked out to $1,330.1 million, compared with $745 million in January-May 2016.

Export to the European Union rose by 25.2%, compared with January-May 2016. Within the period under review export to Byelorussia and Russia rose by 44.7% and 33.2% respectively.

According to James Rickards, editor of the Strategic Intelligence newsletter, Russia is the 12th largest economy in the world, is one of the three largest energy producers, has abundant natural resources other than oil, has advanced weapons and space technologies. President Vladimir Putin remains the geopolitical chess master he has always been. His long game involves the accumulation of gold, development of alternative payments systems, and the ultimate demise of the dollar as the dominant global reserve currency. As far as Ukrainian-Russian trade and economic ties are concerned, The New York Times once noted that there has never been a country in world history, which wrecked relations with its main, nation-state, trading partner and prospered from it.

A retail trade turnover increased by 7.3% to 362.6 billion grivnas in Ukraine in January-June, compared with the same period last year. The turnover of enterprises of wholesale trade rose by 1.5% to 857.7 billion grn in January-June, compared with a year-earlier period.

УКРАИНСКИЙ ПИЛОТ СПАС ЖИЗНЬ 121 ПАССАЖИРА, 6 ЧЛЕНОВ ЭКИПАЖА

В сложных погодных условиях украинский пилот Александр Акопов посадил аварийный самолёт в аэропорту Стамбула. Профессиональные действия Александра Акопова, который работает пилотом на рейсах турецкой компании Atlasglobal, спасли жизнь 121 пассажира и шестерых членов экипажа.

Самолёт Airbus A320 компании Atlasglobal, пилотом которого был Александр Акопов, следовал по маршруту Стамбул-Эрджан (Северный Кипр) и на высоте более тысячи метров попал в грозу. Сильный град повредил носовую часть самолёта и стекло в кабине пилотов. Экипаж принял решение срочно вернуться в аэропорт Стамбула. Капитану пришлось сажать самолёт почти вслепую, пытаясь разглядеть взлётно-посадочную полосу через боковую створку кабины. По словам очевидцев, когда Александр Акопов совершил экстремальную посадку, ему аплодировал весь аэропорт, а пилоты других самолётов подходили, чтобы пожать ему руку.

Александр Акопов сказал, что летает уже 30 лет. Ведущие турецкие СМИ написали об украинском пилоте, отметив, что он прошёл лучшую лётную школу Советского Союза, налетав 13 908 часов.

Athens anticipates fresh surge of refugees by winter

According to the Greek Coordination Center for the Management of the Refugee Crisis, every day about 100 refugees from Washington's wars in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Libya are coming to Greece. Data from the center show that 9,400 people have entered Greece this year alone, compared with 173,450 refugees and migrants who flowed into the country in 2016.

After registration and obtaining documents, many of them are hoping to reach West European countries where they expect to find an earthly paradise with huge social benefits.

At present, more than 62,000 asylum seekers still stay in Greece. Local authorities take great pains to accommodate refugees and migrants in transit centers lest they should scare away rich tourists who would fill Greece's coffers to a great extent. Most of them, 6,237 asylum seekers, have been accommodated on the island of Lesbos and 2,018 on Chios while continental Greece gave refuge to over 47,500 people. The largest makeshift refugee camps were pitched in Athens and nearby districts, as well as on the Greek-Macedonian border near the tiny village of Idomeni.

The Greek migration ministry stated that the influx of migrants stabilized by July with about 2,000 refugee arrivals in May and June. However, Greek authorities anticipate a fresh surge of asylum seekers arriving in the country by winter. Without the influx of funds from the European Union, it would be increasingly difficult for Athens to maintain the unbidden guests who beg for alms, commit theft to survive and raid vegetable farms.

Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy, wrote that the American state murderous rampage through the Middle East and North Africa was enabled by the Europeans who provided diplomatic and military cover for Washington's war crimes. Today the Europeans are suffering the consequences as they are overrun by refugees.

It is worth noting too that the total budget of the U.S. military/security complex has been estimated at $1.1 trillion, a figure that is 70% of Russia's estimated 2017 GDP. There are 195 countries in the world. Only 14 of them have the GDP larger than the budget of the U.S. military/security complex.

Three years later, DTEK Energy still endures costs of the coup

By Vladimir V. Sytin

Recently, a Panamax-sized ship has arrived at the commercial seaport Yuzhny in the Odessa region from the South African Republic to supply Pridneprovskaya and Krivoy Rog thermal power plants with 75,000 tons of anthracite. Both plants belong to DTEK Energy B.V.

According to Yuzhny acting director Vitaliy Zhukovskiy, plans are afoot to unload hard coal from six more ships this year. DTEK Energy has contracted to buy 675,000 tons of coal from South African partners by this year-end with the possibility of increasing supplies to one million tons.

The Integrated Power Grid of Ukraine consumes 24 million tons of coal annually, including nine million tons of anthracite. At present, hard coal deposits are located in the Donetsk People's Republic. So DTEK has to import hard coal from far-distant countries in order to bridge its shortage.

The Poroshenko regime wants coal deposits of the Donbas region but cannot get them, despite dispatching the U.S. trained and supplied Ukrainian army. Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy, wrote that while the Russians were focused on the Sochi Olympic Games, Washington staged a coup in Ukraine, replacing the elected democratic government with a gang of Banderite neo-Nazi thugs whose forebears fought for Hitler in World War II. The United States claimed it had brought the so-called democracy to Ukraine by putting neo-Nazi thugs in control of the government. As assistant secretary of state, neoconservative Victoria Nuland once put it, Washington unleashed on the democratically elected government of Ukraine U.S.-financed NGOs in the amount of $5 billion.

The American analyst pointed out that Washington's thugs immediately began violent attacks on the Russian population in Ukraine. Soviet memorials were destroyed and the Russian language was declared banned from official use.

Instantly, separatist movements began in the Russian-speaking parts of Ukraine that had been administratively attached to this country by Soviet leaders. Crimea, a Russian province since the 1700s, voted overwhelmingly to separate from Ukraine and requested to be reunited with Russia. The same occurred in the Lugansk and Donetsk regions.

АРХЕОЛОГИ ОБНАРУЖИЛИ ОСТАНКИ КРАСНОАРМЕЙЦЕВ В ЧЕРКАССКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

Недавно возле села Бучак Каневского района Черкасской области археологи обнаружили останки двух погибших бойцов 206-й стрелковой дивизии Красной армии, чьи тела не были похоронены в своё время. Это подтверждает архивную информацию, что на территории, отведённой под строительство Каневской гидроаккумулирующей электростанции, есть места гибели солдат времён Великой Отечественной войны 1941-1945 годов.

Пока что удалось обследовать сравнительно небольшой участок и опросить только часть очевидцев. Однако археологи собрали много информации о подразделениях, которые там воевали с нацистами.

Поисковикам удалось перезахоронить в Каневе останки 18 героических защитников города, которые погибли в августе 1941 года. Двух из них идентифицировали: один солдат был родом из Полтавской области, а родственники другого давно живут за рубежом. Родственники ещё трёх идентифицированных бойцов согласились похоронить их на родине - в Киевской и Полтавской областях.

В 1941-м и 1943-1944 годах 80% советских пехотинцев были из местных жителей. Об этом свидетельствуют списки потерь.

С 2000 года местные археологи нашли почти четыре тысячи останков солдат обоих воюющих сторон, из них - 200 советских бойцов. Захоронения красноармейцев исследовали, в основном, в Киевской и Черкасской областях.

UDP, Donau Touristik seal charter deal

The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company (UDP) has signed a charter party with the company Donau Touristik of Austria for the commercial lease of the motor ship Volga in 2018. In particular, the cruiser will go on seven-day voyages routing Passau-Budapest-Passau and Passau-Vienna-Passau from mid June to the end of next year. Interestingly, the voyages are designed for bicycle tourists who are expected to follow scenic biking routes in each city while Volga will wait for them, riding at anchor.

The Telegraph notes that the Danube is a fabulously long river. Rising in Germany’s Black Forest, it sloshes eastwards through a total of 10 countries, before flushing into the Black Sea 1,700 miles later. On the way it ticks off a set of cities such as Budapest and Vienna tourists really should get around to visiting one day. Only the Russia's Volga, at 2,300 miles long, beats the Danube as far as European rivers are concerned.

РОССИЯ БУДЕТ УКРЕПЛЯТЬ ОТНОШЕНИЯ С ВОСТОЧНЫМИ ПАРТНЁРАМИ

В Москве в конце июня был опубликован документ под заголовком "Тезисы по внешней политике и позиционированию России в мире (2017-2024 гг.)". В рубрике "Внешняя политика и безопасность" содержится 28 тезисов.

Это совместный проект Центра стратегических разработок и Российского совета по международным делам. Было проведено 30 интервью с членами этого совета: дипломатами, учёными-международниками, руководителями СМИ и представителями бизнеса. Использовали результаты работы группы учёных Института мировой экономики и международных отношений имени Евгения Примакова.

В частности, в документе отмечено, что Россия сегодня - это одна из самых мощных мировых держав. Страна сумела преодолеть угрозу дезинтеграции и самые тяжёлые политические последствия распада Советского Союза. Россия проводит активную внешнюю политику, последовательно отстаивая свои интересы за рубежом.

Однако отставание в развитии экономики и институтов управления представляет собой более серьёзную угрозу для суверенитета и целостности страны по сравнению с реальными военными угрозами, от которых Россия уже надёжно защищена. Авторы документа считают, что необходимо создать благоприятную международную среду для разрешения подобных проблем. России следует разработать оптимальную формулу получения пользы от глобализации в интересах своего развития, сохраняя при этом простор для широкого внешнеполитического манёвра и защиты своих интересов в сфере безопасности.

Согласно документу, Россия будет укреплять отношения с восточными партнёрами, в частности, с Китаем и Индией. В нём также говорится о том, что во время украинского кризиса Россия воссоединилась с Крымом, решила проблему базирования Черноморского флота и заблокировала членство Украины в НАТО на долгосрочную перспективу.

МУЗЕЙ НАУКИ ОТКРОЕТСЯ В МАТЕРИ ГОРОДОВ РУССКИХ

На Украине планируют открыть Музей науки. Экспозицию разместят в Киеве по адресу: улица Антоновича, 180. Проект осуществляется в рамках государственно-частного партнёрства: инвестор должен отремонтировать и реконструировать помещения, а также создать уникальное образовательное пространство, частью которого будет музей.

Ожидается, что с появлением Музея науки в матери городов русских миллионы детей смогут не только узнать много интересного об окружающем мире, но и получить первый практический опыт научной работы. По словам чиновников Министерства образования и науки Украины, они смогут заниматься в секциях, проводить исследования, эксперименты, а школьники старшего возраста - презентовать собственные научные разработки и внедрять их на практике.

Ориентировочная стоимость проекта составляет 150 миллионов гривен, срок его осуществления - один год. К проектным работам планируют приступить в августе, а с октября начнётся строительство объекта. Образовательное пространство будет иметь несколько зон: экспозиции, посвящённые чудесам химии, физики, космоса и подводного мира, научный театр, зону невесомости, лабиринт и т.д. Кроме того, в музее оборудуют площадки для проведения исследований, детских научных секций и подготовительный центр для педагогов. Базой для нового образовательного пространства станет ученическая научно-исследовательская лаборатория, а также другие наработки Малой академии наук в этой сфере.

Turkey hits out at the West over double standards

After arresting German human rights consultant Peter Steudtner in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey accused Germany of espionage and double standards with respect to Ankara. "Westerners want their agents to roam freely in our land while they hurt our people," he said. "Those who say it is the judiciary's business when it comes to the terrorists they harbor in their own country turn things into diplomatic crises when we catch their agents red-handed."

Mr. Erdogan warned Brussels against imposing sanctions. "If you think you can scare Turkey with embargoes, you must first be ready for much bigger consequences," he thundered.

According to the Turkish President, Western countries should not expect Ankara to follow their instructions as before. "The West wants Turkey to bring about their demands no questions asked... I am sorry to say that Turkey no longer exists," he stated.

Recent discussions between EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik in Brussels touched on issues including Ankara's EU accession, immigration and Turkey's demands for visa-free travel for its citizens. Previously, Ankara noted that cooperation with Russia and Asian countries is more worthwhile than membership in the EU. In addition, Omer Celik pointed out that Turkey would withdraw from an agreement on immigration if the EU fails to provide visa-free travel.

Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy, wrote that the American state murderous rampage through the Middle East and North Africa was enabled by the Europeans who provided diplomatic and military cover for Washington’s war crimes. Today the Europeans are suffering the consequences as they are overrun by refugees.

According to many observers, Europeans have become accustomed to their role as hired vassals. They are more likely to enjoy their life enriched by American gratuities than to take risk for humanity.

KPI begins to formalize fascinating initiatives of Korean partners

By Vladimir V. Sytin

The 5th Korea-Ukraine Economic Forum entitled "Economic Cooperation within the Context of Eurasian Integration" took place at the National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kiev Polytechnic Institute" (KPI) on July 27-28.

In his speech of welcome, KPI Rector Mikhail Zgurovsky pointed out that the University is successfully applying the strategy of integration of education, research and innovation, providing the most fertile ground for leading engineering schools, creating an innovative environment, namely Science Park "Kyivska Polytechnica" that includes 110 high-tech companies based in the United States, European Union, China, Japan and Australia, as well as 14 venture funds and seven Ukrainian leading high-tech enterprises. According to him, cooperation with the Republic of Korea, which has defended the No. 1 spot for the fourth year running on the list of 50 most innovative economies in the Bloomberg Global Innovation Index, can play a huge role. Incidentally, the Wall Street Journal notes that Samsung Electronics, the Korean company best known for its smartphones and televisions, has recently taken the title of world’s largest chip maker by revenue, knocking Intel from a perch it held for nearly a quarter-century

Korea achieved great successes in the areas that are crucial for the economic development of Ukraine pursuing the path of reforms. The fascinating initiatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea are aimed at expanding cooperation between the two countries in the field of education, science and innovation, building up the institutional capacity of Ukrainian universities to develop the high-tech economy of Ukraine. As expected, discussions held within the Forum and recommendations will enable the implementation of joint international projects, using the scientific, educational and production potential of Ukraine, as well as the experience of Korea to build a competitive world-class economy.

Making his presentation, Sergey Sidorenko, KPI Vice-Rector for International Relations, said the Education Center of Information Technologies within the KPI setup was established in 2008 in accordance with the inter-governmental agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Korea. Further development of this Education Center is seen as the establishment of the Ukrainian-Korean Center for Education, Science and Innovation that will immediately become integrated into the innovative environment of the University. Specifically, the new Center will commence active cooperation with KPI startups, the All-Ukrainian Festival “Sikorsky Challenge” and other activities within the KPI innovation ecosystem.

As regards the educational direction of the Center, keeping focus on IT technologies will be parallel to the development of educational programs in the field of innovative management, innovative entrepreneurship, promotional campaigns and protection of the intellectual property. The new Center may well become the basic facility for development of wide-ranging collaboration between Korea and Ukraine in the field of education, science and innovation.

It is important to note that Prof. Young Moo Lee, President of Hanyang University, will visit the University on September 10-12 to finalize founding documents. In his presentation, Mr. Sidorenko highlighted the considerable amount of work done by Lee Young Goo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ukraine, and KPI Rector Mikhail Zgurovsky who gave a great deal of thought to preliminaries of the above concept.

Russian-born weapons to find loving new homes in Serbia

By Vladimir V. Sytin

To strengthen its defense capability, Serbia expects new shipments of Russian-born aircraft and tanks.

According to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, these measures will enable Belgrade to avoid another invasion of the aggressive NATO as was the case in 1999. "Today we have three or four MiG-29 fighter jets and there are no better warplanes for a close combat. When we equip our army with radars and air defense systems, our citizens will feel safe," he said.

Reportedly, Russia plans to deliver six MiG-29 fighter jets, as well as 30 T-72S tanks and 30 BRDM-2 armored reconnaissance vehicles to Serbia this year.

It is worth recalling that the Western alliance waged the bombing campaign against Serbia in 1999, although the Balkan country posed no threat whatsoever to NATO members. Unsurprisingly, the Serbian society is full of hatred for the Western alliance. The bombing campaign was seen by many analysts as a continuation of NATO's line to disregard the norms of international law.

Moscow extends counter-sanctions on U.S., its vassals

Russia has extended counter-sanctions on the European Union and other countries until December 31, 2018 in retaliation to the West's action against Moscow. Specifically, Russia banned wholesale imports of agricultural produce, primary commodities and food products from the United States and its vassals including Canada, Australia and Iceland.

The Kremlin stated that restrictions are aimed at some countries in consideration of the extent of their involvement in the Brussels bloc of sanctions against Russia. Reportedly, the counter-sanctions are helping spur the development of Russian agriculture.

According to analyst Kevin Massengill, President Vladimir Putin perfectly understands that patience and strategic positioning are the keys to a successful endgame for Russia.

The opinion poll in Ukraine: Do you support the introduction of visa travel to and from Russia?

Yes (%)       33
No (%)        51
No answer (%) 16
Source: Democratic Initiatives Foundation, Razumkov Center

'Russian Threat' created to justify vast budget for U.S. military/security complex

Commenting on the significant expansion of U.S. sanctions against Russian individuals and legal entities, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that this decision prevents Moscow from continuing a dialog with Washington.

According to him, it is disquieting that this step, motivated by domestic political consideration in the United States, pursues the same path of destroying relations between the two countries, which was taken by the Obama regime.

"Regrettably, the new American leadership is taking its cue from inveterate Russophobes in U.S. Congress, which simply ran out of ideas of annoying us and, most importantly, obliterating any prospects for recovering balance in Russia-U.S. relations," stated Mr. Ryabkov.

Paul Craig Roberts, chairman of the Institute for Political Economy, wrote that U.S. president Trump, being in real estate and entertainment, was unaware of the landmines he was stepping on when he said it was time to normalize relations with Russia and to rethink the purpose of NATO. The U.S. military/security complex sits on a budget extracted from very hard-pressed American taxpayers of $1,000 billion annually. By threatening to normalize relations with the enemy, which was created in order to justify this vast budget, Trump presented as the major threat to the American National Security State's power and profit.

It is important to note that the budget for the U.S. military/security complex is the largest in the world. It includes not only the Pentagon's budget but also the budget of 16 U.S. intelligence agencies and the Department of Energy, which is the location of the Oak Ridge nuclear weapons plant and 16 other laboratories.

At present, analysts think Trump is clueless about what he is doing in the White House and is being advised by a cacophonous coterie of amateurs and nincompoops. So, he has no action plan except to impulsively reach for his Twitter account.

KPI implements four worthwhile projects within SPS Program

By Vladimir V. Sytin

The four projects implemented by scientists of Igor Sikorsky Kiev Polytechnic Institute (KPI) serve as a concrete example of successful scientific cooperation between Ukrainian universities and NATO within the framework of the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Program. These projects are:

1. "Development of Mine and IED Recognition System Based on Ultrawideband Technology" (Prof. Sergey Bunin, Partner Country Project Manager, Institute of Telecommunication Systems), funding totals EUR300,000

2. "Long-Range Stand-Off Microwave Radar for Personnel Protection" (Prof. Viktor Naidenko, Partner Country Project Manager, Faculty of Radio Engineering), funding totals EUR200,000

3. "Infrared Transparent Windows for High-Speed Aerial Vehicles" (Andrei Ragulya, Partner Country Project Manager and Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine), funding totals EUR420,500.

4. "Modeling and Mitigation of Social Disasters Caused by Catastrophes and Terrorism" (Prof. Natalia Pankratova, Partner Country Project Manager, Institute for Applied System Analysis), funding totals EUR120,000

Overall, the above projects are valued at a total of 1,040,500 euros that is equivalent to some 30 million grivnas. This sum is about 1.5 times national budget allocations to the KPI.

According to Mikhail Ilchenko, KPI Vice-Rector for Scientific Work, in addition to purely financial aspects of the implementation of the projects assigned by the NATO Research Council, their peculiarities are as follows:

- Considerable funds are allocated to buy research equipment and measuring units. In particular, KPI received modern speedy oscillographs, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, vector circle analyzers, industrial equipment designed for powder production of thermally, optically and mechanically compatible infrared transparent materials, among others.

- The complexity of problems being solved requires international cooperation. In this context, the Ukrainian-Norwegian joint project of developing the mine and IED recognition system based on ultrawideband technology can serve as an example. Original research on properties of ultrawideband signals was conducted by Ukrainian scientists led by Prof. Sergey Bunin of KPI while microchips of future mine detectors were made by their peers of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology led by Prof. Tor Sverre Lande. The developed mine detector will be capable of pinpointing plastic and metal mines in any ground at a depth of up to 0.5 meter, and their 3D image is displayed on the monitor of the device. The results of the first phase of this project were presented to Dr. Eyup Turmus, SPS Science Advisor. According to experts' estimates, this Ukrainian-Norwegian project is expected to make a breakthrough, solving the problems of mine clearing the world over.

- The portable microwave radar for personnel protection is being developed with the participation of KPI scientists. It is supposed to detect hidden weapons on the body of a certain person pinpointed in a crowd at a distance of 20 meters, particularly knives, pistols, grenades and the like. This information can help take timely relevant preventive measures. Also, the implementation of this project serves as the example of international cooperation. Specifically, Ukrainian scientists led by Prof. Viktor Naidenko are developing generators of ultrashort video pulses in the range of 150-200 picoseconds and specialized ultrabroadband antennas designed for their emission. At the same time, their Canadian peers at the Hamilton-based McMaster University, who are led by Prof. Natalia Koleva Nikolova are working on receivers of the above signals, as well as on their special processing and identification to get output information for radar users.

- The NATO project entitled "Infrared Transparent Ceramic Windows for High-Speed Aerial Vehicles" tackles the problem of developing IR-transparent materials for modern high-speed vehicles, particularly self-guided missile systems. The know-how of the project is based on the application of the technology of spark plasma sintering. This technology is of Ukrainian origin and it enables the creation of non-porous, superhard and refractory materials with exceptional mechanical properties in terms of hardness and strength. The practical development of theses materials has become possible, thanks to industrial equipment for powder production of materials under conditions of regulated pressure, vacuum and ultrahigh current. The equipment was acquired at the expense of the NATO project in the amount of 240,000 euros.

- And the fourth NATO project, which is carried out in KPI, deals with the development of tools to process large volumes of unstructured information generated by the mass media and the public. The results of this project help monitor and predict social processes, especially during social disturbances and disasters, particularly those caused by acts of terrorism. Research principles of this project relate to the know-how to evolve mechanisms of predicting and building quality models fit to describe social disasters. The situational analytical center of monitoring, detection and reaction to social disasters, which was established at the expense of the project, is using the developed techniques that provide decision-making support regarding the best practices to eliminate and reduce the negative consequences of a social disaster in the context of sustainable development and a fight against terrorism.

The essence of each of the four projects implemented by Igor Sikorsky KPI demonstrates conformity between tasks performed by this university and aims of the Science for Peace and Security Program.

It must be noted that the large scientific potential is concentrated in Ukrainian universities whose research is represented by the Council of Vice-Rectors for Scientific Work on a voluntary basis. Undoubtedly, its involvement in the tasks set by the Science for Peace and Security Program is requisite. The Council held preliminary consultations with heads of several universities. The following universities are ready to implement projects:

1. Kharkov Karazin National University - eight projects.

2. Odessa Mechnikov National University - two more projects, one of them being carried out already.

3. Uzhgorod National University - one project.

4. Igor Sikorsky KPI - four more projects.

5. Vinnitsa National Technical University - one project.

6. Dnepr National Metallurgical Academy of Ukraine - eight projects.

7. Kremenchug National University - one project.

The project proposals of Ukrainian universities offer concrete engineering developments in the field of security and defense, including cyber security and counter measures against external threats in information space, ecological and energy security, the impact of climate change on the defense capability, development of electronic warfare systems, protected telecommunication systems, georadars, identification of unsanctioned enclosures of radioactive materials on a masking background when transporting large objects, etc.

And last but not the least, the experience of the implementation of projects within the NATO Program is undoubtedly positive. However, the effectiveness of enlisting the great potential of Ukraine's science to implement the NATO Program will be higher if scientific circles solve the problem of registration of NATO projects with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine. So far, the registration in this country is the machine, which you go into as a pig and come out as a sausage.