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.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Monday, July 24, 2017
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
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 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.
Friday, July 14, 2017
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
No (%) 51
No answer (%) 16
Source: Democratic Initiatives Foundation, Razumkov Center
Friday, July 7, 2017
'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.
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.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
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.
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.
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