“Askania-Nova” natural reserve director smuggles endangered animals to Russia
Source: National Police of Ukraine
On Wendesday, Ukrainian police have charged a Russian-appointed director ofthe “Askania-Nova” biosphere reserve of illegally transporting endangered animals to Russia.
Accoding to investigation, the 48-year-old Kherson native used his authority to smuggle several animals to Russia. Among those taken to Russia were two Chapman’s zebras, two American bison, two Przewalski’s horses, and two David’s deer. The illegal act caused the natural reserve damages amounting to 22.2 million hryvnias.
Authorities have charged him with violating the laws and customs of war, an offense carrying a penalty of up to 12 years in prison. It is the second criminal case filed against the collaborator.
Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.
The 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received another batch of supplies as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. This time, the military received seven quad bikes and four mobile shower and bath units.
In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.
Petro Poroshenko’s lawyers have appealed to the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding that NABU be obligated to register proceedings regarding the fact of exerting influence on the court and to recognize Petro Poroshenko as a victim in the case of the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, due to her pressure on Supreme Court judges who were considering a lawsuit to overturn sanctions.
Internationally recognized brands and financial institutions should direct capital to Ukraine now, not waiting for the hostilities to end. This was emphasized by Rinat Akhmetov, president of FC Shakhtar, during a working visit to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where he met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.