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Country Profile for UKRAINE |
Risk Rating |
General Information |
Country Map |
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Red (High Risk)
InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are dangerous. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Amber (Moderate Risk) InTouch advice: Some parts of the country are dangerous. Travel with caution. Green (Low Risk) InTouch advice: Most parts of the country are safe. Travel freely. |
Capital: Kiev Major Languages: Ukrainian Currency: Hryvnia Timezone: GMT +2:00 |
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Overview
Overview
The political system in Ukraine is highly fragmented and continues to be torn between the West and Russia. In recent years the country maintained a pro-Western stance; however in January 2010 the pro-Russian Viktor Yanukovych was elected as the country’s president. The government has since pursued more pro-Russian policies, such as in April 2010 when the Ukrainian parliament agreed to extend Russia’s lease of a Black Sea naval base until 2042. This led to a violent brawl in parliament as pro-Western politicians threw eggs, punches and a smoke bomb into the chamber.
The political situation remains volatile and the divisions within the country have been replicated by incidents of civil unrest throughout the country. There have been a number of mass demonstrations motivated by political grievances and further incidents should be expected. Visitors should avoid all large scale public gatherings as a precaution and monitor local media sources for updates.
Levels of crime in Ukraine are rated at moderate. There has been a gradual increase in the rates of violent crimes, such as murder and assault, in recent years. The threat of violent crime is significantly higher in the capital, Kiev and foreigners have been targeted. There is also a significant threat of racially motivated attacks by right-wing groups in the country and travellers of non-Caucasian decent should be especially vigilant.
Alerts
Alert for Ukraine
Thousands gather for opposition rally in Kiev - 7 April 2013:
Around 7,000 opposition supporters have gathered in Ukraine's capital, Kiev, to protest against the government. The rally coincided with the release from prison of ex-interior minister Yuriy Lutsenko, a close ally of jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
Special forces rescue kidnapped British national - 11 March 2013:
Ukrainian special forces have rescued a kidnapped British tourist from the southern city of Dnipropetrovsk. The man called his family in the UK to say he was being held against his will by a group demanding a $25,000 ransom.
Hundreds protest alleged election fraud - 05 November 2012:
Hundreds of protesters have gathered in Kiev to protest against alleged fraud in last month's parliamentary elections. Three pro-Western opposition groups accuse the authorities of rigging results in the vote on 28 October.
Multiple explosions reported in Dnipropetrovsk - 27 April 2012:
Four explosions have been reported in the eastern city of Dnipropetrovsk, wounding at least 12 people. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Prominent trial sparks unrest in Kiev - 08 August 2011:
Hundreds of supporters of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko have gathered in the Ukrainian capital Kiev to protest against her arrest. Tymoshenko was jailed on Friday for contempt of court during her trial on charges of abuse of power while in office.
Data
Ukraine Data Sheet
Population: 44.8 million
Major Religion/s: : Christianity
International dialling code: +380
International dialling prefix: 810
Emergency services: Police 102, Medical 103, Fire 101
Drives: Right
Voltage: 220V
Climate: Temperate
Other Major Cities: Kharkiv, Odessa, Donetske, Lvov
Borders: Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland
Mobile Networks:
For more information visit:
Orange:
Vodafone:
O2:
http://www.o2international.co.uk/
T-Mobile:
Journalists Under Attack
Journalists Under Attack
- 29 Jan 2013 Former Ukrainian police officer jailed over journalist's murder
- 18 Dec 2012 Belarusian TV crew reportedly attacked in Ukrainian capital
- 11 Nov 2012 Yuriy Danylov
1 journalist casualties. - 27 Sep 2012 Investigative TV reporter hospitalized after beating near home
- 19 Oct 2011 Journalist shot in southern Ukraine
Media Safety
Media Safety
- 29 Jan 2013 Former Ukrainian police officer jailed over journalist's murder
A former Ukrainian police officer was jailed for life on Tuesday for the murder ... - 18 Dec 2012 Belarusian TV crew reportedly attacked in Ukrainian capital
A crew of Belarusian [state-run] Nationwide TV (ONT) has said that it has been ... - 11 Nov 2012 Yuriy Danylov
Sports journalist Yuriy Danylov died Nov. 11, 2012 at Kiev’s Sports Palace, following a ... - 27 Sep 2012 Investigative TV reporter hospitalized after beating near home
A reporter for 1+1’ s Hroshi (money) investigative program was beaten by two unidentified ... - 19 Oct 2011 Journalist shot in southern Ukraine
Mykolayiv journalist Oleksandr Vlashchenko was shot for his critical articles, his colleagues believe. A 26-year-old ...