You're reading: Ukraine Digest – Dec. 11

Zelensky privatizes state-owned alcohol monopoly

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law abolishing Ukrspryt’s monopoly on alcohol production starting in 2020.

Russia banned from sporting events for 4 years for doping

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned Russia from all sporting events, including the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

NGOs say High Council of Justice rules may kill judicial reform

The judiciary’s main governing body published rules on Dec. 11 that cast doubt on whether Ukraine’s recent judicial reform law will succeed.

Conference affirms bipartisan American support for Ukraine

Republican and Democratic politicians met under the dome of the U.S. Capitol building in a united demonstration of support for Ukraine on Dec. 4.

Strengthening hryvnia defies expectations

The Ukrainian currency reached Hr 23.69 per $1 on Dec. 11 despite analyst predictions that the hryvnia would weaken against the dollar.

To innovate in tech, fail more

During the final panel discussion at the Kyiv Post Tiger Conference on Dec. 10, speakers said Ukrainian entrepreneurs need to be less afraid of failure.

Noteworthy:

RFE/RL: Ukrainian filmmaker Sentsov registers for military service

UNIAN: US calls on Russia to immediately release Crimean Tatars

UkrInform: Lavrov says sanctions won’t stop construction of Nord Stream 2