The Ambassador of China to Ukraine was hospitalised yesterday after a Range Rover coming off the pavement smashed into his car near Shota Rustaveli. Kiev’s pavements are commonly viewed as an extra lane by many drivers, particularly those with expensive cars.
Mercer, the consulting arm of Marsh & McLennan, forecasts a 10 percent increase in Ukrainian salaries for 2008. They will however be matched by similar increase in inflation, resulting in no net gain in wealth for workers. The figures were released in the company’s Annual Worldwide Pay Survey, published yesterday.
Canadian rock singer Bryan Adams will be performing at Kiev’s Palats Sportu on November 30. Tickets are available from Bilitek on 493-2020.
Those planning a visit to Kiev in the near future should pack extra clothing as the temperature of their hotel room may possibly match that outside. On Tuesday Russian energy giant Gazprom said it will cut gas supplies to Ukraine if it fails to pay $1 billion it owes for supplies. Things could get a little chilly.
Dynamo Kiev want to bring former player Andriy Shevchenko back to Ukraine. Club president Hryhoriy Surkis stated that he is unable to afford to buy the player but is willing to pay his wages. Chelsea paid AC Milan £30 million in May 2006, a British transfer record. Despite this he has failed to command a regular place in the Chelsea first team and is widely regarded as one of the biggest flops in British football.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Economy has published a report revealing that 39 percent of the country’s economy is operating in the black market. In 2007 it is estimated that a staggering 227 billion dollars of economic activity will be declared and hence not subject to taxation. The report reveals that unrecorded payments of salaries in cash are widespread in businesses of all sizes.
Global Gathering, one of the UK’s most famous dance festivals, is coming to Ukraine. This weekend up to 30,000 revellers are expected to descend on the Chayka Aerodrome, just outside Kiev, for this massive open-air event. DJ’s scheduled to appear include Sasha, John Digweed, and Erick Morillo.
The event takes place on July 14, from 2 pm till late. Ticket prices start at Hr 120 and can be booked by calling 8-800-507-6000.
The EU has relaxed visa regulations for Ukrainians, allowing students, children and senior citizens to obtain visas free of charge. The Ukraine dropped visa requirements for European Union citizens in 2005.
Kiev has been ranked the 28th most expensive city in the world for expatriate workers according to a survey released by Mercer, the consulting arm of Marsh & McLennan. Last year the Ukrainian capital was ranked 21st in its Worldwide Cost of Living Survey. Moscow retained its place as the most expensive city in the world.
Elton John will be holding a free concert on Kiev’s Independence Square tomorrow (June 16). The performance will begin at 8 pm and is aimed at raising AIDS awareness amongst young Ukrainians.