You're reading: Ukraine Digest: Thursday, March 5

Parliament dismisses Riaboshapka as prosecutor general – Read the story here.

Ukraine to close schools, cancel public events to prevent coronavirus spread

“We will prohibit mass events, conferences, sporting events and temporarily close schools,” the health ministry announced on March 5.

Video: Who’s who in Ukraine’s new Cabinet of Ministers

Watch our breakdown of the controversial new Cabinet formed in the wake of PM Honcharuk’s departure.

Zelensky on cabinet replacement: ‘We made mistakes but we’re staying on course’ (TRANSCRIPT)

Read President Volodymyr Zelensky’s March 4 remarks to the Verkhovna Rada on the transition.

Kyiv’s HVLV bar made it, lost it,  made it again

Founded by students in 2015, HVLV — pronounced Khvylovy – has transformed from a DIY, friends-only pub to a trendy party spot.

Barbie launches doll inspired by Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan

Global toy manufacturer Mattel created the Kharlan doll as part of its Role Models” series designed in the likeness of successful women.

Movie ‘Cherkasy’ pays homage to ‘last Ukrainian warship in Crimea’

The film has hit screens nationwide.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

As Ukraine’s massive government reset continues this week, parliament weighed the dismissal of Prosecutor General Rusla Riaboshapka on March 5.

When Riaboshapka spoke with the Kyiv Post in November 2019, he declared that “There are no untouchables in Ukraine” when it comes to prosecuting corruption.  While his job was admittedly not an easy one, disappointment in Riaboshapka’s unwillingness to go after powerful figures, particularly former President Petro Poroshenko, has calcified into a relatively united push for his dismissal among party members.

As the Kyiv Post reported, Poroshenko narrowly avoided charges in two abuse of office cases on Feb. 28.

Under Riaboshapka’s leadership, the department overseeing investigations into EuroMaidan related cases was also eliminated, outraging activists and prompting accusations that the Prosecutor General was intentionally preventing proper investigations in the cases. Read our February cover story “6 years on, EuroMaidan investigations are unlikely to bring justice” for more.