Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate told Sputnik that it does not take part in the efforts of Kiev's authorities and non-canonical Orthodox organizations to establish a single independent church in the country or the so-called Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, according to Sputnik. 

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed decrees dismissing Mykola Baltazhy as Ukraine's ambassador to Bulgaria and appointing Vitaliy Moskalenko to this post. 

The decrees have been posted on the website of the head of state.

In addition, the president signed a decree appointing Maksym Subkh as Ukraine's ambassador to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. 

Putin sends New Year's greetings to Serbian counterpart

MOSCOW -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the upcoming New Year and Christmas holidays to his Serbian counterpart Tomislav Nikolic.

Namely, both nations celebrate Christmas on January 7, according to the calendar used by the Orthodox Church.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a bill allowing the concession of underground gas depots to EU and US companies especially created for that purpose.

Under the new legislation Ukraine's gas transmission grid will remain state-owned, but companies will be able t have shares and to manage its depots and pipe system.