 Since September, 1996, the crew of STB broadcast news (under title "Vikna" (eng.- "Windows")) on the frequency of UT-2.In 1999, STB fell under the influence of companies of the Russian Lukoil Group through its Norcross Corporation because of pro Russia pro Kremlin pro Putin Leonid Kuchma's support for aggressive actions taken against STB management's independent position in early 1999 resulting in , who made STB into a very pro Kuchma platform, becoming the executive president of the network on September 6, 1999.In 2000 the popularity of the channel rose.