themoscowtimes--2020-01-27--Russian Church’s Controversial Ex-Spokesman Dies at 51

`` Unfortunately , it is true , he died right in front of the church , '' TASS quoted the press service of the Church of the Venerable Theodore the Studite at Nikitsky Gate as saying Sunday evening .
Chaplin had served as prior there since 2016 .
Former Russian Orthodox Church spokesman Vsevolod Chaplin , one of the most controversial and well-known figures in the Church , has died at the age of 51 outside his church in Moscow , the state-run TASS news agency reported .
The preliminary cause of Chaplin ’ s death was determined to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told TASS .
The staunchly conservative priest had worked as the Church ’ s spokesman from 2009 until he was fired in 2015 .
The Church initially said he was let go because a new public relations department had been created , but the priest said conflicts with Church leader Patriarch Kirill led to his firing .
“ Now most of the decisions are made by His Holiness the Patriarch alone .
This is wrong , this must change , ” he said at the time .
The priest drew widespread controversy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stalin .
“ He [ Stalin ] did a lot .
At the end of it all , what 's so bad about destroying some of [ Russia 's ] internal enemies ?
, ” Chaplin said in reference to Stalin ’ s repressions that killed millions of Russians .
“ There are some people you should kill .
Even God , if we read the Old and New Testaments , directly authorized the destruction of a large number of people as a message to others .
Not as a punishment or revenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need the destruction of those who are worthy of destruction , '' he said .
He had also railed against the U.S. legalization of same-sex marriage as a `` godless and sinful thing '' ; called upon Russia 's faithful to replace the current “ tired , corrupt and cynical ” political elite with devout leadership ; and said that Russia ’ s mission in the world is to stop `` the American project . ''
Recently , Chaplin had come out against a draft law that would re-criminalize domestic violence .

"Unfortunately, it is true, he died right in front of the church," TASS quoted the press service of the Church of the Venerable Theodore the Studite at Nikitsky Gate as saying Sunday evening. Chaplin had served as prior there since 2016.
Former Russian Orthodox Church spokesman Vsevolod Chaplin, one of the most controversial and well-known figures in the Church, has died at the age of 51 outside his church in Moscow, the state-run TASS news agency reported .
The preliminary cause of Chaplin’s death was determined to be cardiac arrest, an unnamed medical source told TASS.
The staunchly conservative priest had worked as the Church’s spokesman from 2009 until he was fired in 2015.
The Church initially said he was let go because a new public relations department had been created, but the priest said conflicts with Church leader Patriarch Kirill led to his firing. “Now most of the decisions are made by His Holiness the Patriarch alone. This is wrong, this must change,” he said at the time.
The priest drew widespread controversy in 2016 after publicly declaring his support for Stalin.
“He [Stalin] did a lot. At the end of it all, what's so bad about destroying some of [Russia's] internal enemies?,” Chaplin said in reference to Stalin’s repressions that killed millions of Russians.
“There are some people you should kill. Even God, if we read the Old and New Testaments, directly authorized the destruction of a large number of people as a message to others. Not as a punishment or revenge, but as edification. Sometimes societies need the destruction of those who are worthy of destruction," he said.
He had also railed against the U.S. legalization of same-sex marriage as a "godless and sinful thing"; called upon Russia's faithful to replace the current “tired, corrupt and cynical” political elite with devout leadership; and said that Russia’s mission in the world is to stop "the American project." Recently, Chaplin had come out against a draft law that would re-criminalize domestic violence.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-27--At Least 140 Russians in China’s Virus-Stricken Province – Embassy

The coronavirus outbreak that began in the city of Wuhan in late December has killed 81 people in China so far and infected more than 2,750 globally , most of them in China .
The virus has caused alarm because it is still too early to know how dangerous it is and how easily it spreads , and humans have not been able to build immunity to it .
At least 140 Russian citizens are currently in the virus-stricken province of Hubei in central China , the state-run TASS news agency cited Russia ’ s Embassy in China as saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 140 Russian citizens in Hubei are students , the embassy ’ s attache Georgy Yegorov told TASS .
“ We ’ re in communication with all of them , ” Yegorov was quoted as saying .
“ These 140 people tell us they ’ re provided with everything they need , ” he added .
Russian nationals in Wuhan described the difficulty of leaving the nearly deserted city in interviews with Russian tabloids last week .
Russia ’ s embassy said it was consulting with China about possibly evacuating Russian citizens from Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan , Australia and the United States have all said they are working to evacuate citizens from Wuhan .
Russian tour operators have also stopped selling tours to China and are only bringing Russian tourists back , Dmitry Gorin , vice president of the Association of Russian Tour Operators , said Monday .
The previously unknown coronavirus strain is believed to have emerged late last year from illegally traded wildlife at an animal market in Wuhan , a city of 11 million people .
The death toll in Hubei province stood at 76 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of the end of the day Sunday , there were 1,423 confirmed cases in Hubei province .
Beijing has extended the Lunar New Year holiday and big businesses have shut down or told staff to work from home in an effort to curb the spread .
The World Health Organization said that while the outbreak was an emergency for China , it was not yet a global health emergency .

The coronavirus outbreak that began in the city of Wuhan in late December has killed 81 people in China so far and infected more than 2,750 globally, most of them in China. The virus has caused alarm because it is still too early to know how dangerous it is and how easily it spreads, and humans have not been able to build immunity to it.
At least 140 Russian citizens are currently in the virus-stricken province of Hubei in central China, the state-run TASS news agency cited Russia’s Embassy in China as saying Monday.
More than half of the 140 Russian citizens in Hubei are students, the embassy’s attache Georgy Yegorov told TASS.
“We’re in communication with all of them,” Yegorov was quoted as saying.
“These 140 people tell us they’re provided with everything they need,” he added.
Russian nationals in Wuhan described the difficulty of leaving the nearly deserted city in interviews with Russian tabloids last week.
Russia’s embassy said it was consulting with China about possibly evacuating Russian citizens from Wuhan and Hubei. France, Italy, Japan, Australia and the United States have all said they are working to evacuate citizens from Wuhan.
Russian tour operators have also stopped selling tours to China and are only bringing Russian tourists back, Dmitry Gorin, vice president of the Association of Russian Tour Operators, said Monday.
The previously unknown coronavirus strain is believed to have emerged late last year from illegally traded wildlife at an animal market in Wuhan, a city of 11 million people.
The death toll in Hubei province stood at 76 as of Monday, authorities reported. As of the end of the day Sunday, there were 1,423 confirmed cases in Hubei province.
Beijing has extended the Lunar New Year holiday and big businesses have shut down or told staff to work from home in an effort to curb the spread.
The World Health Organization said that while the outbreak was an emergency for China, it was not yet a global health emergency.
Reuters contributed reporting to this article.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-27--Fresh Russian-U.S. ‘Skirmish’ Reported in Syria

Russian and U.S. forces have faced off for what could be the fourth time in less than two weeks in oil-rich northeastern Syria , the local Kurdish news outlet Anha reported Saturday .
Video of the reported standoff in the Hasakah province showed a Russian-flagged armored vehicle and what appeared to be two U.S. Army armored vehicles standing on a highway off-ramp .
Following the “ skirmish ” at the entrance to the town of Tal Tamr — which lies on a highway to the region ’ s key oilfields — the U.S. and Russian convoys reportedly headed in different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flew over Tal Tamr half an hour after the incident , Anha reported .
The outlet did not say how long the standoff lasted .
American troops have blocked a Russian convoy from accessing oil fields at least four times in the past eight days , Turkey ’ s Daily Sabah newspaper reported Sunday .
U.S. troops also “ blocked ” a Russian military patrol from accessing an oilfield in the Hasakah town of Rmelan on Jan. 18 .
The latest standoff took place two days after Kurdish forces similarly prevented Russian troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establish a military zone near the Rmelan oilfield , Turkey ’ s Anadolu news agency reported .
Commenting on that incident , a top U.S.-led coalition commander said `` the Russians are always testing us , '' Anadolu reported Thursday .
U.S. and Russian forces maintain bases in northeastern Syria .
The two countries have experienced “ hiccups ” in their military deconfliction efforts in Syria , James Jeffrey , the U.S. special envoy for Syrian engagement and the anti-Islamic State coalition , said Thursday .
Russia has waged an air and sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Assad since 2015 as Moscow 's Middle East ally has grappled with a years-long civil war .
The U.S.-led coalition deployed in the war-torn country in 2014 .

Russian and U.S. forces have faced off for what could be the fourth time in less than two weeks in oil-rich northeastern Syria, the local Kurdish news outlet Anha reported Saturday. Video of the reported standoff in the Hasakah province showed a Russian-flagged armored vehicle and what appeared to be two U.S. Army armored vehicles standing on a highway off-ramp.
US forces has blocked an Russian military patrol eastern entrace of Tell tamr city and blocked the way to M4 international road. Russian military patrol were forced to retreat back to Tell tamr city. pic.twitter.com/XY4CfTXzYj — Rojava Network (@RojavaNetwork) January 25, 2020
Following the “skirmish” at the entrance to the town of Tal Tamr — which lies on a highway to the region’s key oilfields — the U.S. and Russian convoys reportedly headed in different directions. Russian helicopters and U.S. warplanes flew over Tal Tamr half an hour after the incident, Anha reported. The outlet did not say how long the standoff lasted. American troops have blocked a Russian convoy from accessing oil fields at least four times in the past eight days, Turkey’s Daily Sabah newspaper reported Sunday. U.S. troops also “blocked” a Russian military patrol from accessing an oilfield in the Hasakah town of Rmelan on Jan. 18.
A Russian army helicopter flies over a patrol of US soldiers in the town of Tal Tamr in Syria's Hasakeh province on the border with Turkey
📸 Delil Souleiman pic.twitter.com/gcHZwsqHdC — AFP news agency (@AFP) January 27, 2020


themoscowtimes--2020-01-27--News From Russia: What You Missed Over the Weekend

A U.S.-Israeli woman jailed in Russia on drug charges for having cannabis in her luggage during an airport layover has @ @ @ @ @ Interfax reported , citing a statement from her lawyers .
The Kremlin said earlier that @ @ @ @ @ Issachar to be granted a presidential pardon without her first formally requesting one .
Israel @ @ @ @ @ release Issachar , who was sentenced by a Russian court to seven and a half @ @ @ @ @ offenses in October .
Russia is consulting with China about possibly evacuating Russian citizens from @ @ @ @ @ and Hubei province , the center of an outbreak of a new flu-like virus , @ @ @ @ @ cited the Russian Embassy in Beijing as saying .
No Russians have yet been infected @ @ @ @ @ RIA quoted the embassy 's press attache in China as saying .
President Vladimir Putin @ @ @ @ @ Prosecutor General to investigate whether the guilty verdict for Moscow protester Konstantin Kotov was lawful @ @ @ @ @

A U.S.-Israeli woman jailed in Russia on drug charges for having cannabis in her luggage during an airport layover has asked for a pardon, Interfax reported , citing a statement from her lawyers.
The Kremlin said earlier that it was impossible for Naama Issachar to be granted a presidential pardon without her first formally requesting one. Israel has called on Russia to release Issachar, who was sentenced by a Russian court to seven and a half years in jail for drug offenses in October.
Virus evacuations
Russia is consulting with China about possibly evacuating Russian citizens from the Chinese city of Wuhan and Hubei province, the center of an outbreak of a new flu-like virus, the state-run RIA news agency cited the Russian Embassy in Beijing as saying.
No Russians have yet been infected with the new coronavirus, RIA quoted the embassy's press attache in China as saying.
Protest review
President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russia’s Prosecutor General to investigate whether the guilty verdict for Moscow protester Konstantin Kotov was lawful, the Kremlin said.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-27--Russian Governor Faces Axe for Key-Dangling Video – Reports

A Russian governor is facing expulsion from the country ’ s ruling party following two weeks of controversial actions and comments , the Kommersant business daily reported Monday .
Mikhail Ignatyev , who heads the republic of Chuvashia 680 kilometers east of Moscow , made national headlines for saying critical journalists should be “ wiped out ” on Jan. 18 .
Ignatyev sparked fresh criticism Friday after video showed him dangling a set of keys to a fire engine above a firefighter , forcing him to jump in order to retrieve them .
The United Russia ruling party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expel Ignatyev from its ranks Monday , an unnamed party source told Kommersant .
Following Kommersant 's report , unnamed party leadership sources told the state-run TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies that United Russia had formally adopted the recommendation to oust Ignatyev .
The Chuvash administration ’ s press service and the regional fire department defended Ignatyev ’ s latest actions as a “ friendly joke , ” saying the jumping firefighter is the governor ’ s longtime acquaintance .
Ignatyev also apologized for using the phrase “ wipe out ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words had been “ distorted.
” The Open Media online news outlet , citing unnamed sources close to the Kremlin , predicted Ignatyev would leave his position “ within the next month or two ” after the series of controversies .
Other online outlets reported that Kremlin officials are still discussing Ignatyev ’ s fate , which the outlets wrote will be decided later this week .
The Kremlin said it was aware of Ignatyev ’ s actions but declined to comment on them , Interfax reported Monday .
Ignatyev ’ s controversies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have been caught insulting regular citizens , at times using terms like “ excrement ” and “ riff-raff ” to refer to them .
Russia ’ s parliament last spring rejected a proposal to fine officials for disrespecting voters .
Later in 2019 , it passed a law that made “ blatant disrespect ” toward the authorities a criminal offense .

Update: President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Ignatyev from office a day after the governor was expelled from United Russia, Interfax reported Wednesday. An interim governor has been appointed in his place. A Russian governor is facing expulsion from the country’s ruling party following two weeks of controversial actions and comments, the Kommersant business daily reported Monday. Mikhail Ignatyev, who heads the republic of Chuvashia 680 kilometers east of Moscow, made national headlines for saying critical journalists should be “wiped out” on Jan. 18. Ignatyev sparked fresh criticism Friday after video showed him dangling a set of keys to a fire engine above a firefighter, forcing him to jump in order to retrieve them.
The United Russia ruling party’s ethics committee will advise its regional branch to expel Ignatyev from its ranks Monday, an unnamed party source told Kommersant. Following Kommersant's report, unnamed party leadership sources told the state-run TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies that United Russia had formally adopted the recommendation to oust Ignatyev. The Chuvash administration’s press service and the regional fire department defended Ignatyev’s latest actions as a “friendly joke,” saying the jumping firefighter is the governor’s longtime acquaintance. Ignatyev also apologized for using the phrase “wipe out” in reference to journalists and said his words had been “distorted.”


themoscowtimes--2020-01-27--China Surpasses Russia as World's No. 2 Arms Producer – Think Tank

SIPRI had previously excluded Chinese arms companies from its annual ranking over a lack of transparency , placing Russia second behind the United States in weapons production in 2017 .
China has leapfrogged Russia to become the world ’ s second-largest arms producer , according to revised research for the year 2017 published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute ( SIPRI ) on Monday .
SIPRI ’ s new research based on what it says is credible financial information estimates the scale of China ’ s 2017 weapons production at $ 54.1 billion .
The $ 54.1 billion worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arms makers surpasses the $ 37.7 billion worth of weapons sold by 10 Russian companies that year , it said .
Three of the largest Chinese companies would have been ranked in the top 10 in 2017 , downgrading major Russian arms producer Almaz-Antey to the 13th spot .
Sales by the world ’ s 20 largest arms companies , including Almaz-Antey and the four newly included Chinese companies , totaled $ 284.1 billion that year , according to the revised figures .
SIPRI said China ’ s opaque arms industry is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report lays the groundwork for further research .
“ This research represents the most comprehensive picture of Chinese companies ’ weapons production to date , ” the think tank said in a press release .

SIPRI had previously excluded Chinese arms companies from its annual ranking over a lack of transparency, placing Russia second behind the United States in weapons production in 2017.
China has leapfrogged Russia to become the world’s second-largest arms producer, according to revised research for the year 2017 published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on Monday.
SIPRI’s new research based on what it says is credible financial information estimates the scale of China’s 2017 weapons production at $54.1 billion.
The $54.1 billion worth of weapons sold by four listed Chinese arms makers surpasses the $37.7 billion worth of weapons sold by 10 Russian companies that year, it said.
Three of the largest Chinese companies would have been ranked in the top 10 in 2017, downgrading major Russian arms producer Almaz-Antey to the 13th spot.
Sales by the world’s 20 largest arms companies, including Almaz-Antey and the four newly included Chinese companies, totaled $284.1 billion that year, according to the revised figures.
SIPRI said China’s opaque arms industry is likely larger than estimated, adding that its report lays the groundwork for further research.
“This research represents the most comprehensive picture of Chinese companies’ weapons production to date,” the think tank said in a press release.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-27--Russia Detains Japanese Journalist in Espionage Row With Tokyo

Update : Russia has expelled a Japanese journalist for trying to obtain secret information related to Russian military capabilities , the state-run RIA news agency reported Monday , in a tit-for-tat move following Japan 's arrest of Araki on espionage suspicions .
The journalist , whom it did n't name , had been given 72 hours to leave Russia and had already left .
Russia 's Foreign Ministry has summoned a Japanese embassy official to make an official diplomatic protest over the incident , RIA reported .
`` The Japanese citizen was detained by Russian law enforcement officers in Vladivostok @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to receive secret materials about Russia 's military potential in the Far East , '' the ministry was quoted as saying .
Authorities in Japan have arrested a former employee of the SoftBank telecoms and internet company on suspicion of leaking trade secrets , the corporation said Saturday .
Yutaka Araki , 48 , is accused of providing the phone-carrier information to two Russian officials whom Japanese police suspect of engaging in espionage , the Kyodo and Jiji news agencies reported .
SoftBank called the information allegedly stolen on Feb. 18 , 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Update: Russia has expelled a Japanese journalist for trying to obtain secret information related to Russian military capabilities, the state-run RIA news agency reported Monday, in a tit-for-tat move following Japan's arrest of Araki on espionage suspicions.
The journalist, whom it didn't name, had been given 72 hours to leave Russia and had already left. Russia's Foreign Ministry has summoned a Japanese embassy official to make an official diplomatic protest over the incident, RIA reported.
"The Japanese citizen was detained by Russian law enforcement officers in Vladivostok on Dec. 25, 2019, trying to receive secret materials about Russia's military potential in the Far East," the ministry was quoted as saying.
A person familiar with Kyodo's thinking said Russia's announcement seemed to be "revenge for SoftBank."
Authorities in Japan have arrested a former employee of the SoftBank telecoms and internet company on suspicion of leaking trade secrets, the corporation said Saturday.
Yutaka Araki, 48, is accused of providing the phone-carrier information to two Russian officials whom Japanese police suspect of engaging in espionage, the Kyodo and Jiji news agencies reported. SoftBank called the information allegedly stolen on Feb. 18, 2019, “low in confidentiality.”


themoscowtimes--2020-01-28--'I'm Not Baggage': Russian Pets Unite in Flashmob After Cats' Airplane Death

Russian airline Aeroflot has become a target for social media criticism yet again after two cats were killed and another diagnosed with frostbite after flying from New York to Moscow in the plane ’ s cargo hold .
The fatal incident is the latest blow to the airline ’ s public image after it stripped the airline miles from a passenger who snuck his overweight cat into the cabin because he feared the cat wouldn ’ t survive a trip in the cargo hold .
After the cats ’ deaths , Russian users took to Aeroflot ’ s social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which were deleted .
Soon , the comments transformed into a flashmob of photos showing pets in suitcases next to a sign saying “ I ’ m not baggage .
I ’ m a passenger !
” Here ’ s a look at some of the pets who stood together in solidarity : `` 'Your dog is a suitcase for us , @ aeroflot says .
And this is not a problem for Aeroflot alone .
This is the general approach to passengers with pets . ''
`` 'Your dog is baggage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but for some , a dog is a living , loving , feeling family member .
@ svo_airport perhaps it ’ s enough for killing ? ''
“ There will be no discussions about the inadmissibility of the situation with Aeroflot… I [ never ] register my dogs as baggage.
” Some users told their stories of animal cruelty during flights and called for actions to be taken to hold airlines accountable for pets ' safety .
“ After my experience , I started shouting about bad attitude toward animals and their owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be silent and to call the airline and airport for responsibility.
” “ Cruelty ca n't be justified by orders and regulations .
Why do they begin to act and change something only after something irreparable happens ?
”

Russian airline Aeroflot has become a target for social media criticism yet again after two cats were killed and another diagnosed with frostbite after flying from New York to Moscow in the plane’s cargo hold. The fatal incident is the latest blow to the airline’s public image after it stripped the airline miles from a passenger who snuck his overweight cat into the cabin because he feared the cat wouldn’t survive a trip in the cargo hold.
After the cats’ deaths, Russian users took to Aeroflot’s social media pages to leave negative comments, many of which were deleted. Soon, the comments transformed into a flashmob of photos showing pets in suitcases next to a sign saying “I’m not baggage. I’m a passenger!” Here’s a look at some of the pets who stood together in solidarity: "'Your dog is a suitcase for us, @aeroflot says. And this is not a problem for Aeroflot alone. This is the general approach to passengers with pets."
"'Your dog is baggage for us' @aeroflot thinks, but for some, a dog is a living, loving, feeling family member. @svo_airport perhaps it’s enough for killing?"
“There will be no discussions about the inadmissibility of the situation with Aeroflot… I [never] register my dogs as baggage.”
“We demand decisive action from air carriers and airports to prevent such horror in the future!”
Some users told their stories of animal cruelty during flights and called for actions to be taken to hold airlines accountable for pets' safety. “After my experience, I started shouting about bad attitude toward animals and their owners during the flight to encourage people not to be silent and to call the airline and airport for responsibility.”
“A question for the Aeroflot employees who did this — are you human beings?”
“Cruelty can't be justified by orders and regulations. Why do they begin to act and change something only after something irreparable happens?”


themoscowtimes--2020-01-28--Russia and Poland’s Holocaust War of Words, in Quotes

Russian President Vladimir Putin in December blasted a European Parliament resolution blaming the 1939 Soviet-Nazi Molotov-Ribbentrop pact for the outbreak of war .
Putin claimed that Western powers ’ own dealings with Hitler had led to the war .
Russia and Poland are in the midst of a long-running spat over what caused World War II as Moscow prepares to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany this spring .
Last week , Polish President Andrzej Duda boycotted Holocaust commemorations in Israel over Putin ’ s presence as a guest of honor .
Putin , meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosted by Duda .
Ukraine waded into the fray at the 75th anniversary of the Auschwitz death camp ’ s liberation Monday , with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appearing to side with Poland against Russia .
Here ’ s a brief overview of the Russian-Polish war of words : What Russia is saying “ Yes , Soviet troops entered Poland under the [ 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact ] protocols .
[ But ] the troops entered only after the Polish government lost control over their armed forces and over the developments in Poland.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their deliberate , planned , and as they said , ‘ final solution to the Jewish issue , ’ is one of the darkest and most shameful pages of modern world history .
But we should not forget that this crime also had accomplices .
They were often crueler than their masters .
Death factories and concentration camps were [ run ] not only by the Nazis , but also by their accomplices in many European countries.
” “ Ukraine ’ s president sides with what we see as the Polish leadership ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tens of millions of Russians and citizens of [ post-Soviet ] countries whose parents , grandparents and relatives gave their lives for the liberation of Europe , including Poland , from fascism.
” “ We don ’ t accept [ Zelenskiy ’ s ] statement , we consider it erroneous and offensive from the point of view of the memory of our grandfathers.
” What Poland is saying “ The Sejm of the Republic of Poland condemns the provocative and untrue statements by representatives of the highest authorities of the Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Second World War.
” How the international community is reacting “ Poland and the Polish people were the first to feel the complicity of [ Nazi and Soviet ] totalitarian regimes .
This led to the outbreak of World War II and allowed the Nazis to launch the deadly Holocaust machine.
” “ We remember that during the war the Polish nation fought with great courage but we remember too that there were not a few in the Polish nation who stood by and even contributed to the murder of Jews.
” What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of social and political research at the independent Levada Center polling agency : “ There is a manipulation and politicization of the Holocaust to show to Poland and the world that we have our own historical truth .
And in connection with the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory , to affirm that Russia is the main hero and that it is impossible to delve into the dark spots and the toll of the war.
” “ But Poland ’ s leadership is so conservative that they have also adopted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poland ’ s participation in the Holocaust .
Therefore , a peaceful recognition of the tragedy and a normal , calm understanding that Soviet troops really liberated Auschwitz does not exist , and ideological manipulation is happening as a result .
”

Russian President Vladimir Putin in December blasted a European Parliament resolution blaming the 1939 Soviet-Nazi Molotov-Ribbentrop pact for the outbreak of war. Putin claimed that Western powers’ own dealings with Hitler had led to the war.
Russia and Poland are in the midst of a long-running spat over what caused World War II as Moscow prepares to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany this spring.
Last week, Polish President Andrzej Duda boycotted Holocaust commemorations in Israel over Putin’s presence as a guest of honor. Putin, meanwhile, did not attend the Auschwitz commemoration hosted by Duda.
Ukraine waded into the fray at the 75th anniversary of the Auschwitz death camp’s liberation Monday, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appearing to side with Poland against Russia.
Here’s a brief overview of the Russian-Polish war of words:
What Russia is saying
— President Vladimir Putin:
Dec. 19:
“Yes, Soviet troops entered Poland under the [1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact] protocols. [But] the troops entered only after the Polish government lost control over their armed forces and over the developments in Poland.”
Jan. 23:
“The crimes committed by the Nazis, their deliberate, planned, and as they said, ‘final solution to the Jewish issue,’ is one of the darkest and most shameful pages of modern world history. But we should not forget that this crime also had accomplices. They were often crueler than their masters. Death factories and concentration camps were [run] not only by the Nazis, but also by their accomplices in many European countries.”
— Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Jan. 28:
“Ukraine’s president sides with what we see as the Polish leadership’s extremely mistaken view, which offends the tens of millions of Russians and citizens of [post-Soviet] countries whose parents, grandparents and relatives gave their lives for the liberation of Europe, including Poland, from fascism.”
“We don’t accept [Zelenskiy’s] statement, we consider it erroneous and offensive from the point of view of the memory of our grandfathers.”
What Poland is saying
— Jan. 9 parliamentary resolution:
“The Sejm of the Republic of Poland condemns the provocative and untrue statements by representatives of the highest authorities of the Russian Federation attempting to hold Poland liable for the Second World War.”
How the international community is reacting
— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy:
“Poland and the Polish people were the first to feel the complicity of [Nazi and Soviet] totalitarian regimes. This led to the outbreak of World War II and allowed the Nazis to launch the deadly Holocaust machine.”
— Israeli President Reuven Rivlin:
“We remember that during the war the Polish nation fought with great courage but we remember too that there were not a few in the Polish nation who stood by and even contributed to the murder of Jews.”
What the experts say
— Natalia Zorskaya, the head of social and political research at the independent Levada Center polling agency:
“There is a manipulation and politicization of the Holocaust to show to Poland and the world that we have our own historical truth. And in connection with the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory, to affirm that Russia is the main hero and that it is impossible to delve into the dark spots and the toll of the war.”
“But Poland’s leadership is so conservative that they have also adopted a law on criminal liability for allegations of Poland’s participation in the Holocaust. Therefore, a peaceful recognition of the tragedy and a normal, calm understanding that Soviet troops really liberated Auschwitz does not exist, and ideological manipulation is happening as a result.”


themoscowtimes--2020-01-28--Russian Governor Ousted From Ruling Party Over Key-Dangling Video

Update : Ignatyev has been expelled from United Russia , Kommersant cited party secretary Andrei Turchak as saying Tuesday .
A Russian governor is facing expulsion from the country ’ s ruling party following two weeks of controversial actions and comments , the Kommersant business daily reported Monday .
Mikhail Ignatyev , who heads the republic of Chuvashia 680 kilometers east of Moscow , made national headlines for saying critical journalists should be “ wiped out ” on Jan. 18 .
Ignatyev sparked fresh criticism Friday after video showed him dangling a set of keys to a fire engine above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to retrieve them .
The United Russia ruling party ’ s ethics committee will advise its regional branch to expel Ignatyev from its ranks Monday , an unnamed party source told Kommersant .
Following Kommersant 's report , unnamed party leadership sources told the state-run TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies that United Russia had formally adopted the recommendation to oust Ignatyev .
The Chuvash administration ’ s press service and the regional fire department defended Ignatyev ’ s latest actions as a “ friendly joke , ” saying the jumping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquaintance .
Ignatyev also apologized for using the phrase “ wipe out ” in reference to journalists and said his words had been “ distorted.
” The Open Media online news outlet , citing unnamed sources close to the Kremlin , predicted Ignatyev would leave his position “ within the next month or two ” after the series of controversies .
Other online outlets reported that Kremlin officials are still discussing Ignatyev ’ s fate , which the outlets wrote will be decided later this week .
The Kremlin said it was aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to comment on them , Interfax reported Monday .
Ignatyev ’ s controversies follow a series of incidents where local officials have been caught insulting regular citizens , at times using terms like “ excrement ” and “ riff-raff ” to refer to them .
Russia ’ s parliament last spring rejected a proposal to fine officials for disrespecting voters .
Later in 2019 , it passed a law that made “ blatant disrespect ” toward the authorities a criminal offense .


themoscowtimes--2020-01-28--Russians Mourn 500,000 Buried in Mass Grave After Siege of Leningrad

Russia marked the 76th anniversary of the Siege of Leningrad on Monday , Jan. 27 .
Mourners brought flowers to @ @ @ @ @ mass grave where up to 500,000 victims of the siege are buried .
Nazi troops @ @ @ @ @ Petersburg — for 872 days between 1941 and 1944 , cutting of the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
Up to 1 million people died during the blockade from hunger , disease and @ @ @

Russia marked the 76th anniversary of the Siege of Leningrad on Monday, Jan. 27.
Mourners brought flowers to the Piskaryovskoye Cemetary, a mass grave where up to 500,000 victims of the siege are buried.
Nazi troops encircled Leningrad – now St. Petersburg — for 872 days between 1941 and 1944, cutting of the city’s residents from transport routes.
Up to 1 million people died during the blockade from hunger, disease and enemy shelling.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-28--Russia Blocks Chinese Tour Groups, Closes Border Crossings as Coronavirus Spreads

The coronavirus outbreak that began in the central city of Wuhan has killed 106 people in China and infected more than 4,520 globally , most of them in China .
China ’ s National Immigration Administration encouraged citizens Tuesday to reconsider the timing of overseas travel to reduce cross-border movement and help contain the new coronavirus .
Russia is blocking organized tour groups from China over a coronavirus outbreak that has claimed more than 100 lives , the state-run TASS news agency cited Russia ’ s travel industry union as saying Tuesday .
Russian travel agencies stopped accepting new tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block their entry into the country starting Tuesday , the travel industry union was quoted as saying .
“ Some groups were sent to us yesterday , ” the union was quoted as saying .
“ Currently , all Chinese group trips have been stopped.
” Meanwhile , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has ordered the creation of a coronavirus prevention and control task force .
Mishustin on Monday instructed Russia ’ s consumer protection watchdog to draft a prevention and control plan by Wednesday and members of the task force to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian regions in the Far East have closed their borders with China until Feb. 7 amid fears over the outbreak of coronavirus there , the state-run TASS news agency cited the governor of the Khabarovsk region as saying Tuesday .
In Moscow , authorities said they had put in place special safety measures at hotels and tourist sites as the death toll from the flu-like virus rose to 106 in China with more than 4,500 cases confirmed .
Russia has not had any confirmed cases of the new virus , but has direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said last year they expected more than 2 million Chinese tourists to visit in 2019 .
`` We have taken special control of hotels and other places where tourists gather en masse , '' Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on his website .
`` When alarming signs appear , emergency medical teams will be sent to carry out a thorough examination . ''
The border closures affect crossings in the Far East in the Jewish Autonomous Oblast , Khabarovsk and Amur regions , TASS said .
Russia and China share a 4,300-kilometer ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border crossings to China are currently not functioning , according to data on the website of a regional branch of the state border management authority .
And Russian tour operators had stopped selling package holidays to China , Dmitry Gorin , vice president of the Association of Russian Tour Operators , said on Monday .

The coronavirus outbreak that began in the central city of Wuhan has killed 106 people in China and infected more than 4,520 globally, most of them in China. China’s National Immigration Administration encouraged citizens Tuesday to reconsider the timing of overseas travel to reduce cross-border movement and help contain the new coronavirus.
Russia is blocking organized tour groups from China over a coronavirus outbreak that has claimed more than 100 lives, the state-run TASS news agency cited Russia’s travel industry union as saying Tuesday.
Russian travel agencies stopped accepting new tour groups from China on Monday and will block their entry into the country starting Tuesday, the travel industry union was quoted as saying.
“Some groups were sent to us yesterday,” the union was quoted as saying. “Currently, all Chinese group trips have been stopped.”
Meanwhile, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has ordered the creation of a coronavirus prevention and control task force.
Mishustin on Monday instructed Russia’s consumer protection watchdog to draft a prevention and control plan by Wednesday and members of the task force to provide regular updates on the virus.
Three Russian regions in the Far East have closed their borders with China until Feb. 7 amid fears over the outbreak of coronavirus there, the state-run TASS news agency cited the governor of the Khabarovsk region as saying Tuesday.
In Moscow, authorities said they had put in place special safety measures at hotels and tourist sites.
Russia has not had any confirmed cases of the new virus, but has direct daily flights to several Chinese cities and officials said last year they expected more than 2 million Chinese tourists to visit in 2019.
"We have taken special control of hotels and other places where tourists gather en masse," Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on his website.
"When alarming signs appear, emergency medical teams will be sent to carry out a thorough examination."
The border closures affect crossings in the Far East in the Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Khabarovsk and Amur regions, TASS said. Russia and China share a 4,300-kilometer (2,670 mile) border.
Nine land border crossings to China are currently not functioning, according to data on the website of a regional branch of the state border management authority.
And Russian tour operators had stopped selling package holidays to China, Dmitry Gorin, vice president of the Association of Russian Tour Operators, said on Monday.
Reuters contributed reporting to this article.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-28--Russia Orders Review of Moscow Activist’s ‘Repeat Protest’ Conviction

Kotov , a 34-year-old programmer , was sentenced to four years in prison in September for `` repeated '' participation in unauthorized rallies .
The verdict made him the second person to be prosecuted under a widely criticized law that has made nonviolent protests a criminal offense .
Russia ’ s Constitutional Court has ordered a review of Moscow protester Konstantin Kotov ’ s guilty verdict days after President Vladimir Putin ordered prosecutors to investigate whether his conviction was lawful .
The Constitutional Court ruled Monday that lower-court decisions in Kotov ’ s case “ diverge ” from the constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was convicted under .
Kotov ’ s verdict fails to mention whether his actions posed a “ significant ” threat and whether the protest “ stopped being peaceful ” due to his violation , the court said .
On Saturday , Putin ordered Russia ’ s Prosecutor General to investigate Kotov 's conviction and establish if the verdict was lawful and justified .
The president on Dec. 19 pledged to reporters to look into Kotov ’ s conviction .
Kotov was arrested and charged amid a wave of criminal prosecutions over last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rallies , which began after opposition candidates were barred from the ballot in the Sept. 8 Moscow City Duma election , became the largest wave of protests seen in Russia since 2011-2013 .
The clause in the Russian Criminal Code punishing repeat violations of protest rules came to be known as Ildar “ Dadin ’ s article ” after the first activist who was sentenced under it in 2015 .
Dadin was released in 2017 when Russia 's Supreme Court decided that charges against him should be dropped .
Judges ruled at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal under the Russian Constitution , it should only be used against protesters who `` posed a threat '' to society .

Kotov, a 34-year-old programmer, was sentenced to four years in prison in September for "repeated" participation in unauthorized rallies. The verdict made him the second person to be prosecuted under a widely criticized law that has made nonviolent protests a criminal offense.
Russia’s Constitutional Court has ordered a review of Moscow protester Konstantin Kotov’s guilty verdict days after President Vladimir Putin ordered prosecutors to investigate whether his conviction was lawful.
The Constitutional Court ruled Monday that lower-court decisions in Kotov’s case “diverge” from the constitutional and legal interpretation of the criminal article he was convicted under.
Kotov’s verdict fails to mention whether his actions posed a “significant” threat and whether the protest “stopped being peaceful” due to his violation, the court said.
On Saturday, Putin ordered Russia’s Prosecutor General to investigate Kotov's conviction and establish if the verdict was lawful and justified.
The president on Dec. 19 pledged to reporters to look into Kotov’s conviction.
Kotov was arrested and charged amid a wave of criminal prosecutions over last summer’s Moscow election protests. The rallies, which began after opposition candidates were barred from the ballot in the Sept. 8 Moscow City Duma election, became the largest wave of protests seen in Russia since 2011-2013.
The clause in the Russian Criminal Code punishing repeat violations of protest rules came to be known as Ildar “Dadin’s article” after the first activist who was sentenced under it in 2015.
Dadin was released in 2017 when Russia's Supreme Court decided that charges against him should be dropped. Judges ruled at the time that while the law was legal under the Russian Constitution, it should only be used against protesters who "posed a threat" to society.
Reuters contributed reporting to this article.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-28--Russian Journalists Wage Solidarity Campaign for Colleague Jailed on Terrorism Charges

Prominent journalists have made a video appeal in support of their colleague who is accused of financing terrorism in Russia 's republic of Dagestan .
Abdulmumin Gadzhiyev , the religious affairs editor of the independent Chernovik news weekly , faces life in prison on charges of financing terrorism and participating in a terrorist organization .
Gadzhiyev ’ s colleagues say the charges , stemming from his alleged writings about a preacher who the authorities accuse of having ties to the Islamic State , are fabricated .
“ Our views may not fully align with those of Gadzhiyev , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept in jail and tried for their professional activity , ” the journalists said in the video address posted Sunday .
Speakers included reporters for Russia ’ s Kommersant and Vedomosti business dailies , the investigative Novaya Gazeta newspaper and the Ekho Moskvy radio station .
The chief editors of independent online outlets Mediazona , Znak.com and Proekt also spoke in support of Gadzhiyev .
“ The charge of financing terrorism in the North Caucasus is about the same as planting drugs on Ivan Golunov in Moscow , ” one journalist said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s special correspondent who was among the video ’ s speakers .
Authorities detained Golunov — who was released days later and is now attempting to bring his arresting officers to justice — around the time of Gadzhiyev ’ s arrest .
The 16 correspondents , bloggers and editors called on other journalists and supporters to hold one-person pickets Wednesday in front of the Dagestan representative office in Moscow .
A high court in Dagestan rejected Gadzhiyev ’ s appeal Monday .
He has been placed in pre-trial detention until March 13 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they ’ d see there ’ s nothing extreme there , ” his wife Dana Sakiyeva told the U.S. outlet Voice of America .
“ My husband himself tells them to look and see , ” she was quoted as saying .
One of Dagestan ’ s most popular newspapers , Chernovik has been subject to harassment by the authorities in the past , the Reporters Without Borders ( RSF ) press freedom group has said .
After being accused of collaborating with terrorists for three years , Chernovik was acquitted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed a few months later .
Russian authorities have waged a years-long antiterrorism campaign in the country ’ s restive North Caucasus region .

Prominent journalists have made a video appeal in support of their colleague who is accused of financing terrorism in Russia's republic of Dagestan. Abdulmumin Gadzhiyev, the religious affairs editor of the independent Chernovik news weekly, faces life in prison on charges of financing terrorism and participating in a terrorist organization. Gadzhiyev’s colleagues say the charges, stemming from his alleged writings about a preacher who the authorities accuse of having ties to the Islamic State, are fabricated.
“Our views may not fully align with those of Gadzhiyev, but we believe that journalists shouldn’t be kept in jail and tried for their professional activity,” the journalists said in the video address posted Sunday. Speakers included reporters for Russia’s Kommersant and Vedomosti business dailies, the investigative Novaya Gazeta newspaper and the Ekho Moskvy radio station. The chief editors of independent online outlets Mediazona, Znak.com and Proekt also spoke in support of Gadzhiyev. “The charge of financing terrorism in the North Caucasus is about the same as planting drugs on Ivan Golunov in Moscow,” one journalist said, referring to the Meduza news website’s special correspondent who was among the video’s speakers. Authorities detained Golunov — who was released days later and is now attempting to bring his arresting officers to justice — around the time of Gadzhiyev’s arrest. The 16 correspondents, bloggers and editors called on other journalists and supporters to hold one-person pickets Wednesday in front of the Dagestan representative office in Moscow.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-28--25 Detained in Chechnya Over Photoshopped 'Patriarch’ Kadyrov – Reports

Two dozen men have been detained in Russia ’ s republic of Chechnya for sharing a doctored image of the region ’ s leader Ramzan Kadyrov in Orthodox Christian garb , the Kavkaz.Realii news website reported Saturday .
The detentions , which reportedly took place in three Chechen towns and districts , follow Kadyrov ’ s repeated threats of violence to online critics last year .
Kadyrov has ruled the majority-Muslim republic since he was appointed its leader in 2007 after two bloody separatist conflicts in the 1990s and early 2000s .
Authorities detained 25 alleged senders and recipients of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a holding cell last Friday , according to Kavkaz.Realii .
The image showed Kadyrov ’ s face superimposed on the body of Patriarch Kirill , the leader of Russia ’ s influential Orthodox Church .
At least three detainees were reportedly school-age children and one was 62 years old .
Kavkaz.Realii , the North Caucasus desk of the U.S.-funded RFE/RL news outlet , called the detentions “ part of a policy of total surveillance over the population.
” “ People are increasingly leaving various chat rooms and asking not to send them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the republic [ of Chechnya ] , ” it wrote , citing at least one local resident .
An unspecified number of the detainees were subjected to physical violence , it reported .
Up to seven of the young men appeared to be released by Sunday after a “ precautionary chat ” and paying a fine , Kavkaz.Realii reported Monday .
Chechnya ’ s head of information Dzhambulat Umarov denied that anyone was detained .

Two dozen men have been detained in Russia’s republic of Chechnya for sharing a doctored image of the region’s leader Ramzan Kadyrov in Orthodox Christian garb, the Kavkaz.Realii news website reported Saturday. The detentions, which reportedly took place in three Chechen towns and districts, follow Kadyrov’s repeated threats of violence to online critics last year. Kadyrov has ruled the majority-Muslim republic since he was appointed its leader in 2007 after two bloody separatist conflicts in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Authorities detained 25 alleged senders and recipients of the photoshopped Kadyrov image and placed them in a holding cell last Friday, according to Kavkaz.Realii. The image showed Kadyrov’s face superimposed on the body of Patriarch Kirill, the leader of Russia’s influential Orthodox Church. At least three detainees were reportedly school-age children and one was 62 years old. Kavkaz.Realii, the North Caucasus desk of the U.S.-funded RFE/RL news outlet, called the detentions “part of a policy of total surveillance over the population.”


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--Russia’s Advanced Su-35S Fighter Flight Shown on Video

The Zvezda news channel said it was the western military district ’ s first batch of Su-35S jets , which @ @ @ @ @ of 2019 .
Russia ’ s Aerospace Forces field more than 60 Su-35S multipurpose fighters @ @ @ @ @ ’ s news channel has shown video of its Sukhoi Su-35S fighter jet in flight @ @ @ @ @ S ” traditionally signifies a version of the Su-35 jet designated for the Russian Defense @ @ @ @ @ showed three takeoffs from a landing strip in northwestern Russia ’ s republic of Karelia @ @ @ @ @ Zvezda previously reported that the western military district ’ s first drills involving the newly @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 4-6 .

The Zvezda news channel said it was the western military district’s first batch of Su-35S jets, which it received in the fall of 2019. Russia’s Aerospace Forces field more than 60 Su-35S multipurpose fighters.
The Russian Defense Ministry’s news channel has shown video of its Sukhoi Su-35S fighter jet in flight Wednesday.
The letter “S” traditionally signifies a version of the Su-35 jet designated for the Russian Defense Ministry.
The minute-long video showed three takeoffs from a landing strip in northwestern Russia’s republic of Karelia, but no landings.
Zvezda previously reported that the western military district’s first drills involving the newly received Su-35S were scheduled for Feb. 4-6.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--Former Officers Detained Over Investigative Journalist Golunov’s Framing

Update : The five detained officers will be indicted soon , Russia 's Investigative Committee said Wednesday .
It added @ @ @ @ @ Golunov last June had been illegally acquired , stored and transported by the police .
@ @ @ @ @ former officers as part of a criminal case on falsification of evidence against journalist Ivan @ @ @ @ @ website reported Wednesday .
Golunov , an investigative journalist for Meduza , was arrested in @ @ @ @ @ and released days later after an unprecedented public outcry .
Police dropped all charges against @ @ @ @ @ lawyer have accused the authorities of inaction while investigating the charges .

Golunov, an investigative journalist for Meduza, was arrested in June on fabricated drug charges and released days later after an unprecedented public outcry. Police dropped all charges against him, fired the officers involved in his arrest and opened a criminal case into the falsified charges.
Five former Moscow police officers have been criminally charged with framing anti-corruption journalist Ivan Golunov, Russia's Investigative Committee said Thursday.
Moscow's Basmanny district court has charged Denis Konovalov, Akbar Sergaliev, Roman Feofanov, Maxim Umetbayev and Igor Lyakhovets with abuse of power, falsification of evidence and drug trafficking.
As officers for Moscow's anti-drug-trafficking department, the five men had all been directly involved with Golunov's arrest and were fired after the case against him was closed. They did not plead guilty during questioning, Interfax reported.
The Investigative Committee said that the drugs planted on Golunov last June had been illegally acquired, stored and transported by the police.
“The criminal case that I have been seeking for so long with the support of the media and the public has happened, and this is very good. Let's hope that the case will go to court," Golunov had told the RBC news website Wednesday after the five men were detained.
President Vladimir Putin last month announced criminal charges against the five officers who had arrested Golunov but didn’t specify which charges they were.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--How Is Russia Preparing for the Coronavirus?

As the coronavirus outbreak spreads around the world and the number of cases rises , Russia has stepped up measures @ @ @ @ @ from crossing its borders .
Russia has not had any confirmed cases of the new @ @ @ @ @ 132 people mostly in China and infected more than 6,000 worldwide .
Here is a @ @ @ @ @ is doing to keep the coronavirus at bay : — Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered @ @ @ @ @ to draw up a national plan on Wednesday on ways to prevent the spread of @ @ @ @ @ and China are working jointly to develop a coronavirus vaccine and Beijing has handed over @ @ @ @ @ to Moscow , the Russian consulate in China 's Guangzhou said Wednesday .
— In @ @ @ @ @ had put in place special safety measures at hotels and tourist sites .

As the coronavirus outbreak spreads around the world and the number of cases rises, Russia has stepped up measures to prevent the deadly virus from crossing its borders.
Russia has not had any confirmed cases of the new virus, which has killed 132 people mostly in China and infected more than 6,000 worldwide.
Here is a brief look at what Russia is doing to keep the coronavirus at bay:
Government
— Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered Russia's consumer safety watchdog to draw up a national plan on Wednesday on ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
— Russia and China are working jointly to develop a coronavirus vaccine and Beijing has handed over the genome of the virus to Moscow, the Russian consulate in China's Guangzhou said Wednesday.
— In Moscow, authorities said they had put in place special safety measures at hotels and tourist sites.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--Russian Bitcoin Suspect Extradited, Charged in France

Alexander Vinnik , a Russian citizen accused of having supervised a digital-currency exchange that helped criminals launder billions of dollars @ @ @ @ @ France to face charges .
Vinnik was arrested in Greece in 2017 and was held @ @ @ @ @ , and the U.S. negotiated his extradition .
According to a Tuesday statement from his @ @ @ @ @ extradited to France on Thursday .
He has been charged with extortion , aggravated money @ @ @ @ @ harming automatic data-processing systems , according to an official at the Paris prosecutor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ live and no trial has been ordered .
Vinnik will stay in France until the @ @ @ @ @ .
He will then be sent back to Greece before being extradited to the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ over , Vinnik will be sent to Russia , according to his lawyers .

Alexander Vinnik, a Russian citizen accused of having supervised a digital-currency exchange that helped criminals launder billions of dollars, will likely remain in France to face charges.
Vinnik was arrested in Greece in 2017 and was held there while France, Russia, and the U.S. negotiated his extradition.
According to a Tuesday statement from his defense team, Vinnik was extradited to France on Thursday. He has been charged with extortion, aggravated money laundering, conspiracy, and harming automatic data-processing systems, according to an official at the Paris prosecutor’s office. The investigation is live and no trial has been ordered.
Vinnik will stay in France until the case against him is completed. He will then be sent back to Greece before being extradited to the U.S. Once the U.S. case is over, Vinnik will be sent to Russia, according to his lawyers.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--Vietnam Orders $350M Combat Training Jets From Russia – Vedomosti

Russia is the biggest arms supplier to Vietnam and Southeast Asia .
Vietnam ’ s fleet deploys Russian-made fighters jets , surface ships and submarines , according to the state-run TASS news agency .
Vietnam has signed a $ 350 million deal last year to buy a dozen combat training aircraft from Russia , the Vedomosti business daily reported Wednesday .
The 2019 deal covers at least 12 Yak-130 combat training jet purchases , Vedomosti cited two unnamed Russian defense industry executives as saying .
The publication did not indicate when the jets would be delivered to Vietnam .
Intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Yak-130 can also be equipped with air-to-surface weapons including guided missiles and bombs .
Vietnam would be the sixth country to import the Yak-130 , according to Vedomosti .
Russia has previously sold the jets to Algeria , Bangladesh , Myanmar , Laos and Belarus .
Neither Russia ’ s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport nor the federal military cooperation service commented on the report that Vietnam had ordered 12 Yak-130s last year .
The contract paves the way for the purchase of more advanced jets from Russia , including the Su-30SM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arms Exports magazine editor-in-chief Andrei Frolov was cited as saying .
Vietnam has been one of the world ’ s most active arms importers in recent years , according to Reuters .
Hanoi stepped up its imports amid China ’ s increasingly aggressive territorial claims in the South China Sea , where the neighbors have long-standing rival claims .

Russia is the biggest arms supplier to Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s fleet deploys Russian-made fighters jets, surface ships and submarines, according to the state-run TASS news agency.
Vietnam has signed a $350 million deal last year to buy a dozen combat training aircraft from Russia, the Vedomosti business daily reported Wednesday.
The 2019 deal covers at least 12 Yak-130 combat training jet purchases, Vedomosti cited two unnamed Russian defense industry executives as saying. The publication did not indicate when the jets would be delivered to Vietnam.
Intended for training pilots of advanced fighter aircraft, the Yak-130 can also be equipped with air-to-surface weapons including guided missiles and bombs.
Vietnam would be the sixth country to import the Yak-130, according to Vedomosti. Russia has previously sold the jets to Algeria, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos and Belarus.
Neither Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport nor the federal military cooperation service commented on the report that Vietnam had ordered 12 Yak-130s last year.
The contract paves the way for the purchase of more advanced jets from Russia, including the Su-30SM and the Su-35, military expert and Arms Exports magazine editor-in-chief Andrei Frolov was cited as saying.
Vietnam has been one of the world’s most active arms importers in recent years, according to Reuters. Hanoi stepped up its imports amid China’s increasingly aggressive territorial claims in the South China Sea, where the neighbors have long-standing rival claims.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--Russian PM Mishustin and Family Own $45M in Moscow Real Estate – Navalny

Russia ’ s new Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and his family own 2.8 billion rubles ( $ 45 million ) worth of real estate in and around Moscow , prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said Tuesday .
Former tax chief Mishustin ’ s unexpected promotion to high office earlier this month has led to a series of media investigations into his family ’ s property ownership .
Critics like Navalny have seized on what they say is Mishustin ’ s hidden wealth , which they say is the norm with many officials in President Vladimir Putin ’ s government .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartments , houses and estates linked to either Mishustin and his wife , their two sons or his sister valued at 2.78 billion rubles .
In addition to the previously reported elite real estate currently valued at 2.42 billion rubles , Navalny said Mishustin ’ s two adult sons own two riverfront condominiums with a combined value of 360 million rubles .
“ Mishustin knows as well as anyone that this is called a ‘ criminal fraudulent transaction ’ from a taxman ’ s viewpoint .
Classic corruption , ” Navalny claimed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartments to Mishustin ’ s sons for an undisclosed sum as soon as they turned 18 .
Government records show Mishustin earning 213 million rubles ( $ 3.4 million ) between 2010 , when he was named chief of the tax service , and 2018 , the latest available accounting period .
Critics have also questioned how his wife Vladlena Mishustina earned 789 million rubles ( $ 12.5 million ) over a nine-year period without any known business interests .

Russia’s new Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and his family own 2.8 billion rubles ($45 million) worth of real estate in and around Moscow, prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said Tuesday. Former tax chief Mishustin’s unexpected promotion to high office earlier this month has led to a series of media investigations into his family’s property ownership. Critics like Navalny have seized on what they say is Mishustin’s hidden wealth, which they say is the norm with many officials in President Vladimir Putin’s government.
Navalny’s anti-corruption outfit listed eight apartments, houses and estates linked to either Mishustin and his wife, their two sons or his sister valued at 2.78 billion rubles. In addition to the previously reported elite real estate currently valued at 2.42 billion rubles, Navalny said Mishustin’s two adult sons own two riverfront condominiums with a combined value of 360 million rubles. “Mishustin knows as well as anyone that this is called a ‘criminal fraudulent transaction’ from a taxman’s viewpoint. Classic corruption,” Navalny claimed, referring to the alleged sale of the apartments to Mishustin’s sons for an undisclosed sum as soon as they turned 18.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--EU Blacklists 7 More People in Russian-Annexed Crimea

The European Union added seven Russian-backed officials in Crimea to its sanctions blacklist on Tuesday for organizing local elections in @ @ @ @ @ The decision came after Cyprus came on board , as any EU move on sanctions @ @ @ @ @ stalled the process in recent weeks , diplomats said , trying to push the bloc @ @ @ @ @ for hydrocarbons drilling in eastern Mediterranean .
The EU has maintained sanctions against Russia since @ @ @ @ @ Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 .
They include a blacklist of firms and individuals @ @ @ @ @ of Crimea .

The European Union added seven Russian-backed officials in Crimea to its sanctions blacklist on Tuesday for organizing local elections in the peninsula last year.
The decision came after Cyprus came on board, as any EU move on sanctions requires unanimity. Nicosia had stalled the process in recent weeks, diplomats said, trying to push the bloc towards separate sanctions against Turkey for hydrocarbons drilling in eastern Mediterranean.
The EU has maintained sanctions against Russia since Moscow seized and annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. They include a blacklist of firms and individuals associated with Russia's administration of Crimea.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--Putin Pardons U.S.-Israeli Woman Jailed in Russia on Drug Charges

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed a decree to pardon and free a U.S.-Israeli woman jailed in Russia on drug @ @ @ @ @ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the eve of their bilateral meeting .
Naama Issachar @ @ @ @ @ New Jersey , was arrested in April last year after police found nine grams of @ @ @ @ @ a stopover at a Moscow airport , en route from India to Israel .
`` @ @ @ @ @ humanity , I hereby order that Issachar Naama be pardoned , '' read Putin 's @ @ @ @ @ published on Wednesday , saying it took immediate effect .

Naama Issachar was released ahead of talks in Moscow between Putin and Netanyahu, who had flown in from Washington to pass on details of a U.S. peace plan for the Middle East.
Russia freed a U.S.-Israeli woman on Thursday who had been jailed on drugs charges, after President Vladimir Putin granted her a pardon following a high profile lobbying campaign championed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu thanked Putin for what he said was a "swift" decision to pardon Issachar. The prime minister later met Issachar in Moscow. Footage showed them hugging.
"We're excited to see you. Now we go back home," he told Issachar, according to a statement from his office. She was expected to fly to Israel later on Thursday aboard Netanyahu's plane.
The release of the New Jersey-born 26-year-old is seen as a boost for Netanyahu and as confirmation in both countries that Israeli-Russian ties remain strong. The Kremlin, before the meeting, said it was analysing the U.S. peace plan, which Palestinians have denounced as an Israeli wishlist.
Netanyahu, under criminal corruption indictment, faces an election on March 2 and has campaigned on his ability to protect Israel's interests abroad.
Israeli media have suggested that the pardon deal may have been eased by promises made by the Israeli government over the ownership of a building in Jerusalem which is important to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Alexander Courtyard, situated in Jerusalem's Old City, has been contested for years and an Israeli court recently ruled in Russia's favor.
TASS news agency reported earlier this month that Israel had told Russia it had begun the legal process of handing over the building to the Russian Orthodox Church.
Issachar was jailed for seven-and-a-half years after being arrested last April when police found nine grams of cannabis in her bags during a stopover at a Moscow airport on her way from India to Israel.
Her family called her treatment disproportionate and the case caused rare tensions between Russia and Israel.
"It has been a long journey that I would not wish upon anyone," Yaffa Issachar, Naama's mother, was quoted as saying by the Jerusalem Post, having travelled to Moscow for her daughter's release. "Now, all I want is to hug my daughter Naama."


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--Putin Sacks Russian Governor Over Key-Dangling Video

Update : President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Ignatyev from office a day after the governor was expelled from United Russia , Interfax reported Wednesday .
An interim governor has been appointed in his place .
A Russian governor is facing expulsion from the country ’ s ruling party following two weeks of controversial actions and comments , the Kommersant business daily reported Monday .
Mikhail Ignatyev , who heads the republic of Chuvashia 680 kilometers east of Moscow , made national headlines for saying critical journalists should be “ wiped out ” on Jan. 18 .
Ignatyev sparked fresh criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set of keys to a fire engine above a firefighter , forcing him to jump in order to retrieve them .
The United Russia ruling party ’ s ethics committee will advise its regional branch to expel Ignatyev from its ranks Monday , an unnamed party source told Kommersant .
Following Kommersant 's report , unnamed party leadership sources told the state-run TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies that United Russia had formally adopted the recommendation to oust Ignatyev .
The Chuvash administration ’ s press service and the regional fire department defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ friendly joke , ” saying the jumping firefighter is the governor ’ s longtime acquaintance .
Ignatyev also apologized for using the phrase “ wipe out ” in reference to journalists and said his words had been “ distorted.
” The Open Media online news outlet , citing unnamed sources close to the Kremlin , predicted Ignatyev would leave his position “ within the next month or two ” after the series of controversies .
Other online outlets reported that Kremlin officials are still discussing Ignatyev ’ s fate , which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
The Kremlin said it was aware of Ignatyev ’ s actions but declined to comment on them , Interfax reported Monday .
Ignatyev ’ s controversies follow a series of incidents where local officials have been caught insulting regular citizens , at times using terms like “ excrement ” and “ riff-raff ” to refer to them .
Russia ’ s parliament last spring rejected a proposal to fine officials for disrespecting voters .
Later in 2019 , it passed a law that made “ blatant disrespect ” toward the authorities @ @ @ @

Update: President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Ignatyev from office a day after the governor was expelled from United Russia, Interfax reported Wednesday. An interim governor has been appointed in his place. A Russian governor is facing expulsion from the country’s ruling party following two weeks of controversial actions and comments, the Kommersant business daily reported Monday. Mikhail Ignatyev, who heads the republic of Chuvashia 680 kilometers east of Moscow, made national headlines for saying critical journalists should be “wiped out” on Jan. 18. Ignatyev sparked fresh criticism Friday after video showed him dangling a set of keys to a fire engine above a firefighter, forcing him to jump in order to retrieve them.
The United Russia ruling party’s ethics committee will advise its regional branch to expel Ignatyev from its ranks Monday, an unnamed party source told Kommersant. Following Kommersant's report, unnamed party leadership sources told the state-run TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies that United Russia had formally adopted the recommendation to oust Ignatyev. The Chuvash administration’s press service and the regional fire department defended Ignatyev’s latest actions as a “friendly joke,” saying the jumping firefighter is the governor’s longtime acquaintance. Ignatyev also apologized for using the phrase “wipe out” in reference to journalists and said his words had been “distorted.”


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--Turkey's Erdogan Says Russia Not Abiding by Syria Agreements

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is losing patience with the military assault in Syria 's Idlib region @ @ @ @ @ violating agreements aimed at stemming conflict there , the state-funded NTV broadcaster reported Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ government forces on Idlib have raised concern of a new refugee wave from the area @ @ @ @ @ home to 3 million people .
Turkey and Russia , which support opposing sides in @ @ @ @ @ towards de-escalating the fighting in Idlib and creating a demilitarized zone under agreements in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ Astana and Sochi accords .
But fighting has continued in the last remaining rebel bastion @ @ @ @ @ war despite several other agreements for a ceasefire , as recently as this month .

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is losing patience with the military assault in Syria's Idlib region, adding that Russia is violating agreements aimed at stemming conflict there, the state-funded NTV broadcaster reported Wednesday.
Renewed bombardments by Russia-backed Syrian government forces on Idlib have raised concern of a new refugee wave from the area which borders Turkey and is home to 3 million people.
Turkey and Russia, which support opposing sides in Syria, agreed to work towards de-escalating the fighting in Idlib and creating a demilitarized zone under agreements in 2017 and 2018 known as the Astana and Sochi accords.
But fighting has continued in the last remaining rebel bastion in country's nearly nine-year war despite several other agreements for a ceasefire, as recently as this month.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--Russia Looks to Extend Tourist Visa Stay Period to 6 Months – Izvestia

The relaxed visa rules would allow visitors from anywhere in the world to apply with a hotel reservation , the ministry was cited as saying .
Current legislation only allows tourist visas for those who apply with an invitation letter from a tour agency listed in the Russian government ’ s database .
Russia is considering extending the maximum length of tourist visas from 30 days to six months to attract tourism , the pro-Kremlin Izvestia newspaper reported Wednesday , citing the Foreign Ministry .
The Foreign Ministry is expected to submit the legal changes easing tourist visa rules to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government ’ s legislative schedule .
Tourists around the world have frequently cited difficulties with obtaining visas as a barrier to visiting Russia .
“ Any action — whether liberalization , visa abolition or easing administrative barriers — will lead to an increase in tourism by 10-30 % or more , ” Yury Barzykin , the vice president of Russia ’ s travel industry union , was quoted as saying .
All but one political party represented in Russia ’ s lower house of parliament has reportedly backed the Foreign Ministry ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Izvestia reported , argued that lawmakers should prioritize improving the domestic tourism industry .
President Vladimir Putin has ordered to offer electronic visas to visitors from a limited set of countries by 2021 .

The relaxed visa rules would allow visitors from anywhere in the world to apply with a hotel reservation, the ministry was cited as saying. Current legislation only allows tourist visas for those who apply with an invitation letter from a tour agency listed in the Russian government’s database.
Russia is considering extending the maximum length of tourist visas from 30 days to six months to attract tourism, the pro-Kremlin Izvestia newspaper reported Wednesday, citing the Foreign Ministry.
The Foreign Ministry is expected to submit the legal changes easing tourist visa rules to lawmakers in December 2020, according to the government’s legislative schedule.
Tourists around the world have frequently cited difficulties with obtaining visas as a barrier to visiting Russia.
“Any action — whether liberalization, visa abolition or easing administrative barriers — will lead to an increase in tourism by 10-30% or more,” Yury Barzykin, the vice president of Russia’s travel industry union, was quoted as saying.
All but one political party represented in Russia’s lower house of parliament has reportedly backed the Foreign Ministry’s proposal.
The Communist Party, Izvestia reported, argued that lawmakers should prioritize improving the domestic tourism industry.
President Vladimir Putin has ordered to offer electronic visas to visitors from a limited set of countries by 2021.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-29--Russia Blocks Encrypted Swiss Email Service ProtonMail

Russia said on Wednesday it had blocked the Swiss email service ProtonMail , popular among journalists and activists for its @ @ @ @ @ high level of encryption .
Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said ProtonMail , which uses end-to-end @ @ @ @ @ , had been used to send fake , anonymous bomb threats .
Such threats have @ @ @ @ @ of public buildings across Russia .
Roskomnadzor said that ProtonMail had refused to provide Russian @ @ @ @ @ owners of email accounts allegedly associated with fake bomb threats .

Russia said on Wednesday it had blocked the Swiss email service ProtonMail, popular among journalists and activists for its focus on user privacy and high level of encryption.
Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said ProtonMail, which uses end-to-end encryption to protect user data, had been used to send fake, anonymous bomb threats.
Such threats have frequently led to mass evacuations of public buildings across Russia.
Roskomnadzor said that ProtonMail had refused to provide Russian authorities with information on the owners of email accounts allegedly associated with fake bomb threats.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-30--Russian LGBT Activist Receives Dutch Asylum After Police Threats

Anna Dvornichenko has said that authorities in the city of Rostov-on-Don refused to investigate two attacks — one with pepper spray and another with a smoke bomb — against her that took place in the same week last summer .
Instead , Dvornichenko said anti-extremism officers had threatened to prosecute her for her activism .
An LGBT activist fled southern Russia for the Netherlands after facing threats of prosecution from law enforcement and retribution from conservative vigilantes , she said in an interview Tuesday .
In an interview with the donnews.ru news website , Dvornichenko said Dutch authorities approved her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fled Russia in October .
“ Obtaining refugee status is simpler here , ” she said .
“ As proof , I submitted documents about the attacks and the decision to refuse to open a criminal case [ against the attackers ] .
” Dvornichenko said she currently lives in a Dutch refugee center , is taking language courses and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in the Netherlands .
She said that authorities in Rostov-on-Don had threatened to criminally charge her with extremism and with “ gay propaganda ” to minors .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record , including the 2013 “ gay propaganda ” law and an adoption ban against foreign LGBT couples in countries that allow gay marriage .
The high-profile murder of a vocal LGBT rights activist shortly after her personal details leaked in an anti-LGBT group ’ s “ death list ” has thrust the issue back into the spotlight in 2019 .
“ I feel more in peace in a foreign country whose language I don ’ t know and where I have no relatives or friends than [ I ’ ve felt ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dvornichenko told donnews.ru .

Anna Dvornichenko has said that authorities in the city of Rostov-on-Don refused to investigate two attacks — one with pepper spray and another with a smoke bomb — against her that took place in the same week last summer. Instead, Dvornichenko said anti-extremism officers had threatened to prosecute her for her activism.
An LGBT activist fled southern Russia for the Netherlands after facing threats of prosecution from law enforcement and retribution from conservative vigilantes, she said in an interview Tuesday.
In an interview with the donnews.ru news website, Dvornichenko said Dutch authorities approved her asylum request within 10 days after she fled Russia in October.
“Obtaining refugee status is simpler here,” she said. “As proof, I submitted documents about the attacks and the decision to refuse to open a criminal case [against the attackers].”
Dvornichenko said she currently lives in a Dutch refugee center, is taking language courses and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in the Netherlands.
She said that authorities in Rostov-on-Don had threatened to criminally charge her with extremism and with “gay propaganda” to minors.
Russia has been criticized for its LGBT rights record, including the 2013 “gay propaganda” law and an adoption ban against foreign LGBT couples in countries that allow gay marriage.
The high-profile murder of a vocal LGBT rights activist shortly after her personal details leaked in an anti-LGBT group’s “death list” has thrust the issue back into the spotlight in 2019.
“I feel more in peace in a foreign country whose language I don’t know and where I have no relatives or friends than [I’ve felt] in the past six months,” Dvornichenko told donnews.ru.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-30--Russia Is Testing Air Passengers in Coronavirus Scare

Moscow airport officials are testing incoming passengers with thermal cameras for the coronavirus amid fears that the deadly disease could @ @ @ @ @ are no reported cases yet of the coronavirus in Russia , but the number of @ @ @ @ @ 7,000 as of Jan. 30 .
Russia is negotiating for the evacuation of its 140 @ @ @ @ @ a quarantine in China ’ s Hubei province , the epicenter of the outbreak .

Moscow airport officials are testing incoming passengers with thermal cameras for the coronavirus amid fears that the deadly disease could spread to Russia.
There are no reported cases yet of the coronavirus in Russia, but the number of cases worldwide has already exceeded 7,000 as of Jan. 30.
Russia is negotiating for the evacuation of its 140 citizens who are trapped in a quarantine in China’s Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-30--Russia’s Share of European Human Rights Cases Hits 7-Year High

Russia remains the runaway leader in the number of pending cases among the 47 member states that fall under the court ’ s jurisdiction , according to European Court of Human Rights ( ECHR ) data .
Russia last year accounted for 15,050 out of a total of 59,800 pending cases in the Strasbourg-based court , or one-quarter of all applications .
The share of Russian cases in Europe ’ s top human rights court has reached a seven-year high in 2019 , the Vedomosti business daily reported Wednesday , citing the court ’ s annual report .
That percentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ECHR tightened its admissibility criteria to clear its backlog , according to Vedomosti .
ECHR president Linos-Alexandre Sicilianos underscored “ the scale of the consequences ” for would-be applicants in the event that Russia walks out of the court ’ s jurisdiction .
“ Such an eventuality would have represented a serious setback for human rights in that part of our continent , ” Sicilianos said in the court ’ s annual report .
President Vladimir Putin in 2015 allowed the Russian Constitutional Court to overrule ECHR decisions .
His recent constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take precedence over international rulings , a clause that experts viewed as targeting the ECHR .
The ECHR handed out 198 judgments in Russian cases last year , the highest number among its 47 member states .
Experts interviewed by Vedomosti attributed the high share of Russian cases to a “ deteriorating ” national legal system .

Russia remains the runaway leader in the number of pending cases among the 47 member states that fall under the court’s jurisdiction, according to European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) data . Russia last year accounted for 15,050 out of a total of 59,800 pending cases in the Strasbourg-based court, or one-quarter of all applications.
The share of Russian cases in Europe’s top human rights court has reached a seven-year high in 2019, the Vedomosti business daily reported Wednesday, citing the court’s annual report.
That percentage is the highest since 2012, when the ECHR tightened its admissibility criteria to clear its backlog, according to Vedomosti.
ECHR president Linos-Alexandre Sicilianos underscored “the scale of the consequences” for would-be applicants in the event that Russia walks out of the court’s jurisdiction.
“Such an eventuality would have represented a serious setback for human rights in that part of our continent,” Sicilianos said in the court’s annual report.
President Vladimir Putin in 2015 allowed the Russian Constitutional Court to overrule ECHR decisions. His recent constitutional shake-up includes a proposal for Russian law to take precedence over international rulings, a clause that experts viewed as targeting the ECHR.
The ECHR handed out 198 judgments in Russian cases last year, the highest number among its 47 member states.
Experts interviewed by Vedomosti attributed the high share of Russian cases to a “deteriorating” national legal system.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-30--Students Charged With Terrorism for Anti-Putin Graffiti

The two young men were detained after spray-painting portraits of Putin with the words “ If you see him , kill him ” in central St. Petersburg , a local court said .
Anti-extremism police detained the suspects , both aged 22 , after tracking a car that they had been seen exiting , the Fontanka news website reported .
A St. Petersburg court has charged two students with inciting terrorism for painting stencil graffiti of President Vladimir Putin that calls for his murder .
St. Petersburg ’ s Oktyabrsky district court charged Islombek Parpiev and Mukhammadaziz Ishmatov with inciting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two months of pre-trial detention on Wednesday .
The two are studying in St. Petersburg and are both natives of the city of Osh , Kyrgyzstan , Fontanka reported .
According to the news website , investigators reclassified their case as having terrorist motives after finding banned Islamist literature during a search of the students ’ apartment .
Investigators said Parpiev had been commissioned to paint the graffiti by an online acquaintance for 5,000 rubles ( $ 79 ) , the court said in a statement Wednesday .
He reportedly got Ishmatov to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If convicted on the terrorism charges , the suspects could face up to five years in prison .
Russian media have reported that Parpiev is the great-grandson of decorated Red Army war hero Khalil Rasulov , who fought in the Battle for Stalingrad .

The two young men were detained after spray-painting portraits of Putin with the words “If you see him, kill him” in central St. Petersburg, a local court said. Anti-extremism police detained the suspects, both aged 22, after tracking a car that they had been seen exiting, the Fontanka news website reported .
A St. Petersburg court has charged two students with inciting terrorism for painting stencil graffiti of President Vladimir Putin that calls for his murder.
St. Petersburg’s Oktyabrsky district court charged Islombek Parpiev and Mukhammadaziz Ishmatov with inciting terrorism and vandalism and ordered them to two months of pre-trial detention on Wednesday.
The two are studying in St. Petersburg and are both natives of the city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, Fontanka reported.
According to the news website, investigators reclassified their case as having terrorist motives after finding banned Islamist literature during a search of the students’ apartment.
Investigators said Parpiev had been commissioned to paint the graffiti by an online acquaintance for 5,000 rubles ($79), the court said in a statement Wednesday.
He reportedly got Ishmatov to help him, a charge Ishmatov denies.
If convicted on the terrorism charges, the suspects could face up to five years in prison.
Russian media have reported that Parpiev is the great-grandson of decorated Red Army war hero Khalil Rasulov, who fought in the Battle for Stalingrad.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-30--Hundreds of Fishermen Rescued From Sakhalin Region Ice Floe

536 fishermen needed rescuing after becoming stranded on an ice floe in the Sakhalin Region on Russia 's Pacific Coast @ @ @ @ @ from the local Emergencies Ministry that the ice was unstable .
According to the local @ @ @ @ @ workers , three boats and one hovercraft took part in the rescue operation .
All @ @ @ @ @ to shore and no one required medical treatment .
A similar incident occurred in the @ @ @ @ @ around 300 people were trapped on ice floes , which had broken away from a @ @

536 fishermen needed rescuing after becoming stranded on an ice floe in the Sakhalin Region on Russia's Pacific Coast on Tuesday, despite warnings from the local Emergencies Ministry that the ice was unstable.
According to the local ministry, 15 emergency service workers, three boats and one hovercraft took part in the rescue operation. All the fishermen were taken safely to shore and no one required medical treatment.
A similar incident occurred in the region on Jan. 22 when around 300 people were trapped on ice floes, which had broken away from a bay.


themoscowtimes--2020-01-30--Russian Man Jailed for Praising New Zealand Mosque Shooter

The March 2019 shooting at two mosques in Christchurch , New Zealand left 51 worshippers dead and wounded dozens more .
A suspected white supremacist now faces murder and terrorism charges for the attack .
A Siberian taxi driver has been sentenced to prison on charges of justifying terrorism for praising last year ’ s deadly mosque shooting in New Zealand online , Interfax reported Wednesday .
A court in the Siberian city of Omsk sentenced the unnamed local man to two and a half years in prison after finding him guilty of public calls for terrorist activity , Interfax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a 47-year-old taxi driver .
The convict “ had spoken approvingly of the mass murder and viewed the criminal ’ s actions toward a specific group of citizens as necessary , ” Interfax quoted the regional FSB office as saying .
He was also reportedly found guilty of calling for an armed overthrow of the Russian government and “ its specific representatives.
” The man had pleaded guilty to the charges , Interfax reported .
The Omsk court also banned him from posting anything online for the duration of his sentence , @ @ @ @

The March 2019 shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand left 51 worshippers dead and wounded dozens more. A suspected white supremacist now faces murder and terrorism charges for the attack.
A Siberian taxi driver has been sentenced to prison on charges of justifying terrorism for praising last year’s deadly mosque shooting in New Zealand online, Interfax reported Wednesday.
A court in the Siberian city of Omsk sentenced the unnamed local man to two and a half years in prison after finding him guilty of public calls for terrorist activity, Interfax reported.
The defendant was previously identified as a 47-year-old taxi driver.
The convict “had spoken approvingly of the mass murder and viewed the criminal’s actions toward a specific group of citizens as necessary,” Interfax quoted the regional FSB office as saying.
He was also reportedly found guilty of calling for an armed overthrow of the Russian government and “its specific representatives.”
The man had pleaded guilty to the charges, Interfax reported.
The Omsk court also banned him from posting anything online for the duration of his sentence, the report said.


themoscowtimes--2020-02-04--Russian Priests Should Stop Blessing Nukes, Church Proposal Says

During two decades in power , President Vladimir Putin has aligned himself with the Orthodox Church , which has also developed closer ties with the Defense Ministry .
Russian priests should refrain from the practice of blessing nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction that can inflict indiscriminate loss of life , according to new guidelines being discussed by the Russian Orthodox Church .
Russian priests have long appeared in images sprinkling holy water on submarines , ballistic missiles , Soyuz space rockets and other pieces of hardware as part of rituals to bless them .
But some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church approves a document drawn up by an Orthodox Church commission .
`` The blessing of military weapons is not reflected in the tradition of the Orthodox Church and does not correspond to the content of the Rite , '' the document , on the Moscow patriarchate 's website , says .
Blessing or sanctifying weapons that can kill an `` indefinite number of people '' must be excluded from pastoral practice , it says .
The proposals will be discussed until June 1 and the public should also take part in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
In a striking symbol of close defense-church ties in Russia , the armed forces are building their own sprawling cathedral at a military themed park outside Moscow .
It is set to be one of the tallest Orthodox churches in the world .

During two decades in power, President Vladimir Putin has aligned himself with the Orthodox Church, which has also developed closer ties with the Defense Ministry.
Russian priests should refrain from the practice of blessing nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction that can inflict indiscriminate loss of life, according to new guidelines being discussed by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Russian priests have long appeared in images sprinkling holy water on submarines, ballistic missiles, Soyuz space rockets and other pieces of hardware as part of rituals to bless them.
But some of that is set to stop if the church approves a document drawn up by an Orthodox Church commission.
"The blessing of military weapons is not reflected in the tradition of the Orthodox Church and does not correspond to the content of the Rite," the document, on the Moscow patriarchate's website, says.
Blessing or sanctifying weapons that can kill an "indefinite number of people" must be excluded from pastoral practice, it says.
The proposals will be discussed until June 1 and the public should also take part in the debate, the church's Moscow branch said.
In a striking symbol of close defense-church ties in Russia, the armed forces are building their own sprawling cathedral at a military themed park outside Moscow. It is set to be one of the tallest Orthodox churches in the world.