themoscowtimes--2020-06-11--St. Petersburg Hospitals Overwhelmed as Coronavirus Patients Decry ‘Worse Than Prison’ Conditions

St. Petersburg has officially confirmed 19,769 coronavirus cases , a figure that according to Fontanka jumps to 30,000 when community-acquired pneumonia cases are included .
Russia ’ s second-largest city of St. Petersburg has a shortage of hospital beds for coronavirus patients , the Fontanka news website reported Wednesday as patients decried poor conditions at a hastily built temporary hospital .
Fewer than 900 hospital beds , or 8 % of the total number , were available in St. Petersburg as of Monday , Fontanka cited unnamed entrepreneurs who saw the data at closed-door meetings with officials as saying .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 and 300 more patients than beds as of Wednesday , with two others close to capacity .
The hospital bed figures were “ valid for the start of the week ” but have since improved to 17 % of beds free , deputy governor Yevgeny Yelin told Fontanka without explaining how the hospital beds were able to free up in two days .
Former patients have also complained of “ worse than in prison ” conditions at the temporary 1,500-bed hospital set up in a week at an exhibition center that used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forum .
A section of a roof was reported to have collapsed at the Lenexpo temporary hospital ’ s on-call room Tuesday , which local officials estimated would cost $ 6 million to repair .
Like Moscow , St. Petersburg began reporting fewer Covid-19 cases after President Vladimir Putin announced new dates for Russia ’ s landmark Victory Day parade and a public vote on constitutional reforms that would give him more years in power .
St. Petersburg governor Alexander Beglov has meanwhile suggested that businesses could reopen in three stages as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Official guidelines recommend easing restrictions when hospitals are half full .

St. Petersburg has officially confirmed 19,769 coronavirus cases, a figure that according to Fontanka jumps to 30,000 when community-acquired pneumonia cases are included.
Russia’s second-largest city of St. Petersburg has a shortage of hospital beds for coronavirus patients, the Fontanka news website reported Wednesday as patients decried poor conditions at a hastily built temporary hospital.
Fewer than 900 hospital beds, or 8% of the total number, were available in St. Petersburg as of Monday, Fontanka cited unnamed entrepreneurs who saw the data at closed-door meetings with officials as saying.
At least four hospitals reportedly had between 100 and 300 more patients than beds as of Wednesday, with two others close to capacity.
The hospital bed figures were “valid for the start of the week” but have since improved to 17% of beds free, deputy governor Yevgeny Yelin told Fontanka without explaining how the hospital beds were able to free up in two days.
Former patients have also complained of “worse than in prison” conditions at the temporary 1,500-bed hospital set up in a week at an exhibition center that used to host the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
A section of a roof was reported to have collapsed at the Lenexpo temporary hospital’s on-call room Tuesday, which local officials estimated would cost $6 million to repair.
Like Moscow, St. Petersburg began reporting fewer Covid-19 cases after President Vladimir Putin announced new dates for Russia’s landmark Victory Day parade and a public vote on constitutional reforms that would give him more years in power.
St. Petersburg governor Alexander Beglov has meanwhile suggested that businesses could reopen in three stages as soon as next Monday, according to Fontanka. Official guidelines recommend easing restrictions when hospitals are half full.


themoscowtimes--2020-06-11--Russian Mayor Charged Over Failure to Contain Arctic Spill

Russia 's Investigative Committee said in a statement that Rinat Akhmetchin had failed in his duties to contain the spill , which environmentalists say is the largest to have ever hit the Arctic .
The mayor of Russia 's Arctic city of Norilsk has been charged with negligence over his response to a spill that dumped thousands of tons of diesel fuel into local waterways , investigators said Thursday .
The spill of over 21,000 tons of fuel took place after a reservoir collapsed on May 29 at a power plant operated by a subsidiary of metals giant Norilsk Nickel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuel leaked into local rivers and lakes , creating red stains so big that they could be seen from space .
Clean-up efforts are expected to take years and cost Norilsk Nickel nearly $ 150 million .
The committee , Russia 's top federal investigation agency , said that after learning of the spill Akhmetchin `` did not take proper measures to respond to the emergency situation and deal with its consequences . ''
It said he failed to organize a proper environmental response and monitoring of the spill , or to coordinate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has headed the city government since September 2017 , faces up to six months in prison if convicted .
Several staff at the plant have also been detained over the spill , which Greenpeace Russia has said is comparable to the Exxon Valdez disaster off the coast of Alaska in 1989 .

Russia's Investigative Committee said in a statement that Rinat Akhmetchin had failed in his duties to contain the spill, which environmentalists say is the largest to have ever hit the Arctic.
The mayor of Russia's Arctic city of Norilsk has been charged with negligence over his response to a spill that dumped thousands of tons of diesel fuel into local waterways, investigators said Thursday.
The spill of over 21,000 tons of fuel took place after a reservoir collapsed on May 29 at a power plant operated by a subsidiary of metals giant Norilsk Nickel in the city.
Much of the fuel leaked into local rivers and lakes, creating red stains so big that they could be seen from space. Clean-up efforts are expected to take years and cost Norilsk Nickel nearly $150 million.
The committee, Russia's top federal investigation agency, said that after learning of the spill Akhmetchin "did not take proper measures to respond to the emergency situation and deal with its consequences."
It said he failed to organize a proper environmental response and monitoring of the spill, or to coordinate local efforts.
Akhmetchin, a 55-year-old who has headed the city government since September 2017, faces up to six months in prison if convicted.
Several staff at the plant have also been detained over the spill, which Greenpeace Russia has said is comparable to the Exxon Valdez disaster off the coast of Alaska in 1989.


themoscowtimes--2020-06-11--Rare Snowmelt Floods Power Station in Russian Far North

TGK1 , which is majority owned by Gazprom , has already ordered personnel at the plant to work under an emergency mode .
The emergency services have been notified of flooding and the potential threat to the plants ’ buildings — which operate in what is supposed to be an area of permafrost .
The water levels at TGK1 ’ s Tulomskiye and Serebryanskiye hydropower plants in the Murmansk region saw water levels rise rapidly to unseasonal highs after snow at the Lovozero lake melted — something which occurs once in 1,000 years , according to the company .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company 's personnel have been put on high alert .
There were more melting permafrost problems for Russia ’ s energy infrastructure after the TGK1 power station on the Far Northwest reported June 9 that two of its hydropower units were flooded with “ abnormal water inflow ” due to melting snow .
There are no commercial or residential buildings in the region that could be affected , as the power plant was built in a remote area .
The company has sent a division to monitor and control the situation .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any interruptions to electricity supply to consumers .
The flooding at TGK1 follows an oil spill in the mining town of Norilsk on Russia ’ s Far North coast last week that was the worst in the country 's history and has been declared a national emergency .
Norilsk is also in a permafrost region .
A fuel pipeline broke and dumped millions of gallons of toxic fuel into the nearby river , causing massive environmental damage that will take decades to clean up .
The reason for the accident is believed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sink and fracture .
The whole of Eastern Europe has been subject to two very warm winters , which has caused a glut in the gas market .
But now it seems that the warm weather is threatening to cause even more serious damage , and the melting permafrost could in theory threaten much of Russia ’ s pipeline infrastructure .
“ The warm winter and high water inflows led to elevated hydro generation in the first quarter , a trend which has continued into the second quarter , VTB Capital said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18.5 % year-on-year growth of hydro generation in the first quarter .
This latest news about the abnormal increase in water inflows yet again shows that melting permafrost continues to bring more technical issues in Russia.
” This article first appeared in bne IntelliNews .

TGK1, which is majority owned by Gazprom, has already ordered personnel at the plant to work under an emergency mode. The emergency services have been notified of flooding and the potential threat to the plants’ buildings — which operate in what is supposed to be an area of permafrost.
The water levels at TGK1’s Tulomskiye and Serebryanskiye hydropower plants in the Murmansk region saw water levels rise rapidly to unseasonal highs after snow at the Lovozero lake melted — something which occurs once in 1,000 years, according to the company.
No serious damage was done, although the company's personnel have been put on high alert.
There were more melting permafrost problems for Russia’s energy infrastructure after the TGK1 power station on the Far Northwest reported June 9 that two of its hydropower units were flooded with “abnormal water inflow” due to melting snow.
There are no commercial or residential buildings in the region that could be affected, as the power plant was built in a remote area. The company has sent a division to monitor and control the situation.
At this stage, TGK1 does not anticipate any interruptions to electricity supply to consumers.
The flooding at TGK1 follows an oil spill in the mining town of Norilsk on Russia’s Far North coast last week that was the worst in the country's history and has been declared a national emergency.
Norilsk is also in a permafrost region. A fuel pipeline broke and dumped millions of gallons of toxic fuel into the nearby river, causing massive environmental damage that will take decades to clean up. The reason for the accident is believed to be melting permafrost that caused the pipe to sink and fracture.
The whole of Eastern Europe has been subject to two very warm winters, which has caused a glut in the gas market. But now it seems that the warm weather is threatening to cause even more serious damage, and the melting permafrost could in theory threaten much of Russia’s pipeline infrastructure.
“The warm winter and high water inflows led to elevated hydro generation in the first quarter, a trend which has continued into the second quarter, VTB Capital said in a note. “TGK1 reported 18.5% year-on-year growth of hydro generation in the first quarter. This latest news about the abnormal increase in water inflows yet again shows that melting permafrost continues to bring more technical issues in Russia.”
This article first appeared in bne IntelliNews.


themoscowtimes--2020-06-11--Russia's Coronavirus Cases Pass 500K as Officials Shift Focus to Putin Reforms

Moscow lifted restrictions including compulsory travel passes on Tuesday , a move welcomed by residents who rushed out to enjoy the streets and parks .
Many other regions are lifting lockdown restrictions as Russia is preparing to hold a July 1 national vote despite the pandemic .
President Vladimir Putin is seeking public backing for constitutional amendments that would allow him to stay on at the Kremlin beyond his current term .
Critics have cast doubt on Russia 's low official mortality rate and accused authorities of under-reporting to play down the scale of the crisis .
Russia attributes its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has identified many cases with mild or no coronavirus symptoms .
The Health Ministry is now adjusting how it reports numbers to include all deaths believed to be related to the virus even if the direct cause of death was another condition or the patient tested negative .
Moscow reported Wednesday that it saw 5,260 such deaths in May .
Former Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin , a liberal politician known for his outspoken comments , said Russia 's health system requires more funds and modernization in many regions .
`` Medicine is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ norms and also it needs a serious overhaul , '' Kudrin , who heads the Audit Chamber that examines government spending , said in an interview with the state-run TASS state news agency .
`` We will carry out a check and show these figures , '' he added .
Nevertheless the economist said Russia `` is not doing a bad job with the pandemic , '' crediting the role of the military , which has built emergency facilities .

The highest number of new cases were in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Russia's fatality rate has remained low compared to other badly-hit countries, raising speculation that Moscow could be underreporting figures.
Russian authorities began easing anti-virus measures in June ahead of a massive World War II military parade in Moscow and a nationwide vote on constitutional reforms that now allow President Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2036.
Both events were initially postponed due the epidemic.
Moscow opened cinemas and theaters on Aug. 1. In the capital, masks are mandatory in stores and on public transport but not in the streets.
Several institutes in Russia are working on a coronavirus vaccine.
The Russian Defense Ministry has said it developed a "safe" vaccine following clinical trials on a group of volunteers.
The trials are ongoing, and the Defense Ministry expects clinical trials to be fully completed in the coming weeks.
AFP contributed reporting to this article.


themoscowtimes--2020-06-11--Russia Says 'Years' Needed to Clean Up Arctic Spill

It is the largest ever to have hit the Arctic , say environmentalists .
The spill of over 21,000 tons of fuel took place after a fuel reservoir collapsed last month at a power plant operated by a subsidiary of metals giant Norilsk Nickel in the city of Norilsk .
Russian investigators on Wednesday detained three staff of a power plant over a huge fuel spill in the Arctic , as response teams warned a full clean-up would take years .
Those working at the site have already seen the first effects of the spill on the local ecosystem , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transneft Siberia oil and gas transportation company involved in the clean-up .
They included dead muskrats and ducks , he said .
The Investigative Committee looking into the accident said it had detained the director of the power station , Pavel Smirnov , and two engineers on suspicion of breaching environmental protection rules .
If convicted , they would risk up to five years in prison .
`` The company considers this measure to be unjustifiably harsh , '' Norilsk Nickel said in a statement to AFP , citing vice-president Nikolai Utkin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement authorities and now they would be much more useful at the scene of the clean-up operation , '' he added .
At the scene at a remote area in the Norilsk industrial district , Bronnikov of Transneft Siberia said that the situation was stabilizing , but that the clean-up team had seen animals and birds apparently killed by the spill .
`` Today I myself saw dead muskrats , '' he told AFP , adding that workers had seen ducks killed by the fuel .
`` If a bird lands on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , it is condemned to death , '' he said .
He added however that he had not seen `` a huge number '' of any animals dying there .

Russian investigators on Wednesday detained three staff of a power plant over a huge fuel spill in the Arctic, as response teams warned a full clean-up would take years. The spill of over 21,000 tons of fuel took place after a fuel reservoir collapsed last month at a power plant operated by a subsidiary of metals giant Norilsk Nickel in the city of Norilsk. It is the largest ever to have hit the Arctic, say environmentalists.
Those working at the site have already seen the first effects of the spill on the local ecosystem, said Viktor Bronnikov, general director of Transneft Siberia oil and gas transportation company involved in the clean-up. They included dead muskrats and ducks, he said. The Investigative Committee looking into the accident said it had detained the director of the power station, Pavel Smirnov, and two engineers on suspicion of breaching environmental protection rules. If convicted, they would risk up to five years in prison. "The company considers this measure to be unjustifiably harsh," Norilsk Nickel said in a statement to AFP, citing vice-president Nikolai Utkin. All three "are cooperating with law enforcement authorities and now they would be much more useful at the scene of the clean-up operation," he added. 'Years' to clean up At the scene at a remote area in the Norilsk industrial district, Bronnikov of Transneft Siberia said that the situation was stabilizing, but that the clean-up team had seen animals and birds apparently killed by the spill. "Today I myself saw dead muskrats," he told AFP, adding that workers had seen ducks killed by the fuel. "If a bird lands on the diesel fuel or a muskrat swims through it, it is condemned to death," he said. He added however that he had not seen "a huge number" of any animals dying there.


themoscowtimes--2020-06-11--Russian Prison Guards Walk on Glass for ‘Self-Awareness’

The Orenburg region ’ s prison service said the goal of the course at Penal Colony No .
6 was to promote “ self-discovery ” among the guards and help them “ defeat their own fears.
” The colony 1,500 kilometers southeast of Moscow houses prisoners with life sentences .
Guards at one of Russia ’ s strictest prisons recently took part in a self-awareness course involving walking on glass , the prison service has said .
“ Walking on glass isn ’ t just a fun trick but a great way to go beyond your limitations , fears and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
“ With regular practice , it ’ s also a path to recovery… an ideal mechanism for forming goals , ” it said last Thursday .
According to its website , the colony in the town of Sol-Iletsk uses prison labor to produce souvenirs and shoes , as well as sand blocks , paving slabs and metal products .
Prisoners breed cattle , pigs , rabbits and chickens , as well as grow vegetables and make pasteurized milk , cottage cheese , flour and pasta .
“ Each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the session , ” the prison service said .

The Orenburg region’s prison service said the goal of the course at Penal Colony No. 6 was to promote “self-discovery” among the guards and help them “defeat their own fears.” The colony 1,500 kilometers southeast of Moscow houses prisoners with life sentences.
Guards at one of Russia’s strictest prisons recently took part in a self-awareness course involving walking on glass, the prison service has said .
“Walking on glass isn’t just a fun trick but a great way to go beyond your limitations, fears and insecurities,” the regional prison service said in a statement.
“With regular practice, it’s also a path to recovery… an ideal mechanism for forming goals,” it said last Thursday.
According to its website, the colony in the town of Sol-Iletsk uses prison labor to produce souvenirs and shoes, as well as sand blocks, paving slabs and metal products. Prisoners breed cattle, pigs, rabbits and chickens, as well as grow vegetables and make pasteurized milk, cottage cheese, flour and pasta.
“Each employee shared positive feelings and impressions at the end of the session,” the prison service said.


themoscowtimes--2020-06-11--Foreign Adversaries Could Use Tundra Oil Spill to Discredit Russia, Security Chief Warns

Patrushev ’ s comments follow a May 29 fuel tank leak near the city of Norilsk which spilled more than 21,000 metric tons of diesel fuel into the ground and nearby rivers .
The environmental catastrophe happened after the concrete foundation on which the fuel reservoir rests began to sink , which officials linked to melting permafrost caused by climate change .
A massive fuel spill in Russia ’ s Arctic could play into the hands of foreign foes that want to discredit Russia and its Arctic policy , Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev has said .
“ The accident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats posed by climate change leads to serious ecological consequences and material costs and could also play into the hands of those who seek to discredit Russia ’ s policy in the Arctic , ” Interfax cited Patrushev as saying at a Security Council meeting Tuesday .
He also stressed the importance of enhancing security at fuel and energy facilities in the Arctic and called on regional leaders to update their emergency response plans to prevent future accidents .
Patrushev has long been a key figure in President Vladimir Putin ’ s Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Federal Security Service ( FSB ) and has been Security Council Secretary since 2008 .
He elaborated on his positions in an interview with the Argumenty i Fakty newspaper Wednesday , arguing that Western countries , particularly the United States and NATO , are actively seeking to destabilize Russia ’ s public and political situation .
He added that foreign government-controlled media is being used to “ discredit Russia ’ s leadership , government institutions and patriotic political leaders , as well as to erode Russian spiritual and moral values.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a top political priority of the Kremlin and several highly ambitious policies which aim to boost natural resource extraction , shipping and military development in the region have been adopted .

Patrushev’s comments follow a May 29 fuel tank leak near the city of Norilsk which spilled more than 21,000 metric tons of diesel fuel into the ground and nearby rivers. The environmental catastrophe happened after the concrete foundation on which the fuel reservoir rests began to sink, which officials linked to melting permafrost caused by climate change.
A massive fuel spill in Russia’s Arctic could play into the hands of foreign foes that want to discredit Russia and its Arctic policy, Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev has said .
“The accident […] shows that underestimating the threats posed by climate change leads to serious ecological consequences and material costs and could also play into the hands of those who seek to discredit Russia’s policy in the Arctic,” Interfax cited Patrushev as saying at a Security Council meeting Tuesday.
He also stressed the importance of enhancing security at fuel and energy facilities in the Arctic and called on regional leaders to update their emergency response plans to prevent future accidents.
Patrushev has long been a key figure in President Vladimir Putin’s Russia. He has held several top posts in the Federal Security Service (FSB) and has been Security Council Secretary since 2008.
He elaborated on his positions in an interview with the Argumenty i Fakty newspaper Wednesday, arguing that Western countries, particularly the United States and NATO, are actively seeking to destabilize Russia’s public and political situation.
He added that foreign government-controlled media is being used to “discredit Russia’s leadership, government institutions and patriotic political leaders, as well as to erode Russian spiritual and moral values.”
The Arctic has in recent years become a top political priority of the Kremlin and several highly ambitious policies which aim to boost natural resource extraction, shipping and military development in the region have been adopted.


themoscowtimes--2020-06-11--Major Russian Cities Postpone Victory Day Parades Over Virus Fears

President Vladimir Putin delayed the Victory Day parade from May 9 , when tanks usually roll through Red Square while jets fly overhead , to June 24 because of the coronavirus .
Russia ’ s Covid-19 outbreak — which surpassed half a million cases Thursday — has shifted from Moscow to other regions and the capital has begun to gradually emerge from its lockdown .
At least 10 Russian cities have further postponed a landmark military parade meant to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II because of coronavirus fears , the Znak.com news website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Oryol regions southwest of Moscow have delayed their parades until July 12 and Aug. 5 , respectively , according to Znak.com .
The neighboring Kursk region timed its parade to coincide with the end of the Battle of Kursk on Aug. 23 .
The Perm region east of Moscow will hold its parade on or around Sept. 3 .
“ We need to take care of the health and life of [ our people ] , ” its governor was quoted as saying .
Other cities that opted out of the parade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as Pskov , Yaroslavl , Orenburg , Nizhny Tagil and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky .
Russia ’ s defense minister , who informed Putin on Thursday that everything was ready for the parade , has pledged that only asymptomatic troops and those who have developed immunity to Covid-19 would take part in the marches in 28 cities .
The commander-in-chief of Russia ’ s Ground Forces , Oleg Salyukov , had noted that other cities would decide whether or not to host parades based on the severity of their Covid-19 situations .
Before it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 9 parade was meant to be a major showcase for Putin with world leaders and World War II veterans invited to watch and take part in events .
At least 12 foreign leaders , mostly from former Soviet republics , are expected to attend the June 24 parade .

President Vladimir Putin delayed the Victory Day parade from May 9, when tanks usually roll through Red Square while jets fly overhead, to June 24 because of the coronavirus. Russia’s Covid-19 outbreak — which surpassed half a million cases Thursday — has shifted from Moscow to other regions and the capital has begun to gradually emerge from its lockdown.
At least 10 Russian cities have further postponed a landmark military parade meant to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II because of coronavirus fears, the Znak.com news website reported Thursday.
Authorities in the Belgorod and Oryol regions southwest of Moscow have delayed their parades until July 12 and Aug. 5, respectively, according to Znak.com. The neighboring Kursk region timed its parade to coincide with the end of the Battle of Kursk on Aug. 23.
The Perm region east of Moscow will hold its parade on or around Sept. 3. “We need to take care of the health and life of [our people],” its governor was quoted as saying.
Other cities that opted out of the parade include 2018 World Cup host Saransk, as well as Pskov, Yaroslavl, Orenburg, Nizhny Tagil and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Russia’s defense minister, who informed Putin on Thursday that everything was ready for the parade, has pledged that only asymptomatic troops and those who have developed immunity to Covid-19 would take part in the marches in 28 cities.
The commander-in-chief of Russia’s Ground Forces, Oleg Salyukov, had noted that other cities would decide whether or not to host parades based on the severity of their Covid-19 situations.
Before it was postponed, this year’s May 9 parade was meant to be a major showcase for Putin with world leaders and World War II veterans invited to watch and take part in events.
At least 12 foreign leaders, mostly from former Soviet republics, are expected to attend the June 24 parade.


themoscowtimes--2020-06-11--Moscow to Hand Out $145M in ‘Prizes’ to Voters for Putin’s Constitutional Reforms

Moscow authorities plan to attract voters for next month ’ s public vote on constitutional reforms that would allow President Vladimir Putin to rule Russia until 2036 with prizes totaling almost $ 144 million .
The constitutional amendments , in addition to adding social guarantees to Russia 's basic law , reset Putin 's four previous terms as president , allowing him two additional six-year terms from 2024-2036 .
Public polls have said that close to a majority of Russians plans to vote in favor of the amendments .
The Moscow mayor ’ s office will begin rolling out its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 , promising to give away 2 million vouchers to voters that can be exchanged for goods or services until the end of 2020 .
The program continues a Soviet tradition of offering food to voters at polling stations .
More recently , most Russian regions held giveaways and contests at voting sites during the 2018 presidential election .
First Deputy Director of the Mayor 's Office Alexei Nemeryuk characterized the 10 billion ruble ( $ 144 million ) program as the business community ’ s proposal to “ stimulate consumer demand ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus lockdown .
“ Those who vote online or go to the polls will receive a unique digital code and points will be raffled off , ” Nemeryuk said at a briefing organized by the state-run TASS news agency .
Russians have been offered a range of options to vote for the constitutional amendments , including in-person voting between June 25 and July 1 or online in Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region .
Residents of some remote areas have already cast their ballots early .
More than 3,000 stores across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will participate in the program , which runs until Dec. 31 .
Around 350 election officials across the country have meanwhile refused to administer the vote , citing the risk of spreading the coronavirus .
The boycott does not appear likely to affect the vote , given that at least 1 million election officials will help organize it .
Critics have also accused authorities of campaigning for the amendments while banning campaigns against the vote , which election officials have rejected .
Officials have also rejected reports that state workers are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Moscow authorities plan to attract voters for next month’s public vote on constitutional reforms that would allow President Vladimir Putin to rule Russia until 2036 with prizes totaling almost $144 million. The constitutional amendments, in addition to adding social guarantees to Russia's basic law, reset Putin's four previous terms as president, allowing him two additional six-year terms from 2024-2036. Public polls have said that close to a majority of Russians plans to vote in favor of the amendments.
news Putin Rushes to Move on From Virus With Vote on Reforms Read more
The Moscow mayor’s office will begin rolling out its “Million Prizes” program on June 25, promising to give away 2 million vouchers to voters that can be exchanged for goods or services until the end of 2020. The program continues a Soviet tradition of offering food to voters at polling stations. More recently, most Russian regions held giveaways and contests at voting sites during the 2018 presidential election. First Deputy Director of the Mayor's Office Alexei Nemeryuk characterized the 10 billion ruble ($144 million) program as the business community’s proposal to “stimulate consumer demand” after many businesses were hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown. “Those who vote online or go to the polls will receive a unique digital code and points will be raffled off,” Nemeryuk said at a briefing organized by the state-run TASS news agency. Russians have been offered a range of options to vote for the constitutional amendments, including in-person voting between June 25 and July 1 or online in Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region. Residents of some remote areas have already cast their ballots early.
news Isolated Russians Cast Early Ballots on Putin Reforms Read more


themoscowtimes--2020-06-12--Putin to Mark Russia Day as New Virus Cases Approach 9,000

President Vladimir Putin on Friday was set to make his first public appearance after weeks of lockdown as Russia reported @ @ @ @ @ in one day .
Russia , the country with the world 's third-largest coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ lockdown restrictions as Putin sets the stage for a vote on July 1 that could @ @ @ @ @ until 2036 .
On Friday , the country celebrates Russia Day with a public holiday @ @ @ @ @ , will mark the occasion by giving out awards in the Kremlin and raising the @ @ @ @ @ in western Moscow .

President Vladimir Putin said Friday an "absolute majority" of Russians back his controversial plan to change the Constitution, as he made his first public appearance after weeks of lockdown. Russia, which has the world's third-largest coronavirus caseload, this week lifted tight restrictions as Putin set the stage for a vote on July 1 that could extend his hold on power until 2036. Putin greeted his compatriots at an open-air flag-raising ceremony in western Moscow to mark the Russia Day public holiday. He was surrounded by allies, including prominent pediatrician Leonid Roshal.
Appearing without a mask and smiling in the bright sunshine, the 67-year-old leader praised the spirit of the Russian people as well their traditions and culture. He said it was only natural that Russians wanted to see these "fundamental, basic premises" reflected in the Constitution. "I am sure that an absolute majority of our citizens share and support such a position," Putin said. During the ceremony, he also bestowed labor awards on Roshal, popular Soviet-era actor Yury Solomin and other figures. Putin, who has dominated Russia for two decades, in January unleashed a political storm, proposing an overhaul of the Constitution, the first changes to the basic law since 1993. In a carefully choreographed move, he later agreed for the amendments to include a provision that would reset the clock on his term limits to zero, meaning he could potentially stay in power until 2036. Even though infections have been declining in Russia, many doctors and Kremlin critics say lockdown restrictions have been lifted prematurely in Moscow, the epicenter of the Russian outbreak. Critics accuse Putin of rushing to drum up support ahead of the vote as his approval ratings fall, according to independent pollsters. On Friday evening, authorities will stage a concert on Red Square, adding however that those attending will respect social distancing rules. On June 24, Putin will also preside over a massive military parade to mark Soviet victory in World War II. Both the vote and the parade had to be rescheduled due to the lockdown. Over the past few weeks Putin has largely worked from his residence outside Moscow.


themoscowtimes--2020-06-12--Staff at Top Russian Paper Offer Replacement for Controversial Editor

Vedomosti ’ s new owner Ivan Yeryomin , who heads the little-known regional news agency FederalPress , on Wednesday asked his editorial staff to name their own candidate .
Writers and editors rebelled against acting editor Andrei Shmarov , who was appointed after Vedomosti ’ s previous owner announced its sale this spring .
Shmarov has been accused of banning coverage of negative opinion polls on President Vladimir Putin , threatening to fire those who criticize the president ’ s controversial constitutional amendments and interfering in coverage of Russian oil giant Rosneft .
Staff at Russia ’ s leading business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replace the current editor-in-chief , whose editorial decisions have ignited a censorship scandal at the leading independent publication , the paper reported Thursday .
The paper ’ s legal representative Olga Kurzyakova said that out of 90 full-time employees , the 66 who cast their ballots Thursday all voted in favor of veteran Vedomosti journalist Anfisa Voronina .
Voronina , 39 , has been with the publication for more than 15 years and currently heads its partnership program .
“ Anfisa has Vedomosti DNA , she ’ s a carrier of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said deputy editor Filipp Sterkin .
This is the second attempt by Vedomosti writers and editors to replace Shmarov with Voronina .
Vedomosti ’ s board of directors now has to consider Voronina ’ s candidacy , Yeryomin said , without specifying a timeframe .
He said Shmarov would continue in his current post until Vedomosti ’ s first board meeting under the new ownership .
“ I ’ m interested in ensuring that the newsroom ’ s opinion is taken into account and the rights of employees are fully respected .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mobilize and nominate its candidate despite the tight deadline , ” Yeryomin said .

Vedomosti’s new owner Ivan Yeryomin, who heads the little-known regional news agency FederalPress, on Wednesday asked his editorial staff to name their own candidate.
Writers and editors rebelled against acting editor Andrei Shmarov, who was appointed after Vedomosti’s previous owner announced its sale this spring. Shmarov has been accused of banning coverage of negative opinion polls on President Vladimir Putin, threatening to fire those who criticize the president’s controversial constitutional amendments and interfering in coverage of Russian oil giant Rosneft.
Staff at Russia’s leading business newspaper Vedomosti have put forward a candidate to replace the current editor-in-chief, whose editorial decisions have ignited a censorship scandal at the leading independent publication, the paper reported Thursday.
The paper’s legal representative Olga Kurzyakova said that out of 90 full-time employees, the 66 who cast their ballots Thursday all voted in favor of veteran Vedomosti journalist Anfisa Voronina.
Voronina, 39, has been with the publication for more than 15 years and currently heads its partnership program.
Shmarov did not receive a single vote, Kurzyakova noted.
“Anfisa has Vedomosti DNA, she’s a carrier of the publication’s every principle,” said deputy editor Filipp Sterkin.
This is the second attempt by Vedomosti writers and editors to replace Shmarov with Voronina.
Vedomosti’s board of directors now has to consider Voronina’s candidacy, Yeryomin said, without specifying a timeframe. He said Shmarov would continue in his current post until Vedomosti’s first board meeting under the new ownership.
“I’m interested in ensuring that the newsroom’s opinion is taken into account and the rights of employees are fully respected. I’m glad that it was able to mobilize and nominate its candidate despite the tight deadline,” Yeryomin said.