tass--2020-12-21--Russia ready to supply SputnikV vaccine to Western states - Russian Direct Investment Fund

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The developers of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine are ready to ensure its @ @ @ @ @ in particular for people with severe allergic reactions , head of the Russian Direct Investment @ @ @ @ @ Dmitriev said on Monday .
He was speaking at a meeting on the occasion of @ @ @ @ @ , which provides for international cooperation on developing vaccines against the coronavirus .
The document @ @ @ @ @ s Gamaleya National Research Center , RDIF , R-Pharm and the British-Swedish AstraZeneca company .
@ @ @ @ @ for a partnership , in particular with Western countries , on supplying the Sputnik V @ @ @ @ @ to those categories of citizens who have severe allergies and who , due to recent @ @ @ @ @ other vaccines cause severe allergic reactions , can not use them .
We are ready @ @ @ @ @ Sputnik V to Western countries , including for this category of people , '' he @ @

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The developers of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine are ready to ensure its supplies to Western countries, in particular for people with severe allergic reactions, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev said on Monday. He was speaking at a meeting on the occasion of signing the memorandum of intent, which provides for international cooperation on developing vaccines against the coronavirus. The document was signed between Russia’s Gamaleya National Research Center, RDIF, R-Pharm and the British-Swedish AstraZeneca company.
"We are also ready for a partnership, in particular with Western countries, on supplying the Sputnik V vaccine, for example, to those categories of citizens who have severe allergies and who, due to recent reports that a number of other vaccines cause severe allergic reactions, cannot use them. We are ready to ensure the delivery of Sputnik V to Western countries, including for this category of people," he said.


tass--2020-12-21--Russia, Iran working on broad range of trade and economic issues

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Iran are currently working on a wide range of trade and @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak said on Monday after the meeting with Oil Minister @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A broad range of trade and economic cooperation matters is also successfully explored @ @ @ @ @ this year has become a tough challenge for the whole global community , economic relations @ @ @ @ @ not lose prior dynamics but become more active and meaningful instead , '' Novak noted @ @ @ @ @ of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the oil sphere with Zanganeh .
Russian-Iranian relations in @ @ @ @ @ successfully at present , the Russian Deputy Prime Minister added .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russia and Iran are currently working on a wide range of trade and economic cooperation issues, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak said on Monday after the meeting with Oil Minister of Iran Bijan Namdar Zanganeh.
"A broad range of trade and economic cooperation matters is also successfully explored between our countries. Although this year has become a tough challenge for the whole global community, economic relations between Russia and Iran do not lose prior dynamics but become more active and meaningful instead," Novak noted.
Novak discussed key issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the oil sphere with Zanganeh. Russian-Iranian relations in the energy sphere are developing successfully at present, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister added.


tass--2020-12-21--Belarusian prosecutors initiate criminal case against Tikhanovskaya, Coordination council

MINSK , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Prosecutor General ’ s Office of Belarus initiated a criminal case against the so-called Coordination council of the opposition `` over the fact of establishment and management of an extremist group , '' the agency announced in its Telegram channel Monday .
`` Considering the data obtained during the investigation into the members of the so-called Coordination council over charges of [ calls for actions aimed at harming the Belarusian national security ] , the Prosecutor General ’ s office decided to initiate a criminal case against Tikhanovskaya S. , Kolesnikova M. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kovalkova O. , Dylevky S. , and other people over charges of establishment and management of an extremist group , '' the announcement reads .
Besides , on the Prosecutor ’ s Office order , the Investigative Committee initiated a criminal case against the `` so-called Coordination council and other people over [ a conspiracy aimed at unconstitutional seizure of power . ]
'' The Prosecutor ’ s office also initiated criminal case over charges of financing of a terror group .
The agency noted that every fact of cooperation with an extremist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people without citizenship , including companies , will receive a principle legal assessment .
In August , the Investigative committee accepted a case over public calls for seizure of power .
The Coordination council was created on the initiative of former Presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who refused to recognize the elections outcome : 80.01 % for Alexander Lukashenko and just 10.12 % for herself .
On August 11 , Tikhanovskaya fled Belarus and currently resides in Lithuania .

MINSK, December 21. /TASS/. The Prosecutor General’s Office of Belarus initiated a criminal case against the so-called Coordination council of the opposition "over the fact of establishment and management of an extremist group," the agency announced in its Telegram channel Monday.
"Considering the data obtained during the investigation into the members of the so-called Coordination council over charges of [calls for actions aimed at harming the Belarusian national security], the Prosecutor General’s office decided to initiate a criminal case against Tikhanovskaya S., Kolesnikova M., Znak M., Latuhko P., Kovalkova O., Dylevky S., and other people over charges of establishment and management of an extremist group," the announcement reads.
Besides, on the Prosecutor’s Office order, the Investigative Committee initiated a criminal case against the "so-called Coordination council and other people over [a conspiracy aimed at unconstitutional seizure of power.]"
The Prosecutor’s office also initiated criminal case over charges of financing of a terror group. The agency noted that every fact of cooperation with an extremist group by Belarusian citizens, foreigners and people without citizenship, including companies, will receive a principle legal assessment.
In August, the Investigative committee accepted a case over public calls for seizure of power.
The Coordination council was created on the initiative of former Presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who refused to recognize the elections outcome: 80.01% for Alexander Lukashenko and just 10.12% for herself. On August 11, Tikhanovskaya fled Belarus and currently resides in Lithuania.


tass--2020-12-21--Russian State Council to build relations between public power bodies, Secretary says

`` The constitutional amendments introduce a new legal category : the public power , '' Levitin pointed out .
`` In order to ensure a coordinated operation of all bodies of power , to take their opinion into account during decision-making , special authority is needed .
This authority exactly is laid out in the [ … ] law on the State Council . ''
He reminded that the head of state pointed out the State Council ’ s great importance in the state control system , which led to cementing the Council ’ s status in the Constitution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The State Council , in its new format , approved by the new federal law , will build interaction between all power bodies , State Council Secretary , presidential aide Igor Levitin said Monday .
The presidential aide noted that the State Council will continue preparing proposals for the President on key issues of internal and foreign policy , as well as for various directions of social and economic development .
Cementing the State Council ’ s authority in the Constitution will raise the status of decisions it makes .
The State Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementation of national projects , Levitin added .
He pointed out that the Council has new functions now , too .
`` Before the law was adopted , the State Council was a venue for establishment of productive work of the government and the regions , '' the Secretary said .
`` Now , the area of influence is extended .
Now , we will build relations between all bodies of public power . ''
Besides , the council will be able to analyze the practice of state and municipal control , develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State council will take part in development and negotiation of criteria and efficiency indicators for regional executive power and self-governance , '' Levitin added .
`` That means the efficiency of governors and local powers will be assessed at the State council .
The Council will also decide on encouragement measures for Russian regions and municipalities .

"The constitutional amendments introduce a new legal category: the public power," Levitin pointed out. "In order to ensure a coordinated operation of all bodies of power, to take their opinion into account during decision-making, special authority is needed. This authority exactly is laid out in the […] law on the State Council."
He reminded that the head of state pointed out the State Council’s great importance in the state control system, which led to cementing the Council’s status in the Constitution.
MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The State Council, in its new format, approved by the new federal law, will build interaction between all power bodies, State Council Secretary, presidential aide Igor Levitin said Monday.
The presidential aide noted that the State Council will continue preparing proposals for the President on key issues of internal and foreign policy, as well as for various directions of social and economic development. Cementing the State Council’s authority in the Constitution will raise the status of decisions it makes. The State Council will play a large role in the implementation of national projects, Levitin added.
He pointed out that the Council has new functions now, too.
"Before the law was adopted, the State Council was a venue for establishment of productive work of the government and the regions," the Secretary said. "Now, the area of influence is extended. Now, we will build relations between all bodies of public power."
Besides, the council will be able to analyze the practice of state and municipal control, develop proposals on its improvement.
"The State council will take part in development and negotiation of criteria and efficiency indicators for regional executive power and self-governance," Levitin added. "That means the efficiency of governors and local powers will be assessed at the State council.
The Council will also decide on encouragement measures for Russian regions and municipalities.


tass--2020-12-21--Russian, Uzbek top diplomats discuss planned visit of Uzbek leader to Russia

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Uzbek colleague Abdulaziz Kamilov have discussed @ @ @ @ @ s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev ’ s visit to Russia during a meeting in Moscow on @ @ @ @ @ have exchanged opinions on the current issues of foreign policy cooperation , the key matters @ @ @ @ @ agendas , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry informed .
`` They have discussed the preparations @ @ @ @ @ President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Russian Federation .
In this @ @ @ @ @ compared the lists of inter-state , intergovernmental and inter-agency documents set to be signed .
@ @ @ @ @ Lavrov and Kamilov had reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation between the countries ’ foreign @ @ @ @ @ support in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Uzbek colleague Abdulaziz Kamilov have discussed the preparations for Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Russia during a meeting in Moscow on Monday.
"The sides have exchanged opinions on the current issues of foreign policy cooperation, the key matters on the international and regional agendas," the Russian Foreign Ministry informed. "They have discussed the preparations for the state visit of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Russian Federation. In this context, the ministers have compared the lists of inter-state, intergovernmental and inter-agency documents set to be signed."
The ministry noted that Lavrov and Kamilov had reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation between the countries’ foreign ministries, including the mutual support in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.


tass--2020-12-21--Russian banks restructured household loans worth $432 mln in November

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The volume of household loans restructured by Russian banks increased by about a third in November to 32.5 bln rubles ( $ 432 mln ) , the Central Bank said in its analytical report on the development of the national banking sector in November 2020 .
`` In November , the demand of small and medium enterprises for restructuring of loans continued to decline - compared to October , the volume of loans restructured over the month decreased by almost 18 % , to 17.2 billion rubles ( $ 232 mln ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ household loans restructured over the month , increased by about a third up to 32.5 billion rubles , '' the regulator noted .
The Central Bank named the increase in the incidence of coronavirus infection and the restrictive measures associated with the pandemic among the main reasons for the growth in demand for loan restructuring .
According to the Central Bank 's estimates , the volume of restructuring loans to large companies is growing insignificantly .
In total , for the period between late of March and the end of October , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 6.5 trillion rubles ( $ 86.5 bln ) ( more than 10 % of the loan portfolio ) .
In November , the growth of consumer loans ( excluding auto loans ) slowed down ( +1.2 % ) compared to October ( + 1.5 % ) .This can be attributed to higher uncertainty due to the worsening epidemic situation , the Central Bank noted .
In November , the overdue debt of corporate borrowers slightly decreased - by 10 billion rubles ( $ 133 mln ) , or 0.3 % .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12.3 billion rubles ( $ 163 mln ) , or 1.3 % , which is higher than the average monthly growth in 2019 .
This increase was evenly distributed across the banking sector , which probably reflects the impact of the pandemic , the Central Bank stressed .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The volume of household loans restructured by Russian banks increased by about a third in November to 32.5 bln rubles ($432 mln), the Central Bank said in its analytical report on the development of the national banking sector in November 2020.
"In November, the demand of small and medium enterprises for restructuring of loans continued to decline - compared to October, the volume of loans restructured over the month decreased by almost 18%, to 17.2 billion rubles ($232 mln). On the contrary, the volume of household loans restructured over the month, increased by about a third up to 32.5 billion rubles," the regulator noted.
The Central Bank named the increase in the incidence of coronavirus infection and the restrictive measures associated with the pandemic among the main reasons for the growth in demand for loan restructuring.
According to the Central Bank's estimates, the volume of restructuring loans to large companies is growing insignificantly. In total, for the period between late of March and the end of October, the banks restructured loans in the amount of about 6.5 trillion rubles ($86.5 bln) (more than 10% of the loan portfolio).
In November, the growth of consumer loans (excluding auto loans) slowed down (+1.2%) compared to October (+ 1.5%).This can be attributed to higher uncertainty due to the worsening epidemic situation, the Central Bank noted.
In November, the overdue debt of corporate borrowers slightly decreased - by 10 billion rubles ($133 mln), or 0.3%. On the contrary, retail arrears grew by 12.3 billion rubles ($163 mln), or 1.3%, which is higher than the average monthly growth in 2019. This increase was evenly distributed across the banking sector, which probably reflects the impact of the pandemic, the Central Bank stressed.


tass--2020-12-21--US should return to JCPOA without preconditions, Moscow says

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The US should not put forward preconditions for its return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear program , the Russian Foreign Ministry informed on Monday on the outcomes of the informal JCPOA ministerial meeting attended by Russian top diplomat Sergey Lavrov .
`` We believe that the US return to the JCPOA should be without any preconditions .
Our partners and we are ready for meaningful work in this area , and we are ready to help the Americans to step on the path of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest , '' the ministry said .
During the meeting , Lavrov stressed that Russia had taken note of Iran ’ s statements , which claim that Iran is ready to return to full adherence of the JCPOA as soon as the US does the same .
`` We hope that not only the current members of the JCPOA , but Washington as well , take note of this signal .
Strict adherence to the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 by the American side is not a matter of choice , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Article 25 of the UN Charter , '' the ministry stated .
All members of the JCPOA on the Iranian nuclear program have expressed their commitment to the obligations undertaken and the need to maintain them , the ministry informed .
`` The Russian side stressed that the recipe for the normalization of the JCPOA is within the plan itself : it ’ s the path of steady adherence to the agreements by all states that developed and signed them , '' the message says .
A joint statement was approved on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member states have agreed to carry on contacts .
`` The Russian side remains committed to further intensive work on steady adherence to the JCPOA in all its aspects based on the vetted balance of interests and the principle of reciprocity , '' the ministry concluded .
The future of the JCPOA was called into question after the unilateral pullout of the US on May 8 , 2018 and Washington ’ s subsequent sanctions against Iran in the sphere of oil export .
A year later , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the deal .
On January 5 , 2020 , Iran announced the final stage of limiting its obligations .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The US should not put forward preconditions for its return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program, the Russian Foreign Ministry informed on Monday on the outcomes of the informal JCPOA ministerial meeting attended by Russian top diplomat Sergey Lavrov.
"We believe that the US return to the JCPOA should be without any preconditions. Our partners and we are ready for meaningful work in this area, and we are ready to help the Americans to step on the path of correction. This is in our shared interest," the ministry said.
During the meeting, Lavrov stressed that Russia had taken note of Iran’s statements, which claim that Iran is ready to return to full adherence of the JCPOA as soon as the US does the same. "We hope that not only the current members of the JCPOA, but Washington as well, take note of this signal. Strict adherence to the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 by the American side is not a matter of choice, it is an obligation of any state stipulated in Article 25 of the UN Charter," the ministry stated.
No alternatives to JCPOA adherence
All members of the JCPOA on the Iranian nuclear program have expressed their commitment to the obligations undertaken and the need to maintain them, the ministry informed. "The Russian side stressed that the recipe for the normalization of the JCPOA is within the plan itself: it’s the path of steady adherence to the agreements by all states that developed and signed them," the message says.
A joint statement was approved on the outcomes of the ministerial session. JCPOA member states have agreed to carry on contacts. "The Russian side remains committed to further intensive work on steady adherence to the JCPOA in all its aspects based on the vetted balance of interests and the principle of reciprocity," the ministry concluded.
The future of the JCPOA was called into question after the unilateral pullout of the US on May 8, 2018 and Washington’s subsequent sanctions against Iran in the sphere of oil export. A year later, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced that Tehran would suspend part of its obligations under the deal. On January 5, 2020, Iran announced the final stage of limiting its obligations.


tass--2020-12-21--Russian specialists study data on new COVID-19 strain in UK, Health Ministry says

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian specialists maintain contacts with their foreign colleagues in studying a new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ , the press service of the Russian Healthcare Ministry told journalists on Monday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ new strain of the coronavirus detected in Great Britain is being checked by specialists who @ @ @ @ @ colleagues , including the World Health Organization , '' the statement said .
Earlier , @ @ @ @ @ that Russia is suspending the air service with Great Britain beginning on December 22 for @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus strain detected there .
`` The decision to temporarily halt the air service @ @ @ @ @ in order to protect the health of Russians , '' the Healthcare Ministry added .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russian specialists maintain contacts with their foreign colleagues in studying a new coronavirus strain detected in the UK, the press service of the Russian Healthcare Ministry told journalists on Monday.
"The information on a possible new strain of the coronavirus detected in Great Britain is being checked by specialists who are in contact with foreign colleagues, including the World Health Organization," the statement said.
Earlier, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported that Russia is suspending the air service with Great Britain beginning on December 22 for a week due to the new coronavirus strain detected there. "The decision to temporarily halt the air service with Great Britain was made in order to protect the health of Russians," the Healthcare Ministry added.


tass--2020-12-21--Adherence to JCPOA by all members necessary to normalize situation, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during an informal meeting of Iranian nuclear @ @ @ @ @ format of a video conference that steady adherence to the existing agreements is the only @ @ @ @ @ , the statement published by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday informs .
All members @ @ @ @ @ of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear program have expressed their commitment to @ @ @ @ @ need to maintain them , the ministry informed .
`` The Russian side stressed that @ @ @ @ @ of the JCPOA is within the plan itself : it ’ s the path of @ @ @ @ @ by all states that developed and signed them , '' the message says .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during an informal meeting of Iranian nuclear deal member states in the format of a video conference that steady adherence to the existing agreements is the only way to normalize the situation, the statement published by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday informs.
All members of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program have expressed their commitment to the obligations undertaken and the need to maintain them, the ministry informed. "The Russian side stressed that the recipe for the normalization of the JCPOA is within the plan itself: it’s the path of steady adherence to the agreements by all states that developed and signed them," the message says.


tass--2020-12-21--Russian embassy in US did not receive invitation to Biden’s inauguration yet

WASHINGTON , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Embassy in the US has not received an official invitation to @ @ @ @ @ next US President Joe Biden , Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov informed TASS @ @ @ @ @ information provided by the organizers of the inauguration , due to the difficult epidemiological situation @ @ @ @ @ January 20 ceremony in Washington is planned to be held in a limited format .
@ @ @ @ @ not aware whom the US side plans to invite to this event .
The embassy @ @ @ @ @ , '' the diplomat said .

WASHINGTON, December 21. /TASS/. The Russian Embassy in the US has not received an official invitation to the upcoming inauguration ceremony of next US President Joe Biden, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov informed TASS.
"According to the information provided by the organizers of the inauguration, due to the difficult epidemiological situation in the US, the January 20 ceremony in Washington is planned to be held in a limited format. So far, we are not aware whom the US side plans to invite to this event. The embassy has not received an invitation," the diplomat said.


tass--2020-12-21--Norilsk fuel storage subsidence could be thaw-induced, experts say

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Basement piles of the storage in Norilsk , where fuel spilled in May , could have subsided due to the underground waters , which had destroyed the permafrost ’ s layer , the Great Norilsk Expedition ’ s report reads .
The expedition was organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch .
“ The survey has proved that there is a deep layer of meltwater amid the permafrost or complete absence of perennially frozen soils near tank number 5 .
Besides , the results point to changes in the soils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their stability .
The underground waters supposedly come from a lake , which is 200 meters to the north of tank number 5 .
Highly likely the underground drainage could have caused soils ’ warming under tank number 5 , which consequently entailed the subsidence of the basement ’ s piles , ” the report reads .
According to the document , the experts have drilled a well to analyze the soils , and at the interval of between 2 and 3.1 meters they identified an aquifer .
At the same time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 in the parent material ’ s base under the artificial filling there was a gutter , along which meltwater was leaking .
“ Results of the thermometric studies point to a deep meltwater flow in the permafrost .
In the southern part of the storage , along the lower edge of the artificial filling , the underground waters come up to the surface .
Thus , the permafrost ’ s meltwater began to form practically immediately after the storage was commissioned , and moreover – the meltwater ’ s formation continues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , scientists of the Melnikov Permafrost Institute ( the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch ) worked in the power plant ’ s area near tanks number 2-4 and from the western side of the fuel storage area , in the seasonal temporary watershed up to the place where it flows into the Daldykan River .
By using geophysical methods , they identified borders of the frozen and non-frozen soils .
“ The Permafrost Institute ’ s scientists conducted a general survey of the territory and used instruments to measure temperatures of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine the condition of the perennially frozen soils , the reasons for the conditions ' changes and directions .
They verified locations of the meltwaters and their boundaries in terms of the area and depth , ” the report reads .
The scientists surveyed how the processes developed on the surface .
They analyzed the topsoil and the depth of seasonal thawing .
They observed the soils ’ temperatures in existing wells and additionally in another three wells , which they had made .
The lowest temperatures ( of about minus 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 .
Near tank number 5 the experts registered the highest temperatures ( minus 1.5 degrees ) .
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time over recent years , has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula , at the invitation of Nornickel , a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale examination of the area .
Scientists will use the expedition ’ s results to present nature-friendly solutions and suggestions for industrial companies , working in the Arctic .
The expedition ’ s key points were watersheds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lake Pyasino .
In August , experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils , plants and sediments and began tests at the institutes ’ labs .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Basement piles of the storage in Norilsk, where fuel spilled in May, could have subsided due to the underground waters, which had destroyed the permafrost’s layer, the Great Norilsk Expedition’s report reads. The expedition was organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch.
“The survey has proved that there is a deep layer of meltwater amid the permafrost or complete absence of perennially frozen soils near tank number 5. Besides, the results point to changes in the soils’ physical features and the loss of their stability. The underground waters supposedly come from a lake, which is 200 meters to the north of tank number 5. Highly likely the underground drainage could have caused soils’ warming under tank number 5, which consequently entailed the subsidence of the basement’s piles,” the report reads.
According to the document, the experts have drilled a well to analyze the soils, and at the interval of between 2 and 3.1 meters they identified an aquifer. At the same time, scientists discovered that near tank No. 5 in the parent material’s base under the artificial filling there was a gutter, along which meltwater was leaking.
“Results of the thermometric studies point to a deep meltwater flow in the permafrost. In the southern part of the storage, along the lower edge of the artificial filling, the underground waters come up to the surface. Thus, the permafrost’s meltwater began to form practically immediately after the storage was commissioned, and moreover – the meltwater’s formation continues,” the experts said.
How permafrost specialists work
In August, scientists of the Melnikov Permafrost Institute (the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch) worked in the power plant’s area near tanks number 2-4 and from the western side of the fuel storage area, in the seasonal temporary watershed up to the place where it flows into the Daldykan River. By using geophysical methods, they identified borders of the frozen and non-frozen soils.
“The Permafrost Institute’s scientists conducted a general survey of the territory and used instruments to measure temperatures of soils in the existing and newly-drilled wells to determine the condition of the perennially frozen soils, the reasons for the conditions' changes and directions. They verified locations of the meltwaters and their boundaries in terms of the area and depth,” the report reads.
The scientists surveyed how the processes developed on the surface. They analyzed the topsoil and the depth of seasonal thawing. They observed the soils’ temperatures in existing wells and additionally in another three wells, which they had made. The lowest temperatures (of about minus 4 degrees) were registered near tank number 3. Near tank number 5 the experts registered the highest temperatures (minus 1.5 degrees).
Expedition to Taimyr
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time over recent years, has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula, at the invitation of Nornickel, a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale examination of the area. Scientists will use the expedition’s results to present nature-friendly solutions and suggestions for industrial companies, working in the Arctic.
The expedition’s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina, Norilka and Ambarnaya and Lake Pyasino. In August, experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils, plants and sediments and began tests at the institutes’ labs.


tass--2020-12-21--Putin signs decree to transform Northern Fleet into military district

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree equaling the Northern Fleet to a military district from 2021 , according to the document posted on the government ’ s legal information web portal on Monday .
`` To consider the Northern Fleet as a multiservice force strategic territorial association of the Russian Armed Forces performing the tasks of a military district , '' the decree says .
The document has been adopted `` for the purpose of implementing measures for protecting the integrity and inviolability of the territory '' of Russia , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force on January 1 , 2021 .
On July 5 this year , Putin signed a decree on Russia ’ s military and administrative division , which actually assigns the Northern Fleet the status of a military district from January 1 , 2021 .
It is based on the territory of the Republic of Komi , the Arkhangelsk and Murmansk Regions and the Nenets Autonomous Region .
Pursuant to the Russian president ’ s 2010 decree , these regions were part of the Western Military District .
Today the Northern Fleet is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ association .
It deals with the tasks of keeping the seaborne strategic nuclear forces on constant alert for the purposes of nuclear deterrence .
The Northern Fleet ’ s main naval base of Severomorsk is located in the Murmansk Region .
It also has naval bases in Vidyayevo , Gadzhiyevo , Gremikha , Zapadnaya Litsa and Polyarny ( all of them based in the Murmansk Region ) and also operates the Belomorsk naval facility in Severodvinsk in the northern Arkhangelsk Region .
Admiral Alexander Moiseyev is currently the Northern Fleet ’ s commander @

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree equaling the Northern Fleet to a military district from 2021, according to the document posted on the government’s legal information web portal on Monday.
"To consider the Northern Fleet as a multiservice force strategic territorial association of the Russian Armed Forces performing the tasks of a military district," the decree says.
The document has been adopted "for the purpose of implementing measures for protecting the integrity and inviolability of the territory" of Russia, it says.
The decree will enter into force on January 1, 2021.
On July 5 this year, Putin signed a decree on Russia’s military and administrative division, which actually assigns the Northern Fleet the status of a military district from January 1, 2021. It is based on the territory of the Republic of Komi, the Arkhangelsk and Murmansk Regions and the Nenets Autonomous Region. Pursuant to the Russian president’s 2010 decree, these regions were part of the Western Military District.
Today the Northern Fleet is the Russian Navy’s operational and strategic association. It deals with the tasks of keeping the seaborne strategic nuclear forces on constant alert for the purposes of nuclear deterrence.
The Northern Fleet’s main naval base of Severomorsk is located in the Murmansk Region. It also has naval bases in Vidyayevo, Gadzhiyevo, Gremikha, Zapadnaya Litsa and Polyarny (all of them based in the Murmansk Region) and also operates the Belomorsk naval facility in Severodvinsk in the northern Arkhangelsk Region. Admiral Alexander Moiseyev is currently the Northern Fleet’s commander.


tass--2020-12-21--Moscow presumes that US under Biden to regard Russia as an adversary, says ambassador

Asked what expectations he had on the eve of another administration taking office in Washington and if he cherished any hopes for the beginning of normalization of bilateral relations or preferred to brace for their further worsening , Antonov said : `` Russian-US relations in recent years have been in the state of a deep crisis . ''
WASHINGTON , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia presumes that the United States will apparently go ahead with its policy of containment under the incoming president , Joseph Biden , Russia ’ s ambassador to the United States , Anatoly Antonov , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes some problems in relations with US will be solved under Biden '' We have no delusion everything will change for the better overnight when the new president takes over .
The chances of this are slim , '' Antonov said .
`` We proceed from Washington ’ s fundamental policy on the Russian track , '' he explained .
`` Our country was proclaimed an adversary .
This definition is contained in the fundamental US policy documents .
The local establishment shows unanimity on this score .
A wide range of economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is used for Moscow ’ s systematic containment . ''
He stressed that Russian-US relations were not personified .
`` The Democrats and the Republicans may disagree over tactics , but not strategy .
The gist of the latter is not attempts to seek a compromise with Russia , but pressure on us that would make us agree with everything that Washington may demand . ''
In the meantime , Antonov said , `` it is Russian-US cooperation that is capable of playing the key role in solving many global problems . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ interaction was shrinking lately , '' he said .
`` There is a tremendous amount of work to be handled in bilateral relations .
One can not expect a quick return .
It will make sense to make progress calmly on small projects that would yield positive results , and then to get closer to tackling more ambitious tasks , '' Antonov said .
Use of force does not work The Russian ambassador shared his opinion of the likely effects of more attempts by the United States to act on the Russian track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the further general degradation of bilateral ties for the whole system of international relations and the world architecture of security .
`` In principle attempts to act from the position of strength in bilateral relations never yield anything good either in people-to-people contacts or in interstate relations .
What is the gist of such an attitude ?
To put it in a nutshell , it is an attempt to dictate one ’ s will and one ’ s interests regardless of the opinion of the other side .
Clearly , such an approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to relations between two major nuclear powers , such as Russia and the United States , '' Antonov warned .
He believes that Washington ’ s choice in favor of the `` peace through strength '' and `` great power rivalry '' concepts harms not only bilateral relations , but international security in general .
`` In its drive for military-political supremacy the United States systematically gets rid of international treaties and legal restrictions that the regimes of arms control and confidence-building and transparency rest upon , '' he added .
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration officials , including Biden , to pay visits to Russia , Antonov said : `` First and foremost it is necessary to wait for the inauguration of the new president and the formation of the new cabinet of ministers . ''
`` We will keep a close watch on the internal political situation in the United States .
Plans for likely meetings with Russian officials will be formed as government appointments are made .
As far as Joseph Biden is concerned , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message of congratulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was prepared for interaction and contacts with the new US leader .
It is to be hoped that Russian-US relations will not be sacrificed to current internal politics in the United States and that our countries will be able to resolve the accrued problems on a pragmatic and equitable basis , '' Antonov stressed .
He remarked that the embassy knew nothing of any preparations for any visits by Russian officials to the US while the Trump administration was still in office .
`` The serious epidemiological situation in the country and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Besides , federal agencies in the United States are busy with handover procedures , which will continue up to the inauguration ceremony on January 20 , 2021 .
Apparently , everybody will have to stay patient and wait for the new authorities get down to work , '' Antonov said .

Asked what expectations he had on the eve of another administration taking office in Washington and if he cherished any hopes for the beginning of normalization of bilateral relations or preferred to brace for their further worsening, Antonov said: "Russian-US relations in recent years have been in the state of a deep crisis."
WASHINGTON, December 21. /TASS/. Russia presumes that the United States will apparently go ahead with its policy of containment under the incoming president, Joseph Biden, Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, told TASS in an interview.
Putin hopes some problems in relations with US will be solved under Biden
"We have no delusion everything will change for the better overnight when the new president takes over. The chances of this are slim," Antonov said.
"We proceed from Washington’s fundamental policy on the Russian track," he explained. "Our country was proclaimed an adversary. This definition is contained in the fundamental US policy documents. The local establishment shows unanimity on this score. A wide range of economic, military, political and propagandistic instruments is used for Moscow’s systematic containment."
He stressed that Russian-US relations were not personified.
"The Democrats and the Republicans may disagree over tactics, but not strategy. The gist of the latter is not attempts to seek a compromise with Russia, but pressure on us that would make us agree with everything that Washington may demand."
No expectations of a quick return
In the meantime, Antonov said, "it is Russian-US cooperation that is capable of playing the key role in solving many global problems."
"This is so even though bilateral interaction was shrinking lately," he said.
"There is a tremendous amount of work to be handled in bilateral relations. One cannot expect a quick return. It will make sense to make progress calmly on small projects that would yield positive results, and then to get closer to tackling more ambitious tasks," Antonov said.
Use of force does not work
The Russian ambassador shared his opinion of the likely effects of more attempts by the United States to act on the Russian track from the position of strength and of the further general degradation of bilateral ties for the whole system of international relations and the world architecture of security.
"In principle attempts to act from the position of strength in bilateral relations never yield anything good either in people-to-people contacts or in interstate relations. What is the gist of such an attitude? To put it in a nutshell, it is an attempt to dictate one’s will and one’s interests regardless of the opinion of the other side. Clearly, such an approach just does not work, when it comes to relations between two major nuclear powers, such as Russia and the United States," Antonov warned.
He believes that Washington’s choice in favor of the "peace through strength" and "great power rivalry" concepts harms not only bilateral relations, but international security in general.
"In its drive for military-political supremacy the United States systematically gets rid of international treaties and legal restrictions that the regimes of arms control and confidence-building and transparency rest upon," he added.
Readiness for contacts
About the possibility Moscow might invite future US administration officials, including Biden, to pay visits to Russia, Antonov said: "First and foremost it is necessary to wait for the inauguration of the new president and the formation of the new cabinet of ministers."
"We will keep a close watch on the internal political situation in the United States. Plans for likely meetings with Russian officials will be formed as government appointments are made. As far as Joseph Biden is concerned, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message of congratulations to the president-elect on December 15 he was prepared for interaction and contacts with the new US leader. It is to be hoped that Russian-US relations will not be sacrificed to current internal politics in the United States and that our countries will be able to resolve the accrued problems on a pragmatic and equitable basis," Antonov stressed.
He remarked that the embassy knew nothing of any preparations for any visits by Russian officials to the US while the Trump administration was still in office.
"The serious epidemiological situation in the country and the New Year holidays create extra hindrances. Besides, federal agencies in the United States are busy with handover procedures, which will continue up to the inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2021. Apparently, everybody will have to stay patient and wait for the new authorities get down to work," Antonov said.


tass--2020-12-21--New coronavirus strain in UK affecting oil price, says Russia’s deputy PM

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Appearance of a new coronavirus strain leading to new lockdown measures in the United Kingdom and suspension of flights to London by a number of countries resulted in a serious correction of oil prices , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday .
`` In my opinion , the situation has changed over these two days .
It is changing fairly actively .
Major lockdown measures have been introduced recently as regards trips to the United Kingdom .
A new coronavirus strain appeared and this entailed , in particular , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets .
We did not see it two days earlier , '' Novak said .
The situation on the oil market is unpredictable now and market recovery forecasts are not implemented , the official added .
On December 14 , United Kingdom ’ s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England .
Hancock said preliminary analysis indicated that the newly-discovered virus strain was spreading faster than any of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told an urgent news conference on Saturday that according to the current findings the new strain might be 70 % more contagious .
He added that British experts had not yet found any proof that the virus mutation was fraught with a greater risk of lethal outcome .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Appearance of a new coronavirus strain leading to new lockdown measures in the United Kingdom and suspension of flights to London by a number of countries resulted in a serious correction of oil prices, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday.
"In my opinion, the situation has changed over these two days. It is changing fairly actively. Major lockdown measures have been introduced recently as regards trips to the United Kingdom. A new coronavirus strain appeared and this entailed, in particular, a major oil price correction we notice on markets. We did not see it two days earlier," Novak said.
The situation on the oil market is unpredictable now and market recovery forecasts are not implemented, the official added.
On December 14, United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England. Hancock said preliminary analysis indicated that the newly-discovered virus strain was spreading faster than any of those exposed previously. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told an urgent news conference on Saturday that according to the current findings the new strain might be 70% more contagious. He added that British experts had not yet found any proof that the virus mutation was fraught with a greater risk of lethal outcome.


tass--2020-12-21--Yamal’s Person of the Year rescues pinniped pup

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Afanasiy Tesida was born and lives in the Yamalo-Nenets Region .
He has been working with the Gazpromneft-Development Company in the region ’ s Tazovsky District .
In 2020 , he has won the Person of the Year - Yamal 2020 prize in Ecology for the rescue of a baby seal .
Afanasiy says he is always attentive to the nature , and thus , when only he saw the wild animal asked for help , there were not hesitations .
`` The seal has come to the rig , to people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was in late April .
The weather was bad that time , and the animal could not find the hole in the ice , through which it had come .
Seals can hear well , and that one heard people and got to us , '' Tesida said .
By the time the seal managed to crawl to people , it was practically frozen - it had crawled about 5 kilometers searching for an escape .
Afanasiy took it into the arms .
It was a pup , not more than 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15-20 kilograms .
`` Luckily , nobody had attacked it .
We warmed it up .
And then , our manager asked me to let it go back into the water .
I am a local , and surely I have everything needed to drill the ice .
You know , it is not just letting a seal out whenever you want , as it may get frightened .
Thus , we decided to let it into the water near the Gaz-Sale settlement , '' Tesida said .
They drilled a hole through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thick .
`` In our region , the frosts are very strong , and the ice becomes very thick , but the driver and I did manage , '' he said .
Where it came from Afanasiy says , seals could have come there earlier .
However , not all animals can make it to people : they may be attacked by foxes and crows .
`` Snow here lies for nine months a year , and fishing on lakes is outlawed .
At the same time , without holes in the ice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A seal , smelling fish , makes holes in the ice - with its own warmth it may melt a hole within 4-6 hours or it may dig it out by claws , '' the man said .
However , heavy snow storms , which are often on Yamal , may sweep snow over big holes , through which seals could have returned into the water .
And then animals have to search for help .
The story about the rescued pup rolled across the region , and local reporters , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prize , which was organized in 2020 for the first time .
The Person of the Year - Yamal 2020 prize was established five years earlier in Yamal ’ s southernmost city - Noyabrsk , and in 2020 it progressed to the regional level .
In 2020 , the prize had ten nominations , Elena Vorotyagina , Deputy Chief Editor of the Noyabrsk-24 television channel ( a part of the Arctic Media Holding , the prize ’ s initiator ) said .
`` We have invited the regional television to take part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominees and every company appointed three persons to the jury .
The decision was : in 2020 , Afanasiy was wonderful , and he won the Ecology nomination , '' she said .
Other nominees in Ecology were mostly volunteers .
`` Our key approach was to nominate ordinary people .
Not those , who work in the ecology sector .
Our prize is for those who could not walk past a problem , for those who did something good , '' she said .
Interestingly , nominees have not been informed about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The nominees did not know that reporters discussed them among the best - until the live program , where we announced the winners .
They will receive a statuette , and - first of all - the widespread acclaim , '' she concluded .
Afanasiy said he was happy to learn he was the Person of the Year in the region .
At the same time , he said what he did was nothing extraordinary .
`` Of course I was flattered to learn that I am the winner .
But for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescue animals often , because we live in the nature .
We do not trouble or hurt anyone , '' he said .
One day , he rescued a kite , which had smashed into a car and fainted .
For two days , the bird stayed in a box .
On the third day , it recovered and was released .
Afanasiy says it must have left for the south .
`` On another occasion , I rescued a wolf pup in the tundra .
It must have lost its ways , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to there .
About six months later it thanked me when I was hunting deer .
My wolf attacked a deer and left the venison to me .
Most probably , it was that very pup , which had grown older , '' Afanasiy said .
The Yamalo-Nenets Region is located mostly north of the Arctic Circle , and the other part is on the slope of the Urals ridge .
The climate is cold .
Some areas have the perennially frozen soils .
The cold Kara Sea is nearby .
Winters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whereas in the Arctic and sub-Arctic zones they are not longer than 68 days ) .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Afanasiy Tesida was born and lives in the Yamalo-Nenets Region. He has been working with the Gazpromneft-Development Company in the region’s Tazovsky District. In 2020, he has won the Person of the Year - Yamal 2020 prize in Ecology for the rescue of a baby seal.
Afanasiy says he is always attentive to the nature, and thus, when only he saw the wild animal asked for help, there were not hesitations.
"The seal has come to the rig, to people, and my colleagues had noticed it. It was in late April. The weather was bad that time, and the animal could not find the hole in the ice, through which it had come. Seals can hear well, and that one heard people and got to us," Tesida said.
Baby in distress
By the time the seal managed to crawl to people, it was practically frozen - it had crawled about 5 kilometers searching for an escape.
Afanasiy took it into the arms. It was a pup, not more than 12 months old. The baby weighted about 15-20 kilograms.
"Luckily, nobody had attacked it. We warmed it up. And then, our manager asked me to let it go back into the water. I am a local, and surely I have everything needed to drill the ice. You know, it is not just letting a seal out whenever you want, as it may get frightened. Thus, we decided to let it into the water near the Gaz-Sale settlement," Tesida said.
They drilled a hole through the ice, which was 160 cm thick. "In our region, the frosts are very strong, and the ice becomes very thick, but the driver and I did manage," he said.
Where it came from
Afanasiy says, seals could have come there earlier. However, not all animals can make it to people: they may be attacked by foxes and crows.
"Snow here lies for nine months a year, and fishing on lakes is outlawed. At the same time, without holes in the ice fish dies of a shortage of oxygen. A seal, smelling fish, makes holes in the ice - with its own warmth it may melt a hole within 4-6 hours or it may dig it out by claws," the man said.
However, heavy snow storms, which are often on Yamal, may sweep snow over big holes, through which seals could have returned into the water. And then animals have to search for help.
The prize
The story about the rescued pup rolled across the region, and local reporters, who interviewed Afanasiy, nominated him for the prize, which was organized in 2020 for the first time.
The Person of the Year - Yamal 2020 prize was established five years earlier in Yamal’s southernmost city - Noyabrsk, and in 2020 it progressed to the regional level.
In 2020, the prize had ten nominations, Elena Vorotyagina, Deputy Chief Editor of the Noyabrsk-24 television channel (a part of the Arctic Media Holding, the prize’s initiator) said.
"We have invited the regional television to take part in the project. Television companies offered their nominees and every company appointed three persons to the jury. The decision was: in 2020, Afanasiy was wonderful, and he won the Ecology nomination," she said.
Other nominees in Ecology were mostly volunteers.
"Our key approach was to nominate ordinary people. Not those, who work in the ecology sector. Our prize is for those who could not walk past a problem, for those who did something good," she said.
Interestingly, nominees have not been informed about the competition until results were announced.
"The nominees did not know that reporters discussed them among the best - until the live program, where we announced the winners. They will receive a statuette, and - first of all - the widespread acclaim," she concluded.
"I rescue animals often"
Afanasiy said he was happy to learn he was the Person of the Year in the region. At the same time, he said what he did was nothing extraordinary.
"Of course I was flattered to learn that I am the winner. But for me it was nothing special - I rescue animals often, because we live in the nature. We do not trouble or hurt anyone," he said.
One day, he rescued a kite, which had smashed into a car and fainted. For two days, the bird stayed in a box. On the third day, it recovered and was released. Afanasiy says it must have left for the south.
"On another occasion, I rescued a wolf pup in the tundra. It must have lost its ways, and I found the den and returned it to there. About six months later it thanked me when I was hunting deer. My wolf attacked a deer and left the venison to me. Most probably, it was that very pup, which had grown older," Afanasiy said.
The Yamalo-Nenets Region is located mostly north of the Arctic Circle, and the other part is on the slope of the Urals ridge. The climate is cold. Some areas have the perennially frozen soils. The cold Kara Sea is nearby. Winters continue for up to eight months (whereas in the Arctic and sub-Arctic zones they are not longer than 68 days).


tass--2020-12-21--Putin-Modi summit may be held in first half of 2021 - Russian ambassador

NEW DELHI , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi planned for October 2020 and later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be held in the first half of 2021 , Russian Ambassador to India Nikolai Kudashev told Russian reporters on Monday in an interview timed to the tenth anniversary of the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India .
`` The pandemic has made holding contacts more difficult , it has affected the frequency of face-to-face meetings , however , on the whole , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and economic dialogue .
A summit is the highest point of such dialogue , it should have been held in October of this year , and large-scale preparatory efforts had been made in advance , however , it was decided to postpone the meeting until next year by mutual consent .
I hope that we will see the Russian president here in India in the first half of next year , '' Kudashev said .
The ambassador reminded that despite the pandemic , contacts between both states had not ceased .
In January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visited India , where he took part in the Raisina Dialogue conference and met with his Indian colleague Subrahmanyam Jaishankar .
Jaishankar also visited Russia this year .
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh took part in the events timed to the Victory Day parade in Moscow in the summer , and in the fall , he participated the meeting between CIS , SCO and CSTO defense chiefs .
`` Besides , the Russian president and the Indian PM have met in the collective format at least four times , during the SCO and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two G20 summits , one in March dedicated to the pandemic , and during the regular summit in the fall .
These meetings were held online , '' the ambassador said , pointing out that the dialogue between both states on key issues of global development and bilateral relations has been fruitful and intensive .
`` The leaders have held phone calls many times , '' the ambassador added .
Kudashev noted that in the run-up to the summit , a number of events will be held , including the meeting of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that should be held in early 2021 .
In early 2021 , a meeting between the co-chairs of the bilateral intergovernmental commission on trade-economic , science-technical and cultural cooperation is expected as well .
`` We expect that these meetings will not be held online , they will be face-to-face , their dates are currently in the works , '' the Russian envoy pointed out .
`` The role of parliamentary diplomacy is being expanded in our relations ; by late winter - early spring of the next year , probably in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian-Indian interparliamentary commission .
India takes over the BRICS chairmanship in 2021 , it will be the receiving country .
Our leaders will work a lot in this format .
In the fall of next year , a BRICS summit can be expected .
At the start of next year , in January , the Indian side will name their priorities and expand on their plans , '' the ambassador informed .
`` India is also taking over as chairman within the promising format of Russia , India , China ( RIC ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indian chairmanship will be known in January .
This is a very promising Eurasian format , the agenda of which goes beyond the region .
We can expect an intensive dialogue here as well , '' the Russian ambassador stated .

NEW DELHI, December 21. /TASS/. The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi planned for October 2020 and later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be held in the first half of 2021, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolai Kudashev told Russian reporters on Monday in an interview timed to the tenth anniversary of the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India.
"The pandemic has made holding contacts more difficult, it has affected the frequency of face-to-face meetings, however, on the whole, it has not affected the close Russian-Indian political and economic dialogue. A summit is the highest point of such dialogue, it should have been held in October of this year, and large-scale preparatory efforts had been made in advance, however, it was decided to postpone the meeting until next year by mutual consent. I hope that we will see the Russian president here in India in the first half of next year," Kudashev said.
The ambassador reminded that despite the pandemic, contacts between both states had not ceased. In January 2020, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited India, where he took part in the Raisina Dialogue conference and met with his Indian colleague Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Jaishankar also visited Russia this year. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh took part in the events timed to the Victory Day parade in Moscow in the summer, and in the fall, he participated the meeting between CIS, SCO and CSTO defense chiefs.
"Besides, the Russian president and the Indian PM have met in the collective format at least four times, during the SCO and BRICS summits in November, and during two G20 summits, one in March dedicated to the pandemic, and during the regular summit in the fall. These meetings were held online," the ambassador said, pointing out that the dialogue between both states on key issues of global development and bilateral relations has been fruitful and intensive. "The leaders have held phone calls many times," the ambassador added.
Planned meetings
Kudashev noted that in the run-up to the summit, a number of events will be held, including the meeting of the bilateral commission on military and military-technical cooperation that should be held in early 2021. In early 2021, a meeting between the co-chairs of the bilateral intergovernmental commission on trade-economic, science-technical and cultural cooperation is expected as well. "We expect that these meetings will not be held online, they will be face-to-face, their dates are currently in the works," the Russian envoy pointed out.
"The role of parliamentary diplomacy is being expanded in our relations; by late winter - early spring of the next year, probably in February, we foresee another meeting of the Russian-Indian interparliamentary commission. India takes over the BRICS chairmanship in 2021, it will be the receiving country. Our leaders will work a lot in this format. In the fall of next year, a BRICS summit can be expected. At the start of next year, in January, the Indian side will name their priorities and expand on their plans," the ambassador informed.
"India is also taking over as chairman within the promising format of Russia, India, China (RIC) as well. The parameters of the Indian chairmanship will be known in January. This is a very promising Eurasian format, the agenda of which goes beyond the region. We can expect an intensive dialogue here as well," the Russian ambassador stated.


tass--2020-12-21--AstraZeneca and Sputnik V investor and developer sign agreement of cooperation on vaccines

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) , the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry and the AstraZeneca and R-Pharm pharmaceutical companies have signed an agreement on development and implementation of a program of clinical trials of a combination of vaccines against the coronavirus , the RDIF reported on Monday .
The sides agreed to boost research and business relations that will include studies to explore the potential of a combined use of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine and the AZD1222 preparation developed by AstraZeneca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and durable protection against the coronavirus .
Clinical trials of the combination of the AZD1222 vaccine with the Sputnik V human adenoviral serotype Ad26 vector will be launched soon .
The R-Pharm company will also be one of the sponsors of the study .
`` A schedule using two different adenoviral vectors for primary and secondary immunization , being a unique and fundamental development by specialists of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry , allows to circumvent immunity to the first vector , formed after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectiveness of the second injection thus forming a long-term immunity .
Thanks to this schedule , among other things , the effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine surpasses 90 % , and [ protection ] against severe cases of the disease amounts to 100 % .
Among the leading vaccines against the coronavirus , currently only Sputnik V possesses the technology of two different vectors , '' the RDIF ’ s statement reads .
Earlier on Monday , Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in a video conference dedicated to the cooperation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccines .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country worldwide to register a vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. On December 21 , it was reported that the vaccine was registered in Belarus .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry and the AstraZeneca and R-Pharm pharmaceutical companies have signed an agreement on development and implementation of a program of clinical trials of a combination of vaccines against the coronavirus, the RDIF reported on Monday.
The sides agreed to boost research and business relations that will include studies to explore the potential of a combined use of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine and the AZD1222 preparation developed by AstraZeneca in order to generate a more stable and durable protection against the coronavirus.
Clinical trials of the combination of the AZD1222 vaccine with the Sputnik V human adenoviral serotype Ad26 vector will be launched soon. The R-Pharm company will also be one of the sponsors of the study.
"A schedule using two different adenoviral vectors for primary and secondary immunization, being a unique and fundamental development by specialists of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry, allows to circumvent immunity to the first vector, formed after the first inoculation, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the second injection thus forming a long-term immunity. Thanks to this schedule, among other things, the effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine surpasses 90%, and [protection] against severe cases of the disease amounts to 100%. Among the leading vaccines against the coronavirus, currently only Sputnik V possesses the technology of two different vectors," the RDIF’s statement reads.
Earlier on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in a video conference dedicated to the cooperation of the British-Swedish AstraZeneca with the Russian side on the vaccines.
On August 11, Russia became the first country worldwide to register a vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. On December 21, it was reported that the vaccine was registered in Belarus.


tass--2020-12-21--Armenian PM thanks Putin for help in returning Armenian soldiers back home

`` I would like to thank President Putin for the fact that yesterday , six of our soldiers who had spent 70 days in the forest were found and evacuated .
This is something akin to a miracle .
We are constantly working on returning our soldiers , and we have spoken about this with the Russian president dozens of times , '' Pashinyan said on Monday during a meeting with the residents of the town of Sisian .
Earlier on Sunday , Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s emergencies ministry informed of the return of six military officers .
Renewed clashes between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
On November 9 , Russian President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
Besides , Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed .

"I would like to thank President Putin for the fact that yesterday, six of our soldiers who had spent 70 days in the forest were found and evacuated. This is something akin to a miracle. We are constantly working on returning our soldiers, and we have spoken about this with the Russian president dozens of times," Pashinyan said on Monday during a meeting with the residents of the town of Sisian.
Earlier on Sunday, Nagorno-Karabakh’s emergencies ministry informed of the return of six military officers.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. Besides, Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed.


tass--2020-12-21--Russia to place 13 Yars and Avangard ICBM launchers on combat alert next year

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Strategic Missile Force will get 13 launchers with Yars and Avangard intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBMs ) in 2021 , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry ’ s enlarged board meeting on Monday .
`` In 2021 , the Defense Ministry will deal with a number of priority rearmament tasks .
It will have to put 13 launchers with Yars and Avangard intercontinental ballistic missiles on combat duty in the Strategic Missile Force , '' the defense chief said .
Russia also plans to complete the construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avangard ICBMs in Kozelsk , Yasny , Uzhur , Novosibirsk and Yoshkar-Ola , Shoigu said .
`` Additional funds allocated for the production of these systems , will help reach the level of the strategic nuclear forces ’ provision with advanced weapons at 88.3 % , '' the defense chief stressed .
The first missile regiment armed with Avangard hypersonic weapons assumed combat duty in the Yasny missile division in the Orenburg Region in late 2019 .
The Avangard boost-glide vehicle is capable of flying at a hypersonic speed of up to Mach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dense layers of the atmosphere , maneuvering by its flight path and its altitude and breaching any anti-missile defense .
The Avangard hypersonic weapon was first mentioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018 .
The RS-24 Yars is a Russian strategic missile system comprising a mobile or silo-based solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile with MIRVed ( multiple independently targetable vehicle ) warheads .
The ICBM was developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology under the supervision of academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yuri Solomonov .
The Yars is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russia’s Strategic Missile Force will get 13 launchers with Yars and Avangard intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in 2021, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry’s enlarged board meeting on Monday.
"In 2021, the Defense Ministry will deal with a number of priority rearmament tasks. It will have to put 13 launchers with Yars and Avangard intercontinental ballistic missiles on combat duty in the Strategic Missile Force," the defense chief said.
Russia also plans to complete the construction of the necessary infrastructure for Yars and Avangard ICBMs in Kozelsk, Yasny, Uzhur, Novosibirsk and Yoshkar-Ola, Shoigu said.
"Additional funds allocated for the production of these systems, will help reach the level of the strategic nuclear forces’ provision with advanced weapons at 88.3%," the defense chief stressed.
The first missile regiment armed with Avangard hypersonic weapons assumed combat duty in the Yasny missile division in the Orenburg Region in late 2019. The Avangard boost-glide vehicle is capable of flying at a hypersonic speed of up to Mach 27 (about 32,000 km/h) in the dense layers of the atmosphere, maneuvering by its flight path and its altitude and breaching any anti-missile defense. The Avangard hypersonic weapon was first mentioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018.
The RS-24 Yars is a Russian strategic missile system comprising a mobile or silo-based solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile with MIRVed (multiple independently targetable vehicle) warheads. The ICBM was developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology under the supervision of academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yuri Solomonov. The Yars is a modification of the Topol-M missile system.


tass--2020-12-21--First power unit of Belarusian NPP to be connected to network on December 21

MINSK , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The first power unit of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant ( NPP ) @ @ @ @ @ to the power network by the end of the day , Energy Minister of Belarus @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` We are completing the reactor power startup today .
All the tests @ @ @ @ @ to the network and reaching the 50 % reactor capacity are planned by the end @ @ @ @ @ the minister said .
It will be needed to obtain a permit from the state @ @ @ @ @ to the pilot operation phase , Karankevich noted .
`` Reactor capacity utilization < ... @ @ @ @ @ the framework of obtaining the permit for this stage .
This is a phased program @ @ @ @ @ from 500 to 1,190 MW , '' the minister added .

MINSK, December 21. /TASS/. The first power unit of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is planned to be connected to the power network by the end of the day, Energy Minister of Belarus Viktor Karankevich told reporters on Monday.
"We are completing the reactor power startup today. All the tests were performed successfully. Connection to the network and reaching the 50% reactor capacity are planned by the end of the day," the minister said.
It will be needed to obtain a permit from the state nuclear industry regulator for transition to the pilot operation phase, Karankevich noted. "Reactor capacity utilization <...> will be secured within the framework of obtaining the permit for this stage. This is a phased program with tests and power increase from 500 to 1,190 MW," the minister added.


tass--2020-12-21--Russia’s Aerospace Force to receive 22 Su-57 fifth-generation fighters by late 2024

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Armed Forces will receive 94 aircraft and helicopters before 2025 ahead of schedule , including 22 Su-57 fifth-generation fighters , Russia ’ s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry ’ s enlarged board meeting on Monday .
`` With regard to aircraft , the early deliveries of 94 planes and helicopters are envisaged by the end of 2024 , including 22 Su-57 fighters , whose number will grow to 76 by 2028 , '' the defense minister pointed out .
Head of the state tech corporation Rostec Sergei Chemezov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serial-produced Su-57 fighter with the first-stage engine would arrive for Russia ’ s Aerospace Force by late 2020 while the first Su-57s with the advanced second-stage engine would be assembled in 2022 .
The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air , ground and naval targets .
The Su-57 fighter jet features stealth technology with the broad use of composite materials , is capable of developing supersonic cruising speed and is furnished with the most advanced onboard radio-electronic equipment , including a powerful onboard computer ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radar system spread across its body and some other innovations , in particular , armament placed inside its fuselage .
The Su-57 took to the skies for the first time on January 29 , 2010 .
Compared to its predecessors , the Su-57 combines the functions of an attack plane and a fighter jet while the use of composite materials and innovation technologies and the fighter ’ s aerodynamic configuration ensure the low level of radar and infrared signature .
The plane ’ s armament will include , in particular , hypersonic missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successfully tested in combat conditions in Syria .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The Russian Armed Forces will receive 94 aircraft and helicopters before 2025 ahead of schedule, including 22 Su-57 fifth-generation fighters, Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry’s enlarged board meeting on Monday.
"With regard to aircraft, the early deliveries of 94 planes and helicopters are envisaged by the end of 2024, including 22 Su-57 fighters, whose number will grow to 76 by 2028," the defense minister pointed out.
Head of the state tech corporation Rostec Sergei Chemezov announced on December 7 that the first serial-produced Su-57 fighter with the first-stage engine would arrive for Russia’s Aerospace Force by late 2020 while the first Su-57s with the advanced second-stage engine would be assembled in 2022.
The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air, ground and naval targets. The Su-57 fighter jet features stealth technology with the broad use of composite materials, is capable of developing supersonic cruising speed and is furnished with the most advanced onboard radio-electronic equipment, including a powerful onboard computer (the so-called electronic second pilot), the radar system spread across its body and some other innovations, in particular, armament placed inside its fuselage.
The Su-57 took to the skies for the first time on January 29, 2010. Compared to its predecessors, the Su-57 combines the functions of an attack plane and a fighter jet while the use of composite materials and innovation technologies and the fighter’s aerodynamic configuration ensure the low level of radar and infrared signature.
The plane’s armament will include, in particular, hypersonic missiles. The fifth-generation fighter jet has been successfully tested in combat conditions in Syria.


tass--2020-12-22--Minsk to extend entry ban list in response to EU sanctions

MINSK , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
In response to the third EU sanctions package , Belarus will take a number of `` legal actions '' by extending the list of people banned entry to the republic and the Union State , restricting certain political foundations ’ operation in the republic and reviewing the implementation of certain `` humanitarian programs , '' Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey told journalists Tuesday .
`` We have thoroughly examined the entire so-called third restrictions package , and , of course , we proposed our response actions .
They include the extension of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an additional number of people from the EU will not be able to get on Belarusian territory and the territory of the Union State , considering our list is identical to that in the Russian Federation , '' Makey said .
He added that `` a decision was made to restrict the operation of a number of political foundations in the Republic of Belarus , and to review a number of so-called humanitarian , educational and cultural programs , which relevant political institutions worked on in Belarus , including those , acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Makey underscored that Minsk vehemently rejects the policy and the logic of sanctions .
`` But we are forced to adequately respond to those unfriendly restrictive measures , which , unfortunately , our partners take against Belarus .
[ … ] We will , of course , take a number of legal actions in response to the completely unjustified inclusion of a number of people and businesses in the EU list , '' he said .
The foreign minister disclosed that there are at least three additional directions , in which measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather not disclose these measures , but they will indeed be really sensitive and serious , '' he noted .

MINSK, December 22. /TASS/. In response to the third EU sanctions package, Belarus will take a number of "legal actions" by extending the list of people banned entry to the republic and the Union State, restricting certain political foundations’ operation in the republic and reviewing the implementation of certain "humanitarian programs," Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey told journalists Tuesday.
"We have thoroughly examined the entire so-called third restrictions package, and, of course, we proposed our response actions. They include the extension of the relevant list of personalities. This means that an additional number of people from the EU will not be able to get on Belarusian territory and the territory of the Union State, considering our list is identical to that in the Russian Federation," Makey said.
He added that "a decision was made to restrict the operation of a number of political foundations in the Republic of Belarus, and to review a number of so-called humanitarian, educational and cultural programs, which relevant political institutions worked on in Belarus, including those, acting under the aegis of foreign embassies."
Makey underscored that Minsk vehemently rejects the policy and the logic of sanctions. "But we are forced to adequately respond to those unfriendly restrictive measures, which, unfortunately, our partners take against Belarus. […] We will, of course, take a number of legal actions in response to the completely unjustified inclusion of a number of people and businesses in the EU list," he said.
The foreign minister disclosed that there are at least three additional directions, in which measures will be taken. "We would rather not disclose these measures, but they will indeed be really sensitive and serious," he noted.


tass--2020-12-22--Armenian opposition setting up tents in central Yerevan square, demanding PM steps down

YEREVAN , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Armenian opposition has launched a protest rally Tuesday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and has now set up several tents on Republic Square located in front of the government building , intending to stay there overnight , representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation ( ARF ) political party Ishkhan Saghatelyan told reporters .
`` We have already put up tents and will stay as long as we need , particularly overnight .
Pashinyan needs to go , '' he said .
Saghatelyan underlined that the opposition is calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Step Alliance , to meet before 18:00 to discuss possible ways out of this situation .
On Monday , the Homeland Salvation Movement announced that mass strikes and civil disobedience rallies will be organized Tuesday .
The Armenian opposition believes that the trilateral statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire signed by Pashinyan , Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on November 9 essentially came to be an act of capitulation .
Opponents of the incumbent Armenian leader also pin responsibility on him for economic and social problems of the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Armenian President Armen Sarkissian called for snap parliamentary elections and for a transfer of power to the government of national accord ahead of the vote .
Pashinyan himself says he won ’ t step down because any government change should be carried out through elections .
At the same time , a few of his supporters have already conceded that snap elections are possible .

YEREVAN, December 22. /TASS/. The Armenian opposition has launched a protest rally Tuesday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and has now set up several tents on Republic Square located in front of the government building, intending to stay there overnight, representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) political party Ishkhan Saghatelyan told reporters.
"We have already put up tents and will stay as long as we need, particularly overnight. Pashinyan needs to go," he said.
Saghatelyan underlined that the opposition is calling on the parliamentary majority, the My Step Alliance, to meet before 18:00 to discuss possible ways out of this situation.
On Monday, the Homeland Salvation Movement announced that mass strikes and civil disobedience rallies will be organized Tuesday. The Armenian opposition believes that the trilateral statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire signed by Pashinyan, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on November 9 essentially came to be an act of capitulation. Opponents of the incumbent Armenian leader also pin responsibility on him for economic and social problems of the country.
Amid the turbulent developments in the country, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian called for snap parliamentary elections and for a transfer of power to the government of national accord ahead of the vote. Pashinyan himself says he won’t step down because any government change should be carried out through elections. At the same time, a few of his supporters have already conceded that snap elections are possible.


tass--2020-12-22--‘Mike’ and ‘Nick’ who? Kremlin spox unaware if mysterious German-Polish call was verified

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has no information on the analysis of the @ @ @ @ @ phone call '' intercepted by Belarusian intelligence agencies , as he himself told reporters .
@ @ @ @ @ earlier at a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin that Belarusian radio electronic intelligence @ @ @ @ @ Warsaw and Berlin , which made it clear that the accusations of blogger Alexey Navalny @ @ @ @ @ Novichok were fraudulent .
`` I don ’ t have any information on the matter @ @ @ @ @ when asked if the conversation ’ s recording was authentic and if those involved in @ @ @ @ @ .
The Kremlin spokesman added that he was unaware whether the intelligence agencies had reported @ @ @ @ @ the recording ’ s authenticity .
A part of the intercepted conversation was earlier aired @ @ @ @ @ response , Berlin and Warsaw said that the information was untrue .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has no information on the analysis of the so-called "Mike and Nick phone call" intercepted by Belarusian intelligence agencies, as he himself told reporters.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said earlier at a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin that Belarusian radio electronic intelligence had intercepted a conversation between Warsaw and Berlin, which made it clear that the accusations of blogger Alexey Navalny having been allegedly poisoned by Novichok were fraudulent.
"I don’t have any information on the matter," Peskov said, when asked if the conversation’s recording was authentic and if those involved in the call had been identified. The Kremlin spokesman added that he was unaware whether the intelligence agencies had informed the Russian president of the recording’s authenticity.
A part of the intercepted conversation was earlier aired on Belarusian TV. In response, Berlin and Warsaw said that the information was untrue.


tass--2020-12-22--Concentrations of toxic agents near Norilsk surpass allowable safe limits

TASS , December 22 .
The concentrations of non-ferrous metals in soils and plants in the Norilsk Industrial District are above the allowable safe limits by a few times .
Scientists explain the phenomenon by the natural conditions dictated by the close proximity of deposits of sulfide ores , reads the final report of the Great Norilsk Expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch .
“ The concentrations of potentially hazardous elements in soils , which develop in conditions of the natural geochemical anomalies of ore fields , may exceed the average concentrations in the crust and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the report reads .
“ From soils the toxic elements get into the plants and make their way along trophic chains .
Thus , the region has a high natural and anthropogenic geochemical background of elements , which are typical of sulfide ores in the Norilsk ore cluster – copper , nickel , cobalt , chromium and so forth.
” The Norilsk Industrial District is a major geochemical anomaly , scientists said .
The natural geochemical background is typical of all the sediments , which had formed before the district ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen in the geochemical features of sediments in Lakes Melkoye and Pyasino , and in lower parts of surface sediment cores .
The ecosystems accumulate big amounts of chemical substances and elements , related to ore occurrence and processing .
Those , first of all , are nickel and copper .
“ When we compared the natural geochemical background in sediments from Lakes Melkoye and Pyasino , we discovered the naturally uneven distribution of chemical elements , ” the document reads .
“ In Lake Melkoye nickel ’ s average concentration is 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is by 4 times higher than an average concentration in the crust ( 20 ppm ) ; and copper ’ s concentration ( 67 ppm ) is more than twice higher ( 25 ppm ) than in the crust.
” Lake Pyasino ’ s lower part of sediments has even bigger concentrations of nickel and copper - 108 and 135 ppm on average , that is by 6 and 10 times higher respectively .
The Norilsk cascade ’ s lakes – Pyasino , Melkoye and Lama – emerged inside the hollows , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
Each of them is surrounded by a ridge and thus is connected with a separate stage of glaciation , the scientists said .
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time over recent years , has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula , at the invitation of Nornickel , a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale survey of the area .
Scientists will use the expedition ’ s results to present nature-friendly solutions and suggestions for industrial companies , working in the Arctic .
The expedition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rivers Pyasina , Norilka and Ambarnaya and Lake Pyasino .
In August , experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils , plants and sediments and later began tests at the institutes ’ labs .
During field studies at sites of anthropogenic contamination and at conditionally background territories , scientists collected 31 samples of water , made and described 84 soil profile pits of various depths and took 62 samples of soils and 66 samples of plants for further tests .

TASS, December 22. The concentrations of non-ferrous metals in soils and plants in the Norilsk Industrial District are above the allowable safe limits by a few times. Scientists explain the phenomenon by the natural conditions dictated by the close proximity of deposits of sulfide ores, reads the final report of the Great Norilsk Expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch.
“The concentrations of potentially hazardous elements in soils, which develop in conditions of the natural geochemical anomalies of ore fields, may exceed the average concentrations in the crust and the allowable safe concentrations by many times,” the report reads. “From soils the toxic elements get into the plants and make their way along trophic chains. Thus, the region has a high natural and anthropogenic geochemical background of elements, which are typical of sulfide ores in the Norilsk ore cluster – copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium and so forth.”
The Norilsk Industrial District is a major geochemical anomaly, scientists said. The natural geochemical background is typical of all the sediments, which had formed before the district’s industrial development began. It is seen in the geochemical features of sediments in Lakes Melkoye and Pyasino, and in lower parts of surface sediment cores. The ecosystems accumulate big amounts of chemical substances and elements, related to ore occurrence and processing. Those, first of all, are nickel and copper.
“When we compared the natural geochemical background in sediments from Lakes Melkoye and Pyasino, we discovered the naturally uneven distribution of chemical elements,” the document reads. “In Lake Melkoye nickel’s average concentration is 90 ppm (parts per million), which is by 4 times higher than an average concentration in the crust (20 ppm); and copper’s concentration (67 ppm) is more than twice higher (25 ppm) than in the crust.” Lake Pyasino’s lower part of sediments has even bigger concentrations of nickel and copper - 108 and 135 ppm on average, that is by 6 and 10 times higher respectively.
The Norilsk cascade’s lakes – Pyasino, Melkoye and Lama – emerged inside the hollows, formed by the glaciers that were melting down. Each of them is surrounded by a ridge and thus is connected with a separate stage of glaciation, the scientists said.
Expedition to Taimyr
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time over recent years, has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula, at the invitation of Nornickel, a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale survey of the area. Scientists will use the expedition’s results to present nature-friendly solutions and suggestions for industrial companies, working in the Arctic.
The expedition’s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina, Norilka and Ambarnaya and Lake Pyasino. In August, experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils, plants and sediments and later began tests at the institutes’ labs.
During field studies at sites of anthropogenic contamination and at conditionally background territories, scientists collected 31 samples of water, made and described 84 soil profile pits of various depths and took 62 samples of soils and 66 samples of plants for further tests.