tass--2020-05-26--Coronavirus cases in St. Petersburg surpass 14,000

ST. PETERSBURG , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus cases in St. Petersburg grew by 363 in the past twenty-four hours to over 14,000 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday .
The latest data indicate that as of May 26 the total number of coronavirus cases in St. Petersburg reached 14,076 compared to 13,713 the day earlier .
As many as 154 patients recovered from the illness in the past twenty-four hours , bringing the total number of recoveries to 3,744 or about 26 % of all coronavirus cases in the city .
Twelve coronavirus patients died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing fatalities to 150 , the data indicate .
In the neighboring Leningrad Region , the number of recoveries in the past twenty-four hours exceeded new coronavirus cases : 89 as compared to 58 .
Overall , 2,553 have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in the Leningrad Region and 43 % of this number have recovered from the illness .
A total of eleven coronavirus patients have died , the latest data indicate .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 5,601,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 348,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 2,381,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been confirmed in Russia , with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

ST. PETERSBURG, May 26. /TASS/. Coronavirus cases in St. Petersburg grew by 363 in the past twenty-four hours to over 14,000, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday.
The latest data indicate that as of May 26 the total number of coronavirus cases in St. Petersburg reached 14,076 compared to 13,713 the day earlier. As many as 154 patients recovered from the illness in the past twenty-four hours, bringing the total number of recoveries to 3,744 or about 26% of all coronavirus cases in the city.
Twelve coronavirus patients died in St. Petersburg in the past day, bringing fatalities to 150, the data indicate.
In the neighboring Leningrad Region, the number of recoveries in the past twenty-four hours exceeded new coronavirus cases: 89 as compared to 58. Overall, 2,553 have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in the Leningrad Region and 43% of this number have recovered from the illness. A total of eleven coronavirus patients have died, the latest data indicate.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 5,601,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 348,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 2,381,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-26--US carried out 70 regime-changing operations during Cold War — Russian envoy

TASS , May 26 .
The United States conducted 70 covert and overt operations aimed at regime change in various countries in the Cold War period , Russian Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said Tuesday .
The envoy mentioned this data , citing western analysts , against a backdrop of incessant barrage of US accusations of Russia ’ s alleged election interference .
`` The US is almost obsessed with ‘ the Russian electoral interference ’ , '' he said via Twitter .
`` Meanwhile , western analysts have counted that the US carried out 64 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfavorable regimes in the Cold War period alone . ''
US security services are accusing Russia of meddling with the American electoral process in 2016 .
Former US Special Counsel Robert Mueller was investigating these alleged attempts for almost two years .
In particular , he was digging into the supposed collusion between Russian authorities and Donald Trump who later assumed the office of US president .
In the end , Mueller acknowledged that there had been no collusion .
Trump repeatedly rejected suspicions of any wrongful contacts with Russian officials during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied allegations of election interference .

TASS, May 26. The United States conducted 70 covert and overt operations aimed at regime change in various countries in the Cold War period, Russian Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said Tuesday.
The envoy mentioned this data, citing western analysts, against a backdrop of incessant barrage of US accusations of Russia’s alleged election interference. "The US is almost obsessed with ‘the Russian electoral interference’," he said via Twitter. "Meanwhile, western analysts have counted that the US carried out 64 covert and 6 overt operations to change unfavorable regimes in the Cold War period alone."
US security services are accusing Russia of meddling with the American electoral process in 2016. Former US Special Counsel Robert Mueller was investigating these alleged attempts for almost two years. In particular, he was digging into the supposed collusion between Russian authorities and Donald Trump who later assumed the office of US president. In the end, Mueller acknowledged that there had been no collusion. Trump repeatedly rejected suspicions of any wrongful contacts with Russian officials during the election campaign. Moscow has also repeatedly denied allegations of election interference.


tass--2020-05-26--Russian sailors captured in Benin returning home

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
Three Russian sailors captured by pirates in the territorial waters of Benin have been released and are returning home , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Tuesday .
`` According to the information of the Russian embassy in Nigeria , three Russian citizens , the crewmembers of the container ship Tommi Ritscher — chief mate A. Sigunov , chief mechanic S. Zaitsev and electrical mechanic V. Suprun captured by pirates on April 19 in the territorial waters of Benin were released on May 23 , '' the diplomat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same day , they departed on a charter flight with the assistance of the Russian diplomatic mission in Abuja from Lagos to Frankfurt with the aim of subsequently returning to Russia , Zakharova said .
The sailors ’ health condition is estimated as satisfactory , the Russian diplomat said .
`` Moscow expresses its gratitude to all those who assisted the release of the Russian citizens from their captivity , '' Zakharova stressed .
On April 19 , a group of pirates penetrated the container ship Tommi Ritscher , which was in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Benin Navy boats that came to the ship ’ s rescue drove away the speedboats where the pirates ’ accomplices were .
As a result , they were cut off from the coast .
Several hours later , the Nigerian Navy jointly with special forces managed to release the container ship ’ s 11 crewmembers .
However , a part of the hostages — a group of eight people , including three Russians — continued to be held by the pirates .
After negotiations with the Beninese authorities , the pirates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostages and exited Benin ’ s territorial waters .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Three Russian sailors captured by pirates in the territorial waters of Benin have been released and are returning home, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Tuesday.
"According to the information of the Russian embassy in Nigeria, three Russian citizens, the crewmembers of the container ship Tommi Ritscher — chief mate A. Sigunov, chief mechanic S. Zaitsev and electrical mechanic V. Suprun captured by pirates on April 19 in the territorial waters of Benin were released on May 23," the diplomat said.
In the evening of the same day, they departed on a charter flight with the assistance of the Russian diplomatic mission in Abuja from Lagos to Frankfurt with the aim of subsequently returning to Russia, Zakharova said.
The sailors’ health condition is estimated as satisfactory, the Russian diplomat said.
"Moscow expresses its gratitude to all those who assisted the release of the Russian citizens from their captivity," Zakharova stressed.
On April 19, a group of pirates penetrated the container ship Tommi Ritscher, which was in its anchorage in the territorial waters of Benin. The Benin Navy boats that came to the ship’s rescue drove away the speedboats where the pirates’ accomplices were. As a result, they were cut off from the coast.
Several hours later, the Nigerian Navy jointly with special forces managed to release the container ship’s 11 crewmembers. However, a part of the hostages — a group of eight people, including three Russians — continued to be held by the pirates. After negotiations with the Beninese authorities, the pirates left the container ship together with the hostages and exited Benin’s territorial waters.


tass--2020-05-26--Gas transit from Russia to Europe via Poland stopped

Over half of Russian regions can begin to loosen up lockdowns , says top sanitary official 44 regions have grounds @ @ @ @ @ lifting the lockdowns

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Gas transit via the Yamal-Europe pipeline from Russia through Belarus and Poland to Germany has been brought down to zero on Tuesday. According to the results of the previous auction, the Polish section of the pipe was booked only by 3.7% on Tuesday. This is according to the data of operators of European gas pipelines.
According to the Gascade company, gas supplies at the Malnov point on the Polish-German border began to decline gradually over the weekend and reached zero at 08:00-09:00 am on Tuesday. Prior to this, at 06:00-07:00 am, the supply volume was 272.190 kWh (about 25,800 cubic meters), which is less than 1% of the nomination volume. Late on Monday, 11.231 mln kWh (a little over 1 mln cubic meters) were delivered through the pipe, which is 85 times lower than the nomination. On average, since the beginning of the month, supply volume ranged from 440-750 mln kWh.
The long-term Russian-Polish agreement on gas transit from Russia to the West through the Polish section of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline expired on May 17.
Deliveries are now carried out on the basis of daily auctions the Polish pipeline’s capacity conducted by Gaz-System, which is the operator of the Polish gas transmission network.
According to the information posted on the auction platform of the company, on Tuesday morning only 3.7% of the pipeline's capacity (Polish section) was reserved at the auction. At the same time, the volume of gas deliveries from Russia to Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline, judging by the data of the gas pipeline operator, has not increased.
As experts previously noted, after the expiration of the long-term contract, the Polish route can be used to balance gas supplies to Europe. Having reduced the pumping through Yamal-Europe during a period of weak demand in the region, Gazprom may load the Nord Stream or Ukrainian route, the capacities of which have already been paid.
At an auction in May, the capacity of the Polish section of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline following was reserved by approximately 93% for June. Earlier, in a similar way, gas pipeline capacities were reserved for the third quarter of 2020. According to Iwona Dominiak, Gaz-System spokeswoman, about 80% of the gas pipeline’s available capacity was booked at the auction. Although the operator’s representative refused to name the bidders, experts agree that Gazprom was and will be the only bidder in such auctions.
About route
The Yamal-Europe gas pipeline has the capacity of about 33 bln cubic meters of gas per year and is stretched over territories of Russia, Belarus, Poland and Germany.
Currently, EuRoPol GAZ, a joint venture of Gazprom and the Polish PGNiG, owns the Polish section of the pipeline. At the same time, Gaz-System is the operator of the pipe section, as well as of the entire gas transmission system in Poland.


tass--2020-05-26--Russian economy’s situation better than other emerging markets, Central Bank says

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in the Russian economy is in many respects better than in @ @ @ @ @ , Ksenia Yudaeva , first deputy chairman of the Central Bank , said in the @ @ @ @ @ of parliament .
`` The policy that we carried out last year and in previous @ @ @ @ @ of vulnerabilities either created buffers that can now be used to stabilize the situation , @ @ @ @ @ of risks .
That is why , in many respects , the situation in our @ @ @ @ @ than in similar countries with emerging markets or than [ the situation ] in previous @ @ @ @ @ volatility in our country , '' she said .

West was covering up crimes of Kiev regime that led to Ukraine’s tragedy, Lavrov says
"During this entire period, the population of DPR and LPR was subjected to abuse, perennial shelling on the part of the Kiev regime that openly adopted a course towards Russophobia and genocide," the Russian top diplomat noted
Read more


tass--2020-05-26--Russia’s coronavirus case tally rises by 8,915 in past day

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 8,915 in the @ @ @ @ @ in all Russian regions , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Tuesday .
New @ @ @ @ @ in the Moscow Region , 363 in St. Petersburg , 228 in the Nizhny Novgorod @ @ @ @ @ Sverdlovsk Region , 203 in the Rostov Region , 169 in the Arkhangelsk Region , @ @ @ @ @ , 112 in the Irkutsk Region , 105 in the Kaluga Region , 105 in @ @ @ @ @ in the Bryansk Region .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 8,915 in the past day, reaching 362,342 in all Russian regions, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Tuesday.
The daily growth rate hit a record low of 2.5% versus 2.6% a day earlier.
New 817 coronavirus cases were confirmed in the Moscow Region, 363 in St. Petersburg, 228 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 207 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 203 in the Rostov Region, 169 in the Arkhangelsk Region, 148 in the Krasnoyarsk Region, 112 in the Irkutsk Region, 105 in the Kaluga Region, 105 in the Tula Region and 99 in the Bryansk Region.


tass--2020-05-26--Moscow coronavirus recoveries hit record high of over 8,000 in past day

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
Another 8,033 people have recovered from the coronavirus in Moscow , taking the @ @ @ @ @ the Russian capital to 61,619 , Deputy Moscow Mayor for Social Development Anastasiya Rakova said @ @ @ @ @ record was set on May 20 when 5,440 people were released from hospitals .
`` @ @ @ @ @ a total of 8,033 people recovered after undergoing treatment , this is a record high @ @ @ @ @ of people who recovered from the infection has risen to 61,619 .
We hope that @ @ @ @ @ , '' the deputy mayor said .
All patients will remain under medical supervision and @ @ @ @ @ recovered Muscovites have been asked to donate their plasma to treat coronavirus patients .
People @ @ @ @ @ who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors , provided they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ test negative for HIV , Hepatitis B and C. In accordance with Moscow Mayor Sergei @ @ @ @ @ donors earn 5,000 rubles ( $ 69 ) for 600 ml of plasma .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Another 8,033 people have recovered from the coronavirus in Moscow, taking the total number of recoveries in the Russian capital to 61,619, Deputy Moscow Mayor for Social Development Anastasiya Rakova said on Tuesday.
The previous record was set on May 20 when 5,440 people were released from hospitals. "In the past day, a total of 8,033 people recovered after undergoing treatment, this is a record high number. The total number of people who recovered from the infection has risen to 61,619. We hope that this positive dynamics will continue," the deputy mayor said.
All patients will remain under medical supervision and will receive recommendations.
The recovered Muscovites have been asked to donate their plasma to treat coronavirus patients. People aged between 18 and 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors, provided they don’t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C. In accordance with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s decree, donors earn 5,000 rubles ($69) for 600 ml of plasma.


tass--2020-05-26--Evacuation flight with Russian tourists arrives in St. Petersburg from Bali

According to the governor ’ s press service , the plane has brought 169 people to St. Petersburg , and @ @ @ @ @ Moscow .
`` Nearly all of them are citizens of St. Petersburg and the region @ @ @ @ @ residents of other regions . ''
All passengers will be tested for the coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ days .
Those , who can not stay at home , will be taken to @ @ @ @

According to the governor’s press service, the plane has brought 169 people to St. Petersburg, and is scheduled to travel to Moscow. "Nearly all of them are citizens of St. Petersburg and the region, and several people are residents of other regions."
All passengers will be tested for the coronavirus and will be quarantined for 14 days. Those, who cannot stay at home, will be taken to an observation center.


tass--2020-05-26--Phoenix signs agreement with eir to own and operate tower sites across Ireland

BOCA RATON , Florida and DUBLIN , May 25 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Tower International ( `` Phoenix '' ) today announced the signing of an agreement with eir to purchase over 650 wireless towers and acquire newly constructed wireless towers over 8 years across Ireland through a build-to-suit programme .
This transaction positions Phoenix as the largest tower infrastructure provider in Ireland , materially expands its growing footprint in Europe , and further solidifies the company 's leadership position in Europe , the United States , Latin America and the Caribbean .
Closing is subject to customary conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phoenix and eir have established a long-term partnership whereby eir will occupy the sites for at least twenty years .
`` We are excited to enter the Irish wireless infrastructure market and partner with eir on such an important transaction .
The global pandemic related to COVID-19 has impacted all of our communities and highlights the importance of wireless infrastructure to support global trade , commerce and social connections .
This will not diminish as economies rebound in the coming months and years ahead , '' stated Dagan Kasavana , Chief Executive Officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represents an important economic hub for Europe and the world and we are proud to support eir on their ongoing build-outs across the country .
This transaction further expands PTI 's global footprint and we are excited to be a long-term partner of eir , '' said Tim Culver , Executive Chairman of Phoenix Tower International .
`` We are excited to partner with eir to deliver improved wireless connectivity to its customers .
This transaction exemplifies Phoenix 's strategy of entering into growth markets as a partner to top-tier wireless carriers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Managing Director in Blackstone Tactical Opportunities .
`` Phoenix is committed to growing in Europe and finding opportunities to support carriers and usher in the 5G technology revolution . ''
Phoenix Tower International ( `` Phoenix '' ) owns , operates and proforma for this transaction will have in excess of 9,000 towers , 986 km of fiber and over 80,000 other wireless infrastructure and related sites throughout the United States , Argentina , Bolivia , Colombia , Costa Rica , the Dominican Republic , Ecuador , El Salvador , France , Guatemala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Panama , and Peru .
Phoenix was founded in 2013 with a mission to be a premier site provider to wireless operators across the Americas in high-growth markets .
Phoenix 's investors include funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities and John Hancock , as well as various members of the management team .
For more information , please visit www.phoenixintnl.com .
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Arthur Cox acted as legal advisors to PTI .
eir is the largest provider of fixed line telecommunications services in Ireland , offering broadband , voice , TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small business , enterprise and government segments .
eir is the third largest mobile operator in Ireland in terms of revenue and customers .
The company operates the eir mobile and GoMo services .
eir 's wholesale division , open eir , is the largest wholesale telecommunications operator in Ireland , providing products and services to national and international wholesale customers across a range of regulated and unregulated markets .
The Group generated total revenue of €1.249 billion and adjusted EBITDA of €578 million for the year ended 30 June 2019 .

BOCA RATON, Florida and DUBLIN, May 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Tower International ("Phoenix") today announced the signing of an agreement with eir to purchase over 650 wireless towers and acquire newly constructed wireless towers over 8 years across Ireland through a build-to-suit programme. This transaction positions Phoenix as the largest tower infrastructure provider in Ireland, materially expands its growing footprint in Europe, and further solidifies the company's leadership position in Europe, the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Closing is subject to customary conditions precedents for this type of transaction. Phoenix and eir have established a long-term partnership whereby eir will occupy the sites for at least twenty years.
"We are excited to enter the Irish wireless infrastructure market and partner with eir on such an important transaction. The global pandemic related to COVID-19 has impacted all of our communities and highlights the importance of wireless infrastructure to support global trade, commerce and social connections. This will not diminish as economies rebound in the coming months and years ahead," stated Dagan Kasavana, Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Tower International.
"Ireland represents an important economic hub for Europe and the world and we are proud to support eir on their ongoing build-outs across the country. This transaction further expands PTI's global footprint and we are excited to be a long-term partner of eir," said Tim Culver, Executive Chairman of Phoenix Tower International.
"We are excited to partner with eir to deliver improved wireless connectivity to its customers. This transaction exemplifies Phoenix's strategy of entering into growth markets as a partner to top-tier wireless carriers," said Jasvinder Khaira, a Senior Managing Director in Blackstone Tactical Opportunities. "Phoenix is committed to growing in Europe and finding opportunities to support carriers and usher in the 5G technology revolution."
About Phoenix Tower International
Phoenix Tower International ("Phoenix") owns, operates and proforma for this transaction will have in excess of 9,000 towers, 986 km of fiber and over 80,000 other wireless infrastructure and related sites throughout the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, and Peru.
Phoenix was founded in 2013 with a mission to be a premier site provider to wireless operators across the Americas in high-growth markets. Phoenix's investors include funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities and John Hancock, as well as various members of the management team. For more information, please visit www.phoenixintnl.com.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Arthur Cox acted as legal advisors to PTI.
About eir
eir is the largest provider of fixed line telecommunications services in Ireland, offering broadband, voice, TV, and data services to residential, small business, enterprise and government segments.
eir is the third largest mobile operator in Ireland in terms of revenue and customers. The company operates the eir mobile and GoMo services.
eir's wholesale division, open eir, is the largest wholesale telecommunications operator in Ireland, providing products and services to national and international wholesale customers across a range of regulated and unregulated markets.
The Group generated total revenue of €1.249 billion and adjusted EBITDA of €578 million for the year ended 30 June 2019.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/285758/pti_logov_rgb_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Ingrid Gutierrez, 561-923-0536, igutierrez@phoenixintnl.com


tass--2020-05-26--COVID-19 case count in Brazil approaches 375,000

In these 24 hours , 807 fatalities were registered , bringing the total death count to 23,473 .
RIO DE @ @ @ @ @ /TASS/ .
In the past 24 hours , 11,687 new coronavirus cases were registered in @ @ @ @ @ case count to 374,898 , according to official statistics published Monday night .
The hotbed @ @ @ @ @ country is Sao Paolo state and its eponymous capital , whose agglomeration accommodates over 21 @ @ @ @ @ reports over 83,600 infected ad over 6,200 dead .
It is followed by Rio de @ @ @ @ @ 4,105 fatalities ) and Seara ( 36,185 cases and 2,493 fatalities ) states .
Brazil @ @ @ @ @ of cases in the world , following the US .
According to the Seara state @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus symptoms sought medical aid as early as January 1 .
The national Health @ @ @ @ @ situation may stabilize by July , and the infection may enter a downward slope in @ @

In these 24 hours, 807 fatalities were registered, bringing the total death count to 23,473.
RIO DE JANEIRO, May 26. /TASS/. In the past 24 hours, 11,687 new coronavirus cases were registered in Brazil, bringing the total case count to 374,898, according to official statistics published Monday night.
The hotbed of the infection in the country is Sao Paolo state and its eponymous capital, whose agglomeration accommodates over 21 million people. The region reports over 83,600 infected ad over 6,200 dead. It is followed by Rio de Janeiro (39,298 cases, 4,105 fatalities) and Seara (36,185 cases and 2,493 fatalities) states.
Brazil has the second highest number of cases in the world, following the US. According to the Seara state authorities, the first patient with coronavirus symptoms sought medical aid as early as January 1.
The national Health Ministry speculated earlier that the situation may stabilize by July, and the infection may enter a downward slope in September.


tass--2020-05-26--Four dead in Mi-8 helicopter crash in Russia’s Chukotka

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
Four people died in a Mi-8 helicopter crash at Ugolniye Kopi airport in @ @ @ @ @ a source in the Chukotka Autonomous Region government told TASS .
`` Four people died @ @ @ @ @ crash is technical malfunction , '' the source said .
A source in the Ministry @ @ @ @ @ technical malfunction is the probable cause of crash .
According to Sergey Savchenko , head @ @ @ @ @ district , `` the four victims are servicemen . ''
The Russian Aerospace Forces Main @ @ @ @ @ the crash site .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Four people died in a Mi-8 helicopter crash at Ugolniye Kopi airport in Russia’s Chukotka, a source in the Chukotka Autonomous Region government told TASS.
"Four people died. Preliminary version of the crash is technical malfunction," the source said.
A source in the Ministry of Defense also said that technical malfunction is the probable cause of crash.
According to Sergey Savchenko, head of Chukotka’s Anadyr district, "the four victims are servicemen."
The Russian Aerospace Forces Main Command commission has departed to the crash site.


tass--2020-05-26--Russia begins construction of the first PAK DA strategic bomber - sources

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has commenced construction of its first strategic stealth bomber within the Perspective Aviation Complex for Long-Range Aviation ( PAK DA ) program , also known as `` Product 80 '' and `` Courier '' , a source in the military-industrial complex told TASS .
`` The production of airframe elements will be handled by one of the United Aircraft Corporation ( UAC ) ’ s plants ; development of working design documentation is complete , material shipping has commenced , '' the source said .
Another source told TASS that construction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underway .
`` The final assembly of the entire machine should be complete in 2021 , '' he noted .
The Tupolev Design Bureau ’ s press service refrained from commenting on construction of the first PAK DA .
In December 2019 , Deputy Minister of Defense Alexey Krivoruchko told the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper that the draft project of the plane had been approved and that the Tupolev Design Bureau began development of the working design documentation , began creation of parts and elements of the test PAK DA units .
In February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engine for the plane will begin stand trials this year .
It is known that the PAK DA is designed using the flying wing scheme .
The machine will feature technologies and materials that reduce its radar visibility ( stealth technology ) .
The plane will be subsonic , and will be able to carry current and future cruise missiles , precision bombs and hypersonic weapons , it will be provided with the newest communications and jamming equipment .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Russia has commenced construction of its first strategic stealth bomber within the Perspective Aviation Complex for Long-Range Aviation (PAK DA) program, also known as "Product 80" and "Courier", a source in the military-industrial complex told TASS.
"The production of airframe elements will be handled by one of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC)’s plants; development of working design documentation is complete, material shipping has commenced," the source said.
Another source told TASS that construction of the plane’s cockpit is already underway.
"The final assembly of the entire machine should be complete in 2021," he noted.
The Tupolev Design Bureau’s press service refrained from commenting on construction of the first PAK DA.
In December 2019, Deputy Minister of Defense Alexey Krivoruchko told the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper that the draft project of the plane had been approved and that the Tupolev Design Bureau began development of the working design documentation, began creation of parts and elements of the test PAK DA units. In February 2020, Krivoruchko announced that the first engine for the plane will begin stand trials this year.
The new plane
It is known that the PAK DA is designed using the flying wing scheme. The machine will feature technologies and materials that reduce its radar visibility (stealth technology). The plane will be subsonic, and will be able to carry current and future cruise missiles, precision bombs and hypersonic weapons, it will be provided with the newest communications and jamming equipment.


tass--2020-05-26--UK PM Johnson admits his eyesight degraded over the coronavirus

LONDON , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that his eyesight has worsened due to the coronavirus infection he suffered .
`` I ’ m having to wear spectacles for the first time in years .
I ’ m inclined to think that it is very plausible that eyesight could be a problem associated with coronavirus , '' the Prime Minister said during a briefing Monday .
In April , he spent a week in a hospital over a coronavirus infection , including several days in an intensive therapy unit .
Johnson made his confession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Cummings , who violated the quarantine rules and travelled 400 km away from London to self-isolate with his wife and child .
During his stay there , Cummings attempted driving - allegedly to check whether his eyesight has recovered after the disease .
Following his experiment , Cummings admitted that his eyesight was still bad .
Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter cautioned against this method of eyesight exam .
`` Folks , I say this in all sincerity and as an important road safety issue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your eyesight may be impaired do not drive your vehicle to test your ability to drive .
It ’ s not a wise move , '' he tweeted Monday .

LONDON, May 26. /TASS/. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that his eyesight has worsened due to the coronavirus infection he suffered.
"I’m having to wear spectacles for the first time in years. I’m inclined to think that it is very plausible that eyesight could be a problem associated with coronavirus," the Prime Minister said during a briefing Monday.
In April, he spent a week in a hospital over a coronavirus infection, including several days in an intensive therapy unit.
Johnson made his confession, answering a question about his aide Dominic Cummings, who violated the quarantine rules and travelled 400 km away from London to self-isolate with his wife and child. During his stay there, Cummings attempted driving - allegedly to check whether his eyesight has recovered after the disease.
Following his experiment, Cummings admitted that his eyesight was still bad. Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter cautioned against this method of eyesight exam.
"Folks, I say this in all sincerity and as an important road safety issue. If you’re feeling unwell and your eyesight may be impaired do not drive your vehicle to test your ability to drive. It’s not a wise move," he tweeted Monday.


tass--2020-05-26--Ukraine’s Russophobic rhetoric ramped up after change of power, says Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
Anti-Russian rhetoric in Ukraine has only grown louder after the change of power @ @ @ @ @ ago , when Vladimir Zelensky was elected president , Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to @ @ @ @ @ said on Monday .
`` Rhetoric has visibly toughened , '' he said in an @ @ @ @ @ Evening ) with Vladimir Solovyov program on the Rossiya-1 television channel .
`` So , @ @ @ @ @ say that anything has changed in Ukraine ’ s foreign policy after the change of @ @ @ @ @ `` Moreover , we wrote in one of our press statement not long ago in @ @ @ @ @ chest-thumping allegations that it had once again barred Russia from doing something that he had @ @ @ @ @ priority of Ukraine ’ s foreign policy was opposing Russia in all possible formats , @ @ @ @ @ .
May 20 marked a full year since Vladimir Zelensky ’ s inauguration .
In @ @ @ @ @ landslide victory in the runoff presidential election , with 73 % of votes .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Anti-Russian rhetoric in Ukraine has only grown louder after the change of power in that country a year ago, when Vladimir Zelensky was elected president, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said on Monday.
"Rhetoric has visibly toughened," he said in an interview with the Vecher (Evening) with Vladimir Solovyov program on the Rossiya-1 television channel. "So, it would be have to say that anything has changed in Ukraine’s foreign policy after the change of power in Kiev."
"Moreover, we wrote in one of our press statement not long ago in response to Ukraine’s chest-thumping allegations that it had once again barred Russia from doing something that he had a feeling that the only priority of Ukraine’s foreign policy was opposing Russia in all possible formats," the Russian diplomat noted.
May 20 marked a full year since Vladimir Zelensky’s inauguration. In 2019, he clinched a landslide victory in the runoff presidential election, with 73% of votes.


tass--2020-05-27--Second modernized Tu-22M3M bomber tested on hypersonic speeds — source

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
The second prototype of the Tu-22M3M supersonic bomber underwent trials at hypersound speeds during its fourth test flight , a defense industry source told TASS on Wednesday .
`` Five flights have already been performed .
The hypersound speed was achieved during the fourth flight .
The aircraft demonstrated good stability and controllability .
Modified systems and equipment are performing normally during the trials , '' the source said .
`` Preliminary trials are scheduled for completion in 2020 , '' the source added .
The second prototype of the Tu-22M3M supersonic bomber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
The aim of the flight was to assess the takeoff and landing characteristics and test the information control system , Tupolev Design Bureau ’ s press service said back then , adding that a series of the aircraft ’ s test flights was to begin in the near future .
The first upgraded Tu-22M3M missile-carrying bomber performed its debut flight on December 28 , 2018 .
The aircraft carried no armament and its flight proceeded at an altitude of 1,500 meters and lasted 37 minutes .
By late October 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Tu-22M3M is a modernized version of the Tu-22M3 long-range supersonic missile-carrying bomber with the variable-sweep wing .
During its upgrade , the bomber will get new avionics and a capability to employ new missiles .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. The second prototype of the Tu-22M3M supersonic bomber underwent trials at hypersound speeds during its fourth test flight, a defense industry source told TASS on Wednesday.
"Five flights have already been performed. The hypersound speed was achieved during the fourth flight. The aircraft demonstrated good stability and controllability. Modified systems and equipment are performing normally during the trials," the source said.
"Preliminary trials are scheduled for completion in 2020," the source added.
The second prototype of the Tu-22M3M supersonic bomber successfully performed its maiden flight in March 2020. The aim of the flight was to assess the takeoff and landing characteristics and test the information control system, Tupolev Design Bureau’s press service said back then, adding that a series of the aircraft’s test flights was to begin in the near future.
The first upgraded Tu-22M3M missile-carrying bomber performed its debut flight on December 28, 2018. The aircraft carried no armament and its flight proceeded at an altitude of 1,500 meters and lasted 37 minutes. By late October 2019, the aircraft completed 18 successful test flights.
The Tu-22M3M is a modernized version of the Tu-22M3 long-range supersonic missile-carrying bomber with the variable-sweep wing. During its upgrade, the bomber will get new avionics and a capability to employ new missiles.


tass--2020-05-27--Post-Soviet security bloc confirms WHO’s leading role in tackling pandemic — statement

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
A joint statement by states members of the post-Soviet security bloc , the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) , urges to support the World Health Organization and confirms its leading role in coordinating the global effort to tackle the novel coronavirus pandemic .
The statement was adopted in the wake of the CSTO foreign ministers ’ meeting held on Tuesday in the format of a video conference .
In the statement , the top diplomats of the CSTO nations declare their unified stance on the need to join forces in fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regard , CSTO member states confirm the World Health Organization ’ s leading role in international cooperation on health issues and commit themselves to rendering necessary assistance to this organization in its role of a coordinator of international efforts to contain the pandemic , '' reads the statement , posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s website .
States members of the organization are set to continue cooperating closely and coordinating their actions within the framework of international platforms , for the purpose of forging efficient joint measures to tackle the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers condemned the policy of political and economic pressure on certain countries , which hinders aid to those affected by the pandemic .
`` The CSTO member states call for abandoning unilateral coercive measures not authorized by the UN Security Council , which can reduce a country ’ s capacity to fight the pandemic , including by hampering the delivery of medicines , medical items and other essentials , and complicate the work of humanitarian missions there , '' the statement says .
The participants of the event also said the pandemic poses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed their concern about the possibility of the virus spreading in countries hit by armed conflicts .
In a separate statement , the ministers expressed their support to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres ’ call for immediate and global ceasefire in every corner of the globe due to the novel coronavirus pandemic .
`` In the face of the pandemic , we resolutely declare that the global community needs to focus on a detailed dialogue and joint actions to ensure practical measures to tackle COVID-19 and its aftermath in the first place , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , this call is not applicable to efforts against global terrorist organizations , designated as such by the UN Security Council , the statement says .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 5,601,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 348,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 2,381,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. A joint statement by states members of the post-Soviet security bloc, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), urges to support the World Health Organization and confirms its leading role in coordinating the global effort to tackle the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The statement was adopted in the wake of the CSTO foreign ministers’ meeting held on Tuesday in the format of a video conference.
In the statement, the top diplomats of the CSTO nations declare their unified stance on the need to join forces in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
"In this regard, CSTO member states confirm the World Health Organization’s leading role in international cooperation on health issues and commit themselves to rendering necessary assistance to this organization in its role of a coordinator of international efforts to contain the pandemic," reads the statement, posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.
States members of the organization are set to continue cooperating closely and coordinating their actions within the framework of international platforms, for the purpose of forging efficient joint measures to tackle the coronavirus.
At the same time, the ministers condemned the policy of political and economic pressure on certain countries, which hinders aid to those affected by the pandemic.
"The CSTO member states call for abandoning unilateral coercive measures not authorized by the UN Security Council, which can reduce a country’s capacity to fight the pandemic, including by hampering the delivery of medicines, medical items and other essentials, and complicate the work of humanitarian missions there," the statement says.
The participants of the event also said the pandemic poses a threat to international security efforts and expressed their concern about the possibility of the virus spreading in countries hit by armed conflicts.
Call for peace
In a separate statement, the ministers expressed their support to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ call for immediate and global ceasefire in every corner of the globe due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
"In the face of the pandemic, we resolutely declare that the global community needs to focus on a detailed dialogue and joint actions to ensure practical measures to tackle COVID-19 and its aftermath in the first place," the statement says.
At the same time, this call is not applicable to efforts against global terrorist organizations, designated as such by the UN Security Council, the statement says.
COVID-19 pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 5,601,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 348,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 2,381,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-27--US redeploys additional military equipment to northeast Syria — SANA

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
The United States has deployed additional military equipment to the northeast of Syria ’ s Al-Hasakah governorate , the country ’ s state-run news agency SANA reported citing local sources .
According to the agency , a convoy of armored vehicles and other military equipment arrived from Iraq via the Al-Walid crossing point .
SANA citied local sources as saying that the equipment was intended to boost the capabilities of existing US bases in the region .
Moreover , six US armored vehicles left Iraq ’ s El Mahmoudia village to the south @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Iraqi-Syrian border and headed towards a Syrian oil field controlled by US troops .
On October 9 , 2019 Turkey launched an operation codenamed Peace Spring with the aim of creating a buffer zone in northern Syria , where , Ankara said , Syrian refugees would be able to return from Turkey .
At the end of October US President Donald Trump declared the pullout of US military from the area of the Turkish military operation , but at the same time added that Washington was determined to retain control of oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Arab and Turkish mass media subsequently said more than once that the United States was regrouping its forces in the northeast of Syria .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. The United States has deployed additional military equipment to the northeast of Syria’s Al-Hasakah governorate, the country’s state-run news agency SANA reported citing local sources.
According to the agency, a convoy of armored vehicles and other military equipment arrived from Iraq via the Al-Walid crossing point. SANA citied local sources as saying that the equipment was intended to boost the capabilities of existing US bases in the region.
Moreover, six US armored vehicles left Iraq’s El Mahmoudia village to the south of the Al-Walid crossing point, crossed the Iraqi-Syrian border and headed towards a Syrian oil field controlled by US troops.
On October 9, 2019 Turkey launched an operation codenamed Peace Spring with the aim of creating a buffer zone in northern Syria, where, Ankara said, Syrian refugees would be able to return from Turkey. At the end of October US President Donald Trump declared the pullout of US military from the area of the Turkish military operation, but at the same time added that Washington was determined to retain control of oil fields in the country’s northeast. Arab and Turkish mass media subsequently said more than once that the United States was regrouping its forces in the northeast of Syria.


tass--2020-05-27--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 100,000 in past day — WHO

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
More than 100,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 5.4 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on May 26 , as many as 5,404,512 novel coronavirus cases and 343,514 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 99,780 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 1,486 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data from the countries .
The day before , the organization reported 100,264 news cases and 4,342 deaths all over the world .
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 2,454,452 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 59,157 and the number of deaths - by 2,267 and reached 143,739 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,041,705 and the number of fatalities is 173,213 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revised downward upon receiving updated data from health ministries of certain countries .
For example , 1,918 deaths registered in Spain have been excluded from the tally .
The East Mediterranean region has 438,900 cases and 11,293 fatalities as of May 26 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 11,068 and the number of deaths - by 129 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 1,618,757 ) , followed by Brazil ( 363,211 ) , Russia ( 362,342 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spain ( 235,400 ) , Italy ( 230,158 ) , Germany ( 179,002 ) , Turkey ( 157,814 ) , France ( 142,482 ) , and Iran ( 137,724 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. More than 100,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 5.4 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on May 26, as many as 5,404,512 novel coronavirus cases and 343,514 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 99,780 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 1,486.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries. The day before, the organization reported 100,264 news cases and 4,342 deaths all over the world.
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 2,454,452. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 59,157 and the number of deaths - by 2,267 and reached 143,739.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,041,705 and the number of fatalities is 173,213. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 16,569 and the number of deaths was revised downward upon receiving updated data from health ministries of certain countries. For example, 1,918 deaths registered in Spain have been excluded from the tally.
The East Mediterranean region has 438,900 cases and 11,293 fatalities as of May 26. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 11,068 and the number of deaths - by 129.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (1,618,757), followed by Brazil (363,211), Russia (362,342), the United Kingdom (261 188), Spain (235,400), Italy (230,158), Germany (179,002), Turkey (157,814), France (142,482), and Iran (137,724).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-05-27--Second batch of US ventilators to be ready for delivery to Russia later this month

WASHINGTON , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
The second batch of 150 lung ventilators from the United States will be ready for shipment to Russia later this month , a US Department of State spokesperson told TASS on Tuesday .
According to the spokesperson , the United States was donating and delivering 200 ventilators to Russia .
`` The first 50 ventilators were delivered May 21 , '' the spokesperson said .
`` The remaining 150 ventilators will be produced by the manufacturer and are expected to be ready for shipment later this month . ''
The ventilators are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donated to the Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center in Moscow .
The overall cost of the 200 US-made ventilators and their delivery to Russia is estimated at about $ 5.6 million .
On May 1 , US C-17 military transport aircraft with first shipment of 50 US lung ventilators landed in Moscow ’ s Vnukovo-3 airport .
A Pentagon official earlier told TASS said the United States were using military aircraft to deliver medical equipment to Russia due to a very limited number of commercial flights .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivering the equipment free of charge , just like Russia previously did with ventilators for Americans .
Moreover , Russia in April sent a shipment of medical materials to help Washington to fight the coronavirus spread .

WASHINGTON, May 26. /TASS/. The second batch of 150 lung ventilators from the United States will be ready for shipment to Russia later this month, a US Department of State spokesperson told TASS on Tuesday.
According to the spokesperson, the United States was donating and delivering 200 ventilators to Russia.
"The first 50 ventilators were delivered May 21," the spokesperson said. "The remaining 150 ventilators will be produced by the manufacturer and are expected to be ready for shipment later this month."
The ventilators are being manufactured by Vyaire Medical in California and donated to the Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center in Moscow.
The overall cost of the 200 US-made ventilators and their delivery to Russia is estimated at about $5.6 million.
On May 1, US C-17 military transport aircraft with first shipment of 50 US lung ventilators landed in Moscow’s Vnukovo-3 airport.
A Pentagon official earlier told TASS said the United States were using military aircraft to deliver medical equipment to Russia due to a very limited number of commercial flights.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier pointed out that the US is delivering the equipment free of charge, just like Russia previously did with ventilators for Americans. Moreover, Russia in April sent a shipment of medical materials to help Washington to fight the coronavirus spread.


tass--2020-05-27--Former head of Russian republic challenges his resignation with Supreme Court

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
Former head of Russia ’ s Republic of Chuvashia Mikhail Ignatyev has challenged @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court , a court spokesman told TASS on Tuesday .
`` Mikhail Ignatyev has @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court to challenge the presidential decree on his early resignation as the head of @ @ @ @ @ The first court session will be held on June 30 , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ from a former head of a Russian region challenging resignation .
On January 30 , @ @ @ @ @ a decree sending Ignatiyev to resignation due to the loss of confidence .
Before that @ @ @ @ @ the ruling United Russia party in the wake of a scandal when he teased an @ @ @ @ @ service cars ’ keys , making him jump up to grab them .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. Former head of Russia’s Republic of Chuvashia Mikhail Ignatyev has challenged his resignation with the Russian Supreme Court, a court spokesman told TASS on Tuesday.
"Mikhail Ignatyev has filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court to challenge the presidential decree on his early resignation as the head of the Republic of Chuvashia. The first court session will be held on June 30," he said.
This is the first lawsuit from a former head of a Russian region challenging resignation.
Ignatyev was unavailable for comment.
On January 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree sending Ignatiyev to resignation due to the loss of confidence. Before that, Ignatyev was expelled from the ruling United Russia party in the wake of a scandal when he teased an emergencies ministry officer with new service cars’ keys, making him jump up to grab them.


tass--2020-05-26--There is every reason to hope for quick end to halt in business activity — Moscow mayor

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/ TASS / .
There is every reason to hope that the halt in the business activity of the majority of the capital 's enterprises will soon come to an end , said Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Tuesday in his blog .
`` Of course , the best gift for the business and Muscovites on the Day of Entrepreneurship would be to remove or mitigate existing restrictions .
But such decisions are not made because there is a holiday .
First , we must be sure that the situation allows us to do this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hope for that the halt in the work of most of Moscow businesses will soon come to an end , '' the mayor wrote .
He noted that most entrepreneurs now are not celebrating .
`` Despite this , we must send good regards and thank the Moscow business community .
Thousands of entrepreneurs have shown miracles of energy , ingenuity and enterprise to provide a multi-million megalopolis with everything necessary for the life during the pandemic , '' the mayor wrote .
According to him , in the shortest possible time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitizers and protective equipment .
Grocery stores and taxis are working without interruption .
Muscovites can receive thousands of everyday services from dry-cleaning clothes to training courses via couriers or online .
`` Most entrepreneurs have been responsible and tried to preserve their teams to the fullest .
Many continued to implement investment development projects , for which we express special gratitude .
Today you can hear discussions on whether Moscow businesses have a future .
Of course , in a pandemic , losses are inevitable .
But I ’ m sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' wrote Sobyanin .
He added that in the first week after the lifting of restrictions on industrial activity , over 90 % of idle Moscow enterprises returned to work .
`` And when the time comes , trade , services and other businesses that are still forced to be idle will also quickly and energetically open , '' the mayor concluded .

MOSCOW, May 26. / TASS /. There is every reason to hope that the halt in the business activity of the majority of the capital's enterprises will soon come to an end, said Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Tuesday in his blog.
"Of course, the best gift for the business and Muscovites on the Day of Entrepreneurship would be to remove or mitigate existing restrictions. But such decisions are not made because there is a holiday. First, we must be sure that the situation allows us to do this. Nevertheless, there is every reason to hope for that the halt in the work of most of Moscow businesses will soon come to an end," the mayor wrote.
He noted that most entrepreneurs now are not celebrating. "Despite this, we must send good regards and thank the Moscow business community. Thousands of entrepreneurs have shown miracles of energy, ingenuity and enterprise to provide a multi-million megalopolis with everything necessary for the life during the pandemic," the mayor wrote.
According to him, in the shortest possible time, the industry launched the production of sanitizers and protective equipment. Grocery stores and taxis are working without interruption. Muscovites can receive thousands of everyday services from dry-cleaning clothes to training courses via couriers or online. "Most entrepreneurs have been responsible and tried to preserve their teams to the fullest. Many continued to implement investment development projects, for which we express special gratitude. Today you can hear discussions on whether Moscow businesses have a future. Of course, in a pandemic, losses are inevitable. But I’m sure that Moscow businesses have good prospects ahead," wrote Sobyanin.
He added that in the first week after the lifting of restrictions on industrial activity, over 90% of idle Moscow enterprises returned to work. "And when the time comes, trade, services and other businesses that are still forced to be idle will also quickly and energetically open," the mayor concluded.


tass--2020-05-26--Medicine to prevent cytokine storm registered in Russia

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
A domestic medicine to prevent cytokine storm - one of the @ @ @ @ @ - has been registered in Russia , Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said in a Channel @ @ @ @ @ Cytokine storm is a potentially lethal uncontrolled reaction of immune system to viruses and other @ @ @ @ @ large numbers of white blood cells are activated and release inflammatory cytokines , which in @ @ @ @ @ blood cells .
`` A medicine to prevent cytokine storm , pulmonary damage , was @ @ @ @ @ already been included into clinical practice .
This is a domestic medicine .
The trials @ @ @ @ @ I will refrain from calling it by name - are to be completed this week @ @ @ @ @ To date , a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. /TASS/. A domestic medicine to prevent cytokine storm - one of the most serious complications of COVID-19 - has been registered in Russia, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said in a Channel One broadcast on Tuesday.
Cytokine storm is a potentially lethal uncontrolled reaction of immune system to viruses and other factors. It occurs when large numbers of white blood cells are activated and release inflammatory cytokines, which in turn activate yet more white blood cells.
"A medicine to prevent cytokine storm, pulmonary damage, was registered last week and has already been included into clinical practice. This is a domestic medicine. The trials of another antiviral drug - I will refrain from calling it by name - are to be completed this week," he said.
To date, a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-26--Russian oil workers discuss possibility of extending OPEC + current quotas — source

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/ TASS / .
Russian oil companies are discussing the possibility of maintaining a reduction in oil production within OPEC + at 2.5 mln barrels per day , not only in May - June , but also in the following months , although under the terms of the agreement , Russia was supposed to gradually restore oil extraction volumes after June , a source in one of the companies told TASS on Tuesday .
In particular , this issue was raised today at a meeting between company heads and the Russian Minister of Energy Alexander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was raised today at the meeting .
Companies are trying to form a position on this issue , '' the agency ’ s source said .
The TASS source in OPEC in term , confirmed that the organization is indeed discussing the possibility of a more intensive reduction in production after June of this year .
Another source noted that after the meeting with the oil industry , Novak was supposed to talk with the Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia , Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman , but so far there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The OPEC + agreement came into force on May 1 , it implies a reduction in production by the alliance countries of 9.7 mln bpd from May to June .
Russia and Saudi Arabia , according to the agreements , will reduce oil production by equal shares - 2.5 mln bps from the base level of 11 mln bps .
The agreements will be valid for two years , but from July to December 2020 , 7.7 mln b/s already fall under the alliance , and from January 2021 to the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Transaction parameters may be revised in December 2021 .
According to the agreement between Russia and OPEC , gas condensate is not included in the quota of reduced production , only oil .
But statistics on condensate production are not disclosed separately in statistics .

MOSCOW, May 26. / TASS /. Russian oil companies are discussing the possibility of maintaining a reduction in oil production within OPEC + at 2.5 mln barrels per day, not only in May - June, but also in the following months, although under the terms of the agreement, Russia was supposed to gradually restore oil extraction volumes after June, a source in one of the companies told TASS on Tuesday.
In particular, this issue was raised today at a meeting between company heads and the Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novak. "Yes, this question was raised today at the meeting. Companies are trying to form a position on this issue," the agency’s source said.
The TASS source in OPEC in term, confirmed that the organization is indeed discussing the possibility of a more intensive reduction in production after June of this year.
Another source noted that after the meeting with the oil industry, Novak was supposed to talk with the Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, but so far there is no information about whether this meeting took place.
The OPEC + agreement came into force on May 1, it implies a reduction in production by the alliance countries of 9.7 mln bpd from May to June. Russia and Saudi Arabia, according to the agreements, will reduce oil production by equal shares - 2.5 mln bps from the base level of 11 mln bps. The agreements will be valid for two years, but from July to December 2020, 7.7 mln b/s already fall under the alliance, and from January 2021 to the end of April 2022, 5.8 mln b/s. Transaction parameters may be revised in December 2021.
According to the agreement between Russia and OPEC, gas condensate is not included in the quota of reduced production, only oil. But statistics on condensate production are not disclosed separately in statistics.


tass--2020-05-26--Donbass republics to lift high combat alert only after Ukraine stops violating ceasefire

DONETSK , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
A high combat alert regime will stay in place in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics ( DPR and LPR ) as long as the Ukrainian side continues violating the current ceasefire , Alexei Nikonorov , DPR ’ s negotiator in the security subgroup of the Contact Group on settling the situation in Donbass , said on Tuesday after the subgroup ’ s online meeting .
`` In response to the Ukrainian side ’ s demand the high combat alert regime be lifted , we said it would be done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the republics , investigates all the all the deaths and injuries of civilians , refers these results to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission and agrees with the republic a Contact Group statement in support to the current ceasefire , including concrete extra measures of its control , '' the Donetsk News Agency quoted him as saying .
Instead , Ukraine ’ s representative dodged discussion of extra measures of ceasefire control in Donbass , despite all the efforts of the republics and Russian mediators at the talks .
A high combat alert was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian troops had intensified shelling attacks .
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Donbass in 2014 , the parties have agreed more than 20 ceasefires .
The longest one of them was reported in 2016 when the ceasefire stayed in place for six weeks in a row .
However , all the efforts to establish lasting ceasefire have been failing so far .
The Normandy Four ( Russia , Germany , France , Ukraine ) summit in Paris on December 9 called for the establishment of a comprehensive truce in Donbass by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops continue shelling of the Donbass republics ’ territory .

DONETSK, May 26. /TASS/. A high combat alert regime will stay in place in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) as long as the Ukrainian side continues violating the current ceasefire, Alexei Nikonorov, DPR’s negotiator in the security subgroup of the Contact Group on settling the situation in Donbass, said on Tuesday after the subgroup’s online meeting.
"In response to the Ukrainian side’s demand the high combat alert regime be lifted, we said it would be done only after Ukraine stops shelling attacks against the republics, investigates all the all the deaths and injuries of civilians, refers these results to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission and agrees with the republic a Contact Group statement in support to the current ceasefire, including concrete extra measures of its control," the Donetsk News Agency quoted him as saying.
Instead, Ukraine’s representative dodged discussion of extra measures of ceasefire control in Donbass, despite all the efforts of the republics and Russian mediators at the talks.
A high combat alert was imposed in the DPR and LPR after Ukrainian troops had intensified shelling attacks.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Donbass in 2014, the parties have agreed more than 20 ceasefires. The longest one of them was reported in 2016 when the ceasefire stayed in place for six weeks in a row. However, all the efforts to establish lasting ceasefire have been failing so far.
The Normandy Four (Russia, Germany, France, Ukraine) summit in Paris on December 9 called for the establishment of a comprehensive truce in Donbass by the end of 2019. However Ukrainian troops continue shelling of the Donbass republics’ territory.


tass--2020-05-26--Nord Stream spokesman sees US threats of sanctions as discrimination of European companies

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
Any threat of US sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project constitutes unlawful discrimination against European companies , Nord Stream 2 AG spokesperson Jens Muller told TASS on Tuesday .
`` Nord Stream 2 and the companies supporting the project continue to believe that the soonest possible commissioning of the pipeline is in the interest of Europe ’ s energy security , European consumers , EU economic competitiveness , and climate protection commitments , '' the spokesperson said , adding that the company would not speculate on further possible actions of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions is an unlawful discrimination against European companies , '' he said .
In an interview with the Handelsblatt newspaper published earlier on Tuesday , US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell confirmed Washington ’ s plans to impose new sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 project .
Muller said that Nord Stream 2 agreed with the European Commission that extraterritorial sanctions were a breach of international law and that EU policies and practices should not be determined by them .
The spokesman also cited a statement of the spokesperson of the German Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same Handelsblatt article .
`` Currently the Corona pandemic puts a huge pressure on the countries around this globe .
This is not the right time to escalate the sanctions spiral by threatening new exterritorial sanctions in violation of international law , '' the statement says .
The Nord Stream 2 project involves construction of two lines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters of gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
Gazprom ’ s European partners in the project are German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French Engie and Anglo-Dutch Shell .
The pipeline bypasses transit states - Ukraine , Belarus , Poland , and other East European and Baltic countries - through the exclusive economic zones and territorial waters of Russia , Finland , Sweden , Denmark , and Germany .
Gazprom expects the pipeline to be launched at the end of 2020 .
The project is 93 % completed to date .
The Switzerland-based Allseas , which laid pipes for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline , suspended its pipelay activities and withdrew vessels involved in the project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ sanctions in late December 2019 .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Any threat of US sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project constitutes unlawful discrimination against European companies, Nord Stream 2 AG spokesperson Jens Muller told TASS on Tuesday.
"Nord Stream 2 and the companies supporting the project continue to believe that the soonest possible commissioning of the pipeline is in the interest of Europe’s energy security, European consumers, EU economic competitiveness, and climate protection commitments," the spokesperson said, adding that the company would not speculate on further possible actions of other states.
"Any such threat with sanctions is an unlawful discrimination against European companies," he said.
In an interview with the Handelsblatt newspaper published earlier on Tuesday, US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell confirmed Washington’s plans to impose new sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 project.
Muller said that Nord Stream 2 agreed with the European Commission that extraterritorial sanctions were a breach of international law and that EU policies and practices should not be determined by them.
The spokesman also cited a statement of the spokesperson of the German Minister of Economy Peter Altmaier, quoted in the same Handelsblatt article.
"Currently the Corona pandemic puts a huge pressure on the countries around this globe. This is not the right time to escalate the sanctions spiral by threatening new exterritorial sanctions in violation of international law," the statement says.
The Nord Stream 2 project involves construction of two lines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters of gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. Gazprom’s European partners in the project are German Uniper and Wintershall, Austrian OMV, French Engie and Anglo-Dutch Shell. The pipeline bypasses transit states - Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and other East European and Baltic countries - through the exclusive economic zones and territorial waters of Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.
Gazprom expects the pipeline to be launched at the end of 2020. The project is 93% completed to date.
The Switzerland-based Allseas, which laid pipes for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, suspended its pipelay activities and withdrew vessels involved in the project due to the threat of the US’ sanctions in late December 2019.


tass--2020-05-26--73 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow, death toll reaching 2,183 — crisis center

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
Seventy-three more coronavirus-positive patients died in Moscow during the day , the anti-coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Seventy-three coronavirus positive patients who were diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ , adding that the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in the capital city has reached @ @ @ @ @ a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 131,129 patients @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .
Moscow accounts for nearly @ @ @ @ @ s coronavirus cases - 169,303 .
The situation however is demonstrating a tendency towards improvement @ @ @ @ @ many people were released from hospitals during the day as those diagnosed with the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ , respectively .
The overall number of recoveries in Moscow stands at 61,619 .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Seventy-three more coronavirus-positive patients died in Moscow during the day, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
"Seventy-three coronavirus positive patients who were diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," the center said, adding that the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in the capital city has reached 2,183.
To date, a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.
Moscow accounts for nearly half of the country’s coronavirus cases - 169,303. The situation however is demonstrating a tendency towards improvement. Thus, thrice as many people were released from hospitals during the day as those diagnosed with the coronavirus infection - 8,033 and 2,830, respectively. The overall number of recoveries in Moscow stands at 61,619.


tass--2020-05-26--Lukoil will successfully overcome cycle of low oil prices — president

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/ TASS / .
Vagit Alekperov , president of Lukoil , is confident that the company will successfully overcome the cycle of low oil prices and continue to implement its strategy , said he in a statement in the company annual report released on Tuesday .
`` I am sure that we will successfully overcome the next price cycle and continue the implementation of our long-term strategy and sustainable business development , '' said he .
Alekperov emphasized that the creation of the shareholder value remains the key objective of the company in any macroeconomic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the oil industry a shock in the form of a catastrophic drop in hydrocarbon demand due to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` This had an extremely negative impact on oil prices and production volumes , both for economic reasons and within the framework of international agreements .
In this regard , I want to once again note the high resistance of our business model to such shocks , '' he added .
Alekperov emphasized that Lukoil is characterized by high operational and financial flexibility , low production costs , a high level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial position .
`` An additional advantage is provided to us by natural hedging mechanisms in Russia .
Such a combination has repeatedly proved its high efficiency .
Moreover , in recent years we have significantly improved the qualitative characteristics of our production structure and the produced oil products , '' said he .
At the end of 2017 , Lukoil approved a medium-term development plan for the company for 2018-2020 , as well as a long-term strategy for 2018-2027 , which laid down a steady growth in dividends .
As Alekperov previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year program , the company plans to invest $ 80-85 bln in development , maintain oil production at 100 mln tonnes per year , and increase gas production to 35-40 bln cubic meters .

MOSCOW, May 26. / TASS /. Vagit Alekperov, president of Lukoil, is confident that the company will successfully overcome the cycle of low oil prices and continue to implement its strategy, said he in a statement in the company annual report released on Tuesday.
"I am sure that we will successfully overcome the next price cycle and continue the implementation of our long-term strategy and sustainable business development," said he.
Alekperov emphasized that the creation of the shareholder value remains the key objective of the company in any macroeconomic environment. He recalled that 2020 brought the oil industry a shock in the form of a catastrophic drop in hydrocarbon demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"This had an extremely negative impact on oil prices and production volumes, both for economic reasons and within the framework of international agreements. In this regard, I want to once again note the high resistance of our business model to such shocks," he added. Alekperov emphasized that Lukoil is characterized by high operational and financial flexibility, low production costs, a high level of vertical integration, and a very strong financial position.
"An additional advantage is provided to us by natural hedging mechanisms in Russia. Such a combination has repeatedly proved its high efficiency. Moreover, in recent years we have significantly improved the qualitative characteristics of our production structure and the produced oil products,"said he.
At the end of 2017, Lukoil approved a medium-term development plan for the company for 2018-2020, as well as a long-term strategy for 2018-2027, which laid down a steady growth in dividends. As Alekperov previously reported, as part of the ten year program, the company plans to invest $ 80-85 bln in development, maintain oil production at 100 mln tonnes per year, and increase gas production to 35-40 bln cubic meters.


tass--2020-05-26--First case of novel coronavirus infection in cats confirmed in Russia

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
The first case of a novel coronavirus infection in a domestic cat has been confirmed in Russia , a deputy head of Russian agriculture watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor , Nikolai Vlasov , told reporters on Tuesday .
`` As a result of a test and an additional probe to confirm it , a cat was diagnosed with COVID-19 .
The animal was placed in quarantine at its owner ’ s place , '' he said .
According to Vlasov , the owner of the five-year-old feline brought the animal for novel coronavirus testing after consulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of swabs taken from the cat ’ s throat and nose revealed the presence of novel coronavirus .
At present , Rosselkhoznadzor sees no need for taking additional measures in connection with the finding .
`` Right now , there are no grounds for taking measures against domestic or wild animals that might put their well-being or health at risk , or affect biodiversity , '' he said .
The official went on to say that novel coronavirus has direct human-to-human way of transmission .
`` According to the official stance of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Animal Health , there is no evidence so far indicating the possibility of animal-to-human transmission of COVID-19 from pets ( dogs , cats ) .
Moreover , there is no full scientific data about whether felines can become a natural reservoir for the virus , '' he added .
Earlier , Rosselkhoznadzor announced it had developed methods and testing kits for detecting the novel coronavirus infection in animals .
Some of the federal agency ’ s laboratories have already received those kits .
`` At the same time , with regard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health , there is no need for large-scale research among animals at present , '' Vlasov said .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. The first case of a novel coronavirus infection in a domestic cat has been confirmed in Russia, a deputy head of Russian agriculture watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor, Nikolai Vlasov, told reporters on Tuesday.
"As a result of a test and an additional probe to confirm it, a cat was diagnosed with COVID-19. The animal was placed in quarantine at its owner’s place," he said.
According to Vlasov, the owner of the five-year-old feline brought the animal for novel coronavirus testing after consulting with a vet. A PCR analysis of swabs taken from the cat’s throat and nose revealed the presence of novel coronavirus.
At present, Rosselkhoznadzor sees no need for taking additional measures in connection with the finding.
"Right now, there are no grounds for taking measures against domestic or wild animals that might put their well-being or health at risk, or affect biodiversity," he said.
The official went on to say that novel coronavirus has direct human-to-human way of transmission.
"According to the official stance of the World Health Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health, there is no evidence so far indicating the possibility of animal-to-human transmission of COVID-19 from pets (dogs, cats). Moreover, there is no full scientific data about whether felines can become a natural reservoir for the virus," he added.
Earlier, Rosselkhoznadzor announced it had developed methods and testing kits for detecting the novel coronavirus infection in animals. Some of the federal agency’s laboratories have already received those kits.
"At the same time, with regard to recommendations from the World Organization for Animal Health, there is no need for large-scale research among animals at present," Vlasov said.


tass--2020-05-26--Fate of Nord Stream 2 - no reason for concern — Russia's EU envoy

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/ TASS / .
Russia believes that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will be completed , and its fate , despite the difficult situation surrounding the project , does not cause concern , said Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the EU Vladimir Chizhov on Tuesday in online briefing .
He indicated that the gas pipeline was almost completed .
`` As a result of the American restrictions , the Swiss company Allseas , which was engaged in pipe-laying in the last section , interrupted its activities on this project .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pipeline , which could well be done by Gazprom and the Russian Federation .
So fate The Nord Stream 2 project itself , I think , should not particularly worry us , '' said Chizhov .
Chizhov recalled that a lawsuit is currently under way to partially repeal amendments to the EU Gas Directive , because of which Gazprom will be able to use only half of the capacity of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .
`` It ’ s quite clear that the situation is not simple , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rather unambiguously formulated position of the German government - the country where this gas pipeline will come to .
So in this case , of course , we don ’ t interfere in the judicial practice of German courts , but we proceed from the fact that this project will be implemented one way or another , `` said Chizhov .
He emphasized that the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 are objectively aimed at strengthening the energy security of Europe , in which Russia is interested .
The Nord Stream 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters of gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
Gazprom ’ s European partners in the project are German Uniper and Wintershall , Austrian OMV , French Engie and Anglo-Dutch Shell .
The pipeline bypasses transit states - Ukraine , Belarus , Poland , and other East European and Baltic countries - through the exclusive economic zones and territorial waters of Russia , Finland , Sweden , Denmark , and Germany .
Gazprom expects the pipeline to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 26. / TASS /. Russia believes that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will be completed, and its fate, despite the difficult situation surrounding the project, does not cause concern, said Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the EU Vladimir Chizhov on Tuesday in online briefing.
He indicated that the gas pipeline was almost completed. "As a result of the American restrictions, the Swiss company Allseas, which was engaged in pipe-laying in the last section, interrupted its activities on this project. There are only a few percent left to complete the pipeline, which could well be done by Gazprom and the Russian Federation. So fate The Nord Stream 2 project itself, I think, should not particularly worry us," said Chizhov.
Chizhov recalled that a lawsuit is currently under way to partially repeal amendments to the EU Gas Directive, because of which Gazprom will be able to use only half of the capacity of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
"It’s quite clear that the situation is not simple, it is indeed considered in court. There is a rather unambiguously formulated position of the German government - the country where this gas pipeline will come to. So in this case, of course, we don’t interfere in the judicial practice of German courts, but we proceed from the fact that this project will be implemented one way or another, "said Chizhov.
He emphasized that the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 are objectively aimed at strengthening the energy security of Europe, in which Russia is interested.
The Nord Stream 2 project involves construction of two lines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters of gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. Gazprom’s European partners in the project are German Uniper and Wintershall, Austrian OMV, French Engie and Anglo-Dutch Shell. The pipeline bypasses transit states - Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and other East European and Baltic countries - through the exclusive economic zones and territorial waters of Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.
Gazprom expects the pipeline to be launched at the end of 2020.


tass--2020-05-26--Over 1,500 coronavirus cases confirmed among Russian servicemen — defense ministry

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
More than 1,500 coronavirus cases have been confirmed among servicemen of the Russia @ @ @ @ @ Ministry said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday .
`` As of May 26 , @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the novel coronavirus , '' the ministry said , adding that three @ @ @ @ @ , six servicemen are in condition of moderate gravity , and the rest show no @ @ @ @ @ 98 servicemen recovered in the past day .
Besides , the number of coronavirus-infected servicemen @ @ @ @ @ the Defense Ministry ’ s higher education facilities stands at 623 .
A total of @ @ @ @ @ positive for the novel coronavirus .
To date , a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ , with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. More than 1,500 coronavirus cases have been confirmed among servicemen of the Russia army, the Russian Defense Ministry said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday.
"As of May 26, a total of 1,520 servicemen tested positive for the novel coronavirus," the ministry said, adding that three servicemen are in serious condition, six servicemen are in condition of moderate gravity, and the rest show no symptoms. As many as 98 servicemen recovered in the past day.
Besides, the number of coronavirus-infected servicemen, cadets and students of the Defense Ministry’s higher education facilities stands at 623. A total of 378 civilian personnel have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
The ministry’s pre-university educational facilities reported no coronavirus cases.
To date, a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-26--Armenia living through second wave of coronavirus epidemic, says PM

YEREVAN , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia is living through the second wave of the novel coronavirus epidemic , @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
`` We have just finished a regular meeting of the coronavirus response @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic in the country is quite serious .
We agreed that we now have @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infection spread in the country , '' he said , adding that he has @ @ @ @ @ fines on those who breach safety rules .

YEREVAN, May 26. /TASS/. Armenia is living through the second wave of the novel coronavirus epidemic, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Tuesday.
"We have just finished a regular meeting of the coronavirus response center. The situation with the pandemic in the country is quite serious. We agreed that we now have the second wave of the coronavirus infection spread in the country," he said, adding that he has ordered relevant agencies to impose fines on those who breach safety rules.


tass--2020-05-26--Russian senior diplomat, leader of Lebanese party discuss situation in Lebanon

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in Lebanon and anti-coronavirus measures were in focus of a telephone @ @ @ @ @ s special envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt , the Russian foreign ministry said on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ the current socio-economic situation in Lebanon , including measures to prevent the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ ministry said .
`` The Russian side reiterated its commitment to the development of traditionally @ @ @ @ @ intention to continue to maintain close contacts with the entire spectrum of socio-political forces in @ @ @ @ @ of intra-Lebanese accord and Lebanon ’ s unity and sovereignty , '' it said .
@ @ @ @ @ the Lebanese side .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. The situation in Lebanon and anti-coronavirus measures were in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian president’s special envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and leader of Lebanon’s Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt, the Russian foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
"The sides discussed the current socio-economic situation in Lebanon, including measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection," the ministry said.
"The Russian side reiterated its commitment to the development of traditionally friendly relations with Lebanon and intention to continue to maintain close contacts with the entire spectrum of socio-political forces in that country in the interests of intra-Lebanese accord and Lebanon’s unity and sovereignty," it said.
The conversation was initiated by the Lebanese side.