tass--2020-08-24--Head of Russia’s Tuva Region diagnosed as being re-infected with coronavirus

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The head of Russia ’ s Siberian Tuva Region , Sholban Kara-ool , diagnosed with coronavirus early in summer , had been infected once again .
`` I am once again here , in an infectious diseases hospital .
It ’ s COVID-19 once again .
I am ill for a second time , '' Kara-ool said in a video uploaded to his official page on VKontakte social networking website .
He said that this time the disease proceeds differently , complaining of a splitting headache .
`` Maybe , my workload prevented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first infection , '' he wrote on the social networking service .
During the previous hospitalization , the region ’ s chief was discharged from hospital on June 4 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , 961,493 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 773,095 patients having recovered from the disease .

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. The head of Russia’s Siberian Tuva Region, Sholban Kara-ool, diagnosed with coronavirus early in summer, had been infected once again.
"I am once again here, in an infectious diseases hospital. It’s COVID-19 once again. I am ill for a second time," Kara-ool said in a video uploaded to his official page on VKontakte social networking website.
He said that this time the disease proceeds differently, complaining of a splitting headache.
"Maybe, my workload prevented antibodies, immunity from developing after the first infection," he wrote on the social networking service. During the previous hospitalization, the region’s chief was discharged from hospital on June 4.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed 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. To date, 961,493 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 773,095 patients having recovered from the disease.


tass--2020-08-28--Russian Defense Ministry works on helicopter support and attack drone

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry is developing a helicopter type attack drone capable of participating in combat operations alongside crewed helicopter gunships , as follows from a presentation made by the Russian Armed Forces ’ Central Research and Development Institute at the Army-2020 forum .
`` Work is in progress on an unmanned helicopter that would be capable of cooperation with army aviation .
It is being designed for joint combat missions by crewed and crewless helicopters , expected to cope with reconnaissance and attack tasks , '' the presentation said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tactical range of 20-30 kilometers .
Also , the helicopter-type drone will be in great demand from the Navy as a target setting aerial vehicle .
`` Research has found that a crewless helicopter capable of coping with the required tasks at a desirable distance away from ships should have a mass of 2.5-3 tonnes , '' the presentation said .
The international military-technical forum Army-2020 opened at the Russian Armed Forces ’ conference and exhibition center Patriot on August 23 and will last till August 29 .
The forum ’ s organizers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More than 1,500 organizations and manufacturers will present about 28,000 exhibits .
Nearly 700 pieces of modern weapons and other military hardware are participating in static and dynamic demonstrations .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 28. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry is developing a helicopter type attack drone capable of participating in combat operations alongside crewed helicopter gunships, as follows from a presentation made by the Russian Armed Forces’ Central Research and Development Institute at the Army-2020 forum.
"Work is in progress on an unmanned helicopter that would be capable of cooperation with army aviation. It is being designed for joint combat missions by crewed and crewless helicopters, expected to cope with reconnaissance and attack tasks," the presentation said.
The crewless helicopter will have a tactical range of 20-30 kilometers.
Also, the helicopter-type drone will be in great demand from the Navy as a target setting aerial vehicle.
"Research has found that a crewless helicopter capable of coping with the required tasks at a desirable distance away from ships should have a mass of 2.5-3 tonnes," the presentation said.
The international military-technical forum Army-2020 opened at the Russian Armed Forces’ conference and exhibition center Patriot on August 23 and will last till August 29. The forum’s organizers expect guests from about one hundred countries. More than 1,500 organizations and manufacturers will present about 28,000 exhibits. Nearly 700 pieces of modern weapons and other military hardware are participating in static and dynamic demonstrations.


tass--2020-08-28--No plans for contacts between Zelensky, Lukashenko - Ukrainian Foreign Ministry

KIEV , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has had no contacts with his Belarussian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko after the presidential election in the neighboring country , Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said on the 1+1 television channel .
`` There have been no contacts between them since the elections .
And there are no plans for any , '' he said , adding that last time Zelensky and Lukashenko were in touch before the Belarussian election .
`` In fact , all processes and all of our contacts with the Belarussian side have been put on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can say so quite officially .
We are keeping a close watch on the situation .
As soon as we see that these contacts are not fraught with any reputational , moral or ethical risks for Ukraine , they will be resumed . ''
In that connection he recalled that the Ukrainian ambassador had been recalled from Minsk for consultations .
Kuleba said that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry saw its current task in ensuring `` the developments in Belarus should not raise the level of threats to security in Ukraine and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added was doing his utmost to ensure the events in the neighboring country `` should have the fewest possible effects on the economy and businesses in Ukraine , because his country had very active bilateral trade with Belarus .
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , the incumbent , Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the votes .
Lukashenko ’ s rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya collected 10.12 % .
The election returns triggered mass demonstrations in several Belarussian cities .
During the first days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Sunday , August 23 , Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky told Euronews in an interview , that if he were in Lukashenko ’ s place , he would have agreed to a rerun of the elections .
In response Belarussian Foreign Ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said that Belarus did not need `` hackneyed advice '' from the Ukrainian leadership , but would like to feel its support and understanding .

KIEV, August 28. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has had no contacts with his Belarussian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko after the presidential election in the neighboring country, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said on the 1+1 television channel.
"There have been no contacts between them since the elections. And there are no plans for any," he said, adding that last time Zelensky and Lukashenko were in touch before the Belarussian election.
"In fact, all processes and all of our contacts with the Belarussian side have been put on hold," Kuleba said. "I can say so quite officially. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. As soon as we see that these contacts are not fraught with any reputational, moral or ethical risks for Ukraine, they will be resumed." In that connection he recalled that the Ukrainian ambassador had been recalled from Minsk for consultations.
Kuleba said that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry saw its current task in ensuring "the developments in Belarus should not raise the level of threats to security in Ukraine and to the Ukrainian citizens in Belarus." He added was doing his utmost to ensure the events in the neighboring country "should have the fewest possible effects on the economy and businesses in Ukraine, because his country had very active bilateral trade with Belarus.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, the incumbent, Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the votes. Lukashenko’s rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya collected 10.12%. The election returns triggered mass demonstrations in several Belarussian cities. During the first days of protests there were clashes with police.
On Sunday, August 23, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky told Euronews in an interview, that if he were in Lukashenko’s place, he would have agreed to a rerun of the elections. In response Belarussian Foreign Ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said that Belarus did not need "hackneyed advice" from the Ukrainian leadership, but would like to feel its support and understanding.


tass--2020-08-28--Research center Vektor may provide first batch of coronavirus vaccine in October

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The first batch of a newly-developed vaccine against the novel coronavirus , developed by the state research center of virology and biotechnology Vektor , may be available at the end of October or early November , the chief of the center ’ s zoonotic infections and influenza section , Alexander Ryzhikov , told the Rossiya-24 round-the-clock television news channel in an interview .
Vektor expects the registration of its vaccine in October .
The third phase of its tests will be carried out after that .
`` As for mass production , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away and we are already making some preparations .
In principle , the first batch of the vaccine may be provided immediately after registration .
We hope we ’ ll make it by the end of October or in November , '' he said .
The vaccine is being tested on a group of 100 volunteers .
The first one has already been discharged from hospital after spending 23 days under observation .
Ryzhikov said that all of those vaccinated had developed antibodies and only six volunteers experienced some side effects of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the injection site .
`` Six in one hundred is a very low rate , '' he said .
Ryzhikov hopes that a report on the second phase of the clinical tests will be finalized by the middle of September .
All volunteers will stay under observation for up to 280 days .
The center Vektor will provide the vaccine in ampoules .
It is to be introduced into the human body by means of an intra-muscular injection , most often into the shoulder .
Ryzhikov remarked that it was too early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the same time he has no doubts that it will be competitive on the world market .
`` The tests are not over yet .
We are unable to say for how long the immunity will last , '' he said .
`` We hope that it will be effective no less than the vaccines against flu . ''
He speculated that vaccination against the coronavirus might become annual , but the center Vektor is conducting research into other revaccination options .
`` Possibly we will follow a pattern that has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tick-borne encephalitis : vaccination , revaccination and subsequent revaccination every three years , '' he concluded .
The center Vektor on July 24 obtained permission from Russia ’ s Health Ministry to conduct clinical tests of its vaccine on volunteers .
The first one was vaccinated on July 27 .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. The first batch of a newly-developed vaccine against the novel coronavirus, developed by the state research center of virology and biotechnology Vektor, may be available at the end of October or early November, the chief of the center’s zoonotic infections and influenza section, Alexander Ryzhikov, told the Rossiya-24 round-the-clock television news channel in an interview.
Vektor expects the registration of its vaccine in October. The third phase of its tests will be carried out after that.
"As for mass production, we are ready to discuss this possibility right away and we are already making some preparations. In principle, the first batch of the vaccine may be provided immediately after registration. We hope we’ll make it by the end of October or in November," he said.
The vaccine is being tested on a group of 100 volunteers. The first one has already been discharged from hospital after spending 23 days under observation. Ryzhikov said that all of those vaccinated had developed antibodies and only six volunteers experienced some side effects of the vaccine: they complained about muscular aches around the injection site.
"Six in one hundred is a very low rate," he said.
Ryzhikov hopes that a report on the second phase of the clinical tests will be finalized by the middle of September. All volunteers will stay under observation for up to 280 days. The center Vektor will provide the vaccine in ampoules. It is to be introduced into the human body by means of an intra-muscular injection, most often into the shoulder. Ryzhikov remarked that it was too early to speculate about the costs, but at the same time he has no doubts that it will be competitive on the world market.
"The tests are not over yet. We are unable to say for how long the immunity will last," he said. "We hope that it will be effective no less than the vaccines against flu."
He speculated that vaccination against the coronavirus might become annual, but the center Vektor is conducting research into other revaccination options.
"Possibly we will follow a pattern that has been tested and used for many decades against tick-borne encephalitis: vaccination, revaccination and subsequent revaccination every three years," he concluded.
The center Vektor on July 24 obtained permission from Russia’s Health Ministry to conduct clinical tests of its vaccine on volunteers. The first one was vaccinated on July 27.


tass--2020-08-28--Brussels pushes ahead with its policy of rewriting history of World War II - diplomat

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The European Commission ’ s claim the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was the key factor @ @ @ @ @ War II distorts the historical truth , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a @ @ @ @ @ `` We have taken note of the customary statement made on behalf of the European @ @ @ @ @ so-called international day of remembrance for the victims of totalitarian regimes .
We are forced @ @ @ @ @ its very strange and shortsighted policy of falsifying and rewriting European history , '' Zakharova @ @ @ @ @ Commission once again repeated a claim that we regard as revisionist .
They argue that @ @ @ @ @ Germany and the Soviet Union plunged Europe into darkness and gloom . ''
Zakharova said @ @ @ @ @ into darkness not on August 23 , but when the Western capitals made their choice @ @ @ @ @ of an aggressor country .
`` The Munich Betrayal of 1938 was the peak of @ @ @ @ @ said .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. The European Commission’s claim the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was the key factor for the beginning of World War II distorts the historical truth, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday.
"We have taken note of the customary statement made on behalf of the European Commission in connection with the so-called international day of remembrance for the victims of totalitarian regimes. We are forced to reiterate that Brussels continues its very strange and shortsighted policy of falsifying and rewriting European history," Zakharova said. "The European Commission once again repeated a claim that we regard as revisionist. They argue that the non-aggression pact concluded between Germany and the Soviet Union plunged Europe into darkness and gloom."
Zakharova said that Europe began to sink into darkness not on August 23, but when the Western capitals made their choice in favor of the appeasement of an aggressor country.
"The Munich Betrayal of 1938 was the peak of that policy," she said.


tass--2020-08-27--Moscow reports ten coronavirus fatalities in the past 24 hours

MOSCOW , August 27./TASS/ .
Ten coronavirus patients died in Moscow in the past 24 hours , the anti-coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ `` Ten patients have died in Moscow , all of them had confirmed pneumonia and @ @ @ @ @ '' the crisis center said .
Overall , 4,786 coronavirus patients have died in the @ @ @ @ @ August 27 , Moscow reports over 259,700 coronavirus cases with over 209,600 patients having recovered @ @ @ @ @ statistics , over 24,357,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 830,000 deaths have @ @ @ @ @ , so far , over 16,890,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 792,561 patients having recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ latest data indicates 16,804 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an @ @ @ @ @ public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, August 27./TASS/. Ten coronavirus patients died in Moscow in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Thursday.
"Ten patients have died in Moscow, all of them had confirmed pneumonia and tested positive for coronavirus," the crisis center said. Overall, 4,786 coronavirus patients have died in the capital city.
As of August 27, Moscow reports over 259,700 coronavirus cases with over 209,600 patients having recovered.
According to the latest statistics, over 24,357,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 830,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 16,890,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 975,576 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 792,561 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 16,804 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-27--Minsk police release TASS correspondents Shamshur, Fedosenko

MINSK , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Police in the Belarusian capital of Minsk have released TASS correspondent Yuri Shamshur @ @ @ @ @ who were detained while covering protests in the city , Shamshur and Fedosenko said themselves @ @ @ @ @ photo reporters from the BelTA news agency and the Rossiya Segodnya media outlet have also @ @ @ @ @ reporter Sergei Bobylev also was among those released .
`` Russian journalists have been released @ @ @ @ @ the documents of reporters from other countries , '' he said .
According to earlier @ @ @ @ @ Ministry said that the journalists had been detained for document checks .
All TASS employees @ @ @ @ @ issued by the country ’ s Foreign Ministry .

MINSK, August 27. /TASS/. Police in the Belarusian capital of Minsk have released TASS correspondent Yuri Shamshur and photographer Natalia Fedosenko, who were detained while covering protests in the city, Shamshur and Fedosenko said themselves.
According to Shamshur, photo reporters from the BelTA news agency and the Rossiya Segodnya media outlet have also been released.
TASS photo reporter Sergei Bobylev also was among those released. "Russian journalists have been released, police continue to check the documents of reporters from other countries," he said.
According to earlier reports, the Belarusian Interior Ministry said that the journalists had been detained for document checks. All TASS employees working in Belarus have credentials issued by the country’s Foreign Ministry.


tass--2020-08-27--Russia to supply weapons, military hardware to Sudan and Laos

MOSCOW , August 27./TASS/ .
Russia has signed contracts for the supply of weapons and military hardware to Laos and Sudan at the international military-technical forum Army-2020 , the Defense Ministry said in a report on Thursday .
According to the ministry , working meetings with foreign military delegations were held within the framework of the forum .
In particular , talks were held with specialists from Serbia , Mongolia , Sudan and Laos .
`` International contract documents for the supply of Russian products designed for military use were signed with the Sudanese and Laotian sides in the follow-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` The planned transfer of Russian armaments and military hardware is aimed at the further development of friendly and mutually advantageous relations with foreign partners and the strengthening of the armed forces of Laos and Sudan , '' the Defense Ministry said .
The international military-technical forum Army-2020 opened at the Russian Armed Forces ’ conference and exhibition center Patriot on August 23 and will last till August 29 .
Some demonstrations are underway at the Alabino proving ground , Kubinka airbase , and the proving ground Ashuluk in the Astrakhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect guests from about one hundred countries .
More than 1,500 organizations and manufacturers will present about 28,000 exhibits .
Nearly 700 pieces of modern weapons and other military hardware are participating in static and dynamic demonstrations .

MOSCOW, August 27./TASS/. Russia has signed contracts for the supply of weapons and military hardware to Laos and Sudan at the international military-technical forum Army-2020, the Defense Ministry said in a report on Thursday.
According to the ministry, working meetings with foreign military delegations were held within the framework of the forum. In particular, talks were held with specialists from Serbia, Mongolia, Sudan and Laos.
"International contract documents for the supply of Russian products designed for military use were signed with the Sudanese and Laotian sides in the follow-up of the talks," the ministry said.
"The planned transfer of Russian armaments and military hardware is aimed at the further development of friendly and mutually advantageous relations with foreign partners and the strengthening of the armed forces of Laos and Sudan," the Defense Ministry said.
The international military-technical forum Army-2020 opened at the Russian Armed Forces’ conference and exhibition center Patriot on August 23 and will last till August 29. Some demonstrations are underway at the Alabino proving ground, Kubinka airbase, and the proving ground Ashuluk in the Astrakhan Region. The forum’s organizers expect guests from about one hundred countries. More than 1,500 organizations and manufacturers will present about 28,000 exhibits. Nearly 700 pieces of modern weapons and other military hardware are participating in static and dynamic demonstrations.


tass--2020-08-27--Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine gives good immune response, says health ministry expert

MOSCOW , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian coronavirus vaccine , dubbed Sputnik V and created by Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology , is created on the basis of latest achievements of molecular biology and proved its effectiveness .
In particular , those who receive it begin to develop antibodies and cell-mediated immunity , chief independent allergist and immunologist of the Russian health ministry Rakhim Khaitov told reporters Thursday .
`` This is not just another vaccine , it is a modern generation vaccine .
It was developed on the basis of the latest achievements of molecular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means that it is an evidence-based vaccine .
Even though the post-registration clinical trials are only starting now , we already know today that the vaccine gives a good immune response or develops antibodies .
It also gives a good cellular response and most importantly is harmless .
The vaccine registration was perfectly justified , and I think it will be the first effective medication - it has everything [ to become one ] , '' he said .
Khaitov underlined that those who criticize the vaccine are not well-versed in its particularities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who reject any vaccines in general .
`` They have always caused tremendous harm , '' he noted .
`` I believe that it was the right decision to register the vaccine created by Gamaleya center .
There are all grounds to consider it effective .
The post-registration clinical research begins now , it will see 40,000 volunteers get vaccinated , while high-risk groups can get vaccinated simultaneously , primarily doctors and teachers .
I think everything will be successful .
I am planning to get the vaccine myself as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he concluded .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine named Sputnik V and developed by Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian health ministry .
The injection passed clinical trials in June-July .
The vaccine is based on an already known platform that was used to create a number of other injections .
On August 15 , the national health ministry reported that the vaccine production had begun .

MOSCOW, August 27. /TASS/. The Russian coronavirus vaccine, dubbed Sputnik V and created by Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, is created on the basis of latest achievements of molecular biology and proved its effectiveness. In particular, those who receive it begin to develop antibodies and cell-mediated immunity, chief independent allergist and immunologist of the Russian health ministry Rakhim Khaitov told reporters Thursday.
"This is not just another vaccine, it is a modern generation vaccine. It was developed on the basis of the latest achievements of molecular biology, virology and immunology, which means that it is an evidence-based vaccine. Even though the post-registration clinical trials are only starting now, we already know today that the vaccine gives a good immune response or develops antibodies. It also gives a good cellular response and most importantly is harmless. The vaccine registration was perfectly justified, and I think it will be the first effective medication - it has everything [to become one]," he said.
Khaitov underlined that those who criticize the vaccine are not well-versed in its particularities, while there is also a group of people who reject any vaccines in general. "They have always caused tremendous harm," he noted.
"I believe that it was the right decision to register the vaccine created by Gamaleya center. There are all grounds to consider it effective. The post-registration clinical research begins now, it will see 40,000 volunteers get vaccinated, while high-risk groups can get vaccinated simultaneously, primarily doctors and teachers. I think everything will be successful. I am planning to get the vaccine myself as well as for my family and all relatives," he concluded.
On August 11, Russia became the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine named Sputnik V and developed by Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian health ministry. The injection passed clinical trials in June-July. The vaccine is based on an already known platform that was used to create a number of other injections. On August 15, the national health ministry reported that the vaccine production had begun.


tass--2020-08-27--Ukraine sends note of protest to Russia in light of Putin’s Crimea visit

KIEV , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine has issued a note of protest in light of Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s visit to Crimea and Sevastopol and sent it to the Russian foreign ministry , the Ukrainian diplomatic agency said Thursday .
`` Ukraine has issued a resolute protest in light of Russian President Putin ’ s another visit to Crimea and the city of Sevastopol that began on August 2 and was not agreed with Ukraine , '' the ministry noted .
The agency views this visit similarly to all previous trips of Russian officials to Crimea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine ’ s state sovereignty and territorial integrity , '' the statement underlined .
Putin travelled to Crimea on August 27 to give permission to open vehicle traffic along the finished sections of the Tavrida Highway and drove on one of them .
After the coup d ’ etat in Ukraine in February 2014 , Crimea and Sevastopol held a referendum , in which 96.7 % of Crimeans and 95.6 % of Sevastopol voters chose to secede from Ukraine and join Russia .
Eighty percent of the voting population participated in the referendum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reunification deal on March 18 , 2014 , which the Federation Council ( upper house of the Russian parliament ) ratified on March 21 , 2014 .
Despite the convincing results of the referendum , Kiev refused to recognize Crimea as a part of Russia .

KIEV, August 27. /TASS/. Ukraine has issued a note of protest in light of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Crimea and Sevastopol and sent it to the Russian foreign ministry, the Ukrainian diplomatic agency said Thursday.
"Ukraine has issued a resolute protest in light of Russian President Putin’s another visit to Crimea and the city of Sevastopol that began on August 2 and was not agreed with Ukraine," the ministry noted.
The agency views this visit similarly to all previous trips of Russian officials to Crimea and Sevastopol "as brazen violation of Ukraine’s state sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement underlined.
Putin travelled to Crimea on August 27 to give permission to open vehicle traffic along the finished sections of the Tavrida Highway and drove on one of them.
After the coup d’etat in Ukraine in February 2014, Crimea and Sevastopol held a referendum, in which 96.7% of Crimeans and 95.6% of Sevastopol voters chose to secede from Ukraine and join Russia. Eighty percent of the voting population participated in the referendum. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the reunification deal on March 18, 2014, which the Federation Council (upper house of the Russian parliament) ratified on March 21, 2014. Despite the convincing results of the referendum, Kiev refused to recognize Crimea as a part of Russia.


tass--2020-08-27--Belarusian Foreign Ministry summons Polish envoy over meddling in internal affairs

MINSK , August 27 .
/TASS / .
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus summoned Marcin Wojciechowski , the charge d ’ affairs of Poland , to express protests `` over explicit attempts of Poland to meddle in internal affairs '' of the republic , Ministry ’ s spokesman Anatoly Glaz said , according to BelTA news agency .
`` On August 27 , Polish charge d ’ affairs Marcin Wojciechowski was summoned to the Foreign Ministry .
A decisive protest was expressed to him over Poland ’ s explicit attempt to meddle in Belarus ’ s internal affairs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protest was stated because `` clearly unfriendly statements of a number of Polish politicians and officials , unacceptable in international communication '' have been voiced lately .
The charge d ’ affairs was told about counterproductivity of `` further attempts to exert pressure on Belarus , as well as calls for violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country , '' Glaz added .
On Tuesday , head of Polish Prime Minister ’ s Office Mikhal Dvorchik claimed that the Polish government does not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Poland Vladimir Chushev was summoned to the Polish Foreign Ministry over allegations of Belarusian authorities against Warsaw .
On Thursday , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed at a meeting that the republic is forced to spend huge money to stabilize the situation at the Western border , where some military units were relocated .
`` Should Belarus disintegrate , then the Grodno Region will go to Poland , and they speak about it openly , they see it in their dreams , '' he said .

MINSK, August 27. /TASS /. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus summoned Marcin Wojciechowski, the charge d’affairs of Poland, to express protests "over explicit attempts of Poland to meddle in internal affairs" of the republic, Ministry’s spokesman Anatoly Glaz said, according to BelTA news agency.
"On August 27, Polish charge d’affairs Marcin Wojciechowski was summoned to the Foreign Ministry. A decisive protest was expressed to him over Poland’s explicit attempt to meddle in Belarus’s internal affairs," Glaz said.
He explained that the protest was stated because "clearly unfriendly statements of a number of Polish politicians and officials, unacceptable in international communication" have been voiced lately.
The charge d’affairs was told about counterproductivity of "further attempts to exert pressure on Belarus, as well as calls for violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country," Glaz added.
On Tuesday, head of Polish Prime Minister’s Office Mikhal Dvorchik claimed that the Polish government does not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus. Besides, Belarusian Ambassador to Poland Vladimir Chushev was summoned to the Polish Foreign Ministry over allegations of Belarusian authorities against Warsaw.
On Thursday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed at a meeting that the republic is forced to spend huge money to stabilize the situation at the Western border, where some military units were relocated.
"Should Belarus disintegrate, then the Grodno Region will go to Poland, and they speak about it openly, they see it in their dreams," he said.


tass--2020-08-27--Minsk police release TASS photo reporter Bobylev

MINSK , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Police in the Belarusian capital of Minsk have released TASS photo reporter Sergei @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Russian journalists have been released , police continue to check the documents @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Bobylev was detained earlier on Thursday while covering a protest @ @ @

MINSK, August 27. /TASS/. Police in the Belarusian capital of Minsk have released TASS photo reporter Sergei Bobylev, as he himself said.
Several journalists apprehended in Minsk, including TASS press photographer Bobylev
"Russian journalists have been released, police continue to check the documents of reporters from other countries," he said.
Bobylev was detained earlier on Thursday while covering a protest in Misnk.


tass--2020-08-27--World Bank pauses Doing Business publication to study data irregularities

WASHINGTON , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
The World Bank ( WB ) has decided to suspend the publication of @ @ @ @ @ for October , due to the need to study data irregularities that occurred in previous @ @ @ @ @ in a statement on Thursday .
`` A number of irregularities have been reported regarding @ @ @ @ @ the Doing Business 2018 and Doing Business 2020 reports , published in October 2017 and @ @ @ @ @ the data were inconsistent with the Doing Business methodology , '' the World Bank said @ @ @ @ @ the Doing Business report will be paused as we conduct our assessment , '' the @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , the World Bank reported that Russia haf climbed three notches from last year @ @ @ @ @ Doing Business-2020 ranking .
In 2018 , Russia was ranked 31st in the ranking of @ @ @

WASHINGTON, August 27. /TASS/. The World Bank (WB) has decided to suspend the publication of Doing Business rankings, scheduled for October, due to the need to study data irregularities that occurred in previous reports, the organization said in a statement on Thursday.
"A number of irregularities have been reported regarding changes to the data in the Doing Business 2018 and Doing Business 2020 reports, published in October 2017 and 2019. The changes in the data were inconsistent with the Doing Business methodology," the World Bank said.
"The publication of the Doing Business report will be paused as we conduct our assessment," the organization said.
In late 2019, the World Bank reported that Russia haf climbed three notches from last year to the 28th spot in Doing Business-2020 ranking. In 2018, Russia was ranked 31st in the ranking of 190 countries.


tass--2020-08-27--Two US armored vehicles pursued Russian patrol convoy in Syria - reconciliation center

MOSCOW , August 27./TASS/ .
Two US armored vehicles pursued a Russian patrol convoy in Syria on Tuesday , the head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties , Alexei Posunko , told a briefing on Thursday .
After the convoy on a patrol duty `` entered the zone of control of the international anti-terrorist coalition , two US MRAP armored vehicles began pursuing the convoy , '' he said .
Further on the route , `` the road was blocked by two more American armored cars , '' Posunko told the briefing .
Politico daily reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source in the Pentagon , that four US military servicemen were diagnosed with `` mild concussion-like symptoms '' after a Russian military vehicle crashed into their patrol vehicle in the northeastern part of Syria .
Washington claimed that Russia violated de-conflicting protocols during the incident in northeastern Syria , in which the US troops were injured .
National Security Council Spokesman John Ullyot said that `` during this interaction , a Russian vehicle struck a Coalition Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle ( M-ATV ) causing injuries to the vehicle ’ s crew .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the coalition ’ s patrol left the area .
The Russian Defense Ministry , for its part , said that the coalition forces had been notified in advance about the passage of a convoy of Russian military police and that Russian military had acted in response to attempts by the US to block the passage of the Russian convoy in violation of the agreements .

MOSCOW, August 27./TASS/. Two US armored vehicles pursued a Russian patrol convoy in Syria on Tuesday, the head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties, Alexei Posunko, told a briefing on Thursday.
After the convoy on a patrol duty "entered the zone of control of the international anti-terrorist coalition, two US MRAP armored vehicles began pursuing the convoy," he said. Further on the route, "the road was blocked by two more American armored cars," Posunko told the briefing.
Politico daily reported earlier this week, citing its unnamed source in the Pentagon, that four US military servicemen were diagnosed with "mild concussion-like symptoms" after a Russian military vehicle crashed into their patrol vehicle in the northeastern part of Syria.
Washington claimed that Russia violated de-conflicting protocols during the incident in northeastern Syria, in which the US troops were injured. National Security Council Spokesman John Ullyot said that "during this interaction, a Russian vehicle struck a Coalition Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) causing injuries to the vehicle’s crew." In order to de-escalate the situation, the coalition’s patrol left the area.
The Russian Defense Ministry, for its part, said that the coalition forces had been notified in advance about the passage of a convoy of Russian military police and that Russian military had acted in response to attempts by the US to block the passage of the Russian convoy in violation of the agreements.


tass--2020-08-27--Russian Embassy checks reports about apprehension of journalists in Minsk

In the meantime , Belarusian Interior Ministry spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova claimed in her Telegram channel that the police did not @ @ @ @ @ Square , and that the journalists were taken to the Oktyabrskoye District Police Directorate for @ @ @ @ @ , the journalists were delivered ( not apprehended ) to the Oktyabrskoye District Police Directorate @ @ @ @ @ papers that confirm the legality of their professional activities .
Journalists of registered media and @ @ @ @ @ the Foreign Ministry , will be released , '' the spokeswoman said .
A group @ @ @ @ @ photo reporter Sergey Bobylev , was apprehended in Minsk Thursday as they covered the protest @ @ @ @ @ Bobylev , who has official accreditation of the Foreign Ministry , contacted TASS and disclosed @ @ @ @ @ of other journalists were put on a bus by the police officers .
The police @ @ @ @ @ apprehended for `` papers inspections .
`` .

In the meantime, Belarusian Interior Ministry spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova claimed in her Telegram channel that the police did not apprehend journalists on the Svobody Square, and that the journalists were taken to the Oktyabrskoye District Police Directorate for papers check.
"Today, the journalists were delivered (not apprehended) to the Oktyabrskoye District Police Directorate of Minsk for inspection of papers that confirm the legality of their professional activities. Journalists of registered media and foreign journalists, accredited at the Foreign Ministry, will be released," the spokeswoman said.
A group of journalists, including TASS photo reporter Sergey Bobylev, was apprehended in Minsk Thursday as they covered the protest on the Svobody Square. Bobylev, who has official accreditation of the Foreign Ministry, contacted TASS and disclosed that he and a number of other journalists were put on a bus by the police officers. The police claimed that the journalists were apprehended for "papers inspections.".


tass--2020-08-27--President Putin expects increase in road construction pace in Russia

SIMFEROPOL , August 27 .
/ TASS / .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is counting on an increase in the pace of road construction in Russia , said he in an interview on Thursday with workers who were building the Tavrida highway in Crimea .
`` I hope that it will not be maintained , I hope that it will be more than it is now , '' President Putin said , while answering a question from one of the workers whether the current pace of road construction in the country will remain in place .
President Putin noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pace of road construction . ''
`` You know , that the road workers know this : where there is a road , there is life , there is an economy , `` social aspects '' develop .
But if there is no road - there is nothing , '' he said .
According to the President , one of the priority tasks of the state is the development of roads and railways , ports and airports .
Russia 's Transport Minister Evgeny Dietrich , who also participated in the conversation with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law , which `` will make it possible to work out all the processes at the same time , '' to speed up preparatory procedures for the implementation of infrastructure projects , including road projects .
In addition , in 2020 the regions will receive an additional 100 bln rubles to speed up road construction , and this decision can potentially be extended in subsequent years , Dietrich added .
He indicated that these funds will allow for accelerated road construction every year .
`` In general , we are increasing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the Safe Roads national project , they are growing from year to year .
Today there are all the prerequisites in place to go on and build , '' Dietrich said .
At the end of this conversation , President Putin was offered to give an official start to traffic flow on new sections of the Tavrida highway .
`` Yes , of course , with pleasure , '' President Putin replied .
After that , several Kamaz trucks drove along the highway , launching the use of the road .

SIMFEROPOL, August 27. / TASS /. Russian President Vladimir Putin is counting on an increase in the pace of road construction in Russia, said he in an interview on Thursday with workers who were building the Tavrida highway in Crimea.
"I hope that it will not be maintained, I hope that it will be more than it is now," President Putin said, while answering a question from one of the workers whether the current pace of road construction in the country will remain in place.
President Putin noted that "the plans are to increase the pace of road construction." "You know, that the road workers know this: where there is a road, there is life, there is an economy, "social aspects" develop. But if there is no road - there is nothing," he said. According to the President, one of the priority tasks of the state is the development of roads and railways, ports and airports.
Russia's Transport Minister Evgeny Dietrich, who also participated in the conversation with the builders, thanked the President for supporting the law, which "will make it possible to work out all the processes at the same time," to speed up preparatory procedures for the implementation of infrastructure projects, including road projects. In addition, in 2020 the regions will receive an additional 100 bln rubles to speed up road construction, and this decision can potentially be extended in subsequent years, Dietrich added. He indicated that these funds will allow for accelerated road construction every year.
"In general, we are increasing the volumes and rates of [construction] under the Safe Roads national project, they are growing from year to year. Today there are all the prerequisites in place to go on and build," Dietrich said.
At the end of this conversation, President Putin was offered to give an official start to traffic flow on new sections of the Tavrida highway. "Yes, of course, with pleasure," President Putin replied. After that, several Kamaz trucks drove along the highway, launching the use of the road.


tass--2020-08-27--Journalists in Minsk 'not detained', taken to police precinct for document check- ministry

Putin : Detention of Russian citizens in Belarus set up by Ukrainian and US intelligence According to the Russian president @ @ @ @ @ headed for Latin America and the Middle East for `` absolutely legal work ''

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
Read more


tass--2020-08-27--Majority of Russians prefer Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine, poll shows

According to the poll , 12 % of Russians polled and 19 % of Russian doctors would choose a foreign vaccine .
The elderly ( 80 % ) are more likely to choose the Russian vaccine , along with those who prefer traditional media outlets ( 83 % ) and residents of settlements ( 72 % ) .
MOSCOW , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
The majority of Russian citizens ( 62 % ) would prefer a Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine if they had to choose between a Russian vaccine and a foreign one , a poll held by the Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of Russian doctors prefer the Russian vaccine .
About 90 % of the Russian population and 97 % of medics are aware that there is a Russian COVID-19 vaccine .
Some 43 % of citizens consider the vaccine to be of a high quality , while 14 % think the opposite .
Among medical workers , 49 % consider the vaccine good , 16 % disagree .
Over half of those polled ( 53 % ) believe that the Russian COVID-19 vaccine can stop the second wave of the epidemic in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polled believe the same .
Meanwhile , 22 % of Russian citizens polled and 27 % of medics are skeptical about it .
About 46 % of Russian nationals polled agree that mass vaccination is necessary , 37 % have spoken against it .
Meanwhile , 56 % of doctors polled support mass vaccination , and 37 % think it is not necessary .
Both medics and the general population agree that medical workers , teachers and service industry workers should get vaccinated first .
The poll was held on August 21-22 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respondents polled among medics and 1094 people polled representing the general population .
The statistical margin of error does not surpass 3.6 % .

According to the poll, 12% of Russians polled and 19% of Russian doctors would choose a foreign vaccine. The elderly (80%) are more likely to choose the Russian vaccine, along with those who prefer traditional media outlets (83%) and residents of settlements (72%).
MOSCOW, August 27. /TASS/. The majority of Russian citizens (62%) would prefer a Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine if they had to choose between a Russian vaccine and a foreign one, a poll held by the Public Opinion Foundation informs. Meanwhile, 59% of Russian doctors prefer the Russian vaccine.
About 90% of the Russian population and 97% of medics are aware that there is a Russian COVID-19 vaccine. Some 43% of citizens consider the vaccine to be of a high quality, while 14% think the opposite. Among medical workers, 49% consider the vaccine good, 16% disagree.
Over half of those polled (53%) believe that the Russian COVID-19 vaccine can stop the second wave of the epidemic in the country. Some 50% of medics polled believe the same. Meanwhile, 22% of Russian citizens polled and 27% of medics are skeptical about it.
About 46% of Russian nationals polled agree that mass vaccination is necessary, 37% have spoken against it. Meanwhile, 56% of doctors polled support mass vaccination, and 37% think it is not necessary. Both medics and the general population agree that medical workers, teachers and service industry workers should get vaccinated first.
The poll was held on August 21-22, 2020 among Russian citizens, with 978 respondents polled among medics and 1094 people polled representing the general population. The statistical margin of error does not surpass 3.6%.


tass--2020-08-27--Russian Baltic Fleet troops attack enemy positions in drills

KALININGRAD , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Over 2,000 troops of the Baltic Fleet ’ s army corps held drills as part of joint maneuvers with the Western Military District ’ s 6th army in the westernmost Kaliningrad Region , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` The drills at the Pravdinsky training ground in the Kaliningrad Region involved over 2,000 personnel of armored , motor rifle and artillery units , about 200 items of armament , military and special hardware , including 16 aircraft and helicopters of the Fleet ’ s naval aviation , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under the drills ’ scenario , the motorized infantry and armored units supported by air groups attacked a notional enemy ’ s forward defenses after deploying for a battle and pushed it out to the positions unfavorable for further operations , the statement says .
The armored units employed the tank carousel tactic to suppress the notional enemy ’ s fire emplacements swiftly and with high accuracy .
The artillery units eliminated the notional enemy ’ s large reserves by fire from tube and rocket artillery , including Uragan long-range multiple rocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in interaction with armored and artillery units struck over 400 targets that simulated adversary aircraft , armor and manpower , the press office specified .
`` Unmanned aerial vehicles were actively employed during the drills .
The drone teams adjusted artillery fire , searched for command posts and communications centers , carried out further reconnaissance of the deployment area of the notional enemy ’ s reserves , '' it said .
Upon the completion of the drills , Army Corps Commander Major-General Andrei Ruzinsky held a parade of the combat hardware and troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specially equipped site of the training ground .

KALININGRAD, August 27. /TASS/. Over 2,000 troops of the Baltic Fleet’s army corps held drills as part of joint maneuvers with the Western Military District’s 6th army in the westernmost Kaliningrad Region, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"The drills at the Pravdinsky training ground in the Kaliningrad Region involved over 2,000 personnel of armored, motor rifle and artillery units, about 200 items of armament, military and special hardware, including 16 aircraft and helicopters of the Fleet’s naval aviation," the press office said in a statement.
Under the drills’ scenario, the motorized infantry and armored units supported by air groups attacked a notional enemy’s forward defenses after deploying for a battle and pushed it out to the positions unfavorable for further operations, the statement says.
The armored units employed the tank carousel tactic to suppress the notional enemy’s fire emplacements swiftly and with high accuracy. The artillery units eliminated the notional enemy’s large reserves by fire from tube and rocket artillery, including Uragan long-range multiple rocket launchers. Overall, the motorized infantry in interaction with armored and artillery units struck over 400 targets that simulated adversary aircraft, armor and manpower, the press office specified.
"Unmanned aerial vehicles were actively employed during the drills. The drone teams adjusted artillery fire, searched for command posts and communications centers, carried out further reconnaissance of the deployment area of the notional enemy’s reserves," it said.
Upon the completion of the drills, Army Corps Commander Major-General Andrei Ruzinsky held a parade of the combat hardware and troops involved in the large-scale drills at a specially equipped site of the training ground.


tass--2020-08-27--Depth-2020 diving competition of International Army Games kicks off in Sevastopol

SEVASTOPOL , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Depth-2020 multi-discipline diving competition kicked off in Sevastopol in Crimea as part of the International Army Games , the press office of Russia ’ s Black Sea Fleet reported on Thursday .
`` Today Black Sea Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Igor Osipov took part in a ceremony of opening the Depth multi-discipline diving competition in Sevastopol .
Apart from the team of the Navy and the Black Sea Fleet , the teams of the navies of the Republics of Guinea and Mozambique are participating in the competitions , '' the press office said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitions , the teams competed in carrying out a rescue operation at sea and providing medical first aid to a drowning person .
The Russian Navy team emerged as the winner in the competition while the teams of Guinea and Mozambique shared the second and third places .
The upcoming stages include rescuing a drowning person and providing medical first aid , searching for and lifting a sunken object , providing life support for a submarine in distress and carrying out underwater wielding and cutting .
The frogmen will be accomplishing their assignments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water obstacle course and competing in aquathlon where they will be wrestling underwater wearing fins .
The Depth-2020 competition will run through September 3 .

SEVASTOPOL, August 27. /TASS/. The Depth-2020 multi-discipline diving competition kicked off in Sevastopol in Crimea as part of the International Army Games, the press office of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet reported on Thursday.
"Today Black Sea Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Igor Osipov took part in a ceremony of opening the Depth multi-discipline diving competition in Sevastopol. Apart from the team of the Navy and the Black Sea Fleet, the teams of the navies of the Republics of Guinea and Mozambique are participating in the competitions," the press office said.
During the first day of the competitions, the teams competed in carrying out a rescue operation at sea and providing medical first aid to a drowning person. The Russian Navy team emerged as the winner in the competition while the teams of Guinea and Mozambique shared the second and third places.
The upcoming stages include rescuing a drowning person and providing medical first aid, searching for and lifting a sunken object, providing life support for a submarine in distress and carrying out underwater wielding and cutting. The frogmen will be accomplishing their assignments in an enclosed space, overcoming a water obstacle course and competing in aquathlon where they will be wrestling underwater wearing fins.
The Depth-2020 competition will run through September 3.


tass--2020-08-27--Several journalists apprehended in Minsk, including TASS press photographer Bobylev

MINSK , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
TASS press photographer Sergei Bobylev was apprehended on Svobody Square in Minsk on @ @ @ @ @ covered a rally of protesters against the outcome of the presidential elections .
Bobylev , @ @ @ @ @ Belarus , contacted TASS and disclosed that the police put him on a bus along @ @ @ @ @ including representatives of Reuters , Associated Press and Radio Liberty .
According to the press @ @ @ @ @ taken into custody for a `` document check . ''
According to Bobylev , the @ @ @ @ @ to the Oktyabrsky District Police Directorate .
The journalists prepared to cover the planned procession @ @ @ @ @ Square to Nezavisimosti ( Independence ) Square , where the Government Building is located .
@ @ @ @ @ gather on Svobody Square .
Some of them carry white , red and white flags @ @ @ @ @ hundred people and about twenty journalists at the moment .

MINSK, August 27. /TASS/. TASS press photographer Sergei Bobylev was apprehended on Svobody Square in Minsk on Thursday evening, while he covered a rally of protesters against the outcome of the presidential elections.
Bobylev, who is officially accredited in Belarus, contacted TASS and disclosed that the police put him on a bus along with other apprehended journalists, including representatives of Reuters, Associated Press and Radio Liberty.
According to the press photographer, he has been taken into custody for a "document check." According to Bobylev, the apprehended journalists are being taken to the Oktyabrsky District Police Directorate.
The journalists prepared to cover the planned procession from Svobody (Freedom) Square to Nezavisimosti (Independence) Square, where the Government Building is located.
Meanwhile, people continue to gather on Svobody Square. Some of them carry white, red and white flags. There are about one hundred people and about twenty journalists at the moment.


tass--2020-08-27--Serbia reports no new coronavirus deaths for the first time in 2 months

BELGRADE , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 125 in the past 24 hours to reach 31,099 , while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities remained at 707 , the national health ministry said Thursday .
According to the agency , no new coronavirus-related deaths over the past 24 hours , the national death rate stands at 2.27 % , while 36 coronavirus patients are put on ventilators .
On Wednesday , the ministry reported 154 new infections .
Overall , the country hospitalized 696 patients with coronavirus , meanwhile , 904,343 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , including 8,836 people in the past 24 hours .
Currently , more than 20 cities and municipalities across Serbia imposed a state of emergency .
The average age of the infected people is between 30 and 50 , while pneumonia is reported in 70 % of the cases .
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 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

BELGRADE, August 27. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 125 in the past 24 hours to reach 31,099, while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities remained at 707, the national health ministry said Thursday.
According to the agency, no new coronavirus-related deaths over the past 24 hours, the national death rate stands at 2.27%, while 36 coronavirus patients are put on ventilators. On Wednesday, the ministry reported 154 new infections. Overall, the country hospitalized 696 patients with coronavirus, meanwhile, 904,343 people were tested for the virus across the country, including 8,836 people in the past 24 hours.
Currently, more than 20 cities and municipalities across Serbia imposed a state of emergency. The average age of the infected people is between 30 and 50, while pneumonia is reported in 70% of the cases.
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. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-08-27--Russian, Belarusian prime ministers discuss trade, economic cooperation

MOSCOW , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and his Belarusian counterpart Roman Golovchenko have held @ @ @ @ @ trade and economic cooperation between the two countries , the Russian government said in a @ @ @ @ @ The Russian and Belarusian prime ministers touched upon pressing issues related to trade and economic @ @ @ @ @ ways to boost cooperation within the Union State , '' the statement reads .
In @ @ @ @ @ also discussed the schedule of contacts between the two countries ’ governments .

MOSCOW, August 27. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and his Belarusian counterpart Roman Golovchenko have held a telephone conversation, discussing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, the Russian government said in a statement on Thursday.
"The Russian and Belarusian prime ministers touched upon pressing issues related to trade and economic cooperation, as well as ways to boost cooperation within the Union State," the statement reads.
In addition, Mishustin and Golovchenko also discussed the schedule of contacts between the two countries’ governments.


tass--2020-08-27--Belarusian ambassador summoned by Polish Foreign Ministry

WARSAW , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian Ambassador to Poland Vladimir Chushev has been summoned by the Polish Foreign @ @ @ @ @ by Belarusian officials regarding Warsaw , Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz informed .
`` @ @ @ @ @ by Belarusian officials against Poland , today at 15:00 [ 16:00 Moscow time ] the @ @ @ @ @ Belarus has been summoned by the Polish Foreign Ministry , '' he wrote on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ scene that the ambassador had arrived at the meeting on time .
On the outcomes @ @ @ @ @ press briefing is planned .
On Thursday , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus @ @ @ @ @ sums of money to stabilize the situation on its Western borders , where several military @ @ @ @ @ claimed that if Belarus is dissolved , then Poland would receive the Grodno Region , @ @ @ @ @ Warsaw - TASS ] are talking about it openly now , are dreaming of it @ @

WARSAW, August 27. /TASS/. Belarusian Ambassador to Poland Vladimir Chushev has been summoned by the Polish Foreign Ministry over the statements made by Belarusian officials regarding Warsaw, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz informed.
"Due to repeated baseless accusations by Belarusian officials against Poland, today at 15:00 [16:00 Moscow time] the ambassador of the Republic of Belarus has been summoned by the Polish Foreign Ministry," he wrote on Twitter.
TASS reports from the scene that the ambassador had arrived at the meeting on time. On the outcomes of the meeting, a press briefing is planned.
On Thursday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus is forced to spend large sums of money to stabilize the situation on its Western borders, where several military units were deployed. He claimed that if Belarus is dissolved, then Poland would receive the Grodno Region, and "they [presumably Warsaw - TASS] are talking about it openly now, are dreaming of it."


tass--2020-08-27--Incident at Libyan Embassy in Minsk caused by controversies among diplomats — statement

MINSK , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
The incident at the Libyan embassy in Minsk was caused by internal controversies @ @ @ @ @ Belarusian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Thursday .
Attackers of Libyan Embassy in Minsk @ @ @ @ @ security advisor '' According to our information , the [ embassy ] incident was caused @ @ @ @ @ diplomats , '' the statement reads .
The Ministry explained that , besides accredited diplomats @ @ @ @ @ embassy also houses people hired by the diplomats for protection .
`` No side complained @ @ @ @ @ , '' the statement reads .
`` No one has been apprehended by the law @ @ @

MINSK, August 27. /TASS/. The incident at the Libyan embassy in Minsk was caused by internal controversies between Libyan diplomats, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Thursday.
Attackers of Libyan Embassy in Minsk sought to capture it — security advisor
"According to our information, the [embassy] incident was caused by internal controversies between Libyan diplomats," the statement reads.
The Ministry explained that, besides accredited diplomats and support staff, the embassy also houses people hired by the diplomats for protection.
"No side complained about bodily harm or beating," the statement reads. "No one has been apprehended by the law enforcement."


tass--2020-08-27--Kabul’s foot-dragging on prisoner swap casts doubt on its interest in peace — diplomat

MOSCOW , August 27./TASS/ .
Kabul ’ s foot dragging on a prisoner exchange with the armed opposition prevents the launch of a national dialogue and raises questions about their interest in a nationwide settlement , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday .
`` We urge Kabul to end as soon as possible the process of prisoner exchange and launch a direct dialogue with the armed opposition .
We emphasize that any delay in the process of launching intra-Afghan negotiations undermines international efforts towards the settlement in that country and calls into question the interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country as soon as possible , '' Zakharova said .
She noted that Afghan authorities were holding back from releasing the remaining Taliban ( outlawed in Russia ) prisoners , `` coming up with more terms for this move . ''
On August 10 , Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signed a decree on the release of the last group of Taliban prisoners on the list that the Taliban had presented during talks with the US in February .
A meeting of the Loya Jirga , the assembly of tribal elders , earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghan authorities had been reluctant to free those militants saying that apart from being Taliban supporters they had also been involved in serious criminal offences .
The US and the Taliban signed the agreement in Qatar ’ s capital of Doha on February 29 .
According to the document , up to 5,000 Taliban supporters and up to 1,000 people held by the Taliban need to be released before the launch of intra-Afghan talks .

MOSCOW, August 27./TASS/. Kabul’s foot dragging on a prisoner exchange with the armed opposition prevents the launch of a national dialogue and raises questions about their interest in a nationwide settlement, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
"We urge Kabul to end as soon as possible the process of prisoner exchange and launch a direct dialogue with the armed opposition. We emphasize that any delay in the process of launching intra-Afghan negotiations undermines international efforts towards the settlement in that country and calls into question the interest of Afghan authorities in achieving peace in the country as soon as possible," Zakharova said.
She noted that Afghan authorities were holding back from releasing the remaining Taliban (outlawed in Russia) prisoners, "coming up with more terms for this move."
On August 10, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signed a decree on the release of the last group of Taliban prisoners on the list that the Taliban had presented during talks with the US in February. A meeting of the Loya Jirga, the assembly of tribal elders, earlier ruled to release the group though the Afghan authorities had been reluctant to free those militants saying that apart from being Taliban supporters they had also been involved in serious criminal offences.
The US and the Taliban signed the agreement in Qatar’s capital of Doha on February 29. According to the document, up to 5,000 Taliban supporters and up to 1,000 people held by the Taliban need to be released before the launch of intra-Afghan talks.


tass--2020-08-27--Russian economy may see 5-6% slump, Putin says

MOSCOW , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian economy may experience a 5-6 % decline , President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Thursday .
The Russian leader noted that the entire global economy is facing negative consequences from the pandemic .
“ If we look back at 2008-2009 , that crisis , then the drop in world GDP was 0.1 % .
This time , according to experts from the IMF , the World Bank and other organizations , it will be somewhere around 5 % .
The difference is enormous .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Great Depression of the 1930s , or even with the post-war [ years ] , '' Putin said .
He recalled that foreign experts predicted that the Russian economy would see an 8.5 % drop in GDP .
`` But our experts believe that it will be less – around 5-6 % , '' Putin said .
According to him , in the first half of the year , the economic decline in the United States came to 9.5 % , and in the eurozone it was 15 % .
“ Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very well , that this is the result of a structural difference in our economies .
Yes , apparently , this is so , in a way .
But for the most part , this is still the outcome of the decisions made by the government that are targeted and , which is very important in my opinion , timely , ” Putin noted

MOSCOW, August 27. /TASS/. The Russian economy may experience a 5-6% decline, President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Thursday.
The Russian leader noted that the entire global economy is facing negative consequences from the pandemic.
“If we look back at 2008-2009, that crisis, then the drop in world GDP was 0.1%. This time, according to experts from the IMF, the World Bank and other organizations, it will be somewhere around 5%. The difference is enormous. Many [experts] compare it with the Great Depression of the 1930s, or even with the post-war [years]," Putin said. He recalled that foreign experts predicted that the Russian economy would see an 8.5% drop in GDP.
"But our experts believe that it will be less – around 5-6%," Putin said.
According to him, in the first half of the year, the economic decline in the United States came to 9.5%, and in the eurozone it was 15%.
“Some experts say, and I know this very well, that this is the result of a structural difference in our economies. Yes, apparently, this is so, in a way. But for the most part, this is still the outcome of the decisions made by the government that are targeted and, which is very important in my opinion, timely,” Putin noted


tass--2020-08-27--Russia to consider debt refinancing request from Belarus if it is received

MOSCOW , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus has not yet approached the Russian Ministry of Finance concerning the possibility @ @ @ @ @ bln worth debt .
Such an application will be considered if it is submitted , @ @ @ @ @ Ministry told TASS on Thursday .
`` No requests have been received from Belarusian colleagues @ @ @ @ @ will be considered in line with instructions of the Russian government when received by the @ @ @ @ @ '' the Ministry said .
The prime ministers of Russia and Belarus would hold talks @ @ @ @ @ debt in the amount of $ 1 bln on August 27 , President of Belarus @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 27. /TASS/. Belarus has not yet approached the Russian Ministry of Finance concerning the possibility of refinancing the $1 bln worth debt. Such an application will be considered if it is submitted, the press service of the Ministry told TASS on Thursday.
"No requests have been received from Belarusian colleagues so far. The matter will be considered in line with instructions of the Russian government when received by the Russian Ministry of Finance," the Ministry said.
The prime ministers of Russia and Belarus would hold talks on refinancing of the Belarusian debt in the amount of $1 bln on August 27, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said earlier.


tass--2020-08-27--Senior Russian diplomat, Iceland’s ambassador discuss Arctic Council chairmanship

MOSCOW , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov on Thursday receiving Iceland ’ s new Ambassador to Russia Arni Thor Sigurdsson and discussed with him the two countries ’ cooperation in the Arctic Council and Russia ’ s upcoming chairmanship of that organization .
`` The participants in the meeting discussed the current state of Russian-Icelandic relations and the prospects for the resumption of political contacts as restrictive measures are lifted , as well as topical regional issues , including cooperation within the Arctic Council , taking into account the upcoming transition of chairmanship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the next two years , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
They also exchanged views on topical global issues .
The ministry noted that the ambassador had presented copies of his credentials to Titov at the meeting .
The Arctic Council was formally established in 1996 in accordance with the Ottawa Declaration .
It is a high-level intergovernmental forum that promotes cooperation in the region , especially in environmental protection .
The council ’ s members are Denmark , Iceland , Canada , Norway , Russia , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 27. /TASS/. Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov on Thursday receiving Iceland’s new Ambassador to Russia Arni Thor Sigurdsson and discussed with him the two countries’ cooperation in the Arctic Council and Russia’s upcoming chairmanship of that organization.
"The participants in the meeting discussed the current state of Russian-Icelandic relations and the prospects for the resumption of political contacts as restrictive measures are lifted, as well as topical regional issues, including cooperation within the Arctic Council, taking into account the upcoming transition of chairmanship from Iceland to Russia in May 2021 for the next two years," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
They also exchanged views on topical global issues. The ministry noted that the ambassador had presented copies of his credentials to Titov at the meeting.
The Arctic Council was formally established in 1996 in accordance with the Ottawa Declaration. It is a high-level intergovernmental forum that promotes cooperation in the region, especially in environmental protection. The council’s members are Denmark, Iceland, Canada, Norway, Russia, the United States, Finland and Sweden.


tass--2020-08-27--Russian hospitals ready in case of second wave of COVID-19

MOSCOW , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian hospitals are ready to provide all necessary aid to patients in case @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus pandemic , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told reporters on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ , because the organization period had already concluded beforehand , and a dual work principle @ @ @ @ @ of flu vaccine are currently underway , '' he said .

MOSCOW, August 27. /TASS/. Russian hospitals are ready to provide all necessary aid to patients in case of a second wave of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told reporters on Thursday.
"Medical institutions are ready, because the organization period had already concluded beforehand, and a dual work principle has been formed. Deliveries of flu vaccine are currently underway," he said.


tass--2020-08-27--Attackers of Libyan Embassy in Minsk sought to capture it — security advisor

MINSK , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
A group of about 30 people attempted to break into the Libyan Embassy in Minsk and capture it , Stanislav Kudryashov , security advisor to Libya ’ s charge d ’ affairs in Minsk , told TASS Thursday .
`` At 6 am [ Minsk time ] , an unidentified group of 30 people attempted to break into the guarded perimeter , '' he said , adding that this was `` an attempt of a forced capture . ''
Kudryashov claimed that the capture was attempted in the interest of the Tripoli-based Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was organized in the interest of the Tripoli government , '' he said , adding that he is aware of the organizer of the attack .
`` We know the organizer : it is a former military attache , who acted as an ambassador for a while .
His mandate ended , and he pledged his allegiance to the Government of National Accord , '' the diplomat explained .
He also explained that , according to the Embassy ’ s information , there is one more man in Belarus whom Tripoli appointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disclosed that the current Charge d ’ Affairs of Libya in Minsk Mohammed Asteita , who represents the east-based Cabinet , suffered light injuries during the attack .
`` The charge d ’ affairs was attacked with a pepper gas canister .
Someone among the attackers tried to hit him , '' he said , adding that the diplomat is okay now .
The attackers have already left the embassy ’ s premises , Kudryashov disclosed , adding that the embassy staff handled the situation on their own , but would like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of diplomatic missions .
`` We will prepare our pleas to the Militsiya [ the police ] and the Foreign Ministry of Belarus ; we will reinforce doors and the embassy ’ s perimeter , as much as we can .
We hope that a reaction will follow , '' he underscored .
Earlier , the tut.by website reported that about 30 unidentified people with angle grinders climbed over the embassy fence and attempted to enter the building .
Employees of the Embassy of Moldova , located nearby , called the police .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Libyan mission .

MINSK, August 27. /TASS/. A group of about 30 people attempted to break into the Libyan Embassy in Minsk and capture it, Stanislav Kudryashov, security advisor to Libya’s charge d’affairs in Minsk, told TASS Thursday.
"At 6 am [Minsk time], an unidentified group of 30 people attempted to break into the guarded perimeter," he said, adding that this was "an attempt of a forced capture."
Kudryashov claimed that the capture was attempted in the interest of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord.
"Undoubtedly, this was organized in the interest of the Tripoli government," he said, adding that he is aware of the organizer of the attack.
"We know the organizer: it is a former military attache, who acted as an ambassador for a while. His mandate ended, and he pledged his allegiance to the Government of National Accord," the diplomat explained.
He also explained that, according to the Embassy’s information, there is one more man in Belarus whom Tripoli appointed to represent the GNA interests.
Kudryashov disclosed that the current Charge d’Affairs of Libya in Minsk Mohammed Asteita, who represents the east-based Cabinet, suffered light injuries during the attack.
"The charge d’affairs was attacked with a pepper gas canister. Someone among the attackers tried to hit him," he said, adding that the diplomat is okay now.
The attackers have already left the embassy’s premises, Kudryashov disclosed, adding that the embassy staff handled the situation on their own, but would like the Belarusian law enforcement to increase the protection of diplomatic missions.
"We will prepare our pleas to the Militsiya [the police] and the Foreign Ministry of Belarus; we will reinforce doors and the embassy’s perimeter, as much as we can. We hope that a reaction will follow," he underscored.
Earlier, the tut.by website reported that about 30 unidentified people with angle grinders climbed over the embassy fence and attempted to enter the building. Employees of the Embassy of Moldova, located nearby, called the police. One window and one door were broken in the Libyan mission.


tass--2020-08-27--Reports of preparations for prisoner swap between Russia, US unsubstantiated — diplomat

Wife of jailed Russian national Bout ready to ask US to exchange him for Whelan MOSCOW , August 27 .
@ @ @ @ @ outlets on the alleged negotiations on prisoner trade between Russia and the US , including @ @ @ @ @ Russia for espionage , are not consistent with reality , spokeswoman for Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday .
`` It is true , there @ @ @ @ @ media outlets about preparations for trading US citizens , including Paul Whelan , recently convicted @ @ @ @ @ citizens being held in American prisons .
As the representatives of the Foreign Ministry ’ @ @ @ @ @ , all reports about alleged negotiations in progress on this subject are not consistent with @ @ @ @ @ .

Wife of jailed Russian national Bout ready to ask US to exchange him for Whelan
MOSCOW, August 27. /TASS/. Publications in media outlets on the alleged negotiations on prisoner trade between Russia and the US, including Paul Whelan, sentenced in Russia for espionage, are not consistent with reality, spokeswoman for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday.
"It is true, there are regular publications in the media outlets about preparations for trading US citizens, including Paul Whelan, recently convicted in Russia, for Russian citizens being held in American prisons. As the representatives of the Foreign Ministry’s leadership already stated earlier, all reports about alleged negotiations in progress on this subject are not consistent with reality," she said.


tass--2020-08-27--Sputnik V vaccine is supplied to medical institutions for Phase 3 of trials

MOSCOW , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
First batches of the Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus have been supplied @ @ @ @ @ the framework of the third post-registration phase of clinical trials of the preparation , Russian @ @ @ @ @ journalists on Thursday .
`` The first batches of the vaccine against the coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ the framework of Phase 3 clinical trials , '' he said .
Putin : Belarus @ @ @ @ @ first countries to receive Russian coronavirus vaccine Earlier , the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( @ @ @ @ @ clinical trials of Sputnik V , the first vaccine against the coronavirus , are planned @ @ @ @ @ Registered on August 11 , Russian Sputnik V preparation became the first vaccine against the @ @ @ @ @ registration .
The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and @ @ @ @ @ Ministry and is produced jointly with the RDIF .
In all , over 160 vaccines @ @ @ @ @ over 30 of them being at the stage of clinical trials on humans .

MOSCOW, August 27. /TASS/. First batches of the Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus have been supplied to the medical institutions within the framework of the third post-registration phase of clinical trials of the preparation, Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko told journalists on Thursday.
"The first batches of the vaccine against the coronavirus infection are being supplied already within the framework of Phase 3 clinical trials," he said.
Putin: Belarus will be one of the first countries to receive Russian coronavirus vaccine
Earlier, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) reported that post-registration clinical trials of Sputnik V, the first vaccine against the coronavirus, are planned in five other countries.
Registered on August 11, Russian Sputnik V preparation became the first vaccine against the coronavirus worldwide that obtained state registration. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry and is produced jointly with the RDIF. In all, over 160 vaccines are being developed worldwide with over 30 of them being at the stage of clinical trials on humans.


tass--2020-08-27--Putin: Mass protests in Belarus must be taken into account

`` We believe that all participants of this process [ the crisis in Belarus ] will have enough common sense to find a way out calmly , without extremities , '' Putin said .
`` Of course , if people have taken to the streets , one must take it into account , listen to them , react . ''
The Russian president pointed out that his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko expressed readiness to look into adoption of a new Constitution , which may provide for new parliamentary and presidential elections .
`` The Belarusian president , he did say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an option to hold a constitutional reform , to adopt a new Constitution , to hold new elections , [ … ] based on this new Constitution , but one can not go beyond the boundaries of the existing Constitution , '' Putin said .
`` Have you noticed that the Belarusian Constitutional Court ruled that creation of some super-constitutional bodies , not provided for by the basic law , seeking to seize power , is totally unacceptable ?
And this is hard to disagree with . ''
Earlier , Lukashenko proposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redistribute the authority of different levels of power and to relegate a portion of powers `` down . ''
He also proposed to write down obligatory military service as a prerequisite for a presidential candidate .
According to Lukashenko , the new Constitution must be adopted via a referendum .
New elections are only possible after a new Constitution is adopted , he said .
The presidential election in Belarus took place on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko won 80.1 % of the vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his main opponent , ended up second with 10.12 % of the ballot .
She refused to recognize the election results and left Belarus for the neighboring Lithuania shortly , where she remains to this day .
Immediately after exit poll results were announced , mass protests erupted in the country , which were initially accompanied by clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces .
The Coordination Council of the opposition created in the republic urges people to continue the protests .
The authorities state that unauthorized rallies must be stopped .

"We believe that all participants of this process [the crisis in Belarus] will have enough common sense to find a way out calmly, without extremities," Putin said. "Of course, if people have taken to the streets, one must take it into account, listen to them, react."
The Russian president pointed out that his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko expressed readiness to look into adoption of a new Constitution, which may provide for new parliamentary and presidential elections.
"The Belarusian president, he did say that he is ready to look into an option to hold a constitutional reform, to adopt a new Constitution, to hold new elections, […] based on this new Constitution, but one cannot go beyond the boundaries of the existing Constitution," Putin said. "Have you noticed that the Belarusian Constitutional Court ruled that creation of some super-constitutional bodies, not provided for by the basic law, seeking to seize power, is totally unacceptable? And this is hard to disagree with."
Earlier, Lukashenko proposed to amend the Constitution in a bid to redistribute the authority of different levels of power and to relegate a portion of powers "down." He also proposed to write down obligatory military service as a prerequisite for a presidential candidate. According to Lukashenko, the new Constitution must be adopted via a referendum. New elections are only possible after a new Constitution is adopted, he said.
The presidential election in Belarus took place on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko won 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his main opponent, ended up second with 10.12% of the ballot. She refused to recognize the election results and left Belarus for the neighboring Lithuania shortly, where she remains to this day. Immediately after exit poll results were announced, mass protests erupted in the country, which were initially accompanied by clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces. The Coordination Council of the opposition created in the republic urges people to continue the protests. The authorities state that unauthorized rallies must be stopped.


tass--2020-08-27--No elements of crime found during checks into Navalny’s hospitalization, says authority

MOSCOW , August 27./TASS/ .
No elements of crime were found during checks into the hospitalization of Russian blogger Alexei @ @ @ @ @ Spokesperson for the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office told TASS on Thursday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ actions against Navalny A.A. that would make it possible to qualify this incident under criminal @ @ @ @ @ of yet during pre-investigation checks that began back on August 20 , '' Ivanov said @ @ @ @ @ a routine procedure for similar incidents with passengers on board a plane , '' he @ @

MOSCOW, August 27./TASS/. No elements of crime were found during checks into the hospitalization of Russian blogger Alexei Navalny, Andrey Ivanov, Spokesperson for the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office told TASS on Thursday.
"No evidence of deliberate criminal actions against Navalny A.A. that would make it possible to qualify this incident under criminal law has been established as of yet during pre-investigation checks that began back on August 20," Ivanov said.
These checks "are a routine procedure for similar incidents with passengers on board a plane," he added.


tass--2020-08-27--Russian prosecutor’s office requests Germany's data regarding diagnosis for Navalny

MOSCOW , August 27./TASS/ .
The Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office has requested from Germany data regarding the provisional @ @ @ @ @ Navalny made by Germany ’ s Charite hospital , Spokesperson Andrei Ivanov told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ side has received , in particular , a request to provide Russian agencies with explanations @ @ @ @ @ the provisional diagnoses that they have voiced , as well as documents regarding medical data @ @ @ @ @ both when the Russian national was being airlifted from Russia to Germany and during his @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .

MOSCOW, August 27./TASS/. The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has requested from Germany data regarding the provisional diagnosis for Russian blogger Alexei Navalny made by Germany’s Charite hospital, Spokesperson Andrei Ivanov told TASS on Thursday.
"The German side has received, in particular, a request to provide Russian agencies with explanations, data and confirmation of the provisional diagnoses that they have voiced, as well as documents regarding medical data and examinations by German specialists both when the Russian national was being airlifted from Russia to Germany and during his stay at the Charite clinic," he said.


tass--2020-08-27--Russia expresses condolences to Afghanistan over deathly floods

MOSCOW , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia expresses condolences to the Afghan government and people over the deaths of @ @ @ @ @ as a result of flash floods , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ We express our condolences to the families of those killed in this natural disaster , @ @ @ @ @ and the people of Afghanistan , wishing the soonest recovery to those injured , '' @ @ @ @ @ week , over 150 people have been killed in Afghanistan as a result of flash @ @ @ @ @ of the country .
Over 200 people have been injured .
There are many women @ @ @ @ @ .
Hundreds of residential houses have been destroyed .
The highest number of injured people @ @ @ @ @ province .

MOSCOW, August 27. /TASS/. Russia expresses condolences to the Afghan government and people over the deaths of the republic’s nationals as a result of flash floods, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on Thursday.
"We express our condolences to the families of those killed in this natural disaster, as well as the government and the people of Afghanistan, wishing the soonest recovery to those injured," the document says.
This week, over 150 people have been killed in Afghanistan as a result of flash floods that ravaged 13 provinces of the country. Over 200 people have been injured. There are many women and children among those injured. Hundreds of residential houses have been destroyed. The highest number of injured people is reported in the Parwan province.


tass--2020-08-27--Putin: Detention of Russian citizens in Belarus set up by Ukrainian and US intelligence

MOSCOW , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
The detention of 33 Russian citizens in Belarus in late July was set up by Ukrainian and US intelligence agencies , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Rossiya-24 channel on Thursday .
`` This is a joint operation of Ukrainian and American intelligence agencies .
This is known on good authority now .
Some participants of this process , observers , well-informed people do not even hide this at this point , '' the Russian president said , commenting on the incident .
Putin added that the detained citizens were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East for `` absolutely legal work . ''
`` However , they were dragged on Belarusian territory and painted as a potential force used to destabilize the situation during the election campaign , which was absolutely untrue , '' the president explained .
`` I would like to note once again that those people were on their way to work in a third country .
They were lured there , dragged over the border .
Our border officials did not let them out , by the way , they could not have entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in using fake documents . ''
On July 29 , 32 Russian citizens were apprehended near Minsk , and one more was detained in southern Belarus .
In his address to the nation and the parliament on August 4 , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the Russians were deliberately deployed to his country .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claims that Russia might have sent its citizens to Belarus to destabilize the situation in the republic .
For its part , Ukraine claimed that 28 detained citizens had taken part in military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceedings launched against them in Ukraine .
On August 14 , Minsk handed over the detained citizens to Moscow .
Russian Ambassador to Minsk Dmitry Mezentsev later stated that the Russians had been returned in strict correspondence with the norms of international law , stressing that professional cooperation between the country ’ s prosecution bodies helped carry out this legal procedure .

MOSCOW, August 27. /TASS/. The detention of 33 Russian citizens in Belarus in late July was set up by Ukrainian and US intelligence agencies, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Rossiya-24 channel on Thursday.
"This is a joint operation of Ukrainian and American intelligence agencies. This is known on good authority now. Some participants of this process, observers, well-informed people do not even hide this at this point," the Russian president said, commenting on the incident.
Putin added that the detained citizens were headed for Latin America and the Middle East for "absolutely legal work."
"However, they were dragged on Belarusian territory and painted as a potential force used to destabilize the situation during the election campaign, which was absolutely untrue," the president explained. "I would like to note once again that those people were on their way to work in a third country. They were lured there, dragged over the border. Our border officials did not let them out, by the way, they could not have entered. However, they were actually brought in using fake documents."
On July 29, 32 Russian citizens were apprehended near Minsk, and one more was detained in southern Belarus. In his address to the nation and the parliament on August 4, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the Russians were deliberately deployed to his country. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claims that Russia might have sent its citizens to Belarus to destabilize the situation in the republic.
For its part, Ukraine claimed that 28 detained citizens had taken part in military activity in Donbass, with pending criminal proceedings launched against them in Ukraine.
On August 14, Minsk handed over the detained citizens to Moscow. Russian Ambassador to Minsk Dmitry Mezentsev later stated that the Russians had been returned in strict correspondence with the norms of international law, stressing that professional cooperation between the country’s prosecution bodies helped carry out this legal procedure.