tass--2020-05-19--Over 5,000 forest fires recorded in Russia since the start of 2020, official says

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Over 5,000 forest fires have been recorded in Russia since the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ Agency Chief Sergei Anopriyenko said during an online hearing of the State Duma ( the @ @ @ @ @ , which was dedicated to the forest fire situation .
`` A little more than @ @ @ @ @ in the country since the beginning of the year .
The blazes have scorched 770,000 @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 , '' Anopriyenko pointed out .
According to him , a spike in @ @ @ @ @ late March and early April .
`` There are two reasons : an unusual heat @ @ @ @ @ Siberian regions and self-isolation , '' the official explained .
Efforts to upgrade firefighting equipment @ @ @ @ @ the average scope of forest fires by nearly 50 hectares , he went on to @ @ @ @ @ see that the average scope of forest fires has been brought down to 150 hectares @ @ @ @ @ year , '' Anopriyenko noted .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Over 5,000 forest fires have been recorded in Russia since the beginning of the year, Federal Forestry Agency Chief Sergei Anopriyenko said during an online hearing of the State Duma (the lower house of parliament), which was dedicated to the forest fire situation.
"A little more than 5,000 forest fires have occurred in the country since the beginning of the year. The blazes have scorched 770,000 hectares compared to 923,000 hectares in 2019," Anopriyenko pointed out.
According to him, a spike in forest fires was seen in late March and early April. "There are two reasons: an unusual heat wave in some of the Siberian regions and self-isolation," the official explained.
Efforts to upgrade firefighting equipment made it possible to reduce the average scope of forest fires by nearly 50 hectares, he went on to say. "We can see that the average scope of forest fires has been brought down to 150 hectares from nearly 200 hectares last year," Anopriyenko noted.


tass--2020-05-19--Putin: Current integration level in EAEU does not allow for common gas transit tariff

NOVO-OGARYOVO , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
A common gas transit tariff in the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) can not be introduced with the current integration level , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in a video conference format on Tuesday .
`` As for the common tariff on transportation and transit of gas proposed by our Armenian and Belarusian friends , we suggest that a common tariff may only be introduced on a common market with a common budget and a common taxation system .
Such a deep integration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EAEU so far , '' he said .
Putin stressed that so far prices should be formed based on the market environment , considering the costs and investments of suppliers , as well as should ensure return on capital invested in production .
The president added that it is the world ’ s practice .
Vladimir Putin believes that tariff issues on the EAEU gas market can be discussed later at the expert level .
`` If the positions of our Armenian and Belarusian friends remain unchanged , it would probably be logical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the draft Strategy [ on the EAEU development until 2025 ] altogether to approve it today .
The discussion of approaches to gas pricing can be continued with experts from member states and the Eurasian Economic Commission , '' President Putin said .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, May 19. /TASS/. A common gas transit tariff in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) cannot be introduced with the current integration level, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in a video conference format on Tuesday.
"As for the common tariff on transportation and transit of gas proposed by our Armenian and Belarusian friends, we suggest that a common tariff may only be introduced on a common market with a common budget and a common taxation system. Such a deep integration level has not been reached in the EAEU so far," he said.
Putin stressed that so far prices should be formed based on the market environment, considering the costs and investments of suppliers, as well as should ensure return on capital invested in production. The president added that it is the world’s practice.
Vladimir Putin believes that tariff issues on the EAEU gas market can be discussed later at the expert level. "If the positions of our Armenian and Belarusian friends remain unchanged, it would probably be logical to exclude the item on gas from the draft Strategy [on the EAEU development until 2025] altogether to approve it today. The discussion of approaches to gas pricing can be continued with experts from member states and the Eurasian Economic Commission," President Putin said.


tass--2020-05-19--Hainan begins new large-scale residential housing program

HAIKOU , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities began the implementation of the next stage of the large-scale program to improve residential housing ; the authorities plan to demolish dilapidated buildings and construct modern buildings in a number of districts .
According to the Hainan Daily , the project is being implemented as part of the national poverty alleviation strategy .
According to the publication , the optimization of living conditions and the improvement of the architectural style of the settlements will be carried out on a commercial basis with active government 's support .
`` The other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help the areas that have made significant progress in advancing the reform , which provides for the optimization of state control and the implementation of strategically important tasks to better the business climate due to the need to increase the welfare of rural regions .
< ... > The list includes 30 incentives - the allocation of funds and the provision of land , '' the administration 's statement reads .
It notes that , according to the central authorities , Hainan made it to the list of administrative-territorial units of mainland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to improve the living conditions of the poor , to which housing improvement projects are directly related .
According to an official estimate , the local administration has recently eliminated slums and improved housing conditions in 29 districts , including Qionghai in the eastern part of the island , where Boao , hosting the Economic Forum for Asia , is located .
`` In 2020 , the authorities < ... > will provide substantial rewards or provide targeted support to regions that will achieve significant results in the implementation of the program to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities announced .
Over the past 10 years the local authorities have been able to significantly improve living standards in rural areas through various measures of supporting local farmers .
It was the agricultural sector in 2019 that became the main source of income for the poor in rural districts .
In February , the Hainan authorities announced they completed their anti-poverty efforts in the province and vowed to continue working in that direction , said Meng Li , head of the regional office for poverty alleviation .
According to the official , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county in the central part of the island as well as Lingao county in the island 's north are no longer considered poor and economically disadvantaged .
Thus , the region implemented one more task on the Chinese 13th five-year plan ( 2016-2020 ) .

HAIKOU, May 19. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities began the implementation of the next stage of the large-scale program to improve residential housing; the authorities plan to demolish dilapidated buildings and construct modern buildings in a number of districts. According to the Hainan Daily, the project is being implemented as part of the national poverty alleviation strategy.
According to the publication, the optimization of living conditions and the improvement of the architectural style of the settlements will be carried out on a commercial basis with active government's support. "The other day, the Chinese State Council ordered to help the areas that have made significant progress in advancing the reform, which provides for the optimization of state control and the implementation of strategically important tasks to better the business climate due to the need to increase the welfare of rural regions. <...> The list includes 30 incentives - the allocation of funds and the provision of land," the administration's statement reads.
It notes that, according to the central authorities, Hainan made it to the list of administrative-territorial units of mainland China, successfully implementing a government program to improve the living conditions of the poor, to which housing improvement projects are directly related. According to an official estimate, the local administration has recently eliminated slums and improved housing conditions in 29 districts, including Qionghai in the eastern part of the island, where Boao, hosting the Economic Forum for Asia, is located.
"In 2020, the authorities <...> will provide substantial rewards or provide targeted support to regions that will achieve significant results in the implementation of the program to improve the dilapidated housing," the authorities announced.
Over the past 10 years the local authorities have been able to significantly improve living standards in rural areas through various measures of supporting local farmers. It was the agricultural sector in 2019 that became the main source of income for the poor in rural districts.
In February, the Hainan authorities announced they completed their anti-poverty efforts in the province and vowed to continue working in that direction, said Meng Li, head of the regional office for poverty alleviation. According to the official, the cities of Wuzhishan and Baisha-Li autonomous county in the central part of the island as well as Lingao county in the island's north are no longer considered poor and economically disadvantaged. Thus, the region implemented one more task on the Chinese 13th five-year plan (2016-2020).


tass--2020-05-19--Hainan delivers 500,00 medical masks to sister cities abroad

HAIKOU , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan 's Haikou sent about 500,000 medical masks to sister cities in other countries and various international organizations to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus , the Haikou Daily newspaper reported .
Since March , Haikou along with measures to prevent import cases and gradual revival of business and educational activities , has constantly supported various countries that need help in the fight against coronavirus .
According to the city 's Foreign Affairs Committee , about 500,000 medical masks were sent to Haikou 's sister cities in nine countries , including South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assistance was also provided to a number of international organizations and consulates of various countries in China .
Currently , according to recent data , Haikou has sister city relations with 41 cities in 33 countries .
Earlier China 's Hainan sent medical supplies to 23 countries , cities and administrative units the province shares sister city agreements with .
These supplies included over 786,000 medical face masks , 20,000 KN95 masks , 1,000 sets of protective clothing , 1,000 containers with disinfectants , as at least 50,000 pairs of protective medical gloves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 373 , 000 ) .
An outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus disease was recorded at the end of 2019 in Central China .
It quickly spread across the world and was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11 .

HAIKOU, May 19. /TASS/. Hainan's Haikou sent about 500,000 medical masks to sister cities in other countries and various international organizations to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Haikou Daily newspaper reported.
Since March, Haikou along with measures to prevent import cases and gradual revival of business and educational activities, has constantly supported various countries that need help in the fight against coronavirus. According to the city's Foreign Affairs Committee, about 500,000 medical masks were sent to Haikou's sister cities in nine countries, including South Korea, Iran, and Italy. Assistance was also provided to a number of international organizations and consulates of various countries in China.
Currently, according to recent data, Haikou has sister city relations with 41 cities in 33 countries.
Earlier China's Hainan sent medical supplies to 23 countries, cities and administrative units the province shares sister city agreements with. These supplies included over 786,000 medical face masks, 20,000 KN95 masks, 1,000 sets of protective clothing, 1,000 containers with disinfectants, as at least 50,000 pairs of protective medical gloves worth over 2.6 million yuan (about $ 373, 000).
Hainan established sister city relations with 64 foreign cities and towns.
An outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus disease was recorded at the end of 2019 in Central China. It quickly spread across the world and was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11.


tass--2020-05-19--Media: Hainan service trade surplus reaches $93,000 in 2019

HAIKOU , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Last year , the surplus in services trade in China 's Hainan amounted to 653 million yuan ( about $ 93,000 ) .
According to the Hainan Daily , the export of services for the first time exceeded imports since April 2018 — the period when Hainan 's experimental free trade zone was established .
The island 's service trade in 2019 amounted to 21.965 billion yuan ( about $ 3.13 billion ) , which is by 20.3 % more compared to 2018 .
At the same time , exports grew by 33 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1.61 billion ) .
Imports amounted to 10.656 billion yuan ( about $ 1.52 billion ) , which is an increase of 9.18 % in annual terms .
According to the news article , trade in services in the region continues to grow rapidly .
In 2018 , the number of units of this market segment grew by 58.9 % , last year - by 59.6 % .
The greatest activity was noted in the field of tourism , the transport industry , telecommunications and information services .
According to the January-April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted in the field of telecommunications and IT services ( by 159.4 % in annual terms ) and business services ( by 120.82 % compared to January-April of the previous year ) .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .

HAIKOU, May 19. /TASS/. Last year, the surplus in services trade in China's Hainan amounted to 653 million yuan (about $ 93,000). According to the Hainan Daily, the export of services for the first time exceeded imports since April 2018 — the period when Hainan's experimental free trade zone was established.
The island's service trade in 2019 amounted to 21.965 billion yuan (about $ 3.13 billion), which is by 20.3% more compared to 2018. At the same time, exports grew by 33% to 11,309 billion yuan (about $ 1.61 billion). Imports amounted to 10.656 billion yuan (about $ 1.52 billion), which is an increase of 9.18% in annual terms.
According to the news article, trade in services in the region continues to grow rapidly. In 2018, the number of units of this market segment grew by 58.9%, last year - by 59.6%. The greatest activity was noted in the field of tourism, the transport industry, telecommunications and information services. According to the January-April 2020 indicators, the largest growth was noted in the field of telecommunications and IT services (by 159.4% in annual terms) and business services (by 120.82% compared to January-April of the previous year).
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.


tass--2020-05-19--Media: Hainan's Sanya to facilitate promotion of Chinese medicine in the world

HAIKOU , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
This year Hainan 's resort city of Sanya a promotion campaign to popularize traditional oriental medicine in the world , the Sanya Daily newspaper reported citing an official familiar with the situation .
According to news outlet , a hospital in the city of Sanya , which in 2014 won the nationwide status of `` an advanced institution for promoting the methods of Chinese medicine '' , will be crucial to this task .
“ In order to enter foreign markets , the center of traditional medicine in Sanya is closely cooperating with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the goals is to attract the attention of the international community , ” a representative of the hospital explained .
According to him , over the past three years , the clinic has established contacts with five specialized Russian organizations to jointly develop the projects involving comprehensive treatment , training of qualified personnel and the introduction of traditional Chinese medicine .
Sanya is alos intensively strengthening ties with Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , the Republic of Korea and Germany .
Sanya is one of Hainan 's three key centers which popularizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Chinese medical practice .
Thus , the authorities are facilitating the simplification of procedures for people who are need of healthcare .
In December 2017 , with the city administration 's support , the first official center in the world promoting Hainan medicine was established in Kazakhstan .
Moreover , the authorities contribute to creating new partnerships between the best clinics in the region and other countries through exhibitions and presentations .

HAIKOU, May 19. /TASS/. This year Hainan's resort city of Sanya a promotion campaign to popularize traditional oriental medicine in the world, the Sanya Daily newspaper reported citing an official familiar with the situation.
According to news outlet, a hospital in the city of Sanya, which in 2014 won the nationwide status of "an advanced institution for promoting the methods of Chinese medicine", will be crucial to this task.
“In order to enter foreign markets, the center of traditional medicine in Sanya is closely cooperating with international organizations. At the current stage, one of the goals is to attract the attention of the international community,” a representative of the hospital explained.
According to him, over the past three years, the clinic has established contacts with five specialized Russian organizations to jointly develop the projects involving comprehensive treatment, training of qualified personnel and the introduction of traditional Chinese medicine. Sanya is alos intensively strengthening ties with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Korea and Germany.
Sanya is one of Hainan's three key centers which popularizes medical tourism and various non-traditional methods used in the Chinese medical practice. Thus, the authorities are facilitating the simplification of procedures for people who are need of healthcare. In December 2017, with the city administration's support, the first official center in the world promoting Hainan medicine was established in Kazakhstan. Moreover, the authorities contribute to creating new partnerships between the best clinics in the region and other countries through exhibitions and presentations.


tass--2020-05-20--Africa’s coronavirus cases exceed 90,000, says WHO

PRETORIA , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in African countries has risen by 4,222 to 90,943 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Wednesday .
Africa ’ s COVID-19 death toll has climbed to 2,885 .
South Africa has the highest number of coronavirus cases ( 17,200 ) and a death toll of 312 .
Egypt , where 12,764 people have been infected , accounts for the majority of deaths ( 645 ) .
Algeria has reported 7,377 cases and 561 deaths , Morocco has identified 6,972 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sub-Saharan region , Nigeria has reported 6,401 cases and 192 deaths .
The country is followed by Ghana ( 6,096 cases and 31 deaths ) , Cameroon ( 3,529 cases and 140 deaths ) , Guinea ( 2,863 cases and 18 deaths ) , Senegal ( 2,617 cases and 30 deaths ) and Ivory Coast ( 2,153 cases and 28 deaths ) .
Meanwhile , the Seychelles announced on Tuesday that all of the country ’ s coronavirus patients had recovered .
Another two African counties , Eritrea and Mauritius , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so far , over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, May 20. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in African countries has risen by 4,222 to 90,943, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Wednesday. Africa’s COVID-19 death toll has climbed to 2,885.
South Africa has the highest number of coronavirus cases (17,200) and a death toll of 312. Egypt, where 12,764 people have been infected, accounts for the majority of deaths (645). Algeria has reported 7,377 cases and 561 deaths, Morocco has identified 6,972 coronavirus patients and recorded 193 deaths.
In the sub-Saharan region, Nigeria has reported 6,401 cases and 192 deaths. The country is followed by Ghana (6,096 cases and 31 deaths), Cameroon (3,529 cases and 140 deaths), Guinea (2,863 cases and 18 deaths), Senegal (2,617 cases and 30 deaths) and Ivory Coast (2,153 cases and 28 deaths).
Meanwhile, the Seychelles announced on Tuesday that all of the country’s coronavirus patients had recovered. Another two African counties, Eritrea and Mauritius, also claim to have no COVID-19 cases.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-20--Price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia may restart, expert warns

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia on the global oil market may start again when prices return to the level of $ 50-55 a barrel , Department Director of S & P Global Ratings in Russia Alexander Gryaznov said on Wednesday .
`` Some kind of a pause has been taken in this war .
It is disadvantageous for both players , Saudi Arabia and Russia , to continue the price war in this situation , '' the expert said .
`` However , when the price returns to $ 50-55 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not exclude that the struggle for markets will continue , '' he added .
According to S & P Global Ratings estimates , Brent oil prices will be at the level of $ 30 per barrel until 2020 year-end with subsequent recovery to $ 50 per barrel in 2021 .
Experts believe prices will be at the level of $ 55 per barrel in 2022 and later on .
Oil prices plummeted in March after Russia and Saudi Arabia failed to negotiate oil production cuts .
Ex-allies intended to proactively ramp up production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the price war . ''
However , OPEC+ countries managed to finalize the deal on oil production cuts in May - June at their extraordinary meeting on April 12 .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia on the global oil market may start again when prices return to the level of $50-55 a barrel, Department Director of S&P Global Ratings in Russia Alexander Gryaznov said on Wednesday.
"Some kind of a pause has been taken in this war. It is disadvantageous for both players, Saudi Arabia and Russia, to continue the price war in this situation," the expert said. "However, when the price returns to $50-55 [per barrel], I would not exclude that the struggle for markets will continue," he added.
According to S&P Global Ratings estimates, Brent oil prices will be at the level of $30 per barrel until 2020 year-end with subsequent recovery to $50 per barrel in 2021. Experts believe prices will be at the level of $55 per barrel in 2022 and later on.
Oil prices plummeted in March after Russia and Saudi Arabia failed to negotiate oil production cuts. Ex-allies intended to proactively ramp up production in April. Observes called it ‘the price war."
However, OPEC+ countries managed to finalize the deal on oil production cuts in May - June at their extraordinary meeting on April 12.


tass--2020-05-20--Moscow hospitals admit about 1,000 coronavirus patients every day

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow hospitals admit about 1,000 coronavirus patients every day , the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ at a meeting of the coronavirus response council on Wednesday .
`` Hospital admissions have @ @ @ @ @ are taken to the hospital every day .
The burden on the healthcare system is @ @ @ @ @ , about 1,700 patients in serious and critical condition remain hospitalized , '' Sobyanin pointed @ @ @ @ @ critical patient spent two to three weeks in the hospital .
`` When we plan @ @ @ @ @ need to realize that the infection level is still high , '' the Moscow mayor @ @ @ @ @ a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 85,392 patients @ @ @ @ @ .
Moscow accounts for the majority of cases ( 152,306 ) .
Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the @ @ @ @ @ situation .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Moscow hospitals admit about 1,000 coronavirus patients every day, the city’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at a meeting of the coronavirus response council on Wednesday.
"Hospital admissions have fallen. About 1,000 critical are taken to the hospital every day. The burden on the healthcare system is beginning to decline. However, about 1,700 patients in serious and critical condition remain hospitalized," Sobyanin pointed out, adding that every critical patient spent two to three weeks in the hospital.
"When we plan our next steps, we need to realize that the infection level is still high," the Moscow mayor emphasized.
To date, a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease. Moscow accounts for the majority of cases (152,306). Russia’s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-20--Zelensky is confident he should hold direct talks with Putin

The Ukrainian president said he would not like to resort to Plan B or C KIEV , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky expressed confidence that it is necessary to hold direct talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin .
Speaking on his plans `` to find a solution '' to the crisis in Donbass , Zelensky said it was vital to reach an agreement with Moscow .
`` I give myself several more months to ramp up pressure so that we could find a diplomatic solution to the situation on the Minsk agreements , '' Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resort to Plan B and Plan C. Although the public may think differently about direct talks between Zelensky and Putin , I ’ m sure that we should do this , '' Zelensky told a news conference on occasion of his first year in office .
In comment on the prospects of the Normandy Four ( Russia , Germany , France and Ukraine ) summit , Zelensky also highlighted the importance of contacts with the Russian leadership .
`` As for the president of Russia , we ca n't do anything here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach an agreement , '' he said .
Putin and Zelensky held their first phone conversation on July 11 , 2019 , a month and a half after the Ukrainian president ’ s inauguration .
Their first face-to-face meeting took place on December 9 at the Normandy Four summit in Paris .
They agreed on meeting in the Normandy format in April , but the next summit was not convened .

The Ukrainian president said he would not like to resort to Plan B or C
KIEV, May 20. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky expressed confidence that it is necessary to hold direct talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Speaking on his plans "to find a solution" to the crisis in Donbass, Zelensky said it was vital to reach an agreement with Moscow.
Read also Kiev eyes retake of Donbass until end of 2020 but drafts plan B
"I give myself several more months to ramp up pressure so that we could find a diplomatic solution to the situation on the Minsk agreements," Zelensky said. "I would not like to resort to Plan B and Plan C. Although the public may think differently about direct talks between Zelensky and Putin, I’m sure that we should do this," Zelensky told a news conference on occasion of his first year in office.
Read also No Plan B for implementation of Minsk accords — Lavrov


tass--2020-05-20--Work underway on 47 coronavirus vaccines, Russian deputy PM says

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 47 coronavirus vaccines are in the works in Russia , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said , addressing the Federation Council ( the upper house of parliament ) on Wednesday .
`` Detecting the coronavirus infection is an important aspect of these activities .
A total of 47 vaccines are in the works on 14 platforms .
We do expect that some of them will produce tangible results , '' she said .
Golikova added that 3.1 bln rubles ( $ 43 mln ) had been allocated from the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems and vaccines .
Director of Russia ’ s Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg said earlier that a coronavirus vaccine could be registered in Russia in August .
According to him , pre-clinical trials are expected to last for about another month .
These trials are aimed at figuring out vaccine toxicity and reactogenicity , as well as other properties , based on which human trials can be launched .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been confirmed in Russia , with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. As many as 47 coronavirus vaccines are in the works in Russia, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said, addressing the Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) on Wednesday.
"Detecting the coronavirus infection is an important aspect of these activities. A total of 47 vaccines are in the works on 14 platforms. We do expect that some of them will produce tangible results," she said. Golikova added that 3.1 bln rubles ($43 mln) had been allocated from the federal budget for the development of coronavirus testing systems and vaccines.
Director of Russia’s Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg said earlier that a coronavirus vaccine could be registered in Russia in August. According to him, pre-clinical trials are expected to last for about another month. These trials are aimed at figuring out vaccine toxicity and reactogenicity, as well as other properties, based on which human trials can be launched.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-20--Coronavirus spread rate above national average in 13 Russian regions — deputy PM

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus spread rate exceeds the national average of 210.2 cases per 100,000 people in 13 Russian regions , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said in the upper house of Russia ’ s parliament on Wednesday .
`` As of May 20 , the number of identified positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people , which is the basic monitored indicator , is above Russia ’ s average in 13 regions .
The average Russian rate is 210.2 cases per 100,000 people , '' the deputy prime minister said .
The growth of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions where the epidemic started later than in other constituent entities of Russia , she pointed out .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The coronavirus spread rate exceeds the national average of 210.2 cases per 100,000 people in 13 Russian regions, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said in the upper house of Russia’s parliament on Wednesday.
"As of May 20, the number of identified positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people, which is the basic monitored indicator, is above Russia’s average in 13 regions. The average Russian rate is 210.2 cases per 100,000 people," the deputy prime minister said.
The growth of coronavirus cases is currently observed in those Russian regions where the epidemic started later than in other constituent entities of Russia, she pointed out.
According to the latest statistics, over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-20--Effectiveness of blood plasma in COVID-19 treatment requires further research — WHO

`` The value of blood plasma in treatment of the COVID-19 could be determined only in randomized clinical testing , '' Vujnovic said .
`` As far as I know , there are observation reports and information on small series of cases .
Further research is needed . ''
MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The effectiveness of blood plasma from patients who have already recovered from the coronavirus infection to be used to treat those who are ill with the infection will be determined during additional research , World Health Organization Representative to the Russian Federation Melita Vujnovic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO representative reminded about the global research and development platform , launched by the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus .
`` We expect that all countries that apply new or special methods would share their scientific results and data that complies with the criteria of scientific and clinical testing , to enrich the global bank of knowledge and to create ‘ global products ’ that would help the entire world to control the pandemic and save lives , '' she said .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,990,400 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide .

"The value of blood plasma in treatment of the COVID-19 could be determined only in randomized clinical testing," Vujnovic said. "As far as I know, there are observation reports and information on small series of cases. Further research is needed."
MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The effectiveness of blood plasma from patients who have already recovered from the coronavirus infection to be used to treat those who are ill with the infection will be determined during additional research, World Health Organization Representative to the Russian Federation Melita Vujnovic told TASS.
In this regard, the WHO representative reminded about the global research and development platform, launched by the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus.
"We expect that all countries that apply new or special methods would share their scientific results and data that complies with the criteria of scientific and clinical testing, to enrich the global bank of knowledge and to create ‘global products’ that would help the entire world to control the pandemic and save lives," she said.
According to the latest statistics, over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-05-20--Moscow views Kiev’s confrontation policy unchanged during Zelensky’s first year in office

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry , attempts continue to distort common history , glorify Nazism and desecrate memorials to Soviet soldiers in Ukraine MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Kiev ’ s line towards confrontation and whipping up tensions with Moscow remains unchanged , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday on occasion of Vladimir Zelensky ’ s first year of presidency .
`` Kiev ’ s line towards confrontation and whipping up tensions in relations with Russia has been unchanged , '' the ministry said .
`` Ukraine keeps fighting against everything that somehow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Russian language and culture , distort common history , glorify Nazism and desecrate memorials to Soviet soldiers . ''
The Ministry added that Ukraine keeps slapping new sanctions on the Russian citizens and legal entities , adding that `` the intent to punish Russia reaches absurd levels . ''
`` One year ago , Zelensky made fun of Poroshenko ’ s restrictions against Russian social media , and today he extended them himself .
As for sanctions , he surpassed his predecessor on creativity , '' the Ministry said , recalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hermitage Museum , the Pushkin Museum , Moscow State University and other educational and scientific facilities .
`` It is regrettable , but today Russophobia in Ukraine gains second wind , and becomes , just like during the Poroshenko period , a national policy .
One year ago , this course was rejected by the majority of the country ’ s population , which paved Zelensky ’ s way to power .
It is regrettable that , with time , the government changes the attitude of the servants of the people to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Ministry noted .
The Donbass peace process did not advance during Vladimir Zelensky ’ s first year of presidency , the Russian Foreign Ministry stated .
`` At his inauguration , Zelensky proclaimed ceasefire in Donbass his number one goal .
He claimed that he is 'not afraid to make difficult decisions ’ and is 'ready to lose his office without a second thought , if only this leads to peace ’ , '' the Foreign Ministry recapped .
`` No cardinal changes happened since then . ''
The Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Ukrainian leader inspired hope , `` apparently , Zelensky needed them only to call the Normandy format Paris summit . ''
`` The events that followed displayed the lack of political will in the current administration to implement the Minsk agreements , '' the Ministry said .
`` Today , Kiev speaks about their ‘ nullity ’ , about search for alternatives to the Minsk accords and about some ‘ Plan B ’ .
Zelensky ’ s office seems in no rush to implement the agreements of the Paris summit either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during his ascension to power , Zelensky promised to free Ukrainians from the legacy of the previous president Pyotr Poroshenko , to begin real reforms , bring peace to Donbass and change the life for the better .
He would also elaborate on the necessity to overcome a rift in society , `` to learn to live together , despite the differences , '' the Ministry noted .
`` However , the previous year showed that those were all mere declarations of good will .
According to what has become a tradition in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president were at variance with his actions , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
Corruption did not recede , neither did oligarchy ’ s sway on the government ; still pending are promises to investigate financial machinations and embezzlement of Poroshenko and his surrounding team , the 2013-2014 Maidan events , political assassinations and other crimes of the previous regime , the Ministry added .
Economic problems are accumulating , social tensions grow .
Against the will of the vast majority of the Ukrainian population , the land reform goes on and human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masse , the Ministry commented , adding that the clean-up of the information sphere and suppression of dissidence has been ongoing , which the bill on the media that the Verkhovna Rada passed in the first reading focuses on .
The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that the incumbent president `` inherited a panic fear of the aggressive minority of national radicals , that feels like the owner of the country and dictates to the government what and how should be done . ''

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, attempts continue to distort common history, glorify Nazism and desecrate memorials to Soviet soldiers in Ukraine
Read also 75% of Ukrainian citizens support free use of Russian language in private life
MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Kiev’s line towards confrontation and whipping up tensions with Moscow remains unchanged, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday on occasion of Vladimir Zelensky’s first year of presidency. "Kiev’s line towards confrontation and whipping up tensions in relations with Russia has been unchanged," the ministry said. "Ukraine keeps fighting against everything that somehow connects our nations. They continue attacks on the Russian language and culture, distort common history, glorify Nazism and desecrate memorials to Soviet soldiers."
The Ministry added that Ukraine keeps slapping new sanctions on the Russian citizens and legal entities, adding that "the intent to punish Russia reaches absurd levels." "One year ago, Zelensky made fun of Poroshenko’s restrictions against Russian social media, and today he extended them himself. As for sanctions, he surpassed his predecessor on creativity," the Ministry said, recalling that Ukraine had imposed sanctions against the Hermitage Museum, the Pushkin Museum, Moscow State University and other educational and scientific facilities.
Read also Zelensky is confident he should hold direct talks with Putin
"It is regrettable, but today Russophobia in Ukraine gains second wind, and becomes, just like during the Poroshenko period, a national policy. One year ago, this course was rejected by the majority of the country’s population, which paved Zelensky’s way to power. It is regrettable that, with time, the government changes the attitude of the servants of the people to the interests of the people that elects them," the Ministry noted. Donbass The Donbass peace process did not advance during Vladimir Zelensky’s first year of presidency, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated. "At his inauguration, Zelensky proclaimed ceasefire in Donbass his number one goal. He claimed that he is 'not afraid to make difficult decisions’ and is 'ready to lose his office without a second thought, if only this leads to peace’," the Foreign Ministry recapped. "No cardinal changes happened since then." The Ministry added that, although the first steps of the Ukrainian leader inspired hope, "apparently, Zelensky needed them only to call the Normandy format Paris summit." "The events that followed displayed the lack of political will in the current administration to implement the Minsk agreements," the Ministry said. "Today, Kiev speaks about their ‘nullity’, about search for alternatives to the Minsk accords and about some ‘Plan B’. Zelensky’s office seems in no rush to implement the agreements of the Paris summit either." Unfulfilled promises
Read also Zelensky vows his mission as president is to stop war in Donbass


tass--2020-05-20--Press review: US to elbow rivals out of arms market and global inquiry into COVID-19 opens

Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Trump seeks to squeeze Russia , China out of arms market Rivalry on the global arms market has been on the rise .
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic , the US leadership is ready to step up its military production and the exports of weapons , squeezing Russia and China out of the global market , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
These plans were confirmed when US President Donald Trump suggested that Washington should ease the procedure of selling weapons abroad , saying that this would attract those who are going to buy weapons from Russia and China .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ US leadership is trying to gain the advantage in its rivalry with major global players on the arms market , the paper writes .
After 2014 , when war broke out in Donbass and Crimea rejoined Russia , the US passed the Countering America ’ s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act ( CAATSA ) , which imposes sanctions on those states , which sign major contracts on purchasing arms and military equipment from Russia .
`` Trump plans to retain those steps aimed at reducing the effectiveness of the Russian arms business .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s S-400 anti-aircraft weapon systems to Turkey [ launched in 2019 ] .
The US authorities are also angered by the potential supplies of Russian Su-35 fighter jets to Egypt , '' said Academy of Military Science Correspondent Member Colonel Eduard Rodyukov .
Meanwhile , the military expert is convinced that Trump ’ s initiative on a simplified procedure of selling arms overseas is unlikely to find broad support among the US public or American politicians .
Under US legislation on control over arms exports , all contracts on selling military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Congress for 30 days .
The US president is authorized to personally make a decision on fulfilling arms sales contracts only in case of an emergency .
However , legislators in Congress are trying to revoke this executive right .
However , retired Lieutenant General Yuri Netkachev , a military specialist , notes that the situation is not that simple .
`` Trump has support in Congress and in society , and most importantly , among defense and industrial circles , for whom the proposal on a simplified procedure of arms sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods , create new jobs and gain extra revenues , '' he explained .
`` Amid the spread of the coronavirus infection around the entire world , when many national economies have been virtually stopped , military production is here to stay and this is important .
This means that US politicians and the president will search for a consensus on this issue . ''
At the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva the global community passed a resolution , calling for initiating an `` impartial , independent and comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus and how it was transmitted from animals to humans .
The document was endorsed amid the raging US-Chinese infowar , which influenced the text and the procedure of adopting it , Kommersant writes .
The resolution is also calling for an investigation into the world 's response to the novel coronavirus pandemic .
China was not mentioned in this context although many politicians had insisted on investigating Beijing ’ s alleged role in the spread of the coronavirus .
Australia even suggested carrying out an independent coronavirus pandemic investigation .
China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory .
Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council ( RIAC ) Andrey Kortunov told Izvestia that Russia did not support the initiative on an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` This initiative has questions to the WHO .
It is less popular and Russia did not back it , '' he explained .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said the WHO should not turn into a platform for settling political accounts , stressing that Moscow closely cooperates with Beijing and sees no grounds to mistrust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The US has its own goals here .
Now the narratives are formed regarding the coronavirus and objectively , the US is losing this struggle — statistics shows that China has handled [ the virus ] better , '' Kortunov noted .
According to Worldometer , the US has recorded 1.5 mln coronavirus cases with over 93,000 deaths , while China has confirmed 82,900 cases and 4,600 deaths .
`` This is interpreted in the context of US election campaign .
Trump is accused of failing to take the pandemic seriously and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him to shift the blame on someone else . ''
However , all attempts to punish China will be translated just into unilateral sanctions , he noted .
The revenues of Russian regions dropped 10 % in March and April compared with the same period last year , according to Izvestia ’ s estimates based on the statistics of the Finance Ministry and the Treasury .
In general , the Russian regions have earned 2.2 trillion rubles ( $ 30.3 bln ) during these two months , or 10 % less , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reported a decline in revenues .
Among the most affected Russian regions are Tatarstan , the Perm Region and the Kemerovo Region , which have lost more than 30 % in profits when compared with last year .
Experts believe that in the coming months the situation is likely to deteriorate .
These three worst-hit Russian regions depend on oil production , refining and petrochemicals , Head of ACRA Regional Ratings Group Elena Anisimova said , noting that in March and April , oil prices dropped and this impacted revenues .
Elena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Macroeconomic Analysis and Short-Term Forecasting , noted that the report on the revenues in March and April reflects the situation seen early this year .
In February , Russia ’ s economy continued working and prices on energy resources were not at this low level .
The expert warned that in May and June , the drop in revenues would be more significant .
During this period , the budget will receive taxes for the non-working period .
Meanwhile , some Russian regions in March and April saw a rise in revenues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Khanty Mansi Autonomous Region - Yugra and the Sakha Republic ( Yakutia ) .
These regions earned 10 bln rubles ( $ 138 mln ) , 104 bln rubles ( $ 1.4 bln ) and 62 bln rubles ( $ 855 mln ) , or 70 % , 47 % and 43 % more than a year earlier .
The expert attributed the rise in revenues in Chukotka and Yakutia to a significant growth in prices on gold in April .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Deal between Afghan politicians offers no hope for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed a long-awaited deal on separating powers , the international community called on Kabul to reach out to the Taliban ( outlawed in Russia ) .
The parties to the armed conflict should complete an anticipated prisoner swap in order to get the opportunity to shift to the next stage of reconciliation , which is direct dialogue on the country ’ s future .
However , the current pace of the peace process leaves some doubt that Kabul and the Taliban will start talks , Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported .
`` Now , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , the intra-Afghan talks will depend on his relations with Ghani , '' Omar Nessar , a senior fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Science , told the newspaper .
`` But the intra-Afghan talks will be viewed in Kabul as a threat to the incumbent cabinet of ministers and Abdullah is not expected to make great efforts towards launching them .
The situation could change in the event the Taliban agrees to a ceasefire by the start of the dialogue . ''
The analyst recalls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opposition politician .
The delay in launching the direct dialogue between the conflicting parties is becoming more dangerous as the foreign contingent is leaving the Islamic Republic ’ s territory , which served as a restraining element , the paper writes .
The direct dialogue can not start without completing the prisoner swap , which has been put on hold .
Kabul has earlier refused to continue the process until the Taliban releases at least 200 Afghan troops .
Izvestia : 17 % of companies ready to keep remote working in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of their staff to keep working from home even when the anti-coronavirus restrictions are lifted , according to a survey by Rabota.ru conducted exclusively for Izvestia .
According to experts , remote work is the cheapest means of protecting personnel .
This could be the best option for a large number of companies because just a few businessmen are ready to invest in equipping offices with additional room dividers or provide staff with face masks , the paper says .
Some 1,000 representatives of Russian companies , including top managers , HR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part in the survey .
Nearly 31 % of those surveyed said they were not planning to introduce extra measures to protect their staff after the lockdown is lifted .
Some 42 % of companies plan to clean and disinfect work premises more often .
Less than one-third of companies are ready to take the temperature of its staff and make wearing masks and gloves compulsory .
Another 31 % of firms are planning to provide their personnel with hand sanitizers .
Just 8 % of companies are going to change their offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room dividers and introduce markers to ensure people keep their distance .
Most companies ( 34 % ) believe that they could resume normal work by mid-summer , while 19 % of others expect this to happen in autumn .
Some 18 % of respondents hope to return to normal activity by the end of summer .
Another 14 % were less optimistic about the prospects , saying they could start working normally not earlier than by the end of this year .
Commercial Director at the Management Faculty of Synergy University Lyumila @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenues , even small expenses on reequipping offices could be overwhelming for businesses .
In this case , remote work could be the cheapest means of not subjecting staff to the risk of contracting the infection .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Trump seeks to squeeze Russia, China out of arms market
Rivalry on the global arms market has been on the rise. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the US leadership is ready to step up its military production and the exports of weapons, squeezing Russia and China out of the global market, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. These plans were confirmed when US President Donald Trump suggested that Washington should ease the procedure of selling weapons abroad, saying that this would attract those who are going to buy weapons from Russia and China. This is not the first time the US leadership is trying to gain the advantage in its rivalry with major global players on the arms market, the paper writes. After 2014, when war broke out in Donbass and Crimea rejoined Russia, the US passed the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which imposes sanctions on those states, which sign major contracts on purchasing arms and military equipment from Russia. "Trump plans to retain those steps aimed at reducing the effectiveness of the Russian arms business. He is certainly dissatisfied with the supplies of Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft weapon systems to Turkey [launched in 2019]. The US authorities are also angered by the potential supplies of Russian Su-35 fighter jets to Egypt," said Academy of Military Science Correspondent Member Colonel Eduard Rodyukov. Meanwhile, the military expert is convinced that Trump’s initiative on a simplified procedure of selling arms overseas is unlikely to find broad support among the US public or American politicians. Under US legislation on control over arms exports, all contracts on selling military products to foreign states must be reviewed by Congress for 30 days. The US president is authorized to personally make a decision on fulfilling arms sales contracts only in case of an emergency. However, legislators in Congress are trying to revoke this executive right. However, retired Lieutenant General Yuri Netkachev, a military specialist, notes that the situation is not that simple. "Trump has support in Congress and in society, and most importantly, among defense and industrial circles, for whom the proposal on a simplified procedure of arms sales provides the possibility to produce more military goods, create new jobs and gain extra revenues," he explained. "Amid the spread of the coronavirus infection around the entire world, when many national economies have been virtually stopped, military production is here to stay and this is important. This means that US politicians and the president will search for a consensus on this issue." Media: World Health Assembly adopts coronavirus inquiry resolution amid US-China spat
Read also WHO keeps investigating animal origin of novel coronavirus — official
At the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva the global community passed a resolution, calling for initiating an "impartial, independent and comprehensive" investigation into the origins of the novel coronavirus and how it was transmitted from animals to humans. The document was endorsed amid the raging US-Chinese infowar, which influenced the text and the procedure of adopting it, Kommersant writes. The resolution is also calling for an investigation into the world's response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. China was not mentioned in this context although many politicians had insisted on investigating Beijing’s alleged role in the spread of the coronavirus. Australia even suggested carrying out an independent coronavirus pandemic investigation. China has described the document as its major victory. Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) Andrey Kortunov told Izvestia that Russia did not support the initiative on an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. "This initiative has questions to the WHO. It is less popular and Russia did not back it," he explained. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said the WHO should not turn into a platform for settling political accounts, stressing that Moscow closely cooperates with Beijing and sees no grounds to mistrust its data on the virus. "The US has its own goals here. Now the narratives are formed regarding the coronavirus and objectively, the US is losing this struggle — statistics shows that China has handled [the virus] better," Kortunov noted. According to Worldometer, the US has recorded 1.5 mln coronavirus cases with over 93,000 deaths, while China has confirmed 82,900 cases and 4,600 deaths. "This is interpreted in the context of US election campaign. Trump is accused of failing to take the pandemic seriously and that’s why it’s important for him to shift the blame on someone else." However, all attempts to punish China will be translated just into unilateral sanctions, he noted. Izvestia: Anti-coronavirus restrictions affect revenues in 65 Russian regions
The revenues of Russian regions dropped 10% in March and April compared with the same period last year, according to Izvestia’s estimates based on the statistics of the Finance Ministry and the Treasury. In general, the Russian regions have earned 2.2 trillion rubles ($30.3 bln) during these two months, or 10% less, year-on-year. A total of 65 regions have reported a decline in revenues. Among the most affected Russian regions are Tatarstan, the Perm Region and the Kemerovo Region, which have lost more than 30% in profits when compared with last year. Experts believe that in the coming months the situation is likely to deteriorate. These three worst-hit Russian regions depend on oil production, refining and petrochemicals, Head of ACRA Regional Ratings Group Elena Anisimova said, noting that in March and April, oil prices dropped and this impacted revenues. Elena Penukhina, leading expert at the Center for Macroeconomic Analysis and Short-Term Forecasting, noted that the report on the revenues in March and April reflects the situation seen early this year. In February, Russia’s economy continued working and prices on energy resources were not at this low level. The expert warned that in May and June, the drop in revenues would be more significant. During this period, the budget will receive taxes for the non-working period. Meanwhile, some Russian regions in March and April saw a rise in revenues. Among the leaders are Chukotka, the Khanty Mansi Autonomous Region - Yugra and the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). These regions earned 10 bln rubles ($138 mln), 104 bln rubles ($1.4 bln) and 62 bln rubles ($855 mln), or 70%, 47% and 43% more than a year earlier. The expert attributed the rise in revenues in Chukotka and Yakutia to a significant growth in prices on gold in April. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Deal between Afghan politicians offers no hope for peace
After Afghanistan’s political leaders signed a long-awaited deal on separating powers, the international community called on Kabul to reach out to the Taliban (outlawed in Russia). The parties to the armed conflict should complete an anticipated prisoner swap in order to get the opportunity to shift to the next stage of reconciliation, which is direct dialogue on the country’s future. However, the current pace of the peace process leaves some doubt that Kabul and the Taliban will start talks, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported. "Now, when Dr. Abdullah has become part of the government, the intra-Afghan talks will depend on his relations with Ghani," Omar Nessar, a senior fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Science, told the newspaper. "But the intra-Afghan talks will be viewed in Kabul as a threat to the incumbent cabinet of ministers and Abdullah is not expected to make great efforts towards launching them. The situation could change in the event the Taliban agrees to a ceasefire by the start of the dialogue." The analyst recalls that the Taliban still views Abdullah as an opposition politician. The delay in launching the direct dialogue between the conflicting parties is becoming more dangerous as the foreign contingent is leaving the Islamic Republic’s territory, which served as a restraining element, the paper writes. The direct dialogue cannot start without completing the prisoner swap, which has been put on hold. Kabul has earlier refused to continue the process until the Taliban releases at least 200 Afghan troops. Izvestia: 17% of companies ready to keep remote working in Russia
Read also Russian expert sees possibility of new coronavirus strain in about decade


tass--2020-05-20--Ex-Polish president lashes out at authors of new national security strategy

WARSAW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The authors of Poland ’ s new National Security Strategy , which designates Russia as the greatest threat , are stuck in the past , ex-Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Walesa said in an interview with TASS .
`` They don ’ t think ahead .
They don ’ t have any ideas .
They seek to build something on old foundations , '' he said , commenting on the document adopted by the Polish authorities .
Putin says Russian threat myth was invented by those seeking to make profit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lavrov at the Munich Security Conference called for stopping attempts to promote the phantom idea of `` a Russian threat '' and move on to dialogue on security issues in Europe based on the principle of equal and indivisible security enshrined in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act , the 1990 Charter of Paris for a New Europe and the Astana Declaration adopted at the 2010 summit of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
Polish President Andrzej Duda signed the country ’ s new National Security Strategy on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document for Poland for years ahead , on which documents concerning defense and security issues are based .
The previous National Security Strategy was adopted in 2014 .
Russia and Poland can improve relations , if they sit down at the negotiating table and begin discussing the future , leaving the past to historians , Lech Walesa told TASS .
`` There were good things and bad things in our relationship .
The Soviet army helped liberate , more to the point it was this army essentially that liberated Poland [ from fascism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soldiers deserve eternal praise , '' Walesa pointed out .
`` But at the same time , they forced a system upon us that we did not want and which did a lot of harm and our national heroes were killed .
The issue is how to separate the good , the heroism of the Soviet army and the liberation from the subsequent lack of freedom .
This has to be separated and should not be mixed , '' the former leader of the Solidarity trade union movement noted .
Walesa said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries ’ chilly relations get better .
`` Most Poles want change .
We are closer to Moscow than to Washington .
But it is necessary that high-ranking individuals should put forward the proposal , '' the Polish politician said , stressing that he believed that the offer to sit down at the negotiating table should come from Russia .
`` It is always the case that the one who is bigger makes an offer to the one who is smaller and not vice versa .
That is why , we expect [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a proposal and invitation to the negotiating table and publicly say that we must talk about what the entire world needs .
The head of a large state must put forward initiatives , '' he insisted .
`` I would use requests or a plea to make the parties sit down at the negotiating table .
It is necessary to separate our past , which has to be reckoned with , but this should be done by others .
While we must think about the future , '' Walesa stressed .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the entire world , namely the coronavirus pandemic and environmental problems .
`` That is why , it is necessary to separate yesterday , today and tomorrow as soon as possible and start to talk .
Otherwise , we won ’ t survive , '' the politician emphasized .

WARSAW, May 20. /TASS/. The authors of Poland’s new national security strategy, which designates Russia as the greatest threat, are stuck in the past, ex-Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Walesa said in an interview with TASS.
"They don’t think ahead. They don’t have any ideas. They seek to build something on old foundations," he said, commenting on the document adopted by the Polish authorities.
Putin says Russian threat myth was invented by those seeking to make profit out of it
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Munich Security Conference called for stopping attempts to promote the phantom idea of "a Russian threat" and move on to dialogue on security issues in Europe based on the principle of equal and indivisible security enshrined in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, the 1990 Charter of Paris for a New Europe and the Astana Declaration adopted at the 2010 summit of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Polish President Andrzej Duda signed the country’s new national security strategy on May 12. It is a core document for Poland for years ahead, on which documents concerning defense and security issues are based. The previous national security strategy was adopted in 2014.
Russia and Poland can improve relations, if they sit down at the negotiating table and begin discussing the future, leaving the past to historians, Lech Walesa told TASS.
"There were good things and bad things in our relationship. The Soviet army helped liberate, more to the point it was this army essentially that liberated Poland [from fascism]. And for this, the soldiers deserve eternal praise," Walesa pointed out.
"But at the same time, they forced a system upon us that we did not want and which did a lot of harm and our national heroes were killed. The issue is how to separate the good, the heroism of the Soviet army and the liberation from the subsequent lack of freedom. This has to be separated and should not be mixed," the former leader of the Solidarity trade union movement noted.
Walesa said he was doing everything to make the two countries’ chilly relations get better. "Most Poles want change. We are closer to Moscow than to Washington. But it is necessary that high-ranking individuals should put forward the proposal," the Polish politician said, stressing that he believed that the offer to sit down at the negotiating table should come from Russia.
"It is always the case that the one who is bigger makes an offer to the one who is smaller and not vice versa. That is why, we expect [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to draw up a proposal and invitation to the negotiating table and publicly say that we must talk about what the entire world needs. The head of a large state must put forward initiatives," he insisted.
"I would use requests or a plea to make the parties sit down at the negotiating table. It is necessary to separate our past, which has to be reckoned with, but this should be done by others. While we must think about the future," Walesa stressed.
The former Polish leader also highlighted essential issues for the entire world, namely the coronavirus pandemic and environmental problems.
"That is why, it is necessary to separate yesterday, today and tomorrow as soon as possible and start to talk. Otherwise, we won’t survive," the politician emphasized.


tass--2020-05-20--Unemployment in Russia up by almost 30% over days off, says Deputy PM Golikova

Number of unemployed in Russia stood at to 4.45 mln people in April — report MOSCOW , May 20 .
Russia ’ s recorded unemployment rose by 29 % during days off declared as a response to the coronavirus spread to 1.665 mln people , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Wednesday .
`` As of yesterday , our recorded unemployment was up by 29 % to 1.665 mln people compared with the period when the non-working period started , '' she said .
The Deputy PM did not rule out that temporary jobs might be created as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done in 2008-2009 .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated @ @ @ @ @

Number of unemployed in Russia stood at to 4.45 mln people in April — report
MOSCOW, May 20. Russia’s recorded unemployment rose by 29% during days off declared as a response to the coronavirus spread to 1.665 mln people, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Wednesday.
"As of yesterday, our recorded unemployment was up by 29% to 1.665 mln people compared with the period when the non-working period started," she said.
The Deputy PM did not rule out that temporary jobs might be created as an additional measure of supporting people as was done in 2008-2009.
According to the latest statistics, over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-20--Russian ambassador confirms plans to open consulate general in China’s Wuhan

BEIJING , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry plans to open a consulate general in Wuhan , the capital of China ’ s Hubei province , Russian Ambassador to Beijing Andrei Denisov told an online briefing on Wednesday .
`` I am very pleased to see that life in the Hubei province and the city of Wuhan is returning to normal .
Doctors are back home , there are no hospitalized coronavirus patients , '' Denisov said .
`` The city of Wuhan has been well-known to us for a long time .
Before Wuhan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our country was present in Hankou in the late 19th century , there was a consulate general .
Now the Russian Foreign Ministry has decided to reopen the consulate general in Wuhan .
We hope that when the budget allows , we will restore our presence in Wuhan , '' the envoy emphasized .
Russia and China agreed in September 2015 to open consulate generals in the Russian cities of Vladivostok and Kazan and the Chinese cities of Harbin and Wuhan .
Russia has a consular department at the embassy in Beijing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Harbin , Shanghai , Shenyang and Hong Kong .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 324,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

BEIJING, May 20. /TASS/. Russia’s Foreign Ministry plans to open a consulate general in Wuhan, the capital of China’s Hubei province, Russian Ambassador to Beijing Andrei Denisov told an online briefing on Wednesday.
"I am very pleased to see that life in the Hubei province and the city of Wuhan is returning to normal. Doctors are back home, there are no hospitalized coronavirus patients," Denisov said.
"The city of Wuhan has been well-known to us for a long time. Before Wuhan, there was the city of Hankou. Our country was present in Hankou in the late 19th century, there was a consulate general. Now the Russian Foreign Ministry has decided to reopen the consulate general in Wuhan. We hope that when the budget allows, we will restore our presence in Wuhan," the envoy emphasized.
Russia and China agreed in September 2015 to open consulate generals in the Russian cities of Vladivostok and Kazan and the Chinese cities of Harbin and Wuhan. Russia has a consular department at the embassy in Beijing, as well as consulate generals in Guangzhou, Harbin, Shanghai, Shenyang and Hong Kong.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-20--Coronavirus situation in Russia enters stabilization stage, WHO envoy says

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus situation in Russia has stabilized , World Health Organization ( WHO @ @ @ @ @ Vujnovic told TASS on Wednesday .
`` It seems that the country is at the @ @ @ @ @ the WHO official said .
Although the infection spread rate has slowed down , Russia @ @ @ @ @ reduce new coronavirus cases in the country , Vujnovic stressed .
`` This is a @ @ @ @ @ further observing physical distancing ( even in case of lifting some restrictions ) , careful @ @ @ @ @ of cases , their testing , treatment and isolation , '' she pointed out .
@ @ @ @ @ the contacts of infected people and the compliance with the quarantine are critically important for @ @ @ @ @ control of the epidemic , the WHO official said .
`` It ’ s like @ @ @ @ @ say that we are only halfway , '' the WHO envoy said .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The coronavirus situation in Russia has stabilized, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic told TASS on Wednesday.
"It seems that the country is at the stage of stabilization," the WHO official said.
Although the infection spread rate has slowed down, Russia should take efforts to further reduce new coronavirus cases in the country, Vujnovic stressed.
"This is a very sensitive phase that requires further observing physical distancing (even in case of lifting some restrictions), careful hand hygiene, the identification of cases, their testing, treatment and isolation," she pointed out.
The efforts to trace all the contacts of infected people and the compliance with the quarantine are critically important for maintaining the positive trend and control of the epidemic, the WHO official said.
"It’s like a marathon and I would say that we are only halfway," the WHO envoy said.


tass--2020-05-20--Number of coronavirus recoveries exceeds new cases for first time in Russia

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The number of new COVID-19 cases in Russia recorded over the past day has risen by 8,764 , while 9,262 people have been discharged from hospitals , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
For the first time since the start of the pandemic , the number of recoveries in the country over the past day has exceeded the tally of new cases .
Russia ’ s COVID-19 cases have surpassed 300,000 , reaching 308,705 .
The total number of recovered patients has grown to 85,392 .
The growth recorded over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than the previous record set on May 19 , when the crisis center reported 5,921 recoveries .
The daily growth rate in new cases has dropped from 3.2 % to a record low of 2.9 % .
It has plunged below 3 % for the first time since the outbreak of the new disease .
Over the past day , 903 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Moscow , 504 in the Krasnoyarsk Region , 455 in St. Petersburg , 257 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 139 in the Rostov Region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regions , 118 in the Kaluga Region and 110 in the Bryansk Region .
Some 283 people have been released from hospitals in the Moscow Region , 263 in Dagestan , 208 in St. Petersburg and Ingushetia , 179 in the Krasnodar Region and 151 in Tatarstan .
The number of patients with COVID-19 who are undergoing treatment has declined in Russia and in Moscow for the first time since the start of the pandemic .
The number of the so-called active coronavirus cases in Russia has dropped from 220,974 to 220,341 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - from 116,460 on Tuesday to 113,644 on Wednesday .
Meanwhile , Russia has recorded 135 fatalities from the coronavirus over the past day , the biggest number recorded in the country since the start of the pandemic .
The total death toll in Russia has climbed to 2,972 .
Some 75 people died of the coronavirus in Moscow , 14 in the Moscow Region , four in St. Petersburg , Dagestan , the Nizhny Novgorod Region , three in the Kostroma Region and North Ossetia .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The number of new COVID-19 cases in Russia recorded over the past day has risen by 8,764, while 9,262 people have been discharged from hospitals, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the number of recoveries in the country over the past day has exceeded the tally of new cases.
Russia’s COVID-19 cases have surpassed 300,000, reaching 308,705. The total number of recovered patients has grown to 85,392. The growth recorded over the past day was nearly 1.5 times higher than the previous record set on May 19, when the crisis center reported 5,921 recoveries.
The daily growth rate in new cases has dropped from 3.2% to a record low of 2.9%. It has plunged below 3% for the first time since the outbreak of the new disease.
Over the past day, 903 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Moscow, 504 in the Krasnoyarsk Region, 455 in St. Petersburg, 257 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 139 in the Rostov Region, 135 in the Sverdlovsk and Yaroslavl Regions, 118 in the Kaluga Region and 110 in the Bryansk Region. Some 283 people have been released from hospitals in the Moscow Region, 263 in Dagestan, 208 in St. Petersburg and Ingushetia, 179 in the Krasnodar Region and 151 in Tatarstan.
The number of patients with COVID-19 who are undergoing treatment has declined in Russia and in Moscow for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The number of the so-called active coronavirus cases in Russia has dropped from 220,974 to 220,341. In Moscow the decrease was more significant - from 116,460 on Tuesday to 113,644 on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Russia has recorded 135 fatalities from the coronavirus over the past day, the biggest number recorded in the country since the start of the pandemic. The total death toll in Russia has climbed to 2,972. Some 75 people died of the coronavirus in Moscow, 14 in the Moscow Region, four in St. Petersburg, Dagestan, the Nizhny Novgorod Region, three in the Kostroma Region and North Ossetia.


tass--2020-05-20--COVID-19 recovery count in Moscow reaches almost 37,000 people

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
In the past 24 hours , the number of recoveries from the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ 5,440 and reached almost 37,000 , Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova said Wednesday .
This is @ @ @ @ @ per day .
The previous record of 4,032 recoveries was registered on May 11 .
@ @ @ @ @ in Moscow grows rapidly .
In the past 24 hours , whole 5,440 people have @ @ @ @ @ total number of recovered people has increased to 36,936 , '' Rakova said .
She @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed based on a molecular-genetic test .
Patients also undergo special tests to confirm recovery @ @ @ @ @ observation after recovery , receive relevant recommendations .
By May 19 , 149,607 coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. In the past 24 hours, the number of recoveries from the coronavirus infection in Moscow grew by 5,440 and reached almost 37,000, Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova said Wednesday.
This is record high amount of recoveries per day. The previous record of 4,032 recoveries was registered on May 11.
"The amount of recoveries in Moscow grows rapidly. In the past 24 hours, whole 5,440 people have recovered after treatment. The total number of recovered people has increased to 36,936," Rakova said.
She reminded that the disease is diagnosed based on a molecular-genetic test. Patients also undergo special tests to confirm recovery. Patients that require additional observation after recovery, receive relevant recommendations. By May 19, 149,607 coronavirus cases have been registered in Moscow.


tass--2020-05-20--Ukraine’s coronavirus cases exceed 19,000

KIEV , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Another 354 coronavirus cases have been identified in Ukraine , pushing the total @ @ @ @ @ Maxim Stepanov told reporters on Wednesday .
Russian expert sees possibility of new coronavirus strain @ @ @ @ @ many as 19,230 people have contracted the virus so far , including 1,376 children and @ @ @ @ @ total of 5,955 patients have recovered and 564 have died , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ , 16 coronavirus deaths and 323 recoveries were recorded in the past 24 hours .
@ @ @ @ @ tests have been conducted in the country , and 7.7 % of them showed positive @ @ @ @ @ first coronavirus case on March 3 .
Lockdown measures were taken in the country but @ @ @ @ @ restrictions began on May 11 .

KIEV, May 20. /TASS/. Another 354 coronavirus cases have been identified in Ukraine, pushing the total to 19,230, Health Minister Maxim Stepanov told reporters on Wednesday.
Russian expert sees possibility of new coronavirus strain in about decade
"As many as 19,230 people have contracted the virus so far, including 1,376 children and 3,757 medical workers. A total of 5,955 patients have recovered and 564 have died," he said.
According to the health minister, 16 coronavirus deaths and 323 recoveries were recorded in the past 24 hours.
To date, 248,529 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country, and 7.7% of them showed positive results.
Ukraine reported its first coronavirus case on March 3. Lockdown measures were taken in the country but the first phase of easing restrictions began on May 11.


tass--2020-05-20--Some 273,000 remain under medical supervision over suspected COVID-19 in Russia

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
About 273,000 citizens remain under medical observation in Russia over suspected coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing ( Rospotrebnadzor ) press service announced Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ over 7,5 million tests for the coronavirus have been performed in Russia , 225,000 of @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. About 273,000 citizens remain under medical observation in Russia over suspected coronavirus infection, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) press service announced Wednesday.
According to the agency, over 7,5 million tests for the coronavirus have been performed in Russia, 225,000 of them - during the last 24 hours.


tass--2020-05-20--Over 540 people in Moscow donate blood plasma to coronavirus patients

MOCSOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
More than 540 people in Moscow have donated blood plasma for the treatment of coronavirus patients , according to a statement published on the Moscow government 's website on Wednesday .
`` Over 540 people have donated blood plasma for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in Moscow… So far , 340 patients have been infused with blood plasma , which is used , first and foremost , to help treat critical patients , '' the statement reads .
Experts from the Moscow Health Department believe that the use of blood plasma containing antibodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective method to treat the infection .
A special hotline has been set up for Muscovites who have recovered from the coronavirus and wish to donate blood plasma .
According to the hotline team , about 1,500 people are willing to become donors and more than 600 have already registered to give their plasma .
People aged between 18 and 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors , provided they don ’ t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV , Hepatitis B and C. In accordance with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , donors earn 5,000 rubles ( $ 69 ) for 600 ml of plasma .
To date , a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide .
Moscow accounts for the majority of cases ( 149,607 ) .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOCSOW, May 20. /TASS/. More than 540 people in Moscow have donated blood plasma for the treatment of coronavirus patients, according to a statement published on the Moscow government's website on Wednesday.
"Over 540 people have donated blood plasma for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in Moscow… So far, 340 patients have been infused with blood plasma, which is used, first and foremost, to help treat critical patients," the statement reads.
Experts from the Moscow Health Department believe that the use of blood plasma containing antibodies for the novel coronavirus could be an effective method to treat the infection.
A special hotline has been set up for Muscovites who have recovered from the coronavirus and wish to donate blood plasma. According to the hotline team, about 1,500 people are willing to become donors and more than 600 have already registered to give their plasma.
People aged between 18 and 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors, provided they don’t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C. In accordance with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s decree, donors earn 5,000 rubles ($69) for 600 ml of plasma.
Coronavirus situation
To date, a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide. Moscow accounts for the majority of cases (149,607). Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-20--US allocates $15.5 mln as humanitarian assistance for Ukraine

`` The COVID-19 assistance to-date from the State Department and USAID [ US Agency for International Development ] includes < … > Ukraine : $ 15.5 million in total assistance , '' the Department of State said in a fact sheet .
WASHINGTON , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Since the start of the novel coronavirus pandemic , the United States has allocated $ 15.5 million as medical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine , the US Department of State ’ s press service said .
Russia says not proper time for US to accuse WHO , China over pandemic — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve the ability of local health care institutions to care for the sick and combat further spread of COVID-19 while increasing public communication to lower contagion risk '' and to `` mitigate secondary impacts such as loss of livelihoods and public services to vulnerable populations , including conflict-affected communities in eastern Ukraine . ''
Since the start of the novel coronavirus outbreak , the United States has allocated over $ 900 million for `` emergency health , humanitarian , economic , and development assistance '' to various countries , as well as international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The United States allocated $ 1.7 million to Belarus , over $ 3.1 million to Kazakhstan , about $ 900,000 to Kyrgyzstan , about $ 866,000 to Tajikistan , about $ 920,000 to Turkmenistan , about $ 3.9 million to Uzbekistan , $ 2.7 million to Armenia , almost $ 3.6 million to Azerbaijan , $ 2.7 million for Georgia and almost $ 2.2 million to Moldova .
Besides , the United States sent more than $ 18 million to Afghanistan , over $ 44 million to Iraq , about $ 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to Libya , over $ 31 million to Syria , over $ 2.5 million to Yemen , almost $ 5.7 million to Turkey and over $ 12.3 million for humanitarian assistance to Venezuela .

"The COVID-19 assistance to-date from the State Department and USAID [US Agency for International Development] includes <…> Ukraine: $15.5 million in total assistance," the Department of State said in a fact sheet.
WASHINGTON, May 20. /TASS/. Since the start of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the United States has allocated $15.5 million as medical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, the US Department of State’s press service said.
Russia says not proper time for US to accuse WHO, China over pandemic — Kremlin
The funds are intended to "improve the ability of local health care institutions to care for the sick and combat further spread of COVID-19 while increasing public communication to lower contagion risk" and to "mitigate secondary impacts such as loss of livelihoods and public services to vulnerable populations, including conflict-affected communities in eastern Ukraine."
Since the start of the novel coronavirus outbreak, the United States has allocated over $900 million for "emergency health, humanitarian, economic, and development assistance" to various countries, as well as international organizations and NGOs all over the world.
The United States allocated $1.7 million to Belarus, over $3.1 million to Kazakhstan, about $900,000 to Kyrgyzstan, about $866,000 to Tajikistan, about $920,000 to Turkmenistan, about $3.9 million to Uzbekistan, $2.7 million to Armenia, almost $3.6 million to Azerbaijan, $2.7 million for Georgia and almost $2.2 million to Moldova.
Besides, the United States sent more than $18 million to Afghanistan, over $44 million to Iraq, about $12 million to Yemen, about $12 million to Libya, over $31 million to Syria, over $2.5 million to Yemen, almost $5.7 million to Turkey and over $12.3 million for humanitarian assistance to Venezuela.


tass--2020-05-20--Daily coronavirus death count in Brazil tops 1,000 for first time

RIO DE JANEIRO , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
For the first time ever , more than 1,000 deaths caused by the novel coronavirus were registered in Brazil in one day , according to official statistics released on Wednesday .
According to the Brazilian health ministry ’ s daily bulletin , the number of deaths increased to 17,971 , up 1,179 from the previous day .
The previous biggest daily death count - 881 - was registered on May 12 .
The overall number of confirmed cases in the country increased to 271,628 , with the all-time high daily number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours .
A total of 106,794 patients have already recovered from the disease in Brazil .
The state of Sao Paulo remains the epicenter of the outbreak in the country , including its eponymous capital , whose agglomeration is home to more than 21 million people .
The region has almost 66,000 infections and over 5,100 fatalities due to coronavirus .
Massive outbreaks were also reported in the northeastern region of Seara ( 28,112 cases and 1,856 deaths ) and the state of Rio de Janeiro ( 27,805 cases and 3,079 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American state in terms of coronavirus cases and deaths .
The first coronavirus case in Brazil was confirmed on February 26 in Sao Paulo , the next day after the annual carnival was over .
On May 12 , the health ministry reported 39 positive coronavirus tests taken back in January after they sought medical help with coronavirus-like symptoms .
The ministry is reviewing this data .
The epidemic already resulted in two health minister resignations in Brazil due to differences of opinions and other disagreements with the head of state , Jair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the situation in the country will have stabilized by July , while the rates of infections will begin to slow down in August to start subsiding in September .

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 20. /TASS/. For the first time ever, more than 1,000 deaths caused by the novel coronavirus were registered in Brazil in one day, according to official statistics released on Wednesday.
According to the Brazilian health ministry’s daily bulletin, the number of deaths increased to 17,971, up 1,179 from the previous day. The previous biggest daily death count - 881 - was registered on May 12.
The overall number of confirmed cases in the country increased to 271,628, with the all-time high daily number of 17,408 cases registered in the past 24 hours.
A total of 106,794 patients have already recovered from the disease in Brazil.
The state of Sao Paulo remains the epicenter of the outbreak in the country, including its eponymous capital, whose agglomeration is home to more than 21 million people. The region has almost 66,000 infections and over 5,100 fatalities due to coronavirus. Massive outbreaks were also reported in the northeastern region of Seara (28,112 cases and 1,856 deaths) and the state of Rio de Janeiro (27,805 cases and 3,079 deaths).
Brazil remains the hardest-hit Latin American state in terms of coronavirus cases and deaths. The first coronavirus case in Brazil was confirmed on February 26 in Sao Paulo, the next day after the annual carnival was over. On May 12, the health ministry reported 39 positive coronavirus tests taken back in January after they sought medical help with coronavirus-like symptoms. The ministry is reviewing this data.
The epidemic already resulted in two health minister resignations in Brazil due to differences of opinions and other disagreements with the head of state, Jair Bolsonaro. The health ministry earlier forecast that the situation in the country will have stabilized by July, while the rates of infections will begin to slow down in August to start subsiding in September.