tass--2020-04-26--International Space Station crew starts unloading Progress MS-14 spacecraft

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner , working aboard the International Space Station have started to unload the Progress MS-14 cargo spacecraft , Vagner wrote on his Twitter page on Saturday .
`` A few hours ago we started unloading the ship , which , among other things , brought us fresh fruit .
We thank the ground for that ; it is a lot more valued here , and , therefore , even tastier , '' he wrote .
The cosmonaut also posted photos of the unloading , showing packed cargo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to him , cosmonauts were unable to make images of the Progress MS-14 automated docking , because the crew must always remain on alert during the procedure should the need arise for switching to the manual docking mode .
The Progress MS-14 space freighter , launched from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan at 04:51 Moscow time on April 25 , docked successfully with the International Space Station ( ISS ) on Saturday evening .
The rocket , whose launch was timed for the 75th Anniversary of Victory in the Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Anniversary logo , the Ribbon of Saint George and War medals .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. Russian cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner, working aboard the International Space Station have started to unload the Progress MS-14 cargo spacecraft, Vagner wrote on his Twitter page on Saturday.
"A few hours ago we started unloading the ship, which, among other things, brought us fresh fruit. We thank the ground for that; it is a lot more valued here, and, therefore, even tastier," he wrote.
The cosmonaut also posted photos of the unloading, showing packed cargo and oranges floating around at zero gravity. According to him, cosmonauts were unable to make images of the Progress MS-14 automated docking, because the crew must always remain on alert during the procedure should the need arise for switching to the manual docking mode.
The Progress MS-14 space freighter, launched from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan at 04:51 Moscow time on April 25, docked successfully with the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday evening. The rocket, whose launch was timed for the 75th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, bore special insignia: the Anniversary logo, the Ribbon of Saint George and War medals.


tass--2020-04-26--Several EU countries cannot ask for Russia’s help because of their ‘big brothers’ — Lavrov

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
Some European and NATO countries can not turn to Russia for help in the fight against coronavirus , because their `` big brothers '' are against it , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ( `` Big Game '' ) program on Russia ’ s Channel One .
`` We know from various sources that a number of countries in Europe , the European Union and NATO , would not mind repeating the Italian experience and contacting us for certain types of assistance in which we really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ big brothers ’ don ’ t allow it , '' Lavrov said .
Moscow does not consider it necessary to create `` narrow circles of like-minded people '' parallel to international organizations , Lavrov added .
The diplomat believes that during the coronavirus pandemic , the role of nation-states has increased dramatically , this is evident throughout the world .
According to him , countries are trying to rely more on themselves in the fight against the spread of coronavirus .
In addition , fatigue from an obsessive supranational bureaucracy is revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in the European Union .
As the minister pointed out , fierce disputes are ongoing inside the association over who will be responsible for overcoming this crisis .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. Some European and NATO countries cannot turn to Russia for help in the fight against coronavirus, because their "big brothers" are against it, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ("Big Game") program on Russia’s Channel One.
"We know from various sources that a number of countries in Europe, the European Union and NATO, would not mind repeating the Italian experience and contacting us for certain types of assistance in which we really have good comparative advantages, but their ‘big brothers’ don’t allow it," Lavrov said.
Moscow does not consider it necessary to create "narrow circles of like-minded people" parallel to international organizations, Lavrov added. The diplomat believes that during the coronavirus pandemic, the role of nation-states has increased dramatically, this is evident throughout the world.
According to him, countries are trying to rely more on themselves in the fight against the spread of coronavirus. In addition, fatigue from an obsessive supranational bureaucracy is revealed, which is now "absolutely obvious" in the European Union. As the minister pointed out, fierce disputes are ongoing inside the association over who will be responsible for overcoming this crisis.


tass--2020-04-26--International relations system to be revised after crisis — Kremlin aide

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
Aide to the Russian President Maxim Oreshkin believes that after the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic , the system of international relations will be revised from a new angle .
`` All international institutions will be rethought .
I think , we will get out of this crisis situation , and the entire system of international relations will be seriously revised from this new angle , '' he said in an interview with Rossiya 24 channel .
According to him , the majority of international institutions can not cope with the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that trigger in such crisis .
Both the IMF and the World Health Organization have problems , '' he said .
Oreshkin added that the current crisis will lead to serious structural changes in the global economy .
According to him , after the crisis , the process of globalization will seriously slow down .
`` Countries will first of all look at what is happening inside them , and only then talk about the development of global stories of some kind , '' he said .
The Kremlin official said the decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis associated with the coronavirus will be much deeper than the 2008-2009 crisis .
A crisis of this magnitude is happening for the first time since World War II , he added .
`` This is a unique crisis , it has three key features .
The first is simultaneity .
It actually affects almost all countries of the world .
The second is speed .
We see how fast unemployment in different countries is growing , such serious effect on the dynamics of the economy in a very short period of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third is depth .
The fall in world GDP will be much deeper than it was in the 2008-2009 crisis , in fact , a crisis of this magnitude is happening for the first time since World War II , `` Oreshkin said .
Earlier , Oreshkin said that the results of the Q2 of 2020 will be negative for the Russian economy , it is important for the authorities to respond in a timely manner to mitigate the effects of the crisis .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. Aide to the Russian President Maxim Oreshkin believes that after the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the system of international relations will be revised from a new angle.
"All international institutions will be rethought. I think, we will get out of this crisis situation, and the entire system of international relations will be seriously revised from this new angle," he said in an interview with Rossiya 24 channel.
According to him, the majority of international institutions cannot cope with the crisis. "There are no automatic measures that trigger in such crisis. Both the IMF and the World Health Organization have problems," he said.
Oreshkin added that the current crisis will lead to serious structural changes in the global economy. According to him, after the crisis, the process of globalization will seriously slow down. "Countries will first of all look at what is happening inside them, and only then talk about the development of global stories of some kind," he said.
The Kremlin official said the decline in world GDP due to the global crisis associated with the coronavirus will be much deeper than the 2008-2009 crisis. A crisis of this magnitude is happening for the first time since World War II, he added.
"This is a unique crisis, it has three key features. The first is simultaneity. It actually affects almost all countries of the world. The second is speed. We see how fast unemployment in different countries is growing, such serious effect on the dynamics of the economy in a very short period of time. And, of course, the third is depth. The fall in world GDP will be much deeper than it was in the 2008-2009 crisis, in fact, a crisis of this magnitude is happening for the first time since World War II, " Oreshkin said.
Earlier, Oreshkin said that the results of the Q2 of 2020 will be negative for the Russian economy, it is important for the authorities to respond in a timely manner to mitigate the effects of the crisis.


tass--2020-04-26--Coronavirus cases increase by over 93,000 people per day globally — WHO

GENEVA , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases around the world has increased over the past day by more than 93,000 , which is 12,000 more than the previous day .
The number of confirmed deaths increased within 24 hours by almost 6,000 people , which is slightly less than the day before , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said on Saturday .
Thus , 2,719,897 coronavirus cases and 187,705 people dead were registered in the world .
The number of cases per day increased by 93,716 people , and fatalities - by 5,767 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims were detected in Europe : 1,314,666 and 119,463 , respectively .
In 24 hours , the number of cases in the region increased by 30,450 , deaths - by 2,940 people .
A total of 1,047,508 people were infected with the coronavirus in the Americas , 53,103 died .
In terms of the number of cases per day ( 52,138 ) , this region surpassed to Europe , but not in terms of the number of victims ( 2,520 ) .
The third position in the number of people infected is occupied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of April 25 , there were 154,971 cases and 6,750 deaths .
According to the organization ’ s report , the biggest number of cases was found in the United States - 860,772 , followed by Spain ( 219,764 ) , Italy ( 192,994 ) , Germany ( 152,438 ) , the United Kingdom ( 143,468 ) , France ( 121,338 ) , Turkey ( 104,912 ) , Iran ( 88,194 ) , China ( 84,325 ) , and Russia ( 68,622 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

GENEVA, April 25. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases around the world has increased over the past day by more than 93,000, which is 12,000 more than the previous day. The number of confirmed deaths increased within 24 hours by almost 6,000 people, which is slightly less than the day before, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday.
Thus, 2,719,897 coronavirus cases and 187,705 people dead were registered in the world. The number of cases per day increased by 93,716 people, and fatalities - by 5,767 people. Most of the cases and victims were detected in Europe: 1,314,666 and 119,463, respectively. In 24 hours, the number of cases in the region increased by 30,450, deaths - by 2,940 people.
A total of 1,047,508 people were infected with the coronavirus in the Americas, 53,103 died. In terms of the number of cases per day (52,138), this region surpassed to Europe, but not in terms of the number of victims (2,520).
The third position in the number of people infected is occupied by the Eastern Mediterranean region. As of April 25, there were 154,971 cases and 6,750 deaths.
According to the organization’s report, the biggest number of cases was found in the United States - 860,772, followed by Spain (219,764), Italy (192,994), Germany (152,438), the United Kingdom (143,468), France (121,338), Turkey (104,912), Iran (88,194), China (84,325), and Russia (68,622).
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.


tass--2020-04-26--Lukoil can work comfortably in Russia at an oil price of $ 9-11 per barrel — Alekperov

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
Lukoil can work comfortably in Russia at an oil price of $ 9-11 per barrel , the company ’ s CEO Vagit Alekperov said in an interview with Rossiya 1 channel .
`` We can work quite comfortably in Russia and at both prices of $ 9 and $ 11 .
That is , the tax regime that exists today in our country protects investors , especially in hydrocarbons , from low prices .
We will be competitive at the lowest prices , '' he said .
At the same time , Alekperov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , oil prices in Russia do not affect the price of oil products .
On April 21 , price of Russian Urals oil in northwestern Europe fell to $ 11.59 .
This became the minimum figure since March 1999 , when the price dropped to $ 11.74 , according to Argus agency .
Russian oil declined amid a shock , when the price of May WTI futures on April 20 , before these contracts expired , became negative .
According to Argus , this was due to the lack of oil storage tanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determination in the WTI market .
The oil market will be balanced during 2020 - the first half of 2021 due to the agreement on joint reduction of production , Alekperov said .
`` The efforts that our country is making together with the Saudis , and the fact that the United States has joined in solving this problem , of course , will lead to the market being regulated .
It will be balanced during 2020 - the first half of 2021 , '' he said .
Moreover , removal of restrictive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Today 's price is not even important for us , not the price of the future , but the beginning of the consumption of our products .
Removal of restrictions both in our country and in the European and American markets , '' Alekperov explained .
OPEC+ countries at an emergency video conference on April 12 were able to conclude an agreement to reduce oil production .
It includes cumulative decline in oil production in May - June by 9.7 mln barrels per day , in July - December - by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 2021 - April 2022 - by 5.8 mln barrels per day .
In December 2021 , the terms of the deal may be revised .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. Lukoil can work comfortably in Russia at an oil price of $9-11 per barrel, the company’s CEO Vagit Alekperov said in an interview with Rossiya 1 channel.
"We can work quite comfortably in Russia and at both prices of $9 and $11. That is, the tax regime that exists today in our country protects investors, especially in hydrocarbons, from low prices. We will be competitive at the lowest prices," he said.
At the same time, Alekperov noted that due to the damping mechanism, oil prices in Russia do not affect the price of oil products.
On April 21, price of Russian Urals oil in northwestern Europe fell to $11.59. This became the minimum figure since March 1999, when the price dropped to $11.74, according to Argus agency.
Russian oil declined amid a shock, when the price of May WTI futures on April 20, before these contracts expired, became negative. According to Argus, this was due to the lack of oil storage tanks in Oklahoma, the center of price determination in the WTI market.
Global oil market
The oil market will be balanced during 2020 - the first half of 2021 due to the agreement on joint reduction of production, Alekperov said.
"The efforts that our country is making together with the Saudis, and the fact that the United States has joined in solving this problem, of course, will lead to the market being regulated. It will be balanced during 2020 - the first half of 2021," he said.
Moreover, removal of restrictive quarantine measures will play an important role. "Today's price is not even important for us, not the price of the future, but the beginning of the consumption of our products. Removal of restrictions both in our country and in the European and American markets," Alekperov explained.
OPEC+ countries at an emergency video conference on April 12 were able to conclude an agreement to reduce oil production. It includes cumulative decline in oil production in May - June by 9.7 mln barrels per day, in July - December - by 7.7 mln barrels per day, in January 2021 - April 2022 - by 5.8 mln barrels per day. In December 2021, the terms of the deal may be revised.


tass--2020-04-26--Recovery of certain Russian economic sectors to take over one year — expert

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
Recovery of a number of sectors of the Russian economy after the crisis @ @ @ @ @ year , Head of the Russian Accounts Alexey Kudrin said in an interview with Rossiya @ @ @ @ @ sectors , indeed , it will take a year or more .
We need to @ @ @ @ @ little bit about the future , but now we have to put a lot of @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` One thing is certain - we will go through it all @ @ @ @ @ worse .
Countries will return to their usual lives , '' Kudrin added .
Unemployment @ @ @ @ @ Kudrin , can grow this year to 7-8 % , in the worst case , @ @ @ @ @ 6 to 9 mln people .
At the same time , the country 's share @ @ @ @ @ % .
Kudrin noted that the state has already taken the first very serious step @ @ @ @ @ benefits to a living wage .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. Recovery of a number of sectors of the Russian economy after the crisis will take more than a year, Head of the Russian Accounts Alexey Kudrin said in an interview with Rossiya 1.
"For some sectors, indeed, it will take a year or more. We need to balance opportunities and think a little bit about the future, but now we have to put a lot of effort into this," he said. "One thing is certain - we will go through it all together, for better or worse. Countries will return to their usual lives," Kudrin added.
Unemployment in Russia, according to Kudrin, can grow this year to 7-8%, in the worst case, to 10%, from 6 to 9 mln people. At the same time, the country's share of the unemployed reaches 0.7%. Kudrin noted that the state has already taken the first very serious step, namely, raising unemployment benefits to a living wage.


tass--2020-04-26--Russia better prepared for crisis than others — Presidential Aide

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian economy has met the crisis much more prepared than other countries @ @ @ @ @ to remain an island of stability in such situation , Aide to the Russian President @ @ @ @ @ interview with Rossiya 1 TV channel .
`` The Russian economy has met this situation @ @ @ @ @ there are resources that can help to alleviate some of the problems .
But the @ @ @ @ @ is so strong that it is impossible to completely remain such an island of stability @ @ @ @ @ He noted that the most important thing is to save as many companies , as @ @ @ @ @ so that during the recovery phase they can quickly return to a more or less @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. The Russian economy has met the crisis much more prepared than other countries, but it is impossible to remain an island of stability in such situation, Aide to the Russian President Maxim Oreshkin said in an interview with Rossiya 1 TV channel.
"The Russian economy has met this situation much more prepared, so there are resources that can help to alleviate some of the problems. But the depth of the global crisis is so strong that it is impossible to completely remain such an island of stability," Oreshkin said.
He noted that the most important thing is to save as many companies, as many businesses as possible, so that during the recovery phase they can quickly return to a more or less normal life.


tass--2020-04-25--Russia’s inflation in 2020 will remain within 4%

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Ministry of Finance does not see a significant risk of inflation in Russia exceeding the target of 4 % in 2020 , Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said in an interview with Rossiya 1 TV channel .
`` Due to lower energy prices and a decline in currency flow to our country , of course , the ruble depreciated , there is a tendency of growing prices primarily for imported goods , '' he said .
`` Today , most people are at home , work remotely .
They spend less , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumer demand also affects consumer prices downward .
Therefore , we do not see significant risks and our target inflation figures .
Let me remind you that our target inflation is 4 % , and we believe that inflation will not go beyond these limits , '' Siluanov said .
The minister emphasized that social obligations are an absolute priority for the government , funds for their implementation will be sought without fail .
He added that the Russian economy is ready to function within restrictions as long as it is necessary to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry of Finance does not see a significant risk of inflation in Russia exceeding the target of 4% in 2020, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said in an interview with Rossiya 1 TV channel.
"Due to lower energy prices and a decline in currency flow to our country, of course, the ruble depreciated, there is a tendency of growing prices primarily for imported goods," he said. "Today, most people are at home, work remotely. They spend less, shop less. And this decline in consumer demand also affects consumer prices downward. Therefore, we do not see significant risks and our target inflation figures. Let me remind you that our target inflation is 4%, and we believe that inflation will not go beyond these limits," Siluanov said.
The minister emphasized that social obligations are an absolute priority for the government, funds for their implementation will be sought without fail.
He added that the Russian economy is ready to function within restrictions as long as it is necessary to preserve the life and health of citizens.


tass--2020-04-25--Lavrov: Russia, US need mechanism to resolve issues and allegations of interference

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
Before the next presidential election in the United States , Russia and the US need to create a mechanism to address concerns , including with allegations of interference with the electoral process , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ( `` Big Game '' ) program on Russia ’ s Channel One , adding that he made such proposal to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
`` Just the other day , I spoke again with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo following very intense telephone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian President Vladimir Putin , who spoke about coronavirus , the situation in the oil markets and the importance of renewing , and in a new , serious way , our dialogue on all issues of strategic stability , '' he said .
`` I said that we anticipate and already feel a new wave of accusations that we are going to interfere in the current election campaign .
Therefore , let 's create a mechanism that will be empowered by the presidents to consider any issues of concern of one side or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table , '' the minister added .
Russia proposes to resume the work of the bilateral cybersecurity group , within which the participants will be able to `` raise any questions on a reciprocal basis and answer any concerns . ''
Lavrov explained , that during the conversation he also reminded Pompeo that Moscow expects `` concrete initiatives by American colleagues on the timing of the resuming the dialogue on strategic stability '' .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. Before the next presidential election in the United States, Russia and the US need to create a mechanism to address concerns, including with allegations of interference with the electoral process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ("Big Game") program on Russia’s Channel One, adding that he made such proposal to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
"Just the other day, I spoke again with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo following very intense telephone contacts between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who spoke about coronavirus, the situation in the oil markets and the importance of renewing, and in a new, serious way, our dialogue on all issues of strategic stability," he said. "I said that we anticipate and already feel a new wave of accusations that we are going to interfere in the current election campaign. Therefore, let's create a mechanism that will be empowered by the presidents to consider any issues of concern of one side or another. These proposals remain on the table," the minister added.
Russia proposes to resume the work of the bilateral cybersecurity group, within which the participants will be able to "raise any questions on a reciprocal basis and answer any concerns." Lavrov explained, that during the conversation he also reminded Pompeo that Moscow expects "concrete initiatives by American colleagues on the timing of the resuming the dialogue on strategic stability".


tass--2020-04-25--Lavrov: ideas promoted by Russia before pandemic become more popular

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s ideas that the country has promoted in world politics long before the coronavirus pandemic , in the current conditions , confirm their relevance , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ( `` Big Game '' ) program on Russia ’ s Channel One .
`` We now see that the ideals that we have promoted before the outbreak of the coronavirus infection are becoming more and more in demand .
It ’ s not that we criticized the very principle of democracy .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democracy , liberal ideology , especially the neoliberal approaches , which give absolute priority to everything individual , has seriously exhausted itself today in a situation where the interconnectedness of the modern world has destroyed borders , including for threats such as terrorism , drug trafficking , organized crime , and now infectious diseases , '' he said .
`` We drew attention to the fact that , with all the need to combine efforts in the fight against common threats , we should not underestimate and even lessen the role of sovereign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crush sovereign states by supranational bureaucratic structures , '' the minister emphasized .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. Russia’s ideas that the country has promoted in world politics long before the coronavirus pandemic, in the current conditions, confirm their relevance, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ("Big Game") program on Russia’s Channel One.
"We now see that the ideals that we have promoted before the outbreak of the coronavirus infection are becoming more and more in demand. It’s not that we criticized the very principle of democracy. We emphasized that the classical system of liberal democracy, liberal ideology, especially the neoliberal approaches, which give absolute priority to everything individual, has seriously exhausted itself today in a situation where the interconnectedness of the modern world has destroyed borders, including for threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, and now infectious diseases," he said.
"We drew attention to the fact that, with all the need to combine efforts in the fight against common threats, we should not underestimate and even lessen the role of sovereign states. We have seen attempts to crush sovereign states by supranational bureaucratic structures," the minister emphasized.


tass--2020-04-25--Lavrov: no country can alone set global political rules of play

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
No country can single-handedly dictate the rules of the game to the international community , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ( `` Big Game '' ) program on Russia ’ s Channel One .
According to him , countries that are trying to unilaterally formulate the rules of the game have finally lost this opportunity , faced with the opposition of independent participants in international life .
`` This will not happen , because it is already impossible - they are opposed by those who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participate in determining the global agenda , '' Lavrov said .
He noted that Russia also plays the role of such balancing factor .
`` When we say that Russia wants to ‘ not allow others to set the rules of the game alone ’ - it does not want the rules of the game to be formed by one or two states .
If such a claim is addressed to us , I believe , this shows appreciation of our foreign policy , '' the minister said .
According to him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global stage after Vladimir Putin became president , and this independence annoys many Western partners .
Lavrov added that Russia aims to harmonize the interests of various countries .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. No country can single-handedly dictate the rules of the game to the international community, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ("Big Game") program on Russia’s Channel One.
According to him, countries that are trying to unilaterally formulate the rules of the game have finally lost this opportunity, faced with the opposition of independent participants in international life. "This will not happen, because it is already impossible - they are opposed by those who have every opportunity to assert their rights to participate in determining the global agenda," Lavrov said.
He noted that Russia also plays the role of such balancing factor. "When we say that Russia wants to ‘not allow others to set the rules of the game alone’ - it does not want the rules of the game to be formed by one or two states. If such a claim is addressed to us, I believe, this shows appreciation of our foreign policy," the minister said.
According to him, Russia gained such independent position on the global stage after Vladimir Putin became president, and this independence annoys many Western partners. Lavrov added that Russia aims to harmonize the interests of various countries.


tass--2020-04-25--Putin and Trump adopt joint statement on anniversary of meeting on the Elbe

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the United States Donald Trump adopted a joint statement commemorating the 75th anniversary of the meeting on the Elbe , the Kremlin press service said on Saturday .
`` The meeting on the Elbe represented a culmination of tremendous efforts by the many countries and peoples that joined forces under the framework of the United Nations Declaration of 1942 .
This common struggle required enormous sacrifice by millions of soldiers , sailors , and citizens in multiple theaters of war , '' the statement said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributions from millions of men and women on the home front , who forged vast quantities of war materials for use around the world .
Workers and manufacturers played a crucial role in supplying the allied forces with the tools necessary for victory '' .
The presidents of Russia and the United States emphasized that `` the ‘ Spirit of the Elbe ’ is an example of how our countries can put aside differences , build trust , and cooperate in pursuit of a greater cause '' .
`` As we work today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 21st century , we pay tribute to the valor and courage of all those who fought together to defeat fascism .
Their heroic feat will never be forgotten , '' the statement said .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the United States Donald Trump adopted a joint statement commemorating the 75th anniversary of the meeting on the Elbe, the Kremlin press service said on Saturday.
"The meeting on the Elbe represented a culmination of tremendous efforts by the many countries and peoples that joined forces under the framework of the United Nations Declaration of 1942. This common struggle required enormous sacrifice by millions of soldiers, sailors, and citizens in multiple theaters of war," the statement said.
The leaders also recognized "the contributions from millions of men and women on the home front, who forged vast quantities of war materials for use around the world. Workers and manufacturers played a crucial role in supplying the allied forces with the tools necessary for victory".
The presidents of Russia and the United States emphasized that "the ‘Spirit of the Elbe’ is an example of how our countries can put aside differences, build trust, and cooperate in pursuit of a greater cause". "As we work today to confront the most important challenges of the 21st century, we pay tribute to the valor and courage of all those who fought together to defeat fascism. Their heroic feat will never be forgotten," the statement said.


tass--2020-04-25--Lavrov does not expect results Normandy Four talks

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
The upcoming talks of the Normandy Four foreign ministers ( Russia , Germany , Ukraine , France ) in the video format are unlikely to bring results , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ( `` Big Game '' ) program on Russia ’ s Channel One .
`` I foresee a probably important conversation at the ministerial level , because we talked about all this many times in Germany and France , '' he said .
`` They asked to take on the responsibility to nevertheless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and constructively .
But frankly , I don ’ t expect any result from this video conference , except that the Ukrainian colleagues will probably say again : ‘ Let 's get together soon in Berlin ’ , '' the minister added .
According to the minister , this videoconference will primarily discuss the implementation of the agreements reached by the leaders in December last year in Paris .
`` One of these agreements was fulfilled , and on a rather modest scale - an exchange of prisoners .
Less than three dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one hand , Donetsk and Lugansk on the other .
Everything else that was discussed in Paris , to our great regret , was not fulfilled , and not through fault or due to lack of goodwill on the part of Donetsk and Lugansk , '' Lavrov said .
Lavrov recalled that the main issues are safety and lives of people on both sides of the conflict , cessation of shelling and violence , which President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky also supports .
`` Now our colleagues from Germany , France , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call on us to influence the militias and achieve reduction or cessation of any violations of the ceasefire .
There is a simple way to do this - to ensure separation of forces and funds , '' he continued .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. The upcoming talks of the Normandy Four foreign ministers (Russia, Germany, Ukraine, France) in the video format are unlikely to bring results, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ("Big Game") program on Russia’s Channel One.
"I foresee a probably important conversation at the ministerial level, because we talked about all this many times in Germany and France," he said. "They asked to take on the responsibility to nevertheless encourage the Ukrainian authorities to work honestly and constructively. But frankly, I don’t expect any result from this video conference, except that the Ukrainian colleagues will probably say again: ‘Let's get together soon in Berlin’," the minister added.
According to the minister, this videoconference will primarily discuss the implementation of the agreements reached by the leaders in December last year in Paris. "One of these agreements was fulfilled, and on a rather modest scale - an exchange of prisoners. Less than three dozen people were exchanged between Kiev on the one hand, Donetsk and Lugansk on the other. Everything else that was discussed in Paris, to our great regret, was not fulfilled, and not through fault or due to lack of goodwill on the part of Donetsk and Lugansk," Lavrov said.
Lavrov recalled that the main issues are safety and lives of people on both sides of the conflict, cessation of shelling and violence, which President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky also supports. "Now our colleagues from Germany, France, the United States, and the OSCE periodically call on us to influence the militias and achieve reduction or cessation of any violations of the ceasefire. There is a simple way to do this - to ensure separation of forces and funds," he continued.


tass--2020-04-25--Russia’s oil industry does not yet need state support, it has reserves - minister

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian oil industry does not yet need government support , it has accumulated certain reserves , Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel .
`` So far they are managing .
On the one hand , certain reserves have been accumulated , and on the other hand , our legislation has been quite flexible - that is , in the period of high oil prices , withdrawals from the industry are very large , and in the period of low oil prices , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to zero , of course , but they are substantially reduced , '' he said .
`` Here is another issue that this industry also faced a decline in demand , domestic demand has also fallen - for air transportation , for road transportation .
And this , of course , is also a very serious challenge for everyone , '' the minister added .
On April 21 , price of Russian Urals oil in northwestern Europe fell to $ 11.59 .
This became the minimum figure since March 1999 , when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Argus agency .
Russian oil declined amid a shock , when the price of May WTI futures on April 20 , before these contracts expired , became negative .
According to Argus , this was due to the lack of oil storage tanks in Oklahoma , the center of price determination in the WTI market .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. The Russian oil industry does not yet need government support, it has accumulated certain reserves, Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel.
"So far they are managing. On the one hand, certain reserves have been accumulated, and on the other hand, our legislation has been quite flexible - that is, in the period of high oil prices, withdrawals from the industry are very large, and in the period of low oil prices, they fall virtually to zero. Not to zero, of course, but they are substantially reduced," he said.
"Here is another issue that this industry also faced a decline in demand, domestic demand has also fallen - for air transportation, for road transportation. And this, of course, is also a very serious challenge for everyone," the minister added.
On April 21, price of Russian Urals oil in northwestern Europe fell to $11.59. This became the minimum figure since March 1999, when the price dropped to $11.74, according to Argus agency.
Russian oil declined amid a shock, when the price of May WTI futures on April 20, before these contracts expired, became negative. According to Argus, this was due to the lack of oil storage tanks in Oklahoma, the center of price determination in the WTI market.


tass--2020-04-25--Russia’s Economy Ministry will present updated macro forecast by end of May

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Ministry of Economic Development by the end of May will present @ @ @ @ @ Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said on Saturday .
`` We are now looking at @ @ @ @ @ market , at revenue evaluation .
I think that by the end of May we @ @ @ @ @ a public forecast .
We are considering various options , '' he said in an @ @ @ @ @ channel .
The minister added that the budget deficit for 2020 is estimated at 5-6 @ @ @ @ @ it is too early to name the volume of domestic borrowing .
`` They will @ @ @ @ @ , but they will be noticeable , '' Reshetnikov emphasized .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development by the end of May will present an updated macroeconomic forecast, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said on Saturday.
"We are now looking at the situation in the oil market, at revenue evaluation. I think that by the end of May we will prepare estimates, present a public forecast. We are considering various options," he said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel.
The minister added that the budget deficit for 2020 is estimated at 5-6%. He noted that it is too early to name the volume of domestic borrowing. "They will be feasible for our market, but they will be noticeable," Reshetnikov emphasized.


tass--2020-04-25--Lavrov said online contacts can hardly end in serious agreements

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
Online diplomatic contacts can hardly end in serious agreements that require direct contacts @ @ @ @ @ Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ( `` Big Game '' @ @ @ @ @ s Channel One .
`` Maybe that ’ s why they are called informal because @ @ @ @ @ some serious agreements requiring more confidential forms of communication .
I mean , first of @ @ @ @ @ diplomats , including the so-called one-on-one meetings , '' he said .
According to him @ @ @ @ @ should not be discussed on-line .
`` Because we probably won ’ t discuss any @ @ @ @ @ life , we won ’ t weave any conspiracies , but sometimes the information that @ @ @ @ @ does not tolerate publicity , '' Lavrov said .
`` To work out a correct @ @ @ @ @ norms on a number of problems , sometimes it ’ s necessary to discuss things @ @ @ @ @ online , '' he added .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. Online diplomatic contacts can hardly end in serious agreements that require direct contacts between diplomats, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ("Big Game") program on Russia’s Channel One.
"Maybe that’s why they are called informal because they can hardly end in some serious agreements requiring more confidential forms of communication. I mean, first of all, direct contacts between diplomats, including the so-called one-on-one meetings," he said.
According to him, there are things that should not be discussed on-line.
"Because we probably won’t discuss any serious secrets even in real life, we won’t weave any conspiracies, but sometimes the information that needs clarification from a partner does not tolerate publicity," Lavrov said. "To work out a correct policy complying with international legal norms on a number of problems, sometimes it’s necessary to discuss things that should not be discussed online," he added.


tass--2020-04-25--Lavrov: several countries ‘support’ US in their claims against China during pandemic

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
Several countries support the United States and blame China for the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ( `` Big Game '' ) program on Russia ’ s Channel One .
According to him , the trends that have manifested globally for the last couple of decades , `` have significantly accelerated and escalated '' during the pandemic .
`` Look at what is happening between the United States and China .
The United Kingdom , Australia , and a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , almost demanding a compensation from China , threatening to seize property , seize accounts so that China pays for the mistakes it was faulted for during the first weeks , the first months of this infection , '' the minister added .
Asian countries with strong vertical system of governance are effective in combating coronavirus , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said .
`` Among countries whose democratic base is not questioned by any of our Western friends , the most effective regimes and governments are those not among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean Asian countries - South Korea , Japan , Singapore - countries with a sufficiently strong vertical system of governance , although no one deprives them of the title of democracies , '' he said .
`` Of course , I don ’ t want to gloat over the fact that democracy mentors are experiencing difficulties .
On the contrary , we sympathize with everyone who has taken the hardest blow from the coronavirus , we provide possible assistance , '' the minister said .
`` But in general , if we analyze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat - then , of course , these data is quite convincing , '' he added .
Lavrov noted , that long before the current events it was clear that countries that profess a liberal world order , when it comes to their vital interests , `` can act very , very illiberally . ''
`` Remember how these liberals bombed the former Yugoslavia , how they bombed Iraq under an absolutely false pretext , for which Tony Blair later apologized when he admitted that there were no weapons of mass destruction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Libya , what the United States is trying to do with Venezuela are by no means liberal methods , sharpened to ensure human well-being , '' the minister said .
The international community should focus on fighting the coronavirus , and not on the situation around the suspension of US contributions to the budget of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said .
`` The United State is the main contributor to the WHO budget , so if we take relative figures , then among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO secretariat the majority are Americans , including senior positions , and I strongly doubt that these Americans work in complete isolation from their government , '' Lavrov said .
`` But never a single employee of the secretariat , no matter their citizenship , refused contacts with delegations of member countries if they have any questions , '' he said .
`` Therefore , I would … concentrate , first of all , on the necessary measures for the development of vaccines , along with precautionary measures , self-isolation , quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On April 14 , Trump announced that Washington had suspended contributions to the World Health Organization .
According to him , the money will not be transferred until the assessment of the organization ’ s role in hiding the data on the spread of coronavirus .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. Several countries support the United States and blame China for the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Bolshaya Igra ("Big Game") program on Russia’s Channel One.
According to him, the trends that have manifested globally for the last couple of decades, "have significantly accelerated and escalated" during the pandemic.
"Look at what is happening between the United States and China. The United Kingdom, Australia, and a number of European countries are actively supporting the United States, almost demanding a compensation from China, threatening to seize property, seize accounts so that China pays for the mistakes it was faulted for during the first weeks, the first months of this infection," the minister added.
Authorities in Japan, South Korea, Singapore
Asian countries with strong vertical system of governance are effective in combating coronavirus, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
"Among countries whose democratic base is not questioned by any of our Western friends, the most effective regimes and governments are those not among the pioneers and ideals of liberalism. I mean Asian countries - South Korea, Japan, Singapore - countries with a sufficiently strong vertical system of governance, although no one deprives them of the title of democracies," he said.
"Of course, I don’t want to gloat over the fact that democracy mentors are experiencing difficulties. On the contrary, we sympathize with everyone who has taken the hardest blow from the coronavirus, we provide possible assistance," the minister said. "But in general, if we analyze the ability of states to counter this threat - then, of course, these data is quite convincing," he added.
Lavrov noted, that long before the current events it was clear that countries that profess a liberal world order, when it comes to their vital interests, "can act very, very illiberally." "Remember how these liberals bombed the former Yugoslavia, how they bombed Iraq under an absolutely false pretext, for which Tony Blair later apologized when he admitted that there were no weapons of mass destruction. And, of course, what happened to Libya, what the United States is trying to do with Venezuela are by no means liberal methods, sharpened to ensure human well-being," the minister said.
Focus on fighting the coronavirus
The international community should focus on fighting the coronavirus, and not on the situation around the suspension of US contributions to the budget of the World Health Organization (WHO), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
"The United State is the main contributor to the WHO budget, so if we take relative figures, then among the experts who determine the activities of the WHO secretariat the majority are Americans, including senior positions, and I strongly doubt that these Americans work in complete isolation from their government," Lavrov said. "But never a single employee of the secretariat, no matter their citizenship, refused contacts with delegations of member countries if they have any questions," he said.
"Therefore, I would … concentrate, first of all, on the necessary measures for the development of vaccines, along with precautionary measures, self-isolation, quarantine and so on," Lavrov said.
On April 14, Trump announced that Washington had suspended contributions to the World Health Organization. According to him, the money will not be transferred until the assessment of the organization’s role in hiding the data on the spread of coronavirus.


tass--2020-04-25--Russian government develops measures to support the aviation industry

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government is developing measures to support the air transportation sector , @ @ @ @ @ Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel @ @ @ @ @ will also include subsidies to companies .
Expenses are being analyzed , measures are being @ @ @ @ @ said .
Reshetnikov emphasized that this issue is mainly a responsibility of the Russian Transport @ @ @ @ @ the same time , we are assisting in evaluating these decisions , '' he added @ @ @ @ @ the Transport Ministry would provide airlines with subsidies in the amount of 23 bln rubles @ @ @ @ @ to pay off airline expenses from February to July , which was recently announced by @ @ @ @ @ Currently , due to the global coronavirus pandemic , Russia has closed international flights that @ @ @ @ @ ( except for repatriation flights ) .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. The Russian government is developing measures to support the air transportation sector, including airline subsidies, Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel.
"Indeed, it will also include subsidies to companies. Expenses are being analyzed, measures are being worked out," he said.
Reshetnikov emphasized that this issue is mainly a responsibility of the Russian Transport Ministry. "But at the same time, we are assisting in evaluating these decisions," he added.
TASS reported earlier that the Transport Ministry would provide airlines with subsidies in the amount of 23 bln rubles ($309.02 mln) to pay off airline expenses from February to July, which was recently announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Currently, due to the global coronavirus pandemic, Russia has closed international flights that are highly profitable for companies (except for repatriation flights).


tass--2020-04-25--Lavrov hopes UNSC summit will take place this year

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
The UN Security Council permanent members ( Russia , the UK , China , the US , France ) summit dedicated to a wide range of global stability issues may take place this year , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Bolshaya Igra ( `` Big Game '' ) program on Russia ’ s Channel One .
`` We are currently working on this summit with our colleagues .
It should tackle the widest approach to ensuring strategic stability and global security in all dimensions , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this summit will take place this year and that it will be useful for the entire global community . ''
The Russian top diplomat reminded that the idea to hold the summit was proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in order for the UNSC permanent members `` to realize their special responsibility in accordance with the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security .
`` In addition to this initiative that was proposed regardless of the coronavirus , we are discussing the possibility of online contacts in the format of a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make their approaches to fighting the coronavirus clear , in addition to what has already been said within the G20 and the UN General Assembly , '' Lavrov stated .
`` This was proposed by the president of France , and we have agreed with him , along with the rest of `` the five . ''
Now , we are approving the date and the communique that we would like to release on the outcomes of the talks . ''

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. The UN Security Council permanent members (Russia, the UK, China, the US, France) summit dedicated to a wide range of global stability issues may take place this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Bolshaya Igra ("Big Game") program on Russia’s Channel One.
"We are currently working on this summit with our colleagues. It should tackle the widest approach to ensuring strategic stability and global security in all dimensions," the minister said. "I hope that this summit will take place this year and that it will be useful for the entire global community."
The Russian top diplomat reminded that the idea to hold the summit was proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in order for the UNSC permanent members "to realize their special responsibility in accordance with the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security.
"In addition to this initiative that was proposed regardless of the coronavirus, we are discussing the possibility of online contacts in the format of a video conference in order for the leaders to make their approaches to fighting the coronavirus clear, in addition to what has already been said within the G20 and the UN General Assembly," Lavrov stated. "This was proposed by the president of France, and we have agreed with him, along with the rest of "the five." Now, we are approving the date and the communique that we would like to release on the outcomes of the talks."


tass--2020-04-25--Lavrov: WHO not perfect, but it fulfils its role

MOSCOW , April 25 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) is not perfect , however , @ @ @ @ @ well , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Bolshaya Igra @ @ @ @ @ ) program on Russia ’ s Channel One .
`` I think that the WHO @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with its charter , acting as a managing and coordinating body in the @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s not perfect .
Nobody ’ s perfect , a quote from @ @ @ @ @ Like It Hot ’ '' says , '' Lavrov noted .
The minister reminded that @ @ @ @ @ is determined by its member states .
`` They have not had any complaints about @ @ @ @ @ he added .

MOSCOW, April 25. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) is not perfect, however, it fulfils its role rather well, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Bolshaya Igra ("Big Game") program on Russia’s Channel One.
"I think that the WHO fulfils its role rather well in accordance with its charter, acting as a managing and coordinating body in the sphere of healthcare. Yes, it’s not perfect. Nobody’s perfect, a quote from the Hollywood film ‘Some Like It Hot’" says," Lavrov noted.
The minister reminded that the activity of the WHO is determined by its member states. "They have not had any complaints about it until recently," he added.


tass--2020-04-26--Russia suspends grain export until July 1

MOSCOW , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will halt the export of grain until July 1 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
`` After exporting all grain declared under the quota , the export of @ @ @ @ @ , barley and corn to the non-member states of the Eurasian Economic Union will be @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
The Federal Customs Service has stopped issuing new declarations for export purposes , @ @ @ @ @ According to the ministry , on April 26 the non-tariff quota for grain export from @ @ @ @ @ 7 mln tonnes , introduced on April 1 , was selected in full .
The @ @ @ @ @ these restrictions would help stabilize grain prices and ensure the demand in grain and its @ @ @ @ @ However , these measures would not prevent Russia from achieving its goals under the state @ @ @ @ @ of agricultural exports in 2020 .

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. Russia will halt the export of grain until July 1, 2020, the Agriculture Ministry said on Sunday.
"After exporting all grain declared under the quota, the export of wheat, meslin, rye, barley and corn to the non-member states of the Eurasian Economic Union will be suspended until July 1, 2020. The Federal Customs Service has stopped issuing new declarations for export purposes," the statement said.
According to the ministry, on April 26 the non-tariff quota for grain export from Russia to the tune of 7 mln tonnes, introduced on April 1, was selected in full. The ministry’s representatives say these restrictions would help stabilize grain prices and ensure the demand in grain and its products in the country. However, these measures would not prevent Russia from achieving its goals under the state programs and the total volume of agricultural exports in 2020.


tass--2020-04-26--Putin expected to make new statements on coronavirus situation next week

MOSCOW , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to make new statements next week on @ @ @ @ @ situation in the country , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with Moscow @ @ @ @ @ on Rossiya-1 TV channel .
`` I think this week [ on April 27-May 3 @ @ @ @ @ statements of the head of state regarding the assessment of our prospects , '' Peskov @ @ @ @ @ obviously Russia would ease its anti-coronavirus measures step-by-step .
`` We can definitely say this @ @ @ @ @ noting that these stages would be developed later .
Amid the coronavirus pandemic , Russia @ @ @ @ @ until April 30 and various self-isolation measures have been introduced in Russian regions to prevent @ @ @ @ @ date , a total of 80,949 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 747 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , @ @ @ @ @ an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to make new statements next week on the prospects of the coronavirus situation in the country, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with Moscow. Kremlin. Putin program on Rossiya-1 TV channel.
"I think this week [on April 27-May 3] we will hear new statements of the head of state regarding the assessment of our prospects," Peskov said
The Kremlin spokesman said obviously Russia would ease its anti-coronavirus measures step-by-step. "We can definitely say this," he stressed, noting that these stages would be developed later.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Russia has declared the days off until April 30 and various self-isolation measures have been introduced in Russian regions to prevent the infection spread.
To date, a total of 80,949 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 6,767 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 747 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-26--Russia’s embassy has no data on North Korean leader’s worsening health - MP

MOSCOW , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
North Korea ’ s Embassy in Moscow has no data on Kim Jong-un ’ s worsening health condition and recommends to rely only on official information , Russian MP from the Communist Party , who heads the group on relations with the parliament of the Democratic People 's Republic of Korea , Kazbek Taysayev told TASS .
`` Today I spoke with the embassy , you know there have been some publications [ on Kim Jong-un ’ s health ] .
We rely only on official information and there is no official data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I contacted with the embassy ’ s staff this morning , '' Taysayev said .
The MP recalled that earlier Russia ’ s Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov sent a congratulatory telegram to Kim Jong-un on occasion of the anniversary of the first meeting between the Russian and North Korean leaders in Vladivostok last April .
On April 20 , CNN reported citing a US official with direct knowledge that Washington was monitoring intelligence that suggests North Korea 's leader was `` in grave danger after undergoing a previous surgery . ''
South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no data on Kim ’ s illness .
US President Donald Trump told a briefing at the White House on Thursday that the report on Kim ’ s falling ill was `` incorrect .
`` .

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. North Korea’s Embassy in Moscow has no data on Kim Jong-un’s worsening health condition and recommends to rely only on official information, Russian MP from the Communist Party, who heads the group on relations with the parliament of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kazbek Taysayev told TASS.
"Today I spoke with the embassy, you know there have been some publications [on Kim Jong-un’s health]. We rely only on official information and there is no official data on the leader’s illness. I contacted with the embassy’s staff this morning," Taysayev said.
The MP recalled that earlier Russia’s Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov sent a congratulatory telegram to Kim Jong-un on occasion of the anniversary of the first meeting between the Russian and North Korean leaders in Vladivostok last April.
On April 20, CNN reported citing a US official with direct knowledge that Washington was monitoring intelligence that suggests North Korea's leader was "in grave danger after undergoing a previous surgery." South Korea’s authorities said they had no data on Kim’s illness.
US President Donald Trump told a briefing at the White House on Thursday that the report on Kim’s falling ill was "incorrect.".


tass--2020-04-26--Coronavirus cases in Moscow nearing 42,500

MOSCOW , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Moscow has risen by 2,971 to 42,480 @ @ @ @ @ reported on Sunday .
The number of cases in the Moscow Region has grown by @ @ @ @ @ to the crisis center .
Some 128 patients have been discharged from hospitals in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ Thirty-eight fatalities were recorded in Moscow and two in the Moscow Region .
To date @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 6,767 patients having recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ latest data indicates 747 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an @ @ @ @ @ public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Moscow has risen by 2,971 to 42,480, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Sunday.
The number of cases in the Moscow Region has grown by 576 to 9,070, according to the crisis center.
Some 128 patients have been discharged from hospitals in Moscow over the past day. Thirty-eight fatalities were recorded in Moscow and two in the Moscow Region.
To date, a total of 80,949 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 6,767 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 747 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-26--Russia’s coronavirus cases surpass 80,000

MOSCOW , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 6,361 over the past day , reaching 80,949 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Sunday .
`` Russia has registered a rise in coronavirus infection cases to 80,949 ( +8.5 % ) in 85 regions .
Some 517 people have been discharged after recovering over the past day and 6,767 over the entire period .
Over the past day , 66 coronavirus patients have died .
The total death toll in Russia is 747 , '' the crisis center reported .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) are without any symptoms .
According to the crisis center , the average daily growth in the number of coronavirus cases has slowed down to 9.5 % from 15.3 % a week earlier .
Over the past seven days , the number of infections has risen by 88.9 % compared with 171.1 % last week .
New cases have been recorded in 83 regions across the country , including 153 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 151 in St. Petersburg , 105 in the Murmansk Region and 103 in the Republic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been discharged from hospitals in 46 regions , including 29 patients in St. Petersburg , another 29 in the Ivanovo Region , 26 people in the Penza Region , 24 people in the Komi Republic and 22 people in the Orlov Region .
Four fatalities have been confirmed in St. Petersburg , and two in the Republic of Mari El , the Kaliningrad and Samara Regions .
One person died in Komi , Karachay-Cherkessia and Chuvashia , as well as the Stavropol , Krasnodar , Altai , Primorye , Bryasnk , Vogograd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tver , Rostov , Irkutsk and Novgorod Regions .

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 6,361 over the past day, reaching 80,949, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Sunday.
"Russia has registered a rise in coronavirus infection cases to 80,949 (+8.5%) in 85 regions. Some 517 people have been discharged after recovering over the past day and 6,767 over the entire period. Over the past day, 66 coronavirus patients have died. The total death toll in Russia is 747," the crisis center reported.
Some 45.9% of new cases (2,920) are without any symptoms.
According to the crisis center, the average daily growth in the number of coronavirus cases has slowed down to 9.5% from 15.3% a week earlier. Over the past seven days, the number of infections has risen by 88.9% compared with 171.1% last week.
New cases have been recorded in 83 regions across the country, including 153 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 151 in St. Petersburg, 105 in the Murmansk Region and 103 in the Republic of Dagestan.
A total of 517 Russians have been discharged from hospitals in 46 regions, including 29 patients in St. Petersburg, another 29 in the Ivanovo Region, 26 people in the Penza Region, 24 people in the Komi Republic and 22 people in the Orlov Region.
Four fatalities have been confirmed in St. Petersburg, and two in the Republic of Mari El, the Kaliningrad and Samara Regions. One person died in Komi, Karachay-Cherkessia and Chuvashia, as well as the Stavropol, Krasnodar, Altai, Primorye, Bryasnk, Vogograd, Tula, Omsk, Pskov, Tver, Rostov, Irkutsk and Novgorod Regions.


tass--2020-04-26--Over 170,000 remain under medical supervision over coronavirus in Russia

MOSCOW , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
Nearly 173,000 citizens remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected coronavirus infection , the sanitary watchdog said on Sunday .
`` A total of 173,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia , '' the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said .
Over 2.8 mln tests for the coronavirus have been carried out , including 156,000 over the past day , according to the watchdog .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 2,700,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 191,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , nearly 75,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 6,250 patients having recovered from the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 681 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. Nearly 173,000 citizens remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected coronavirus infection, the sanitary watchdog said on Sunday.
"A total of 173,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia," the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said.
Over 2.8 mln tests for the coronavirus have been carried out, including 156,000 over the past day, according to the watchdog.
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 2,700,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 191,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, nearly 75,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 6,250 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 681 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-26--Kim Jong-un thanks workers of major construction project - report

PYONGYANG , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed gratitude to the workers of a major construction project in the town of Samjiyon , the official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Workers ' Party of Korea Rodong Sinmun wrote on Sunday .
`` Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un thanked the workers , who have sincerely and with all their heart made a contribution to creating the town of Samjiyon , '' the article reads , giving no further details when the message was sent to the builders and on Kim ’ s whereabouts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) reported on Sunday morning that the leader of Russia ’ s Communist Party Gennady Zyuganov had sent a congratulatory telegram to Kim Jong-un on occasion of the anniversary of the April 25 , 2019 summit between the leaders of Russia and North Korea in Vladivostok .
In his telegram , Zyuganov wished prosperity to the people of North Korea and strong health and happiness to their leader .
The North Korean leader has not been seen in public since April 11 when he held a meeting of the political bureau of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Korea on domestic politics issues .
Kim did not attend the April 12 annual session of the Supreme People 's Assembly and also missed the April 15 ceremony at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun marking the 108th anniversary of his father ’ s birthday .
The news that Kim Jong-un missed the national holiday fueled rumors on his alleged illness .
However , neither the officials nor state media nor sources in Pyongyang have confirmed these rumors .

PYONGYANG, April 26. /TASS/. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed gratitude to the workers of a major construction project in the town of Samjiyon, the official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea Rodong Sinmun wrote on Sunday.
"Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un thanked the workers, who have sincerely and with all their heart made a contribution to creating the town of Samjiyon," the article reads, giving no further details when the message was sent to the builders and on Kim’s whereabouts.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Sunday morning that the leader of Russia’s Communist Party Gennady Zyuganov had sent a congratulatory telegram to Kim Jong-un on occasion of the anniversary of the April 25, 2019 summit between the leaders of Russia and North Korea in Vladivostok. In his telegram, Zyuganov wished prosperity to the people of North Korea and strong health and happiness to their leader.
The North Korean leader has not been seen in public since April 11 when he held a meeting of the political bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on domestic politics issues. Kim did not attend the April 12 annual session of the Supreme People's Assembly and also missed the April 15 ceremony at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun marking the 108th anniversary of his father’s birthday.
The news that Kim Jong-un missed the national holiday fueled rumors on his alleged illness. However, neither the officials nor state media nor sources in Pyongyang have confirmed these rumors.


tass--2020-04-26--Siberian company to double production of component for coronavirus test kits

NOVOSIBIRSK , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
Biosan , a company based in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk , will @ @ @ @ @ to double the production of one of the basic components for novel coronavirus testing kits @ @ @ @ @ TASS .
Earlier , Russian Industry and Trade Minister Andrei Goncharov said the ministry would @ @ @ @ @ state support from the region ’ s Industry Development Center .
The company said it @ @ @ @ @ to purchase equipment for the new production line .
`` In connection with the growing @ @ @ @ @ test systems , Biosan will double the production of deoxy triphosphate ( nucleoside 5 ' @ @ @ @ @ the key components of coronavirus testing kits .
This will occur as a result of @ @ @ @ @ a new production line , '' a company official said .
The installation of the @ @ @ @ @ immediately after the equipment is received , with production due to be launched about 3-5 @ @ @

NOVOSIBIRSK, April 26. /TASS/. Biosan, a company based in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, will open a new production line to double the production of one of the basic components for novel coronavirus testing kits, the company has told TASS.
Earlier, Russian Industry and Trade Minister Andrei Goncharov said the ministry would assist the company in receiving state support from the region’s Industry Development Center. The company said it would receive a preferential loan to purchase equipment for the new production line.
"In connection with the growing demand from manufacturers of COVID-2019 test systems, Biosan will double the production of deoxy triphosphate (nucleoside 5' triphosphate), one of the key components of coronavirus testing kits. This will occur as a result of installing the necessary equipment at a new production line," a company official said.
The installation of the new production line will begin immediately after the equipment is received, with production due to be launched about 3-5 days later.


tass--2020-04-26--About 1.7 million people affected by Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Russia — ministry

MOSCOW , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
More than 1.7 million people , living in Russia , have been exposed to radiation as a result of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster , the Russian emergencies ministry ’ s press service told TASS .
`` Out of the 1.7 million residents of Russia , exposed to radiation as a result of the disaster at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant , 1.5 million are residents of radiation-polluted territories in 14 regions of the country or those who resettled from those areas to other zones .
Other 125,000 people took part in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Social support to those affected by the Chernobyl disaster is provided on the basis of documents , issued by the Russian Emergencies Ministry .
Last year , the ministry issued over 10,000 such documents , including to 9,000 who reside in polluted areas or have left them in the wake of the disaster .
The meltdown at the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant occurred in the small hours of April 26 , 1986 .
More than 140,000 square kilometers of land , first and foremost , in Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Around 115,000 people were evacuated from the 30-kilometer zone of exclusion .
The subsequent clean-up operation involved more than 600,000 people , about ten percent of whom died , and 165,000 became disabled .
Thanks to the dedicated work of the disaster ’ s responders coming from all over the Soviet Union , a concrete structure covering the nuclear reactor No .
4 - known as the Shelter Object - was installed in November 1986 .
In Russia , over 59,000 square meters of land , including 2 million hectares of agricultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forest , were polluted with radiation .
The affected territories were home to about 3 million people , 52,000 of them were resettled .

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. More than 1.7 million people, living in Russia, have been exposed to radiation as a result of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the Russian emergencies ministry’s press service told TASS.
"Out of the 1.7 million residents of Russia, exposed to radiation as a result of the disaster at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, 1.5 million are residents of radiation-polluted territories in 14 regions of the country or those who resettled from those areas to other zones. Other 125,000 people took part in the post-disaster relief effort," the ministry said.
Social support to those affected by the Chernobyl disaster is provided on the basis of documents, issued by the Russian Emergencies Ministry. Last year, the ministry issued over 10,000 such documents, including to 9,000 who reside in polluted areas or have left them in the wake of the disaster.
Chernobyl disaster
The meltdown at the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant occurred in the small hours of April 26, 1986. More than 140,000 square kilometers of land, first and foremost, in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, became contaminated.
Around 115,000 people were evacuated from the 30-kilometer zone of exclusion.
The subsequent clean-up operation involved more than 600,000 people, about ten percent of whom died, and 165,000 became disabled. Thanks to the dedicated work of the disaster’s responders coming from all over the Soviet Union, a concrete structure covering the nuclear reactor No. 4 - known as the Shelter Object - was installed in November 1986.
In Russia, over 59,000 square meters of land, including 2 million hectares of agricultural land and about 1 million hectares of forest, were polluted with radiation. The affected territories were home to about 3 million people, 52,000 of them were resettled.
The United Nations has proclaimed April 26 International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day.


tass--2020-04-26--Russian companies note growing interest in PC breach insurance — paper

MOSCOW , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russian insurance companies have noted a growing interest in cyber breach insurance , which would protect users from losses in the event of data loss from a personal computer , the Izvestia paper reported on Sunday , citing spokespersons for Russian insurers .
According to the paper , such services in Russia are currently offered only by Ingosstrakh , but AlfaStrakhovanie and VSK Insurance House are considering the possibility .
Rosgosstrakh also said it was ready to develop a solution for this kind of services , if the public interest in it continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Insurance House noted that the main problem in data breach insurance is the method of evaluating losses from a personal computer breach , because Russia has no legal framework on how this should be done .
`` The sector is yet to learn how to calculate losses .
For example , the cyber entertainment industry is now on the rise .
But what if your game account or a personal page on Facebook gets hacked ?
How should this [ damage ] be assessed ? ''
Izvestia quoted Mikhail Chernykh , a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The paper quoted the Positive Technologies , a global provider of enterprise security solutions for vulnerability and compliance management , as saying that the number of cyber attacks on personal computers increased by 15 % in January-March .
Users , who switched to teleworking amid the novel coronavirus outbreak , are at a higher risk .
According to Positive Technologies , employees of government agencies , industrial companies , financial sector , healthcare and science , have become an attractive target for cyber criminals .

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. Russian insurance companies have noted a growing interest in cyber breach insurance, which would protect users from losses in the event of data loss from a personal computer, the Izvestia paper reported on Sunday, citing spokespersons for Russian insurers.
According to the paper, such services in Russia are currently offered only by Ingosstrakh, but AlfaStrakhovanie and VSK Insurance House are considering the possibility.
Rosgosstrakh also said it was ready to develop a solution for this kind of services, if the public interest in it continues to grow.
Absolyut Strakhovanie and VSK Insurance House noted that the main problem in data breach insurance is the method of evaluating losses from a personal computer breach, because Russia has no legal framework on how this should be done.
"The sector is yet to learn how to calculate losses. For example, the cyber entertainment industry is now on the rise. But what if your game account or a personal page on Facebook gets hacked? How should this [damage] be assessed?" Izvestia quoted Mikhail Chernykh, a senior manager at Absolyut Strakhovanie, as saying.
The paper quoted the Positive Technologies, a global provider of enterprise security solutions for vulnerability and compliance management, as saying that the number of cyber attacks on personal computers increased by 15% in January-March. Users, who switched to teleworking amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, are at a higher risk. According to Positive Technologies, employees of government agencies, industrial companies, financial sector, healthcare and science, have become an attractive target for cyber criminals.


tass--2020-04-26--US accuses Iran of using ballistic technologies for satellite launch

WASHINGTON , April 25 .
/TASS / .
While launching its military satellite on April 22 , Iran used technologies obtained as a result of the ballistic missile program , US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement released by the US Department of State on Saturday .
According to the US foreign policy chief , Iran ’ s `` satellite launch vehicle and others launched before it incorporate technologies identical to , and interchangeable with , ballistic missiles , including longer-range systems such as intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBMs ) . ''
`` No country has ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose of delivering nuclear weapons , '' he said .
According to Pompeo , Tehran ’ s space program `` is neither peaceful nor entirely civilian , '' and the recent satellite launch was a yet another proof of this .
He called upon the international community to prevent Iran from continuing its ballistic missile program .
The US secretary of State also called upon the UN Security Council to extend the existing arms embargo on Iran , which expires in October .
`` We also call on the European Union to sanction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s missile programs , '' he said .
The military satellite , recently put into the orbit by Iran , is hardly capable of providing intelligence data , said Gen. John Raymond , the chief of Space Operations of the US Space Force .
`` US SpaceCom continues to track 2 objects < ... > associated w/space launch from Iran , '' he said on Twitter , adding that the US military characterized Iran ’ s Nour 01 as a 3U Cubesat-type microsatellite .
`` Iran states it has imaging capabilities—actually , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space ; unlikely providing intel , '' he said .
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday that none of Tehran ’ s actions violated UN Security Council Resolution 2231 on Iran ’ s nuclear program , while the United States and Europe fail to observe its provisions .
In his words , Tehran honors the resolution and possesses `` neither nuclear weapons nor [ nuclear-capable ] missiles . ''
On April 22 , Iran launched its first military satellite named Noor ( or Light ) .
According to Iran ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was put into an orbit of 425 km by the Qased carrier rocket .

WASHINGTON, April 25. /TASS /. While launching its military satellite on April 22, Iran used technologies obtained as a result of the ballistic missile program, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement released by the US Department of State on Saturday.
According to the US foreign policy chief, Iran’s "satellite launch vehicle and others launched before it incorporate technologies identical to, and interchangeable with, ballistic missiles, including longer-range systems such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)."
"No country has ever pursued an ICBM capability except for the purpose of delivering nuclear weapons," he said.
According to Pompeo, Tehran’s space program "is neither peaceful nor entirely civilian," and the recent satellite launch was a yet another proof of this.
He called upon the international community to prevent Iran from continuing its ballistic missile program.
The US secretary of State also called upon the UN Security Council to extend the existing arms embargo on Iran, which expires in October.
"We also call on the European Union to sanction those individuals and entities working on Iran’s missile programs," he said.
'A tumbling webcam in space'
The military satellite, recently put into the orbit by Iran, is hardly capable of providing intelligence data, said Gen. John Raymond, the chief of Space Operations of the US Space Force.
"US SpaceCom continues to track 2 objects <...> associated w/space launch from Iran," he said on Twitter, adding that the US military characterized Iran’s Nour 01 as a 3U Cubesat-type microsatellite.
"Iran states it has imaging capabilities—actually, it’s a tumbling webcam in space; unlikely providing intel," he said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday that none of Tehran’s actions violated UN Security Council Resolution 2231 on Iran’s nuclear program, while the United States and Europe fail to observe its provisions. In his words, Tehran honors the resolution and possesses "neither nuclear weapons nor [nuclear-capable] missiles."
On April 22, Iran launched its first military satellite named Noor (or Light). According to Iran’s Mehr news agency, the satellite was put into an orbit of 425 km by the Qased carrier rocket.


tass--2020-04-26--Russia’s ambassador calls upon US to protect historic truth about WWII

WASHINGTON , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov called upon the United States to engage in a joint effort to protect the historic truth about World War II and to counter attempts to distort facts about this period .
`` Lovingly cherishing the memory of an immortal act of heroism by the greatest generation of victors is our common duty .
We must work together to defend veterans ’ honor , as well as historical truth , and to fight the increasing number of attempts to skew information pertaining to those years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks for the special issue of Russia Beyond , commemorating 75 years since the Victory .
The head of the Russian diplomatic mission went on to say that `` in what was a fateful period for all of humanity , the USSR and the United States fought the aggressor should to shoulder . ''
`` In honor of this , commemorative ceremonies are being held across the US , with the participation of Russian diplomats and local communities in every corner of the country , at the Soviet pilots ’ graves in Anchorage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Allied pilot monument in Fairbanks , in Elizabeth-city on Project Zebra Day on January 11 , the WWII memorial in Washington DC , on Remembrance Day and the Day of the Unknown Soldier , '' he continued .
`` Every year on April 25 , the historical day of the meeting of the Allies at the Elbe River in 1945 , the Arlington Cemetery is visited by embassy delegates from CIS countries , together with US politicians and Soviet and American war veterans , to participate in a ceremonial wreath-laying at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Russian diplomat said .
`` We profoundly honor the memory of our allies - American , British and French , '' he said , adding that in 2020 , `` we will immortalize the memory of the Hero of the Soviet Union , French pilot Marcel Albert , who flew for the legendary Normandie-Niemen air regiment . ''
`` After the war , he settled in America .
A bronze bust by Russian sculptor Mikhail Serdyukov is being planned at the site of Mr. Albert ’ s final resting place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the project is being graciously provided by the French Embassy and the local Russian community , '' Antonov said .
The encounter between Soviet and US soldiers on the Elbe River in Germany took place 75 years ago , on April 25 , 1945 .
On that day , Soviet forces , advancing from the east , and American troops , advancing from the West , cut through the Wehrmacht divisions and met near the German city of Torgau , some 85 miles from Berlin .

WASHINGTON, April 26. /TASS/. Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov called upon the United States to engage in a joint effort to protect the historic truth about World War II and to counter attempts to distort facts about this period.
"Lovingly cherishing the memory of an immortal act of heroism by the greatest generation of victors is our common duty. We must work together to defend veterans’ honor, as well as historical truth, and to fight the increasing number of attempts to skew information pertaining to those years," the ambassador said in his introductory remarks for the special issue of Russia Beyond, commemorating 75 years since the Victory.
The head of the Russian diplomatic mission went on to say that "in what was a fateful period for all of humanity, the USSR and the United States fought the aggressor should to shoulder."
"In honor of this, commemorative ceremonies are being held across the US, with the participation of Russian diplomats and local communities in every corner of the country, at the Soviet pilots’ graves in Anchorage, the Navy statue in Seattle, the Allied pilot monument in Fairbanks, in Elizabeth-city on Project Zebra Day on January 11, the WWII memorial in Washington DC, on Remembrance Day and the Day of the Unknown Soldier," he continued.
"Every year on April 25, the historical day of the meeting of the Allies at the Elbe River in 1945, the Arlington Cemetery is visited by embassy delegates from CIS countries, together with US politicians and Soviet and American war veterans, to participate in a ceremonial wreath-laying at the ‘Spirit of the Elbe’ marker," the Russian diplomat said.
"We profoundly honor the memory of our allies - American, British and French," he said, adding that in 2020, "we will immortalize the memory of the Hero of the Soviet Union, French pilot Marcel Albert, who flew for the legendary Normandie-Niemen air regiment."
"After the war, he settled in America. A bronze bust by Russian sculptor Mikhail Serdyukov is being planned at the site of Mr. Albert’s final resting place in Chipley, Florida. Support for the project is being graciously provided by the French Embassy and the local Russian community," Antonov said.
The encounter between Soviet and US soldiers on the Elbe River in Germany took place 75 years ago, on April 25, 1945. On that day, Soviet forces, advancing from the east, and American troops, advancing from the West, cut through the Wehrmacht divisions and met near the German city of Torgau, some 85 miles from Berlin.


tass--2020-04-26--Russia-US strategic dialogue on space hardly possible — expert

MOSCOW , April 26 .
/TASS/ .
A dialogue between Russia and the United States on activities in space is hardly possible , Research Director of the Valdai Discussion Club Foundation for Development and Support Fyodor Lukyanov told TASS on Saturday .
`` I don ’ t see what the US interest in negotiating with Russia on space could be , '' he said .
`` It seems to me that meaningful talks on strategically important directions are ruled out at the moment .
At this point and in the foreseeable future , the entire agenda will shift in another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` no qualitative changes in Russian-US relations should be expected '' even when the global agenda will change , and the external policy will return to its traditional formats and issues .
`` There are no grounds for that , '' the expert said .
He also said that it would be wrong to believe that the current novel coronavirus pandemic can break the previously existing tendencies in global politics .
On the contrary , the crisis caused by the pandemic would only aggravate the existing tendencies .
`` In other words , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had , but in a sharper way , including all negative features [ such as ] rivalry [ and ] waiving of commitments .
It will only be made even worse , '' Lukyanov added .
In his words , it is naive to believe that the tone of the Moscow-Washington dialogue would change .
Moreover , he expressed doubt about feasibility of a project to create a Russian-US platform for talks on space issues .
`` What ’ s the point in it , when it is clear that this will only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusations .
There is another issue , a lot more real and practical , which is strategic stability , '' the expert continued , saying that the matter of extending the Russian-US New START treaty on the reduction of strategic offensive arms is not yet closed .
`` It does not even require any effort [ to extend it ] .
All we need is to simply say ‘ Let ’ s extend it and see.
’ But this does not happen , and , apparently , will not happen , '' Lukyanov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump signed an executive order in support of the exploitation of off-Earth resources .
Under the order , the United States doesn ’ t consider outer space as `` global commons '' and thus sees no need for further international agreements on that matter , such as the Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies , known as the Moon Treaty , that was adopted by a United Nations General Assembly resolution in December 1979 .
Under the agreement , the Moon and its natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and exploitation of such resources should be done exclusively for peaceful purposes and in the interests of all nations , regardless of their economic or scientific development .
In response , Moscow replied that any attempt by a single country to ‘ privatize ’ the outer space , including the Moon and other celestial bodies , was unacceptable and ran counter to the existing international laws .
Later , the United Staes accused Russia of testing an anti-satellite missile with a capacity of direct interception at the low earth orbit .
The Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet another baseless anti-Russian insinuation .
The ministry also citied an agreement reached during intra-departmental consultations on creating a platform for dialogue on a wide range of space security issues .
Moscow believes that this is the only way to settle mutual claims in this domain .

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. A dialogue between Russia and the United States on activities in space is hardly possible, Research Director of the Valdai Discussion Club Foundation for Development and Support Fyodor Lukyanov told TASS on Saturday.
"I don’t see what the US interest in negotiating with Russia on space could be," he said. "It seems to me that meaningful talks on strategically important directions are ruled out at the moment. At this point and in the foreseeable future, the entire agenda will shift in another direction."
According to Lukyanov, "no qualitative changes in Russian-US relations should be expected" even when the global agenda will change, and the external policy will return to its traditional formats and issues.
"There are no grounds for that," the expert said.
He also said that it would be wrong to believe that the current novel coronavirus pandemic can break the previously existing tendencies in global politics. On the contrary, the crisis caused by the pandemic would only aggravate the existing tendencies.
"In other words, we will keep having what we already had, but in a sharper way, including all negative features [such as] rivalry [and] waiving of commitments. It will only be made even worse," Lukyanov added.
In his words, it is naive to believe that the tone of the Moscow-Washington dialogue would change. Moreover, he expressed doubt about feasibility of a project to create a Russian-US platform for talks on space issues.
"What’s the point in it, when it is clear that this will only lead to a yet another exchange of accusations. There is another issue, a lot more real and practical, which is strategic stability," the expert continued, saying that the matter of extending the Russian-US New START treaty on the reduction of strategic offensive arms is not yet closed.
"It does not even require any effort [to extend it]. All we need is to simply say ‘Let’s extend it and see.’ But this does not happen, and, apparently, will not happen," Lukyanov said.
Space issues
On April 6, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in support of the exploitation of off-Earth resources. Under the order, the United States doesn’t consider outer space as "global commons" and thus sees no need for further international agreements on that matter, such as the Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, known as the Moon Treaty, that was adopted by a United Nations General Assembly resolution in December 1979.
Under the agreement, the Moon and its natural resources are the common heritage of mankind and exploitation of such resources should be done exclusively for peaceful purposes and in the interests of all nations, regardless of their economic or scientific development.
In response, Moscow replied that any attempt by a single country to ‘privatize’ the outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, was unacceptable and ran counter to the existing international laws.
Later, the United Staes accused Russia of testing an anti-satellite missile with a capacity of direct interception at the low earth orbit. The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed those accusations as a yet another baseless anti-Russian insinuation. The ministry also citied an agreement reached during intra-departmental consultations on creating a platform for dialogue on a wide range of space security issues. Moscow believes that this is the only way to settle mutual claims in this domain.