tass--2020-12-29--Press review: Russia to eye coronavirus jab’s economic effect and Karabakh truce breached

Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Russia must wait and see economic impact of coronavirus vaccination The positive economic effect of the vaccination campaign is yet to be seen in Russia , as the inoculation rate is still lower than the rate of infection .
There is a possibility that the rate of spread of the pandemic will not decrease and the vaccine ’ s significant positive effect on the world economy may not be seen in the coming year , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
About 1 mln people have already been inoculated in the United States , and China plans to vaccinate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines by mid-February next year .
Experts believe that inoculating the required numbers will end by the fall in developed countries .
And this will allow some sectors of the economy to recover to pre-crisis levels .
Experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta believe that it is too early to talk about the impact of the vaccination on the economic recovery , because it is not entirely clear how vaccines will shape immunity .
On the other hand , they believe even if the population in Russia and other countries receives sufficient and stable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic recovery could take much longer .
`` Vaccination is recognized as the best way to achieve immunity .
According to the WHO , global vaccination coverage should be 65-70 % to develop immunity to the new coronavirus .
When the country ’ s population has strong antibodies to the coronavirus in such volume , we can talk about the impact on the economy and reducing the burden on public health , '' Co-chairman of the Russian Union of Patients Yuri Zhulev told the newspaper .
`` Vaccination will make it possible not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save them from introducing lockdowns , but the economy will not recover quickly from vaccines on its own , '' First Vice President of Opora Russia Pavel Sigal told the newspaper .
`` The population ’ s income plunged to serious levels not seen in the last 50-70 years .
This means that in order to restore the economy in any country , it won ’ t be enough to carry out mass vaccination and restart industries .
We also need to increase the income of people to secure consumer demand … Therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly connected with vaccines .
For the economies of different countries , many factors are important in addition to the coronavirus drug , '' the expert concluded .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : ‘ Belarusian protest takes aim at lies , violence , and lawlessness of the state ’ , says exiled opposition leader Belarusian opposition figurehead Svetlana Tikhanovskaya became the talk of the town for this year in politics .
In six months , she met with the leaders of many countries , but neither the unprecedented support from overseas , nor the incessant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any regime change in Belarus whatsoever .
In an interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta , Tikhanovskaya talked about the characteristics of the Belarusian protest movement , Western sanctions , and possible contact with Russian officials .
`` The Belarusian protest is aimed at lies , violence , and lawlessness of the state and [ the movement ] is characterized by the absence of a unified core and a single leader .
This is a phenomenon that covers all segments of the population , and this is the key to its strength and resilience .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tikhanovskaya or other politicians , they just are demanding change for themselves and their families , '' she said , noting that peaceful methods force dictators to leave and do not create more violence .
`` Changing the government peacefully is an opportunity for Belarusians to form a political culture in which election fraud is impossible and people hold power , '' Tikhanovskaya believes .
On European sanctions , she noted `` [ the ] people 's protests on the streets , in houses , along social networks are the main levers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most important and effective pressure is inside Belarus '' .
According to Tikhanovskaya , `` External sanctions are just one way of influencing the behavior of an illegitimate ruler and his entourage '' .
At the same time , she believes that Europe can influence Lukashenko .
The opposition figurehead noted that contact with Russian officials might be established .
`` We are open to discussions with all those who can help organize a multilateral dialogue on resolving the crisis in Belarus based on respect for the sovereignty and independence of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said , adding `` We support mutually beneficial cooperation with any country that respects our sovereignty '' .
Azerbaijan ’ s Ministry of Defense has reported a new violation of the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh .
According to Baku , the incident took place in the Hadrut area , just like two weeks ago .
Yerevan and Stepanakert deny the information , claiming that `` no shots were fired from the Armenian side . ''
In one way or another , the settlement of the situation is once again on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russian peacekeepers have not yet commented on the new incident , but past experience suggests that their response will depend on both sides to confirm their information , the newspaper writes .
Azerbaijani political scientist Ilgar Velizade has no doubt that the incident near Hadrut was provoked by the Armenian side , or more precisely , by the old guard of Armenia ’ s establishment , who are now seeking the resignation of Prime Minister Nikola Pashinyan and hope to strengthen ties with Moscow .
`` Conflict is their [ main ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baku and Moscow , Moscow and Ankara , '' the expert told Kommersant .
`` They expect that if their plan succeeds , Moscow will turn to Yerevan and stand up for the Armenians . ''
The new incident in Hadrut might be one of the topics of the meeting of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu , which will take place on December 29 in Sochi .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Transnistria ready for talks with Moldova 's new president Transnistria ’ s President Vadim Krasnoselsky has stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dialogue with Moldova ’ s new President Maia Sandu .
That said , Sandu has previously talked about her intention to discuss the Transnistrian issue with Moscow and her unwillingness to do so with Tiraspol .
Moldovan experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta they are confident that Sandu will discuss and plan everything concerning Transnistria in Kiev , where she will pay her first international visit .
Anatoly Tsaranu , Moldova ’ s ex-ambassador to Russia and Director of the Chisinau-based Politicon Center for Strategic Studies and Political Consulting , told the newspaper that Sandu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be decisive as far as the plans of the new Moldovan leadership go .
He suggested that in Kiev , Sandu `` may be provoked to take tougher measures against the separatist region on the Dniester . ''
The new Moldovan president 's goal is to withdraw the Operational Group of Russian Forces from Transnistria and the Russian peacekeepers along with them , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
The new Moldovan president is ready to discuss this with Moscow , but Putin had previously answered the questions Sandu was going to ask him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the peacekeepers will leave Transnistria when the Transnistrian conflict is finally resolved .
At the same time , Krasnoselsky stated that the Transnistrian leadership is ready for any mode of dialogue with the new leader of Moldova .
`` Our position remains the same .
We are ready for dialogue .
Both in the `` 1+1 '' format and in the `` 5+2 '' format ( Moldova , Transnistria are parties to the conflict , Russia , Ukraine , and the OSCE are mediators , while the US and the EU are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed .
At the same time , Transnistria will insist on the presence of Russian peacekeepers on the banks of the Dniester , because owing to that , negotiations are possible , Krasnoselsky believes .
By the end of the year , oil prices are expected to hover at $ 50 per barrel , despite the new coronavirus strain that has appeared in the UK .
Nevertheless , forecasts for 2021 are less optimistic .
December forecasts of $ 60 per barrel have shifted downwards to an average of $ 55 per barrel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts believe that in Q1 2021 prices will fall to $ 30 , Izvestia writes .
The main factors that influence prices , include not only the development of the situation around the vaccines and quarantine measures , but also news about production in the Middle East , as well as measures to support the US economy .
Experts are tentative about the future of oil prices .
2020 ushered in the pandemic , and `` the lockdown of the world economy that followed it , which created an ideal storm on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Consulting 's State Regulation of Energy Daria Kozlova told the newspaper .
At the same time , she noted , `` The number of new cases in the world has exceeded 700,000 per day , New Year 's celebrations around the world are canceled .
All this will have a significant impact on the pace of the recovery of demand .
According to various estimates , it will not return to pre-crisis levels before 2022 . ''
Leading QBF analyst Oleg Bogdanov agrees that by the end of 2020 , the situation on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Brent futures contract having reached the level of $ 50 , he recalled.This allowed for a slight change in the OPEC+ agreements , it was decided in early 2021 to gradually begin to increase oil production by 500,000 barrels per day .
`` However , these decisions coincided with the second wave of coronavirus .
Europe , the United States and other countries once again began to impose restrictions , and to announce lockdowns .
The general situation has been exacerbated by information about a coronavirus mutation in the UK .
Oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think that in the first quarter of next year we will face the negative scenario on world markets .
Risks will rise , asset markets will go down , including oil .
We can assume that prices will quickly fall once again to the level of $ 30-35 per barrel , '' the analyst told Izvestia .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russia must wait and see economic impact of coronavirus vaccination The positive economic effect of the vaccination campaign is yet to be seen in Russia, as the inoculation rate is still lower than the rate of infection. There is a possibility that the rate of spread of the pandemic will not decrease and the vaccine’s significant positive effect on the world economy may not be seen in the coming year, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. About 1 mln people have already been inoculated in the United States, and China plans to vaccinate about 50 mln people with their own vaccines by mid-February next year. Experts believe that inoculating the required numbers will end by the fall in developed countries. And this will allow some sectors of the economy to recover to pre-crisis levels.
Read also Russia reports 562 new coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours
Experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta believe that it is too early to talk about the impact of the vaccination on the economic recovery, because it is not entirely clear how vaccines will shape immunity. On the other hand, they believe even if the population in Russia and other countries receives sufficient and stable immunity over the next year, the economic recovery could take much longer. "Vaccination is recognized as the best way to achieve immunity. According to the WHO, global vaccination coverage should be 65-70% to develop immunity to the new coronavirus. When the country’s population has strong antibodies to the coronavirus in such volume, we can talk about the impact on the economy and reducing the burden on public health," Co-chairman of the Russian Union of Patients Yuri Zhulev told the newspaper. "Vaccination will make it possible not to impose quarantine in countries and will save them from introducing lockdowns, but the economy will not recover quickly from vaccines on its own," First Vice President of Opora Russia Pavel Sigal told the newspaper.
"The population’s income plunged to serious levels not seen in the last 50-70 years. This means that in order to restore the economy in any country, it won’t be enough to carry out mass vaccination and restart industries. We also need to increase the income of people to secure consumer demand … Therefore, an economic recovery should not be directly connected with vaccines. For the economies of different countries, many factors are important in addition to the coronavirus drug," the expert concluded. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: ‘Belarusian protest takes aim at lies, violence, and lawlessness of the state’, says exiled opposition leader Belarusian opposition figurehead Svetlana Tikhanovskaya became the talk of the town for this year in politics. In six months, she met with the leaders of many countries, but neither the unprecedented support from overseas, nor the incessant domestic protests have so far led to any regime change in Belarus whatsoever. In an interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta, Tikhanovskaya talked about the characteristics of the Belarusian protest movement, Western sanctions, and possible contact with Russian officials.
Read also Belarusian prosecutors initiate criminal case against Tikhanovskaya, Coordination council
"The Belarusian protest is aimed at lies, violence, and lawlessness of the state and [the movement] is characterized by the absence of a unified core and a single leader. This is a phenomenon that covers all segments of the population, and this is the key to its strength and resilience. Belarusians are not protesting in favor of Tikhanovskaya or other politicians, they just are demanding change for themselves and their families," she said, noting that peaceful methods force dictators to leave and do not create more violence. "Changing the government peacefully is an opportunity for Belarusians to form a political culture in which election fraud is impossible and people hold power," Tikhanovskaya believes. On European sanctions, she noted "[the] people's protests on the streets, in houses, along social networks are the main levers of pressure, and not sanctions. The most important and effective pressure is inside Belarus". According to Tikhanovskaya, "External sanctions are just one way of influencing the behavior of an illegitimate ruler and his entourage". At the same time, she believes that Europe can influence Lukashenko. The opposition figurehead noted that contact with Russian officials might be established. "We are open to discussions with all those who can help organize a multilateral dialogue on resolving the crisis in Belarus based on respect for the sovereignty and independence of the country and the will of the Belarusian people," she said, adding "We support mutually beneficial cooperation with any country that respects our sovereignty". Kommersant: Ceasefire violations continue in Nagorno-Karabakh Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense has reported a new violation of the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to Baku, the incident took place in the Hadrut area, just like two weeks ago. Yerevan and Stepanakert deny the information, claiming that "no shots were fired from the Armenian side." In one way or another, the settlement of the situation is once again on the shoulders of Russian peacekeepers, Kommersant writes. Russian peacekeepers have not yet commented on the new incident, but past experience suggests that their response will depend on both sides to confirm their information, the newspaper writes.
Read also Senator certain Russian peacekeepers’ presence in Karabakh will ensure lasting peace
Azerbaijani political scientist Ilgar Velizade has no doubt that the incident near Hadrut was provoked by the Armenian side, or more precisely, by the old guard of Armenia’s establishment, who are now seeking the resignation of Prime Minister Nikola Pashinyan and hope to strengthen ties with Moscow. "Conflict is their [main] ingredient. They need a confrontation between Baku and Moscow, Moscow and Ankara," the expert told Kommersant. "They expect that if their plan succeeds, Moscow will turn to Yerevan and stand up for the Armenians." The new incident in Hadrut might be one of the topics of the meeting of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, which will take place on December 29 in Sochi. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Transnistria ready for talks with Moldova's new president Transnistria’s President Vadim Krasnoselsky has stated he is ready for any type of dialogue with Moldova’s new President Maia Sandu. That said, Sandu has previously talked about her intention to discuss the Transnistrian issue with Moscow and her unwillingness to do so with Tiraspol. Moldovan experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta they are confident that Sandu will discuss and plan everything concerning Transnistria in Kiev, where she will pay her first international visit.
Anatoly Tsaranu, Moldova’s ex-ambassador to Russia and Director of the Chisinau-based Politicon Center for Strategic Studies and Political Consulting, told the newspaper that Sandu's visit to the Ukrainian capital would be decisive as far as the plans of the new Moldovan leadership go. He suggested that in Kiev, Sandu "may be provoked to take tougher measures against the separatist region on the Dniester." The new Moldovan president's goal is to withdraw the Operational Group of Russian Forces from Transnistria and the Russian peacekeepers along with them, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. The new Moldovan president is ready to discuss this with Moscow, but Putin had previously answered the questions Sandu was going to ask him. According to the Russian head of state, the peacekeepers will leave Transnistria when the Transnistrian conflict is finally resolved. At the same time, Krasnoselsky stated that the Transnistrian leadership is ready for any mode of dialogue with the new leader of Moldova. "Our position remains the same. We are ready for dialogue. Both in the "1+1" format and in the "5+2" format (Moldova, Transnistria are parties to the conflict, Russia, Ukraine, and the OSCE are mediators, while the US and the EU are observers)," the Transnistrian leader stressed. At the same time, Transnistria will insist on the presence of Russian peacekeepers on the banks of the Dniester, because owing to that, negotiations are possible, Krasnoselsky believes. Izvestia: Experts expect oil prices to drop to $30 By the end of the year, oil prices are expected to hover at $50 per barrel, despite the new coronavirus strain that has appeared in the UK. Nevertheless, forecasts for 2021 are less optimistic. December forecasts of $60 per barrel have shifted downwards to an average of $55 per barrel. At the same time, some experts believe that in Q1 2021 prices will fall to $30, Izvestia writes. The main factors that influence prices, include not only the development of the situation around the vaccines and quarantine measures, but also news about production in the Middle East, as well as measures to support the US economy. Experts are tentative about the future of oil prices. 2020 ushered in the pandemic, and "the lockdown of the world economy that followed it, which created an ideal storm on the oil market," Director of VYGON Consulting's State Regulation of Energy Daria Kozlova told the newspaper. At the same time, she noted, "The number of new cases in the world has exceeded 700,000 per day, New Year's celebrations around the world are canceled. All this will have a significant impact on the pace of the recovery of demand. According to various estimates, it will not return to pre-crisis levels before 2022."


tass--2020-12-29--Paraguay may get first batch of Sputnik V vaccine in March 2021, says health official

BUENOS AIRES , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
Paraguay ’ s authorities are discussing with Russia the possibility of purchasing the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine , Deputy Health Minister Julio Rolon has said .
`` We hope that the first batch of the vaccine can be delivered to the country in March [ 2021 ] , '' the Ultima Hora newspaper quotes him as saying .
He noted that Paraguay ’ s Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni was in touch with Russian representatives .
A week ago , Mazzoleni said that `` advanced negotiations '' on the issue were underway with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine manufactures .
According to the minister , technical aspects are currently being discussed .
According to the Health Ministry , 105,374 people in Paraguay have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic and 2,202 have died .
A total of 79,171 have recovered .
At present , 812 patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals , 174 of whom are in intensive care units .
Paraguay reported its first coronavirus case on March 7 .
On March 10 , the authorities imposed a lockdown , which was extended several times .
Restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .

BUENOS AIRES, December 29. /TASS/. Paraguay’s authorities are discussing with Russia the possibility of purchasing the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, Deputy Health Minister Julio Rolon has said.
"We hope that the first batch of the vaccine can be delivered to the country in March [2021]," the Ultima Hora newspaper quotes him as saying. He noted that Paraguay’s Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni was in touch with Russian representatives.
A week ago, Mazzoleni said that "advanced negotiations" on the issue were underway with two out of the five major coronavirus vaccine manufacturers. According to the minister, technical aspects are currently being discussed.
According to the Health Ministry, 105,374 people in Paraguay have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic and 2,202 have died. A total of 79,171 have recovered. At present, 812 patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals, 174 of whom are in intensive care units.
Paraguay reported its first coronavirus case on March 7. On March 10, the authorities imposed a lockdown, which was extended several times. Restrictions have been eased in most regions by now.


tass--2020-12-29--Positive agenda in Moscow-Berlin relations narrowed in 2020, says Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russia in 2020 maintained a systematic political dialogue with Germany , although the @ @ @ @ @ narrowed , the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday in a commentary on the main @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Although the positive agenda in relations with Germany narrowed , a steady political @ @ @ @ @ .
Within the framework of the constituent meeting of the Russian-German Economic Council in December @ @ @ @ @ of the cross year The Economy and Sustainable Development 2020-2022 .
In September , Germany @ @ @ @ @ '' the Foreign Ministry said .
Earlier , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that @ @ @ @ @ had been accumulated in Moscow-Berlin relations and their number kept growing .

MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. Russia in 2020 maintained a systematic political dialogue with Germany, although the positive agenda in bilateral relations narrowed, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday in a commentary on the main foreign policy results of 2020.
"Although the positive agenda in relations with Germany narrowed, a steady political dialogue with it was maintained. Within the framework of the constituent meeting of the Russian-German Economic Council in December there was the opening ceremony of the cross year The Economy and Sustainable Development 2020-2022. In September, Germany Year in Russia began," the Foreign Ministry said.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that quite a few serious problems had been accumulated in Moscow-Berlin relations and their number kept growing.


tass--2020-12-29--Russian shipbuilders to double nuclear-powered sub’s strike capabilities after upgrade

MOSCOW , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
The strike capabilities of the Pacific Fleet ’ s Project 949A ‘ Antey ’ multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Irkutsk will grow at least two-fold after its upgrade , a source in the shipbuilding industry told TASS on Tuesday .
`` During its modernization , the Irkutsk will not simply become a Project 949AM [ the improved Project 949A ] submarine and instead of 24 Granit anti-ship missiles it will get the capability to carry 48 principally new Kalibr-PL , Oniks and Tsirkon missiles , i.e .
the submarine will be able to deliver strikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the source said .
The nuclear-powered sub is set to rejoin the Pacific Fleet in late 2023 , the source specified .
`` The availability of the specific types of missiles on its board will depend on its assigned tasks , '' he said .
TASS has no official confirmation of this information yet .
It was earlier reported that three launches of Tsirkon missile had been conducted in 2020 as part of flight development tests : two against sea targets and one against a ground target .
According to the data of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , state trials of the Tsirkon missile will begin in 2021 .
During these trials and the preceding stage of flight development tests , at least seven test-launches will be conducted from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the Project 885 submarine Severodvinsk .
The nuclear-powered submarine Irkutsk was laid down at the Sevmash Shipyard ( currently part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation ) in 1985 .
It was floated out on December 29 , 1987 and delivered to the Navy on December 30 , 1988 .
In 1990 , the submarine made an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The sub was named the Irkutsk in 1993 .
The submarine has been in reserve since 1997 .
In 2001 , it arrived at the Far Eastern Zvezda Ship Repair Plant for repairs .
The sub ’ s repairs and upgrade began only in 2019 .
Project 949A submarines carried 24 Granit anti-ship missiles as their basic strike weapons .

MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. The strike capabilities of the Pacific Fleet’s Project 949A ‘Antey’ multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Irkutsk will grow at least two-fold after its upgrade, a source in the shipbuilding industry told TASS on Tuesday.
"During its modernization, the Irkutsk will not simply become a Project 949AM [the improved Project 949A] submarine and instead of 24 Granit anti-ship missiles it will get the capability to carry 48 principally new Kalibr-PL, Oniks and Tsirkon missiles, i.e. the submarine will be able to deliver strikes against coastal targets as well," the source said.
The nuclear-powered sub is set to rejoin the Pacific Fleet in late 2023, the source specified. "The availability of the specific types of missiles on its board will depend on its assigned tasks," he said.
TASS has no official confirmation of this information yet.
It was earlier reported that three launches of Tsirkon missile had been conducted in 2020 as part of flight development tests: two against sea targets and one against a ground target. According to the data of a TASS source in the defense industry, state trials of the Tsirkon missile will begin in 2021. During these trials and the preceding stage of flight development tests, at least seven test-launches will be conducted from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the Project 885 submarine Severodvinsk.
The nuclear-powered submarine Irkutsk was laid down at the Sevmash Shipyard (currently part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) in 1985. It was floated out on December 29, 1987 and delivered to the Navy on December 30, 1988.
In 1990, the submarine made an inter-fleet transition to the Pacific Fleet. The sub was named the Irkutsk in 1993. The submarine has been in reserve since 1997. In 2001, it arrived at the Far Eastern Zvezda Ship Repair Plant for repairs. The sub’s repairs and upgrade began only in 2019. Project 949A submarines carried 24 Granit anti-ship missiles as their basic strike weapons.


tass--2020-12-29--Moscow reports 1,865 new COVID-19 hospitalizations

`` Another 5,641 coronavirus cases were confirmed in the capital .
As many as 1,865 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized in the past 24 hours ; 539 are on ventilators in Moscow ’ s hospitals , '' the report reads .
MOSCOW , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
Another 5,641 coronavirus cases were recorded in Moscow in the past 24 hours , taking the total to 798,098 ; 1,865 patients were hospitalized , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday .
According to the crisis center , 11.4 % of those infected are children , 39.2 % are people aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged 46 to 65 and another 12.5 % are from 66 to 79 years of age .
Also , 4.6 % are those over 80 .
All patients and their close contacts are under medical supervision .
The authorities reported 6,253 COVID-19 cases a day earlier .
According to the crisis center , the growth rate currently stands at 0.7 % .
Meanwhile , another 5,626 people were discharged in the Russian capital ; a total of 615,396 ( 77.1 % ) have recovered by now .
According to the crisis center , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in the past 24 hours , pushing the death total to 11,064 ( 1.39 % of those infected ) .
The crisis center reiterated the need to observe self-isolation for residents over 65 and those with chronic conditions , as well as for schoolchildren in grades 6-11 and students on distance learning .
It is necessary to wear face masks and gloves in public places and abide by social distancing rules .

"Another 5,641 coronavirus cases were confirmed in the capital. As many as 1,865 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized in the past 24 hours; 539 are on ventilators in Moscow’s hospitals," the report reads.
MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. Another 5,641 coronavirus cases were recorded in Moscow in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 798,098; 1,865 patients were hospitalized, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
According to the crisis center, 11.4% of those infected are children, 39.2% are people aged 18 to 45, 32.3% are aged 46 to 65 and another 12.5% are from 66 to 79 years of age. Also, 4.6% are those over 80. All patients and their close contacts are under medical supervision.
The authorities reported 6,253 COVID-19 cases a day earlier. According to the crisis center, the growth rate currently stands at 0.7%.
Meanwhile, another 5,626 people were discharged in the Russian capital; a total of 615,396 (77.1%) have recovered by now.
According to the crisis center, 171,638 are undergoing treatment.
Seventy-five patients died in the past 24 hours, pushing the death total to 11,064 (1.39% of those infected).
The crisis center reiterated the need to observe self-isolation for residents over 65 and those with chronic conditions, as well as for schoolchildren in grades 6-11 and students on distance learning. It is necessary to wear face masks and gloves in public places and abide by social distancing rules.


tass--2020-12-29--Russia, US uncover criminal network smuggling cocaine from South America to Russia, Europe

MOSCOW , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) and the US Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA ) under the Justice Department have conducted a special operation to uncover a criminal network that was engaged in trafficking cocaine from South America to Russia and Europe .
The FSB told TASS Tuesday that 330 kilograms of cocaine possibly worth 1 billion rubles ( $ 13.56 million ) if sold had been seized .
`` The Federal Security Service jointly with the Drug Enforcement Administration under the US Department of Justice conducted a multi-stage international special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transnational criminal group specializing in trafficking cocaine from South America to Russia and other European states , '' the FSB reported .
According to the special service , at least 330 kg were confiscated , criminal cases were launched against the criminal network members , they were placed in custody .
`` The drug traffickers could have made 1 billion rubles by selling the seized drug , '' the FSB clarified .
The first stage of the joint operation was conducted in May this year when a drug mule was caught red-handed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Active members of the organized criminal network , citizens of several states , were determined in close contact with foreign partners , their roles in illegal operations with the drug prohibited in Russia were clarified , '' the security service stressed .
In June 2020 , members and one of the drug network organizers were detained when trying to sell a large batch of cocaine , 34 kilograms were seized .
In the last part of the operation , a stash with at least 295 kilograms of cocaine was found in @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under the Justice Department have conducted a special operation to uncover a criminal network that was engaged in trafficking cocaine from South America to Russia and Europe. The FSB told TASS Tuesday that 330 kilograms of cocaine possibly worth 1 billion rubles ($13.56 million) if sold had been seized.
"The Federal Security Service jointly with the Drug Enforcement Administration under the US Department of Justice conducted a multi-stage international special operation to stop illegal activities of a transnational criminal group specializing in trafficking cocaine from South America to Russia and other European states," the FSB reported.
According to the special service, at least 330 kg were confiscated, criminal cases were launched against the criminal network members, they were placed in custody. "The drug traffickers could have made 1 billion rubles by selling the seized drug," the FSB clarified.
The first stage of the joint operation was conducted in May this year when a drug mule was caught red-handed in St. Petersburg with 1 kilogram of cocaine. "Active members of the organized criminal network, citizens of several states, were determined in close contact with foreign partners, their roles in illegal operations with the drug prohibited in Russia were clarified," the security service stressed. In June 2020, members and one of the drug network organizers were detained when trying to sell a large batch of cocaine, 34 kilograms were seized.
In the last part of the operation, a stash with at least 295 kilograms of cocaine was found in the Moscow Region in November 2020.


tass--2020-12-29--Russia’s Finance Ministry plans to borrow around $50.23 bln in 2021

MOSCOW , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Ministry of Finance plans to borrow about 3.7 trillion rubles ( @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , about 75 bln rubles ( $ 1.02 bln ) a week , Minister @ @ @ @ @ reporters .
According to Siluanov , the pace of borrowing will depend on the external @ @ @ @ @ look at the situation .
There is also the question of what will happen to @ @ @ @ @ they will impose restrictions on our debts , '' the minister said .
He stressed @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 plans to borrow $ 3 bln on foreign markets , depending on the @ @ @ @ @ we included $ 3 bln - access to foreign markets .
We will also look @ @ @ @ @ Siluanov said .
According to him , the Ministry of Finance still opposes a strong @ @ @ @ @ as its maintenance will require large expenditures from the budget .

MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry of Finance plans to borrow about 3.7 trillion rubles ($50.23 bln) in 2021, about 75 bln rubles ($1.02 bln) a week, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov told reporters.
According to Siluanov, the pace of borrowing will depend on the external situation. "We will look at the situation. There is also the question of what will happen to the US administration, whether they will impose restrictions on our debts," the minister said.
He stressed that the Ministry of Finance in 2021 plans to borrow $3 bln on foreign markets, depending on the situation. "Next year we included $3 bln - access to foreign markets. We will also look at the situation," Siluanov said.
According to him, the Ministry of Finance still opposes a strong increase in public debt, as its maintenance will require large expenditures from the budget.


tass--2020-12-29--Russia reports 562 new coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours

No difference in immunity in men , women inoculated with Sputnik V , manual says MOSCOW , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Russia went up by 562 in the past 24 hours , compared to 487 on previous day , taking the total to 55,827 , the national anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Tuesday .
In particular , St. Petersburg reported 79 deaths , followed by Moscow ( 75 ) , the Moscow Region ( 24 ) , the Rostov Region ( 23 ) , the Sverdlovsk Region ( 17 ) and the Altai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s coronavirus cases rose by 27,002 to 3,105,037 in the past 24 hours , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday .
The number of new daily coronavirus cases is the lowest since December 16 .
A total of 27,787 cases were identified on December 28 .
According to the crisis center , the coronavirus growth rate has been at or below 0.9 % for three days .
In particular , 5,641 coronavirus cases were recorded in Moscow in the past day , 3,757 in St. Petersburg , 1,547 in the Moscow Region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 401 in the Sverdlovsk Region , and 394 in the Pskov Region .
There are currently 553,027 active coronavirus cases in Russia .
Russia ’ s coronavirus recoveries grew by 24,874 in the past 24 hours .
A total of 2,496,183 people have recovered by now , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Tuesday .
According to the crisis center , recoveries have risen to 80.4 % of the total number of infected individuals .
Another 5,626 patients recovered in Moscow , 2,109 in St. Petersburg , 1,401 in the Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and 411 in the Krasnoyarsk Region .

No difference in immunity in men, women inoculated with Sputnik V, manual says
MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Russia went up by 562 in the past 24 hours, compared to 487 on previous day, taking the total to 55,827, the national anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Tuesday.
The provisional death rate stands at 1.8%.
In particular, St. Petersburg reported 79 deaths, followed by Moscow (75), the Moscow Region (24), the Rostov Region (23), the Sverdlovsk Region (17) and the Altai Region (16).
Daily cases
Russia’s coronavirus cases rose by 27,002 to 3,105,037 in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
The number of new daily coronavirus cases is the lowest since December 16. A total of 27,787 cases were identified on December 28.
According to the crisis center, the coronavirus growth rate has been at or below 0.9% for three days.
In particular, 5,641 coronavirus cases were recorded in Moscow in the past day, 3,757 in St. Petersburg, 1,547 in the Moscow Region, 497 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 401 in the Sverdlovsk Region and 394 in the Pskov Region.
There are currently 553,027 active coronavirus cases in Russia.
Recoveries
Russia’s coronavirus recoveries grew by 24,874 in the past 24 hours. A total of 2,496,183 people have recovered by now, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Tuesday.
According to the crisis center, recoveries have risen to 80.4% of the total number of infected individuals.
Another 5,626 patients recovered in Moscow, 2,109 in St. Petersburg, 1,401 in the Moscow Region, 504 in Karelia, 465 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and 411 in the Krasnoyarsk Region.


tass--2020-12-29--Over 89.8 mln COVID-19 tests conducted in Russia, says watchdog

MOSCOW , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian medical workers have conducted more than 89.8 million coronavirus tests , an @ @ @ @ @ public updated on the coronavirus situation reported on Tuesday , citing Russia ’ s consumer @ @ @ @ @ to the Rospotrebnadzor [ consumer rights watchdog - TASS ] , more than 89.8 million @ @ @ @ @ to date , '' the report said .
As many as 292,000 tests were conducted @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the watchdog , 662,615 people remain under medical supervision over suspected COVID-19 @

MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. Russian medical workers have conducted more than 89.8 million coronavirus tests, an Internet hotline that keeps the public updated on the coronavirus situation reported on Tuesday, citing Russia’s consumer rights watchdog.
"According to the Rospotrebnadzor [consumer rights watchdog - TASS], more than 89.8 million coronavirus tests have been conducted to date," the report said. As many as 292,000 tests were conducted in the past 24 hours.
According to the watchdog, 662,615 people remain under medical supervision over suspected COVID-19.


tass--2020-12-29--Even if extended, New START will have to be changed considering nuclear powers - senator

MOSCOW , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( New START ) between Russia and the United States will still have to be dismantled and changed for another similar treaty due to military breakthroughs in nuclear powers even if its extension can be secured now , Russian senator Viktor Bondarev said in an interview with TASS .
`` New START remains in force until February 5 , 2021 if it ’ s not substituted by another agreement .
It can be extended until 2026 at the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it will have to be annulled with time and changed for a more updated document that is similar in contents , will reflect changes in geopolitical realities and will take into account the breakthroughs in the military and technical equipment of certain third parties .
I mean hypothetical involvement of China and other nuclear club members in the new treaty , '' Bondarev underlined .
At the same time , the senator stressed that it is vital now to realize the proposal of Russian President Vladimir Putin to extend New START by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to work out all the parameters of the agreement that will substitute the current one in the future .
Bondarev does not rule out that Washington could agree with Moscow in the end .
`` Despite the blatantly negative treatment of Russia by American authorities , I would not rule out a possible agreement .
Americans are barely guided by emotions , they are all about their profit , while the profit of temporary extending the New START is clear to everyone and does not run counter to national interests of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans can stage a so-called demarche just because , to uphold their global image .
They can continue to manipulate this document now as they did with the INF Treaty , '' he added .
`` However , we need to understand that even if Americans listen to the voice of reason and agree to extend New START by one year or even longer , it will still have to be changed .
The horizon of its effect can be clearly seen , because the treaty is bilateral , it limits nuclear arsenals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We can not but take into account the changes that took place in the technical equipment of other nuclear power holders , including NATO members among them , '' Bondarev explained .
Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington to speed up the decision on whether to extend New START , characterizing this fundamental treaty as gold standard in arms control .
On October 16 , Putin proposed extending the treaty by at least one year without any preconditions .
US President Donald Trump ’ s administration earlier suggested expanding the treaty to include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea .
Meanwhile , Biden openly supported extending New START when campaigning .

MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. The Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START) between Russia and the United States will still have to be dismantled and changed for another similar treaty due to military breakthroughs in nuclear powers even if its extension can be secured now, Russian senator Viktor Bondarev said in an interview with TASS.
"New START remains in force until February 5, 2021 if it’s not substituted by another agreement. It can be extended until 2026 at the most under mutual agreement. In any case, it will have to be annulled with time and changed for a more updated document that is similar in contents, will reflect changes in geopolitical realities and will take into account the breakthroughs in the military and technical equipment of certain third parties. I mean hypothetical involvement of China and other nuclear club members in the new treaty," Bondarev underlined.
At the same time, the senator stressed that it is vital now to realize the proposal of Russian President Vladimir Putin to extend New START by a year without preconditions to have the opportunity to work out all the parameters of the agreement that will substitute the current one in the future. Bondarev does not rule out that Washington could agree with Moscow in the end.
"Despite the blatantly negative treatment of Russia by American authorities, I would not rule out a possible agreement. Americans are barely guided by emotions, they are all about their profit, while the profit of temporary extending the New START is clear to everyone and does not run counter to national interests of any countries. At the same time, Americans can stage a so-called demarche just because, to uphold their global image. They can continue to manipulate this document now as they did with the INF Treaty," he added.
"However, we need to understand that even if Americans listen to the voice of reason and agree to extend New START by one year or even longer, it will still have to be changed. The horizon of its effect can be clearly seen, because the treaty is bilateral, it limits nuclear arsenals of only Russia and the US. We cannot but take into account the changes that took place in the technical equipment of other nuclear power holders, including NATO members among them," Bondarev explained.
New START
Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington to speed up the decision on whether to extend New START, characterizing this fundamental treaty as gold standard in arms control. On October 16, Putin proposed extending the treaty by at least one year without any preconditions.
US President Donald Trump’s administration earlier suggested expanding the treaty to include China. However, Beijing rejected this idea. Meanwhile, Biden openly supported extending New START when campaigning.


tass--2020-12-29--Senator certain Russian peacekeepers’ presence in Karabakh will ensure lasting peace

MOSCOW , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
The deployment of Russian peacekeepers to Nagorno-Karabakh will ensure durable peace in the region , Head of the Russian Federation Council ( upper house ) Defense and Security Committee Viktor Bondarev said in an interview with TASS .
`` The presence of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh will ensure peace in the region in the long run .
It is not the first time that Russia plays a pivotal role in resolving conflicts between our nearest neighbors .
We deeply respect both warring parties and wish them good luck and prosperity , which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
According to the senator , the trilateral agreement reached by Russia , Armenia and Azerbaijan `` ended the fratricidal war in Nagorno-Karabakh and made it possible to prevent more bloodshed . ''
`` Azerbaijan agreed to a complete ceasefire and the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to the line of contact between the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops .
Armenia , for its part , made major concessions along the ‘ security belt ’ in order to save the lives of residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and maintain control over most of the territory , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the end of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh .
We hope that it will be a turning point in the course of the long-term standoff and that it will pave the way for lasting peace in the region .
I am confident that Russian peacekeepers will fulfill their tasks with honor and dignity , '' the senator added .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
Baku and Yerevan have disputed sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh since February 1988 , when the region declared secession from the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic .
In the armed conflict of 1992-1994 , Azerbaijan lost control of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjoining districts .

MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. The deployment of Russian peacekeepers to Nagorno-Karabakh will ensure durable peace in the region, Head of the Russian Federation Council (upper house) Defense and Security Committee Viktor Bondarev said in an interview with TASS.
"The presence of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh will ensure peace in the region in the long run. It is not the first time that Russia plays a pivotal role in resolving conflicts between our nearest neighbors. We deeply respect both warring parties and wish them good luck and prosperity, which are impossible during the war," he said.
According to the senator, the trilateral agreement reached by Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan "ended the fratricidal war in Nagorno-Karabakh and made it possible to prevent more bloodshed." "Azerbaijan agreed to a complete ceasefire and the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to the line of contact between the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops. Armenia, for its part, made major concessions along the ‘security belt’ in order to save the lives of residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and maintain control over most of the territory," Bondarev stressed.
"Everyone benefits from the end of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. We hope that it will be a turning point in the course of the long-term standoff and that it will pave the way for lasting peace in the region. I am confident that Russian peacekeepers will fulfill their tasks with honor and dignity," the senator added.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region.
Baku and Yerevan have disputed sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh since February 1988, when the region declared secession from the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic. In the armed conflict of 1992-1994, Azerbaijan lost control of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjoining districts.


tass--2020-12-29--Colombia’s coronavirus caseload surpasses 1.6 mln

BOGOTA , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
Colombia ’ s Ministry of Social Protection registered 9,310 new COVID-19 cases in the past day and the country ’ s total caseload hit 1,603,807 .
`` On December 28 , we confirmed 13,066 recoveries , 9,310 new cases of infection and 203 fatalities in Colombia .
In total , the number of recoveries reached 1,469,041 , the number of patients with COVID-19 hit 1,603,807 and the death toll is 42,374 , '' the ministry wrote on its Twitter page .
Since the start of the epidemic in Bogota a total of 455,240 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported its first coronavirus case on March 6 .
President Ivan Duque declared a 30-day state of emergency on March 17 .
The country ’ s authorities later banned international flights and imposed a nationwide lockdown between March 24 and April 13 .
On September 1 , the measures of selective isolation were introduced in the country .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

BOGOTA, December 29. /TASS/. Colombia’s Ministry of Social Protection registered 9,310 new COVID-19 cases in the past day and the country’s total caseload hit 1,603,807.
"On December 28, we confirmed 13,066 recoveries, 9,310 new cases of infection and 203 fatalities in Colombia. In total, the number of recoveries reached 1,469,041, the number of patients with COVID-19 hit 1,603,807 and the death toll is 42,374," the ministry wrote on its Twitter page.
Since the start of the epidemic in Bogota a total of 455,240 COVID-19 cases have been registered.
Colombia reported its first coronavirus case on March 6. President Ivan Duque declared a 30-day state of emergency on March 17. The country’s authorities later banned international flights and imposed a nationwide lockdown between March 24 and April 13. On September 1, the measures of selective isolation were introduced in the country.
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--2020-12-29--Argentina reports over 300,000 applications for vaccination with Russia’s Sputnik V

`` As of now , 315,000 people have applied to get the vaccine .
As part of the nationwide [ vaccination ] campaign , which will be launched simultaneously across the entire country tomorrow [ on Tuesday ] , some 600 vaccination centers will be working in Buenos Aires , '' the statement said .
BUENOS AIRES , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
More than 300,000 citizens of Argentina ’ s largest province of Buenos Aires have applied for receiving Russia ’ s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine , the regional government ’ s press service said .
All citizens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special website .
However , at the first stage only medical workers will get the jab , according to the authorities .
`` At the next stage , law enforcement personnel and people working in the education sector as well as persons over 60 and from 18 to 59 years of age with chronic diseases will be included . ''
The first batch of Sputnik V to the tune of 300,000 doses arrived in Argentina on December 24 .
The Buenos Aires province received 123,000 doses and 23,100 doses were distributed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent to other Argentine regions .
Vaccination is due to kick off across the entire country at 09:00 on Tuesday .
Priority will be given to medical personnel working in intensive care units .
Earlier , the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the government of Argentina signed a contract to deliver 10 mln doses of the Sputnik V vaccine .

"As of now, 315,000 people have applied to get the vaccine. As part of the nationwide [vaccination] campaign, which will be launched simultaneously across the entire country tomorrow [on Tuesday], some 600 vaccination centers will be working in Buenos Aires," the statement said.
BUENOS AIRES, December 29. /TASS/. More than 300,000 citizens of Argentina’s largest province of Buenos Aires have applied for receiving Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, the regional government’s press service said.
All citizens of the region can apply for vaccination on a special website. However, at the first stage only medical workers will get the jab, according to the authorities. "At the next stage, law enforcement personnel and people working in the education sector as well as persons over 60 and from 18 to 59 years of age with chronic diseases will be included."
The first batch of Sputnik V to the tune of 300,000 doses arrived in Argentina on December 24. The Buenos Aires province received 123,000 doses and 23,100 doses were distributed in the capital. The remaining part was sent to other Argentine regions. Vaccination is due to kick off across the entire country at 09:00 on Tuesday. Priority will be given to medical personnel working in intensive care units.
Earlier, the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the government of Argentina signed a contract to deliver 10 mln doses of the Sputnik V vaccine.


tass--2020-12-29--Kazakhstan’s COVID-19 case tally exceeds 153,000

NUR-SULTAN , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
Kazakhstan ’ s doctors registered 739 new coronavirus cases in the past day , six more than a day earlier , and the total caseload hit 153,199 , the government ’ s commission for preventing the coronavirus spread reported on Tuesday .
In the past eight days some 733-776 new cases were reported .
Some 0.8 % of the republic ’ s 18.8 mln population were infected .
The coronavirus spread rate stood at 1.01 during this period .
The highest daily case tally of 1,962 was registered on July 9 .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 140,684 people recovered , including 841 in the past day .
The total death toll from the coronavirus has hit 2,259 .
As of December 24 , a total of 5,250,104 COVID-19 tests have been carried out in the Central Asian republic .
Some 2.9 % of those who passed tests were infected .
On August 1 , the Kazakh Health Ministry changed its method for counting coronavirus cases .
Apart from confirmed COVID-19 patients , the data now includes patients diagnosed with pneumonia who test negative for the coronavirus but have symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45,442 such cases and 490 deaths were recorded in the country as of December 28 .
A state of coronavirus emergency was in effect in Kazakhstan between March 16 and May 11 .
Due to a rise in infections , the country ’ s authorities introduced a number of additional quarantine restrictions on July 5 .
The gradual easing of restrictions began on August 17 .
However , restrictions were tightened in the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty in mid-October , as well as in some other regions of the country , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On December 20 , Kazakhstan tightened quarantine measures on December 25-January 5 , banning the New Year morning performances and office parties .

NUR-SULTAN, December 29. /TASS/. Kazakhstan’s doctors registered 739 new coronavirus cases in the past day, six more than a day earlier, and the total caseload hit 153,199, the government’s commission for preventing the coronavirus spread reported on Tuesday.
In the past eight days some 733-776 new cases were reported. Some 0.8% of the republic’s 18.8 mln population were infected. The coronavirus spread rate stood at 1.01 during this period. The highest daily case tally of 1,962 was registered on July 9.
According to the commission, a total of 140,684 people recovered, including 841 in the past day. The total death toll from the coronavirus has hit 2,259.
As of December 24, a total of 5,250,104 COVID-19 tests have been carried out in the Central Asian republic. Some 2.9% of those who passed tests were infected.
On August 1, the Kazakh Health Ministry changed its method for counting coronavirus cases. Apart from confirmed COVID-19 patients, the data now includes patients diagnosed with pneumonia who test negative for the coronavirus but have symptoms similar to COVID-19. As many as 45,442 such cases and 490 deaths were recorded in the country as of December 28.
A state of coronavirus emergency was in effect in Kazakhstan between March 16 and May 11. Due to a rise in infections, the country’s authorities introduced a number of additional quarantine restrictions on July 5. The gradual easing of restrictions began on August 17. However, restrictions were tightened in the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty in mid-October, as well as in some other regions of the country, in order to prevent a second coronavirus wave. On December 20, Kazakhstan tightened quarantine measures on December 25-January 5, banning the New Year morning performances and office parties.


tass--2020-12-29--Over 5,000 explosive devices defused in Caucasus in 2020

ROSTOV-ON-DON , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
Over 5,000 explosive devices were defused in the North and South Caucasus in @ @ @ @ @ of Russia 's South Military District said in a statement on Tuesday .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ mobile demining units found and deactivated more than 5,000 explosive devices in 2020 .
They @ @ @ @ @ by draft offices based in North Ossetia , Chechnya , Dagestan , Ingushetia , Kabardino-Balkaria @ @ @ @ @ the statement reads .
According to the South Military District , mine clearance activities involved @ @ @ @ @ out in accordance with demining rules and safety regulations .

ROSTOV-ON-DON, December 29. /TASS/. Over 5,000 explosive devices were defused in the North and South Caucasus in 2020, the press service of Russia's South Military District said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The South Military District’s mobile demining units found and deactivated more than 5,000 explosive devices in 2020. They processed over 230 requests filed by draft offices based in North Ossetia, Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria and South Ossetia," the statement reads.
According to the South Military District, mine clearance activities involved trained dogs and were carried out in accordance with demining rules and safety regulations.


tass--2020-12-29--Fenty Skin Global Retail Launch

Fenty Skin Global Retail Launch

SAN FRANCISCO , December 29 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ .
Fenty Skin – Rihanna 's debut skincare brand – will now be available in Sephora , Boots and Harvey Nichols in select locations around the world starting December 26 , 2020 .
Rihanna developed Fenty Skin in partnership with Kendo Brands , a LVMH-owned beauty developer , earlier this year with an unwavering mission to provide simple solutions for all skin tones and types .
With this expansion , Fenty Skin will become even more accessible to even more consumers with locations in 30 countries .
Fenty Skin represents The New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncomplicated , effective skincare for all .
Every multitasking product is easy to use and packed with benefits .
It 's all designed to complement Fenty Beauty makeup and has been tested on all skin types and tones to work seamlessly together .
With Fenty Skin 's retail expansion , shoppers can easily navigate and enjoy both Fenty Skin and Fenty Beauty all under the same roof .
Inspired by her global lifestyle , Rihanna brings together ingredients from around the world and pairs them with skincare powerhouses , such as hyaluronic acid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She 's prioritized clean formulas that are also vegan , cruelty-free , gluten-free and earth-conscious : The daytime moisturizer-spf is coral reef-friendly , and the packaging has prioritized recyclable materials and smart refillable packs that still feel luxurious .
Plus , she 's elevated the entire experience with supple , unique textures and warm , delicious , clean scents .
With Fenty Skin , Rihanna shares her real-life skincare routines for achieving a bright , healthy-looking complexion for both morning and night .
• Total Cleans ' r Remove-It-All Cleanser ( $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleanser in one with a creamy lather to remove dirt , oil , and longwear makeup without drying out the skin .
• Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum ( $ 28 ) , a game-changing toner-serum hybrid that targets pores , improves the look of dark spots , brightens , smooths , and fights shine—all without stripping skin .
• Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen ( $ 35 , refill $ 30 ) , a moisturizer and sunscreen in one that 's lightweight , oil-free , and truly invisible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pink hue .
It claps back at dehydration , discoloration , and dark spots , and is makeup-friendly - no pilling or flashback .
Plus , it 's refillable .
• Instant Reset Overnight Recovery Gel-Cream ( $ 40 ; refill $ 36 ) , a rich gel-cream moisturizer that instantly hydrates , reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a fresher , brighter complexion in the morning .
In just one week , pores and dark spots look better , too .
Plus , it 's refillable .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 40 ) , a 3-piece set containing Total Cleans ' r , Fat Water , and Hydra Vizor in travel-size minis .

SAN FRANCISCO, December 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/. Fenty Skin – Rihanna's debut skincare brand – will now be available in Sephora, Boots and Harvey Nichols in select locations around the world starting December 26, 2020. Rihanna developed Fenty Skin in partnership with Kendo Brands, a LVMH-owned beauty developer, earlier this year with an unwavering mission to provide simple solutions for all skin tones and types. With this expansion, Fenty Skin will become even more accessible to even more consumers with locations in 30 countries.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8833951-rihanna-fenty-skin-global-retail-launch/
Fenty Skin represents The New Culture of Skincare, providing clean, uncomplicated, effective skincare for all. Every multitasking product is easy to use and packed with benefits. It's all designed to complement Fenty Beauty makeup and has been tested on all skin types and tones to work seamlessly together. With Fenty Skin's retail expansion, shoppers can easily navigate and enjoy both Fenty Skin and Fenty Beauty all under the same roof.
Inspired by her global lifestyle, Rihanna brings together ingredients from around the world and pairs them with skincare powerhouses, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, for clinically proven results. She's prioritized clean formulas that are also vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and earth-conscious: The daytime moisturizer-spf is coral reef-friendly, and the packaging has prioritized recyclable materials and smart refillable packs that still feel luxurious. Plus, she's elevated the entire experience with supple, unique textures and warm, delicious, clean scents. With Fenty Skin, Rihanna shares her real-life skincare routines for achieving a bright, healthy-looking complexion for both morning and night.
The Fenty Skin assortment includes:
Total Cleans'r Remove-It-All Cleanser ($25), a makeup remover and cleanser in one with a creamy lather to remove dirt, oil, and longwear makeup without drying out the skin.
($25), a makeup remover and cleanser in one with a creamy lather to remove dirt, oil, and longwear makeup without drying out the skin. Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum ($28), a game-changing toner-serum hybrid that targets pores, improves the look of dark spots, brightens, smooths, and fights shine—all without stripping skin.
($28), a game-changing toner-serum hybrid that targets pores, improves the look of dark spots, brightens, smooths, and fights shine—all without stripping skin. Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen ($35, refill $30), a moisturizer and sunscreen in one that's lightweight, oil-free, and truly invisible on all skin tones with its subtle pink hue. It claps back at dehydration, discoloration, and dark spots, and is makeup-friendly - no pilling or flashback. Plus, it's refillable.
($35, refill $30), a moisturizer and sunscreen in one that's lightweight, oil-free, and truly invisible on all skin tones with its subtle pink hue. It claps back at dehydration, discoloration, and dark spots, and is makeup-friendly - no pilling or flashback. Plus, it's refillable. Instant Reset Overnight Recovery Gel-Cream ($40; refill $36), a rich gel-cream moisturizer that instantly hydrates, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a fresher, brighter complexion in the morning. In just one week, pores and dark spots look better, too. Plus, it's refillable.
($40; refill $36), a rich gel-cream moisturizer that instantly hydrates, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a fresher, brighter complexion in the morning. In just one week, pores and dark spots look better, too. Plus, it's refillable. Fenty Skin Start'r Set ($40), a 3-piece set containing Total Cleans'r, Fat Water, and Hydra Vizor in travel-size minis.
Contact info: PR Contacts: Ali Bucky Dishi, BOLD PR; ali@boldpr.com; or Natalie Krause, BOLD PR; Natalie@boldpr.com


tass--2020-12-29--UnionPay with Solidarnost Bank and Huawei to Encourage Contactless Payment in Russia

MOSCOW , Dec. 29 .
/PRNewswire/ .
UnionPay International ( UPI ) today announces that UnionPay cardholders using their HUAWEI or HONOR smartphones with Solidarnost Bank can now make contactless payments with HUAWEI Pay in Russia .
The cooperation is a strategic move from UPI that follows the surging trend of the global contactless payment industry and accelerates the development of international mobile payment services .
As Russia is among those countries and regions with the highest number of contactless payment transactions , UPI in partnership with HUAWEI and major local banks , has been accelerating the localization of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Huawei Pay in the country .
The cooperation makes Solidarnost Bank the fourth bank in Russia to launch HUAWEI Pay with UPI .
`` We are very glad to further extend our cooperation with Solidarnost Bank to introduce HUAWEI Pay to the Russian market , '' said Xia Yu , Head of UnionPay International Russia Branch .
`` We hope that Solidarnost Bank cardholders can enjoy the convenience and security brought by the HUAWEI Pay service and UnionPay payment system . ''
To use this service , Solidarnost Bank UnionPay cardholders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is also available in the AppGallery branded app store .
By adding the registered UnionPay card , cardholders can make purchases by simply tapping the phone at terminals that support UnionPay Mobile QuickPass with an authentication of a password or a fingerprint .
Users of HUAWEI Pay can also avail of a wide variety of privileges and promotions applicable to UnionPay contactless cardholders , including gifts and discounts of up to 70 percent in multiple categories including restaurants , hotels , entertainment , transportation , and many others .
About Solidarnost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest Russian financial institutions with a Rating B + ( RU ) and forecast as Stable .
It is among the most reliable banks in Russia , winning awards for achievements in the field of economics and finance at regional and federal levels .
Solidarnost Bank has developed relations with partners abroad , improved its product line , and expanded its geographical presence .
A regional network is already operating in Samara , branches and additional offices have been opened in Moscow , St. Petersburg , Irkutsk , Yekaterinburg , Vladivostok , Blagoveshchensk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International UnionPay is an international payment system founded in 2002 .
UnionPay International is focused on the growth and support of UnionPay 's global business .
Now UnionPay payment acceptance network has expanded to 179 countries and regions , and 63 countries and regions have issued UnionPay cards .
In Russia , UnionPay cards are accepted in over 95 % of POS terminals and ATMs .
Over 1.6 million POS terminals accept UnionPay cards with QuickPass contactless payment technology , and over 3 million UnionPay cards have been issued in Russia .
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services are available in more than 170 countries and are used by one third of the world 's population , making HUAWEI one of the three leading smartphone manufacturers worldwide .
The company has opened 14 research centers in countries such as the USA , Germany , Sweden , Russia , India and China .
The advantages of the HUAWEI global network , the volume of operations worldwide and the developed partner network are based on 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry .
More information on the website shop.HUAWEI.com/ru , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouTube , OK , Instagram and Twitter .

MOSCOW, Dec. 29. /PRNewswire/. UnionPay International (UPI) today announces that UnionPay cardholders using their HUAWEI or HONOR smartphones with Solidarnost Bank can now make contactless payments with HUAWEI Pay in Russia. The cooperation is a strategic move from UPI that follows the surging trend of the global contactless payment industry and accelerates the development of international mobile payment services.
As Russia is among those countries and regions with the highest number of contactless payment transactions, UPI in partnership with HUAWEI and major local banks, has been accelerating the localization of its mobile contactless payment, UnoionPay Mobile QuickPass, with Huawei Pay in the country. The cooperation makes Solidarnost Bank the fourth bank in Russia to launch HUAWEI Pay with UPI.
"We are very glad to further extend our cooperation with Solidarnost Bank to introduce HUAWEI Pay to the Russian market," said Xia Yu, Head of UnionPay International Russia Branch. "We hope that Solidarnost Bank cardholders can enjoy the convenience and security brought by the HUAWEI Pay service and UnionPay payment system."
To use this service, Solidarnost Bank UnionPay cardholders need to install the HUAWEI Wallet application, which is also available in the AppGallery branded app store. By adding the registered UnionPay card, cardholders can make purchases by simply tapping the phone at terminals that support UnionPay Mobile QuickPass with an authentication of a password or a fingerprint.
Users of HUAWEI Pay can also avail of a wide variety of privileges and promotions applicable to UnionPay contactless cardholders, including gifts and discounts of up to 70 percent in multiple categories including restaurants, hotels, entertainment, transportation, and many others.
About Solidarnost Bank
Solidarnost Bank ranks high among the largest Russian financial institutions with a Rating B +(RU) and forecast as Stable. It is among the most reliable banks in Russia, winning awards for achievements in the field of economics and finance at regional and federal levels. Solidarnost Bank has developed relations with partners abroad, improved its product line, and expanded its geographical presence. A regional network is already operating in Samara, branches and additional offices have been opened in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, Yekaterinburg, Vladivostok, Blagoveshchensk, and Naberezhnye Chelny.
About UnionPay International
UnionPay is an international payment system founded in 2002. UnionPay International is focused on the growth and support of UnionPay's global business. Now UnionPay payment acceptance network has expanded to 179 countries and regions, and 63 countries and regions have issued UnionPay cards. In Russia, UnionPay cards are accepted in over 95% of POS terminals and ATMs. Over 1.6 million POS terminals accept UnionPay cards with QuickPass contactless payment technology, and over 3 million UnionPay cards have been issued in Russia.
About HUAWEI Consumer Business Group
HUAWEI products and services are available in more than 170 countries and are used by one third of the world's population, making HUAWEI one of the three leading smartphone manufacturers worldwide. The company has opened 14 research centers in countries such as the USA, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India and China. The advantages of the HUAWEI global network, the volume of operations worldwide and the developed partner network are based on 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. More information on the website shop.HUAWEI.com/ru, as well as on Facebook, VKontakte, YouTube, OK, Instagram and Twitter.
CONTACT: Anna Stepanova, +79639200377, Stepanova@unionpayintl.com


tass--2020-12-29--Sino-Russian Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition 2020  Finals Successfully Ended

LIUZHOU , China , December 29 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ .
On December 22 , the Sino-Russian Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition 2020 ( South-West region ) Grand Final was successfully held , and the project `` Improvement of economic indicators of combustion by means of electromagnetic fields '' from D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia finally won the first prize of the competition .
Under the deployment of `` 2020 and 2021 Sino-Russian Year of Science and Technology Innovation '' , Sino-Russian Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition 2020 ( South-West region ) is organized by the Department of Science and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-organized by Liuzhou Northern Ecological New Area Management Committee , Liuzhou New Silk Road Technology Transfer Institute Co. Ltd and Sanya New Engineering Technology Co .
The initial purpose of establishing the competition is to build a cooperation brand linking China-Russia technology exchange and personnel interaction , to explore a testable , replicable and sustainable China-Russia science and technology innovation service ecosystem .
Since the competition was launched in October , 91 outstanding projects from China and Russia have been registered .
The industrial direction of the projects involves new materials , new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other frontier technology fields in China and Russia , and more than half of the projects have been authorized by Chinese/Russian national patents , have formed products and prototypes , and have the prospect of market application and industrialization .
After the fierce competition in the preliminary and second rounds , 12 projects entered the final round .
Under the evaluation of the jury consisting of academicians of the Russian Academy of Engineering , teams of professors from Russian and Chinese universities and representatives of investment enterprises , one first prize , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and six excellent project prizes were finally awarded .
Other competitions of the Sino-Russian Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition will be held one after another to further close the scientific and humanistic exchanges between Russia and China , thus injecting a stronger impetus to the cooperation and development of the two countries ' economies and laying a more solid foundation for the friendly relations between China and Russia .
CONTACT : Liuzhou New Silk Road Technology Transfer Institute Co. Ltd , Xueqi Zhu , +86-13105171987 , cr_iec @ 163.com

LIUZHOU, China, December 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/. On December 22, the Sino-Russian Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition 2020 (South-West region) Grand Final was successfully held, and the project "Improvement of economic indicators of combustion by means of electromagnetic fields" from D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia finally won the first prize of the competition.
Under the deployment of "2020 and 2021 Sino-Russian Year of Science and Technology Innovation", Sino-Russian Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition 2020 (South-West region) is organized by the Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and co-organized by Liuzhou Northern Ecological New Area Management Committee, Liuzhou New Silk Road Technology Transfer Institute Co. Ltd and Sanya New Engineering Technology Co. The initial purpose of establishing the competition is to build a cooperation brand linking China-Russia technology exchange and personnel interaction, to explore a testable, replicable and sustainable China-Russia science and technology innovation service ecosystem.
Since the competition was launched in October, 91 outstanding projects from China and Russia have been registered. The industrial direction of the projects involves new materials, new energy, intelligent manufacturing, intelligent construction and other frontier technology fields in China and Russia, and more than half of the projects have been authorized by Chinese/Russian national patents, have formed products and prototypes, and have the prospect of market application and industrialization. After the fierce competition in the preliminary and second rounds, 12 projects entered the final round. Under the evaluation of the jury consisting of academicians of the Russian Academy of Engineering, teams of professors from Russian and Chinese universities and representatives of investment enterprises, one first prize, two second prizes, three third prizes and six excellent project prizes were finally awarded.
Other competitions of the Sino-Russian Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition will be held one after another to further close the scientific and humanistic exchanges between Russia and China, thus injecting a stronger impetus to the cooperation and development of the two countries' economies and laying a more solid foundation for the friendly relations between China and Russia.
CONTACT: Liuzhou New Silk Road Technology Transfer Institute Co. Ltd, Xueqi Zhu, +86-13105171987, cr_iec@163.com


tass--2020-12-29--Russian envoy to China hopes passenger flow will start stabilizing by summer

BEIJING , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov expressed hope on Tuesday that the passenger flow between Russia and China will start stabilizing by summer 2021 .
`` Now the passenger service between China and Russia has been nearly fully halted , '' Denisov told a special news conference .
According to Denisov , Russian citizens need a visa to come to China and Chinese nationals also should get a visa .
`` Currently , the visa issuance on both sides - except for special cases - has been nearly fully stopped .
This significantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambassador noted .
`` Now the situation looks so but we watch the forecasts by specialists and all of us hope very much that maybe by the spring or closer to the summer [ 2021 ] the situation will start normalizing compared with what we have got right now , '' Denisov said .
`` And then while keeping the necessary control measures and quarantine conditions in place people will be able to get a visa and pass certain control and come to China and from China to Russia .
In any case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this , '' he said .

BEIJING, December 29. /TASS/. Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov expressed hope on Tuesday that the passenger flow between Russia and China will start stabilizing by summer 2021.
"Now the passenger service between China and Russia has been nearly fully halted," Denisov told a special news conference.
According to Denisov, Russian citizens need a visa to come to China and Chinese nationals also should get a visa. "Currently, the visa issuance on both sides - except for special cases - has been nearly fully stopped. This significantly decreased our passenger flow," the ambassador noted.
"Now the situation looks so but we watch the forecasts by specialists and all of us hope very much that maybe by the spring or closer to the summer [2021] the situation will start normalizing compared with what we have got right now," Denisov said.
"And then while keeping the necessary control measures and quarantine conditions in place people will be able to get a visa and pass certain control and come to China and from China to Russia. In any case, all of us are looking forward to this," he said.


tass--2020-12-30--Pharmaceutical company requests permission for Sputnik V trials in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Brazilian pharmaceutical company Uniao quimica , a partner of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) , has filed a request to the country ’ s national sanitary watchdog Anvisa for Phase 3 clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine .
`` Late on Tuesday ( 29/12 ) , Anvisa received a request for permission to hold Phase 3 clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine .
The request was filed by the Uniao quimica lab .
< … > Anvisa will analyze the research protocol within 72 hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said late on Tuesday .
The agency reaffirmed that national trials are obligatory for obtaining state registration for any medicine in Brazil .
According to Anvisa , a series of meetings with representatives of Uniao quimica took place in recent weeks .
During these talks , the regulator was informed about details of the future research , including how many volunteers will take part in the trials and what institutions will offer a scientific base for the research .
So far , Brazil 's National Health Surveillance Agency ( Anvisa ) has approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country : Sinovac Biotech , AstraZeneca , Pfizer and Janssen-Cilag .
In late October , the Russian Direct Investment Fund announced that it , together with the Brazilian company Uniao Quimica Farmaceutica Nacional , had submitted to Anvisa a preliminary set of documents to register Sputnik V. The documents were filed to the Brazilian regulator on October 29 , 2020 , the fund said .

RIO DE JANEIRO, December 30. /TASS/. Brazilian pharmaceutical company Uniao quimica, a partner of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), has filed a request to the country’s national sanitary watchdog Anvisa for Phase 3 clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine.
"Late on Tuesday (29/12), Anvisa received a request for permission to hold Phase 3 clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine. The request was filed by the Uniao quimica lab. <…> Anvisa will analyze the research protocol within 72 hours," the watchdog’s press service said late on Tuesday.
The agency reaffirmed that national trials are obligatory for obtaining state registration for any medicine in Brazil.
According to Anvisa, a series of meetings with representatives of Uniao quimica took place in recent weeks. During these talks, the regulator was informed about details of the future research, including how many volunteers will take part in the trials and what institutions will host the studies.
So far, Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has approved clinical trials of four COVID-19 vaccines in the country: Sinovac Biotech, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Janssen-Cilag. In late October, the Russian Direct Investment Fund announced that it, together with the Brazilian company Uniao Quimica Farmaceutica Nacional, had submitted to Anvisa a preliminary set of documents to register Sputnik V. The documents were filed to the Brazilian regulator on October 29, 2020, the fund said.


tass--2020-12-30--Russian Defense Ministry expects S-500 air defense system to enter service in 2021

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia plans to complete the trials of its state-of-the-art S-500 surface-to-air missile/anti-ballistic missile system and introduce it into service in 2021 , Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper published on Wednesday .
`` Next year , it is planned to complete trials and introduce into service the S-500 missile system and the Voronezh radar that works in the meter range of wavelengths , '' Krivoruchko said .
Earlier , the official said that serial deliveries of S-500 are scheduled to begin in 2025 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ view of its operation in the next 25 years .
As the Western media reported , the new Russian missile system struck the target at a range of 481.2 km , which is 80 km longer than compared to any missile system currently in service .
Long-range radars are the backbone of the early warning system .
They detect intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBM ) and track most of their flight trajectory .
The radars transmit the data to missile defense which fires when the missile is at a proper distance for interception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning radars has three options : Voronezh-M ( meter band ) , Voronezh-DM ( decimeter band ) , Voronezh-SM ( centimeter band ) .
The three radars operate in a single system .
The meter radars have the longest range .
Decimeter and centimeter stations determine target parameters and type more accurately .
Seven Voronezh radars are currently on combat duty in Leningrad , Kaliningrad , Irkutsk , Orenburg , Krasnodar , Krasnoyarsk and Altai regions .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Russia plans to complete the trials of its state-of-the-art S-500 surface-to-air missile/anti-ballistic missile system and introduce it into service in 2021, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper published on Wednesday.
"Next year, it is planned to complete trials and introduce into service the S-500 missile system and the Voronezh radar that works in the meter range of wavelengths," Krivoruchko said.
Earlier, the official said that serial deliveries of S-500 are scheduled to begin in 2025.
Russia is developing the S-500 with a view of its operation in the next 25 years. As the Western media reported, the new Russian missile system struck the target at a range of 481.2 km, which is 80 km longer than compared to any missile system currently in service.
Long-range radars are the backbone of the early warning system. They detect intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and track most of their flight trajectory. The radars transmit the data to missile defense which fires when the missile is at a proper distance for interception.
The Voronezh family of Russian early warning radars has three options: Voronezh-M (meter band), Voronezh-DM (decimeter band), Voronezh-SM (centimeter band). The three radars operate in a single system. The meter radars have the longest range. Decimeter and centimeter stations determine target parameters and type more accurately. Seven Voronezh radars are currently on combat duty in Leningrad, Kaliningrad, Irkutsk, Orenburg, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk and Altai regions.


tass--2020-12-30--Flight trials of Russia’s Sarmat ICBM to begin soon — deputy minister

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Flight trials of Russia ’ s Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) @ @ @ @ @ future , Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an interview with the Krasnaya @ @ @ @ @ now , ejection tests of the Sarmat ICBM have already been completed with a positive @ @ @ @ @ future , we will launch flight trials of this missile system , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ Ministry board meeting on December 21 , Russian Defense Minister Army Gen. Sergei Shoigu said @ @ @ @ @ a testing range for Sarmat flight trials in Siberia ’ s Krasnoyarsk Territory .
A @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin said at his annual press conference that the development of Sarmat had @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Flight trials of Russia’s Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) will begin in the near future, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
"By now, ejection tests of the Sarmat ICBM have already been completed with a positive result. In the near future, we will launch flight trials of this missile system," he said.
During a Russian Defense Ministry board meeting on December 21, Russian Defense Minister Army Gen. Sergei Shoigu said the ministry planned to create a testing range for Sarmat flight trials in Siberia’s Krasnoyarsk Territory.
A few days earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his annual press conference that the development of Sarmat had entered its final stage.


tass--2020-12-30--More than 444,000 new COVID-19 cases registered worldwide — WHO

GENEVA , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
More than 444,000 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection have been recorded globally in the past day , pushing the total case count to 80.15 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday .
According to the WHO updates , coronavirus-related deaths increased by over 9,000 to exceed 1.77 million .
As of 20:41 Moscow time on December 29 , the organization was notified about 80,155,187 cases of the disease and 1,771,128 deaths all over the world .
The number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours , and the number of fatalities increased by 9,035 .
The WHO statistics are based only on officially confirmed data provided by countries .
South and North America account for more than 45 % of new COVID-19 cases reported to the WHO in the past 24 hours ( 202,251 ) .
Europe goes second ( 176,862 cases ) followed by South East Asia ( 25,389 ) .
The hardest-hit countries are the United States ( 18,972,813 ) , followed by India ( 10,224,303 ) , Brazil ( 3,105,037 ) , Russia ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the UK ( 2,329,734 ) , Italy ( 2,056,277 ) , Spain ( 1,879,413 ) , Germany ( 1,664,726 ) , Colombia ( 1,594,497 ) , Argentina ( 1,583,927 ) and Mexico ( 1,383,434 ) .

GENEVA, December 30. /TASS/. More than 444,000 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection have been recorded globally in the past day, pushing the total case count to 80.15 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday.
According to the WHO updates, coronavirus-related deaths increased by over 9,000 to exceed 1.77 million.
As of 20:41 Moscow time on December 29, the organization was notified about 80,155,187 cases of the disease and 1,771,128 deaths all over the world. The number of confirmed cases grew by 444,437 in the past 24 hours, and the number of fatalities increased by 9,035.
The WHO statistics are based only on officially confirmed data provided by countries.
South and North America account for more than 45% of new COVID-19 cases reported to the WHO in the past 24 hours (202,251). Europe goes second (176,862 cases) followed by South East Asia (25,389).
The hardest-hit countries are the United States (18,972,813), followed by India (10,224,303), Brazil (3,105,037), Russia (3,105,037), France (2,519,105), the UK (2,329,734), Italy (2,056,277), Spain (1,879,413), Germany (1,664,726), Colombia (1,594,497), Argentina (1,583,927) and Mexico (1,383,434).


tass--2020-12-30--Launch of Nauka module scheduled for May 2021, but can be postponed to July

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The launch of the Nauka multi-functional laboratory module to the International Space Station is scheduled for May 2021 , but can be postponed to July if necessary , Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday .
`` So far , we are still eyeing the May launch window , '' he said in an interview with the Komsomolskaya Pravda radio .
`` But in case of any concerns , even slightest ones , we will not take chances .
We have no right to put the launch at risk now .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to July . ''
According to the Russian space official , the Nauka module project now proceeds according to the schedule .
Khrunichev Space Center Deputy CEO for Production Khokhlov said on July 31 that the research module would undergo a cycle of tests at the Baikonur space center before its launch to the ISS .
All launch preparations would take nine months , he added .
In his words , the stage of electrical tests takes about six months , with all preparations included .
Another three months will be necessary for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fueling and other operations .
The Nauka multi-functional laboratory module can generate oxygen for six people and regenerate water from the urine .
The Nauka will provide a second toilet for Russian cosmonauts ( the first is located in the Zvezda module ) and a room for the third crewmember .
It will also use the European Robotic Arm ( ERA ) that will help perform certain operations without spacewalks .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The launch of the Nauka multi-functional laboratory module to the International Space Station is scheduled for May 2021, but can be postponed to July if necessary, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday.
"So far, we are still eyeing the May launch window," he said in an interview with the Komsomolskaya Pravda radio. "But in case of any concerns, even the slightest ones, we will not take any chances. We have no right to put the launch at risk now. In this case, we will postpone it to July."
According to the Russian space official, the Nauka module project now proceeds according to the schedule.
Khrunichev Space Center Deputy CEO for Production Khokhlov said on July 31 that the research module would undergo a cycle of tests at the Baikonur space center before its launch to the ISS. All launch preparations would take nine months, he added.
In his words, the stage of electrical tests takes about six months, with all preparations included. Another three months will be necessary for pre-launch preparations, including microbiological protection, fueling and other operations.
The Nauka multi-functional laboratory module can generate oxygen for six people and regenerate water from the urine. The Nauka will provide a second toilet for Russian cosmonauts (the first is located in the Zvezda module) and a room for the third crewmember. It will also use the European Robotic Arm (ERA) that will help perform certain operations without spacewalks.


tass--2020-12-30--Russia to send equipment for investigating air leak to ISS in February — Roscosmos

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Equipment for a detailed study of a pressure leak aboard the International Space Station ( ISS ) will be delivered by Russia 's Progress space freighter in February 2021 , Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday .
`` In February , we will send a Progress space freighter to deliver vital supplies , first of all equipment for a more detailed study into causes of the air leak aboard the station , '' the space official said in an interview with the Komsomolskaya Pravda radio station on Tuesday .
The ISS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Control Center on the morning of October 15 that the cosmonauts had found a possible air leak spot in the inter-section compartment of the Zvezda module .
Cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin later specified that the air leak spot looked like a curvilinear scratch 2-3 cm long .
Cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov later said that the fracture was about 4.5 cm in its size .
In November , the ISS Russian crewmembers made images of the possible air leakage spot from the outside of the space station during their spacewalk .
The cosmonauts did not notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area of the fracture .
On December 18 , during a communication session with the ISS , a specialist from the Mission Control Center reported a possible new air leak in the transition chamber in the Zvezda module , adding that there was no information about the exact location of the leak .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Equipment for a detailed study of a pressure leak aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will be delivered by Russia's Progress space freighter in February 2021, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday.
"In February, we will send a Progress space freighter to deliver vital supplies, first of all equipment for a more detailed study into causes of the air leak aboard the station," the space official said in an interview with the Komsomolskaya Pravda radio station on Tuesday.
The ISS crew reported to Russia’s Flight Control Center on the morning of October 15 that the cosmonauts had found a possible air leak spot in the inter-section compartment of the Zvezda module. Cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin later specified that the air leak spot looked like a curvilinear scratch 2-3 cm long. Cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov later said that the fracture was about 4.5 cm in its size.
In November, the ISS Russian crewmembers made images of the possible air leakage spot from the outside of the space station during their spacewalk. The cosmonauts did not notice any damage outside the station in the area of the fracture.
On December 18, during a communication session with the ISS, a specialist from the Mission Control Center reported a possible new air leak in the transition chamber in the Zvezda module, adding that there was no information about the exact location of the leak.