tass--2020-12-30--Press review: Nagorno-Karabakh map redrawn and Russian-US ties unlikely to improve in 2021

This outgoing year has shown that the post-Soviet space remains a volcano , which is belching out wars , revolutions and other shocks even 30 years after the breakup of the USSR .
The key event for the post-Soviet states in 2020 was the second war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh , which lasted for 44 days .
Unlike the first war in the early 1990s , which resulted in Azerbaijan ’ s defeat , this time Baku clinched victory , regaining control over a significant part of territories adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh and also a part of this mountainous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Baku was reached due to Russia ’ s mediation .
Moscow will not only monitor the compliance with the ceasefire but will also become a guarantor of a future long-term settlement to the Karabakh conflict , Kommersant writes .
The key point of the trilateral deal was an agreement to deploy Russian peacekeepers to the conflict zone in order to prevent the resumption of a military confrontation and create conditions for relaunching the diplomatic process , which has been stalled for a quarter of a century .
The second Karabakh war , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was predetermined by many factors .
Among those , which ensured Azerbaijan ’ s victory , was its superiority in armaments , first of all , its total air domination thanks to unmanned aerial vehicles purchased from Israel and Turkey .
Experts say Armenia was caught off-guard by advanced `` kamikaze drones . ''
Among other factors for Azerbaijan ’ s victory was the assistance of Turkish military advisers , and the direct participation of Turkey ’ s military on the battlefield , which included pilots and gunners , as well as mercenaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongly denies this ) .
When touching on the reasons for Armenia ’ s defeat , experts blame the short-sighted policy of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan , who allowed the war to break out even though the country was not ready for it , as well as strategic and tactical errors by Armenia ’ s military command .
Azerbaijan ’ s triumph debased Pashinyan ’ s calls to grant Nagorno-Karabakh a special status .
A huge majority of Armenians believe that the prime minister is to blame for the shameful defeat and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the current wave of protests fails to topple the premier and his government , Pashinyan ’ s prospects in the next or early elections seem to be rather vague , according to the newspaper .
Vedomosti : Russian-US relations unlikely to get better in 2021 Most analysts concur that Russian-US relations are not expected to improve in 2021 and it is essential just to stabilize them and shift away from the chaotic collapse seen under Donald Trump .
The incoming Biden administration is expected to harshly criticize Russia on human rights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people '' through supporting the opposition , which is actually foreign meddling , Vedomosti writes .
Perhaps , Washington will delegate some efforts on countering Russia to the European Union as part of restoring trans-Atlantic ties damaged by Trump , but this will even further worsen Russian-EU relations .
New sanctions are extremely likely , particularly over the alleged poisoning of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny , but it ’ s unclear how tough they will be .
The US is bound to step up efforts to counter Russia in the post-Soviet arena , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Middle East , namely in Syria .
Besides , the two countries have nothing to offer each other on such an important policy track as tackling climate change , which Biden has decided to revive .
Cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic should not be expected either , even though this is clearly a priority issue for the US administration , according to the newspaper .
However , there are some factors in bilateral relations indicating that the confrontation is coming under control and won ’ t go beyond a certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Affairs Council Andrey Kortunov noted .
This is first of all the issue of extending New START ( Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ) , which should be resolved by February 2021 .
Unless this is tackled , relations could further deteriorate in this rather perilous area .
Another important factor will be the US position on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .
The Democrats wanted to ruin it , but probably , they won ’ t do this since they seek to improve relations with Germany , the EU ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden administration will try to normalize the work of Russian diplomatic missions in the US and American missions in Russia .
However , no personal meeting between Putin and Biden is on the horizon in 2021 .
Anyway , bilateral relations are unlikely to improve until a change of the current elites in the US and Russia occurs , which is not expected until 2024 .
Izvestia : Russia ’ s GDP is projected to grow by 2.7 % next year Russia ’ s gross domestic product ( GDP ) is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a consensus forecast made by Izvestia based on interviews with analysts from leading financial organizations and institutions .
They predict that the global economy will overcome the crisis quickly provided that COVID-19 is defeated by spring and oil prices rise .
A less upbeat scenario is possible only if the success in combating the pandemic is partial , quarantine restrictions remain for a major part of the year and oil prices drop .
However , there are also risks that geopolitical tensions will escalate , the newspaper says .
Under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GDP will grow 3.5 % -3.7 % , according to state banks VTB , Sberbank , the Russian Agricultural Bank and the ACRA rating agency .
The major growth factors will be the restoration of the commercial services sector and transport , revived construction , retail and export-oriented sectors , VTB Capital ’ s Chief Economist for Russia and the CIS Alexander Isakov said .
According to the Russian Agricultural Bank , other positive factors are fulfilling the national projects and structural changes , including the reform of development institutes .
Economic restoration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success of combating COVID-19 , but even a full victory is unlikely to bring about an absolute and quick return to a pre-crisis situation , Chief Economist at SberCIB Investment Research Anton Struchenevsky said .
Even if harsh restrictions in the world and in Russia remain in place for a maximum of two months , a 3.5 % growth rate is realistic , said Associate Director of ACRA ’ s Sovereign Ratings and Macroeconomic Analysis Group Dmitry Kulikov .
There is hope that mass vaccination will contribute to reviving global economies , attract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is important for Russia , a leading energy supplier , said a member of the board of directors at FinExpertiza Agvan Mikaelyan .
The reason for the increased uncertainty could be also the policy of the new US administration and tougher sanctions , according to Kirill Sokolov , an economist at Sovcombank .
In 2020 , President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus served as a vivid example of what happens to a leader who loses his connection to reality .
The decision to rule the country for another five years `` blew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters are being convinced by force that he is the president .
Lukashenko has created problems not only for himself , but also for Russia , Kommersant writes .
Diplomats from Russia working in Belarus and Western embassies told the newspaper that some people close to Lukashenko had called for organizing the election with a different outcome , though also in his favor but not with 80 % of the vote , and not with that wide of a margin between him and Svetlana Tikhanovskaya .
But this idea failed to get support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader that there was almost no protest sentiment in the country and the situation was under control .
After the election , Belarus was engulfed by violence and the `` machinery of power '' helped Lukashenko retain his presidential seat .
But the protests continue despite the cold season and they could recapture this past summer ’ s strength once spring rolls around .
Another thing is that Lukashenko has never been a comfortable partner and Russia does not trust him that much and now it is even hard to deal with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ word nor his signature mean anything .
The next Belarusian leader could disavow any deal nodding to the predecessor ’ s illegitimacy .
The Kremlin understands this .
Sources in state structures said Moscow sought a quick transfer of power in Belarus .
In their words , now this process can be under control and the threat that the West could hinder this transfer is not that great .
It ’ s no coincidence that President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov keep reminding Lukashenko about his pledge to carry out constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , some Russian politicians are calling for another approach .
They believe that no reform is needed since the growing role of the parliament will bring to power those parties in favor of closer ties with the European Union .
No matter what stance Russia chooses with regards to Lukashenko , he could ruin the game himself just as he did several times before .
The only thing anyone could be sure about is that in 2021 Belarus will dominate headlines .
The coronavirus pandemic increased the number of online payments in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Payment Card System .
Russia ’ s major banks confirmed this trend to Izvestia , saying that the volume and number of online purchases had skyrocketed from 10 % to 300 % .
Quarantine measures motivated Russians to buy via the Internet more often and for entrepreneurs these payments became more accessible during the spring lockdown .
In January 2020 , Russians carried out 22.9 mln online payments and 40 % more in November - 32 mln transactions , according to a survey by Mir Plat.form , an IT brand of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one in three respondents in Russia ( 27 % ) increased spending on online leisure activity .
During the lockdown , the number of Russians purchasing goods over the Internet rose by almost one-third ( 28 % ) , MasterCard said .
Alexander Bakhtin , an investment strategist at BCS , notes that online payments made the economy more transparent , which helped the state to carry out a more effective fiscal policy .
Second , this reduced contact with cash to a minimum amid the pandemic .
And third , banks gained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the actual needs of clients , offering them products and services .
Non-cash payments reduce the expenses of businessmen , allowing them to expand their product portfolio and create an ecosystem offering a significant share of non-financial services , and also make business processes faster while fast-tracking their adaptation to the changing environment , analyst at Finam Alexey Korenev said .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Kommersant: Second Azerbaijani-Armenian war redraws map lines in South Caucasus This outgoing year has shown that the post-Soviet space remains a volcano, which is belching out wars, revolutions and other shocks even 30 years after the breakup of the USSR. The key event for the post-Soviet states in 2020 was the second war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, which lasted for 44 days. Unlike the first war in the early 1990s, which resulted in Azerbaijan’s defeat, this time Baku clinched victory, regaining control over a significant part of territories adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh and also a part of this mountainous region. A peace deal between Yerevan and Baku was reached due to Russia’s mediation. Moscow will not only monitor the compliance with the ceasefire but will also become a guarantor of a future long-term settlement to the Karabakh conflict, Kommersant writes. The key point of the trilateral deal was an agreement to deploy Russian peacekeepers to the conflict zone in order to prevent the resumption of a military confrontation and create conditions for relaunching the diplomatic process, which has been stalled for a quarter of a century. The second Karabakh war, which broke out on September 27, was predetermined by many factors. Among those, which ensured Azerbaijan’s victory, was its superiority in armaments, first of all, its total air domination thanks to unmanned aerial vehicles purchased from Israel and Turkey. Experts say Armenia was caught off-guard by advanced "kamikaze drones." Among other factors for Azerbaijan’s victory was the assistance of Turkish military advisers, and the direct participation of Turkey’s military on the battlefield, which included pilots and gunners, as well as mercenaries from the Middle East (although Azerbaijan strongly denies this). When touching on the reasons for Armenia’s defeat, experts blame the short-sighted policy of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who allowed the war to break out even though the country was not ready for it, as well as strategic and tactical errors by Armenia’s military command. Azerbaijan’s triumph debased Pashinyan’s calls to grant Nagorno-Karabakh a special status. A huge majority of Armenians believe that the prime minister is to blame for the shameful defeat and the opposition is demanding his resignation. Even if the current wave of protests fails to topple the premier and his government, Pashinyan’s prospects in the next or early elections seem to be rather vague, according to the newspaper.
Vedomosti: Russian-US relations unlikely to get better in 2021 Most analysts concur that Russian-US relations are not expected to improve in 2021 and it is essential just to stabilize them and shift away from the chaotic collapse seen under Donald Trump. The incoming Biden administration is expected to harshly criticize Russia on human rights. This implies "directly addressing the Russian people" through supporting the opposition, which is actually foreign meddling, Vedomosti writes. Perhaps, Washington will delegate some efforts on countering Russia to the European Union as part of restoring trans-Atlantic ties damaged by Trump, but this will even further worsen Russian-EU relations. New sanctions are extremely likely, particularly over the alleged poisoning of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny, but it’s unclear how tough they will be. The US is bound to step up efforts to counter Russia in the post-Soviet arena, including in Ukraine, as well as in the Middle East, namely in Syria. Besides, the two countries have nothing to offer each other on such an important policy track as tackling climate change, which Biden has decided to revive. Cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic should not be expected either, even though this is clearly a priority issue for the US administration, according to the newspaper. However, there are some factors in bilateral relations indicating that the confrontation is coming under control and won’t go beyond a certain framework, Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council Andrey Kortunov noted. This is first of all the issue of extending New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), which should be resolved by February 2021. Unless this is tackled, relations could further deteriorate in this rather perilous area. Another important factor will be the US position on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The Democrats wanted to ruin it, but probably, they won’t do this since they seek to improve relations with Germany, the EU’s key power player. Probably, the Biden administration will try to normalize the work of Russian diplomatic missions in the US and American missions in Russia. However, no personal meeting between Putin and Biden is on the horizon in 2021. Anyway, bilateral relations are unlikely to improve until a change of the current elites in the US and Russia occurs, which is not expected until 2024. Izvestia: Russia’s GDP is projected to grow by 2.7% next year
Russia’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 2.7% in 2021, according to a consensus forecast made by Izvestia based on interviews with analysts from leading financial organizations and institutions. They predict that the global economy will overcome the crisis quickly provided that COVID-19 is defeated by spring and oil prices rise. A less upbeat scenario is possible only if the success in combating the pandemic is partial, quarantine restrictions remain for a major part of the year and oil prices drop. However, there are also risks that geopolitical tensions will escalate, the newspaper says. Under the most optimistic forecast, Russia’s GDP will grow 3.5%-3.7%, according to state banks VTB, Sberbank, the Russian Agricultural Bank and the ACRA rating agency. The major growth factors will be the restoration of the commercial services sector and transport, revived construction, retail and export-oriented sectors, VTB Capital’s Chief Economist for Russia and the CIS Alexander Isakov said. According to the Russian Agricultural Bank, other positive factors are fulfilling the national projects and structural changes, including the reform of development institutes. Economic restoration in 2021 will largely depend on the success of combating COVID-19, but even a full victory is unlikely to bring about an absolute and quick return to a pre-crisis situation, Chief Economist at SberCIB Investment Research Anton Struchenevsky said. Even if harsh restrictions in the world and in Russia remain in place for a maximum of two months, a 3.5% growth rate is realistic, said Associate Director of ACRA’s Sovereign Ratings and Macroeconomic Analysis Group Dmitry Kulikov. There is hope that mass vaccination will contribute to reviving global economies, attract investment and increase global consumption of hydrocarbons, which is important for Russia, a leading energy supplier, said a member of the board of directors at FinExpertiza Agvan Mikaelyan. The reason for the increased uncertainty could be also the policy of the new US administration and tougher sanctions, according to Kirill Sokolov, an economist at Sovcombank. Kommersant: Long-time leader Lukashenko retains power but loses Belarus
In 2020, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus served as a vivid example of what happens to a leader who loses his connection to reality. The decision to rule the country for another five years "blew apart" Belarus and now mobs of protesters are being convinced by force that he is the president. Lukashenko has created problems not only for himself, but also for Russia, Kommersant writes. Diplomats from Russia working in Belarus and Western embassies told the newspaper that some people close to Lukashenko had called for organizing the election with a different outcome, though also in his favor but not with 80% of the vote, and not with that wide of a margin between him and Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. But this idea failed to get support and some people tried to convince the leader that there was almost no protest sentiment in the country and the situation was under control. After the election, Belarus was engulfed by violence and the "machinery of power" helped Lukashenko retain his presidential seat. But the protests continue despite the cold season and they could recapture this past summer’s strength once spring rolls around. Another thing is that Lukashenko has never been a comfortable partner and Russia does not trust him that much and now it is even hard to deal with him. After August 9, neither his word nor his signature mean anything. The next Belarusian leader could disavow any deal nodding to the predecessor’s illegitimacy. The Kremlin understands this. Sources in state structures said Moscow sought a quick transfer of power in Belarus. In their words, now this process can be under control and the threat that the West could hinder this transfer is not that great. It’s no coincidence that President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov keep reminding Lukashenko about his pledge to carry out constitutional reform and a new presidential election. However, some Russian politicians are calling for another approach. They believe that no reform is needed since the growing role of the parliament will bring to power those parties in favor of closer ties with the European Union. No matter what stance Russia chooses with regards to Lukashenko, he could ruin the game himself just as he did several times before. The only thing anyone could be sure about is that in 2021 Belarus will dominate headlines.
Read also Russian online retailers can be obliged to accept cash, reports say


tass--2020-12-30--Moscow to help Baku, Yerevan arrange meetings on Nagorno-Karabakh — Lavrov

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow will assist Baku and Yerevan in arranging meetings to resolve issues concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh region , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with TASS .
`` As for discussing unresolved political issues , I can confirm our readiness as a nation and a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group to facilitate efforts to arrange such meetings as soon as the parties are ready , '' Lavrov pointed out .
Russia has not seen any provocations against its peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone tends to be normalizing , '' Lavrov noted .
`` We are glad to see that Baku and Yerevan are determined to meet their commitments and work towards stabilizing the overall situation .
I would like to note that the sides showed a high ability to cooperate in terms of ironing out issues emerging on the ground .
Russia , in its turn , keeps fulfilling the function of a ceasefire guarantor in a responsible and effective way .
No provocations against the Russian peacekeepers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the only noticeable violation was registered on December 13 in the area of the contact line where there were no Russian peacekeepers .
`` Energetic steps taken by our peacekeeping contingent ’ s command in contacts with the Azerbaijani and Armenian partners made it possible to prevent the escalation after the incident , '' he said .
`` We will continue all efforts in order to prevent a ceasefire disruption . ''
On December 11 , a ceasefire violation occurred in the outskirts of Khtsabert and Khin-Tager in the Hadrut district in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area .
Tensions were running high for several days .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict over the disputed territory , primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Russian leader said that Azerbaijan and Armenia would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
However , the statement does not include provisions concerning the status of Nagorno-Karabakh .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Moscow will assist Baku and Yerevan in arranging meetings to resolve issues concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with TASS.
"As for discussing unresolved political issues, I can confirm our readiness as a nation and a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group to facilitate efforts to arrange such meetings as soon as the parties are ready," Lavrov pointed out.
Provocations
Russia has not seen any provocations against its peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an in interview with TASS on Wednesday.
"The situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone tends to be normalizing," Lavrov noted.
"We are glad to see that Baku and Yerevan are determined to meet their commitments and work towards stabilizing the overall situation. I would like to note that the sides showed a high ability to cooperate in terms of ironing out issues emerging on the ground. Russia, in its turn, keeps fulfilling the function of a ceasefire guarantor in a responsible and effective way. No provocations against the Russian peacekeepers have been seen."
Lavrov noted that the only noticeable violation was registered on December 13 in the area of the contact line where there were no Russian peacekeepers.
"Energetic steps taken by our peacekeeping contingent’s command in contacts with the Azerbaijani and Armenian partners made it possible to prevent the escalation after the incident," he said. "We will continue all efforts in order to prevent a ceasefire disruption."
On December 11, a ceasefire violation occurred in the outskirts of Khtsabert and Khin-Tager in the Hadrut district in Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku declared an anti-terror operation in the area. Tensions were running high for several days.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over the disputed territory, primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. 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 that Azerbaijan and Armenia would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. However, the statement does not include provisions concerning the status of Nagorno-Karabakh.


tass--2020-12-30--Moscow expands blacklist of Britons banned from entering Russia

Earlier in the day , British Ambassador to Moscow Deborah Bronnert was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry .
MOSCOW @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia is expanding the blacklist of British nationals , who are banned from entering @ @ @ @ @ tit-for-tat measure , the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` She @ @ @ @ @ to unconstructive and unfriendly steps by the British authorities , linked to imposing unacceptable and @ @ @ @ @ under the pretext of their alleged connection to the incident with [ blogger ] Alexey @ @ @ @ @ on the reciprocity principle , made a decision on expanding the list of British nationals @ @ @ @ @ entering the country ’ s territory , '' the ministry stated .
The blacklist includes @ @ @ @ @ anti-Russian sanctions activity . ''
On October 15 , the European Union imposed sanctions against @ @ @ @ @ incident with Navalny , who , as the West alleges , had been affected by @ @ @ @ @ the Novichok family .

Earlier in the day, British Ambassador to Moscow Deborah Bronnert was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Russia is expanding the blacklist of British nationals, who are banned from entering the country, as a tit-for-tat measure, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
"She was notified that in response to unconstructive and unfriendly steps by the British authorities, linked to imposing unacceptable and unfounded restrictions against Russian citizens under the pretext of their alleged connection to the incident with [blogger] Alexey Navalny, Russia, based on the reciprocity principle, made a decision on expanding the list of British nationals, who are banned from entering the country’s territory," the ministry stated.
The blacklist includes those behind "whipping up anti-Russian sanctions activity."
On October 15, the European Union imposed sanctions against Russians in connection with the incident with Navalny, who, as the West alleges, had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family.


tass--2020-12-30--British envoy to Moscow arrives at Russia’s Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
British Ambassador to Moscow Deborah Bronnert has arrived at the Russian Foreign Ministry @ @ @ @ @ TASS correspondent reported on Wednesday .
The discussion in the ministry is expected to focus @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom ’ s sanctions imposed over the alleged poisoning of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny @ @ @ @ @ as she entered the Foreign Ministry 's building .
According to TASS sources , the @ @ @ @ @ the expansion of a list of Britons , who will be banned entry to Russia @ @ @ @ @ ’ s tit-for-tat measure following London ’ s move to slap sanctions against six Russians @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. British Ambassador to Moscow Deborah Bronnert has arrived at the Russian Foreign Ministry’s building, a TASS correspondent reported on Wednesday.
The discussion in the ministry is expected to focus on the situation around the United Kingdom’s sanctions imposed over the alleged poisoning of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny.
Bronnert declined to comment as she entered the Foreign Ministry's building.
According to TASS sources, the diplomat will be notified about the expansion of a list of Britons, who will be banned entry to Russia. This will be Moscow’s tit-for-tat measure following London’s move to slap sanctions against six Russians in October.


tass--2020-12-30--Russia’s coronavirus reproduction rate drops to lowest level since late July

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus reproduction rate in Russia has fallen to 0.95 , the lowest level in the past five months , according to a TASS analysis based on data from the national anti-coronavirus crisis center .
Moscow ’ s rate has dropped to 0.82 .
The coronavirus reproduction rate is above 1 in two out of Russia ’ s top ten regions with the highest number of coronavirus cases .
It stands at 1.01 in the Rostov Region and at 1.02 in the Moscow Region .
The rate is 1 in St. Petersburg and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arkhangelsk Region and the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region and 0.99 in the Voronezh , Sverdlovsk and Krasnoyarsk regions .
The coronavirus reproduction rate indicates the average number of people one sick person can infect .
It is one of the criteria to be considered when it comes to removing restrictions introduced in the spring to prevent the infection from spreading .
The country ’ s authorities particularly take the coronavirus reproduction rate into account when making decisions on resuming international flights .
According to the Russian sanitary watchdog , it is possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign nationals in case their countries ’ coronavirus reproduction rates remain at or below 1 for a week .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The coronavirus reproduction rate in Russia has fallen to 0.95, the lowest level in the past five months, according to a TASS analysis based on data from the national anti-coronavirus crisis center. Moscow’s rate has dropped to 0.82.
The coronavirus reproduction rate is above 1 in two out of Russia’s top ten regions with the highest number of coronavirus cases. It stands at 1.01 in the Rostov Region and at 1.02 in the Moscow Region. The rate is 1 in St. Petersburg and the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 0.97 in the Arkhangelsk Region and the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region and 0.99 in the Voronezh, Sverdlovsk and Krasnoyarsk regions.
The coronavirus reproduction rate indicates the average number of people one sick person can infect. It is one of the criteria to be considered when it comes to removing restrictions introduced in the spring to prevent the infection from spreading. The country’s authorities particularly take the coronavirus reproduction rate into account when making decisions on resuming international flights. According to the Russian sanitary watchdog, it is possible to reopen the country’s border to foreign nationals in case their countries’ coronavirus reproduction rates remain at or below 1 for a week.


tass--2020-12-30--Moscow reports 1,726 daily coronavirus hospitalizations

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 1,726 coronavirus patients were taken to hospitals in Moscow in the past 24 hours , the city ’ s coronavirus monitoring center said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` As many as 5,105 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Moscow in the past day and 1,726 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals .
A total of 519 patients are hooked up to ventilators , '' the statement reads .
According to the center , 8.1 % of the patients are children , 39.4 % are people aged between 18 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46 and 65 , 14.4 % are aged between 66 and 79 and 5.5 % are aged over 80 .
All patients and their contacts remain under medical observation .
Moscow reported 5,641 new coronavirus cases a day earlier .
The city ’ s coronavirus growth rate has fallen to 0.6 % .
Moscow ’ s coronavirus recoveries rose by 5,896 to 621,292 in the past day and the death toll increased by 72 to 11,136 .
There are currently 170,775 active coronavirus cases in the city .
Moscow has the highest number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far recorded 803,203 coronavirus cases , 621,292 recoveries and 11,136 deaths .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. As many as 1,726 coronavirus patients were taken to hospitals in Moscow in the past 24 hours, the city’s coronavirus monitoring center said in a statement on Wednesday.
"As many as 5,105 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Moscow in the past day and 1,726 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals. A total of 519 patients are hooked up to ventilators," the statement reads.
According to the center, 8.1% of the patients are children, 39.4% are people aged between 18 and 45, 32.6% are aged between 46 and 65, 14.4% are aged between 66 and 79 and 5.5% are aged over 80.
All patients and their contacts remain under medical observation.
Moscow reported 5,641 new coronavirus cases a day earlier. The city’s coronavirus growth rate has fallen to 0.6%.
Moscow’s coronavirus recoveries rose by 5,896 to 621,292 in the past day and the death toll increased by 72 to 11,136. There are currently 170,775 active coronavirus cases in the city.
Moscow has the highest number of cases nationwide. The city has so far recorded 803,203 coronavirus cases, 621,292 recoveries and 11,136 deaths.


tass--2020-12-30--Lavrov says it’s up to people, not Western sponsors to decide Belarus’ fate

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is convinced that it ’ s up to the Belarusian people and their legitimate representatives to decide their country ’ s fate , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with TASS on Wednesday .
`` Foreign meddling in the domestic affairs of the former Soviet states did not begin yesterday .
It ’ s enough to recall the February 2014 coup d ’ etat and the forcible seizure of power in Ukraine , which was backed by Washington and Brussels .
This outgoing year saw an attempt to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Belarus , '' Russia ’ s top diplomat said .
According to Lavrov , Moscow saw time and again that `` in the pursuit of geopolitical gain Western colleagues easily sacrifice the stability of entire states , cause an ethnic discord and drive a wedge between fraternal nations . ''
`` Divide and rule '' - this is a motto used by the historic West , the Russian foreign minister stressed .
`` We consider that it ’ s up to the Belarusian people and their legitimate representatives to decide the fate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their Western sponsors , '' Lavrov stated .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Russia is convinced that it’s up to the Belarusian people and their legitimate representatives to decide their country’s fate, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with TASS on Wednesday.
"Foreign meddling in the domestic affairs of the former Soviet states did not begin yesterday. It’s enough to recall the February 2014 coup d’etat and the forcible seizure of power in Ukraine, which was backed by Washington and Brussels. This outgoing year saw an attempt to use a similar scenario of a color revolution in Belarus," Russia’s top diplomat said.
According to Lavrov, Moscow saw time and again that "in the pursuit of geopolitical gain Western colleagues easily sacrifice the stability of entire states, cause an ethnic discord and drive a wedge between fraternal nations." "Divide and rule" - this is a motto used by the historic West, the Russian foreign minister stressed.
"We consider that it’s up to the Belarusian people and their legitimate representatives to decide the fate of Belarus, rather than imposters and their Western sponsors," Lavrov stated.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-12-30--Russia reports over 26,500 daily coronavirus cases

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia confirmed 26,513 new coronavirus cases in the past day and the total case tally hit 3,131,550 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
More than 444,000 new COVID-19 cases registered worldwide — WHO In the past two days , the growth rate did not exceed 0.9 % .
Moscow confirmed 5,105 new coronavirus cases .
Some 3,764 COVID-19 cases were registered in St. Petersburg , 1,608 in the Moscow Region , 503 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 406 in the Sverldovsk Region and 395 in the Pskov Region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past 24 hours in the Tuva Republic and the Altai Republic ( 0.2 % ) , the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and the Jewish Autonomous Region ( 0.5 % ) .
Currently , 549,706 people are ill in Russia .
As many as 29,235 coronavirus recoveries were recorded in Russia in the past day , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Wednesday .
New recoveries exceeded daily cases for the first time since December 9 .
The total number of coronavirus recoveries has reached 2,525,418 .
According to the crisis center , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia .
In particular , 4,278 recoveries were recorded in St. Petersburg in the past 24 hours , 1,470 in the Moscow region , 500 in the Krasnoyarsk Region , 493 in Karelia and 439 in Crimea .
The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Russia went up by 599 in the past 24 hours , compared to 562 on the previous day , taking the total to 56,426 , the national anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Wednesday .
In the past 24 hours , St. Petersburg reported 78 deaths , followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Moscow Region ( 25 ) , the Voronezh Region ( 25 ) and the Vladimir Region ( 21 ) .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Russia confirmed 26,513 new coronavirus cases in the past day and the total case tally hit 3,131,550, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
More than 444,000 new COVID-19 cases registered worldwide — WHO
In the past two days, the growth rate did not exceed 0.9%.
Moscow confirmed 5,105 new coronavirus cases. Some 3,764 COVID-19 cases were registered in St. Petersburg, 1,608 in the Moscow Region, 503 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 406 in the Sverldovsk Region and 395 in the Pskov Region.
The lowest growth rates were registered in the past 24 hours in the Tuva Republic and the Altai Republic (0.2%), the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and the Jewish Autonomous Region (0.5%).
Currently, 549,706 people are ill in Russia.
Recoveries
As many as 29,235 coronavirus recoveries were recorded in Russia in the past day, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Wednesday. New recoveries exceeded daily cases for the first time since December 9.
The total number of coronavirus recoveries has reached 2,525,418. According to the crisis center, 80.6% of coronavirus patients have recovered in Russia.
In particular, 4,278 recoveries were recorded in St. Petersburg in the past 24 hours, 1,470 in the Moscow region, 500 in the Krasnoyarsk Region, 493 in Karelia and 439 in Crimea.
Fatalities
The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Russia went up by 599 in the past 24 hours, compared to 562 on the previous day, taking the total to 56,426, the national anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Wednesday.
The provisional death rate stands at 1.8%.
In the past 24 hours, St. Petersburg reported 78 deaths, followed by the Rostov Region (27), the Moscow Region (25), the Voronezh Region (25) and the Vladimir Region (21).


tass--2020-12-30--Crime rates go up in 50 Russian regions in 2020

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Fifty Russian regions report increased crime rates in the first 11 months of @ @ @ @ @ General ’ s Office noted in a crime report for the January-November 2020 period .
@ @ @ @ @ up in 50 Russian regions as varying in intensity , '' the report reads , @ @ @ @ @ the biggest increase ( +12,200 ) , followed by Moscow ( +4,900 ) and the @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , the biggest drops in the number of crimes are reported from the @ @ @ @ @ and the Tyumen Region .
Overall , the Prosecutor General ’ s Office notes that @ @ @ @ @ stable after 11 months of 2020 .
The total number of reported crimes went up @ @ @ @ @ almost 1.9 million .
The office clarified that the overall yearly number of crimes had @ @ @ @ @ 1.8 million and 1.9 million since 2017 .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Fifty Russian regions report increased crime rates in the first 11 months of 2020, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office noted in a crime report for the January-November 2020 period.
"Crime rates have gone up in 50 Russian regions as varying in intensity," the report reads, adding that St. Petersburg had the biggest increase (+12,200), followed by Moscow (+4,900) and the Novosibirsk Region (+4,000). Meanwhile, the biggest drops in the number of crimes are reported from the Voronezh Region, North Ossetia and the Tyumen Region.
Overall, the Prosecutor General’s Office notes that the crime rate remained relatively stable after 11 months of 2020. The total number of reported crimes went up by 1.2% to reach almost 1.9 million. The office clarified that the overall yearly number of crimes had been reported to be between 1.8 million and 1.9 million since 2017.


tass--2020-12-30--Russian Prosecutor General’s Office points to rise in terror-related crimes

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of terror-related crimes in Russia rose by 40 % over the @ @ @ @ @ to a report on the crime situation in the January to November period of 2020 @ @ @ @ @ General ’ s Office .
`` Terror-related crimes have risen in Russia for the second @ @ @ @ @ of such crimes has increased by 40 % - from 1,600 to 2,200 - since @ @ @ @ @ crimes are recorded in the North Caucasus Federal District , '' the report reads .
@ @ @ @ @ opened into the establishment of illegal armed groups increased by 79.5 % this year , @ @ @ @ @ Office pointed out .
According to the report , extremism-related crimes rose by 47.1 % @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The number of terror-related crimes in Russia rose by 40% over the past two years, according to a report on the crime situation in the January to November period of 2020, released by the Prosecutor General’s Office.
"Terror-related crimes have risen in Russia for the second consecutive year. The number of such crimes has increased by 40% - from 1,600 to 2,200 - since 2018. Half of such crimes are recorded in the North Caucasus Federal District," the report reads.
The number of criminal cases opened into the establishment of illegal armed groups increased by 79.5% this year, the Prosecutor General’s Office pointed out.
According to the report, extremism-related crimes rose by 47.1% compared to 2019.


tass--2020-12-30--Serial delivery of Tsirkon hypersonic missiles to begin in 2022

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Serial deliveries of Tsirkon hypersonic missiles to the Russian troops will begin in @ @ @ @ @ Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper .
`` Trials @ @ @ @ @ a Tsirkon hypersonic missile proceed successfully .
A series of successful Tsirkon launches by the @ @ @ @ @ out in 2020 .
Their serial deliveries will begin in 2022 , '' the deputy @ @ @ @ @ words , Russian troops continue receiving Oniks antiship cruise missiles and sea-based Kalibr cruise missiles @ @ @ @ @ Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual address to the Russian parliament that the @ @ @ @ @ speed of about Mach 9 and will be able to hit both naval and ground-based @ @ @ @ @ over 1,000 km .
The missiles are fired from the 3S-14 universal naval missile launchers @ @ @ @ @ and Project 20380 corvettes to fire Kalibr and Oniks missiles , in particular .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Serial deliveries of Tsirkon hypersonic missiles to the Russian troops will begin in 2022, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
"Trials of a missile system with a Tsirkon hypersonic missile proceed successfully. A series of successful Tsirkon launches by the Admiral Gorshkov frigate were carried out in 2020. Their serial deliveries will begin in 2022," the deputy minister said.
In his words, Russian troops continue receiving Oniks antiship cruise missiles and sea-based Kalibr cruise missiles.
In February 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual address to the Russian parliament that the Tsircon missile can develop a speed of about Mach 9 and will be able to hit both naval and ground-based targets at a distance of over 1,000 km.
The missiles are fired from the 3S-14 universal naval missile launchers installed on Project 22350 frigates and Project 20380 corvettes to fire Kalibr and Oniks missiles, in particular.


tass--2020-12-30--Journeying With Love – Heartfelt Stories of GAC MOTOR's Car Owners From Around The World

GUANGZHOU , China , December 30 .
/PRNewswire/ .
GAC MOTOR recently released 4 touching stories of car owners on its channel , drawing widespread attention on social media .
These stories of passion , life , family , and dreams have touched base with the audience .
As viewers relate to the contents , strong feelings are stirred , reminding them to share love and communicate wonder to one another .
Passionate and Purposeful , a University Professor Pursues His Dreams of Cross-Country Driving A university professor has fulfilled his long-time `` cross-country dream '' , with the help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him as a stoic academic , this professor has a passionate desire to seek out adventure .
After owning GAC MOTOR 's flagship SUV the GS8 , he finally embarked on this journey .
The professor has since influenced his friends to purchase three GAC MOTOR cars , and continues to evangelize the brand to those around him .
A Dedication of Love , Expressed in a Birthday Surprise for a Daughter The mother of a 22-year-old girl who was about to graduate decided to buy her daughter GAC MOTOR 's SUV the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After owning the GS3 , mother and daughter have been enjoying driving the car .
An environmentalist and his wife have always loved pursuing an active traveling lifestyle but want a minimal carbon footprint .
Through GAC MOTOR 's new-energy model the GE3 , they are now able to pursue the seemingly conflicting goals of protecting the environment and doing what they love - driving to exotic locations on a whim .
This particular family of four has bought a star model – the GS5 .
They are seen camping in the wild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on mountaintops .
Each memory is indelibly etched into their minds .
The GS5 is not just a car to them , but an integral part of their family , accompanying them every step of the way .
More of such stories continue to be added , communicating the warm reception to the brand .
It is this favorable response from car owners all over the world , which drives GAC MOTOR to continue its steady development and progress .
All of these will lead to an even better journey with GAC MOTOR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-quality innovation , one that is driven with and by love .

GUANGZHOU, China, December 30. /PRNewswire/. GAC MOTOR recently released 4 touching stories of car owners on its channel, drawing widespread attention on social media. These stories of passion, life, family, and dreams have touched base with the audience. As viewers relate to the contents, strong feelings are stirred, reminding them to share love and communicate wonder to one another.
Passionate and Purposeful, a University Professor Pursues His Dreams of Cross-Country Driving
A university professor has fulfilled his long-time "cross-country dream", with the help of GAC MOTOR. While others see him as a stoic academic, this professor has a passionate desire to seek out adventure. After owning GAC MOTOR's flagship SUV the GS8, he finally embarked on this journey. The professor has since influenced his friends to purchase three GAC MOTOR cars, and continues to evangelize the brand to those around him.
A Dedication of Love, Expressed in a Birthday Surprise for a Daughter
The mother of a 22-year-old girl who was about to graduate decided to buy her daughter GAC MOTOR's SUV the GS3, as a birthday present. After owning the GS3, mother and daughter have been enjoying driving the car.
Hitting His Soft Spot, An Environmentalist Makes a Green Choice
An environmentalist and his wife have always loved pursuing an active traveling lifestyle but want a minimal carbon footprint. Through GAC MOTOR's new-energy model the GE3, they are now able to pursue the seemingly conflicting goals of protecting the environment and doing what they love - driving to exotic locations on a whim.
A Choice of Love – Family Bonding Over Weekends
This particular family of four has bought a star model – the GS5. They are seen camping in the wild, frolicking on beaches, enjoying sunrises on mountaintops. Each memory is indelibly etched into their minds. The GS5 is not just a car to them, but an integral part of their family, accompanying them every step of the way.
More of such stories continue to be added, communicating the warm reception to the brand. It is this favorable response from car owners all over the world, which drives GAC MOTOR to continue its steady development and progress. All of these will lead to an even better journey with GAC MOTOR into the future - one that contaPhons high-quality innovation, one that is driven with and by love.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1393038/1.jpg
CONTACT: yuqi hu, +86-13502273642


tass--2020-12-30--Russia’s constellation of civilian satellites now has 99 spacecraft

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of Russian satellites that are used for social , economic and @ @ @ @ @ for research and navigation , was increased to 99 in 2020 , Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ in a statement on Wednesday .
`` The Russian orbital constellation used for social , @ @ @ @ @ purposes now comprises 99 spacecraft , '' the statement says .
Overall , Roscosmos carried @ @ @ @ @ Baikonur ( Kazakhstan ) , Plesetsk ( northwestern Russia ) , Vostochny ( Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ Kourou ( French Guiana ) in 2020 .
About 120 satellites were taken to various @ @ @ @ @ satellites , two navigational satellites - Glonass-M and Glonass-K , two Express and six Gonets @ @ @ @ @ sent two manned Soyuz-MS spacecraft and two Progress-MS space freighters to the Internaitonal Space Station @ @ @ @ @ its 2020 launch schedule on Tuesday by sending into space a Soyuz rocket carrying a @ @ @ @ @ Guiana Space Center .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The number of Russian satellites that are used for social, economic and scientific purposes, as well for research and navigation, was increased to 99 in 2020, Russia’s state-run space corporation Roscosmos said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The Russian orbital constellation used for social, economic, scientific and navigational purposes now comprises 99 spacecraft," the statement says.
Overall, Roscosmos carried out 17 space launches from Baikonur (Kazakhstan), Plesetsk (northwestern Russia), Vostochny (Russia’s Far East) and Kourou (French Guiana) in 2020. About 120 satellites were taken to various orbits, including 104 OneWeb satellites, two navigational satellites - Glonass-M and Glonass-K, two Express and six Gonets telecoms satellites. Russia also sent two manned Soyuz-MS spacecraft and two Progress-MS space freighters to the Internaitonal Space Station this year.
Roscosmos completed its 2020 launch schedule on Tuesday by sending into space a Soyuz rocket carrying a French reconnaissance satellite from the Guiana Space Center.


tass--2020-12-30--Russian space agency expects Vostochny to start operating at full capacity next year

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian state-run space corporation Roscosmos expects the Vostochny space center in Russia ’ s Far East to start operating at full capacity next year , the company ’ s Director General Dmitry Rogozin said in his New Year congratulations .
`` We are saying goodbye to this year and greeting New Year 2021 with high hopes .
We hope that the Vostochny space center will start working at full capacity , '' he said in a video address published on the Roscosmos website .
The space agency ’ s plans for 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the International Space Station and sending the Luna-25 automated mission to the Earth ’ s natural satellite .
`` We have many other plans , and we are ready to put them into practice , '' the space official said .
According to Rogozin , 2020 was a difficult year for the rocket and space industry due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions in Russia and worldwide .
`` Nevertheless , the rocket and space industry of Russia worked without disruptions .
We have carried out all the launches that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Baikonur space center , '' he added .
Overall , Roscosmos carried out 17 space launches from Baikonur ( Kazakhstan ) , Plesetsk ( northwestern Russia ) , Vostochny ( Russia ’ s Far East ) and Kourou ( French Guiana ) in 2020 .
About 120 satellites were taken to various orbits , including 104 OneWeb satellites , two navigational satellites - Glonass-M and Glonass-K , two Express telecoms satellites and six Gonets satellites .
Russia also sent two manned Soyuz-MS spacecraft and two Progress-MS space freighters to the Internaitonal @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The Russian state-run space corporation Roscosmos expects the Vostochny space center in Russia’s Far East to start operating at full capacity next year, the company’s Director General Dmitry Rogozin said in his New Year congratulations.
"We are saying goodbye to this year and greeting New Year 2021 with high hopes. We hope that the Vostochny space center will start working at full capacity," he said in a video address published on the Roscosmos website.
The space agency’s plans for 2021 include launching the Nauka multifunctional lab module to the International Space Station and sending the Luna-25 automated mission to the Earth’s natural satellite.
"We have many other plans, and we are ready to put them into practice," the space official said.
According to Rogozin, 2020 was a difficult year for the rocket and space industry due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions in Russia and worldwide.
"Nevertheless, the rocket and space industry of Russia worked without disruptions. We have carried out all the launches that we had scheduled, including manned missions from the Baikonur space center," he added.
Overall, Roscosmos carried out 17 space launches from Baikonur (Kazakhstan), Plesetsk (northwestern Russia), Vostochny (Russia’s Far East) and Kourou (French Guiana) in 2020. About 120 satellites were taken to various orbits, including 104 OneWeb satellites, two navigational satellites - Glonass-M and Glonass-K, two Express telecoms satellites and six Gonets satellites. Russia also sent two manned Soyuz-MS spacecraft and two Progress-MS space freighters to the Internaitonal Space Station this year.


tass--2020-12-30--Two Borei-A strategic nuclear subs to be laid down in 2021 — Defense Ministry

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Two Borei-A-class strategic nuclear submarines for the Russian Navy will be laid down next year , Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper .
`` The construction of four underwater cruisers of this class is under way , two more will be laid down as part of a new state contract signed this year , '' he said .
In line with Russia ’ s current state defense procurement program , a total of 14 Borei-A and Yasen-M nuclear submarines are to be built by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategic missile-carrying underwater cruisers represent the fourth generation of nuclear-powered subs built for the Russian Navy .
According Russia ’ s Defense Ministry , Borei-A-class submarines are less noisy and feature improved maneuvering , depth and armament control systems .
All Borei-class submarines can carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles .
They are also furnished with 533mm torpedo tubes .
The lead submarine of Project 955A , the Knyaz Vladimir , entered service with the Russian Navy earlier this year .
Besides , the first serial Borei-A strategic nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine Knyaz Oleg was @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Two Borei-A-class strategic nuclear submarines for the Russian Navy will be laid down next year, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
"The construction of four underwater cruisers of this class is under way, two more will be laid down as part of a new state contract signed this year," he said.
In line with Russia’s current state defense procurement program, a total of 14 Borei-A and Yasen-M nuclear submarines are to be built by 2027, Krivoruchko added.
Project 955A strategic missile-carrying underwater cruisers represent the fourth generation of nuclear-powered subs built for the Russian Navy. According Russia’s Defense Ministry, Borei-A-class submarines are less noisy and feature improved maneuvering, depth and armament control systems.
All Borei-class submarines can carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles. They are also furnished with 533mm torpedo tubes.
The lead submarine of Project 955A, the Knyaz Vladimir, entered service with the Russian Navy earlier this year. Besides, the first serial Borei-A strategic nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine Knyaz Oleg was floated out in July 2020.


tass--2020-12-30--Serial production of Armata tanks to begin before trials are over

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The serial production of Russia ’ s prospective military hardware , including the latest T-14 ‘ Armata ’ tank and the T-15 infantry fighting vehicle , will begin before the completion of all trials in order to speed up their delivery to the Russian armed forces , Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper .
`` In order to shorten the timeframe for deliveries of the prospective weapons to the troops , the launch of their production will be carried out before the trials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that they have the specified characteristics and after they are tested under simulated combat conditions , '' Krivoruchko said .
Armata is a heavy tracked universal platform to carry various hardware , including T-14 tanks , T-15 infantry fighting vehicles , T-16 overhaul and evacuation armored vehicles .
T-14 , which underwent preliminary trials in 2019 , was for the first time demonstrated at May 9 , 2015 Victory Day parade .
The new combat vehicle differs fundamentally from its predecessors .
It features fully digitized equipment , an unmanned turret and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which reduces the risk of personnel loss in combat .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The serial production of Russia’s prospective military hardware, including the latest T-14 ‘Armata’ tank and the T-15 infantry fighting vehicle, will begin before the completion of all trials in order to speed up their delivery to the Russian armed forces, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
"In order to shorten the timeframe for deliveries of the prospective weapons to the troops, the launch of their production will be carried out before the trials are completed, as soon as it is confirmed that they have the specified characteristics and after they are tested under simulated combat conditions," Krivoruchko said.
Armata is a heavy tracked universal platform to carry various hardware, including T-14 tanks, T-15 infantry fighting vehicles, T-16 overhaul and evacuation armored vehicles.
T-14, which underwent preliminary trials in 2019, was for the first time demonstrated at May 9, 2015 Victory Day parade. The new combat vehicle differs fundamentally from its predecessors. It features fully digitized equipment, an unmanned turret and an isolated armored capsule for the crew, which reduces the risk of personnel loss in combat.


tass--2020-12-30--Venezuela to get Russian coronavirus vaccine in first quarter of 2021 — president

RIO DE JANEIRO , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The first batch of Russia ’ s Sputnik V vaccine will be delivered to Venezuela in the first quarter of 2021 , President Nicolas Maduro said .
`` The presidential commission put forward a proposal to purchase the first 10 million doses of the vaccine , which are to arrive in the first quarter of 2021 .
Within the next 90 days , Venezuela will vaccinate 10 million citizens , '' the president said at a news conference broadcast via his Twitter account .
In a Telesur TV broadcast earlier on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that the country had signed an agreement to purchase the Russian vaccine .
Besides , it was reported that Caracas received 2,000 doses of the Russian vaccine to take part in Phase 3 clinical trials .
Rodriguez also spoke in favor of producing it on the territory of Venezuela .
On December 12 , Nicolas Maduro Guerra , the son of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro , was among the first in the country to receive the Russian coronavirus vaccine .
The Venezuelan government reported the first two coronavirus cases in the republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency was declared on the same day .
On March 17 , Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro imposed the quarantine across the country .
Since the start of the pandemic , Venezuela has registered 112,636 coronavirus cases and 1,018 deaths .

RIO DE JANEIRO, December 30. /TASS/. The first batch of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine will be delivered to Venezuela in the first quarter of 2021, President Nicolas Maduro said.
"The presidential commission put forward a proposal to purchase the first 10 million doses of the vaccine, which are to arrive in the first quarter of 2021. Within the next 90 days, Venezuela will vaccinate 10 million citizens," the president said at a news conference broadcast via his Twitter account.
In a Telesur TV broadcast earlier on Tuesday, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced that the country had signed an agreement to purchase the Russian vaccine.
Besides, it was reported that Caracas received 2,000 doses of the Russian vaccine to take part in Phase 3 clinical trials. Rodriguez also spoke in favor of producing it on the territory of Venezuela.
On December 12, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, the son of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, was among the first in the country to receive the Russian coronavirus vaccine.
The Venezuelan government reported the first two coronavirus cases in the republic on March 13, and a state of emergency was declared on the same day. On March 17, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro imposed the quarantine across the country. Since the start of the pandemic, Venezuela has registered 112,636 coronavirus cases and 1,018 deaths.


tass--2020-12-29--Chinese authorities plan to create an intellectual rights court on Hainan

HAIKOU , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese authorities intend to establish a specialized intellectual rights court in the southern Chinese province of Hainan , reported Xinhua citing the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People 's Congress .
The new court will deal with civil , administrative and criminal cases for the protection of intellectual property rights in the Hainan province .
In particular , litigation will be conducted regarding cases related to patents , secret technologies , computer software , new plant varieties , integrated circuits and trademarks .
According to the authorities , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intellectual property rights in the province , create an even more favorable business climate and contribute to the creation of Hainan 's free trade port .
According to official data , in the first half of 2020 , the Hainan judicial authorities examined 989 cases on intellectual property rights , the authorities expect that next year the province will be able to consider about 4,000 such cases .
At the moment , China has three courts for intellectual property rights : in Beijing , Shanghai and Guangzhou ( southern province of Guangdong ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrative proceedings .
The Chinese authorities are focusing on creating an attractive international business climate based on the rule of law in Hainan Province .
In April 2018 , Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the launch of Hainan 's project to build a pilot free trade zone .
According to the authorities ' plan , the creation of a pilot zone will give impetus to the processes of globalization of the island 's economy and increase the attractiveness of the Chinese province for foreign investors .
It is expected that by 2050 Hainan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an advanced economic system , which includes a free trade zone , campuses of the best universities , the most modern scientific laboratories and the headquarters of world corporations .

HAIKOU, December 29. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities intend to establish a specialized intellectual rights court in the southern Chinese province of Hainan, reported Xinhua citing the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
The new court will deal with civil, administrative and criminal cases for the protection of intellectual property rights in the Hainan province. In particular, litigation will be conducted regarding cases related to patents, secret technologies, computer software, new plant varieties, integrated circuits and trademarks. According to the authorities, this specialized body will strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights in the province, create an even more favorable business climate and contribute to the creation of Hainan's free trade port.
According to official data, in the first half of 2020, the Hainan judicial authorities examined 989 cases on intellectual property rights, the authorities expect that next year the province will be able to consider about 4,000 such cases.
At the moment, China has three courts for intellectual property rights: in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou (southern province of Guangdong). They carry out only civil and administrative proceedings.
The Chinese authorities are focusing on creating an attractive international business climate based on the rule of law in Hainan Province. In April 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the launch of Hainan's project to build a pilot free trade zone. According to the authorities' plan, the creation of a pilot zone will give impetus to the processes of globalization of the island's economy and increase the attractiveness of the Chinese province for foreign investors.
It is expected that by 2050 Hainan will become a unique international cluster with an advanced economic system, which includes a free trade zone, campuses of the best universities, the most modern scientific laboratories and the headquarters of world corporations.


tass--2020-12-31--Russian RDIF’s partner to apply for permit to urgently use Sputnik V in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO , December 31 .
/TASS/ .
Uniao Quimica pharmaceutical company , a partner of Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) , will apply for permit to urgently use the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus in Brazil , the Antagonista publication reported on Wednesday .
The application is planned in January , according to the report .
Uniao Quimica applied to the national sanitary watchdog Anvisa on Tuesday for permission to hold Phase 3 clinical trials of the Russian vaccine in the country .
The permission is expected to be provided within 72 hours after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of minimum requirements for urgent use of vaccines against the novel coronavirus infection in the country in early December .
According to the regulator ’ s methodical guidelines , such a temporary permit may be provided exclusively for the period of state of emergency in healthcare .
Partners of foreign producers registered in Brazil may apply for it .
Meanwhile , holding Phase 3 clinical trials of the candidate vaccine on the territory of Brazil is an obligatory requirement for such a permit .
So far , the regulator has issued permissions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four coronavirus vaccines that are being developed by the Chinese Sinovac Biotech , British-Swedish AstraZeneca , the US Pfizer , and Janssen-Cilag , a pharmaceutical division of Johnson & Johnson .
Moreover , Brazil participates in development of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX international mechanism .

RIO DE JANEIRO, December 31. /TASS/. Uniao Quimica pharmaceutical company, a partner of Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), will apply for permit to urgently use the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus in Brazil, the Antagonista publication reported on Wednesday.
The application is planned in January, according to the report. Uniao Quimica applied to the national sanitary watchdog Anvisa on Tuesday for permission to hold Phase 3 clinical trials of the Russian vaccine in the country. The permission is expected to be provided within 72 hours after the application.
Anvisa released a list of minimum requirements for urgent use of vaccines against the novel coronavirus infection in the country in early December. According to the regulator’s methodical guidelines, such a temporary permit may be provided exclusively for the period of state of emergency in healthcare. Partners of foreign producers registered in Brazil may apply for it.
Meanwhile, holding Phase 3 clinical trials of the candidate vaccine on the territory of Brazil is an obligatory requirement for such a permit.
So far, the regulator has issued permissions to hold clinical trials in the country of four coronavirus vaccines that are being developed by the Chinese Sinovac Biotech, British-Swedish AstraZeneca, the US Pfizer, and Janssen-Cilag, a pharmaceutical division of Johnson & Johnson. Moreover, Brazil participates in development of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX international mechanism.


tass--2020-12-31--Bitcoin price hits fresh all-time high surpassing $29,000

MOSCOW , December 31 .
/TASS/ .
The price of Bitcoin gained 5.2 % to $ 29,061 during the trading @ @ @ @ @ high , according to the data provided by the CoinDesk portal as of 03:05 am @ @ @ @ @ a cryptocurrency invented in 2008 by an unknown person or group of people using the @ @ @ @ @ is a decentralized digital currency without a central bank or single administrator that can be @ @ @ @ @ on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without intermediaries .

MOSCOW, December 31. /TASS/. The price of Bitcoin gained 5.2% to $29,061 during the trading session hitting a fresh all-time high, according to the data provided by the CoinDesk portal as of 03:05 am Moscow time.
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency invented in 2008 by an unknown person or group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. It is a decentralized digital currency without a central bank or single administrator that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without intermediaries.


tass--2020-12-31--Sputnik V vaccine production in Brazil to start in January

RIO DE JANEIRO , December 31 .
/TASS/ .
Production of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus in @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , Uniao Quimica pharmaceutical company , a partner of Russian Direct Investment Fund ( @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
`` Production of Sputnik V after transfer of technology will start in January @ @ @ @ @ Quimica involved in biotechnologies , fractionation , and dispensing in Brasilia ( Federal district ) @ @ @ @ @ state ) , '' the report said .
Uniao Quimica applied to the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ for permission to hold Phase 3 clinical trials of the Russian vaccine on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ be provided within 72 hours after the application .
So far , the regulator has @ @ @ @ @ trials in the country of four coronavirus vaccines that are being developed by the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ , the US Pfizer , and Janssen-Cilag , a pharmaceutical division of Johnson & Johnson @ @ @ @ @ in development of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX international mechanism .

RIO DE JANEIRO, December 31. /TASS/. Production of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus in Brazil will start in January 2021, Uniao Quimica pharmaceutical company, a partner of Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), reported on Wednesday.
"Production of Sputnik V after transfer of technology will start in January 2021 at facilities of Uniao Quimica involved in biotechnologies, fractionation, and dispensing in Brasilia (Federal district) and Guarulhos (Sao Paulo state)," the report said.
Uniao Quimica applied to the country’s national sanitary watchdog Anvisa for permission to hold Phase 3 clinical trials of the Russian vaccine on Tuesday. The permission is expected to be provided within 72 hours after the application.
So far, the regulator has issued permissions to hold clinical trials in the country of four coronavirus vaccines that are being developed by the Chinese Sinovac Biotech, British-Swedish AstraZeneca, the US Pfizer, and Janssen-Cilag, a pharmaceutical division of Johnson & Johnson. Moreover, Brazil participates in development of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX international mechanism.


tass--2020-12-31--Moldovan president announces readiness to visit Russia for talks over relevant issues

CHISINAU , December 31 .
/TASS/ .
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has announced readiness to visit Russia for discussing important @ @ @ @ @ and the Transnistria settlement .
`` I am ready to go to Russia .
There @ @ @ @ @ on our agenda , concerning trade , exports , settlement of the Transnistria conflict , @ @ @ @ @ open for discussing the whole range of bilateral relations between our countries , '' she @ @ @ @ @ by the TV-8 channel on Wednesday .
Meanwhile , President noted that she intends to @ @ @ @ @ going to Moscow .

CHISINAU, December 31. /TASS/. Moldovan President Maia Sandu has announced readiness to visit Russia for discussing important issues, including Moldovan exports and the Transnistria settlement.
"I am ready to go to Russia. There are issues that are always on our agenda, concerning trade, exports, settlement of the Transnistria conflict, which is why I am open for discussing the whole range of bilateral relations between our countries," she said in an interview aired by the TV-8 channel on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, President noted that she intends to visit Kiev and Brussels before going to Moscow.


tass--2020-12-31--Dollar up 20% against ruble in 2020

Dollar up 20% against ruble in 2020

MOSCOW , December 31 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus pandemic , the escalation of the geopolitical environment and the subsiding risk appetite of investors in 2020 resulted in a substantial weakening of the Russian ruble against the main currencies .
Particularly , the dollar added 20 % against the ruble in 2020 , whereas the euro - around 32 % .
The coronavirus infection spread and the following ‘ withdrawal ’ of investors from risky assets was the key driver of market concerns in 2020 both in Russia and abroad .
The collapse of the OPEC+ deal at the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative moves on trading venues .
As a result , a massive collapse of markets in March 2020 hit not only Russian assets , but a wide range of currencies and securities around the globe as well .
The dollar exchange rate against the ruble gained 32 % in March compared with the January opening , reaching the peak levels since 2016 of 81.97 rubles .
The euro exchange rate rose by 30 % to 89.6 rubles .
By the end of the year assets on Russia ’ s stock market , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impressive recovery , whereas the national currency only partially ( by 5 % ) bounced back against the dollar and lost another roughly 2 % compared with the March peak against the euro .
The ruble extended losses by the end of Wednesday , the last trading day in 2020 , as well despite the continuing risk appetite of investors .
Particularly , as of 11:54 pm , the dollar exchange rate was up by 0.51 % to 74.415 rubles , while the euro was up by 0.93 % at 91.518 rubles .

MOSCOW, December 31. /TASS/. The coronavirus pandemic, the escalation of the geopolitical environment and the subsiding risk appetite of investors in 2020 resulted in a substantial weakening of the Russian ruble against the main currencies. Particularly, the dollar added 20% against the ruble in 2020, whereas the euro - around 32%.
The coronavirus infection spread and the following ‘withdrawal’ of investors from risky assets was the key driver of market concerns in 2020 both in Russia and abroad. The collapse of the OPEC+ deal at the beginning of the year also contributed to serious negative moves on trading venues.
As a result, a massive collapse of markets in March 2020 hit not only Russian assets, but a wide range of currencies and securities around the globe as well. The dollar exchange rate against the ruble gained 32% in March compared with the January opening, reaching the peak levels since 2016 of 81.97 rubles. The euro exchange rate rose by 30% to 89.6 rubles.
By the end of the year assets on Russia’s stock market, as well as oil prices, demonstrated an impressive recovery, whereas the national currency only partially (by 5%) bounced back against the dollar and lost another roughly 2% compared with the March peak against the euro.
The ruble extended losses by the end of Wednesday, the last trading day in 2020, as well despite the continuing risk appetite of investors. Particularly, as of 11:54 pm, the dollar exchange rate was up by 0.51% to 74.415 rubles, while the euro was up by 0.93% at 91.518 rubles.


tass--2020-12-31--Guinea is first nation in Sub-Saharan Africa to begin using Russian vaccine Sputnik V

PRETORIA , December 31 .
/TASS/ .
About 35 people , including a cabinet member , received the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in Guinea on Wednesday , Russia ’ s Ambassador to Guinea Vadim Razumovsky , who was invited the attend the vaccination procedure , told TASS .
`` The [ event ] took place in an upbeat atmosphere at the Sekhoutoureah Palace in the capital , '' Razumovsky said .
`` Among those who received the vaccine was Guinea ’ s Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and National Defense Mohamed Diane . ''
`` Having received the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciation for the opportunity to get protected against coronavirus .
For my part , I congratulated them on this milestone event , '' he added .
Guinea has become the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa that has begun using the Sputnik V vaccine .
Guinea ’ s Health Ministry told TASS that the National Health Security Agency ( Agence Nationale de S·curit· Sanitaire - ANSS ) initiated the program .
After studying the vaccines available in the word market , the choice was made in favor of some of them , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ANSS is a key body in Guinea ’ s healthcare system and enjoys a high authority across Africa .
To date , Guinea has recorded 13,688 cases and 80 deaths .
Many African nations show interest in Russia ’ s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine .
Among them are the two most populous African states of Nigeria and Ethiopia that received all the documentation from Russia and are considering it .

PRETORIA, December 31. /TASS/. About 35 people, including a cabinet member, received the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in Guinea on Wednesday, Russia’s Ambassador to Guinea Vadim Razumovsky, who was invited the attend the vaccination procedure, told TASS.
"The [event] took place in an upbeat atmosphere at the Sekhoutoureah Palace in the capital," Razumovsky said. "Among those who received the vaccine was Guinea’s Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and National Defense Mohamed Diane."
"Having received the vaccine, they said words of great appreciation for the opportunity to get protected against coronavirus. For my part, I congratulated them on this milestone event," he added.
Guinea has become the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa that has begun using the Sputnik V vaccine. Guinea’s Health Ministry told TASS that the National Health Security Agency (Agence Nationale de S·curit· Sanitaire - ANSS) initiated the program. After studying the vaccines available in the word market, the choice was made in favor of some of them, including the Russian vaccine, the health ministry noted. The ANSS is a key body in Guinea’s healthcare system and enjoys a high authority across Africa.
To date, Guinea has recorded 13,688 cases and 80 deaths.
Many African nations show interest in Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine . Among them are the two most populous African states of Nigeria and Ethiopia that received all the documentation from Russia and are considering it.


tass--2020-12-31--Question on Russian presence at Biden’s inauguration should be addressed to US - diplomat

MOSCOW , December 31 .
/TASS/ .
The question on presence of Russian representatives at the inauguration ceremony of US President-Elect Joseph Biden should be addressed to the American side , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an interview with the RTVI channel on Wednesday .
`` The inauguration of a country ’ s president - this is the issue of sending an invitation at a corresponding level .
And , accepting these invitations , the state already comes to certain decisions , at what level it will [ participate ] .
So this is not a question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to a question about participation of the Russian side in Biden ’ s inauguration .
The US presidential election was held on November 3 .
On December 14 , the US Electoral College convened and confirmed Biden ’ s election victory .
The Democrat received 306 votes , while incumbent President Donald Trump secured 232 votes .
With 538 electors , a candidate needs to get 270 votes to be elected to the office of President of the United States .
In late November , Trump , who has still not conceded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House only if the Electoral College voted for Biden .
In light of this remark , the procedure which is normally considered a formality drew enormous media spotlight .

MOSCOW, December 31. /TASS/. The question on presence of Russian representatives at the inauguration ceremony of US President-Elect Joseph Biden should be addressed to the American side, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an interview with the RTVI channel on Wednesday.
"The inauguration of a country’s president - this is the issue of sending an invitation at a corresponding level. And, accepting these invitations, the state already comes to certain decisions, at what level it will [participate]. So this is not a question for us," she said in response to a question about participation of the Russian side in Biden’s inauguration.
The US presidential election was held on November 3. On December 14, the US Electoral College convened and confirmed Biden’s election victory. The Democrat received 306 votes, while incumbent President Donald Trump secured 232 votes. With 538 electors, a candidate needs to get 270 votes to be elected to the office of President of the United States.
In late November, Trump, who has still not conceded, said that he would leave the White House only if the Electoral College voted for Biden. In light of this remark, the procedure which is normally considered a formality drew enormous media spotlight.
Biden’s inauguration ceremony is planned for January 20, 2021.


tass--2020-12-31--Over 563,000 new COVID-19 cases registered worldwide in 24 hours

GENEVA , December 31 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection worldwide has surpassed 80.77 mln , rising over 24 hours by more than 563,000 .
According to the data of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) published on Wednesday , the number of fatalities over 24 hours has increased by more than 11,700 , surpassing 1.78 mln .
As of 18:32 Moscow time on December 30 , the WHO received reports of 80,773,033 infections and 1,783,619 fatalities .
The number of infections over 24 hours has increased by 563,983 while the fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes into account only officially confirmed data on incidence and fatalities submitted by the states .
Over 44 % of the infections reported to the WHO over the past 24 hours are in Europe ( 251,900 ) , followed by North and South America ( 236,660 ) with Southeast Asia in the third place ( 31,467 ) .
The majority of the infections were recorded in the US - 19,147,627 , followed by India ( 10,244,852 ) , Brazil ( 7,504,833 ) , Russia ( 3,131,550 ) , France ( 2,530,400 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 2,067,487 ) , Spain ( 1,893,502 ) , Germany ( 1,687,185 ) , Colombia ( 1,603,807 ) , Argentina ( 1,590,513 ) and Mexico ( 1,389,430 ) .

GENEVA, December 31. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection worldwide has surpassed 80.77 mln, rising over 24 hours by more than 563,000. According to the data of the World Health Organization (WHO) published on Wednesday, the number of fatalities over 24 hours has increased by more than 11,700, surpassing 1.78 mln.
As of 18:32 Moscow time on December 30, the WHO received reports of 80,773,033 infections and 1,783,619 fatalities. The number of infections over 24 hours has increased by 563,983 while the fatalities rose by 11,784.
The WHO statistics takes into account only officially confirmed data on incidence and fatalities submitted by the states.
Over 44% of the infections reported to the WHO over the past 24 hours are in Europe (251,900), followed by North and South America (236,660) with Southeast Asia in the third place (31,467).
The majority of the infections were recorded in the US - 19,147,627, followed by India (10,244,852), Brazil (7,504,833), Russia (3,131,550), France (2,530,400), the UK (2,382,869), Italy (2,067,487), Spain (1,893,502), Germany (1,687,185), Colombia (1,603,807), Argentina (1,590,513) and Mexico (1,389,430).


tass--2020-12-31--Moscow's death toll from confirmed COVID-19 cases rises by 73

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 73 in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian capital ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow .
Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
The death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 has risen to 11,209 in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ for most cases of COVID-19 in Russia .
To date , 803,203 cases were confirmed @ @ @ @ @ those , 5,105 were recorded in the past 24 hours .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ the disease .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 73 in Moscow over the past 24 hours, the Russian capital’s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
"Seventy-three patients have passed away in Moscow. Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for coronavirus," the center informed.
The death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 has risen to 11,209 in Moscow.
The Russian capital accounts for most cases of COVID-19 in Russia. To date, 803,203 cases were confirmed in the city. Of those, 5,105 were recorded in the past 24 hours. At the same time, 621,292 patients recovered from the disease.


tass--2020-12-31--COVID-19 rates will depend on how Russia gets through festive period, official warns

MOSCOW , December 31 .
/TASS/ .
The COVID-19 situation in Russia is not unequivocally stable yet , so much will depend on the behavior during the New Year holiday period , Anna Popova , the head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare , said on Wednesday .
`` The situation is not unequivocally stable yet .
Therefore , our behavior during this holiday season will affect how we will be living on until the end of the winter .
That ’ s for sure , '' she said in a televised interview with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to have large dinner parties , but called on Russians to go for outdoor activities and to do sport .
According to the latest statistics , more than 82 million people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide and more than 1.8 million deaths have been reported .
To date , 3,131,550 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,525,418 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 56,426 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 31. /TASS/. The COVID-19 situation in Russia is not unequivocally stable yet, so much will depend on the behavior during the New Year holiday period, Anna Popova, the head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare, said on Wednesday.
"The situation is not unequivocally stable yet. Therefore, our behavior during this holiday season will affect how we will be living on until the end of the winter. That’s for sure," she said in a televised interview with Rossiya’1 channel.
Popova advised against having large dinner parties, but called on Russians to go for outdoor activities and to do sport.
According to the latest statistics, more than 82 million people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide and more than 1.8 million deaths have been reported.
To date, 3,131,550 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,525,418 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 56,426 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-31--COVID-19 vaccine to become accessible to all Moscow residents when ample supplies amassed

MOSCOW , December 31 .
/TASS/ .
Registration for inoculation against the coronavirus may become accessible to all Moscow residents when the city amasses enough reserves of a vaccine , the Moscow Mayor ’ s official website reported on Wednesday .
`` As new doses of vaccine arrive , the list of people eligible for inoculation immediately expands , the preference is given to those categories of residents who are the most susceptible to the risk of infection .
As soon as the vaccine supplies are sufficient , the inoculation for all interested individuals will be launched in Moscow , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that participants of studies of vaccines against the coronavirus infection , including those who received a placebo during clinical trials , can not get inoculated within the framework of civilian circulation , each one of them is monitored individually .
`` The vaccination is not accessible even in case of administration of only one vaccine component within the framework of a study and a refusal of subsequent participation .
This rule is conditioned by the fact that neither a volunteer himself , nor a healthcare worker knows what [ the volunteer ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a preparation .
Without this understanding the administration of the actual vaccine may be unsafe , '' the statement specifies .
At the same time the vaccination against the coronavirus is open to Moscow residents who had any other infectious diseases .
A Moscow resident can get inoculated provided he doesn ’ t have contraindications and more than two weeks elapsed since the infection .
Also , the presence of antibodies is not a contraindication to the vaccination .
The vaccination against the coronavirus in Moscow was launched on December 5 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mos.ru portal two weeks in advance .
The vaccination stations are open daily from 08:00 to 20:00 .
In all , 70 vaccination stations are open in the city .
The inoculation against the coronavirus is accessible to workers in the spheres of education , healthcare , culture , retail , state services , social services , transport , energy , industry , media , as well as to residents over 60 years of age .
Starting on January 30 , Moscow residents with chronic diseases , construction workers , and students over @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 31. /TASS/. Registration for inoculation against the coronavirus may become accessible to all Moscow residents when the city amasses enough reserves of a vaccine, the Moscow Mayor’s official website reported on Wednesday.
"As new doses of vaccine arrive, the list of people eligible for inoculation immediately expands, the preference is given to those categories of residents who are the most susceptible to the risk of infection. As soon as the vaccine supplies are sufficient, the inoculation for all interested individuals will be launched in Moscow," the statement said.
It is noted that participants of studies of vaccines against the coronavirus infection, including those who received a placebo during clinical trials, cannot get inoculated within the framework of civilian circulation, each one of them is monitored individually. "The vaccination is not accessible even in case of administration of only one vaccine component within the framework of a study and a refusal of subsequent participation. This rule is conditioned by the fact that neither a volunteer himself, nor a healthcare worker knows what [the volunteer] received during the study - a placebo or a preparation. Without this understanding the administration of the actual vaccine may be unsafe," the statement specifies.
At the same time the vaccination against the coronavirus is open to Moscow residents who had any other infectious diseases. A Moscow resident can get inoculated provided he doesn’t have contraindications and more than two weeks elapsed since the infection. Also, the presence of antibodies is not a contraindication to the vaccination.
The vaccination against the coronavirus in Moscow was launched on December 5. The electronic registration is accessible at the mos.ru portal two weeks in advance. The vaccination stations are open daily from 08:00 to 20:00. In all, 70 vaccination stations are open in the city.
The inoculation against the coronavirus is accessible to workers in the spheres of education, healthcare, culture, retail, state services, social services, transport, energy, industry, media, as well as to residents over 60 years of age. Starting on January 30, Moscow residents with chronic diseases, construction workers, and students over 18 may get inoculated.