tass--2020-11-26--China's Chamber of Commerce presents Hainan's free trade port to foreign partners

HAIKOU , November 26 .
/TASS/. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade ( Chamber of Commerce ) invited representatives of 15 foreign trade associations located in China to Hainan to find out more the economic prospects of the free trade port , reported the Hainan Daily newspaper .
The foreign delegation of 20 people was led by the chairman of the council Gao Yan .
The guests who arrived in the Hainan province represent the trade interests of Russia , US , UK , Italy , Switzerland , Germany , Japan , South Korea , Thailand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the three-day visit , they will attend conferences dedicated to promoting Hainan 's port preferential policies , business investment opportunities , and economic and trade cooperation .
In addition , representatives of foreign trade associations will visit Hainan 's key industrial parks : the science city of Yazhou Bay and the central business district in Sanya , as well as the new Jiangdong district in the provincial center , Haikou .
Thus , they will be able to find out more about the development of the tourism industry on the island , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the publication specifies .
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade plans to continue to work closely with the Hainan government and promote the prosperity of the free trade port .
Both sides expressed their intention to sign a memorandum on deepening cooperation .
In recent years , the provincial government has made active efforts to improve the attractiveness of Hainan to international investors .
A new stage started after the publication of the general program for the development of the free trade port in June .
According to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special customs zone .
According to the plans of the Chinese government , by 2050 this region should turn into a unique international cluster with an advanced economic system , where university campuses , scientific laboratories and the headquarters of world corporations .

HAIKOU, November 26. /TASS/. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (Chamber of Commerce) invited representatives of 15 foreign trade associations located in China to Hainan to find out more the economic prospects of the free trade port, reported the Hainan Daily newspaper.
The foreign delegation of 20 people was led by the chairman of the council Gao Yan. The guests who arrived in the Hainan province represent the trade interests of Russia, US, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Mexico, and other countries. During the three-day visit, they will attend conferences dedicated to promoting Hainan's port preferential policies, business investment opportunities, and economic and trade cooperation.
In addition, representatives of foreign trade associations will visit Hainan's key industrial parks: the science city of Yazhou Bay and the central business district in Sanya, as well as the new Jiangdong district in the provincial center, Haikou. Thus, they will be able to find out more about the development of the tourism industry on the island, the modern service industry and the high-tech sector, the publication specifies.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade plans to continue to work closely with the Hainan government and promote the prosperity of the free trade port. Both sides expressed their intention to sign a memorandum on deepening cooperation.
In recent years, the provincial government has made active efforts to improve the attractiveness of Hainan to international investors. A new stage started after the publication of the general program for the development of the free trade port in June. According to this document, Hainan will be turned into a special customs zone. According to the plans of the Chinese government, by 2050 this region should turn into a unique international cluster with an advanced economic system, where university campuses, scientific laboratories and the headquarters of world corporations.


tass--2020-11-26--Coronavirus uses cholesterol receptor to penetrate human cells, scientists say

`` Commonalities between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infection suggest that antibodies , peptides and small compounds targeting ACE2 can be used in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 .
Identifying SR-B1 as a SARS-CoV-2 entry cofactor , we propose that drugs that target SR-B1 could act as antivirals that limit SARS-CoV-2 infection .
As a proof of concept , we have shown that ITX 5601 , a clinically approved inhibitor of HCV infection , strongly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection of cultured cells , '' the scientists wrote .
MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Molecular biologists from China have discovered first evidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cells not only by using the `` lung '' ACE2 receptor but also the SR-B1 receptors which recognize cholesterol molecules .
Their findings were published in the Nature Metabolism journal .
The SARS-CoV-2 virus penetrates lung cells of humans and other mammals , using the ACE2 protein molecules covering their surface .
These growths , as the scientists have known for a while , play an important part in the vital functions of SARS , the atypical pneumonia agent .
Later biologists discovered that the coronavirus may also use another receptor , CD147 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cells .
The ability of the COVID-19 agent to adhere to several different receptors at once made the scientists study actively to which other types of protein molecules the coronavirus may bind and how this affects the course of the disease .
A group of Chinese molecular biologists led by Zhang Rui , researcher at the Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute in Shenyang , China , have discovered another receptor involved in the development of the coronavirus infection by studying the structure of the S-protein of the coronavirus , the part of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A new `` accomplice '' of the coronavirus The scientists have known for a while that only a small part of this protein chain is involved in attachment of the virus to a receptor which indicates possible other functions of the S-protein .
In order to uncover them , the scientists were comparing the structure of this molecule with various human cell receptors .
This analysis uncovered that the S-protein contained amino acid sequences very similar to those responsible for the attachment of the SR-B1 receptor to cholesterol and lipoprotein molecules .
Guided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether the coronavirus particles can interact with these substances and with the SR-B1 receptor itself .
The subsequent experiments demonstrated that the virus indeed is capable of binding to cholesterol but not to the molecules similar to it , and also unexpectedly discovered that the same part of the S-protein that interacts with ACE2 was involved .
Encountering this property of the virus , the scientists decided to see what happens if large amounts of cholesterol and lipoprotein are added to the culture medium with cells infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognizing it play an important role in the process of the virus penetrating healthy cells .
The more of its molecules were present in the culture medium , the quicker SARS-CoV-2 infected new victims .
At the same time , blocking SR-B1 using the ITX 5601 preparation sharply curbed the spread of the virus .
The interactions of the S-protein of the virus with the SR-B1 receptors by itself do not lead to the development of the infection , this happens only in the presence of viable ACE2 molecules on the surface of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differences in the course of the disease in different patients as well as why many medications against viral Hepatitis C , for which SR-B1 serves as the main dissemination channel , work against COVID-19 .
The scientists hope that a further study of interactions between this receptor and the SARS-CoV-2 particles will aid in understanding how this property of the virus can be used in order to suppress the infection and develop the most effective methods of treating it .

"Commonalities between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infection suggest that antibodies, peptides and small compounds targeting ACE2 can be used in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Identifying SR-B1 as a SARS-CoV-2 entry cofactor, we propose that drugs that target SR-B1 could act as antivirals that limit SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a proof of concept, we have shown that ITX 5601, a clinically approved inhibitor of HCV infection, strongly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection of cultured cells," the scientists wrote.
MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. Molecular biologists from China have discovered first evidence of the fact that the coronavirus penetrates human cells not only by using the "lung" ACE2 receptor but also the SR-B1 receptors which recognize cholesterol molecules. Their findings were published in the Nature Metabolism journal.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus penetrates lung cells of humans and other mammals, using the ACE2 protein molecules covering their surface. These growths, as the scientists have known for a while, play an important part in the vital functions of SARS, the atypical pneumonia agent. Later biologists discovered that the coronavirus may also use another receptor, CD147, linked to the functioning of immune cells.
The ability of the COVID-19 agent to adhere to several different receptors at once made the scientists study actively to which other types of protein molecules the coronavirus may bind and how this affects the course of the disease.
A group of Chinese molecular biologists led by Zhang Rui, researcher at the Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute in Shenyang, China, have discovered another receptor involved in the development of the coronavirus infection by studying the structure of the S-protein of the coronavirus, the part of its membrane which directly binds with ACE2.
A new "accomplice" of the coronavirus
The scientists have known for a while that only a small part of this protein chain is involved in attachment of the virus to a receptor which indicates possible other functions of the S-protein. In order to uncover them, the scientists were comparing the structure of this molecule with various human cell receptors.
This analysis uncovered that the S-protein contained amino acid sequences very similar to those responsible for the attachment of the SR-B1 receptor to cholesterol and lipoprotein molecules. Guided by this idea, the scientists checked whether the coronavirus particles can interact with these substances and with the SR-B1 receptor itself.
The subsequent experiments demonstrated that the virus indeed is capable of binding to cholesterol but not to the molecules similar to it, and also unexpectedly discovered that the same part of the S-protein that interacts with ACE2 was involved. Encountering this property of the virus, the scientists decided to see what happens if large amounts of cholesterol and lipoprotein are added to the culture medium with cells infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
These experiments confirmed that cholesterol and the receptors recognizing it play an important role in the process of the virus penetrating healthy cells. The more of its molecules were present in the culture medium, the quicker SARS-CoV-2 infected new victims. At the same time, blocking SR-B1 using the ITX 5601 preparation sharply curbed the spread of the virus.
The interactions of the S-protein of the virus with the SR-B1 receptors by itself do not lead to the development of the infection, this happens only in the presence of viable ACE2 molecules on the surface of cellular membranes. This explains many strange differences in the course of the disease in different patients as well as why many medications against viral Hepatitis C, for which SR-B1 serves as the main dissemination channel, work against COVID-19.
The scientists hope that a further study of interactions between this receptor and the SARS-CoV-2 particles will aid in understanding how this property of the virus can be used in order to suppress the infection and develop the most effective methods of treating it.


tass--2020-11-26--Moscow court puts one of local leaders of Jehovah’s Witnesses under house arrest

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Presnensky District Court has put one of the four chiefs of a Jehovah ’ s Witnesses center in Moscow under house arrest , a court spokesperson told TASS .
`` Moscow ’ s Presnensky District Court rejected the investigation ’ s request for the detention of Sergei Shatalov , who is facing charges under Article 282.2.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ( arranging the activities of an extremist organization ) , and ruled to put him under house arrest until January 23 , 2021 , '' she said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defendants in the case in detention .
According to investigators , a group of individuals has been administering the organization ’ s religious unit in northeastern Moscow since June 2019 .
Clandestine meetings took place in an apartment , where followers studied religious literature and information from other sources , which promote the teachings of Jehovah ’ s Witnesses , and carried out other activities typical of the organization .
It was also established that the group ’ s members recruited residents of Moscow and other Russian regions to join Jehovah 's Witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling in April 2017 .
A criminal case was opened under Article 282.2 of the Russian Criminal Code .

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. Moscow’s Presnensky District Court has put one of the four chiefs of a Jehovah’s Witnesses center in Moscow under house arrest, a court spokesperson told TASS.
"Moscow’s Presnensky District Court rejected the investigation’s request for the detention of Sergei Shatalov, who is facing charges under Article 282.2.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (arranging the activities of an extremist organization), and ruled to put him under house arrest until January 23, 2021," she said.
The investigation earlier requested the court to place defendants in the case in detention.
According to investigators, a group of individuals has been administering the organization’s religious unit in northeastern Moscow since June 2019. Clandestine meetings took place in an apartment, where followers studied religious literature and information from other sources, which promote the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and carried out other activities typical of the organization. It was also established that the group’s members recruited residents of Moscow and other Russian regions to join Jehovah's Witnesses, banned by a Russian Supreme Court ruling in April 2017.
A criminal case was opened under Article 282.2 of the Russian Criminal Code.


tass--2020-11-26--Putin arrives in Russia’s Sarov on a working visit

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Russia ’ s Sarov on a working trip , where he will visit the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics , one of the key centers of the Russian nuclear arms industry .
The president ’ s arrival was transmitted on the Rossiya-24 TV channel .
Putin had to postpone the trip the day before due to unfavorable weather conditions .
During the trip , the Russian president plans to get acquainted with digital products of the Rosatom state corporation .
Putin will also meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gleb Nikitin .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that the president would have `` a rather rich agenda '' in Sarov .
Peskov informed that the president would visit the nuclear test site of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics and oversee the new developments .
There will be many closed events , the spokesman added .
Putin will also hold a video call with head of Rosatom Alexey Likchachev on the situation in the town of Usolye-Sibirskoye in the Irkutsk Region , Peskov informed .
Usolyekhimprom , once the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mountains , became a source of environmental danger since its closure in 2005 .
Since 2018 , a state of emergency has been in place in the nearby town of Usolye-Sibirskoye , home to more than 76,000 inhabitants .
A large hotspot of mercury pollution , resulting after the 1998 liquidation of the mercury electrolysis production facility , is located at the industrial site where reservoirs with chemical substances are stored and the structures , soil , and the ground waters are saturated with toxins .
The closest residential buildings are within 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town is located 77 km away from the regional administrative center of Irkutsk , on the left bank of the Angara River that drains out of Lake Baikal .

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Russia’s Sarov on a working trip, where he will visit the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics, one of the key centers of the Russian nuclear arms industry. The president’s arrival was transmitted on the Rossiya-24 TV channel. Putin had to postpone the trip the day before due to unfavorable weather conditions.
During the trip, the Russian president plans to get acquainted with digital products of the Rosatom state corporation. Putin will also meet with Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that the president would have "a rather rich agenda" in Sarov. Peskov informed that the president would visit the nuclear test site of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics and oversee the new developments. There will be many closed events, the spokesman added.
Putin will also hold a video call with head of Rosatom Alexey Likchachev on the situation in the town of Usolye-Sibirskoye in the Irkutsk Region, Peskov informed.
Usolyekhimprom, once the biggest chemical facility east of the Ural Mountains, became a source of environmental danger since its closure in 2005. Since 2018, a state of emergency has been in place in the nearby town of Usolye-Sibirskoye, home to more than 76,000 inhabitants. A large hotspot of mercury pollution, resulting after the 1998 liquidation of the mercury electrolysis production facility, is located at the industrial site where reservoirs with chemical substances are stored and the structures, soil, and the ground waters are saturated with toxins. The closest residential buildings are within 2 kilometers of the Usolyekhimprom plant. The town is located 77 km away from the regional administrative center of Irkutsk, on the left bank of the Angara River that drains out of Lake Baikal.


tass--2020-11-26--Il-114-300 airplane to make maiden flights in coming days

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
The first flight of the Il-114-300 turboprop passenger aircraft will take place in @ @ @ @ @ deliveries to customers are scheduled in 2023 as announced earlier , Minister of Industry and @ @ @ @ @ in an interview on Friday .
`` The first aircraft is actually on the airfield @ @ @ @ @ maiden flight .
This will take place actually in days to come .
The second @ @ @ @ @ .
We meet the timeframe that was outlined .
We expect to have first supplies @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Minister said .
The Il-114-300 is an airplane intended for local air @ @ @ @ @ scheduled to undergo certification in 2022 and its production will be up to 12 aircraft @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. The first flight of the Il-114-300 turboprop passenger aircraft will take place in coming days, while first deliveries to customers are scheduled in 2023 as announced earlier, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov told TASS in an interview on Friday.
"The first aircraft is actually on the airfield and is preparing for the maiden flight. This will take place actually in days to come. The second airplane is close to completion. We meet the timeframe that was outlined. We expect to have first supplies to Russian airlines from 2023," the Minister said.
The Il-114-300 is an airplane intended for local air routes. The aircraft is scheduled to undergo certification in 2022 and its production will be up to 12 aircraft per year.


tass--2020-11-26--Over 500 companies already registered at Sanya's new business district

SANYA , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
More than 500 companies have already registered their headquarters and representative offices in the central business district of Hainan 's Sanya , reported the local administration .
According to the mayor 's office WeChat page , about 120 more commercial organizations are engaged in paperwork and will soon join the list of enterprises that are expected to contribute to the dynamic development of the city and its adjacent administrative and territorial units .
According to statement , the Sanya authorities plan to intensify the policy to boost business and attract investors , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The regional government expects that Hainan 's free trade port program will enable the implementation of a number of innovative projects and strengthen the scientific and technical base on which the stability of economic development depends in the long run .
About 10 companies based in Sanya are on the list of 500 most competitive enterprises in the world .
It is assumed that thanks to them , the city will gradually be able to turn into one of the key regional economic centers .
As follows from the published data , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business district should exceed 6.8 billion yuan ( more than $ 1 billion ) .
A significant part of these funds is used to develop new industry areas , including the sphere of financial and modern commercial services .
`` We plan to provide market participants with intensive support , < ... > we will actively contribute to strengthening the role of platforms providing services in finance , investment and consulting , '' assured the department managing the development of the Sanya Central Business District .
Sanya 's business Center plays an important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade zone and port in Hainan .
On its territory there are companies operating in the financial sector , specializing in providing a wide range of commercial services , in organizing first-class international cruise tours .
The building area in this area exceeds 5 sq .
km .

SANYA, November 26. /TASS/. More than 500 companies have already registered their headquarters and representative offices in the central business district of Hainan's Sanya, reported the local administration.
According to the mayor's office WeChat page, about 120 more commercial organizations are engaged in paperwork and will soon join the list of enterprises that are expected to contribute to the dynamic development of the city and its adjacent administrative and territorial units. According to statement, the Sanya authorities plan to intensify the policy to boost business and attract investors, which provides for a number of benefits.
The regional government expects that Hainan's free trade port program will enable the implementation of a number of innovative projects and strengthen the scientific and technical base on which the stability of economic development depends in the long run.
About 10 companies based in Sanya are on the list of 500 most competitive enterprises in the world. It is assumed that thanks to them, the city will gradually be able to turn into one of the key regional economic centers. As follows from the published data, in 2020 fixed capital investment in the central business district should exceed 6.8 billion yuan (more than $ 1 billion). A significant part of these funds is used to develop new industry areas, including the sphere of financial and modern commercial services.
"We plan to provide market participants with intensive support, <...> we will actively contribute to strengthening the role of platforms providing services in finance, investment and consulting," assured the department managing the development of the Sanya Central Business District.
Sanya's business Center plays an important role in the formation of a free trade zone and port in Hainan. On its territory there are companies operating in the financial sector, specializing in providing a wide range of commercial services, in organizing first-class international cruise tours. The building area in this area exceeds 5 sq. km.


tass--2020-11-27--This week in photos: Trump pardons Turkey, Maradona’s last goodbye, China goes to the Moon

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during the traditional pardoning of the national Thanksgiving turkey .
The bird , named Corn , was given a full pardon and saved from ending up on the holiday dinner table , thanks to an on-line nationwide vote .
© Washington , DC , November 24 © Reuters/Hannah McKay Field engineers from the Russian Defense Ministry carrying out demining work along the Goris-Stepanakert roadway .
On November 9 , the leaders of Russia , Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
Russian peacekeeping observation posts are set up along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh .
© Nagorno-Karabakh , November 23 © Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS At the end of September , Swedish archaeologists discovered the fossils of a dog and its owner dating back over 8,400 years ago .
However , they were not able to remove the remains from the site .
The team had to cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kg and take it to the to the Blekinge Museum in Karlskrona , where scientists carefully removed the bones of the animal from the ground .
© EFE/Johan Nilsson/TT Miao women don traditional clothing during a festival in Guizhou province , China .
The celebrations are held according to the lunar calendar .
The holiday is accompanied by parades , processions , national dances and songs .
© Tongren , November 24 @ Long Yuanbin/VCG via Getty Images Crowds light flares as they congregate near a mural depicting football legend Diego Maradona , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of Maradona ’ s career were in Naples ( 1984-1991 ) , where he led Napoli to two Italian league championships and a UEFA victory .
He was Argentina ’ s inspirational team captain when they won the World Cup in 1986 .
Maradona passed away on November 25 , at the age of 60 from a heart attack .
© Naples , November 25 © Fabio Sasso/LaPresse via AP Demonstrators rally against the French Government 's newly passed global security bill , in particular , its article prohibiting the dissemination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Journalists say their freedom to cover protests and the work of the police at such events could be compromised .
On November 26 , the French authorities said they would establish an independent commission to look into the issue .
© Paris , November 21 © Photo by Kiran Ridley/Getty Images Crowds watch China ’ s Long March 5 rocket blast off with the Chang ' e-5 lunar probe on Tuesday , November 24 .
The mission seeks to deliver samples of lunar rocks back to Earth in about three weeks ’ time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s attempt to retrieve lunar rock samples , will be a first in 44 years .
© Wenchang , November 24 © EPA-EFE/STR British pianist Paul Barton isn ’ t monkeying around as he plays some tunes to soothe to wild macaques that inhabit the streets of Thailand .
Classical music , in his opinion , helps the animals left in the pandemic without the attention of tourists to relieve stress .
© Lopburi , November 21 © Reuters / Prapan Chankaew Moscow ’ s temporary hospital for COVID-19 patients at the Krylatskoye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area of 23,400 square meters has been transformed to accommodate 1,347 infectious beds and 42 intensive care beds .
© Moscow , November 23 © Sergey Bobylev/TASS An industrial climber clears ice from the Russky Bridge ’ s cables , as wind sends chunks plummeting to the middle of the motorway .
Thus , there are no safe zones , and as a result traffic on the bridge is blocked .
Still , a ferry runs between the island and Vladivostok .
The ice storms that pummeled the Primorsky Region at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the recent history of the region .
On November 20 , Primorye declared a regional state of emergency due to the freezing rain and sleet which left the cities and villages in the region without electricity , heat or water .
© Vladivostok , November 25 © Viktor Gokhovich/TASS

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during the traditional pardoning of the national Thanksgiving turkey, Washington, USA, November 24. The bird, named Corn, was given a full pardon and saved from ending up on the holiday dinner table, thanks to an on-line nationwide vote. © Reuters/Hannah McKay
Field engineers from the Russian Defense Ministry carrying out demining work along the Goris-Stepanakert roadway, Nagorno-Karabakh, November 23. On November 9, the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. Russian peacekeeping observation posts are set up along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh © Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS
At the end of September, Swedish archaeologists discovered the fossils of a dog and its owner dating back over 8,400 years ago. However, they were not able to remove the remains from the site. The team had to cut out a block of soil weighing 250 kg and take it to the to the Blekinge Museum in Karlskrona, where scientists carefully removed the bones of the animal from the ground. © EFE/Johan Nilsson/TT
Miao women don traditional clothing during a festival in Guizhou province, China, November 24. The celebrations are held according to the lunar calendar. The holiday is accompanied by parades, processions, national dances and songs © Long Yuanbin/VCG via Getty Images
Crowds light flares as they congregate near a mural depicting football legend Diego Maradona, in Naples, Italy, November 25. The best years of Maradona’s career were in Naples (1984-1991), where he led Napoli to two Italian league championships and a UEFA victory. He was Argentina’s inspirational team captain when they won the World Cup in 1986. Maradona passed away on November 25, at the age of 60 from a heart attack. © Fabio Sasso/LaPresse via AP
Demonstrators rally against the French Government's newly passed global security bill, in particular, its article prohibiting the dissemination of images and footage featuring the police, Paris, France, November 2. Journalists say their freedom to cover protests and the work of the police at such events could be compromised. On November 26, the French authorities said they would establish an independent commission to look into the issue. © Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
Crowds watch China’s Long March 5 rocket blast off with the Chang'e-5 lunar probe, Wenchang, USA, November 24. The mission seeks to deliver samples of lunar rocks back to Earth in about three weeks’ time. If it succeeds, China’s attempt to retrieve lunar rock samples, will be a first in 44 years © EPA-EFE/STR
British pianist Paul Barton isn’t monkeying around as he plays some tunes to soothe wild macaques that inhabit the streets of Lopburi, Thailand, November 21. Classical music, in his opinion, helps the animals left in the pandemic without the attention of tourists to relieve stress © Reuters / Prapan Chankaew
Moscow’s temporary hospital for COVID-19 patients at the Krylatskoye Ice Palace, Moscow, Russia, November 23. The arena totaling an area of 23,400 square meters has been transformed to accommodate 1,347 infectious beds and 42 intensive care beds © Sergey Bobylev/TASS/
A seagull near a fishing boat off the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi, Russia, November 24 © Dmitry Feoktistov/TASS


tass--2020-11-27--Canada unwilling to jointly combat cyber threats, Moscow says

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Canadian state agencies describe Russia as a source of cyber threats in a @ @ @ @ @ , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Friday .
She @ @ @ @ @ by Canada ’ s Communications Security Establishment , which said that Russia might pose a @ @ @ @ @ national security through cyber attacks .
`` Regrettably , in search for funding , our @ @ @ @ @ reality instead of working together with us to fight real cyber threats , '' Zakharova @ @ @ @ @ her , Canadian experts don ’ t contact their Russian colleagues to discuss their concerns @ @ @ @ @ up media hype in an attempt to receive additional funding to fight the alleged Russian @ @

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Canadian state agencies describe Russia as a source of cyber threats in a bid to receive more funding, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Friday.
She referred to a report issued by Canada’s Communications Security Establishment, which said that Russia might pose a threat to Canada’s national security through cyber attacks.
"Regrettably, in search for funding, our Canadian colleagues create a parallel reality instead of working together with us to fight real cyber threats," Zakharova pointed out. According to her, Canadian experts don’t contact their Russian colleagues to discuss their concerns but issue reports and drum up media hype in an attempt to receive additional funding to fight the alleged Russian threat.


tass--2020-11-27--Putin discusses work of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh with Security Council

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed operations of Russian peacekeepers and a humanitarian mission @ @ @ @ @ with permanent members of the Russian Security Council on Friday , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov @ @ @ @ @ also a conversation about the activities of Russian peacekeepers and the work of a humanitarian @ @ @ @ @ he said .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed operations of Russian peacekeepers and a humanitarian mission to Nagorno-Karabakh at a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council on Friday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"There was also a conversation about the activities of Russian peacekeepers and the work of a humanitarian mission to Karabakh," he said.


tass--2020-11-27--German defense chief’s stance on Russia weakens European security, says Russian official

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
The statement of German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on establishing dialogue with Russia `` from the position of force '' does not strengthen European security , Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov said on Friday .
`` Ms. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer was appointed Germany ’ s defense minister not so long ago .
However , just like her predecessor , she demonstrates the inability to offer anything significant that would facilitate real improvement of European security , '' he said .
Konashenkov reminded that several days ago , the German defense minister said during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Russia on disarmament should be established `` from the position of force . ''
The spokesman noted that the Russian Defense Ministry did not rush to respond to this statement , hoping that German politicians would correct the minister themselves .
However , this did not happen , he stressed .
`` We have to state that this is not the first time that statements by certain politicians of the Federal Republic of Germany in relation to building relations with Russia remind us of a schoolboy ’ s attempts to compensate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loud and absurd , '' the spokesman quipped .
Konashenkov also pointed out that a similar stance expressed by Germany in the 20th century `` had already led to tragic consequences for the entire world , Germany itself and the German people . ''
Earlier , German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said during an address to the Bundestag that Germany should continue establishing dialogue on disarmament with Russia `` from the position of force , '' noting that `` this has always been a good stance of German foreign policy and it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. The statement of German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on establishing dialogue with Russia "from the position of force" does not strengthen European security, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov said on Friday.
"Ms. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer was appointed Germany’s defense minister not so long ago. However, just like her predecessor, she demonstrates the inability to offer anything significant that would facilitate real improvement of European security," he said.
Konashenkov reminded that several days ago, the German defense minister said during an address to the Bundestag that dialogue with Russia on disarmament should be established "from the position of force." The spokesman noted that the Russian Defense Ministry did not rush to respond to this statement, hoping that German politicians would correct the minister themselves. However, this did not happen, he stressed.
"We have to state that this is not the first time that statements by certain politicians of the Federal Republic of Germany in relation to building relations with Russia remind us of a schoolboy’s attempts to compensate for his lack of knowledge by saying something loud and absurd," the spokesman quipped.
Konashenkov also pointed out that a similar stance expressed by Germany in the 20th century "had already led to tragic consequences for the entire world, Germany itself and the German people."
Earlier, German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said during an address to the Bundestag that Germany should continue establishing dialogue on disarmament with Russia "from the position of force," noting that "this has always been a good stance of German foreign policy and it should remain as such in the future.".


tass--2020-11-27--Pobeda to resume flights to Germany from December 26

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian lowcoster Pobeda plans to restart fligts to Germany that were suspended @ @ @ @ @ air carrier says on Friday .
`` The Pobeda lowcoster opens ticket sales to international @ @ @ @ @ Berlin and Moscow - Cologne .
The flights to Berlin will be made from December @ @ @ @ @ and to Cologne from December 26 on Saturdays , '' the company says .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. The Russian lowcoster Pobeda plans to restart fligts to Germany that were suspended in spring 2020, the air carrier says on Friday.
"The Pobeda lowcoster opens ticket sales to international flights en route Moscow - Berlin and Moscow - Cologne. The flights to Berlin will be made from December 27, 2020 on Sundays and to Cologne from December 26 on Saturdays," the company says.


tass--2020-11-27--Working on new arms control in Europe incompatible with NATO course, says Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
The statement from Berlin saying that the work to modernize conventional arms control in Europe is necessary are incompatible with the NATO activities that violate the Non-Proliferation Treaty ( NPT ) , spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told a briefing Friday , commenting on the relevant remarks of German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas .
`` We carefully analyzed his [ Maas ] statement noting the necessary for a comprehensive modernization of the existing arms control in Europe .
We can not but agree that the previous regime that was grounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Europe is hopelessly outdated .
Therefore , it is completely logical to raise the issue of updating it , '' Zakharova stressed .
Nevertheless , she pointed out the ambiguity and inconsistency of the German government on European security issues , as Berlin continues to `` actively take part in provocative and destabilizing practices of the so-called NATO nuclear sharing missions '' simultaneously with calling to modernize arms control .
`` Amid this continuing questionable practice on the basis of maintaining and modernizing nuclear weapons in Europe , particularly in Germany , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boost security in Europe is not going to happen , '' she underlined .
According to Zakharova , NATO nuclear sharing missions envision engaging non-nuclear states in planning of using nuclear armaments and training relevant skills , which `` directly breaches the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons . ''
`` Further improvement of confidence and security building measures and creation of a new arms control regime could only be possible if favorable conditions were laid down and , primarily , the Western countries ’ rejection of the policy of so-called Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underscored .
In this regard , Russia proposes focusing on implementation of the existing measures to boost confidence and security as well as the specific steps to de-escalate and reduce military activities along the Russian-NATO borders .
Moreover , the defense ministry dialogue should be reinstated .
At the same time , Moscow says it is necessary to advance work to de-escalate the military and political situation both in the Russia-NATO format and the structured dialogue on security issues in the OSCE region .
`` Russia is disposed to serious work in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfortunately , are not rushing to move from rhetoric to action and this dialogue in particular , '' Zakharova stressed .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. The statement from Berlin saying that the work to modernize conventional arms control in Europe is necessary are incompatible with the NATO activities that violate the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told a briefing Friday, commenting on the relevant remarks of German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.
"We carefully analyzed his [Maas] statement noting the necessary for a comprehensive modernization of the existing arms control in Europe. We cannot but agree that the previous regime that was grounded in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe is hopelessly outdated. Therefore, it is completely logical to raise the issue of updating it," Zakharova stressed.
Nevertheless, she pointed out the ambiguity and inconsistency of the German government on European security issues, as Berlin continues to "actively take part in provocative and destabilizing practices of the so-called NATO nuclear sharing missions" simultaneously with calling to modernize arms control. "Amid this continuing questionable practice on the basis of maintaining and modernizing nuclear weapons in Europe, particularly in Germany, a serious conversation about the ways to boost security in Europe is not going to happen," she underlined.
According to Zakharova, NATO nuclear sharing missions envision engaging non-nuclear states in planning of using nuclear armaments and training relevant skills, which "directly breaches the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons."
"Further improvement of confidence and security building measures and creation of a new arms control regime could only be possible if favorable conditions were laid down and, primarily, the Western countries’ rejection of the policy of so-called Russia’s containment," the spokeswoman underscored. In this regard, Russia proposes focusing on implementation of the existing measures to boost confidence and security as well as the specific steps to de-escalate and reduce military activities along the Russian-NATO borders. Moreover, the defense ministry dialogue should be reinstated.
At the same time, Moscow says it is necessary to advance work to de-escalate the military and political situation both in the Russia-NATO format and the structured dialogue on security issues in the OSCE region. "Russia is disposed to serious work in this direction, but our Western colleagues, unfortunately, are not rushing to move from rhetoric to action and this dialogue in particular," Zakharova stressed.


tass--2020-11-27--US seeks to cover real culprits behind chemical weapons provocations — Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
The United States and its European allies seek to cover the real culprits behind chemical weapons provocations by bringing accusations against Russia and turning up the heat on the Syrian authorities , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Friday .
`` The US calls on its allies to continue turning up the heat on the Syrian leadership and sending - as they put it - strong signals to Russia at the upcoming Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention .
The goal clearly is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masterminds and organizers of all those chemical weapons provocations , '' she emphasized .
According to Zakharova , Syrian militants have developed skills in chemical terrorism thanks to the support of their Euro-Atlantic partners .
`` It seems that the US and its allies , pursuing their own geopolitical goals , don ’ t care about how this kind of approach will affect the security situation in the Middle East and beyond , '' she added .
The US remains the only member of the Chemical Weapons Convention that has not yet completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stockpile , the Russian diplomat pointed out .
`` The incident involving Russian blogger Navalny makes it clear that many US allies , including those in Europe , have the knowledge and technical capacities to create Novichok agents .
That said , their allegations that Russia has a state chemical weapons program and undermines the norms of the Chemical Weapons Convention look like unscrupulous attempts to justify activities to oppose Russia through sanctions in an absolutely cynical way , which has become the habit of the US and its allies , '' Zakharova @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said that the US and its allies deliberately sought to involve the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) in their political game .
However , in Zakharova ’ s words , the organization ’ s reputation has been tarnished as a result of `` scandals surrounding fake reports on chemical weapons provocations in Syria . ''
Their attempts to impose their will on the OPCW Technical Secretarial is what undermines the organization ’ s work , the diplomat stressed .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. The United States and its European allies seek to cover the real culprits behind chemical weapons provocations by bringing accusations against Russia and turning up the heat on the Syrian authorities, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Friday.
"The US calls on its allies to continue turning up the heat on the Syrian leadership and sending - as they put it - strong signals to Russia at the upcoming Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention. The goal clearly is to do everything possible to cover the real masterminds and organizers of all those chemical weapons provocations," she emphasized.
According to Zakharova, Syrian militants have developed skills in chemical terrorism thanks to the support of their Euro-Atlantic partners. "It seems that the US and its allies, pursuing their own geopolitical goals, don’t care about how this kind of approach will affect the security situation in the Middle East and beyond," she added.
The US remains the only member of the Chemical Weapons Convention that has not yet completed the elimination of its declared chemical weapon stockpile, the Russian diplomat pointed out. "The incident involving Russian blogger Navalny makes it clear that many US allies, including those in Europe, have the knowledge and technical capacities to create Novichok agents. That said, their allegations that Russia has a state chemical weapons program and undermines the norms of the Chemical Weapons Convention look like unscrupulous attempts to justify activities to oppose Russia through sanctions in an absolutely cynical way, which has become the habit of the US and its allies," Zakharova noted.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman also said that the US and its allies deliberately sought to involve the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in their political game. However, in Zakharova’s words, the organization’s reputation has been tarnished as a result of "scandals surrounding fake reports on chemical weapons provocations in Syria." Their attempts to impose their will on the OPCW Technical Secretarial is what undermines the organization’s work, the diplomat stressed.


tass--2020-11-27--Putin’s annual press conference to be lengthy and informative, Kremlin says

`` Of course , we can assume that it will be a rather long and informative event , '' the spokesman said , adding that the duration of the conference can not be determined exactly .
MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov expects that the annual press conference of Russian President Vladimir Putin planned for December 17 will be long and informative , he told reporters on Friday when asked about the duration of the conference , considering that its format will be different due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Since 2001 , Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every year , except for the period of his premiership in May 2008-May 2012 .
He resumed the tradition after his election for a six-year term in 2012 .
On all previous occasions , the head of state answered media questions for several hours in a live broadcast .
The event was invariably the focus of attention of the mass media and the public at large .
The first news conference in 2001 was also the shortest one ( 1 hour and 35 minutes ) .
The longest one in 2008 lasted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2004 , all news conferences continued for more than three hours .
In 2019 , Putin talked to reporters for 4 hours and 18 minutes , answering questions by 57 media representatives .

"Of course, we can assume that it will be a rather long and informative event," the spokesman said, adding that the duration of the conference cannot be determined exactly.
MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov expects that the annual press conference of Russian President Vladimir Putin planned for December 17 will be long and informative, he told reporters on Friday when asked about the duration of the conference, considering that its format will be different due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Since 2001, Putin has held the major year-end news conference every year, except for the period of his premiership in May 2008-May 2012. He resumed the tradition after his election for a six-year term in 2012. On all previous occasions, the head of state answered media questions for several hours in a live broadcast. The event was invariably the focus of attention of the mass media and the public at large.
The first news conference in 2001 was also the shortest one (1 hour and 35 minutes). The longest one in 2008 lasted for 4 hours and 40 minutes. Starting from 2004, all news conferences continued for more than three hours.
In 2019, Putin talked to reporters for 4 hours and 18 minutes, answering questions by 57 media representatives.


tass--2020-11-27--Over 400,000 Russian Army personnel to be vaccinated against COVID-19

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Over 400,000 Russian Army personnel will be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
`` In compliance with the president ’ s instruction , vaccination of @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus infection has begun .
Overall , over 400,000 military servicemen will be vaccinated @ @ @ @ @ the ministry ’ s board meeting .
To date , over 2.500 servicemen have been @ @ @ @ @ those vaccinated will grow to 80,000 by the end of this year , '' the @ @ @ @ @ specialists are carrying out research into the use of the plasma of vaccinated servicemen with @ @ @ @ @ for the treatment of the coronavirus infection , the defense minister said .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ shown its efficiency for severe forms of the disease .
Currently , over 500 vaccinated @ @ @ @ @ research , '' Shoigu said .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Over 400,000 Russian Army personnel will be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday.
"In compliance with the president’s instruction, vaccination of the Armed Forces personnel against the coronavirus infection has begun. Overall, over 400,000 military servicemen will be vaccinated," Shoigu said at the ministry’s board meeting.
To date, over 2.500 servicemen have been vaccinated. The number of those vaccinated will grow to 80,000 by the end of this year," the defense chief said.
Military specialists are carrying out research into the use of the plasma of vaccinated servicemen with a high level of antibodies for the treatment of the coronavirus infection, the defense minister said.
"The use of this methodology has shown its efficiency for severe forms of the disease. Currently, over 500 vaccinated servicemen are involved in the research," Shoigu said.


tass--2020-11-27--EU leaders to extend anti-Russia economic sanctions for six months at summit in December

BRUSSELS , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Leaders of 27 European Union ’ s member-states will take a political decision to extend economic sanctions against Russia that expire on January 31 , 2021 , for half a year at a summit on December 10-11 , a source in a delegation of one of European countries in the EU Council told TASS on Friday .
`` The issue of the Minsk talks [ on settlement of the Ukrainian conflict ] is expected to be briefly touched upon at the summit as leaders will take a political decision to extend sanctions for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been reached in their implementation , '' he said .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to routinely inform the remaining leaders about implementation of the Minsk accords at the summit , the diplomat added .
`` We do not expect any discussions on the issue as the situation is clear and we do not see any meaningful changes , '' he said .
In 2014 , the European Union slapped sanctions on Russia over the events in Ukraine and Crimea ’ s reunification with Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly extended and prolonged .
Talks on the cancellation of visas and a new basic agreement on cooperation were put on hold , some Russian officials were prohibited from visiting EU countries and their assets were frozen .
In addition , trading , financial and military restrictions were introduced .
In response , Moscow banned food imports from EU states .

BRUSSELS, November 27. /TASS/. Leaders of 27 European Union’s member-states will take a political decision to extend economic sanctions against Russia that expire on January 31, 2021, for half a year at a summit on December 10-11, a source in a delegation of one of European countries in the EU Council told TASS on Friday.
"The issue of the Minsk talks [on settlement of the Ukrainian conflict] is expected to be briefly touched upon at the summit as leaders will take a political decision to extend sanctions for another six months as no meaningful progress has been reached in their implementation," he said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to routinely inform the remaining leaders about implementation of the Minsk accords at the summit, the diplomat added. "We do not expect any discussions on the issue as the situation is clear and we do not see any meaningful changes," he said.
In 2014, the European Union slapped sanctions on Russia over the events in Ukraine and Crimea’s reunification with Russia. Since then, these sanctions have been repeatedly extended and prolonged. Talks on the cancellation of visas and a new basic agreement on cooperation were put on hold, some Russian officials were prohibited from visiting EU countries and their assets were frozen. In addition, trading, financial and military restrictions were introduced. In response, Moscow banned food imports from EU states.


tass--2020-11-27--Latest patrol ship accepted for service in Russia’s Black Sea Fleet

`` An official ceremony was held at the Black Sea Fleet ’ s Novorossiysk naval base to accept the new patrol ship Pavel Derzhavin into the Fleet ’ s structure .
Black Sea Fleet Deputy Commander Vice-Admiral Sergei Lipilin congratulated the first crew of the new ship on the commencement of its service in the Russian Navy , '' the press office said in a statement .
The patrol vessel Pavel Derzhavin built at the slipway of the Zelenodolsk Shipyard in the Volga area is the Project 22160 third serial-built ship .
The patrol ship was designed and built using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship is outfitted with the most advanced radio-technical and sonar systems , the statement says .
`` The patrol ships of this type are designated to protect and defend the maritime economic zone and , in wartime , provide for the stability of the Fleet ’ s forces and facilities in the course of the defense of the areas of its basing , '' the statement reads .
The ships of this class feature sea endurance of 60 days , are capable of developing a speed of 30 knots and displace about 1,700 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 80 and an operating range of up to 6,000 nautical miles .
The patrol ship Pavel Derzhavin has entered service with the naval group for the protection of the Novorossiysk naval base ’ s water area .
The ship ’ s crew will soon start practicing special course tasks , following which it will switch to accomplishing planned combat training assignments , the press office said .
Project 22160 patrol vessels have been designed by the Severnoye Design Bureau ( part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation ) .
They are the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ design principle .
Project 22160 ships are primarily designated to defend and protect the maritime economic zone .
The patrol ships also capable of accomplishing escort and anti-piracy missions and carrying out search and rescue operations .
They are armed with a 76.2mm artillery gun , an anti-aircraft missile system and machine guns .

"An official ceremony was held at the Black Sea Fleet’s Novorossiysk naval base to accept the new patrol ship Pavel Derzhavin into the Fleet’s structure. Black Sea Fleet Deputy Commander Vice-Admiral Sergei Lipilin congratulated the first crew of the new ship on the commencement of its service in the Russian Navy," the press office said in a statement.
The patrol vessel Pavel Derzhavin built at the slipway of the Zelenodolsk Shipyard in the Volga area is the Project 22160 third serial-built ship. The patrol ship was designed and built using the modular concept of armament. The ship is outfitted with the most advanced radio-technical and sonar systems, the statement says.
"The patrol ships of this type are designated to protect and defend the maritime economic zone and, in wartime, provide for the stability of the Fleet’s forces and facilities in the course of the defense of the areas of its basing," the statement reads.
The ships of this class feature sea endurance of 60 days, are capable of developing a speed of 30 knots and displace about 1,700 tonnes. They have a crew of about 80 and an operating range of up to 6,000 nautical miles.
The patrol ship Pavel Derzhavin has entered service with the naval group for the protection of the Novorossiysk naval base’s water area. The ship’s crew will soon start practicing special course tasks, following which it will switch to accomplishing planned combat training assignments, the press office said.
Project 22160 patrol vessels have been designed by the Severnoye Design Bureau (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation). They are the first ships in Russia based on the modular design principle.
Project 22160 ships are primarily designated to defend and protect the maritime economic zone. The patrol ships are also capable of accomplishing escort and anti-piracy missions and carrying out search and rescue operations. They are armed with a 76.2mm artillery gun, an anti-aircraft missile system and machine guns.


tass--2020-11-27--Over 1,300 foreign aircraft conducted air reconnaissance near Russian borders in 2020

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian air defense quick reaction alert forces detected and intercepted over 1,300 foreign @ @ @ @ @ Aerospace Force Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant-General Andrei Yudin said in an interview with the Defense Ministry @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
`` Air defense alert forces detected and tracked over 1.5 million airliners @ @ @ @ @ combat planes and over 1,300 spy aircraft , '' the general said .
The Russian @ @ @ @ @ quick reaction alert forces were scrambled over 170 times to intercept foreign planes near Russia @ @ @ @ @ said .
No violations of Russia ’ s state border were allowed , the general @ @ @ @ @ performed all their flights in compliance with the rules of using the airspace , the @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Russian air defense quick reaction alert forces detected and intercepted over 1,300 foreign spy planes in 2020, Aerospace Force Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant-General Andrei Yudin said in an interview with the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Friday.
"Air defense alert forces detected and tracked over 1.5 million airliners, including about 3,600 foreign combat planes and over 1,300 spy aircraft," the general said.
The Russian fighter aircraft from air defense quick reaction alert forces were scrambled over 170 times to intercept foreign planes near Russia’s borders, he said.
No violations of Russia’s state border were allowed, the general stressed.
The Russian aircraft performed all their flights in compliance with the rules of using the airspace, the general said.


tass--2020-11-27--Putin to hold annual press conference via video link on December 17

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold his annual press conference via video link @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin press service said in a statement on Friday .
`` At noon on November @ @ @ @ @ Media and Information Department will begin accrediting journalists for Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s @ @ @ @ @ take place on December 17 , 2020 , '' the statement reads .
According to @ @ @ @ @ event will be held via video conference due to the complicated epidemiological situation .
The @ @ @ @ @ to hold the news conference via video linkup from his Novo-Ogaryovo residence .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold his annual press conference via video link on December 17, the Kremlin press service said in a statement on Friday.
"At noon on November 29, the Russian Presidential Media and Information Department will begin accrediting journalists for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual news conference set to take place on December 17, 2020," the statement reads.
According to the press service, the event will be held via video conference due to the complicated epidemiological situation. The head of state is expected to hold the news conference via video linkup from his Novo-Ogaryovo residence.


tass--2020-11-27--Putin maintains intense dialogue with leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia — Kremlin

Armenian Prime Minister had phone talks on Karabakh with Putin on Friday MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian @ @ @ @ @ dialogue with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan , Kremlin Spokesman @ @ @ @ @ Friday , commenting on Pashinyan ’ s words about two phone calls with Putin .
@ @ @ @ @ issue official statements on every international telephone conversation that the president holds , '' Peskov @ @ @ @ @ him , Putin himself said that `` he is in intense dialogue with his colleagues @ @ @ @ @ part of the process to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict . ''

Armenian Prime Minister had phone talks on Karabakh with Putin on Friday
MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin maintains intense dialogue with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday, commenting on Pashinyan’s words about two phone calls with Putin.
"We don’t issue official statements on every international telephone conversation that the president holds," Peskov pointed out.
According to him, Putin himself said that "he is in intense dialogue with his colleagues from Armenia and Azerbaijan as part of the process to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict."


tass--2020-11-27--Over 200 aircraft, helicopters and missile systems to arrive for Russian troops this year

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian defense enterprises will deliver over 200 aircraft , helicopters and surface-to-air missile @ @ @ @ @ year , Aerospace Force Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant-General Andrei Yudin said in an interview with the @ @ @ @ @ Zvezda newspaper on Friday .
`` This year , defense enterprises are due to deliver @ @ @ @ @ military hardware to the troops , including Su-35S and Su-34 aircraft , Mi-28UB and Ka-52 @ @ @ @ @ training aircraft and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems , '' the general said .
By now @ @ @ @ @ already received over 70 aircraft and helicopters and also about 30 anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic missile @ @ @ @ @ four anti-aircraft missile regiments have completed their rearmament with S-400 systems , he said .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Russian defense enterprises will deliver over 200 aircraft, helicopters and surface-to-air missile systems to the troops this year, Aerospace Force Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant-General Andrei Yudin said in an interview with the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Friday.
"This year, defense enterprises are due to deliver over 200 items of new military hardware to the troops, including Su-35S and Su-34 aircraft, Mi-28UB and Ka-52 helicopters, L-410UVP-U20 and Yak-130 training aircraft and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems," the general said.
By now, the Russian troops have already received over 70 aircraft and helicopters and also about 30 anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic missile defense systems. Also, four anti-aircraft missile regiments have completed their rearmament with S-400 systems, he said.


tass--2020-11-27--Press review: Lavrov’s meeting with Lukashenko and Pashinyan’s martial law gamble

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Minsk and met with President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus .
Officially , the main topics of the talks between Lavrov and Lukashenko were trade and economic cooperation , as well as cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) .
However , according to Nezavisimaya Gazeta , the Russian leadership reminded Lukashenko that the Sochi agreements must be fulfilled .
At the same time , the public is only guessing their content .
Experts believe that Moscow is persuading Lukashenko to transfer power , and plans to discuss deep integration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indeed , the first words from Lavrov during the meeting were about the agreements in Sochi .
These agreements were not officially announced , however , based on insiders and public statements by officials , experts assumed that Lukashenko had promised Putin `` deeper integration '' and a peaceful transition of power .
`` Lukashenko is not fulfilling the timetable for the transit of power , which he promised Putin , '' political expert Valery Karbalevich told the newspaper .
The expert also assumed that the Kremlin would not agree to support the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that Russia would not cooperate with the West in putting pressure on Lukashenko .
`` Russia considers Belarus to be its sphere of influence and will not cooperate with the West on this matter , '' Karbalevich believes .
The commentator is convinced that Moscow will continue to push Lukashenko towards constitutional reform , which will create pro-Russian forces in the country and pursue a policy loyal to Russian interests .
Karbalevich believes that Russia will resolve the issues gradually , `` First , the transition of power , then deeper integration.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties ’ proposal to abolish martial law introduced on September 27 .
Although the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh have ceased , the ruling bloc asserts that `` there is a threat of renewed war . ''
Sources in Yerevan told Kommersant they are convinced that the real reason for such a decision is completely different .
The authorities need martial law in order to have a legal basis to disperse protest rallies .
`` The refusal of the ruling elite and Nikol Pashinyan to abolish martial law is for one goal only : to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to curb popular discontent with the limitations of martial law .
Besides the shameful defeat that they led the country to , the ruling elite ’ s departure is now a matter of state security .
Nikol Pashinyan must leave , '' Arman Abovyan , secretary of the `` Prosperous Armenia '' parliamentary faction , told Kommersant .
Political scientist Hrant Mikaelian agrees with the opposition 's point of view .
`` Pashinyan is pursuing martial law in order to be able to legally arrest opponents and disperse rallies in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told Kommersant .
Meanwhile , the ruling bloc admitted that armed clashes may erupt again .
`` Although the ceasefire declaration signed by the three presidents put an end to the full-scale war , the situation in the conflict zone is still largely unstable .
In light of the fact that many issues have yet to be resolved , various incidents periodically arise , and provocations in the conflict zone are possible , '' Mikael Zolyan , a deputy from the `` My Step '' alliance , old Kommersant .
Izvestia : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 24 % of GDP in 2021 In 2021 , Russia 's public debt may reach 24 % of GDP , which is 3.7 percentage points more than the draft budget .
According to a government plan , in 2021 , 2022 and 2023 , the country 's national debt should not exceed 24 % of GDP , while the draft budget talks about 20.3 % , 20.8 % and 21.3 % - the most secure levels in the opinion of the Ministry of Finance .
The increase in borrowing relative to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the economy is under pressure from the pandemic for the entire next year , experts told Izvestia .
The Ministry of Finance told Izvestia that 2020 is a unique year for the Russian budget .
`` We will adhere to flexible tactics in determining the supply of securities , allowing to set up a margin of safety should market conditions deteriorate , '' the Ministry said , noting that government borrowings are not the only source of financing the budget deficit , and , according to the draft changes in the long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt won ’ t exceed 24 % of GDP until 2036 .
An increase in government debt to 24 % is possible under a conservative scenario , if the global and domestic economy remain under pressure for the entire next year due to the pandemic , Chief Economist at BCS Global Markets Vladimir Tikhomirov told Izvestia .
The state debt of 24 % of GDP does not pose a threat to Russia , Director of the RANEPA Regional Policy Center Vladimir Klimanov believes .
Considering that the planned amount of borrowings for 2021-2023 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is quite logical that the government sets the maximum possible level of 24 % of GDP , Managing Director of NKR rating agency Andrey Piskunov told the newspaper .
Going beyond this threshold may entail investors reassessing the risk of the Russian public debt , the expert warned .
The Russian government wants to shift the development of cryptocurrencies in a `` civilized direction '' so that its owners can protect their rights .
Operations with cryptocurrencies in Russia are not yet legally regulated , and the authorities are in a hurry to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mishustin promised to amend the Tax Code , where digital financial assets will now be recognized as property .
Experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that the recent regulatory changes did not make the legal standing of cryptoassets clearer , which Russia needs to develop the market .
The Ministry of Finance has hammered out amendments to the Tax and Criminal Codes , and Administrative Offenses Code , which introduce fines and imprisonment for failure to declare transactions with cryptocurrencies .
Individuals and organizations will be required to declare transactions with cryptocurrencies amounting to over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
There is a 10 % penalty for concealing transfer transactions .
In July , the State Duma adopted the law that from January 1 , 2021 , would allow transactions with cryptocurrency and its use for savings and investments .
However , the purchase of goods and services will be prohibited .
Advertising payments with digital money is also banned .
Experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that the law has not removed doubt around the tax implications of using cryptocurrencies .
Government agencies will always be wary of cryptocurrencies , slowing down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tightening regulatory requirements for cryptocurrency owners , Head of the Corporate Finance and Corporate Governance Department of the Financial University Konstantin Ordov told the newspaper .
`` Without adequate and well-thought-out internal regulation , contributing to the development and expansion of the market , the situation with crypto-assets will always be in a ‘ grey zone ’ conditionally protected by legislation .
However , in reality this pushes people to withdraw assets from the country , and transfer business to favorable jurisdictions of other countries or even exiting the country , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Crypto Industry and Blockworkers ( RACIB ) Alexander Brazhnikov told the newspaper .
Izvestia : Russian research center works on vaccine against both coronavirus and measles In addition to a vaccine against coronavirus , the Russian State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector is working on a recombinant drug based on the measles virus , which would provide protection from both diseases , the research center told Izvestia .
`` The key feature of the bivalent vaccine under development is its focus on forming protection against both measles and COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be based on the Leningrad-16 Soviet measles virus strain , which is approved for use in children .
`` Measles is a very contagious disease .
It is enough for one sick person to enter a medium-sized room and breathe there for several minutes to infect absolutely everyone .
Therefore , the measles virus is an extremely ‘ effective ’ carrier .
The measles vaccine Leningrad-16 has already passed all safety tests , but new proteins from SARS-CoV-2 are being introduced there .
This once again requires new tests .
The situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where adenoviruses are used as a carrier instead of measles , '' Head of Genome Engineering lab at MIPT Pavel Volchkov told the newspaper .
At the moment , Vector is developing four different vaccines , one of which is already registered .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Kremlin pushing Lukashenko towards constitutional reform Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Minsk and met with President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus. Officially, the main topics of the talks between Lavrov and Lukashenko were trade and economic cooperation, as well as cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). However, according to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, the Russian leadership reminded Lukashenko that the Sochi agreements must be fulfilled. At the same time, the public is only guessing their content. Experts believe that Moscow is persuading Lukashenko to transfer power, and plans to discuss deep integration with a new head of state.
Read also Belarus ready to overcome modern problems together with Russia, Lukashenko says
Indeed, the first words from Lavrov during the meeting were about the agreements in Sochi. These agreements were not officially announced, however, based on insiders and public statements by officials, experts assumed that Lukashenko had promised Putin "deeper integration" and a peaceful transition of power. "Lukashenko is not fulfilling the timetable for the transit of power, which he promised Putin," political expert Valery Karbalevich told the newspaper. The expert also assumed that the Kremlin would not agree to support the option of a revolutionary change of power and that Russia would not cooperate with the West in putting pressure on Lukashenko. "Russia considers Belarus to be its sphere of influence and will not cooperate with the West on this matter," Karbalevich believes. The commentator is convinced that Moscow will continue to push Lukashenko towards constitutional reform, which will create pro-Russian forces in the country and pursue a policy loyal to Russian interests. Karbalevich believes that Russia will resolve the issues gradually, "First, the transition of power, then deeper integration.” Kommersant: Armenian ruling elite using martial law to stop protests The Armenian parliament rejected the opposition parties’ proposal to abolish martial law introduced on September 27. Although the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh have ceased, the ruling bloc asserts that "there is a threat of renewed war." Sources in Yerevan told Kommersant they are convinced that the real reason for such a decision is completely different. The authorities need martial law in order to have a legal basis to disperse protest rallies.
Read also Armenian parliament votes against lifting martial law
"The refusal of the ruling elite and Nikol Pashinyan to abolish martial law is for one goal only: to hold on to power by any means in order to curb popular discontent with the limitations of martial law. Besides the shameful defeat that they led the country to, the ruling elite’s departure is now a matter of state security. Nikol Pashinyan must leave," Arman Abovyan, secretary of the "Prosperous Armenia" parliamentary faction, told Kommersant. Political scientist Hrant Mikaelian agrees with the opposition's point of view. "Pashinyan is pursuing martial law in order to be able to legally arrest opponents and disperse rallies in order to hold on to power," he told Kommersant. Meanwhile, the ruling bloc admitted that armed clashes may erupt again. "Although the ceasefire declaration signed by the three presidents put an end to the full-scale war, the situation in the conflict zone is still largely unstable. In light of the fact that many issues have yet to be resolved, various incidents periodically arise, and provocations in the conflict zone are possible," Mikael Zolyan, a deputy from the "My Step" alliance, old Kommersant. Izvestia: Russia’s national debt could grow to 24% of GDP in 2021 In 2021, Russia's public debt may reach 24% of GDP, which is 3.7 percentage points more than the draft budget. According to a government plan, in 2021, 2022 and 2023, the country's national debt should not exceed 24% of GDP, while the draft budget talks about 20.3%, 20.8% and 21.3% - the most secure levels in the opinion of the Ministry of Finance. The increase in borrowing relative to the plan is not critical and may occur if the economy is under pressure from the pandemic for the entire next year, experts told Izvestia. The Ministry of Finance told Izvestia that 2020 is a unique year for the Russian budget. "We will adhere to flexible tactics in determining the supply of securities, allowing to set up a margin of safety should market conditions deteriorate," the Ministry said, noting that government borrowings are not the only source of financing the budget deficit, and, according to the draft changes in the long-term budget forecast, the level of public debt won’t exceed 24% of GDP until 2036. An increase in government debt to 24% is possible under a conservative scenario, if the global and domestic economy remain under pressure for the entire next year due to the pandemic, Chief Economist at BCS Global Markets Vladimir Tikhomirov told Izvestia. The state debt of 24% of GDP does not pose a threat to Russia, Director of the RANEPA Regional Policy Center Vladimir Klimanov believes. Considering that the planned amount of borrowings for 2021-2023 is 20-21% of GDP, it is quite logical that the government sets the maximum possible level of 24% of GDP, Managing Director of NKR rating agency Andrey Piskunov told the newspaper. Going beyond this threshold may entail investors reassessing the risk of the Russian public debt, the expert warned. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russia tightens approaches to cryptocurrency The Russian government wants to shift the development of cryptocurrencies in a "civilized direction" so that its owners can protect their rights. Operations with cryptocurrencies in Russia are not yet legally regulated, and the authorities are in a hurry to close this gap. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin promised to amend the Tax Code, where digital financial assets will now be recognized as property. Experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that the recent regulatory changes did not make the legal standing of cryptoassets clearer, which Russia needs to develop the market.
Read also Russia’s Central Bank sees no obvious need to issue national cryptocurrency
The Ministry of Finance has hammered out amendments to the Tax and Criminal Codes, and Administrative Offenses Code, which introduce fines and imprisonment for failure to declare transactions with cryptocurrencies. Individuals and organizations will be required to declare transactions with cryptocurrencies amounting to over 600,000 rubles ($7,926) per year. There is a 10% penalty for concealing transfer transactions. In July, the State Duma adopted the law that from January 1, 2021, would allow transactions with cryptocurrency and its use for savings and investments. However, the purchase of goods and services will be prohibited. Advertising payments with digital money is also banned. Experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that the law has not removed doubt around the tax implications of using cryptocurrencies. Government agencies will always be wary of cryptocurrencies, slowing down their integration into internal the economic processes and tightening regulatory requirements for cryptocurrency owners, Head of the Corporate Finance and Corporate Governance Department of the Financial University Konstantin Ordov told the newspaper. "Without adequate and well-thought-out internal regulation, contributing to the development and expansion of the market, the situation with crypto-assets will always be in a ‘grey zone’ conditionally protected by legislation. However, in reality this pushes people to withdraw assets from the country, and transfer business to favorable jurisdictions of other countries or even exiting the country," Executive Director of the Russian Association of the Crypto Industry and Blockworkers (RACIB) Alexander Brazhnikov told the newspaper. Izvestia: Russian research center works on vaccine against both coronavirus and measles In addition to a vaccine against coronavirus, the Russian State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector is working on a recombinant drug based on the measles virus, which would provide protection from both diseases, the research center told Izvestia.
Read also Sputnik V vaccine developers suggest combining it with AstraZeneca vaccine


tass--2020-11-27--Mass vaccination with EpiVacCorona in Russia to start in 2021

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Some doses of the Russian EpiVacCorona coronavirus vaccine , developed by the Vector center , will enter civil circulation on December 10 , while mass vaccination will start in 2021 , Vector center division head Aleander Ryzhikov said Friday .
`` I think that in 2021 it [ the vaccine ] will be available in almost every Russian region .
< … > The closest date when it will enter civil circulation is December 10 .
Later , mass vaccination will start in 2021 , '' he told an online press conference in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vector center received permission from the Russian Health Ministry to conduct clinical trials of its coronavirus vaccine , named EpiVacCorona , on volunteers .
The first volunteer was vaccinated on July 27 .
That phase of trials completed on September 30 and the vaccine was registered in mid-October .
The vaccine was developed on an advanced synthetic platform and consists of artificially synthesized short fragments of viral proteins - peptides - that make the immune system recognize and neutralize the virus .
On November 16 , the center obtained a permit to conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers aged over 60 .
A similar permit was issued on November 18 for trials involving 3,000 volunteers .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Some doses of the Russian EpiVacCorona coronavirus vaccine, developed by the Vector center, will enter civil circulation on December 10, while mass vaccination will start in 2021, Vector center division head Aleander Ryzhikov said Friday.
"I think that in 2021 it [the vaccine] will be available in almost every Russian region. <…> The closest date when it will enter civil circulation is December 10. Later, mass vaccination will start in 2021," he told an online press conference in TASS.
On July 24, the Vector center received permission from the Russian Health Ministry to conduct clinical trials of its coronavirus vaccine, named EpiVacCorona, on volunteers. The first volunteer was vaccinated on July 27. That phase of trials completed on September 30 and the vaccine was registered in mid-October. The vaccine was developed on an advanced synthetic platform and consists of artificially synthesized short fragments of viral proteins - peptides - that make the immune system recognize and neutralize the virus. On November 16, the center obtained a permit to conduct post-registration clinical trials of the vaccine on volunteers aged over 60. A similar permit was issued on November 18 for trials involving 3,000 volunteers.


tass--2020-11-27--Russia to wrap up work on breakthrough S-500 air defense missile system in 2021

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will complete its work on the most advanced S-500 anti-aircraft missile system in 2021 , Aerospace Force Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant-General Andrei Yudin said in an interview with the Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Friday .
`` It should be noted that the work on developing the S-500 mobile air defense and anti-ballistic missile system is scheduled to be completed in 2021 , '' the general said .
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said at the Army-2020 international arms show that the S-500 system was already undergoing state trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its serial production .
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in February that military specialists had held the trials of the world ’ s unrivaled surface-to-air missiles for the latest S-500 air defense system last year .
The deputy defense minister said in December 2019 that the preliminary tests of the S-500 anti-aircraft missile system would begin in 2020 and the commencement of its serial deliveries to the troops was scheduled for 2025 .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier said that the deliveries of the latest S-500 surface-to-air missile systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia has been training specialists to learn to operate the new system at the Military Academy of the Aerospace Force in Tver since 2017 .
Russia is developing the S-500 with a view of its operation in the next 25 years .
As the Western media reported , the new Russian missile system struck the target at a range of 481.2 km or 80 km more compared to any existing missile system .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Russia will complete its work on the most advanced S-500 anti-aircraft missile system in 2021, Aerospace Force Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant-General Andrei Yudin said in an interview with the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Friday.
"It should be noted that the work on developing the S-500 mobile air defense and anti-ballistic missile system is scheduled to be completed in 2021," the general said.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said at the Army-2020 international arms show that the S-500 system was already undergoing state trials and work was underway to purchase parts for its serial production.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in February that military specialists had held the trials of the world’s unrivaled surface-to-air missiles for the latest S-500 air defense system last year.
The deputy defense minister said in December 2019 that the preliminary tests of the S-500 anti-aircraft missile system would begin in 2020 and the commencement of its serial deliveries to the troops was scheduled for 2025.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier said that the deliveries of the latest S-500 surface-to-air missile systems to the troops would begin in 2020. Russia has been training specialists to learn to operate the new system at the Military Academy of the Aerospace Force in Tver since 2017.
Russia is developing the S-500 with a view of its operation in the next 25 years. As the Western media reported, the new Russian missile system struck the target at a range of 481.2 km or 80 km more compared to any existing missile system.


tass--2020-11-27--St. Petersburg reports record-high 3,687 new daily infections

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in St. Petersburg went up by record-high @ @ @ @ @ hours , the national anti-coronavirus crisis center reported .
St. Petersburg registers an all-time high @ @ @ @ @ in past day At the same time , the increase compared with the previous day @ @ @ @ @ , as 3,669 infections were identified on Thursday .
Overall , 114,820 people have been @ @ @ @ @ In the past 24 hours , 1,898 patients recovered and 63 died .
In total @ @ @ @ @ died .
Currently , there are 43,895 active cases in St. Petersburg .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in St. Petersburg went up by record-high 3,687 in the past 24 hours, the national anti-coronavirus crisis center reported.
St. Petersburg registers an all-time high of over 3,000 COVID-19 cases in past day
At the same time, the increase compared with the previous day’s figures was insignificant, as 3,669 infections were identified on Thursday. Overall, 114,820 people have been infected in the city.
In the past 24 hours, 1,898 patients recovered and 63 died. In total, 65,645 recovered and 5,280 died.
Currently, there are 43,895 active cases in St. Petersburg.


tass--2020-11-27--OPEC+ monitoring committee to hold consultations on November 28 prior to main meeting

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman will hold informal consultations with members of the OPEC+ monitoring committee on November 28 , two sources in OPEC told TASS .
Those will be the last talks between members of the committee before the ministerial meeting of OPEC+ nations scheduled for November 30 - December 1 .
No consensus has been reached by participating countries on the issue of extension of the current output reduction level yet , according to the source .
At a previous meeting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee failed to render a recommendation on production levels for the first months of 2021 ahead of the ministerial conference .
The main options suggest that the OPEC+ either increases crude production by 1.9 mln barrels per day starting January 1 as it was planned in April 2020 , or maintains the current level of output cuts due to a second wave of the coronavirus at least by the end of March .
Ministers decided to take time out to see how the lockdowns situation would unfold in the two weeks before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The OPEC+ feared that output recovery starting January might lead to reserves growth in case of weak oil consumption .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman will hold informal consultations with members of the OPEC+ monitoring committee on November 28, two sources in OPEC told TASS. Those will be the last talks between members of the committee before the ministerial meeting of OPEC+ nations scheduled for November 30 - December 1.
No consensus has been reached by participating countries on the issue of extension of the current output reduction level yet, according to the source.
At a previous meeting on November 17 the ministers of the monitoring committee failed to render a recommendation on production levels for the first months of 2021 ahead of the ministerial conference. The main options suggest that the OPEC+ either increases crude production by 1.9 mln barrels per day starting January 1 as it was planned in April 2020, or maintains the current level of output cuts due to a second wave of the coronavirus at least by the end of March.
Ministers decided to take time out to see how the lockdowns situation would unfold in the two weeks before the main meeting, sources told TASS earlier. The OPEC+ feared that output recovery starting January might lead to reserves growth in case of weak oil consumption.


tass--2020-11-27--Moscow’s daily coronavirus cases hit all-time high of 7,918

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 7,918 coronavirus cases were recorded in Moscow in the past @ @ @ @ @ since the beginning of the pandemic , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ cases on Thursday .
According to data from the crisis center , the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ 1.4 % .
A total of 6,484 coronavirus recoveries and 77 deaths were recorded in @ @ @ @ @ hours .
The overall number of recoveries has reached 434,902 and the death toll has @ @ @ @ @ are currently 141,513 active coronavirus cases in Moscow .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. As many as 7,918 coronavirus cases were recorded in Moscow in the past day, the highest number since the beginning of the pandemic, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday.
Moscow reported 6,075 new daily cases on Thursday. According to data from the crisis center, the city’s coronavirus growth rate is 1.4%.
A total of 6,484 coronavirus recoveries and 77 deaths were recorded in Moscow in the past 24 hours. The overall number of recoveries has reached 434,902 and the death toll has climbed to 8,680. There are currently 141,513 active coronavirus cases in Moscow.


tass--2020-11-27--Russian radars track 35 foreign spy planes and 3 drones over week

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian radars tracked 38 foreign aircraft that conducted air reconnaissance near Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ past week , the Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper reported on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ show that 35 foreign spy planes and three drones conducted air reconnaissance along Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ past week .
All the flights by foreign spy aircraft were tracked by Russian radar @ @ @ @ @ the Russian state border were allowed , the paper stressed .
Also , Orlan-10 multi-functional @ @ @ @ @ air reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles were delivered to the troops under the defense procurement plan @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Russian radars tracked 38 foreign aircraft that conducted air reconnaissance near Russia’s state borders in the past week, the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper reported on Friday.
The paper’s infographics show that 35 foreign spy planes and three drones conducted air reconnaissance along Russia’s state borders in the past week. All the flights by foreign spy aircraft were tracked by Russian radar stations. No violations of the Russian state border were allowed, the paper stressed.
Also, Orlan-10 multi-functional drone systems and Eleron-3 close-range air reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles were delivered to the troops under the defense procurement plan, the infographics show.


tass--2020-11-27--Record high 27,543 cases of COVID-19 infection detected in Russia

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ a record high nationwide since the beginning of the pandemic .
The total number of @ @ @ @ @ to 2,215,533 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told journalists on Friday .
The previous record @ @ @ @ @ cases was documented on Thursday .
According to the crisis center , the relative growth @ @ @ @ @ 1.3 % .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours has increased by 27,543, a record high nationwide since the beginning of the pandemic. The total number of the coronavirus infections has risen to 2,215,533, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told journalists on Friday.
The previous record high of 25,487 detected daily cases was documented on Thursday. According to the crisis center, the relative growth increased from 1.2% to 1.3%.


tass--2020-11-27--Crimes involving cell phones rise by nearly 100% in Russia

MOSCOW , November 27 .
/TASS/ .
The number of crimes involving cell phones rose in Russia by nearly 100 @ @ @ @ @ committed through the Internet went up by over 90 % , according to data from @ @ @ @ @ many as 421,000 IT crimes were recorded between January and October 2020 , including 216,000 @ @ @ @ @ particular , 244,000 crimes were committed through the Internet , a 93 % rise compared @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , and 181,000 crimes involved cell phones , 96 % more than in the @ @ @ @ @ '' the Interior Ministry said .
In addition , credit card crimes skyrocketed by over @ @ @ @ @ ten months of the year .
Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev earlier said that the @ @ @ @ @ cyber crime included security gaps in banks that particularly led to customer data leaks .

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. The number of crimes involving cell phones rose in Russia by nearly 100% in 2020 and crimes committed through the Internet went up by over 90%, according to data from the Interior Ministry.
As many as 421,000 IT crimes were recorded between January and October 2020, including 216,000 serious ones. "In particular, 244,000 crimes were committed through the Internet, a 93% rise compared to the same period of 2019, and 181,000 crimes involved cell phones, 96% more than in the same period last year," the Interior Ministry said.
In addition, credit card crimes skyrocketed by over 482% in the first ten months of the year.
Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev earlier said that the reasons behind a rise in cyber crime included security gaps in banks that particularly led to customer data leaks.