tass--2020-06-23--Wildberries targets becoming European e-commerce market leader, says CEO

`` We entered Europe in 2020 , beginning from Poland , and in May we started sales in Slovakia .
We will try to tussle with EU peers , '' she said , adding that `` the market is highly competitive , '' and that the company targets `` becoming number one player on the European e-commerce market . ''
MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Wildberries plans to become the leader of the European e-commerce market , Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Russia ’ s largest online retailer Tatyana Bakalchuk said in an interview with TASS for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , Wildberries is not drawing comparisons between itself and largest e-commerce platforms Amazon and Alibaba , Bakalchuk noted .
`` Those are different companies .
Each contributes to the development of the market , '' the founder of Russia ’ s biggest retailer emphasized .
The company is willing and ready to provide export support to small and medium-sized businesses `` for fellow citizens to start doing worthy things themselves , '' she said .
`` The current period is difficult for entrepreneurs , for sure , and not only for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the situation , searching for and finding options .
On the one hand , exchange rates have risen , but on the other hand , goods produced in Russia have become come competitive in Europe , for example .
We see window for growth here , and people are more eager to start their own business , '' Bakalchuk explained .
`` I ’ d like to live to see a major share of GDP being formed not by oil and gas , but due to development of small and mid-sized business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumer industry , '' she added .
Wildberries is present on the markets of seven countries , including Russia , Slovakia , Poland , Belarus , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , and Armenia .
Its turnover increased by 88 % in 2019 to 223.5 bln rubles ( $ 3.5 bln ) compared with 2018 .
The company plans to enter the markets of another ten states in 2020 .
Wildberries has become Russia ’ s largest Internet store in terms of online sales volume for the fourth consecutive year , according to the data @ @ @ @ @ @ @

"We entered Europe in 2020, beginning from Poland, and in May we started sales in Slovakia. We will try to tussle with EU peers," she said, adding that "the market is highly competitive," and that the company targets "becoming number one player on the European e-commerce market."
MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Wildberries plans to become the leader of the European e-commerce market, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Russia’s largest online retailer Tatyana Bakalchuk said in an interview with TASS for ''Top Business Officials' special project.
Meanwhile, Wildberries is not drawing comparisons between itself and largest e-commerce platforms Amazon and Alibaba, Bakalchuk noted. "Those are different companies. Each contributes to the development of the market," the founder of Russia’s biggest retailer emphasized.
The company is willing and ready to provide export support to small and medium-sized businesses "for fellow citizens to start doing worthy things themselves," she said. "The current period is difficult for entrepreneurs, for sure, and not only for them, though people are gradually adjusting to the situation, searching for and finding options. On the one hand, exchange rates have risen, but on the other hand, goods produced in Russia have become come competitive in Europe, for example. We see window for growth here, and people are more eager to start their own business," Bakalchuk explained.
"I’d like to live to see a major share of GDP being formed not by oil and gas, but due to development of small and mid-sized business, growth of real production, including consumer industry," she added.
Wildberries is present on the markets of seven countries, including Russia, Slovakia, Poland, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia. Its turnover increased by 88% in 2019 to 223.5 bln rubles ($3.5 bln) compared with 2018. The company plans to enter the markets of another ten states in 2020. Wildberries has become Russia’s largest Internet store in terms of online sales volume for the fourth consecutive year, according to the data provided by Data Insight analytical agency.


tass--2020-06-23--Supersonic business jet can have flight range up to 8,000 km — Tupolev Company

`` SBJ is developed for the purpose of quick delivery of passengers at a supersonic speed up to Mach 2 to the distance up to 8,000 km , predominantly for business executives , high level government officials and everybody who sees the time as the absolute priority , '' the report says .
`` The suggested SBJ layout should have a lowered level of the sonic boom with the following preliminary characteristics : the airplane can fly with the speed of about 2,000 km per hour at the 11-km altitude ; the airplane takeoff weight will be about 70 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the company said .
MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
The supersonic business jet ( SBJ ) under development can fly to the distance up to 8,000 km , Tupolev Company , an affiliate of the United Aircraft Corporation , said in its annual report .
The speed from Mach 1 to Mach 5 is considered to be supersonic .
For comparison , a modern Airbus A350 jet has the maximum speed of 0.89 M ( 945 km per hour at 12,190 m altitude ) .
The terms of reference for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be developed in 2020-2022 in the best case scenario , Tupolev said .
Full-scale surveys are to be completed at the same time .
Conceptual and detail design of the airplane are planned from 2022 to 2026 .
The Zhukovsky Institute research center will develop the concept and the program for the supersonic passenger jet in Russia by 2021 year-end , TASS reported earlier .
The company made the relevant contract with the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade on June 3 , according to papers on the government procurements website .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( $ 3.1 mln for this year ) and 504.7 mln rubles ( $ 7.25 mln ) for 2021 .
According to the terms of reference , proposals on the preliminary outline and dimensions of the supersonic aircraft and the list of critical technologies for its development , including noise reduction and fuel efficiency improvement measures , will be prepared by December 15 , 2021 .
The cost of research and development work under the project , production and operation of the supersonic jet will be assessed and its market prospects will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supersonic jet with a limited seating capacity and the speed up to Mach 1.6-1.8 at the initial stage and then move on to the development of faster airplanes with the seating capacity of 30-50 passengers and the speed up to Mach 2 .

"SBJ is developed for the purpose of quick delivery of passengers at a supersonic speed up to Mach 2 to the distance up to 8,000 km, predominantly for business executives, high level government officials and everybody who sees the time as the absolute priority," the report says. "The suggested SBJ layout should have a lowered level of the sonic boom with the following preliminary characteristics: the airplane can fly with the speed of about 2,000 km per hour at the 11-km altitude; the airplane takeoff weight will be about 70 and the seating capacity — about 30," the company said.
MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. The supersonic business jet (SBJ) under development can fly to the distance up to 8,000 km, Tupolev Company, an affiliate of the United Aircraft Corporation, said in its annual report.
The speed from Mach 1 to Mach 5 is considered to be supersonic. For comparison, a modern Airbus A350 jet has the maximum speed of 0.89 M (945 km per hour at 12,190 m altitude).
The terms of reference for the demo airplane and the demo aircraft should be developed in 2020-2022 in the best case scenario, Tupolev said. Full-scale surveys are to be completed at the same time. Conceptual and detail design of the airplane are planned from 2022 to 2026.
The Zhukovsky Institute research center will develop the concept and the program for the supersonic passenger jet in Russia by 2021 year-end, TASS reported earlier. The company made the relevant contract with the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade on June 3, according to papers on the government procurements website.
The contract price is 213 mln rubles ($3.1 mln for this year) and 504.7 mln rubles ($7.25 mln) for 2021. According to the terms of reference, proposals on the preliminary outline and dimensions of the supersonic aircraft and the list of critical technologies for its development, including noise reduction and fuel efficiency improvement measures, will be prepared by December 15, 2021. The cost of research and development work under the project, production and operation of the supersonic jet will be assessed and its market prospects will be reviewed.
Russia plans to develop a supersonic jet with a limited seating capacity and the speed up to Mach 1.6-1.8 at the initial stage and then move on to the development of faster airplanes with the seating capacity of 30-50 passengers and the speed up to Mach 2.


tass--2020-06-23--Russia excludes no steps on its part at conference on Open Skies Treaty — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat stressed that the key condition for Russia ’ s participation in the treaty was a possibility to survey the United States ’ territories .
`` As for our possible actions during the extraordinary conference of the Open Skies Treaty member states on July 6 , we have already said that the key condition for our ratification of the Treaty on Open Skies was a possibility to survey the United States ’ territory .
And everyone understands that perfectly well , '' he said .
MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia doesn ’ t exclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upcoming conference of the signatories to the Treaty on Open Skies due to take place on July 6 , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday .
`` We will see the reaction of our Western colleagues during this conference , what Europe thinks about it .
We don ’ t rule out any options of our actions but we want to hear what the rest have to say .
Let us wait and see , '' he added .
According to the Russian top diplomat , Russia sees in its approaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` that could justify the United States ’ unilateral steps towards ruining yet another multilateral instrument that has served as a cornerstone of the strategic stability system in the recent decades . ''
The minister noted that Russia was well aware of the `` concrete concerns '' voiced in its respect under the treaty , such as a ban on flights within a ten-kilometer zone along Abkhazia ’ s and South Ossetia ’ s borders and distance limits on flights over the westernmost Kaliningrad Region .
As for flights near Abkhazia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lavrov recalled the existing procedures for flights over countries that are not signatories to the Open Skies Treaty .
`` We have been ready for years to look for compromise solutions on condition that Georgia stops violating the treaty and permits flights over its territory .
It did not .
And this is a flagrant violation of the treaty .
Neither of our Western colleagues had any claims to Georgia and we were ready to negotiate this problem , '' he noted .
As for flights over the Kaliningrad Region , he pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envisaged a similar regime of flights over Alaska and hence Russia ’ s restrictions on the distance of flights over the Kaliningrad Region merely mirrored those set by the United States for flights over Alaska .
`` Well , whereas the West could and still can , as long as the treaty is still in force for the United States as well , survey 90 % of the Kaliningrad Region ’ s territory , we can survey less than three percent of Alaska ’ s .
And neither of our Western colleagues has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States about that .
But we continued to hold technical consultations along with an initiative group of Western countries and this artificially created problem around the Kaliningrad Region could have been resolved , '' Lavrov explained .
`` A regular round of such consultations was held days before the Americans announced their decision to withdraw from this treaty , '' he noted .
`` And according to our Western colleagues , that round of consultations was quite constructive .
I think that this is yet another evidence that the reasons for the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treaty were created deliberately . ''
US President Donald Trump declared on May 21 Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies , which provides for inspection flights over member countries ’ territories to monitor military activities .
He motivated this step by Russia ’ s alleged violation of the treaty .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the decision to withdraw from the treaty will come into effect in six months after May 22 .
Moscow denies these accusations and puts forward counterclaims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maria Zakharova said Russia has already voiced its own claims to the United States concerning this treaty ’ s implementation .
According to Vladimir Yermakov , director of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Department , Washington ’ s attempts to picture its withdrawal from the treaty as a reaction to Russia ’ s breaches are absolutely groundless .
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are to develop transparency , render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements and broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations .
The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants .
Now , the treaty has more than 30 signatory states .
Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26 , 2001 .

The Russian top diplomat stressed that the key condition for Russia’s participation in the treaty was a possibility to survey the United States’ territories. "As for our possible actions during the extraordinary conference of the Open Skies Treaty member states on July 6, we have already said that the key condition for our ratification of the Treaty on Open Skies was a possibility to survey the United States’ territory. And everyone understands that perfectly well," he said.
MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Russia doesn’t exclude any steps on its part during the upcoming conference of the signatories to the Treaty on Open Skies due to take place on July 6, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.
"We will see the reaction of our Western colleagues during this conference, what Europe thinks about it. We don’t rule out any options of our actions but we want to hear what the rest have to say. Let us wait and see," he added.
According to the Russian top diplomat, Russia sees in its approaches under the Open Skies Treaty no reasons "that could justify the United States’ unilateral steps towards ruining yet another multilateral instrument that has served as a cornerstone of the strategic stability system in the recent decades."
The minister noted that Russia was well aware of the "concrete concerns" voiced in its respect under the treaty, such as a ban on flights within a ten-kilometer zone along Abkhazia’s and South Ossetia’s borders and distance limits on flights over the westernmost Kaliningrad Region.
As for flights near Abkhazia’s and South Ossetia’s borders, Lavrov recalled the existing procedures for flights over countries that are not signatories to the Open Skies Treaty. "We have been ready for years to look for compromise solutions on condition that Georgia stops violating the treaty and permits flights over its territory. It did not. And this is a flagrant violation of the treaty. Neither of our Western colleagues had any claims to Georgia and we were ready to negotiate this problem," he noted.
As for flights over the Kaliningrad Region, he pointed out to the fact that the treaty envisaged a similar regime of flights over Alaska and hence Russia’s restrictions on the distance of flights over the Kaliningrad Region merely mirrored those set by the United States for flights over Alaska. "Well, whereas the West could and still can, as long as the treaty is still in force for the United States as well, survey 90% of the Kaliningrad Region’s territory, we can survey less than three percent of Alaska’s. And neither of our Western colleagues has ever had any questions to the United States about that. But we continued to hold technical consultations along with an initiative group of Western countries and this artificially created problem around the Kaliningrad Region could have been resolved," Lavrov explained.
"A regular round of such consultations was held days before the Americans announced their decision to withdraw from this treaty," he noted. "And according to our Western colleagues, that round of consultations was quite constructive. I think that this is yet another evidence that the reasons for the United States’ decision to withdraw from the treaty were created deliberately."
US President Donald Trump declared on May 21 Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, which provides for inspection flights over member countries’ territories to monitor military activities. He motivated this step by Russia’s alleged violation of the treaty. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the decision to withdraw from the treaty will come into effect in six months after May 22.
Moscow denies these accusations and puts forward counterclaims. Thus, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia has already voiced its own claims to the United States concerning this treaty’s implementation. According to Vladimir Yermakov, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Department, Washington’s attempts to picture its withdrawal from the treaty as a reaction to Russia’s breaches are absolutely groundless.
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency, render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements and broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations. The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants. Now, the treaty has more than 30 signatory states. Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26, 2001.


tass--2020-06-23--Second group of volunteers inoculated against COVID as part of vaccine clinical trials

`` Twenty more volunteers were vaccinated today .
These people will receive booster vaccination , with the second component of the vaccine to be injected in a span of three weeks , '' the ministry quoted Yevgeny Kryukov , chief of the Burdenko military hospital , as saying .
MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
A second group of 20 volunteers have been inoculated against the coronavirus infection by Russian military doctors as part of the vaccine ’ s clinical trials , the Russian defense ministry said on Tuesday .
`` No serious negative reactions or undesired responses were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` After the vaccination , the volunteers will continue to be under round-the-clock medical supervision at the Burdenko hospital .
They will undergo a spectrum of laboratory and instrumental tests to study the humoral immune response , '' Kryukov said , adding that the clinical trials were continued based on the primaryl data on the vaccine ’ s safety and acceptability received after the inoculation of the first group of volunteers on June 18 .
The defense ministry said in early June that two groups of volunteers had been selected for the clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first group of 50 servicemen includes five women and ten medics .
The second group is comprised of civilians .
Clinical testing of the vaccine developed by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology began on June 18 .
Eighteen volunteers were vaccinated against the novel coronavirus .

"Twenty more volunteers were vaccinated today. These people will receive booster vaccination, with the second component of the vaccine to be injected in a span of three weeks," the ministry quoted Yevgeny Kryukov, chief of the Burdenko military hospital, as saying.
MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. A second group of 20 volunteers have been inoculated against the coronavirus infection by Russian military doctors as part of the vaccine’s clinical trials, the Russian defense ministry said on Tuesday.
"No serious negative reactions or undesired responses were registered," the ministry said.
"After the vaccination, the volunteers will continue to be under round-the-clock medical supervision at the Burdenko hospital. They will undergo a spectrum of laboratory and instrumental tests to study the humoral immune response," Kryukov said, adding that the clinical trials were continued based on the primaryl data on the vaccine’s safety and acceptability received after the inoculation of the first group of volunteers on June 18.
The defense ministry said in early June that two groups of volunteers had been selected for the clinical tests of an anti-coronavirus vaccine. The first group of 50 servicemen includes five women and ten medics. The second group is comprised of civilians.
Clinical testing of the vaccine developed by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology began on June 18. Eighteen volunteers were vaccinated against the novel coronavirus.


tass--2020-06-23--Kyrgyzstan’s ex-president Atambayev sentenced to 11 years and 2 months in prison

Atambayev , who has been denying all the charges against him as politically motivated , was found guilty of corruption , his attorney revealed BISHKEK , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Kyrgyzstan ’ s former President Almazbek Atambayev has been convicted to 11 years and two months behind bars , his attorney Sergei Slesarev told TASS on Tuesday .
`` Bishkek ’ s Pervomaisky District Court has found Atambayev guilty and sentenced him to 11 years and two months in prison , '' he said , adding that the court also ruled to confiscate his property .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge this sentence with a higher instance court .
Atambayev , who has been denying all the charges against him as politically motivated , was found guilty of corruption .
According to the court , Atambayev was behind illegal release from prison of a crime boss Aziz Batukayev back in 2013 .
According to the official version , Batukayev was released from prison after being recognized as terminally ill and fled the country .
It was found out later that his medical assessment report had been forged .
Nineteen more people face charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Kyrgyzstan ’ s president in 2011-2017 , was detained on August 8 , 2019 at his residence in the village of Koi-Tash in Kyrgyzstan after a day-long special operation as his supporters offered resistance to law enforcers .
One riot police officer was killed during the operation .
More than a hundred people , including policemen , sought medical assistance .
Several days after the detention , the former president was charged with the use of force against law enforcers , organization of mass riots , orchestration of a murder plot and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking , illegal release of crime boss Batukayev from jail , corruption during the overhaul of the Bishkek electricity pant , an illegal real estate deal with the Forum industrial group ’ s building in Bishkek , and illegal possession of land plots in the village of Koi-Tash .
Atabmayev has been kept in a State National Security Committee ’ s detention center since August 8 , 2019 .

Atambayev, who has been denying all the charges against him as politically motivated, was found guilty of corruption, his attorney revealed
BISHKEK, June 23. /TASS/. Kyrgyzstan’s former President Almazbek Atambayev has been convicted to 11 years and two months behind bars, his attorney Sergei Slesarev told TASS on Tuesday. "Bishkek’s Pervomaisky District Court has found Atambayev guilty and sentenced him to 11 years and two months in prison," he said, adding that the court also ruled to confiscate his property.
According to the attorney, Atambayev’s defense will challenge this sentence with a higher instance court. Atambayev, who has been denying all the charges against him as politically motivated, was found guilty of corruption. According to the court, Atambayev was behind illegal release from prison of a crime boss Aziz Batukayev back in 2013.
Read also Kyrgyz ex-President Atambayev reveals he opened fire at special forces during raid


tass--2020-06-23--Russia, India, China to oppose destructive actions of other states, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia , India and China ( RIC countries ) will stand against any counterproductive actions , illegitimate use of force and interference into domestic affairs by other states and will continue coordinating efforts on multilateral forums , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters Tuesday following a video conference with his Indian and Chinese counterparts Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Wang Yi .
According to Lavrov , the parties `` in detail reviewed the situation on the world arena mainly through the prism of the coronavirus epidemic outbreak but also more broadly . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many aspects of international relations , dealt a massive blow to global economy and tangibly reduced inter-personal contacts in general , '' he added .
`` In this context , we expressed concerns about destructive policies of a number of states aimed at demolishing the architecture of global security established in the post-war period , with the UN Charter being its cornerstone as it has been and still is .
We believe < … > that unilateral actions , illegitimate use of force , interference into domestic affairs of sovereign states and attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I am certain that our three countries will continue opposing these negative trends and will carry on boosting coordination on various multilateral forums , '' Lavrov said .
The Russian minister also emphasized close work of the three states in G20 , the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) and BRICS ( Brazil , Russia , India , China , South Africa ) .
`` Of course , our three countries in the UN coordinate their steps on many issues .
This coordination will be increasingly in demand in the next two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2021-2022 , '' Lavrov stressed .

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Russia, India and China (RIC countries) will stand against any counterproductive actions, illegitimate use of force and interference into domestic affairs by other states and will continue coordinating efforts on multilateral forums, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters Tuesday following a video conference with his Indian and Chinese counterparts Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Wang Yi.
According to Lavrov, the parties "in detail reviewed the situation on the world arena mainly through the prism of the coronavirus epidemic outbreak but also more broadly." "We acknowledged that the pandemic significantly affected many aspects of international relations, dealt a massive blow to global economy and tangibly reduced inter-personal contacts in general," he added.
"In this context, we expressed concerns about destructive policies of a number of states aimed at demolishing the architecture of global security established in the post-war period, with the UN Charter being its cornerstone as it has been and still is. We believe <…> that unilateral actions, illegitimate use of force, interference into domestic affairs of sovereign states and attempts to extraterritorially apply national legislations are counterproductive. I am certain that our three countries will continue opposing these negative trends and will carry on boosting coordination on various multilateral forums," Lavrov said.
The Russian minister also emphasized close work of the three states in G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). "Of course, our three countries in the UN coordinate their steps on many issues. This coordination will be increasingly in demand in the next two years, as India assumes its seat as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2021-2022," Lavrov stressed.


tass--2020-06-23--Russia to complete trials of air defense missile target simulator by autumn

IZHEVSK , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
The state trials of the Adjutant multi-purpose air defense target training system capable of simulating cruise missiles and drones used by Syrian militants are expected to be completed by the autumn , Director of the Target Systems Project Igor Ivanov told TASS on Tuesday .
`` This year , we are planning to complete the trials , in September , I believe , and [ then we are planning ] to switch over to signing contracts with the Defense Ministry .
We could have completed the trials earlier but had to postpone them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points have to be formalized and simply we were unable physically to do it on time , '' Ivanov said .
The time of concluding the first contracts depends on the Defense Ministry .
The final price of the missile target simulators has not been determined yet , he added .
TASS reported in March that the latest target simulator was undergoing trials at the 4th state central multiservice proving ground .
The Adjutant multi-purpose target training simulator developed by the Izhevsk-based Kupol enterprise is designated to create a false air target situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows exercising control of several multiple-use targets that simulate present-day air attack weapons , including cruise missiles , aircraft and helicopters , from one command post .
The duration of a target ’ s flight depends on its type .
For example , an aircraft-type target with a propeller thrust can stay in the air as long as four hours and a missile-type target with a turbojet engine for up to 30 minutes .

IZHEVSK, June 23. /TASS/. The state trials of the Adjutant multi-purpose air defense target training system capable of simulating cruise missiles and drones used by Syrian militants are expected to be completed by the autumn, Director of the Target Systems Project Igor Ivanov told TASS on Tuesday.
"This year, we are planning to complete the trials, in September, I believe, and [then we are planning] to switch over to signing contracts with the Defense Ministry. We could have completed the trials earlier but had to postpone them due to the pandemic and literally two points have to be formalized and simply we were unable physically to do it on time," Ivanov said.
The time of concluding the first contracts depends on the Defense Ministry. The final price of the missile target simulators has not been determined yet, he added.
TASS reported in March that the latest target simulator was undergoing trials at the 4th state central multiservice proving ground.
The Adjutant multi-purpose target training simulator developed by the Izhevsk-based Kupol enterprise is designated to create a false air target situation. The simulator is unique as it allows exercising control of several multiple-use targets that simulate present-day air attack weapons, including cruise missiles, aircraft and helicopters, from one command post.
The duration of a target’s flight depends on its type. For example, an aircraft-type target with a propeller thrust can stay in the air as long as four hours and a missile-type target with a turbojet engine for up to 30 minutes.


tass--2020-06-23--Current world system is not western-centric, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia does not seek to create an alternative to the current system of international relations , which is no longer western-centric , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the media after a video conference with the foreign ministers of India and China , Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Wang Yi .
`` I see no reasons for calling the current world system western-centric , '' Lavrov said .
`` The West will certainly go ahead with attempts to make it western-centric , to cling to the centuries of its colonial domination in world politics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing that .
Examples of this can be seen in the policies of some of our partners .
But as we develop cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization , or BRICS , or within the troika of Russia , India and China ( RIC ) , as in this particular case , we by no means try to create an alternative to the current system of international relations . ''
Lavrov recalled that `` the system of international relations , enshrined in the UN Charter , directly encourages the development of regional cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chapter , Chapter 8 of the UN Charter , in which such interaction is encouraged , '' he said .
`` The Shanghai Cooperation Organization , the RIC group , the Eurasian Economic Union and the CSTO , just as the organizations that exist in Europe - the European Union , NATO and the OSCE , all these organizations fit in well with what the UN Charter describes as regional agreements .
The UN Charter unequivocally encourages these regional organizations to address the issues that concern specific ties among the participants in such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its range of competences .
`` In this respect we merely follow the mainstream trend that was determined at the moment the UN was founded , '' Lavrov said .

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Russia does not seek to create an alternative to the current system of international relations, which is no longer western-centric, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the media after a video conference with the foreign ministers of India and China, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Wang Yi.
"I see no reasons for calling the current world system western-centric," Lavrov said. "The West will certainly go ahead with attempts to make it western-centric, to cling to the centuries of its colonial domination in world politics. At least some Western countries will be doing that. Examples of this can be seen in the policies of some of our partners. But as we develop cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, or BRICS, or within the troika of Russia, India and China (RIC), as in this particular case, we by no means try to create an alternative to the current system of international relations."
Lavrov recalled that "the system of international relations, enshrined in the UN Charter, directly encourages the development of regional cooperation organizations.
"There is a special chapter, Chapter 8 of the UN Charter, in which such interaction is encouraged," he said. "The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the RIC group, the Eurasian Economic Union and the CSTO, just as the organizations that exist in Europe - the European Union, NATO and the OSCE, all these organizations fit in well with what the UN Charter describes as regional agreements. The UN Charter unequivocally encourages these regional organizations to address the issues that concern specific ties among the participants in such a regional organization and that are within its range of competences.
"In this respect we merely follow the mainstream trend that was determined at the moment the UN was founded," Lavrov said.


tass--2020-06-23--Kremlin spokesman says doesn’t remember Trump being deliberately late for talks with Putin

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has never had to wait for any of his @ @ @ @ @ his protocol office works faultlessly , Putin ’ s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on @ @ @ @ @ a book of reminiscences by the former presidential national security advisor John Bolton ( 2018-2019 @ @ @ @ @ It Happened : A White House Memoir , where he claimed that US President Donald @ @ @ @ @ talks with Putin in Helsinki in 2018 .
`` Was Trump deliberately late for the @ @ @ @ @ ] president in Helsinki ?
Well , it ’ s difficult to say , I @ @ @ @ @ the details but you can take it from me that the president did not wait @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know how Trump could be deliberately tardy , '' Peskov told journalists @ @ @ @ @ works faultlessly and Putin never waits for anyone , '' he stressed .

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has never had to wait for any of his counterparts at international events because his protocol office works faultlessly, Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday commenting on extracts from a book of reminiscences by the former presidential national security advisor John Bolton (2018-2019) entitled The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, where he claimed that US President Donald Trump was deliberately tardy for talks with Putin in Helsinki in 2018.
"Was Trump deliberately late for the meeting with the [Russian] president in Helsinki? Well, it’s difficult to say, I don’t remember all the details but you can take it from me that the president did not wait for anyone there. I don’t know how Trump could be deliberately tardy," Peskov told journalists.
"Our protocol office works faultlessly and Putin never waits for anyone," he stressed.


tass--2020-06-23--Trump surpasses Obama on number of decisions on sanctions against Russia — Lavrov

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Administration of US President Donald Trump made more decisions on introduction of sanctions against Russia than the Administration of his predecessor Barack Obama , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists Tuesday .
`` I ’ ve lost count already , trying to sum up the number of decisions [ on sanctions ] made by both the Obama and the Trump Administrations , '' he said .
`` The Trump Administration , by the way , has already long surpassed the Obama ’ s by the sheer amount of persons and legal entities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underscored that the US does not share aspirations of Russia and China to settle disputes by negotiations .
`` Our American colleagues have basically long ago embarked on abandoning diplomacy as a method of conducting business at the international arena .
Unless it is a very exotic diplomacy , comprised of primitive simple moves : a demand is put forth , and , unless the demand meets total capitulation , then sanctions are threatened , complete with an ultimatum terms , and , if there is again no capitulation , the US imposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the same time , the top diplomat noted that Russia continues `` to keep doors open for negotiations . ''
`` We will always be open for dialogue , but the dialogue must be equal , it must be aimed at the search for balance of interests , '' Lavrov said .

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Administration of US President Donald Trump made more decisions on introduction of sanctions against Russia than the Administration of his predecessor Barack Obama, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists Tuesday.
"I’ve lost count already, trying to sum up the number of decisions [on sanctions] made by both the Obama and the Trump Administrations," he said. "The Trump Administration, by the way, has already long surpassed the Obama’s by the sheer amount of persons and legal entities covered by these decisions."
Lavrov underscored that the US does not share aspirations of Russia and China to settle disputes by negotiations.
"Our American colleagues have basically long ago embarked on abandoning diplomacy as a method of conducting business at the international arena. Unless it is a very exotic diplomacy, comprised of primitive simple moves: a demand is put forth, and, unless the demand meets total capitulation, then sanctions are threatened, complete with an ultimatum terms, and, if there is again no capitulation, the US imposes those sanctions," the minister explained.
At the same time, the top diplomat noted that Russia continues "to keep doors open for negotiations."
"We will always be open for dialogue, but the dialogue must be equal, it must be aimed at the search for balance of interests," Lavrov said.


tass--2020-06-23--Russian, US experts to hold first meetings on strategic stability in July

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian-US working group on strategic stability issues will hold its first consultations in mid-July , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Tuesday .
He noted that representatives had agreed on setting up several expert groups , including on space , at the consultations held in Vienna .
`` There are other areas that experts will work in , '' he went on to say .
`` These are both conceptual approaches to nuclear affairs and arms control and more mundane issues , which are quite numerous . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place starting in mid-July , as soon as the situation allows for face-to-face contacts in a relatively acceptable manner , given the persisting [ coronavirus-related ] restrictions , '' Ryabkov said .
He expressed the hope that Russian and US experts would be able to `` gain a good pace to pave the way for greater understanding and certain agreements with the United States in the future . ''
`` The road to them will undoubtedly be long and difficult , given the substantial differences in our approaches , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was frozen for almost half a year against the backdrop of the collapse of the system of agreements in that area , resumed on Monday .
Ryabkov ’ s consultations with US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea held in Austria ’ s capital lasted more than nine hours .

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. The Russian-US working group on strategic stability issues will hold its first consultations in mid-July, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Tuesday.
He noted that representatives had agreed on setting up several expert groups, including on space, at the consultations held in Vienna. "There are other areas that experts will work in," he went on to say. "These are both conceptual approaches to nuclear affairs and arms control and more mundane issues, which are quite numerous."
"We hope that such meetings will take place starting in mid-July, as soon as the situation allows for face-to-face contacts in a relatively acceptable manner, given the persisting [coronavirus-related] restrictions," Ryabkov said.
He expressed the hope that Russian and US experts would be able to "gain a good pace to pave the way for greater understanding and certain agreements with the United States in the future." "The road to them will undoubtedly be long and difficult, given the substantial differences in our approaches," he added.
The Russian-US strategic stability dialogue, which was frozen for almost half a year against the backdrop of the collapse of the system of agreements in that area, resumed on Monday. Ryabkov’s consultations with US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea held in Austria’s capital lasted more than nine hours.


tass--2020-06-23--Kremlin warns against overestimating authenticity of Bolton’s memoir

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian presidential spokesman , Dmitry Peskov has warned against over-estimating the authenticity of the just-released book authored by the former US presidential national security advisor John Bolton , including that part of it which concerns negotiations with President Vladimir Putin .
`` Don ’ t overestimate the importance and authenticity of such publications , '' Peskov remarked .
He said that the Kremlin was in the process of studying the memoir authored by a former senior US administration official , already available on the Internet .
At the same time , Peskov stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Bolton ’ s version '' of the events .
`` This degree of frankness is not quite typical of such senior officials in disclosing information that in reality is not meant for sharing with anyone .
I ’ d make a certain reservation that any publication is to be checked after all .
We are gradually examining this book , '' Peskov said .
Asked for a comment on Bolton ’ s remarks concerning Russian-US negotiations with the Russian president , for instance , those on Ukraine , Peskov said that Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a witness of the described episodes .
`` Everything should be assessed in a balanced way .
In any case , it is against our rules to narrate the content of conversations between the heads of state that is not meant for the world public at large , so we never make comments , '' Peskov said .
He also stated he was unable to say anything about Bolton ’ s claims Putin had used a harsh word while discussing with him in the Kremlin the Islamic State ( terrorist organization outlawed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You know , the president is sometimes very explicit and provides exhaustive descriptions of certain important events .
I can confirm this , but as for this particular case , I am unable to either confirm or deny it , '' Peskov said .
US President Donald Trump appointed Bolton his national security advisor in March 2018 only to dismiss him eighteen months later .
Bolton ’ s book entitled The Room Where It Happened : A White House Memoir , containing some very unfavorable comments on Trump ’ s policies had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Its publication was eventually postponed till June 23 .

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov has warned against over-estimating the authenticity of the just-released book authored by the former US presidential national security advisor John Bolton, including that part of it which concerns negotiations with President Vladimir Putin.
"Don’t overestimate the importance and authenticity of such publications," Peskov remarked.
He said that the Kremlin was in the process of studying the memoir authored by a former senior US administration official, already available on the Internet. At the same time, Peskov stressed that everything written in the book was "Bolton’s version" of the events.
"This degree of frankness is not quite typical of such senior officials in disclosing information that in reality is not meant for sharing with anyone. I’d make a certain reservation that any publication is to be checked after all. We are gradually examining this book," Peskov said.
Asked for a comment on Bolton’s remarks concerning Russian-US negotiations with the Russian president, for instance, those on Ukraine, Peskov said that Bolton might have been or might not have been a witness of the described episodes. "Everything should be assessed in a balanced way. In any case, it is against our rules to narrate the content of conversations between the heads of state that is not meant for the world public at large, so we never make comments," Peskov said.
He also stated he was unable to say anything about Bolton’s claims Putin had used a harsh word while discussing with him in the Kremlin the Islamic State (terrorist organization outlawed in Russia) operating in Syria. "You know, the president is sometimes very explicit and provides exhaustive descriptions of certain important events. I can confirm this, but as for this particular case, I am unable to either confirm or deny it," Peskov said.
US President Donald Trump appointed Bolton his national security advisor in March 2018 only to dismiss him eighteen months later. Bolton’s book entitled The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, containing some very unfavorable comments on Trump’s policies had been originally scheduled for release in March. Its publication was eventually postponed till June 23.


tass--2020-06-23--No comments from Kremlin on exchange of Paul Whelan

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin will not comment on the possibility of exchange of espionage convict Paul @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov , the Administration of the Russian President does @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We in the Kremlin do not engage in exchanges of Russian citizens for @ @ @ @ @ other bodies that do it , '' he explained .
`` So no comments here @ @ @ @ @ sentenced Whelan , a citizen of the US , the UK , Canada and Ireland @ @ @ @ @ prison over charges of espionage .
Earlier , the media repeatedly reported that Whelan could @ @ @ @ @ imprisoned in the US , including Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko .

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Kremlin will not comment on the possibility of exchange of espionage convict Paul Whelan for imprisoned Russian citizens. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the Administration of the Russian President does not engage in these issues.
"We in the Kremlin do not engage in exchanges of Russian citizens for foreign ones, there are other bodies that do it," he explained. "So no comments here."
Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan, a citizen of the US, the UK, Canada and Ireland, to 16 years in prison over charges of espionage. Earlier, the media repeatedly reported that Whelan could be exchanged for Russian nationals imprisoned in the US, including Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko.


tass--2020-06-23--Bolton explains US policies in Venezuela by fear of growing Russian, Chinese clout

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
The United States took a hard line against Venezuela ’ s President Nicolas Maduro-led authorities for fear of growing influence of Russia and China in the region , former US presidential national security advisor ( 2018-2019 ) John Bolton says in his book The Room Where It Happened : A White House Memoir , released on Tuesday .
`` Maduro ’ s autocratic regime was a threat due to its Cuba connection and the openings it afforded Russia , China , and Iran .
Moscow ’ s menace was undeniable , both military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buttress Maduro , dominate Venezuela ’ s oil-and-gas industry , and impose costs on the US .
Beijing was not far behind , '' Bolton claims .
`` America had opposed external threats in the Western Hemisphere since the Monroe Doctrine , and it was time to resurrect it after the Obama-Kerry efforts to bury it . ''
The situation in Venezuela aggravated after in January 2019 opposition figurehead Juan Guaido , whose appointment to the post of the speaker of parliament had been annulled by the Supreme Court , proclaimed himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was recognized by the United States and then by the Lima group of countries ( except for Mexico ) , the Organization of American States and some EU member-countries .
Maduro slammed this as a government coup attempt and severed relations with the US .
Russia , Belarus , Iran , China , Cuba , Nicaragua , Syria and Turkey came out in his support .

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. The United States took a hard line against Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro-led authorities for fear of growing influence of Russia and China in the region, former US presidential national security advisor (2018-2019) John Bolton says in his book The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, released on Tuesday.
"Maduro’s autocratic regime was a threat due to its Cuba connection and the openings it afforded Russia, China, and Iran. Moscow’s menace was undeniable, both military and financial, having expended substantial resources to buttress Maduro, dominate Venezuela’s oil-and-gas industry, and impose costs on the US. Beijing was not far behind," Bolton claims. "America had opposed external threats in the Western Hemisphere since the Monroe Doctrine, and it was time to resurrect it after the Obama-Kerry efforts to bury it."
The situation in Venezuela aggravated after in January 2019 opposition figurehead Juan Guaido, whose appointment to the post of the speaker of parliament had been annulled by the Supreme Court, proclaimed himself as acting president. In this capacity he was recognized by the United States and then by the Lima group of countries (except for Mexico), the Organization of American States and some EU member-countries. Maduro slammed this as a government coup attempt and severed relations with the US. Russia, Belarus, Iran, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, Syria and Turkey came out in his support.


tass--2020-06-23--Number of coronavirus cases in Finland rises to 7,155

HELSINKI , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Finland increased by 11 over the past day and reached 7,155 , the Finnish National Institute of Health and Welfare reported on Tuesday .
One day earlier , 7,144 cases were reported .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , 327 deaths have been detected in the country .
From March 19 to May 13 , Finland closed its borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Since May 14 , the borders within the Schengen area have been opened for travel for work purposes and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preschool institutions have resumed .
In Finland , a ban on gathering in groups of more than 10 people was in effect until the end of May , but from June 1 , it increased to 50 people .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 9,202,500 people have been infected worldwide and more than 474,600 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 4,953,890 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 599,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 356,429 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 8,359 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updated on the coronavirus situation .

HELSINKI, June 23. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Finland increased by 11 over the past day and reached 7,155, the Finnish National Institute of Health and Welfare reported on Tuesday.
One day earlier, 7,144 cases were reported. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 327 deaths have been detected in the country.
From March 19 to May 13, Finland closed its borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Since May 14, the borders within the Schengen area have been opened for travel for work purposes and in urgent circumstances, studies in schools and preschool institutions have resumed. In Finland, a ban on gathering in groups of more than 10 people was in effect until the end of May, but from June 1, it increased to 50 people.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 9,202,500 people have been infected worldwide and more than 474,600 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 4,953,890 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 599,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 356,429 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 8,359 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-23--Kremlin sure people won’t be exposed to health risks during nationwide voting

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin is sure that the upcoming voting on constitutional amendments will pose no health risks to people in all of the country ’ s regions , Russian president ’ s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday .
When asked about possible health risks in those regions where the coronavirus situation is still serious , the Kremlin spokesman stressed that `` the Central Election Commission has adjusted the entire voting procedure so that it would pose no risks to people ’ s health . ''
`` Because people ’ s health is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he emphasized .
`` Heads of regions are authorized to use their competences to regulate sanitary and epidemic lockdowns . ''
`` The Kremlin upholds the president ’ s statement that the constitutional amendments can come into force only after being supported in a nationwide voting , '' Peskov said when asked if the Kremlin had plan B in case the amendments are voted down .
`` Any voting has two outcome options .
And these amendments will come into force only if they are supported during the voting , '' @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. The Kremlin is sure that the upcoming voting on constitutional amendments will pose no health risks to people in all of the country’s regions, Russian president’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
When asked about possible health risks in those regions where the coronavirus situation is still serious, the Kremlin spokesman stressed that "the Central Election Commission has adjusted the entire voting procedure so that it would pose no risks to people’s health."
"Because people’s health is an absolute priority for the Russian president," he emphasized. "Heads of regions are authorized to use their competences to regulate sanitary and epidemic lockdowns."
"The Kremlin upholds the president’s statement that the constitutional amendments can come into force only after being supported in a nationwide voting," Peskov said when asked if the Kremlin had plan B in case the amendments are voted down. "Any voting has two outcome options. And these amendments will come into force only if they are supported during the voting," he repeated.


tass--2020-06-23--Kremlin says understands leaders who won’t be able to attend Victory Parade in Moscow

The Kremlin expects about ten heads of state to attend the Victory Parade in Moscow MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin expects the heads of about 10 states and several international organizations to attend the Victory Parade in Moscow but understands those leaders who will be unable to be present at the celebrations , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday .
`` No doubt , we treat with understanding the messages from some heads of state and government that they would like to and confirmed their readiness to take part in the festivities but won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for some reasons , '' Peskov said .
Some heads of state won ’ t be able to come to the Russian capital primarily due to `` some restrictions [ introduced over the coronavirus pandemic ] that remain in force in other countries , '' the Kremlin spokesman explained .
`` We do take this with understanding and we also take with understanding the information received from the president of Croatia [ about his inability to come to Moscow ] , '' Peskov said .
`` We are grateful for the initial readiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to share the joy of this celebration with us , '' the Kremlin spokesman stressed .
The Russian presidential spokesman named among the Victory Parade ’ s high guests the heads of Abkhazia , Belarus , Bosnia and Herzegovina ( Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik ) , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Moldova , Serbia , Tajikistan , Uzbekistan and South Ossetia .
As the Kremlin spokesman said , CIS Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev , Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Mikhail Myasnikovich and CSTO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Stanislav Zas will also be present at the Victory Parade in Moscow .
Russia postponed its military parade traditionally held on Moscow ’ s Red Square on May 9 for a later date due to the coronavirus pandemic .
At a video conference with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on May 26 , Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the anticipated Victory Parade would be held on Moscow ’ s Red Square on June 24 .
The head of state explained he had chosen this date because June 24 was the day when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victors took place , when soldiers , who fought for Moscow and defended Leningrad , who stood their ground for Stalingrad , liberated Europe and stormed Berlin , marched on Red Square .
The Russian president instructed the defense chief to make sure that there weren ’ t any risks to the health of the military parade ’ s participants .

The Kremlin expects about ten heads of state to attend the Victory Parade in Moscow
MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. The Kremlin expects the heads of about 10 states and several international organizations to attend the Victory Parade in Moscow but understands those leaders who will be unable to be present at the celebrations, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday. "No doubt, we treat with understanding the messages from some heads of state and government that they would like to and confirmed their readiness to take part in the festivities but won’t be able to do that for some reasons," Peskov said.
Read also Japanese PM will not attend Victory Parade in Moscow
Some heads of state won’t be able to come to the Russian capital primarily due to "some restrictions [introduced over the coronavirus pandemic] that remain in force in other countries," the Kremlin spokesman explained. "We do take this with understanding and we also take with understanding the information received from the president of Croatia [about his inability to come to Moscow]," Peskov said.


tass--2020-06-23--Losses of Russian economy from pandemic less than in other countries — Central Bank

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Losses of the Russian economy from the coronavirus pandemic will be less than in many other countries , Governor on the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina said on Tuesday in the State Duma .
`` Russian GDP this year will inevitably fall , unfortunately , as in other countries of the world , but our losses are likely to be less than in many other states , and less than the last global crisis of 2007-2009 , '' she said .
Nabiullina added that the current forecast of the Bank of Russia suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
`` This is also a very deep economic recession , but given the circumstances , it is still noticeably less sensitive to the global economic crisis , '' Nabiullina emphasized .
Earlier , the Bank of Russia reduced the key rate by 1 percentage point ( p.p . )
at once for the first time since 2015 to an all-time low for this monetary policy instrument of 4.5 % per annum .
The decision was taken amid more profound disinflationary factors than expected , the regulator said .
Meanwhile , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it expects GDP contraction by 4-6 % in 2020 and continuation of recovery growth in 2021-2022 .
The Bank of Russia will hold its next key rate review meeting on July 24 , 2020 .

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Losses of the Russian economy from the coronavirus pandemic will be less than in many other countries, Governor on the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina said on Tuesday in the State Duma.
"Russian GDP this year will inevitably fall, unfortunately, as in other countries of the world, but our losses are likely to be less than in many other states, and less than the last global crisis of 2007-2009," she said.
Nabiullina added that the current forecast of the Bank of Russia suggests a 4-6% decline in GDP in 2020. "This is also a very deep economic recession, but given the circumstances, it is still noticeably less sensitive to the global economic crisis," Nabiullina emphasized.
Earlier, the Bank of Russia reduced the key rate by 1 percentage point (p.p.) at once for the first time since 2015 to an all-time low for this monetary policy instrument of 4.5% per annum. The decision was taken amid more profound disinflationary factors than expected, the regulator said.
Meanwhile, the regulator maintained its GDP dynamics outlook as it expects GDP contraction by 4-6% in 2020 and continuation of recovery growth in 2021-2022.
The Bank of Russia will hold its next key rate review meeting on July 24, 2020.


tass--2020-06-23--US was aware its INF-related demands addressed to Russia were unrealistic — Bolton

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
The United States was aware from the outset that Russia would reject the demands Washington put forward as a precondition for preserving the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty , as follows from a book of reminiscences by the former presidential national security adviser John Bolton entitled The Room Where It Happened : A White House Memoir , to be released on Tuesday .
Bolton says gaining NATO allies ’ support was an important stage of pulling out from the INF Treaty .
The issue was discussed with NATO ’ s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
Stoltenberg expressed concern the US pullout might split the European countries , but , as Bolton says , he promised that Washington ’ s decision would not entail threats to Europe .
In the same conversation with Stoltenberg Bolton acknowledged that there were no chances whatsoever Russia might give in to US demands and agree to eliminate the missiles that Washington pointed at as a violation of the treaty .
`` As for Russia , did anyone seriously believe they would junk existing assets that violated the treaty , especially since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Asian borders was likely driving Moscow as much or more than what it was seeking to achieve in Europe ? ''
he writes .
Also , Bolton recalls he recommended to Trump to try to agree with Russia on a simultaneous pullout from the INF Treaty .
`` I suggested , why didn ’ t I ask … that the two countries withdraw mutually ; this approach could … allow us to announce an agreement with Russia on something of importance , '' Bolton says .
Trump , however , said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and insisted on the United States ’ prompt withdrawal .
Also , Bolton remarks it was totally unclear to him if Trump fully realized the gist of the INF and the fact that it concerned not nuclear potentials , but only delivery vehicles .
Bolton claims he was the one who played the decisive role in the pullout from the INF Treaty .
According to his recollections , he had already discussed this decision with the then Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo before he briefed the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the treaty .
Trump demanded quitting the treaty as soon as possible .
The INF Treaty was terminated on August 2 , 2019 at the initiative of the United States .
Washington said the reason was Russia ’ s refusal to comply with its ultimatum-like demand for scrapping all new cruise missiles 9M729 , which , according to the United States and its NATO allies , were a violation of the agreement .
Moscow dismissed these charges , saying that the technical parameters of the 9M729 missile matched those permitted under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterarguments over Washington ’ s non-compliance .

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. The United States was aware from the outset that Russia would reject the demands Washington put forward as a precondition for preserving the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, as follows from a book of reminiscences by the former presidential national security adviser John Bolton entitled The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, to be released on Tuesday.
Bolton says gaining NATO allies’ support was an important stage of pulling out from the INF Treaty. The issue was discussed with NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of talks in Moscow in October 2018. Stoltenberg expressed concern the US pullout might split the European countries, but, as Bolton says, he promised that Washington’s decision would not entail threats to Europe. In the same conversation with Stoltenberg Bolton acknowledged that there were no chances whatsoever Russia might give in to US demands and agree to eliminate the missiles that Washington pointed at as a violation of the treaty.
"As for Russia, did anyone seriously believe they would junk existing assets that violated the treaty, especially since China’s growing missile threat along its Asian borders was likely driving Moscow as much or more than what it was seeking to achieve in Europe?" he writes.
Also, Bolton recalls he recommended to Trump to try to agree with Russia on a simultaneous pullout from the INF Treaty. "I suggested, why didn’t I ask … that the two countries withdraw mutually; this approach could … allow us to announce an agreement with Russia on something of importance," Bolton says. Trump, however, said, he did not want to do that and insisted on the United States’ prompt withdrawal. Also, Bolton remarks it was totally unclear to him if Trump fully realized the gist of the INF and the fact that it concerned not nuclear potentials, but only delivery vehicles.
Bolton claims he was the one who played the decisive role in the pullout from the INF Treaty. According to his recollections, he had already discussed this decision with the then Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo before he briefed the president on Russia’s "violations" of the treaty. Trump demanded quitting the treaty as soon as possible.
The INF Treaty was terminated on August 2, 2019 at the initiative of the United States. Washington said the reason was Russia’s refusal to comply with its ultimatum-like demand for scrapping all new cruise missiles 9M729, which, according to the United States and its NATO allies, were a violation of the agreement. Moscow dismissed these charges, saying that the technical parameters of the 9M729 missile matched those permitted under the INF Treaty and put forward its own counterarguments over Washington’s non-compliance.


tass--2020-06-23--Press review: Moscow, US debate New START in Vienna and Russian economy slowly reopens

Izvestia : US , Russia deliberate over New START in Vienna On June 22 , another round of US-Russian strategic stability talks took place in Vienna , Izvestia reports .
The talks went on for about 10 hours .
The Russian delegation was represented by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov , while the American side was represented by US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea , who plans to issue a statement on the nature of the negotiations on June 23 .
A diplomatic source told Izvestia that the Russian delegation had left Vienna on the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding the negotiations would be provided on the return to Moscow .
So far , the Russian Foreign Ministry has outlined the main issues discussed : the prolongation of New START ( Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ) , stability issues after the termination of the INF ( Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ) Treaty , and a comprehensive dialogue on international security .
The negotiations got off to a peculiar start .
In the run-up to the meeting , US representative Marshall Billingslea posted a picture of an empty table with Chinese flags from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of skipping out on the talks .
There were no Chinese flags on the photos provided by Russia .
It seems that Russia and China arrived at the talks with completely different expectations , Izvestia notes : while Moscow was prepared for a bilateral format , the US `` booked '' a table for Chinese representatives .
This was done in a purely symbolical manner , since China had announced a week ago that it would not attend the talks .
Moscow did not approve of Washington ’ s move , as follows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairman of the Russian Federation Council ’ s ( the upper house of parliament ) Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev .
`` This is not the way serious negotiators behave , '' he said .
`` They needed to put on some kind of show to demonstrate that the Chinese presence at the talks is desired , to say that they had been invited , but declined to attend the talks , '' the senator told Izvestia .
`` However , this looks more like an ultimatum , and no self-respecting country can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Kosachev noted that the US had taken this step on purpose to gain propaganda points .
The Russian economy is moving towards a recovery as the coronavirus-related restrictions are gradually being lifted , but , so far , the economy is teetering between weak growth and a new recession , experts interviewed by Vedomosti note .
By mid-June , a positive trend had been noted among Russian businesses and consumers .
Inbound financial flows ( analyzed by Russia ’ s Central Bank ) have stabilized , though at quite a low level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12.3 % lower than the norm , while in the second week of June , the decline was reported at 10.7 % .
The situation with people ’ s savings has also improved slightly , with deposits growing by 1.4 % .
The mood among Russian businesses is looking up .
The majority of companies polled by the Central Bank plan to restore production to pre-crisis levels or even to exceed it .
The share of businesses facing a disruption of supplies has gone down .
The situation is stabilizing , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data to see how reliable this recovery is , cautioned Vladimir Tikhomirov , chief economist at BCS Global Markets , in an interview with Vedomosti .
The economic guru noted that the Central Bank ’ s mild financial and credit policy , which includes lowering the key rate , is unlikely to boost growth .
Throwing money at the problem can not fix sagging demand and the population ’ s low solvency .
Lowering the key rate can support borrowers and alleviate their debt , but , this measure is unlikely to boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pull the Russian economy out of the crisis is a global economic rebound , Tikhomirov told the newspaper .
Economists of Uralsib Bank share his opinion , noting that the recovery of the world economy will be a key factor in the growth of the Russian economy .
However , the unstable situation throughout the world caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will hinder global business activity , potentially leading to a full recession , analysts of the Russian Higher School of Economic Development Center told Izvestia , adding that the recovery of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Belarus has formed a shortlist of seven presidential candidates wishing to run in the August 9 election .
Their participation will be confirmed within roughly ten days if all signatures are in order , said Lidia Yermoshina , who heads the Belarusian Central Election Commission .
The preliminary list includes seven potential candidates , including Valery Tsepkalo , a former member of Lukashenko ’ s team ; Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , the wife of prominent opposition figure and blogger Sergei Tikhanovsky who is currently under arrest ; and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is currently in custody on charges of committing financial crimes .
Babariko , a former banker , is considered the main rival of the current president in the 2020 election .
He collected over three times the amount of necessary signatures to run for president ( over 350,000 , while the required number of signatures is 100,000 ) earlier than the other candidates .
However , on June 18 , he was detained along with his son Eduard , who heads his election campaign , on suspicion of being involved in illegal financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if his signatures are in order , Babariko ’ s arrest will not affect the decision of the election commission regarding his participation in the election .
Belarusian political analyst Artyom Shraibman told Kommersant that out of all the presidential hopefuls , the three least prominent candidates ( Andrei Dmitriyev , Sergei Cherechen and Anna Kanopatskaya ) are the most likely to be approved .
As for the three opposition figures , Valery Tsepkalo has the best chance of getting through , the expert noted .
`` He hasn ’ t made any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have created an image of a safe candidate .
Meanwhile , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and her husband are the cookie-cutter image of street protesters that Lukashenko abhors , '' Shraibman said .
When asked about Viktor Babariko , the analyst estimated his chances at 50 % .
`` Of course , the arrest of Babariko and his son will hinder their campaign .
However , they can still be a threat .
We know that Babariko has recorded video messages that are ready to be published .
Besides , people do not expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He benefits much more from the image of a martyr , '' the expert concluded .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Every third Russian company on the brink of bankruptcy The crisis caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic has led to an unprecedented global economic slowdown .
Businesses have suffered a serious blow due to a reduction in household consumption and disruptions in value-added chains , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
As a result of this , up to 50 % of companies in various countries and segments of the economy have found themselves on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one in three companies are in danger , despite the support measures announced by the Russian government , experts quizzed by the newspaper warn .
The survey in possession of Nezavisimaya Gazeta conducted by the Center for Strategic Research notes that currently , one in three Russian companies is under threat of bankruptcy .
In some industries , the situation is only worsening .
In early April , 37 % of companies in the sphere of trade and services were facing bankruptcy , now , this figure has gone up to 40 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 % of companies were in trouble in early April , compared to 33 % in June .
The construction sector is also reporting worrying figures : 32 % of companies are facing bankruptcy compared to 29 % earlier .
In addition , energy companies are not the only ones in trouble during the pandemic , even healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are not safe .
Up to 29 % of companies in those spheres might declare bankruptcy , while two months ago , only 18 % of those companies were in trouble .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ every four enterprises is struggling with difficulties , compared to about 13 % in April , the poll informs .
The amount of bankruptcies caused by the crisis will only grow , experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta warn .
`` In the near future , we can expect an explosive increase in the number of court battles over rental payments and development , followed by a wave of bankruptcies , sadly , '' a bankruptcy expert with the Rustam Kurmayev and partners firm Oleg Permyakov told the newspaper .
He noted that some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with debt .
`` Right now , there is a moratorium on bankruptcies , however , it won ’ t be active forever , it doesn ’ t apply to everyone and it does not suppose full exemption from debt payments .
I think that by the fall , the courts will be full of developers filing claims in corporate disputes , '' Permyakov said .
Restaurants and cafes have opened in Moscow after coronavirus-related restrictions had been lifted .
On June 16 , summer cafes began to accept visitors , and on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to reopen in accordance with the decree signed by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin .
Vedomosti has interviewed several Moscow restaurant owners , asking them about the current situation in the restaurant business .
Founder of the RESTart Vasilchuk Brothers Alexey Vasilchuk told Vedomosti that it is difficult for a restaurant to return to normal working capacity after three months of downtime .
The holding ’ s revenue is 50 % lower on average than before the pandemic .
Director General of the Shokoladnitsa cafe chain Oleg Podgorny said that the chain ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pre-crisis figures , however , during the pandemic , it reached just 8-10 % .
Mikhail Goncharov , who heads the Teremok fast food chain , estimated post-pandemic revenue at 25 % compared to the same period of last year .
Founder of Anderson ( a chain of family restaurants ) Anastasia Tatulova said that in the first days of work after the quarantine was lifted , its revenue has not surpassed 50 % compared to last year .
Meanwhile , Rosinter Restaurants reported that the revenue from summer cafes was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year .
This is explained by the reduced amount of tables due to the demands introduced by the Russian consumer rights watchdog , which stress that there must be a 1.5-meter distance between all tables , president of the holding Margarita Kosteyeva explained , adding that restaurants can not serve every client that wishes to dine out .
According to a poll held in May by the NPD market research group , half of Russian consumers will head to cafes and restaurants within a week of their opening .
The rest said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A return to the pre-pandemic client rate can be expected only by late 2021 , experts predict .
Fast food restaurants are expected to recover their client base the fastest , along with small cafes , while full-service restaurants are unlikely to return to the pre-pandemic figures anytime soon , Vedomosti notes .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: US, Russia deliberate over New START in Vienna
On June 22, another round of US-Russian strategic stability talks took place in Vienna, Izvestia reports. The talks went on for about 10 hours. The Russian delegation was represented by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, while the American side was represented by US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea, who plans to issue a statement on the nature of the negotiations on June 23. A diplomatic source told Izvestia that the Russian delegation had left Vienna on the day of the talks, and any commentary regarding the negotiations would be provided on the return to Moscow. So far, the Russian Foreign Ministry has outlined the main issues discussed: the prolongation of New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), stability issues after the termination of the INF (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces) Treaty, and a comprehensive dialogue on international security. The negotiations got off to a peculiar start. In the run-up to the meeting, US representative Marshall Billingslea posted a picture of an empty table with Chinese flags from the negotiation room on Twitter, accusing China of skipping out on the talks. There were no Chinese flags on the photos provided by Russia. It seems that Russia and China arrived at the talks with completely different expectations, Izvestia notes: while Moscow was prepared for a bilateral format, the US "booked" a table for Chinese representatives. This was done in a purely symbolical manner, since China had announced a week ago that it would not attend the talks. Moscow did not approve of Washington’s move, as follows from the comment given to Izvestia by Chairman of the Russian Federation Council’s (the upper house of parliament) Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev. "This is not the way serious negotiators behave," he said. "They needed to put on some kind of show to demonstrate that the Chinese presence at the talks is desired, to say that they had been invited, but declined to attend the talks," the senator told Izvestia. "However, this looks more like an ultimatum, and no self-respecting country can react positively to such an invitation." Kosachev noted that the US had taken this step on purpose to gain propaganda points. Vedomosti: Russian economy faces slow recovery after COVID-19
The Russian economy is moving towards a recovery as the coronavirus-related restrictions are gradually being lifted, but, so far, the economy is teetering between weak growth and a new recession, experts interviewed by Vedomosti note. By mid-June, a positive trend had been noted among Russian businesses and consumers. Inbound financial flows (analyzed by Russia’s Central Bank) have stabilized, though at quite a low level. In early June, they were 12.3% lower than the norm, while in the second week of June, the decline was reported at 10.7%. The situation with people’s savings has also improved slightly, with deposits growing by 1.4%. The mood among Russian businesses is looking up. The majority of companies polled by the Central Bank plan to restore production to pre-crisis levels or even to exceed it. The share of businesses facing a disruption of supplies has gone down. The situation is stabilizing, however, so far, there is not enough data to see how reliable this recovery is, cautioned Vladimir Tikhomirov, chief economist at BCS Global Markets, in an interview with Vedomosti. The economic guru noted that the Central Bank’s mild financial and credit policy, which includes lowering the key rate, is unlikely to boost growth. Throwing money at the problem cannot fix sagging demand and the population’s low solvency. Lowering the key rate can support borrowers and alleviate their debt, but, this measure is unlikely to boost demand. The only thing that can pull the Russian economy out of the crisis is a global economic rebound, Tikhomirov told the newspaper. Economists of Uralsib Bank share his opinion, noting that the recovery of the world economy will be a key factor in the growth of the Russian economy. However, the unstable situation throughout the world caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will hinder global business activity, potentially leading to a full recession, analysts of the Russian Higher School of Economic Development Center told Izvestia, adding that the recovery of the global economy might take a long time. Kommersant: Belarus shapes shortlist of likely presidential contenders
Belarus has formed a shortlist of seven presidential candidates wishing to run in the August 9 election. Their participation will be confirmed within roughly ten days if all signatures are in order, said Lidia Yermoshina, who heads the Belarusian Central Election Commission. The preliminary list includes seven potential candidates, including Valery Tsepkalo, a former member of Lukashenko’s team; Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the wife of prominent opposition figure and blogger Sergei Tikhanovsky who is currently under arrest; and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s main rival Viktor Babariko, who is currently in custody on charges of committing financial crimes. Babariko, a former banker, is considered the main rival of the current president in the 2020 election. He collected over three times the amount of necessary signatures to run for president (over 350,000, while the required number of signatures is 100,000) earlier than the other candidates. However, on June 18, he was detained along with his son Eduard, who heads his election campaign, on suspicion of being involved in illegal financial activity. Meanwhile, Yermoshina noted that if his signatures are in order, Babariko’s arrest will not affect the decision of the election commission regarding his participation in the election. Belarusian political analyst Artyom Shraibman told Kommersant that out of all the presidential hopefuls, the three least prominent candidates (Andrei Dmitriyev, Sergei Cherechen and Anna Kanopatskaya) are the most likely to be approved. As for the three opposition figures, Valery Tsepkalo has the best chance of getting through, the expert noted. "He hasn’t made any resounding statements in a while, which may have created an image of a safe candidate. Meanwhile, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and her husband are the cookie-cutter image of street protesters that Lukashenko abhors," Shraibman said. When asked about Viktor Babariko, the analyst estimated his chances at 50%. "Of course, the arrest of Babariko and his son will hinder their campaign. However, they can still be a threat. We know that Babariko has recorded video messages that are ready to be published. Besides, people do not expect a detailed program from this politician. He benefits much more from the image of a martyr," the expert concluded. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Every third Russian company on the brink of bankruptcy
Read also Majority of Russian businessmen negatively estimate state of economy, says survey
The crisis caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic has led to an unprecedented global economic slowdown. Businesses have suffered a serious blow due to a reduction in household consumption and disruptions in value-added chains, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. As a result of this, up to 50% of companies in various countries and segments of the economy have found themselves on the brink of bankruptcy. In Russia, one in three companies are in danger, despite the support measures announced by the Russian government, experts quizzed by the newspaper warn. The survey in possession of Nezavisimaya Gazeta conducted by the Center for Strategic Research notes that currently, one in three Russian companies is under threat of bankruptcy. In some industries, the situation is only worsening. In early April, 37% of companies in the sphere of trade and services were facing bankruptcy, now, this figure has gone up to 40%. In the sphere of logistics, 31% of companies were in trouble in early April, compared to 33% in June. The construction sector is also reporting worrying figures: 32% of companies are facing bankruptcy compared to 29% earlier. In addition, energy companies are not the only ones in trouble during the pandemic, even healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are not safe. Up to 29% of companies in those spheres might declare bankruptcy, while two months ago, only 18% of those companies were in trouble. In the energy industry, one in every four enterprises is struggling with difficulties, compared to about 13% in April, the poll informs. The amount of bankruptcies caused by the crisis will only grow, experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta warn. "In the near future, we can expect an explosive increase in the number of court battles over rental payments and development, followed by a wave of bankruptcies, sadly," a bankruptcy expert with the Rustam Kurmayev and partners firm Oleg Permyakov told the newspaper. He noted that some companies would rather declare bankruptcy than deal with debt. "Right now, there is a moratorium on bankruptcies, however, it won’t be active forever, it doesn’t apply to everyone and it does not suppose full exemption from debt payments. I think that by the fall, the courts will be full of developers filing claims in corporate disputes," Permyakov said. Vedomosti: Moscow restaurants reopen, but revenue remains low
Read also Moscow to ease more coronavirus restrictions on June 23


tass--2020-06-23--Russia delivers four Mi-35M helicopters to Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Four new Russian-made multifunctional attack helicopters Mi-35M have arrived at an airbase in @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s rearmament program , the Kazakh Defense Ministry ’ s press service @ @ @ @ @ contains high-performance flight characteristics , and can be used effectively under various weather conditions .
@ @ @ @ @ combat designation , the Mi-35M helicopter may be used to transport personnel and cargo , @ @ @ @ @ sick and wounded accompanied by a paramedic , '' the statement said .
According to @ @ @ @ @ and the technical crew were retrained both theoretically and practically for this type of helicopter @

NUR-SULTAN, June 23. /TASS/. Four new Russian-made multifunctional attack helicopters Mi-35M have arrived at an airbase in western Kazakhstan as part of the country’s rearmament program, the Kazakh Defense Ministry’s press service reported Tuesday
"The Mi-35M contains high-performance flight characteristics, and can be used effectively under various weather conditions. In addition to its primary combat designation, the Mi-35M helicopter may be used to transport personnel and cargo, and it can evacuate the sick and wounded accompanied by a paramedic," the statement said.
According to the agency, the flight and the technical crew were retrained both theoretically and practically for this type of helicopter.


tass--2020-06-23--Putin to address nation on June 23, coronavirus and economy on agenda

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will address the nation Tuesday , summing up coronavirus prevention efforts and touching upon the economy , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists .
`` The president will make his address to the citizens of Russia at about 15:00 Moscow time , '' he said .
`` The address will cover the current state of affairs , preliminary outcomes of the coronavirus fight , the situation in the economy , and us in general , '' the spokesman added .
The head of state had already addressed the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
In his addresses , the president announced new restrictive measures to fight the infection , as well as measures of support to the people and the economy amid the pandemic .
He also made a separate address on May 9 on the occasion of the 75th Victory anniversary .
In that speech , he also touched upon the pandemic , saying that the Victory Parade , cancelled on May 9 due to the coronavirus , will definitely take place as soon as the situation allows .
Later , the parade was @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will address the nation Tuesday, summing up coronavirus prevention efforts and touching upon the economy, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.
"The president will make his address to the citizens of Russia at about 15:00 Moscow time," he said.
"The address will cover the current state of affairs, preliminary outcomes of the coronavirus fight, the situation in the economy, and us in general," the spokesman added.
The head of state had already addressed the nation several times since the beginning of the outbreak. In his addresses, the president announced new restrictive measures to fight the infection, as well as measures of support to the people and the economy amid the pandemic.
He also made a separate address on May 9 on the occasion of the 75th Victory anniversary. In that speech, he also touched upon the pandemic, saying that the Victory Parade, cancelled on May 9 due to the coronavirus, will definitely take place as soon as the situation allows. Later, the parade was postponed to June 24.


tass--2020-06-23--About 2,000 Russians abroad vote on constitutional amendments in advance

MOSCOW , June 23 .
/TASS/ .
About 2,000 Russian citizens abroad have voted on Russian constitutional amendments in advance , head of the Russian Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova said on Tuesday .
`` About 2,000 people have voted in advance from abroad .
Right now , the mobility isn ’ t high , people barely go on vacation , planes are not flying yet , but many of our citizens are abroad due to various circumstances , and we have focused on that , '' Pamfilova said .
She added that according to the Russian Foreign Ministry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
On March 11 , the Russian State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) approved the final reading of the constitutional amendments bill proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin .
On the same day , it was approved by the Federation Council ( upper house of parliament ) and regional parliaments .
The text of the bill was published on the official legal information portal .
After the Constitutional Court ’ s ruling , which states that the bill does not violate the Constitution , a public vote will be held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian public approve of the changes , the bill will enter into force .
The vote was initially set to take place on April 22 , however , Putin chose to postpone it due to the spread of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in Russia .
Earlier , Putin approved July 1 , 2020 as the new date for the vote .
The vote will be held over a seven-day period ending on July 1 due to epidemiological concerns .
The document proposes to expand the powers of the Russian parliament and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of presidential terms , as well as the prevalence of the Russian Constitution over international agreements .
The document also expands the government ’ s obligations in the social sphere .
The amendments to the Constitution stipulate that the Russian head of state can only serve two terms , however , one of the amendments proposes that the current president can be re-elected if the new version of the Constitution comes into force .

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. About 2,000 Russian citizens abroad have voted on Russian constitutional amendments in advance, head of the Russian Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova said on Tuesday.
"About 2,000 people have voted in advance from abroad. Right now, the mobility isn’t high, people barely go on vacation, planes are not flying yet, but many of our citizens are abroad due to various circumstances, and we have focused on that," Pamfilova said.
She added that according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, there are 254 polling stations in 144 countries.
About the constitutional amendments vote
On March 11, the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) approved the final reading of the constitutional amendments bill proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. On the same day, it was approved by the Federation Council (upper house of parliament) and regional parliaments.
The text of the bill was published on the official legal information portal. After the Constitutional Court’s ruling, which states that the bill does not violate the Constitution, a public vote will be held. If over 50% of the Russian public approve of the changes, the bill will enter into force.
The vote was initially set to take place on April 22, however, Putin chose to postpone it due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Russia. Earlier, Putin approved July 1, 2020 as the new date for the vote. The vote will be held over a seven-day period ending on July 1 due to epidemiological concerns.
The document proposes to expand the powers of the Russian parliament and the Russian Constitutional Court, a fixed number of presidential terms, as well as the prevalence of the Russian Constitution over international agreements. The document also expands the government’s obligations in the social sphere. The amendments to the Constitution stipulate that the Russian head of state can only serve two terms, however, one of the amendments proposes that the current president can be re-elected if the new version of the Constitution comes into force.