tass--2020-06-26--Sanya opens first account for a non-resident company in a free trade zone

SANYA , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Bank of China 's Sanya subsidiary has registered the first account of a non-resident free trade zone ( FTN ) company in the history of the financial sector of the city , reported Sanya Daily .
According to the news outlet , the account belongs to a well-known foreign asset management company .
The first $ 20 million was already transferred , which was also the first such operation in the history of the city .
According to the publication , the Bank of China 's Sanya subsidiary welcomed the entry of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade zone and will actively develop new areas of financial products and services to serve foreign companies and investors .
According to the bank 's representatives , the financial institution will do utmost to service such accounts , as well as to ensure transactions and transfers of funds in different currencies .
FTNs were launched by the People 's Bank of China in 2014 .
They allow foreign companies to open settlement accounts with banks in free trade zones and , according to a simplified scheme , conduct transnational transactions , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yuan and foreign currencies .
As part of the Chinese government 's program to create a free trade zone and port on Hainan , China intends to establish an integrated and modern production system based on the advantages and characteristics of this tropical island .
In particular , the Chinese authorities plan to focus on the active development of tourism sector , modern service industry and high-tech .
Earlier , the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “ General Program for the Establishment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to which the island ’ s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025 , and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region 's development .

SANYA, June 26. /TASS/. The Bank of China's Sanya subsidiary has registered the first account of a non-resident free trade zone (FTN) company in the history of the financial sector of the city, reported Sanya Daily.
According to the news outlet, the account belongs to a well-known foreign asset management company. The first $ 20 million was already transferred, which was also the first such operation in the history of the city.
According to the publication, the Bank of China's Sanya subsidiary welcomed the entry of a new foreign enterprise into the free trade zone and will actively develop new areas of financial products and services to serve foreign companies and investors. According to the bank's representatives, the financial institution will do utmost to service such accounts, as well as to ensure transactions and transfers of funds in different currencies.
FTNs were launched by the People's Bank of China in 2014. They allow foreign companies to open settlement accounts with banks in free trade zones and, according to a simplified scheme, conduct transnational transactions, as well as transfers to other similar accounts in yuan and foreign currencies.
As part of the Chinese government's program to create a free trade zone and port on Hainan, China intends to establish an integrated and modern production system based on the advantages and characteristics of this tropical island. In particular, the Chinese authorities plan to focus on the active development of tourism sector, modern service industry and high-tech.
Earlier, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan,” according to which the island’s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025, and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region's development.


tass--2020-06-26--Russia has right to any research in its territory near Kurils — Kremlin

`` Russia has the absolute sovereign right to conduct any kind of research in its territory , '' he pointed out .
MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has commented on Japan ’ s dissatisfaction with Russia ’ s research near the Kuril Islands , noting that Moscow has the right to do this in its territory .
Earlier , the Japanese government rebuked Russia for performing geological research in the Sea of Okhotsk which particularly is planned in the waters near the southern Kuril Islands .
The Russian embassy in Tokyo confirmed that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The diplomatic mission clarified that `` it had received a signal from the Japanese side , saying that the route of a Russian research vessel trespasses on Japan ’ s exclusive economic zone , according to Tokyo ’ s information . ''
It was reported back to Moscow , the real situation is being determined now , the embassy added , emphasizing that the southern Kurils are legitimately under Russia ’ s sovereignty .
Therefore , the Russian side does not see `` any problems with the being carried out research . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultations on concluding a peace treaty on the basis of the results of World War II since the middle of last century .
The sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands is the stumbling block .
In 1945 , the whole archipelago was taken over by the Soviet Union .
Japan disputes the territorial affiliation of Iturup , Kunashir , Shikotan and a group of currently uninhabited islands referred to as Habomai in Japan .
The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said that Russia ’ s sovereignty over the islands relies on an international @ @ @ @ @ @

"Russia has the absolute sovereign right to conduct any kind of research in its territory," he pointed out.
MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has commented on Japan’s dissatisfaction with Russia’s research near the Kuril Islands, noting that Moscow has the right to do this in its territory.
Earlier, the Japanese government rebuked Russia for performing geological research in the Sea of Okhotsk which particularly is planned in the waters near the southern Kuril Islands. The Russian embassy in Tokyo confirmed that it had received the note from Japan.
The diplomatic mission clarified that "it had received a signal from the Japanese side, saying that the route of a Russian research vessel trespasses on Japan’s exclusive economic zone, according to Tokyo’s information." It was reported back to Moscow, the real situation is being determined now, the embassy added, emphasizing that the southern Kurils are legitimately under Russia’s sovereignty. Therefore, the Russian side does not see "any problems with the being carried out research."
Moscow and Tokyo have been conducting intermittent consultations on concluding a peace treaty on the basis of the results of World War II since the middle of last century. The sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands is the stumbling block. In 1945, the whole archipelago was taken over by the Soviet Union. Japan disputes the territorial affiliation of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and a group of currently uninhabited islands referred to as Habomai in Japan. The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said that Russia’s sovereignty over the islands relies on an international legal groundwork and is unquestionable.


tass--2020-06-26--Russia ready to discuss with US mutual grievances over Open Skies Treaty — envoy

VIENNA , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is prepared to discuss with the United States mutual grievances in compliance with the mechanisms of the Treaty on Open Skies , provided that the dialogue is based on mutual respect , the acting chief Russian delegate at the Vienna negotiations on military security and arms control , Andrei Vorobyov , told the OSCE Annual Security Review Conference .
TASS obtained a transcript of his statement from Russia ’ s mission at the OSCE .
Vorobyov said Moscow regretted the US side continued to reiterate cliched charges Russia was allegedly in breach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It should be noted that we , too , have major grievances addressed to the United States concerning compliance with the Treaty , which we expressed out loud more than once at the Consultative Commission on Open Skies and at bilateral meetings .
But Russia has never said in an ultimatum-like fashion it would quit the Treaty on Open Skies , if these issues were not addressed , '' Vorobyov said .
`` We are ready to discuss mutual grievances in accordance with the Treaty ’ s mechanisms , provided there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest waiting for the results of the conference of TOS signatories , where we will have a chance to consider the practical aspects of its implementation . ''
US President Donald Trump on May 21 declared Washington ’ s intention to pull out from the Treaty on Open Skies , which enables the signatories to perform flights over each other ’ s territories to monitor military activity .
In a written statement US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said the decision would take effect six months after May 22 .
The United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the treaty were the reason for this move .
Moscow dismissed the charges and reiterated compliance with the treaty , as well as put forward its own counterclaims .
On July 6 , a conference of TOS signatories will discuss the prospects of this international agreement in the wake of the United States ’ declared intention to quit the treaty .

VIENNA, June 26. /TASS/. Russia is prepared to discuss with the United States mutual grievances in compliance with the mechanisms of the Treaty on Open Skies, provided that the dialogue is based on mutual respect, the acting chief Russian delegate at the Vienna negotiations on military security and arms control, Andrei Vorobyov, told the OSCE Annual Security Review Conference. TASS obtained a transcript of his statement from Russia’s mission at the OSCE.
Vorobyov said Moscow regretted the US side continued to reiterate cliched charges Russia was allegedly in breach of the Treaty on Open Skies.
"It should be noted that we, too, have major grievances addressed to the United States concerning compliance with the Treaty, which we expressed out loud more than once at the Consultative Commission on Open Skies and at bilateral meetings. But Russia has never said in an ultimatum-like fashion it would quit the Treaty on Open Skies, if these issues were not addressed," Vorobyov said. "We are ready to discuss mutual grievances in accordance with the Treaty’s mechanisms, provided there is an equitable and respectful dialogue. We suggest waiting for the results of the conference of TOS signatories, where we will have a chance to consider the practical aspects of its implementation."
US President Donald Trump on May 21 declared Washington’s intention to pull out from the Treaty on Open Skies, which enables the signatories to perform flights over each other’s territories to monitor military activity. In a written statement US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said the decision would take effect six months after May 22. The United States said Russia’s alleged violations of the treaty were the reason for this move. Moscow dismissed the charges and reiterated compliance with the treaty, as well as put forward its own counterclaims.
On July 6, a conference of TOS signatories will discuss the prospects of this international agreement in the wake of the United States’ declared intention to quit the treaty.


tass--2020-06-26--Kremlin notes citizens’ considerable interest in constitutional amendment vote

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has told reporters that the Kremlin had noted @ @ @ @ @ the vote on the constitutional amendments , but no preliminary conclusions will be drawn .
@ @ @ @ @ any conclusions based on first results .
It ’ s obvious that the interest in @ @ @ @ @ but it is too early to draw conclusions .
Wait , it has just begun @ @ @ @ @ According to the Central Election Commission , more than 10 million people took part in @ @ @ @ @ to Russia ’ s Constitution across the country on June 25 , the turnout stood @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has told reporters that the Kremlin had noted Russians’ considerable interest in the vote on the constitutional amendments, but no preliminary conclusions will be drawn.
"We do not draw any conclusions based on first results. It’s obvious that the interest in the vote is substantial, but it is too early to draw conclusions. Wait, it has just begun," Peskov said.
According to the Central Election Commission, more than 10 million people took part in the vote on the amendments to Russia’s Constitution across the country on June 25, the turnout stood at 9.2%.


tass--2020-06-26--Press review: Has the UN lived up to expectations and US-Poland troop move menaces Russia

Izvestia : UN remains in demand , despite its shortcomings , says Russian envoy The United Nations was able to escape the fate of the League of Nations and prevented WW3 , Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vasily Nebenzya told Izvestia .
According to him , this was largely due to the work of its Security Council .
Nonetheless , the diplomat admitted that the UN is not perfect , but it reflects the shortcomings and contradictions of our world .
`` The UN is not perfect , but neither is our world .
The global institution can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is part of it .
As our world changes for the better , so will the UN become better , '' he told the newspaper .
He added that many Security Council resolutions have practical implications , some of which involve the use of sanctions or even the use of force .
`` I have no doubts that most UN decisions continue to enjoy significant authority .
Countries are seeking their adoption for a good reason , '' the diplomat added , noting `` It is important to remember that the UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the world has no alternative to it '' .
As for the UN ’ s work to combat the falsification of history , Nebenzya noted that the Russian initiative in this sphere has `` the broad support of UN member states , which confirms the relevance of the problems it touches upon .
In 2019 , the number of co-authors of the document exceeded 60 countries . ''
`` Like in previous years , only the delegations of the United States and Ukraine spoke out against it , and 52 countries abstained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unacceptable .
We are convinced that this topic should serve to unite UN member states , especially taking into account the 75th anniversary of the Victory in World War II , '' he said .
Moscow will speed up the fulfillment of a key defense contract with India , which entails the delivery of five S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems ( SAM ) , and it will also step up negotiations on the supply of 33 MiG-29 and Su-30MKI fighters to India , Kommersant wrote .
The agreement to accelerate military-technical cooperation with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key upshot of Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh ’ s trip to Moscow .
India ’ s desire to obtain Russian fighters and air defense systems as soon as possible is caused by its growing need to neutralize threats from China and Pakistan .
Indian military sources told Kommersant , in the event of a conflict , Russian weapons will not give the South Asian giant ’ s enemies a chance of air superiority .
Indian sources told Kommersant that the initiative by Delhi has long-term strategic goals associated with the need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once on two borders , with China and Pakistan .
`` In the event of hostilities , a situation may arise when India will be forced to use its fighters simultaneously for both defensive and offensive purposes .
And this is very difficult , '' a source in India told Kommersant , adding `` the imbalance will be eliminated after the S-400 air defense system takes on the main role of protecting India ’ s airspace , empowering it to look deep into Pakistani territory and track enemy aircraft as soon as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese fighters , taking off from airfields along the Tibetan plateau . ''
According to Kommersant ’ s sources in the Indian capital , three of the Russian S-400 systems will be placed on the border with Pakistan and two on the control line with China .
The Chinese side has not officially commented on Russian defense contracts with India .
However , according to experts , Beijing is trying to influence Moscow ’ s decision to sell weapons to India .
`` Earlier , in private conversations , Chinese diplomats and experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military-technical cooperation with Beijing ’ s opponents , primarily with India and Vietnam .
However , all these attempts can be viewed as [ China ] testing the waters to see how much the Russian side gives into pressure on this issue , '' Chair of the Russia in the Asia-Pacific Program at the Carnegie Moscow Center Alexander Gabuev explained to Kommersant .
A videoconference between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron will focus on the relations between the two countries , as well as the situation in Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta , interest in the North African country is especially noteworthy , given that because of Libya , France ’ s relations with its NATO ally Turkey have deteriorated significantly .
Meanwhile , experts believe that the Macron administration ’ s recent contacts with Moscow could be dictated by France ’ s domestic politics .
According to the newspaper , there is no serious news on Syria or the conflict in Donbass , but the situation is changing in North Africa .
Egypt announced its willingness to intervene in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of Khalifa Haftar so as not to allow Turkey to gain a foothold in the areas of oil terminals .
The Erdogan government accused France and Egypt of supporting Haftar .
Yuri Rubinsky , who heads the Center for French Studies at RAS ’ Institute of Europe , told the newspaper that Russia and France have both overlapping interests and conflicts in Libya , as well as in the Middle East in general .
`` But there is no visible initiative that can bring the countries closer in the long run .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was about to restart dialogue with Russia , but it didn ’ t work out very well .
It is clear , for example , that the EU sanctions introduced over Ukraine will not be lifted , '' the expert said .
Rubinsky is inclined to connect Macron ’ s activity along the Russia policy track with the situation in France .
`` In 2022 , the country will face a new presidential election .
The question is what Macron will use .
Now , he wants to breathe new life into his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The expert believes that recent contacts with Russia also point to a search for a new foreign policy direction .
The outcome of the talks between the US and Polish presidents shows that Donald Trump is ready to provide Warsaw with `` additional military forces '' by reducing the Pentagon ’ s presence in Germany .
At a joint press conference with Poland ’ s President Andrzej Duda , Trump said that the countries will soon sign a new defense cooperation agreement .
Experts told Nezavismaya Gazeta that fighters from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located in western Germany , will be sent to Poland , which will pay for the additional deployment of US forces in the country .
According to experts , as far as Russia is concerned this is a real and perpetual threat , and it is bound to increase .
The US tactical aviation at the German base currently has 50 fourth-generation F-16CJ multi-functional light fighters and Republic A/OA-10 attack aircraft , as well as TPS-75 radar systems .
According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta , if under a contract with the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighters by the end of 2024 , the total number of modern offensive combat aircraft in this country would be more than 100 units .
Most of them can carry the recently upgraded US nuclear tactical bomb B61-12 .
`` The Russian Western Military District has several aviation regiments , armed with modern fourth-generation combat aircraft .
However , their total number is not much bigger than what can be concentrated in Poland in a few years .
NATO ’ s aviation potential , in general , is already superior to Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be significantly increased , which will require specific actions from Russia to strengthen its western borders , including aviation forces , '' military expert Lieutenant General Yuri Netkachev told the newspaper .
According to military expert colonel Vladimir Popov , transferring a portion of the US forces to Poland , namely modern combat aircraft , contradicts the 1997 Russia-NATO Founding Act , according to which NATO has committed to not deploy its troops along Russian borders on an ongoing basis .
`` However , it can be assumed that US aviation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poland on a temporary , rotational basis .
But this is also a real threat to Russia , '' the expert said .
During the pandemic , the number of new customers in the e-commerce market reached 7 mln people , according to the National Association of Distance Trading .
In total , about 60 mln people use the Internet sales market in Russia .
The Federal Antimonopoly Service told Izvestia that a developed competitive environment contributed to the growth of services and customers on digital platforms .
Representatives of the industry believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online shopping during the lockdown period , which will remain in the future .
According to Data Insight Research Director Boris Ovchinnikov , the quarantine will give the e-commerce market a long-term boost .
The influx of new customers during the pandemic on average to each online store was 200 % year-on-year , President of the Association of Internet Trade Companies Artem Sokolov told Izvestia .
According to him , e-commerce seriously helped many companies during the lockdown , and allowed them to stay afloat , but , unfortunately , did not become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offline retailers were able to transfer online only 5-20 % of sales from their usual revenue , but lost 80 % .
The pandemic shaped new patterns of behavior in people , Sokolov continued .
In the post-coronavirus reality , most shoppers will stick to online commerce .
Under the new conditions , the e-commerce market has received an additional impetus in development , Deputy Head of the Federal Antimonopoly Service Anatoly Golomolzin told Izvestia .
According to him , the developed competitive environment in communications , technology and logistics promoted the growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He told the newspaper that surge in digital platforms leads to price stabilization , and improves the quality of services .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: UN remains in demand, despite its shortcomings, says Russian envoy
The United Nations was able to escape the fate of the League of Nations and prevented WW3, Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vasily Nebenzya told Izvestia. According to him, this was largely due to the work of its Security Council. Nonetheless, the diplomat admitted that the UN is not perfect, but it reflects the shortcomings and contradictions of our world. "The UN is not perfect, but neither is our world. The global institution can only reflect its contradictions and shortcomings because it is part of it. As our world changes for the better, so will the UN become better," he told the newspaper. He added that many Security Council resolutions have practical implications, some of which involve the use of sanctions or even the use of force. "I have no doubts that most UN decisions continue to enjoy significant authority. Countries are seeking their adoption for a good reason," the diplomat added, noting "It is important to remember that the UN is by no means a cure-all. But the world has no alternative to it". As for the UN’s work to combat the falsification of history, Nebenzya noted that the Russian initiative in this sphere has "the broad support of UN member states, which confirms the relevance of the problems it touches upon. In 2019, the number of co-authors of the document exceeded 60 countries." "Like in previous years, only the delegations of the United States and Ukraine spoke out against it, and 52 countries abstained from voting. We consider this position unacceptable. We are convinced that this topic should serve to unite UN member states, especially taking into account the 75th anniversary of the Victory in World War II," he said. Kommersant: Russia to accelerate arms deals with India
Read also India to get its first batch of S-400s by end of 2021
Moscow will speed up the fulfillment of a key defense contract with India, which entails the delivery of five S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM), and it will also step up negotiations on the supply of 33 MiG-29 and Su-30MKI fighters to India, Kommersant wrote. The agreement to accelerate military-technical cooperation with the largest buyer of Russian weapons was the key upshot of Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s trip to Moscow. India’s desire to obtain Russian fighters and air defense systems as soon as possible is caused by its growing need to neutralize threats from China and Pakistan. Indian military sources told Kommersant, in the event of a conflict, Russian weapons will not give the South Asian giant’s enemies a chance of air superiority. Indian sources told Kommersant that the initiative by Delhi has long-term strategic goals associated with the need to maintain a changing balance of forces at once on two borders, with China and Pakistan. "In the event of hostilities, a situation may arise when India will be forced to use its fighters simultaneously for both defensive and offensive purposes. And this is very difficult," a source in India told Kommersant, adding "the imbalance will be eliminated after the S-400 air defense system takes on the main role of protecting India’s airspace, empowering it to look deep into Pakistani territory and track enemy aircraft as soon as they are in the air, and monitor Chinese fighters, taking off from airfields along the Tibetan plateau." According to Kommersant’s sources in the Indian capital, three of the Russian S-400 systems will be placed on the border with Pakistan and two on the control line with China. The Chinese side has not officially commented on Russian defense contracts with India. However, according to experts, Beijing is trying to influence Moscow’s decision to sell weapons to India. "Earlier, in private conversations, Chinese diplomats and experts expressed their dissatisfaction with Moscow’s military-technical cooperation with Beijing’s opponents, primarily with India and Vietnam. However, all these attempts can be viewed as [China] testing the waters to see how much the Russian side gives into pressure on this issue," Chair of the Russia in the Asia-Pacific Program at the Carnegie Moscow Center Alexander Gabuev explained to Kommersant. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russia, France plan to discuss overlapping foreign policy interests
A videoconference between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron will focus on the relations between the two countries, as well as the situation in Iran, Syria, Ukraine, and Libya. According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, interest in the North African country is especially noteworthy, given that because of Libya, France’s relations with its NATO ally Turkey have deteriorated significantly. Meanwhile, experts believe that the Macron administration’s recent contacts with Moscow could be dictated by France’s domestic politics. According to the newspaper, there is no serious news on Syria or the conflict in Donbass, but the situation is changing in North Africa. Egypt announced its willingness to intervene in the civil war in Libya on the side of Khalifa Haftar so as not to allow Turkey to gain a foothold in the areas of oil terminals. The Erdogan government accused France and Egypt of supporting Haftar. Yuri Rubinsky, who heads the Center for French Studies at RAS’ Institute of Europe, told the newspaper that Russia and France have both overlapping interests and conflicts in Libya, as well as in the Middle East in general. "But there is no visible initiative that can bring the countries closer in the long run. Immediately, after his election, Macron was about to restart dialogue with Russia, but it didn’t work out very well. It is clear, for example, that the EU sanctions introduced over Ukraine will not be lifted," the expert said. Rubinsky is inclined to connect Macron’s activity along the Russia policy track with the situation in France. "In 2022, the country will face a new presidential election. The question is what Macron will use. Now, he wants to breathe new life into his domestic and foreign policy," he said. The expert believes that recent contacts with Russia also point to a search for a new foreign policy direction. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US-Poland troop move threatens Russia
The outcome of the talks between the US and Polish presidents shows that Donald Trump is ready to provide Warsaw with "additional military forces" by reducing the Pentagon’s presence in Germany. At a joint press conference with Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, Trump said that the countries will soon sign a new defense cooperation agreement. Experts told Nezavismaya Gazeta that fighters from the USAF’s Spangdahlem Air Base, located in western Germany, will be sent to Poland, which will pay for the additional deployment of US forces in the country. According to experts, as far as Russia is concerned this is a real and perpetual threat, and it is bound to increase. The US tactical aviation at the German base currently has 50 fourth-generation F-16CJ multi-functional light fighters and Republic A/OA-10 attack aircraft, as well as TPS-75 radar systems. According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, if under a contract with the United States, Poland purchased 32 fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters by the end of 2024, the total number of modern offensive combat aircraft in this country would be more than 100 units. Most of them can carry the recently upgraded US nuclear tactical bomb B61-12. "The Russian Western Military District has several aviation regiments, armed with modern fourth-generation combat aircraft. However, their total number is not much bigger than what can be concentrated in Poland in a few years. NATO’s aviation potential, in general, is already superior to Russia’s. And in the coming years it will be significantly increased, which will require specific actions from Russia to strengthen its western borders, including aviation forces," military expert Lieutenant General Yuri Netkachev told the newspaper. According to military expert colonel Vladimir Popov, transferring a portion of the US forces to Poland, namely modern combat aircraft, contradicts the 1997 Russia-NATO Founding Act, according to which NATO has committed to not deploy its troops along Russian borders on an ongoing basis. "However, it can be assumed that US aviation and other units will be based in Poland on a temporary, rotational basis. But this is also a real threat to Russia," the expert said. Izvestia: Russians to continue Internet shopping after quarantine
Read also Russian companies to expand presence on Chinese market using e-commerce


tass--2020-06-26--Number of coronavirus cases in Armenia surpasses 23,000

`` Over the past day , 759 new coronavirus cases were detected and 814 patients recovered .
The total number of the recovered is 12,149 , and cases — 23,247 , '' the report said .
YEREVAN , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Armenia increased by 759 in a single day and reached 23,247 , the press service of the Ministry of Health reported on Friday .
In hospitals , 13 patients died in 24 hours .
Since the onset of the infection , the number of deaths has reached 410 .
The situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains difficult .
For the third day in a row , more than 700 cases have been recorded .
The first coronavirus case in Armenia was registered on March 1 .
On March 16 , a state of emergency and strict quarantine were introduced in the country , later these measures were extended until July 13 .
On May 18 , the government lifted all economic restrictions ; public transport , restaurants , and shopping centers opened .
After that the number of infections rose sharply — on May 25 , people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In early June , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the scale of violations of pandemic safety standards was disastrous .
According to him , the country was on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe .
On June 8 , he dismissed heads of security agencies , noting that they could not keep the situation under control .
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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 9,724,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 492,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 5,260,700 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 620,794 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 384,152 patients having recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest data indicates 8,781 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"Over the past day, 759 new coronavirus cases were detected and 814 patients recovered. The total number of the recovered is 12,149, and cases — 23,247," the report said.
YEREVAN, June 26. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Armenia increased by 759 in a single day and reached 23,247, the press service of the Ministry of Health reported on Friday.
In hospitals, 13 patients died in 24 hours. Since the onset of the infection, the number of deaths has reached 410.
The situation with the spread of coronavirus in Armenia remains difficult. For the third day in a row, more than 700 cases have been recorded.
The first coronavirus case in Armenia was registered on March 1. On March 16, a state of emergency and strict quarantine were introduced in the country, later these measures were extended until July 13. On May 18, the government lifted all economic restrictions; public transport, restaurants, and shopping centers opened. After that the number of infections rose sharply — on May 25, people were required to wear masks in public places.
In early June, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the scale of violations of pandemic safety standards was disastrous. According to him, the country was on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. On June 8, he dismissed heads of security agencies, noting that they could not keep the situation under control.
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 9,724,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 492,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 5,260,700 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 620,794 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 384,152 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 8,781 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-26--EU won’t open borders to Russians on July 1, source says

`` The fact of the matter is that the epidemiological situation in Russia does not make it possible for us to add it to the first list of countries who citizens will be allowed to cross the borders on July 1 .
This is normal because Russia needs more time , since the virus started actively spreading there later than in European states , '' the source noted .
BRUSSELS , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union will not be able to include Russia in the list of countries cleared to enter the area on July 1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU delegations informed , clarifying that the Russian coronavirus outbreak is to blame .
According to him , the list of countries that is currently being drafted by the EU will later be expanded .
`` We will review this list rather regularly .
Of course , as soon as it is clear that Russia ’ s epidemiological conditions have improved , we will add it to the list .
It is in the best interests of all sides , trust me , '' the diplomat added .
Earlier , The New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporarily banning Russian , US and Brazilian nationals from entering its territory since these countries are still viewed as posing coronavirus danger .
Its journalists studied draft documents that are being discussed in Brussels before the union reopens to foreign travelers on July 1 .
According to undisclosed officials cited by the newspaper , the discussions are focusing on two potential lists of countries greenlighted to enter the EU .
Russia , the United States and Brazil are not on those lists , however , Vietnam , China , Cuba and Uganda are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , the European Commission called on all member states to reopen all domestic borders by June 15 .
Moreover , it recommended to give a go-ahead to gradual lifting of restrictions on foreign travel starting with July 1 .
At the same time , the EU regulations stipulate that it is up to national governments to make decisions on border-crossing and travel issues rather than EU bodies .

"The fact of the matter is that the epidemiological situation in Russia does not make it possible for us to add it to the first list of countries who citizens will be allowed to cross the borders on July 1. This is normal because Russia needs more time, since the virus started actively spreading there later than in European states," the source noted.
BRUSSELS, June 26. /TASS/. The European Union will not be able to include Russia in the list of countries cleared to enter the area on July 1, a TASS source in one of the EU delegations informed, clarifying that the Russian coronavirus outbreak is to blame.
According to him, the list of countries that is currently being drafted by the EU will later be expanded. "We will review this list rather regularly. Of course, as soon as it is clear that Russia’s epidemiological conditions have improved, we will add it to the list. It is in the best interests of all sides, trust me," the diplomat added.
Earlier, The New York Times reported that the EU is considering temporarily banning Russian, US and Brazilian nationals from entering its territory since these countries are still viewed as posing coronavirus danger. Its journalists studied draft documents that are being discussed in Brussels before the union reopens to foreign travelers on July 1. According to undisclosed officials cited by the newspaper, the discussions are focusing on two potential lists of countries greenlighted to enter the EU. Russia, the United States and Brazil are not on those lists, however, Vietnam, China, Cuba and Uganda are on both of them, for example.
Earlier, the European Commission called on all member states to reopen all domestic borders by June 15. Moreover, it recommended to give a go-ahead to gradual lifting of restrictions on foreign travel starting with July 1. At the same time, the EU regulations stipulate that it is up to national governments to make decisions on border-crossing and travel issues rather than EU bodies.


tass--2020-06-26--Ukraine sets another daily coronavirus infection record

`` As of Friday morning , June 26 , the number of coronavirus cases in Ukraine reached 41,117 .
On June 25 , 40,008 infections were identified .
Therefore , in the past 24 hours , the increase is 1,109 .
This is a new and alarming record high , '' the council noted .
KIEV , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Doctors in Ukraine identified 1,109 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours , the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council noted in a statement Friday .
At the same time , 19 more coronavirus-related fatalities were registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,086 people have died in the country from the virus since the epidemic broke out , while 17,758 have recovered .
Moreover , 541 patients recovered in a single day .
Ukrainian Health Minister Maxim Stepanov clarified at a briefing Friday that most cases over the 24-hour period were reported in the Lvov Region ( 209 ) , followed by the Rovno Region ( 116 ) and Kiev ( 113 ) .
Ukraine ’ s western regions and the capital have the worst death rates .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) 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 .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 9,724,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 492,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 5,260,700 individuals have recovered from @ @ @ @ @ @

"As of Friday morning, June 26, the number of coronavirus cases in Ukraine reached 41,117. On June 25, 40,008 infections were identified. Therefore, in the past 24 hours, the increase is 1,109. This is a new and alarming record high," the council noted.
KIEV, June 26. /TASS/. Doctors in Ukraine identified 1,109 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council noted in a statement Friday.
At the same time, 19 more coronavirus-related fatalities were registered. According to the council data, 1,086 people have died in the country from the virus since the epidemic broke out, while 17,758 have recovered. Moreover, 541 patients recovered in a single day.
Ukrainian Health Minister Maxim Stepanov clarified at a briefing Friday that most cases over the 24-hour period were reported in the Lvov Region (209), followed by the Rovno Region (116) and Kiev (113). Ukraine’s western regions and the capital have the worst death rates.
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.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 9,724,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 492,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 5,260,700 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-06-26--Roscongress and Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center to Cooperate on Innovation

MOSCOW , June 26 .
The Roscongress Foundation and Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center ( Italy ) have signed a cooperation agreement centred on innovation and sustainable development .
The agreement concerns the exchange of knowledge and information , organization of meetings , and interactions between leading international experts and representatives of Russia and Italy ’ s economic and industrial circles .
In the medium-term , this agreement will help promote innovation in both countries , especially with respect to tech developments from Russian and Italian researchers and the Russian and Italian startup ecosystems .
The agreement will facilitate the advancement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small and medium-sized innovation-focused enterprises and the sustainable development of companies granted this status .
`` Innovative development is a major part of the Roscongress Foundation 's efforts .
Our innovative platform has been in operation for two years now .
While it brings innovative topics to the platforms of major events , it also facilitates innovative Russian companies ’ development and entrance into global markets .
We are glad that , thanks to partners such as Intesa Sanpaolo , we are able to expand our international presence and promote Russian innovations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO of the Roscongress Foundation Alexander Stuglev .
Merging Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center ’ s know-how with the support of the Roscongress Foundation will aid in the active development of close cooperation .
It will also facilitate the joint evaluation and advancement of the potential of Russian SMEs operating in innovation and sustainable development and attract international investment towards the companies ’ growth and the implementation of their projects .
The Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center is part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group .
Known for its innovation , the Center ’ s mission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business models in order to advance the competitiveness of the Group and its clients .
The company focuses on four main topics : the circular economy , development of promising startups , corporate venture capital ( through their subsidiary Neva Finventures ) , and applied research .
Thanks to the reach of its Italian and global networks , the Innovation Center is able to build relationships with other participants of the innovation ecosystem : enterprises , startups , research centres , and universities and initiate new forms of entrepreneurship to enable their access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heart of a company 's development .
Intesa Sanpaolo Group considers innovation a tool for competing in increasingly complex and globalized markets , '' said Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center General Director Guido De Vecchi .
`` This cooperation agreement between the Roscongress Foundation and Banca Intesa will make it easier for Russians SMEs to leverage our know-how in identifying the most promising companies and receive support in the search for international investors '' .
The Roscongress Foundation – a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of international conventions ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cultural events .
The Foundation was established in 2007 with the aim of facilitating the development of Russia ’ s economic potential , promoting its national interests , and strengthening the country ’ s image .
One of the roles of the Foundation is to comprehensively evaluate , analyse , and cover issues on the Russian and global economic agendas .
It also offers administrative services , provides promotional support for business projects and attracting investment , and helps foster social entrepreneurship and charitable initiatives .
Each year , the Foundation ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and territories , with more than 15,000 media representatives working on-site at Roscongress ’ various venues .
The Foundation benefits from analytical and professional expertise provided by 2,500 people working in Russia and abroad .
In addition , it works in close cooperation with 122 economic partners ; industrialists ’ and entrepreneurs ’ unions ; and financial , trade , and business associations from 69 countries worldwide .
roscongress.org The Business Priority project aims to increase the competitiveness of Russia 's economy through the promotion of domestic innovative products and technologies .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality standard for high-tech innovative projects with a high liquidity on the global market .
The Roscongress Foundation serves as a platform for the comprehensive support of such projects and the companies that develop them , granting them Business Priority status for meeting specific criteria .
The status provides a number of advantages , including direct cooperation with major investors and manufacturers and consultations with leading finance , law , marketing , and advertising experts .
This support drastically shortens a product ’ s time to domestic and global markets , increasing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Intesa Sanpaolo Group is one of the largest , most profitable banking groups in Europe .
Intesa Sanpaolo provides services in the realm of commercial , corporate , investment , and savings banking , asset management , and insurance .
It is the leading banking institution in Italy , where it provides approximately 11.8 million clients with digital and traditional banking services .
Other banks in the Group serve 7.2 million clients in other European countries , the Middle East , and North Africa .
Intesa Sanpaolo is a recognized global leader in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a driving social and economic force , considering these aims crucial to the creation of added value .
In the realm of environmental protection , the group has created a EUR 5 billion fund dedicated to the development of circular economies .
The fund promotes major projects to engage socially vulnerable people in economic processes and reduce poverty , in part through the creation of a EUR 1.2 billion fund for providing financing to various social groups that have trouble accessing credit .
Intesa Sanpaolo Group is actively involved in cultural activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners in Italy and around the world , including through the organization of permanent and temporary exhibitions consisting of its own expansive collection of art in galleries around Italy – the Group ’ s museums in Milan , Naples , and Vicenza , and , soon , a museum complex in Turin .
Intesa Sanpaolo Group operates in Russia through its Russian bank , Banca Intesa , which handles over half of the trade operations with Italy and participates in financing major Russian national and international projects .

MOSCOW, June 26. The Roscongress Foundation and Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center (Italy) have signed a cooperation agreement centred on innovation and sustainable development. The agreement concerns the exchange of knowledge and information, organization of meetings, and interactions between leading international experts and representatives of Russia and Italy’s economic and industrial circles.
In the medium-term, this agreement will help promote innovation in both countries, especially with respect to tech developments from Russian and Italian researchers and the Russian and Italian startup ecosystems. The agreement will facilitate the advancement of the Business Priority quality standard for small and medium-sized innovation-focused enterprises and the sustainable development of companies granted this status.
"Innovative development is a major part of the Roscongress Foundation's efforts. Our innovative platform has been in operation for two years now. While it brings innovative topics to the platforms of major events, it also facilitates innovative Russian companies’ development and entrance into global markets. We are glad that, thanks to partners such as Intesa Sanpaolo, we are able to expand our international presence and promote Russian innovations," said Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Roscongress Foundation Alexander Stuglev.
Merging Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center’s know-how with the support of the Roscongress Foundation will aid in the active development of close cooperation. It will also facilitate the joint evaluation and advancement of the potential of Russian SMEs operating in innovation and sustainable development and attract international investment towards the companies’ growth and the implementation of their projects.
The Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center is part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group. Known for its innovation, the Center’s mission is the research and analysis of new business models in order to advance the competitiveness of the Group and its clients. The company focuses on four main topics: the circular economy, development of promising startups, corporate venture capital (through their subsidiary Neva Finventures), and applied research. Thanks to the reach of its Italian and global networks, the Innovation Center is able to build relationships with other participants of the innovation ecosystem: enterprises, startups, research centres, and universities and initiate new forms of entrepreneurship to enable their access to venture capital.
"Innovation is the heart of a company's development. Intesa Sanpaolo Group considers innovation a tool for competing in increasingly complex and globalized markets,"said Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center General Director Guido De Vecchi. "This cooperation agreement between the Roscongress Foundation and Banca Intesa will make it easier for Russians SMEs to leverage our know-how in identifying the most promising companies and receive support in the search for international investors".
For Reference
The Roscongress Foundation – a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of international conventions; exhibitions; and sporting, public, and cultural events.
The Foundation was established in 2007 with the aim of facilitating the development of Russia’s economic potential, promoting its national interests, and strengthening the country’s image. One of the roles of the Foundation is to comprehensively evaluate, analyse, and cover issues on the Russian and global economic agendas. It also offers administrative services, provides promotional support for business projects and attracting investment, and helps foster social entrepreneurship and charitable initiatives.
Each year, the Foundation’s events draw participants from 208 countries and territories, with more than 15,000 media representatives working on-site at Roscongress’ various venues. The Foundation benefits from analytical and professional expertise provided by 2,500 people working in Russia and abroad. In addition, it works in close cooperation with 122 economic partners; industrialists’ and entrepreneurs’ unions; and financial, trade, and business associations from 69 countries worldwide. roscongress.org
The Business Priority project aims to increase the competitiveness of Russia's economy through the promotion of domestic innovative products and technologies. It aims to create a globally acknowledged national quality standard for high-tech innovative projects with a high liquidity on the global market.
The Roscongress Foundation serves as a platform for the comprehensive support of such projects and the companies that develop them, granting them Business Priority status for meeting specific criteria. The status provides a number of advantages, including direct cooperation with major investors and manufacturers and consultations with leading finance, law, marketing, and advertising experts. This support drastically shortens a product’s time to domestic and global markets, increasing a business’s scale and capitalization.
Intesa Sanpaolo Group is one of the largest, most profitable banking groups in Europe. Intesa Sanpaolo provides services in the realm of commercial, corporate, investment, and savings banking, asset management, and insurance. It is the leading banking institution in Italy, where it provides approximately 11.8 million clients with digital and traditional banking services. Other banks in the Group serve 7.2 million clients in other European countries, the Middle East, and North Africa. Intesa Sanpaolo is a recognized global leader in sustainable development.
The Group strives to be a driving social and economic force, considering these aims crucial to the creation of added value. In the realm of environmental protection, the group has created a EUR 5 billion fund dedicated to the development of circular economies. The fund promotes major projects to engage socially vulnerable people in economic processes and reduce poverty, in part through the creation of a EUR 1.2 billion fund for providing financing to various social groups that have trouble accessing credit.
Intesa Sanpaolo Group is actively involved in cultural activity, both independently and in cooperation with partners in Italy and around the world, including through the organization of permanent and temporary exhibitions consisting of its own expansive collection of art in galleries around Italy – the Group’s museums in Milan, Naples, and Vicenza, and, soon, a museum complex in Turin.
Intesa Sanpaolo Group operates in Russia through its Russian bank, Banca Intesa, which handles over half of the trade operations with Italy and participates in financing major Russian national and international projects.


tass--2020-06-26--Voter turnout for 1st day of online vote on constitutional amendments almost 53%

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Voter turnout for online vote on constitutional amendments during the first day of @ @ @ @ @ , or 618,200 people , according to the vote observation operational center .
The online @ @ @ @ @ time for residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod Region .
Due to high load @ @ @ @ @ on the vote was down for the first 20 minutes .
Following a brief downtime @ @ @ @ @ restored and now functions normally .
The website for the vote itself , elec.2020og.ru , @ @ @ @ @ 10:18 Moscow time June 26 , 618,264 online ballots were cast , which makes voter @ @ @ @ @ , Artyom Kostyrko , head of the Moscow Department of Territorial Management and Smart Projects @ @ @ @ @ million applications for online vote were filed by residents of Moscow , with another 140,000 @ @ @ @ @ Nizhny Novgorod .
The remote vote began on June 25 and will wrap up on @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Voter turnout for online vote on constitutional amendments during the first day of elections was about 52.8%, or 618,200 people, according to the vote observation operational center.
The online vote began on 10:00 Moscow time for residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod Region. Due to high load, the website with information on the vote was down for the first 20 minutes. Following a brief downtime period, it has been restored and now functions normally. The website for the vote itself, elec.2020og.ru, works without crashes.
By 10:18 Moscow time June 26, 618,264 online ballots were cast, which makes voter turnout 52.76%.
Earlier, Artyom Kostyrko, head of the Moscow Department of Territorial Management and Smart Projects, announced that about 1 million applications for online vote were filed by residents of Moscow, with another 140,000 - from the residents of Nizhny Novgorod. The remote vote began on June 25 and will wrap up on June 30.


tass--2020-06-26--Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy tolerate coronavirus easier — top doctor

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Patients with cancer tolerate the coronavirus infection easier , says Alexander Rumyantsev , president of the Rogachev National Research Center of Pediatric Hematology , Oncology and Immunology , and the top visiting pediatric oncologist of the Russian Ministry of Health .
`` Oncological patients who receive chemotherapy have a suppressive function .
They do not develop a cytokine storm [ a violent and potentially lethal reaction of human immune system that causes destruction of the inflamed tissue that tends to spread through the body ] , so they do not have this final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these patients , COVID-19 develops like an acute respiratory infection with all its consequences .
This respiratory infection might be accompanied by complications that affect the bacterial flora , hence bacterial infections might appear , which are easily treated by antibiotics , '' Rumyantsev said .
Children with oncology have this suppressive function developed even stronger , so they do not display `` outbursts '' of the infection .
`` We [ at the Rogachev center ] had several patients , infected with the coronavirus , and they have been infected [ … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No children died , nobody was in lethal , serious state , '' the specialist underscored .
He noted that the spread of the infection within the center was prevented thanks to security measures taken during patients ’ admission .
Notably , admission of children from all 85 regions never stopped .
According to the top doctor , cytokine storm is the most frequent complication in people receiving cellular immunotherapy , so the specialists learned to control it .
`` Therefore , of course , we were ready to provide a response .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we used inhibitors of interleukin-6 , anti-inflammatory cytokine , which , along with other cytokines , plays a major role in triggering the cytokine storm .
We also used blood plasma of former coronavirus patients as immunotherapy in severe cases , '' he noted .

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Patients with cancer tolerate the coronavirus infection easier, says Alexander Rumyantsev, president of the Rogachev National Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, and the top visiting pediatric oncologist of the Russian Ministry of Health.
"Oncological patients who receive chemotherapy have a suppressive function. They do not develop a cytokine storm [a violent and potentially lethal reaction of human immune system that causes destruction of the inflamed tissue that tends to spread through the body], so they do not have this final stage of the coronavirus infection. In these patients, COVID-19 develops like an acute respiratory infection with all its consequences. This respiratory infection might be accompanied by complications that affect the bacterial flora, hence bacterial infections might appear, which are easily treated by antibiotics," Rumyantsev said.
Children with oncology have this suppressive function developed even stronger, so they do not display "outbursts" of the infection. "We [at the Rogachev center] had several patients, infected with the coronavirus, and they have been infected […] by parents, family members. No children died, nobody was in lethal, serious state," the specialist underscored.
He noted that the spread of the infection within the center was prevented thanks to security measures taken during patients’ admission. Notably, admission of children from all 85 regions never stopped.
According to the top doctor, cytokine storm is the most frequent complication in people receiving cellular immunotherapy, so the specialists learned to control it. "Therefore, of course, we were ready to provide a response. […] Since day one, we used inhibitors of interleukin-6, anti-inflammatory cytokine, which, along with other cytokines, plays a major role in triggering the cytokine storm. We also used blood plasma of former coronavirus patients as immunotherapy in severe cases," he noted.


tass--2020-06-26--About 62% of infected people recover from COVID-19 in Russia

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus recoveries grew by 8,988 in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ people have recovered by now , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday .
According @ @ @ @ @ recoveries account for about 62 % of the total number of infected individuals in Russia @ @ @ @ @ patients were discharged from hospitals in Moscow in the past 24 hours , 1,489 in @ @ @ @ @ in St. Petersburg , 378 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 304 in the Rostov @ @ @ @ @ Sverdlovsk Region , 175 in the Khanty-Mansi Region , 159 in the Tula Region , @ @ @ @ @ , 139 in the Penza Region , 137 in the Irkutsk Region , 120 in @ @ @ @ @ in the Saratov Region , 109 in the Voronezh Region , 108 in the Krasnodar @ @ @ @ @ and 140 in Bashkortostan .
Another 54 regions reported less than 100 recoveries in the @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus recoveries grew by 8,988 in the past 24 hours, a total of 384,152 people have recovered by now, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday.
According to the crisis center, recoveries account for about 62% of the total number of infected individuals in Russia.
In particular, 1,997 patients were discharged from hospitals in Moscow in the past 24 hours, 1,489 in the Moscow Region, 395 in St. Petersburg, 378 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 304 in the Rostov Region, 290 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 175 in the Khanty-Mansi Region, 159 in the Tula Region, 158 in the Novosibirsk Region, 139 in the Penza Region, 137 in the Irkutsk Region, 120 in the Ivanovo Region, 112 in the Saratov Region, 109 in the Voronezh Region, 108 in the Krasnodar Region, 125 in Tuva and 140 in Bashkortostan. Another 54 regions reported less than 100 recoveries in the past 24 hours.


tass--2020-06-26--Russia reports 6,800 new coronavirus cases

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia identified over the past 24 hours dropped to 6,800 , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said at a meeting Friday .
`` I note that today the number of newly identified cases will already drop below 7,000 to amount to 6,800 .
We are very glad to have these numbers and hope that this trend will continue in the days and weeks to come , '' she said .
According to the Russian federal anti-coronavirus crisis center , Russia identified fewer than 7,000 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 .
TASS calculations show that the daily increase in coronavirus infections in Russia dropped to the record-low of 1.1 % .
Golikova underlined that it is imperative to keep working to protect and boost the trend .
`` I would like to again draw attention to the death rate numbers .
I know that practically all [ Russian ] regions are making efforts to save as many human lives as possible despite serious and critical conditions .
Nevertheless , there is still a significant number of deaths , '' the deputy prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to save lives of people `` until the very end , '' Golikova pointed out .

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia identified over the past 24 hours dropped to 6,800, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said at a meeting Friday.
"I note that today the number of newly identified cases will already drop below 7,000 to amount to 6,800. We are very glad to have these numbers and hope that this trend will continue in the days and weeks to come," she said.
According to the Russian federal anti-coronavirus crisis center, Russia identified fewer than 7,000 new infections for the first time since April 29. TASS calculations show that the daily increase in coronavirus infections in Russia dropped to the record-low of 1.1%.
Golikova underlined that it is imperative to keep working to protect and boost the trend. "I would like to again draw attention to the death rate numbers. I know that practically all [Russian] regions are making efforts to save as many human lives as possible despite serious and critical conditions. Nevertheless, there is still a significant number of deaths," the deputy prime minister added. It is important to try to save lives of people "until the very end," Golikova pointed out.


tass--2020-06-26--Health Ministry expert warns COVID-19 vaccine will be no panacea

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
The example of influenza shows that a vaccine against the novel coronavirus will not be a panacea for that virus , President of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology , Oncology and Immunology and Chief Freelance Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist of the Russian Ministry of Health Alexander Rumyantsev told TASS .
`` We are all waiting for the vaccine , which is being developed by about 20 teams in our country .
However , as a physician , I don ’ t expect these vaccinations to be a 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu vaccination .
At the same time , the number of deaths from it across the globe is about 600,000 people per year .
That is , the situation is still the same , but we have got used to it .
I believe we will survive this infection as well , '' he said .
Rumyantsev noted that work on developing vaccines had given a boost to new research , in particular , in the field of artificial viruses , natural viruses and the evolution of certain pathogens .
`` Almost every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the changing habitat , so the [ situation ] will be sure to recur , '' he said .
To date , 613,994 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 375,164 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 8,605 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. The example of influenza shows that a vaccine against the novel coronavirus will not be a panacea for that virus, President of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology and Chief Freelance Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist of the Russian Ministry of Health Alexander Rumyantsev told TASS.
"We are all waiting for the vaccine, which is being developed by about 20 teams in our country. However, as a physician, I don’t expect these vaccinations to be a 100% panacea. Now there is massive flu vaccination. At the same time, the number of deaths from it across the globe is about 600,000 people per year. That is, the situation is still the same, but we have got used to it. I believe we will survive this infection as well," he said.
Rumyantsev noted that work on developing vaccines had given a boost to new research, in particular, in the field of artificial viruses, natural viruses and the evolution of certain pathogens. "Almost every year we have new infections due to the changing habitat, so the [situation] will be sure to recur," he said.
To date, 613,994 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 375,164 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 8,605 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-26--Another 1,997 coronavirus patients recover in Moscow

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Another 1,997 COVID-19 patients have recovered in Moscow , Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova @ @ @ @ @ `` The number of recoveries in Moscow continues to grow .
Another 1,997 patients recovered @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours .
The total number of people who have recovered from the disease has @ @ @ @ @ she said .
According to Rakova , special tests are conducted to confirm recovery .
@ @ @ @ @ under medical supervision receive the necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital .
Those who recover @ @ @ @ @ to become blood plasma donors .
People aged between 18 and 55 who have recovered @ @ @ @ @ plasma donors , provided they don ’ t have chronic illnesses and test negative for @ @ @ @ @ C .

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Another 1,997 COVID-19 patients have recovered in Moscow, Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova told reporters on Friday.
"The number of recoveries in Moscow continues to grow. Another 1,997 patients recovered after treatment in the past 24 hours. The total number of people who have recovered from the disease has climbed to 144,191," she said.
According to Rakova, special tests are conducted to confirm recovery. Patients who need to remain under medical supervision receive the necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital. Those who recover from the disease are offered to become blood plasma donors.
People aged between 18 and 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors, provided they don’t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C.


tass--2020-06-26--Turnout at online vote on Russian constitutional amendments surpasses 49.5%

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
The turnout at the online vote on the amendments to Russia ’ s Constitution amounted to 49.51 % at 06.30 Moscow time on Friday , Deputy Chairman of Moscow ’ s Civic Chamber Alexei Venediktov wrote on his Telegram channel .
`` The turnout at the online vote was 49.51 % at 06:30 .
About 2,000 people voted last night ( from 00:00 to 06:00 ) , '' he wrote .
The online vote began on Thursday at 10:00 Moscow time .
Previously registered voters from the Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod Region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to previous reports , about 1 mln people had registered to vote in Moscow and nearly 140,000 had done the same in the Nizhny Novgorod Region .
The online vote began on June 25 and will end on June 30 .
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 Russian Federation Council ( upper house of parliament ) and Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote is being held on the proposed constitutional amendments .
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 situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in Russia .
During a working session earlier , Putin approved July 1 , 2020 , as the new date for the vote .
The vote will be held over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. The turnout at the online vote on the amendments to Russia’s Constitution amounted to 49.51% at 06.30 Moscow time on Friday, Deputy Chairman of Moscow’s Civic Chamber Alexei Venediktov wrote on his Telegram channel.
"The turnout at the online vote was 49.51% at 06:30. About 2,000 people voted last night (from 00:00 to 06:00)," he wrote.
The online vote began on Thursday at 10:00 Moscow time. Previously registered voters from the Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod Region can take part in the vote.
According to previous reports, about 1 mln people had registered to vote in Moscow and nearly 140,000 had done the same in the Nizhny Novgorod Region. The online vote began on June 25 and will end on June 30.
The vote on constitutional amendments
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 Russian Federation Council (upper house of parliament) and Russia’s regional parliaments.
A public vote is being held on the proposed constitutional amendments. 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 situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Russia. During a working session 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.


tass--2020-06-26--Russians favor education services during self-isolation, poll shows

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Nearly 60 % of Russians polled said that during self-isolation , they worked on personal growth and education , the poll in possession of TASS held by HeadHunter recruiting website informs .
From March 25 until June , 55 % of those polled used education services , with 57 % of them interested in personal growth , 46 % saying that they had been learning new skills and professions in changing conditions , and 42 % working on the existing skills .
It is noted that 74 % of those who accessed education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 38 % paid for their education , and 3 % used services paid for by their employer .
Besides , 34 % of those polled admitted that they have no expectations from education during the pandemic , they simply invest in themselves in hopes that it will pay off sooner or later .
About 33 % of those polled hope that they will increase their income after completing new courses , 27 % expect to find a new job and 23 % hope to get promoted .
The poll was held on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HeadHunter website .

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Nearly 60% of Russians polled said that during self-isolation, they worked on personal growth and education, the poll in possession of TASS held by HeadHunter recruiting website informs.
From March 25 until June, 55% of those polled used education services, with 57% of them interested in personal growth, 46% saying that they had been learning new skills and professions in changing conditions, and 42% working on the existing skills.
It is noted that 74% of those who accessed education services did so for free. Meanwhile, 38% paid for their education, and 3% used services paid for by their employer.
Besides, 34% of those polled admitted that they have no expectations from education during the pandemic, they simply invest in themselves in hopes that it will pay off sooner or later. About 33% of those polled hope that they will increase their income after completing new courses, 27% expect to find a new job and 23% hope to get promoted.
The poll was held on June 15-23 among 2,512 people accessing the HeadHunter website.


tass--2020-06-26--Ukraine stalling decision-making within Contact Group on Donbass - Russian envoy

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Kiev remains unwilling to find a comprehensive resolution of the Donbass conflict , @ @ @ @ @ to the Contact Group for settlement in Donbass Boris Gryzlov stated on the outcomes of @ @ @ @ @ session on Thursday .
`` Today ’ s session of the Contact Group has focused @ @ @ @ @ Donbass conflict regulation - the law on special status and the ceasefire control measures , @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine is once again stalling the approval of necessary decisions .
It seems that the @ @ @ @ @ the talks is not comprehensive political regulation and not Donbass reintegration .
We are aware @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian government - to maintain anti-Russian sanctions under any pretence . ''
`` Nevertheless , @ @ @ @ @ to act as mediator to achieve a result stipulated by the Minsk Agreements , calling @ @ @ @ @ the same , '' Gryzlov stressed .

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Kiev remains unwilling to find a comprehensive resolution of the Donbass conflict, Russia’s Permanent Envoy to the Contact Group for settlement in Donbass Boris Gryzlov stated on the outcomes of the group’s video session on Thursday.
"Today’s session of the Contact Group has focused on the key issues of Donbass conflict regulation - the law on special status and the ceasefire control measures," he informed. "Ukraine is once again stalling the approval of necessary decisions. It seems that the main goal of Kiev during the talks is not comprehensive political regulation and not Donbass reintegration. We are aware of this stance of the Ukrainian government - to maintain anti-Russian sanctions under any pretence."
"Nevertheless, the Russian delegation will continue to act as mediator to achieve a result stipulated by the Minsk Agreements, calling on the OSCE to do the same," Gryzlov stressed.


tass--2020-06-25--Yandex to launch educational initiative center at North-Caucasus Federal University

STAVROPOL , June 25 .
/TASS/ .
North-Caucasus Federal University ( NCFU ) and Yandex will open a joint educational initiatives center in the beginning of a new school year ; the venter will focus on developing e-learning in Stavropol Region , the university ’ s press service told reporters on Thursday .
`` North-Caucasus Federal University is launching a center for educational initiatives NCFU-Yandex .
NCFU and Yandex specialists are joining forces to develop and implement educational e-learning projects '' , said the university .
The new center will introduce e-learning and online education technologies in educational institutions not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other regions of the North Caucasus Federal District .
“ We are confident that the development of digital educational technologies and the updating of teaching practices in this regard will improve the quality of education and boost the region 's social and economic development , ” said Dmitry Bespalov , Acting Rector of the North-Caucasus Federal University .
The university and Yandex will cooperate in three areas : work with teachers , students and the development of teachers ' skills .
“ We will introduce them to our Yandex.Education service , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am a Teacher ' will allow Stavropol teachers to undergo online pedagogical competencies ' check ups , master digital resources , modern teaching practices and develop communication skills with students in a digital educational environment `` , said Dmitry Rastvorov , Yandex director for promoting educational initiatives at government bodies , the press service reports .
In the future , it is planned to develop and implement new additional educational programs for subject teachers .
At the university , future teachers will study the digital educational resources of Yandex using basic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university students will be able to take part in competitions and other educational projects of Yandex .
The center will have offices not only in Stavropol , but also at the university 's branches in Pyatigorsk and Nevinnomyssk .
The leading specialists of the university in teaching practices , digitalization , IT will join the new unit .
In addition to working with teachers and students , the center will also be engaged in scientific research in the field of educational transformation .
NCFU is confident that joining efforts will help to introduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educational process in Stavropol Region , which will have a positive impact on the quality of education .
According to the university 's press service , in the future the university intends to expand the experience of such cooperation with Yandex across the whole North Caucasus .
NCFU is the largest university in the North Caucasus , which was formed in 2012 on the basis of three large universities in Stavropol .
About 25,000 students study at the North-Caucasus Federal University .

STAVROPOL, June 25. /TASS/. North-Caucasus Federal University (NCFU) and Yandex will open a joint educational initiatives center in the beginning of a new school year; the venter will focus on developing e-learning in Stavropol Region, the university’s press service told reporters on Thursday.
"North-Caucasus Federal University is launching a center for educational initiatives NCFU-Yandex. NCFU and Yandex specialists are joining forces to develop and implement educational e-learning projects", said the university.
The new center will introduce e-learning and online education technologies in educational institutions not only in Stavropol Region, but also in other regions of the North Caucasus Federal District. “We are confident that the development of digital educational technologies and the updating of teaching practices in this regard will improve the quality of education and boost the region's social and economic development,” said Dmitry Bespalov, Acting Rector of the North-Caucasus Federal University.
The university and Yandex will cooperate in three areas: work with teachers, students and the development of teachers' skills. “We will introduce them to our Yandex.Education service, and the joint implementation of the program 'I am a Teacher' will allow Stavropol teachers to undergo online pedagogical competencies' check ups, master digital resources, modern teaching practices and develop communication skills with students in a digital educational environment ", said Dmitry Rastvorov, Yandex director for promoting educational initiatives at government bodies, the press service reports.
In the future, it is planned to develop and implement new additional educational programs for subject teachers. At the university, future teachers will study the digital educational resources of Yandex using basic and additional training programs. Moreover, now university students will be able to take part in competitions and other educational projects of Yandex. The center will have offices not only in Stavropol, but also at the university's branches in Pyatigorsk and Nevinnomyssk.
The leading specialists of the university in teaching practices, digitalization, IT will join the new unit. In addition to working with teachers and students, the center will also be engaged in scientific research in the field of educational transformation. NCFU is confident that joining efforts will help to introduce the most advanced e-learning technologies in the educational process in Stavropol Region, which will have a positive impact on the quality of education. According to the university's press service, in the future the university intends to expand the experience of such cooperation with Yandex across the whole North Caucasus.
About the university
NCFU is the largest university in the North Caucasus, which was formed in 2012 on the basis of three large universities in Stavropol. About 25,000 students study at the North-Caucasus Federal University.


tass--2020-06-27--Iran to send crashed Ukrainian Boeing’s black boxes to France — ICAO

OTTAWA , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
On June 20 , Iran will deliver to France the black boxes of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 , that was shot down by mistake shortly after takeoff from Tehran , the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO ) said in a Twitter post on Friday .
`` Iran has advised today ’ s ICAO Council Session that PS752 black boxes are to be read-out in France on 20 July , employing COVID19 protocols while assuring the participation of representatives from all countries involved , '' the international agency said .
`` ICAO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' On January 8 , the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport .
According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristayko , 176 people on board died .
Among them were citizens of Afghanistan , Germany , Iran , Canada , Ukraine , the United Kingdom and Sweden .
On January 11 , Iran ’ s Armed Forces General Staff released a statement admitting the plane had been mistakenly shot down .
According to Iranian Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh , the plane was misidentified as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force .

OTTAWA, June 27. /TASS/. On June 20, Iran will deliver to France the black boxes of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, that was shot down by mistake shortly after takeoff from Tehran, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) said in a Twitter post on Friday.
"Iran has advised today’s ICAO Council Session that PS752 black boxes are to be read-out in France on 20 July, employing COVID19 protocols while assuring the participation of representatives from all countries involved," the international agency said. "ICAO advisors will continue supporting all parties."
On January 8, the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport. According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristayko, 176 people on board died. Among them were citizens of Afghanistan, Germany, Iran, Canada, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Sweden.
On January 11, Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff released a statement admitting the plane had been mistakenly shot down. According to Iranian Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, the plane was misidentified as a cruise missile by the air defense force.


tass--2020-06-27--Radiation levels at northwestern Russian NPPs normal — company

MOSCOW , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
Two nuclear power plants in northwestern Russia - the Leningrad NPP and the Kola NPP - operate normally , with radiation levels being within the norm , a spokesperson for Rosenergoatom Concern ( part of the Rosatom state nuclear energy corporation ) told TASS .
`` Both stations are working in normal regime .
There have been no complaints about the equipment ’ s work .
Aggregated emissions of all specified isotopes in the above-mentioned period did not exceed the reference numbers .
No incidents related to release of radionuclide outside containment structures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Several media outlets reported on Friday that nuclear and radiation security agencies of Sweden , Norway and Finland detected a slight increase in nuclear isotopes in the atmosphere above northern European territories .
The isotopes were characterized as reactor-produced .
`` Radiation levels at both NPPs and surrounding areas remained unchanged in June , and no changes are also observed at present .
It remains at levels that correspond to normal work of reactors .
Those levels do not exceed natural background radiation figures , '' Rosenergoatom said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leningrad and Kola NPPs .
Meanwhile , Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization ( CTBTO ) Lassina Zerbo said in a Twitter post that stations of the CTBTO International Monitoring System detected a slight increase of several isotopes in the northwestern European airspace .
`` [ On ] 22 /23 June 2020 , RN IMS station SEP63 Sweden detected 3 isotopes : Cs-134 , Cs-137 & Ru-103 associated with nuclear fission at higher than usual levels ( but not harmful for human health ) , '' the official said , attaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isotopes .

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. Two nuclear power plants in northwestern Russia - the Leningrad NPP and the Kola NPP - operate normally, with radiation levels being within the norm, a spokesperson for Rosenergoatom Concern (part of the Rosatom state nuclear energy corporation) told TASS.
"Both stations are working in normal regime. There have been no complaints about the equipment’s work. Aggregated emissions of all specified isotopes in the above-mentioned period did not exceed the reference numbers. No incidents related to release of radionuclide outside containment structures have been reported," the company said.
Several media outlets reported on Friday that nuclear and radiation security agencies of Sweden, Norway and Finland detected a slight increase in nuclear isotopes in the atmosphere above northern European territories. The isotopes were characterized as reactor-produced.
"Radiation levels at both NPPs and surrounding areas remained unchanged in June, and no changes are also observed at present. It remains at levels that correspond to normal work of reactors. Those levels do not exceed natural background radiation figures," Rosenergoatom said, adding that no incidents have been reported at the Leningrad and Kola NPPs.
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Lassina Zerbo said in a Twitter post that stations of the CTBTO International Monitoring System detected a slight increase of several isotopes in the northwestern European airspace.
"[On] 22 /23 June 2020, RN IMS station SEP63 Sweden detected 3 isotopes: Cs-134, Cs-137 & Ru-103 associated with nuclear fission at higher than usual levels (but not harmful for human health)," the official said, attaching the map showing the spread of the isotopes.


tass--2020-06-27--SpaceX postpones launch of Starlink satellites indefinitely

NEW YORK , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
US company SpaceX has postponed for an indefinite date the launch of @ @ @ @ @ the ninth group of Starlink satellites , the company said in a Twitter post on @ @ @ @ @ from today ’ s Starlink mission ; team needed additional time for pre-launch checkouts , @ @ @ @ @ satellites are healthy , '' the company said .
`` Will announce new target launch @ @ @ @ @ Range . ''
Earlier , the launch was postponed twice .
The latest launch date @ @ @ @ @ Moscow time ) .

NEW YORK, June 27. /TASS/. US company SpaceX has postponed for an indefinite date the launch of its Falcon 9 rocket with the ninth group of Starlink satellites, the company said in a Twitter post on Friday.
"Standing down from today’s Starlink mission; team needed additional time for pre-launch checkouts, but Falcon 9 and the satellites are healthy," the company said. "Will announce new target launch date once confirmed on the Range."
Earlier, the launch was postponed twice. The latest launch date was 16:18 EDT (23:18 Moscow time).


tass--2020-06-27--Russia, US not on list of 18 nations to whom EU borders will reopen from July 1 — source

BRUSSELS , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Committee of Permanent Representatives in the European Union ( COREPER ) approved on Friday a list of 18 nations , to whom the union ’ s borders will start to reopen on June 1 , a diplomatic source in Brussels told TASS , adding that Russia and the United States were not included into the list .
`` EU envoys have achieved a political agreement on a draft list of 18 countries for reopening borders .
This process will be gradual , and will begin on July 1 .
Russia and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list , in line with epidemiological criteria , '' the source said .
The diplomat said the document is yet to be formally agreed by the Council of the European Union next week .
The list includes Balkan states , Canada , China , South Korea and Japan .
Another diplomatic source said , however , that consultations with China were still ongoing .
Not on the list Earlier on Friday , a source in Brussels told TASS that the European Union will not include Russia in the list of countries cleared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The fact of the matter is that the epidemiological situation in Russia does not make it possible for us to add it to the first list of countries who citizens will be allowed to cross the borders on July 1 .
This is normal because Russia needs more time , since the virus started actively spreading there later than in European states , '' the source said .
According to him , the list of countries that is currently being drafted by the EU will later be expanded .
`` We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , as soon as it is clear that Russia ’ s epidemiological conditions have improved , we will add it to the list .
It is in the best interests of all sides , trust me , '' the diplomat added .
Earlier , the European Commission called on all member states to reopen all domestic borders by June 15 .
Moreover , it recommended to give a go-ahead to gradual lifting of restrictions on foreign travel starting with July 1 .
At the same time , the EU regulations stipulate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make decisions on border-crossing and travel issues rather than EU bodies .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 9,724,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 492,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , 620,794 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 384,152 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 8,781 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

BRUSSELS, June 27. /TASS/. The Committee of Permanent Representatives in the European Union (COREPER) approved on Friday a list of 18 nations, to whom the union’s borders will start to reopen on June 1, a diplomatic source in Brussels told TASS, adding that Russia and the United States were not included into the list.
"EU envoys have achieved a political agreement on a draft list of 18 countries for reopening borders. This process will be gradual, and will begin on July 1. Russia and the United States were not included into the list, in line with epidemiological criteria," the source said.
The diplomat said the document is yet to be formally agreed by the Council of the European Union next week.
The list includes Balkan states, Canada, China, South Korea and Japan. Another diplomatic source said, however, that consultations with China were still ongoing.
Not on the list
Earlier on Friday, a source in Brussels told TASS that the European Union will not include Russia in the list of countries cleared to enter the area on July 1.
"The fact of the matter is that the epidemiological situation in Russia does not make it possible for us to add it to the first list of countries who citizens will be allowed to cross the borders on July 1. This is normal because Russia needs more time, since the virus started actively spreading there later than in European states," the source said.
According to him, the list of countries that is currently being drafted by the EU will later be expanded. "We will review this list rather regularly. Of course, as soon as it is clear that Russia’s epidemiological conditions have improved, we will add it to the list. It is in the best interests of all sides, trust me," the diplomat added.
Earlier, the European Commission called on all member states to reopen all domestic borders by June 15. Moreover, it recommended to give a go-ahead to gradual lifting of restrictions on foreign travel starting with July 1. At the same time, the EU regulations stipulate that it is up to national governments to make decisions on border-crossing and travel issues rather than EU bodies.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 9,724,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 492,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, 620,794 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 384,152 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 8,781 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.