tass--2020-05-22--Russia grateful to US for help to fight pandemic, says senior diplomat

MOSCOW , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is extending gratitude to the American side for providing help to counter @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Friday .
`` Yesterday , we received the first @ @ @ @ @ the US .
We believe that these gestures are perfectly natural .
They are exclusively @ @ @ @ @ we are grateful to the US side for the help provided at this stage , @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. Russia is extending gratitude to the American side for providing help to counter the coronavirus pandemic, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Friday.
"Yesterday, we received the first shipment of 50 ventilators from the US. We believe that these gestures are perfectly natural. They are exclusively of humanitarian nature, and we are grateful to the US side for the help provided at this stage," Ryabkov noted.


tass--2020-05-22--Russia reaches coronavirus plateau, says watchdog chief

MOSCOW , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has reached the coronavirus plateau , Head of the Federal Service for @ @ @ @ @ and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said during Friday ’ s online meeting on the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin .
`` Researchers and medical practitioners are clear that , according to the @ @ @ @ @ of the situation , things are stabilizing and a downward trend is emerging , '' @ @ @ @ @ It is definitely so but I would like to reiterate that the current situation , @ @ @ @ @ a stable plateau , does require special attention and strict compliance with all sanitary regulations @ @ @ @ @ To date , a total of 326,448 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,249 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. Russia has reached the coronavirus plateau, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said during Friday’s online meeting on the coronavirus situation, which involved President Vladimir Putin.
"Researchers and medical practitioners are clear that, according to the monitoring data and the analysis of the situation, things are stabilizing and a downward trend is emerging," she pointed out. "It is definitely so but I would like to reiterate that the current situation, which can be described as a stable plateau, does require special attention and strict compliance with all sanitary regulations," Popova added.
To date, a total of 326,448 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 99,825 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,249 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-22--US anti-Chinese policies breed problems in international relations, says diplomat

MOSCOW , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has taken note of an outbreak of anti-Chinese sentiment in the United @ @ @ @ @ in international relations , Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said during an online discussion of @ @ @ @ @ Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Fund on Friday .
`` There has been further pressure on @ @ @ @ @ Washington does not like for this or that reason .
We ’ ve noticed an @ @ @ @ @ Not just sentiment , but specific action that breeds problems in international relations , '' @ @ @ @ @ this issue as a `` serious one . ''
`` We are to pool efforts @ @ @ @ @ the forthcoming period , '' Ryabkov stressed .

MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. Russia has taken note of an outbreak of anti-Chinese sentiment in the United States, which breeds problems in international relations, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said during an online discussion of Russia-US relations organized by the Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Fund on Friday.
"There has been further pressure on a number of governments which Washington does not like for this or that reason. We’ve noticed an upsurge in anti-Chinese sentiment. Not just sentiment, but specific action that breeds problems in international relations," Ryabkov said.
He described this issue as a "serious one."
"We are to pool efforts to gauge its effects in the forthcoming period," Ryabkov stressed.


tass--2020-05-22--Putin orders Health Ministry to brace for second coronavirus wave

Second COVID-19 incidence wave to begin in late summer or later , experts say He supported an initiative to start preparations to fully reopen medical facilities once the pandemic is over .
NOVO-OGARYOVO , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Health Ministry needs to brace for a second coronavirus wave in October and November , President Vladimir Putin said during an online meeting on the coronavirus situation in the country on Friday .
Vaccination campaign against COVID-19 may last six months , says expert Experts earlier told TASS that Russia could face a second wave of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other countries .
According to experts , vaccination and extended restrictions can help prevent it from happening .
`` I would like to draw the attention of our colleagues , first and foremost , Health Minister Mikhail Murashko , to the need to be prepared that while easing the restrictions we have been living under we should think about a second wave , which , according to experts , may come in the fall , in October and November , '' the president pointed out .
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in general , although the dynamics is still unstable .
`` According to the incoming objective information , by experts ’ estimations , the situation in the country in general is stabilizing — both in Moscow , that faced the epidemic first , and in many other regions of Russia , the number of daily registered cases gradually decreases . ''
However , according to the president , `` so far this dynamic is not as fast as we would like it to be and sometimes it is even unstable , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , if just one week ago , the case growth rate across Russia was 5.9 % , today it is 3.5 % , '' Putin underscored .
`` Importantly , such a decrease happens amid constantly increasing number of tests , which makes it possible to detect the disease at an early stage , preventing severe complications and curbing the infection spread , '' he said .
Putin disclosed that `` in the past two weeks , the number of conducted tests rose by almost 3 million ; every day about 240,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must continue to ramp up this work everywhere , '' the president said .
`` The hidden danger is that the infection might not be timely detected and that a person without obvious symptoms might not be warned about a threat for themselves and their relatives . ''
To date , a total of 326,448 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 99,825 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,249 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation .

Second COVID-19 incidence wave to begin in late summer or later, experts say
He supported an initiative to start preparations to fully reopen medical facilities once the pandemic is over.
NOVO-OGARYOVO, May 22. /TASS/. Russia’s Health Ministry needs to brace for a second coronavirus wave in October and November, President Vladimir Putin said during an online meeting on the coronavirus situation in the country on Friday.
Vaccination campaign against COVID-19 may last six months, says expert
Experts earlier told TASS that Russia could face a second wave of the coronavirus after the pandemic had passed its peak in other countries. According to experts, vaccination and extended restrictions can help prevent it from happening.
"I would like to draw the attention of our colleagues, first and foremost, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, to the need to be prepared that while easing the restrictions we have been living under we should think about a second wave, which, according to experts, may come in the fall, in October and November," the president pointed out.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the coronavirus situation in Russia is stabilizing in general, although the dynamics is still unstable. "According to the incoming objective information, by experts’ estimations, the situation in the country in general is stabilizing — both in Moscow, that faced the epidemic first, and in many other regions of Russia, the number of daily registered cases gradually decreases."
However, according to the president, "so far this dynamic is not as fast as we would like it to be and sometimes it is even unstable, but it is still there."
"For example, if just one week ago, the case growth rate across Russia was 5.9%, today it is 3.5%," Putin underscored.
"Importantly, such a decrease happens amid constantly increasing number of tests, which makes it possible to detect the disease at an early stage, preventing severe complications and curbing the infection spread," he said.
Putin disclosed that "in the past two weeks, the number of conducted tests rose by almost 3 million; every day about 240,000 tests take place."
"We must continue to ramp up this work everywhere," the president said. "The hidden danger is that the infection might not be timely detected and that a person without obvious symptoms might not be warned about a threat for themselves and their relatives."
To date, a total of 326,448 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 99,825 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,249 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-22--Hainan's Danzhou ready to employ thousands of foreign specialists

HAIKOU , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Danzhou authorties ( a city in the southern Chinese province of Hainan ) have established a mechanism for attracting professionals from around the world to work in various fields , and since the end of March they received CVs from 16,000 applicants , according to www.hinews.cn .
Danzhou is actively involved in the implementation of Hainan 's pilot free trade zone project , for which local companies need to draw skilled personnel .
Highly qualified personnel from abroad are offered vacancies in such areas as tourism , the organization of congresses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in many other areas where there is a shortage of experienced personnel .
According to the news outlet , a total of 61 companies in Danzhou can provide more than 6,900 vacancies , 1,300 of which offer annual salaries from 100,000 yuan ( $ 14,000 ) to 300,000 yuan ( $ 42,000 ) and 157 jobs with salaries ranging from 300,000 to 800,000 yuan ( $ 112,000 ) .
Three leading positions in local companies offer the candidates over 800,000 yuan annually .
Attracting highly qualified personnel is part of the program aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone and port with Chinese features .
Earlier , the local authorities announced Hainan 's readiness to offer foreign specialists about 30,000 vacancies mainly in such areas as education , healthcare and tourism .
Highly skilled personnel are required for work in industrial parks in the Hainan province as well .
According to official figures , by the end of 2019 Hainan 's major enterprises hired over 860,000 high-level specialists both from other China 's regions and abroad .

HAIKOU, May 22. /TASS/. The Danzhou authorties (a city in the southern Chinese province of Hainan) have established a mechanism for attracting professionals from around the world to work in various fields, and since the end of March they received CVs from 16,000 applicants, according to www.hinews.cn.
Danzhou is actively involved in the implementation of Hainan's pilot free trade zone project, for which local companies need to draw skilled personnel. Highly qualified personnel from abroad are offered vacancies in such areas as tourism, the organization of congresses and exhibitions, medical services, education and in many other areas where there is a shortage of experienced personnel.
According to the news outlet, a total of 61 companies in Danzhou can provide more than 6,900 vacancies, 1,300 of which offer annual salaries from 100,000 yuan ($ 14,000) to 300,000 yuan ($ 42,000) and 157 jobs with salaries ranging from 300,000 to 800,000 yuan ($ 112,000). Three leading positions in local companies offer the candidates over 800,000 yuan annually .
Attracting highly qualified personnel is part of the program aimed at boosting Hainan's pilot free trade zone and port with Chinese features. Earlier, the local authorities announced Hainan's readiness to offer foreign specialists about 30,000 vacancies mainly in such areas as education, healthcare and tourism. Highly skilled personnel are required for work in industrial parks in the Hainan province as well.
According to official figures, by the end of 2019 Hainan's major enterprises hired over 860,000 high-level specialists both from other China's regions and abroad.


tass--2020-05-22--Russian military satellite delivered into designated orbit

MOSCOW , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Fregat upper stage delivered a Russian military satellite into the designated orbit @ @ @ @ @ Ministry reported on Friday .
`` The Fregat booster successfully delivered the satellite into orbit @ @ @ @ @ Defense Ministry of Russia , '' the ministry said in a statement .
The liftoff @ @ @ @ @ and the delivery of the military satellite into orbit proceeded in the normal mode , @ @ @ @ @ Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with a military satellite blasted off at 10:31 Moscow time from the @ @ @ @ @ All the pre-launch preparations and the liftoff went smoothly .
This is the third launch @ @ @ @ @ from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in 2020 .

MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. The Fregat upper stage delivered a Russian military satellite into the designated orbit, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Friday.
"The Fregat booster successfully delivered the satellite into orbit in the interests of the Defense Ministry of Russia," the ministry said in a statement.
The liftoff of the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket and the delivery of the military satellite into orbit proceeded in the normal mode, the ministry said.
A Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with a military satellite blasted off at 10:31 Moscow time from the Plesetsk spaceport on Friday. All the pre-launch preparations and the liftoff went smoothly. This is the third launch of a Soyuz-2 carrier rocket from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in 2020.


tass--2020-05-22--Ukraine files lawsuit against Russia over the Kerch Strait incident

KIEV , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine has filed a memorandum into an international court of arbitration , seeking to receive compensation from Russia over the Kerch Strait incident , Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced in its Twitter Friday .
`` Today , Ukraine has filed its memorandum on Ukraine vs. Russia case concerning apprehension of military ships and their crews in November 2018 , '' the message says .
Earlier Friday , Ukrainian Foreign Minister signed the memorandum , and before that , by order of President Vladimir Zelensky , Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Yenin and Ukrainian Ambassador to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UN international court and international courts of arbitration in cases against Russia .
In his May 18 interview for Radio Liberty , Yenin announced that Kiev will file a lawsuit against Russia to an international court of arbitration over the Kerch Strait incident .
Later , he explained that the bulk of the lawsuit is `` justification of material and moral damage to the Ukrainian sailors , who were illegally held captive in Russia for nine months . ''
Besides , the lawsuit speaks about `` compensation to the Ukrainian Navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during their capture , and for losses due to Russia ’ s barbaric treatment of the mentioned property , '' as well as `` compensation for losses , sustained because the Ukrainian Navy was unable to use the three ships for a while . ''
The Deputy Foreign Minister noted that the compensation amounts to several millions of dollars , but did not name a specific sum .
According to Yenin , after the filing of the memorandum , Russia will have until August 22 to convey its preliminary objections regarding the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be made in fall 2021 , the substantial hearings may begin in a year after that , and the ruling is to be expected by mid-2023 , Deputy Foreign Minister says .
On November 25 , 2018 , three Ukrainian Navy ’ s ships violated the procedure of entering Russian territorial waters for military ships during their march from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov .
The ships were apprehended and their 24 sailors were arrested .
The sailors returned home after an exchange of the detained citizens between Russia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2019 .

KIEV, May 22. /TASS/. Ukraine has filed a memorandum into an international court of arbitration, seeking to receive compensation from Russia over the Kerch Strait incident, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced in its Twitter Friday.
"Today, Ukraine has filed its memorandum on Ukraine vs. Russia case concerning apprehension of military ships and their crews in November 2018," the message says.
Earlier Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister signed the memorandum, and before that, by order of President Vladimir Zelensky, Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Yenin and Ukrainian Ambassador to the Netherlands were tasked with representing Ukraine in the UN international court and international courts of arbitration in cases against Russia.
Multi-million lawsuit
In his May 18 interview for Radio Liberty, Yenin announced that Kiev will file a lawsuit against Russia to an international court of arbitration over the Kerch Strait incident. Later, he explained that the bulk of the lawsuit is "justification of material and moral damage to the Ukrainian sailors, who were illegally held captive in Russia for nine months."
Besides, the lawsuit speaks about "compensation to the Ukrainian Navy for damages inflicted to the Ukrainian ships during their capture, and for losses due to Russia’s barbaric treatment of the mentioned property," as well as "compensation for losses, sustained because the Ukrainian Navy was unable to use the three ships for a while."
The Deputy Foreign Minister noted that the compensation amounts to several millions of dollars, but did not name a specific sum.
According to Yenin, after the filing of the memorandum, Russia will have until August 22 to convey its preliminary objections regarding the court jurisdiction. The ruling on jurisdiction could be made in fall 2021, the substantial hearings may begin in a year after that, and the ruling is to be expected by mid-2023, Deputy Foreign Minister says.
On November 25, 2018, three Ukrainian Navy’s ships violated the procedure of entering Russian territorial waters for military ships during their march from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. The ships were apprehended and their 24 sailors were arrested. The sailors returned home after an exchange of the detained citizens between Russia and Ukraine which took place on September 7, 2019.


tass--2020-05-22--Russia committed to Open Skies Treaty, says diplomat

MOSCOW , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is maintaining its commitment to the Open Skies Treaty , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said during an online discussion of Russia-US relations organized by the Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Fund on Friday .
Russia receives US note on withdrawal from Treaty on Open Skies '' Yes , we are committed to this treaty , '' the high-ranking Russian diplomat said , replying to the corresponding question .
`` Over the course of many years , we had laid out a set of claims to the US regarding its violations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aspects , '' Ryabkov specified .
`` The United States is a gross violator of the Open Skies Treaty < ... > The claims , perhaps , with two exceptions , that were addressed to us yesterday are unfounded , '' the senior Russian diplomat said .
US President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies , which provides for inspection flights over member countries ’ territories to monitor military activities .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained in a written statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty would enter into force in six months from May 22 .
The US side motivated its move by Russia ’ s alleged violation of the treaty .
Moscow denies these accusations .

MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. Russia is maintaining its commitment to the Open Skies Treaty, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said during an online discussion of Russia-US relations organized by the Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Fund on Friday.
"Yes, we are committed to this treaty," the high-ranking Russian diplomat said, replying to the corresponding question.
"Over the course of many years, we had laid out a set of claims to the US regarding its violations of the treaty on a whole number of aspects," Ryabkov specified.
"The United States is a gross violator of the Open Skies Treaty <...> The claims, perhaps, with two exceptions, that were addressed to us yesterday are unfounded," the senior Russian diplomat said.
US President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, which provides for inspection flights over member countries’ territories to monitor military activities.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained in a written statement that the decision on Washington’s withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty would enter into force in six months from May 22.
The US side motivated its move by Russia’s alleged violation of the treaty. Moscow denies these accusations.


tass--2020-05-22--Igor Sechin appointed Rosneft CEO for 5-year term

MOSCOW , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Board of Directors of the Russian oil major Rosneft made the decision @ @ @ @ @ the chief executive officer of the company for the next five-year term , the company @ @ @ @ @ To appoint from May 24 , 2020 Igor I. Sechin to the position of the @ @ @ @ @ NK Rosneft for the term of 5 years , '' the company said .
The @ @ @ @ @ the charter capital of Rosneft is 0.1273 % .
The Russian government earlier approved directives @ @ @ @ @ Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin for five more years .
Sechin became the chief executive of @ @ @ @ @ The company is the largest Russian oil producer .
Its liquid hydrocarbons production totaled 4.67 @ @ @ @ @ 230.2 mln tonnes ) as of 2019 year-end .

MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. The Board of Directors of the Russian oil major Rosneft made the decision to appoint Igor Sechin as the chief executive officer of the company for the next five-year term, the company said on Friday.
"To appoint from May 24, 2020 Igor I. Sechin to the position of the sole executive authority of PAO NK Rosneft for the term of 5 years," the company said. The participation interest of Sechin in the charter capital of Rosneft is 0.1273%.
The Russian government earlier approved directives to extend the contract of Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin for five more years.
Sechin became the chief executive of Rosneft in May 2012. The company is the largest Russian oil producer. Its liquid hydrocarbons production totaled 4.67 mln barrels a day (230.2 mln tonnes) as of 2019 year-end.


tass--2020-05-22--Shipbuilders float out latest frigate for Russian Navy

ST. PETERSBURG , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
The St. Petersburg-based Severnaya Shipyard ( part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation ) floated out the Project 22350 third-built and second serial-produced frigate Admiral Golovko , the Shipyard told TASS on Friday .
`` The frigate Admiral Golovko has been put afloat , '' the Shipyard said .
The Severnaya Shipyard earlier built two Project 22350 frigates .
The frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov has been in service with the Northern Fleet since July 2018 .
The frigate Fleet Admiral Kasatonov has completed its trials and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy .
The frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Isakov is currently under construction at the Shipyard .
On April 23 , 2019 , the Severnaya Shipyard laid down two modernized Project 22350 frigates .
Two more frigates are expected to be laid down soon .
Project 22350 frigates carry two Kalibr-NK and/or Oniks universal shipborne launchers of eight missiles each .
The frigate Admiral Gorshkov is taking part in the trials of the Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile .
Project 22350 frigates are expected to become the Russian Navy ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These frigates displace 4,500 tonnes and can develop a speed of 29 knots .
In addition to Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles , they are armed with Poliment-Redut air defense missile systems .
The Severnaya Shipyard is one of Russia ’ s largest shipbuilding enterprises , which builds advanced frigates .

ST. PETERSBURG, May 22. /TASS/. The St. Petersburg-based Severnaya Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) floated out the Project 22350 third-built and second serial-produced frigate Admiral Golovko, the Shipyard told TASS on Friday.
"The frigate Admiral Golovko has been put afloat," the Shipyard said.
The Severnaya Shipyard earlier built two Project 22350 frigates. The frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov has been in service with the Northern Fleet since July 2018. The frigate Fleet Admiral Kasatonov has completed its trials and is preparing for its delivery to the Russian Navy. The frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Isakov is currently under construction at the Shipyard.
On April 23, 2019, the Severnaya Shipyard laid down two modernized Project 22350 frigates. Two more frigates are expected to be laid down soon.
Project 22350 frigates carry two Kalibr-NK and/or Oniks universal shipborne launchers of eight missiles each. The frigate Admiral Gorshkov is taking part in the trials of the Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile.
Project 22350 frigates are expected to become the Russian Navy’s most advanced warships in their class. These frigates displace 4,500 tonnes and can develop a speed of 29 knots. In addition to Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles, they are armed with Poliment-Redut air defense missile systems.
The Severnaya Shipyard is one of Russia’s largest shipbuilding enterprises, which builds advanced frigates.


tass--2020-05-22--Putin offers condolences to Pakistani president, PM over plane crash in Karachi

MOSCOW , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his condolences to Pakistan ’ s President @ @ @ @ @ Imran Khan over the plane crash near Karachi , the Kremlin press service said on @ @ @ @ @ more than 100 people onboard crashes in Pakistan '' Russia shares the grief of those @ @ @ @ @ dear in this crash and hopes for the soonest recovery of those injured , '' @ @ @ @ @ Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320 en route from Lahore went down in a residential quarter @ @ @ @ @ minutes before landing .
There were 91 passengers and seven crewmembers aboard the plane .
@ @ @ @ @ no one has survived .
Several dwelling houses were damaged .
About 20 local residents @ @ @ @ @ debris .

MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his condolences to Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan over the plane crash near Karachi, the Kremlin press service said on Friday.
Airbus A320 with more than 100 people onboard crashes in Pakistan
"Russia shares the grief of those who lost their near and dear in this crash and hopes for the soonest recovery of those injured," the message reads.
A Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320 en route from Lahore went down in a residential quarter near Karachi’s airport minutes before landing. There were 91 passengers and seven crewmembers aboard the plane. According to preliminary data, no one has survived.
Several dwelling houses were damaged. About 20 local residents were rescued from under the debris.


tass--2020-05-22--Russia ready to respond to US aggressive steps but ready for cooperation, says diplomat

MOSCOW , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready to give an adequate response to the United States ’ aggressive steps but it is still open for cooperation with Washington in case the US side wants it , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Friday .
`` We are realistic about the prospects for dialogue and cooperation , including amid the election year in the United States .
We are not expecting too much .
We will be acting pragmatically and respond to aggressive moves , if need be , '' he said during an online discussion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund .
`` At the same time , we are open for cooperation with Washington on a wide spectrum of issues , in case it demonstrates readiness to address things on a constructive and mutually respectful basis , '' he stressed .
The Russian senior diplomat noted that the Russian-US relations did have examples of constructive cooperation , even in the recent time .
`` On April 25 , when we marked an anniversary of the biggest event in the history of bilateral relations ( the 1945 linkage on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia Vladimir ] Putin and [ of the US Donald ] Trump issued a special joint statement , '' he recalled .
`` Its key message is that the experience of allied relations in struggling against a common threat will obviously preserve its significance at the current time when the entire world is facing new dangerous challenges .
`` .

MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. Russia is ready to give an adequate response to the United States’ aggressive steps but it is still open for cooperation with Washington in case the US side wants it, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Friday.
"We are realistic about the prospects for dialogue and cooperation, including amid the election year in the United States. We are not expecting too much. We will be acting pragmatically and respond to aggressive moves, if need be," he said during an online discussion on the Russian-US relations organized by the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.
"At the same time, we are open for cooperation with Washington on a wide spectrum of issues, in case it demonstrates readiness to address things on a constructive and mutually respectful basis," he stressed.
The Russian senior diplomat noted that the Russian-US relations did have examples of constructive cooperation, even in the recent time.
"On April 25, when we marked an anniversary of the biggest event in the history of bilateral relations (the 1945 linkage on the Elbe), Presidents [of Russia Vladimir] Putin and [of the US Donald] Trump issued a special joint statement," he recalled. "Its key message is that the experience of allied relations in struggling against a common threat will obviously preserve its significance at the current time when the entire world is facing new dangerous challenges.".


tass--2020-05-22--US demands NATO support its decision to withdraw from Open Skies Treaty, says source

BRUSSELS , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
The United States demands NATO nations adopt a statement in support of its decision to unilaterally withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies and hold Russia responsible for this step , a diplomatic source in Brussels told TASS on Friday ahead of a NATO Council meeting on the situation around that treaty .
`` The United States wants to enroll its allies ’ support on the issue of the withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies .
The US administration insists on the adoption of a statement of the North Atlantic Council in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Treaty , which will state that the reason for that is Russia ’ s non-compliance with the document , '' the source said , refraining however to assess the chances for this document to be adopted .
When asked whether the US had consulted other NATO nations on its decision to pullout from the treaty , the diplomat said , `` The United States has repeatedly put the issue about this treaty for discussion at meetings of various levels in the recent years .
But no consultations embracing on this topic representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been held since early May . ''
US President Donald Trump declared on Thursday Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies , which provides for inspection flights over member countries ’ territories to monitor military activities .
He motivated this step by Russia ’ s alleged violation of the treaty .
Moscow denies these accusations and puts forward counterclaims .
According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov , the United States is using the same pattern as in the situation with its withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said the breakdown of this treaty , which is critical for strategic stability in the world , was yet another step made by the Americans to dismantle the entire architecture of international stability .
The same pattern , in his words , is being used in respect of the Treaty on Open Skies .

BRUSSELS, May 22. /TASS/. The United States demands NATO nations adopt a statement in support of its decision to unilaterally withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies and hold Russia responsible for this step, a diplomatic source in Brussels told TASS on Friday ahead of a NATO Council meeting on the situation around that treaty.
"The United States wants to enroll its allies’ support on the issue of the withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies. The US administration insists on the adoption of a statement of the North Atlantic Council in support of the decision to withdraw from the Treaty, which will state that the reason for that is Russia’s non-compliance with the document," the source said, refraining however to assess the chances for this document to be adopted.
When asked whether the US had consulted other NATO nations on its decision to pullout from the treaty, the diplomat said, "The United States has repeatedly put the issue about this treaty for discussion at meetings of various levels in the recent years. But no consultations embracing on this topic representatives from all the alliance’s countries have been held since early May."
US President Donald Trump declared on Thursday Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, which provides for inspection flights over member countries’ territories to monitor military activities. He motivated this step by Russia’s alleged violation of the treaty. Moscow denies these accusations and puts forward counterclaims.
According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, the United States is using the same pattern as in the situation with its withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty). He said the breakdown of this treaty, which is critical for strategic stability in the world, was yet another step made by the Americans to dismantle the entire architecture of international stability. The same pattern, in his words, is being used in respect of the Treaty on Open Skies.


tass--2020-05-22--Russia receives US note on withdrawal from Treaty on Open Skies

MOSCOW , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
The US embassy in Moscow forwarded an official note about Washington ’ s decision to initiate the procedure of withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced Friday , during the online discussion on Russian-American relations , organized by the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund .
`` We at the Foreign Ministry received the official note from the US embassy , which says that the US government made a decision to initiate the procedure of withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies , '' Ryabkov said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States is unwilling to take Russia ’ s position into account , the exchange of documents between the two countries is one of the most effective channels of communication .
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Washington intended to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies , which allows member states to conduct surveillance flights over one another 's territories in order to verify arms control agreements implementation .
The US authorities cited Russia ’ s alleged violations of the treaty to justify their decision .
Moscow has repeatedly rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Vladimir Yermakov stressed that US attempts to pass off the withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty as a response to Russia ’ s violations were completely groundless .
Use of outer space for combat operations

MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. The US embassy in Moscow forwarded an official note about Washington’s decision to initiate the procedure of withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced Friday, during the online discussion on Russian-American relations, organized by the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.
"We at the Foreign Ministry received the official note from the US embassy, which says that the US government made a decision to initiate the procedure of withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies," Ryabkov said.
According to him, since the United States is unwilling to take Russia’s position into account, the exchange of documents between the two countries is one of the most effective channels of communication.
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Washington intended to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, which allows member states to conduct surveillance flights over one another's territories in order to verify arms control agreements implementation. The US authorities cited Russia’s alleged violations of the treaty to justify their decision. Moscow has repeatedly rejected such allegations. In particular, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Vladimir Yermakov stressed that US attempts to pass off the withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty as a response to Russia’s violations were completely groundless.
Use of outer space for combat operations


tass--2020-05-22--Russian-American contacts continue intensively amid pandemic — diplomat

MOSCOW , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia continues to closely cooperate with its American colleagues amid the pandemic , Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Friday during an online discussion on Russian-American relations , organized by the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund .
`` We , undoubtedly , work on political issues quite closely .
This is true , of course , for our dialogue and our relations with the US .
If we talk about the presidential level , six phone calls between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump took place since late March .
During the same period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo four times , '' he said .
`` Close contacts continue on the embassy level , written exchanges go on .
My colleagues , experts at the relevant departments of the Foreign Ministry also contact and cooperate with our American colleagues . ''
Ryabkov noted that restrictions , introduced over the pandemic , severely affect the international relations sphere .
For objective reasons , many face-to-face bilateral visits , meetings and multilateral events were cancelled , including in Russia , the deputy foreign minister said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the outside world continues , and it is intensive .
You can follow the news to understand that this work is carried on , and rather intensively .
And it can ’ t be any other way .
Many things switched to a remote format of phone calls and video conferences , '' Ryabkov underscored .

MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. Russia continues to closely cooperate with its American colleagues amid the pandemic, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Friday during an online discussion on Russian-American relations, organized by the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.
"We, undoubtedly, work on political issues quite closely. This is true, of course, for our dialogue and our relations with the US. If we talk about the presidential level, six phone calls between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump took place since late March. During the same period, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov talked with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo four times," he said. "Close contacts continue on the embassy level, written exchanges go on. My colleagues, experts at the relevant departments of the Foreign Ministry also contact and cooperate with our American colleagues."
Ryabkov noted that restrictions, introduced over the pandemic, severely affect the international relations sphere. For objective reasons, many face-to-face bilateral visits, meetings and multilateral events were cancelled, including in Russia, the deputy foreign minister said.
"However, Russia’s communication with the outside world continues, and it is intensive. You can follow the news to understand that this work is carried on, and rather intensively. And it can’t be any other way. Many things switched to a remote format of phone calls and video conferences," Ryabkov underscored.


tass--2020-05-22--Vaccination campaign against COVID-19 may last six months, says expert

`` All the same , it is impossible to vaccinate the whole country in a go and that is why this process will take certain time : perhaps , half a year or maybe it will be possible to organize all this quicker , '' he said .
MOSCOW , May 22 .
/TASS/ .
The vaccination of the entire population against the novel coronavirus may take as long as six months , Director of Russia ’ s Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg told TASS on Friday .
The work at the Gamaleya Scientific Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine against COVID-19 is proceeding as planned and presumably it will be registered by the end of summer , Gintsburg said .
However , the preparation will initially be available in smaller amounts than is required for immunizing the larger part of the population , he said .
`` That is why , the Health Ministry , and not only the Health Ministry but also the bank as a financial source required for this work , are now taking very big efforts to scale up our technology of producing this vaccine on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained .
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 5,198,300 people have been infected worldwide and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition , so far , over 2,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 326,448 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 99,825 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,249 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"All the same, it is impossible to vaccinate the whole country in a go and that is why this process will take certain time: perhaps, half a year or maybe it will be possible to organize all this quicker," he said.
MOSCOW, May 22. /TASS/. The vaccination of the entire population against the novel coronavirus may take as long as six months, Director of Russia’s Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg told TASS on Friday.
The work at the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology to develop the vaccine against COVID-19 is proceeding as planned and presumably it will be registered by the end of summer, Gintsburg said.
However, the preparation will initially be available in smaller amounts than is required for immunizing the larger part of the population, he said.
"That is why, the Health Ministry, and not only the Health Ministry but also the bank as a financial source required for this work, are now taking very big efforts to scale up our technology of producing this vaccine on other sites as well," he explained.
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 5,198,300 people have been infected worldwide and more than 334,600 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 2,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 326,448 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 99,825 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,249 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-23--Russia confirms readiness to organize meeting of Netanyahu and Abbas

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Envoy on the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov confirmed during his phone call with the Fatah movement Central Committee member Hussein al-Sheikh Russia ’ s readiness to organize a personal meeting in Moscow between head of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu .
`` [ Bogdanov ] highlighted the actuality of the proposal made by the Russian authorities earlier regarding personal meeting between [ Abbas and Netanyahu ] without preconditions in Moscow , '' Russian Foreign Ministry said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Fateh representative informed Russia about the latest decisions of the Palestinian Authority on Israeli relations .
According to the Ministry , the Russian side confirmed its unwavering position `` in support of the lawful rights of the Palestinian people for self-determination , including creation of its own independent state within the 1967 borders with the capital in Eastern Jerusalem that would live in peace and good neighborhood with Israel . ''
`` [ The Russian side ] also stated its readiness to continue efforts , including within the Middle Eastern Quartet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constructive Palestine-Israeli negotiations process , based on the known international legal basis of the Middle Eastern settlement , '' the Ministry added .
On May 17 , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that time has come to annex a part of Palestinian West Bank territories .
In response , Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declare on May 19 that Palestine cuts all agreements with Israel and the US , adding that Israel has to bear responsibility for its attempts to annex the occupied Palestinian territories .

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Envoy on the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov confirmed during his phone call with the Fatah movement Central Committee member Hussein al-Sheikh Russia’s readiness to organize a personal meeting in Moscow between head of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"[Bogdanov] highlighted the actuality of the proposal made by the Russian authorities earlier regarding personal meeting between [Abbas and Netanyahu] without preconditions in Moscow," Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Saturday.
During the phone call, the Fateh representative informed Russia about the latest decisions of the Palestinian Authority on Israeli relations.
According to the Ministry, the Russian side confirmed its unwavering position "in support of the lawful rights of the Palestinian people for self-determination, including creation of its own independent state within the 1967 borders with the capital in Eastern Jerusalem that would live in peace and good neighborhood with Israel."
"[The Russian side] also stated its readiness to continue efforts, including within the Middle Eastern Quartet, to provide cooperation in building a constructive Palestine-Israeli negotiations process, based on the known international legal basis of the Middle Eastern settlement," the Ministry added.
On May 17, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that time has come to annex a part of Palestinian West Bank territories. In response, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declare on May 19 that Palestine cuts all agreements with Israel and the US, adding that Israel has to bear responsibility for its attempts to annex the occupied Palestinian territories.


tass--2020-05-23--The Last Bell ceremony for Russian students to take place on May 25

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Last Bell 2020 nationwide action in support of high school graduates will take place on May 25 in an online format , Russian Ministry of Education announced Saturday .
`` The streaming will begin on 10:00 Moscow time on May 25 at the Ministry of Education page in the VK social network , '' the announcement added .
The graduates will be able to participate in various flash mobs and competitions , live feeds with celebrities , famous bloggers and TV hosts .
The Ministry will conduct the action together with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Student TV and the Russian Schoolkids Movement .
Earlier , Russian Minister of Science and higher education proposed to conduct the nationwide college graduation ceremony online as well .
According to the Minister , the ceremony will be attended by all universities , the Russian Rector Union and the `` Russia - a country of opportunities '' platform .
The graduation might take place on July 4 .
In a bid to prevent the coronavirus spread in schools , the Ministry of Education recommended to conduct the Last Bell and graduation ceremonies in @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. The Last Bell 2020 nationwide action in support of high school graduates will take place on May 25 in an online format, Russian Ministry of Education announced Saturday.
"The streaming will begin on 10:00 Moscow time on May 25 at the Ministry of Education page in the VK social network," the announcement added.
The graduates will be able to participate in various flash mobs and competitions, live feeds with celebrities, famous bloggers and TV hosts.
The Ministry will conduct the action together with the Mail.Ru Group, the International Association of Student TV and the Russian Schoolkids Movement.
Earlier, Russian Minister of Science and higher education proposed to conduct the nationwide college graduation ceremony online as well. According to the Minister, the ceremony will be attended by all universities, the Russian Rector Union and the "Russia - a country of opportunities" platform. The graduation might take place on July 4.
In a bid to prevent the coronavirus spread in schools, the Ministry of Education recommended to conduct the Last Bell and graduation ceremonies in schools online.


tass--2020-05-23--Russia registers under 10,000 new COVID-19 cases for 8 days in a row

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
In the past 24 hours , coronavirus case count in Russia grew by 9,434 , reaching 335,882 , coronavirus prevention operational HQ announced Saturday .
Therefore , Saturday marks the 8th day in a row , in which Russia registers under 10,000 new cases .
The case growth rate in Russia has increased to 2.9 % versus 2.8 % one day earlier .
In the past 24 hours , 846 cases were registered in the Moscow Region , 363 in St. Petersburg , 353 in the Rostov Region , 211 in the Nizhny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Region , 148 in the Krasnoyarsk Region , 127 in Dagestan , 125 in the Kaluga Region , 115 in the Yaroslavl Region , 107 in the Volgograd Region , 103 in the Bryansk Region , 102 in the Penza Region , and 100 in Yakutia .
Of all new cases , 3,966 ( 42 % ) display no symptoms .
In the past 24 hours , COVID-19 recovery count in Russia grew by 8,111 , reaching 107,936 , according to the coronavirus prevention operational headquarters .
In the 24 hours , 139 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people one day earlier .
The total death toll has reached 3,388 .

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. In the past 24 hours, coronavirus case count in Russia grew by 9,434, reaching 335,882, coronavirus prevention operational HQ announced Saturday.
Therefore, Saturday marks the 8th day in a row, in which Russia registers under 10,000 new cases.
The case growth rate in Russia has increased to 2.9% versus 2.8% one day earlier.
In the past 24 hours, 846 cases were registered in the Moscow Region, 363 in St. Petersburg, 353 in the Rostov Region, 211 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 171 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 148 in the Krasnoyarsk Region, 127 in Dagestan, 125 in the Kaluga Region, 115 in the Yaroslavl Region, 107 in the Volgograd Region, 103 in the Bryansk Region, 102 in the Penza Region, and 100 in Yakutia. Of all new cases, 3,966 (42%) display no symptoms.
In the past 24 hours, COVID-19 recovery count in Russia grew by 8,111, reaching 107,936, according to the coronavirus prevention operational headquarters.
In the 24 hours, 139 people died - a decrease from 150 people one day earlier. The total death toll has reached 3,388.


tass--2020-05-23--Gamalei Center expects to begin clinical testing of its COVID-19 vaccine in early June

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
Clinical testing of the coronavirus vaccine , developed by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology may begin in early June , the Center ’ s director Alexander Ginzburg told journalists Saturday .
`` The vaccine is being developed in accordance with the plan , approved by the Ministry of Health .
[ … ] We finish pre-clinical testing now , [ … ] the results are very positive , we have checked all possible toxicities .
[ … ] Apes display high immunogenicity and safety of this vaccine , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan , if everything goes as successfully , we should be able to file papers to the Ministry of Health to obtain permission for clinical testing of this vaccine , '' he said during an online conference .
When asked who will be vaccinated first , the expert said that the medical staff that contacts the virus directly when treating patients should be vaccinated first .
`` Next , to curb the epidemic spread as fast as possible , organized collectives should be vaccinated .
For example , construction sites , where a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other due to specifics of their professional duties , '' Ginzburg said .

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. Clinical testing of the coronavirus vaccine, developed by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology may begin in early June, the Center’s director Alexander Ginzburg told journalists Saturday.
"The vaccine is being developed in accordance with the plan, approved by the Ministry of Health. […] We finish pre-clinical testing now, […] the results are very positive, we have checked all possible toxicities. […] Apes display high immunogenicity and safety of this vaccine," Ginzburg said. "According to the plan, if everything goes as successfully, we should be able to file papers to the Ministry of Health to obtain permission for clinical testing of this vaccine," he said during an online conference.
When asked who will be vaccinated first, the expert said that the medical staff that contacts the virus directly when treating patients should be vaccinated first.
"Next, to curb the epidemic spread as fast as possible, organized collectives should be vaccinated. For example, construction sites, where a large amount of people contact with each other due to specifics of their professional duties," Ginzburg said.


tass--2020-05-23--UK, US, Ukraine, Estonia ignored UN Security Council meeting on Crimea - Russian Mission

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
The UK , the US , Ukraine and Estonia ignored the UN Security Council meeting on situation in Crimea , which took place on May 21 , Russian Permanent Mission to the United Nations announced on its website .
The meeting took place in accordance with the so-called Arria Formula , which makes it possible to invite representatives of non-governmental organizations to the meetings .
The Mission reminded that Russia did not ignore the similar meeting on Crimea , organized by a number of the Western powers and Ukraine on March 6 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not find it in themselves to take part in our ‘ Arria Formula ’ on May 21 , although we did not evade the March 6 meeting .
We were not only ready , but willing to provide them a tribune and a venue for dialogue with people living in Crimea .
Our meeting was not favored by the presence of representatives of the UK , the US and Estonia , as well .
By doing so , they have not only violated the traditional Security Council practice of such meetings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of Crimea , whose destiny they allegedly care about , '' the Permanent Mission said in its statement .
During the May 21 meeting , representatives of the Crimean public noted that the Crimeans ’ decision to join Russia was voluntary , and that the March 11 , 2014 , referendum did not contradict the Ukrainian Constitution .
The attendees noted that , since the reunion , the situation with human rights on the peninsula has improved significantly . ''
Although Ukraine is not a member of the UN Security Council , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings , are .
In response to their demarche , Russia refrained from participation in a similar informal meeting , organized by Estonia , which took place on May 22 .

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. The UK, the US, Ukraine and Estonia ignored the UN Security Council meeting on situation in Crimea, which took place on May 21, Russian Permanent Mission to the United Nations announced on its website.
The meeting took place in accordance with the so-called Arria Formula, which makes it possible to invite representatives of non-governmental organizations to the meetings. The Mission reminded that Russia did not ignore the similar meeting on Crimea, organized by a number of the Western powers and Ukraine on March 6.
"We regret that our Ukrainian colleagues did not find it in themselves to take part in our ‘Arria Formula’ on May 21, although we did not evade the March 6 meeting. We were not only ready, but willing to provide them a tribune and a venue for dialogue with people living in Crimea. Our meeting was not favored by the presence of representatives of the UK, the US and Estonia, as well. By doing so, they have not only violated the traditional Security Council practice of such meetings, but also demonstrated their neglect towards the people of Crimea, whose destiny they allegedly care about," the Permanent Mission said in its statement.
During the May 21 meeting, representatives of the Crimean public noted that the Crimeans’ decision to join Russia was voluntary, and that the March 11, 2014, referendum did not contradict the Ukrainian Constitution. The attendees noted that, since the reunion, the situation with human rights on the peninsula has improved significantly."
Although Ukraine is not a member of the UN Security Council, the three other nations that ignored the meetings, are. In response to their demarche, Russia refrained from participation in a similar informal meeting, organized by Estonia, which took place on May 22.


tass--2020-05-23--Foreign tourism from Russia to resume after Embassies open again - travel association

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
Travelling abroad will become available to Russian nationals after the borders are open , the international air service is restored and the embassies are operating again .
According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia , the embassies will open around June 15 , the association Vice President Dmitry Gorin said .
`` If we talk about travelling abroad , everything , of course , depends on restoration of the international air service , opening of borders , and , most importantly , restoration of embassies ’ operation .
We expect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told Rossiya-1 TV channel .
He noted that it is better to plan trips for the third quarter this year .
The Vice President reminded that the internal tourism will reopen on June 1 , adding that many tourists opt not to go far away from home in the current situation and prefer apartment hotels .
He named the Gastronomic Map of Russia as one of the possible travel routes .
`` We observe the spike in popularity of apartment hotels , separately located houses .
This is due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still closed ; we can say with certainty that this Summer tourism routes would include the Gastronomic map of Russia , since it allows to combine pleasure with benefits , '' he explained .
According to Gorin , remote regions , such as Sakhalin , Chukotka and Altai expect tourists after the quarantine measures are withdrawn .
`` Tour companies prepare charter flights not only to our country ’ s southern regions .
For example , Kaliningrad is very popular now .
It also has sea , maybe not always as warm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people travel there with pleasure , '' Gorin added .
Since March 30 , Russia shut down its borders to prevent importing of the coronavirus infection .
This decision extends to railway , pedestrian , river and mixed border checkpoints .
The restrictions do not cover cargo transport .
A number of Russian consulates have suspended visits of the Russian nationals due to the pandemic .

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. Travelling abroad will become available to Russian nationals after the borders are open, the international air service is restored and the embassies are operating again. According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, the embassies will open around June 15, the association Vice President Dmitry Gorin said.
"If we talk about travelling abroad, everything, of course, depends on restoration of the international air service, opening of borders, and, most importantly, restoration of embassies’ operation. We expect the embassies to open around Jun 15," he told Rossiya-1 TV channel.
He noted that it is better to plan trips for the third quarter this year.
The Vice President reminded that the internal tourism will reopen on June 1, adding that many tourists opt not to go far away from home in the current situation and prefer apartment hotels. He named the Gastronomic Map of Russia as one of the possible travel routes.
"We observe the spike in popularity of apartment hotels, separately located houses. This is due to the situation, in which the hotels are still closed; we can say with certainty that this Summer tourism routes would include the Gastronomic map of Russia, since it allows to combine pleasure with benefits," he explained.
According to Gorin, remote regions, such as Sakhalin, Chukotka and Altai expect tourists after the quarantine measures are withdrawn.
"Tour companies prepare charter flights not only to our country’s southern regions. For example, Kaliningrad is very popular now. It also has sea, maybe not always as warm, but the nature there is beautiful and people travel there with pleasure," Gorin added.
Since March 30, Russia shut down its borders to prevent importing of the coronavirus infection. This decision extends to railway, pedestrian, river and mixed border checkpoints. The restrictions do not cover cargo transport. A number of Russian consulates have suspended visits of the Russian nationals due to the pandemic.


tass--2020-05-23--3,831 recover from COVID-19 in Moscow

3,831 recover from COVID-19 in Moscow

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
In the past 24 hours , 3,190 coronavirus cases were registered in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ , coronavirus prevention operational headquarters announced Saturday .
Therefore , the recovery count exceeded the @ @ @ @ @ The daily case growth rate increased to 2 % versus 1.9 % one day earlier @ @ @ @ @ people have recovered in Moscow so far .
In the past 24 hours , 67 @ @ @ @ @ death toll in Moscow is 1,934 people .

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. In the past 24 hours, 3,190 coronavirus cases were registered in Moscow while 3,831 patients have recovered, coronavirus prevention operational headquarters announced Saturday.
Therefore, the recovery count exceeded the newly registered case count. The daily case growth rate increased to 2% versus 1.9% one day earlier.
A total of 47,413 people have recovered in Moscow so far.
In the past 24 hours, 67 people died; the total death toll in Moscow is 1,934 people.


tass--2020-05-23--Ventilator tests after hospital fires reveal no malfunctions - source

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
Tests of Aventa-M ventilators , which took place after several fired in Moscow and St. Petersburg hospitals , revealed no malfunctions .
a source in healthcare told TASS .
`` During the investigation of reasons behind ventilator fires , we ’ ve conducted testing of the same equipment , produced by the Ural Instrument-making Plant in April this year and shipped to the St. George Hospital [ in St. Petersburg ] .
The testing included various work modes with maximum load , and no malfunctions were detected , '' the source said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fires is still unclear .
`` The main version so far is the short circuit , '' the source said .
The source clarified that the testing encompassed the ventilators , shipped to the St. George Hospital and installed in the intensive care unit , where the fire broke out .
`` All of them were from the same batch as the burned one , '' the source said , adding that the testing also included several other machines made at the Ural plant in April .
A source in law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the investigation .
On May 9 , a fire broke out in Moscow ’ s 50th Hospital , killing a senior patient ; 295 people were evacuated from the hospital , 5 were rescued .
A fire in the St. George hospital in St. Petersburg took place on May 12 , spreading on 10 square meters .
Six patients in the intensive care unit died .
Both hospitals were retooled for treatment of the coronavirus patients .
On May 13 , Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Aventa-M ventilators , produced after April 1 , is suspended in Russia .
A law enforcement source told TASS that the faulty ventilator was shipped to the St. George Hospital in late April .

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. Tests of Aventa-M ventilators, which took place after several fired in Moscow and St. Petersburg hospitals, revealed no malfunctions. a source in healthcare told TASS.
"During the investigation of reasons behind ventilator fires, we’ve conducted testing of the same equipment, produced by the Ural Instrument-making Plant in April this year and shipped to the St. George Hospital [in St. Petersburg]. The testing included various work modes with maximum load, and no malfunctions were detected," the source said.
The source added that the reason behind the fires is still unclear.
"The main version so far is the short circuit," the source said.
The source clarified that the testing encompassed the ventilators, shipped to the St. George Hospital and installed in the intensive care unit, where the fire broke out.
"All of them were from the same batch as the burned one," the source said, adding that the testing also included several other machines made at the Ural plant in April.
A source in law enforcement added that other required examinations are conducted within the investigation.
On May 9, a fire broke out in Moscow’s 50th Hospital, killing a senior patient; 295 people were evacuated from the hospital, 5 were rescued. A fire in the St. George hospital in St. Petersburg took place on May 12, spreading on 10 square meters. Six patients in the intensive care unit died. Both hospitals were retooled for treatment of the coronavirus patients.
On May 13, Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) announced that operation of the Aventa-M ventilators, produced after April 1, is suspended in Russia. A law enforcement source told TASS that the faulty ventilator was shipped to the St. George Hospital in late April.


tass--2020-05-23--Banks issued soft loans worth $698 mln to support employment

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian banks issued interest-free loans worth 50 bln rubles ( $ 698 mln ) to businesses to support employment as of May 22 , the Economic Development Ministry said in a press release on Friday .
Over the week the amount of issued loans increased by 18.3 bln rubles ( $ 255 mln ) , the ministry said .
As of May 14 , interest-free loans were issued in the amount of 31.7 bln rubles ( $ 442 mln ) under 12,900 contracts .
`` According to monitoring data for 39 banks that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Development Ministry , as of May 22 , 50 billion rubles were issued under 18,200 contracts for interest-free loans to support employment , '' the ministry said .
Currently , the Economic Development Ministry has already received 64 applications from banks for participation in the program of preferential financing , the ministry added .
Earlier the Russian authorities launched a program of subsidized loans granted at 0 % rate for six months for small and micro enterprises from the affected sectors of economy .
Later , the program was expanded to medium and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved loans worth 33 bln rubles ( $ 461 mln ) for 32 systemic enterprises as of May 22 .
`` According to data on May 22 , 32 systemic enterprises with 859,000 employees were able to get these funds .
The average loan rate is 3.57 % , the average loan size was about 1 billion rubles ( $ 13.9 mln ) , '' the statement said .
The Economic Development Ministry reported that preferential loans were received by enterprises in such industries as metallurgy , mechanical engineering , transport and furniture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential goods .
Currently , five banks are involved in the program : Sberbank , VTB , Gazprombank , Sovcombank and AK Bars Bank .
On May 19 , at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the implementation of measures to support the economy and the social sector , Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said that banks issued 20 loans in two weeks to systemic enterprises under a loan program for working capital replenishment .
At the same time , he specified that these are loans , that had already been granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to him , the average loan interest rate for enterprises is 3.8 % , the rest is subsidized from the federal budget .

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. Russian banks issued interest-free loans worth 50 bln rubles ($698 mln) to businesses to support employment as of May 22, the Economic Development Ministry said in a press release on Friday. Over the week the amount of issued loans increased by 18.3 bln rubles ($255 mln), the ministry said.
As of May 14, interest-free loans were issued in the amount of 31.7 bln rubles ($442 mln) under 12,900 contracts.
"According to monitoring data for 39 banks that have signed an agreement with the Economic Development Ministry, as of May 22, 50 billion rubles were issued under 18,200 contracts for interest-free loans to support employment," the ministry said.
Currently, the Economic Development Ministry has already received 64 applications from banks for participation in the program of preferential financing, the ministry added.
Earlier the Russian authorities launched a program of subsidized loans granted at 0% rate for six months for small and micro enterprises from the affected sectors of economy. Later, the program was expanded to medium and large enterprises.
Loans for systemic enterprises
Russian banks, also approved loans worth 33 bln rubles ($461 mln) for 32 systemic enterprises as of May 22.
"According to data on May 22, 32 systemic enterprises with 859,000 employees were able to get these funds. The average loan rate is 3.57%, the average loan size was about 1 billion rubles ($13.9 mln)," the statement said.
The Economic Development Ministry reported that preferential loans were received by enterprises in such industries as metallurgy, mechanical engineering, transport and furniture building, and the production of socially essential goods.
Currently, five banks are involved in the program: Sberbank, VTB, Gazprombank, Sovcombank and AK Bars Bank.
On May 19, at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the implementation of measures to support the economy and the social sector, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said that banks issued 20 loans in two weeks to systemic enterprises under a loan program for working capital replenishment. At the same time, he specified that these are loans, that had already been granted and banks were considering another 300 applications. According to him, the average loan interest rate for enterprises is 3.8%, the rest is subsidized from the federal budget.


tass--2020-05-23--US authorities mull option to conduct first nuclear test since 1992 - Washington Post

WASHINGTON , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
The United States authorities discussed whether to conduct their first nuclear test explosion since 1992 , Washington Post reported on Friday referring to sources .
According to the newspaper , `` the matter came up at a meeting of senior officials representing the top national security agencies last Friday . ''
`` The meeting did not conclude with any agreement to conduct a test , but a senior administration official said the proposal is `` very much an ongoing conversation .
Another person familiar with the meeting , however , said a decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to threats posed by Russia and China and avoid a resumption of testing , '' the newspaper reported .
The National Security Council at the White House declined to comment , the newspaper stressed .
The publication cited a senior administration official , who said that `` demonstrating to Moscow and Beijing that the United States could `` rapid test '' could prove useful from a negotiating standpoint as Washington seeks a trilateral deal to regulate the arsenals of the biggest nuclear powers . ''
The newspaper noted that during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of conducting a nuclear test .
According to the Washington Post , advocates of nuclear non-proliferation believe that the resumption of nuclear testing could lead to destabilizing consequences .
`` It would be an invitation for other nuclear-armed countries to follow suit , '' Daryl Kimball , executive director of the Arms Control Association said as quoted by the newspaper .
`` You would also disrupt the negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un , who may no longer feel compelled to honor his moratorium on nuclear testing , '' Kimball @ @

WASHINGTON, May 23. /TASS/. The United States authorities discussed whether to conduct their first nuclear test explosion since 1992, Washington Post reported on Friday referring to sources.
According to the newspaper, "the matter came up at a meeting of senior officials representing the top national security agencies last Friday."
"The meeting did not conclude with any agreement to conduct a test, but a senior administration official said the proposal is "very much an ongoing conversation. Another person familiar with the meeting, however, said a decision was ultimately made to take other measures in response to threats posed by Russia and China and avoid a resumption of testing," the newspaper reported.
The National Security Council at the White House declined to comment, the newspaper stressed.
The publication cited a senior administration official, who said that "demonstrating to Moscow and Beijing that the United States could "rapid test" could prove useful from a negotiating standpoint as Washington seeks a trilateral deal to regulate the arsenals of the biggest nuclear powers."
The newspaper noted that during the meeting, serious disagreements emerged over the idea of conducting a nuclear test. According to the Washington Post, advocates of nuclear non-proliferation believe that the resumption of nuclear testing could lead to destabilizing consequences.
"It would be an invitation for other nuclear-armed countries to follow suit," Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association said as quoted by the newspaper.
"You would also disrupt the negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who may no longer feel compelled to honor his moratorium on nuclear testing," Kimball added.


tass--2020-05-24--UK novel coronavirus death toll tops 36,600

LONDON , May 24 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom hs topped 257,000 , while the death toll has exceeded 36,600 , the country ’ s Transport Minister Grant Shapps told reporters on Saturday .
According to him , 257,154 people have tested positive at present , up 2,959 in the past 24 hours .
A total of 36,675 patients died , including 282 people added to the death tally in the past day .
On May 10 , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the level of threat posed by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives the government the opportunity to gradually lift the quarantine introduced in the country on March 23 .
Starting with May 13 , citizens are allowed to exercise and do sports outside more than once as well as sunbathe and drive to remote places for leisure .
Construction workers and employees of many industries who can not work from home were cleared to go back to work .
Garden centers will also reopen .
Johnson conceded that many other shops could welcome customers back in June as well as partially schools , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be cleared to reopen .

LONDON, May 24. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom hs topped 257,000, while the death toll has exceeded 36,600, the country’s Transport Minister Grant Shapps told reporters on Saturday.
According to him, 257,154 people have tested positive at present, up 2,959 in the past 24 hours. A total of 36,675 patients died, including 282 people added to the death tally in the past day.
On May 10, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the level of threat posed by the coronavirus had declined in the country. This gives the government the opportunity to gradually lift the quarantine introduced in the country on March 23.
Starting with May 13, citizens are allowed to exercise and do sports outside more than once as well as sunbathe and drive to remote places for leisure. Construction workers and employees of many industries who cannot work from home were cleared to go back to work. Garden centers will also reopen. Johnson conceded that many other shops could welcome customers back in June as well as partially schools, while certain hotels and other public spaces could be cleared to reopen.


tass--2020-05-24--Moscow bank attacker admits his guilt — investigators

MOSCOW , May 24 .
/TASS/ .
The man who attacked an Alfa-Bank office in downtown Moscow admitted his guilt during questioning , according to a video released by the Russian Investigative Committee late on Saturday .
`` I admit my guilt , '' the man said .
However , he could not give a clear answer to the question why he took several people hostage .
`` [ I did this ] to know the truth , I ’ m interested in truth , '' he said .
`` [ The truth ] about myself . ''
A source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TASS the man was heavily drunk when he was apprehended , and , possibly , was under influence of narcotic substances .
On Saturday , a man carrying a bag of a food delivery company broke into the bank 's office in the center of Moscow .
He threatened to blow up the bank and took six people hostage , five of whom managed to escape .
The suspected attacker was detained in a special operation carried out jointly with the Moscow police and the National Guard officers .
Neither the bank employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurt during the effort .
The man is mentally unstable and will be soon examined by doctors , a source in the law enforcement agencies told TASS .
A fake bomb was discovered in his bag .
A criminal case has been opened into charges of hostage taking , and the detainee faces between 5 and 10 years in jail if found guilty .
Earlier , a law enforcement source said the suspect , aged 34 , came to Moscow from the Western Siberian city of Nizhnevartovsk .
He was previously convicted twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robbery .

MOSCOW, May 24. /TASS/. The man who attacked an Alfa-Bank office in downtown Moscow admitted his guilt during questioning, according to a video released by the Russian Investigative Committee late on Saturday.
"I admit my guilt," the man said.
However, he could not give a clear answer to the question why he took several people hostage.
"[I did this] to know the truth, I’m interested in truth," he said. "[The truth] about myself."
A source in rapid response services of Moscow told TASS the man was heavily drunk when he was apprehended, and, possibly, was under influence of narcotic substances.
On Saturday, a man carrying a bag of a food delivery company broke into the bank's office in the center of Moscow. He threatened to blow up the bank and took six people hostage, five of whom managed to escape. The suspected attacker was detained in a special operation carried out jointly with the Moscow police and the National Guard officers. Neither the bank employees nor visitors and law enforcement officers were hurt during the effort.
The man is mentally unstable and will be soon examined by doctors, a source in the law enforcement agencies told TASS. A fake bomb was discovered in his bag. A criminal case has been opened into charges of hostage taking, and the detainee faces between 5 and 10 years in jail if found guilty.
Earlier, a law enforcement source said the suspect, aged 34, came to Moscow from the Western Siberian city of Nizhnevartovsk. He was previously convicted twice, on charges of car theft and robbery.


tass--2020-05-24--Alligator who survived WWII bombing of Berlin dies in Moscow Zoo aged 84

MOSCOW , May 24 .
/TASS/ .
Mississippi alligator Saturn , who witnessed and survived WWII-era bombings of Berlin , has died in the Moscow Zoo , the Zoo said on its Facebook page on Friday .
`` Yesterday morning , our Mississippi alligator Saturn died of old age .
He was approximately 84 years old - that ’ s a very respectable age .
The longevity of those species in the wild is about 30-50 years , '' the statement says .
Born in the state of Mississippi , United States , Saturn was very soon brought to Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He fled the zoo after bombing on November 23 , 1943 .
He was caught by UK soldiers in 1946 and handed over to the Soviet Union .
Saturn was brought to Moscow in July 1946 .
His arrival gave rise to an urban myth that he was previously Adolf Hitler 's 'pet alligator ' .
`` The Moscow Zoo was honored to keep Saturn for 74 years .
We cared of him in the most delicate and cautious way .
He was a very picky eater and had a perfect memory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved being massaged with a brush .
If irritated by something , he could crack steel feeding tongs and bits of concrete decorations with his teeth , '' the zoo said .

MOSCOW, May 24. /TASS/. Mississippi alligator Saturn, who witnessed and survived WWII-era bombings of Berlin, has died in the Moscow Zoo, the Zoo said on its Facebook page on Saturday.
"Yesterday morning, our Mississippi alligator Saturn died of old age. He was approximately 84 years old - that’s a very respectable age. The longevity of those species in the wild is about 30-50 years," the statement says.
Born in the state of Mississippi, United States, Saturn was very soon brought to Germany, residing at the Berlin Zoological Garden. He fled the zoo after bombing on November 23, 1943. He was caught by UK soldiers in 1946 and handed over to the Soviet Union.
Saturn was brought to Moscow in July 1946. His arrival gave rise to an urban myth that he was previously Adolf Hitler's 'pet alligator'.
"The Moscow Zoo was honored to keep Saturn for 74 years. We cared of him in the most delicate and cautious way. He was a very picky eater and had a perfect memory of his trusted zookeepers. He also loved being massaged with a brush. If irritated by something, he could crack steel feeding tongs and bits of concrete decorations with his teeth," the zoo said.


tass--2020-05-24--Up to 20% of all Muscovites probably had novel coronavirus — expert

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
Approximately 15-20 % of all residents of Moscow had probably already been exposed @ @ @ @ @ , Director of Russia ’ s Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A cursory look at the situation allows me to say that , judging @ @ @ @ @ report made by [ Head of the Moscow Department of Healthcare ] Alexei Invanovich [ @ @ @ @ @ % of Moscow residents have already been exposed to this pathogen , '' he told @ @ @ @ @ herd immunity to the novel coronavirus in Moscow .
According to Gintsburg , the number @ @ @ @ @ is now on decline .
Earlier , Khripun said that about 50,000 Muscovites have been @ @ @ @ @ , but only 12.5 % of them have immunity to the infection .

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. Approximately 15-20% of all residents of Moscow had probably already been exposed to the novel coronavirus pathogen, Director of Russia’s Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg said on Saturday.
"A cursory look at the situation allows me to say that, judging from the data from the report made by [Head of the Moscow Department of Healthcare] Alexei Invanovich [Khripun], approximately 15-20% of Moscow residents have already been exposed to this pathogen," he told an online conference devoted to herd immunity to the novel coronavirus in Moscow.
According to Gintsburg, the number of those infected in Moscow is now on decline.
Earlier, Khripun said that about 50,000 Muscovites have been tested for novel coronavirus antibodies, but only 12.5% of them have immunity to the infection.


tass--2020-05-24--Trump’s aid delivery to Russia is demonstration of power for voters — expert

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump ’ s firm intention to send lung ventilators to Russia as part of coronavirus aid despite criticism is aimed at demonstrating power for his voters , the board chairman of the Foundation for the Development and Support of the Valdai International Discussion Club , Andrei Bystritsky , told TASS .
`` Trump underlines in the eyes of his domestic audience in every possible way both his power and generosity .
In a certain sense , this is the demonstration of power .
After all , the United States has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the authorities claim that they are strong enough and can handle this , and they have enough resources .
In this sense , they say : `` Yes , we are facing a difficult situation , but we are so good that we can help , '' he said .
According to Bystritsky , this Trump ’ s gesture comes in response to Russia ’ s humanitarian aid to the US , but the US president does not want to be obliged to anyone .
`` The Americans have their own national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , '' the expert explained .
Trump seeks to hit several targets by this gesture , Bystritsky noted .
At first , to show strength both to domestic and foreign audience and confirm US status of an independent state , which is free to act the way it wants to , and even to `` prick '' his opponents from the Democratic Party .
The expert also explained that Washington ’ s withdrawal from international agreements , including the Treaty on Open Skies , is an attempt to show its independence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US president and the elite deem as tying their hands .
The US presidential election is approaching and opinion polls show that Trump ’ s success is in question and therefore he has to work in this direction , Bystritsky noted .
`` Trump understands that he can not influence all his voters and he focuses on various parts of them .
On the one hand , he announced the withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty , demonstrating negative attitude to many international agreements , and on the other hand he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
In many respects , he criticizes Russia , but on the other hand , he does not fully abandon dialogue .
It seems to me that he expects some fluctuations among his voters and I believe that such a gesture as sending lung ventilators to Russia , in batches , has importance for Trump ’ s multi-vector construction especially ahead of the election , '' he said .
On Thursday , US C-17 military transport aircraft with first shipment of 50 US lung ventilators arrived in Moscow .
Overall , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier pointed out that the US is delivering the equipment free of charge , just like Russia previously did with lung ventilators for Washington .
This decision has come under criticism of the US Democratic Party .

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump’s firm intention to send lung ventilators to Russia as part of coronavirus aid despite criticism is aimed at demonstrating power for his voters, the board chairman of the Foundation for the Development and Support of the Valdai International Discussion Club, Andrei Bystritsky, told TASS.
"Trump underlines in the eyes of his domestic audience in every possible way both his power and generosity. In a certain sense, this is the demonstration of power. After all, the United States has been severely hit by the coronavirus, but the authorities claim that they are strong enough and can handle this, and they have enough resources. In this sense, they say: "Yes, we are facing a difficult situation, but we are so good that we can help," he said.
According to Bystritsky, this Trump’s gesture comes in response to Russia’s humanitarian aid to the US, but the US president does not want to be obliged to anyone. "The Americans have their own national pride and they are very sensitive to this," the expert explained.
Trump seeks to hit several targets by this gesture, Bystritsky noted. At first, to show strength both to domestic and foreign audience and confirm US status of an independent state, which is free to act the way it wants to, and even to "prick" his opponents from the Democratic Party.
The expert also explained that Washington’s withdrawal from international agreements, including the Treaty on Open Skies, is an attempt to show its independence and free itself from the commitments, which the US president and the elite deem as tying their hands.
The US presidential election is approaching and opinion polls show that Trump’s success is in question and therefore he has to work in this direction, Bystritsky noted. "Trump understands that he cannot influence all his voters and he focuses on various parts of them. On the one hand, he announced the withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty, demonstrating negative attitude to many international agreements, and on the other hand he says that this does not hinder cooperation with countries. In many respects, he criticizes Russia, but on the other hand, he does not fully abandon dialogue. It seems to me that he expects some fluctuations among his voters and I believe that such a gesture as sending lung ventilators to Russia, in batches, has importance for Trump’s multi-vector construction especially ahead of the election," he said.
On Thursday, US C-17 military transport aircraft with first shipment of 50 US lung ventilators arrived in Moscow. Overall, the US plans to donate 200 lung ventilators. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier pointed out that the US is delivering the equipment free of charge, just like Russia previously did with lung ventilators for Washington. This decision has come under criticism of the US Democratic Party.


tass--2020-05-24--Moscow reports 59 coronavirus deaths in past day, overall death toll hits 1,993

MOSCOW , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
Another 59 patients who contracted the novel coronavirus infection died in Moscow in @ @ @ @ @ bringing the overall death toll in the Russian capital to 1,993 , the anti-coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ `` A total of 59 patients diagnosed with pneumonia , who tested positive for novel @ @ @ @ @ , '' the center said .
By now , 1,993 people who tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ the Russian capital .
According to the anti-coronavirus crisis center , a total of 3,190 @ @ @ @ @ Moscow in past day , while 3,831 patients recovered in the reported period .
So @ @ @ @ @ patients have already recovered and been discharged from Moscow hospitals .

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. Another 59 patients who contracted the novel coronavirus infection died in Moscow in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll in the Russian capital to 1,993, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
"A total of 59 patients diagnosed with pneumonia, who tested positive for novel coronavirus, died in Moscow," the center said.
By now, 1,993 people who tested positive for the infection have died in the Russian capital.
According to the anti-coronavirus crisis center, a total of 3,190 new cases were registered in Moscow in past day, while 3,831 patients recovered in the reported period.
So far, 47,413 novel coronavirus patients have already recovered and been discharged from Moscow hospitals.


tass--2020-05-24--Spain to observe 10-day mourning for coronavirus victims — premier

MADRID , May 23 .
/TASS/ .
The government of Spain declares a ten-day nationwide mourning period for novel coronavirus victims , Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Saturday .
`` Starting from Tuesday , the government approves declaring the official mourning period on the entire territory of Spain , in the memory of victims [ of the pandemic ] , '' he said .
`` The mourning will last 10 days and will become the longest official mourning period in our democratic history . ''
`` As far as extending the state of high alert [ currently in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are looking into the possibility of another extension , because this is our duty , '' Sanchez added .
`` It does not necessarily mean that the decision [ to further extend it ] will be made . ''
Spain is one of the worst coronavirus-hit countries in the world , with some 234,800 cases and 28,628 deaths .
Since mid-March the country has introduced the state of high alert , restricting the movement of citizens across the country .
Since the spread of the coronavirus in Spain had slowed down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those restrictions .

MADRID, May 23. /TASS/. The government of Spain declares a ten-day nationwide mourning period for novel coronavirus victims, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Saturday.
"Starting from Tuesday, the government approves declaring the official mourning period on the entire territory of Spain, in the memory of victims [of the pandemic]," he said. "The mourning will last 10 days and will become the longest official mourning period in our democratic history."
"As far as extending the state of high alert [currently in place until July 7] is concerned, we are looking into the possibility of another extension, because this is our duty," Sanchez added. "It does not necessarily mean that the decision [to further extend it] will be made."
Spain is one of the worst coronavirus-hit countries in the world, with some 234,800 cases and 28,628 deaths. Since mid-March the country has introduced the state of high alert, restricting the movement of citizens across the country. Since the spread of the coronavirus in Spain had slowed down, the government has started to gradually ease those restrictions.