tass--2020-12-11--Russia to fully support projects of its companies in Mexico, says foreign minister

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia intends to fully support investment and infrastructure projects of its companies in @ @ @ @ @ Mexican investments in the Russian economy , Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov wrote in an article @ @ @ @ @ 130th anniversary of establishment of the Russian-Mexican diplomatic relationship .
`` Our economies are not @ @ @ @ @ other .
Large , albeit so far targeted investment and infrastructure projects are being developed @ @ @ @ @ adding that `` those are ambitious , interesting initiatives , '' which Moscow intends `` @ @ @ @ @ way . ''
The trade and investment potential of the two countries is impressive , @ @ @ @ @ there are major prospects in the energy , car manufacturing , aviation , shipbuilding , @ @ @ @ @ transport , agriculture , high-tech and innovative fields , he said .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ trying not to lose momentum even amid the pandemic , '' Russia ’ s top @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. Russia intends to fully support investment and infrastructure projects of its companies in Mexico, as well as Mexican investments in the Russian economy, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov wrote in an article on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of establishment of the Russian-Mexican diplomatic relationship.
"Our economies are not competing, but complementing each other. Large, albeit so far targeted investment and infrastructure projects are being developed," he said, adding that "those are ambitious, interesting initiatives," which Moscow intends "to support in every possible way."
The trade and investment potential of the two countries is impressive, Lavrov noted. Particularly, there are major prospects in the energy, car manufacturing, aviation, shipbuilding, chemical, pharmaceutical, railway transport, agriculture, high-tech and innovative fields, he said. "We are moving ahead. We are trying not to lose momentum even amid the pandemic," Russia’s top diplomat added.


tass--2020-12-11--Troops in central Russia receive some 600 weapon systems this year

YEKATERINBURG , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
About 600 weapon systems arrived for the troops of Russia ’ s Central Military District this year , Central Military District Commander Colonel-General Alexander Lapin said in an interview with the Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Friday .
`` The share of advanced military hardware in the District has risen almost four-fold .
The inventory of combat vehicles of various designation has received some 600 items of military hardware since the beginning of this year alone .
This December , we will accept another 250 new and modernized weapon systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rearm two military formations and five units , including one within the 201st Russian military base in Tajikistan , '' he said .
This year , the troops of the Central Military District have learnt to operate the latest S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ anti-aircraft missile systems and Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile complexes , the commander said .
`` This can be evidenced by the successful firings at the Kapustin Yar testing range .
In December , the first surface-to-air missile regiment rearmed with S-400s will assume combat duty in the Sverdlovsk Region , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District is the largest in Russia .
It is based on the territory of the Volga , Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions .
Structurally , the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities : the 201st military base in Tajikistan , the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan .
The Central Military District is headquartered in Yekaterinburg .

YEKATERINBURG, December 11. /TASS/. About 600 weapon systems arrived for the troops of Russia’s Central Military District this year, Central Military District Commander Colonel-General Alexander Lapin said in an interview with the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Friday.
"The share of advanced military hardware in the District has risen almost four-fold. The inventory of combat vehicles of various designation has received some 600 items of military hardware since the beginning of this year alone. This December, we will accept another 250 new and modernized weapon systems for service. This will allow us to rearm two military formations and five units, including one within the 201st Russian military base in Tajikistan," he said.
This year, the troops of the Central Military District have learnt to operate the latest S-400 ‘Triumf’ anti-aircraft missile systems and Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile complexes, the commander said.
"This can be evidenced by the successful firings at the Kapustin Yar testing range. In December, the first surface-to-air missile regiment rearmed with S-400s will assume combat duty in the Sverdlovsk Region," he said.
The Central Military District is the largest in Russia. It is based on the territory of the Volga, Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions. Structurally, the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities: the 201st military base in Tajikistan, the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan. The Central Military District is headquartered in Yekaterinburg.


tass--2020-12-11--About 15% of Russians plan to live off savings in old age, poll reveals

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/ TASS / .
More than 40 % of Russians expect to receive a state pension , while 14 % plan to provide for themselves in old age with personal savings , according to the results of a sociological survey by the Higher School of Economics `` Social well-being of Russians '' made available to TASS on Friday .
`` In Russia , there has been a steady increase in the number of respondents who expect to provide themselves for retirement based on their own savings and income from property .
In 2020 , 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide for themselves in old age on their own .
Yet 40 % of respondents have not thought about what they will live on when they will reach retirement age .
The share of respondents who counted on a state pension fell from 56 % in 2018 to 43 % in 2020 , '' according to the survey .
According to the study , the share of Moscow residents who do not think about income in old age is lower than in the country as a whole and amounts to 37 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about retirement benefits as other Russian citizens .
They also count on their own savings and the help of their relatives .
But the share of those Muscovites is much higher than in the country as a whole .
The survey was conducted through personal interviews at the place of residence of the respondents between September 11 , 2020 and October 5 , 2020 .
It consisted of over 6000 Russians in 173 settlements , ages 15 to 72 .
The previous research was conducted in December 2016 and September 2018 .

MOSCOW, December 11. / TASS /. More than 40% of Russians expect to receive a state pension, while 14% plan to provide for themselves in old age with personal savings, according to the results of a sociological survey by the Higher School of Economics "Social well-being of Russians" made available to TASS on Friday.
"In Russia, there has been a steady increase in the number of respondents who expect to provide themselves for retirement based on their own savings and income from property. In 2020, 14% of citizens said that they plan to provide for themselves in old age on their own. Yet 40% of respondents have not thought about what they will live on when they will reach retirement age. The share of respondents who counted on a state pension fell from 56% in 2018 to 43% in 2020," according to the survey.
According to the study, the share of Moscow residents who do not think about income in old age is lower than in the country as a whole and amounts to 37%. Muscovites share the same basic expectations about retirement benefits as other Russian citizens. They also count on their own savings and the help of their relatives. But the share of those Muscovites is much higher than in the country as a whole. The survey was conducted through personal interviews at the place of residence of the respondents between September 11, 2020 and October 5, 2020. It consisted of over 6000 Russians in 173 settlements, ages 15 to 72. The previous research was conducted in December 2016 and September 2018.


tass--2020-12-11--Post-clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine by Vector Center launched

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has announced the launch of post-clinical trials of the new domestic EpiVacCorona vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Vector State Research Center .
`` An important news : today post-clinical trials of a new vaccine developed by the Vector company of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing started , their results will be summed up in January and then immediately an even wider use of this vaccine will start , '' the prime minister said at a meeting with manufacturers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him , `` it is possible to say even today that Russia is in the leading position worldwide in organizing inoculation of residents . ''
`` We are proud of our scientists , doctors , without whom this success , of course , would have been impossible , '' he stressed .
The prime minister proposed to discuss in detail during the meeting the process of inoculation in Russian regions , the preparedness of the vaccine manufacturers and medical organizations for the vaccination .
He also ordered to ensure that the vaccination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone wishing to receive it during the winter holidays .
`` I am asking the subject entities of the Russian Federation to ensure the operations of vaccination stations and to pay special attention to their work during the holidays , particularly from January 1 to January 10 , so anyone willing to do so may obtain it , '' he said .
As the top sanitary doctor Anna Popova reported during the meeting , the EpiVacCorona vaccine has already been received in Moscow , St. Petersburg , Tula , Novosibirsk , and Rostov-on-Don @

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has announced the launch of post-clinical trials of the new domestic EpiVacCorona vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Vector State Research Center.
"An important news: today post-clinical trials of a new vaccine developed by the Vector company of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing started, their results will be summed up in January and then immediately an even wider use of this vaccine will start," the prime minister said at a meeting with manufacturers of Russian vaccines against the coronavirus.
According to him, "it is possible to say even today that Russia is in the leading position worldwide in organizing inoculation of residents." "We are proud of our scientists, doctors, without whom this success, of course, would have been impossible," he stressed.
The prime minister proposed to discuss in detail during the meeting the process of inoculation in Russian regions, the preparedness of the vaccine manufacturers and medical organizations for the vaccination. He also ordered to ensure that the vaccination against the coronavirus should be accessible to anyone wishing to receive it during the winter holidays. "I am asking the subject entities of the Russian Federation to ensure the operations of vaccination stations and to pay special attention to their work during the holidays, particularly from January 1 to January 10, so anyone willing to do so may obtain it," he said.
As the top sanitary doctor Anna Popova reported during the meeting, the EpiVacCorona vaccine has already been received in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tula, Novosibirsk, and Rostov-on-Don.


tass--2020-12-11--Russia's second COVID-19 vaccine enters civilian circulation

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
The EpiVacCorona vaccine developed by the Vector State Research Center has entered civilian circulation , Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said at a meeting with vaccine manufacturers on Friday .
`` It entered civilian circulation and Phase Three post-registration clinical trials of the vaccine manufactured by our Vector research center are conducted ; this vaccine is named EpiVacCorona .
Some 3,000 volunteers are already receiving shots at eight medical centers in five regions of the Russian Federation , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules of behavior listed in special instructions for the inoculated .
`` The instructions contain answers to frequently asked questions about vaccination .
Recommendations are given to minimize contacts while the immunity is being developed : an individual who was injected today is not considered to be protected yet , and one needs to continue to take good care of one ’ s health and protect oneself against the infection during the entire period of the immunity development .
Information is also provided that the immunity level after the inoculation with the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test system developed , '' she added .
The preparation of the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing in mid-October became the second registered Russian vaccine against the coronavirus .
In mid-November , the Healthcare Ministry issued a permit to conduct post-registration trials , including on volunteers over the age of 60 .

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. The EpiVacCorona vaccine developed by the Vector State Research Center has entered civilian circulation, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said at a meeting with vaccine manufacturers on Friday.
"It entered civilian circulation and Phase Three post-registration clinical trials of the vaccine manufactured by our Vector research center are conducted; this vaccine is named EpiVacCorona. Some 3,000 volunteers are already receiving shots at eight medical centers in five regions of the Russian Federation," she said.
The top sanitary doctor reiterated the post-vaccination rules of behavior listed in special instructions for the inoculated. "The instructions contain answers to frequently asked questions about vaccination. Recommendations are given to minimize contacts while the immunity is being developed: an individual who was injected today is not considered to be protected yet, and one needs to continue to take good care of one’s health and protect oneself against the infection during the entire period of the immunity development. Information is also provided that the immunity level after the inoculation with the new vaccine may be determined using a special test system developed," she added.
The preparation of the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing in mid-October became the second registered Russian vaccine against the coronavirus. In mid-November, the Healthcare Ministry issued a permit to conduct post-registration trials, including on volunteers over the age of 60.


tass--2020-12-11--Putin considers expansion of EAEU’s cooperation with other states important

NOVO-OGARYOVO , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to expand cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) and other countries .
Particularly , the issue is about providing Uzbekistan and Cuba with an observer status in the integration .
`` Expanding integration within the EAEU framework is becoming interesting for a whole number of foreign countries , '' he said at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on Friday .
`` A decision to provide an observer status to the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Cuba '' will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , adding that `` it is a genuinely important step on strengthening the Union ’ s ties with natural , traditional partners . ''
`` An agreement on cooperation between EAEU and such economically large countries as China , India is being implemented , '' Putin said .
`` The first round of talks on a free trade agreement with India will be held shortly , '' he added .
`` Today we will approve the launch of similar talks with Iran , '' Russian President said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indonesia and Mongolia is welcome .
A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) secretariat and the Eurasian Economic Commission ( EEC ) at an SCO summit on November 10 , Putin said .
`` We consider that to be another step towards implementation of the idea we initiated to create a large Eurasian partnership in the field of security , economic and humanitarian cooperation , '' he emphasized .
In this respect , expansion of cooperation with other countries and regional integrations is very important , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first of all about linking the activities of EAEU to implementation of the Chinese ‘ One Belt One Road ’ initiative , '' he added .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, December 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to expand cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and other countries. Particularly, the issue is about providing Uzbekistan and Cuba with an observer status in the integration.
"Expanding integration within the EAEU framework is becoming interesting for a whole number of foreign countries," he said at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on Friday. "A decision to provide an observer status to the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Cuba" will be taken at Friday’s meeting, he said, adding that "it is a genuinely important step on strengthening the Union’s ties with natural, traditional partners."
"An agreement on cooperation between EAEU and such economically large countries as China, India is being implemented," Putin said. "The first round of talks on a free trade agreement with India will be held shortly," he added.
"Today we will approve the launch of similar talks with Iran," Russian President said, adding that the idea of making preferential agreements with Indonesia and Mongolia is welcome.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) secretariat and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) at an SCO summit on November 10, Putin said. "We consider that to be another step towards implementation of the idea we initiated to create a large Eurasian partnership in the field of security, economic and humanitarian cooperation," he emphasized. In this respect, expansion of cooperation with other countries and regional integrations is very important, Putin said. "The issue is first of all about linking the activities of EAEU to implementation of the Chinese ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative," he added.


tass--2020-12-11--Nazarbayev notes interaction of EAEU states, Russia’s role in fight against COVID-19

NUR-SULTAN , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Kazakhstan ’ s first President , honorary chairman of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council ( SEEC ) Nursultan Nazarbayev during the SEEC meeting on Friday noted a high level of interaction between the states of the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) in fighting the spread of the coronavirus and emphasized Russia ’ s role in this process .
`` I would like to note with satisfaction a high level of cooperation of the EAEU member states and the mutual exchange of humanitarian aid within the framework of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus infection in the EAEU territory was jointly developed and approved .
I would like to note separately the most important connecting role of Russia that has always supported its allies .
And this was manifested most strikingly during the pandemic when , standing shoulder to shoulder , we were helping each other , '' he said , noting that Russia was the first country worldwide to create a vaccine against COVID-19 and offered it to the EAEU nations .
He emphasized that during this complex period the EAEU member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succumb to protectionist panic '' and did not resort to any unfriendly economic actions towards each other .
`` This confirms that a course towards integration implemented by us is the only correct one , '' he explained .
According to the honorary chairman , the organization should continue interaction with other countries and structures .
`` I am confident that the participation of Uzbekistan as an observer [ at the EAEU ] at the first stage will be useful both to Uzbekistan and to all our countries .
We should activate this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with third countries and integration unions , '' he emphasized .

NUR-SULTAN, December 11. /TASS/. Kazakhstan’s first President, honorary chairman of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC) Nursultan Nazarbayev during the SEEC meeting on Friday noted a high level of interaction between the states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in fighting the spread of the coronavirus and emphasized Russia’s role in this process.
"I would like to note with satisfaction a high level of cooperation of the EAEU member states and the mutual exchange of humanitarian aid within the framework of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. A plan of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection in the EAEU territory was jointly developed and approved. I would like to note separately the most important connecting role of Russia that has always supported its allies. And this was manifested most strikingly during the pandemic when, standing shoulder to shoulder, we were helping each other," he said, noting that Russia was the first country worldwide to create a vaccine against COVID-19 and offered it to the EAEU nations.
He emphasized that during this complex period the EAEU member states "as conscientious partners did not succumb to protectionist panic" and did not resort to any unfriendly economic actions towards each other. "This confirms that a course towards integration implemented by us is the only correct one," he explained.
According to the honorary chairman, the organization should continue interaction with other countries and structures. "I am confident that the participation of Uzbekistan as an observer [at the EAEU] at the first stage will be useful both to Uzbekistan and to all our countries. We should activate this work and continue interaction of the union with third countries and integration unions," he emphasized.


tass--2020-12-11--Armenia’s Pashinyan thanks Russia for assistance in fighting against COVID-19 pandemic

YEREVAN , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia is grateful to Russia for the assistance provided in the struggle against @ @ @ @ @ Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a video conference of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on @ @ @ @ @ grateful to Russia for its invaluable assistance in resisting the pandemic and warding off the @ @ @ @ @ with this year , '' he said .
Earlier , Russia ’ s consumer rights @ @ @ @ @ Armenia a mobile laboratory for identifying the pathogens of infectious diseases and making PCR-tests for @ @ @ @ @ Health Minister Mikhail Murashko shared with his Armenian counterpart Arsen Torosyan samples of Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ Last April , Russian military specialists arrived in Armenia under an agreement between the two @ @ @ @ @ provide assistance in the struggle against the coronavirus pandemic .
A Russian diagnostic laboratory has @ @ @ @ @ .
During the pandemic Rospotrebnadzor provided Armenia with equipment free of charge .
Russian businesses @ @ @ @ @ large donations to the government fund for struggle against the infection .

YEREVAN, December 11. /TASS/. Armenia is grateful to Russia for the assistance provided in the struggle against the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a video conference of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on Friday.
"We are grateful to Russia for its invaluable assistance in resisting the pandemic and warding off the challenges that we were confronted with this year," he said.
Earlier, Russia’s consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor handed over to Armenia a mobile laboratory for identifying the pathogens of infectious diseases and making PCR-tests for the novel coronavirus. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko shared with his Armenian counterpart Arsen Torosyan samples of Russia’s anti-coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V.
Last April, Russian military specialists arrived in Armenia under an agreement between the two countries’ defense minsters to provide assistance in the struggle against the coronavirus pandemic. A Russian diagnostic laboratory has operated in Armenia since April. During the pandemic Rospotrebnadzor provided Armenia with equipment free of charge. Russian businesses operating in the country transferred large donations to the government fund for struggle against the infection.


tass--2020-12-11--New Strategy To Put Sweden As Front Runner In Battery Value Chain

STOCKHOLM , Dec. 11 .
/PRNewswire/ .
Yesterday a proposal of the new battery regulation was adopted by the European Commission .
The proposal is ambitious – it aims at minimising both the carbon footprint and the social footprint of the batteries .
This is accelerated by the European Battery Alliance , launched by EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovic in 2017 , with the aim of building a sustainable battery value chain in Europe .
The Swedish strategy for a sustainable battery value chain shows how actions in Sweden will contribute to the European battery industry development .
The development of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for achieving climate goals , but also enables the emergence of a competitive industry that creates growth and jobs throughout the battery value chain .
Svante Axelsson , national coordinator for Fossil Free Sweden , says : `` The big demand for electrification in the transport sector and industry processes have made battery manufacturing a bottle-neck .
Sustainably produced batteries can become the next big Swedish industry expansion . ''
In Bloomberg NEF´s 'Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking ' Sweden is projected to climb from number 10 to number 4 by 2025 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the U.S. Sweden has a strong position , with access to raw materials , cheap and fossil-free electricity , expertise and policy instruments that promote continued electrification with high environmental requirements .
In addition , Sweden has strong actors along the entire value chain , from recycling and mining to the manufacture of active materials , complete battery cells and battery packs , to applications in the automotive industry as well as in the power system .
The national strategy for a sustainable battery value chain is developed by the government initiative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ InnoEnergy who also developed the foundation of the European Battery Strategy for the European Commission .
The strategy is supported by actors from the entire value chain from the Swedish mining industry to the battery-cell producer Northvolt , vehicle manufacturers like Volvo Cars , Volvo Group and Scania and electricity distributor Vattenfall as well as universities and environmental organisations .
The strategy makes a list of demands for national policy within five areas : • Sustainable batteries for a fossil-free energy and transport system : Stimulate demand for and use of sustainable batteries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new industry for Sweden : Create conditions for the development of a sustainable battery value chain in Sweden .
• Recovery and extraction of materials for a sustainable and circular battery industry : Create conditions to enable the mining industry and the recycling industry to contribute sustainably produced raw materials • Skills development for a charged future : Invest in research , innovation and education for skills development .
• Collaboration and dialogue for growth and export : Implement and follow up the action proposals through broad collaboration throughout the battery value chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , comments : `` Sweden is already today an integral part of the European battery ecosystem , but there is room for development in many parts of the value chain and here the strategy can be an important tool .
We are impressed by the commitment of everyone involved and look forward how the example of this strategy work can be used as a role model for other European countries to follow . ''
About EIT InnoEnergy EIT InnoEnergy is the leading engine for innovation and entrepreneurship in sustainable energy across Europe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and added value services to some 380 sustainable energy related start-ups , of those 30+ are in storage , including flagship players like Northvolt , a vertically integrated sustainable battery manufacturer , and Skeleton Technologies , a global leader in ultracapacitors who is playing a key role within leading OEMs .
Following the mandate of the EU Commission , EIT InnoEnergy is leading the industrial stream of the European Battery Alliance in 2017 , a European Commission initiative to build a strong and competitive European battery industry .
EIT InnoEnergy was established in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustainable energy innovations and is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology ( EIT ) .

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 11. /PRNewswire/. Yesterday a proposal of the new battery regulation was adopted by the European Commission. The proposal is ambitious – it aims at minimising both the carbon footprint and the social footprint of the batteries. This is accelerated by the European Battery Alliance, launched by EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovic in 2017, with the aim of building a sustainable battery value chain in Europe. The Swedish strategy for a sustainable battery value chain shows how actions in Sweden will contribute to the European battery industry development.
The development of sustainable battery production is not only important for achieving climate goals, but also enables the emergence of a competitive industry that creates growth and jobs throughout the battery value chain.
Svante Axelsson, national coordinator for Fossil Free Sweden, says: "The big demand for electrification in the transport sector and industry processes have made battery manufacturing a bottle-neck. Sustainably produced batteries can become the next big Swedish industry expansion."
In Bloomberg NEF´s 'Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking' Sweden is projected to climb from number 10 to number 4 by 2025, only lagging behind China, Japan and the U.S.
Sweden has a strong position, with access to raw materials, cheap and fossil-free electricity, expertise and policy instruments that promote continued electrification with high environmental requirements. In addition, Sweden has strong actors along the entire value chain, from recycling and mining to the manufacture of active materials, complete battery cells and battery packs, to applications in the automotive industry as well as in the power system.
The national strategy for a sustainable battery value chain is developed by the government initiative Fossil Free Sweden in cooperation with EIT InnoEnergy who also developed the foundation of the European Battery Strategy for the European Commission.
The strategy is supported by actors from the entire value chain from the Swedish mining industry to the battery-cell producer Northvolt, vehicle manufacturers like Volvo Cars, Volvo Group and Scania and electricity distributor Vattenfall as well as universities and environmental organisations.
The strategy makes a list of demands for national policy within five areas:
Sustainable batteries for a fossil-free energy and transport system: Stimulate demand for and use of sustainable batteries. Sustainable battery production, a new industry for Sweden: Create conditions for the development of a sustainable battery value chain in Sweden. Recovery and extraction of materials for a sustainable and circular battery industry: Create conditions to enable the mining industry and the recycling industry to contribute sustainably produced raw materials Skills development for a charged future: Invest in research, innovation and education for skills development. Collaboration and dialogue for growth and export: Implement and follow up the action proposals through broad collaboration throughout the battery value chain
Kenneth Johansson, CEO EIT InnoEnergy Scandinavia, comments: "Sweden is already today an integral part of the European battery ecosystem, but there is room for development in many parts of the value chain and here the strategy can be an important tool. We are impressed by the commitment of everyone involved and look forward how the example of this strategy work can be used as a role model for other European countries to follow."
About EIT InnoEnergy
EIT InnoEnergy is the leading engine for innovation and entrepreneurship in sustainable energy across Europe and beyond.
EIT InnoEnergy has provided investments and added value services to some 380 sustainable energy related start-ups, of those 30+ are in storage, including flagship players like Northvolt, a vertically integrated sustainable battery manufacturer, and Skeleton Technologies, a global leader in ultracapacitors who is playing a key role within leading OEMs.
Following the mandate of the EU Commission, EIT InnoEnergy is leading the industrial stream of the European Battery Alliance in 2017, a European Commission initiative to build a strong and competitive European battery industry.
EIT InnoEnergy was established in 2010, has invested €560 million in sustainable energy innovations and is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
Contact:
Megain Buchan
megain.buchan@aspectusgroup.com


Georgian government resigns

`` The government resigned .
From now on , the prime minister and the whole cabinet are acting [ ministers ] , '' TASS was told .
According to the constitution , the Georgian parliament now has two weeks to approve a new cabinet .
If it fails to do so , the president will dissolve parliament and declare snap parliamentary elections .
According to preliminary reports , the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia political party aims to renominate Giorgi Gakharia as prime minister .
Gakharia has been heading the cabinet since September 2019 .
Georgia ’ s parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on October 31 and November 21 .
On December 3 , the national Central Election Commission announced the final results of the vote , showing Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia winning the elections with 48.22 % of the ballots and securing 90 seats out of 150 in the parliament .
Apart from the ruling party , the Strength is in Unity-United Opposition party , which particularly consists of the United National Movement founded by former President Mikhail Saakashvili , also made it to the parliament with 27.18 % of the votes and 36 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secured seats in the legislative body , taking the opposition seat count to 60 .
This year , parties had to clear the 1 % vote threshold to make it to the parliament , while blocs had it increased proportionally depending on how many parties are united in it .
The Georgian opposition rejects the election results and slams the vote as falsified .

"The government resigned. From now on, the prime minister and the whole cabinet are acting [ministers]," TASS was told.
According to the constitution, the Georgian parliament now has two weeks to approve a new cabinet. If it fails to do so, the president will dissolve parliament and declare snap parliamentary elections. According to preliminary reports, the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia political party aims to renominate Giorgi Gakharia as prime minister. Gakharia has been heading the cabinet since September 2019.
Georgia’s parliamentary elections were held in two stages, on October 31 and November 21. On December 3, the national Central Election Commission announced the final results of the vote, showing Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia winning the elections with 48.22% of the ballots and securing 90 seats out of 150 in the parliament. Apart from the ruling party, the Strength is in Unity-United Opposition party, which particularly consists of the United National Movement founded by former President Mikhail Saakashvili, also made it to the parliament with 27.18% of the votes and 36 seats. Seven other opposition parties also secured seats in the legislative body, taking the opposition seat count to 60. This year, parties had to clear the 1% vote threshold to make it to the parliament, while blocs had it increased proportionally depending on how many parties are united in it. The Georgian opposition rejects the election results and slams the vote as falsified.


tass--2020-12-11--Visible to the naked eye: Kremlin slams Big Pharma’s ploy to smear Russia’s COVID vaccine

`` These aspirations [ to discredit the Russian vaccine ] are seen not only in the Kremlin .
They are visible to the naked eye , as they say , '' he insisted .
According to Peskov , `` competition is fierce . ''
`` It is good when this competition is fair , and for that matter there shouldn ’ t be much competition in this market , '' he stressed .
He noted that `` this is a whole different ballgame since competition here is being politicized , and dirty tricks are being used to discredit the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s first coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V was `` reliable , good and eagerly sought after . ''
`` Some countries and their large pharmaceutical companies indeed stoop to disreputable methods at times in order to prevent the appearance of our vaccine in various countries , and this is well known , '' the Kremlin spokesman emphasized .
He declined to specify who exactly was using such methods , explaining that it would be enough to read some recent news reports .
Earlier on Friday , Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine bankrolled from abroad was in progress .
According to Konashenkov , `` a series of pseudo-analytical investigations '' and false `` eyewitness '' testimony about the alleged danger of the Russian vaccine or rejection of the vaccination , including in the Russian Armed Forces , is being spun along social networks and Russian-language Internet resources funded by foreign grants .
On August 11 , Sputnik V registered by Russia became the world ’ s first coronavirus vaccine .
The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on September 7 , with volunteers receiving the first vaccine on September 9 .
A total of 40,000 people are involved in the program , 10,000 of them have received a placebo instead of the anti-COVID jab .
Based on interim research results , the effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine exceeds 95 % on the 42nd day after the first dose , provided that a patient gets the second dose .

"These aspirations [to discredit the Russian vaccine] are seen not only in the Kremlin. They are visible to the naked eye, as they say," he insisted. According to Peskov, "competition is fierce." "It is good when this competition is fair, and for that matter there shouldn’t be much competition in this market," he stressed. He noted that "this is a whole different ballgame since competition here is being politicized, and dirty tricks are being used to discredit the vaccine."
Peskov stressed that Russia’s first coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V was "reliable, good and eagerly sought after." "Some countries and their large pharmaceutical companies indeed stoop to disreputable methods at times in order to prevent the appearance of our vaccine in various countries, and this is well known," the Kremlin spokesman emphasized.
He declined to specify who exactly was using such methods, explaining that it would be enough to read some recent news reports.
Earlier on Friday, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov said that a smear campaign against the Russian COVID-19 vaccine bankrolled from abroad was in progress. According to Konashenkov, "a series of pseudo-analytical investigations" and false "eyewitness" testimony about the alleged danger of the Russian vaccine or rejection of the vaccination, including in the Russian Armed Forces, is being spun along social networks and Russian-language Internet resources funded by foreign grants.
Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine
On August 11, Sputnik V registered by Russia became the world’s first coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology. Its post-registration trials began in Moscow on September 7, with volunteers receiving the first vaccine on September 9. A total of 40,000 people are involved in the program, 10,000 of them have received a placebo instead of the anti-COVID jab.
Based on interim research results, the effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine exceeds 95% on the 42nd day after the first dose, provided that a patient gets the second dose.


tass--2020-12-11--Erdogan says Putin supports Baku’s idea to set up regional security platform

ANKARA , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that his Russian colleague Vladimir Putin expressed support for the idea of Baku to establish a regional security platform that may involve Russia , Turkey , Azerbaijan , Iran , Georgia and Armenia .
The Turkish president made this statement to reporters onboard his plane as he was returning from Azerbaijan .
`` Mr. Putin has a positive view on this idea .
He asked my opinion on this during a phone call .
I told him that after [ Azerbaijani President Ilham ] Aliyev approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a positive stance on it too .
Even Georgia became part of the agenda on this matter , '' the Haberturk TV channel quotes Erdogan as saying .
Besides , Erdogan stated that if Yerevan joins this platform , `` a new page may be opened '' in the relations between Turkey and Armenia .
On December 10 , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on the outcomes of talks with his Turkish colleague Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Baku and Ankara must form a multilateral security cooperation platform in the region after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
Besides , Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed .

ANKARA, December 11. /TASS/. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that his Russian colleague Vladimir Putin expressed support for the idea of Baku to establish a regional security platform that may involve Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, Georgia and Armenia. The Turkish president made this statement to reporters onboard his plane as he was returning from Azerbaijan.
"Mr. Putin has a positive view on this idea. He asked my opinion on this during a phone call. I told him that after [Azerbaijani President Ilham] Aliyev approved it, it is important that I have a positive stance on it too. Even Georgia became part of the agenda on this matter," the Haberturk TV channel quotes Erdogan as saying.
Besides, Erdogan stated that if Yerevan joins this platform, "a new page may be opened" in the relations between Turkey and Armenia.
On December 10, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on the outcomes of talks with his Turkish colleague Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Baku and Ankara must form a multilateral security cooperation platform in the region after the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. Besides, Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed.


tass--2020-12-11--Terrorist blows himself up during apprehension in Russia’s Karachay-Cherkessia

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
A terrorist blew himself up trying to break into the operational activities area @ @ @ @ @ , the National Antiterrorism Committee told journalists Friday , adding that six law enforcement officer @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Today , at about 12:00 Moscow time , an unidentified person attempted to @ @ @ @ @ area in the settlement of Uchkeken of Russia ’ s Karachay-Cherkessia Region .
The criminal @ @ @ @ @ lightly injuring six law enforcement officers .
No civilians were harmed in the incident , @ @ @ @ @ The injured currently receive medical aid , the Committee said , adding that the attacker @ @ @ @ @ operational activities continuing on .

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. A terrorist blew himself up trying to break into the operational activities area in Karachay-Cherkessia settlement of Uchkeken, the National Antiterrorism Committee told journalists Friday, adding that six law enforcement officer were injured in the incident.
"Today, at about 12:00 Moscow time, an unidentified person attempted to break into the operational activities area in the settlement of Uchkeken of Russia’s Karachay-Cherkessia Region. The criminal detonated himself during apprehension, lightly injuring six law enforcement officers. No civilians were harmed in the incident," the Committee reported.
The injured currently receive medical aid, the Committee said, adding that the attacker is being identified, with operational activities continuing on.


tass--2020-12-11--Scientists begin to produce new radiopharmaceutical for diagnosis of heart diseases

TOMSK , December 7 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists at Tomsk Polytechnic University became the first in Russia to start producing and supplying to the Research Institute of Cardiology a radiopharmaceutical based on thallium-199 isotope , which allows to quickly and accurately diagnose heart pathologies , in particular , ischemic disease .
In contrast to the thallium-201 drug used for these purposes , it is easier for the patient to tolerate , has less radiation exposure and is quickly eliminated from the body , the press service of the Tomsk university told reporters .
“ Both in the world and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is traditionally used for diagnostics in cardiology .
Tomsk Polytechnic University has developed its own technology for obtaining thallium-199 .
Its half-life amounts to 7.4 hours , which is almost ten times less than thallium-201 .
This means that it is `` softer '' , gives less dose to the patient and is eliminated from the body more quickly , '' head of the production department of radiopharmaceuticals at the TPU `` Research Nuclear Reactor '' Evgeny Nesterov was quoted as saying .
It is specified that in Russia only Tomsk Polytechnic University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production .
It is currently supplied to the Research Institute of Cardiology of the Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences .
The isotope is obtained by specialists of the Laboratory of Radioactive Substances and Technologies of Tomsk Polytechnic University at the cyclotron — a cyclic accelerator of heavy charged particles .
`` In cardiology , thallium is used , in particular , for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy .
This is the most common method for diagnosing coronary heart disease worldwide .
The patient is injected with a radiopharmaceutical with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tissues .
Healthy tissues accumulate the isotope fairly evenly , and zones with Atherosclerotic plaques accumulate it much less .
The amount of the isotope introduced is such that the radiation emitted by it is easily captured by the gamma camera , but at the same time it does not have a toxic effect on the body , '' the message reads .
Moreover , the new drug can be used to diagnose breast , pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer .

TOMSK, December 7. /TASS/. Scientists at Tomsk Polytechnic University became the first in Russia to start producing and supplying to the Research Institute of Cardiology a radiopharmaceutical based on thallium-199 isotope, which allows to quickly and accurately diagnose heart pathologies, in particular, ischemic disease. In contrast to the thallium-201 drug used for these purposes, it is easier for the patient to tolerate, has less radiation exposure and is quickly eliminated from the body, the press service of the Tomsk university told reporters.
“Both in the world and in Russia, a drug with thallium-201 isotope is traditionally used for diagnostics in cardiology. Tomsk Polytechnic University has developed its own technology for obtaining thallium-199. Its half-life amounts to 7.4 hours, which is almost ten times less than thallium-201. This means that it is "softer", gives less dose to the patient and is eliminated from the body more quickly," head of the production department of radiopharmaceuticals at the TPU "Research Nuclear Reactor" Evgeny Nesterov was quoted as saying.
It is specified that in Russia only Tomsk Polytechnic University has a license for this drug's production. It is currently supplied to the Research Institute of Cardiology of the Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The isotope is obtained by specialists of the Laboratory of Radioactive Substances and Technologies of Tomsk Polytechnic University at the cyclotron — a cyclic accelerator of heavy charged particles.
"In cardiology, thallium is used, in particular, for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. This is the most common method for diagnosing coronary heart disease worldwide. The patient is injected with a radiopharmaceutical with an isotope that is absorbed by vascular tissues. Healthy tissues accumulate the isotope fairly evenly, and zones with Atherosclerotic plaques accumulate it much less. The amount of the isotope introduced is such that the radiation emitted by it is easily captured by the gamma camera, but at the same time it does not have a toxic effect on the body," the message reads.
Moreover, the new drug can be used to diagnose breast, pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer.


tass--2020-12-11--Russian Navy frigate test-fires Tsirkon hypersonic missile from White Sea

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
The Project 22350 frigate Admiral Gorshkov successfully test-fired a Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the White Sea towards the proving ground in the northern Arkhangelsk Region , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Friday .
Russia to hold three more test launches of Tsirkon hypersonic missile by year-end '' The Project 22350 lead frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov test-fired a Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile from the White Sea against a target at the Chizha proving ground in the Arkhangelsk Region , '' the statement says .
The Tsirkon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a distance of over 350 km , the Defense Ministry said .
`` The missile flew at a speed of over Mach 8 , '' it said .
The Tsirkon hypersonic missile was test-launched as part of the trials of new weapons .
The forces of the Northern Fleet ’ s Belomorsk naval base closed the area of the test-fire , the ministry said .
The frigate Admiral Gorshkov test-launched a Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile for the first time in early October .
The missile launched from the White Sea struck a sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tsirkon developed a speed of Mach 8 and climbed to an altitude of 28 km .
The next test-launch took place in November .
A Tsirkon missile successfully struck a sea target at a distance of 450 km , developing a speed of over Mach 8 .
In February 2011 , then-Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin announced plans to develop the Tsirkon shipborne system with a hypersonic missile .
According to media reports , the missile ’ s flight tests began in 2015 .
In his State-of-the-Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the work on the Tsirkon hypersonic missile was proceeding as scheduled .
As the Russian leader said , the Tsirkon was capable of developing a speed of about Mach 9 and its striking range capability could exceed 1,000 km .
The Russian leader also said that the Tsirkon could strike both naval and ground targets .
Putin specified at the time there were plans to deploy Tsirkon on serial-produced surface ships and submarines , including the warships built or under construction for Kalibr cruise missiles .
Russia uses the 3S-14 universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypersonic weapons and Kalibr cruise missiles .
These launchers , in particular , are operational on Russian Navy Project 22350 frigates and Project 20380 corvettes .

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. The Project 22350 frigate Admiral Gorshkov successfully test-fired a Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the White Sea towards the proving ground in the northern Arkhangelsk Region, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Friday.
Russia to hold three more test launches of Tsirkon hypersonic missile by year-end
"The Project 22350 lead frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov test-fired a Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile from the White Sea against a target at the Chizha proving ground in the Arkhangelsk Region," the statement says.
The Tsirkon missile successfully struck the coastal target at a distance of over 350 km, the Defense Ministry said.
"The missile flew at a speed of over Mach 8," it said.
The Tsirkon hypersonic missile was test-launched as part of the trials of new weapons. The forces of the Northern Fleet’s Belomorsk naval base closed the area of the test-fire, the ministry said.
The frigate Admiral Gorshkov test-launched a Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile for the first time in early October. The missile launched from the White Sea struck a sea target in the Barents Sea. The Tsirkon developed a speed of Mach 8 and climbed to an altitude of 28 km. The next test-launch took place in November. A Tsirkon missile successfully struck a sea target at a distance of 450 km, developing a speed of over Mach 8.
Tsirkon hypersonic missile
In February 2011, then-Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin announced plans to develop the Tsirkon shipborne system with a hypersonic missile. According to media reports, the missile’s flight tests began in 2015.
In his State-of-the-Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in February 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the work on the Tsirkon hypersonic missile was proceeding as scheduled. As the Russian leader said, the Tsirkon was capable of developing a speed of about Mach 9 and its striking range capability could exceed 1,000 km. The Russian leader also said that the Tsirkon could strike both naval and ground targets. Putin specified at the time there were plans to deploy Tsirkon on serial-produced surface ships and submarines, including the warships built or under construction for Kalibr cruise missiles.
Russia uses the 3S-14 universal shipborne launcher for the launches of Tsirkon hypersonic weapons and Kalibr cruise missiles. These launchers, in particular, are operational on Russian Navy Project 22350 frigates and Project 20380 corvettes.


tass--2020-12-11--Putin adamant no one must be punished for transmission of public data — Kremlin

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin firmly believes that no one can be brought to criminal responsibility for dissemination of information from open sources , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Friday , commenting on the statement Putin made at the Human Rights Council meeting Thursday .
`` It is absolutely clear that no one can be brought to responsibility for the use of open data from open sources .
This is exactly what the president said , this is his point of view , his conviction that he voiced , '' the spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the concept of treason and the corresponding criminal clause must be amended , because it currently covers information , obtainable from open sources .
The president responded by saying that treason is a serious crime , a betrayal of one ’ s own people , and that traitors must be punished heavily .
However , he called attempts to push treason charges for transmission of public information a complete nonsense and a tragicomedy .
Peskov was also asked whose opinion should be taken as a priority , because the legal practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for dissemination of data from open sources .
`` A person loses freedom by the ruling of a court ; the Federal Security Service ( FSB ) does not imprison anyone and can not find anyone guilty .
It is the Prosecutor ’ s Office that presses charges , while the FSB can only investigate and carry out its constitutional functions , '' the spokesman said .
He pointed out that while indeed there were cases of persecution for spread of open-source information , `` there were fewer of them than there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or two . ''
`` The president has spoken his mind , '' the spokesman said .

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin firmly believes that no one can be brought to criminal responsibility for dissemination of information from open sources, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Friday, commenting on the statement Putin made at the Human Rights Council meeting Thursday.
"It is absolutely clear that no one can be brought to responsibility for the use of open data from open sources. This is exactly what the president said, this is his point of view, his conviction that he voiced," the spokesman said.
On Thursday, journalist Yekaterina Vinokurova said that the concept of treason and the corresponding criminal clause must be amended, because it currently covers information, obtainable from open sources. The president responded by saying that treason is a serious crime, a betrayal of one’s own people, and that traitors must be punished heavily. However, he called attempts to push treason charges for transmission of public information a complete nonsense and a tragicomedy.
Peskov was also asked whose opinion should be taken as a priority, because the legal practice indicates that there were cases of persecution for dissemination of data from open sources.
"A person loses freedom by the ruling of a court; the Federal Security Service (FSB) does not imprison anyone and cannot find anyone guilty. It is the Prosecutor’s Office that presses charges, while the FSB can only investigate and carry out its constitutional functions," the spokesman said.
He pointed out that while indeed there were cases of persecution for spread of open-source information, "there were fewer of them than there are fingers on one hand - maybe one or two."
"The president has spoken his mind," the spokesman said.


tass--2020-12-11--Over 270 endangered seals wash up dead on Russian beach in four days

MAKHACHKALA , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Specialists of the territorial department of the Russian Federal Agency for Fishery in Dagestan have found the bodies of 272 Caspian seals washed up ashore of the Caspian Sea on December 6-10 , the department ’ s press service informed TASS on Friday .
The cause of death is currently being determined .
`` From December 6 to December 10 , 272 dead seals have been detected .
The experts searched the shore from Makhachkala to Sulak ( in the northern direction - TASS ) and from Makhachkala to Samur ( in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counted them one by one .
We do not rule out that there may be more , as those are only the seals that washed up ashore on the researched territory , '' a representative of the department informed , adding that the majority of dead seals have been found in the area between Makhachkala and the mouth of River Sulak .
The press service added that the investigation continues , with the cause of mass death of marine animals currently being determined by experts of the Volga-Caspian Branch of the Russian Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as experts of the Russian Academy of Sciences that arrived to Dagestan from Moscow .
Earlier , on December 6 , the Volga-Caspian Branch of the Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography informed that bodies of dead seals had been found on the shore of the Caspian Sea in Dagestan .
The press service of the Russian Federal Agency for Fishery suggested that their deaths could have been caused by a viral or bacterial infection exacerbated by unfavorable weather conditions in the area .
The Caspian seal is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This species was declared endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2008 .
In 2015 , Dagestan approved a program aimed to preserve the Caspian seal .
In 2020 , this mammal was included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation .

MAKHACHKALA, December 11. /TASS/. Specialists of the territorial department of the Russian Federal Agency for Fishery in Dagestan have found the bodies of 272 Caspian seals washed up ashore of the Caspian Sea on December 6-10, the department’s press service informed TASS on Friday. The cause of death is currently being determined.
"From December 6 to December 10, 272 dead seals have been detected. The experts searched the shore from Makhachkala to Sulak (in the northern direction - TASS) and from Makhachkala to Samur (in the southern direction - TASS), we counted them one by one. We do not rule out that there may be more, as those are only the seals that washed up ashore on the researched territory," a representative of the department informed, adding that the majority of dead seals have been found in the area between Makhachkala and the mouth of River Sulak.
The press service added that the investigation continues, with the cause of mass death of marine animals currently being determined by experts of the Volga-Caspian Branch of the Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, as well as experts of the Russian Academy of Sciences that arrived to Dagestan from Moscow.
Earlier, on December 6, the Volga-Caspian Branch of the Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography informed that bodies of dead seals had been found on the shore of the Caspian Sea in Dagestan. The press service of the Russian Federal Agency for Fishery suggested that their deaths could have been caused by a viral or bacterial infection exacerbated by unfavorable weather conditions in the area.
The Caspian seal is the only mammal living in the Caspian Sea. This species was declared endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2008. In 2015, Dagestan approved a program aimed to preserve the Caspian seal. In 2020, this mammal was included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation.


tass--2020-12-11--Kremlin says no plans for another lockdown in Russia amid coronavirus pandemic

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s mortality rates have grown amid the coronavirus pandemic , but this is a world trend , Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media on Friday , adding that there were no plans for another lockdown yet .
About the growing mortality rates amid the COVID-19 pandemic the Kremlin official said : `` Possibly I will advise you to see yesterday ’ s explanations by Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova .
She explained everything that concerns the mortality rates .
Regrettably , it is true that COVID has added to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He remarked that it was a world trend .
`` All other explanations were provided by Deputy Prime Minister Golikova .
Let me say once again that there are no plans for a lockdown , '' Peskov stressed .
Earlier , Golikova said Russia ’ s mortality rate in January-October 2020 was up 9.7 % from that in the same period last year .
She remarked that without the coronavirus pandemic at least 19 regions of Russia would have seen a decline in mortality rates in the reviewed period .
In April-October , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 37,566 deaths .
In the reviewed period 78,247 people infected with the coronavirus died .
The authorities expect higher pandemic-related rates in November and December .

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. Russia’s mortality rates have grown amid the coronavirus pandemic, but this is a world trend, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media on Friday, adding that there were no plans for another lockdown yet.
About the growing mortality rates amid the COVID-19 pandemic the Kremlin official said: "Possibly I will advise you to see yesterday’s explanations by Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova. She explained everything that concerns the mortality rates. Regrettably, it is true that COVID has added to the rates," Peskov said.
He remarked that it was a world trend.
"All other explanations were provided by Deputy Prime Minister Golikova. Let me say once again that there are no plans for a lockdown," Peskov stressed.
Earlier, Golikova said Russia’s mortality rate in January-October 2020 was up 9.7% from that in the same period last year. She remarked that without the coronavirus pandemic at least 19 regions of Russia would have seen a decline in mortality rates in the reviewed period.
In April-October, the coronavirus was the immediate cause of 37,566 deaths. In the reviewed period 78,247 people infected with the coronavirus died. The authorities expect higher pandemic-related rates in November and December.


tass--2020-12-11--New US anti-Russian sanctions are contrived, Foreign Ministry says

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
New US sanctions against Russian people and companies , connected to head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov , are contrived , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a commentary published Friday .
`` This new restrictions package , as is a custom with the Americans , is contrived and not based on evidence .
This is a clunky PR move , aimed at peddling the image of Russians as ‘ human rights violators ’ , '' she said .
`` Those who made those lists have no shortage of imagination , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring an entire football club , well known beyond Russia , under these restrictions . ''
Zakharova recalled that , previously , the US imposed sanctions against Moscow ’ s Tchaika swimming pool .
`` Apparently , because it is located near Moscow ’ s Crimean Bridge , '' she quipped .
`` One day , we will ask our American colleagues what exactly in the georgraphy of our country made them uneasy about a football club . ''
On Thursday , the US Department of the Treasury included a number of Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of Chechnya , whom the US authorities consider involved in `` serious violations of human rights '' in sanctions lists .
Kadyrov himself , previously hit by restrictions , has been blacklisted under the `` global Magnitsky Act . ''
The same act also imposes restrictions against the Akhmat Football Club , the Akhmat Absolute Championship company , the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation , the Megastroyinvest company , the Akhmat mixed martial arts club , and the Chechnya Mineral Waters company .
The US authorities believe that all these companies either belong to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. New US sanctions against Russian people and companies, connected to head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov, are contrived, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a commentary published Friday.
"This new restrictions package, as is a custom with the Americans, is contrived and not based on evidence. This is a clunky PR move, aimed at peddling the image of Russians as ‘human rights violators’," she said.
"Those who made those lists have no shortage of imagination," she continued. "They managed to bring an entire football club, well known beyond Russia, under these restrictions."
Zakharova recalled that, previously, the US imposed sanctions against Moscow’s Tchaika swimming pool.
"Apparently, because it is located near Moscow’s Crimean Bridge," she quipped. "One day, we will ask our American colleagues what exactly in the georgraphy of our country made them uneasy about a football club."
On Thursday, the US Department of the Treasury included a number of Russian people and companies, connected to the head of Chechnya, whom the US authorities consider involved in "serious violations of human rights" in sanctions lists. Kadyrov himself, previously hit by restrictions, has been blacklisted under the "global Magnitsky Act."
The same act also imposes restrictions against the Akhmat Football Club, the Akhmat Absolute Championship company, the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation, the Megastroyinvest company, the Akhmat mixed martial arts club, and the Chechnya Mineral Waters company. The US authorities believe that all these companies either belong to or are controlled by Ramzan Kadyrov.


tass--2020-12-11--Press review: Zelensky goads Belarus and Israel summons Russian envoy over remarks

Izvestia : Ukraine picks fight with Belarus in favor of the West The leaders of Ukraine and Lithuania have agreed `` to support Belarusian civil society . ''
According to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda , Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky promised to join the EU ’ s package of sanctions against Belarusian officials .
However , despite its assurances , Kiev has changed its mind at the last minute , refusing to introduce restrictions against Belarus , considering its close trade ties with Minsk , Izvestia reports .
The newspaper looks at why Ukraine decided to pick a fight with Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minsk is completely justified in taking offense at the behavior of their Ukrainian colleagues , the newspaper notes .
When the military conflict in eastern Ukraine erupted , Belarus took on a neutral position , trying to act as a mediator to solve the conflict and providing a platform for negotiations .
The Minsk Agreements were signed in the Belarusian capital and formed the basis of the Donbass conflict regulation .
`` The Belarusian leader often named Ukraine ’ s rapprochement with the West as a negative example .
Zelensky did not like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Moscow , while distancing itself from the West and Kiev .
He had to react to that somehow .
However , the Ukrainian president is trying to maintain some freedom to maneuver in order to carry on trade and diplomatic relations in case the situation in Minsk changes .
Unlike the Poles and the Lithuanians , Zelensky does not want to burn bridges in case of any unexpected turns , '' Russian International Affairs Council ( RIAC ) Director General Andrey Kortunov told Izvestia .
Senior Researcher at the Russian State University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zelensky ’ s foreign policy is similar to that of his predecessors .
The political analyst added , however , that Kiev is unlikely to back up its rhetoric with actions .
`` Belarus is an important trade partner for Ukraine .
On some trade fundamentals , the Ukrainian economy depends on Belarusian export , so in this case , I don ’ t think there will be any large-scale sanctions from Kiev , '' the expert said .
`` However , it will place itself in opposition to the political regime in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia is at the epicenter of a political dispute , Kommersant reports .
Incumbent President Igor Dodon , who is set to leave office soon as Maia Sandu ’ s presidency approaches , has recalled the country ’ s ambassador to Russia , and is planning to appoint one of his supporters as the new envoy .
Vladimir Golovatiuc , an MP representing the Dodon-led Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova , has been proposed as a candidate .
Golovatiuc ’ s appointment may sour Russia ’ s relations with Maia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her official term on December 24 .
This week , Moldovan Ambassador to Russia Andrei Negutsa has been recalled due to a drug scandal .
A large batch of drugs was found on the embassy ’ s bus on December 5 as it was crossing the Moldovan-Ukrainian border .
Appointing a new Moldovan ambassador to Russia is Dodon ’ s main goal that he will try to achieve before his departure .
There is not a lot of time left given that on December 10 , the Moldovan Constitutional Court finalized the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 24 , the inauguration of the new president will be held .
If Moscow decides to meet the outgoing president halfway and agrees to approve the candidate proposed by Dodon , it may sour the beginning of relations with President-elect Maia Sandu .
Kommersant ’ s sources note that Sandu was expecting Negutsa to hold on to his position before the drug scandal .
`` Any other ambassador will work for Dodon , and not the state .
They won ’ t try to iron out difficulties , but instead work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , any diplomat in this position is preferable to Dodon ’ s personal representative , '' a source in Sandu ’ s camp told Kommersant .
Russian-Israeli relations have begun to exhibit worrying symptoms , Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports .
Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov gave an interview to the Jerusalem Post , which sparked a diplomatic scandal and forced the embassy to provide an explanation .
In his interview , the ambassador harshly criticized Israel .
`` The problem in the region is not Iranian activities , '' Viktorov told the Jerusalem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of understanding between countries and noncompliance with UN resolutions in the Israel-Arab and Israel-Palestinian conflict . ''
The Israeli Foreign Ministry summoned Viktorov to receive an explanation of his statements .
The Russian Embassy in Israel stated that `` this is the case when media representatives add their own connotations to the interview . ''
However , the article shows that Viktorov did say some harsh statements .
Despite the embassy ’ s explanations , the publication of such an article in the Jerusalem Post points to a change in Russian-Israeli relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency of Joe Biden is likely to lead to Russia and the US having more or less similar stances on the nuclear program of Israel ’ s main regional adversary : Iran .
Biden is considered a supporter of the US return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear deal , which Russia has defended amid incumbent US President Donald Trump ’ s policy `` of maximum pressure '' on Iran .
Israel can only react negatively to the idea of renewed negotiations with Iran that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global powers .
The Jewish state does not believe that Tehran ’ s nuclear ambitions can be curbed through dialogue .
In these conditions , the Israelis are more likely to use unilateral methods and act by force , which the assassination of Iranian nuclear physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has shown , the newspaper suggests .
The return to the JCPOA can be a good and rare example of successful cooperation between Moscow and Washington with the aid of Europe , however , it may also sour relations with the Israelis and raise military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to look for new ways to maintain the balance of its policy in the Middle East , Nezavisimaya Gazeta concluded .
Judging by the actions of Russia ’ s Central Bank using the criteria named by Russians themselves , the regulator is not exercising its functions well enough , despite the favorable relations with the Russian government and positive evaluations by Western experts , Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports .
A poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation shows that the majority of citizens think that the state should stabilize and reinforce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , the Russian currency continued to drop against the dollar , which affected the lives of regular citizens .
Over half of those polled ( 53 % ) think that a strong ruble is beneficial for Russia ’ s economy , while 19 % hold the opposite opinion .
A whopping 28 % remained undecided on this issue .
Meanwhile , 38 % of respondents believe that the Russian government should strengthen the ruble against other currencies , 30 % said that the Russian state should keep the ruble stable .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russians think that the government must not allow a depreciation of the ruble .
Judging by these criteria , it can be said that the Bank of Russia has not been exercising its functions well enough , since throughout 2020 , the ruble has declined by about 20 % against the dollar due to a 25 % decrease in oil prices , Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes .
`` Despite the fact that in accordance with the federal law on the Central Bank of the Russian Federation , one of the main functions of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ruble , essentially , the Russian currency has been adrift since 2014 , '' Anna Zaytseva , an analyst with Finam Holdings , told the paper .
Other experts point out , however , that some unforeseeable factors have been in play in 2020 .
`` No one could have predicted such a factor as the pandemic , the restrictions related to it and so on .
However , we have to note that there have been no sudden and shocking events in the economy and the financial system of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is due to the regulator ’ s efforts , which of course , did everything possible to alleviate the fluctuations of the ruble exchange rate , especially in the first half of the year , '' Artem Tuzov , executive director of the capital market department at Univer Capital , told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
German researchers from the Ortenau Clinic in Offenburg and the Friedrich Schiller University Jena have decided to test the hypothesis claiming that bee venom may be used to treat and prevent COVID-19 , Izvestia informs .
The researchers polled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 people ( 22 % ) informed that they have recovered from the disease , two people have died ; 41 % informed that they have not been infected despite coming into contact with COVID-19 patients , and 37 % noted that they may have come into contact with COVID-19 patients , but they did not get sick .
Most people in the last two groups have used propolis , a compound produced by bees .
Beekeeping products , including bee venom , are strong immunomodulators , which have a positive effect on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vedunova , who heads the Institute of Biology and Biomedicine at Lobachevsky University .
`` People who in one way or another systematically face various beekeeping products have a very good immune system , and they are a lot less prone to infections , including viral and respiratory diseases , '' the expert said .
Other experts are more skeptical about the use of beekeeping products to prevent and treat COVID-19 .
`` Right now , we have no convincing and definitive proof received in accordance with the basic principles of practical medicine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Nikita Zhuravlyov , a lab worker at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology , told the paper .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: Ukraine picks fight with Belarus in favor of the West
Read also Third package of EU sanctions against Belarus expected shortly
The leaders of Ukraine and Lithuania have agreed "to support Belarusian civil society." According to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky promised to join the EU’s package of sanctions against Belarusian officials. However, despite its assurances, Kiev has changed its mind at the last minute, refusing to introduce restrictions against Belarus, considering its close trade ties with Minsk, Izvestia reports. The newspaper looks at why Ukraine decided to pick a fight with Belarus, which has always supported Kiev. Minsk is completely justified in taking offense at the behavior of their Ukrainian colleagues, the newspaper notes. When the military conflict in eastern Ukraine erupted, Belarus took on a neutral position, trying to act as a mediator to solve the conflict and providing a platform for negotiations. The Minsk Agreements were signed in the Belarusian capital and formed the basis of the Donbass conflict regulation. "The Belarusian leader often named Ukraine’s rapprochement with the West as a negative example. Zelensky did not like that Lukashenko was becoming closer and closer with Moscow, while distancing itself from the West and Kiev. He had to react to that somehow. However, the Ukrainian president is trying to maintain some freedom to maneuver in order to carry on trade and diplomatic relations in case the situation in Minsk changes. Unlike the Poles and the Lithuanians, Zelensky does not want to burn bridges in case of any unexpected turns," Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) Director General Andrey Kortunov told Izvestia. Senior Researcher at the Russian State University for the Humanities Alexander Gushchin noted that Zelensky’s foreign policy is similar to that of his predecessors. The political analyst added, however, that Kiev is unlikely to back up its rhetoric with actions. "Belarus is an important trade partner for Ukraine. On some trade fundamentals, the Ukrainian economy depends on Belarusian export, so in this case, I don’t think there will be any large-scale sanctions from Kiev," the expert said. "However, it will place itself in opposition to the political regime in Minsk." Kommersant: Moldova’s Dodon recalls ambassador to Russia as Sandu’s presidency approaches
Read also Moldovan president vows to sign Russian language bill before Sandu takes office
The Moldovan Ambassador to Russia is at the epicenter of a political dispute, Kommersant reports. Incumbent President Igor Dodon, who is set to leave office soon as Maia Sandu’s presidency approaches, has recalled the country’s ambassador to Russia, and is planning to appoint one of his supporters as the new envoy. Vladimir Golovatiuc, an MP representing the Dodon-led Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova, has been proposed as a candidate. Golovatiuc’s appointment may sour Russia’s relations with Maia Sandu, who is set to begin her official term on December 24. This week, Moldovan Ambassador to Russia Andrei Negutsa has been recalled due to a drug scandal. A large batch of drugs was found on the embassy’s bus on December 5 as it was crossing the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. Appointing a new Moldovan ambassador to Russia is Dodon’s main goal that he will try to achieve before his departure. There is not a lot of time left given that on December 10, the Moldovan Constitutional Court finalized the results of the November election, and on December 24, the inauguration of the new president will be held. If Moscow decides to meet the outgoing president halfway and agrees to approve the candidate proposed by Dodon, it may sour the beginning of relations with President-elect Maia Sandu. Kommersant’s sources note that Sandu was expecting Negutsa to hold on to his position before the drug scandal. "Any other ambassador will work for Dodon, and not the state. They won’t try to iron out difficulties, but instead work to exacerbate them. Judging by this logic, any diplomat in this position is preferable to Dodon’s personal representative," a source in Sandu’s camp told Kommersant. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Israel summons Russian envoy over remarks
Russian-Israeli relations have begun to exhibit worrying symptoms, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports. Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov gave an interview to the Jerusalem Post, which sparked a diplomatic scandal and forced the embassy to provide an explanation. In his interview, the ambassador harshly criticized Israel. "The problem in the region is not Iranian activities," Viktorov told the Jerusalem Post. "It’s a lack of understanding between countries and noncompliance with UN resolutions in the Israel-Arab and Israel-Palestinian conflict." The Israeli Foreign Ministry summoned Viktorov to receive an explanation of his statements. The Russian Embassy in Israel stated that "this is the case when media representatives add their own connotations to the interview." However, the article shows that Viktorov did say some harsh statements. Despite the embassy’s explanations, the publication of such an article in the Jerusalem Post points to a change in Russian-Israeli relations, Nezavisimaya Gazeta stated. The looming presidency of Joe Biden is likely to lead to Russia and the US having more or less similar stances on the nuclear program of Israel’s main regional adversary: Iran. Biden is considered a supporter of the US return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear deal, which Russia has defended amid incumbent US President Donald Trump’s policy "of maximum pressure" on Iran. Israel can only react negatively to the idea of renewed negotiations with Iran that is likely to be supported by two global powers. The Jewish state does not believe that Tehran’s nuclear ambitions can be curbed through dialogue. In these conditions, the Israelis are more likely to use unilateral methods and act by force, which the assassination of Iranian nuclear physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has shown, the newspaper suggests. The return to the JCPOA can be a good and rare example of successful cooperation between Moscow and Washington with the aid of Europe, however, it may also sour relations with the Israelis and raise military risks. In this regard, Russia will have to look for new ways to maintain the balance of its policy in the Middle East, Nezavisimaya Gazeta concluded. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Central Bank fails to convince Russians of ruble’s stability
Read also Digital ruble circulation in international transfers feasible — Central Bank
Judging by the actions of Russia’s Central Bank using the criteria named by Russians themselves, the regulator is not exercising its functions well enough, despite the favorable relations with the Russian government and positive evaluations by Western experts, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports. A poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation shows that the majority of citizens think that the state should stabilize and reinforce the ruble. On the contrary, throughout 2020, the Russian currency continued to drop against the dollar, which affected the lives of regular citizens. Over half of those polled (53%) think that a strong ruble is beneficial for Russia’s economy, while 19% hold the opposite opinion. A whopping 28% remained undecided on this issue. Meanwhile, 38% of respondents believe that the Russian government should strengthen the ruble against other currencies, 30% said that the Russian state should keep the ruble stable. In other words, nearly 70% of Russians think that the government must not allow a depreciation of the ruble. Judging by these criteria, it can be said that the Bank of Russia has not been exercising its functions well enough, since throughout 2020, the ruble has declined by about 20% against the dollar due to a 25% decrease in oil prices, Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes. "Despite the fact that in accordance with the federal law on the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, one of the main functions of the regulator is ensuring the protection and stability of the ruble, essentially, the Russian currency has been adrift since 2014," Anna Zaytseva, an analyst with Finam Holdings, told the paper. Other experts point out, however, that some unforeseeable factors have been in play in 2020. "No one could have predicted such a factor as the pandemic, the restrictions related to it and so on. However, we have to note that there have been no sudden and shocking events in the economy and the financial system of our country. In many ways, this is due to the regulator’s efforts, which of course, did everything possible to alleviate the fluctuations of the ruble exchange rate, especially in the first half of the year," Artem Tuzov, executive director of the capital market department at Univer Capital, told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Izvestia: Researchers propose using bee venom against COVID-19
Read also Russian biochemists create database of scorpion venom


tass--2020-12-11--Russian Navy to get 4 surface ships by year-end

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
A minesweeper , a large amphibious assault ship and two new corvettes are set to enter service with the Russian Navy until the end of this year , Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov said in an interview with the Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Friday .
`` In December , the large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov , the corvette Aldar Tsydenzhapov and the mine countermeasures ship Yakov Balyayev will become operational in the Navy .
There are also plans to accept the corvette Gremyashchiy for service , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shipbuilders have built 40 warships , submarines , support vessels and craft for the Russian Navy this year , the admiral said .
`` The Navy Main Command is in constant working contact with design organizations and enterprises of the United Shipbuilding Corporation and other shipyards and ship repair factories , '' he noted .
The Russian shipbuilders also continue the serial construction of Borei-A strategic missile-carrying underwater cruisers , Yasen-M multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines , Project 636.3 diesel-electric submarines , frigate-class ocean-going ships , corvettes and small missile ships for the Navy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vice-Admiral Alexander Moiseyev said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on December 9 that the state trials of the latest Project Yasen-M nuclear-powered submarine Kazan were due to be completed by the end of this year .

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. A minesweeper, a large amphibious assault ship and two new corvettes are set to enter service with the Russian Navy until the end of this year, Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov said in an interview with the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Friday.
"In December, the large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov, the corvette Aldar Tsydenzhapov and the mine countermeasures ship Yakov Balyayev will become operational in the Navy. There are also plans to accept the corvette Gremyashchiy for service," the Navy chief said.
Overall, the shipbuilders have built 40 warships, submarines, support vessels and craft for the Russian Navy this year, the admiral said.
"The Navy Main Command is in constant working contact with design organizations and enterprises of the United Shipbuilding Corporation and other shipyards and ship repair factories," he noted.
The Russian shipbuilders also continue the serial construction of Borei-A strategic missile-carrying underwater cruisers, Yasen-M multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines, Project 636.3 diesel-electric submarines, frigate-class ocean-going ships, corvettes and small missile ships for the Navy, the admiral said.
Northern Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Alexander Moiseyev said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on December 9 that the state trials of the latest Project Yasen-M nuclear-powered submarine Kazan were due to be completed by the end of this year.


tass--2020-12-11--Moscow records 7,215 new coronavirus cases

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Another 7,215 cases of COVID-19 were registered in Moscow in the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ to 679,163 , the Russian anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Friday .
On the previous @ @ @ @ @ recorded in the city , the increase stands at 1.1 % .
Over the past @ @ @ @ @ recovered in Moscow , while 77 people died from COVID-19 .
Since the pandemic began @ @ @ @ @ the Russian capital and 9,722 died .
Currently , there are 150,552 active cases in @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. Another 7,215 cases of COVID-19 were registered in Moscow in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 679,163, the Russian anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Friday.
On the previous day, 6,730 infections were recorded in the city, the increase stands at 1.1%.
Over the past 24 hours, 5,920 patients recovered in Moscow, while 77 people died from COVID-19.
Since the pandemic began, 518,889 people recovered in the Russian capital and 9,722 died. Currently, there are 150,552 active cases in the city.


tass--2020-12-11--Russian radars track 30 foreign spy planes and 6 drones over week

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russian radars tracked 36 foreign aircraft that conducted air reconnaissance near Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ past week , the Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper reported on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ show that 30 foreign spy planes and six drones conducted air reconnaissance along Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ past week .
All the flights by foreign spy aircraft were tracked by Russian radar @ @ @ @ @ the Russian state border were allowed , the paper stressed .
In the past week @ @ @ @ @ 131 flight shifts at 60 aerodromes as part of their combat training , the Defense @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. Russian radars tracked 36 foreign aircraft that conducted air reconnaissance near Russia’s state borders in the past week, the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper reported on Friday.
The paper’s infographics show that 30 foreign spy planes and six drones conducted air reconnaissance along Russia’s state borders in the past week. All the flights by foreign spy aircraft were tracked by Russian radar stations. No violations of the Russian state border were allowed, the paper stressed.
In the past week, Russian pilots carried out 131 flight shifts at 60 aerodromes as part of their combat training, the Defense Ministry said.


tass--2020-12-11--Russia documents 28,585 COVID-19 cases in past 24 hours

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has documented 28,585 cases of COVID-19 , a disease caused by the @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours , with the total amount of cases reaching 2,597,711 , the anti-coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
In relative terms , the increase rate reaches 1.1 % , the crisis @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours , 7,215 cases of COVID-19 have been documented in Moscow , 3,779 @ @ @ @ @ in the Moscow Region , 495 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 427 in Karelia @ @ @ @ @ Region .
Currently , there are 491,978 active COVID-19 cases in Russia .

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. Russia has documented 28,585 cases of COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the past 24 hours, with the total amount of cases reaching 2,597,711, the anti-coronavirus crisis center informed reporters on Friday.
In relative terms, the increase rate reaches 1.1%, the crisis center noted.
In the past 24 hours, 7,215 cases of COVID-19 have been documented in Moscow, 3,779 in St. Petersburg, 1,370 in the Moscow Region, 495 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 427 in Karelia and 407 in the Arkhangelsk Region.
Currently, there are 491,978 active COVID-19 cases in Russia.


tass--2020-12-11--Russia reports record-high 613 daily coronavirus deaths

Novel coronavirus can hardly be totally eliminated , says expert MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ up by 613 in the past 24 hours , compared to 562 on the previous @ @ @ @ @ to 45,893 , the national anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Thursday .
The provisional death @ @ @ @ @ % In the past 24 hours , 69 patients died in St. Petersburg , followed @ @ @ @ @ 29 ) , the Voronezh Region ( 28 ) , the Rostov Region ( 26 @ @ @ @ @ ( 19 ) .

Novel coronavirus can hardly be totally eliminated, says expert
MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Russia went up by 613 in the past 24 hours, compared to 562 on the previous day, bringing the total to 45,893, the national anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Thursday.
The provisional death rate has risen to 1.77%
In the past 24 hours, 69 patients died in St. Petersburg, followed by the Moscow Region (29), the Voronezh Region (28), the Rostov Region (26) and the Chelyabinsk Region (19).


tass--2020-12-11--Russia wants to introduce visa-free entry with Mexico

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is interested in striking a bilateral agreement with Mexico to grant citizens @ @ @ @ @ entry when travelling , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his article marking the @ @ @ @ @ diplomatic relations between Russia and Mexico .
`` We are working on improving the legal @ @ @ @ @ Russian-Mexican relations , '' he stressed .
`` We are interested in signing a full-fledged @ @ @ @ @ for trips of citizens of the two countries which would come to be a symbolic @ @ @ @ @ increasing numbers of tourist and business exchanges . ''
In January 2017 , Mexico introduced @ @ @ @ @ citizens .
Russian tourists only need to obtain an e-permit to stay in the country @ @ @ @ @ , while some citizens don ’ t require any visas at all .

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. Russia is interested in striking a bilateral agreement with Mexico to grant citizens of the both states visa-free entry when travelling, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his article marking the 130th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Mexico.
"We are working on improving the legal and treaty basis of the Russian-Mexican relations," he stressed. "We are interested in signing a full-fledged agreement on introducing visa-free entry for trips of citizens of the two countries which would come to be a symbolic agreement in the context of increasing numbers of tourist and business exchanges."
In January 2017, Mexico introduced simplified entry rules for Russian citizens. Russian tourists only need to obtain an e-permit to stay in the country for up to 180 days, while some citizens don’t require any visas at all.