First Russian Aframax Tanker “Vladimir Monomakh” Launched at Zvezda Shipyard
The first Russian Aframax tanker “Vladimir Monomakh” was heaved off at the Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex
Russian Rape Victims Charged With Violating Virus Lockdown
Update: Authorities declined to fine the victims “because they turned to police due to threats to their lives and health,” the regional coronavirus task force said Wednesday. Police in Siberia have cited two teenagers for breaking coronavirus stay-at-home orders after they reported that they were raped on the street, the regional Tayga.info news website reported Tuesday.…
Putin’s Spokesman Hospitalized With Coronavirus
President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov has been hospitalized with coronavirus, he told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency Tuesday. “Yes, I got sick, I’m being treated,” Peskov told Interfax. The Kremlin spokesman is at least the second person in Putin’s administration and the fifth senior government official to test positive for Covid-19. In addition to Culture…
Tune into the Eurovision Request Hour
For all you Eurovision fans, heartbroken that it’s not going to happen this year, we have the next best thing. In fact, maybe it’s even better. At 5 p.m. Moscow time you can tune into “Eurovision request hour.” Ask for your favorite winning song from any year and you’ll hear it live, played by Steve…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | May 12
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 283,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 232,243 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 2,116 deaths. May 12: 3 things you need to know today 1. Russia confirmed 10,899 new coronavirus infections…
Rosneft ‘Controls’ Russia’s Leading Business Paper Vedomosti Through Debt: Investigation
Russian state-controlled oil giant Rosneft exercises leverage over the country’s leading business newspaper Vedomosti through multibillion-dollar debt held by its bank, a multi-outlet investigation said Tuesday. The findings follow widespread suspicion of Rosneft’s involvement in high-profile censorship scandals at Vedomosti, including its new chief editor changing a headline on the Russian government’s majority stake in…
5 Die in ‘Nightmare’ Fire at Russian Virus Hospital
Five people died in a fire in a hospital for coronavirus patients in Russia’s second-largest city of St. Petersburg on Tuesday, with some victims attached to ventilators, officials said. Another 150 people were evacuated after the blaze broke out on the sixth floor of the Saint George hospital, the emergencies ministry said, one of a string…
Private Healthcare Contributes Little to Russia’s Coronavirus Response
Russia’s private hospitals are playing a limited role in treating Covid-19 patients as insufficient government funding and an outdated insurance system are making it difficult for them to switch to specialist treatment. With Russia’s official tally of coronavirus infections over 230,000 on Tuesday, the country is scrambling to find extra hospital beds to deal with…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Surge Past 230K as Putin Eases National Lockdown
Despite reporting more than 10,000 new cases a day for over a week, President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced that a “non-working” period in place for six weeks would be lifted from Tuesday. A lockdown in Moscow, the epicenter of the crisis in Russia, remains in place until the end of May, but even in…
Officers Launch Flashmob to Demand Freedom for Russia’s ‘Police Ombudsman’
Russian police officers have organized an online flashmob in support of their former colleague, the founder of a popular online community that reports abuse within law enforcement who has been jailed on extortion charges. Vladimir Vorontsov, who founded the “Police Ombudsman” social media channel, has had his home searched by police twice within a month.…
Severstal’s Audit Committee lauches cosultatio o its draft Audit ad Assurace Policy
May 12, 2020 Severstal’s Audit Committee has launched a consultation process with investors and stakeholders on its draft Audit and Assurance Policy. This governance initiative implements a recommendation of Sir Donald Brydon who issued a report in December 2019 into the quality and effectiveness of audit. At the same time the Board of Severstal has…
Putin Eases Nationwide Virus Lockdown as Russia Becomes 3rd Most-Infected Country
President Vladimir Putin has eased Russia’s “non-working” period imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus even as Russia emerges as Europe’s new coronavirus hotspot. During the nationwide “non-working” period, all non-essential businesses are required to close and employers ordered to continue paying staff. Apart from this, Putin has largely handed decision-making power on lockdown measures…
400 Russian Cadets Infected With Coronavirus After Moscow V-Day Rehearsals – Proekt
At least 376 Russian cadets have been infected with the coronavirus after participating in rehearsals for the postponed Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square, the Proekt investigative website reported Monday. Russia marked the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with only military plane flyovers and a fireworks…
Springtime Blossoms Arrive in Moscow
After a historically warm, damp and grey winter, spring has finally arrived in Moscow, bringing a much-needed dose of sunshine and color back into our lives. The only problem? Most of the city’s residents are unable to enjoy the beautiful season due to the coronavirus lockdown. If you’re also stuck at home while the world…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | May 11
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 283,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 221,344 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 2,009 deaths. May 11: 3 things you need to know today 1. Russia confirmed 11,656 new coronavirus infections…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Surge Past 220K in Latest One-Day Record Spike
The number of infections in Russia has been rising by more than 10,000 a day since Sunday, in contrast to countries in western Europe that are taking steps to ease lockdown measures. Officials attribute the increase to mass testing and detecting asymptomatic cases not always counted in other countries. The country’s reported mortality rate remains…
9 Die in Care Home Fire Outside Moscow
A fire broke out in a retirement home in the Moscow region, killing at least nine people, local authorities said Monday. The blaze in the privately-owned care home in the town of Krasnogorsk started at around midnight Sunday and was extinguished within an hour, emergencies services said. “Nine people died on site and nine more…
Moscow Sees 20% Surge in Mortality in April: Official Data
Moscow recorded 20% more fatalities in April 2020 compared to its average April mortality total over the past decade, according to newly published preliminary data from Moscow’s civil registry office. The data comes as Russia sees the fastest growth in coronavirus infections in Europe, while its mortality rate remains much lower than in many countries.…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | May 10
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 270,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 198,676 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 1,827 deaths. May 10: 3 things you need to know today 1. Russia confirmed 11,012 new coronavirus infections…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Surge Past 200k
The number of infections in Russia has been rising by more than 10,000 a day since Sunday, in contrast to countries in western Europe that are taking steps to ease lockdown measures. Officials attribute the increase to mass testing and detecting asymptomatic cases not always counted in other countries. The country’s reported mortality rate remains…
Fire at Moscow Coronavirus Hospital Kills One
One person died after a fire broke out in a hospital treating coronavirus patients in northern Moscow, forcing an evacuation, emergencies officials said Saturday. The Spasokukotsky hospital No. 50 was treating nearly 700 patients infected with the coronavirus as of Friday. It was not clear what started the fire or whether it affected the wing…
Commemorate May 9 in the Arts
Since all over the world people cannot go out to commemorate the end of the war today, cities, countries and organizations have organized a plethora of events online. Here are five events in Russian cultural life — or from Soviet cultural life — that celebrate, mourn, and commemorate the war years. Roman Vityuk Theater On…
Putin Calls for ‘Invincible’ Unity as Russians Mark Victory Day on Lockdown
President Vladimir Putin told Russians they are “invincible” when they stand together as the country on Saturday marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II on lockdown from the coronavirus. With the number of virus cases surging and authorities urging Russians to stay in their homes, celebrations of this year’s Victory Day…
The True Meaning of Victory Day
Once when I was comparing Moscow and St. Petersburg in a column for this newspaper, I wrote that the Russian capital is not as easily understood or straightforward as its northern neighbor and needs a bit of explaining so that a visitor can accept it. Victory Day celebrations in Russia also require some explanation. Seventy-five…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | May 9
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 270,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 198,676 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 1,827 deaths. May 9: 3 things you need to know today Russia confirmed 10,817 new coronavirus…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Jump by 10,817 to Almost 200K
The number of infections in Russia has been rising by more than 10,000 a day since Sunday, in contrast to countries in western Europe that are taking steps to ease lockdown measures. Officials attribute the increase to mass testing and detecting asymptomatic cases not always counted in other countries. On Thursday Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin…
In Photos: Soviet Wartime Memories
This year marks 10 years since the founding of Moscow’s Lumiere Brothers Center of Photography. It’s also the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. To mark both anniversaries, the center, which curates Soviet and Russian 20th-century photography, is sharing photos from its collection that showcase military photography in the U.S.S.R. Here’s…
Russia Should Brace for Extended Virus Lockdown, Top Official Says
Russia’s coronavirus lockdown could stay in place until at least the end of 2020 when a vaccine is developed or until the pandemic ends, the head of Russia’s consumer protection watchdog said Friday. Anna Popova’s grim prediction comes as Russia recorded six straight days of more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases, bringing its overall numbers…
Around RUB 5 million in personal funds collected by employees of parent company of Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Group for St. Petersburg’s Hospital for Veterans of Wars
Background The Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Group is comprehensively responding to the current situation regarding the spread of the new coronavirus in the Russian Federation. For instance, employees of Saratovgaz and Gazprom Gazoraspredeleniye Saratov Region donated the collected funds for the construction of a new infectious diseases center in Saratov. The future center will have 400 beds, including 250 beds for children and 150 beds…
Russian Priest Hospitalized With Coronavirus After Calling it ‘Extremely Useful’
A senior Russian priest notorious for his controversial remarks about women and family life has been hospitalized with coronavirus after he extolled the infection’s positive impact on humanity, the RBC news website reported Friday. Archpriest Dmitry Smirnov earned the dubious title of “Sexist of the Year” this spring for comparing common-law wives to prostitutes, urging…
Russian City Removes Plaques Memorializing Polish POWs Massacred By Stalin
Russian activists on Thursday removed two plaques memorializing the Stalinist executions of thousands of Polish prisoners of war 80 years ago, following orders from local authorities who claimed there is no evidence of the crimes. Prosecutors in the city of Tver, in an October 2019 order to remove the plaques from the former Soviet secret…
Enhanced safety measures to be imposed during changeovers of shift workers at Gazprom Transgaz Surgut
News from projects and regions May 8, 2020, 15:10 Enhanced safety measures for the changeovers of shift personnel have been introduced at Gazprom Transgaz Surgut. Before arriving at production facilities, new shift workers will spend two weeks in isolation. To this end, 13 buffer zones with 644 beds were created in the local hostels and hotels. The quarantine measure is aimed at preventing persons…
Venezuelan Opposition Plotted Russian Ally Maduro’s ‘Capture’ With U.S. Mercenaries: WP
Members of Venezuela’s U.S.-backed opposition negotiated a $212.9 million deal to “capture” President Nicolas Maduro with a U.S. security firm, The Washington Post reported Thursday. Venezuela announced Monday that it had killed eight and arrested 17, including two former U.S. Green Berets, on suspicion of trying to topple Maduro in an operation supported by the…
Russia Is Boasting About Low Coronavirus Deaths. The Numbers Are Deceiving.
Suspicions are growing that Russia is undercounting its coronavirus death toll. Although the country has the second fastest growing outbreak in the world after the United States, its mortality rate falls far below other countries. On Friday, Russia reported 187,859 coronavirus cases to only 1,723 deaths, putting it in fifth place globally for case numbers…
Russia Readies for Ghost Celebrations for 75th V-Day Amid Coronavirus
Each year on May 9, Russians across the country celebrate Victory Day as the day of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. This year’s parade marking the 75th anniversary of Victory Day was meant to be a major showcase for President Vladimir Putin, with world leaders and veterans from all over…
Environmental Atlas of the Black and Azov Seas Published by Rosneft
Rosneft, together with the Innopraktika non-governmental development institute, has published a unique atlas of the Black and Azov Seas in the series entitled Ecological Atlases of the Seas of Russia.
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | May 8
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 270,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 187,859 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 1,723 deaths. May 8: 3 things you need to know today Russia confirmed 10,699 new coronavirus infections…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Rise By More Than 10K Overnight, Hitting 187K
The number of infections in Russia has been rising by more than 10,000 a day since Sunday, in contrast to countries in western Europe that are taking steps to ease lockdown measures. Officials attribute the increase to mass testing and detecting asymptomatic cases not always counted in other countries. On Thursday Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin…
Coronavirus Deals ‘Powerful Blow’ to Putin’s Grand May 9 Plans
The bombastic military parade through Moscow’s Red Square on Saturday was slated to be the spectacle of the year on the Kremlin’s calendar. Standing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron, President Vladimir Putin would have overseen a 90-minute procession of Russia’s military might, showcasing 15,000 troops and the latest hardware. But…
Gazprom gives name of 75 Years of Victory to new large field on Yamal shelf
Background In 2019, Gazprom drilled prospecting and appraisal well No. 1 within the Skuratovskaya prospect in the Kara Sea, which had been discovered earlier through seismic exploration. In the course of well testing, commercial gas inflow of 746,000 cubic meters per day was obtained. Based on well construction results, a hydrocarbon reserves estimate was promptly prepared. In March 2020, the relevant report was submitted…
Putin Accepts U.S. Ventilators as Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Surge – Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Russsian President Vladimir Putin accepted his offer to provide ventilators as Russia continued to see record-setting daily coronavirus cases, Reuters reported Thursday. Trump offered to send “a consignment of medical equipment to Russia” in phone talks with Putin, the Kremlin said on the day when Russia broke into the…
Moscow Mayor Extends Anti-Virus Lockdown Until May 31
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Thursday that lockdown measures in the Russian capital would be extended until May 31 after the country reported a record increase in coronavirus infections. “The self-isolation regime of citizens will be extended until May 31,” Sobyanin said on his blog. “It’s still too early to open restaurants, theaters and sport…
Russian Medics Demand Putin’s Promised Coronavirus Bonuses
Russian doctors have launched an online petition calling on President Vladimir Putin to pay his promised bonuses to doctors and other healthcare professionals on the frontline of the coronavirus outbreak. Putin in early April ordered monthly payouts ranging from 25,000 and 50,000 rubles ($300 and $600) for nurses, paramedics and ambulance drivers and 80,000 rubles…
Russia’s Spaceflight Chief With Coronavirus Dies After Sending Off Astronauts
The head of Russia’s human spaceflight program who contracted the coronavirus has died at age 65, the national space agency Roscosmos announced Tuesday. Yevgeny Mikrin, designer general of the Energia aerospace and defense corporation, died weeks after attending the April 9 launch of a three-man crew aboard a Russian capsule to the International Space Station…
Russian Billionaire Bosov Dies by Suicide
Russian billionaire and coal baron Dmitry Bosov has died by suicide at his home in a Moscow suburb, authorities said Wednesday. Relatives discovered Bosov’s body with gunshot wounds at his home in the luxury village of Usovo in Moscow’s elite suburb of Rublyovka, the country’s Investigative Committee said in a statement. A Glock pistol was…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | May 7
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 265,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 177,160 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 1,625 deaths. May 7: 3 things you need to know today Russia confirmed 11,231 new coronavirus infections…
Unique Red Book of Evenkia Published with the Support of Vostsibneftegaz
The unique Red Book of Evenkia was published as part of the grant programme of the East Siberian Oil and Gas Company, a part of the Rosneft oil production complex.
Baltics Accuse Russia of Trying to ‘Falsify’ History on War Anniversary
The leaders of three Baltic states condemned on Thursday what they described as Russian attempts to “falsify history” ahead of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. In a joint declaration, the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia — formerly Soviet-ruled states now on the EU’s eastern flank — called for “truth…
Order in a Korean Dinner This Weekend
Expatniki and Muscovites! This is #quarantinecuisine and #quarantineculture tip for you. Our friends and neighbors at the Hyatt Regency Petrovsky Park have begun to offer a weekend set menu for delivery. Last week it was Indian food. This week it’s Korean. Since the reviews have been raves, we wanted to share. The Korean street food…
Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Soar Past 177K in New One-Day Record
The number of infections in Russia has been rising by more than 10,000 a day since Sunday, in contrast to countries in western Europe that are taking steps to ease lockdown measures. Officials attribute the increase to mass testing and detecting asymptomatic cases not always counted in other countries. Health officials said on Thursday they…
Belarus Expels Russian Journalist Over ‘Fake’ Coronavirus Report: Media
A Russian journalist has been expelled from Belarus over a report that described the neighboring allied country’s dire coronavirus situation, according to the Russian state-run television channel where his report aired. Wednesday’s report on Channel One alleged that Belarussians mistrust their country’s official Covid-19 infection numbers (19,255) and death count (112). In the video report,…
Russian Mercenaries Are Fighting in Libya, UN Diplomats Confirm
Mercenaries from the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization seen as being close to President Vladimir Putin, are fighting in Libya, UN diplomats said Wednesday, citing an experts’ report on the country’s arms embargo. It was the first time the UN has confirmed claims first made in U.S. media that the group is supporting military…
Russia Moves to Gradually Relax Coronavirus Lockdown: Officials
Russia is planning to gradually lift its restrictions on movement and certain industries imposed due to the coronavirus, officials said at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. Putin ordered officials to draw up the measures last week, before Russia saw a four-day streak of more than 10,000 coronavirus cases reported daily. The country…
Putin’s Approval Rating Drops to Historic Low: Poll
President Vladimir Putin’s approval rating has hit a historic low of 59% as the country grapples with the coronavirus crisis, the independent Levada Center polling agency said Wednesday. According to Levada’s results from a phone interview in late April, when most of the country was under enforced lockdown measures, 33% disapproved of Putin’s work. Putin’s…
Nuclear fuel has been delivered for initial loading to power unit 1 of Belarusian NPP
Minsk, Belarus, 06 May 2020 – The first batch of low-enriched uranium nuclear fuel has been delivered to the construction site of Belarusian NPP. The Russian-made fuel assemblies are currently being prepared for unloading and inspection. “The initial delivery of fresh nuclear fuel is a landmark event in the construction of any nuclear plant and…
Moscow’s Unreliable Antibody Tests Threaten New Coronavirus Wave: Media
Hundreds of thousands of Moscow’s rapid antibody tests labeled as Dutch-made are unreliable at detecting the coronavirus in its early stages, meaning patients who receive false negatives could potentially infect others, a new investigation has said. The tests are sold under the brand name Biozek by Dutch manufacturer Inzek International Trading, according to the Organized…
Russian Culture Minister Contracts Coronavirus
Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova has tested positive for the coronavirus, the RBC news website reported Wednesday, citing Lyubimova’s spokeswoman. Lyubimova’s diagnosis makes her the third Russian cabinet official to become infected with the virus after construction minister Vladimir Yakushev and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. All three have confirmed their infections in the past week…
Claims of Coronavirus’ Manmade Origin Are Fake, Russia Says
Russian prosecutors have shot down online conspiracy theories about the coronavirus’ manmade origins as fake, the Prosecutor General’s Office said in a statement Wednesday. Prosecutors ordered Russia’s media watchdog to delete videos claiming that Covid-19 “is a genetically modified bioweapon artificially created to implant microchips into the population and establish a global world order” from…
‘Hostile’ Russia Excluded From U.S. Moon Mining Pact: Reuters
Russia will not be an early partner in the United States’ international agreement on moon mining rights it seeks to negotiate with other countries in the coming weeks, Reuters reported Tuesday. The Trump administration’s so-called Artemis Accords agreement reportedly seeks to establish “safety zones” around future moon bases to prevent damage or interference from rivals,…
Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News | May 6
As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 258,000 people worldwide continues to spread, Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the pandemic’s spread within its borders. There have been 155,370 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 1,451 deaths. May 6: 3 things you need to know today Russia confirmed 10,559 new coronavirus infections…