Due to anti-Russian rhetoric and systematic destructive EU sanctions, Sergey Lavrov, warned today during interview with Vladimir Soloviev that Russia does not want a break with Europe, but must be ready for this. And if this happens, it is not Russia's fault.
The usually reserved Russian top diplomat showed seriousness of intentions. In addition, European partners should seriously think about this, because in Russian politics the minister does not speak on a whim, but voices the opinion of the President.
All Belarusian People's Assembly has begun in Minsk today, which takes place every five years. This time the interest in him is special. Six months have passed since the presidential elections, and now Alexandr Lukashenko has revealed plans for changes within the country and his vision of relations with the rest of the world.
The main statements of the All Belarusian People's Assembly were made on the very first day of the forum - the country is starting to develop a new Constitution, the need for which was discussed here in the last six months after the presidential elections. Addressing the delegates with a four-hour address, Lukashenko announced a specific deadline for preparing the main document.
The President said that the form of a presidential republic should be preserved. In his opinion, in the next five years the Belarus should place its stake on a multi-vector foreign policy - to establish a dialogue with Europe. At the same time, Russia was, is and will be the closest partner and ally.
The period that the country is going through, in his address, Lukashenko called a turning point, compared it with the collapse of the Soviet Union, and called the actions of the West a failed blitzkrieg.
Pro Russian Lukashenko's statements were welcomed by both the delegates to the meeting and the guests.
The opposition refused to participate in the meeting. Instead, they urged their supporters to take to the streets again. Nevertheless, it is calm in the center of Minsk today. There are no security officials or protesters in sight.
New steps to curb the arms race and control nuclear arsenals were discussed by Vladimir Putin today with permanent members of the Russian Security Council.
At the same time, the President noted the importance of the agreements that Moscow and Washington have already managed to reach after the new American administration came to the White House.
Let us recall that the New START Treaty is the only instrument for mutual control over the defense power of the two largest nuclear powers - Russia and the United States. It expired on February 5th.
Previous American President Trump did not want to renew the agreement in its previous form. But Biden, who replaced him, on the contrary, agreed with Moscow's proposal to prolong the agreement for five years without any changes or additions.
All formalities were completed last week and the parties exchanged relevant notes. The agreement will be valid until February 5, 2026.
Today the professional holiday is celebrated by people who defend the interests of Russia in the international arena.
Vladimir Putin congratulated the employees and veterans of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Diplomatic Workers’ Day. The President stressed that Russian diplomats are making a significant contribution to strengthening peace on the planet and to solving the most important global and regional problems.
Largely thanks to the active and consistent actions of the Foreign Ministry, it was possible to achieve stabilization of the situation in a number of hot spots, to ensure constructive cooperation with most foreign partners.
Also, in the building on Smolenskaya Square, Sergey Lavrov laid flowers at the memorial plaques in memory of the killed employees of the Foreign Ministry. According to the Minister, the strength, knowledge and experience of Russian diplomats, relying on the wisdom of their predecessors, must be used in the most active way for the persistent advancement of the country's interests.
Meanwhile, in Washington, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov traditionally laid a wreath at the grave of the 19th century Russian diplomat Alexander Bodisko. In total, he remained ambassador to the United States for 17 years and set a tenure record that was broken only in Soviet times by Anatoly Dobrynin.
Antonov noted that the positive experience of predecessors should be used in modern work, including in establishing a constructive dialogue with Washington. According to the Ambassador, Russia is ready to negotiate strategic stability with the new US administration. There is no time for quarrels. Critical issues need to be addressed, including those related to the pandemic.
Russian court system has successfully adapted itself to new conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Vladimir Putin notes on Tuesday during a session with judges on the outcomes of 2020.
In Russia, almost 2,500 courts of different jurisdictions, and all of them, in such a difficult time as the pandemic, according to the President, worked well and smoothly.
During the pandemic in 2020, even more cases were considered in Russia than in the previous 2019 - by 3,920,000, which, according to Putin, indicates an increase in citizens' confidence in our Themis.
Also, the Russian judicial system was highly appreciated by the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice of the Council of Europe.
In particular, in the issue of prompt decision-making in comparison with 47 courts of Western states, our judicial system obviously wins. Average time for consideration of civil cases and economic disputes: in Russia - 50 days, in Germany - 220 days, in France - 420 days, and in Italy - 527 days.
It is indicative that during the pandemic, the courts were empowered, based on the epidemiological situation, to postpone some non-socially significant and non-urgent cases, but preferred to consider almost all applications from citizens and organizations. At the same time, of course, special attention was paid primarily to social issues.
During the pandemic, the number of bankruptcy cases of citizens increased: from 50,700 to 74,600 cases. To stabilize the economy and help the victims, the Supreme Court and the government have developed a legal mechanism for introducing a moratorium on the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings in respect of certain categories of debtors from April 6, 2020 to January 7, 2021. The number of disputes on non-fulfillment of contractual obligations has also increased recently.
Speaking to leading Russian scientists, on Monday, Vladimir Putin said that technological progress must serve the people and be widely available. He emphasized that thanks to researchers, Russia is in the lead in the world in the creation of a vaccine against coronavirus. In addition, Russia is the only country that has three vaccines of its own design. The President called the achievements of Russian science a great success. However, the most important, according to Putin, was the possibility of widespread vaccination. The joint efforts of researchers, domestic companies and the state have allowed people in Russia and elsewhere in the world to benefit from this scientific breakthrough
Italy can and should start vaccinations with the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, the head of the Rome Institute of Infectious Diseases said after the authoritative scientific journal Lancet praised the drug.
Already 21 countries have approved Sputnik V.
Hungary has made all the necessary decisions at the national level to start vaccination. In the Czech Republic, the law allows you to do the same, but there they hope that first the go-ahead will be given at the level of the entire European Union.
Prime Minister of Slovakia said that the country is ready not only to produce Sputnik V, but also to provide them with Europe. However, the ex-head of parliament claims that the production of the drug in Slovakia is not so simple, it is better to ask for supplies from Russia.
For other countries, the vaccine is produced according to our technology, but at foreign enterprises.
On Russian Science Day, Vladimir Putin chairs Science and Education Council video meeting.
The President suggested that scientists conduct a comprehensive discussion on creating competitive conditions for the successful technological development of Russia, including the creation of a modern research infrastructure that would allow solving the most complex and even unique research problems.
According to Putin, the competitiveness of the national economy and domestic companies, everyday life, the well-being of every person, as well as the security of Russia are directly related to this.
Global competition for technology and knowledge is rapidly gaining momentum around the world. It is quite obvious that the country that comes forward will determine the further development of all mankind. Therefore, it can be said without exaggeration that scientific and technological sovereignty is a matter of the present and future of Russia, summed up Vladimir Putin.
During the meeting, the President instructed to launch the PIK reactor at full capacity and conduct test experiments at research stations.
The head of state also said that he had signed a decree on measures to implement the state scientific and technical policy in the field of green development and climate change.
Vladimir Putin discussed the situation of Russians abroad at Security Council video meeting. The President noted the importance of state policy issues in the field of international humanitarian cooperation and interaction with compatriots abroad. He added that this is important not only for those who live outside of Russia, but feel a connection with their historical homeland.
Further, the meeting took place behind closed doors, but I dare to suggest that the main concern is caused by Ukraine's actions.
In this regard, we present an episode of the briefing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maria Zakharova, where she emphasizes the Nazi sentiments in Ukraine, aimed at infringing on the constitutional rights of both Russians living there and of other nationalities.
On Friday, February 5, Alexei Navalny was brought to court on charges of defamation of a World War II veteran who participated in a promotional video backing last year's amendments to the Russian Constitution.
This time Navalny is accused of libel.
According to the investigators, on June 2, the blogger published a vide in his Telegram channel and Twitter account, in which World War II veteran Ignat Artyomenko expressed his position in support of the amendments to the Russian Constitution.
Navalny described the veteran and other people in the video as traitors without a conscience and as corrupt lackeys.
Insulting a 95-year-old WWII veteran in Russia is tantamount to political suicide for the so-called opposition leader.
Foreign diplomats from the British and French embassies were also present at the court today.
By the way, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced today has declared a Swedish, a Polish and a German diplomat personae non gratae because of their participation in the January 23 unauthorized rallies in Moscow and St. Petersburg. They must leave Russia as soon as possible.
All this happens at the moment when Minister Sergey Lavrov receives in his department EU's Josep Borrell.
Well, Navalny does not admit his guilt. Babushkinsky District court postponed the proceeding on the libel case against blogger Alexey Navalny until February 12.
On Tuesday, Alexey Navalny’s suspended sentence in the Yves Rocher embezzlement case has been converted to 3,5 years behind bars. The narrow-minded perfume giant then trusted the Navalny brothers. As a result, Yves Rocher was short of 30 million, which probably went "revolutionary needs."That is, Mr. Navalny was convicted today of a commercial crime (fraud).
"Anti-corruptionist" Navalny will serve his time in medium-security prison. By the way, the brother of our hero Oleg Navalny has already served his sentence for this crime and can now share his prison experience with, until recently, the lucky Alyosha.
According to preliminary reports, the Swindler will be behind bars for two and a half years, taking into account one year he was placed under house arrest during the preliminary investigation in the Yves Rocher case.
The guy will have time to free himself for the next presidential election, which will be held in 2024.
Judge Natalya Repnikova stated that Despite the preventive measures taken with him, Navalny repeatedly violated his deadlines for reporting to the inspection. The court considers the motion of the [Russian] Federal Penitentiary Service to be satisfied.
Russian Orthodox Church celebrates today Day of Enthronement of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The Patriarch celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
12 years ago he was elevated to the patriarchal throne. Festive services in honor of the anniversary are held today in all Orthodox churches.
Vladimir Putin congratulated him on the Day of Enthronement. The meeting took place in the Patriarch's Chambers of the Moscow Kremlin. The Head of State thanked the Primate for the years of service.
Vladimir Putin paid tribute on Monday to the first President of Russia. On Boris Yeltsin’s 90th birthday anniversary, Russian President laid flowers on the grave of the first President of Russia at Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow.
Итак, нашумевшая история о дворце Путина российского блогера Алексея Навального обрастает всё новыми подробностями.
Авторы так называемого расследования громко объявили этот дворец самым секретным и охраняемым объектом в России. Для пущей загадочности они добавили, что простые смертные не могут попасть сюда ни по суше, ни по морю, ни по воздуху.
Однако журналисты Mash проехали туда на обычной легковой машине, опровергнув это заявление.
На фоне курортных пейзажей признаков повышенной безопасности не обнаружено. Кроме, конечно, ограды из легкой проволоки вокруг стройплощадки. Но перелезать через забор ребятам не пришлось, они вошли через главный вход.
Нестыковки начались прямо у входа. Как видите, вместо обещанной копии царских ворот Зимнего дворца с золотыми орлами - просто пустой парадный проем. Здесь нет просто ворот, да и не было никогда.
Тщетным оказался и поиск роскошных интерьеров.
Вместо знаменитого кальянного бара и дымовых трубок здесь более скромные элементы декора.
Что ж, этот бассейн тоже далек от версии Навального.
И, конечно же, как пройти мимо знаменитой аквадискотеки. Сами строители называют эту мем-локацию просто фонтаном.
В целом такая унылая обстановка вызывает только чувство разочарования. Не исключено, что авторы так называемого расследования тоже были бы разочарованы, если бы хоть раз здесь побывали.
Но их здесь не было, и все съемки шикарных интерьеров, как выясняется, являются творением специалистов компьютерной графики из немецкой киностудии Black Forest Studios. Это малоизвестная компания, которая, судя по рекламному ролику, открывает новые возможности для киносообщества всего мира.
По данным немецкого издания Schwarzwälder Bote, съемочная площадка в городке Кирхцартен была построена в ноябре прошлого года, а уже в декабре по странному стечению обстоятельств уже поступил хороший заказ. Причем не откуда-то, а из США.
«В начале декабря они получили запрос из США о наличии свободных производственных мощностей. Работа с Навальным в Кирхцартене проходила в условиях строгого соблюдения.
гигиенических норм, безопасности и полной секретности », - пишет немецкое Schwarzwälder Bote.
При таких условиях, наверное, даже можно было бы снять следующий эпизод «Звездных войн». Но вышло иначе. В общем, кино, фейк и больше ничего.
Así, la sensacional historia sobre el 'Palacio de Putin' del bloguero ruso Alexei Navalny está adquiriendo cada vez más detalles.
Los autores de la llamada investigación declararon en voz alta que este palacio era el objeto más secreto y protegido de Rusia. Para agregar misterio, agregaron que los simples mortales no podían llegar aquí ni por tierra, ni por mar, ni por aire.
Sin embargo, los periodistas de Mash llegaron allí en un automóvil de pasajeros común, refutando esta afirmación.
En el contexto de los paisajes del resort, no se encontraron signos de mayor seguridad. Excepto, por supuesto, una cerca de alambre ligero alrededor del sitio de construcción. Pero, los muchachos no tuvieron que trepar por la cerca, entraron por la entrada principal.
Las inconsistencias comenzaron justo en la entrada. Como puede ver, en lugar de la copia prometida de las puertas reales del Palacio de Invierno con águilas reales, solo una puerta de entrada vacía. Simplemente no hay puerta aquí y nunca la ha habido.
La búsqueda de interiores lujosos tampoco tuvo éxito.
En lugar del famoso bar hookah y las pipas de humo, hay elementos decorativos más modestos.
Bueno, esta piscina también está lejos de la versión de Navalny.
Y, por supuesto, cómo pasar por la famosa aquadiskotheque. Los propios constructores llaman a este lugar-memoria simplemente una fuente.
En general, este entorno poco atractivo solo provoca un sentimiento de decepción. Es posible que los autores de la llamada investigación también se hubieran decepcionado si hubieran estado aquí al menos una vez.
Pero no estaban aquí, y resulta que toda la filmación de interiores elegantes es creación de especialistas en CG del estudio de cine alemán Black Forest Studios. Esta empresa poco conocida, que, a juzgar por el comercial, presenta nuevas oportunidades para la comunidad cinematográfica de todo el mundo.
Según la edición alemana de Schwarzwälder Bote, la película ambientada en la localidad de Kirchzarten no se construyó hasta noviembre del año pasado, y ya en diciembre, por una extraña coincidencia, ya había llegado un buen pedido. Y no de cualquier parte, sino de Estados Unidos.
“A principios de diciembre, recibieron una solicitud de Estados Unidos sobre la disponibilidad de instalaciones de producción gratuitas. El trabajo con Navalny en Kirchzarten se llevó a cabo en condiciones de estricto cumplimiento de las normas de higiene, seguridad y total secreto ”, escribe Schwarzwälder Bote.
En tales condiciones, quizás, uno podría incluso filmar el próximo episodio de Star Wars. Pero resultó diferente. En general, cine, falso y nada más.
So, the sensational story about the 'Putin's Palace' of of the Russian blogger Alexei Navalny is acquiring more and more details.
The authors of the so-called investigation loudly declared this palace to be the most secret and guarded object in Russia. For added mystery, they added that mere mortals could not get here neither by land, nor by sea, nor by air.
However, Mash journalists got there in an ordinary passenger car, refuting this statement.
Against the backdrop of the resort landscapes, no signs of increased security were found. Except, of course, a light wire fence around the construction site. But, the guys did not have to climb over the fence, they entered through the main entrance.
The inconsistencies began right at the entrance. As you can see, instead of the promised copy of the royal gates of the Winter Palace with golden eagles, just an empty front doorway. There is simply no gate here and never has been.
The search for luxurious interiors was also unsuccessful.
Instead of the famous hookah bar and smoke pipes, there are more modest decorative elements.
Well, this swimming pool is also far from Navalny's version.
And, of course, how to get past the famous aquadiskotheque. The builders themselves call this mem-location just a fountain.
In general, this unattractive environment only causes a feeling of disappointment. It is possible that the authors of the so-called investigation would also have been disappointed if they had been here at least once.
But they were not here, and all the filming of chic interiors, as it turns out, is the creation of CG specialists from the German film studio Black Forest Studios. This little-known company, which, judging by the commercial, presents new opportunities for the film community around the world.
According to the Schwarzwälder Bote German edition , the film set in the town of Kirchzarten was built only in November last year, and already in December, by a strange coincidence, a good order had already arrived. And not from anywhere, but from the United States.
“In early December, they received a request from the United States about the availability of free production facilities. Work with Navalny in Kirchzarten took place in conditions of strict observance of hygiene standards, safety and complete secrecy, ”the Schwarzwälder Bote writes.
In such conditions, perhaps, one could even shoot the next episode of Star Wars. But it turned out differently. In general, cinema, fake and nothing else.
The situation with the pandemic in Russia is better than in other countries, but it is too early to relax, Vladimir Putin said at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday.
According to him, objective data shows that the actions taken in Russia to curb the COVID-19 spread are in line with the level of threats which it poses for citizens. The vaccination will help to finally turn the tide.
Its volume, according to the head of state, should correspond to the indicators of the vaccination company associated with influenza, that is, almost 70 million people.
Love should be mutual, Vladimir Putin said at the Davos Forum on Wednesday, speaking of Russian-EU relations. He noted such a fundamental thing as a common culture.
Major European political figures have talked in the recent past about the need to expand relations between Europe and Russia, saying that Russia is part of Europe. Putin stressed that Geographically and, most importantly, culturally, its are one civilisation.
The question of ratifying the agreement extending START-3 (New START) appeared on the agenda of the State Duma and the Federation Council after a telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden. From the conversation, which the Kremlin press service called frank, it became clear: the new American administration, unlike the previous one, is ready to accept Russia's proposal and extend New START without conditions. The proposal put forward by Vladimir Putin over a year ago.
After the US withdrew from a number of international arms limitation treaties, New START remained the last stronghold of deterrence. It was signed in 2010 by Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama.
Russia and United States approached this year with nuclear parity, about 2,500 warheads each. Russia was ahead in silo-based missiles, but the US was superior in submarine missiles. New START further reduced this number to 1550 warheads on 700 carriers. At the same time, the agreement implies mutual inspections, the exchange of telemetry, that is, it provides opportunities for mutual control.
The agreement is valid until February of this year, and the Trump administration did not want to renew it in its current form. Russia, however, has consistently advocated maintaining the status quo. Indeed, only on a parity basis can a truly effective deterrence be ensured and the world free from the threat of an arms race and a major war.
The State Duma included the New START issue as the first issue. Even before the vote, it was clear that the ratification of the agreement would be supported by all parliamentary factions. As a result, the Treaty was ratified unanimously. And literally an hour later, the Federation Council also unanimously approved the New START.
The Russian Foreign Ministry praised the pragmatism demonstrated by the Biden administration in its early days in power. Russia is ready to cooperate with the United States on strategic stability issues, again on the basis of reciprocity, without unilateral concessions.
And although Moscow does not expect a sudden warming of relations with America, the New START continuation will still make our world less unpredictable.
Vladimir Putin participates in the opening ceremony of transport interchange at the intersection of the M10 Rossiya motorway and Repin Street in Khimki. The city near Moscow was, in fact, divided into two parts by the Leningradskoye Highway and the Oktyabrskaya Railway. Traffic jams are common there, not even during rush hour, and the issue has not been resolved for years.
Back in April 2019, one of the employees of the Energomash research and production association in Khimki, which the head of state was visiting at the time, complained about this problem to the president. The girl said that due to the traffic collapse, the company is losing good specialists.
The flyover was built at the Putin’s instruction under the national project Safe and High-Quality Motorways. The interchange is to link the city’s “old” and “new” districts and make its industrial sector more accessible.
The transport interchange has an area of about 40,000 square metres. The carriageway has two to five lanes, and allows a maximum vehicle speed of 70 kph.
Vladimir Putin had a short talk with the construction participants and the girl who raised this issue a year ago.
Vladimir Putin stated that the alleged palace, which he allegedly owns in Gelendzhik, according to some "Navalny investigation", does not belong to him or his close relatives.
Putin thinks that the rumors of the palace he allegedly owns were used to try brainwash Russians.
The President stressed that any such real estate has certain documentation and data on financial transactions, on legal procedures with the participation of notaries, there must also be certificates left in notary books and in electronic form.
Putin noted that he knows some of the people mentioned in the film, some of them are old friends or former colleagues, a distant relative or just a person he knows. Meanwhile, there are people whom the president does not know at all. According to the Russian President, many of these people are afraid of being near him because of the threat of sanctions. He stressed that they entered the business world long before he became president.
Commenting on a recent film about a "palace" that he allegedly owns on the Black Sea coast, Putin said he paid particular attention to an episode related to the wine business. The President admitted that after his resignation, he might try to engage in winemaking not as a business, but as an occupation.
Despite repeated reminders by the authorities about the inadmissibility of holding mass actions during a pandemic, supporters of Alexei Navalny took to the streets on Saturday in different regions of Russia.
In Moscow, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, about four thousand people went to an unauthorized rally. Pushkinskaya Square was practically blocked, there is information about clashes with law enforcement officers.
Navalny, who arrived from Berlin on Sunday, was detained right at the Sheremetyevo airport. The Russian, twice conditionally convicted, was put on the wanted list for systematic violations of the terms of punishment. By decision of the Khimki court in Moscow, he was arrested until February 15. On February 2, the court will consider the issue of replacing his suspended sentence with a real one.
Russia welcomes the United States’ political will to extend the New START, but everything will depend on the details of this proposal, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told the media on Friday.
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that President Joseph Biden was in favor of extending the contract without any changes or conditions.
Let us recall that at the moment the New Start is the only treaty in force between Russia and the United States, which concerns arms limitation and ensures global security.
Vladimir Putin's proposal to extend the New Start by five years was not accepted by the previous Donald Trump administration and created tensions in view of the imminent end of the Treaty. The Russian president counted on a change in the situation with the arrival of the new US administration.
Moscow hopes that with the coming to power of US President Joseph Biden, a new chapter will begin in the development of Russian-American relations, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said after inauguration ceremony.
US President Donald Trump left the White House Wednesday and headed to Florida without waiting for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
The outgoing leader held a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews near Washington. He wished Joe Biden's administration luck and success.
The inauguration ceremony of 46th President of the United States Joe Biden has taken place Wednesday on the steps of the Capitol Building. Mr Biden took the traditional oath to uphold the Constitution with his left hand placed on the Bible, that has been in his family for 127 years.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama as well as former Vice President Mike Pence who chose not to attend Donald Trump’s farewell speech at Joint Base Andrews.
A few moments earlier, Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice President.
The traditionally grandiose ceremony had to be scaled back this year due to coronavirus restrictions. Only lawmakers were cleared to be present at the event, each of them could invite one guest.
Unprecedented security measures were taken in Washington DC in light of reports of potential unrest that can be caused by Trump supporters.
Vladimir Putin participates in Epiphany ice swimming in the Moscow region this morning. This folk tradition celebrates Baptism of Jesus (Epiphany).
In Russia ice swimming is connected with the celebration of the Epiphany on 19 January. There is a popular belief that the practice erases a person's sins. The first mention of this tradition dates back to the 16th century. Even during the Soviet Union, ice swimming did not stop, although it was not as massive as now (On the holiday in January 2020, 2 million people practised ice swimming in Russia for the baptism of Jesus).
Only thanks to the trust of citizens, according to Vladimir Putin, Russia was able to overcome the crisis of power and the economic collapse of the 90s.
Harmony between the state and society is an absolute necessity for the development of the country, the President noted.
Vladimir Putin congratulated the Investigative Committee of Russia on its 10th anniversary. The President thanked the investigators for their work and expressed hope for their further successful activities in the suppression of crimes.
The activities of the Investigative Committee, according to Putin, must be honest and responsible so that the investigation of cases leads to fair sentences. That is why this department was separated from the prosecutor's office and is an independent authority.
Designated innovations created favorable conditions for effective fight against corruption, also in superior executive and legislative bodies, which was problematic before due to dependance of the investigative establishment chief assignment with the approval of above mentioned government bodies, and subordination to these bodies.
Currently, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation is not included into any structure of governmental authorities, or any branch of governmental authorities. Fundamentally, investigative power implemented by the Committee is the continuation of presidential power, and can be treated as checks and balances in the system of separation of powers.
At a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Vladimir Putin has instructed authorities to move forward with mass coronavirus inoculation for all Russians starting next week.
In Russia, a large-scale vaccination of the population is already underway, but due to the fact that the pharmaceutical industry has exceeded the planned volume of vaccine production, the President considered it possible to begin mass vaccination of Russians from next week.
On the Prosecutor's Office Worker Day, Vladimir Putin sent a message to the employees of the department. He praised their work to protect the law and congratulated them on their professional holiday.
The President noted the expansion of prosecutorial powers and expressed the hope that they will make every effort to protect the country's citizens from crime, corruption, etc. Putin stressed the need to control social assistance funds for families with children, the unemployed and health workers.
Control over the implementation of the Constitution, according to the President, is especially relevant this year in connection with the upcoming elections to the State Duma.
Nikol Pashinyan noted the importance of the joint statement signed today on the restoration of the economic infrastructure of Nagorno-Karabakh. However, the Armenian Prime Minister stressed the exceptional importance of an early resolution of the issue of prisoners of war, which is a very sensitive humanitarian issue.
He also recalled the issue of the status of Karabakh and Armenia's readiness for negotiations within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. It is clear that the issue of status was not considered in these negotiations, but the Armenian leader is under enormous oppositional pressure ... [not in my rules to take sides, but it looks like they are trying to make a scapegoat out of him]
According to Ilham Aliyev, the unblocking of transport arteries in Karabakh will benefit not only Azerbaijan itself, but all neighboring countries and will become a guarantor of stable development and security of the region.
On the whole, the Azerbaijani leader is satisfied with the result of the November 10 peace agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh. He noted a couple of minor incidents of violation of the cessation of hostilities regime and praised the actions of the Russian peacekeepers.
The Azerbaijani President stressed the importance of today's talks for the restoration of the infrastructure of Karabakh (bearing in mind all the same roads). He called for leaving the conflict behind and starting to live in the future.
Vladimir Putin finds important and useful talks with Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan on the observance of agreements on resolving the situation in Karabakh.
According to the Russian leader, the main result of the trilateral talks was the signing of a joint statement on concrete steps to develop economic ties and infrastructure projects.For this purpose, a working group will be created, which will be headed by the vice-premiers of three governments - Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia.
Putin is confident that the implementation of these agreements will benefit both the Azerbaijani and Armenian peoples, will benefit the region as a whole, and hence the interests of the Russian Federation.
Putin called on Aliyev and Pashinyan to resolve issues related to the activities of the peacekeeping contingent, clarification of demarcation lines, humanitarian problems and the protection of cultural heritage sites.
The Russian President stated that the agreements on Karabakh are being consistently implemented, this creates preconditions for the settlement of the long-standing conflict on a just basis in the interests of the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples.
Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia values the partnership and good-neighborly relations linking all three countries. And he expressed regret that large-scale hostilities led to significant human casualties and aggravated the already difficult situation in the Caucasus, increased the risks of the spread of terrorism.
The Russian leader thanked Aliyev and Pashinyan for the fact that they positively perceived Russia's active mediating actions aimed at stopping the bloodshed and stabilizing the situation.
Putin also noted that at the request of the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides, a Russian peacekeeping contingent was deployed to monitor the observance of the ceasefire on the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor.
According to the Russian president, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains calm, 48,000 refugees have already returned to the region.
According to him, with the mediation of Russia, the exchange of prisoners and bodies of the dead was carried out. In addition, the International Center for Humanitarian Response is successfully operating, within the framework of which pressing issues related to the establishment of a normal life in settlements, the reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure, and the protection of historical, religious and cultural monuments are being resolved.
Following talks in the Kremlin lasted almost four hours, Putin, Aliyev and Pashinyan signed a statement on new steps to develop infrastructure projects in Karabakh.
While Orthodox Christians are celebrating Christmas, the Capitol is being stormed in the US Сapital. Here is the statement of President Lukashenko on this matter.
Vladimir Putin attends Christmas Mass at the oldest Orthodox church in Russia.
The Church of St Nicholas was built in 1292 by Archbishop Clement on the site where the miracle-working icon of St Nicholas of Myra was found. It is the oldest remaining church in Russia built after the Mongol invasion.
Vladimir Putin donated the icon of God the Almighty to the church. It was executed in tempera in the tradition of 19th century Mstera icon-painting. The icon-case, with a gilded frame, and the icon-setting were made in the workshops of the St Trinity Fellowship of the city of Shchigry.
On Orthodox Christmas Eve, Vladimir Putin paticipates in service at the Saint Nicholas Church on Lipno Island.
The Lord's love for man is not that he fulfills our desires. This Love is in our prayer with Hope for the best. This hope, sometimes even the expectation of a miracle, is the very star that illuminates our path in life and supports us in difficult times. Happy Holiday! Merry Christmas!
Commenting on his decision to declare 2021 the Year of National Unity, Alexandr Lukashenko spoke out his priorities very honestly for a politician. “So that people understand that I am not an enemy to my people and, above all, to myself,” the president said.
In general, the Belarusian leader expressed quite adequate thoughts about the need to unite the nation for the country's prosperity, about his possible resignation from office based on the election results, etc. But I liked more that he first of all thinks about himself, and then about his people. At least he is honest, and the Belarusians, I hope, will appreciate that they are in second place in the presidential rating, which is not so bad.
On the eve of Orthodox Christmas, Vladimir Putin held the first Cabinet meeting this year.
The meeting was devoted to social problems and the president announced the creation of Circle of Kindness - Fund to support seriously ill children. According to Putin, funds from the excess profits tax will be fully directed to support children with serious, life-threatening and chronic illnesses, including rare, or orphan, diseases.
Vladimir Putin was shown the new bell-tier of the Spasskaya Tower.
Works on equipping it with a number of new bells have been taking place since 2017. The Spasskaya Tower clock and chimes were stopped in October 2020 to install and finetune the new bells. The Kremlin Chimes have now resumed work on National Unity Day [November 4]. The bells will continue to ring out the Anthem of Russia and Glory, but using a new full-octave.
Vladimir Putin extended New Year greetings to Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, expressing hope that the difficulties and hardships of 2020 would be a thing of the past.
“It is important that we have been fully convinced of the significance of friendly, allied relations between our countries,” Putin stressed, adding that the further development of multifaceted Russian-Armenian ties meets the fundamental interests of both peoples.
In his message to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Vladimir Putin noted that even during such a difficult year, both parties had a chance to see proof of the strong strategic partnership between Russia and Azerbaijan. He also expressed hope that Moscow and Baku would continue to combine efforts to build up mutually beneficial ties in all areas as this meets the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two states and is in line with strengthening peace, security and stability in the South Caucasus.
