Gazprom plans to keep gas exports to Europe at level of previous years

In 2019, Gazprom’s export to non-CIS countries amounted to 199.3 bln cubic meters of gas.

VIENNA, January 28. /TASS/. Russian gas giant Gazprom plans to maintain gas exports to non-CIS countries at the level of previous years, head of Gazprom Export, Elena Burmistrova said speaking at the European Gas Conference.

"In 2019, Gazprom’s export to non-CIS countries amounted to 199.3 bln cubic meters of gas, taking into account 382 mln cubic meters delivered to our new destination - to China ... One thing is clear - Gazprom was and remains the largest exporter of natural gas in Europe and the world. In the mid-term, we expect export to Europe to remain at the level that has been achieved over the past years with adjustments that are related to weather conditions," Burmistrova said.

According to her, despite the growth of LNG supplies to Europe, Gazprom's gas exports only slightly decreased from the record level of 2018.

"Some people think that liquefied gas is more competitive than pipeline gas. You can often hear that LNG is pushing Russian pipeline gas out of the European market," Burmistrova said.

She noted that the main shortcoming of LNG, is its "limited ability to quickly meet demand during peak periods of consumption."

"Therefore, for Europe, we continue to rely on pipeline gas, which will provide stability and reliability along with contract flexibility. In this region, pipeline deliveries are simply a more profitable solution," she concluded.

Source: ITAR-TASS 28-01-2020

New Russian prime minister has carte blanche to form government – Kremlin

The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Mishustin as the head of government is responsible before the state.

MOSCOW, January 26. /TASS/. New Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has a certain freedom of actions to form his team, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin" program on Rossiya-1 TV channel on Sunday.

"Certainly, there is some candidate pool, from where if needed candidates are picked or proposed. However, since Mishustin received a proposal to head the cabinet, definitely, I believe he had and has a certain carte blanche to form his team," Peskov said.

The Kremlin spokesman noted that Mishustin as the head of government is responsible before the state.

Peskov stressed that Russia’s cabinet reshuffle was linked to the new goals set by President Vladimir Putin. "This is an extraordinary task and this requires a government with maximum efficiency, dynamics and flexibility at work. That’s because now there are no other options," he said.

The previous Russian government resigned on January 15 in the wake of constitutional amendments proposed by Putin. The president accepted the cabinet’s resignation and nominated the chief of the Federal Tax Service, Mikhail Mishustin, for the prime minister. The next day Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, confirmed Mishustin as the new prime minister. On January 21, the Russian president’s decrees approved the government’s structure and its new members.

Source: ITAR-TASS 26-01-2020

Lukashenko admits he avoids smartphone due to security concerns

Lukashenko also noted the negative effect of radio waves on people’s health.

MINSK, January 24. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has confessed that he does not use a smartphone or other gadgets over security concerns.

The Belarusian leader revealed this on Friday during a meeting with local workers in the Mogilev Region.

"I don’t even have a cell phone. I see my presidential colleagues sitting and poking away at their iPhones.... I don’t do it. I know what security is. Nevertheless, it is not just about security, I have people to take care of that," Lukashenko specified, speaking at a Mogilev Region factory.

The head of state disclosed that if someone actually calls him on a cell phone, an aide brings it in.

"I rarely use this type of communication," Lukashenko emphasized. "Right now, all of you have these gadgets in your pockets, and wherever you go, those who need to can see you. Do you want it? I don’t think so."

Lukashenko also noted the negative effect of radio waves on people’s health. Speaking about the benefits of digital technology development, he also warned about the possible threat related to artificial intelligence development.

Source: ITAR-TASS 24-01-2020

Russia to create submillimeter radars to detect small drones

The technology will be converted into a product within five years, according to the producer.

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. The RTI Joint Stock Company, a developer and producer of high-tech products, will create new radars that operate in terahertz frequency range and are capable of pinpointing the smallest drone, RTI CEO Pavel Laptayev told TASS.

"The terahertz technology [featuring radio wave length below one millimeter] will be converted into a product within five years. These radars can detect small drones, and function in space," Laptayev explained.

According to the CEO, the submillimeter radar enables a beam to be aimed on a relatively small object with extraordinary precision, impossible for other ranges, and identify its shape, material, speed and trajectory.

Laptayev admitted that RTI managed to achieve significant success in the terahertz range only in 2019, with the company mastering the components for such stations, and learning to identify objects and materials. According to the CEO, the RTI specialists now work on radar software that would swiftly and effectively classify a target and relay this information to the operator.

"This task will take more time than creating a prototype, because it requires accumulating data and implementing machine learning methods," the CEO specified.

Small drones are considered a serious threat because they can go unnoticed by conventional radars, especially when flying at low altitudes and low speed. For instance, drones rigged with explosives, attacked Saudi Aramco’s two largest refineries on September 14, 2019. The blasts and fires caused by the strike sent the world’s biggest oil exporter’s daily extraction plunging from 9.8 million bpd to 4.1 million bpd.

Source: ITAR-TASS 23-01-2020

Russia to live-fire S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems during drills in April

As part of the preparations for the exercise, the anti-aircraft gunners will be required to accomplish assignments within specified time limits in the basic disciplines of missile firing, technical, tactical and special training.

MOSCOW, January 21. /TASS/. The combat teams of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems will hold a live-fire exercise at the Ashuluk training range in the southern Astrakhan Region in April, the press office of the Western Military District reported on Tuesday.

"As part of the third stage of tactical drills at the Ashuluk state firing range (the Astrakhan Region) in April, the combat teams of an anti-aircraft missile regiment will live-fire surface-to-air missiles against the targets simulating technical characteristics of modern and future air attack weapons of a probable enemy," the press office said in a statement.

The combat teams of S-400 air defense systems based in the town of Gatchina in the northwestern Leningrad Region have started preparations for the drills. During the first stage of the two-week preparations, the anti-aircraft gunners will be required to accomplish assignments within specified time limits in the basic disciplines of missile firing, technical, tactical and special training.

After that, they will switch to theoretical and practical training for the firing exercise in specialized classrooms and directly on the missile system and at the system’s command post.

"At the concluding stage of the preparations, the personnel will have to be cleared for independent operations, which includes accomplishing combat training assignments within required time limits, passing theoretical tests of the knowledge of firing guidelines and rules and conducting a notional air defense battle as a combat team," the statement runs.

The S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 35 km.

Source: ITAR-TASS 21-01-2020

First 100 trains transport 85,000 passengers across Crimean Bridge

The peak traffic was observed on January 3 when 2,800 people were carried under the railway arch, according to the information center.

SIMFEROPOL, January 20. /TASS/. The first hundred trains that ran on the newly-opened Crimean Bridge have transported 85,000 passengers, the Crimean Bridge information center told reporters on Monday.

"One hundred passenger trains crossed the Crimean Bridge in just under a month. They transported 85,000 passengers. The peak traffic was observed on January 3 — 2,800 people went under the railway arch. The one hundredth train was the one travelling from Sevastopol to St. Petersburg. It crossed the Kerch Strait on January 19 at 23:10 Moscow time," the statement reads.

Since the railway traffic was officially launched, the Crimean Bridge is crossed daily by 2-4 Tavriya long-distance passenger trains that connect Crimean cities and towns with Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tver, Ryazan and a few others, the information center noted. "The intensity of bridge traffic will only increase as the number of year-round and seasonal routes of transporting companies expands," the statement adds.

The center also clarified that the railroad is operating as normal. "Automation systems are working on the bridge which communicate with the command post (electrical centralization) on the Kerch side. Officers on duty are tracking the schedule of trains live, correcting their speeds and train intervals," the statement underlines.

The 19-kilometer Crimean Bridge, the longest one in Russia and Europe, links the Taman Peninsula (Russia’s Krasnodar Region) and the Kerch Peninsula (Crimea). The bridge consists of two parallel rail and car roads built concurrently. It ensures an uninterrupted transport link between Crimea and other regions of Russia. The vehicle section of the bridge opened in May 2018.

The construction of the railway part of the bridge was officially completed on December 18, 2019. On December 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the official opening ceremony of the crossing. The railway bridge will open to freight traffic in July 2020.

Source: ITAR-TASS 20-01-2020

Medvedev says will remain ruling party’s leader after appointment to Security Council

The United Russia party will continue its preparations for the upcoming election to the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, in 2021, Dmitry Medvedev noted.

MOSCOW, January 19. /TASS/. Dmitry Medvedev, who earlier stepped down as the Russian prime minister and was appointed as deputy chairman of the Security Council, said he would retain the post of the United Russia party’s leader.

"If we speak about a particular new job, this position does not run counter to being engaged in political activity, including in activity related to leading the party. I remain chairman of the United Russia party," Medvedev said in an interview with Channel One.

According to Medvedev, the United Russia is "a leading political force, a ruling party that has huge responsibility to the people and the country for its development." "Certainly, the party is solving exactly the same tasks that the entire country is facing. But now vital tasks are related to improving the well-being of people and solving those tasks based on national projects," he said.

The party seeks to provide assistance in implementing these tasks and also solves particular issues related to the development of certain regions and cities, Medvedev said.

The United Russia party will continue its preparations for the upcoming election to the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, in 2021, Medvedev noted.

Source: ITAR-TASS 19-01-2020

Yerevan negotiating fixed gas prices for ten years with Gazprom, says regulator

Gazprom Armenia announced earlier the possibility of a revision of gas tariffs.

YEREVAN, January 18. /TASS/. Armenia is negotiating mechanisms of fixed gas pricing for a ten-year period with Gazprom’s subsidiary Gazprom Armenia should the company announce an increase in the gas tariff, chairman of Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission Garegin Baghramyan told reporters on Saturday.

"Today’s talks are aimed at fixing gas pricing mechanisms for a ten-year period if Gazprom Armenia submits an application on gas tariff change. That will, of course, be connected both with investments and the results of those investments," he said.

Source: ITAR-TASS 18-01-2020

MiG-31, Su-24 planes make massive training flights during drills in Russia’s northwest

As many as 10 aircraft simultaneously performed combat training tasks in the sky.

MOSCOW, January 17. /TASS/. The crews of MiG-31 interceptor-fighters and Su-24 bombers from the composite air regiment of the Northern Fleet’s Air Force and Air Defense Army performed training flights in adverse weather conditions, the press office of the Western Military District reported on Friday.

"The training flights became the most massive exercise this new year. As many as 10 aircraft simultaneously performed combat training tasks in the sky. Over the flight shift, more than 40 sorties were made and more than 20 crews of the air regiment practiced their skills," the press office said in a statement.

The pilots of fighter jets and bombers were sharpening the skills of take-offs and landing in a snowfall, low clouds and poor visibility during the day and the polar night.

"The crews of Su-24 planes practiced heading for an attack and notional bombing. The pilots of MiG-31 aircraft practiced tactical measures upon intercepting an air target and conducting a dogfight and also performing aerobatic maneuvers," the statement says.

Source: ITAR-TASS 17-01-2020

UN founding states must set example to remove threat of global war — Putin

The president underscored that the five nuclear powers are especially liable for the preservation of the mankind.

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Five permanent members of the UN Security Council should set an example to eliminate threats of new wars, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly (parliament) on Wednesday.

"We see how unpredictable and uncontrollable the developments around the world are, what has been happening in the Middle East and North Africa over the past few weeks and over the past few days. We see that regional conflicts can morph into a threat to the entire global community," he stressed.

"I am certain the time has come for an earnest and straightforward discussion about the basic principles of a stable world order and those burning issues, which humanity is facing," he went on to say. "We need to show political will, wisdom and courage. Time requires an awareness of our shared responsibility and real actions."

"The UN founding states must set an example. The five nuclear powers bear a special responsibility for the preservation and sustainable development of mankind," the Russian leader stressed. "The five nations must begin with measures to neutralize threats of a global war, come up with new approaches to ensure stability across the globe, which would fully take into account the political, economic and military aspects of modern international relations."

"Russia is open to strengthening cooperation with all interested partners. We do not threaten anyone and are not trying to impose our will. At the same time, I can assure everyone that our steps aimed at bolstering national security have been taken in due time and were sufficient," Putin noted.

Source: ITAR-TASS 15-01-2020

Russian hi-tech firm develops new flight control system for Mi-28NM combat helicopters

The new flight control system is lighter by its weight and smaller by its dimensions than other systems.

SARATOV, January 14. /TASS/. The Design Bureau of Industrial Automatics based in Saratov in southern Russia has developed a new flight control system for upgraded Mi-28NM combat helicopters, the press office of the regional industry ministry reported on Tuesday.

"The PKV-28 flight control system for the latest Mi-28NM ‘Night Hunter’ combat helicopters has been developed by the Saratov-based Design Bureau of Industrial Automatics," the press office said in a statement.

The flight control system developed in Saratov is lighter by its weight and smaller by its dimensions than other systems and ensures a new level of comfort and easiness in piloting. It also integrates big potential for further upgrade to meet the customer’s new requirements.

"Following the results of state trials, the implemented technical solution will be offered for helicopters of other models," the statement says.

 The Design Bureau of industrial Automatics was set up in 1947 and is licensed for all types of activity in the aircraft industry. Today the Design Bureau of Industrial Automatics develops and produces onboard systems for various aircraft.

The Mi-28NM is a modernized version of the Mi-28N ‘Night Hunter’ helicopter. The work on the helicopter’s new modification started in 2009. The Mi-28NM has received a principally new panoramic view locator, a new control system with artificial intelligence elements and other equipment and will be capable of using precision weapons. The helicopter is designated to strike the armor, carry out reconnaissance and provide target acquisition.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said at the Army-2019 arms show that the Defense Ministry had signed a contract with the Russian Helicopters rotorcraft manufacturer on the delivery of 98 Mi-28NM attack helicopters to the troops.

Source: ITAR-TASS 14-01-2020

US destroyer crossed course of Russian Navy ship in Arabian Sea, Defense Ministry says

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, unprofessional actions by the US destroyer crew "are an intentional violation of international regulations of safety of navigation"

MOSCOW, January 11. /TASS/. The US destroyer crossed traffic lane of the Russian Navy ship in the Arabian Sea, as the American crew was acting unprofessionally, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The Defense Ministry pointed out that the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea defines that "when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way."

"Therefore, on January 9, 2020 the US Navy destroyer, which was on the left from the traffic lane of the Russian Navy ship sailing ahead, grossly violated the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, by maneuvering to cross its course," the Defense Ministry said.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, unprofessional actions by the US destroyer crew "are an intentional violation of international regulations of safety of navigation."

Along with this, Russia’s Defense Ministry said the US Fifth Fleet’s statement that a Russian Navy ship "aggressively approached" USS Farragut is not true.

"A widely publicized statement by representatives of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet that a Russian Navy ship allegedly ‘aggressively approached’ USS Farragut destroyer in the Arabian Sea is not true," the statement said.

The Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that "the crew of a Russian naval ship acted professionally making a maneuver which made it possible to prevent collision with the intruder ship." The fact was filmed by onboard cameras of the US Navy Fifth Fleet’s destroyer posted on Twitter, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Earlier, the US Fifth Fleet released a statement accusing the Russian warship of "aggressively approaching" USS Farragut. Footage showing the Ivan Hurs, a Russian Project 18280-class intelligence-gathering vessel, was attached to the post.

Source: ITAR-TASS 11-01-2020

Russia’s Nordwind Airlines plane makes hard landing in Antalya

According to the website, pilots of aircraft A321-200 with tail number VQ-BRS requested emergency landing in Antalya due to detection of smoke.

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. A passenger aircraft belonging to Russia’s Nordwind Airlines traveling from Moscow has performed a hard landing in Antalya on Friday, Turkish portal Airporthaber informed.

According to the website, pilots of aircraft A321-200 with tail number VQ-BRS requested emergency landing in Antalya due to detection of smoke. During the landing, one of the plane’s landing wheels hit the fuselage, deforming it. The portal published a photograph of the damaged part of the plane.

Later, the Russian Consulate General in Antalya informed TASS that there were no passengers on the plane. "According to the information provided by the local office of Nordwind in Antalya, we confirm that a plane belonging to this company has performed a hard landing. It was flying without passengers, there have been no injuries. Only the plane suffered technical damage," the source stated.

Source: ITAR-TASS 10-01-2020

Russian military in Syria defend their own homes from terrorism – Putin

Putin thanked the command and personnel of the Russian Armed Forces’ group in Syria for fulfilling military duties in good faith.

MOSCOW, January 8. /TASS/. Russian military personnel in Syria not only provides help to Syrians but also defend their motherland from terrorists, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in Damascus when visiting the headquarters of the Russian Armed Forces’ group stationed in Syria.

"Here, in Syria, you are not only addressing the task of helping the Syrian people in liberating [them] from terrorist groups and gangs. Here, in Syria, you are also protecting your own homes, preventing fighters from infiltrating Russia and our neighbor states," Putin addressed the Russian military.

The video of the speech was uploaded to the Telegram channel of the Syrian president.

Putin thanked the command and personnel of the Russian Armed Forces’ group in Syria for fulfilling military duties in good faith. "Russia and your relatives are proud of you and wish you all the best," he underlined.

"The Russian navy personnel near the Syrian coast continue to defend our national interests in the Mediterranean," the president said. Moreover, he specifically extended gratitude to the military medical officers.

Putin paid a visit to Damascus on Tuesday. He was greeted by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the headquarters of the Russian forces. The leaders heard reports on developments in various regions across Syria with bilateral talks taking place later. After that, the presidents visited the medieval Umayyad Mosque situated in the old part of the capital. Putin then headed to the Orthodox Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus where he had a meeting with John X of Antioch, primate of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All The East.

Source: ITAR-TASS 08-01-2020

President Putin congratulates Orthodox Christians celebrating Christmas

Russian President earlier presented the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God to the Transfiguration Cathedral of St. Petersburg at the Christmas services.

MOSCOW, January 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Orthodox Christians and all Russian citizens celebrating Christmas, noting the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in strengthening spiritual and moral foundations of society, the Kremlin press service reported on Tuesday.

"Millions of people all over the world are full with joy and inspiration on festive Christmas days, they share deep feelings of being a part of the centuries-old traditions, passed down from generation to generation," the message said.

"The Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations of Russia play a huge formative role in strengthening spiritual and moral foundations of society, in safeguarding our historical, cultural heritage, in educating young people. Such a large, fruitful work is very important and deserves the deepest recognition," the president said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier presented the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God to the Transfiguration Cathedral of St. Petersburg on Tuesday at the Christmas services.

For more than half an hour, the President, along with other worshipers, took part in a nightly Divine Liturgy, after which he briefly talked with the Archpriest of the cathedral, Nikolai Bryndin, and presented him with an icon as a gift. In response, the President received an icon of the Kazan Mother of God from Bryndin.

The Orthodox residents of Russia and other countries are celebrating Christmas on Tuesday, January 7. On Monday night, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia started the Christmas service in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

Further to the Russian Orthodox Church, the Serbian, Georgian and Polish Orthodox Churches, the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, Athos monasteries and some Protestants and Catholics of the Eastern Rite also celebrate Christmas on January 7 or December 25 according to the Julian calendar.

Christians conclude a forty-day fast that lasted from November 28 of the last year until January 6. On Christmas Eve, they have special fasting, "until the first star," in memory of how the Magi came first to the birthplace of Christ following the star in the sky. At present, a candle in front of the altar, which is lit at the end of the Christmas Eve service, is brought to the middle of the temple, symbolizing the Bethlehem Star.

The Christmas celebration continues for twelve days (the so-called ‘Christmas tide’) and ends on the Epiphany Day on January 19.

Source: ITAR-TASS 07-01-2020

Supply of Russian oil to Belarusian refineries renewed

Deputy Chairman of Belneftekhim Concern Vladimir Sizov noted that up to 650,000 tonnes of oil might be delivered to Belarus in January.

MINSK, January 4. /TASS/. The supply of Russian oil to Belarusian oil refineries has been renewed, Deputy Chairman of Belneftekhim Concern Vladimir Sizov informed on Saturday.

"Today, at 17:05 (local time, same as Moscow time - TASS), the pumps have been turned on and oil supply has begun in the direction of Naftan [oil refinery]," the BelTA news agency quotes the chairman as saying. He added that the supply would then reach the Mozyrsky oil refinery, with 6,000 tonnes of oil to be supplied by the end of the day.

"Oil transit is carried out in accordance with the obligations undertaken by oil supply enterprises and the Republic of Belarus," Sizov is quoted as saying. "In order to ensure the steady work of oil refineries and steady oil supply to the domestic market, we have reached an agreement with one of the Russian oil enterprises that about 100-130,000 tonnes of oil will be delivered at the first stage," he added. Sizov noted that up to 650,000 tonnes of oil might be delivered to Belarus in January.

"In January, we expect to renew [export of petroleum products]. We expect that by late January - this is an optimistic scenario - all possible restrictions will be lifted," the Belneftekhim deputy director noted. He explained that the renewal of export would depend on the contract-signing process.

On Friday, Belneftekhim said that Russia had stopped oil supplies to Belarus, adding that the capacity of the country’s oil refineries had been reduced to the minimum technologically permissible level.

On December 30 and 31, Russian and Belarusian leaders Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko held two phone calls, during which they discussed the export of Russian oil and gas to the republic. Lukashenko also discussed this matter with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak on December 21. On the same day, Lukashenko mandated the Belarusian oil and gas complex leadership to sign contracts for oil deliveries and to work on the conditions of delivering raw materials from Baltic ports via the railway service and the Druzhba pipeline. However, the contracts have not been signed so far.

Source: ITAR-TASS 05-01-2020

Two Russian acrobats fell from 10-meter height during show in Amsterdam

The acrobats were immediately hospitalized.

THE HAGUE, January 4. /TASS/. Two acrobats from Russia fell from the height of 10 meters during the World Christmas Circus show in Amsterdam, the Dutch news agency ANP reported.

A man and a woman fell at the same time from the height of about ten meters and the man dropped on the woman at the same time. "This entails a couple from Russia performing the act known as ‘Sky Angels," producer Henk van der Meijden said. "They are known by performing without the safety net," he added.

Acrobats were immediately hospitalized and both performers were conscious when admitted in the hospital, the producer added. Doctors consider that injuries of one of the acrobats are serious.

The performance was canceled immediately after the incident. Shows on Saturday and Sunday will proceed as planned, van der Meijden said.

Source: ITAR-TASS 04-01-2020

Russia’s oil production hits post-Soviet time record in 2019

Russia’s oil production in 2019 reached 560.2 million tonnes. According to statistics, Soviet oil production set a record in 1987 at 569.5 million tonnes. Later it continued decreasing and plunged to 303 million tonnes by 1996.

MOSCOW, January 3. /TASS/. Russia’s oil production in 2019 reached 560.2 million tonnes, exceeding the levels of 2017 and 2018 when it hit a record high of 549 million tonnes and 556 million tonnes, according to the Central Dispatching Department of the Fuel Energy Complex.

According to statistics, Soviet oil production set a record in 1987 at 569.5 million tonnes. Later it continued decreasing and plunged to 303 million tonnes by 1996.

Russia’s Energy Ministry predicts that domestic crude output could face a decline in the coming years unless a taxation reform is carried out. Energy Minister Alexander Novak says that Russia’s oil sector bears the highest tax burden in the world that amounts to 70% of companies’ revenues. The development of nearly half of Russia’s oil reserves is unprofitable under the current taxation system, he notes.

Source: ITAR-TASS 03-01-2020

About 15 mln people attend Journey to Christmas festival in Moscow

The organizing committee of the Moscow Seasons festive events earlier said that the Journey to Christmas was Europe’s largest winter festival.

MOSCOW, January 2. /TASS/. Almost 15 million people have attended the Journey to Christmas festival in Moscow since it kicked off on December 13, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told reporters on Thursday.

"Celebrations in Moscow continue. As many as 15 million people have attended the Journey to Christmas [festival]. That’s a record number for the festival," he said.

The organizing committee of the Moscow Seasons festive events earlier said that the Journey to Christmas was Europe’s largest winter festival and the most popular Moscow Seasons’ event. Last year, a record 18.6 million guests attended the venues of the festival located in downtown Moscow, in the city’s districts and parks. This time, it is being held from December 13, 2019, to January 12, 2020.

Source: ITAR-TASS 02-01-2020

Top brass to set up 3 new military units armed with Ratnik combat gear in Russia’s west

The Ratnik is a system of advanced protective and communications equipment, weapons and ammunition, comprising over 40 protective and life support elements.

VORONEZH, December 31. /TASS/. Three new military units outfitted with the Ratnik ‘soldier of the future’ combat gear will be set up in Russia’s Western Military District in 2020, Commander of the 20th All-Arms Army Lieutenant-General Andrei Ivanayev said on Tuesday.

"In 2020, there are plans to set up three new military formations that will have both to catch up with the current pace of training and boost their professional potential several-fold within the shortest time possible. The new units will receive new combat banners and new Ratnik combat outfits and will be provided with attachable gear for small arms," the district’s press office quoted the commander as saying.

The Ratnik is a system of advanced protective and communications equipment, weapons and ammunition. It comprises over 40 protective and life support elements and allows a soldier to get continuously updated on the situation in the combat area. In addition, the Ratnik includes a self-contained heater, a backpack, an individual water filter, a gas mask and a medical kit.

The second-generation Ratnik combat gear has been arriving for Russia’s ground forces, the Airborne Force and marines since 2016.

An advanced Ratnik-3 combat gear with an integral exoskeleton and a helmet visor-mounted target designation system is currently being developed for Russia’s Armed Forces.

Source: ITAR-TASS 01-01-2020