Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered a nationwide week-long paid holiday to curb Covid infections in Europe's worst affected country and urged Russians to show "responsibility" and get vaccinated.

Putin approved a government plan to declare a non-working week across the country from October 30 as Russia registered a record 1,028 coronavirus deaths in a single day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-record-daily-coronavirus-deaths-418345">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia reports record daily Covid deaths</a>

"The main aim is to protect the lives and health of our citizens," the 69-year-old Kremlin chief said during a televised meeting.

He said the severity of the outbreak in Russia was linked to the country's vaccination rates that are "unfortunately" low.

Infection rates have soared in recent weeks amid a stalled vaccination campaign, with only 35 percent of the country fully inoculated despite several widely available vaccines including Sputnik V.&nbsp;

Putin said he was surprised by how many Russians were refusing the vaccine, even among his "close friends."

"It's strange. People with a good education, scientific degrees... I just don't understand what is happening."

Putin has made numerous pleas for Russians to get Covid jabs, and on Wednesday once again called on people to get immunised.

"Please, show responsibility," he said.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the country recorded over 34,000 new virus cases and a total of 226,353 fatalities -- the highest death toll on the European continent.

Russian authorities have been accused of vastly downplaying the scale of the pandemic, and Putin told regional authorities not to under-report the number of virus cases, calling it "dangerous."&nbsp;

Putin has introduced paid holidays during coronavirus peaks before, most recently in May. The new non-working week will coincide with national school holidays. &nbsp;

Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said the new restrictions were tough but necessary.

"Recently, we have been losing more than a thousand of our citizens a day. These are terrible figures," she said. She asked Russians not to travel between regions so as not to "worsen" the situation.

The Russian leader insists that the country has handled the pandemic better than most countries, but even top officials have recently voiced concern.

Pyotr Tolstoy, deputy chairman of parliament's lower house, said at the weekend that the authorities had "completely lost" an information campaign on coronavirus.&nbsp;

"There is no trust in people to go and vaccinate themselves, it is a fact," he said.

- Moscow restrictions - 
The holidays were announced a day after Moscow &nbsp;Mayor Sergei Sobyanin ordered the capital's first coronavirus restrictions since the summer.&nbsp;

He told unvaccinated over-60s in Moscow to work from home and extended mandatory vaccinations for service workers. Those restrictions take effect next Monday and are set to last until the end of February.&nbsp;

Sobyanin also told employers to move 30 percent of their staff to home working.

Life in Moscow, which is home to more than 12 million people, was normal on Wednesday, with restaurants and other indoor entertainment venues open as usual.&nbsp;

Officials warned the worst was yet to come and that the number of hospitalisations was growing at a rate faster than in previous waves.&nbsp;

"The coronavirus situation in Moscow is worsening," said the city's deputy mayor Anastasia Rakova.&nbsp;

She said it was the first time the capital has seen such 30-percent growth in cases for five consecutive weeks.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told journalists the country's medical system was operating under increasing pressure, saying the "main aim" was to increase vaccination rates.

But independent polls show that more than half of Russians do not plan to get a shot.

Putin says he has been vaccinated with Sputnik and last month self-isolated after dozens of virus cases were detected in his inner circle.

But his spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday appeared to share a widespread belief that having antibodies to the virus meant not needing a Covid jab.

"I have not taken the vaccine because I have a high level of antibodies," Peskov said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered a nationwide week-long paid holiday to curb Covid infections in Europe's worst affected country and urged Russians to show "responsibility" and get vaccinated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered a nationwide week-long paid holiday to curb Covid infections in Europe's worst affected country and urged Russians to show "responsibility" and get vaccinated. Putin approved a government plan to declare a non-working week across the country from October 30 as Russia registered a record 1,028 coronavirus deaths in a single day. Also Read: Russia reports record daily Covid deaths "The main aim is to protect the lives and health of our citizens," the 69-year-old Kremlin chief said during a televised meeting. He said the severity of the outbreak in Russia was linked to the country's vaccination rates that are "unfortunately" low. Infection rates have soared in recent weeks amid a stalled vaccination campaign, with only 35 percent of the country fully inoculated despite several widely available vaccines including Sputnik V. Putin said he was surprised by how many Russians were refusing the vaccine, even among his "close friends." "It's strange. People with a good education, scientific degrees... I just don't understand what is happening." Putin has made numerous pleas for Russians to get Covid jabs, and on Wednesday once again called on people to get immunised. "Please, show responsibility," he said. On Wednesday, the country recorded over 34,000 new virus cases and a total of 226,353 fatalities -- the highest death toll on the European continent. Russian authorities have been accused of vastly downplaying the scale of the pandemic, and Putin told regional authorities not to under-report the number of virus cases, calling it "dangerous." Putin has introduced paid holidays during coronavirus peaks before, most recently in May. The new non-working week will coincide with national school holidays. Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said the new restrictions were tough but necessary. "Recently, we have been losing more than a thousand of our citizens a day. These are terrible figures," she said. She asked Russians not to travel between regions so as not to "worsen" the situation. The Russian leader insists that the country has handled the pandemic better than most countries, but even top officials have recently voiced concern. Pyotr Tolstoy, deputy chairman of parliament's lower house, said at the weekend that the authorities had "completely lost" an information campaign on coronavirus. "There is no trust in people to go and vaccinate themselves, it is a fact," he said. - Moscow restrictions - The holidays were announced a day after Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin ordered the capital's first coronavirus restrictions since the summer. He told unvaccinated over-60s in Moscow to work from home and extended mandatory vaccinations for service workers. Those restrictions take effect next Monday and are set to last until the end of February. Sobyanin also told employers to move 30 percent of their staff to home working. Life in Moscow, which is home to more than 12 million people, was normal on Wednesday, with restaurants and other indoor entertainment venues open as usual. Officials warned the worst was yet to come and that the number of hospitalisations was growing at a rate faster than in previous waves. "The coronavirus situation in Moscow is worsening," said the city's deputy mayor Anastasia Rakova. She said it was the first time the capital has seen such 30-percent growth in cases for five consecutive weeks. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told journalists the country's medical system was operating under increasing pressure, saying the "main aim" was to increase vaccination rates. But independent polls show that more than half of Russians do not plan to get a shot. Putin says he has been vaccinated with Sputnik and last month self-isolated after dozens of virus cases were detected in his inner circle. But his spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday appeared to share a widespread belief that having antibodies to the virus meant not needing a Covid jab. "I have not taken the vaccine because I have a high level of antibodies," Peskov said.

Putin orders week-long paid holiday in Russia to combat virus surge

Kremlin said today that Russian&nbsp;President Putin will&nbsp;be self-isolating over coronavirus cases reported in the "inner circle".

However, officials who have been hit with the virus is still unclear.&nbsp;Kremlin said Putin,68, will not be attending the regional summit in person in Dushanbe which is set to take place later this week.

The Russian president had taken the second dose of the vaccine in April this year after taking the first shot on March 23.&nbsp;Putin had reportedly taken the Sputnik V jab developed by Russian scientists last year.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared the Russian president was "absolutely healthy" and had taken a coronavirus test.

Russia has been battling the virus with the total number of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-the-west-nile-virus-the-infection-russia-has-warned-may-spread-409520"> coronavirus </a>cases climbing to over&nbsp;seven million last Sunday.

The country had reported 18,645 new coronavirus infections last weekend along with 793 deaths.&nbsp;According to Russia's state-run agency Rosstat, 365,000 people had died due to the virus last month.

Russia has so far recorded 7,176,085 COVID-19 cases along with 194,249 deaths even as infections spiked last month. Russia's capital Moscow has been the epicentre of the virus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Kremlin said today that Russian President Putin will be self-isolating over coronavirus cases reported in the "inner circle". However, officials who have been hit with the virus is still unclear.

Kremlin said today that Russian President Putin will be self-isolating over coronavirus cases reported in the "inner circle". However, officials who have been hit with the virus is still unclear. Kremlin said Putin,68, will not be attending the regional summit in person in Dushanbe which is set to take place later this week. The Russian president had taken the second dose of the vaccine in April this year after taking the first shot on March 23. Putin had reportedly taken the Sputnik V jab developed by Russian scientists last year. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared the Russian president was "absolutely healthy" and had taken a coronavirus test. Russia has been battling the virus with the total number of coronavirus cases climbing to over seven million last Sunday. The country had reported 18,645 new coronavirus infections last weekend along with 793 deaths. According to Russia's state-run agency Rosstat, 365,000 people had died due to the virus last month. Russia has so far recorded 7,176,085 COVID-19 cases along with 194,249 deaths even as infections spiked last month. Russia's capital Moscow has been the epicentre of the virus. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian President Putin to self-isolate over virus cases in 'inner circle': Kremlin

Russia recorded over 20,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-two-million-in-england-may-have-suffered-from-long-covid-says-study-393581">coronavirus</a> cases on Thursday which is the highest since January as the country continued to grapple with the virus amid low vaccination.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-variant-represents-almost-90-of-coronavirus-cases-confirms-moscow-mayor-392387">Moscow</a> which has been the epicentre of the virus registered 8,598 cases and 92 fatalities in 24 hours which authorities said was the highest death toll recorded in the city. Russia's St. Petersburg also recorded the highest ever toll with 99 deaths.

Watch:

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Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin had earlier said the Delta strain was the most dominant in the city with 90 per cent cases reported. Sobyanin declared that from June 28 those who enter restaurants would have to show proof of vaccination or provide a negative PCR test.

The Russian capital has extended COVID-19 restrictions till June 29 with several outdoor venues closed and restaurants ordered to shut by 11 pm.

In a similar move as Moscow, health authorities declared that people visiting hotels in the Krasnodar region to get negative PCR tests while stating that from August 1 the region will ban entry to resorts for unvaccinated vacationers.&nbsp;

According to the health ministry,&nbsp;130,000 citizens have been hospitalised with several thousand under supervision although there are enough hospital beds with just 15 per cent reportedly unoccupied.

Leningrad authorities have ordered mandatory vaccination for service workers.

Buryatia in Siberia has announced a lockdown amid the surge in coronavirus cases with businesses ordered to shut from June 27 to July 11. The country has been slow in its vaccination drive despite the presence of the Sputnik V vaccine which was approved by authorities in August last year.

Russia has vaccinated just 20.7 million citizens so far with one dose out of a population of 146 million.

The country has recorded 131,463 coronavirus deaths with over 5.3 million COVID-19 cases.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Russia recorded over 20,000 coronavirus cases on Thursday which is the highest since January as the country continued to grapple with the virus amid low vaccination.

Russia recorded over 20,000 coronavirus cases on Thursday which is the highest since January as the country continued to grapple with the virus amid low vaccination. Moscow which has been the epicentre of the virus registered 8,598 cases and 92 fatalities in 24 hours which authorities said was the highest death toll recorded in the city. Russia's St. Petersburg also recorded the highest ever toll with 99 deaths. Watch: Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin had earlier said the Delta strain was the most dominant in the city with 90 per cent cases reported. Sobyanin declared that from June 28 those who enter restaurants would have to show proof of vaccination or provide a negative PCR test. The Russian capital has extended COVID-19 restrictions till June 29 with several outdoor venues closed and restaurants ordered to shut by 11 pm. In a similar move as Moscow, health authorities declared that people visiting hotels in the Krasnodar region to get negative PCR tests while stating that from August 1 the region will ban entry to resorts for unvaccinated vacationers. According to the health ministry, 130,000 citizens have been hospitalised with several thousand under supervision although there are enough hospital beds with just 15 per cent reportedly unoccupied. Leningrad authorities have ordered mandatory vaccination for service workers. Buryatia in Siberia has announced a lockdown amid the surge in coronavirus cases with businesses ordered to shut from June 27 to July 11. The country has been slow in its vaccination drive despite the presence of the Sputnik V vaccine which was approved by authorities in August last year. Russia has vaccinated just 20.7 million citizens so far with one dose out of a population of 146 million. The country has recorded 131,463 coronavirus deaths with over 5.3 million COVID-19 cases. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia registers record high COVID-19 cases, deaths

Russia on Friday reported over 17,000 new coronavirus infections as capital Moscow closed its European football Championship fan zone and banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people due to a spike in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lambda-new-variant-of-covid-19-that-is-affecting-29-countries-392308">COVID-19</a> cases.

Capital Moscow which has been the epicentre of the virus recorded 9,056 cases in the last 24 hours which is the highest rate of infection since the start of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-vaccination-has-no-effect-on-male-fertility-sperm-count-not-harmed-study-392287">pandemic</a> in Russia.

Watch:

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The Russian capital recorded 78 fatalities with the country recording a total of 453 deaths worrying health officials.

Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced shutting of cafes and restaurants at night due to "new strains" which the mayor said was more "aggressive and rapidly spreading"

The capital had already declared a non-working week earlier.

"The situation in Moscow with the spread of COVID-19 disease is rapidly deteriorating, and the dynamics are quite unexpected since more than 60 per cent&nbsp;of Muscovites have either been ill or vaccinated," Sobyanin said.&nbsp;

The Moscow mayor said there was a three-fold increase in the coronavirus cases. Sobyanin added that scientists were&nbsp;assessing the possibility&nbsp;of transmission and increasing the contagiousness of the strain including the transmissibility pattern.

The mayor&nbsp;confirmed the Delta variant represented&nbsp;almost 90 per cent of new coronavirus cases&nbsp;in the city.&nbsp;

"The latest data we have received is that 89.3 per cent are sick with a mutated coronavirus, the so-called "Delta","&nbsp;the Moscow mayor told a local television channel.

Authorities are also increasing the number of hospital beds in the capital as the city&nbsp;battles the virus, although they said there are enough already available.

All mass entertainment events have also been closed in the city including dance halls and football fan zones.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Moscow mayor had announced the coronavirus cases had surged&nbsp;from 3,000 to 7,000 within a few days.&nbsp;

Saint Petersburg which is set to host several high profile Euro 2020 matches during the month has already witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases as authorities announced tightening of virus restrictions, including no food sales in fan zones.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia on Friday reported over 17,000 new coronavirus infections as capital Moscow closed its European football Championship fan zone and banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people due to a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Russia on Friday reported over 17,000 new coronavirus infections as capital Moscow closed its European football Championship fan zone and banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Capital Moscow which has been the epicentre of the virus recorded 9,056 cases in the last 24 hours which is the highest rate of infection since the start of the pandemic in Russia. Watch: The Russian capital recorded 78 fatalities with the country recording a total of 453 deaths worrying health officials. Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced shutting of cafes and restaurants at night due to "new strains" which the mayor said was more "aggressive and rapidly spreading" The capital had already declared a non-working week earlier. "The situation in Moscow with the spread of COVID-19 disease is rapidly deteriorating, and the dynamics are quite unexpected since more than 60 per cent of Muscovites have either been ill or vaccinated," Sobyanin said. The Moscow mayor said there was a three-fold increase in the coronavirus cases. Sobyanin added that scientists were assessing the possibility of transmission and increasing the contagiousness of the strain including the transmissibility pattern. The mayor confirmed the Delta variant represented almost 90 per cent of new coronavirus cases in the city. "The latest data we have received is that 89.3 per cent are sick with a mutated coronavirus, the so-called "Delta"," the Moscow mayor told a local television channel. Authorities are also increasing the number of hospital beds in the capital as the city battles the virus, although they said there are enough already available. All mass entertainment events have also been closed in the city including dance halls and football fan zones. On Thursday, the Moscow mayor had announced the coronavirus cases had surged from 3,000 to 7,000 within a few days. Saint Petersburg which is set to host several high profile Euro 2020 matches during the month has already witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases as authorities announced tightening of virus restrictions, including no food sales in fan zones. (With inputs from Agencies)

Delta variant represents almost 90% of coronavirus cases, confirms Moscow mayor

As Russia braces for the European Championship matches, virus cases continued to surge as authorities announced Ussuriysk and Vladivostok to have additional beds for coronavirus patients.

Saint Petersburg will be hosting big matches during the Euro 2020 imposed new restrictions ahead of the Russia vs Finland match on Wednesday with COVID-19 cases increasing.

Watch:

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The city had reported 865 fresh coronavirus cases as it sets out to host seven high profile matches during the month-long European Championships including the quarter-final.

Saint Petersburg's Gazprom Arena is set to be filled with 50 per cent capacity on Wednesday&nbsp;as authorities announced that no food will be served inside the stadium and cinemas theatres ordered to operate at 50 per cent capacity only in the city.

Russia has struggled to vaccinate citizens despite registering the Sputnik V vaccine in August last year.&nbsp;According to reports, Russia has vaccinated just 12 per cent of the population with the first dose of vaccine numbering just 18 million.

On Monday, the country had reported 13,721 new coronavirus cases as capital Moscow declared a four-day public holiday to contain the virus.

The country reported 371 deaths due to the virus in the last 24 hours on Monday worrying health officials. Moscow has become the epicentre of the virus with over 7,700 virus cases reported on Sunday.

Russia has recorded five million coronavirus cases and over 126,800 fatalities since the virus first took hold in the country last year.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Russia braces for the European Championship matches, virus cases continued to surge as authorities announced Ussuriysk and Vladivostok to have additional beds for coronavirus patients.

As Russia braces for the European Championship matches, virus cases continued to surge as authorities announced Ussuriysk and Vladivostok to have additional beds for coronavirus patients. Saint Petersburg will be hosting big matches during the Euro 2020 imposed new restrictions ahead of the Russia vs Finland match on Wednesday with COVID-19 cases increasing. Watch: The city had reported 865 fresh coronavirus cases as it sets out to host seven high profile matches during the month-long European Championships including the quarter-final. Saint Petersburg's Gazprom Arena is set to be filled with 50 per cent capacity on Wednesday as authorities announced that no food will be served inside the stadium and cinemas theatres ordered to operate at 50 per cent capacity only in the city. Russia has struggled to vaccinate citizens despite registering the Sputnik V vaccine in August last year. According to reports, Russia has vaccinated just 12 per cent of the population with the first dose of vaccine numbering just 18 million. On Monday, the country had reported 13,721 new coronavirus cases as capital Moscow declared a four-day public holiday to contain the virus. The country reported 371 deaths due to the virus in the last 24 hours on Monday worrying health officials. Moscow has become the epicentre of the virus with over 7,700 virus cases reported on Sunday. Russia has recorded five million coronavirus cases and over 126,800 fatalities since the virus first took hold in the country last year. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian regions announce fresh COVID-19 curbs amid surge in cases

A day after Russian President Putin called for "mass vaccination" against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-could-have-broken-out-in-us-before-being-officially-confirmed-in-china-347127">coronavirus</a>, Moscow's mayor said the vaccination drive will begin from December 5.

Watch:

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Russian mayor Sergei Sobyanin asserted that teachers, doctors and social workers will be the first to be administered the Sputnik V vaccine.

Russia was the first country to register the coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-the-world-has-sped-up-vaccine-approvals-347195">vaccine</a> named after the Soviet-era satellite. It is given in two doses with a 21-day gap.

Russian authorities had earlier said they would start mass vaccination from January 2021 as manufacturers said they can produce more than two million doses of the vaccine by end of this year.

Putin's announcement had come just hours after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-approves-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-who-gets-it-first-346957">UK</a> approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine rollout from next week.&nbsp;

Russia had earlier reported that the Sputnik V was 95 per cent effective. However, the vaccine is undergoing the third and final stage of clinical trials involving some 40,000 volunteers.&nbsp;

"I would ask you to organise the work so that by the end of next week we will have started this large-scale vaccination," Putin told health officials on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"More than two million doses have been produced or will be produced in the next few days," Putin added. The vaccine will be given free to Russian citizens.

Russia's health minister Mikhail Murashko had said that over 100,000 citizens have so far been<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccines-insufficient-to-prevent-surge-in-coronavirus-for-next-six-months-who-347022"> vaccinated</a> with Sputnik V.

The vaccination drive comes as Russia has recorded over 2,347,401 COVID-19 cases and 41,053 fatalities.

A day after Russian President Putin called for "mass vaccination" against coronavirus, Moscow's mayor said the vaccination drive will begin from December 5. Watch: Russian mayor Sergei Sobyanin asserted that teachers, doctors and social workers will be the first to be administered the Sputnik V vaccine.

A day after Russian President Putin called for "mass vaccination" against coronavirus, Moscow's mayor said the vaccination drive will begin from December 5. Watch: Russian mayor Sergei Sobyanin asserted that teachers, doctors and social workers will be the first to be administered the Sputnik V vaccine. Russia was the first country to register the coronavirus vaccine named after the Soviet-era satellite. It is given in two doses with a 21-day gap. Russian authorities had earlier said they would start mass vaccination from January 2021 as manufacturers said they can produce more than two million doses of the vaccine by end of this year. Putin's announcement had come just hours after the UK approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine rollout from next week. Russia had earlier reported that the Sputnik V was 95 per cent effective. However, the vaccine is undergoing the third and final stage of clinical trials involving some 40,000 volunteers. "I would ask you to organise the work so that by the end of next week we will have started this large-scale vaccination," Putin told health officials on Wednesday. "More than two million doses have been produced or will be produced in the next few days," Putin added. The vaccine will be given free to Russian citizens. Russia's health minister Mikhail Murashko had said that over 100,000 citizens have so far been vaccinated with Sputnik V. The vaccination drive comes as Russia has recorded over 2,347,401 COVID-19 cases and 41,053 fatalities.

Russia to begin vaccination drive against COVID-19 from December 5

As Russia grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-lower-house-of-parliament-approves-bill-to-give-putin-lifetime-immunity-343890">Putin</a> was seen coughing during a televised meeting as the Kremlin denied any health rumours.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-vladimir-putin-alarmed-by-rise-in-covid-19-fatality-rate-in-russia-344194/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Putin,68, reportedly struggled to finish a sentence as he spoke to officials during the coronavirus conference. However, state news agency TASS said the Russian president was "absolutely normal".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-mutations-appearing-in-siberia-russian-scientists-343820">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists</a>

Putin was speaking to finance minister Anton Siluanov during the video call when he began coughing.&nbsp;

The Russian president has been plagued by persistent health rumours, earlier this month a report claimed that Putin may quit his post in January amid fears he has Parkinson's disease.

Putin reportedly has been exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. There was footage earlier which purportedly showed Putin's legs moving as he gripped onto the armrest of a chair leading to speculation that he was suffering from Parkinson’s.

Putin had said earlier that he was "alarmed" by Russia's spike in virus deaths while acknowledging that several regions in the country were experiencing medicine shortages and long waiting times for ambulances.

The Russian president had warned regional chiefs that "it is completely unacceptable to pretend that all is fine".

The country continues to battle the virus even as Russia registered the world's first coronavirus vaccine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-china-may-start-producing-sputnik-v-vaccine-russian-president-putin-343716">Sputnik V </a>in August. Putin had announced last month that Russia had registered a second coronavirus vaccine, EpiVacCorona. The Russian president has promised to make the vaccine widely available.

Russia has registered over 2 million virus cases and 34,850 virus-related fatalities.

As Russia grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, President Putin was seen coughing during a televised meeting as the Kremlin denied any health rumours. Watch: Putin,68, reportedly struggled to finish a sentence as he spoke to officials during the coronavirus conference.

As Russia grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, President Putin was seen coughing during a televised meeting as the Kremlin denied any health rumours. Watch: Putin,68, reportedly struggled to finish a sentence as he spoke to officials during the coronavirus conference. However, state news agency TASS said the Russian president was "absolutely normal". Also Read: Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists Putin was speaking to finance minister Anton Siluanov during the video call when he began coughing. The Russian president has been plagued by persistent health rumours, earlier this month a report claimed that Putin may quit his post in January amid fears he has Parkinson's disease. Putin reportedly has been exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. There was footage earlier which purportedly showed Putin's legs moving as he gripped onto the armrest of a chair leading to speculation that he was suffering from Parkinson’s. Putin had said earlier that he was "alarmed" by Russia's spike in virus deaths while acknowledging that several regions in the country were experiencing medicine shortages and long waiting times for ambulances. The Russian president had warned regional chiefs that "it is completely unacceptable to pretend that all is fine". The country continues to battle the virus even as Russia registered the world's first coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in August. Putin had announced last month that Russia had registered a second coronavirus vaccine, EpiVacCorona. The Russian president has promised to make the vaccine widely available. Russia has registered over 2 million virus cases and 34,850 virus-related fatalities.

Now, Putin coughs repeatedly during televised COVID-19 conference

Russia on Friday reported 12,126 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-invokes-state-of-emergency-over-madrid-lockdown-as-europe-grapples-with-virus-334020">coronavirus</a> cases taking the total number of cases to 1,272,238 as authorities contemplate closing bars and nightclubs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-lockdowns-punishing-for-communities-and-society-who-334120">Also Read |&nbsp;Massive lockdowns punishing for communities and society: WHO</a>

Amid the virus surge, authorities have told residents to stay home over the weekend as Kremlin said there were no plans to impose a lockdown although it said authorities at the regional level would decide on measures to curb the virus.

The virus surge comes as Russia announced it would begin administring the Sputnik V vaccine on a mass scale this month. Putin had said earlier that "around 50 people" in his inner circle had been vaccinated.

Authorities have asked those over the over the age of 65 to isolate themselves even as 201 COVID-19 related deaths were reported on Friday with the total death toll climbing to &nbsp;22,257.

Moscow which was the epicentre of the virus earlier has made it mandatory to wear masks. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has asked employers to allow third of its staff to work remotely. Russia had ordered a strict lockdown in March but began lifting restrictions as cases began to drop in May.

Moscow, however, reimposed some tough measures last month. Russia now has the fourth-highest confirmed cases of coronavirus in the world.

Russia on Friday reported 12,126 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 1,272,238 as authorities contemplate closing bars and nightclubs. Also Read | Massive lockdowns punishing for communities and society: WHO Amid the virus surge, authorities have told residents to stay home over the weekend as Kremlin said there were no plans to impose a lockdown although it said authorities at the regional level would decide on measures to curb the virus.

Russia on Friday reported 12,126 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 1,272,238 as authorities contemplate closing bars and nightclubs. Also Read | Massive lockdowns punishing for communities and society: WHO Amid the virus surge, authorities have told residents to stay home over the weekend as Kremlin said there were no plans to impose a lockdown although it said authorities at the regional level would decide on measures to curb the virus. The virus surge comes as Russia announced it would begin administring the Sputnik V vaccine on a mass scale this month. Putin had said earlier that "around 50 people" in his inner circle had been vaccinated. Authorities have asked those over the over the age of 65 to isolate themselves even as 201 COVID-19 related deaths were reported on Friday with the total death toll climbing to 22,257. Moscow which was the epicentre of the virus earlier has made it mandatory to wear masks. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has asked employers to allow third of its staff to work remotely. Russia had ordered a strict lockdown in March but began lifting restrictions as cases began to drop in May. Moscow, however, reimposed some tough measures last month. Russia now has the fourth-highest confirmed cases of coronavirus in the world.

Russia records highest daily surge in virus as Kremlin rejects lockdown

Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview said the country was exiting the "coronavirus situation steadily, in the States it isn't happening that way".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-to-open-borders-on-june-21-to-most-european-visitors-including-british-305897">Also Read: Spain to open borders on June 21 to most European visitors</a>

"The (US) president says we need to do such-and-such but the governors somewhere tell him where to go," Putin stressed, adding, "I think the problem is that group interests, party interests are put higher than the interests of the whole of society and the interests of the people."

Russia has the third-highest number of coronavirus cases after the United States and Brazil. There are currently 536,484 coronavirus cases in the country with 8,835 new virus cases reported on Sunday. The country has reported 6,948 COVID-19 deaths so far.

The country has been easing the lockdown amid the pandemic with Putin determined to hold a parade on June 24 to celebrate Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Putin asserted that the virus has exposed "deep-seated internal crises in the US".

The United States has the most number of coronavirus cases with 2 million infections and over 115, 730 fatalities. Several areas are reportedly experecicing a second wave even as lockdown restricitions have been eased.

The Russian president said the central government and regional leaders work "as one team", while adding,"I doubt anyone in the government or the regions would say "we're not going to do what the government says, what the president says, we think it's wrong".

Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview said the country was exiting the "coronavirus situation steadily, in the States it isn't happening that way". Also Read: Spain to open borders on June 21 to most European visitors "The (US) president says we need to do such-and-such but the governors somewhere tell him where to go," Putin stressed, adding, "I think the problem is that group interests, party interests are put higher than the interests of the whole of society and the interests of the people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview said the country was exiting the "coronavirus situation steadily, in the States it isn't happening that way". Also Read: Spain to open borders on June 21 to most European visitors "The (US) president says we need to do such-and-such but the governors somewhere tell him where to go," Putin stressed, adding, "I think the problem is that group interests, party interests are put higher than the interests of the whole of society and the interests of the people." Russia has the third-highest number of coronavirus cases after the United States and Brazil. There are currently 536,484 coronavirus cases in the country with 8,835 new virus cases reported on Sunday. The country has reported 6,948 COVID-19 deaths so far. The country has been easing the lockdown amid the pandemic with Putin determined to hold a parade on June 24 to celebrate Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Putin asserted that the virus has exposed "deep-seated internal crises in the US". The United States has the most number of coronavirus cases with 2 million infections and over 115, 730 fatalities. Several areas are reportedly experecicing a second wave even as lockdown restricitions have been eased. The Russian president said the central government and regional leaders work "as one team", while adding,"I doubt anyone in the government or the regions would say "we're not going to do what the government says, what the president says, we think it's wrong".

Virus has exposed deep-seated internal crises in US: Putin

As the country begins to ease lockdown, Russia on Sunday reported 9,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day taking the number of infection cases in the country to over 467,000.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-in-focus-some-stories-related-to-coronavirus-pandemic-covid-19-coronavirus-news-304039/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia's coronavirus infection rate is the third highest in the world after the United States which has over 1.9 million cases and Brazil with over 670,840 cases.

As the virus spread in the country, Russia on Friday sealed its submarine-making city Severodvinsk with the area becoming a hotspot of COVID-19 infections with over 1,000 cases.

Russia had also seen a spurt in cases in eastern Siberia even as President Putin ordered field hospitals in Zabaikalye&nbsp;which has 1,321 confirmed cases.

Although infections in Russia are at a record high&nbsp;but the death toll hasn't reached as high as other Western nations with the country recording over 5,500 fatalities.

Amid the infection rate, the World Health Organisation(WHO) had said last week that the number of coronavirus cases was slowly declining in Russia.

WHO Russia representative Melita Vujnovic had said: "We are seeing a good, albeit slow, decline" in the number of infections in Russia including the capital Moscow," while adding, "we are hoping that the epidemic will continue to decline further."

Last Wednesday, Russia had reported &nbsp;8,536 new coronavirus cases and 178 deaths in the last 24 hours as Moscow which is widely known as the epicenter of the virus recording 1,842 new cases.

According to authorities, 195,957 people have recovered from the virus in Russia. The country recorded 5,000 total deaths last week even as as authorities eased the lockdown and prepared to kickstart the economy.

As the country begins to ease lockdown, Russia on Sunday reported 9,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day taking the number of infection cases in the country to over 467,000.

As the country begins to ease lockdown, Russia on Sunday reported 9,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day taking the number of infection cases in the country to over 467,000. Watch Video: Russia's coronavirus infection rate is the third highest in the world after the United States which has over 1.9 million cases and Brazil with over 670,840 cases. As the virus spread in the country, Russia on Friday sealed its submarine-making city Severodvinsk with the area becoming a hotspot of COVID-19 infections with over 1,000 cases. Russia had also seen a spurt in cases in eastern Siberia even as President Putin ordered field hospitals in Zabaikalye which has 1,321 confirmed cases. Although infections in Russia are at a record high but the death toll hasn't reached as high as other Western nations with the country recording over 5,500 fatalities. Amid the infection rate, the World Health Organisation(WHO) had said last week that the number of coronavirus cases was slowly declining in Russia. WHO Russia representative Melita Vujnovic had said: "We are seeing a good, albeit slow, decline" in the number of infections in Russia including the capital Moscow," while adding, "we are hoping that the epidemic will continue to decline further." Last Wednesday, Russia had reported 8,536 new coronavirus cases and 178 deaths in the last 24 hours as Moscow which is widely known as the epicenter of the virus recording 1,842 new cases. According to authorities, 195,957 people have recovered from the virus in Russia. The country recorded 5,000 total deaths last week even as as authorities eased the lockdown and prepared to kickstart the economy.

COVID-19: Russia records another 9,000 new cases as lockdown eases

The death toll in Russia due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-cases-worldwide-cross-63-million-mark-death-toll-at-377404-302595">coronavirus </a>crossed 5,000 on Tuesday even as the country eased out of the lockdown and allowed several businesses to open.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-temporary-approval-for-avifavir-to-treat-covid-19-302554/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russian health authorities reported 182 new fatalities in the last 24 taking the total death toll to 5,037. There were &nbsp;8,863 new infections taking the total number of infection cases to 423,741 which is the third highest in the world after the United States and Brazil.

Despite a drop in the number of virus cases, the country continues to grapple with the epidemic, although Russian President Putin last week had announced Russia would be hosting a parade on June 24 at Moscow's Red Square to celebrate the country's victory over Nazi Germany in World War-II.

Moscow which was the epicenter of the virus eased the lockdown which was in place since March 30 allowing residents to go out but they&nbsp;were allowed to take walks within two kilometers of their homes.

However, mass gatherings including cinemas, cafes and restaurants continue to remain shut.&nbsp;

On Monday, Putin, 67, had announced that Russia will vote on July 1 on constitutional reforms that could extend his rule beyond 2024 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"As the situation with the pandemic improves we of course are returning to normal life, including the need to think about further work on amendments to the constitution," Putin said in a video call.

The death toll in Russia due to coronavirus crossed 5,000 on Tuesday even as the country eased out of the lockdown and allowed several businesses to open. Watch Video: Russian health authorities reported 182 new fatalities in the last 24 taking the total death toll to 5,037.

The death toll in Russia due to coronavirus crossed 5,000 on Tuesday even as the country eased out of the lockdown and allowed several businesses to open. Watch Video: Russian health authorities reported 182 new fatalities in the last 24 taking the total death toll to 5,037. There were 8,863 new infections taking the total number of infection cases to 423,741 which is the third highest in the world after the United States and Brazil. Despite a drop in the number of virus cases, the country continues to grapple with the epidemic, although Russian President Putin last week had announced Russia would be hosting a parade on June 24 at Moscow's Red Square to celebrate the country's victory over Nazi Germany in World War-II. Moscow which was the epicenter of the virus eased the lockdown which was in place since March 30 allowing residents to go out but they were allowed to take walks within two kilometers of their homes. However, mass gatherings including cinemas, cafes and restaurants continue to remain shut. On Monday, Putin, 67, had announced that Russia will vote on July 1 on constitutional reforms that could extend his rule beyond 2024 amid the coronavirus pandemic. "As the situation with the pandemic improves we of course are returning to normal life, including the need to think about further work on amendments to the constitution," Putin said in a video call.

COVID-19: Russia death toll crosses 5,000 as lockdown eases

Russia on Friday recorded 232 deaths due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bad-gift-from-china-trump-tweets-as-covid-19-deaths-cross-100000-in-us-301705">coronavirus</a> even as President Putin prepares for World War-II celebrations in Moscow on June 24.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-1200-coronavirus-deaths-in-the-us-in-the-last-24-hours-report-301683">Also Read:&nbsp;More than 1,200 coronavirus deaths in the US in the last 24 hours</a>

Russian health officials said the COVID-19 death toll had climbed to 4,374 deaths with 387,623 infected cases&nbsp;which is the third-highest in the world after the United States and Brazil.

However, new infections were below 9,000, health officials said with 159,257 patients having recovered from the virus.

Moscow which is considered the epicenter of the virus reported 2,332 new cases with authorities revealing that 1,561 patients had died in Moscow due to the virus. Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin had earlier announced steps towards lifting the lockdown from June 1 as cases declined.&nbsp;

As the virus continued to spread, Russian doctors said they were full to capacity.

Amid the virus, Kremlin announced that it was coordinating with countries including France to invite President Macron among other leaders to attend the annual military parade in Moscow on June 24 to celebrate victory over Nazi Germany in World War-II.

The parade which is normally held on May 9 every year was suspended in April by President Putin as COVID-19 cases began to surge in the country.

It's quite a short period for compiling the schedules of international leaders," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, adding that it would be "coordinated on a case-by-case basis" and that each country would be handled individually.

Russia on Friday recorded 232 deaths due to coronavirus even as President Putin prepares for World War-II celebrations in Moscow on June 24. Also Read: More than 1,200 coronavirus deaths in the US in the last 24 hours Russian health officials said the COVID-19 death toll had climbed to 4,374 deaths with 387,623 infected cases which is the third-highest in the world after the United States and Brazil.

Russia on Friday recorded 232 deaths due to coronavirus even as President Putin prepares for World War-II celebrations in Moscow on June 24. Also Read: More than 1,200 coronavirus deaths in the US in the last 24 hours Russian health officials said the COVID-19 death toll had climbed to 4,374 deaths with 387,623 infected cases which is the third-highest in the world after the United States and Brazil. However, new infections were below 9,000, health officials said with 159,257 patients having recovered from the virus. Moscow which is considered the epicenter of the virus reported 2,332 new cases with authorities revealing that 1,561 patients had died in Moscow due to the virus. Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin had earlier announced steps towards lifting the lockdown from June 1 as cases declined. As the virus continued to spread, Russian doctors said they were full to capacity. Amid the virus, Kremlin announced that it was coordinating with countries including France to invite President Macron among other leaders to attend the annual military parade in Moscow on June 24 to celebrate victory over Nazi Germany in World War-II. The parade which is normally held on May 9 every year was suspended in April by President Putin as COVID-19 cases began to surge in the country. It's quite a short period for compiling the schedules of international leaders," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, adding that it would be "coordinated on a case-by-case basis" and that each country would be handled individually.

Russia records highest coronavirus death toll in 24 hours

As Russia prepares for a parade in Moscow to celebrate country's victory in World War-II, the death toll in the country due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-dog-in-wuhan-waited-for-his-owner-for-months-unaware-of-his-death-301497">coronavirus</a> crossed to over 4,000 with the daily death toll equalling the record set earlier in the week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-did-not-originate-from-wuhan-wet-market-claim-chinese-scientists-301426">Also Read:&nbsp;COVID-19 did not originate from Wuhan wet market, claim Chinese scientists</a>

President Putin had earlier announced that French President Macron would also be invited as the country would be &nbsp;"reissuing invitations" to world leaders to attend the massive military parade on June 24.

The Russian President had given the go ahead for the parade after announcing that the country had passed the coronavirus peak. The country has the third-highest cases of coronavirus in the world after the United States and Brazil with &nbsp;379,051 confirmed cases.

The country recorded COVID-19 4,142 fatalities with the number of one day deaths climbing to 174 in the last 24 hours. Moscow which has been the epicentre of the virus in the country recorded 2,054 new cases even as the city's Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said lockdown would be lifted from June 1.

Russia's northern Caucasus region of Dagestan has become another hotspot with the military helping the area to set up tents and field hospitals.

The Russian defence ministry has sent soldiers and medical specialists to deal with the mounting coronavirus crisis after Putin said called for "urgent measures" to restore order in the virus-hit region.

The defence ministry said it had dispatched 20,000 virus test kits to deal with the crisis with the area recording &nbsp;4,455 and 130 deaths on Wednesday.

As Russia prepares for a parade in Moscow to celebrate country's victory in World War-II, the death toll in the country due to coronavirus crossed to over 4,000 with the daily death toll equalling the record set earlier in the week.

As Russia prepares for a parade in Moscow to celebrate country's victory in World War-II, the death toll in the country due to coronavirus crossed to over 4,000 with the daily death toll equalling the record set earlier in the week. Also Read: COVID-19 did not originate from Wuhan wet market, claim Chinese scientists President Putin had earlier announced that French President Macron would also be invited as the country would be "reissuing invitations" to world leaders to attend the massive military parade on June 24. The Russian President had given the go ahead for the parade after announcing that the country had passed the coronavirus peak. The country has the third-highest cases of coronavirus in the world after the United States and Brazil with 379,051 confirmed cases. The country recorded COVID-19 4,142 fatalities with the number of one day deaths climbing to 174 in the last 24 hours. Moscow which has been the epicentre of the virus in the country recorded 2,054 new cases even as the city's Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said lockdown would be lifted from June 1. Russia's northern Caucasus region of Dagestan has become another hotspot with the military helping the area to set up tents and field hospitals. The Russian defence ministry has sent soldiers and medical specialists to deal with the mounting coronavirus crisis after Putin said called for "urgent measures" to restore order in the virus-hit region. The defence ministry said it had dispatched 20,000 virus test kits to deal with the crisis with the area recording 4,455 and 130 deaths on Wednesday.

Russia to invite Macron for military parade as COVID-19 death toll crosses 4,000

Amid reports of highest single day <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-russia-records-highest-single-day-death-toll-301132">COVID-19</a> death toll in, President Putin said today that Russia has passed its peak of coronavirus infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/number-of-coronavirus-cases-worldwide-reaches-55-million-death-toll-over-34-lakh-301067">Also Read: Coronavirus cases worldwide reaches 5.5 million, death toll over 3.4 lakh</a>

"According to experts, the peak can be considered passed," Putin said while announcing a parade to take place on June 24 to celebrate Russia's victory over Nazi Germany&nbsp;in World War II.

"We will do it on June 24, the day the legendary historic victors' parade took place in 1945," Putin said while ordering the World War-II parade.

The Russian president had earlier delayed the parade after the country was put on a lockdown last month as coronavirus cases began to rise. The country celebrates victory over Nazi Germany in World War-II on May 9 every year with a parade in Moscow's Red Square to showcase its military might and to pay tribute to its war heroes.

"The risks for all participants should be minimised, or even better, eliminated," Putin said, while adding that "strict safety measures" would be put in place.

Amid the announcement, Russia on Tuesday reported the highest death toll due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours with 174 fatalities as the death toll reached 3,807.

The authorities said 174 people had died due to the virus with the number of cases rising to 362,342. Russia has the second highest coronavirus cases after Brazil and the United States.

Amid reports of highest single day COVID-19 death toll in, President Putin said today that Russia has passed its peak of coronavirus infections. Also Read: Coronavirus cases worldwide reaches 5.

Amid reports of highest single day COVID-19 death toll in, President Putin said today that Russia has passed its peak of coronavirus infections. Also Read: Coronavirus cases worldwide reaches 5.5 million, death toll over 3.4 lakh "According to experts, the peak can be considered passed," Putin said while announcing a parade to take place on June 24 to celebrate Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. "We will do it on June 24, the day the legendary historic victors' parade took place in 1945," Putin said while ordering the World War-II parade. The Russian president had earlier delayed the parade after the country was put on a lockdown last month as coronavirus cases began to rise. The country celebrates victory over Nazi Germany in World War-II on May 9 every year with a parade in Moscow's Red Square to showcase its military might and to pay tribute to its war heroes. "The risks for all participants should be minimised, or even better, eliminated," Putin said, while adding that "strict safety measures" would be put in place. Amid the announcement, Russia on Tuesday reported the highest death toll due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours with 174 fatalities as the death toll reached 3,807. The authorities said 174 people had died due to the virus with the number of cases rising to 362,342. Russia has the second highest coronavirus cases after Brazil and the United States.

Putin says coronavirus 'peak considered passed'; orders World War II parade in June

Russia recorded the highest death toll due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-company-novavax-to-conduct-human-trials-of-recombinant-vaccine-in-australia-301043">coronavirus</a> in the last 24 hours with 174 fatalities as the death toll reached 3,807.

The authorities said 174 people had died due to the virus with the number of cases rising to 362,342.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/number-of-coronavirus-cases-worldwide-reaches-55-million-death-toll-over-34-lakh-301067">Also Read:&nbsp;Number of coronavirus cases worldwide reaches 5.5 million, death toll over 3.4 lakh</a>

The country is next only to the United States and Brazil in the number of infected cases in the world with US recording over 1.6 million cases and Brazil at 374,898.

Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova had earlier said that there would &nbsp;"significant mortality increase in May" amid the rising death rate.

The illness and chronic conditions don't always have a positive ending," Golikova added, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin also said that deaths in Moscow this month "considerably higher than in April".

The number of cases rose to 8,915 in the last 24 hours. Moscow has been the hardest hit due to the virus with the city on stay-at-home lockdown order till the end of the month.

Amid the crisis, President Putin has been working remotely from Novo-Ogaryovo even as several senior officials were detected with the virus including &nbsp;Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and the president's spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

 
&nbsp;

Russia recorded the highest death toll due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours with 174 fatalities as the death toll reached 3,807. The authorities said 174 people had died due to the virus with the number of cases rising to 362,342.

Russia recorded the highest death toll due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours with 174 fatalities as the death toll reached 3,807. The authorities said 174 people had died due to the virus with the number of cases rising to 362,342. Also Read: Number of coronavirus cases worldwide reaches 5.5 million, death toll over 3.4 lakh The country is next only to the United States and Brazil in the number of infected cases in the world with US recording over 1.6 million cases and Brazil at 374,898. Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova had earlier said that there would "significant mortality increase in May" amid the rising death rate. The illness and chronic conditions don't always have a positive ending," Golikova added, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin also said that deaths in Moscow this month "considerably higher than in April". The number of cases rose to 8,915 in the last 24 hours. Moscow has been the hardest hit due to the virus with the city on stay-at-home lockdown order till the end of the month. Amid the crisis, President Putin has been working remotely from Novo-Ogaryovo even as several senior officials were detected with the virus including Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and the president's spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

COVID-19: Russia records highest single day death toll

Russia on Friday reported 150 deaths in the past 24 hours due to coronavirus even as the number of infections fell below 9,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-came-from-china-the-us-not-going-to-take-it-lightly-says-donald-trump-300301">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus came from China, the US not going to take it lightly, Trump</a>

Russian authorities reported 8,894 new coronavirus cases in a single day with the death toll climbing to 3,249. The total number of COVID-19 cases has now reached 326,448 which is the second highest after the United States which has over 1.5 million cases.

Amid the crisis, Russia's minister Maksim Reshetnikov said that the economy is forecast to shrink by 9.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period last year.

"The main factor of the GDP decrease this year is the internal restrictions" the minister said, adding, "we have factored in August-September as the final lifting of the restrictions."

Dagestan has overtaken the nation's capital Moscow as the new epicenter of the virus with over 3,600 cases. As the number of cases suddenly increased President Putin in a video link to the residents said:&nbsp;"The scope of the catastrophe is forcing us to appeal to you,",&nbsp;adding, "Please, bring your attention to Dagestan," even as the local media called the situation a &nbsp;"catastrophe."

"The situation in the Republic of Dagestan is complicated and of course calls for additional -- and urgent -- measures," Putin said in the video call.

Russia on Friday reported 150 deaths in the past 24 hours due to coronavirus even as the number of infections fell below 9,000. Also Read: Coronavirus came from China, the US not going to take it lightly, Trump Russian authorities reported 8,894 new coronavirus cases in a single day with the death toll climbing to 3,249.

Russia on Friday reported 150 deaths in the past 24 hours due to coronavirus even as the number of infections fell below 9,000. Also Read: Coronavirus came from China, the US not going to take it lightly, Trump Russian authorities reported 8,894 new coronavirus cases in a single day with the death toll climbing to 3,249. The total number of COVID-19 cases has now reached 326,448 which is the second highest after the United States which has over 1.5 million cases. Amid the crisis, Russia's minister Maksim Reshetnikov said that the economy is forecast to shrink by 9.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period last year. "The main factor of the GDP decrease this year is the internal restrictions" the minister said, adding, "we have factored in August-September as the final lifting of the restrictions." Dagestan has overtaken the nation's capital Moscow as the new epicenter of the virus with over 3,600 cases. As the number of cases suddenly increased President Putin in a video link to the residents said: "The scope of the catastrophe is forcing us to appeal to you,", adding, "Please, bring your attention to Dagestan," even as the local media called the situation a "catastrophe." "The situation in the Republic of Dagestan is complicated and of course calls for additional -- and urgent -- measures," Putin said in the video call.

COVID-19: Russia reports highest death toll in 24 hours as infections dip

Russia's defence ministry said today that quarantine facility has been opened after workers at a&nbsp;Siberian gold mine were confirmed with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-may-reverse-human-development-for-first-time-in-three-decades-un-300069">coronavirus</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secures-300-million-doses-of-potential-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-300182">Also Read:&nbsp;US secures 300 million doses of potential AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine</a>

The mine located in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia carries out&nbsp;Russia's largest gold mining operation.

According to the mining company, 900 workers tested positive with the virus out of which 400 were confirmed by health officials.

One worker died due to the virus.

The defence ministry said it has&nbsp;set up medical facilities and tents to treat the patients and sent doctors and medical staff as President Putin ordered the military to&nbsp;help contain the virus.

Russia now has second largest coronavirus cases 317,554 which include 3,821 in the Krasnoyarsk region.

Over 3,000 people have died due to the virus in Russia. The coronavirus cases in Russia have surged in the past months with the country reporting over 10,000 cases recently, however, the number has since begun to come down with Russian authorities asserting that the cases had stablised.

Meanwhile, the United States said it was donating 200 ventilators to help Russia fight the coronavirus pandemic.

"The United States is donating 200 US-produced ventilators to the Russian people to help fight COVID-19," US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said, adding,"we've committed over 15,000 ventilators to more than 60 countries and continue to be a global leader in contributions to fight this pandemic."

Russia's defence ministry said today that quarantine facility has been opened after workers at a Siberian gold mine were confirmed with coronavirus. Also Read: US secures 300 million doses of potential AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine The mine located in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia carries out Russia's largest gold mining operation.

Russia's defence ministry said today that quarantine facility has been opened after workers at a Siberian gold mine were confirmed with coronavirus. Also Read: US secures 300 million doses of potential AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine The mine located in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia carries out Russia's largest gold mining operation. According to the mining company, 900 workers tested positive with the virus out of which 400 were confirmed by health officials. One worker died due to the virus. The defence ministry said it has set up medical facilities and tents to treat the patients and sent doctors and medical staff as President Putin ordered the military to help contain the virus. Russia now has second largest coronavirus cases 317,554 which include 3,821 in the Krasnoyarsk region. Over 3,000 people have died due to the virus in Russia. The coronavirus cases in Russia have surged in the past months with the country reporting over 10,000 cases recently, however, the number has since begun to come down with Russian authorities asserting that the cases had stablised. Meanwhile, the United States said it was donating 200 ventilators to help Russia fight the coronavirus pandemic. "The United States is donating 200 US-produced ventilators to the Russian people to help fight COVID-19," US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said, adding,"we've committed over 15,000 ventilators to more than 60 countries and continue to be a global leader in contributions to fight this pandemic."

Russian army opens quarantine facility in Siberia goldmine after workers detected with coronavirus

Russia reported 135 deaths due <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-will-push-60-million-into-extreme-poverty-world-bank-299794">coronavirus </a>in the last 24 hours which is the highest one-day fatality rate recorded in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-near-5-million-death-toll-rises-to-323413-299890">Also Read:&nbsp;Global coronavirus cases near 5 million, death toll rises to 323,413</a>

The country recorded 8,764 new cases as the virus continued to ravage the country even as the number fell below 10,000 for five consecutive days.&nbsp;

Moscow which was considered the epicenter of the virus has now been replaced by Dagestan region which has 3,600 cases and 36 deaths due to coronavirus.

The infections climbed to over 300,000 which is the second highest in the world after the United States which over 1.5 million COVID-19 cases.

Russia had eased nationwide lockdown which was imposed in March.

Although the number of active virus cases dropped in the country but the death toll climbed to nearly 3,000. The official death toll due to coronavirus stands at 2,972, with 308,705 infection cases.

Russia also recorded more people recovering from the virus at 9,262 and active cases dropping as well even as health workers grapple with the virus.

Russia's PM Mikhail Mishustin, 54, returned to work on Tuesday after recovering from the coronavirus.

Russia reported 135 deaths due coronavirus in the last 24 hours which is the highest one-day fatality rate recorded in the country. Also Read: Global coronavirus cases near 5 million, death toll rises to 323,413 The country recorded 8,764 new cases as the virus continued to ravage the country even as the number fell below 10,000 for five consecutive days.

Russia reported 135 deaths due coronavirus in the last 24 hours which is the highest one-day fatality rate recorded in the country. Also Read: Global coronavirus cases near 5 million, death toll rises to 323,413 The country recorded 8,764 new cases as the virus continued to ravage the country even as the number fell below 10,000 for five consecutive days. Moscow which was considered the epicenter of the virus has now been replaced by Dagestan region which has 3,600 cases and 36 deaths due to coronavirus. The infections climbed to over 300,000 which is the second highest in the world after the United States which over 1.5 million COVID-19 cases. Russia had eased nationwide lockdown which was imposed in March. Although the number of active virus cases dropped in the country but the death toll climbed to nearly 3,000. The official death toll due to coronavirus stands at 2,972, with 308,705 infection cases. Russia also recorded more people recovering from the virus at 9,262 and active cases dropping as well even as health workers grapple with the virus. Russia's PM Mikhail Mishustin, 54, returned to work on Tuesday after recovering from the coronavirus.

Russia reports highest single day death toll as Dagestan becomes new epicentre

Russia's culture minister has tested positive for coronavirus, her spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the country's total number of cases surpassed 1,65,000.

The announcement of the minister Olga Lyubimova's illness came after Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Construction Minister Vladimir Yakushev had both been hospitalised with the virus.

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Lyubimova is working remotely from home after receiving a positive test result, her spokeswoman Anna Usachyova said in a statement.

"The illness is in a mild form and there is no question of her being hospitalised."

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Lyubimova, a former journalist and documentary filmmaker, was appointed in January and is one of the youngest in the cabinet at 39.

She replaced a controversial figure, Vladimir Medinsky, who pushed hard for publicly-funded arts to focus on patriotic themes such as World War II.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday at a meeting on strategies for leaving virus lockdown said Prime Minister Mishustin "is recovering" and they are in daily contact.

Russia on Wednesday became the fifth most affected country in Europe in terms of confirmed cases and the sixth in the world.

It has confirmed 165,929 cases and 1,537 deaths with most new cases concentrated in the densely populated capital Moscow.

Russia's culture minister has tested positive for coronavirus, her spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the country's total number of cases surpassed 1,65,000. The announcement of the minister Olga Lyubimova's illness came after Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Construction Minister Vladimir Yakushev had both been hospitalised with the virus.

Russia's culture minister has tested positive for coronavirus, her spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the country's total number of cases surpassed 1,65,000. The announcement of the minister Olga Lyubimova's illness came after Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Construction Minister Vladimir Yakushev had both been hospitalised with the virus. Also read: COVID-19: Three Russian doctors mysteriously fall from hospital windows Lyubimova is working remotely from home after receiving a positive test result, her spokeswoman Anna Usachyova said in a statement. "The illness is in a mild form and there is no question of her being hospitalised." Also read: Russia's coronavirus cases rise by more than 10,000 for fourth straight day Lyubimova, a former journalist and documentary filmmaker, was appointed in January and is one of the youngest in the cabinet at 39. She replaced a controversial figure, Vladimir Medinsky, who pushed hard for publicly-funded arts to focus on patriotic themes such as World War II. President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday at a meeting on strategies for leaving virus lockdown said Prime Minister Mishustin "is recovering" and they are in daily contact. Russia on Wednesday became the fifth most affected country in Europe in terms of confirmed cases and the sixth in the world. It has confirmed 165,929 cases and 1,537 deaths with most new cases concentrated in the densely populated capital Moscow.

After Russia's PM, it's Culture Minister also tests positive for coronavirus

Russia on Thursday reported over 11,000 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-discover-coronavirus-mutation-that-can-make-it-more-infectious-297160">coronavirus</a> cases in the last 24 hours as the country imposed new restrictions in its capital city Moscow which has been worst affected due to the epidemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-surge-to-37-million-death-toll-at-263843-297148">Also Read:&nbsp;Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.7 million, death toll at 263,843</a>

The total number of coronavirus cases shot up to 177,160 with 11, 231 new infections as Russia struggles to contain the virus.

Moscow has emerged as is the epicenter of the virus with over 85,000 cases and over 860 deaths even as Mayor Sergei Sobyanin asserted that stay-at-home order won't be taken off anytime soon but added that industry and constuction workers would be gradually allowed to start work.

Russian health officials said they have ramped up testing with 4.8 million tests. However, the coronavirus death rate in the country is far better than other European countries with just 1,625 fatalities.

Meanwhile, culture minister Olga Lyubimova became the latest top official to test positive, after Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin was detected with the virus.

Amid the crisis, Russian President Putin asked governors to come up with a plan to gradually lift the lockdown but cautioned against a new wave of infections if things go out of control. The country has imposed the lockdown period till May 11.

"We should be moving forward gradually," the Russian president said, adding," "We should not run ahead of ourselves, The price of even the smallest mistake is the safety, lives and health of our people."

Russia on Thursday reported over 11,000 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours as the country imposed new restrictions in its capital city Moscow which has been worst affected due to the epidemic.

Russia on Thursday reported over 11,000 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours as the country imposed new restrictions in its capital city Moscow which has been worst affected due to the epidemic. Also Read: Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.7 million, death toll at 263,843 The total number of coronavirus cases shot up to 177,160 with 11, 231 new infections as Russia struggles to contain the virus. Moscow has emerged as is the epicenter of the virus with over 85,000 cases and over 860 deaths even as Mayor Sergei Sobyanin asserted that stay-at-home order won't be taken off anytime soon but added that industry and constuction workers would be gradually allowed to start work. Russian health officials said they have ramped up testing with 4.8 million tests. However, the coronavirus death rate in the country is far better than other European countries with just 1,625 fatalities. Meanwhile, culture minister Olga Lyubimova became the latest top official to test positive, after Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin was detected with the virus. Amid the crisis, Russian President Putin asked governors to come up with a plan to gradually lift the lockdown but cautioned against a new wave of infections if things go out of control. The country has imposed the lockdown period till May 11. "We should be moving forward gradually," the Russian president said, adding," "We should not run ahead of ourselves, The price of even the smallest mistake is the safety, lives and health of our people."

Russia reports record high coronavirus cases; infections rise in Moscow

Russia on Monday recorded 10,581 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-begin-treating-critically-ill-covid-19-patients-with-remdesivir-296496">coronavirus</a> infections in the last 24 hours as the total number of infections crossed 145,000 on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-tells-rally-brazil-lockdown-destroying-jobs-296462">Also Read:&nbsp;Bolsonaro tells rally Brazil lockdown destroying jobs</a>

The infection rate on Monday was just marginally less than Sunday's figure with just 52 fewer cases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed 1,356 lives in the country with 145,268 infection cases. Moscow has become the epicentre of the virus reporting over half of the COVID-19 cases. Authorities have set up field hospitals in the city with the country under lockdown since March 30.

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that "the threat is apparently on the rise" even as he urged people to follow confinement guidelines, however, authorities may relax the confinement, according to reports after May 12 even President Putin said the situation remains "very difficult" and said that the country was not passed the peak of the virus as mayor Sobyanin said "the threat is apparently on the rise."

Mayor Sobyanin had said earlier that about two per cent of Moscowvites residents over 250,000 people have the coronavirus while adding that authorities had ramped up testing capacity.

Last week, Russian authorities had said that that the number of infected children was on the rise.

Russian President Putin had earlier cancelled the May 9 celebrations in honour of &nbsp;75th anniversary of Soviet victory in World War II. 
&nbsp;

Russia on Monday recorded 10,581 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours as the total number of infections crossed 145,000 on Monday. Also Read: Bolsonaro tells rally Brazil lockdown destroying jobs The infection rate on Monday was just marginally less than Sunday's figure with just 52 fewer cases.

Russia on Monday recorded 10,581 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours as the total number of infections crossed 145,000 on Monday. Also Read: Bolsonaro tells rally Brazil lockdown destroying jobs The infection rate on Monday was just marginally less than Sunday's figure with just 52 fewer cases. The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed 1,356 lives in the country with 145,268 infection cases. Moscow has become the epicentre of the virus reporting over half of the COVID-19 cases. Authorities have set up field hospitals in the city with the country under lockdown since March 30. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that "the threat is apparently on the rise" even as he urged people to follow confinement guidelines, however, authorities may relax the confinement, according to reports after May 12 even President Putin said the situation remains "very difficult" and said that the country was not passed the peak of the virus as mayor Sobyanin said "the threat is apparently on the rise." Mayor Sobyanin had said earlier that about two per cent of Moscowvites residents over 250,000 people have the coronavirus while adding that authorities had ramped up testing capacity. Last week, Russian authorities had said that that the number of infected children was on the rise. Russian President Putin had earlier cancelled the May 9 celebrations in honour of 75th anniversary of Soviet victory in World War II.

Russia records over 10,500 COVID-19 cases again; infections cross over 145,000

India is set to take a firm stance against a proposal led by China for an investment facilitation pact and advocate strongly for its key interests at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting commencing on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p>

Led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the Indian delegation aims to address critical issues concerning food security, fisheries subsidies, agricultural reforms, and e-commerce moratorium on import duties during the four-day 13th ministerial conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.<o:p></o:p>

Piyush Goyal stressed India's commitment to finding a permanent solution to the public stock holding (PSH) issue for food security, highlighting the significance of food procurement, stockholding, and distribution in India's food security strategy. <o:p></o:p>

The Indian government's procurement of crops at minimum support prices (MSP) plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for millions of vulnerable citizens, despite limitations imposed by the WTO's Agreement on Agriculture.<o:p></o:p>

India is vehemently opposed to the Joint Support Initiatives (JSIs) or plurilateral agreements advocated by certain nations, particularly China. <o:p></o:p>

These efforts to push for investment facilitation for development agreement at the WTO are seen as falling outside the WTO's mandate, raising systemic concerns and potentially hindering developing nations' interests in the future.<o:p></o:p>

Furthermore, India stands firm on protecting farmer livelihoods and ensuring equitable market access amid calls for agricultural reforms. <o:p></o:p>

Developed nations' push to reduce domestic support and increase market openness disregards the heavy subsidies they provide to their own farmers, posing challenges for India and other developing nations.<o:p></o:p>

In addition to advocating for inclusive WTO reforms, India emphasises the need to revamp the Appellate Body to ensure fairness in dispute resolution. <o:p></o:p>

This stance pits India against the USA's reluctance and the EU's proposal for alternate mechanisms.<o:p></o:p>

Fisheries subsidies also feature prominently in India's agenda, with a focus on promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting the interests of poor fishermen. <o:p></o:p>

India advocates for a balanced approach based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, urging advanced fishing nations to bear greater responsibility for overfishing and overcapacity.<o:p></o:p>

The ongoing moratorium on customs duties on e-commerce trade is another contentious issue for India, which seeks its termination alongside several other developing nations. <o:p></o:p>

Developed nations, however, advocate for the permanent adoption of duty-free digital transmission, setting the stage for heated debates at MC13.<o:p></o:p>

India reiterates its position that non-trade issues like labour and environment should not be discussed at the WTO.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from PTI)<o:p></o:p>

India is set to take a firm stance against a proposal led by China for an investment facilitation pact and advocate strongly for its key interests at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting commencing on Tuesday.

India is set to take a firm stance against a proposal led by China for an investment facilitation pact and advocate strongly for its key interests at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting commencing on Tuesday. Led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the Indian delegation aims to address critical issues concerning food security, fisheries subsidies, agricultural reforms, and e-commerce moratorium on import duties during the four-day 13th ministerial conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Piyush Goyal stressed India's commitment to finding a permanent solution to the public stock holding (PSH) issue for food security, highlighting the significance of food procurement, stockholding, and distribution in India's food security strategy. The Indian government's procurement of crops at minimum support prices (MSP) plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for millions of vulnerable citizens, despite limitations imposed by the WTO's Agreement on Agriculture. India is vehemently opposed to the Joint Support Initiatives (JSIs) or plurilateral agreements advocated by certain nations, particularly China. These efforts to push for investment facilitation for development agreement at the WTO are seen as falling outside the WTO's mandate, raising systemic concerns and potentially hindering developing nations' interests in the future. Furthermore, India stands firm on protecting farmer livelihoods and ensuring equitable market access amid calls for agricultural reforms. Developed nations' push to reduce domestic support and increase market openness disregards the heavy subsidies they provide to their own farmers, posing challenges for India and other developing nations. In addition to advocating for inclusive WTO reforms, India emphasises the need to revamp the Appellate Body to ensure fairness in dispute resolution. This stance pits India against the USA's reluctance and the EU's proposal for alternate mechanisms. Fisheries subsidies also feature prominently in India's agenda, with a focus on promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting the interests of poor fishermen. India advocates for a balanced approach based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, urging advanced fishing nations to bear greater responsibility for overfishing and overcapacity. The ongoing moratorium on customs duties on e-commerce trade is another contentious issue for India, which seeks its termination alongside several other developing nations. Developed nations, however, advocate for the permanent adoption of duty-free digital transmission, setting the stage for heated debates at MC13. India reiterates its position that non-trade issues like labour and environment should not be discussed at the WTO. (With inputs from PTI)

Now, coronavirus spreads to Russia's 'secret' nuclear cities

Fatality rate of pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Russia is much lower than the global average. Meanwhile positive cases of this infection have been reported in every region of Russia.

COVID-19 crisis: Fatality rate in Russia is much lower than the global average,