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Coronavirus pandemic

Omicron coronavirus variant’s emergence in Russia is a matter of time — Kremlin

Last Friday, the WHO designated the B.1.1.529 variant discovered in South Africa as a "Variant of Concern" and assigned it the Greek letter Omicron

MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that there are no clear-cut predictions on the emergence of the new Omicron coronavirus variant in Russia because it is a matter of time.

"No one can provide clear-cut forecasts regarding its [Omicron] spread because it is simply impossible," Peskov told journalists.

"There is no question of whether Omicron reaches Russia, but there is a question of when it erupts in Russia," he added.

Last Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the B.1.1.529 variant discovered in South Africa as a "Variant of Concern" and assigned it the Greek letter Omicron. This variant has a large number of mutations some of which alarm the WHO.

Several changes at once in the spike protein can potentially hinder the neutralization of the pathogen by antibodies which may impact the effectiveness of vaccines. Additionally, according to preliminary reports, the strain has a heightened ability to spread. As a precautionary measure, a number of countries suspended air service with southern African countries.

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Russian armed forces defeat Ukrainian assault Battalion Shkval in DPR

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Conflict in Ukraine no longer regional war — German defense minister

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Ukraine should consider territorial concessions to Russia in return for peace — magazine

Foreign Policy pointed out that Western officials should stop insisting in public speeches on the need to achieve a strategic defeat for Russia

Ex-German Chancellor considers dialog with Russia necessary to settle conflict in Ukraine

Angela Merkel advised politicians "to be authentic" when building up relations with US President-elect dondald Trump

Kremlin clarifies notification process for Oreshnik missile launch

"An automated warning was sent 30 minutes before the launch," Dmitry Peskov said

US, Europe openly side with Kiev by supplying it with weapons — top Turkish diplomat

He stressed that today "it is vital prevent economic and political confrontation in certain regions of the world from growing into a real war."

France, UK will have to pay for their helping Ukraine strike inside Russia — diplomat

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the Vienna-based international organizations Mikhail Ulyanov said that what has been done by the White House is very dangerous

Oreshnik can reach targets across entire Europe — missile troops commander

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Strike with Oreshnik missile was a timely and effective response to the West — Kremlin

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Russia’s Oreshnik has no analogues worldwide — Putin

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Taiwan reports 25 Chinese aircraft, 7 ships approaching island

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Ukrainian defense line in Donbass may soon collapse — expert

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Japanese lawmaker praises Putin's restraint amid decision to strike deep into Russia

Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell confirmed that the US administration had lifted restrictions for US-supplied missiles to be used for strikes up to 300 kilometers inside Russia

Kremlin sees US-led West ready to do anything to suppress Russia

The situation is "unprecedented," the spokesman told the reporter from the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company