PM Mishustin Delivers Annual Duma Address, Faces Q&A on Key Social Issues

LOCAL NEWS

• Lavrov says there is no clarity on the US-Russia Summit agenda at this point.
  • Notes Russia has sent through its proposal for the discussion of all areas of strategic stability to the US, taking into account all factors without exception and are awaiting a response.
  • warns, however, that first signs are that the US will try to narrow the scope of discussions and exclude key factors concerning strategic stability
• 0800 Mishustin gives annual report to state Duma on Govt progress and answer questions. main topics:
  • fight against COVID-19, effectiveness of supporting citizens/businesses in the pandemic, restoration of the labor market,
  • development of health care, science and education, new formats for the provision of social services, and the reboot of the public administration system.
  • Questions expected to focus on social issues
• Russia to debate bill banning "extremist" organisations from being elected as lawmakers next week in a move targeting Navalny Supporters.
  • Legislation affects not only senior members and activists in Navalny's political network, but thousands of Russians who supported its work with donations
• Putin submits Open Skies Treaty withdrawal bill that allowed surveillance flights over member nations after the US pulled out last year.
  • "US withdrawal violated the balance of interests…threatening Russia's security."
  • Voting behind next week with 3 votes in the Duma and one in the upper house before receiving Putin's final signature