25 Mar 2020 16:40

Russia so far been successful in slowing coronavirus spread but cannot shut itself off completely - Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO, Moscow region. March 25 (Interfax) - Russia has so far been successful in slowing the spread of the new coronavirus infection around its territory, but it cannot fully shut itself off from it, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Owing to measures taken in advance, we have so far been basically successful in slowing a broad and rapid spread of the disease," Putin said in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday.

"However, we should understand that Russia cannot shut itself off from this threat if only because of its geographical location," Putin said.