Story By: Anastasia Smirnova, Sub-Editor:  Joseph Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

This is the moment a Russian military aircraft arrives in Italy with virologists and medical equipment to help their counterparts fight the COVID-19 virus.

The Ilyushin Il-76, a Russian multi-purpose four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter, landed at the Pratica di Mare Air Base outside the Italian capital Rome in the western province of Lazio after departing from the Chernyakhovsk Air Base outside Moscow.

According to local media, it was the 14th plane sent by the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to help the Italians combat the virus, and was the 10th in the last two days.

Russia has reportedly sent over 100 military virologists and medical equipment to their Italian counterparts.

All the vehicles sent over by the Russians have stickers on them that say “From Russia With Love” in English, Russian and Italian.

The aid followed Italy’s plea for help amid dwindling resources caused by the high number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Since the outbreak started in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late December 2019, Italy has been listed as the second worst hit country.

As of 24th March, there have been 63,927 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Italy and 6,077 related deaths.

Russia closed its border with China on 30th January and has reportedly experienced a relatively low number of virus cases as a result with 438 and only one death.

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