Russia surges past 300,000 coronavirus cases

Russia reported 8,764 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the country’s total to 308,705, according to the Russian coronavirus response headquarters.

It also recorded 135 deaths in the past day — the highest daily increase so far. The national death toll stands at 2,972.

Russia is the second-worst hit country in the world, following the United States. Its numbers have surged in recent weeks, going from a few thousand cases per day in April to 10,000 cases per day in May.

The US is sending ventilators and other aid to Russia, which are expected to ship today, according to an administration spokesperson.