News that a "final recommendation" by the World Athletics Russia Taskforce in charge of the reinstatement process was being planned to the next Council meeting in March - with a clear hope although not a certainty of a positive outcome - also prompted Russia's Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin to note the "positive prospects".

Taskforce chair Rune Andersen said there was "a new culture of good governance and zero tolerance for doping throughout the organisation," adding that "the Taskforce expects to be in a position by March 2023 to make a final recommendation to Council on the reinstatement of RusAF" - although this was subject to several conditions which he went on to explain.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said things were "moving in the right direction", but swiftly added that, independent of the ruling, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials will continue to be banned from international events while the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues.

However the news from Rome clearly cheered the sports community in Russia.

"I believe that in the current difficult situation in which all Russian sports are located, a big step forward has been taken," Privalova, the Sydney 2000 Olympic 400 metres hurdles champion, told the Russian state news agency TASS.

"World Athletics has noted our work, and now we are talking about the restoration of the Russian Athletics Federation.

"The results of the audit of our federation's activities are also in general were recognised as successful, and this is also very important for us.

"In essence, there are no major obstacles to recovery

"The working group noted that the anti-doping culture in Russian athletics has seriously changed for the better.

"Only a small step remains to be taken before recovery, and I hope to talk more on this very soon."

Privalova added that she was ready to meet with the Russia Taskforce members at a meeting proposed to take place in Moscow after December 17.

Meanwhile Matytsin commented: "We see positive prospects in the issue of restoring the rights of the Russian Athletics Federation and look forward to further constructive dialogue to consider the results of the implementation of the reinstatement roadmap.

"With the support of the Ministry of Sports an effective system of work of the federation has been built, and now it has been evaluated by World Athletics. 

"Anti-doping activities are constantly being improved, culture is at the forefront of pure sport, which is supported by athletes, coaches, specialists and the leadership of the federation."

Matytsin also noted Andersen's statement that he had been assured by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that the Russian Anti-Doping Agency - currently under a two-year WADA ban that is due to conclude on December 17, is working well at an operational level, albeit that there remain ongoing questions about its governance.

"The activities of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency are carried out in full compliance with all international standards, the Ministry of Sports respects the principles of the independence of the agency and does not interfere in the operational activities, while providing the necessary assistance on all issues within its competence," Matytsin noted.

"Our legislation is based on the provisions of the UNESCO International Convention on combating doping in sport.

"We have passed audits by UNESCO and the Council of Europe, as a result of which Russia was recognised as fully compliant with all convention requirements.

"Our country is an example in the international community in building one of the strongest anti-doping programmes in the world.

"Despite the growing pressure, we will continue to implement this effective work and adhere to zero tolerance for doping."