November 2007 - Russia Special Weapons News

Pro-Putin Youth Group Looks To Preempt Postelection Rallies RFE/RL 30 Nov 2007 -- The pro-Kremlin youth group Nashi is trying to prevent opposition groups from staging demonstrations after the December 2 parliamentary elections by making sure they control the streets first.
Beyond 2008: Will These Elections Be Russia's Last? RFE/RL 30 Nov 2007 -- The past two months in Russia have been marked by a carefully choreographed Putin mania.
For Russia's Most Powerful Man, Fear Still A Factor RFE/RL 30 Nov 2007 -- On the one hand, the Kremlin's plan for the legislative elections seems to be proceeding smoothly
Putin Signs Law Suspending CFE Treaty RFE/RL 30 Nov 2007 -- President Vladimir Putin has signed into law legislation suspending Russia's participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty -- an agreement considered to be a cornerstone of European security.
President Putin signs law on CFE moratorium - Kremlin RIA Novosti 30 Nov 2007 -- President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a law on a temporary suspension of Russia's participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty, the Kremlin's press service said.
Putin Signs Law Suspending Russian Participation in Arms Treaty VOA 30 Nov 2007 -- President Vladimir Putin has signed a law suspending Russia's participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty
Russia, U.S. to continue Torgau-2007 exercise Dec. 1-15 RIA Novosti 30 Nov 2007 -- Russian and U.S. servicemen will participate in the second phase of a joint military exercise scheduled for December 1-15 at U.S. bases in Germany, a Ground Forces spokesman said Friday.
Former Russian FSB officer Trepashkin released from prison RIA Novosti 30 Nov 2007 -- A former security service officer convicted of divulging state secrets, was released Friday after his four-year prison term expired, a human rights group spokesman said.
Russian diplomat denies weapons deployment in Nagorny Karabakh RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2007 -- Russia is not deploying weaponry in the disputed Nagorny Karabakh territory, scene of a 1988-1994 conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia that left 30,000 people dead, a Russian diplomat said on Thursday.
Russia set to raise UN peacekeeping contribution 50% to $120 mln RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2007 -- Russia plans to increase its contribution to the UN peacekeeping program from the current $80 million to $120 million in 2008, a deputy foreign minister said Thursday.
Armenia to join Russian international uranium enrichment center RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2007 -- Armenia's government has approved a plan to join an international uranium enrichment center in Russia, the government's press service said on Thursday.
Russian opposition leader Kasparov released from custody RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2007 -- Russian opposition leader Garry Kasparov has been released after five days in custody, a member of his United Civil Front party said on Thursday.
Putin signs decree to turn arms dealer Rosoboronexport into JSC RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2007 -- Russia's state-controlled arms exporter Rosoboronexport will be transformed into an open joint stock company, following a decree signed by the Russian president, the Kremlin press office said on Thursday.
Russian Presidential Campaign Formally Begins RFE/RL 28 Nov 2007 -- Russia's presidential election campaign formally kicked off today, amid widespread speculation about President Vladimir Putin's intentions.
Fellow Chessmaster Karpov Denied Right To Visit Kasparov RFE/RL 28 Nov 2007 -- A number of visitors, including chess grandmaster Anatoly Karpov, have been turned away from the Moscow detention center where United Civic Front leader Garry Kasparov has been held since an opposition rally on November 24.
Russian presidential election campaign kicks off RIA Novosti 28 Nov 2007 -- The presidential election campaign formally kicked off in Russia on Wednesday as a government newspaper published an upper house resolution announcing the date of next year's polls.
Lavrov says any new nuclear pact with U.S must lower WMD limits RIA Novosti 28 Nov 2007 -- A treaty to replace a major nuclear arms reduction agreement between Russia and the U.S. must set lower ceilings for nuclear arsenals and limit the development of new nuclear weapons, Russia's foreign minister said on Wednesday.
Russia test-fires two ballistic missiles RIA Novosti 28 Nov 2007 -- A missile brigade from the Siberian Military District test fired two SS-21 Scarab short-range ballistic missiles during a tactical exercise at a test site in south Russia, a military spokesman said on Wednesday.
Russia disappointed with U.S. missile shield proposal - Lavrov RIA Novosti 28 Nov 2007 -- Russia is disappointed with Washington's written proposals on missile defense cooperation, but is ready to continue constructive talks on the issue, the foreign minister said on Wednesday.
Russia ready to continue U.S. missile shield talks - Lavrov RIA Novosti 28 Nov 2007 -- Russia is disappointed with Washington's written proposals on missile defense cooperation, but is ready to continue constructive talks on the issue, the foreign minister said on Wednesday.
Analysis: Putin On The Verge Of Resignation? RFE/RL 27 Nov 2007 -- Reports that Vladimir Putin has prepared a statement to be broadcast to the nation on November 29 have fueled speculation that the message might contain an answer to the "2008 question" -- the president's resignation.
Russian Foreign Minister Criticizes Latest US Proposal on Missile Shield VOA 27 Nov 2007 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has criticized recent U.S. proposals for a missile defense system based in Europe.
Russian FM Lavrov criticizes U.S. missile cooperation proposals RIA Novosti 27 Nov 2007 -- Russia's foreign minister criticized on Tuesday Washington's proposals on missile defense cooperation after talks with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Russian FM slams independence bias in Kosovo talks RIA Novosti 27 Nov 2007 -- Russia's foreign minister said claims that Kosovo's independence is inevitable were disrupting collective efforts to find a resolution to the status of Serbia's breakaway province.
Russia: Putin's Kremlin Searches For Legitimacy RFE/RL 26 Nov 2007 -- Although the Union of Rightist Forces (SPS) party is, at best, a long shot to win any seats in the next State Duma, the party has been the target of intense harassment from officials across the country since campaigning began last month
Russia's arms exports could exceed $5.5 bln in 2007 RIA Novosti 26 Nov 2007 -- Russia may set a new record in sales of military equipment to foreign states, with exports estimated at over $5.5 billion in 2007, state-controlled arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Monday.
Putin appoints Anatoly Isaikin head of Rosoboronexport RIA Novosti 26 Nov 2007 -- President Vladimir Putin has appointed Anatoly Isaikin as head of state-controlled arms exporter Rosoboronexport, the Kremlin press service said on Monday.
Putin says Russia needs compact, efficient Armed Forces RIA Novosti 26 Nov 2007 -- Russia will need a strong and efficient army to ensure national security, but it should not be oversized, President Vladimir Putin said on Monday.
Putin Says Washington Seeks to Discredit Russian Vote VOA 26 Nov 2007 -- President Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of manipulating the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to discredit upcoming Russian Parliamentary elections
Suspect in Litvinenko murder rejects BBC theory that he was used RIA Novosti 26 Nov 2007 -- Britain's main suspect in the November 2006 murder of former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko dismissed on Monday a BBC claim that he may have been tricked into the poisoning of the Kremlin critic.
Russia wants new nuclear contracts in India - Ivanov RIA Novosti 26 Nov 2007 -- Moscow is seeking new contracts to continue nuclear construction work in India, a Russian first deputy prime minister said on Monday.
Atomstroyexport in talks to build nuclear plant in Belarus RIA Novosti 26 Nov 2007 -- Atomstroyexport, Russia's nuclear power equipment and service export monopoly, has begun talks on building a nuclear power plant in Belarus, the company's first vice president said on Monday.
Russian Police Crush Another Opposition Protest RFE/RL 25 Nov 2007 -- Riot police in St. Petersburg have broken up a demonstration by a loose alliance of opposition groups and detained dozens of opposition activists.
Russia disappointed by U.S. response to radar offer RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2007 -- Russia is disappointed with a U.S. reply to its offer that Washington use its radar systems as an alternative to missile defense plans for Central Europe, a Russian Foreign Ministry source said on Friday.
Georgia says Russia failed to fulfill military pullout obligation RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2007 -- Georgia's Foreign Ministry said Friday that Russia had not fulfilled all its obligations under previous agreements on the complete withdrawal of its military bases from the country.
Russia continues reshuffle of Navy top brass RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2007 -- Russia's Navy will soon have new commanders of its two main fleets in the Baltic and Pacific, as part of a major military leadership reshuffle, a high-ranking Defense Ministry source said on Friday.
A Year After Litvinenko's Death, A Legacy Of Mistrust And Fear RFE/RL 23 Nov 2007 -- Just over a year ago, KGB defector Oleg Gordiyevsky received a phone call from his friend Aleksandr Litvinenko.
Litvinenko Family Remains Convinced Of Kremlin Role RFE/RL 23 Nov 2007 -- Today marks one year since Aleksandr Litvinenko, the former Russian security officer and Kremlin critic, died in a London hospital after being poisoned with a radioactive substance.
Litvinenko remembered on anniversary of death RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2007 -- Relatives and friends have paid tribute to Alexander Litvinenko, a former FSB officer and Kremlin critic, who died in London exactly a year ago.
Thuraya-3 satellite launch delayed again RIA Novosti 21 Nov 2007 -- The launch of a Zenit-3SL rocket with a Thuraya-3 communications satellite from the Pacific Ocean has been delayed for a sixth time due to poor weather conditions, a Russian Mission Control spokesman said Wednesday.
Russian rocket launches under threat in French Guiana RIA Novosti 21 Nov 2007 -- Plans to launch Russian rockets from a space center near Kourou in French Guiana are under threat from raids on its equipment and territory, a contractor said on Wednesday.
Russia to launch manned spacecraft from new site in 2018 RIA Novosti 21 Nov 2007 -- Russia will start launches of manned spacecraft from a future space center in Russia's Far East in 2018, a first deputy prime minster said on Wednesday.
Russian Air Force to receive six upgraded Su-24 bombers RIA Novosti 21 Nov 2007 -- Russia's Air Force is to get six upgraded Su-24 Fencer frontline bombers with another six set for upgrade, an Air Force spokesman said on Wednesday.
New Russian airborne troops chief appointed RIA Novosti 21 Nov 2007 -- Lieutenant General Valery Yevtukhovich has been appointed commander of the Russian Airborne Troops, a Defense Ministry source said Wednesday.
Litvinenko murder suspect settles dispute with Russian paper RIA Novosti 21 Nov 2007 -- Andrei Lugovoi and Kommersant, a leading Russian business daily, agreed on Wednesday on an out-of-court settlement on the businessman's $800,000 lawsuit against the newspaper.
Russia to conduct strategic military exercises in 2008 RIA Novosti 20 Nov 2007 -- Russia's Armed Forces will hold a series of command-and-post exercises under a common strategic concept in 2008, the defense minister said Tuesday.
Russia, U.S. agree to dispose of Russian weapon-grade plutonium RIA Novosti 20 Nov 2007 -- Russia and the United States agreed on Monday to dispose of 34 metric tons of Russian weapon-grade plutonium, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) said.
Putin says Russia will not tolerate NATO military build up RIA Novosti 20 Nov 2007 -- President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia would not ignore NATO's military build up near its borders and would provide an adequate response to any "muscle-flexing."
Admiral Gorshkov overhaul slow, could be delayed - contractor RIA Novosti 20 Nov 2007 -- The overhaul of a Russian-made aircraft carrier sold to India under a 2004 contract could be delayed indefinitely, a source at the Sevmash shipyard said Tuesday.
'National Leader' Idea Gains Strength In Russia RFE/RL 18 Nov 2007 -- Russia has a hot new catch phrase that is obsessing the political elite and is being chanted like a mantra by the media: National Leader.
Russian carrier rocket Proton puts European satellite into orbit RIA Novosti 18 Nov 2007 -- A Russian Proton-M carrier rocket, launched from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, has put a European telecommunications satellite into orbit, Russia's space agency (Roskosmos) said on Sunday.
Russia to rotate peacekeepers in Sudan in late Jan. 2008 - AF RIA Novosti 17 Nov 2007 -- The Russian air group, part of the UN Mission in Sudan, will carry out a regular rotation from January 28 until February 2, 2008, an aide to the Russian Air Force commander said Saturday.
Russian president supports military draft RIA Novosti 17 Nov 2007 -- President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he supported the parliament's decision to maintain conscript service in the Russian Armed Forces, while reducing its term to one year.
Russia's Upper House Backs Suspension Of CFE Treaty RFE/RL 16 Nov 2007 -- Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, has voted unanimously to suspend Moscow's participation in the Conventional Forces In Europe treaty, a Cold War-era agreement that limits the deployment of tanks and other conventional weapons west of the Urals.
Russia hopes CFE moratorium will improve arms control regime RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2007 -- Russia expects that its moratorium on the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty will help streamline the arms control regime in the region, the foreign minister said on Friday.
Russia's upper house approves CFE moratorium RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2007 -- The upper house of Russia's parliament unanimously approved on Friday a unilateral moratorium on a major arms control agreement to force the West to change its attitude toward European security.
Midnight train from Georgia sees Russia complete military pullout RIA Novosti 15 Nov 2007 -- Russia has completed a pullout of military personnel and equipment from a Soviet-era base in Batumi, Georgia, an aide to the chief of the Russian Ground Forces said on Thursday.
Russia to compensate for INF losses with Iskander missile system RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2007 -- The deployment of the new Iskander tactical missile systems will close the missile coverage gap caused by Russia's participation in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, a senior commander said.
U.S. missile shield in Europe aimed against Russia - army chief RIA Novosti 13 Nov 2007 -- Missile defense elements the United States plans to deploy in Central Europe are undoubtedly directed against Russia, the country's top military commander said on Tuesday.
Russia hands over Soviet-era base to Georgia RIA Novosti 13 Nov 2007 -- A Soviet-era Russian military base in Batumi was formally handed over to the Georgian Defense Ministry on Tuesday, with Russia pledging to complete the pullout of military equipment by the end of November.
Russian upper house approves envoy to NATO RIA Novosti 13 Nov 2007 -- The foreign affairs committee of Russia's upper house of parliament unanimously approved on Tuesday lawmaker Dmitry Rogozin, known for his nationalistic opinions, as the country's envoy to NATO.
Military chief says Russia not obliged to protect world from U.S. RIA Novosti 13 Nov 2007 -- Yury Baluyevsky, the chief of Russia's general staff, said in an interview with the Russia Today TV channel on Tuesday that the Russian Armed Forces were under no obligation to protect the world from the U.S.
Russia's Putin Says December Election Could Give Him 'Moral' Mandate VOA 13 Nov 2007 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says a victory for his United Russia party in December parliamentary elections would give him a "moral" right to retain influence after he steps down from his Kremlin post next year.
Russia, India sign joint lunar research deal RIA Novosti 12 Nov 2007 -- Russia's Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos) and the Indian Department of Space have signed a joint lunar research and exploration agreement, the Russian agency said on Monday.
Russia: Uncertainty Over Putin Succession Fuels 'Siloviki War' RFE/RL 09 Nov 2007 -- Konstantin Druzenko and Sergei Lomako were out last month for a long night of drinking at a St. Petersburg cafe. Early the next morning, their dead bodies were found in a ditch.
The Soft-Power Foundations Of Putin's Russia RFE/RL 09 Nov 2007 -- President Vladimir Putin's decision last month to head the Unified Russia party's list of candidates for the December legislative elections and his statements that he will -- in one form or another -- retain political power past the end of his current term as president have set the course for Russia's immediate future
Russia to add three new modules to ISS by 2011 RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2007 -- Russia will build three additional modules for its segment of the International Space Station (ISS) by 2011, the head of Russia's space agency, Roskosmos, announced on Friday.
Russia to build new space center in Far East - Roskosmos RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2007 -- Russia is to build a new space center in the Far East, but will continue to use Kazakhstan's Baikonur launch site until at least 2020, Roskosmos, Russia's space agency, said on Friday.
Russia pledges to prevent provocations in Georgia conflict zones RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2007 -- Russia does not interfere in Georgia's internal affairs but will move to prevent provocations in the country's breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the foreign minister said on Friday.
Nukes must stay within national borders - Russia's army chief RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2007 -- Any new Russia-U.S. agreement on strategic weapons reduction must eliminate the possibility that nuclear weapons could be stationed outside national borders, chief of the Russian General Staff said.
Russia, U.S. to hold missile shield talks in Washington in Nov. RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2007 -- U.S. missile defense plans for Europe will be discussed with Russia at a high-level meeting in Washington in November, a Russian Foreign Ministry official said on Thursday.
Russia no longer to be bound by CFE limitations - army chief RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2007 -- Russia will no longer be bound by current weapons and equipment limitations after its moratorium on the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty comes into force, Russia's chief of the general staff said on Thursday.
Russia: No More 'Troubles' Under Putin RFE/RL 07 Nov 2007 -- Russia has its own path to democracy, one that is determined by the country's long history, President Vladimir Putin and his entourage frequently assert
Russia's Parliament Suspends Arms Control Treaty Compliance VOA 07 Nov 2007 -- Russia's lower house of Parliament has voted unanimously to suspend the country's participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty, considered to be a major element of European security
Moscow sees instability on Russia-Georgia border - Kremlin source RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2007 -- Moscow is concerned over the emerging instability in Georgia, as protesters continue to demonstrate in the capital Tbilisi, and believes the Georgian people deserve better.
Russian special services behind Tbilisi protests - Saakashvili RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2007 -- Georgia's president said in a TV address to the nation Wednesday that Russia's special services were behind recent events in Tbilisi.
Russia to close last military base in Georgia ahead of time RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2007 -- Russia will evacuate its last military base in Georgia, whose capital, Tbilisi, has been swept by opposition protests, ahead of the deadline, the chief of the Russian Ground Forces said on Wednesday.
NATO hopes CFE treaty will remain in force - spokesman RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2007 -- NATO hopes the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty will remain in force and an adapted treaty ratified, the bloc's spokesman said on Wednesday.
U.S. aggravating situation in Georgian conflict zones - Russian gen. RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2007 -- American interference is aggravating relations between Georgia and its two breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the chief of the Russian General Staff said on Wednesday.
Russian parliament votes for Putin's moratorium on CFE Treaty RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2007 -- Russia's lower house of parliament has voted in favor of President Putin's bill to impose a moratorium on the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty.
Russia threatens to build up troops on western borders over CFE RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2007 -- Russia's Defense Ministry said it might reinforce its troops near its western borders if parliament supports the president's proposed moratorium on a key arms reduction treaty in Europe.
Duma Votes To Suspend Participation In Key Arms Treaty RFE/RL 07 Nov 2007 -- Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, voted unanimously today to suspend Moscow's participation in the Conventional Forces In Europe (CFE) Treaty.
China to receive uranium products from Russia for 11 RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2007 -- Russia's federal agency for nuclear power said Wednesday the country would supply uranium products to China for 11 years starting from 2010.
Latvia approves draft deal with Russia on spent nuclear fuel RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2007 -- Latvia's government approved a draft deal with Russia on Tuesday on the removal and reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, the Baltic country's environmental authorities announced.
Russia to complete NPP in China, build gas centrifuge plant RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2007 -- Russia will complete the second construction phase of the Tianwan nuclear power plant in China and build a gas centrifuge facility under a new medium-term nuclear cooperation deal.
Georgia says three Russian aircraft penetrated its airspace RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2007 -- Georgia's Defense Ministry said on Sunday that three aircraft allegedly penetrated its airspace from Russia.
Analysis: Russia's Nuclear Power cfr.org 02 Nov 2007 -- Before Chernobyl, history's worst civilian nuclear accident, Soviet planners "dreamed of mobile nuclear power stations"
Russia rejects Georgian accusations against its peacekeepers RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2007 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesman accused Georgia on Thursday of engaging in a propaganda campaign against Russian peacekeepers in a conflict zone with Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia.
Russia: Is North Caucasus Resistance Still Serious Threat? RFE/RL 01 Nov 2007 -- In the two years since the raids on police and security facilities in Nalchik, the capital of the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic, the North Caucasus resistance has not launched a single major attack that has made world headlines.
Russia to supply 7 kg of nuclear fuel for Ukraine test reactor RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2007 -- Russian state-run nuclear fuel producer TVEL will supply 7 kilograms of low enriched uranium to a research reactor in Ukraine in 2008, the company announced on Thursday.
Russian witness says Litvinenko death could be accident RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2007 -- Russian security service defector Alexander Litvinenko could have died of radioactive poisoning through his own negligence, a Russian witness in the case said on Thursday.

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November 2007 - Russia Special Weapons News