May 2008 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russia's Ground Forces to hold over 140 exercises in H2 2008 RIA Novosti 31 May 2008 -- Russia's Ground Forces will conduct over 140 operational and tactical field exercises in the second half of this year, an aide to the Ground Forces commander said on Saturday.
Georgia: Security Council Head Says Russia Can Play 'Dignified Role' In Abkhaz Solution RFE/RL 31 May 2008 -- EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana travels to Tbilisi and Sukhumi on June 5-6 to urge a resolution of the crisis over breakaway Abkhazia
Moldova: Back In The Kremlin's Shadow RFE/RL 31 May 2008 -- One way of looking at the recent flurry of diplomatic activity between Russia and Moldova is that Moscow is proposing a straightforward and mutually beneficial deal: You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours
Russia opposes NATO expansion in principle - PM Putin RIA Novosti 31 May 2008 -- Russia is against NATO expansion toward its borders in principle, the prime minister said in an interview with French daily Le Monde released on Saturday.
Georgia accuses Russia of plans to invade Abkhazia RIA Novosti 31 May 2008 -- Georgia's Foreign Ministry accused Russia on Saturday of plotting a military invasion of its breakaway region of Abkhazia following reports that units of the Russian Railroad Troops entered Abkhazia to help rebuild its railroad infrastructure.
Russia completes rotation of peacekeepers in Abkhazia RIA Novosti 31 May 2008 -- Russia has finished a regular rotation of its peacekeepers in the conflict zone of Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia, an aide to the Ground Forces commander said on Saturday.
Czech president says missile shield not Russia's business RIA Novosti 30 May 2008 -- The Czech government will make its own decision on the U.S. missile defense shield, based on the country's interests, not on how Russia feels about the matter, the Czech president told The Washington Times.
Russia: Putin Keeps The Upper Hand In Paris Talks RFE/RL 30 May 2008 -- As prime minister, Vladimir Putin is officially in charge of Russia's $1.3 trillion economy.
Russia launches production of new MiG-29M/M2 fighter RIA Novosti 30 May 2008 -- The Sokol aircraft plant, based in Nizhny Novgorod, central Russia, is to launch production of the MiG-29M/M2 Fulcrum fighter plane, the company's general director said on Friday.
Navy chief says Russia could have 100 warships in Ukraine RIA Novosti 30 May 2008 -- The Russian Navy commander said on Friday the Black Sea Fleet could increase the number of warships at its base in Sevastopol, in Ukraine's Crimea, to 100.
Prosecutors report 341 military suicides in 2007 RIA Novosti 29 May 2008 -- A total of 341 Russian servicemen committed suicide in 2007, Russia's chief military prosecutor said on Thursday
Russia: Putin Heads To Paris For First Major Trip As Prime Minister RFE/RL 29 May 2008 -- Vladimir Putin is traveling to France on his first major foreign visit as Russian prime minister.
Russia scraps another batch of Topol systems under START-1 treaty RIA Novosti 29 May 2008 -- Russia has dismantled another six outdated Topol mobile ballistic missile systems under a major international treaty on strategic arms reduction, the Strategic Missile Forces said in a statement on Thursday.
Russia ready to offer Algeria MiG 35 fighters RIA Novosti 28 May 2008 -- Russia is prepared to offer Algeria new MiG-35 Fulcrum fighter aircraft to replace the MiG-29 Fulcrum aircraft due to be supplied under a contract terminated earlier this year, the MiG Corp. CEO said Wednesday.
Russia to start Yak-130 trainer deliveries to Algeria in 2009 RIA Novosti 28 May 2008 -- Russia will begin deliveries of new Yak-130 combat trainers to Algeria in January 2009, the plane's manufacturer said on Wednesday.
Russian diplomat says Black Sea Fleet poses no threat to Ukraine RIA Novosti 28 May 2008 -- Russia's Black Sea Fleet based in Sevastopol does not pose any threat to Ukraine's national security, a senior Russian diplomat said on Wednesday.
Russia to start training Indian pilots for aircraft carrier RIA Novosti 28 May 2008 -- Russia will start training Indian pilots on MiG-29 carrier fighters to be deployed on the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier sold to India for $1.5 billion in 2004, the head of the MiG corporation said Wednesday.
Georgia: EU Urges Russia To Explain Alleged Downing Of Drone RFE/RL 27 May 2008 -- The Georgian Foreign Ministry summoned Russia's ambassador to Georgia, Vyacheslav Kovalenko, presumably to discuss the latest developments stemming from the downing of an unmanned Georgian spy plane over the country's breakaway region of Abkhazia last month.
Russia's Navy urges international fight against pirates RIA Novosti 27 May 2008 -- The Russian Navy has called on international navies to launch joint operations against pirates that have recently stepped up attacks on ships off Africa's coasts.
Colombia wants to buy weaponry from Russia - paper RIA Novosti 27 May 2008 -- Colombia is seeking to expand military-technical ties with Russia in an apparent attempt to counter the growing military might of neighboring Venezuela, a Russian business daily said on Tuesday.
Russia starts rotation of peacekeepers in Abkhazia RIA Novosti 27 May 2008 -- A rotation of Russian peacekeepers in the conflict zone of Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia has started and will continue until June 2, an aide to the Ground Forces commander said on Tuesday.
Georgia: EU Urges Russia To Explain Alleged Downing Of Drone RFE/RL 27 May 2008 -- The Georgian Foreign Ministry summoned Russia's ambassador to Georgia, Vyacheslav Kovalenko, presumably to discuss the latest developments stemming from the downing of an unmanned Georgian spy plane over the country's breakaway region of Abkhazia last month.
Russia says UN's Georgia spy plane probe unreliable RIA Novosti 27 May 2008 -- Russia said on Tuesday it did not have confidence in a UN probe into Georgia's allegations that a Russian aircraft shot down an unmanned reconnaissance plane last month as it was based on unreliable evidence.
Russia and Europe to build new manned spacecraft RIA Novosti 27 May 2008 -- Russian and European space agencies are due to discuss the joint development of a manned spacecraft at a Berlin air show taking place May 27 to June 1, the head of Roscosmos said on Tuesday.
Russia to withdraw radar offer if U.S. missile shield goes ahead RIA Novosti 27 May 2008 -- Russia will withdraw its proposals for the joint use of radar stations in south Russia and Azerbaijan if the U.S. deploys its missile shield in Central Europe, a defense ministry official said Tuesday.
Russian minesweeper joins anti-terror drill on Black Sea RIA Novosti 27 May 2008 -- The Zheleznyakov minesweeper from Russia's Black Sea Fleet has left the port of Novorossiisk to join a Turkey-led drill to prevent terrorism and smuggling on the Black Sea, the Russian Navy said on Tuesday.
Mongolian PM reaffirms interest in Russian-built nuclear plant RIA Novosti 27 May 2008 -- Mongolia wants to cooperate with Russia in uranium production and enrichment, as well as the construction of small nuclear power plants, the country's prime minister said on Tuesday.
Defense Ministry sells two Moscow properties RIA Novosti 27 May 2008 -- In the first of a series of auctions, Russia's Defense Ministry sold two military properties in Moscow for $110 million and $50 million on Tuesday.
Speaker says Russia likely to contest ownership of Sevastopol RIA Novosti 26 May 2008 -- Sergei Mironov, speaker of the upper house of Russia's parliament, said on Monday Russia could claim back Sevastopol, a Russian naval base on Ukraine's Crimean peninsula.
UN Concludes Russia Downed Georgian Drone VOA 26 May 2008 -- United Nations investigators have concluded that a Russian fighter jet was responsible for downing an unmanned Georgian intelligence aircraft over Georgia last month.
Russian 'killer of aircraft carriers' starts drills in Pacific RIA Novosti 26 May 2008 -- The Varyag, a Russian Slava-class missile cruiser dubbed 'the killer of aircraft carriers,' has started a series of live-firing exercises in the Pacific for the first time since a recent overhaul, a fleet spokesman said Monday.
Russia's FSB accuses official with revealing state secrets RIA Novosti 26 May 2008 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has launched a criminal case against a deputy interior minister in Russia's northwest Komi Republic accused with divulging state secrets.
Russia delivers nuclear fuel for India's Kudankulam plant RIA Novosti 26 May 2008 -- Russia has delivered the first batch of nuclear fuel to India for the country's Kudankulam nuclear power plant, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. said on Monday.
Russia's Medvedev approves Security Council composition RIA Novosti 25 May 2008 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev approved the composition of the Security Council of Russia, the Kremlin press office said on Sunday.
Troops clash with militants in Ingushetia, south Russia RIA Novosti 24 May 2008 -- Russian Interior Ministry troops were involved in a shootout with militants on Saturday morning in the North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia, a local police source said.
Russia, China denounce U.S. plans for global missile defense RIA Novosti 23 May 2008 -- The presidents of Russia and China denounced in a joint statement on Friday U.S. moves to establish a global missile defense system, saying the plans threaten the global strategic balance.
Russia to orbit three military satellites RIA Novosti 23 May 2008 -- A Russian Rokot launch vehicle is to put into orbit three military satellites and a civilian spacecraft, a satellite designer and manufacturer said on Friday.
Analysis: Can Medvedev Find A 'Systemic Solution' To Corruption? RFE/RL 23 May 2008 -- It has become something of a tradition for post-Soviet Russian leaders to raise the problem of corruption in the early days of their tenure.
Fire at weapons depot near St. Petersburg put out RIA Novosti 23 May 2008 -- A fire that broke out on Friday at a weapons depot near St. Petersburg has been put out, and no casualties have been reported, a Russian Air Force spokesman said on Friday.
Russia ready for more talks on U.S. missile shield in Europe RIA Novosti 22 May 2008 -- Russia is ready to continue comprehensive consultations with the United States on its plans to deploy a missile shield in Central Europe, President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday.
Russia to rotate peacekeepers in Georgia on May 25-30 RIA Novosti 22 May 2008 -- A scheduled rotation of Russian peacekeepers deployed in the conflict zone between Georgia and its breakaway republic of Abkhazia will be conducted on May 25-30, the peacekeepers said on Thursday.
Russia: Medvedev's Looks East, Not West, On First Foreign Visit RFE/RL 21 May 2008 -- When Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's plane touches down in Kazakhstan on May 22, he will be sending a message to the European Union and the United States that Russia's interests lie East as well as West.
Russian strategic bombers patrol Arctic, Atlantic oceans RIA Novosti 21 May 2008 -- Two Russian Tu-95MS Bear strategic bombers are carrying out a routine patrol over remote areas of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, a Russian Air Force spokesman said on Wednesday.
Russian, French foreign ministers discuss Georgian rebel regions RIA Novosti 21 May 2008 -- Foreign ministers from Russia and France discussed the ongoing row surrounding Georgia's breakaway republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia during their meeting in Moscow on Wednesday.
Georgia-Russia Tensions Continue to Simmer VOA 20 May 2008 -- Tensions remain high between Russia and Georgia over the breakaway Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Russia to build up naval presence in world's oceans in 2008 RIA Novosti 20 May 2008 -- Russia's Northern Fleet will dispatch ships and submarines on tours of duty to various regions of the world's oceans in 2008, the fleet's commander said on Tuesday.
UN nuclear watchdog starts inspection of plant in south Russia RIA Novosti 20 May 2008 -- Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have begun inspecting the Balakovo nuclear power plant in southern Russia's Saratov Region, a spokesman for the plant said on Tuesday.
Russian warship to join international drills in August RIA Novosti 20 May 2008 -- A Russian battleship will participate in a multilateral exercise in the Sea of Japan including naval forces from France, the U.K. and the U.S. in August, a Russian Navy spokesman said on Tuesday.
Syrian military delegation arrives in Moscow RIA Novosti 19 May 2008 -- A group of Syrian military officials arrived in Moscow on Monday to discuss prospects for bilateral military and technical cooperation, a Russian Air Force spokesman said.
Russia ready to cooperate with Britain on Litvinenko case - FSB RIA Novosti 18 May 2008 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Sunday it was prepared to cooperate with Britain in investigating the case of poisoned defector Alexander Litvinenko after London lifted its unfounded accusations.
Incident with peacekeepers in Georgia a provocation - command RIA Novosti 18 May 2008 -- The incident with Russian peacekeepers detained in western Georgia is a provocation, an aide to the Collective Peacekeeping Force commander in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict zone said on Sunday.
Russia: Opposition Opens Parallel Parliament, Decries 'Monopoly On Power' RFE/RL 17 May 2008 -- Russian opposition leader Garry Kasparov has formally launched an alternative parliament aimed at the "restoration of democracy and popular government in Russia."
Russian opposition launches 'alternative' national assembly RIA Novosti 17 May 2008 -- The Russian opposition movement launched an alternative national assembly in Moscow on Saturday, committing itself in its founding charter to working toward the "restoration of political democracy in Russia."
Russia to join large-scale NATO-led naval exercises RIA Novosti 16 May 2008 -- The Russian Navy will participate for the first time in a large-scale submarine rescue exercise conducted by NATO countries and their allies, a Navy spokesman said on Friday.
Georgia: Minister Heads To Moscow Amid Fresh Spying Charges RFE/RL 16 May 2008 -- The never-easy relations between Russia and Georgia have suffered a fresh blow, with Russian media reporting that federal security services have detained a Georgian-born Russian citizen on charges of spying for Georgia and engaging in terrorist activities in the North Caucasus.
Georgia dismisses Russian spy claims as 'provocation' RIA Novosti 16 May 2008 -- The Georgian Interior Ministry has dismissed as a 'provocation' Russian reports that a Georgian intelligence service agent had been detained in southern Russia on Friday.
Analysis: Kremlin's Most Secretive Figure Moves To Cabinet RFE/RL 15 May 2008 -- There were few surprises when Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin presented his cabinet picks to President Dmitry Medvedev this week
Reactor at Leningrad nuclear plant in emergency shut down RIA Novosti 15 May 2008 -- The third reactor at the Leningrad nuclear power station, located in northwest Russia, was shut down by an emergency protection system on Thursday.
Russian Air Force commander backs idea of Abkhazia military base RIA Novosti 15 May 2008 -- The creation of a Russian military base in Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia would increase the security of Russia's borders in the region, Russia's Air Force commander said on Thursday.
Analysis: Bluster, Bathos Permeate Georgia's War Of Words Against Russia, Abkhazia RFE/RL 15 May 2008 -- Since early May, Georgian officials have turned up to full blast the rhetorical heat of their arguments that the international community should unequivocally condemn recent Russian moves perceived in Tbilisi as tantamount to the creeping annexation of the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and that Russia's actions disqualify it from playing any further role in the search for a solution at least to the Abkhaz conflict.
State defense co. reports 17% rise in 2007 sales to $1.6 bln RIA Novosti 14 May 2008 -- Defense company Oboronprom, a subsidiary of Russia's state arms export monopoly RosOboronExport, said on Wednesday its sales increased 17% year-on-year in 2007 to 38.86 billion rubles ($1.6 billion).
Commentary: Russia Versus NATO In The CIS RFE/RL 14 May 2008 -- After the April NATO-Russia summit in Bucharest, Russia's government promised to fight NATO membership for Georgia and Ukraine in every possible way. Yet the issue at hand was not membership, but rather issuing Kyiv and Tbilisi Membership Action Plans (MAPs) whose implementation NATO would review before deciding about membership.
Russia urges Iran Six to grant security guarantees for Tehran RIA Novosti 14 May 2008 -- Russia's foreign minister said on Wednesday the Iran Six group of negotiators on Tehran's nuclear problem should provide Iran with security guarantees to persuade the country to freeze uranium enrichment.
Serbia/Russia: Do Election Results Spell Defeat For Moscow? RFE/RL 13 May 2008 -- As Western governments rushed to praise the victory of pro-Western parties in the May 11 parliamentary elections in Serbia, the initial reaction from Moscow was muted.
President Medvedev sets tasks for new FSB chief Bortnikov RIA Novosti 13 May 2008 -- President Dmitry Medvedev met on Tuesday with the new head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, and outlined key tasks for the service.
Putin forms new government, key ministers retain posts IRNA 12 May 2008 -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin formed a new government on Monday, keeping the key ministers in their posts, RIA Novosti says.
Russia: Prime Minister Putin Names New Cabinet RFE/RL 12 May 2008 -- There were few surprises as newly confirmed Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced his cabinet line-up.
Prime Minister Putin appoints new government RIA Novosti 12 May 2008 -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced his new government on Monday, keeping the main ministers in their posts and bringing in several former Kremlin aides.
Russia's 2nd plane to deliver humanitarian aid to Myanmar May 12 RIA Novosti 11 May 2008 -- Russia's second plane from the Emergencies Ministry's fleet is expected to deliver humanitarian aid to cyclone-hit Myanmar on Monday, Russia's embassy in the southeast Asian country said on Sunday.
Russia Holds First Red Square Military Parade Since Soviet Collapse VOA 09 May 2008 -- Troops, tanks, warplanes and missiles paraded across Red Square in Moscow Friday for the first time since the Soviet collapse
Russian reinforcements join peacekeepers in Abkhazia RIA Novosti 09 May 2008 -- Russian peacekeepers deployed in the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict zone to strengthen the Collective CIS Peace Keeping Force have started performing their duties, a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman said on Friday.
Russia sends first plane with humanitarian aid to Myanmar RIA Novosti 09 May 2008 -- A Russian Il-76 airplane from the emergencies ministry's fleet left on Friday from an airfield near Moscow with humanitarian aid to Myanmar, an emergencies spokesperson said.
Russia: Moscow Displays Heavy Weapons In Victory Day Parade RFE/RL 09 May 2008 -- Missile carriers rumbled across Moscow's Red Square and war planes roared overhead as Russia celebrated the 63rd anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
Russia plans to diversify arms exports in future - govt. official RIA Novosti 09 May 2008 -- Russia, one of the world's leading arms exporters, is planning to expand the variety of weaponry and military equipment sold on global markets, a government official said on Friday.
Moscow's Red Square hosts Victory Day parade with hardware, troops RIA Novosti 09 May 2008 -- A military parade involving almost 8,000 personnel, 111 sophisticated tracked and wheeled military vehicles, as well as 32 aircraft and helicopters was launched on Moscow's Red Square at 10:00 a.m. Moscow time (06:00 GMT) on Friday, when Russia celebrates Victory Day.
Putin Confirmed As Russian Prime Minister RFE/RL 08 May 2008 -- Russia's State Duma has confirmed Vladimir Putin as prime minister by an overwhelming vote of 392 to 56, just one day after Dmitry Medvedev succeeded him as the country's president.
Analysis: With Transition, Power In Russia Moves Further Into The Shadows RFE/RL 08 May 2008 -- The official line on the transfer of power in Russia is continuity
Parliament approves Putin as prime minister RIA Novosti 08 May 2008 -- Russia's lower house of parliament approved Vladimir Putin as prime minister on Thursday, a day after he stepped down as president following eight years as head of state.
Putin Confirmation as Russian Premier Sparks Verbal Fireworks VOA 08 May 2008 -- Vladimir Putin has been confirmed as Russian's new prime minister by an overwhelming vote in the lower house of Parliament
Medvedev swears in as president IRNA 07 May 2008 -- Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in on Wednesday as Russia's third president since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Russia: Medvedev Sworn In As President In Lavish Ceremony RFE/RL 07 May 2008 -- At a grand ceremony broadcast live across the nation, Russia's president of the last eight years, Vladimir Putin, formally stepped down and his successor, Dmitry Medvedev, was sworn in.
Analysis: How Does Medvedev's Inauguration Stack Up? RFE/RL 07 May 2008 -- Dmitry Medvedev looked solemn as he was sworn in as Russian president under the watchful eye of his powerful mentor, Vladimir Putin.
Medvedev nominates Putin as premier RIA Novosti 07 May 2008 -- Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev, who was inaugurated earlier in the day, has submitted Vladimir Putin's candidacy for prime minister to the State Duma, a presidential spokesman said on Wednesday.
Medvedev inaugurated as Russia's third president RIA Novosti 07 May 2008 -- Dmitry Medvedev was inaugurated as Russia's third president on Wednesday in a glittering and solemn ceremony in front of some 2,500 guests at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow as Vladimir Putin stepped down after eight years as head of state.
Medvedev Sworn in as New Russian President VOA 07 May 2008 -- Newly-inaugurated Kremlin leader Dmitri Medvedev says Russia must develop genuine respect for the law
Russia: Putin Hands Reins To Medvedev, But Remains In Control RFE/RL 06 May 2008 -- Vladimir Putin formally steps down after eight years as Russia's president on May 7
Breakaway Abkhazia seeks Russian military protection RIA Novosti 06 May 2008 -- Abkhazia is prepared to hand over military control of its territory to Russia for protection, the foreign minister of the breakaway Georgian region said.
Georgia: U.S. Congress Postpones Resolution Critical Of Russian Behavior RFE/RL 06 May 2008 -- Debate has been postponed indefinitely on a nonbinding resolution in the U.S. Congress that accuses Russia of being responsible for "provocative and dangerous statements and actions" against Georgia.
Georgia: Minister, Seeking EU Support, Warns War With Russia 'Very Close' RFE/RL 06 May 2008 -- Georgia is warning Western governments that there is a real risk of war with Russia unless Moscow is persuaded to reverse recent decisions to strengthen ties with the separatist Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions.
Russian Navy denies reports of Black Sea missile loss RIA Novosti 06 May 2008 -- Russia's Navy has denied Ukrainian claims that a missile belonging to the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the Crimea was washed up on the Ukrainian coast last week.
Russia, U.S. sign nuclear cooperation pact RIA Novosti 06 May 2008 -- Russia and the United States signed in Moscow on Tuesday an agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation.
Russia: Is The USSR Back In Vogue? RFE/RL 05 May 2008 -- For the first time in 17 years, Russia will celebrate the victory over Nazi Germany with a display of the country's big military hardware.
Russia plans to test launch 9 ballistic missiles in 2008 RIA Novosti 05 May 2008 -- Russia's Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) are planning to conduct nine test launches of ballistic missiles in 2008, the SMF commander said on Monday.
Palestinian Police Deploy in West Bank Town VOA 03 May 2008 -- The Palestinian Authority has launched a new security initiative in the West Bank
Rice Beginning New Round of Middle East Talks VOA 03 May 2008 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice flies from London to Jerusalem Saturday for a new round of talks aimed at getting an Israel-Palestinian peace accord by year's end
Russia still concerned by U.S. missile plans for Europe-FM RIA Novosti 02 May 2008 -- Russia remains concerned by U.S. missile plans for Europe, but talks are continuing, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday.
Rice Questions Need for More Russian Troops in Troubled Georgian Areas VOA 01 May 2008 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday she does not see the need for additional Russian peacekeeping troops in the breakaway Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Russia Begins Troop Deployment in Georgian Border Region VOA 01 May 2008 -- Russia says it has begun deploying new military units in the Georgian breakaway region of Abkhazia, despite strong Georgian objections and NATO concerns
Georgia protests to Russian ambassador over Abkhazia troop buildup RIA Novosti 01 May 2008 -- The Georgian Foreign Ministry has handed a protest note to the Russian ambassador over an increase in the number of Russian peacekeepers in the Georgian breakaway republic of Abkhazia.

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May 2008 - Russia Special Weapons News