December 2008 - Russia Special Weapons News

Russia Accuses Ukraine of Blackmail on Gas Transit VOA 31 Dec 2008 -- Russia and Ukraine have ended 2008 with an escalating dispute over gas deliveries through a key pipeline that supplies much of Western Europe. Each side is blaming the other for the dispute.
Ukraine threatens to seize Russian gas RIA Novosti 31 Dec 2008 -- Ukraine's Naftogaz said Wednesday it could start confiscating Russian natural gas meant for European consumers after January 1 if no new contract is agreed for 2009.
Russian Opposition Figure Detained Over Crisis Article RFE/RL 30 Dec 2008 -- Aleksandr Bragin was arrested on December 29 by officers from the Russian Interior Ministry's department for combating terrorism and extremism
Can Russia's Opposition Rise To The Opportunity Of Crisis? RFE/RL 30 Dec 2008 -- Russia's recession is turning out to be sharper and more problematic than anticipated
Russia's Medvedev signs law on longer presidential term RIA Novosti 30 Dec 2008 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signed into law constitutional amendments extending presidential and parliamentary terms to six and five years, respectively, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.
Sea trials of Russia's Yury Dolgoruky submarine postponed RIA Novosti 30 Dec 2008 -- Sea trials of Russia's first Borey-class strategic nuclear submarine have been postponed until spring 2009, a high-ranking Navy source said on Tuesday.
Russian frigate escorted over 50 ships on anti-piracy mission RIA Novosti 30 Dec 2008 -- The Russian Baltic Fleet's frigate Neustrashimy (Fearless) protected over 50 commercial ships from pirates off the Somali coast in 2008, a Russian Navy spokesman said on Tuesday.
Russia to build uranium conversion plant in Far East in 2009 RIA Novosti 30 Dec 2008 -- Work to design and construct a uranium production and conversion plant will start in Yakutia, Russia's Far East in 2009, the head of a local mining company said on Tuesday.
Ukraine says will pay gas debt to Russia within hours RIA Novosti 30 Dec 2008 -- Ukraine will pay its natural gas debt to Russia within the next few hours, the country's national oil and gas company Naftogaz said on Tuesday.
Ukraine Threatened Again by Mid-Winter Russian Gas Cutoff VOA 30 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Gazprom energy monopoly is preparing to cut gas supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv does not repay a $2 billion debt by December 31. But Ukrainians dispute the Russian figure, and say they have enough supplies to last through the cold winter months.
Gazprom continues talks with Ukraine, hopes for deal by yearend RIA Novosti 29 Dec 2008 -- Gazprom is continuing to hold gas talks with Ukraine and hopes to reach an agreement by the yearend to avoid supplies cuts over Kiev's outstanding debts, a deputy CEO at the Russian gas giant said Monday.
Moscow says offer to U.S. on joint radar use still stands RIA Novosti 29 Dec 2008 -- Russia's offer to the U.S. on joint use of the Gabala radar station it leases from Azerbaijan is still on the table, a first Russian deputy foreign minister said on Monday.
Russia's Lavrov urges end to Gaza violence, aid to enclave RIA Novosti 28 Dec 2008 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged an end to military actions in the Gaza Strip and the need to allow humanitarian aid into the enclave, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
Nothing Surprising In Russia's Unexpected Moves RFE/RL 26 Dec 2008 -- U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Julie Finley recently told RFE/RL that Russia's move to prevent the OSCE from extending the mandate of its mission in Georgia came as "a surprise" to her
Russia delivers two Su-30 fighters to Indonesia under contract RIA Novosti 26 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Sukhoi holding, the manufacturer of the famed family of Su fighter planes, said on Friday it had delivered two Su-30MK2 Flanker multi-role fighters to Indonesia.
Russia launches rocket with three new Glonass satellites RIA Novosti 25 Dec 2008 -- Russia launched a Proton-M carrier rocket on Thursday with three Glonass navigation satellites on board from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, a space agency spokesman said.
Russia has 12 firm export orders for Mi-28N helicopter gunships RIA Novosti 26 Dec 2008 -- Russia has received 12 orders from abroad for Mi-28N Night Hunter attack helicopters and is ready to fulfill any contracts, the head of manufacturer Russian Helicopters said on Friday.
Russia testing new missile for S-400 air defense system RIA Novosti 26 Dec 2008 -- The Russian Air Force is testing a new missile for the S-400 Triumf air defense system, the Air Force commander said on Friday.
Russia to start production of Ka-52 combat helicopters RIA Novosti 26 Dec 2008 -- The Russian government has approved the production of Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters at a plant in the Far East, the Air Force chief said on Friday.
Medvedev Threatens Ukraine With Sanctions Over Unpaid Gas Bill RFE/RL 25 Dec 2008 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said Ukraine's economy will face "sanctions and demands" from Russia if Kyiv does not pay off its gas debt.
Russian President Medvedev signs package of anti-corruption laws RIA Novosti 25 Dec 2008 -- Russia's president said Thursday he had signed a package of anti-corruption laws.
Production may be to blame for failed Bulava test - General Staff RIA Novosti 25 Dec 2008 -- The chief of the Russian General Staff said Thursday that production flaws could be to blame for Tuesday's unsuccessful test launch of the Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile.
Russia hopes Obama administration will listen in START talks RIA Novosti 25 Dec 2008 -- Russia hopes the new U.S. administration will be more ready to listen to Russia's position regarding a replacement for a strategic weapons treaty, a deputy Russian foreign minister said Thursday.
Russian Air Force completes transfer of helicopter group to Chad RIA Novosti 24 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Air Force has completed the deployment of personnel and hardware of a Russian helicopter group to Chad, an Air Force spokesman said Wednesday.
Medvedev says Russia-Ukraine relations at their lowest level RIA Novosti 24 Dec 2008 -- President Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday relations between Russia and Ukraine had plunged to their lowest level in recent years.
Medvedev urges Ukraine to pay gas debt, threatens cutoff RIA Novosti 24 Dec 2008 -- President Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday Ukraine must pay its natural gas debt to Russia in full or otherwise Kiev could face disruptions in supplies.
Russia, Ukraine may not sign new gas deal, but Europe unaffected RIA Novosti 24 Dec 2008 -- Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz are unlikely to agree a new gas contract before January 1, but Russian gas supplies to Europe will be unaffected, a spokesman for the Russian gas giant said Wednesday.
Topol-M ICBMs enter service with new missile regiment in Russia RIA Novosti 24 Dec 2008 -- A complex of Topol-M (SS-27 Stalin) ICBMs entered service on Wednesday with another missile regiment in central Russia, a Strategic Missile Forces spokesman said.
Russian Navy missile cruiser to visit South Africa Jan. 9-12 RIA Novosti 24 Dec 2008 -- The Northern Fleet's Pyotr Veliky nuclear-powered missile cruiser will become the first Russian warship to dock in Cape Town when it visits South Africa on January 9-12, Russia's Navy said.
Russia plans to sign defense treaty with Abkhazia in 2009 RIA Novosti 23 Dec 2008 -- Russia plans to sign a military cooperation and border protection treaty with Georgia's rebel republic of Abkhazia in early 2009, the Russian foreign minister said on Tuesday.
Financial Crisis In Russia Holds Threat Of Social Unrest RFE/RL 23 Dec 2008
Russia Says Gas Forum Will Not Be OPEC-Like Cartel RFE/RL 23 Dec 2008 -- Ministers from gas-exporting countries have met in Moscow to finalize the rules of an emerging organization, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF)
Russia to upgrade strategic bombers in 2009 RIA Novosti 23 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Tu-160 Blackjack and Tu-95MS Bear strategic bombers and Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range bombers will undergo major modernization in 2009, a strategic aviation commander said on Tuesday.
Russian warships leave Cuba after landmark visit RIA Novosti 23 Dec 2008 -- Three Russian warships left the Cuban capital of Havana on Tuesday after the first such visit to Moscow's longtime Latin American ally since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Russian Pacific Fleet ships near Indian Ocean for drills in 2009 RIA Novosti 23 Dec 2008 -- A group of Russian Pacific Fleet vessels will reach the Indian Ocean in two days, where joint Russian-Indian naval exercises are to be held next year, a fleet spokesman said Tuesday.
Russia to test-launch at least 5 Bulava ICBMs in 2009 - Navy RIA Novosti 23 Dec 2008 -- The number of test launches for Russia's Bulava ICBM will be increased from three or four to at least five next year, a senior Navy official said on Tuesday.
Test launch of Russian Bulava ICBM unsuccessful-defense official RIA Novosti 23 Dec 2008 -- The test launch of a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of breaching anti-missile defense systems, from a submarine was unsuccessful, a source at the Belomorsk naval base said on Tuesday.
Russian PM: Era of Cheap Natural Gas is Ending VOA 23 Dec 2008 -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin warns that the era of cheap natural gas is ending because of multi-billion dollar investments needed to develop the industry.
Does Putin, Like Lenin, See Film As 'Most Important Of The Arts'? RFE/RL 20 Dec 2008 -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has announced that he will head a government panel on the film industry, leading many to worry about a return to communist-style state command over this crucial art form
Russia to test launch Bulava ICBM in 2 days - defense source RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2008 -- Russia is to hold another test launch of the Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile in 2 days time.
Russia against extending OSCE mission in Georgia RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2008 -- Russia said it is against extending the mandate for the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe mission in Georgia,.
Belarus may recognize Abkhazia, S.Ossetia in deal with Moscow RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2008 -- Belarus could recognize the independence of disputed Georgian regions in exchange for moderate prices for natural gas.
Russia completes mine clearing operation in southern Serbia RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2008 -- Russian sappers completed an operation to clear an airport near Nisof unexploded ordnance left after the 1999 NATO bombing.
Russia denies supplying S-300 missile systems to Iran RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2008 -- Russian federal service for military cooperation: Russia is not selling S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Iran.
Russia only sells defensive weapons to Iran - Rosoboronexport RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2008 -- Russia only sells defensive weapons to Iran, in strict compliance with the international nonproliferation regime.
Turkey to buy 32 Mi-28 attack helicopters from Russia - report RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2008 -- Turkey plans to buy 32 used Mi-28 (Havoc) helicopters from Russia in a deal worth a total of $1 billion.
U.S. President-elect Obama plans talks with Russia on START RIA Novosti 20 Dec 2008 -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama plans to resume talks on strategic arms reductions with Russia but negotiations will be difficult as two countries do not trust each other, a U.S. congresswoman said.
NATO, Russia Meet for First Time After Georgia Invasion VOA 19 Dec 2008 -- NATO and Russia held their first high-level talks Friday since Moscow invaded Georgia in August, sparking international criticism.
Russian Naval Ships Arrive in Cuba VOA 19 Dec 2008 -- Three Russian warships have entered Cuban waters as part of a voyage aimed at boosting Russian ties with several Latin American nations.
Russian nuclear plant bid in Turkey 'on track' RIA Novosti 19 Dec 2008 -- Turkish authorities have approved the technical details of an Atomstroyexport bid to build a nuclear power plant in the country, a source in the Russian company said on Friday.
Russia-NATO Council to hold informal meeting in mid-January RIA Novosti 19 Dec 2008 -- The Russia-NATO Council will hold an informal meeting at ambassadorial level in mid-January, the Russian envoy to the North Atlantic alliance said on Friday.
NATO must discuss causes of Caucasus crisis with Russia - Lavrov RIA Novosti 19 Dec 2008 -- Russia and NATO must resume their dialogue starting with discussions on the causes of the August conflict between Georgia and Russia over South Ossetia, Russia's foreign minister said on Friday.
Belarus backs Russia's missile plan to counter U.S. shield RIA Novosti 19 Dec 2008 -- The Belarusian president said on Friday he fully supported Russia's idea to deploy short-range missiles in its Kaliningrad exclave in response to a U.S. missile shield in Central Europe.
Ground Forces command suspected of embezzling $3.6 mln - prosecutor RIA Novosti 19 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Ground Forces command is suspected of diverting over 100 million rubles ($3.6 million) of state funds, the chief military prosecutor said Friday.
Su-24M bomber crashes in southwest Russia, pilots safely eject RIA Novosti 19 Dec 2008 -- A Russian Su-24M Fencer tactical bomber crashed on Friday near the southwest Russian city of Voronezh after the pilots ejected safely, an Air Force spokesman said.
Russian Navy makes port call in Cuba RIA Novosti 19 Dec 2008 -- Three Northern Fleet warships are to arrive in Havana on Friday for the Russian Navy's first visit to Cuba since the Cold War.
Talks on Russian-Georgian conflict now ‘fully on track,’ UN envoy reports UN News Centre 18 Dec 2008 -- International talks on the Russian-Georgian conflict in South Ossetia have now entered issues of substance, with in-depth political discussions focusing on a mechanism to help prevent and resolve incidents as they arise, a senior United Nations envoy said today.
Rights-Watchers Say New Russian Treason Legislation Harkens Back To '30s Terror RFE/RL 18 Dec 2008 -- Rights activists in Russia say proposed legislation broadening the definition of espionage and treason will return Russia to the darkest days of the Stalinist regime
Russia's security service prevents 97 terrorist attacks in 2008 RIA Novosti 18 Dec 2008 -- Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers prevented 97 terrorist attacks in 2008 and killed 200 militants and gang leaders, the FSB director said Thursday.
Russian, Georgian Envoys Meet in Geneva VOA 17 Dec 2008 -- Diplomats from Georgia and Russia are meeting in Geneva for talks on security and refugee issues linked to their military conflict over the Georgian breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
US Says Russia Hardening Stance Against European Missile Defense Plan VOA 17 Dec 2008 -- The Bush administration's top arms control official says Moscow is hardening its stance against a proposed U.S. missile defense system in Europe - apparently intending to "test the mettle" of incoming President Obama on the issue.
Russia to donate 10 MiG-29 fighters to Lebanon RIA Novosti 17 Dec 2008 -- Russia will supply Lebanon with 10 used MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter planes free of charge, the head of the federal military cooperation service said on Wednesday.
Russia says UN-backed efforts on piracy will be good for Somalia RIA Novosti 17 Dec 2008 -- Russia will continue to take part in international efforts to crack down on piracy off the Horn of Africa, which will improve stability in Somalia, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
Russian military confirms 13 strategic missile launches for 2009 RIA Novosti 17 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Strategic Missile Forces plan 13 training missile launches for next year, the forces commander Col.-Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov said Wednesday.
Russian senators vote to abolish juries for terrorist trials RIA Novosti 17 Dec 2008 -- The upper house of Russia's parliament approved a bill on Wednesday to abolish juries for terrorist trials and cases involving kidnapping, state treason, espionage, coup d'etats and other serious offenses.
Russia's Lavrov urges parties to fulfill N. Korea commitments RIA Novosti 17 Dec 2008 -- Russia's foreign minister has urged all parties involved in six-nation talks on North Korea's denuclearization to fulfill their commitments and called for transparency in bilateral contacts.
Russia delays delivery of 38 military planes to China till 2010 RIA Novosti 17 Dec 2008 -- Russia will deliver 38 military planes to China, when a new aircraft production line is up and running, but not before 2010, the head of the federal military cooperation service said on Wednesday.
Russia to 'donate' 10 MiG-29 jet fighters to Lebanon RIA Novosti 16 Dec 2008 -- Russia will supply Lebanon with 10 MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters, Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr said on Tuesday after a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Anatoly Serdyukov.
Russia's Military In The Throes Of Change RFE/RL 16 Dec 2008 -- From the Russian military standpoint, the war in Georgia in August was a disaster
Russian Protests A Danger In System Without Safety Valves RFE/RL 16 Dec 2008
Russian arms exports exceed $8 bln in 2008 RIA Novosti 16 Dec 2008 -- Russian arms exports in 2008 have been worth over $8 billion, a deputy prime minister said on Tuesday.
Russian carrier-based fighters exercise over Atlantic RIA Novosti 16 Dec 2008 -- A Russian naval group led by the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, en route to the Mediterranean, conducted a series of training flights over the Celtic Sea, a Navy spokesman said on Tuesday.
Cheap Oil May Spark Russian Budget Crisis VOA 15 Dec 2008 -- The Russian economy has been among the hardest hit of any country, during the current global economic crisis. Russia - a major energy exporter - has not only suffered banking and stock woes, as in the rest of the world, but also a precipitous drop in the price of oil.
Russia, Ukraine to hold talks on Black Sea Fleet base in Q109 RIA Novosti 185Dec 2008 -- Russia and Ukraine have agreed to hold the next round of talks on the future of Russia's naval facilities in the Crimea in February-March 2009, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
Russia, NATO to resume informal talks before Christmas - envoy RIA Novosti 15 Dec 2008 -- Russia's NATO envoy confirmed on Monday that he would hold informal talks with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer before Christmas.
Russia hopes for deal on START-1, missile defense by 2010 RIA Novosti 15 Dec 2008 -- Russia is hoping to draft a new arms reduction treaty with the U.S. and reach a compromise on the U.S. missile shield in Europe by the end of 2009, a Russian deputy foreign minister said on Monday.
Putin to return to Kremlin by summer - Russian political scientist RIA Novosti 15 Dec 2008 -- A Russian political scientist and Kremlin critic, Lilia Shevtsova, has told a German newspaper that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin could return to the Kremlin by summer.
Russian destroyer to visit Portugal December 19-22 RIA Novosti 15 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Admiral Levchenko missile destroyer and a support ship will begin a visit to Lisbon on Friday, a Navy spokesman said on Monday.
Russian border patrol ships halt Arctic patrols over bad weather RIA Novosti 15 Dec 2008 -- The federal border service has suspended sea patrols in the eastern part of Russia's Arctic sector due to adverse weather conditions, a service spokesman said on Monday.
Russian warships to visit Cuba Friday - Navy RIA Novosti 15 Dec 2008 -- Three Northern Fleet warships will arrive in Havana on Friday for the Russian Navy's first visit to Cuba since the Cold War, a Navy spokesman said on Monday.
Iran to urge OPEC to cut oil output by 2 mln bpd RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2008 -- Iran will call on the world's oil cartel at its extraordinary meeting next week to cut oil output by further 2 million barrels per day, Iranian Oil Minister Gholamhossein Nozari said on Sunday.
Russia to complete fuel supplies to North Korea - envoy RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2008 -- Russia plans to complete fuel deliveries to North Korea as part of a denuclearization deal, the head of the Russian delegation at six-party talks on Korea's nuclear problem said on Sunday.
U.S. delegation to visit Moscow for strategic security talks RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2008 -- A U.S. delegation will visit Moscow next week for talks on missile defense in Europe, arms reduction and other strategic security issues, the State Department said.
Russia urges partners to continue fuel aid to N.Korea RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2008 -- Russia will carry on delivering fuel to North Korea as part of a six-nation denuclearization deal and urges other nations to meet their energy aid commitments, the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
Russian warships' visit to Nicaragua not political - Navy RIA Novosti 12 Dec 2008 -- A visit by Russian warships to Nicaragua has no political element, an aide to the Russian Navy commander said.
Global crisis will not affect Topol-M schedule - SMF commander RIA Novosti 12 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Topol-M ballistic missiles will be put on duty on schedule despite global financial crisis.
Russian frigate continues ship escort duty off Somali coast RIA Novosti 12 Dec 2008 -- A missile frigate from Russia's Northern Fleet is continuing its duty to protect commercial ships from Somali pirates.
Georgia wants good relations with Russia - President Saakashvili RIA Novosti 12 Dec 2008 -- President Saakashvili: Georgia wants good relations with Russia, commenting on the Georgian Orthodox Church leader's visit to Moscow.
Medvedev expects further changes to Russian Constitution RIA Novosti 12 Dec 2008 -- Russia's president: Further amendments could be made to the Constitution.
Solzhenitsyn's 'Gulag Archipelago' Struck The Kremlin 'Like An Atom Bomb' RFE/RL 11 Dec 2008 -- Even before the end of Nikita Khrushchev's thaw, Solzhenitsyn had become a banned writer.
Russian warship to visit Nicaragua on Dec. 12-15 RIA Novosti 11 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Admiral Chabanenko missile destroyer and 2 support ships will pay a visit to Nicaragua.
Russia criticizes Georgia's gas cutoff for S.Ossetia RIA Novosti 11 Dec 2008 -- Russia's envoy to the OSCE: Georgia's decision to cut natural gas supplies to S Ossetia an attempt to pressure the breakaway republic.
Russian MP says Arctic shelf 'historically' belongs to Moscow RIA Novosti 11 Dec 2008 -- Russian Presidential Envoy on Arctic and Antarctic cooperation: Russia would not cede right to Arctic shelf exploration.
Russia to complete heating oil deliveries to N.Korea 'within months' RIA Novosti 11 Dec 2008 -- Russia will complete heating oil deliveries to North Korea within the next several months.
N.Korea nuclear inspection should meet IAEA standards - Russia RIA Novosti 11 Dec 2008 -- Verification of DPRK's nuclear program should be in line with UN standards and the nonproliferation regime.
Ingushetian Court Calls Opposition Leader's Shooting Death 'Accidental' RFE/RL 11 Dec 2008 -- A court in Nazran has refused to classify the recent shooting death of an Ingush opposition leader as murder.
Chechen warlord gunned down in Instanbul RIA Novosti 11 Dec 2008 -- A former Chechen separatist field commander has been killed in Istanbul.
Russia could join OPEC, cut oil production - Medvedev RIA Novosti 11 Dec 2008 -- Russian President Medvedev refused to rule out possibility of Russia joining OPEC.
Russia denies it has plans to invade Georgia RIA Novosti 10 Dec 2008 -- Russia is concerned over Georgian moves to escalate tensions in the Caucasus, but will not under any circumstances invade the country, the chief of the Russian General Staff said on Wednesday.
Russia and NATO to resume informal talks RIA Novosti 10 Dec 2008 -- An informal meeting between NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and Russia's NATO envoy, Dmitry Rogozin, is planned for next week, Moscow's mission to the alliance said on Wednesday.
Russia, China to strengthen ties in military aircraft production RIA Novosti 10 Dec 2008 -- Russia and China are set to boost cooperation in the sphere of combat aircraft production, the director general of Russia's Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer said on Wednesday.
Russian defense chief reiterates concerns over U.S. missile shield RIA Novosti 10 Dec 2008 -- The deployment of a U.S. missile shield in central Europe would disrupt the strategic balance among the world's nuclear powers, the Russian defense minister said on Wednesday.
A New Framework For Better U.S.-Russia Relations RFE/RL 10 Dec 2008 -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has much work ahead of him if he seeks a better dialogue with Russia
Personnel Appointments Fuel Circassian Demands For Own Republic RFE/RL 10 Dec 2008 -- One hundred days have passed since the September 4 inauguration of former Russian Constitutional Court Justice Boris Ebzeyev as president of the Karachayevo-Cherkessia Republic (KChR).
Russia's General Staff announces strategic drills with Belarus RIA Novosti 10 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Defense Ministry has decided to intensify combat training in the Armed Forces and to hold joint military exercises with Belarus in 2009, the chief of Russia's General Staff said on Wednesday.
Russian, Chinese defense ministers to meet in Beijing RIA Novosti 10 Dec 2008 -- The Russian and Chinese defense ministers will meet in Beijing on Wednesday to discuss military cooperation, U.S. plans for a Central European missile shield, and North Korea's nuclear program.
Ex-minister Ivanov says Russia not playing 'double game' on Iran RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2008 -- Invanov: Russia not playing "double game" over Iran's controversial nuclear program.
Russia: Iran Does Not Have Capability to Build Nuclear Bomb VOA 09 Dec 2008 -- Russian media report Russian officials believe Iran does not currently have the capability to build a nuclear weapon.
Russian naval task force heads for Indian Ocean on tour of duty RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2008 -- A task force from Russia's Pacific Fleet left its main base in Vladivostok on Tuesday for a tour of duty in the Indian Ocean.
Russian frigate escorts another convoy along Somali coast RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2008 -- A Russian frigate currently near the Horn of Africa is escorting another convoy of four vessels in the area.
Bill to close down 'extremist' websites pulled from Russia's Duma RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2008 -- A draft law to toughen control over electronic media has been withdrawn from Russia's lower house of parliament.
Russia sends helicopters, peacekeepers to Chad RIA Novosti 08 Dec 2008 -- A Russian An-124 Condor heavy transport plane has delivered four helicopters along with personnel to Chad to take part in an EU-led mission to support UN peacekeeping efforts in the country, an Air Force spokesman said on Monday.
Russia against U.S. missiles in any European anti-missile plans RIA Novosti 08 Dec 2008 -- Any European missile defense network that includes elements of a U.S. missile shield in Poland and the Czech republic would be aimed against Russia, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
Kremlin Looms Large In Choosing Aleksy's Successor RFE/RL 05 Dec 2008 -- Barely had tributes begun to pour in for Patriarch Aleksy II when speculation started about his successor as Russian Orthodox Church leader
Metropolitan Kirill named interim leader of Russian Church RIA Novosti 06 Dec 2008 -- The governing body of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Holy Synod, elected on Saturday Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad as the interim leader of the Church.
Russian warship crosses Panama Canal for first time since WWII RIA Novosti 06 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Admiral Chabanenko destroyer crossed the Panama Canal overnight, becoming the first Russian or Soviet warship to enter the waterway since World War II.
Russian MiG-29 fighter crashes in East Siberia, killing pilot RIA Novosti 05 Dec 2008 -- A Russian military pilot died early on Friday when his MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter crashed in East Siberia, an Air Force spokesman said.
Russian warship escorts four vessels near Horn of Africa RIA Novosti 05 Dec 2008 -- A Russian frigate currently protecting civilian ships from Somali pirate attacks near the Horn of Africa is escorting a convoy of four vessels in the area, a Navy spokesman said on Friday.
Russian naval task force heads to Atlantic, Mediterranean RIA Novosti 05 Dec 2008 -- A Russian task force from the Northern Fleet led by the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier began on Friday a tour of duty in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, a navy spokesman said.
Russia, India Sign Agreement to Build Civil Nuclear Reactors VOA 05 Dec 2008 -- Russia and India have signed an agreement to build civilian nuclear reactors in India during a visit by the Russian president to New Delhi. The two countries have also called for greater international cooperation in the fight against terror.
India, Russia sign Nuclear cooperation agreement IRNA 05 Dec 2008-- India and Russia Friday signed an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation that marks a new milestone in the history of Indo-Russia bilateral relations
Russia, India sign deal to build 4 reactors for Kudankulam RIA Novosti 05 Dec 2008 -- Russia and India signed on Friday an agreement to build an additional four reactors for the Kudankulam nuclear power plant and construct new nuclear plants in India.
Russia Set for Immediate Response to Positive US Signals VOA 04 Dec 2008 -- Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Russia will act quickly to improve relations with the United States if positive signals Moscow is receiving from people close to President-elect Barack Obama are turned into policies.
Resurgent Russia Poses Challenge for Obama Administration VOA 04 Dec 2008 -- One of the key foreign policy questions facing the incoming Obama administration is how to deal with a resurgent Russia?
India, Russia discuss military-technical cooperation RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2008 -- A recently-formed Russian-Indian joint commission on monitoring bilateral military-technical cooperation has held a two-day meeting in New Delhi, the Indian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
Russian ministry to rotate Sudan helicopter unit in early 2009 RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2008 -- Russia's peacekeeping contingent deployed in Sudan will be rotated February-March, a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman said Thursday.
If Things Go Wrong In Russia, Who Will Take The Blame? RFE/RL 04 Dec 2008 -- Each year during his presidency, Putin answered questions put to him by viewers of federal television, questions phoned in by viewers along with some posed by people who gathered at specially prepared regional centers
Moscow Believes In Conspiracy Theories RFE/RL 04 Dec 2008
Putin Takes Questions From 'Average' Russians, As Prime Minister This Time RFE/RL 04 Dec 2008 -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has once again answered questions from members of the Russian public
Russian Navy to replace warship policing Somali waters after Dec. RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2008 -- A Russian destroyer will be sent to the Horn of Africa in December to take over from a missile frigate currently protecting civilian ships from Somali pirate attacks in the region, a Navy official said on Thursday.
Foreign min. denies reports of Russian cyber attacks on Pentagon RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2008 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry described on Thursday media reports that Russia had been involved in cyber attacks on the Pentagon as "groundless" and "irresponsible."
Putin rules out Russian military bases in Cuba, Venezuela RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2008 -- Russia sees no need to set up permanent military bases in Venezuela or Cuba, but could use their military infrastructure, the prime minister said on Thursday.
Russia to deploy alpine units at its military bases abroad RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2008 -- Russia's Defense Ministry plans to deploy special mountain units at military bases in S. Ossetia, Abkhazia, Armenia and Tajikistan, as well as in the Urals and Far East, a ministry official said on Thursday.
Putin optimistic over relations with U.S. under Barack Obama RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2008 -- Russia's prime minister said on Thursday he expected relations with the United States to improve after Barack Obama takes office in January.
Russia to launch two telecoms satellites in February 2009 RIA Novosti 03 Dec 2008 -- Russia will launch two telecoms satellites on February 11, the Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) said on Wednesday.
Russia ready to restart dialogue with NATO - envoy RIA Novosti 03 Dec 2008 -- Russia is ready to restart dialogue with NATO, frozen after its brief war in August with Georgia, but will not forget that the alliance backed Tbilisi in the conflict, its NATO envoy said on Wednesday.
NATO calls on Russia to resume implementation of CFE treaty RIA Novosti 03 Dec 2008 -- Foreign ministers of the 26 NATO member-countries urged Russia on Wednesday to lift its moratorium on a major arms reduction treaty in Europe.
Russia sends more peacekeepers to Chad RIA Novosti 03 Dec 2008 -- A third military plane carrying personnel and goods has left Russia en route to Chad to take part in a joint EU mission to support the UN in the Central African country, an Air Force spokesman said on Wednesday.
Russian warship to visit naval base in Panama RIA Novosti 03 Dec 2008 -- A Russian destroyer will visit on December 5-10 a former U.S. naval facility in Panama as part of the task force's current Caribbean tour, a Navy spokesman said on Wednesday.
NATO Agrees to Thaw in Contacts With Russia VOA 02 Dec 2008 -- NATO foreign ministers have agreed to gradually resume contacts with Russia, frozen after Russian military forces invaded Georgia in August.
Russia, Venezuela conduct joint naval drills in Caribbean RIA Novosti 02 Dec 2008 -- A Russian naval task force from the Northern Fleet and the Venezuelan navy have successfully conducted the VenRus-2008 joint exercises in the southern Caribbean, a Russian Navy spokesman said on Tuesday.
Russia orbits Cosmos-series military satellite RIA Novosti 02 Dec 2008 -- A Russian Molniya-M carrier rocket has successfully put into orbit a Cosmos-series military satellite to increase its orbital reconnaissance grouping, a Space Forces spokesman said on Tuesday.
Russia considers sending more forces to fight Somali pirates RIA Novosti 02 Dec 2008 -- Russia's envoy to the UN said on Tuesday that Russia is considering sending additional forces to fight pirates off Somali coast.
Russia's Medvedev seeks nuclear cooperation with Bahrain RIA Novosti 02 Dec 2008 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told the king of Bahrain on Tuesday that the countries should develop peaceful nuclear cooperation and boost economic contacts.
Russia sending chief military NATO envoy to Brussels RIA Novosti 02 Dec 2008 -- Russia is sending to Brussels its chief military representative to NATO, General of the Army Alexei Maslov, a Defense Ministry source said on Tuesday.
Military corruption costs Russia almost $80 million in 2008 RIA Novosti 02 Dec 2008 -- Corruption in the Russian Armed Forces resulted in losses of 2.2 billion rubles ($78.6 mln) to the state budget in the first nine months of 2008, a Russian daily cited a senior prosecutor as saying on Tuesday.
Litvinenko may have 'carelessly handled polonium' - Lugovoi RIA Novosti 02 Dec 2008 -- The death of Russian security service defector Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006 may be the result of his carelessly handling polonium, a chief suspect in the murder case said Tuesday.
Russia, Venezuela Launch Naval Exercises VOA 01 Dec 2008 -- Russia and Venezuela have begun a series of joint naval operations in the southern Caribbean Sea aimed at evaluating their nations' skills in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.
Russian chemical plant completes destruction of nerve agent RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2008 -- A Russian chemical weapons disposal facility has completed the destruction of VX nerve agent, a regional government official said on Monday.
Russia's Bulava ICBM in full production, next test launch due soon RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2008 -- Russia is to hold another test launch of the Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile this month, while the missile has already gone into full-scale production, a deputy prime minister said on Monday.
NATO-Russia Council could resume work at envoy level RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2008 -- The Russia-NATO Council may resume work, suspended after Russia's five-day military conflict with Georgia in August, at ambassadorial level, NATO's official spokesman said on Monday.
In Wake Of Georgia War, Russia Must Be Confronted With Tough Choices RFE/RL 01 Dec 2008 -- It's now official: Georgia and Ukraine will not be granted Membership Action Plans (MAPs) at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on December 2-3
Ukraine moves to join Russia's uranium enrichment project RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2008 -- The Ukrainian government approved on Monday a draft agreement with Russia and Kazakhstan on involvement in the work of an international uranium enrichment facility in East Siberia.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

December 2008 - Russia Special Weapons News